December 20, 2015 Top Senate Democrat opposes more Iran sanctions as nuclear deal nears start A top Senate Democrat said Sunday he does not support bipartisan legislation in his chamber to impose new sanctions on Iran -- one day before the start of an international deal in which that country will curtail its nuclear program in exchange for the easing of existing sanctions.
December 20, 2015 US dispatching high-profile Americans to return prisoners appears thing of the past The United States’ practice of sending powerful, high-profile Americans overseas to free fellow countrymen appears to have come down to Denis Rodman going rogue.
December 20, 2015 Indian diplomat's lawyer asks judge to toss federal charges A lawyer for an Indian diplomat who was strip-searched when arrested and then complied with a Department of State order to leave the United States has asked the trial judge to dismiss her case.
December 20, 2015 White House announces US delegation to Sharon funeral The White House on Sunday announced the U.S. delegation to former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's funeral.
December 20, 2015 India seeks to defuse tensions with US as diplomat returns home India's government says there's no standoff with the U.S. over the arrest and strip search of an Indian diplomat in New York, appearing eager to defuse a controversy that has threatened bilateral ties.
December 20, 2015 US withdraws diplomat after India demands expulsion amid dispute The United States said Friday it was withdrawing a diplomat from India in hopes it would end a bitter dispute that started with the arrest and strip search of an Indian diplomat in New York.
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the U.S. has a vital national interest in Iraq and warned that the progress made by American forces before troops were withdrawn after nine years of war is being threatened.
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.
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.
December 20, 2015 McCain, Graham blast Obama for Al Qaeda-related takeover of Fallujah, call situation 'predictable' Republican senators on Saturday blamed the Obama administration for Al Qaeda affiliates over-running parts of Iraq, including the city of Fallujah, which the United States secured before President Obama removed all U.S. forces from that country in 2011.