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David Welna David Welna is NPR's national security correspondent.
David Welna, photographed for NPR, 13 November 2019, in Washington DC.
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The Hold On Ukraine Aid: A Timeline Emerges From Impeachment Probe

Mark Sandy, from the Office of Management and Budget, arrives to the U.S. Capitol earlier this month for a deposition regarding whether President Trump ordered a hold on military assistance to Ukraine. Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images hide caption

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Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

Politics

The Hold On Ukraine Aid: A Timeline Emerges From Impeachment Probe

Nearly $400 million in security assistance to Ukraine was put on hold this past summer. Exactly how and when those events unfolded has been unclear. The date may prove the freeze violated a 1974 act.

Politics

Sondland Testimony Lays Out Link Between Trump And Ukraine Aid

Gordon Sondland also says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo knew about his efforts to pressure Ukrainians. In his prepared statement, Sondland wrote: "Everyone was in the loop. It was no secret."

Sondland Testimony Lays Out Link Between Trump And Ukraine Aid

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Trump Sweet, Congress Sour On Turkey

President Trump and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan take part in a joint news conference during Erdogan's visit to the White House on Wednesday. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

National Security

Trump Sweet, Congress Sour On Turkey

President Trump welcomed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Oval Office just weeks after Turkish forces stormed into Syria. But in Congress, there's a bipartisan push to punish Turkey.

Politics

News Brief: Public Impeachment Hearings Begin, Erdogan Visits White House

The public phase of the House's impeachment inquiry begins Wednesday. We look at what to expect. Also, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits the White House and the latest from Hong Kong.

News Brief: Public Impeachment Hearings Begin, Erdogan Visits White House

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If U.S. Takes Syrian Oil, It May Violate International Laws Against Pillage

A U.S. military vehicle drives past an oil pump jack in the countryside of Syria's northeastern city of Qamishli. President Trump is leaving some U.S. troops in Syria, with the goal of controlling Syria's oil fields. But legal experts say exploiting the oil could amount to pillaging — a war crime. Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images

Middle East

If U.S. Takes Syrian Oil, It May Violate International Laws Against Pillage

President Trump is leaving some U.S. troops in Syria, with the goal of controlling Syria's oil fields. But legal experts say exploiting the oil could amount to pillaging — a war crime.

National

Trump Administration's Interest In Syrian Oil Fields Raises Questions

President Trump has recently spoken of the need to secure oil fields in Syria that were a source of revenue for the Islamic State. He appears to consider them a possible source of revenue for the U.S.

Trump Administration's Interest In Syrian Oil Fields Raises Questions

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Turkey Warns U.S. Against Hosting Syrian Kurdish Military Commander

Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces speaks to reporters near the northeastern Syrian Hassakeh province on Thursday. AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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AFP via Getty Images

Middle East

Turkey Warns U.S. Against Hosting Syrian Kurdish Military Commander

Turkey says U.S. officials should not meet with Syrian Democratic Forces chief Mazloum Abdi, whom Ankara considers a terrorist. In Syria, U.S. forces are preparing to protect the eastern oil fields.

Top Aide To Former Defense Chief James Mattis Recounts What The General Has Not

In this Oct. 23, 2018 file photo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis speaks beside President Donald Trump, during a briefing with senior military leaders in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP hide caption

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Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Review

Book Reviews

Top Aide To Former Defense Chief James Mattis Recounts What The General Has Not

Holding the Line is the tell-all many wished Mattis' own Call Sign Chaos had been. But for all of Guy Snodgrass' in-the-room accounts, there are some unverifiable elements and inaccuracies.

Politics

Former Pompeo Adviser Michael McKinley To Testify In Impeach Probe

Former State Department adviser Michael McKinley is set to testify on Wednesday before congressional committees as the impeachment inquiry into President Trump moves forward.

Former Pompeo Adviser Michael McKinley To Testify In Impeach Probe

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National Security

Former Russia Adviser Fiona Hill Testifies In Impeachment Inquiry

Fiona Hill, President Trump's former top Russia aide, will testify Monday behind closed doors. She had been in charge of U.S. policy toward Ukraine while at the National Security Council.

Former Russia Adviser Fiona Hill Testifies In Impeachment Inquiry

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