Month: January 2020

Column: A week of almost-war led to — what, exactly?

WASHINGTON —  Before our national attention span flits heedlessly toward impeachment, the Iowa caucuses and Megxit, it’s worth pausing to remember that the United States was on the brink of war with Iran last week. Two adversaries that barely speak to each other managed to avoid catastrophe — but there’s still plenty to worry about. President…

By JohnValbyNation January 13, 2020 0

Ukraine president's message to Iran: 'We insist on the full acceptance of guilt'

KYIV, Ukraine —  Ukraine’s president called on Iran to fully accept its “guilt” for the downing of a passenger jetliner on Wednesday that killed 176 people. After initial denials and under growing international pressure, Tehran acknowledged Saturday that an Iranian surface-to-air missile had unintentionally brought down the plane, a Boeing 737 operated by Ukraine International Airlines.…

By JohnValbyNation January 13, 2020 0

Defense chief admits he 'didn't see' evidence for Trump claim that Iran planned embassy attacks

WASHINGTON —  President Trump’s senior aides struggled Sunday to reconcile conflicting statements over the reasons for killing a top Iranian general, including Trump’s assertion that attacks were being actively planned against a quartet of American embassies. At the same time, the White House walked a careful line over anti-government protests that flared for a second day…

By JohnValbyNation January 13, 2020 0