Headlines, Dec. 25 edition
BACKGROUNDER Diplomatic blitz by Chuck Hagel, Iranians, failed to reassure Gulf states Russia warns it will use nukes to answer U.S. ‘Prompt Global Strike’ Canada’s Christmas card to world (more…)
Strategist says Iran could build a nuclear bomb ‘when we want’
NICOSIA — Iran has claimed it could build an atomic bomb. A leading Iranian analyst said Iran has reached the capability to develop nuclear warheads. The analyst, a former (more…)
Congress acts to stop Turkey’s missile deal with Chinese proliferator
In the new National Defense Authorization Act [NDAA] for 2014, members of the U.S. Congress have inserted a provision that would prevent Turkey from proceeding with its September 2013 (more…)
U.S. offers to sell major military platforms to Gulf states as a block
WASHINGTON — The United States has drafted plans to sell weapons to the Gulf Cooperation Council’s regional force. Officials said the Defense Department has offered to fulfill the requirements (more…)
Egypt now considers Hamas ‘hostile elements’, revokes citizenship
CAIRO — Egypt is revoking the citizenship of Hamas commanders. Officials said the Egyptian Interior Ministry has annulled the citizenship of scores of leading Hamas operatives in the Gaza (more…)
Looming threats from Iran, Iraq focuses Gulf states on military unity
ABU DHABI — The Gulf Cooperation Council, faced with threats from Iran and Iraq, has promoted military unity. Officials said Saudi Arabia was pushing a proposal to merge parts (more…)
U.S., UK and S. Korea conduct joint naval exercises near tense zone
Starting Dec. 8, naval vessels from South Korea, the U.S. and the Great Britain conducted a joint exercise in waters south of the Korean Peninsula, close to one of (more…)
Weapons smuggling skyrockets from Syrians fleeing to Jordan
AMMAN — Jordan has reported a huge increase in arms smuggling along its border with Syria. Officials said smuggling from Jordan to Syria increased over the last three months (more…)
Israel buying German destroyers to protect Mediterranean oil assets
LONDON — Israel has been preparing to purchase naval combat vessels from Germany. A leading German daily said Berlin has agreed to an Israeli request for two naval destroyers. (more…)