U.S., Iran Approach Showdown Over Oil Tankers Headed for Venezuela

Trump admin weighs war against enforcing ‘max pressure’ on Iran, Venezuela

Adam Kredo
May 22, 2020 4:59 PM

The United States "will not tolerate continued meddling" by Iran in Venezuelan affairs, a senior Trump administration official told the Washington Free Beacon, bringing nearer the possibility of a naval confrontation between the United States and Tehran over its shipment of oil to the heavily sanctioned Maduro regime.

New Legislation Would Block U.S. Purchase of Chinese-Made Drones

Bill comes amid growing concerns about Beijing’s spy operations

Adam Kredo
May 21, 2020 3:30 PM

New legislation introduced in Congress on Thursday would block federal funds from being used to purchase Chinese-made drones amid growing concerns this technology could allow Beijing to engage in espionage operations, according to a copy of the measure obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

Koch-Soros Think Tank Features Defender of Chinese Censorship

Kaiser Kuo has argued that censorship can save lives and that some societies aren’t ready for the right to freedom of association

Washington Free Beacon Staff
May 21, 2020 1:51 PM

A defender of Internet censorship with ties to one of China’s largest tech companies is moderating a panel Thursday at a new think tank funded by Charles Koch and George Soros.

Palestinian Authority Rejects Arab Aid That Landed in Israel

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas

Adam Kredo
May 21, 2020 12:24 PM

The Palestinian Authority is refusing 16 tons of coronavirus aid sent by the United Arab Emirates because it first landed in Israel.

U.S. to Pull Out of Open Skies Treaty, Citing Russian Violations

Reuters
May 21, 2020 11:39 AM

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States announced its intention to withdraw from the 35-nation Open Skies treaty that permits unarmed aerial surveillance flights over participating countries, saying Russia has repeatedly violated the pact’s terms.

Obama’s Man in China Now Beijing’s Man in Washington

Former ambassador Baucus appears regularly on Chinese propaganda outlets

Yuichiro Kakutani
May 21, 2020 5:00 AM

As the novel coronavirus wreaks havoc across the world, the Obama administration's ambassador to China has found a second lease on life as a pro-China talking head on regime propaganda outlets.

Trump Admin Sanctions Chinese Firm Aiding Iran’s Weapons Smuggling Network

Adam Kredo
May 19, 2020 12:30 PM

The Trump administration on Tuesday issued new sanctions on a Chinese firm that it says is providing critical services to Iran's Mahan Air, an airline that the United States has designated for terrorism due to its smuggling of weapons and terrorist fighters.

Iranian ‘Anti-Zionism’ Law Mandates Increased Support for ‘Palestinian Intifada’ Against Israel

Adam Kredo
May 18, 2020 1:08 PM

Iran’s parliament adopted a wide-ranging new “anti-Zionism” law that seeks to bolster support for Palestinian terror groups and other entities conducting terrorism against Israel.

Russia’s Canceled Victory Day Parade Means Putin Can’t Benefit From Show of Strength

Reuben F. Johnson
May 18, 2020 12:28 PM

Russia did not hold its annual May 9 Victory Day parade commemorating the war in Europe against Nazi Germany for the first time in 25 years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Russia analysts say this cancellation does not bode well for Russian president Vladimir Putin's poll numbers.

Congressional Republicans Clash With Trump Admin Over Lebanon Aid

Adam Kredo
May 15, 2020 4:30 PM

New legislation in Congress would block longstanding American aid to Lebanon over concerns the Iranian-backed terror organization Hezbollah is benefiting from the U.S. taxpayer dollars.

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