Russia and Iran, both of which back Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s regime, have agreed to increase cooperation in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke on Monday to sign a formal agreement and provide their full support of the Syrian government, reported Reuters. The US-led coalition fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq has repeatedly said the only way to ensure peace in Syria would be for Assad to step down. Regime troops have made advances in the country, including retaking the village of Palmyra with the help of Russian air strikes. The Syrian government and the coalition have been holding peace talks, while the US and Russia have agreed to push for a ceasefire.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…