Oct 14 Religious minorities face increased threats, U.S. report finds By Bradley Klapper, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Islamic State led a campaign of attacks last year by militant extremist groups on religious freedom in large swaths of the world, the State Department said in a report Wednesday, pointing to increasing threats to religious minorities… Continue reading
Oct 09 Pentagon to end Syrian rebel training program By Robert Burns, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press LONDON — The U.S. will change the failed Syrian rebel training program to focus efforts on working with capable Kurdish and other forces in Syria, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Friday. Continue reading
Sep 30 Iraqi PM says he supports Russian airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria By Joshua Barajas Russia's President Vladimir Putin said he ordered airstrikes in Syria on Wednesday to fight Islamic State militants, a move that Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said he would welcome in Iraq, if needed. Continue reading
Sep 28 Watch 22:49 Watch Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full address to United Nations By PBS News Hour Continue watching
Sep 17 U.S. accepts Russia’s offer to hold military talks on Syria By Matthew Lee, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Amid increasing unease and uncertainty over Russia's intentions, the Obama administration plans to accept an offer from Russia for direct talks on its military buildup in Syria that U.S. officials believe is aimed at propping up Syrian President… Continue reading
Aug 13 Kurdish fighters ‘confused’ by U.S. allegiance with Turkey By Larisa Epatko Syrian Kurdish forces have taken control of wide swaths of land in northern Syria from Islamic State militants, but a new offensive by the Turkish government against their compatriots along the Turkish border has complicated their alliance with the United… Continue reading
Aug 07 Militant who imprisoned Kayla Mueller will not be charged in the U.S. By Ken Dilanian, Associated Press An Islamic State militant who helped imprison and brutalize American hostage Kayla Mueller will not be charged in the U.S., the White House announced Friday. Continue reading
May 24 U.S. officials concerned about Iraq’s ‘will to fight’ after Ramadi By Ken Dilanian, Associated Press The Islamic State group's takeover of the Iraqi provincial capital Ramadi has prompted criticism from Defense Secretary Ash Carter and raised new questions about the Obama administration's strategy to defeat the extremist group. Continue reading
May 05 Islamic State claims responsibility for ‘Draw Muhammad’ attack in Texas By Joshua Barajas Islamic State militants claimed responsibility Tuesday for the attack outside a prophet Muhammad cartoon-drawing contest near Dallas. Continue reading
Apr 17 Obama, Italian PM Renzi to meet at White House By Darlene Superville, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is set to meet with President Barack Obama. Obama is hosting Renzi at the White House on Friday to compare notes on a range of issues, including Ukraine, Libya and Islamic State militants. Continue reading