Newsletter Archive

Since the Iran nuclear agreement was finalized one year ago today, officials on both sides have spoken about the deal with comments that range from suspicion to outright rejection.   There are clear results on the pact’s major components, but also lingering worries that either side may not live up to its responsibilities under the agreement.

After hosting a lengthy sit-down with leaders in law enforcement and prominent members of the black community, President Obama said, “We’re not even close to being where we want to be.”  But he added that progress is being made, slowly.

It’s not like Dallas police have their own “Terminator” but the use of a robot to deliver explosives that killed the man who earlier murdered five Dallas police officers has some wondering if police use of robots and drones is a good idea.  After all, one critic pointed out to VOA, what happens if a hacker hijacks one of the devices?

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he’ll announce his running mate Friday.  VOA takes a look at three frontrunners: Indiana Governor Mike Pence (whom several media outlets identified as Trump’s pick), former speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Meanwhile, a new poll finds Trump gaining on presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton in key states.

Islamic State’s “minister of war” might actually be dead, after previous reports of his demise proved to be incorrect.  “Omar the Chechen” died fighting near Mosul, Iraq, according to an IS-linked media organization.  The U.S. believes they killed him with a drone strike in March.  Regardless of when he died, defense officials say his removal is a major blow to the terror group.  The militants are also suffering losses on the virtual battlefield. A State Department official told Congress IS’s online outreach has been diminished.

South Sudanese fleeing the violence in the capital of Juba found more danger on the highway they thought would take them to safety.  VOA talked to several refugees who escaped to Uganda. Many said they were robbed at checkpoints manned by soldiers in government uniforms.  Others weren’t so lucky. One man described the bodies of foreigners along the road -— people who were shot so their cars could be stolen.

Britain is dumping the EU, but the U.S. can still be friends with both, right?  Maybe not, say several British diplomats who talked to VOA.  They said the “special relationship” with her former colony may cool under new Prime Minister Theresa May.  Maybe England just wants to be alone for a little while.