WASHINGTON, United States – Toughness with Russia and China, support of the Iran nuclear deal, the quest for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Donald Trump’s diplomacy and military picks have outlined the incoming administration’s foreign policy in Senate confirmation hearings this week. Putin, a ‘danger’ trying to ‘break’ NATOTaking a stance resolutely at odds with Trump, Tillerson and Mattis lobbed criticisms at Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the eyes of the Pentagon nominee Mattis, Russia “has chosen to be a strategic competitor.”Their bellicose statements have clashed with those of the next US president, who takes office on January 20. Former Cold War foes, the United States and Russia have had turbulent ties since 2012, notably because of the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. The measure was approved unanimously thanks to the abstention of the United States.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 13, 2017 00:15 UTC