2/13/16

* US says NATO may join anti-ISIS coalition  Carter announces NATO is 'exploring the possibility' of joining the coalition as an active member, significantly raising coordination. 

* Assad: We welcome peace but won't stop fighting 'terrorists'  Syria's President vows to retake the entire country from 'terrorists' even if a ceasefire agreement is reached. 

* First Islamic State Celebrates Anniversary  The first Islamic State since World War II celebrates its anniversary this week. And it isn't the one you might think. 

* Syria conflict: Pressure grows on Russia over civilian bomb deaths  Pressure is increasing on Russia over civilian deaths in Syria, with France and the US urging greater caution. 

* World leaders focus on Syria at annual Munich Security Conference  The Syrian issue was top priority on the first day of the conference. 

* Pentagon: North Korea Nuclear, Missile Threat Increasing  North Korea poses an increasing danger of using long-range missiles capable of striking the United States with nuclear warheads and is fielding new road-mobile and submarine-launched missiles, the Pentagon said in a report to Congress made public Friday. 

* Saudi Arabia to send planes to Turkey for Islamic State fight  Saudi Arabia has resumed its participation in air strikes against Islamic State in recent weeks and US Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday welcomed its commitment to expand its role. 

* Abdullah: Israel-Palestine stalemate 'a festering wound exploited by ISIS'  Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon met Abdullah on the sidelines of the Munich security conference. 

* Unity call as Pope Francis holds historic talks with Russian Orthodox Patriarch  Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill have called for restored Christian unity between the two churches at historic talks in Cuba. 

* Russian PM: Foreign offensive in Syria could spark 'world war'  After Saudis say their decision to deploy troops in Syria is 'final,' Medvedev issues a dire warning.