WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Mark Esper has fired the Navy’s top official, ending a stunning clash between President Donald Trump and top military leadership over the fate of a SEAL accused of war crimes in Iraq. Esper said Sunday that he had lost confidence in Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and...
International Court Judges Authorize Rohingya Investigation
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court judges on Thursday approved a request from prosecutors to open an investigation into crimes committed against Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim minority. A prominent rights group said the decision will give fresh hope to victims that those responsible for brutal crimes against the Rohingya will...
US Role in Syria Grows More Complex With Trump Claim to Oil
WASHINGTON — By claiming a right to Syria's oil, President Donald Trump has added more complexity — as well as additional U.S. forces and time — to an American military mission he has twice declared he was ending so the troops could come home. Extending the mission to secure eastern...
Border Wall, Impeachment Battle Imperil Budget Progress
WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a long-overdue, $209 billion bundle of bipartisan spending bills Thursday, but a bitter fight over funding demanded by President Donald Trump for border fencing imperils broader Capitol Hill efforts to advance $1.4 trillion worth of annual Cabinet agency budgets. The 84-9 vote sends the measure...
Ex-Trump Aide Confirms Biden Probe Sought, Didn't Consider It Illegal
WASHINGTON — A former top White House official confirmed Thursday that military aid to Ukraine was held up by President Donald Trump's demand for the ally to investigate Democrats and Joe Biden, but he testified he saw nothing illegal about the quid pro quo at the center of the Democrat-led...
Security Increased at IS Prisons After Leader's Death
BEIRUT — Syrian Kurdish forces said Monday they are increasing security at prisons and detention facilities holding tens of thousands of Islamic State militants and supporters, including foreigners, following the death of the extremist group's leader in a U.S. military raid. The heightened security also comes as Kurdish forces said...
Turkish Patriotism on Display Amid Syria Operation
AKCAKALE, Turkey — National soccer team players give military salutes during international matches, Turkish flags flutter from balconies and storefronts, songs extolling the glory days of the Ottoman Empire blare from a border town's loudspeakers, punctuated by the occasional boom of outgoing artillery. Since Turkey announced its incursion into neighboring...
EU Nations Commit to Arms Export Ban Against Turkey
LUXEMBOURG — European Union nations vented outrage Monday at Turkey's military offensive in northern Syria against the Kurds and joined France and Germany in banning arms sales to Ankara, a rare move against a NATO ally for many of them. Many EU foreign ministers were looking beyond a strong statement...
US Pulls Troops in North Syria, Threatens Turkey Sanctions
WASHINGTON — The United States appears to be heading toward a full military withdrawal from Syria amid growing chaos, cries of betrayal and threats Monday by President Donald Trump to hit Turkey with "big sanctions." Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that Trump had directed U.S. troops in northern Syria to begin pulling...
Trump Defends Syria Move, Doesn't Want US Troops in Mideast
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday over sharp criticism of his decision to pull back U.S. troops from northeastern Syria, insisting he is focused on the "BIG PICTURE" that doesn't include American involvement in "stupid endless wars" in the Middle East. "Fighting between various groups that has been...