Geopolitics - Page 161

Japanese PM offers ‘condolences’ for Americans lost in WWII, in speech pushing trade pact

May 2, 2016

Japanese PM offers ‘condolences’ for Americans lost in WWII, in speech pushing trade pact

Japan's prime minister used a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday to offer his condolences for the Americans who died during World War II, highlighting the close relationship since to urge lawmakers to back a contentious trade bill being negotiated by President Obama.

Obama administration facing new calls to tie nuke talks to release of US prisoners

May 2, 2016

Obama administration facing new calls to tie nuke talks to release of US prisoners

The Obama administration is facing mounting pressure to use its leverage in the Iranian nuclear talks to demand the release of Americans imprisoned there -- as Tehran proceeds with charges critics say are unfair and unjust.

US, Iran support for dueling sides in Yemen raises prospect of proxy fight

May 2, 2016

US, Iran support for dueling sides in Yemen raises prospect of proxy fight

Intervention by the U.S. and Iran in Yemen is raising the prospect of a proxy war even as the Obama administration tries to reach a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic – with Iran sending two ships to waters near Yemen, as the U.S. speeds up military aid to the Saudi-led coalition striking Tehran-backed rebels there.

Official: Review of Cuba as terror sponsor in 'final stages'

May 2, 2016

Official: Review of Cuba as terror sponsor in 'final stages'

White House officials left open the possibility Tuesday that President Obama could recommend Cuba's removal from a list of state sponsors of terror around the time of the Summit of the Americas later this week in Panama. The officials also sought to soften tensions with Venezuela that threatened to overshadow the summit.

State Department rejects call for Iran deal to affirm Israel's 'right to exist'

May 2, 2016

State Department rejects call for Iran deal to affirm Israel's 'right to exist'

A State Department official dismissed a plea Friday from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Iran nuclear agreement include clear recognition of his nation's "right to exist," declaring negotiations are "only about the nuclear issue."

Netanyahu: Iran nuke plan poses ‘grave danger’ to region, Israeli Cabinet ‘strongly’ opposed

May 2, 2016

Netanyahu: Iran nuke plan poses ‘grave danger’ to region, Israeli Cabinet ‘strongly’ opposed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday blasted the framework nuclear deal with Iran, saying it would pose a "grave danger" to the region and "threaten the very survival" of his country.

Could Menendez case undermine Capitol Hill push to check Iran deal?

May 2, 2016

Could Menendez case undermine Capitol Hill push to check Iran deal?

The federal indictment against Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., which led him to relinquish his post as top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, could complicate efforts on Capitol Hill to have a say on the nuclear deal being sought with Iran.

Obama confirms arming Ukraine on the table if diplomacy with Russia fails

May 2, 2016

Obama confirms arming Ukraine on the table if diplomacy with Russia fails

President Obama confirmed Monday that his administration is weighing the possibility of sending arms to Ukraine to help the country beat back Russian-backed separatists, if diplomacy fails.

Obama administration denied Predator drone request for Jordan, rep urges reversal

May 2, 2016

Obama administration denied Predator drone request for Jordan, rep urges reversal

The State Department denied a request last year to send unarmed Predator drones to Jordan arguing that the kingdom was not a strong enough ally, according to a U.S. congressman who is now urging the administration to reverse the decision as Jordan escalates its fight against the Islamic State.

Emerging details of possible Iranian nuclear deal draw bipartisan ire

May 2, 2016

Emerging details of possible Iranian nuclear deal draw bipartisan ire

Emerging details of a possible nuclear deal with Iran have drawn sharp criticism from congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who say the U.S. and its international partners may be ceding too much as a key deadline nears.