Next Cold War Roundup 6/4/16 The Syrian army coalition advanced into the province of Raqqah while the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces crossed the Euphrates toward Manbij. Intense fighting continues in northwest Syria’s Idlib and Aleppo provinces. Middle East peace talks commence in Paris but neither Israeli nor Palestinian leaders attend.

Next Cold War Roundup 5/31/16 880 migrants and refugees were lost when boats carrying them from Libya to Italy capsized or wrecked, as the Italian navy attempted rescues. UK Prime Minister David Cameron says Libya is a “threat to us all.”  Libya’s new appointed government won’t allow EU ships close

President Obama—who has been at war longer and reduced nuclear weapons less than any other president—called for peace and an end to nuclear proliferation.

Coordinated terrorist bombings in Syria killed more than 150 civilians and significantly disturbed the situation in the country, and more in our round-up.

The US and Russia are competing for dominance of a base in Vietnam, which is strategic to the South China Sea and could determine the outcome of the crisis.

When asked about UK involvement in Iraq, Trump said, “I don’t see it as war crimes. I just think [Blair] goes down as somebody who did a terrible job.”

The Obama administration revealed that US special operations forces have been deployed in Libyan “outposts” for months along with other western forces.

The fighting in Syria continues. The US and Russia continue to work on cessation of hostilities. Al Qaeda calls for unity jihad and an emirate in Syria.

AP and the New York Times published a colorful report of the cowboys of the Golan Heights and their intent to stay on this land.

Massive fighting, shelling, bombs and airstrikes in Aleppo escalated sharply in the past few days. Western media reporting on it has been severely skewed.