Iran allies houthis expose holes in saudi arabia missile defense

Last weekend's drone and cruise missile attack against Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure managed to slip through a strong defensive net, much of it sold to the kingdom by the U.S.As the Saudis and Americans analyze how the Yemeni Houthis—or perhaps their Iranian backers—were able to get through the defenses, Russia is taking the opportunity to mock its U.S. rival by suggesting that America's weaponry has fallen behind its own.Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters Friday U.S. policy in the Middle East resembles more a "collapse" than a strategy.Saudi Arabia and several other regional allies use U.S.-made Patriot missile systems to protect their skies from foreign aircraft and missiles.Saudi Arabia has been under regular ballistic missile attack from Houthi forces since it entered Yemen's civil war in 2015. Though many of the missiles have been destroyed inflight, some have made it through to their targets, causing damage and casualties. The … [Read more...] about Russia Mocks U.S. For ‘Fantastic,’ ‘Brilliant’ Missile Defenses That Failed to Stop Saudi Oil Attack

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are urging President Donald Trump to step back from potential conflict with Iran following last weekend's attack against vital Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure, which both Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.Trump is currently considering how to respond to the strikes, which are believed to have used drones and cruise missiles to hit the Abqaiq petroleum processing facilities and Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia.Yemen's Houthi rebels—currently fighting against a Saudi-led coalition as part of Yemen's civil war—claimed responsibility for the attack, which caused a spike in oil prices and forced Saudi Arabia to shut down half of its oil production operations.The initial U.S. reaction was bellicose, with Trump declaring the country "locked and loaded" to respond and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo branding the operation an "act of war." But the administration now seems to be moving away from the military option, instead … [Read more...] about Saudi Arabia Doesn’t Need U.S. To Defend It Against Iran, Rand Paul Says: ‘Why Do We Always Have to Get Involved?’

Pooja Hegde’s quest for history lessons didn’t end with her debut film, Mohenjo Daro. The actress recently shared some pictures on Instagram from her Saudi Arabian getaway where she explored Madain Saleh, the ancient capital of the Nabatean civilization. The Gaddalakonda Ganesh actress kept it casual as she donned a stunning black and white striped shirt, paired with skinny denims and sneakers. The golden sandstone canyons, colossal arches, and rock formations looked majestic in the background. Posing against the magnificent structures, she mused, “Take time out to make your soul happy”. Guess after her last reincarnation drama, some soul-searching is in order. Download The Times of IndiaNews App City. … [Read more...] about Pooja Hegde explores Saudi Arabia

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey could finalize terms for delivery of a second consignment of S-400 advanced missile defenses from Russia by April when the first batch will be ready to operate, Ankara’s defense industry chief said on Friday. Turkey has already agreed to buy two consignments of S-400s, triggering a crisis with the United States and possible U.S. sanctions, but Ankara is discussing technology transfer and joint production with Moscow for the second batch, he said. The United States says the S-400s are incompatible with Western defenses and has suspended NATO ally Turkey from an F35 stealth fighter jet program because it fears Russia would gain information about the jets through deployment of the systems. Ismail Demir, head of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate, said Ankara was still interested in buying U.S. Patriot defenses. Turkey had no preconditions, he said, but Washington has repeatedly asked Turkey to drop the S-400s. Under the proposed sanctions Ankara … [Read more...] about Turkey, Russia ‘very close’ to second missile defense deal

Congress has a chance to stop President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate gears up for battle over witnesses in impeachment trial Vulnerable Democrats tout legislative wins, not impeachment Trump appears to set personal record for tweets in a day MORE's military support of the Saudi coalition in Yemen in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but in the latest version of this bill failed to do so. The House passed the NDAA on Wednesday night even though the bill does nothing to stop the war in Yemen. The Senate can still reject the NDAA in the coming days when it votes.Bernie SandersBernie SandersSaagar Enjeti says Buttigieg's release of McKinsey client list shows he 'caved to public pressure' Sanders endorses Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur for Katie Hill's former House seat Biden hires Clinton, O'Rourke alum as campaign's digital director MORE (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) KhannaSanders endorses Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur for Katie Hill's former House … [Read more...] about Reject National Defense Authorization Act, save Yemen instead

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says that the world body has not been able to independently corroborate that the cruise missiles and drones used in attacks this year on an airport and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia “are of Iranian origin.” The United States has blamed Iran for the attacks. The Saudis said the missiles and drones were Iranian but stopped short of accusing Iran of firing them. The U.N. chief said in a report to the Security Council obtained Friday by that the U.N. examined debris from the weapon systems used in the attacks and is still collecting and analysing additional information, and trying to establish the supply chain. He said he will report on its further findings “in due course, as appropriate.” The Secretary-General’s report includes allegations from the United States, Israel, France, Germany and the United Kingdom that Iran carried out ballistic missile-related activities that go against the resolution’s call on … [Read more...] about Can’t confirm weapons used in Saudi attacks were Iranian: U.N. Secretary-General