In a rare show of unity, the United States and Russia on Dec. 18 led 13 nations to unanimous approval of a United Nations plan to choke off revenue sources for the militant group Islamic State, including oil, cotton and antiquities that are smuggled out of Syria to thriving black markets.
Los Angeles Times: US and Russia unite to target Islamic State’s revenue sources
Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual press conference in Moscow on Dec. 17.
