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Opposition groups are currently debating the principles included by a group of Syrian politicians in exile in their initiative published under the title: A Syrian-Syrian Dialogue. The initiative aims at placing the momentum around the crisis in its current phase within a context that preserves the integrity of …

In July, a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) analyst, assigned to the US Central Command, filed a complaint with the Pentagon’s Inspector General, John T. Rymer, charging that he was put under pressure to modify intelligence assessments of the ongoing war against the Islamic State (ISIL), to present a …

Marcus Weisgerber For years, the Long Range Strike Bomber project has been shrouded in secrecy, likely at Area 51, the Air Force’s top-secret proving ground deep in the Nevada desert. Service leaders say little beyond that they plan to buy 80 and 100 aircraft for about $550 million …

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the only way to solve the crisis in Syria is to support the legitimate government headed by President Bashar Assad. The only way to solve the crisis in Syria is to support the legitimate government headed by President Bashar Assad, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. In …

US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday dismissed claims that Russia is arming itself to fight in Syria, saying that “the Russian weapons in Latakia airport on the Syrian coast are consistent with protecting their own forces.” Kerry also reiterated his call on Moscow to participate in efforts …

Dr Saleh Al-Naami Although no one knows the nature of the Jordanian response to the “assurances” made by the Israeli government to King Abdullah II on Thursday, and the renewal of its commitment to refrain from changing the status quo in Al-Aqsa, merely expressing such assurances reflects Israel’s …

By Bruce Riedel Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners are preparing for a major offensive to take Yemen’s capital from the Zaydi Houthi rebels this fall. If the battle becomes a house-to-house urban clash, it will have disastrous humanitarian consequences. If a cease-fire is not arranged, the battle …

China’s new J-31 fighter has raised speculation about the American-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The website Defense One compared the two fighter jets to see which one has the advantage; America or China?  China’s J-31 fighter jet design has a striking resemblance to the single-jet F-35. But according to the …

By James Dorsey Gleaming glass skyscrapers, state-of-the-art technology, and wealthy merchant families have replaced the Gulf’s muddy towns and villages populated by traders and pearl fishers that once lacked electricity, running water or modern communications. The region’s modern day projection of a visionary cutting- edge, 21st century urban …