Syria

Europe, US split over form of Syria talks

The Europeans invoke the success of the Iran nuclear talks in arguing for a similar format — with key additions.

Iran negotiated with the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany to reach their July 14 agreement. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Wednesday called for a similar arrangement "enlarged with regional partners."

The Americans, in contrast, want a tighter group, without the Europeans.

VIDEO: Russia Attacks May Have Hit Non-IS Areas, says Carter

Carter made the comment at a Pentagon news conference, where he offered few details about the strikes but said they point out a contradiction in Russia's approach. He said the Russians should not be supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad's government.

Carter also expressed disappointment that the Russians did not use formal channels to provide the U.S. with advance notice of its airstrikes.

The Latest: US seek talks with Russia about Syria air raids

Peter Cook said it was not yet clear when these talks would start or who would participate.

Russia confirms start of airstrikes in Syria

Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told Russian news agencies on Wednesday that Russian jets are carrying out targeted airstrikes on the positions, vehicles and warehouses that Russia believes belong to IS militants.

Russia's upper chamber of parliament earlier on Wednesday gave the green light to President Vladimir Putin's request to send Russian troops to Syria.

     

VIDEO: European Council urges regional help for Syria crisis

He also spoke of the hope of a "breakthrough" in the Paris Summit as the world tries to fight the causes and consequences of climate change.

VIDEO: Obama blames president Assad for Syrian war

Obama said he made no apologies for using airstrikes to target the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

Obama, Putin clash over vision for resolving Syrian crisis

Obama is urging a political transition to replace the Syrian president but Putin is warning it would be a mistake to abandon the current government.

Obama and Putin's dueling speeches at a United Nations General Assembly summit served as a public preview of their private meeting late Monday. The sit-down marks their first face-to-face encounter in nearly a year and comes amid escalating Russian military engagement in Syria.

South Africa investigates $5 million seizure at airport

Police Brig. Hangwani Mulaudzi said Tuesday that there were "rumors" that the cash was headed for the Islamic State group but that authorities had so far not found any "tangible evidence."

Islamic State extremists control parts of Syria and Iraq and have welcomed thousands of foreign fighters into their ranks.

South African tax authorities say five passengers carrying the cash were detained while boarded an Emirates flight at Johannesburg's main international airport on Aug. 28.

Kerry: Russian fighter jets in Syria raise serious questions

U.S. officials say Russia moved a small number of fighter jets to a base in Syria on Friday, hours after U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter talked with Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in the first military contacts between the two countries in some time.

"Clearly, the presence of aircraft with air-to-air combat capacity ... raises serious questions," Kerry said, responding to a question after meeting with British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond.

Russia: If Syria asks us to send troops, we'll consider it

Dmitry Peskov spoke in response to comments by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, who denied reports that Russian combat troops were fighting with Syrian troops, but said Syria would ask for Russia's help if needed.

If such a request is made, it will be "discussed and considered," Peskov said.