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Ukraine Tensions Reignite Russian-Turkish Battle over Waterway

Russia is continuing to build up its naval presence in the Black Sea, and The Sunday Times newspaper, quoting British naval sources, said Britain is also deploying two warships to beef up NATO’s presence, as tensions over Ukraine escalate. Access to the Black Sea is through Turkey’s Bosphorus and Dardanelles …

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Bigger Than 2014: US Calls Out Russian Military Buildup Along Ukraine Border

The United States renewed concerns about Russian military maneuvers along its border with Ukraine, charging that Moscow has now massed more troops in the area than when it invaded and seized Crimea seven years ago. “It is certainly bigger than that,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters Monday, calling …

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Erdogan is MENA’s most popular leader, Arab Barometer finds

Turkey’s promotion of cultural heritage, including through its tourism and entertainment sectors, is one reason for Erdogan’s popularity. However, the perception of the Ottoman legacy is gradually shifting from one of praise to one of condemnation toward Turkish policies. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains MENA’s most popular leader, according …

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Afghanistan war cost more than $2T and 240,000 lives, report finds

When you add up the cost of Defense and State Department funds sunk into Operations Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support, then throw in the cost of caring for the conflicts’ veterans and the interest on the money borrowed to cover it all, you’re looking at over $2 trillion, according to …

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Afghan towns brace for economic and security upheaval as US bases prepare to close

Over the last 20 years, Bagram and other towns in Afghanistan became dependent on the sprawling U.S. military bases nearby for their economy and their security. In a few months, they may not have much of either. The flow of discarded goods from Bagram Airfield slowed to a trickle last …

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No Guarantees on Afghanistan After Troop Pullout, Says Top Biden Aide

No one can say with any certainty what will happen in Afghanistan once U.S. President Joe Biden withdraws the remaining 2,500 to 3,500 U.S. troops by September 11 to end the country’s longest war, a top White House official said Sunday. “I can’t make any guarantees about what will happen …

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US can build military facilities in Norway under new defense cooperation pact

The U.S. and Norway signed a revised defense cooperation agreement Friday that will allow the Americans to build facilities at three airfields and one naval base in the country. The agreement comes amid continuing concerns of Russian military activities along NATO’s borders, including in the Arctic region. Facilities will be …

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Afghanistan withdrawal plan could involve small troop surge

The Pentagon is pulling out its old Afghanistan drawdown plans and reworking them for a Sept. 11 deadline, per President Joe Biden’s announcement of the end of Operation Resolute Support on Wednesday. The 2,500 troops deployed to that country may see some back-up arriving to help with removing equipment, shutting …

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Turkey ‘neutralizes’ 9 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

Air operation carried out in Metina region, says National Defense Ministry Turkish security forces “neutralized” nine PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, Turkey’s National Defense Ministry said on Monday. The terrorists were neutralized in an air operation in the Metina region, the ministry said on Twitter, also sharing footage of the …

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Europe Is Losing Patience With Erdogan’s Islamist Rhetoric

As a terrorist attack was unfolding late Monday night in Vienna, where four people were killed and 22 others injured in a shooting rampage on crowded bars, speculation about the culprit, unsurprisingly, was rife on social media. Many of those offering theories were quick to accuse Turkish President Recep Tayyip …

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