USA

Progressives divided over Biden’s expected pick for Pentagon chief

Michele Flournoy's stated openness to curtailing offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may have reduced opposition from progressive Democrats

Jared Szuba | | Nov 25, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden (C) introduces key foreign policy and national security nominees and appointments at the Queen Theater, Wilmington, Delaware, Nov. 24, 2020. Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images.

US sanctions Libyan militia, leader loyal to Hifter

The US Treasury Department blacklisted the Kaniyat militia and Mohamed al-Kani over alleged human rights abuses.

Al-Monitor Staff | Sanctions | Nov 25, 2020

Biden’s new secretary of state ready to take on the Middle East

Antony Blinken, President-elect Joe Biden's choice to lead the State Department, has worked alongside Biden for nearly two decades.

Elizabeth Hagedorn | | Nov 23, 2020

Intel: Senators move to block US F-35, drone sale to UAE

A bipartisan group of US senators say they received no reply from the Pentagon or State Department after inquiring last month about implications of the sale of advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates.

Jared Szuba | | Nov 19, 2020

The Takeaway: Iran’s mixed messages include diplomatic opening for Biden

Iran escalates tensions in Trump’s final days, while Zarif opens window to diplomacy; Israel, Palestinians, Gulf ready themselves for Biden; Woman coaches Egyptian men’s soccer team; More mummies in Egypt!

Andrew Parasiliti | Iran-US tensions | Nov 18, 2020