State Department

Syria 3 days ago

Putin ‘promises’ to ask Assad for help in finding Austin Tice following letter from mother

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to ask former Syrian President Assad for help in obtaining information on American journalist Austin Tice after he was taken prisoner 12 years ago.

First Amendment 4 days ago

Spending bill to fund State Department agency accused of censoring, blacklisting Americans

A State Department agency is set to be refunded in the upcoming continuing resolution (CR) bill despite being panned by conservatives for its alleged blacklisting of Americans and news outlets.

Afghanistan 5 days ago

Republican demands info from State Department on delayed Afghanistan flights

A Republican congressman is disputing Secretary Antony Blinken’s insistence that the State Department did not block citizens from leaving Mazar-i-Sharif Airbase in Afghanistan during the frenzied withdrawal.

Syria 6 days ago

US warns Americans to flee Syria or prepare to 'shelter in place for extended periods'

The U.S. Embassy in Syria says Americans there should flee immediately or risk having to shelter in place for "extended periods" of time.

Ukraine December 12

Biden administration announces $500M aid package for Ukraine

Ukraine will receive another $500 million in military assistance from the United States to help move its stalled war against Russia, the State Department said.

World December 12

Top US ally, SDF commander in Syria warns of ISIS return if Turkish airstrikes don’t stop

Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, said the Turkish military continue to attack his Kurdish forces, despite a U.S. brokered ceasefire deal.

Afghanistan December 11

Mast blasts Blinken over 'tens of billions' of US taxpayer dollars sent to Taliban post-Afghanistan withdrawal

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was grilled by the incoming chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee on "billions" of U.S. dollars sent to Taliban.

Foreign Policy December 11

Biden admin extends $10B Iran sanctions waiver 2 days after Trump election win

The Biden administration has extended a sanctions waiver that allows Iran to access $10 billion in funds from Iraq – a move Republicans say frees up Iran to fund terrorism.

Trump Transition December 8

Trump names Alina Habba as counselor to the president; reveals several State Department picks

President-elect Trump announced several nominations and appointments on Sunday, including his attorney Alina Habba, who will serve as counselor to the president.

US December 8

Austin Tice: FBI renews push to find kidnapped American journalist in Syria

The family of Austin Tice, a former Marine turned journalist who was kidnapped by jihadist militants in 2012 while reporting in Syria, say he is still alive, citing a “significant source."