The Latest Breaking News from Antony J Blinken

House Republicans ramp up pressure over Afghanistan exit - Roll Call

Republican lawmakers are putting renewed pressure on the Biden administration to answer questions about the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Roll Call · Aug 15, 2022

Congo tests boundaries of democracy, climate action during Blinken visit

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — America’s top diplomat on Wednesday was hoping to showcase the potential for democracy and climate action here in one of Africa’s largest countries. But backsliding reality got in the way.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 10, 2022

Biden administration launches Africa strategy. But the real targets seem to be China, Russia

PRETORIA, South Africa — With Russia and China looming in the background, America’s top diplomat pitched a “new chapter” in U.S.-African relations on Monday, promising robust trade and calling for democracy despite political upheaval in much of the continent.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 8, 2022

Significant shift expected in relations between US, longtime Latin American ally Colombia

LOS ANGELES — The United States is about to lose its best friend in Latin America.

Los Angeles Times · Jun 12, 2022

Blinken defends exclusion of Cuba from Summit of the Americas, despite triggering boycotts

LOS ANGELES — Despite the absence of presidents from some of the region’s key countries, the U.S.-hosted Summit of the Americas, taking place in Los Angeles this week, can serve as a venue of delicate dialogue and incremental problem-solving, America’s top diplomat said Thursday.

Los Angeles Times · Jun 10, 2022

EU blames Russia for food crisis, Russian UN envoy walks out

European Council President Charles Michel is accusing Russia of using food supplies as “a stealth missile against developing countries” and blaming the Kremlin for the looming global food crisis

The Independent UK · Jun 6, 2022

After months of optimism, prospects for Iran nuclear deal 'tenuous' at best, US says

WASHINGTON — It's only been a couple of months since U.S. and European officials said a renewal of the Iran nuclear deal was "imminent."

Los Angeles Times · May 26, 2022

Biden hosts leaders of Finland and Sweden, eager to fast-track NATO accession

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden, standing alongside the prime minister of Sweden and president of Finland at the White House on Thursday, declared that the two nations have the “full, total complete backing of the United States of America” in their push to join NATO.

Los Angeles Times · May 19, 2022

Finland and Sweden formally seeking entry into NATO alliance as US welcomes move

LVIV, Ukraine — Signaling what they called a “new era,” leaders of Finland and Sweden said Sunday they will seek membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization within days, a move almost certain to escalate geopolitical tensions arising from the Russian war in Ukraine.

Los Angeles Times · May 16, 2022

Civilians evacuated from Mariupol plant; Ukraine says it’s mounting a counteroffensive elsewhere

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine announced Saturday that all women, children and older adults had been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant, the last sliver of Ukrainian-held territory in the shattered southern port city of Mariupol, as Ukrainian towns and cities remained on edge for a major Russian holiday dedicated to…

Los Angeles Times · May 8, 2022