‘Russian Aggression’ Heightens Tensions as Russia Seizes Ukrainian Ships
Six Ukrainian seamen were hurt in the naval incident which took place near Crimea, a Ukrainian province which Russia seized back in 2014.
United States
U.S. is in Syria until Iranian ‘commanded forces’ leave
The United States is laying the groundwork for a long-term commitment to eastern Syria that will include ‘stabilization’ after the defeat of Islamic State and also the demand that “Iranian-commanded forces” leave Syria before the US withdraws. Over the last six months, this policy has increasingly crystalized. It was finally spelled out by US special representative for Syria engagement James Jeffrey at the end of last week.
Citing ‘US, Israeli interests,’ Trump balks at punishing Saudis over Khashoggi
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the brutal murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives will not derail the US-Saudi relationship, in a move the American leader suggested also benefited Israel.
US and South Korea to scale back major military exercise
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says the United States and South Korea will scale back a major military exercise next spring to avoid setting back diplomacy over North Korea’s nuclear weapons.
Number of Witches in U.S. on the Rise, May Surpass 1.5 Million
A report in the Christian Post contends that the number of witches (and Wiccans) has dramatically increased since the 1990s, to the degree that there may be at least 1.5 million witches in the United States, which is higher than the 1.4 million mainline Presbyterians.
US Envoy Hopes for Peace Deal With Taliban in 2019
The US special envoy to Afghanistan hopes to cement a peace deal with Taliban insurgents by April 2019, local media reported on Sunday.
North Korea says it has tested ‘ultramodern tactical weapon’
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the successful test of an unspecified ‘newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon,’ state media reported Friday, in an apparent bid to apply pressures on the United States and South Korea amid a stalemated nuclear diplomacy.
In first, US to vote against UN resolution condemning Israeli presence in Golan
The United States will for the first time vote against an annual UN resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights, the county’s mission to the world body said on Friday, signifying a dramatic shift in US policy towards the territory.
FBI: Surge in hate crimes in 2017 the largest since 9/11
Hate crimes in the United States in 2017 saw the largest increase — to more than 7,000 — since a period immediately after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, new FBI data said Tuesday.
China calls for open world economy but work remains on landmark trade pact
China will further open its economy in the face of rising protectionism, Premier Li Keqiang said as he arrived in Singapore on Monday for meetings with Asia-Pacific leaders that will focus on speeding up work on a major new trade pact.
Saudi Crown Prince Told Evangelical Leaders Khashoggi Murder Was ‘Terrible Mistake’
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) told American evangelical leaders in their meeting last week that the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a ‘terrible mistake’ and vowed to punish those responsible.
French president Macron revives idea of ‘true European’ army outside NATO
French President Emmanuel Macron is once again stoking debate over the need for a Europe-wide military force to defend against an increasingly aggressive Russia, a force that critics fear could undercut and compete with the transatlantic NATO alliance.
US permits activity at 3 Iran nuclear sites, even as sanctions renewed
The United States said Monday it was issuing waivers to allow the continuation of a nuclear deal with Iran, after declaring the agreement a disaster and slapping sweeping sanctions.
U.S. restores Iran sanctions lifted under Obama nuclear deal
The Trump administration on Friday restored U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, but carved out exemptions for eight countries that can still import oil from the Islamic Republic without penalty.
US, Britain push for Yemen ceasefire as relations with Saudis cool
The United States and Britain, Saudi Arabia’s biggest arms suppliers, are stepping up their pressure for a ceasefire in the Yemen war, the world’s worst man-made humanitarian disaster.
Iranian marching drill depicts collapse of Star of David-adorned White House
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps recently held a military foot drill depicting the White House with a Star of David protruding from its roof, with soldiers shouting slogans against the United States and Israel.
Trump: Administration could send up to 15,000 troops to southern border
President Trump said Wednesday his administration could deploy up to 15,000 service members to help stop a caravan of migrants from entering the United States.
Trump could roll out China tariffs in December: Report
President Trump may follow through as early as December with his threat to impose tariffs on all of China’s exports to the United States.
Merkel won’t seek a 5th term as German chancellor
Angela Merkel set off Monday on what could be a three-year countdown to the end of her leadership of Germany, a stint that has made her the European Union’s longest-serving leader and a key figure in facing the continent’s many crises.
Man Suspected in Parcel Bombs Case Arrested in Florida
FBI agents arrested a man in Florida on Friday suspected of sending at least a dozen parcel bombs to high-profile critics of U.S. President Donald Trump days ahead of congressional elections, authorities said.