Aid December 20, 2015 White House mum on pleas from Iraq for airstrikes, as militants gain ground The Obama administration reportedly has rebuffed calls from the Iraqi government to carry out airstrikes against Al Qaeda-aligned militants who are on a violent march that is threatening to take over the nation's north.
Aid December 20, 2015 Obama announces $5M more in non-lethal aid to Ukraine President Obama announced Wednesday that the U.S. would provide the Ukrainian government with $5 million worth of body armor, night-vision goggles and communication equipment in order to aid Kiev's ongoing fight against pro-Russian separatists in that country's east.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Obama calls for more spending on military presence, training in Europe On the first day of a four-day European trip that will include a remembrance of D-Day and much discussion about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, President Obama called on Congress to approve up to $1 billion in spending on additional U.S. air and ground forces in Europe.
State Department December 20, 2015 Kerry sees Russia, China agreeing on UN resolution on Syria as possible turning point Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday hailed the U.N. Security Council uniting for the first time on a resolution regarding Syria's humanitarian crisis, calling it a potential “hinge point” in ending that country’s deadly, 3-year-long civil war.
Aid December 20, 2015 Obama pledges to seek additional financial aid for Jordan Obama announced that he will seek $1 billion in loan guarantees. That would be on top of a $1.25 billion loan guarantee Congress approved last year.
Secretary of State December 20, 2015 US pledges $380M in additional humanitarian aid for Syria war victims The United States will send $380 million in additional aid to victims of Syria's bloody civil war, much of it designated for children in need of health care, education and emotional counseling.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Boehner: US should help Iraq in anti-terror fight House Speaker John Boehner said Thursday that the United States should provide more equipment and other aid to the Iraqi government in its battle against al-Qaida militants, but he ruled out a reintroduction of U.S. troops for now. The Republican leader said President Barack Obama must get more involved in helping Iraq as it seeks to reclaim two cities, Fallujah and Ramadi, overrun by al-Qaida fighters. Boehner said the U.S. has a vital national interest in Iraq and warned that the progress made by American forces before troops were withdrawn after nine years of war is being threatened.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Iraq ambassador says White House can do more against Al Qaeda Iraq's ambassador to the United States has said the Obama administration can do more to fight the destabilizing influence of Al Qaeda in his country and warned leaders in both parties not to allow the question of military and civilian aid to Iraq to become a political football.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Biden calls Iraqi leader for second time this week Vice President Biden spoke on Wednesday for a second time this week to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, voicing support for the Baghdad government's effort to regain control of the city of Fallujah from Al Qaeda-linked fighters. The White House said Biden encouraged al-Maliki to continue talks with local, tribal and national leaders and said Biden welcomed al-Maliki's affirmation Wednesday that Iraqi elections will occur as scheduled in April.
Aid December 20, 2015 Government to pay freed subcontractor Alan Gross $3.2M after Cuba ordeal A former subcontractor freed last week after five years in a Cuban jail will receive $3.2 million from the federal government as part of a settlement with the Maryland-based company that employed him at the time of his arrest.
State Department December 20, 2015 US international aid head to step down The head of the nation's global development agency said Wednesday he will step down from his post in February, following an announcement by the U.S. government that it would start talks toward restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba.