Geopolitics - Page 173

US working closely with Kurds to save Kobani, report says

December 20, 2015

US working closely with Kurds to save Kobani, report says

U.S. and Kurdish commanders are collaborating closely to ensure that the Syrian border town of Kobani does not fall to Islamic State militants, a reversal of earlier stated policy, according to a published report.

Old rivalries keeping Turkey on sidelines of Syria fight, analysts say

December 20, 2015

Old rivalries keeping Turkey on sidelines of Syria fight, analysts say

Old geopolitical rivalries are throwing a wrench into U.S. efforts to bring Turkey on board with the mission to "degrade and destroy" the Islamic State in a Syrian border town.

Turkish official denies report of deal with US to use bases for ISIS strikes

December 20, 2015

Turkish official denies report of deal with US to use bases for ISIS strikes

A Turkish official has denied reports of an agreement with the United States and Arab allies on using an air base in southern Turkey for operations against the Islamic State group.

US prods Turkey over inaction against ISIS

December 20, 2015

US prods Turkey over inaction against ISIS

A Pentagon official signaled Wednesday that the U.S. is pressing the Turkish government to intervene in support of Kurdish forces desperately battling to keep the Syrian border town of Kobani from falling into Islamic State hands.

White House stands by rebuke of Israel settlements

December 20, 2015

White House stands by rebuke of Israel settlements

The White House on Monday stood firmly behind its criticism of Israeli settlement construction and pushed back against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's complaint that the U.S. rebuke goes "against American values."

US sharply criticizes new Israeli construction

December 20, 2015

US sharply criticizes new Israeli construction

The White House says that if Israel were to move forward with a controversial housing development in east Jerusalem, it would distance Israel from, "even its closest allies."

White House calls Yemen ‘model’ for ISIS fight, as security deteriorates

December 20, 2015

White House calls Yemen ‘model’ for ISIS fight, as security deteriorates

The White House insisted Monday that the U.S. counterterrorism strategy in Yemen is a model for the fight against the Islamic State -- despite the country being engulfed by a violent political crisis that last week led the Obama administration to remove some of its diplomats and urge American citizens to leave.

Obama urges international cooperation in confronting ISIS, vows to defeat 'network of death'

December 20, 2015

Obama urges international cooperation in confronting ISIS, vows to defeat 'network of death'

President Obama, assuming again the role of war-time president, used a United Nations address on Wednesday to urge broad international support in confronting the Islamic State and other terror groups -- while repeating his 2009 pledge that the U.S. is not "at war with Islam."

Ambassador Power touts support for Islamic State mission, Congress spars over combat mission

December 20, 2015

Ambassador Power touts support for Islamic State mission, Congress spars over combat mission

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said Sunday that the American-led effort to destroy the Islamic State has support from more than 40 countries but declined to name them or the extent of their support.

Scotland vote saves Cameron – and Obama’s anti-ISIS coalition

December 20, 2015

Scotland vote saves Cameron – and Obama’s anti-ISIS coalition

Scotland’s decision to remain part of the United Kingdom has narrowly averted what could have been a geopolitical catastrophe for the Obama administration and its allies at a time when they’re launching a war against the Islamic State and shoring up defenses against a newly emboldened Russia.