From cries of “betrayal” to fears about “falling dominoes”, the deal making the United Arab Emirates the third Arab state to forge ties with Israel stirred anger and dismay around the Middle East, but a cautious welcome from the UAE’s Gulf allies.

The mixed response highlighted new fault lines in a region where fear and distrust of Iran - shared by Israel and some Arab states - has challenged a decades-old allegiance to the Palestinian issue as a major driver of Arab policy.

Palestinians, who want to establish a state on West Bank territory captured by Israel in 1967, denounced the agreement as a betrayal of the long-held Arab stance that peace should be conditional on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory.

The agreement, which is set to make the UAE only the third Arab state after Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel, calls for a temporary suspension of Israel’s planned annexation of occupied West Bank territory, but not withdrawal.

The deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump helped to broker with support from senior adviser Jared Kushner, forms a new axis with the UAE aligning itself with Israel in confronting Shi’ite Muslim Iran and Sunni Islamist radicals in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-uae-deal-can-trump-ensure-peace-in-west-asia-320609">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Israel-UAE deal: Can Trump ensure peace in West Asia?</a>

This is likely to heighten tensions in the Gulf, which has in the past two years seen attacks on tankers and energy assets that the United States and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denies.

Iran’s foreign minister said the deal aimed to hand Trump a win ahead of U.S. elections in November, a view echoed by the leader of Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement.

“It’s shameful what Abu Dhabi did ... They don’t see the Zionist regime as an enemy, but an ally and what’s happening now is to help Trump in the elections,” Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif told Al Mayadeen TV.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised speech, described the UAE move as an “election favour” for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said more Arab states would follow suit to “satisfy” Washington.

“It is good, though painful, that the masks have fallen,” he said, describing the deal as a betrayal of Islam and Arabs.

'Fall like dominoes'

Some worshippers at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, where Palestinians want to establish the capital of a future state, carried pictures of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed with the word “traitor” underneath his image.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-uae-peace-deal-netanyahu-hails-new-era-for-israel-320345">Also watch|&nbsp;Israel -UAE peace deal: Netanyahu hails new era for Israel</a>

“Just like Egypt, Jordan and now Abu Dhabi, the whole Arab world will start to fall like dominoes,” said Mohammad al-Sharif, 45, a member of Israel’s Arab minority. “That Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and his dirty dogs look out for themselves and their interests and the rest of us can go to hell.”

Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary General Saeb Erekat spelled out the potential consequences for his people if a united Arab front splintered.

“The whole thing that we based our strategy on as Arabs is that the (2002) Arab peace initiative specified that once Israel withdraws, there will be peace between Arabs and Israelis.

“Netanyahu came determined, with Kushner, Trump... to change the formula, that they want Arab recognition of Israel while they continue with the occupation, and the United Arab Emirates yesterday stamped the green light for this,” Erekat said.

Turkey may shut embassy

Turkey, a powerful regional rival of the UAE, said history would not forgive the Gulf country for making a deal which undercut the 2002 Arab peace plan, which had proposed peace in return for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territory.

“We may also take a step in the direction of suspending diplomatic ties with the Abu Dhabi leadership or pulling back our ambassador,” President Tayyip Erdogan said after Friday prayers, adding that he could close Turkey’s embassy.

But, in a region beset with other challenges including civil wars, poverty and economic crisis, some people appeared to have other concerns.

At Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia, converted by Erdogan to a mosque last month in a move which he portrayed as a step towards restoring “freedom” to Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, worshippers who spoke to Reuters were unaware of the announcement.

Incentive for peace

Egypt and Jordan, which signed peace deals with Israel in 1979 and 1994 respectively and enjoy close ties with the UAE, both welcomed the agreement. Jordan said the pact could make a beneficial impact if it spurred Israel to accept a Palestinian state on land it took in the 1967 Middle East war.

“If Israel deals with it as an incentive to end occupation..., it will move the region towards a just peace,” Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.

Oman and Bahrain praised the accord but Saudi Arabia, which has in the past led Arab policy towards Israel and hosts Islam’s two holiest sites, has remained silent, as have Kuwait and Qatar.

Jordan’s former foreign minister, Marwan al-Muasher, said it was possible other Gulf states could follow Abu Dhabi’s lead. But none of those could address the root problem.

“In the end it’s not the Gulf states who are living under occupation, it’s the Palestinians. And until you reach a solution with the Palestinians, it does not matter how many peace deals you make with Arab states,” he told Reuters.

From cries of “betrayal” to fears about “falling dominoes”, the deal making the United Arab Emirates the third Arab state to forge ties with Israel stirred anger and dismay around the Middle East, but a cautious welcome from the UAE’s Gulf allies.

From cries of “betrayal” to fears about “falling dominoes”, the deal making the United Arab Emirates the third Arab state to forge ties with Israel stirred anger and dismay around the Middle East, but a cautious welcome from the UAE’s Gulf allies. The mixed response highlighted new fault lines in a region where fear and distrust of Iran - shared by Israel and some Arab states - has challenged a decades-old allegiance to the Palestinian issue as a major driver of Arab policy. Palestinians, who want to establish a state on West Bank territory captured by Israel in 1967, denounced the agreement as a betrayal of the long-held Arab stance that peace should be conditional on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory. The agreement, which is set to make the UAE only the third Arab state after Egypt and Jordan to make peace with Israel, calls for a temporary suspension of Israel’s planned annexation of occupied West Bank territory, but not withdrawal. The deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump helped to broker with support from senior adviser Jared Kushner, forms a new axis with the UAE aligning itself with Israel in confronting Shi’ite Muslim Iran and Sunni Islamist radicals in the region. Also watch| Gravitas: Israel-UAE deal: Can Trump ensure peace in West Asia? This is likely to heighten tensions in the Gulf, which has in the past two years seen attacks on tankers and energy assets that the United States and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denies. Iran’s foreign minister said the deal aimed to hand Trump a win ahead of U.S. elections in November, a view echoed by the leader of Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement. “It’s shameful what Abu Dhabi did ... They don’t see the Zionist regime as an enemy, but an ally and what’s happening now is to help Trump in the elections,” Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif told Al Mayadeen TV. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised speech, described the UAE move as an “election favour” for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said more Arab states would follow suit to “satisfy” Washington. “It is good, though painful, that the masks have fallen,” he said, describing the deal as a betrayal of Islam and Arabs. 'Fall like dominoes' Some worshippers at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, where Palestinians want to establish the capital of a future state, carried pictures of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed with the word “traitor” underneath his image. Also watch| Israel -UAE peace deal: Netanyahu hails new era for Israel “Just like Egypt, Jordan and now Abu Dhabi, the whole Arab world will start to fall like dominoes,” said Mohammad al-Sharif, 45, a member of Israel’s Arab minority. “That Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and his dirty dogs look out for themselves and their interests and the rest of us can go to hell.” Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary General Saeb Erekat spelled out the potential consequences for his people if a united Arab front splintered. “The whole thing that we based our strategy on as Arabs is that the (2002) Arab peace initiative specified that once Israel withdraws, there will be peace between Arabs and Israelis. “Netanyahu came determined, with Kushner, Trump... to change the formula, that they want Arab recognition of Israel while they continue with the occupation, and the United Arab Emirates yesterday stamped the green light for this,” Erekat said. Turkey may shut embassy Turkey, a powerful regional rival of the UAE, said history would not forgive the Gulf country for making a deal which undercut the 2002 Arab peace plan, which had proposed peace in return for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territory. “We may also take a step in the direction of suspending diplomatic ties with the Abu Dhabi leadership or pulling back our ambassador,” President Tayyip Erdogan said after Friday prayers, adding that he could close Turkey’s embassy. But, in a region beset with other challenges including civil wars, poverty and economic crisis, some people appeared to have other concerns. At Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia, converted by Erdogan to a mosque last month in a move which he portrayed as a step towards restoring “freedom” to Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, worshippers who spoke to Reuters were unaware of the announcement. Incentive for peace Egypt and Jordan, which signed peace deals with Israel in 1979 and 1994 respectively and enjoy close ties with the UAE, both welcomed the agreement. Jordan said the pact could make a beneficial impact if it spurred Israel to accept a Palestinian state on land it took in the 1967 Middle East war. “If Israel deals with it as an incentive to end occupation..., it will move the region towards a just peace,” Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said. Oman and Bahrain praised the accord but Saudi Arabia, which has in the past led Arab policy towards Israel and hosts Islam’s two holiest sites, has remained silent, as have Kuwait and Qatar. Jordan’s former foreign minister, Marwan al-Muasher, said it was possible other Gulf states could follow Abu Dhabi’s lead. But none of those could address the root problem. “In the end it’s not the Gulf states who are living under occupation, it’s the Palestinians. And until you reach a solution with the Palestinians, it does not matter how many peace deals you make with Arab states,” he told Reuters.

UAE's Israel deal met with Arab dismay but quiet welcome in Gulf

India reported a spike&nbsp;of 65,002 coronavirus cases and 996 deaths in the last 24 hours. On Saturday morning, the tally has increased to&nbsp;2,526,193 including 668,220 active cases, 1,808,937 discharged/migrated and 49,036 deaths.

India crossed the 2.5 million mark just eight days after reaching 2,000,000 cases.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated this day and his address to the nation's&nbsp;"Corona Warriors" — people who have been at forefront in fighting the war against the COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-celebrates-its-74th-independence-day-at-red-fort-pm-thanks-frontline-warriors-320647#security-check-320641">In pics:&nbsp;India celebrates its 74th Independence Day at Red Fort; PM thanks frontline warriors</a>

PM Modi said, “We can’t even count the number of nameless faces who have worked to fight against the coronavirus pandemic in these months. To these workers and Corona Warriors, I bow my head with humility.”

Modi also urged people to keep the fighting the war against the novel coronavirus and said, "India will start mass production of vaccines once we get a green signal from scientists. The strategy to ensure that coronavirus vaccine reaches every Indian in the least possible time is ready. There are 3 vaccines under development in India."

He also&nbsp;announced a National Digital Health Mission that would include a health ID card for every citizen of the country which will help in creating a health profile for every individual.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-formation-of-national-digital-health-mission-in-i-day-address-to-nation-320703">Also read: PM Modi announces formation of National Digital Health Mission in I-Day address to nation</a>

Maharashtra reported its highest single-day spike of&nbsp;12,608 cases. The tally increased&nbsp;to 5,72,734 and&nbsp;death toll to 19,427. Mumbai reported&nbsp;979 new cases and 47, taking the toll to&nbsp;128,550 including 101,861 recovered/discharged cases, 19,354 active cases and 7,035 deaths.

Assam reported 2,706 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 74,501.&nbsp;The total number in the state include 49,383 recoveries, 24,940 active cases and 175 deaths.

Punjab reported&nbsp;1,077 new cases and 25 deaths, taking the total number of cases to 29,013, including&nbsp;9,954 active cases and 731 deaths.

Health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal&nbsp;tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday evening, and Union Minister Amit Shah, who had earlier tested positive, tweeted that he has now tested negative and is recovering.

&nbsp;

India reported a spike of 65,002 coronavirus cases and 996 deaths in the last 24 hours. On Saturday morning, the tally has increased to 2,526,193 including 668,220 active cases, 1,808,937 discharged/migrated and 49,036 deaths.

India reported a spike of 65,002 coronavirus cases and 996 deaths in the last 24 hours. On Saturday morning, the tally has increased to 2,526,193 including 668,220 active cases, 1,808,937 discharged/migrated and 49,036 deaths. India crossed the 2.5 million mark just eight days after reaching 2,000,000 cases. Meanwhile, on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated this day and his address to the nation's "Corona Warriors" — people who have been at forefront in fighting the war against the COVID-19 pandemic. In pics: India celebrates its 74th Independence Day at Red Fort; PM thanks frontline warriors PM Modi said, “We can’t even count the number of nameless faces who have worked to fight against the coronavirus pandemic in these months. To these workers and Corona Warriors, I bow my head with humility.” Modi also urged people to keep the fighting the war against the novel coronavirus and said, "India will start mass production of vaccines once we get a green signal from scientists. The strategy to ensure that coronavirus vaccine reaches every Indian in the least possible time is ready. There are 3 vaccines under development in India." He also announced a National Digital Health Mission that would include a health ID card for every citizen of the country which will help in creating a health profile for every individual. Also read: PM Modi announces formation of National Digital Health Mission in I-Day address to nation Maharashtra reported its highest single-day spike of 12,608 cases. The tally increased to 5,72,734 and death toll to 19,427. Mumbai reported 979 new cases and 47, taking the toll to 128,550 including 101,861 recovered/discharged cases, 19,354 active cases and 7,035 deaths. Assam reported 2,706 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 74,501. The total number in the state include 49,383 recoveries, 24,940 active cases and 175 deaths. Punjab reported 1,077 new cases and 25 deaths, taking the total number of cases to 29,013, including 9,954 active cases and 731 deaths. Health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday evening, and Union Minister Amit Shah, who had earlier tested positive, tweeted that he has now tested negative and is recovering.

India's COVID-19 tally crosses 2.5 million mark with 65,002 new cases

India celebrates its 74th Independence Day at Red Fort; PM thanks frontline warriors

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc&nbsp;(AAPL.O) have against locked horns —&nbsp; this time the topic is commission fee.

Facebook announced that Apple has&nbsp;now declined its request to waive a 30 per cent commission fee the iPhone maker charges apps listed on iOS devices. Facebook claims it made the request so that the small businesses do not have to pay Apple's cut&nbsp;for a new paid online 'events' product that Facebook&nbsp;is launching on its core platform.

Apple, much like Google, charges a commission fee between 15 to 30 per cent for app&nbsp;subscriptions and payments made inside apps, except for them companies that already&nbsp;have a credit card on file for iPhone customers. This practice by tech company has been criticised earlier too by various developers.

Recently, 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games also got into a legal and social war with Apple over similar issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/fortnite-makers-to-sue-apple-inc-as-freefortnite-trends-with-remake-of-1984-video-320327">Also read:&nbsp;'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video</a>

The issue came to light after a mock up of the new feature of Facebook on iPhone showed that the company planned to tell users that Apple would take 30 per cent of the purchase.

While the same process is followed by Google, it is not clear if Google would walk the oath of Apple in this case, or let go of the fee for a greater cause.

Google and Facebook declined to reveal their arrangement, though.

Fidji Simo, head of&nbsp;the core Facebook app, announced the tool in a media conference call featuring small business owners who praised it as a way to reach customers and earn revenue online during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said Facebook considered it “important to be transparent, when people are supporting small businesses,” as users might not be aware that part of their payments could be “going to an almost $2 trillion company.”

Apple has not yet responded to the controversy.

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have against locked horns — this time the topic is commission fee.

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have against locked horns — this time the topic is commission fee. Facebook announced that Apple has now declined its request to waive a 30 per cent commission fee the iPhone maker charges apps listed on iOS devices. Facebook claims it made the request so that the small businesses do not have to pay Apple's cut for a new paid online 'events' product that Facebook is launching on its core platform. Apple, much like Google, charges a commission fee between 15 to 30 per cent for app subscriptions and payments made inside apps, except for them companies that already have a credit card on file for iPhone customers. This practice by tech company has been criticised earlier too by various developers. Recently, 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games also got into a legal and social war with Apple over similar issues. Also read: 'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video The issue came to light after a mock up of the new feature of Facebook on iPhone showed that the company planned to tell users that Apple would take 30 per cent of the purchase. While the same process is followed by Google, it is not clear if Google would walk the oath of Apple in this case, or let go of the fee for a greater cause. Google and Facebook declined to reveal their arrangement, though. Fidji Simo, head of the core Facebook app, announced the tool in a media conference call featuring small business owners who praised it as a way to reach customers and earn revenue online during the coronavirus pandemic. She said Facebook considered it “important to be transparent, when people are supporting small businesses,” as users might not be aware that part of their payments could be “going to an almost $2 trillion company.” Apple has not yet responded to the controversy.

Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-to-possess-evidence-against-bytedance-orders-to-divest-interest-in-tiktok-within-90-days-320621">Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/01/152496-trump-and-tiktok.jpg?itok=ClzxuSUg" />

'There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance ... might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,' Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dedicates-74th-independence-day-address-to-corona-warriors-security-forces-320685">PM Modi dedicates 74th Independence Day address to corona warriors, security forces</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/15/154777-modi-address-2.jpg?itok=fQOacL2S" />

Continuing the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, the prime minister chose an off-white saafa with broad streak of orange for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-camp-slams-trumps-for-abhorrent-birther-lies-about-kamala-harris-320624">Biden camp slams Trumps for 'abhorrent' birther lies about Kamala Harris</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/13/154377-harris-and-biden-2.jpg?itok=l4FxmCs2" />

'Trump has has sought to fuel racism and tear our nation apart,' a statement from Biden read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kevin-clinesmith-former-fbi-lawyer-to-plead-guilty-for-falsifying-email-against-trump-320632">Kevin Clinesmith, former FBI lawyer, to plead guilty for falsifying email against Trump</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/15/154750-kevin-clinesmith-1.jpg?itok=YdClBEt1" />

He has taken responsibility for altering the email, however his lawyers have emphasised that this was not his intent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-running-out-of-food-320611">Gravitas: Is China running out of food?</a>

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Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days 'There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance .

Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days 'There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance ... might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,' Trump said. PM Modi dedicates 74th Independence Day address to corona warriors, security forces Continuing the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, the prime minister chose an off-white saafa with broad streak of orange for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address Biden camp slams Trumps for 'abhorrent' birther lies about Kamala Harris 'Trump has has sought to fuel racism and tear our nation apart,' a statement from Biden read. Kevin Clinesmith, former FBI lawyer, to plead guilty for falsifying email against Trump He has taken responsibility for altering the email, however his lawyers have emphasised that this was not his intent. Gravitas: Is China running out of food? ×

Morning news brief: India's 74th Independence Day, Biden slams Trump and more

Barcelona's worst ever defeat in Europe, an 8-2 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich, will signal the end of Quique Setien as coach but it feels like the end of more than that.&nbsp;

Setien may not even survive the weekend but the fact a second sacking in eight months would be the least of Barca's worries says it all.&nbsp;

"It's too soon to say if I will continue or not and it doesn't depend on me," said Setien.

"The club needs changes," said Gerard Pique. "Nobody is untouchable, least of all me. Fresh blood is needed to change this. We've hit rock bottom."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-cant-compare-lewandowski-and-messi-bayern-boss-flick-320410">Also read:&nbsp;'You can't compare Lewandowski and Messi' - Bayern boss Flick</a>

Lionel Messi was supposed to win it alone, the Argentinian charged with somehow masking the failings of an entire club against the most formidable team in Europe.&nbsp;

It was a desperate hope, swiftly dashed by a ruthless Bayern side, whose demolition exposed Barcelona's ageing team for what Messi has been saying all along: they are simply not good enough.&nbsp;

He said it in February and again in July, when a rant in the aftermath of handing Real Madrid the title turned into a brutal, but honest, assessment of their season.&nbsp;

Messi saw the fall coming but it was too late to do anything about it and the question now is whether he wants to be part of the process of recovery and renewal.&nbsp;

Most have assumed it would take something cataclysmic for Messi to leave but at an elite football club, what could be worse than this?&nbsp;

This was more painful than the capitulations against Roma and Liverpool, when carelessness and fragility deprived Barcelona of a genuine chance to lift the Champions League trophy.&nbsp;

But they were shocks because Barca were contenders. This time, nobody expected them to beat Bayern. Many expected a thrashing but few could have predicted the severity of it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-sign-willian-on-free-transfer-320476">Also read:&nbsp;Arsenal sign Willian on free transfer</a>

The humiliations started in the fourth minute and kept coming until the 89th.&nbsp;

They began even before kick-off when the starting line-ups were announced, with three Barca signings bought for more than 100 million euros each all sitting on the bench.&nbsp;

One of them, Philippe Coutinho, was on Bayern's bench and he came on to score twice against his parent club, the first even seemingly with reluctance. &nbsp;

Brave decisions await 
Messi, at 33, knows his end is near but he will choose when it comes. Others may not be so lucky, with Pique and Luis Suarez also 33 and Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba 31.&nbsp;

All of them have played a part in Barca's golden era but that era feels a long time ago now and if this team is to regenerate, brave decisions will have to be made.&nbsp;

Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig are the future, smothered this season by the failures of those ahead of them and perhaps ready to be trusted to lead.&nbsp;

If it's the end of an era for Barcelona, it is for Spain too. The national team may have long been overtaken but Messi kept Barca challenging while the Champions League became the kingdom of Real Madrid.

Not anymore, this the first year since 2007 that the semi-finals will be without a Spanish club, and the first since 2005 without either Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.&nbsp;

Who will lead the Barca revolution remains to be seen, with Xavi Hernandez, Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman all sufficiently put off that they rejected the chance in January. Will they be any keener now?&nbsp;

Barcelona will not have the money to make big additions, meaning they may have to look within.&nbsp;

But that would be a long-term project, which the club cannot guarantee either given their presidential elections are due in 2021. A new regime could well bring a new coach too.&nbsp;

A year might even feel like a long time for the current president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who would not rule out the elections being brought forward on Friday.&nbsp;

"Today was a disaster," he said. "Some decisions we had already thought to take and others we will think about in the next few days."

Since 2014, his board have stumbled from blunder to blunder, all the while alienating the dressing room and driving this period of chaos and decline.&nbsp;

It began with Neymar leaving and never being replaced, the frantic attempts to bring him back then failing because the funds had been squandered elsewhere.&nbsp;

And it ended with a public humiliation that Messi saw coming. It had been coming for a long time.

Barcelona's worst ever defeat in Europe, an 8-2 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich, will signal the end of Quique Setien as coach but it feels like the end of more than that.

Barcelona's worst ever defeat in Europe, an 8-2 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich, will signal the end of Quique Setien as coach but it feels like the end of more than that. Setien may not even survive the weekend but the fact a second sacking in eight months would be the least of Barca's worries says it all. "It's too soon to say if I will continue or not and it doesn't depend on me," said Setien. "The club needs changes," said Gerard Pique. "Nobody is untouchable, least of all me. Fresh blood is needed to change this. We've hit rock bottom." Also read: 'You can't compare Lewandowski and Messi' - Bayern boss Flick Lionel Messi was supposed to win it alone, the Argentinian charged with somehow masking the failings of an entire club against the most formidable team in Europe. It was a desperate hope, swiftly dashed by a ruthless Bayern side, whose demolition exposed Barcelona's ageing team for what Messi has been saying all along: they are simply not good enough. He said it in February and again in July, when a rant in the aftermath of handing Real Madrid the title turned into a brutal, but honest, assessment of their season. Messi saw the fall coming but it was too late to do anything about it and the question now is whether he wants to be part of the process of recovery and renewal. Most have assumed it would take something cataclysmic for Messi to leave but at an elite football club, what could be worse than this? This was more painful than the capitulations against Roma and Liverpool, when carelessness and fragility deprived Barcelona of a genuine chance to lift the Champions League trophy. But they were shocks because Barca were contenders. This time, nobody expected them to beat Bayern. Many expected a thrashing but few could have predicted the severity of it. Also read: Arsenal sign Willian on free transfer The humiliations started in the fourth minute and kept coming until the 89th. They began even before kick-off when the starting line-ups were announced, with three Barca signings bought for more than 100 million euros each all sitting on the bench. One of them, Philippe Coutinho, was on Bayern's bench and he came on to score twice against his parent club, the first even seemingly with reluctance. Brave decisions await Messi, at 33, knows his end is near but he will choose when it comes. Others may not be so lucky, with Pique and Luis Suarez also 33 and Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba 31. All of them have played a part in Barca's golden era but that era feels a long time ago now and if this team is to regenerate, brave decisions will have to be made. Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig are the future, smothered this season by the failures of those ahead of them and perhaps ready to be trusted to lead. If it's the end of an era for Barcelona, it is for Spain too. The national team may have long been overtaken but Messi kept Barca challenging while the Champions League became the kingdom of Real Madrid. Not anymore, this the first year since 2007 that the semi-finals will be without a Spanish club, and the first since 2005 without either Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Who will lead the Barca revolution remains to be seen, with Xavi Hernandez, Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman all sufficiently put off that they rejected the chance in January. Will they be any keener now? Barcelona will not have the money to make big additions, meaning they may have to look within. But that would be a long-term project, which the club cannot guarantee either given their presidential elections are due in 2021. A new regime could well bring a new coach too. A year might even feel like a long time for the current president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who would not rule out the elections being brought forward on Friday. "Today was a disaster," he said. "Some decisions we had already thought to take and others we will think about in the next few days." Since 2014, his board have stumbled from blunder to blunder, all the while alienating the dressing room and driving this period of chaos and decline. It began with Neymar leaving and never being replaced, the frantic attempts to bring him back then failing because the funds had been squandered elsewhere. And it ended with a public humiliation that Messi saw coming. It had been coming for a long time.

End of an era as Barca humiliation makes revolution the only option

Firefighters scrambled to protect thousands of homes from a wildfire racing through brush-covered mountains north of Los Angeles on Friday that caused hundreds of evacuations and burned 21 structures.

The blaze, dubbed the Lake Fire, swelled to over 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares), forcing up to 1,500 people from their houses after erupting on Wednesday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest.

Triple digit temperatures and single digit humidity fanned flames on Friday evening, and little let-up was expected over the weekend with an excessive heat warning in effect across Southern California.

"We saw extreme fire conditions," Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Frank Garrido said of the operation in steep canyons aided by firefighting helicopters.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation but human activity is likely to blame, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Andrew Mitchell.

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No casualties were reported but the blaze threatened 5,420 homes and other structures in communities about 40 miles (65 km) north of downtown Los Angeles where residents have been told to prepare for possible evacuations over the weekend, Garrido said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mercury-soars-in-california-as-apple-fire-sets-the-state-ablaze-317851">In pictures:&nbsp;Mercury soars in California as 'Apple Fire' sets the state ablaze</a>

Much of the area has not had a fire in 60-100 years, allowing flames to move swiftly through fuel-choked areas. 
Across the United States, fires have been less ferocious so far in 2020, burning around 1.4 million fewer acres than in the same period of 2019. Conditions are expected to worsen in California next month when Santa Ana winds arrive in the south and El Diablo winds pick up in the North.

In drought-stricken Colorado, the Pine Gulch Fire, burning near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver, has blackened over 73,000 acres in remote mountain terrain, making it the fourth-largest in the state`s history.

Firefighters scrambled to protect thousands of homes from a wildfire racing through brush-covered mountains north of Los Angeles on Friday that caused hundreds of evacuations and burned 21 structures.

Firefighters scrambled to protect thousands of homes from a wildfire racing through brush-covered mountains north of Los Angeles on Friday that caused hundreds of evacuations and burned 21 structures. The blaze, dubbed the Lake Fire, swelled to over 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares), forcing up to 1,500 people from their houses after erupting on Wednesday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest. Triple digit temperatures and single digit humidity fanned flames on Friday evening, and little let-up was expected over the weekend with an excessive heat warning in effect across Southern California. "We saw extreme fire conditions," Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Frank Garrido said of the operation in steep canyons aided by firefighting helicopters. The cause of the blaze was under investigation but human activity is likely to blame, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Andrew Mitchell. × No casualties were reported but the blaze threatened 5,420 homes and other structures in communities about 40 miles (65 km) north of downtown Los Angeles where residents have been told to prepare for possible evacuations over the weekend, Garrido said. In pictures: Mercury soars in California as 'Apple Fire' sets the state ablaze Much of the area has not had a fire in 60-100 years, allowing flames to move swiftly through fuel-choked areas. Across the United States, fires have been less ferocious so far in 2020, burning around 1.4 million fewer acres than in the same period of 2019. Conditions are expected to worsen in California next month when Santa Ana winds arrive in the south and El Diablo winds pick up in the North. In drought-stricken Colorado, the Pine Gulch Fire, burning near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver, has blackened over 73,000 acres in remote mountain terrain, making it the fourth-largest in the state`s history.

'Extreme' California wildfire forces hundreds to evacuate

August 15 in history: India's independence, North Korea's new time zone and more

A former FBI attorney&nbsp;Kevin Clinesmith, who was being investigated for&nbsp;altering an email used to obtain a surveillance warrant on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page, will be pleading guilty. in the courts.

Clinesmith will be pleading guilty&nbsp;to falsifying a document as part of a federal probe into the origins of an investigation into possible contacts between Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.

He has taken responsibility for altering the email, however his lawyers have emphasised that this was not his intent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/book-trouble-trumps-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-accuses-him-of-colluding-with-russia-to-win-elections-320361">Also read|&nbsp;Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses him of colluding with Russia to win elections</a>

“Kevin deeply regrets having altered the email,” Justin Shur, a lawyer for Clinesmith said.

“It was never his intent to mislead the court or his colleagues as he believed the information he relayed was accurate. But Kevin understands what he did was wrong and accepts responsibility,” he added.

<img alt="Kevin Clinesmith, former FBI lawyer, to plead guilty for falsifying email against Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3291ecb-81b9-4c51-92cd-77f18d053c85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kevin%20Clinesmith_0.jpg" />

After the news of Clinesmith pleading guilty broke out, US President Donald Trump suggested towards similar cases being in work.

“That’s just the beginning, I would imagine, because what happened should never happen again,” Trump said on Friday, describing Clinesmith as a “corrupt FBI attorney”.

“The fact is they spied on my campaign and they got caught. And you’ll be hearing more,” Trump said.

He has also been retweeting several articles and tweets about Clinesmith's guilty plead.

According to the charges, former FBI employee wrote text messages opposing Trump's win in the US elections. It is believed that Clinesmith altered an email from an unnamed source (believed to be CIA) to prove that the unnamed individual was not a source, which was not the original content of the email.

Further developments are awaited on this matter.

A former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith, who was being investigated for altering an email used to obtain a surveillance warrant on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page, will be pleading guilty.

A former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith, who was being investigated for altering an email used to obtain a surveillance warrant on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page, will be pleading guilty. in the courts. Clinesmith will be pleading guilty to falsifying a document as part of a federal probe into the origins of an investigation into possible contacts between Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. He has taken responsibility for altering the email, however his lawyers have emphasised that this was not his intent. Also read| Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses him of colluding with Russia to win elections “Kevin deeply regrets having altered the email,” Justin Shur, a lawyer for Clinesmith said. “It was never his intent to mislead the court or his colleagues as he believed the information he relayed was accurate. But Kevin understands what he did was wrong and accepts responsibility,” he added. After the news of Clinesmith pleading guilty broke out, US President Donald Trump suggested towards similar cases being in work. “That’s just the beginning, I would imagine, because what happened should never happen again,” Trump said on Friday, describing Clinesmith as a “corrupt FBI attorney”. “The fact is they spied on my campaign and they got caught. And you’ll be hearing more,” Trump said. He has also been retweeting several articles and tweets about Clinesmith's guilty plead. According to the charges, former FBI employee wrote text messages opposing Trump's win in the US elections. It is believed that Clinesmith altered an email from an unnamed source (believed to be CIA) to prove that the unnamed individual was not a source, which was not the original content of the email. Further developments are awaited on this matter.

Kevin Clinesmith, former FBI lawyer, to plead guilty for falsifying email against Trump

US President Donald Trump's competitor Joe Biden has lashed out at Trump for spreading&nbsp;"abhorrent" lies about Biden's choice of Vice President Kamala Harris and her eligibility to become a Vice President.

Hours after Biden names Harris to be his running mate for the US Presidential elections, scheduled for November 2020, Harris faced criticism from Donald Trump — some of which can be termed as racist.

"I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements," Trump said, after an article was published by a law professor questioning Harris' parents immigration at the time of her birth — Harris' mother is Indian and father is Jamaican.&nbsp;

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"I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said.

"I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said.

"But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-kamala-harris-gets-less-sexist-media-coverage-hillary-clinton-320352">Also read|&nbsp;Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton</a>

The comments were not left unanswered by the Biden campaign.&nbsp;Biden spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement on behalf of Joe Biden that said Trump&nbsp;"has sought to fuel racism and tear our nation apart." The statement called this move and Trump's statements to be a part of the&nbsp;"grotesque, racist birther movement" led by Trump.

"So it's unsurprising, but no less abhorrent, that as Trump makes a fool of himself straining to distract the American people from the horrific toll of his failed coronavirus response that his campaign and their allies would resort to wretched, demonstrably false lies in their pathetic desperation."

Polls show Trump trailing Biden in the November election.

US President Donald Trump's competitor Joe Biden has lashed out at Trump for spreading "abhorrent" lies about Biden's choice of Vice President Kamala Harris and her eligibility to become a Vice President.

US President Donald Trump's competitor Joe Biden has lashed out at Trump for spreading "abhorrent" lies about Biden's choice of Vice President Kamala Harris and her eligibility to become a Vice President. Hours after Biden names Harris to be his running mate for the US Presidential elections, scheduled for November 2020, Harris faced criticism from Donald Trump — some of which can be termed as racist. "I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements," Trump said, after an article was published by a law professor questioning Harris' parents immigration at the time of her birth — Harris' mother is Indian and father is Jamaican. × "I heard it today that she doesn't meet the requirements. And, by the way, the lawyer that wrote that piece is a very highly qualified, very talented lawyer. I have no idea if that's right," Trump said. "I would have assumed the Democrats would have checked that out before she gets chosen to run for vice president," he said. "But that's a very serious, you're saying that, they're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country." Also read| Hope Kamala Harris gets ‘less sexist’ media coverage: Hillary Clinton The comments were not left unanswered by the Biden campaign. Biden spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement on behalf of Joe Biden that said Trump "has sought to fuel racism and tear our nation apart." The statement called this move and Trump's statements to be a part of the "grotesque, racist birther movement" led by Trump. "So it's unsurprising, but no less abhorrent, that as Trump makes a fool of himself straining to distract the American people from the horrific toll of his failed coronavirus response that his campaign and their allies would resort to wretched, demonstrably false lies in their pathetic desperation." Polls show Trump trailing Biden in the November election.

Biden camp slams Trumps for 'abhorrent' birther lies about Kamala Harris

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether NASA`s former head of human spaceflight gave Boeing Co improper guidance during a lucrative lunar-lander contract competition, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The Justice Department has sent subpoenas to NASA, Boeing and Doug Loverro, who led the agency`s marquee space travel program until he resigned abruptly in May, as part of a grand-jury investigation into the possible violation of federal procurement laws, the sources said.

In the probe, opened in June, prosecutors are focusing on communication between Loverro and Boeing space executive Jim Chilton in late January, during a blackout period for the Human Landing System competition, one of the sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-recharges-its-batteries-in-flight-320348">Also read:&nbsp;NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter recharges its batteries in flight</a>

Representatives for Boeing and Loverro declined to comment. NASA declined to comment on personnel matters and the status of any investigation, but said the agency was confident in its procurement processes.

The probe was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The investigation, and an earlier probe by a NASA watchdog, has cast a shadow over one of NASA`s most ambitious endeavors: sending humans back to the moon from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly half a century.

In April, NASA bypassed Boeing — an industry juggernaut with deep ties to space travel — and awarded contracts worth a combined $1 billion to Elon Musk`s SpaceX, Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos` Blue Origin, and Leidos Inc affiliate Dynetics to build lunar landing vehicles that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024.

Boeing was removed from the competition, NASA said in April, without explaining why.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-drops-racially-charged-nicknames-of-celestial-bodies-319130">Also read:&nbsp;NASA drops racially charged nicknames of celestial bodies</a>

Two people briefed on a NASA watchdog investigation told Reuters Boeing`s removal was over its contact with Loverro.

The sources said NASA`s Office of Inspector General found that Loverro told Boeing during a blackout period the company`s proposal was incomplete and discussed aspects of the bid that were missing.

After discussions with Loverro, Boeing officials submitted another version during the blackout period, raising legal concerns among agency procurement staff, one of the people said.

Loverro abruptly resigned in May after less than a year on the job, telling employees in an email seen by Reuters that he took certain "risks" to meet NASA`s 2024 moon deadline.

"It is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro said, without explaining the mistake he was referring to.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether NASA`s former head of human spaceflight gave Boeing Co improper guidance during a lucrative lunar-lander contract competition, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether NASA`s former head of human spaceflight gave Boeing Co improper guidance during a lucrative lunar-lander contract competition, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday. The Justice Department has sent subpoenas to NASA, Boeing and Doug Loverro, who led the agency`s marquee space travel program until he resigned abruptly in May, as part of a grand-jury investigation into the possible violation of federal procurement laws, the sources said. In the probe, opened in June, prosecutors are focusing on communication between Loverro and Boeing space executive Jim Chilton in late January, during a blackout period for the Human Landing System competition, one of the sources said. Also read: NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter recharges its batteries in flight Representatives for Boeing and Loverro declined to comment. NASA declined to comment on personnel matters and the status of any investigation, but said the agency was confident in its procurement processes. The probe was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal. The investigation, and an earlier probe by a NASA watchdog, has cast a shadow over one of NASA`s most ambitious endeavors: sending humans back to the moon from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly half a century. In April, NASA bypassed Boeing — an industry juggernaut with deep ties to space travel — and awarded contracts worth a combined $1 billion to Elon Musk`s SpaceX, Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos` Blue Origin, and Leidos Inc affiliate Dynetics to build lunar landing vehicles that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024. Boeing was removed from the competition, NASA said in April, without explaining why. Also read: NASA drops racially charged nicknames of celestial bodies Two people briefed on a NASA watchdog investigation told Reuters Boeing`s removal was over its contact with Loverro. The sources said NASA`s Office of Inspector General found that Loverro told Boeing during a blackout period the company`s proposal was incomplete and discussed aspects of the bid that were missing. After discussions with Loverro, Boeing officials submitted another version during the blackout period, raising legal concerns among agency procurement staff, one of the people said. Loverro abruptly resigned in May after less than a year on the job, telling employees in an email seen by Reuters that he took certain "risks" to meet NASA`s 2024 moon deadline. "It is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro said, without explaining the mistake he was referring to.

US prosecutors probe ex-NASA official, Boeing over space contract: sources

The US President Donald Trump, in another series of orders against the Chinese company ByteDance, has ordered ByteDance to divest its interest in TikTok's operations in the US within 90 days.

Donald Trump has been trying to shut down ByteDance's popular short-video sharing app TikTok in the US for some time now. Trump believes the Chinese parents company is acting as an insider source for the Chinese intelligence.

“There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance ... might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,” Trump said in the order.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-in-talks-with-tiktok-to-discuss-possible-merging-reports-319139">Also read|&nbsp;Twitter in talks with TikTok to discuss possible merging: Reports</a>

Trump, earlier, had announced a ban on the very popular video sharing app, TikTok. However,&nbsp;Microsoft came to the rescue of the Chinese app, announcing a possibility of taking over TikTok's US operations. Twitter, too, followed the suit.&nbsp;

Later, Trump announced a 45-days notice to TikTok&nbsp;to either sell or face the ban, demanding significant portion of the sale go to the US Treasury. Trump, at that time, said he would support the sale of TikTok's US operations to Microsoft Corp if the US government got a “substantial portion” of the sales price but warned he will ban the service in the United States on September 15.

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"The following actions shall be prohibited beginning 45 days after the date of this order... any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with ByteDance Ltd," Trump had earlier warned ByteDance.

Since then, there has been no confirmation on whether or not Microsoft or Twitter would buy the US operations of TikTok from ByteDance.

More details on the 90-days order are awaited.

The US President Donald Trump, in another series of orders against the Chinese company ByteDance, has ordered ByteDance to divest its interest in TikTok's operations in the US within 90 days.

The US President Donald Trump, in another series of orders against the Chinese company ByteDance, has ordered ByteDance to divest its interest in TikTok's operations in the US within 90 days. Donald Trump has been trying to shut down ByteDance's popular short-video sharing app TikTok in the US for some time now. Trump believes the Chinese parents company is acting as an insider source for the Chinese intelligence. “There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance ... might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,” Trump said in the order. Also read| Twitter in talks with TikTok to discuss possible merging: Reports Trump, earlier, had announced a ban on the very popular video sharing app, TikTok. However, Microsoft came to the rescue of the Chinese app, announcing a possibility of taking over TikTok's US operations. Twitter, too, followed the suit. Later, Trump announced a 45-days notice to TikTok to either sell or face the ban, demanding significant portion of the sale go to the US Treasury. Trump, at that time, said he would support the sale of TikTok's US operations to Microsoft Corp if the US government got a “substantial portion” of the sales price but warned he will ban the service in the United States on September 15. × "The following actions shall be prohibited beginning 45 days after the date of this order... any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with ByteDance Ltd," Trump had earlier warned ByteDance. Since then, there has been no confirmation on whether or not Microsoft or Twitter would buy the US operations of TikTok from ByteDance. More details on the 90-days order are awaited.

Trump claims to possess evidence against ByteDance; orders to divest interest in TikTok within 90 days

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