National Security

The Middle East: Trump Pulls Back, Putin Pushes In

11:08am October 19, 2019

by Greg Myre

Donald Trump wants to reduce the U.S. presence in the Middle East. Vladimir Putin has been pushing to increase Russia's role. Events in Syria have crystallized the larger aims of both leaders.

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Fighting continued early Friday in a northeast Syrian border town at the center of the fight between Turkey and Kurdish forces, despite a U.S.-brokered cease-fire that went into effect overnight.

Some Fighting Continues In Northern Syria Despite Turkish 'Pause'

5:56pm October 18, 2019

by Merrit Kennedy

There are a lot of unanswered questions, like whether Kurdish forces are actually withdrawing from the border. The Pentagon says U.S. ground forces won't be involved in enforcing a "safe zone."

Jack Keane, Retired 4-Star General, On Trump's Strategy On Syria, ISIS And Turkey

5:19pm October 18, 2019

NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with Jack Keane, a retired Army four-star-general, about President Trump's strategy on Syria, ISIS and Turkey.

How Much Do Ambassadors Who Were Political Donors Actually Influence Foreign Policy?

4:27pm October 18, 2019

by Michele Kelemen

Every administration uses ambassadorships to reward big political donors. But unlike other political appointees, donors don't always have strong resumes in business politics and foreign affairs.

On Capitol Hill, questions are swirling around the House impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

Get Caught Up: 4 Big Questions About The Trump-Ukraine Affair

4:21pm October 18, 2019

by Philip Ewing

Although new pieces of the puzzle are added all the time, some of the biggest questions about the Ukraine pressure campaign — and what Congress may do about it — aren't yet resolved.

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis delivers the keynote address during the 74th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday in New York.

Mattis Takes Swipe At Trump: 'I Earned My Spurs On The Battlefield'

1:04pm October 18, 2019

by Scott Neuman

In a speech blending humor with a serious message, the former secretary of defense also quoted a warning by Lincoln against a leader "unfettered by conscience, precedent or decency."

National

Russia And Ukraine Experts Counter Trump

5:12am October 18, 2019

by Greg Myre

President Trump has repeatedly been at odds with Russia and Ukraine experts spread across the U.S. government. Some are now harsh critics and key figures in the impeachment inquiry.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vice President Pence meet Thursday at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, for talks on the Kurds and Syria.

Pence Says Turkey Has Agreed To Suspend Its Incursion Into Syria

6:01pm October 17, 2019

by Merrit Kennedy

The vice president led a delegation to try to persuade the Turkish president to stop the military push and enact a cease-fire. The Turkish foreign minister says the deal brokered is not a cease-fire.

Brett McGurk, Former Special Envoy For Coalition Fighting ISIS, Weighs In On Syria

5:03pm October 17, 2019

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Brett McGurk, former special presidential envoy for the global coalition to counter ISIL, about the current situation in Syria.

Vice President Pence Visits Turkey To Try And Halt Fighting With Kurds In Syria

5:03pm October 17, 2019

by Peter Kenyon

Vice President Pence held talks with Turkey's leader in an effort to halt the fighting with Kurds in Syria that started after President Trump withdrew U.S. forces.

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