Turkey, once a staunch NATO ally, enters uncharted waters under strongman Erdogan

Turkey, once a staunch NATO ally, enters uncharted waters under strongman Erdogan

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler PARIS — A vital American ally has gone geopolitically adrift in the wake of Turkey’s failed military coup, and the subsequent crackdown on all forms of domestic political dissent by the strongman ruler Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The bloody coup in which hundreds died, nonetheless served as a tragic […]

U.S. reaction to Iran’s air base hosting Russian bomber fleet: ‘Unfortunate’

U.S. reaction to Iran’s air base hosting Russian bomber fleet: ‘Unfortunate’

by WorldTribune Staff, August 17, 2016 Russia’s use of an Iranian base to launch airstrikes in Syria is “unfortunate,” the U.S. State Department said on Aug. 16. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Russia’s use pf the Hamedan base in western Iran “could very well be a violation” of a UN Security Council resolution, which […]

The Obama legacy: 100,000 Iran-backed fighters now on the ground in Iraq

The Obama legacy: 100,000 Iran-backed fighters now on the ground in Iraq

by WorldTribune Staff, August 17, 2016 U.S. officials say that up to 100,000 Iranian-backed Shi’ite fighters are on the ground in Iraq, raising the specter that a defeated Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) will be replaced by another anti-American force. “The effect of the Obama administration’s policy has been to replace American boots […]

After disastrous Carter and Clinton administrations, time to reset U.S.-Taiwan relations

After disastrous Carter and Clinton administrations, time to reset U.S.-Taiwan relations

Special to WorldTribune.com By Parris H. Chang In recent months, both chambers of the U.S. Congress have passed the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the “six assurances” as cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan Relations. The six assurances, which were given to Taiwan by then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan in July 1982, include U.S. pledges not to set a […]

Russia reports U.S. ‘closer’ to joining forces in Aleppo after talks

Russia reports U.S. ‘closer’ to joining forces in Aleppo after talks

by WorldTribune Staff, August 16, 2016 Russia says it is almost ready to join forces with the United States in the ongoing battle for Aleppo, Syria. “Step by step we are getting closer to the situation in which – and I’m only speaking about Aleppo here – we will be able to begin battling together […]

U.S. general says 45,000 jihadists killed with ISIL’s numbers and territory in decline

U.S. general says 45,000 jihadists killed with ISIL’s numbers and territory in decline

by WorldTribune Staff, August 11, 2016 Some 45,000 Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) jihadists “have been taken off the battlefield” as the terror organization’s area of control continues to shrink, according to the commander of the U.S.-led coalition. “We estimate that over the past 11 months, we’ve killed about 25,000 enemy fighters. When […]

Obama sets dangerous terms for generous military aid package to Israel

Obama sets dangerous terms for generous military aid package to Israel

Special to WorldTribune.com by Dr. Jack Caravelli, Geostrategy-Direct U.S. and Israeli officials are nearing completion of protracted negotiations over a planned decade-long deal for U.S. military assistance, despite deep bilateral political discord stemming mainly from nearly unbridled enmity between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The scope and nature of this assistance is […]

ISIL claims it has captured U.S. military equipment in Afghanistan

ISIL claims it has captured U.S. military equipment in Afghanistan

by WorldTribune Staff, August 7, 2016 A rocket launcher, grenades and numerous rifle rounds were among U.S. military equipment Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) claims to have confiscated in Afghanistan. ISIL circulated photos of the U.S. gear, which included a M72 single-shot rocket launcher and a spare barrel for an M240 machine gun, 40mm […]

Turkish lawyer files criminal conspiracy complaint against top U.S. military leaders

Turkish lawyer files criminal conspiracy complaint against top U.S. military leaders

by WorldTribune Staff, August 3, 2016 A Turkish lawyer has accused top U.S. military officials of conspiring with Turkish coup plotters at Incirlik air base. The lawyer on Aug. 2 filed a criminal complaint against Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Joseph Votel, the top U.S. commander for […]

U.S. launches airstrikes against ISIL as Libyan forces advance

U.S. launches airstrikes against ISIL as Libyan forces advance

by WorldTribune Staff, August 2, 2016 The United States conducted airstrikes on Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) targets as forces loyal to Libya’s unity government advanced on the terror group’s stronghold at Sirte on Aug. 1. Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook confirmed that airstrikes were authorized by President Barack Obama on the recommendation of […]