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Iraq faces “the most acute and immediate” threat from Iranian-backed militias, a top State Department official said last week. Read More
Official: Iranian-Backed Militias Pose ‘Acute and Immediate’ Threat to Iraq
Tag Archives: Afghanistan
COVID-19 Presents Additional Obstacle to Afghan Peace Process
A Chinook helicopter transports equipment around Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. US Army photo by Sgt. James Dansie.
The Taliban has shown no interest in cooperating with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to combat the COVID-19 pandemic spreading from Iran, creating the latest obstacle to peace, four regional experts said Monday.
Trump Calls on NATO to ‘Become More Involved’ in Middle East
President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, senior White House advisors and senior military personnel, delivers remarks during a national televised address Wednesday on Jan. 8, 2020. White House Photo
President Donald Trump called on NATO “to become much more involved in the Middle East process,” during Wednesday remarks at the White House. Read More
Afghanistan Wants Partnership with US Military Even as Relationship, Conditions Evolve
Ambassador to the United States H.E. Roya Rahmani speaks at the Atlantic Council on Oct. 16, 2019.
Kabul’s ambassador to Washington said “passing statements” about U.S. withdrawal or peace talks with the Taliban made in American political campaigns are “not helpful” in setting Afghanistan on the pathway to a future as functioning democratic republic. Read More
Panel: Political End to Afghan War is Risky but Necessary
An Air Force combat rescue officer from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron flies with an Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew over Kandahar, Afghanistan, during joint training on April 5, 2019. US Air Force Photo
Talks between the United States and the Taliban over Afghanistan’s future remain risky but necessary to reach a political settlement to end decades of war, a leading expert in South Asia security affairs said Monday. Read More
First Marine F-35B Combat Deployment Hints at New Roles for Amphibious Ready Group
An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), while another F-35B Lightning II flies over on Dec. 4, 2018. US Marine Corps Photo
After eight months at sea with a squadron of F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters, the Marines and the Navy are seeing how the next-generation aircraft will expand the effectiveness of U.S. amphibious forces. Read More
Report to Congress on U.S. Policy Toward Afghanistan
The following is the Feb. 26, 2019 Congressional Research Service report, Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy In Brief. Read More
Votel: U.S. Still Needs to Keep Pressure on ISIS After Syria Exit
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment watch an illumination round in the distance that was fired from their M777 Howitzer for an indirect fire mission in Southwest Asia on Dec. 2, 2018. US Army Photo
The U.S.- led military coalition needs to keep military pressure on the Islamic State even after the American withdrawal from Syria. And the U.S. needs to be prepared to still provide $4 billion yearly to Kabul after a troop drawdown in Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command commander Army Gen. Joseph Votel told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Read More
Top Stories 2018: U.S. Marine Corps Operations
An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 sits on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) on March 7, 2018. US Navy Photo
USNI News polled its writers, naval analysts and service members on what they consider the most important military and maritime stories in 2018. This story is part of a series; please also see U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Operations.
The Marine Corps spent 2018 preparing the force for a new era of warfare, modernizing how it conducts its business in ways large and small. Read More
U.S. Carrier in Middle East Focused on Missions Over Afghanistan, Maritime Security
Sailors huddle to communicate as an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Arabian Sea on Dec. 18, 2018. US Navy Photo
Afghanistan – not Syria – has been the primary focus of the air wing embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) since the carrier strike group entered U.S. 5th Fleet in early December, USNI News has learned. Read More
