American Security Council Foundation (ASCF)

FEATURED NEWS POST

Mexican Ambassador Seized, Then Freed, in Venezuela

By American Security Council Foundation ASCF January 31, 2012 @ 9:32am

The Mexican ambassador to Venezuela and his wife are free after being kidnapped in the latest high-profile abduction in that country, where crime is soaring.

Authorities say four armed men seized Ambassador Carlos Pujalte and his wife at around midnight Sunday as they left a reception near the capital, Caracas.  The two were released a few hours later in a slum.  

 

Chavez Hopes for Better Relationship With US

By American Security Council Foundation ASCF January 31, 2012 @ 8:45am

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says that he hopes for a better relationship with the United States if U.S. President Barack Obama is reelected.

During a news conference at the presidential palace in Caracas late Friday, Mr. Chavez said he hoped that if Mr. Obama is re-elected, the two leaders could shake hands and have "a great relationship."

 

Obama Confirms Drone Strikes in Pakistan

By American Security Council Foundation ASCF January 31, 2012 @ 8:33am

U.S. President Barack Obama has defended the use of drone strikes in Pakistan, which U.S. officials have never before publicly acknowledged.

Speaking during an online town hall discussion Monday, Mr. Obama said the drone attacks have been used to target al-Qaida and its affiliates, and that many of the strikes have been in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal areas.

China to Boost Police Presence in Restive Xinjiang Region

By American Security Council Foundation ASCF January 31, 2012 @ 8:10am

China says it will boost the police presence in northwestern Xinjiang province, in a push to manage the area's huge migrant population and crack down on what Beijing calls illegal religious activities.

The official Xinnhua news agency says an additional 8,000 police officers will begin patrolling villages in the northwestern region.

 

South Korean President Seeks Alternatives to Iranian Crude

By American Security Council Foundation ASCF January 31, 2012 @ 8:01am

South Korea's president is to visit Saudi Arabia and two other Gulf oil producers in an attempt to secure stable sources of energy. The trip will come as Seoul is considering reducing imports from Iran in line with U.S.-led sanctions. But the government of South Korea, heavily dependent on energy supplies from abroad, is expressing caution about the international movement to punish Iran for its alleged nuclear weapons development.

South Korea's presidential office says Lee Myung-bak will embark Saturday on a week-long visit to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.