A small number of Muslim women in Malaysia are choosing not to wear the headscarf, going against conventions and pushing back against rising conservatism in the Muslim-majority country.

Although minority Muslim women can freely wear the hijab in most settings in Singapore, some professions bar the headscarf&nbsp;and a recent case has triggered fresh debate on diversity and discrimination in the workplace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-hijab-ban-a-metaphor-for-the-clash-of-civilizations-173565">The hijab ban: A metaphor for the 'clash of civilizations'?</a>

Harassed and placed under investigation by religious authorities,&nbsp;activist&nbsp;Maryam Lee is a highly controversial figure in Malaysia.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-activist-maryam-lee-raises-voice-against-hijab-even-after-being-a-muslim-329309/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now Farah has joined a growing number of Muslims,&nbsp;who account for about 15 per cent&nbsp;of Singapore's 4 million resident population,&nbsp;calling for the ban to end, with an online petition gathering more than 50,000 signatures.

Most in Muslim-majority Malaysia follow a moderate form of the religion and wearing a headscarf, known locally as a "tudung" and used to cover the head and neck, is not mandatory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysias-hijab-wearing-wrestler-nor-phoenix-diana-breaking-barriers-236567">Malaysia's hijab-wearing wrestler Nor 'Phoenix' Diana breaking barriers</a>

But experts says the nation has become more conservative in recent years and today most Muslim women wear one.

Maryam, who was made to wear a headscarf from the age of nine, says she realised in her mid-20s that she was conforming to a social expectation rather than a religious requirement and decided to remove it.

"All my life, I had been told that (wearing the headscarf) is mandatory and if I don't wear it, it's sinful. And then I found out that it actually wasn't, so I felt very cheated -- like all your life you've been told one thing, and it turns out to be a lie," she explains.

It was a difficult personal decision but when she went public, detailing her story in her book "Unveiling Choice", she faced a vitriolic backlash and death threats.

Malaysia's religious affairs minister expressed concern and she was hauled in for questioning under a law against insulting Islam -- the country has a dual-track legal system, with Muslim citizens subject to sharia laws in certain areas.

Maryam believes officials were concerned she was encouraging other women to "de-hijab", but insists this is not the case.

'Jail of society's expectation'&nbsp;

"I'm not telling women what to think, I'm asking them to revisit certain assumptions and certain theories that have been taught to them over the years," the 28-year-old says.

"Even without legal criminalisation, women are facing social criminalisation when they want to take [the hijab] off," she warns adding that women like her are in a "jail of society's expectation".

To mark the release of her book, which she describes as a story of resistance against patriarchy in religion and wider society, she took part in a talk called "Malay Women and De-Hijabbing" which fuelled the furore against her.

Head coverings differ around the Muslim world, from scarves that leave the face visible, to the niqab that leaves the areas around the eyes clear and the all-concealing burqa with just a mesh screen to see through.

In the West they remain controversial amid debates over freedom of religious expression and women's rights -- France does not allow students to wear hijabs in schools and along with Belgium, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands has a total ban on wearing the niqab or burqa in public.

Muslim women in Malaysia, which is more than 60 percent Muslim but is also home to large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, wear a headscarf that covers the hair and chest, though it is not legally required.

Critics say this expectation of modesty was not the case a generation ago and is a result of the greater influence of increasingly vocal religious hardliners.

Maryam has been targeted by angry zealots but has also been hailed as the voice of the modern&nbsp;Malaysian&nbsp;woman by some in the social media generation keen to express their individuality as well as their faith.

'No less of a Muslim'&nbsp;

"Women in this part of the world, when they take off the hijab, what happens to them? They get bullied, they get harassed," says Maryam.

Malaysian&nbsp;rights group Sisters of Islam agree women without headscarves come under heavy scrutiny from family, colleagues and in public -- making the decision "difficult and traumatic".

Maryam argues her choice was to step away from patriarchal instruction rather than her faith.

"I was born a Muslim, I'm still a Muslim -- I'm no less of a Muslim because I removed my hijab," she explains.

She is not alone.

Even some prominent female politicians in Malaysia such as Rafidah Aziz and former central bank governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz do not cover their heads, nor do the wife or daughter of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

In urban areas, young women have experimented with turbans and other 'fashionable' head coverings, despite criticism they flout religious guidelines.

Sarah, a consultant from a financial firm who gave a pseudonym to avoid upsetting her family, no longer wears the headscarf believing it to be a patriarchal expectation.

"Malay men especially at an authoritative level somehow have this mindset ... that Malay women need to appear in a certain manner, but it doesn't mean that these people who are wearing tudung are any better."

Religious authorities have yet to close their investigation into Maryam, meaning the possibility of further action remains.

But she has no regrets about her decision to open up about her experience: "Society needs to be awakened."

A small number of Muslim women in Malaysia are choosing not to wear the headscarf, going against conventions and pushing back against rising conservatism in the Muslim-majority country.

A small number of Muslim women in Malaysia are choosing not to wear the headscarf, going against conventions and pushing back against rising conservatism in the Muslim-majority country. Although minority Muslim women can freely wear the hijab in most settings in Singapore, some professions bar the headscarf and a recent case has triggered fresh debate on diversity and discrimination in the workplace. Also read: The hijab ban: A metaphor for the 'clash of civilizations'? Harassed and placed under investigation by religious authorities, activist Maryam Lee is a highly controversial figure in Malaysia. Now Farah has joined a growing number of Muslims, who account for about 15 per cent of Singapore's 4 million resident population, calling for the ban to end, with an online petition gathering more than 50,000 signatures. Most in Muslim-majority Malaysia follow a moderate form of the religion and wearing a headscarf, known locally as a "tudung" and used to cover the head and neck, is not mandatory. Also read: Malaysia's hijab-wearing wrestler Nor 'Phoenix' Diana breaking barriers But experts says the nation has become more conservative in recent years and today most Muslim women wear one. Maryam, who was made to wear a headscarf from the age of nine, says she realised in her mid-20s that she was conforming to a social expectation rather than a religious requirement and decided to remove it. "All my life, I had been told that (wearing the headscarf) is mandatory and if I don't wear it, it's sinful. And then I found out that it actually wasn't, so I felt very cheated -- like all your life you've been told one thing, and it turns out to be a lie," she explains. It was a difficult personal decision but when she went public, detailing her story in her book "Unveiling Choice", she faced a vitriolic backlash and death threats. Malaysia's religious affairs minister expressed concern and she was hauled in for questioning under a law against insulting Islam -- the country has a dual-track legal system, with Muslim citizens subject to sharia laws in certain areas. Maryam believes officials were concerned she was encouraging other women to "de-hijab", but insists this is not the case. 'Jail of society's expectation' "I'm not telling women what to think, I'm asking them to revisit certain assumptions and certain theories that have been taught to them over the years," the 28-year-old says. "Even without legal criminalisation, women are facing social criminalisation when they want to take [the hijab] off," she warns adding that women like her are in a "jail of society's expectation". To mark the release of her book, which she describes as a story of resistance against patriarchy in religion and wider society, she took part in a talk called "Malay Women and De-Hijabbing" which fuelled the furore against her. Head coverings differ around the Muslim world, from scarves that leave the face visible, to the niqab that leaves the areas around the eyes clear and the all-concealing burqa with just a mesh screen to see through. In the West they remain controversial amid debates over freedom of religious expression and women's rights -- France does not allow students to wear hijabs in schools and along with Belgium, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands has a total ban on wearing the niqab or burqa in public. Muslim women in Malaysia, which is more than 60 percent Muslim but is also home to large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, wear a headscarf that covers the hair and chest, though it is not legally required. Critics say this expectation of modesty was not the case a generation ago and is a result of the greater influence of increasingly vocal religious hardliners. Maryam has been targeted by angry zealots but has also been hailed as the voice of the modern Malaysian woman by some in the social media generation keen to express their individuality as well as their faith. 'No less of a Muslim' "Women in this part of the world, when they take off the hijab, what happens to them? They get bullied, they get harassed," says Maryam. Malaysian rights group Sisters of Islam agree women without headscarves come under heavy scrutiny from family, colleagues and in public -- making the decision "difficult and traumatic". Maryam argues her choice was to step away from patriarchal instruction rather than her faith. "I was born a Muslim, I'm still a Muslim -- I'm no less of a Muslim because I removed my hijab," she explains. She is not alone. Even some prominent female politicians in Malaysia such as Rafidah Aziz and former central bank governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz do not cover their heads, nor do the wife or daughter of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. In urban areas, young women have experimented with turbans and other 'fashionable' head coverings, despite criticism they flout religious guidelines. Sarah, a consultant from a financial firm who gave a pseudonym to avoid upsetting her family, no longer wears the headscarf believing it to be a patriarchal expectation. "Malay men especially at an authoritative level somehow have this mindset ... that Malay women need to appear in a certain manner, but it doesn't mean that these people who are wearing tudung are any better." Religious authorities have yet to close their investigation into Maryam, meaning the possibility of further action remains. But she has no regrets about her decision to open up about her experience: "Society needs to be awakened."

Malaysian activist fights for right to go hijab-free, as Singapore debates headscarf discrimination

Democratic Presidential candidate&nbsp;Joe Biden said on Monday that&nbsp;the vote of Hindu Americans will be an essential part of Democrats' electoral success.

Both&nbsp;US President Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trying to woo the Hindu American community to garner votes&nbsp;in the November 3 presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-biden-wins-china-wins-trump-at-election-rally-329313" hreflang="en">If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally</a>

Biden has chosen Indian origin California Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate.&nbsp;If Joe Biden is elected in November, Harris will be the first female, the first non-white candidate and first Asian-American vice-president.

Hindu Americans who support&nbsp;Biden's campaign&nbsp;organised an event called&nbsp;'Dharma of Voting' to emphasize that his administration will always work to have a constructive and positive relationship with India based on trust and conversation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indian-origin-us-senator-kamala-harris-is-making-history-319837">How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history</a>

''Conversations will happen with a sense of regard and respect,''&nbsp;Biswal said during the virtual event that featured high-ranking Obama-Biden administration alumni including Arun Kumar, former assistant secretary of commerce and Nishit Acharya, former director of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The panel also included Anu Natarajan, former vice mayor of Fremont, California, the first Hindu American elected to the Fremont city council and Aminta Kilawan-Naraine, a nationally recognised Caribbean Hindu leader and activist who founded the South Queens Women's March in New York.

During the event, the speakers touched on the centrality of their Hindu identity, and how following their dharma, the quest for righteousness through selfless duty, led them to public service.

They also made impassioned pitches to fellow Hindu Americans to support the Biden-Harris ticket.

''Hindus participate in a quest for truth. The Biden administration will be committed to that quest,''&nbsp;said Kumar, now chairman and CEO of KPMG India.

Natarajan discussed the Hindu American and Indian American communities' impact on election results. Kilawan-Narine noted that Biden's connection to his faith resonates with many Hindu Americans.

Dr Murali Balaji, co-chair of Hindu Americans for Biden, noted that the Trump administration's actions against Hindu Americans contradicted his boasts of being a ''big fan of Hindus,''&nbsp;as he once claimed in 2016.

''This administration has conducted raids against our Caribbean Hindu brothers and sisters, limited refugee opportunities for Hindus escaping religious persecution, capped immigration for Hindus coming from abroad, and revoked temporary protected status for nearly 10,000 Nepali Hindus displaced by the 2015 Nepal earthquake,''&nbsp;he alleged.

Hindu Americans are absolutely one of the most critical voting blocs in this year's election, said Neha Dewan, national director for South Asians for Biden.

''As highlighted at the event, the Biden-Harris ticket has a deep and long-standing relationship with the Hindu American community, and is actively listening to their voices and working to earn their votes,''&nbsp;she said.

Indian-American Congressman from Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi had previously organised an event called&nbsp;"Hindus for Biden" in the beginning of this month.

Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden said on Monday that the vote of Hindu Americans will be an essential part of Democrats' electoral success. Both US President Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trying to woo the Hindu American community to garner votes in the November 3 presidential election.

Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden said on Monday that the vote of Hindu Americans will be an essential part of Democrats' electoral success. Both US President Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been trying to woo the Hindu American community to garner votes in the November 3 presidential election. Also read: If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally Biden has chosen Indian origin California Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate. If Joe Biden is elected in November, Harris will be the first female, the first non-white candidate and first Asian-American vice-president. Hindu Americans who support Biden's campaign organised an event called 'Dharma of Voting' to emphasize that his administration will always work to have a constructive and positive relationship with India based on trust and conversation. Also read: How Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris is making history ''Conversations will happen with a sense of regard and respect,'' Biswal said during the virtual event that featured high-ranking Obama-Biden administration alumni including Arun Kumar, former assistant secretary of commerce and Nishit Acharya, former director of innovation and entrepreneurship. The panel also included Anu Natarajan, former vice mayor of Fremont, California, the first Hindu American elected to the Fremont city council and Aminta Kilawan-Naraine, a nationally recognised Caribbean Hindu leader and activist who founded the South Queens Women's March in New York. During the event, the speakers touched on the centrality of their Hindu identity, and how following their dharma, the quest for righteousness through selfless duty, led them to public service. They also made impassioned pitches to fellow Hindu Americans to support the Biden-Harris ticket. ''Hindus participate in a quest for truth. The Biden administration will be committed to that quest,'' said Kumar, now chairman and CEO of KPMG India. Natarajan discussed the Hindu American and Indian American communities' impact on election results. Kilawan-Narine noted that Biden's connection to his faith resonates with many Hindu Americans. Dr Murali Balaji, co-chair of Hindu Americans for Biden, noted that the Trump administration's actions against Hindu Americans contradicted his boasts of being a ''big fan of Hindus,'' as he once claimed in 2016. ''This administration has conducted raids against our Caribbean Hindu brothers and sisters, limited refugee opportunities for Hindus escaping religious persecution, capped immigration for Hindus coming from abroad, and revoked temporary protected status for nearly 10,000 Nepali Hindus displaced by the 2015 Nepal earthquake,'' he alleged. Hindu Americans are absolutely one of the most critical voting blocs in this year's election, said Neha Dewan, national director for South Asians for Biden. ''As highlighted at the event, the Biden-Harris ticket has a deep and long-standing relationship with the Hindu American community, and is actively listening to their voices and working to earn their votes,'' she said. Indian-American Congressman from Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi had previously organised an event called "Hindus for Biden" in the beginning of this month.

US election 2020: Biden tries to woo Hindu American community

Greece is close to resuming talks with Turkey over maritime zones, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday, after Ankara this month recalled an oil and gas exploration vessel from disputed Mediterranean waters in a move welcomed by Athens.

NATO members Turkey and Greece bitterly disagree over maritime jurisdiction and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean, based on conflicting views about the extent of their continental shelves.

Turkey infuriated Greece last month when it sent the Oruc Reis seismic survey vessel to the area. Ankara says the boat has now been recalled for routine maintenance.

"We're close to resuming exploratory talks, but how soon this will happen depends on both sides, on Greece and Turkey. The sentiment is good," Petsas told reporters, adding that Ankara had also indicated its wish for a resumption of talks.

The long-running discussions between Athens and Ankara on demarcating their maritime zones broke down in 2016. Greek media say they could resume as early as this week.

Greece and its close ally Cyprus, both European Union member states, are locked in a dispute with Turkey over overlapping claims to areas believed to be rich in natural gas.

EU leaders are expected to evaluate the situation at a summit on Sept 24-25, though member states are divided over how best to proceed.

EU foreign ministers also discussed the issue at a meeting on Monday and agreed that Turkey's move to recall Oruc Reis was a first, positive step, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said after the meeting. He added that the EU wanted Turkey to make more efforts to show it respected international law.

Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday that exploratory talks could resume but that threats of EU sanctions were not helpful.

Cyprus has pressed for sanctions against Turkey, angered by Ankara's move last week to extend the operations of two vessels in Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until mid-October.,

But, underscoring Greece's milder tone following the withdrawal of the Oruc Reis, Petsas said on Monday the EU should examine ways to activate sanctions only if Turkey does not stick to its recent stance of de-escalation in the east Mediterranean.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is also due to visit Greece this month. He has said the United States is "deeply concerned" about Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterrean and has urged a diplomatic end to the crisis.

Greece is close to resuming talks with Turkey over maritime zones, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday, after Ankara this month recalled an oil and gas exploration vessel from disputed Mediterranean waters in a move welcomed by Athens.

Greece is close to resuming talks with Turkey over maritime zones, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday, after Ankara this month recalled an oil and gas exploration vessel from disputed Mediterranean waters in a move welcomed by Athens. NATO members Turkey and Greece bitterly disagree over maritime jurisdiction and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean, based on conflicting views about the extent of their continental shelves. Turkey infuriated Greece last month when it sent the Oruc Reis seismic survey vessel to the area. Ankara says the boat has now been recalled for routine maintenance. "We're close to resuming exploratory talks, but how soon this will happen depends on both sides, on Greece and Turkey. The sentiment is good," Petsas told reporters, adding that Ankara had also indicated its wish for a resumption of talks. The long-running discussions between Athens and Ankara on demarcating their maritime zones broke down in 2016. Greek media say they could resume as early as this week. Greece and its close ally Cyprus, both European Union member states, are locked in a dispute with Turkey over overlapping claims to areas believed to be rich in natural gas. EU leaders are expected to evaluate the situation at a summit on Sept 24-25, though member states are divided over how best to proceed. EU foreign ministers also discussed the issue at a meeting on Monday and agreed that Turkey's move to recall Oruc Reis was a first, positive step, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said after the meeting. He added that the EU wanted Turkey to make more efforts to show it respected international law. Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday that exploratory talks could resume but that threats of EU sanctions were not helpful. Cyprus has pressed for sanctions against Turkey, angered by Ankara's move last week to extend the operations of two vessels in Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until mid-October., But, underscoring Greece's milder tone following the withdrawal of the Oruc Reis, Petsas said on Monday the EU should examine ways to activate sanctions only if Turkey does not stick to its recent stance of de-escalation in the east Mediterranean. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is also due to visit Greece this month. He has said the United States is "deeply concerned" about Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterrean and has urged a diplomatic end to the crisis.

Greece says it's close to resuming maritime talks with Turkey

The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for development and operationalisation of an airstrip in Kishtwar district, an official said.

The proposal envisages that the existing helicopter strip in Kishtwar will be further extended to make it viable for aircraft landing. The airport at Kishtwar would cater to the entire region, according to a statement.

Addressing the event, Union minister Jitendra Singh said the proposed airport would lead to ease of travel, besides boosting tourism and trade.

The MoU was signed by Rashtriya Rifles' Sector 9 Commander Brigadier Vikram Bhan and Civil Aviation Commissioner S Katoch in the presence Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha through video conference here at the Raj Bhawan, a spokesperson said.

Northern Command Commander Lieutenant General Y K Joshi and Lt Gen. Harsha Gupta, who is the commander of the 16 Corps, was also present.

The Lt governor said the aerodrome, whose operationalisation was pending since 2018, would provide a vital connectivity to the Kishtwar even during the severe winter conditions and for medical and other emergencies.

The airdrome at the district, which lies at more than 210 km from the nearest airport in Jammu, would reduce the time taken to travel between the two from eight hours to less than 30 minutes, the Lt governor said.

Sinha highlighted that the airport would benefit around 2.50 lakh people of the district and would give a fillip to the socio-economic development of the region.

Singh, who is the Udhampur MP, said he had proposed to the Airports Authority of India and the defence authorities that the airstrip at Udhampur might also be permitted for civilian use.

The Kishtwar airport, according to Singh, would also expedite the work on two major power projects,&nbsp;Pakal Dul and Keru. 
Singh said he had first initiated the proposal about three years back to develop an airport at Kishtwar.

However, there were certain constraints and issues since the land adjoining the existing airstrip was in the possession of the defence authorities, according to the statement.

A series of meetings between the defence authorities and the Civil Aviation Ministry were organised by Singh over the past several months in New Delhi before an amicable agreement could be arrived at, it added.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for development and operationalisation of an airstrip in Kishtwar district, an official said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for development and operationalisation of an airstrip in Kishtwar district, an official said. The proposal envisages that the existing helicopter strip in Kishtwar will be further extended to make it viable for aircraft landing. The airport at Kishtwar would cater to the entire region, according to a statement. Addressing the event, Union minister Jitendra Singh said the proposed airport would lead to ease of travel, besides boosting tourism and trade. The MoU was signed by Rashtriya Rifles' Sector 9 Commander Brigadier Vikram Bhan and Civil Aviation Commissioner S Katoch in the presence Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha through video conference here at the Raj Bhawan, a spokesperson said. Northern Command Commander Lieutenant General Y K Joshi and Lt Gen. Harsha Gupta, who is the commander of the 16 Corps, was also present. The Lt governor said the aerodrome, whose operationalisation was pending since 2018, would provide a vital connectivity to the Kishtwar even during the severe winter conditions and for medical and other emergencies. The airdrome at the district, which lies at more than 210 km from the nearest airport in Jammu, would reduce the time taken to travel between the two from eight hours to less than 30 minutes, the Lt governor said. Sinha highlighted that the airport would benefit around 2.50 lakh people of the district and would give a fillip to the socio-economic development of the region. Singh, who is the Udhampur MP, said he had proposed to the Airports Authority of India and the defence authorities that the airstrip at Udhampur might also be permitted for civilian use. The Kishtwar airport, according to Singh, would also expedite the work on two major power projects, Pakal Dul and Keru. Singh said he had first initiated the proposal about three years back to develop an airport at Kishtwar. However, there were certain constraints and issues since the land adjoining the existing airstrip was in the possession of the defence authorities, according to the statement. A series of meetings between the defence authorities and the Civil Aviation Ministry were organised by Singh over the past several months in New Delhi before an amicable agreement could be arrived at, it added.

Jammu and Kashmir administration signs MoU with Army to operationalise Kishtwar airstrip

The Pakistani army has&nbsp;used the Pashtuns for creating trouble in Afghanistan and later on killed them when they had served their purpose.

The Pashtuns are Pakistan's largest ethnic minority and have now become&nbsp;the symbol of resistance in the country.

Pakistan's Pashtuns have stirred up a storm after a&nbsp;massive number of protesters participated in a Pashtun unity march in Wana of South Waziristan&nbsp;condemning the re-emergence of terror groups and long-pending demand to produce missing persons to courts.

'Pashtun long march' is a protest movement led by young Pashtuns from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where they have long been the targets of military operations, internal displacement, ethnic stereotyping and abductions by the security forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-unity-march-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-against-re-emergence-of-terror-groups-329127">Pashtun unity march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against re-emergence of terror groups</a>

The march was called by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM),&nbsp;a political party,&nbsp;which exposes the military offences and brings to the front the issues, which continue to plague the locals including enforced disappearances and fake encounters by the state.

Until 2018, they didn't even enjoy any citizenship rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its unsettled legal status allowed the Pakistani military to exploit it.

After the partition in 1947,&nbsp;the Pakistani military focused its attention on the Indian border.&nbsp;The FATA remained largely ignored and were treated differently from the rest of Pakistan. The Pashtuns perpetually remained in the line of fire and were bereft of any benefits.&nbsp;

In 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan,&nbsp;the United States reached out to Pakistan.

In the alliance between Saudi, Pakistan and US&nbsp;funded mujahideen fighters and&nbsp;Fata served as the training ground for the operation.

America's alliance with Pakistan had unintended consequences and the Pashtuns were the casualty.

In the 1990s,&nbsp;Pakistan backed the Taliban. They fought for power in Afghanistan.

In 2001, America declared a war on the Taliban and&nbsp;took refuge in FATA.&nbsp;

Since 9/11,&nbsp;the tribal areas of Pakistan have become a major theatre for militancy and terrorism.

Under pressure from America,&nbsp;the Pakistani army has conducted 10 operations. While the&nbsp;terrorists flourished, but the pashtuns suffered.

By 2010,&nbsp;more than one million Pashtuns were displaced.&nbsp;

According to one report,&nbsp;at least 70 thousand Pashtuns have been killed in the last 16 years.&nbsp;More than one thousand tribal elders have been killed, thousands of Pashtuns have disappeared.&nbsp;The tribes are trapped as outsiders fight on their lands.

According to the United Nations Development Program,&nbsp;FATA has consistently ranked the lowest in education, health, and standard of living.&nbsp;

On average, a child in FATA spends less than seven years in a school and&nbsp;healthcare facilities are non-existent.

In 2018,&nbsp;FATA was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but&nbsp;it made no difference to the life of the Pashtuns.

The Pakistani army has used the Pashtuns for creating trouble in Afghanistan and later on killed them when they had served their purpose. The Pashtuns are Pakistan's largest ethnic minority and have now become the symbol of resistance in the country.

The Pakistani army has used the Pashtuns for creating trouble in Afghanistan and later on killed them when they had served their purpose. The Pashtuns are Pakistan's largest ethnic minority and have now become the symbol of resistance in the country. Pakistan's Pashtuns have stirred up a storm after a massive number of protesters participated in a Pashtun unity march in Wana of South Waziristan condemning the re-emergence of terror groups and long-pending demand to produce missing persons to courts. 'Pashtun long march' is a protest movement led by young Pashtuns from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where they have long been the targets of military operations, internal displacement, ethnic stereotyping and abductions by the security forces. Also read: Pashtun unity march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against re-emergence of terror groups The march was called by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a political party, which exposes the military offences and brings to the front the issues, which continue to plague the locals including enforced disappearances and fake encounters by the state. Until 2018, they didn't even enjoy any citizenship rights. Its unsettled legal status allowed the Pakistani military to exploit it. After the partition in 1947, the Pakistani military focused its attention on the Indian border. The FATA remained largely ignored and were treated differently from the rest of Pakistan. The Pashtuns perpetually remained in the line of fire and were bereft of any benefits. In 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, the United States reached out to Pakistan. In the alliance between Saudi, Pakistan and US funded mujahideen fighters and Fata served as the training ground for the operation. America's alliance with Pakistan had unintended consequences and the Pashtuns were the casualty. In the 1990s, Pakistan backed the Taliban. They fought for power in Afghanistan. In 2001, America declared a war on the Taliban and took refuge in FATA. Since 9/11, the tribal areas of Pakistan have become a major theatre for militancy and terrorism. Under pressure from America, the Pakistani army has conducted 10 operations. While the terrorists flourished, but the pashtuns suffered. By 2010, more than one million Pashtuns were displaced. According to one report, at least 70 thousand Pashtuns have been killed in the last 16 years. More than one thousand tribal elders have been killed, thousands of Pashtuns have disappeared. The tribes are trapped as outsiders fight on their lands. According to the United Nations Development Program, FATA has consistently ranked the lowest in education, health, and standard of living. On average, a child in FATA spends less than seven years in a school and healthcare facilities are non-existent. In 2018, FATA was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but it made no difference to the life of the Pashtuns.

How Pakistan has persecuted Pashtuns for decades

Donald Trump and his rival for the US&nbsp;presidency, Joe Biden, will campaign in two election battlegrounds on Monday as they spar over the president's plan to fill a vacant&nbsp;Supreme&nbsp;Court&nbsp;seat with only weeks before voters choose between them.

Trump, the Republican seeking re-election on November&nbsp;3, will hold campaign events in Ohio, a state some Democrats once saw as a lock for Trump, while the Democratic former vice president makes his second trip of the month to Wisconsin.

Both Trump and Biden are reckoning with a presidential contest that was upended by Friday's death of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rest-in-power-americans-mourn-the-death-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg-328786">'Rest in power': Americans mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>

Trump's intention to appoint a replacement before the election, which would cement a 6-3 conservative majority, has angered Democrats and shifted the election's focus away from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 Americans and thrown millions more out of work.

Biden said the winner of the election should pick the person who fills Ginsburg's seat in a speech on Sunday. He called Trump's planned appointment an "exercise of raw political power" after Republican senators refused to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee in 2016, citing that year's presidential election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-blasts-trumps-push-for-selecting-a-supreme-court-nominee-before-election-329013">Biden blasts Trump's push for selecting a Supreme Court nominee before election</a>

In an&nbsp;interview on Monday, Trump said he will name his choice to replace Ginsburg by Friday or Saturday.

Biden is headed to Wisconsin for the second time this month in a sign of the state's importance to the upcoming election. In his last visit, Biden went to Kenosha and spoke with Jacob Blake, the Black man whose shooting by police prompted widespread unrest.

This time, Biden will visit largely white Manitowoc County, which supported the former vice president and President Barack Obama when they ran as the Democratic ticket in 2008. The county backed Trump in 2016, helping deliver the state to a Republican presidential candidate for the first time since 1984.

Biden's campaign has made targeting such "flip" voters a priority, and it also hopes Biden will deliver a larger share of white voters than Democrat Hillary Clinton did in 2016.

Trump's campaign has made holding the state a prime concern after his 2016 victory by less than 1 per cent&nbsp;of the vote. Trump visited Wisconsin last week, announcing a new round of coronavirus pandemic assistance to farmers of about $13 billion.

State polling averages show Biden with a lead of several points in Wisconsin but trailing Trump slightly in Ohio, where the president was scheduled to campaign on Monday.

Trump is expected to speak about "fighting for the American worker," with a focus on the economic themes that dominated his re-election pitch prior to Ginsburg's death, before attending a rally.

Earlier in the race, many Democrats had privately written off a win in Ohio, seeing it as firmly in Trump's grasp. But Biden's campaign is now pursuing wins in an expanded set of states.

On Monday, Biden's campaign said it would add Georgia and Iowa to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements. Meanwhile, campaign finance filings on Sunday showed the national Republican Party transferred $1.3 million in August to the coffers of the state party in Texas, a long-time Republican stronghold that Democrats also hope to make competitive.

Donald Trump and his rival for the US presidency, Joe Biden, will campaign in two election battlegrounds on Monday as they spar over the president's plan to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat with only weeks before voters choose between them.

Donald Trump and his rival for the US presidency, Joe Biden, will campaign in two election battlegrounds on Monday as they spar over the president's plan to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat with only weeks before voters choose between them. Trump, the Republican seeking re-election on November 3, will hold campaign events in Ohio, a state some Democrats once saw as a lock for Trump, while the Democratic former vice president makes his second trip of the month to Wisconsin. Both Trump and Biden are reckoning with a presidential contest that was upended by Friday's death of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Also see: 'Rest in power': Americans mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Trump's intention to appoint a replacement before the election, which would cement a 6-3 conservative majority, has angered Democrats and shifted the election's focus away from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 Americans and thrown millions more out of work. Biden said the winner of the election should pick the person who fills Ginsburg's seat in a speech on Sunday. He called Trump's planned appointment an "exercise of raw political power" after Republican senators refused to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee in 2016, citing that year's presidential election. Also read: Biden blasts Trump's push for selecting a Supreme Court nominee before election In an interview on Monday, Trump said he will name his choice to replace Ginsburg by Friday or Saturday. Biden is headed to Wisconsin for the second time this month in a sign of the state's importance to the upcoming election. In his last visit, Biden went to Kenosha and spoke with Jacob Blake, the Black man whose shooting by police prompted widespread unrest. This time, Biden will visit largely white Manitowoc County, which supported the former vice president and President Barack Obama when they ran as the Democratic ticket in 2008. The county backed Trump in 2016, helping deliver the state to a Republican presidential candidate for the first time since 1984. Biden's campaign has made targeting such "flip" voters a priority, and it also hopes Biden will deliver a larger share of white voters than Democrat Hillary Clinton did in 2016. Trump's campaign has made holding the state a prime concern after his 2016 victory by less than 1 per cent of the vote. Trump visited Wisconsin last week, announcing a new round of coronavirus pandemic assistance to farmers of about $13 billion. State polling averages show Biden with a lead of several points in Wisconsin but trailing Trump slightly in Ohio, where the president was scheduled to campaign on Monday. Trump is expected to speak about "fighting for the American worker," with a focus on the economic themes that dominated his re-election pitch prior to Ginsburg's death, before attending a rally. Earlier in the race, many Democrats had privately written off a win in Ohio, seeing it as firmly in Trump's grasp. But Biden's campaign is now pursuing wins in an expanded set of states. On Monday, Biden's campaign said it would add Georgia and Iowa to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements. Meanwhile, campaign finance filings on Sunday showed the national Republican Party transferred $1.3 million in August to the coffers of the state party in Texas, a long-time Republican stronghold that Democrats also hope to make competitive.

US election 2020: Trump and Biden hit the campaign trail as Supreme Court battle looms

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would not approve the sale of TikTok to Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc if TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance retained any control.

Asked in an interview whether ByteDance would still have any involvement, he said that "they will have nothing to do with it and if they do, then we just won't make the deal."

He added Oracle and Walmart "are going to have total control over it. They're going to own the controling interest... If we find they don't have total control, then we're not going to approve the deal."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-bytedance-says-tiktok-will-be-its-subsidiary-under-deal-with-trump-329041" hreflang="en">China's ByteDance says TikTok will be its subsidiary under deal with Trump</a>

TikTok,&nbsp;which became a global phenomenon with its brand of short, addictive phone videos,&nbsp;has come under fire in recent months as tensions escalate between China and the west.

Trump has claimed&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;is collecting user data for China's Communist Party, and&nbsp;signed an executive order&nbsp;on August&nbsp;14 giving ByteDance until September 20&nbsp;to hand over&nbsp;TikTok's US operations to an American company.

ByteDance, under pressure in China not to give in to US demands, set out to clarify "rumours" on Monday after details of the deal were announced. It said the current plan "does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies".

While Oracle has the authority to check the source code of&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;in the US, ByteDance said displaying the source code is a way for multinationals to allay local data security concerns.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would not approve the sale of TikTok to Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc if TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance retained any control.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would not approve the sale of TikTok to Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc if TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance retained any control. Asked in an interview whether ByteDance would still have any involvement, he said that "they will have nothing to do with it and if they do, then we just won't make the deal." He added Oracle and Walmart "are going to have total control over it. They're going to own the controling interest... If we find they don't have total control, then we're not going to approve the deal." Also read: China's ByteDance says TikTok will be its subsidiary under deal with Trump TikTok, which became a global phenomenon with its brand of short, addictive phone videos, has come under fire in recent months as tensions escalate between China and the west. Trump has claimed TikTok is collecting user data for China's Communist Party, and signed an executive order on August 14 giving ByteDance until September 20 to hand over TikTok's US operations to an American company. ByteDance, under pressure in China not to give in to US demands, set out to clarify "rumours" on Monday after details of the deal were announced. It said the current plan "does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies". While Oracle has the authority to check the source code of TikTok in the US, ByteDance said displaying the source code is a way for multinationals to allay local data security concerns.

No TikTok deal if China's ByteDance maintains control, says Trump

Russia&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;kicked off its large-scale week-long Caucasus 2020 (Kavkaz 2020) military exercises along with&nbsp;China, Belarus, Pakistan and several other countries.

The military exercises in&nbsp;Kavkaz this year&nbsp;are expected to focus on combating cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, the&nbsp;Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Footage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Footage</a> The foreign military taking part in the on-coming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kavkaz2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kavkaz2020</a> strategic command &amp; control exercise are about to finish their relocation to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthernMD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthernMD</a> of Russia. Upon arrival, everyone of them takes mandatory <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tests <a href="https://t.co/SPca0aTwrC">https://t.co/SPca0aTwrC</a> <a href="https://t.co/pQjMhqjMpn">pic.twitter.com/pQjMhqjMpn</a>
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia/status/1306236639509962753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The drills, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, will take place at several firing ranges and airfields in southern&nbsp;Russia.

The navy part of the drills in both the Black Sea and Caspian Sea will be joined by the Iranian navy, the ministry said.

The defence ministry also said that the exercises will involve around 1,000 military personnel from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. The exercises will be observed by representatives of Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri-Lanka.

Russia&nbsp;said the drills will involve around 80,000 personnel including&nbsp;Russian missile defence and navy units, as well as officers of the&nbsp;Russian Emergencies Ministry and the&nbsp;Russian Guard.

According to the ministry, the drills will also feature up to 250 tanks, 450 military personnel carriers and 200 artillery systems.

Russia on Monday kicked off its large-scale week-long Caucasus 2020 (Kavkaz 2020) military exercises along with China, Belarus, Pakistan and several other countries.

Russia on Monday kicked off its large-scale week-long Caucasus 2020 (Kavkaz 2020) military exercises along with China, Belarus, Pakistan and several other countries. The military exercises in Kavkaz this year are expected to focus on combating cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. #Footage The foreign military taking part in the on-coming #Kavkaz2020 strategic command & control exercise are about to finish their relocation to the #SouthernMD of Russia. Upon arrival, everyone of them takes mandatory #COVID19 tests https://t.co/SPca0aTwrC pic.twitter.com/pQjMhqjMpn — Минобороны России (@mod_russia) September 16, 2020 × The drills, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, will take place at several firing ranges and airfields in southern Russia. The navy part of the drills in both the Black Sea and Caspian Sea will be joined by the Iranian navy, the ministry said. The defence ministry also said that the exercises will involve around 1,000 military personnel from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. The exercises will be observed by representatives of Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri-Lanka. Russia said the drills will involve around 80,000 personnel including Russian missile defence and navy units, as well as officers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian Guard. According to the ministry, the drills will also feature up to 250 tanks, 450 military personnel carriers and 200 artillery systems.

Kavkaz 2020: Russia hosts military drills in south with China, Belarus, Pakistan

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny&nbsp;told Russia on Monday to hand over the clothes he was wearing when he fell into a coma last month and accused Moscow of withholding an important piece of evidence in his case.

Navalny, who is recovering in Berlin's Charite clinic, fell violently ill during a flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20. He spent two days in hospital in Russia before being airlifted to Germany.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/novichok-scientist-apologises-to-navalny-as-germany-finds-unequivocal-evidence-328910">Novichok scientist apologises to Navalny as Germany finds 'unequivocal evidence'</a>

"Before they allowed for me to be taken to Germany, they took off all my clothes and sent me completely naked," Navalny wrote on his website.

Navalny&nbsp;noted that Russia had still not opened an investigation and that Russian talk shows had suggested that Western intelligence officials or his own allies carried out the attack.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-critic-alexei-navalny-instagram-video-alleges-water-bottles-poisoned-328272/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Taking into account that Novichok was found on my body, and poisoning through physical contact is highly likely, my clothes are a very important piece of evidence," he wrote.&nbsp;

"I demand my clothes be carefully packed in a plastic bag and returned to me."

Germany says tests in three countries have determined he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent and the West has demanded an explanation from Russia.

Russia has said it needs to see more evidence before a formal criminal investigation is opened into the Navalny case and has asked Germany to hand over Navalny's medical data so it can be reviewed.

Navalny supporters and European leaders have said that the poisoning using Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent, points to a state-sanctioned attack. But Kremlin has dismissed the claims as "absurd".

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny told Russia on Monday to hand over the clothes he was wearing when he fell into a coma last month and accused Moscow of withholding an important piece of evidence in his case.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny told Russia on Monday to hand over the clothes he was wearing when he fell into a coma last month and accused Moscow of withholding an important piece of evidence in his case. Navalny, who is recovering in Berlin's Charite clinic, fell violently ill during a flight from Siberia to Moscow on August 20. He spent two days in hospital in Russia before being airlifted to Germany. Also read: Novichok scientist apologises to Navalny as Germany finds 'unequivocal evidence' "Before they allowed for me to be taken to Germany, they took off all my clothes and sent me completely naked," Navalny wrote on his website. Navalny noted that Russia had still not opened an investigation and that Russian talk shows had suggested that Western intelligence officials or his own allies carried out the attack. "Taking into account that Novichok was found on my body, and poisoning through physical contact is highly likely, my clothes are a very important piece of evidence," he wrote. "I demand my clothes be carefully packed in a plastic bag and returned to me." Germany says tests in three countries have determined he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent and the West has demanded an explanation from Russia. Russia has said it needs to see more evidence before a formal criminal investigation is opened into the Navalny case and has asked Germany to hand over Navalny's medical data so it can be reviewed. Navalny supporters and European leaders have said that the poisoning using Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent, points to a state-sanctioned attack. But Kremlin has dismissed the claims as "absurd".

Navalny accuses Russia of withholding an 'important piece of evidence'

Belarus&nbsp;opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on Monday urged the EU to show courage and step up its support for her movement, as the bloc's internal squabbles about sanctions rolled on.

Tikhanovskaya met EU foreign ministers in Brussels and urged them to sanction Lukashenko but, despite repeated statements condemning the veteran strongman and warning of measures, after 44 days the bloc has yet to act.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-authorities-bring-military-trucks-to-thwart-planned-protest-328882" hreflang="en">Belarusian authorities bring military trucks to thwart planned protest</a>

"EU leaders have reasons not to push sanctions but I asked them to be more brave,"&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania after the election, told reporters after meeting foreign ministers.

"Sanctions are important in our fight because it's part of pressure that could force the so-called authorities to start dialogue with us in the opposition council."

The EU said in late August it would impose asset freezes and travel bans on&nbsp;Belarusian officials. But sanctions require agreement among all 27 member states, and the&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;issue has become entangled in a debate over separate sanctions against Turkey, sought by Cyprus in a dispute over energy resources.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mass-rallies-and-police-data-leaks-in-belarus-keep-pressure-on-lukashenko-329061" hreflang="en">Mass rallies and police data leaks in Belarus keep pressure on Lukashenko</a>

The former Soviet republic has been convulsed by unprecedented demonstrations against President Alexander Lukashenko since he was returned to power in a disputed August 9 election and launched a brutal crackdown.

Cyprus says it supports sanctions on&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;but wants the bloc to act over Turkey as well.

"Our reaction to any kind of violation of our core, basic values and principles cannot be a la carte. It needs to be consistent," Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said.

EU leaders will discuss the Cyprus issue on Thursday at a summit. EU diplomats say Germany is concerned sanctions would undermine diplomatic progress in easing tension with Ankara.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius, one of the strongest advocates for&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;sanctions, said he hoped other EU countries "will not keep the European Union in limbo and will not take (it) hostage".

The presidents of Lithuania, Poland and Romania said on Monday they will ask EU leaders at this week's summit to offer an economic support package for&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;if it holds a democratic election. That would include a favourable trade regime with the EU, visa-free travel and support as a candidate for the World Trade Organization.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on Monday urged the EU to show courage and step up its support for her movement, as the bloc's internal squabbles about sanctions rolled on.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on Monday urged the EU to show courage and step up its support for her movement, as the bloc's internal squabbles about sanctions rolled on. Tikhanovskaya met EU foreign ministers in Brussels and urged them to sanction Lukashenko but, despite repeated statements condemning the veteran strongman and warning of measures, after 44 days the bloc has yet to act. Also read: Belarusian authorities bring military trucks to thwart planned protest "EU leaders have reasons not to push sanctions but I asked them to be more brave," Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania after the election, told reporters after meeting foreign ministers. "Sanctions are important in our fight because it's part of pressure that could force the so-called authorities to start dialogue with us in the opposition council." The EU said in late August it would impose asset freezes and travel bans on Belarusian officials. But sanctions require agreement among all 27 member states, and the Belarus issue has become entangled in a debate over separate sanctions against Turkey, sought by Cyprus in a dispute over energy resources. Also read: Mass rallies and police data leaks in Belarus keep pressure on Lukashenko The former Soviet republic has been convulsed by unprecedented demonstrations against President Alexander Lukashenko since he was returned to power in a disputed August 9 election and launched a brutal crackdown. Cyprus says it supports sanctions on Belarus but wants the bloc to act over Turkey as well. "Our reaction to any kind of violation of our core, basic values and principles cannot be a la carte. It needs to be consistent," Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said. EU leaders will discuss the Cyprus issue on Thursday at a summit. EU diplomats say Germany is concerned sanctions would undermine diplomatic progress in easing tension with Ankara. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius, one of the strongest advocates for Belarus sanctions, said he hoped other EU countries "will not keep the European Union in limbo and will not take (it) hostage". The presidents of Lithuania, Poland and Romania said on Monday they will ask EU leaders at this week's summit to offer an economic support package for Belarus if it holds a democratic election. That would include a favourable trade regime with the EU, visa-free travel and support as a candidate for the World Trade Organization.

Belarus opposition leader urges European Union to approve sanctions on corrupt officials

Ang Rita&nbsp;Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times, died of a lengthy illness on Monday, his family said, an event that fellow&nbsp;sherpas called a major loss to Nepal and the climbing community.

All the ascents to the 8,850-m. (29,035-foot) summit of the world's tallest mountain between 1983 and 1996 by Ang Rita, who went by his first name, like many&nbsp;Sherpas, were made without bottled oxygen.

The 72-year-old, who had suffered brain and liver ailments for a long time, died at his home in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, his grandson, Phurba Tshering, told Reuters.

Ang Rita was also known as the “snow leopard” for his climbing skills.

"He was a climbing star and his death is a major loss for the country and for the climbing fraternity," said Ang Tshering&nbsp;Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

The body will be placed at a&nbsp;Sherpa&nbsp;Gomba, or holy site, in Kathmandu, and cremated on Wednesday according to&nbsp;sherpa&nbsp;tradition, Ang Tshering said.

Many other climbers have since surpassed Ang Rita's feat, with one member of the community setting a record of 24 ascents.

Ang Rita Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times, died of a lengthy illness on Monday, his family said, an event that fellow sherpas called a major loss to Nepal and the climbing community.

Ang Rita Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times, died of a lengthy illness on Monday, his family said, an event that fellow sherpas called a major loss to Nepal and the climbing community. All the ascents to the 8,850-m. (29,035-foot) summit of the world's tallest mountain between 1983 and 1996 by Ang Rita, who went by his first name, like many Sherpas, were made without bottled oxygen. The 72-year-old, who had suffered brain and liver ailments for a long time, died at his home in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, his grandson, Phurba Tshering, told Reuters. Ang Rita was also known as the “snow leopard” for his climbing skills. "He was a climbing star and his death is a major loss for the country and for the climbing fraternity," said Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The body will be placed at a Sherpa Gomba, or holy site, in Kathmandu, and cremated on Wednesday according to sherpa tradition, Ang Tshering said. Many other climbers have since surpassed Ang Rita's feat, with one member of the community setting a record of 24 ascents.

Nepal's Ang Rita Sherpa, first to climb Mount Everest ten times, dies

The newly formed US Space Force is deploying its first troops, not to space but to the Arabian&nbsp;Peninsula.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICYMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICYMI</a>, deployed Airmen transitioned to the USSF ranks on September 1, 2020, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. <a href="https://t.co/riMxKdGKx6">pic.twitter.com/riMxKdGKx6</a>
— United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD/status/1307769375299174404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Space Force now has a squadron of 20 airmen stationed at Qatar's Al-Udeid Air Base in its first foreign deployment.

The force, pushed by President Donald Trump, represents the sixth branch of the US military and the first new military service since the creation of the Air Force in 1947.

Col. Todd Benson, director of Space Force troops at Al-Udeid said&nbsp;''We're starting to see other nations that are extremely aggressive in preparing to extend conflict into space. ''We have to be able to compete and defend and protect all of our national interests.''

In a swearing-in ceremony earlier this month at Al-Udeid, 20 Air Force troops, flanked by American flags and massive satellites, entered Space Force. Soon several more will join the unit of ''core space operators''&nbsp;who will run satellites, track enemy maneuvers and try to avert conflicts in space.

Several American lawmakers view the branch, with its projected force of 16,000 troops and 2021 budget of $15.4 billion, as a vanity project for Trump ahead of the November presidential election.

The decision to deploy Space Force personnel at Al-Udeid follows months of escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

Hostilities between the two countries, ignited by Trump's unilateral withdrawal of the US from Iran's nuclear accord, came to a head in January when US forces killed a top Iranian general. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at American soldiers in Iraq.

This spring, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space, revealing what experts describe as a secret military space programme.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Iran's space agency, accusing it of developing ballistic missiles under the cover of a civilian programme to set satellites into orbit.

The newly formed US Space Force is deploying its first troops, not to space but to the Arabian Peninsula. #ICYMI, deployed Airmen transitioned to the USSF ranks on September 1, 2020, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

The newly formed US Space Force is deploying its first troops, not to space but to the Arabian Peninsula. #ICYMI, deployed Airmen transitioned to the USSF ranks on September 1, 2020, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. pic.twitter.com/riMxKdGKx6 — United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) September 20, 2020 × Space Force now has a squadron of 20 airmen stationed at Qatar's Al-Udeid Air Base in its first foreign deployment. The force, pushed by President Donald Trump, represents the sixth branch of the US military and the first new military service since the creation of the Air Force in 1947. Col. Todd Benson, director of Space Force troops at Al-Udeid said ''We're starting to see other nations that are extremely aggressive in preparing to extend conflict into space. ''We have to be able to compete and defend and protect all of our national interests.'' In a swearing-in ceremony earlier this month at Al-Udeid, 20 Air Force troops, flanked by American flags and massive satellites, entered Space Force. Soon several more will join the unit of ''core space operators'' who will run satellites, track enemy maneuvers and try to avert conflicts in space. Several American lawmakers view the branch, with its projected force of 16,000 troops and 2021 budget of $15.4 billion, as a vanity project for Trump ahead of the November presidential election. The decision to deploy Space Force personnel at Al-Udeid follows months of escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Hostilities between the two countries, ignited by Trump's unilateral withdrawal of the US from Iran's nuclear accord, came to a head in January when US forces killed a top Iranian general. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at American soldiers in Iraq. This spring, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space, revealing what experts describe as a secret military space programme. The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Iran's space agency, accusing it of developing ballistic missiles under the cover of a civilian programme to set satellites into orbit.

US Space Force deploys its first troops to Arabian Peninsula

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