Washington's refusal to condemn an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-40-killed-in-air-strike-on-libya-migrant-centre-232617/amp">airstrike on a detention centre</a> that killed dozens of migrants blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar by his rivals shows tacit US support, experts say.

The decision could prove damaging for the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj -- as well as for the UN's influence and human rights in war-torn Libya.

Washington's move "should not come as a surprise", said James Dorsey, a researcher at Singapore's S&nbsp;Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "It is a sign of US policy changing towards Libya."

Following more than two hours of deliberations on Wednesday, the United States blocked the UN Security Council from adopting a unanimous statement condemning the incident.

Bodies were strewn on the floor of a hangar in Tripoli's Tajoura suburb, mixed with the blood-soaked clothes of migrants following the strike condemned by UN chief Antonio Guterres as "horrendous". At least 44 people were killed and more than 100 injured.

The US representatives at the UN gave no explanation for the Trump administration's decision not to condemn the outrage.

The British-drafted text did not lay the blame with either side of the bitter conflict that has pitted Haftar's eastern power-base against forces aligned with the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.

Instead, it called for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks.

But Washington refused to give the final go-ahead for the text to be adopted, according to a European diplomatic source.

'Shared vision'?

"This latest US stand is perfectly consistent with the policies of the past few years which have turned a blind eye to egregious human rights violations when committed by US allies," said Karim Bitar, a senior fellow at the Paris-based IRIS think-tank.

"The Trump administration and its Gulf allies have fully embraced Haftar's heavy-handed methods and authoritarian agenda."

Mired in chaos since the 2011 toppling of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is ruled by two rival factions -- Sarraj's GNA in the west, and Haftar's in the east.

The UN has previously failed to agree a unified position after Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an assault on GNA-held Tripoli in April.

"The US have not withdrawn in any form or sense their recognition of -- nor revoked their support to -- the GNA, but de facto there has been contacts with Haftar at the highest level," added Dorsey.

After Haftar began to wage war on the country's west, US President Donald Trump called him to praise his "significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" and "shared vision".

'Our son of a bitch'

"Haftar fulfils two criteria in the eyes of Washington. One, he is projecting himself against the Islamists. Two, he is backed by the US's two closest allies in the region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia," said Dorsey.

Haftar has also received more subtle support from Egypt and France -- while even Russia has unusually sided with Washington and tilted towards him even as the GNA won backing from Turkey and Qatar.

"The last two months have witnessed a massive lobbying offensive in Washington with Haftar being represented by his own public relations firm backed by the extensive lobby apparatus of the UAE," said Andreas Krieg, a lecturer at King's College London.

"It looks as if the joint Haftar-UAE lobbying of Trump over the past months has been successful in convincing the White House that Haftar's LNA might be a partner to work with -- despite growing evidence of war crimes committed."

Haftar, 75, has sought to present himself as Libya's saviour while his rivals accuse him of once again seeking to subject Libya to a military dictatorship.

The US, which previously granted Haftar political asylum, knows him well.

Bitar, the IRIS analyst, summed up Washington's position by recounting the apocryphal comments of former US president Franklin D&nbsp;Roosevelt about Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza.

"He may be a son of a bitch," the 32nd president reputedly said. "But he's our son of a bitch."

Washington's refusal to condemn an airstrike on a detention centre that killed dozens of migrants blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar by his rivals shows tacit US support, experts say.

Washington's refusal to condemn an airstrike on a detention centre that killed dozens of migrants blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar by his rivals shows tacit US support, experts say. The decision could prove damaging for the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj -- as well as for the UN's influence and human rights in war-torn Libya. Washington's move "should not come as a surprise", said James Dorsey, a researcher at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "It is a sign of US policy changing towards Libya." Following more than two hours of deliberations on Wednesday, the United States blocked the UN Security Council from adopting a unanimous statement condemning the incident. Bodies were strewn on the floor of a hangar in Tripoli's Tajoura suburb, mixed with the blood-soaked clothes of migrants following the strike condemned by UN chief Antonio Guterres as "horrendous". At least 44 people were killed and more than 100 injured. The US representatives at the UN gave no explanation for the Trump administration's decision not to condemn the outrage. The British-drafted text did not lay the blame with either side of the bitter conflict that has pitted Haftar's eastern power-base against forces aligned with the UN-recognised government in Tripoli. Instead, it called for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks. But Washington refused to give the final go-ahead for the text to be adopted, according to a European diplomatic source. 'Shared vision'? "This latest US stand is perfectly consistent with the policies of the past few years which have turned a blind eye to egregious human rights violations when committed by US allies," said Karim Bitar, a senior fellow at the Paris-based IRIS think-tank. "The Trump administration and its Gulf allies have fully embraced Haftar's heavy-handed methods and authoritarian agenda." Mired in chaos since the 2011 toppling of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is ruled by two rival factions -- Sarraj's GNA in the west, and Haftar's in the east. The UN has previously failed to agree a unified position after Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an assault on GNA-held Tripoli in April. "The US have not withdrawn in any form or sense their recognition of -- nor revoked their support to -- the GNA, but de facto there has been contacts with Haftar at the highest level," added Dorsey. After Haftar began to wage war on the country's west, US President Donald Trump called him to praise his "significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" and "shared vision". 'Our son of a bitch' "Haftar fulfils two criteria in the eyes of Washington. One, he is projecting himself against the Islamists. Two, he is backed by the US's two closest allies in the region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia," said Dorsey. Haftar has also received more subtle support from Egypt and France -- while even Russia has unusually sided with Washington and tilted towards him even as the GNA won backing from Turkey and Qatar. "The last two months have witnessed a massive lobbying offensive in Washington with Haftar being represented by his own public relations firm backed by the extensive lobby apparatus of the UAE," said Andreas Krieg, a lecturer at King's College London. "It looks as if the joint Haftar-UAE lobbying of Trump over the past months has been successful in convincing the White House that Haftar's LNA might be a partner to work with -- despite growing evidence of war crimes committed." Haftar, 75, has sought to present himself as Libya's saviour while his rivals accuse him of once again seeking to subject Libya to a military dictatorship. The US, which previously granted Haftar political asylum, knows him well. Bitar, the IRIS analyst, summed up Washington's position by recounting the apocryphal comments of former US president Franklin D Roosevelt about Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. "He may be a son of a bitch," the 32nd president reputedly said. "But he's our son of a bitch."

US banks on Libya strongman Khalifa Haftar: Experts

The voting for by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat's Gandhinagar is underway.

The two seats fell vacant after Smriti Irani and Home Minister Amit Shah were elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi and Gandhinagar respectively.

BJP has fielded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and OBC leader Jugal&nbsp;Thakur and the Congress former MLA Chandrika Chudasama and party leader from Valsad, Gaurav Pandya, as party candidates for Rajya Sabha by-elections.

Earlier on Thursday, Congress had shifted its MLAs to a resort in Palanpur area in Banaskatha district of the state in a bid to avoid horse trading.

As many as 69 Congress MLAs from the state have been shifted to Balaram resort which is 150 kilometres away from Ahmedabad.

The voting for by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat's Gandhinagar is underway. The two seats fell vacant after Smriti Irani and Home Minister Amit Shah were elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi and Gandhinagar respectively.

The voting for by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat's Gandhinagar is underway. The two seats fell vacant after Smriti Irani and Home Minister Amit Shah were elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi and Gandhinagar respectively. BJP has fielded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and OBC leader Jugal Thakur and the Congress former MLA Chandrika Chudasama and party leader from Valsad, Gaurav Pandya, as party candidates for Rajya Sabha by-elections. Earlier on Thursday, Congress had shifted its MLAs to a resort in Palanpur area in Banaskatha district of the state in a bid to avoid horse trading. As many as 69 Congress MLAs from the state have been shifted to Balaram resort which is 150 kilometres away from Ahmedabad.

Voting underway for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat

China and Bangladesh agreed to advance their cooperation under the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-calls-india-bangladesh-ties-organic-232905">Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> on Thursday.

The two leaders signed various other agreements in the fields of investment, culture, tourism and water conservancy, reported Xinhua news agency

During the talks, Li voiced China's willingness to keep close high-level exchanges with Bangladesh, strengthen strategic mutual trust, boost mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people friendship, so as to push for the further development of bilateral relations, reported Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese premier added that the two countries should intensify communication and coordination in international and regional affairs and play a positive role in regional peace, stability and development.

Hasina said that the two countries are committed to peace, stability, mutual benefits, and settlement of disputes by peaceful means. She stressed that her country was willing to beef up the cooperation with China in the fields of trade, investment, service and infrastructure, so as to jointly embrace an even better future.

Hasina, who is on an official visit to China, was accorded a red carpet welcome prior to the talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

&nbsp;

China and Bangladesh agreed to advance their cooperation under the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday.

China and Bangladesh agreed to advance their cooperation under the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday. The two leaders signed various other agreements in the fields of investment, culture, tourism and water conservancy, reported Xinhua news agency During the talks, Li voiced China's willingness to keep close high-level exchanges with Bangladesh, strengthen strategic mutual trust, boost mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people friendship, so as to push for the further development of bilateral relations, reported Xinhua news agency. The Chinese premier added that the two countries should intensify communication and coordination in international and regional affairs and play a positive role in regional peace, stability and development. Hasina said that the two countries are committed to peace, stability, mutual benefits, and settlement of disputes by peaceful means. She stressed that her country was willing to beef up the cooperation with China in the fields of trade, investment, service and infrastructure, so as to jointly embrace an even better future. Hasina, who is on an official visit to China, was accorded a red carpet welcome prior to the talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

China, Bangladesh agree to advance Belt and Road Initiative cooperation

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said.&nbsp;

"One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far. We are doing continuous search operation," Kumar said.&nbsp;

The search operation has now entered its third day. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation.&nbsp;

The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/6-killed-20-missing-after-dam-breach-in-maharashtras-ratnagiri-district-232633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families.

Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said. "One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far.

The death toll in the Tiware dam breach has gone up to 19 with the recovery of one more body on Friday morning, NDRF Inspector Mahesh Kumar said. "One more body was recovered this morning, total 19 bodies have been recovered so far. We are doing continuous search operation," Kumar said. The search operation has now entered its third day. The local people have been helping the NDRF and police in the search operation. The Tiware dam in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri was breached on June 2 due to heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the incident. He has also asked his Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan to visit Ratnagiri and provide relief to affected families. Parts of Maharashtra are hit by worst monsoon rain with Mumbai, country's financial capital, recording the second highest rainfall in the last 45 years.

Maharashtra: Death toll reaches 19 in Ratnagiri's Tiware dam breach

The death toll in Bihar's&nbsp;Muzaffarpur district&nbsp;due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-visits-muzaffarpur-to-take-stock-of-acute-encephalitis-outbreak-228249">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> mounted to 140&nbsp;on Friday.

Around 119 deaths were reported at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths at Kejriwal Hospital, so far.

AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure, and inflammation of heart and kidney.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-breakout-227219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to AES.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of AES.

On June 24, the Supreme Court had expressed "serious concerns" over the rising number of deaths due to the disease. The apex court had reprimanded the Bihar government over the deaths of children across the state.

The top court had also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the concerns raised regarding the nutrition, hygiene and adequacy in the hospitals.&nbsp;

The death toll in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) mounted to 140 on Friday. Around 119 deaths were reported at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths at Kejriwal Hospital, so far.

The death toll in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) mounted to 140 on Friday. Around 119 deaths were reported at Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), which is handling the largest number of patients in the district, while 21 deaths at Kejriwal Hospital, so far. AES is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and in extreme cases, brain dysfunction, seizure, and inflammation of heart and kidney. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children who died due to AES. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday protested at the Legislative Assembly against Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and demanded his resignation following the outbreak of AES. On June 24, the Supreme Court had expressed "serious concerns" over the rising number of deaths due to the disease. The apex court had reprimanded the Bihar government over the deaths of children across the state. The top court had also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the concerns raised regarding the nutrition, hygiene and adequacy in the hospitals.

Bihar: Death toll rises to 140 in Muzaffarpur due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome

Crude oil prices fell on Friday as concerns over the outlook for global economic growth outweighed elevated tensions in the Middle East that could disrupt supply routes and send prices higher.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 1.1% at $56.72 per barrel by 0310 GMT. There was no settlement price on Thursday because of the Independence Day holiday in the United States.

Front-month Brent crude futures were down 0.1% at $63.25 per barrel, after closing down 0.8% on Thursday.

Analysts said oil was under pressure because fears over future demand amid trade disputes threatening global economic growth. But losses were checked by commitment to cut production from the world's largest exporters - including members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers such as Russia, a grouping known as OPEC+.

"Global growth remains the main factor holding back crude prices," said Alfonso Esparza, senior analyst at OANDA. "The OPEC+ deal will keep prices from falling too hard, but there must be an end to trade protectionism to assure the demand for energy products recovers."

New orders for US factory goods fell for a second straight month in May, government data showed on Wednesday, stoking economic concerns.

The US Energy Information Administration on Wednesday reported a weekly decline of 1.1 million barrels in crude stocks, much smaller than the 5 million barrel draw reported by the American Petroleum Institute earlier in the week.

That suggests oil demand in the United States, the world's biggest crude consumer, could be slowing amid signs of a weakening economy.

Countering the downward pressure, ongoing tensions in the Middle East also offered some support.

British Royal Marines seized a giant Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday for trying to take oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions, a dramatic step that drew Tehran's fury and could escalate its confrontation with the West.

Crude oil prices fell on Friday as concerns over the outlook for global economic growth outweighed elevated tensions in the Middle East that could disrupt supply routes and send prices higher.

Crude oil prices fell on Friday as concerns over the outlook for global economic growth outweighed elevated tensions in the Middle East that could disrupt supply routes and send prices higher. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 1.1% at $56.72 per barrel by 0310 GMT. There was no settlement price on Thursday because of the Independence Day holiday in the United States. Front-month Brent crude futures were down 0.1% at $63.25 per barrel, after closing down 0.8% on Thursday. Analysts said oil was under pressure because fears over future demand amid trade disputes threatening global economic growth. But losses were checked by commitment to cut production from the world's largest exporters - including members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers such as Russia, a grouping known as OPEC+. "Global growth remains the main factor holding back crude prices," said Alfonso Esparza, senior analyst at OANDA. "The OPEC+ deal will keep prices from falling too hard, but there must be an end to trade protectionism to assure the demand for energy products recovers." New orders for US factory goods fell for a second straight month in May, government data showed on Wednesday, stoking economic concerns. The US Energy Information Administration on Wednesday reported a weekly decline of 1.1 million barrels in crude stocks, much smaller than the 5 million barrel draw reported by the American Petroleum Institute earlier in the week. That suggests oil demand in the United States, the world's biggest crude consumer, could be slowing amid signs of a weakening economy. Countering the downward pressure, ongoing tensions in the Middle East also offered some support. British Royal Marines seized a giant Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday for trying to take oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions, a dramatic step that drew Tehran's fury and could escalate its confrontation with the West.

Crude oil prices fall 1% on fears for global economy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amash-becomes-first-republican-lawmaker-to-call-for-trump-impeachment-219754">US Representative Justin Amash</a>, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle.

The Congressman from Michigan, who drew a barrage of criticism from fellow Republicans after he laid out a case for Trump's impeachment, said he has become disenchanted with a political system that is "trapped in a partisan death spiral."

"The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions," he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece published on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salute-to-america-trump-praises-us-military-in-july-4-speech-233094">US Independence Day holiday</a>.

"Instead of acting as an independent branch of government and serving as a check on the executive branch, congressional leaders of both parties expect the House and Senate to act in obedience or opposition to the president and their colleagues on a partisan basis," Amash wrote.

A member of Congress since 2011, Amash, 39, made some high-profile decisions in recent months that chronicled his growing disdain for Trump and subsequent drift from the party.

It was his decision to speak out on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election that drew the president's fury - and a prompt Republican primary challenge.

Amash said in May that the Mueller report showed Trump had obstructed justice, bucking his party and joining Democrats in castigating the president for his actions. "President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct," he said.

Amash’s comments on the Mueller report echoed the conclusions of many Democrats, but Democrats are divided about impeachment. Most Republicans are still standing by the president at a time of economic growth, turbulent markets and global trade tensions.

Trump quickly returned fire by calling Amash a lightweight and a loser. Soon after, Jim Lower, a Michigan state legislator who described himself as "pro-Trump," said he would challenge Amash in the 2020 congressional race in Michigan, a state Trump won in 2016.

The president welcomed Amash's news with an acrimonious personal attack on Twitter that also referenced Amash's primary challenge. "Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest &amp; most disloyal men in Congress is 'quitting' the Party," he said.

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Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest &amp; most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146766931573301248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Amash has signalled he would consider running as a libertarian against Trump in 2020, but he made no mention of that Thursday. Amash's office did not return calls for comment.

The leading Democrat to challenge Trump in 2020, former US Vice President Joe Biden, was asked about Amash's departure while campaigning in Iowa. "Where there's faith, there's hope," he quipped.

In his opinion piece, Amash said he believed that most Americans are not rigidly partisan and do not feel well represented by either party.

In February, he became the lone Republican to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives to reject the emergency Trump declared at the US-Mexico border to build a wall there, in a stinging reprimand to the president.

Last month, Amash left the conservative House Freedom Caucus he helped found, whose members usually defend Trump. A libertarian who has targeted government overspending, his July Fourth announcement cast a wide invitation.

"No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us," Amash said. "If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it."

US Representative Justin Amash, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle.

US Representative Justin Amash, the first Republican in Congress to say President Donald Trump committed an impeachable offence, quit the Republican Party on Thursday with a blistering attack on politics that puts party over principle. The Congressman from Michigan, who drew a barrage of criticism from fellow Republicans after he laid out a case for Trump's impeachment, said he has become disenchanted with a political system that is "trapped in a partisan death spiral." "The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions," he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece published on the US Independence Day holiday. "Instead of acting as an independent branch of government and serving as a check on the executive branch, congressional leaders of both parties expect the House and Senate to act in obedience or opposition to the president and their colleagues on a partisan basis," Amash wrote. A member of Congress since 2011, Amash, 39, made some high-profile decisions in recent months that chronicled his growing disdain for Trump and subsequent drift from the party. It was his decision to speak out on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election that drew the president's fury - and a prompt Republican primary challenge. Amash said in May that the Mueller report showed Trump had obstructed justice, bucking his party and joining Democrats in castigating the president for his actions. "President Trump has engaged in impeachable conduct," he said. Amash’s comments on the Mueller report echoed the conclusions of many Democrats, but Democrats are divided about impeachment. Most Republicans are still standing by the president at a time of economic growth, turbulent markets and global trade tensions. Trump quickly returned fire by calling Amash a lightweight and a loser. Soon after, Jim Lower, a Michigan state legislator who described himself as "pro-Trump," said he would challenge Amash in the 2020 congressional race in Michigan, a state Trump won in 2016. The president welcomed Amash's news with an acrimonious personal attack on Twitter that also referenced Amash's primary challenge. "Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is 'quitting' the Party," he said. Great news for the Republican Party as one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress is “quitting” the Party. No Collusion, No Obstruction! Knew he couldn’t get the nomination to run again in the Great State of Michigan. Already being challenged for his seat. A total loser! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2019 × Amash has signalled he would consider running as a libertarian against Trump in 2020, but he made no mention of that Thursday. Amash's office did not return calls for comment. The leading Democrat to challenge Trump in 2020, former US Vice President Joe Biden, was asked about Amash's departure while campaigning in Iowa. "Where there's faith, there's hope," he quipped. In his opinion piece, Amash said he believed that most Americans are not rigidly partisan and do not feel well represented by either party. In February, he became the lone Republican to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives to reject the emergency Trump declared at the US-Mexico border to build a wall there, in a stinging reprimand to the president. Last month, Amash left the conservative House Freedom Caucus he helped found, whose members usually defend Trump. A libertarian who has targeted government overspending, his July Fourth announcement cast a wide invitation. "No matter your circumstance, I’m asking you to join me in rejecting the partisan loyalties and rhetoric that divide and dehumanize us," Amash said. "If we continue to take America for granted, we will lose it."

Justin Amash quits Republican party, Trump calls him 'dumb and disloyal'

Most Asian markets drifted lower in subdued trade Friday as investors steeled themselves for the release of a crucial US jobs report that could have a major bearing on the size of an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

With uncertainty over the China-US trade row put aside for now, this week has been dominated by speculation about the US central bank's plans to address a weakening economic outlook, both at home and globally.

The jobs report is a closely watched gauge of the state of the world's biggest economy and a below-forecast reading would ramp up hopes the Fed will announce a 50-basis-point reduction.

"A number in line with consensus probably delivers that July cut and I think that's what the market wants to see," Pepperstone Group head of research Chris Weston told Bloomberg Television.&nbsp;

But he warned: "If we get a really strong number, I think risk could really come off the table."

The clamour for a Fed rate cut comes as central banks around the world take a more accommodative footing to offset economic weakness blamed on trade uncertainty, particularly the China-US standoff.

Equity traders were shifting uneasily ahead of the jobs release, with Hong Kong and Shanghai each down 0.3 per cent and Tokyo ending the morning 0.1 per cent lower.

Singapore, Taipei and Seoul were each 0.1 per cent off as well, but Sydney, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta edged up slightly.

Oil prices struggle

Adding to the soft trading environment was the lack of a lead from Wall Street, which was closed for the Independence Day celebrations.

"If there is one thing financial markets hate it's a delicate balance between risk-on and off, suggesting something will give shortly," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets.

"Over the short run, 'risk-on' sentiment should prevail on the back of the deluge on central banks easing. The Fed is critical to the 'risk-on' &nbsp;fever," he said, adding that "now is the time to shift easing policy into high gear".

Oil prices edged down as traders fret over the impact of weak global growth on demand, which is overshadowing this week's agreement by OPEC and Russia to extend their output caps.

Even the US-Iran crisis has been unable to perk up the commodity, with news that Britain had intercepted an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar -- suspected of carrying crude to Syria -- providing only a little support.

The US praised the move but Tehran called it an "illegal interception", adding to geopolitical tensions.

However, while Brent was slightly lower, WTI shed more than one per cent, hit by an increase in US production.

"The US is now positioned to become a net exporter and is not bound by the (OPEC-Russia) production limit agreement. This could further drive prices lower," said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza.

Most Asian markets drifted lower in subdued trade Friday as investors steeled themselves for the release of a crucial US jobs report that could have a major bearing on the size of an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Most Asian markets drifted lower in subdued trade Friday as investors steeled themselves for the release of a crucial US jobs report that could have a major bearing on the size of an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut. With uncertainty over the China-US trade row put aside for now, this week has been dominated by speculation about the US central bank's plans to address a weakening economic outlook, both at home and globally. The jobs report is a closely watched gauge of the state of the world's biggest economy and a below-forecast reading would ramp up hopes the Fed will announce a 50-basis-point reduction. "A number in line with consensus probably delivers that July cut and I think that's what the market wants to see," Pepperstone Group head of research Chris Weston told Bloomberg Television. But he warned: "If we get a really strong number, I think risk could really come off the table." The clamour for a Fed rate cut comes as central banks around the world take a more accommodative footing to offset economic weakness blamed on trade uncertainty, particularly the China-US standoff. Equity traders were shifting uneasily ahead of the jobs release, with Hong Kong and Shanghai each down 0.3 per cent and Tokyo ending the morning 0.1 per cent lower. Singapore, Taipei and Seoul were each 0.1 per cent off as well, but Sydney, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta edged up slightly. Oil prices struggle Adding to the soft trading environment was the lack of a lead from Wall Street, which was closed for the Independence Day celebrations. "If there is one thing financial markets hate it's a delicate balance between risk-on and off, suggesting something will give shortly," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets. "Over the short run, 'risk-on' sentiment should prevail on the back of the deluge on central banks easing. The Fed is critical to the 'risk-on' fever," he said, adding that "now is the time to shift easing policy into high gear". Oil prices edged down as traders fret over the impact of weak global growth on demand, which is overshadowing this week's agreement by OPEC and Russia to extend their output caps. Even the US-Iran crisis has been unable to perk up the commodity, with news that Britain had intercepted an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar -- suspected of carrying crude to Syria -- providing only a little support. The US praised the move but Tehran called it an "illegal interception", adding to geopolitical tensions. However, while Brent was slightly lower, WTI shed more than one per cent, hit by an increase in US production. "The US is now positioned to become a net exporter and is not bound by the (OPEC-Russia) production limit agreement. This could further drive prices lower," said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza.

Asian markets down as dealers bide time ahead of jobs report

Rival Afghans will meet Sunday in Doha for a fresh round of talks mediated by Qatar and Germany, as the United States&nbsp;eyes peace with the Taliban within three months.

The first such encounter in Moscow was heralded as a breakthrough but many sensitive issues including women's rights, foreign military withdrawal, Al-Qaeda and power-sharing with the Taliban remain unresolved.

Two experts spoke to AFP about their expectations for the talks which follow a week of direct negotiations between the US and the Taliban also in Doha.

What will come of the two-day meeting?

"We can expect a broad, vague statement laying out some broad and innocuous principles and agreeing on the need to move forward," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme at the Wilson Centre.

"Since this dialogue is in its early stages, I don't anticipate any type of major breakthrough. Still, this isn't to understate the significance of these talks.&nbsp;

"The very fact that the dialogue is happening is an achievement in itself, given how fraught and fractured the Afghan political environment is and given that there have been false starts in the past."

Colin Clarke, an expert at the Soufan Centre think-tank, said that Washington was keen for quick progress at the talks after 18 years of war.

"The current (US) administration is so about getting a deal through and the more parties involved the longer it's going to take and it's more complicated," he said.&nbsp;

"They're rushing for the exits, they want to push this thing through. They want to tie up the war and they want to declare victory."

Is the Afghan government's exclusion a Taliban win?

Clarke said that the structure of Sunday's talks at which representatives of the Kabul government would not attend officially but only as individuals meant "Afghan politicians are being marginalised".

"But the fact that the talks are happening and that they're seemingly going as smoothly is a testament to the role that Doha has played in bringing together these disparate factions," he added.

Kugelman said "just about every aspect of this peace and reconciliation process has favoured the Taliban. And that's not a surprise, because the Taliban is negotiating from a position of strength and has all the leverage".

"No one -- not the US, the Afghan government, or anyone else -- is in a position to push back against the Taliban demand that Afghan officials attend these intra-Afghan talks in their personal capacity."

Is the timing significant?

"The US has repeatedly insisted that this dialogue take place, and the fact that it's happening right after its bilateral talks with the Taliban suggests that this may be the closest thing to a concession that the insurgents are willing to grant," said Kugelman.&nbsp;

"That said, the Taliban's refusal to let Afghan government representatives attend in their official capacity makes it a minor more than a major concession."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently voiced hope for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1".&nbsp;

The ambitious timeframe would allow a deal before Afghanistan holds elections in September, which Western officials fear could inject a new dose of instability.

Trump wants to pull all US troops from Afghanistan, believing that America's longest war -- launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks -- no longer makes military or financial sense.

"I also think there's a greater sense of urgency at play here," said Kugelman.

"With Afghanistan's presidential election scheduled for September, the Americans, the Afghan government, and other key stakeholders will want to do as much as possible before the country goes into election mode.

"Once you go into election mode, it will be hard to maintain the laser-like focus on peace talks in Afghanistan that you have now."

Who will attend the dialogue?

The final list of invitees may not be known until the talks get underway, but the Taliban have suggested on Twitter that more than 60 individuals could attend.

"The invitation list will be a critical factor in determining the dialogue's success," said Kugelman. "If Afghan President Ashraf Ghani seeks to prevent his political rivals from attending, then that would undercut the spirit of a truly inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue.&nbsp;

"In an ideal world, Ghani would step back and enable Afghanistan to put together a broad and diverse group of participants. But unfortunately it's not an ideal world, and there's reason to fear the roster of attendees won't be as inclusive as it should be."

Clarke warned that the exclusion of regional powers like Pakistan, Iran and India from Sunday's gathering could threaten progress.

"It's going to be a very fragile peace unless you get buy-in from regional parties. You're achieving your short-term objective but it's at the cost of longer-term stability. It's very myopic," he told AFP.

Rival Afghans will meet Sunday in Doha for a fresh round of talks mediated by Qatar and Germany, as the United States eyes peace with the Taliban within three months.

Rival Afghans will meet Sunday in Doha for a fresh round of talks mediated by Qatar and Germany, as the United States eyes peace with the Taliban within three months. The first such encounter in Moscow was heralded as a breakthrough but many sensitive issues including women's rights, foreign military withdrawal, Al-Qaeda and power-sharing with the Taliban remain unresolved. Two experts spoke to AFP about their expectations for the talks which follow a week of direct negotiations between the US and the Taliban also in Doha. What will come of the two-day meeting? "We can expect a broad, vague statement laying out some broad and innocuous principles and agreeing on the need to move forward," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme at the Wilson Centre. "Since this dialogue is in its early stages, I don't anticipate any type of major breakthrough. Still, this isn't to understate the significance of these talks. "The very fact that the dialogue is happening is an achievement in itself, given how fraught and fractured the Afghan political environment is and given that there have been false starts in the past." Colin Clarke, an expert at the Soufan Centre think-tank, said that Washington was keen for quick progress at the talks after 18 years of war. "The current (US) administration is so about getting a deal through and the more parties involved the longer it's going to take and it's more complicated," he said. "They're rushing for the exits, they want to push this thing through. They want to tie up the war and they want to declare victory." Is the Afghan government's exclusion a Taliban win? Clarke said that the structure of Sunday's talks at which representatives of the Kabul government would not attend officially but only as individuals meant "Afghan politicians are being marginalised". "But the fact that the talks are happening and that they're seemingly going as smoothly is a testament to the role that Doha has played in bringing together these disparate factions," he added. Kugelman said "just about every aspect of this peace and reconciliation process has favoured the Taliban. And that's not a surprise, because the Taliban is negotiating from a position of strength and has all the leverage". "No one -- not the US, the Afghan government, or anyone else -- is in a position to push back against the Taliban demand that Afghan officials attend these intra-Afghan talks in their personal capacity." Is the timing significant? "The US has repeatedly insisted that this dialogue take place, and the fact that it's happening right after its bilateral talks with the Taliban suggests that this may be the closest thing to a concession that the insurgents are willing to grant," said Kugelman. "That said, the Taliban's refusal to let Afghan government representatives attend in their official capacity makes it a minor more than a major concession." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently voiced hope for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1". The ambitious timeframe would allow a deal before Afghanistan holds elections in September, which Western officials fear could inject a new dose of instability. Trump wants to pull all US troops from Afghanistan, believing that America's longest war -- launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks -- no longer makes military or financial sense. "I also think there's a greater sense of urgency at play here," said Kugelman. "With Afghanistan's presidential election scheduled for September, the Americans, the Afghan government, and other key stakeholders will want to do as much as possible before the country goes into election mode. "Once you go into election mode, it will be hard to maintain the laser-like focus on peace talks in Afghanistan that you have now." Who will attend the dialogue? The final list of invitees may not be known until the talks get underway, but the Taliban have suggested on Twitter that more than 60 individuals could attend. "The invitation list will be a critical factor in determining the dialogue's success," said Kugelman. "If Afghan President Ashraf Ghani seeks to prevent his political rivals from attending, then that would undercut the spirit of a truly inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue. "In an ideal world, Ghani would step back and enable Afghanistan to put together a broad and diverse group of participants. But unfortunately it's not an ideal world, and there's reason to fear the roster of attendees won't be as inclusive as it should be." Clarke warned that the exclusion of regional powers like Pakistan, Iran and India from Sunday's gathering could threaten progress. "It's going to be a very fragile peace unless you get buy-in from regional parties. You're achieving your short-term objective but it's at the cost of longer-term stability. It's very myopic," he told AFP.

Afghans meet in Doha for fresh round of talks as US eyes peace with Taliban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-decision-excellent-supertanker-was-laden-with-iran-oil-bound-for-syria-us-233122">UK's decision excellent, supertanker was laden with Iran oil bound for Syria: US</a>

As Iran condemmed the detention of supertanker, White House National Security Advisor John Bolton applauded the interception by Britain's Gibraltar Thursday of a supertanker believed to be carrying Iranian crude oil to Syria, saying the ship was breaking international sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-sitharaman-expected-to-announce-slew-of-measures-to-boost-economy-pronounce-relief-to-tax-payers-233129">Budget 2019: Slew of measures to boost economy, relief to tax payers likely in Sitharaman's maiden budget today</a>

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be unveiling Modi-government 2.0's first Union Budget on Friday. As the finance minister, this will be Sitharaman's maiden budget.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salute-to-america-trump-praises-us-military-in-july-4-speech-233094">Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before: Trump in Independence Day</a>

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-california-rocked-by-powerful-64-magnitude-earthquake-in-two-decades-233096">6.4-magnitude earthquake hits southern California; no casualties</a>

Southern California was rocked by its largest earthquake in two decades on Thursday, but the 6.4-magnitude tremblor caused only "minor" injuries.

The shallow quake, which was followed by dozens of aftershocks, struck in a sparsely populated portion of the Mojave Desert, 10 kilometres from the city of Ridgecrest at 10:33 am.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-registers-100000-new-tax-filers-amid-financial-crisis-233112">Pakistan registers 100,000 new tax filers amid financial crisis</a>

Pakistan's government, struggling to lift revenues and cut ballooning public debt, registered around 100,000 new tax filers and expects to have raised about $450 million from a tax amnesty on hidden assets, the finance chief said on Thursday.

UK's decision excellent, supertanker was laden with Iran oil bound for Syria: US As Iran condemmed the detention of supertanker, White House National Security Advisor John Bolton applauded the interception by Britain's Gibraltar Thursday of a supertanker believed to be carrying Iranian crude oil to Syria, saying the ship was breaking international sanctions.

UK's decision excellent, supertanker was laden with Iran oil bound for Syria: US As Iran condemmed the detention of supertanker, White House National Security Advisor John Bolton applauded the interception by Britain's Gibraltar Thursday of a supertanker believed to be carrying Iranian crude oil to Syria, saying the ship was breaking international sanctions. Budget 2019: Slew of measures to boost economy, relief to tax payers likely in Sitharaman's maiden budget today Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be unveiling Modi-government 2.0's first Union Budget on Friday. As the finance minister, this will be Sitharaman's maiden budget. Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before: Trump in Independence Day President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington. 6.4-magnitude earthquake hits southern California; no casualties Southern California was rocked by its largest earthquake in two decades on Thursday, but the 6.4-magnitude tremblor caused only "minor" injuries. The shallow quake, which was followed by dozens of aftershocks, struck in a sparsely populated portion of the Mojave Desert, 10 kilometres from the city of Ridgecrest at 10:33 am. Pakistan registers 100,000 new tax filers amid financial crisis Pakistan's government, struggling to lift revenues and cut ballooning public debt, registered around 100,000 new tax filers and expects to have raised about $450 million from a tax amnesty on hidden assets, the finance chief said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.

The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said.

Greece's meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade.

"The meteorological service had forecast that the temperature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius," said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex.

It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year.

Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens. The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said. Greece's meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade. "The meteorological service had forecast that the temperature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius," said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex. It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year. Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.

Greece shuts Acropolis Hill for few hours due to heatwave

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

"What a great country," Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism.

"For Americans, nothing is impossible."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaluteToAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaluteToAmerica</a>🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/nJghdfqIhX">pic.twitter.com/nJghdfqIhX</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146938775689412608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As combat aircraft, including the rarely seen B2 stealth bomber flew overhead, Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories, drawing cheers of "USA! USA!" from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington.

'The most exceptional nation'

In front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants.

Wath:&nbsp;US military parade -&nbsp;Why the criticism?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-military-parade-why-the-criticism-233090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals.

Instead, in a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribed singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world."

"Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said.

"Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said.

Patriotic fervour

Surrounded by the top officers of the Pentagon, and a panoply of invited Republican officials and VIP donors, the event allowed Trump to stake a strong claim to patriotic fervour 16 months ahead of a presidential election with polls showing his potential Democratic rivals holding a significant edge over him.

Trump originally wanted a grand military parade for the holiday, ostensibly inspired by France's rollout of its military might on its own national day.

But instead, he got a scaled-back version, with some US armoured vehicles parked for display and a flyover by the president's own Air Force One jet, the B2 bomber, attack helicopters, and the Navy's Blue Angels flying team.

It was a military show that has been absent from the US capital for decades, and Trump's foes blasted it ahead of time as a show of militarism.

"What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa earlier Thursday.

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington. "What a great country," Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism. "For Americans, nothing is impossible." A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument! #SaluteToAmerica🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nJghdfqIhX — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2019 × As combat aircraft, including the rarely seen B2 stealth bomber flew overhead, Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories, drawing cheers of "USA! USA!" from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington. 'The most exceptional nation' In front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants. Wath: US military parade - Why the criticism? But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals. Instead, in a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribed singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world." "Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said. "Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said. Patriotic fervour Surrounded by the top officers of the Pentagon, and a panoply of invited Republican officials and VIP donors, the event allowed Trump to stake a strong claim to patriotic fervour 16 months ahead of a presidential election with polls showing his potential Democratic rivals holding a significant edge over him. Trump originally wanted a grand military parade for the holiday, ostensibly inspired by France's rollout of its military might on its own national day. But instead, he got a scaled-back version, with some US armoured vehicles parked for display and a flyover by the president's own Air Force One jet, the B2 bomber, attack helicopters, and the Navy's Blue Angels flying team. It was a military show that has been absent from the US capital for decades, and Trump's foes blasted it ahead of time as a show of militarism. "What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa earlier Thursday.

Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before: Trump in Independence Day

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