Middle East Policies - Page 666

December 20, 2015

US military has revised Syria strike plan 50 times, source says

Even as Congress considers President Obama's push for military strikes on Syria, the details of that plan continue to change by the day -- with one source telling Fox News that military officials have been asked to revise their plans 50 times since the Pentagon first began considering a “limited” action.

December 20, 2015

Putin warns Russia could come to Syria's aid over US strike

As he touched down in St. Petersburg, President Obama greeted his host Vladimir Putin with a handshake and a smile -- but the cordial greeting belied the tinderbox the two leaders are sitting on.

December 20, 2015

Video appears to show Syrian rebel forces threatening to pursue own chemical weapons

The tape was reviewed by multiple analysts who said at the very least the rebels appeared to be issuing an ultimatum – if there was no military response to the attack by the West, they threatened to pursue their own chemical weapons.

December 20, 2015

New problems for Syria strike push as video reportedly shows rebel-led executions

The momentum for a U.S. strike in Syria faces a fresh challenge on Capitol Hill as new evidence surfaces that could complicate the Obama administration’s case. A new video smuggled out of Syria purportedly showing rebel fighters executing seven unarmed government soldiers is raising questions over whether the U.S. should intervene militarily in the ongoing Syrian conflict and the unintended consequences of instability in the region.

December 20, 2015

Tale of Two St. Petes: As Obama visits Russia, US voters dubious on Syria strike

While President Obama was in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday, trying to sway skittish allies to back a military strike on Syria, thousands of miles away in St. Petersburg, Fla., residents were leaving little doubt that Obama has a lot of work to do if he's to gain their support for military action. 

December 20, 2015

Obama facing rank-and-file resistance to Syria plan, despite endorsements

The president and his allies on the Hill are facing headwinds from rank-and-file members still not convinced that it's in the U.S. interest to launch a Syria strike.

December 20, 2015

Michigan lawmaker launches campaign to free American prisoner in Iran

Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., marched onto the House floor Thursday night, earnestly seeking support from as many colleagues as he could  find on an issue beholden to no party line. Armed with a one-paged pamphlet slightly larger than a post card, Kildee passed out information on an American from his district who has been held prisoner in Iran for the past two years.

December 20, 2015

Ahead of UN debut, Iran's new leader urged to free jailed Americans

The families of jailed Americans in Iran are pressing Iranian President Hassan Rowhani to match his conciliatory words on the world stage with actions, by releasing their loved ones.

December 20, 2015

New details emerge on terrorists' multi-layered strategy in Kenya attack, House Intelligence chief says

Based on intelligence, Rep. Rogers said the Nairobi attack included gunmen, small explosives, setting fires to cause panic and block first responders as well as taking hostages. 

December 20, 2015

Obama directs Kerry to pursue talks with Iran over nuclear weapons deal

President Obama announced Tuesday that he's directed Secretary of State John Kerry to pursue a new round of talks with Iran over its nuclear program, amid warnings from U.S. lawmakers to view the promises of Iran's new president with caution.