On FPF #174, I update the Syrian Civil War. The Syrian Civil War recently passed its 7th year but remains exceptionally complex. Assad has liberated Damascus from most al-Qaeda linked factions. Turkey has conquered the Afrin District from the Syrian Kurds and now...
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Washington Will Increase Military Presence in Persian Gulf
National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby announced a plan to expand America’s military posture in the Middle East. The move comes as Washington hijacked an Iranian fuel tanker, provoking Iran to seize two ships in the Persian Gulf.
G7 to Adopt ‘Highly Symbolic’ Ban on Russian Oil Imports as US Lacks Support for Embargo
The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) will adopt a prohibition on restarting oil imports from Russia, according to the Financial Times. The “highly symbolic” ban falls well short of the total export embargo proposed by Washington.
NATO Members Split on How to Upgrade Ukraine’s Status
Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are privately debating what Kiev’s status should be within the alliance. All countries agree on upgrading Ukraine’s standing, but some are hesitant to commit to a clear path for Kiev to join the US-led military bloc, the Washington Post reported.
Debate in Washington Over End of Ukraine War ‘Amorphous and Paradoxical’
The debate in Washington about ending the war in Ukraine has become “amorphous and paradoxical,” according to the New York Times. As Ukraine is set to kick off its long-awaited spring offensive, its Western backers are unsure if they are willing to pursue peace with Russia if the attack is a success or failure.
Pentagon to Expand US Air Defenses in Guam
A Defense Department official told Congress that the Pentagon is acting on plans to build a multi-layered air defense system in Guam, where Washington keeps several military bases. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is requesting $1.5 billion to begin stationing new radars and interceptors on the island next year.
Pentagon Inks Multi-Billion Dollar Contract with Lockheed, Raytheon for Javelin Missiles
The Pentagon has ordered more Javelin anti-tank missiles manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin as Washington’s stockpile dwindles. Taipei is due to receive hundreds of these weapons systems next year and the White House has already sent thousands to Kiev.
US Issues Warnings to China, Then Calls for High-Level Talks
Nicholas Burns, the US Ambassador to China, warned Beijing about supporting Moscow and called for talks during a speech on Tuesday.
Discord Leaks Created Tension Between US and Ukraine
Kiev appears frustrated with the White House over the leaks of highly classified documents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he learned of the leak through the media and has not yet spoken with President Joe Biden regarding the trove of documents.

Kyle Anzalone
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