Obama ‘red line’ erased as Assad chemical weapons use goes unchecked by U.S. military
President Obama’s infamous “red line” in Syria seems to have been fully erased.
Month: May 2015
Russia Says It Can Deploy Nuclear Arms to Crimea
Russia’s envoy to the NATO alliance said on Friday that Moscow will bolster military forces in occupied Ukraine, and is not banned from deploying nuclear arms in Crimea.
Netanyahu: Jerusalem has and always will be the only capital of the Jewish people
Jerusalem historically has been the only capital of the Jewish people, and so it will remain, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday at the government’s official Jerusalem Day ceremony at Ammunition Hill.
Air Force general who spoke of God in talk should be court-martialed, group says
An Air Force general who recently spoke about how God has guided his career should be court-martialed, a civil liberties group is saying.
Senate Debates as law allowing NSA to collect Americans’ phone data set to expire
A major supporter of the National Security Agency’s anti-terrorism surveillance program, which allows the bulk collection of Americans’ phone records, is pushing for an extension of the program, setting up a battle with critics who argue that Congress must fix the current law or let it expire.
Pope Francis Meets with Abbas, Calls Him ‘An Angel of Peace’
Pope Francis warmly welcomed Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas on the latter’s visit to the Vatican today (Saturday). The Pope even went so far as to call Abbas “an angel of peace.”
Obama Vows to ‘Keep Fighting’ for LGBT Rights on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
In honor of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, President Obama this weekend vowed to “keep fighting, for however long it takes, until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Iran Nuclear Deal Review Bill Overwhelmingly Passed by Congress
Congress on Thursday sent President Barack Obama a bill to give lawmakers the power to review and potentially reject a nuclear deal with Iran.
Saudis Threatened by Iran, Promises to Start a Nuclear Weapons Program of its Own
When President Obama began making the case for a deal with Iran that would delay its ability to assemble an atomic weapon, his first argument was that a nuclear-armed Iran would set off a “free-for-all” of proliferation in the Arab world. “It is almost certain that other players in the region would feel it necessary to get their own nuclear weapons,” he said in 2012, the New York Times reported.
PLO: We will not resume negotiations until a deadline for end of Israeli ‘occupation’ is set
Wasal Abu Yousef, a member of the PLO leadership, said Thursday that Palestinians would not return to the negotiation table with Israel unless a deadline for the end of the Israeli “occupation” is set.
Are Earthquakes and Volcano Activity on the Rise?
If it seems like earthquakes and erupting volcanoes are happening more frequently, that’s because they are. Looking at global magnitude six (M6) or greater from 1980 to 1989 there was an average of 108.5 earthquakes per year, from 2000 to 2009 the planet averaged 160.9 earthquakes per year: that is a 38.9% increase of M6+ earthquakes in recent years.
Sudan: South Sudanese Church Leaders Jailed
Sudanese authorities have arrested two South Sudanese pastors who are now facing the death penalty.
Tanzania: Gov’t harasses local church leadership
Three pastors on Tanzania’s Mafia island were summoned by the district registration office last week, confirming fears that the recent government threat to close the island’s churches would soon start.
Russia: Court Sentences Pastor Five Days
Last month a court in the Russian city of Orel sentenced a pastor to five days in prison.
Egypt: Christian Convicted of Blasphemy
Yet another Christian has been convicted of blasphemy for “ridiculing or insulting a heavenly religion” in violation of the Egyptian Penal Code’s Article 98(f).
Obama: Palestinians Deserve an End to the Occupation
“I will never give up on the hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” said President Barack Obama, “Palestinians deserve an end to the occupation and the daily indignities that come with it. That’s why we’ve worked so hard over the years for a two-state solution and to develop innovative ways to address Israel’s security and Palestinian sovereignty needs.”
House Approves GOP Bill Banning Most Late-Term Abortions
Republicans finally won House approval Wednesday for a late-term abortion ban after dropping rape provisions that provoked a rebellion by female GOP lawmakers, forcing party leaders into an embarrassing retreat.
Iran threatens war if ‘aid ship’ to Yemen attacked
Iran threatened to declare war on any country that attacks a ship it says contains humanitarian aid currently making its way to Yemen, accompanied by warships. The warning came amid heightened tensions after the Islamic Republic seized a cargo ship last month.
Gulf Leaders Meet in Washington to Warn Obama Concerning Iran
Gulf nation leaders joined President Barack Obama at the White House Wednesday to warn of the risks of completing a nuclear deal with Iran. Obama was seeking to convince his counterparts of the potential benefits for the region.
House Votes to End Spy Agencies’ Bulk Collection of Phone Data
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday that would end spy agencies’ bulk collection of Americans’ telephone data, setting up a potential showdown with the U.S. Senate over the program, which expires on June 1.