INSIDER
Blinken is heading to Europe for urgent talks on Ukraine after Trump's election
Read full article: Blinken is heading to Europe for urgent talks on Ukraine after Trump's electionSecretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Europe for urgent meetings on Ukraine with NATO and European Union officials following last week’s U.S. presidential election and the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January.
US gives Israel a 'fail' grade on improving aid to Gaza so far
Read full article: US gives Israel a 'fail' grade on improving aid to Gaza so farThe Biden administration is stepping up criticism of Israel for not doing enough to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza as a 30-day deadline looms for Israeli officials to meet certain requirements or risk potential restrictions on military assistance.
Blinken heads to Asia this week for a summit of regional leaders
Read full article: Blinken heads to Asia this week for a summit of regional leadersSecretary of State Antony Blinken will make his 19th trip in office to Asia this week when he leads the U.S. delegation to a meeting of East Asian leaders in Laos.
Takeaways from AP's report on warning signs about suspect in apparent Trump assassination attempt
Read full article: Takeaways from AP's report on warning signs about suspect in apparent Trump assassination attemptChelsea Walsh was in Kyiv as a nurse and aid worker in the early days of the war in Ukraine.
Americans can now renew passports online and bypass cumbersome paper applications
Read full article: Americans can now renew passports online and bypass cumbersome paper applicationsAmericans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays.
US cites Egypt's help in Gaza as Washington sends full military aid despite human rights concerns
Read full article: US cites Egypt's help in Gaza as Washington sends full military aid despite human rights concernsThe Biden administration is sending Egypt its full $1.3 billion allocation of military aid.
Biden adviser meets with Qatari leaders to discuss Israel-Hamas negotiations
Read full article: Biden adviser meets with Qatari leaders to discuss Israel-Hamas negotiationsPresident Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser on Tuesday held talks in Doha with senior Qatari leaders on the ongoing efforts to complete a cease-fire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
US approves $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel amid threat of wider Middle East war
Read full article: US approves $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel amid threat of wider Middle East warThe U.S. has approved $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, including scores of fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles.
Ukraine's foreign minister in Hong Kong calls on officials to stop Russia from evading sanctions
Read full article: Ukraine's foreign minister in Hong Kong calls on officials to stop Russia from evading sanctionsUkraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called on Hong Kong to prevent Russia and Russian businesses from using the region to circumvent sanctions.
Heading to Asia, Blinken aims to shore up Indo-Pacific ties and stress US commitment to the region
Read full article: Heading to Asia, Blinken aims to shore up Indo-Pacific ties and stress US commitment to the regionSecretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Asia this week on an eight-day trip aimed at shoring up ties with Indo-Pacific allies and partners but with the priority of assuring them that the United States remains committed to the region.
The Supreme Court rules against California woman whose husband was denied entry to US
Read full article: The Supreme Court rules against California woman whose husband was denied entry to USThe Supreme Court has ruled against a California woman who said her rights were violated after federal officials refused to allow her husband into the country, in part, because of the way his tattoos were interpreted.
US approves new $360 million arms sale to Taiwan for drones, related equipment
Read full article: US approves new $360 million arms sale to Taiwan for drones, related equipmentThe Biden administration has approved a new $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, sending the island hundreds of armed drones, missile equipment and related support material.
The US lifts a ban on sending weapons to a controversial Ukrainian military unit
Read full article: The US lifts a ban on sending weapons to a controversial Ukrainian military unitThe United States has lifted a ban on providing American weapons and training to a controversial Ukrainian military unit that was key to the defense of the major port city of Mariupol.
EU reprimands Kosovo's move to close down Serb bank branches over the use of the dinar currency
Read full article: EU reprimands Kosovo's move to close down Serb bank branches over the use of the dinar currencyThe European Union has reprimanded Kosovo over the unilateral closure of six branches of a Serbia-licensed bank.
State Department removes Cuba from short list of countries deemed uncooperative on counterterrorism
Read full article: State Department removes Cuba from short list of countries deemed uncooperative on counterterrorismSecretary of State Antony Blinken has removed Cuba from the State Department's short list of countries deemed as not cooperating as much as they could in counterterrorism efforts.
As Blinken heads to China, these are the major divides he will try to bridge
Read full article: As Blinken heads to China, these are the major divides he will try to bridgeSecretary of State Antony Blinken is starting three days of talks with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing this week.
The US is expected to block aid to an Israeli military unit. What is Leahy law that it would cite?
Read full article: The US is expected to block aid to an Israeli military unit. What is Leahy law that it would cite?Israel expects its top ally, the United States, to announce that it’s blocking military aid to an Israeli army unit over gross human rights abuses in the Israeli-occupied West Bank before the war in Gaza began six months ago.
Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel
Read full article: Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keelSecretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on a range of issue, from the Middle East to opioids.
Jill Biden says an agreement to let federal employee military spouses work from overseas is overdue
Read full article: Jill Biden says an agreement to let federal employee military spouses work from overseas is overdueJill Biden says allowing federal employee military spouses to work from overseas is a “national security imperative” that's long overdue.
Michael Tilson Thomas to lead New York Philharmonic opening subscription program
Read full article: Michael Tilson Thomas to lead New York Philharmonic opening subscription programMichael Tilson Thomas is to conduct the opening subscription program of the New York Philharmonic season, three years after the conductor announced he was treated for a brain tumor.
New study finds no brain injuries among 'Havana syndrome' patients
Read full article: New study finds no brain injuries among 'Havana syndrome' patientsAn array of advanced tests found no brain injuries or degeneration among U_S_ diplomats who suffer mysterious health problems once dubbed “Havana syndrome.”.
Poland's foreign minister says the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is 'not unthinkable'
Read full article: Poland's foreign minister says the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is 'not unthinkable'Poland’s foreign minister says the presence of NATO forces “is not unthinkable” and that he appreciates the French president for not ruling out that idea.
Senate Democrats push to require that Biden consult Congress on weapons sales to Israel
Read full article: Senate Democrats push to require that Biden consult Congress on weapons sales to IsraelSenate Democrats are pushing to prevent the Biden administration from bypassing Congress when approving weapons sales to Israel as the Jewish state's war against Hamas comes under increasing scrutiny.
Biden sanctions Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians and peace activists in West Bank
Read full article: Biden sanctions Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians and peace activists in West BankPresident Joe Biden has issued an executive order that targets Israeli settlers in the West Bank who've been accused of attacking Palestinians and Israeli peace activists in the occupied territory.
Top US diplomat set to return to the Mideast for 5th time since Gaza conflict began
Read full article: Top US diplomat set to return to the Mideast for 5th time since Gaza conflict beganSecretary of State Antony Blinken will return to the Middle East later this week on his fifth urgent diplomatic mission to the region since Israel's war with Hamas began in October.
US approves F-16 fighter jet sale to Turkey, F-35s to Greece after Turkey OKs Sweden's entry to NATO
Read full article: US approves F-16 fighter jet sale to Turkey, F-35s to Greece after Turkey OKs Sweden's entry to NATOThe Biden administration has approved the sale of F-16 fighters jets to Turkey following the Turkish government's ratification this week of Sweden's membership in NATO.
US again renews protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top aide over Iran threats
Read full article: US again renews protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top aide over Iran threatsThe Biden administration has once again renewed taxpayer-funded protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and one of his top aides, who have been the target of persistent threats from Iran.
The Biden administration once again bypasses Congress on an emergency weapons sale to Israel
Read full article: The Biden administration once again bypasses Congress on an emergency weapons sale to IsraelFor the second time this month, the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel.
Americans beg for help getting family out of Gaza. "I just want to see my mother again,' a son says
Read full article: Americans beg for help getting family out of Gaza. "I just want to see my mother again,' a son saysThe State Department says some 300 U.S. citizens, green-card holders or close family members are trapped in Gaza by the fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.
The State Department approves the sale of tank ammunition to Israel in a deal that bypasses Congress
Read full article: The State Department approves the sale of tank ammunition to Israel in a deal that bypasses CongressGoing around Congress, the Biden administration says it's approved the emergency sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million as Israel intensifies its military operations in the southern Gaza Strip.
In a rare action against Israel, US says extremist West Bank settlers will be barred from America
Read full article: In a rare action against Israel, US says extremist West Bank settlers will be barred from AmericaIn a rare punitive move against Israel, the State Department says it will impose travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in a rash of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Dissent over US policy in the Israel-Hamas war stirs unusual public protests from federal employees
Read full article: Dissent over US policy in the Israel-Hamas war stirs unusual public protests from federal employeesPresident Joe Biden and Congress are facing some unusually public challenges over their support for Israel’s offensive against Hamas.
US and South Korea close ranks on common global issues during Blinken visit
Read full article: US and South Korea close ranks on common global issues during Blinken visitThe United States and South Korea closed ranks behind common approaches to North Korea, Russia and China, vowing to continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and boosting humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza caught in Israel’s war against Hamas.
China believes the path to a Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco in November won't be 'smooth sailing'
Read full article: China believes the path to a Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco in November won't be 'smooth sailing'China’s foreign minister says the road to an expected meeting between President Xi Jinping and U_S_ President Joe Biden would not be “smooth sailing."
840,000 Afghans who've applied for key US resettlement program still in Afghanistan, report says
Read full article: 840,000 Afghans who've applied for key US resettlement program still in Afghanistan, report saysMore than 840,000 Afghans and their families who applied for a resettlement program aimed at people who helped the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan are still there waiting.
US approves new $500M arms sale to Taiwan as tension from China intensifies
Read full article: US approves new $500M arms sale to Taiwan as tension from China intensifiesThe Biden administration has approved a new $500 million arms sale to Taiwan as it ramps up military assistance to the island despite fervent objections from China.
Texas' floating barrier to stop migrants draws recurring concerns from Mexico, US official says
Read full article: Texas' floating barrier to stop migrants draws recurring concerns from Mexico, US official saysA State Department official says Mexico’s government has raised repeated concerns with the U.S. about large buoys Texas put on the Rio Grande to deter migrants.
Blinken heads to Tonga, New Zealand, Australia as US shifts Indo-Pacific strategy into overdrive
Read full article: Blinken heads to Tonga, New Zealand, Australia as US shifts Indo-Pacific strategy into overdriveSecretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Tonga, New Zealand and Australia next week as the Biden administration shifts its Indo-Pacific strategy into overdrive in part to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
State Department sanctions 2 former Salvadoran leaders, dozens of officials in Central America
Read full article: State Department sanctions 2 former Salvadoran leaders, dozens of officials in Central AmericaThe State Department says it's imposing sanctions on two former Salvadoran presidents and dozens of other officials and judges in Central America.
Did US deviate from usual sanctions after China balloon incursion? GOP chairman subpoenas documents
Read full article: Did US deviate from usual sanctions after China balloon incursion? GOP chairman subpoenas documentsThe House Foreign Affairs chairman has subpoenaed the State Department for classified documents that could indicate whether the U.S. deviated from its plans for sanctioning China after a Chinese surveillance balloon crossed over sensitive military sites across North America.
Congress demands info on security clearance suspension of Iran envoy
Read full article: Congress demands info on security clearance suspension of Iran envoyThe chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is demanding that the State Department produce more information about the suspension of the U.S. special envoy for Iran's security clearance.
Biden defends calling Chinese leader Xi a 'dictator' and says he still expects to meet with him
Read full article: Biden defends calling Chinese leader Xi a 'dictator' and says he still expects to meet with himPresident Joe Biden is defending his harsh public comments on China, including calling President Xi Jinping a dictator.
US, China remain at odds on numerous issues as Blinken finishes first day of meetings in Beijing
Read full article: US, China remain at odds on numerous issues as Blinken finishes first day of meetings in BeijingU.S. and Chinese officials say the United States and China have failed to overcome their most serious disagreements but were able to discuss them in a potentially constructive way and have agreed to continue talks.
Blinken stresses need for better US-Chinese communications as he heads to Beijing
Read full article: Blinken stresses need for better US-Chinese communications as he heads to BeijingShortly before setting out for Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and China establishing better lines of communication.
US sending $325 million package of military aid to Ukraine
Read full article: US sending $325 million package of military aid to UkraineThe State Department says the U.S. will deliver a new package of military aid to Ukraine, that totals up to $325 million, and will include a wide range of rockets, missiles and other munitions aimed at bolstering the counteroffensive against Russia that is in its early stages.
US aims to rejoin UN scientific and educational organization to push back on China
Read full article: US aims to rejoin UN scientific and educational organization to push back on ChinaThe Biden administration says the U.S. will rejoin the U.N.'s educational and scientific organization after a five-year absence that began while Donald Trump was president.
Blinken to travel to China next week, carrying out trip postponed after spy balloon incident
Read full article: Blinken to travel to China next week, carrying out trip postponed after spy balloon incidentSecretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to travel to China this month as the Biden administration pushes to improve badly deteriorated ties with the Chinese.
US retaliates for Russia's suspension of New START treaty by revoking visas of nuclear inspectors
Read full article: US retaliates for Russia's suspension of New START treaty by revoking visas of nuclear inspectorsThe Biden administration is retaliating for Russia’s suspension of the New START nuclear treaty.
GOP pauses Blinken contempt push after gaining access to classified Afghanistan cable
Read full article: GOP pauses Blinken contempt push after gaining access to classified Afghanistan cableThe chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee says he is pausing an effort to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress now that the State Department is letting him view a redacted classified cable from U.S. diplomats in Kabul sent shortly before the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
House GOP lawmaker readies contempt charge over Afghanistan dissent cable
Read full article: House GOP lawmaker readies contempt charge over Afghanistan dissent cableThe Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is threatening to push forward a legislative effort to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress next week.
UN envoy says Sudan's warring sides agree to negotiate
Read full article: UN envoy says Sudan's warring sides agree to negotiateThe United Nations’ top official in Sudan says the country's warring generals have agreed to send representatives for negotiations, which could potentially take place in Saudi Arabia.
As battle for Sudan continues, civilian deaths top 400
Read full article: As battle for Sudan continues, civilian deaths top 400Gunfire and heavy artillery fire has persisted in parts of Sudan’s capital Khartoum, residents said, despite the extension of a cease-fire between the country’s two top generals, whose battle for power has killed hundreds and sent thousands fleeing for their lives.
Biden review of chaotic Afghan withdrawal blames Trump
Read full article: Biden review of chaotic Afghan withdrawal blames TrumpPresident Joe Biden’s administration is laying the blame on his predecessor, President Donald Trump, for the deadly and chaotic 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan that brought about some of the darkest moments of Biden’s presidency.
Blinken: Russia must immediately free 2 detained Americans
Read full article: Blinken: Russia must immediately free 2 detained AmericansThe State Department says Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged his Russian counterpart, in a rare phone call between the diplomats since the Ukraine war, to immediately release a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained last week as well as another imprisoned American, Paul Whelan.
Jet pitched wildly, killing 1, amid cockpit warnings: NTSB
Read full article: Jet pitched wildly, killing 1, amid cockpit warnings: NTSBA report says a business jet flying over New England violently pitched upward then downward — fatally injuring a passenger — after pilots responding to automated cockpit warnings switched off a system that helps keep the aircraft stable.
Blinken heads to Asia, with China, Russia tensions soaring
Read full article: Blinken heads to Asia, with China, Russia tensions soaringSecretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Central and South Asia next week for international talks that will put him in the same room as his Chinese and Russian counterparts.
Blinken headed to Mideast as US alarm over violence grows
Read full article: Blinken headed to Mideast as US alarm over violence growsSecretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Egypt, Israel and the West Bank this weekend amid a sharp spike in Israeli-Palestinian violence that has alarmed the Biden administration.
US citizens get chance to play role in resettling refugees
Read full article: US citizens get chance to play role in resettling refugeesA government program launched Thursday is giving American citizens the chance to play a role in resettling the thousands of refugees who arrive every year in the United States.
US extends protection for ex-Trump aides from Iran threats
Read full article: US extends protection for ex-Trump aides from Iran threatsThe Biden administration has again extended government protection to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and one of his top Iran aides due to persistent threats against them from Iran.
Biden faces Israel quandary with new Netanyahu government
Read full article: Biden faces Israel quandary with new Netanyahu governmentIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government is vexing the Biden administration as it embarks on policies that U.S. officials fear will run counter to longstanding American goals.
US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
Read full article: US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter ChinaThe Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to open a U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the Pacific.
Paul Pelosi attack: Suspect enters not-guilty plea
Read full article: Paul Pelosi attack: Suspect enters not-guilty pleaThe man who allegedly broke into U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home and beat her 82-year-old husband in October has pleaded not guilty to six charges, including attempted murder.
US OKs $1B arms sale to Qatar during key World Cup match
Read full article: US OKs $1B arms sale to Qatar during key World Cup matchThe Biden administration has approved a $1 billion arms sale to Qatar in a transaction unveiled during halftime of the key World Cup 2022 match in Doha between Iran and the United States.
US says Iran threats to ex-officials Pompeo, Hook persist
Read full article: US says Iran threats to ex-officials Pompeo, Hook persistThe Biden administration has determined that Iranian threats against former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and one of his former top aides remain credible and persist.
US offers up to $5 million for info on North Korean shipper
Read full article: US offers up to $5 million for info on North Korean shipperThe Biden administration is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information about a Singapore-based businessman already accused by the Justice Department of facilitating fuel shipments to North Korea in violation of U.N. sanctions.
US military now doing onsite weapons inspections in Ukraine
Read full article: US military now doing onsite weapons inspections in UkraineA senior U.S. defense official says a small number of U.S. military forces inside Ukraine have recently begun doing onsite inspections to ensure that Ukrainian troops are properly accounting for the Western-provided weapons they receive.
US to send Ukraine additional $275 million in military aid
Read full article: US to send Ukraine additional $275 million in military aidU.S. officials say the Pentagon is sending Ukraine a new $275 million package of weapons and other aid, in a move to bolster the effort to drive Russian forces out of key areas in the south as the winter closes in.
Ethiopians get temporary status in the US amid war at home
Read full article: Ethiopians get temporary status in the US amid war at homeThe Biden administration says Ethiopians already in the United States could remain for 18 months amid a war in Ethiopia’s north that pits federal troops and their allies against Tigray’s rebellious leaders.
Social Security now allows individuals to self-select gender
Read full article: Social Security now allows individuals to self-select genderIndividuals will be allowed to make sure their records with the Social Security Administration align with their gender identity under a plan announced Wednesday.
Senator's human rights objections block some US aid to Egypt
Read full article: Senator's human rights objections block some US aid to EgyptA veteran senator's objections over Egypt's human rights record have trimmed a symbolically significant $75 million off annual U.S. military aid to that country.
Biden uses $130M in frozen Egypt aid to help Pacific Islands
Read full article: Biden uses $130M in frozen Egypt aid to help Pacific IslandsThe Biden administration will pay for $130 million in new climate initiatives for Pacific Island nations by reallocating money that originally been earmarked for military assistance for Egypt.
US hits more Russians with sanctions over Ukraine
Read full article: US hits more Russians with sanctions over UkraineThe Biden administration is slapping sanctions on dozens of Russian and Ukrainian officials and a number of Russian companies for human rights abuses and the theft of Ukrainian grain.
US: Russia spent $300M to covertly influence world politics
Read full article: US: Russia spent $300M to covertly influence world politicsThe State Department says Russia has covertly spent more than $300 million since 2014 to try to influence politicians and other officials in more than two dozen countries.
US sanctions UAE, Hong Kong firms that ship Iranian oil
Read full article: US sanctions UAE, Hong Kong firms that ship Iranian oilThe U.S. has sanctioned a United Arab Emirates-based firm and several Asian companies for facilitating the illicit sale of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil for shipment to East Asia.
Slain journalist's family: No help from US for a full probe
Read full article: Slain journalist's family: No help from US for a full probeA relative of slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh says the Biden administration’s top diplomat has refused her face-to-face appeal to push for a full U.S. investigation into the killing of the veteran television correspondent.
Treasury sanctions Iranian petrochemical firms tied to Asia
Read full article: Treasury sanctions Iranian petrochemical firms tied to AsiaThe Treasury Department said Wednesday that it has sanctioned a group of front companies and individuals tied to the sale and shipment of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products to East Asia.
Envoy: Iran-US nuclear talks in Qatar end without 'progress'
Read full article: Envoy: Iran-US nuclear talks in Qatar end without 'progress'Indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. over Tehran’s tattered nuclear deal with world powers have ended in Qatar after failing to make significant progress.
Afghan aid auditor accuses State, USAID of withholding info
Read full article: Afghan aid auditor accuses State, USAID of withholding infoThe independent watchdog for U.S. assistance to Afghanistan is accusing the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development of illegally withholding information about the American withdrawal from the country.
GAO: US failed to track if arms used against Yemen civilians
Read full article: GAO: US failed to track if arms used against Yemen civiliansA government report says the Pentagon and the State Department failed to investigate whether a Saudi-led coalition used arms bought from U.S. suppliers in attacks alleged to have killed civilians in Yemen.
South Korea says North completed prep for new nuclear test
Read full article: South Korea says North completed prep for new nuclear testSouth Korea’s top diplomat says North Korea has completed preparations for a new nuclear test and only a political decision by the country’s top leadership can prevent it from going forward.
State Department officials meet with Griner's WNBA team
Read full article: State Department officials meet with Griner's WNBA teamState Department officials have met with representatives of Brittney Griner’s WNBA team about the Phoenix Mercury star’s monthslong detention in Russia and the Biden administration’s efforts to secure her release.