Trump’s Germany Troop Cuts Show Limits of NATO Efforts to Keep US on Board
European officials have been working on ways to convince Donald Trump to keep the United States in NATO despite severe tensions over the Iran war. But his abrupt move to cut US forces in Germany is the latest sign that such efforts have their limits and are far from certain to succeed. The substanc»»»
Germany’s Merz Marks a Year in Office Facing Deep Transatlantic Crisis
Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks a year in office this week facing the biggest crisis with Washington in decades, after President Donald Trump said he would hit European auto imports with 25% tariffs and pull thousands of troops out of Germany. The moves, announced on Friday after Trump reacted angr»»»
On This Day, May 5: Thailand crowns 1st new king in nearly 7 decades - UPI.com
On May 5, 2019, Thailand officially crowned a new king for the first time in nearly seven decades -- Maha Vajiralongkorn. 1 of 7 | On May 5, 2019, Thailand officially crowned a new king for the first time in nearly seven decades -- Maha Vajiralongkorn, pictured in 2016 File Photo by Rungroj Yongrit»»»
Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail and pharmacies
WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court on Monday restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a lower-court ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortions are provided across the nation. The order signed by Justice Samuel Alito temporarily allows women seeking aborti»»»
White House considers government reviews for AI models, NYT reports
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is considering the introduction of government oversight over new models of artificial intelligence, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing officials briefed on the deliberations. The US government is discussing an executive order to create an AI working»»»
Merz confirms Germany will not receive Tomahawk missiles anytime soon
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed that the US will not station Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles in Germany in the foreseeable future. He insisted that the suspension had nothing to do with his row with President Donald Trump but was rather caused by inadequate stockpiles. Merz made the rem»»»
Cannabis reclassification removes some hurdles for industry - UPI.com
The Trump administration reclassified cannabis as a Schedule III which could lift some barriers for research. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo May 4 (UPI) -- The reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule III substance is meant to remove barriers for researchers but its effects cou»»»
NATO split widens as Trump plans to withdraw troops from Germany
The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, with US President Donald Trump warning that the pullout could only be the beginning. The move comes amid a sharp divide between the Trump administration and European NATO members over the Iran war, Washington’s call»»»
Former New York mayor Giuliani hospitalized in ‘critical’ condition: spokesman
WASHINGTON: Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is hospitalized in “critical but stable condition,” his spokesman said Sunday, without disclosing what ails the 81-year-old former politician.“Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fig»»»
Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani hospitalised in critical condition
New York: Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is hospitalised in critical but stable condition, his spokesperson said Sunday, days after the Republican hoarsely told his talk show audience that his voice was "a little under the weather." The spokesperson, Ted Goodman, didn't say what sent G»»»
Ex-NYC mayor, Trump ally Rudy Giuliani in critical condition - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is interviewed on the floor of the 2024 Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 16, 2024. Giuliani has been hospitalized in critical condition, his spokesman said Sunday. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo M»»»
Germany’s Merz says not ‘giving up on working with Donald Trump’
BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday he would not give up on working with US President Donald Trump, despite a spat between the leaders over the war in Iran. “I am not giving up on working on the transatlantic relationship,” Merz told public broadcaster ARD in an interview set to ai»»»
Germany’s Merz says not ‘giving up on working with Donald Trump’
BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday he would not give up on working with US President Donald Trump, despite a spat between the leaders over the war in Iran. “I am not giving up on working on the transatlantic relationship,” Merz told public broadcaster ARD in an interview set to ai»»»
On This Day, May 3: 1999 tornado outbreak kills dozens in Plains states - UPI.com
On May 3, 1999, 76 tornadoes tore across the U.S. Plains states, killing about 50 people and injuring hundreds. 1 of 6 | Mark Chase (R) and Jeff Morrison watch as a backhoe takes down the remains of Morrison's father's home in Moore, Okla., on May 7, 1999, four days after a tornado outbreak killed »»»
Germany says US troop drawdown should spur Europe, but top Republicans worried
BERLIN: A planned drawdown of 5,000 US troops from Germany should spur Europe to strengthen its own defenses, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, but two top US Republican lawmakers expressed concern, saying the troops should not leave Europe. The Pentagon announced the drawd»»»
Here’s why Iran is sovereign and Germany is not
Sovereignty, as defined in international law, is both crucial and complex. In the real shark-pool world of geopolitics, it is not hard to spot: if you have the ability to rule at home and resist attack from outside (any outside), then you are sovereign. Otherwise not. No exceptions. That’s why Iran»»»
U.S. warns European allies of weapons delivery delays - UPI.com
With U.S. munitions stockpiles reportedly lower than military leaders would like, the Pentagon has started warning allies that increased delays in weapons system deliveries -- ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS -- are on the horizon in coming months. File Photo by K»»»
US court halts mail delivery of abortion pill nationwide
Washington: A US appeals court on Friday temporarily halted mail delivery of mifepristone, the medication used in the majority of abortions in the United States, although a company distributing the drug said it would appeal the ruling in the Supreme Court. A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Cou»»»
US Border Wall Construction Threatens Endangered Wolves, Conservationists Say
For the first time in decades, a radio-collared endangered Mexican wolf crossed from the US into Mexico last week in New Mexico, a federal official said on Friday, but environmental groups warn the animal may never return due to US border wall construction. The male wolf crossed into Chihuahua, Mex»»»
US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say
WASHINGTON: The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe. Trump had threatened a drawdown in forces earlier this week after sparring with German Chancellor Friedr»»»
US judge protects Yemeni refugees, slams Trump administration’s push to end special status
NEW YORK: A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from forcing about 3,000 Yemeni refugees to leave the US, ruling that Temporary Protected Status repeatedly granted to them and due to expire Monday should be extended again. Judge Dale E. Ho in Manhattan extended the status tempo»»»
Top AI companies agree to work with Pentagon on secret data
Seven leading artificial intelligence companies have reached deals to deploy their technology in classified Pentagon computer networks, the Defense Department said Friday. “Together, the War Department and these strategic partners share the conviction that American leadership in AI is indispensable»»»
Trump lifts whiskey tariff after visit from King Charles III - UPI.com
President Donald Trump dropped tariffs on whiskey coming out of the United Kingdom -- scotch, in particular -- after King Charles and Queen Camilla concluded their trip to the United States this week. File Photo by Billie Jean Shaw/UPI April 30 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday lifted tar»»»
Trump congratulates Iraq's al-Zaidi after Maliki bid collapses
US President Donald Trump congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination on April 30, OKAZ reported, ending a four-month standoff in which Washington derailed the candidacy of former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki under threat of sweeping sanctions on Iraq. »»»
Trump gives go-ahead to major new Canada-US oil pipeline
FORT COLLINS, Colorado: President Donald Trump granted a key approval Thursday for a major new oil pipeline from Canada into the US that’s been dubbed “Keystone Light” over its similarities to a contentious project blocked by the Biden administration. The three-foot-wide Bridger Pipeline Expansion »»»
Trump lifts whiskey tariff after visit from King Charles III - UPI.com
President Donald Trump dropped tariffs on whiskey coming out of the United Kingdom -- scotch, in particular -- after King Charles and Queen Camilla concluded their trip to the United States this week. File Photo by Billie Jean Shaw/UPI April 30 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday lifted tar»»»
Trump gives go-ahead to major new Canada-US oil pipeline
FORT COLLINS, Colorado: President Donald Trump granted a key approval Thursday for a major new oil pipeline from Canada into the U.S. that’s been dubbed “Keystone Light” over its similarities to a contentious project blocked by the Biden administration. The three-foot-wide (1 meter) Bridger Pipelin»»»
US officials say Lebanon ceasefire not collapsing
Trump administration officials have said that the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is not collapsing, despite the growing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. "Hezbollah is not a party to the ceasefire, and is trying to derail it," one of the officials told U.S. news portal Ax»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
BALKAN BLOG: Wave of Trump-linked Balkan investments sparks transparency concerns
A wave of multi-billion-dollar agreements between the United States and countries in the Western Balkans is reshaping the region’s energy and investment landscape, combining strategic geopolitical goals with an expanding footprint by companies linked to US President Donald Trump and his associates.»»»
How China captured the Gulf while Washington forgot to send an ambassador
There is a useful diagnostic for the state of an empire: count its ambassadors. In April 2026, more than 15 months into the second Trump administration, the United States has no Senate-confirmed ambassador in Riyadh, none in Doha, and none in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi post is occupied by a chargée d'aff»»»
Trump tells Netanyahu that Israel must limit strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon
US President Donald Trump has told American media outlet Axios that he instructed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit military operations in Lebanon to surgical strikes against Hezbollah. The Isra»»»
Trump tells Netanyahu that Israel must limit strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon
US President Donald Trump has told American media outlet Axios that he instructed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit military operations in Lebanon to surgical strikes against Hezbollah. The Isra»»»
Trump tells Netanyahu that Israel must limit strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon
US President Donald Trump has told American media outlet Axios that he instructed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit military operations in Lebanon to surgical strikes against Hezbollah. The Isra»»»
Trump told Netanyahu to only carry out 'surgical' Lebanon strikes, Axios reports
US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios on Wednesday that he has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel should only take “surgical” military action in Lebanon and avoid a full resumption of the war. In telephoned statements to Axios Trump said:»»»
Trump says he is weighing reducing American troop presence in Germany after Iran feud
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday leveled a new threat against NATO ally Germany, suggesting he could soon reduce the US military presence there as he continues to feud with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S-Israel war against Iran. Trump made the threat after Merz earlier this w»»»
Trump tells Israel PM only “surgical” Lebanon strikes as ceasefire falters – Ya Libnan
Share: An Israeli strike on Choukîne, Lebanon, on Sunday April 26 . Photo: AFP via Getty President Trump told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel should only take “surgical” military action in Lebanon and avoid a full resumption of the war, Trump told Axios in a phone interview. Why it ma»»»
Afghan convicted of conspiracy in deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport during US withdrawal
VIRGINIA, USA: An alleged Daesh group militant was convicted on Wednesday of a conspiracy charge in a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul airport during the US military’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Mohammad Sharifullah faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years after his one-count »»»
Biden’s Deputy Secretary of State: Netanyahu Helped Create a Genocide in Gaza
US official who served as deputy secretary of state for much of former US president Joe Biden’s administration, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the perpetration of a genocide in Gaza. Speaking to Bloomberg’s The Mishal Husain Show, Wendy Sherman said, “I think tha»»»
Perspective - French makeup artist Audrey Lefèvre on working at the White House
A French makeup artist who has worked regularly at the White House, including at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner itself, has spoken to FRANCE 24 about her experience and the security surrounding the US president. Audrey Lefèvre has made up Presidents Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, a»»»
Pentagon can require reporters to be escorted during appeal process, judges rule
WASHINGTON: The Defense Department can require journalists to be escorted on Pentagon grounds while the Trump administration appeals a judge’s decision to block its enforcement of a press access policy challenged by The New York Times, an appeals court ruled Monday. The ruling by a divided three-ju»»»