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The article offers global geopolitics news brief as of May 2024. It mentions U.S. President Joe Biden's assurance in military aid to Ukraine, reflecting a strong commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty. Topics include Ukraine's struggle with weapon shortages amid Russian aggression, the geopolitical implications of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Zelensky's urgent appeals for faster delivery of Western weapons to counter Russia's brutal offensive.

The article discusses events involving a terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, with gunmen storming a concert hall and causing casualties, leading to accusations from Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement by fleeing suspects possibly headed to Ukraine. It highlights the challenges posed by the Islamic State-Khorosan (IS-K) group, known for its activities in Afghanistan and Central Asia, and the subsequent implications for regional security.

The article focuses on the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with U.S. President Joe Biden committing a huge military aid to Ukraine amidst a dire shortage of weapons and ammunition. It discusses the geopolitical implications of U.S. military assistance, highlighting its multifaceted impact on international relations, defense, and economic growth.

The article focuses on recent updates in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, highlighting U.S. President Joe Biden's pledge of military aid to Ukraine, concerns about Russia's deployment of space-based nuclear weapons, and the diplomatic efforts surrounding Sweden's NATO membership. Topics include the strategic significance of military assistance, the potential security implications of Russia's actions, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe.

The article focuses on developments in international relations and defense, particularly regarding Ukraine's military aid, sanctions on Russia, and concerns over Russia's deployment of space-based nuclear weapons. Topics include the U.S. President Joe Biden administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to opposition figure Alexey Navalny's death, and concerns over Russia's potential deployment of anti-satellite weapons in space.

The article focuses on U.S. Senate Republicans rejecting their own bipartisan border security bill, despite months of negotiation and support from Republican negotiators, leading to uncertainty regarding crucial issues like immigration policy and aid to Ukraine and Israel. The decision highlighted deep divisions within the GOP; prompting criticism from Democrats; and raising doubts about Congress's ability to address pressing national security concerns.

The article focuses on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the involvement and support of various countries in the region. It discusses the military aid provided by the U.S. to Ukraine, including armored vehicles and missiles, and the pressure on Germany to provide assistance to Ukraine. It also mentions the anticipation of a new Russian offensive in Ukraine and the battle for the city of Bakhmut.

The article focuses on Israel has forged close bilateral cooperation with the U.S. It mentions 10-year bilateral military aid memorandum of understanding commits the U.S. to provide Israel in Foreign Military Financing annually on joint missile defense programs from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2028. It also mentions Congress have increased their scrutiny over Israel's use of U.S. security assistance and leader Benjamin Netanyahu return to power and judicial reform debate.

The article focuses on extensive set of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures govern the sale and export of U.S.-origin weapons to foreign countries under Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961; and Arms Export Control Act (AECA) of 1976. It mentions sale and export of U.S.-made weapons under these authorities are the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) licenses.

The article reports that the U.S. provides additional weapons to Ukraine; Poland and Baltics press Germany on assistance to Ukraine. Topics include considered in mid January 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States for including antitank armored vehicles in its latest multi billion dollar package of military aid.

The article reports on Taiwanese President William Lai's call for dialogue with China and his emphasis on Taiwan's democracy amidst rising tensions. Topics discussed include Lai's appeal for peaceful relations and dialogue with China, the recent legislative changes in Taiwan that reduce presidential power, and China's military actions and threats towards Taiwan.

The article focuses on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, particularly the recent attacks by Russia on various Ukrainian cities despite the ceasefire. It discusses the military aid provided by the U.S., including antitank armored vehicles and missiles, to Ukraine to repel the Russian invasion. It also highlights the international condemnation of Russia's actions and the cracks emerging in the united North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) front.

The article reports that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reportedly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide military assistance under the aegis of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) defense pact. It mentions Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev was intent on using aggressive military means to compel Armenia to relinquish claims of the NagornoKarabakh Republic, leaving it indisputably under the Azerbaijani jurisdiction.

The article reports about Russian war against Ukraine. Topics include Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, was desperately seeking assistance from North Korea in his war effort against Ukraine; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned people to stay away from Russian military installations as the security situation deteriorated in Russian annexed Crimea; and Russia accused Ukraine of being behind the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of Putin's ally Alexander Dugin.

This section offers world news briefs related to the war between Russia and Ukraine as of September 18, 2022. It includes the decision of Turkey not to block accession from Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the decision of Lithuania to enforce overland shipment restrictions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and aggression in Europe, and the assistance being sought by Russian President Vladimir Putin from North Korea in its war effort against Ukraine.

The article discusses the passage of a foreign aid package by the U.S. House of Representatives, primarily aimed at providing crucial support to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, showcasing bipartisan efforts to address global security concerns. Topics include the significance of aid for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, the multifaceted strategic and economic benefits of supporting Ukraine, and the impact of U.S. military assistance on both international dynamics and domestic industries.

The article reports that U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged 60 billion U.S. Dollar in military aid to Ukraine on February 17, 2024, in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's urgent appeal amid escalating conflict. This commitment highlights the strategic importance of bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities and the broader geopolitical implications of U.S. military assistance, especially in countering Russian aggression.

The article presents overview of the main laws and policies that may limit such sales on the basis of human rights concerns. It mentions Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 establish provisions governing Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) to foreign consumers, including foreign governments. It also mentions sales to be for specific authorized military purposes and subject to end-use monitoring (EUM).

The article focuses on the U.S. Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) of the U.S. Army as the Congress has expressed concern about the threat to U.S. national security posed by Russia and China. It mentions maneuver elements designed to synchronize precision effects and precision fires in all domains against adversary anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) networks. It also mentions Army does opt to designate its fourth MDTF as an U.S. Army Pacific asset.

The article focuses on events in Africa and Burma have brought attention to a provision in annual State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d'état. It mentions Committees on Appropriations that such waiver is in the national security interest of the U.S. It also mentions military training and equipment authorized to be provided by the Department of Defense.

The article presents the discussion on President Joe Biden saying U.S. intervening militarily where China attempts for taking Taiwan by force providing Taiwan defensive weapon in defending while maintaining an intentionally ambiguous posture regarding the military assistance to Taiwan.

The article focuses on the U.S. Congressional Research's service report on the U.S.-Iraq relationship, Iraq's political history and challenges, and the recent political stalemate and government formation in Iraq. It also mentions potential steps Congress may consider in relation to Iraq, such as providing foreign aid and defense assistance and promoting human rights.

The article discusses the U.S. President Joe Biden's assurance in military aid to Ukraine, reflecting a robust commitment to the country's sovereignty amid a critical shortage of weapons and ammunition. It discusses that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's urgent appeal for international solidarity in countering Russian aggression resonates globally; and highlighting the strategic imperative of providing military assistance to Ukraine despite challenges in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The article presents a report of the U.S. Congressional Research Service, that examines how Lebanon has struggled to define its national identity since having its boundaries drawn by France after the First World War. It mentions that the U.S. has sought to bolster forces that could serve as a counterweight to Syrian and Iranian influence in Lebanon, providing military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) since 2006.

The article focuses on U.S. efforts to manage migration flows in the Western Hemisphere, detailing the increase in encounters at the Southwest border, the Biden Administration's strategies addressing root causes and its allocation of funds for regional migration management. Topics include the Administration's use of foreign assistance, establishment of legal pathways, enforcement measures, and the varied reactions of countries in the region to U.S. migration policies.

The article reports that New York Times reported that the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had moved towards thousands of anti­tank weapons, including Javelin missiles, to Poland and Romania. Topics include Russian troops were busy trying to subdue Ukraine, and targeted allies supply lines into Ukraine as a part of military aid package; and Russia was able to attack supply routes and shipments and to get the military equipment and weapons of Ukrainian troops.

The article presents a reports of the U.S. Congressional Research Service, related to the sale and export of U.S.-origin weapons to foreign countries. It mentions that U.S. Congress has amended the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) and Arms Export Control Act (AECA) to restrict arms sales to foreign entities. It mentions FMS transfers are monitored under Dept. of Defense's Golden Sentry program and Direct Commercial Sales transfers are monitored under the State Department's Blue Lantern program.

The article focuses on relationship of Philippines with the U.S. and 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) requires the two countries to help defend each other against external armed attack. It mentions U.S. Joe Biden Administration officials have stated that the MDT applies to armed third-party attacks against Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft in the disputed South China Sea. It also mentions Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Initiative to promote economic growth, and fairness.

The article offers the authors' insight on the importance of American global leadership to the Americans' freedom, security, and prosperity. Topics discussed include the commitment of the U.S. to international engagement and the responsibility of the country in providing security to its people, the factors of international engagement which are underapreciated such as diplomacy and foreign assistance, and the establishment of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

The article presents views of Kevin McCarthy, U.S. House Minority Leader, on opposing aid to Ukraine in its invasion by Russia in case Republicans were the midterm elections. Topics discussed include authorization by Democrats in U.S. military aid and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, support for Ukraine maintained by the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and additional funding for Ukraine in May 2022 criticized by Blake Masters, Republican Senate candidate in Arizona.

The article focuses on U.S. foreign assistance provided through Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations is subject to a high level of congressional input, as mandated under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. It mentions strategic priorities for the fiscal year and the human and financial resources needed to achieve them and Government Accountability Office (GAO) has made and State has concurred with recommendations.

The article reports on direct engagement of Iranian troops on the ground in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure and civilian population on October 17, 2022. It informs that the strikes were deployed by Russia using Iranian made Shahed and Mohajer 6 kamikaze drones on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and across Ukraine.

The article reports on an affirmation made by U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi with Taiwanese President Tsai Ingwen during her visit to Taiwan in August 2022 regarding the nation's willingness to help Taiwan if it faced Chinese invasion. With reference to the Taiwan Relations Act, Pelosi emphasized the nation's commitment to provide assistance of all kind to Taiwan to maintain its security and economic system.

This report provides an analysis of the continuing appropriations provisions for FY2018 in Division D of H.R. 601. The measure also included separate divisions that establish a program to provide foreign assistance concerning basic education (Division A--Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act), supplemental appropriations for disaster relief requirements for FY2017 (Division B), and a temporary suspension of the public debt limit (Division C). On September 8, 2017, the President signed H.R. 601 into law (P.L. 115-56). Division D of H.R. 601 was termed a "continuing resolution" (CR) because it provided temporary authority for federal agencies and programs to continue spending in FY2018 in the same manner as a separately enacted CR. It provides temporary funding for the programs and activities covered by all 12 of the regular appropriations bills, since none of them had been enacted previously. These provisions provide continuing budget authority for projects and activities funded in FY2017 by that fiscal year's regular appropriations acts, with some exceptions. It includes both budget authority that is subject to the statutory discretionary spending limits on defense and nondefense spending and also budget authority that is effectively exempt from those limits, such as that designated as for "Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism." Funding under the terms of the CR is effective October 1, 2017, through December 8, 2017-- roughly the first 10 weeks of the fiscal year. The CR generally provides budget authority for FY2018 for projects and activities at the rate at which they were funded during FY2017. Most projects and activities funded in the CR, however, are also subject to an across-the-board decrease of 0.6791% (pursuant to Section 101(b) of Division D). According to the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the annualized discretionary budget authority provided in the FY2018 CR, as enacted, and subject to the statutory discretionary spending limits is approximately $1,070 billion. When spending that is effectively not subject to those limits (Overseas Contingency Operations, disaster relief, emergency requirements, and program integrity adjustments) is also included, the CBO estimate is $1,183 billion. CRs usually include provisions that are specific to certain agencies, accounts, or programs. These include provisions that designate exceptions to the formula and purpose for which any referenced funding is extended (referred to as "anomalies") as well as provisions that have the effect of creating new law or changing existing law (often used to renew expiring provisions of law). The CR includes a number of such provisions, each of which is briefly summarized in this report. CRS appropriations process experts for each of these provisions are listed in Table 1. For general information on the content of CRs and historical data on CRs enacted between FY1977 and FY2016, see CRS Report R42647, Continuing Resolutions: Overview of Components and Recent Practices, by James V. Saturno and Jessica Tollestrup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since having its boundaries drawn by France after the First World War, Lebanon has struggled to define its national identity. Unlike other countries in the region, its population includes Christian, Sunni Muslim, and Shia Muslim communities of roughly comparable size, and with competing visions for the country. Seeking to avoid sectarian conflict, Lebanese leaders created a confessional system that allocated power among the country's religious sects according to their percentage of the population. The system was based on Lebanon's last official census, which was conducted in 1932. As Lebanon's demographics shifted over the years, Muslim communities pushed for the political status quo, favoring Maronite Christians, to be revisited, while the latter worked to maintain their privileges. This tension at times manifested itself in violence, such as during the country's 15- year civil war, but also in ongoing political disputes such as disagreements over revisions to Lebanon's electoral law. The United States has sought to bolster forces that could serve as a counterweight to Syrian and Iranian influence in Lebanon. The United States has provided more than $1 billion in military assistance to Lebanon with the aim of creating a national force strong enough to counter non-state actors and secure the country's borders. Hezbollah's armed militia is frequently described as more effective than the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). (See transcript, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa hearing on U.S. policy towards Lebanon, April 28, 2016.) U.S. policy in Lebanon has been undermined by Syria and Iran, both of which exercise significant influence in the country, including through support for Hezbollah. The question of how best to marginalize Hezbollah and other anti-U.S. Lebanese actors without provoking civil conflict among divided Lebanese sectarian political forces has remained a key challenge for U.S. policymakers. In addition, Lebanon currently faces a large-scale refugee crisis driven by the ongoing war in neighboring Syria. There are over a million Syrian refugees registered with U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon, in addition to a significant existing community of Palestinian refugees. This has given Lebanon (a country of roughly 4.3 million citizens in 2010) the highest per capita refugee population in the world. Lebanon's infrastructure has been unable to absorb the refugee population, which some government officials describe as a threat to the country's security. Since 2015 the government has taken steps to close the border to those fleeing Syria, and has implemented measures that have made it more difficult for existing refugees to remain in Lebanon legally. At the same time, Hezbollah has played an active role in the ongoing fighting in Syria. The experience gained by Hezbollah in the Syria conflict has raised questions about how the eventual return of these fighters to Lebanon could impact the country's domestic stability or the affect the prospects for renewed conflict with Israel. This report provides an overview of Lebanon and current issues of U.S. interest. It provides background information, analyzes recent developments and key policy debates, and tracks legislation, U.S. assistance, and recent congressional action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses background and operations of the Sunni Islamist terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) in addition to policies and strategies considered by the U.S. government to address security concerns associated with IS. Topics explored include the core membership and affiliations of IS, transnational terrorist activities attributed to IS operatives and supporters, and U.S. legislative efforts focused on humanitarian funding and military operations to combat IS.

The article offers information on the U.S. policy and assistance to Syria, as of January 2017. Topics include the multilateral efforts by the U.S. to reach a negotiated settlement between Syrian President Bashar al Asad and the opposition groups, congressional debate regarding the U.S. military intervention to protect civilians, and the fiscal year 2017 foreign assistance request for Syria. It also discusses the challenges to the U.S. counter-Islamic State campaign in Syria.

The article reports that the 114th U.S. Congress considered fiscal year 2017 appropriations and defense authorization legislation related to Syria and debated proposals to authorize the use of military force against the Islamic State. Topics include overall strategy of the U.S. toward the Syria conflict, the authority and funding that should be provided for U.S. assistance to Syrians, and the debate on measures to protect civilians in Syria's civil war.

An appendix is presented of the U.S. bilateral aid to Israel.

The article discusses the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, with emphasis on the 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military aid covering fiscal year (FY) 2019 to FY 2028. Issues of the MOU include off-shore procurement (OSP). missile defense, and no congressional aid increases or separate supplemental funding.

This report provides an overview of U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. It includes a review of past aid programs, data on annual assistance, and analysis of current issues. For general information on Israel, see CRS Report RL33476, Israel: Background and U.S. Relations, by Jim Zanotti. Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. To date, the United States has provided Israel $127.4 billion (current, or non-inflation-adjusted, dollars) in bilateral assistance. Almost all U.S. bilateral aid to Israel is in the form of military assistance, although in the past Israel also received significant economic assistance. At a signing ceremony at the State Department on September 14, 2016, representatives of the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a new ten-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military aid covering FY2019 to FY2028. Under the terms of the MOU, the United States pledges to provide $38 billion in military aid ($33 billion in FMF grants plus $5 billion in missile defense appropriations) to Israel. This new MOU will replace the current $30 billion 10-year agreement, which runs through FY2018. The terms of the 2019-2028 MOU differ from previous U.S.-Israel aid agreements. For example, under the terms of the new MOU, Israel's ability to convert 26.3% of annual Foreign Military Financing grants from dollars to shekels for use in Israel will remain until FY2024, but will then be gradually phased out, ending entirely in FY2028. Israel also will no longer be permitted to use a portion of its FMF to purchase fuel from the United States. In addition, under the terms of the new MOU, the Administration pledges to request $500 million in annual combined funding for joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs such as Iron Dome, Arrow II and Arrow III, and David's Sling. Previous MOUs did not include missile defense funding. Finally, as part of the new MOU, it has been reported that Israel pledged to reimburse the U.S. government if Israel receives more congressional assistance for FMF or missile defense in the last years of the current MOU (2017-2018). Israel also may have pledged not to request that Congress appropriate regular or supplemental military aid to Israel above the agreed upon annual amounts in the 2019-2028 MOU except in emergency circumstances, such as a regional war. In response, many Members of Congress have reiterated that funds pledged by the executive branch in any MOU are always subject to Congressional approval and that Congress may appropriate funds as it sees fit. H.R. 5912, the House version of the FY2017 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill, would provide Israel with $3.1 billion in FMF. The Senate version, S. 3117, would provide $3.4 billion in FMF to Israel, an increase of $300 million above what is outlined in the current MOU. As part of the terms of the new MOU, Israel has pledged to return to the United States treasury any FMF appropriated by Congress above agreed upon levels for FY2017 and FY2018, which is $3.1 billion per year. House (H.R. 5293) and Senate (S. 3000) FY2017 Department of Defense Appropriations bills would provide funding for Israel-based missile defense systems beyond the Administration's budget request. Both H.R. 5293 and S. 3000 include $42 million for U.S. - Israel anti-tunneling cooperation. In December 2016, Congress passed other legislation to assist and cooperate with Israel. P.L. 114- 304, the United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016, authorizes the expansion of an existing joint research-and- development program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to include cybersecurity technologies. P.L. 114-322, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, calls for further U.S. cooperation with Israel in desalination and the development of new water technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an economic and political forecast for Yemen Republic for 2010-2011 and a monthly review as of April 2010. It notes the increasing risk of the Yemeni state to disintegrate due to the series of threats posed by Zeydi rebels in the north, growing southern secessionist sentiment and al-Qaida activity. The U.S. reportedly expressed its intention to set up indirect military assistance. In an effort to address the continuing decline of oil production, the Yemeni government introduced a fast-track effort for oil and gas exploration.

The article presents projections on the political and economic conditions in Colombia in 2007-2008. The disbursement of military aid coming from the U.S. is expected to reduce due to concerns over alleged links between the demobilized paramilitaries, politicians, and some members of the armed forces. Meanwhile, it has been found to have no significant changes with regards to the country's macroeconomic forecast as emphasized in the April 2007 report.

The article presents an outlook on the political conditions in Iraq for fiscal year 2007-2008. It was noted that the political situation in the country will remain unstable. Infiltration of militias will hamper efforts of the Iraqi armed forces to provide security. The government of Iraq will continue to be an ally of the U.S., primarily for military and financial assistance.

Forecasts the political and economic condition of Colombia for the year 2000 to 2001. Delay of approval for a structural reform program; Progress in negotiations for peace talks; Impact of the United States military aid on the livelihood of the guerrillas and the peace process; Account on fiscal and monetary policies; Growth of the global economy.

Reports political developments in Colombia as of July 2000. Includes the impact of President Andres Pastrana's referendum proposal for legislature dissolution on his political position; Progress of peace talks between the government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolutionaries de Colombia; Approval of the United States Congress for Colombian military aid.

The article presents the enacted legislative restrictions by the U.S. Congress in relation to funding of abortion and requirements of voluntary family planning programs overseas as of mid-July 2015. Among the amendments to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) are the Helms amendment of 1973, a 1978 amendment on involuntary sterilization, and the 1978 Peace Corps amendment.

The article reports on the policies surrounding U.S.-Israel diplomatic relations as of June 1, 2015. Topics discussed include the evolution of bilateral ties between U.S and Israel, implications of the differences between U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and the U.S. military assistance to Israel. Also mentioned are the U.S. legislation to promote U.S.-Israel cooperation and the measures taken by Israel to sustain its qualitative military edge.

The article outlines the security and foreign policy relationship between the U.S. and Bahrain. Topics discussed include the U.S. naval presence in Bahrain territory, Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), military aid and Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defense Articles (EDA), and International Military Education and Training Funds (IMET). Also mentioned are the changes in the policies after the uprising of 2011 and its role in the backdrop of regional issues like the Arab-Israeli dispute.

The article examines the focus of U.S. foreign policy on Yemen amidst regional revolts from armed groups such as the Houthi and the Southern Movement. Topics discussed include U.S. sanctions through the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control against individuals who threaten to disrupt Yemen's stability and political transition. Also discussed is U.S. Foreign Assistance to Yemen in terms of economic, humanitarian, military and other security aids.