Germany expects to learn more details on a planned U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in the coming days, German defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said. "When the Americans specify over ... ( read original story ...)
Former CIA officer talks about first U.S. casualty in Afghanistan on anniversary of Mike Spann’s death
Declassified, Michael Morell speaks with David Tyson, a retired CIA officer who served in Afghanistan after 9/11. Tyson joins Michael on the anniversary of the death of fellow CIA officer, Mike Spann, ... ( read original story ...)
International Donors Meet to Pledge Billions in Aid to Afghanistan
An Afghan girl receives free bread distributed by the government, outside a bakery, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Kabul, Afghanistan May 3, 2020. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani Reuters ... ( read original story ...)
UN, partners seek funds for Afghanistan at donors conference
GENEVA (AP) — Top officials including the U.N. secretary-general and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were taking part in a largely virtual pledging conference for Afghanistan on Tuesday, ... ( read original story ...)
Cash-Strapped Iraq Seeks $2 Billion Upfront Payment for Oil
Iraq is seeking an upfront payment of about $2 billion in exchange for a long-term crude-supply contract, the latest sign of Baghdad’s growing desperation for cash as its economy unravels. ( read original story ...)
Stricter COVID-19 measures take effect in South Korea amid rise in cases
A stricter level of physical distancing restrictions went into effect in the greater Seoul area on Tuesday as health officials scrambled to contain what they have described as a third wave of COVID-19 ... ( read original story ...)
‘Alone in the dark’: South Korea’s small businesses reel from new virus clampdown
A new round of social distancing rules took effect on Tuesday in the South Korean capital of Seoul, dealing a blow to small business owners despite brighter hopes for economic recovery after earlier ... ( read original story ...)
Russia’s Lavrov, Iran’s Zarif discuss Syria, Karabakh, nuclear deal in phone call
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the situations in Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russia's foreign ministry said on ... ( read original story ...)
Iran sees foreign firms returning if U.S. lifts sanctions
Iran expects foreign companies to return to the country if U.S. sanctions are lifted under President-elect Joe Biden and some firms have made initial contacts already, Iranian government spokesman Ali ... ( read original story ...)
Iran-backed Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Oil Facility One Day After Reported Secret MBS-Pompeo-Netanyahu Meeting
The Yemeni rebel group used a cruise missile to strike an oil site near the city of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. ( read original story ...)