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Carlo Muñoz

cmunoz@washingtontimes.com

Carlo Muñoz is a former military correspondent for The Washington Times.

Latest Podcast Episodes for Inheriting Chaos

Articles by Carlo Muñoz

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar Assad celebrated a government military victory in Aleppo last month. A common enemy, the Islamic State terrorist group, has created a delicate coalition of U.S., Turkish, Russian and Iranian-backed forces, as well as moderate Sunni Muslim Arab rebels and Kurdish paramilitaries. (Associated Press)

Donald Trump’s plan for ‘safe zones’ for Syrian refugees opposed by Turkey

President Trump's vision of "safe zones" for refugees fleeing the brutal violence of Syria's civil war is running into opposition from a key ally, Turkey, which is warning that the U.S.-protected areas will become havens for Kurdish militant movements that have long battled Ankara. The dispute widens deep-seated resentments between two key allies that the U.S. is relying on in the final battle to defeat the Islamic State in Syria.

February 22, 2017
Secretary of Defense James Mattis broke from President Trump, who publicly said during his campaign that the U.S. would take over Iraq's oil. He also stood by the press, who lately have been under fire from the president. (U.S. Air Force)

James Mattis breaks from Trump vow to seize Iraqi oil

Defense Secretary James Mattis is proving to be his own man. On a trip to meet allies in Europe and the Middle East, the former Marine general again broke with his boss in public, telling Iraqi officials the U.S. military would not consider seizing the country's oil, as President Trump has repeatedly suggested.

February 20, 2017
The Pentagon. (Associated Press) ** FILE **

U.S. global arms sales surge; China emerges as top-tier supplier

The sale of American-made weapons to the global community is surging ahead, with the United States controlling nearly one-third of all military-grade arms and equipment fielded by international forces, according to new analysis of the international arms market.

February 20, 2017
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Joseph Dunford said U.S. military leaders are prepared to talk with Russian brass in an attempt to again work together.

Russia military link to White House argued by Cabinet

Top members of President Trump's national security team, with an assist from Mr. Trump himself, broadcast mixed messages over the prospect of future defense cooperation with Russia on Thursday, in the face of a string of military provocations from Moscow in recent days.

February 16, 2017
The Russian warship Viktor Leonov was spotted 30 miles off the U.S. coast, making Moscow-Washington relations edgier. (Associated press)

Russia tests U.S. with provocations on land, sea and air

An intelligence ship cruising just off the East Coast. A cruise missile test that may violate arms treaties. A string of Russian fighter jet fly-bys that buzz U.S. and allied ships. Provocations all along the fault lines separating Russia from the West, from the Baltics to the Balkans.

February 15, 2017
East Aleppo, Syria, was widely brought to ruin by years of war, and now with Russia and Turkey leading peace efforts, international officials say it's time to start rebuilding. (Associated Press)

ISIS fight could turn on military moves by Turkey and Syria

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad have dramatically stepped up their attack on the Islamic State in recent weeks, just as the Trump administration is reportedly offering Turkey a larger military role in the assault on the terrorist group's self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, two developments that could transform the battle against the Islamic State in its Syrian stronghold.

February 8, 2017
Syrian and Turkish forces have encircled the city of al-Bab, which the Islamic State terror army has been using as a way station to move weapons, soldiers and other crucial supplies into the group's home base in Raqqa. An assault on the group's stronghold may be imminent. (Reuters)

ISIS hold in Syria loosens after forces cut off supply lines around al-Bab

Syrian and Turkish forces have effectively surrounded the key city of al-Bab, a critical waypoint for the Islamic State for moving fighters, weapons and supplies into the terrorist group's de facto capital of Raqqa, setting the stage for the eventual assault on the group's final stronghold in the region.

February 6, 2017
A man walks amid the rubble of a house destroyed by a Saudi-led airstrike on the outskirts of Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed) ** FILE **

Yemen: Navy warships bombard al Qaeda targets

U.S. Navy warships moored off the southern coastline of Yemen began relentlessly bombarding suspected al Qaeda targets in the country, days after a botched Navy SEAL raid in the country left one special warfare operator dead and six wounded.

February 2, 2017