Stars and Stripes Daily Headlines

December 14, 2016

	US: Islamic State could now have Russian and Syrian weapons after recapturing Palmyra The Islamic State group could now control sophisticated military equipment and weapons, including an air defense system, after recapturing the town of Palmyra from Russian and Syrian forces, the top U.S. general in charge of operations in Iraq and Syria said Wednesday.   Congress passes gutted veterans reform bill In the last hours of the 114th Congress, lawmakers settled on a veterans reform bill that includes only pieces of what the Department of Veterans Affairs and several veterans groups were hoping to accomplish by the end of the year.   Trump's Taiwan call raises questions about changes to China policy Some experts say President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to take a phone call from Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen last week might signal major changes to U.S. relations with China.   1st US servicemember to die in Syria to be buried as coalition fight ramps up As Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton's family prepared for a private burial at Arlington National Cemetery, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced a ramp-up of U.S. involvement in the Syria fight with the deployment of 200 more troops.   US troops to arrive in Europe in January to reassure allies  The United States is deploying troops to Poland, the Baltic states and Romania next month as part of raising the security of the region, Polish and U.S. defense officials said Wednesday.   Edelweiss guests can soon bunk with their dogs Starting in February, some guests at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen may be a little on the furry side.   AAFES to double card discount for fuel ahead of Christmas The Army and Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES, will be offering a 10-cent-per-gallon discount off fuel purchases made with a Military Star card at AAFES gas stations worldwide from Dec. 19 to 25. This is double the usual 5-cent-per-gallon discount the card usually yields.   Trump's national security adviser shared secrets without permission, files show A 2010 military investigation determined that retired Gen. Michael Flynn, "inappropriately shared" classified information with foreign military officers in Afghanistan. The investigation concluded that Flynn did not act "knowingly" and that "there was no actual or potential damage to national security as a result."   Military spouses struggle to stay in careers despite state laws Florida and all other states passed laws in the last five years meant to help military spouses who already have occupational licenses to quickly get back on the job after crossing state lines. But it’s unclear if these laws have made a difference.