Mexico-US Relations: border wall: Oregon governor: I'll say no if Trump asks me to deploy National Guard troops to Mexico border - by Rebecca Savransky

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) said she would reject a request from President Trump to dispatch National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

"If @realDonaldTrump asks me to deploy Oregon Guard troops to the Mexico border, I'll say no," Brown tweeted.

"As Commander of Oregon's Guard, I'm deeply troubled by Trump's plan to militarize our border."

She added: "There's been no outreach by the President or federal officials, and I have no intention of allowing Oregon's guard troops to be used to distract from his troubles in Washington."

Read more: Oregon governor: I'll say no if Trump asks me to deploy National Guard troops to Mexico border

Middle East: Russia Is Maintaining Most of Its Military Aircraft and Equipment in Syria, US Officials Say

aken at face value, most of Russia’s troops and aircraft were supposed to be out of Syria by now, but that’s not the case, as Russia has kept more than two dozen of its military aircraft in Syria and continues to send military equipment to that country, U.S. officials said today.

The moves raise questions about what Russia may be planning for a longer-term presence in Syria.

At its peak, there were 42 Russian fighters and bombers based at the airbase outside of Latakia in western Syria, according to U.S. military officials. And it was estimated that Russian troops had grown to as many as 5,000 to support the air mission and to help Syrian forces with helicopters, tanks and artillery to support the Syrian Army’s ground offensives. 

Russian Defense Ministry video released shortly after the withdrawal announcement two weeks ago showed a mix of fighter, bomber and transport aircraft returning to bases in Russia from Syria. Officials at U.S. Central Command indicated at the time that it appeared the Russians were on track to keep their commitment of reducing their air force in Syria. 

But visuals can be deceiving as two U.S. officials tell ABC News there have been no military aircraft departures since then. Possibly as many as 28 Russian aircraft continue operating from the base, meaning two-thirds of Russia’s military aircraft have remained in Syria. And the officials say there appear to be no preparations for their departure any time soon. 

Russia has kept all 18 of the helicopters it had deployed to Syria, including some of its higher-end Mi-28 “Havoc” attack helicopters that are continuing to support Syrian ground forces fighting ISIS. And the Russian tanks and artillery deployed to Syria continue assisting Syrian Army offensives. As was the case in the regime’s recent recapture of the ancient city of Palmyra where Russian air power and artillery played a key role. 

Another indicator of the growing Russian role, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed the death last week of a Russian special forces "Spetsnaz" commander calling in airstrikes in the battle for Palmyra.

And more Russian assistance is headed to Palmyra as the Russian Defense Ministry announced the deployment of bomb disposal teams and equipment to help clear the city of mines and booby trapped explosives that may have been left behind by ISIS. 

The six-month Russian air campaign provided enough stability for Assad regime forces to improve its battlefield situation against rebel groups in northern Syria and also buying the regime some political leverage.

But in the wake of the partial withdrawal of aircraft, U.S. officials say it remains unclear what the Russian military intentions in Syria may be in the long run.

Read more: Russia Is Maintaining Most of Its Military Aircraft and Equipment in Syria, US Officials Say - ABC News

Turkey: Iraq demands Turkey withdraw troopsfrom its territory

Iraq appealed Friday to the UN Security Council to demand that Turkey remove its troops from northern Iraq, calling the incursion a "flagrant violation" of international law.

"We call on the Security Council to demand that Turkey withdraw its forces immediately ... and not to violate Iraqi sovereignty again," Iraqi Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim said in a letter to the Security Council.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, who this month holds the rotating presidency, said the letter was being taken seriously.

"There's growing alarm from the Iraqi government," Power said. "Any troop deployment must have the consent of the Iraqi government."

Read More: Iraq demands Turkey withdraw troops | News | DW.COM | 12.12.2015

Ukraine Conflict: Canada’s military to remain in Eastern Europe all year, could go to Ukraine - by Lee Berthiaume

Canadian military forces in Eastern Europe are expected to remain in the region until at least the end of the year, and could spend some time in Ukraine, as NATO digs in against Russia.

On Tuesday, Canadian defence chief Gen. Tom Lawson and NATO’s top commander, Gen. Philip Breedlove, provided some answers about what Canada is doing in Europe as the latter wrapped up a two-day trip to Ottawa.

Breedlove said the NATO forces that assembled in response to Russian actions in Ukraine are to be sustained through Dec. 31, though that could change depending on what alliance leaders decide when they meet in September.

Canada has contributed six CF-18 fighter jets and a naval frigate plus about 600 military personnel in recent weeks as NATO has moved to reassure Eastern European allies worried about Russia’s broader intentions.

Questions have surrounded the deployments, including exactly how long the forces will remain overseas, what they will be doing, and even whether the fighter jets are armed.

Lawson revealed the CF-18s are not flying with weapons — they are training out of their airbase in Romania — and are not patrolling against Russian aircraft or other threats.

“The fighters are not armed,” he said. “They’re entirely in a training mode.”

For more: Canada’s military to remain in Eastern Europe all year, could go to Ukraine

France Increases Its Troops In The Central African Republic - by Eyder Peralta

On Thursday, the U.N. Security Council authorized a surge in French troops. that MISCA, the African Union peacekeeping force, is upping the number of troops it is sending to the former French colony from 2,500 to 3,600.

"Violence was reported in the capital Saturday despite an increased presence of French forces," VOA reports. "Thousands of residents have sought shelter and protection at the Bangui airport, which is under French control. Many other civilians have sought refuge in churches."

The CAR won independence from France in 1960.

Read more: France Increases Its Troops In The Central African Republic : The Two-Way : NPR

Obama Returns to Bush Plan for Cutting U.S. Troops in Europe - by Viola Gienger

The Obama administration plans to revert to a Bush-era plan to cut the number of U.S. Army combat brigades in Europe in half as part of the Pentagon budget cuts to be announced within weeks, U.K. Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said.

The decision is a retreat from the administration’s previous determination, announced last April, to leave in place three of the four brigade combat teams now stationed in Europe, three in Germany and one airborne brigade in Italy. A brigade combat team usually has 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers.

“My understanding is that there will remain two brigades,” Hammond said in an interview yesterday in Washington after meeting U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta for their first talks at the Pentagon since they each took office. “But in addition to that, there will be some rotating presence” for training and exercises, he said.

For more: Obama Returns to Bush Plan for Cutting U.S. Troops in Europe - Businessweek