Helicopter crash that killed Iran's president and others could reverberate across the Middle East
The helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the countryโs foreign minister and other officials were killed is likely to reverberate across the Middle East, where Iranโs influence runs wide and deep.
Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on a range of issue, from the Middle East to opioids.
Big banks warn of uncertain year ahead after mixed financial performances in the first quarter
Big banks warned of an uncertain year ahead after mixed financial results during the first quarter in an environment of stubbornly high inflation and geopolitical clashes in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.
Kuwait and Lebanon move to ban 'Barbie' over gender and sexuality themes ahead of Mideast release
โBarbieโ is set to open across the Middle East on Thursday, but moves by Kuwait and Lebanon to ban the film over its themes on gender and sexuality have raised questions about how widely it will be released.
Russian arms dealer, son and front firms hit with sanctions
A Russian arms dealer, his son and a group of front companies across Asia, Europe and the Middle East and their leadership have been targeted for U.S. sanctions in an effort to quell Russiaโs access to weapons to continue its invasion of Ukraine.
East Med especially at risk as world heats up, report warns
The eastern Mediterranean and Middle East are warming almost twice as fast as the global average, with temperatures projected to rise up to 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century if no action is taken to reverse the trend, a new report says.
US warships stay in Mediterranean amid Ukraine, Russia fears
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group to stay in the Mediterranean Sea region rather than move on to the Middle East, amid worries about the buildup of thousands of Russian troops near the Ukraine border.
Scientists urge speedy switch to renewables in Middle East
A climate change conference will underscore to policymakers in the Middle East and the east Mediterranean that the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is needed urgently because greenhouse gas emissions are helping to drive up regional temperatures faster than in many other inhabited parts of the world.
EU vows to help Lithuania amid flow of migrants from Belarus
The European Union has promised to help Lithuania cope with an influx of migrants from the Middle East and Africa, which the Baltic nation says has been encouraged by authorities in neighboring Belarus as part of their standoff with the West.
US general: As US scales back in Mideast, China may step in
A top U.S. commander says that as the United States scales back its military presence across the Middle East to focus on great power competition with China and Russia, it risks giving those two countries a chance to fill the gap and expand their influence around the Gulf.
US general to recommend post-withdrawal plan for Afghanistan
The top U.S. commander for the Middle East says he will make recommendations to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in early June on how to monitor and fight terrorist groups in Afghanistan from beyond its borders after all American forces withdraw.
US gives $15 million to Palestinians to deal with COVID-19
The United States says it is giving $15 million to vulnerable Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a boost to the West Bank where the Palestinian Authority had only secured 10,000 doses of Russiaโs Sputnik V vaccine and 2,000 shots from Israel for the roughly 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank. But in recent weeks, it has inoculated over 100,000 Palestinian laborers in the West Bank who have permits to work inside Israel and its West Bank settlements. Wennesland said the U.N. and its partners will continue to support Palestinian vaccination efforts, expressed appreciation for Israel's essential role in deliveries, and urged support for the Palestinian COVID-19 response. U.S. envoy Thomas-Greenfield announced the $15 million contribution as Israel awaits the final results from Tuesdayโs fourth parliamentary elections in two years.
Rivals seeking to gain as Biden mulls approach to Syrian war
The Biden administration is mulling over Americas role in Syrias ongoing conflict as the U.S. tries to break away from Middle East wars. AdDealing with Syria's war will test the Biden administration's determination to focus on Asia and not the Middle East. Hence Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's Middle East tour this month. โIf this is the security future of the Middle East, weโre all in trouble,โ Jeffrey warns. It was the Syrian war that sparked that debate, when President Barack Obama first considered military strikes there, said Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
B-52s again fly over Mideast in US military warning to Iran
A pair of B-52 bombers flew over the Mideast on Sunday, March 7, 2021, the latest such mission in the region aimed at warning Iran amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. (U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Josh W. Strickland via AP)DUBAI โ A pair of B-52 bombers flew over the Mideast on Sunday, the latest such mission in the region aimed at warning Iran amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. military's Central Command said the two B-52s flew over the region accompanied by military aircraft from nations including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The U.S. Navyโs Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, which patrols the Mideast and often has tense encounters with Iran, declined to comment on the footage. However, the Gulf of Oman saw a series of similar attacks in 2019 that the U.S. Navy then blamed on Iran.
EXPLAINER: How US airstrike in Syria sends message to Iran
A U.S. airstrike targeting facilities used by Iran-backed militias in Syria appears to be a message to Tehran delivered by a new American administration still figuring out its approach to the Middle East. Kirby said the operation in Boukamal, Syria, sends an unambiguous message: President Biden will act to protect American and coalition personnel. In the meantime, relations with Iran have been further strained as the country's proxies become more assertive, with Iran-backed militias increasingly targeting U.S. interests and allies. Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby said the operation in Boukamal, Syria, sends an unambiguous message: โPresident Biden will act to protect American and coalition personnel. By striking Syria, Biden joins every American president from Ronald Reagan onward who has ordered a bombardment of countries in the Middle East.
Defense head Austin weighs warship needs in Pacific, Mideast
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to reporters after arriving on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at sea. Austin told sailors on the USS Nimitz Thursday that he hopes to avoid long ship deployments like the more than 10 months they just spent at sea. (AP Photo/Lolita Baldor)Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told sailors on the USS Nimitz Thursday that he hopes to avoid long ship deployments like the more than 10 months they just spent at sea. Standing in the ship's hangar bay, Austin said he will make a decision soon on whether to send a carrier back to the Middle East, where the Nimitz had been. The Nimitzโs lengthy deployment was largely due to decisions to keep it in the Middle East last year and this year to serve as a deterrent to Iran.
US: Human rights will be 'central' to relations with Egypt
WASHINGTON โ The Biden administration on Tuesday told Egypt that human rights will be โcentralโ to its policy in dealing with the key Arab state and major American partner in the Middle East. It was not immediately clear how the new emphasis on human rights would manifest itself. The Trump administration had largely given Egypt's leadership a pass on human rights. AdโThe secretary raised concerns over human rights, which he emphasized would be central to the U.S.-Egypt bilateral relationship, and Egyptโs potential procurement of Su-35 fighter aircraft from Russia,โ State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. However, rights groups accused authorities of targeting families of activists and rights defenders living abroad, in an apparent attempt to intimidate critics.
UAE weapons show draws major deals, traders amid pandemic
(AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)ABU DHABI โ In spite of the surging coronavirus pandemic, major arms makers descended Sunday on a convention center in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, hoping to make deals with militaries across the Middle East. The UAE unveiled $1.36 billion in local and foreign arms deals to supply its forces with everything from South African drones to Serbian artillery. Significant national pavilions were absent, including the United States, the worldโs largest arms exporter. AdโThe threats are obvious lately,โ said Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company, a holding company owned by the countryโs sovereign wealth fund. โIf Iran goes into a major rearmament program or starts to flex its muscles, thatโs where missile defense and air defense systems come in,โ he said.
Libyans mark 2011 uprising with eyes on interim government
(AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)TRIPOLI โ Libyans on Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of their 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi. Many have their eyes on a recently appointed government tasked with leading Libya through elections later this year, with hopes of unifying the divided nation. Celebrations began late on Tuesday in the capital, Tripoli, where people gathered in the city's main square amid tight security. AdThere were also celebrations in the eastern city of Benghazi, once known as the birthplace of Libyaโs 2011 uprising. AdLibya has become one of the most intractable conflicts, along with Yemen and Syria, left over from the 2011 uprisings.
Iran receives its first batch of foreign coronavirus vaccine
Iran on Thursday received its first batch of foreign-made coronavirus vaccines as the country struggles to stem the worst outbreak of the pandemic in the Middle East. (Saeed Kaari/IKAC via AP)TEHRAN โ Iran on Thursday received its first batch of foreign-made coronavirus vaccines as the country struggles to stem the worst outbreak of the pandemic in the Middle East. Also Iranian state TV quoted Tehranโs ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, as saying that Iran has ordered 5 million doses from Russia. ISNA quoted Mohammadreza Shanehsaz, head of Iranโs food and drug organization, as saying Thursdayโs shipment included only 10,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. It is also planning to import some 17 million doses of vaccine from COVAX and millions from other countries.
US soldier arrested in plot to blow up NYC 9/11 Memorial
The 20-year-old soldier, also known as Cole Gonzales, was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, when he thought he was communicating with the Islamic State online about the terrorism plots, Biase said. They said he expressed his support for the Islamic State group and jihad on social media before he began communicating in October with an FBI employee who posed as an Islamic State group supporter in contact with the group's fighters in the Middle East. According to court papers, he expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid the Islamic State group. The criminal complaint said he then provided training and guidance to purported Islamic State fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City, including the 9/11 Memorial. This month, according to the complaint, Bridges sent a video of himself in body armor standing before an Islamic State flag, gesturing support.
EXPLAINER: Breaking down Bidenโs Iran problem
Concerns have run high for some weeks about Iran stoking tensions, particularly around the Jan. 3 one-year anniversary of the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general in Iraq. But as tensions with Iran rose in mid-December, Central Command wanted to keep the Nimitz nearby. Bidenโs transition team has declined to comment in detail about the latest developments and what they may mean for their plans. But, Biden and his top national security aides have laid out their approach to Iran in broad strokes. At the same time, Biden aides have said Iran cannot win sanctions relief unless and until it respects the deal.
US bomber mission over Persian Gulf aimed at cautioning Iran
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. The United States flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for the second time this month, a show of force meant to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East. Because of the potential for escalation that could lead to a wider war, the U.S. has sought to deter Iran from additional attacks. Iran denied involvement but was blamed by the United States for that attack. That flight was repeated this week, with two B-52s flying nonstop from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and heading home Wednesday after cruising over the western side of the Gulf.
US B-52H bombers fly to Middle East in mission to deter Iran
The long-range heavy bombers, which are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, are a formidable sight and are flown less frequently in the Middle East than smaller combat aircraft, such as American fighter jets. Bomber deployments and short-term flights to the Middle East and Europe have been used in the past to message Iran, a few times in the last two years. According to officials, the bombers flew out of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on Wednesday and conducted the flight into Thursday. The two bombers left the U.S. Wednesday evening, arrived in the Middle East early Thursday morning, and then began the return trip home. U.S. bombers from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota flew a similar mission in late November.
US troop pullouts in Mideast raise fears of Iranian attacks
But the ship was ordered to return last week to provide additional security while the troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan continue. No timeline was given, but the U.S. military official speaking Monday made it clear that the change is open-ended, and it's not clear when the ship's crew will return home. The potential Iranian threat has become an increasing concern in recent weeks following the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Iran has blamed the death on Israel, which has been suspected in previous killings of Iranian nuclear scientists. The military official said the U.S. is aware of Iranian attack planning and threats, and that some are more mature, while others are aspirational.
US general says IS in Iraq and Syria still long-term threat
He said a solution must come from a joint effort by diplomatic, security and humanitarian organizations. The U.S. also has about 3,000 troops still in Iraq; on Tuesday the Pentagon announced that Trump had ordered a drawdown to 2,500 in Iraq with no change for Syria. Trump has pushed for the repatriation of foreign fighters in Syria, but their home countries have largely refused to take them back. In the short run, McKenzie said, IS is in no position to pose a major security threat to the United States. The al-Qaida extremist group and like-minded militants also are severely hobbled but not eliminated, he said.
WHO warns of deadly second wave of virus across Middle East
Worst off in the region has been Iran, where infections have soared in recent months, filling up hospitals and driving up the death toll. Iran shattered its single-day death toll six times in the last two weeks, bringing the total count of fatalities past 43,400 โ the highest in the Middle East. From Pakistan, Faisal Sultan, special assistant to the prime minister for national health services, told reporters the winter surge had arrived. Tunisia is another country that thought its worst virus days were in the past, only to see cases soar in recent weeks. โWe cannot โ and should not โ wait until a safe and effective vaccine becomes readily available for all," he said.
Denying Biden's victory, Pompeo heads to Europe, Mideast
But those comments and subsequent statements in interviews with conservative media did not acknowledge that it's Biden who will become president then. Pompeo's weeklong tour takes him to France, Turkey, Georgia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Pompeo has had a notoriously frosty relationship with the press, and it was unclear if he planned to take questions from reporters. Instead, Pompeo will meet with religious leaders to highlight his promotion of religious freedom. Yet, at his news conference Tuesday, Pompeo roundly dismissed a question about whether Trump's unfounded protests have created problems for U.S. credibility.
State-owned Emirates posts $3.8 billion in half-year losses
DUBAI โ Emirates Group, the owner of the Middle Eastโs biggest carrier, reported Thursday it lost $3.8 billion in the first half of the year, its first net loss in over three decades after the pandemic wiped out air travel. Even when restrictions were loosened, passenger traffic was still down 95% from pre-pandemic levels. Last year, Emirates carried around 58 million, helping Dubaiโs airport maintain its claim of the worldโs busiest for international travel. โWe began our current financial year amid a global lockdown when air passenger traffic was at a literal standstill,โ said Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Emirates Groupโs cash position fell sharply to $5.6 billion from $7 billion six months earlier.
Over 3 million cases of coronavirus reported in Mideast
DUBAI โ The number of reported coronavirus cases has gone over 3 million in the Middle East, an Associated Press count showed Friday, with the true number likely even higher. Across the Mideast, there have been over 75,000 deaths attributed to the virus by health authorities, the AP count relying on reported figures by individual countries shows. There have been 2.5 million recoveries from the virus causing the COVID-19 illness. In the Mideast, the hardest-hit nation remains Iran, which served as the initial epicenter of the virus in the region. In Iran alone, authorities say there have been over 600,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, with some 477,000 recoveries and 34,000 deaths.
Israeli leader confirms consent to US arms sales to UAE
Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted the deal establishing ties with the UAE amounted to โpeace for peace" and that arms deals were not part of the agreement. "Only yesterday did we give our approval to this deal,โ Netanyahu said. The UAE deal has been hailed by the U.S. and Israel as a historic breakthrough. It paved the way for Bahrain and on Friday, Sudan, to follow suit in establishing formal diplomatic ties with Israel. Netanyahu's governing partner, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, has said he was kept in the dark about the UAE deal until the last minute.
IMF: Nearly all Mideast economies hit by pandemic recession
Well before the coronavirus swept across the globe, several Mideast countries had been struggling with issues ranging from lower oil prices and sluggish economic growth to corruption and high unemployment. The IMF projects the Lebanese economy will see one of the region's sharpest economic contractions this year at 25%. The pandemic has only pushed the country further to the brink after a wave of anti-government anger before the virus struck. Meanwhile, wealthy Mideast oil exporters are expected to see their economies contract by 6.6% in 2020, the IMF said. Gulf Arab states, however, are expected to see average economic growth of 2.3% next year.
Top Israeli, UAE diplomats meet in Berlin for talks
The three foreign minister meet for talks in the German capital. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said it was a โgreat honor that the Israeli and Emirati foreign ministers have chosen Berlin as the location for their historic first meeting" since the two countries agreed to normalize relations in a U.S.-brokered deal. โThe most important currency in diplomacy is trust, and I am personally grateful to both of my colleagues for placing this trust in Germany,โ Maas said in a statement. Maas said โcourage and trustโ are what is needed in the Middle East peace process. โI hope that Berlin can offer a good framework to discuss further steps on this path.โ
Flashpoint 9/20/20: What Bahrain and UAE normalizing relations with Israel means to Palestinian cause
DETROIT โ The pandemic, racial unrest and election season have overwhelmed some news from the Middle East. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have formally opened normalized relations with Israel. President Donald Trump sees the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement as a new dawn in the Middle East. Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, made an appearance on Flashpoint Sunday and talked about what those who vote by mail should know ahead of time. Segment OneMichigan Secretary of State Jocelyn BensonSegment TwoDr. Yael Aronoff, associate professor of international relations at James Madison College and Saeed Khan, senior lecturer of near east and Asian studies and director of global studies at Wayne State University.
Norwegian lawmaker nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
COPENHAGEN A far-right Norwegian lawmaker said Wednesday that he has nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in the Middle East. He said he nominated Trump on Wednesday, adding that Donald Trump meets the criteria for the Nobel Peace Prize. Any national lawmaker can nominate someone for the Nobel Peace Prize. Nominations must be sent to the Norwegian Nobel Committee by Feb. 1. The Norwegian Nobel Committee doesnt publicly comment on nominees.
General says US cutting troops in Iraq to 3,000 this month
WASHINGTON The United States is reducing its troop presence in Iraq this month from 5,200 to 3,000, the top American commander for the Middle East said Wednesday, as President Donald Trump tries to make good on his campaign promise to get the United States out of endless wars." During a visit to Iraq, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, said the reduction in Iraq reflects U.S. confidence in the ability of U.S.-trained Iraqi security forces to handle the militant threat from the Islamic State group, which entered Iraq from Syria in 2014. They invaded Iraq in 2003 and left in 2011 but returned in 2014 after the Islamic State group overran large parts of Iraq. McKenzie said the remaining U.S. troops would continue advising and assisting Iraqi security forces as they attempt to root out remnants of the Islamic State group, sometimes called ISIS. In response to the Soleimani killing, Iran on Jan. 8 launched a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad air base in Iraq, which resulted in traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American troops.
US officials: Israel, UAE to sign deal at White House
WASHINGTON Israel and the United Arab Emirates will sign their historic deal normalizing relations at a White House ceremony on Sept. 15, U.S. officials said Tuesday. The officials said senior delegations from both countries will likely be led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Emirati Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Zayad, the brother of the UAE crown prince. The ceremony will come just a month after the agreement to establish full diplomatic relations was announced on Aug. 13. The The historic deal delivered a key foreign policy victory to President Donald Trump as he seeks reelection, and reflected a changing Middle East in which shared concerns about archenemy Iran have largely overtaken traditional Arab support for the Palestinians. That announcement has been followed by the first direct commercial flight between the countries, the establishment of telephone links and commitments to cooperate in numerous areas.
Iran surpasses 20,000 confirmed deaths from the coronavirus
TEHRAN โ Iran surpassed 20,000 confirmed deaths from the coronavirus on Wednesday, the health ministry said โ the highest death toll for any Middle East country so far in the pandemic. Iran suffered the region's first major outbreak, seeing top politicians, health officials and religious leaders in its Shiite theocracy stricken with the virus. Iran reported its first coronavirus cases and deaths on the same day in February โ the Mideast's first outbreak of the virus โ yet it only saw its highest single-day spike in reported cases in June. On Wednesday, Iran reported over 350,200 confirmed cases, with 20,125 deaths, Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said. The head of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah group called for smaller Ashoura mourning ceremonies and said there will be no rallies at the end of the 10-day mourning period.
US commander: Islamic State threat in west Syria growing
WASHINGTON Elements of the Islamic State group are working to rebuild in western Syria, where the U.S. has little visibility or presence, the top U.S. commander for the Middle East warned on Wednesday. In the region west of the Euphrates River where the Syrian regime is in control conditions are as bad or worse than they were leading up to the rise of the Islamic State, said Gen. Frank McKenzie. And that, he said, fuels concerns about the radicalization of people particularly the youth in the camps, which officials worry are breeding grounds for IS insurgents. Many fled as the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces cleared out the last pockets of land held by IS last year. We can either deal with this problem now or deal with it exponentially worse a few years down the road.
AP PHOTOS: In flash, Beirut blast tore up thousands of homes
Sandrine Zeinoun, 34, poses for a photograph inside her destroyed apartment after Tuesday's explosion in the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. The gigantic explosion in Beirut on Tuesday tore through homes, blowing off doors and windows, toppling cupboards, and sent flying books, shelves, lamps and everything else. Within a few tragic seconds, more than a quarter of a million people of the Lebanese capital's residents were left with homes unfit to live in. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)BEIRUT The gigantic explosion in Beirut on Tuesday tore through homes, blowing off doors and windows, toppling cupboards, and sent flying books, shelves, lamps and everything else. Within a few tragic seconds, more than a quarter of a million people of the Lebanese capitals residents were left with homes unfit to live in.
Hiroshima of the Middle East: 70 killed in Beirut, thousands injured in massive explosion
TROY, Mich. The death toll in Beirut has surpassed 70 dead on Tuesday night, with thousands more injured in a massive explosion that sent a mushroom cloud into the sky. Theyre calling it the Hiroshima of the Middle East, Danno said. And theres a lot of people theyre still looking for buried under rubble.PHOTOS: Beirut explosion leaves behind unspeakable damageDanno couldnt help but worry about all of her family members back home. For a long time, she wasnt able to contact them because cellular and internet service was knocked out by the explosion. But we know a lot of people who got injured and we know some people who died, she said.
PHOTOS: Beirut explosion leaves behind unspeakable damage
Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Marwan Tahtah (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday.
Esper says US considering troop 'adjustments' in South Korea
WASHINGTON The Pentagon is considering adjustments to its military presence in South Korea and around the globe as it shifts from years of countering insurgencies and militants in the greater Middle East to focusing on China, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday. Esper said he has issued no order to withdraw from South Korea. The Pentagon said Esper spoke by phone Monday with his South Korean counterpart to discuss the payment issue and other matters, including the stalemated U.S. effort to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons. President Donald Trump has questioned the value of stationing U.S. troops in South Korea and elsewhere in the world, saying Seoul and other host governments must pay more of the cost. The U.S. military presence in South Korea dates to the 1950-53 Korean War in which American forces fought in support of the South after North Korean troops invaded and were later supported by Chinese troops.
US general sees smaller but enduring troop presence in Iraq
Angry Iraqi lawmakers, spurred on by Shiite political factions, passed a nonbinding resolution to oust all U.S.-led coalition forces from the country. And al-Kadhimi has pledged to protect American troops and installations from attacks. Certainly we need some foreign presence in Iraq, McKenzie said. U.S. and coalition forces continue to conduct training and counterterrorism operations, including with Iraqi commandos. He said that as Iraqi troops grow more competent, fewer coalition forces would be needed.
UN chief hopes Israel decides against West Bank annexation
People take part in a protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank and Trump's mideast initiative, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, June 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)TANZANIA U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope Tuesday that Israel will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most of the international community considers Israels West Bank settlements illegal under international law. The Trump administration has taken a much softer line toward Israeli settlements than its predecessors. The Israeli leaders new coalition deal includes an official clause allowing him to present his annexation plan to the government starting July 1.
Pentagon chief tries to keep Asia in focus with second trip
Esper's Asia visits illustrate the central feature of a revamped U.S. defense strategy: Focus first on China as a threat to U.S. global predominance, rather than remain bogged down in a generation-long fight against extremist groups. Esper was flying to South Korea on Wednesday for consultations on jointly defending against North Korea, whose nuclear arsenal remains a key focus for Pentagon war planners. With China's disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea in mind, Esper also will visit Vietnam, a former U.S. enemy, as well as the Philippines, a longtime ally. The Vietnamese, who contest some of China's claims in the South China Sea, have increasingly looked to Washington as a security partner, despite political differences. Esper says that implementing the new defense strategy, which he inherited from his predecessor, former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, is a work in progress.
Trump to welcome military working dog Conan to White House
WASHINGTON, DC Every dog has his day, just not at the White House. President Donald Trump tweets that the military working dog injured in the raid last weekend that killed the Islamic State leader will leave the Middle East for the White House sometime next week. In announcing the impending visit, Trump again posted an altered image of him presenting a medal to the dog. "Thank you Daily Wire," Trump tweeted after midnight Wednesday. "Very cute recreation, but the 'live' version of Conan will be leaving the Middle East for the White House sometime next week!"
Amash criticizes Trump for treating U.S. troops like 'paid mercenaries'
There are people who support the president, who believe things he says, but its pretty clear hes not bringing home the troops. "Hes moving troops back into Iraq, he's moving other troops into Saudi Arabia and using our forces almost as mercenaries, paid mercenaries who are going to come in, as long as Saudi Arabia pays us some money, it's good to go," he added. Amash's comments come after Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the troops departing northern Syria would head to Iraq to help fight against ISIS and as Trump tweeted that he was "bringing soldiers home." Other U.S. troops are heading to Saudi Arabia, Trump said last week, to help defend the country after a September attack on an oil facility. Earlier this month, the White House announced that it would move forces from the "immediate area" as Turkey began a "long-planned operation into Northern Syria."
Amash criticizes Trump for treating U.S. troops like 'paid mercenaries'
โThere are people who support the president, who believe things he says, but itโs pretty clear heโs not bringing home the troops. "Heโs moving troops back into Iraq, he's moving other troops into Saudi Arabia and using our forces almost as mercenaries, paid mercenaries who are going to come in, as long as Saudi Arabia pays us some money, it's good to go," he added. Other U.S. troops are heading to Saudi Arabia, Trump said last week, to help defend the country after a September attack on an oil facility. Turkey began a military operation in northern Syria days after the announcement, clashing with Kurdish fighters in the region before a brief pause was announced. Earlier this month, the White House announced that it would move forces from the "immediate area" as Turkey began a "long-planned operation into Northern Syria."
Oil prices slide on easing Middle East tensions
(CNN) - Oil prices fell Friday on some signs that stability could return to the Middle East. Iran's release of the British tanker has eased tensions also sank oil prices. U.S. oil prices are down 1.8% at $55.42 a barrel, while Brent Crude, the international benchmark, is down 1.9% at $61.55 a barrel. Two weeks ago, Saudi oil production facilities were attacked, which sent oil prices soaring the most in a decade. A deceleration in China's economy continues to weigh on oil prices too.
Twitter suspends account of former adviser to Saudi Arabia's crown prince
The social network said Friday that it had permanently suspended the account of Saud al-Qahtani, a former top aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who had more than 1.35 million followers on Twitter. Twitter said the account, which had been dormant for a year, was suspended due to "violations of our platform manipulation policies." A Twitter spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked for more details on why al-Qahtani's account had been suspended. Twitter announced it was also suspending six accounts linked to Saudi state media that represented themselves as independent but amplified "messaging that was beneficial to the Saudi government." Twitter said the accounts were operated by a company called DotDev, and primarily targeted countries like Qatar and Iran.
China's Luckin Coffee taking on Starbucks in more big markets
Luckin Coffee(CNN) - The coffee company trying to topple Starbucks in China is planning to storm other big markets. Luckin Coffee will partner with Kuwait-based company The Americana Group to set up a coffee retail business in the Middle East and India, it announced Monday. Americana runs 1,900 franchises across the Middle East for several fast food brands, including KFC, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Krispy Kreme and even Starbucks' UK rival Costa Coffee. Luckin and Americana signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing on Monday and will run the new coffee business as a joint venture, the Chinese firm said. That would make it China's biggest coffee chain (Starbucks currently has a little under 3,800 stores in the country).