United States forces

The United States is ending its military mission in Iraq, closing out a presence that began with the 2003 invasion and lasted more than two decades. The move marks a major shift in the American military footprint in the Middle East, following years of pressure from Iraqi political factions demanding the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces.

Deutsche Welle reports that Australia is being forced to reconsider its dependence on the United States, examining how shifting US policies are prompting Canberra to weigh alternatives in its foreign and security posture. The discussion centres on whether long-standing US-Australia ties, including defence arrangements, remain reliable, and what options Australia has if American commitments weaken.

EU defence discussions in Brussels are being overshadowed by an unresolved shortfall in funding for Ukraine. As member states weigh future support, the funding gap has become a central sticking point, raising questions over how Europe will sustain military and financial aid to Kyiv and what role the bloc will play if United States backing remains uncertain.

United States forces are preparing to withdraw from Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The move marks a major shift in the American footprint in the Middle East and closes a long chapter of US involvement in Iraqi security affairs.

Israel is pushing for a United States-led international force to take on the task of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Responsible Statecraft. The proposal would shift responsibility for neutralising the armed group's arsenal away from the Lebanese state and onto an American-led mission. The idea raises questions about Lebanon's sovereignty, the role of the Lebanese army, and whether Washington would accept such an open-ended security commitment.

Belarusian military units are taking part in military exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation held in Russia's Ural region. The drills bring together forces from CSTO member states, a Russia-led alliance that includes Belarus, and come at a time of heightened attention to joint military activity between Minsk and Moscow.

A new study reported by ScienceDaily suggests the ground beneath the Pacific Northwest is slowly splitting as tectonic forces pull the region apart. The findings point to ongoing deformation in the Cascadia area, drawing attention from geologists and readers concerned about earthquake and volcanic risk in the western United States.

A group associated with former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger has come out against deploying military personnel at polling sites, adding its voice to concerns about armed forces being involved in election administration. The position feeds a wider debate in the United States over the role of troops in domestic affairs and election security heading into upcoming votes.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill requiring authorization before out-of-state military forces can operate within California. The measure limits the ability of other states' National Guard units or military personnel to enter California without state approval, a move widely read as a response to federal deployment disputes. The law positions California to resist unilateral military deployments ordered by other states or the federal government within its borders.

Robert Cardinal McElroy delivered the homily at a Mass marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, an annual observance the Catholic Church holds to draw attention to the plight of people forced to leave their homes. McElroy, who leads the Archdiocese of Washington, has been an outspoken advocate on migration issues, and his remarks come amid ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States and worldwide.