Senate pushes back against Trump over Syria troop pullout
The Senate voted Monday to oppose the withdrawal of US troops from Syria and Afghanistan, breaking with President Donald Trump as he calls for a military drawdown in those countries.
United States
Trump says U.S. military intervention in Venezuela ‘an option;’ Russia objects
U.S. President Donald Trump said military intervention in Venezuela was ‘an option’ as Western nations boost pressure on socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to step down, while the troubled OPEC nation’s ally Russia warned against ‘destructive meddling.’
Top Saudi official: Barack Obama lied, set Middle East back 20 years
Former US president Barack Obama lied to Saudi Arabia when violating the redlines he famously declared regarding Syria’s use of chemical weapons and then not acting when they were used, a former senior Saudi official said in an interview with Independent Arabia.
Senate rebukes Trump, advances measure on Syria troops
In a rebuke of President Donald Trump, the Republican-led U.S. Senate advanced largely symbolic legislation on Thursday opposing plans for any abrupt withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
Midwestern US endures worst of polar vortex, all-time record lows broken
Records have been shattered as the polar vortex unleashed the harshest cold in years on the midwestern United States during the final days of January.
US and Taliban “draft” framework for Afghanistan peace deal
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Monday the Taliban should ‘enter serious talks’ with his government, as both the Taliban and Washington’s top envoy touted significant progress during unprecedented negotiations in Qatar last week.
US calls to ‘stand with freedom’ in Venezuela as EU gives ultimatum
The United States pressed all nations on Saturday (Jan 26) to “stand with the forces of freedom” in Venezuela, encouraged by a tougher European line as Russia stood in the minority in backing embattled leader Nicolas Maduro.
U.S. sanctions hit Iran-backed airlines, fighters in Syria
The United States on Thursday targeted two Iran-backed foreign fighter militias in Syria and two airlines that help send weapons to Syria in fresh sanctions as Washington prepares for a military withdrawal from the war-torn country.
Maduro says Venezuela is breaking relations with US, gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave country
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, winning over the backing of the Washington and many Latin American nations and prompting socialist Nicolas Maduro to break relations with the United States.
Top North Korean in Washington to prepare new Trump summit
A top North Korean general is in Washington Friday (Jan 18) for a rare visit, during which he is expected to meet President Donald Trump as the two countries seek to finalize a new summit aimed at denuclearisation and easing decades of hostility.
FBI: Sting nabs jihadist who sought to attack White House with anti-tank rocket
A would-be jihadist who had detailed plans to use an anti-tank rocket to storm into the White House was arrested in a sting Wednesday after he traded his car for guns and explosives, authorities said.
Iran satellite launch fails after U.S. warning
Iran’s bid to launch a satellite has failed, Telecoms Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi said on Tuesday, after it ignored U.S. warnings to avoid such activity.
U.S., North Korea to hold talks this week after nuclear standoff
The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington as soon as this week to discuss a second summit of their leaders, following a prolonged stalemate in nuclear talks, South Korean media said on Tuesday.
Fed Union Sues U.S. Government Over Shutdown
One of the largest government employees unions says its members should not be forced to work without paychecks.
China’s 2018 trade surplus with U.S. highest on record going back to 2006
China’s trade surplus with the United States rose to $323.32 billion last year, the highest on record going back to 2006, Reuters calculations based on customs data showed on Monday.
Pompeo Vows US to Stand with Persecuted Believers: ‘Christians Central to Middle East’
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Egyptian leaders in Cairo Thursday where he made a key speech addressing the region, denouncing the Obama administration for diminishing America’s role in the Middle East. Pompeo says America is back and will be a force for good. It’s the latest stop in his nine-nation tour of America’s Arab allies.
North Korea leader visits China after warning of alternate path to U.S. talks
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, only days after warning he may take an alternative path if the United States does not ease sanctions and pressure on his isolated country.
Republican senators call on US to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan
US Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Tom Cotton of Arkansas on Sunday again called on the United States to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Pompeo: 99 Percent of ISIS Caliphate Now Defeated
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be ‘singularly focused’ on rallying Middle East leaders to help the United States counter Iran’s global support for terrorism and military intervention during a weeklong jaunt across the region, the Secretary of State told the Washington Free Beacon aboard his plane en route to his first stop in Jordan.
Pompeo Launches Middle East Tour to Galvanize Region Against Iran
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to depart on a tour of the Middle East next week in a bid to galvanize regional leaders to confront Iran and remind allies that the United States is not disappearing from region amid the Trump administration’s decision to pull American troops out of Syria and possibly Afghanistan, according to senior State Department officials.