US News
- Tulsi Gabbard received at least one delegate on Super Tuesday. Recent Democratic Party debate rules have allowed all candidates with at least a delegate to participate in the debate. There is now concern the DNC will alter debate rules to prevent Tulsi from being in the next debate. [Link]
- Mike Bloomberg drops out of the presidential race and endorses Joe Biden. [Link]
- Trump says he will not sign an extension of the USA Freedom Act unless the FISA court is reformed. [Link]
- The House is introducing a bill that will prevent US forces from being withdrawn from Africa. The Pentagon is planning to reduce the number of forces deployed to Africa to utilize the free up resources to use against Russia and China. [Link]
Afghanistan
- The US carried out its first airstrike against the Taliban in 11 days. The US said the strike was to defend an Afghan Army checkpoint from a Taliban attack. [Link]
Middle East
- Iran says it is denying the IAEA access to a site because the inspection lacks a legal basis. [Link]
- With 99% of the vote counted, it is unlikely that Netanyahu will be able to form a majority coalition. The Arab parties secured 15 seats. [Link]
Syria
- Russia says the Turkish Army has taken up positions with Syrian rebel forces in Idlib. [Link]
- Two Turkish soldiers were killed in Idlib. [Link]
- Russia is increasing the number of military transports to Syria. [Link]
- Turkey deployed 1,000 special police to its European borders to prevent refugees from being pushed back into Turkey. Recently, Turkey began pushing refugees into Europe. [Link]