Alliances December 20, 2015 Iraq's Al-Abadi making in-person appeal to Obama for financial help Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is making an in-person appeal to President Obama on Tuesday for more help defeating the Islamic State militants, hoping recent gains in the fight will encourage more investment from a war-weary United States.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Rebel takeover of eastern Ukraine city raises questions about cease-fire, Putin’s intentions The Ukrainian military’s withdrawal from a key eastern city – leaving Russia-backed rebels to roam the streets in celebration – has raised questions about a newly struck cease-fire and Vladimir Putin’s ultimate intentions.
Aid December 20, 2015 Will a new deal with Republicans help UN funding in Congress? Less than a month after Republicans took control of Congress, the controversial United Nations Development Program has signed a groundbreaking deal with the foremost Republican-affiliated organization operating abroad, to explore the basis for cooperation on future democracy-building projects.
Pentagon December 20, 2015 White House asking authorization for military to fight ISIS The Obama administration is preparing to send Congress a proposal authorizing limited military force against the Islamic State, although it could prompt criticism from both parties. ӣƵ is told that the resolution will include language urging no “enduring combat ground forces” while also not expressly prohibiting so-called “boots on the ground."
Alliances December 20, 2015 Obama, Merkel aim to keep united front amid dispute over arming Ukraine A previously scheduled White House meeting between President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel took on greater import as both leaders attempt to keep a united front in the midst of a dispute over whether to arm Ukrainian forces battling Russian-backed separatists in the country's east.
Secretary of State December 20, 2015 White House reportedly re-examining whether to arm Ukrainian forces as rebels advance The Obama administration reportedly is reconsidering whether to provide defensive weapons and equipment to Ukrainian forces after Russian-backed separatist rebels dealt them a series of reversals in recent weeks.
Aid December 20, 2015 Graham threatens to cut funds to UN if Obama bypasses Congress on Iran sanctions South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is throwing down the gauntlet, warning the White House he’ll move to cut funding to the United Nations if the administration turns to the international body to lift sanctions on Iran as part of a nuclear deal.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Gen. Petraeus: Biggest threat to Iraq's stability is Iran-backed militias, not ISIS Former CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus believes the biggest threat to long-term stability in Iraq isn’t the Islamic State but instead Iran-backed Shiite militias.
Alliances December 20, 2015 US to send Ukraine small drones, armored Humvees Vice President Joe Biden told Ukraine's president Wednesday the U.S. will send more aid to the country, which U.S. officials said will include small drones and armored Humvees.
Alliances December 20, 2015 Gulf states want weapons, promises from US for Iran nuke deal support Leading Persian Gulf states want major new weapons systems and security guarantees from the White House in exchange for backing a nuclear agreement with Iran, according to U.S. and Arab officials.
Aid December 20, 2015 US-built Ebola treatment centers reportedly sit empty in Liberia Several treatment centers built by U.S. troops and meant to receive Ebola patients are sitting empty or nearly empty in the West African country of Liberia, according to a published report.