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December 20, 2015

Members of Pussy Riot tell Congress about Russia's human rights abuses

Before a throng of cameras and reporters, the women — Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina — said Russian President Vladimir Putin's crackdown on human rights was damaging that country.

December 20, 2015

Peace talks set for South Sudan - or will new nation face global sanctions?

South Sudan was supposed to be a crowning foreign policy achievement for the United States – something that would last at a time when the Arab Spring revolutions in Libya and Egypt haven’t been living up to their expectations. After all, the country’s very existence was brought about through years of developmental aid approved by various U.S. administrations.

December 20, 2015

Kerry calls for end to violence in South Sudan, warns of possible genocide

In a stern warning, Secretary of State John Kerry is urging South Sudan's warring government and rebel leaders to uphold a monthslong promise to embrace a cease-fire or risk the specter of genocide through continued ethnic killings.

December 20, 2015

Obama administration: 'Indications' chemical weapons used, again, in Syria

The Obama administration said Monday it has 'indications' chemical weapons were used in Syria earlier this month, and is investigating whether the Assad regime might have been responsible.

December 20, 2015

Biden to push for peace agreement during Ukraine visit as tensions rise

Vice President Joe Biden on Monday launched a high-profile visit to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to Ukraine and push for urgent implementation of an international agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions even as violence continues.

December 20, 2015

'Complete lie': Pro-Russian official denies role in mysterious leaflets to Ukrainian Jews

A pro-Russian official initially thought to be behind fliers telling Ukrainian Jews to register vehemently denied any involvement on Friday, telling Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ the leaflets were a 'complete lie.'

December 20, 2015

Agency accused of putting workers at risk with ‘cockamamie’ secret programs

The federal agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid came under fire Tuesday, accused of endangering its own employees by pursuing risky programs abroad -- including a controversial "Cuban Twitter" project that one lawmaker called a "cockamamie idea."

December 20, 2015

Amid ‘disaster of Biblical proportions,’ administration reportedly to accept 5,000 more refugees

In response to international calls to help ease the burden of the Syrian refugee crisis, the Obama administration reportedly is prepared to increase the number of refugees the U.S. resettles -- by roughly 5,000.

December 20, 2015

Activists want US to do more to help Christians fleeing ISIS

Advocates are calling for the U.S. government to do more to help hundreds of thousands of Middle East Christians fleeing ISIS, many of whom are seeking help after  escaping situations in which they are often forced to either convert to Islam or die, or risk being sold into slavery.

December 20, 2015

White House reportedly warns China over tactics by agents pressing expatriates to return

The Obama administration reportedly has warned the Chinese government to stop sending intelligence agents to the U.S. in an effort to persuade Chinese expatriates to return to their home country.