Geopolitics - Page 189

US, allies sideline Russia from G8; Moscow shrugs off summit snub

December 20, 2015

US, allies sideline Russia from G8; Moscow shrugs off summit snub

The U.S. and its allies announced Monday that they would, for now, exclude Russia from the G8 and boycott a planned summit in Sochi in retaliation over its Crimea takeover -- though Russia's government shrugged off the latest efforts to isolate the country.

US races to close spying gaps after Russia's Crimea moves elude them

December 20, 2015

US races to close spying gaps after Russia's Crimea moves elude them

U.S. military satellites spied Russian troops amassing within striking distance of Crimea last month. But intelligence analysts were surprised because they hadn't intercepted any telltale communications where Russian leaders, military commanders or soldiers discussed plans to invade.

Romney: Obama 'naive,' lacked judgment regarding Ukraine, Putin

December 20, 2015

Romney: Obama 'naive,' lacked judgment regarding Ukraine, Putin

Former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Sunday accused President Obama of being “naïve” about Russian President Vladimir Putin's agenda and said he lacked the foresight to have prevented Putin from taking over a Ukraine peninsula.

GOP, Democrats spar over Obama's foreign policy, amid new fears of Putin takeovers

December 20, 2015

GOP, Democrats spar over Obama's foreign policy, amid new fears of Putin takeovers

Top Democrats and Republicans squared off Sunday over President Obama’s foreign policy, in the aftermath of Russia taking over part of Ukraine and amid new fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin is just getting started.

Carter criticizes drone use, domestic spying under Obama

December 20, 2015

Carter criticizes drone use, domestic spying under Obama

Former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday criticized the Obama administration’s surveillance efforts, saying the country’s use of drones has been “abused” and that he communicates by mail with foreign leaders for fear his electronic correspondences are being watched.

Putin stokes, taps Russians' resentment of America and the West

December 20, 2015

Putin stokes, taps Russians' resentment of America and the West

Among ethnic Russians, and in the heart of the former Soviet Union, a palpable anti-American sentiment is discernible -- and it is, to some extent, the product of determined efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin apparatus he controls.

Tit for Tat: Russia hits US officials with sanctions, as Obama expands penalties

December 20, 2015

Tit for Tat: Russia hits US officials with sanctions, as Obama expands penalties

The Russian government slapped sanctions on top U.S. officials on Thursday, moments after President Obama imposed penalties on 20 Russians inside and outside the government -- as diplomatic efforts over Ukraine unraveled into a long-distance tit for tat.

Russia warns West it may change stance on Iran, in retaliation over sanctions

December 20, 2015

Russia warns West it may change stance on Iran, in retaliation over sanctions

Russia reportedly is prepared to change its stand on Iran nuclear talks in a high-stakes gamble to counter expanded sanctions by the United States and the European Union over Crimea.

Republican lawmakers call for tougher sanctions against Russia

December 20, 2015

Republican lawmakers call for tougher sanctions against Russia

Republicans on Capitol Hill Tuesday voiced frustration over President Obama’s handling of the crisis in Ukraine, criticizing his second round of sanctions against those in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle as too weak.

US suspends diplomatic relations with Syria

December 20, 2015

US suspends diplomatic relations with Syria

A senior State Department official says the Syrian government has been told it must immediately suspend its diplomatic and consular missions in the United States.