U.S. General Says Troop Surge in Middle East May Not End Soon

LOLITA C. BALDOR / The Associated Press Jan 23, 2020 America has sent more than 20,000 additional troops into the region over the past eight months to counter the escalating threat from Iran. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Under Pressure, Iran Admits It Shot Down Jetliner by Mistake

NASSER KARIMI and JOSEPH KRAUSS / The Associated Press Jan 11, 2020 The admission raises the question about why it didn't shut down airspace amid fears of "all-out conflict" with U.S. over missile strikes. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

U.S. Dismisses Iraq Request to Work on a Troop Withdrawal Plan

SAMYA KULLAB and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA / The Associated Press Jan 10, 2020 Meanwhile, thousands of Iraqi anti-government protesters call on both Iran and America to leave the country. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Trump Says Iran Appears to Be ‘Standing Down’ After Airstrike

ZEKE MILLER and DEB RIECHMANN / The Associated Press Jan 8, 2020 The president indicates he won't respond militarily after missile strike on Iraqi bases in which no one was harmed, tells of new sanctions. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Turkish Lawmakers Authorize Sending Troops to Fight in Libya

SUZAN FRASER / The Associated Press Jan 2, 2020 The move to support current government in Tripoli is seen as a threat to regional security and is denounced by Greece, Israel and Cyprus. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

NATO Chief Seeks to Shore Up Unity as Rows Roil Allies

LORNE COOK / The Associated Press Dec 3, 2019 French president's comments about the alliance's "brain death" due in part to lack of U.S. leadership draw President Trump's sharp retort. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Trump Thanks Troops in Afghanistan, Says Taliban Want a Deal

JILL COLVIN / The Associated Press Nov 29, 2019 The president in a surprise holiday visit says peace talks have restarted; Taliban spokesman says their stance on cease-fire is unchanged. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Pentagon Issues Threat to Syrian Government

By Andrea Germanos / Common Dreams Nov 8, 2019 Pentagon representatives warn that Syrian government officials who attempt to take control of Syrian oil could be shot. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Joint Turkish and Russian Patrols Begin in Syrian Region

MEHMET GUZEL / The Associated Press Nov 1, 2019 Military operation starts under a deal in which Turkey gave up its offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters launched after U.S. withdrawal. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Trump Will Live to Regret Sending Troops to Saudi Arabia

Maj. Danny Sjursen / Truthdig Oct 28, 2019 A war with Iran isn’t the only risk linked to basing majority-Christian, American troops in the land of Islam’s two holiest cities. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Trump Has ‘Meltdown’ in Syria Meeting With Democrats

ROBERT BURNS / The Associated Press Oct 16, 2019 After 354-60 House vote denouncing president's troop withdrawal, Trump calls Nancy Pelosi a "third-rate politician," prompting walkout. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

What Made Trump Change His Mind About Turkey?

Juan Cole / Truthdig Oct 15, 2019 How to explain the U.S. president's about-face on Turkey's invasion of northeastern Syria? Offhand, I can think of three possible explanations. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )