Iran says it's releasing four Iranian-American detainees in prison swap A semi-official state news outlet reports journalist Jason Rezaian is among the freed prisoners. Iran says the dual-national prisoners are being exchanged with seven Iranians imprisoned in the U.S.January 16, 2016
House Armed Services chair Mac Thornberry on national security The Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Mac Thornberry, says the next commander in chief is going to "inherit a whale of a mess." He wants the world to know that nobody can take the place of the USA as a leader for good in the world. He spoke at the National Press Club on January 14th.January 14, 2016
Iran tells Kerry it is dismantling, destroying a key nuclear component It would be a big step toward reducing Iran's nuclear program and triggering sanctions relief. Relations forged in nuclear talks may have helped get U.S. sailors released after Iran detained them.January 13, 2016
Iran offers a rare peek at an underground missile city At a time when regional tensions are running hot, Iran has taken the unusual step of displaying its missiles that are stored in a vast underground complex.January 7, 2016
The reality of allowing women in combat roles Defense Secretary Ash Carter gave the armed services until Jan. 1 to submit plans for opening all combat posts to women. The changes are to be implemented by April 1.January 6, 2016
North Korea says it tested H-bomb, though advance doubted Pyongyang's announcement Wednesday was met with widespread skepticism, but whatever the North detonated in its fourth nuclear test, another round of tough international sanctions looms for the defiant, impoverished country.January 6, 2016
Kuwait recalls ambassador from Iran over Saudi rift Kuwait also summoned Iran's ambassador Tuesday to give him a note of protest over the failure to protect Saudi Arabia's diplomatic missions.January 5, 2016
New al-Shabab video urges black Americans to migrate, fight The terror group's Minnesota-centered video calls for African-Americans to convert to Islam and flee "racial profiling and police brutality" in the U.S. One local observer says the group is desperate to recruit overseas fighters.January 4, 2016