Germany Fails to Classify Hezbollah as a Terrorist Organization
Germany will not designate Hezbollah, an Iranian-back Shiite group, as a terrorist organization according to various news reports.
Europe
Future conflicts will bring ‘widespread missile fire on Israel,’ cautions former IAF chief
All of Israel’s future conflicts will see major enemy fire on the civilian home front, meaning that air defense is more crucial than ever, a former Israel Air Force chief has told JNS following the start of an Israeli-American joint exercise.
China February exports tumble the most in three years, spur fears of ‘trade recession’
China’s exports tumbled the most in three years in February while imports fell for a third straight month, pointing to a further slowdown in the economy and stirring talk of a ‘trade recession’, despite a spate of support measures.
Theresa May to EU: Please help me get Brexit deal over the line
The European Union should make concessions in Brexit talks to convince British lawmakers to back a controversial exit deal next week, British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to say on Friday.
Brexit in 23 days: EU says still ‘no solution’ in negotiations
The European Union said Wednesday there has been no progress in the latest talks with Britain, just days before the UK lawmakers are set for a second vote to avoid a hard Brexit.
Erdogan Says No Intention Of Backing Out Of S-400 Missile Deal With Russia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country is determined to go through with a deal to purchase S-400 missile-defense systems from Russia, despite opposition from Washington.
UK will delay Brexit if MPs reject May’s deal – Hammond
Britain will probably have to delay its departure from the European Union if MPs reject the government’s proposed divorce deal in a vote next week, Finance Minister Philip Hammond said on Thursday.
Top US general in Europe seeks more troops, warships to counter Russia
The top U.S. military commander in Europe warned Tuesday of a growing Russian threat and is calling for more troops, warships and aircraft, saying he’s ‘not comfortable yet with the deterrent posture’ of the American troop presence.
Russian military, modernizing quickly, plans to sell missile system to Turkey: U.S. commander
A top U.S. commander has warned that Russia’s military is modernizing quickly, and that a possible weapons deal with Turkey could put the United States in danger.
Top US general: No F-35s if Turkey buys Russian defense system
The United States should not sell its high-tech F-35 fighter jet to Turkey if Ankara moves ahead with plans to buy a Russian missile defense system, the top US military commander for Europe told Congress on Tuesday.
US deploys advanced anti-missile system in Israel
The U.S. has deployed a highly advanced missile defense system in Israel for the first time, the American and Israeli militaries announced Monday, reflecting their shared concerns about Iran’s development of powerful missiles.
Top U.S., Russian Generals To Meet In Vienna To Discuss Syria, Other Key Issues
The top U.S. and Russian generals are set to meet to discuss the situation in Syria, where the two countries, along with Iran and Turkey, have been militarily involved in the Middle East country’s eight-year civil war.
Iran’s Khamenei doubted Europe could help Tehran against U.S. sanctions
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei advised the government last July not to rely on European efforts to protect Tehran against U.S. sanctions, months after Washington withdrew from a nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed penalties.
Asian stocks rise on reports US, China close to trade deal
Asian stocks rose Monday after news reports said Washington and Beijing are close to reaching an agreement as early as this month to end their costly tariff war.
UN Security Council Rejects U.S., Russia Resolutions On Venezuela
The UN Security Council has rejected rival resolutions on the crisis in Venezuela presented by the United States and Russia.
Pentagon plan could have US troops out of Afghanistan in 3 to 5 years
All U.S. troops could exit Afghanistan within the next half-decade, according to a new report.
Supreme Court’s ‘Peace Cross’ case tackles debate on religious freedom, limits of public memorials
On Wednesday, the case goes to the Supreme Court, where the justices hear oral arguments and, within a few months, will deliver a verdict on whether a cross is inherently an exclusionary Christian symbol and must be taken down.
May buckles: British PM to rule out no-deal Brexit
British Prime Minister Theresa May will on Tuesday propose formally ruling out a no-deal Brexit in a bid to avoid a rebellion by lawmakers who are threatening to grab control of the divorce process, The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers reported.
Leaders from EU, Arab League hold first-ever joint summit
Leaders from European Union and Arab League countries pledged Sunday to boost cooperation in the fight against terrorism and to tackle unauthorized migration at a first-ever summit high in symbolism but likely to yield few concrete results.
Abbas urges Europeans to play greater role in peace process, recognize Palestine
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urged European states on Sunday to play a greater role in mediating the peace process and recognize the ‘State of Palestine,’ contending that failing to do so was a betrayal of European values.