Al Monitor
Monday, December 1, 2014 - 06:28
Congressional leaders return from Thanksgiving recess on Dec. 1 determined to pass a long-term spending bill — effective through the end of September 2015 — by Dec. 11, despite pressure from some Republicans to punt until the new GOP-controlled Senate takes over in January.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 - 09:38
Lawmakers are debating whether to give the Obama administration the power to sidestep legal obstacles to the $1.3 billion annual aid package.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 - 11:33
The Iraqi army includes “ghost” soldiers, a purely Iraqi term used to describe members whose names are registered in the wages and salaries lists, but who are not actually present in the military ranks. Their wages go to leaders who cover for their absence.
Monday, November 10, 2014 - 06:58
When you enter any gendarmerie post, Turkey’s paramilitary rural police force in 81 provinces and 957 towns, the first slogan on the wall is always Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s words: “The Turkish gendarmerie is an army of law.” The gendarmerie, with its 175-year history, has a current strength of about 190,000 (31 generals; 28,000 officers and noncommissioned officers; 40,000 professional specialist sergeants; 3,500 civilian workers/clerks and 117,000 conscripts). It is responsible for 80% of Turkey’s territory. With its commando brigades, air elements, special forces battalions and van-based corps, which is Turkey’s key unit for dealing with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the Gendarmerie Command is a fully-fledged military machine.
Thursday, September 18, 2014 - 06:14
The Obama administration fleshed out its goals for US-trained Syrian rebels on Sept. 16, prompting bipartisan concerns even among some of the opposition fighters' biggest supporters on Capitol Hill.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014 - 08:10
Congress wants to clamp down on leftover military equipment going to local police departments, but what will happen to all that surplus gear?
Monday, August 11, 2014 - 06:55
In the battle for influence in the Middle East, Israel retains one unrivaled weapon in its arsenal: American voters. While other nations spend millions hiring high-priced lobbyists, Israel can rely on a grass-roots army of thousands of supporters to achieve its priorities
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 07:58
A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 21
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 07:56
Jordan's decision to stop training Syrian rebels on its soil indicates a shift to neutrality as the kingdom prioritizes its security interests.
Thursday, July 3, 2014 - 10:49
Jordanian officials say they can thwart any jihadist advance from Iraq.