Does Ramadi’s fall degrade sacrifice of those who fought, died there?

Since Islamic State militants planted their flag in the center of Ramadi, veterans have expressed anguish, frustration and anger at what is the latest sign of unraveling in a country in which almost 4,500 U.S. troops died during an eight-year military effort.

Sens. McCain, Graham: We need a new military surge in Iraq

Republican senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have called for a new military surge in Iraq to counter the fall of Ramadi and to reset what they said is a failing U.S. war strategy.

Islamic State seizes historic ancient town of Palmyra in Syria

The ruins at Palmyra, a UNESCO world heritage site, are one of the world’s most renowned historic sites, and there were fears the extremists would destroy them as they did major archaeological sites in Iraq.

Japan wants to sign Peace Agreement with Russia

Japan would like to conclude a peace treaty with Russia and expects in connection with the visit of the Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting on Wednesday with the head of the State Duma Sergei Naryshkin, a senior official of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

According to the Soviet-Japanese Declaration of 1956, the Soviet Union as an act of “goodwill” agrees to hand over to Japan two Kuril Islands: Shikotan and Habomai, but only after the signing of a full peace treaty. The same position was confirmed by Vladimir Putin.  It is not possible to reach an agreement for more than half a century.