Russia launches biggest ever war games
(UPDATED) The week-long deployment dubbed 'Vostok-2018' is condemned by NATO as a rehearsal for 'large-scale conflict'
Tributes pour in for former UN chief, Nobel laureate Kofi Annan
(4th UPDATE) World leaders and organizations pay tribute to the former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
U.S. slaps sanctions on Turkey ministers as pastor row ramps up
The sanctions freeze any property or assets on US soil held by two Turkish ministers, and bar US citizens from doing business with them
The week in photos: July 7-13, 2018
This week's selection of photo highlights here and around the world
Trump piles pressure on NATO over defense spending
Trump set the scene for more tension at the meeting in Brussels, renewing his criticism of European allies – and of Germany in particular
Trump and Merkel clash at fraught NATO summit
(UPDATED) The meet in Brussels is shaping up as the alliance's most difficult in years, with Europe and the US engaged in a bitter trade spat and Trump demanding that NATO allies 'reimburse' Washington for the cost of defending the continent
Trump, at NATO summit, says Germany is 'captive' of Russia
'Germany is captive of Russia because it is getting so much of its energy from Russia,' Trump says, referring to Berlin's deal for the Nord Stream II gas pipeline
#ThewRap: Things you need to know, July 11, 2018
Hello! Here's a roundup of news you need to know this Wednesday.
Trump lashes out at NATO allies as he lands for tense summit
President Donald Trump vows not to be 'taken advantage' of by the European Union, which he accuses of freeloading by relying on the United States for its defense while blocking US imports into the bloc
Norway wants to double U.S. troops and deploy them closer to Russia
Since last year, 330 US Marines have been deployed on rotation at Vaernes in the center of Norway, despite loud protests from Russia
NATO, Russia to hold 1st talks since Skripal attack
NATO has vehemently criticized Moscow over the attack in March and has expelled 7 Russian diplomats as part of a coordinated international response
Colombia to become first Latin American NATO 'global partner'
In addition to Colombia, NATO lists Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand and Pakistan as 'global partners'
Trump-Merkel meeting set for April 27 – White House
After enjoying a close relationship with president Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has seen ties with Washington worsen under Donald Trump
NATO expels 7 Russian diplomats, denies accreditation to 3 more
'This will send a clear message to Russia that there are costs and consequences for their unacceptable pattern of behavior,' NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says
Estonia marks 100th anniversary of independence declaration
'The war of independence sent a clear message: anything is possible if a nation really wants it,' says General Riho Teras, Estonia's chief of staff
'Game changer': Afghan conflict to intensify in 2018
US aircraft dropped 4,361 munitions across Afghanistan in 2017 alone. They are deploying more troops and aircrafts to battle Islamist militants this year.
Angelina Jolie is working with NATO to combat sexual violence
'We are very clear that this effort must be about practical results that make a real difference on the ground in conflict-affected areas and in changing attitudes towards women globally,' says the actress
Under-fire Tillerson flies U.S. flag in skeptical Europe
The US secretary of state is working with one eye looking back over his shoulder to Washington, after leaked reports last week from Trump's White House suggested his own job was on the line
Tillerson meets EU, NATO leaders amid doubts on his future
His visit comes against a difficult backdrop – a rift with President Donald Trump has led to reports he could be replaced within weeks, calling into question his authority to speak for Washington
NATO takes 'disciplinary' action over Turkey 'enemy' insult
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the actions of the individual in question 'do not reflect the views of NATO'
Bulgarian pilots refuse to fly MiG-29s over safety concerns
Out of a fleet of 16, Bulgaria's air force currently has just seven aging MiG-29 aircraft in good flying order
NATO chief urges U.S., Turkey to 'find solutions' to row
'We are always ready to help, but I know there are direct contacts so I am certain Turkey and the United States are talking to each other directly and addressing some of this disputes,' NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says
U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis, NATO chief Stoltenberg in Kabul
The unannounced high-level visit comes as Afghan security forces struggle to beat back the Taliban which has been on the offensive since the withdrawal of US-led NATO combat troops at the end of 2014
NATO condemns UN nuclear weapon ban treaty
NATO says the treaty 'disregards the realities of the increasingly challenging international security environment' in the face of growing threats, particularly from Pyongyang, which recently carried out its sixth nuclear test
North Korea's 'global threat' requires global response – NATO chief
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg calls for North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs
NATO chief sees no 'imminent threat' in Russia war games
We will monitor the Zapad activity closely and we are vigilant but also calm because we don t see any imminent threat against any NATO ally NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says
16 Afghan police killed in US strike
The incident took place as Afghan security forces were clearing a village of Taliban elements
The week in photos: July 15-21, 2017
This week s selection of photo highlights here and around the world
Trump backs NATO as he warns future of the West at stake
3rd UPDATE On the eve of what is likely to be a prickly G20 summit with Trump facing animosity from traditional US allies he uses his keynote address in Warsaw to warn that a lack of collective resolve could doom an alliance that endured through the Cold War
7 U.S. soldiers wounded in Afghan 'insider attack'
UPDATED The so called green on blue attack at Camp Shaheen is the latest incident where Afghan soldiers turn their weapons on international forces assisting them
Trump says U.S. committed to NATO's mutual defense pledge
Trump makes the statement after failing to endorse Article 5 in a speech at last month s NATO summit in Brussels
New Trump attack on Germany widens transatlantic rift
Trump takes to Twitter to once again demand that Germany renegotiate the terms of transatlantic trade and boost its defense spending
Trump berates NATO for dodging defense dues
Twenty three of the 28 member nations are still not paying what they should be paying and what they re supposed to be paying for their defense says US President Donald Trump
Trump, Erdogan vow friendship despite anger at US arming Kurds
Both leaders try to put a brave face on their differences and to renew a key alliance between NATO s leading power and its biggest Muslim member partners in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq
NATO mulls sending thousands more troops to Afghanistan
The troops are needed to train local forces NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says
Powerful blast targets NATO convoy in Kabul
Most of the victims are civilians on the busy main road during the morning rush hour
Trump says 'strong Europe' is important for U.S.
This is a turnaround of the US President s earlier pronouncement hailing Britain s decision to leave the European Union
Erdogan wins Turkey referendum as opposition cries foul
The sweeping constitutional changes approved in the vote create a presidential system that will grant Erdogan more power than any leader in modern Turkish history
Tillerson denounces 'Russian aggression in Ukraine'
We want to have a discussion around NATO s posture in Europe most particularly in eastern Europe in response to Russia s aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere Tillerson says upon arriving in Brussels for his first NATO talks
U.S. top diplomat to push NATO pay up in first talks
US officials say US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will push the allies to do more to reach the goal of boosting defense spending to 2 of gross domestic product by 2024 which they set during a summit in Wales in 2014
Tillerson to meet allies as NATO races to save talks
The last minute preparations are not typical for NATO which normally has plans in place weeks ahead of time for these highly orchestrated meeting
Trump to reaffirm NATO 'commitment' at May summit
The Trump administration has been scrambling to reaffirm its commitment to Washington s military alliances – including NATO – after the Republican billionaire called into question their usefulness during the presidential race
Tillerson to skip NATO meeting next month
This comes as Washington tries to quash questions about US President Donald Trump s support for NATO and quest for better ties with Moscow
FAST FACTS: Main points of Trump's speech to U.S. Congress
Here are the main points of US President Donald Trump s first speech to the US Congress outlining his ambitious agenda
Pence reassures Europe, demands NATO pay up
Pence pledges the United States will keep working with Europe to boost the world s two biggest economies fight terrorism and defend eastern EU states against Russian encroachment
#ThewRap: Things you need to know, February 20, 2017
Hello Here are the top stories you shouldn t miss this Monday
U.S. pledges 'unwavering' commitment, Europe lukewarm
US Vice President Mike Pence leads a chorus of reassurance for allies rattled by Donald Trump s policy stance but European leaders give the pledges a lukewarm welcome
Russia seeks 'post-West' order as US vows loyalty to allies
UPDATED Russia s foreign minister says Moscow wanted a relationship with Washington that is pragmatic with mutual respect and acknowledgement of our common responsibility for global stability
Pence tells Europe: U.S. will always be your greatest ally
The US will boost defense spending significantly says US Vice President Mike Pence
U.S. general says NATO needs more troops in Afghanistan
US led forces have been fighting in Afghanistan for 16 years making it already America s longest ever war but General John Nicholson tells Congress: I believe we re in a stalemate
