13th consecutive day of protests across America over George Floyd's killing by a cop in Minneapolis. Watch this video to know more.

Protests across the globe after George Floyd's death

Retired Major General Dana Pittard. He spent decades in the U.S. Army, becoming one of a few African Americans to rise to the level of major general.

US armed forces speak out against racism

The police department in the US city of Minneapolis will be dismantled and rebuilt, city councilors said late Sunday

Minneapolis Police Department To Be Dismantled

12th consecutive day of protests across America over George Floyd's killing by a cop in Minneapolis. Watch this video to know more.

Black lives matter protests gain momentum worldwide

George Floyd protests: 12th consecutive day of protests across America

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has lashed out at China for "callous exploitation" of George Floyd's death saying that "this laughable propaganda can't fool anyone".

Mike Pompeo accuses China of exploiting George Floyd's death

Hundreds gathered in the affluent coastal community of Santa Monica in Los Angeles on Friday, to take a stand against police brutality after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

George Floyd protests: 11th day of protests across America

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving&nbsp;up controversial posts by President Donald Trump.

"We're going to review our policies allowing discussion and threats of state use of force to see if there are any amendments we should adopt," he wrote. "We're going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-place-state-media-labels-on-russian-chinese-outlets-303466">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets</a>

President Donald Trump had last week said 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' which gathered a lot of criticism for the insensitivity of the topic.

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Former Facebook employees accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of always trying to find a way out of such situations, and avoid going against the Trump.

Reportedly, in a staff meeting, employees questioned&nbsp;Zuckerberg's stance on Trump's post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-bans-use-of-boogaloo-that-hints-towards-potential-us-civil-war-303469">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war</a>

He has assured that the social media giant&nbsp;will be more transparent about its decision-making on whether to take down posts, review policies on posts that could cause voter suppression and would look to build software to advance racial justice, led by important lieutenants.

Zuckerberg finally admitted that Trump's comments were 'deeply offensive'. However, he&nbsp;is still maintaining his stance that the comments did&nbsp;not violate company policy against incitements to violence.

While he has now assured exploring other options of content policing, he added&nbsp;"I worry that this approach has a risk of leading us to editorialize on content we don`t like even if it doesn't violate our policies."&nbsp;

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving up controversial posts by President Donald Trump.

As Donald Trump's posts gained criticism from the protesters of 'Black lives matter', Facebook too came under the knife for leaving up controversial posts by President Donald Trump. "We're going to review our policies allowing discussion and threats of state use of force to see if there are any amendments we should adopt," he wrote. "We're going to review potential options for handling violating or partially-violating content aside from the binary leave-it-up or take-it-down decisions." Also read: Facebook to place state media labels on Russian, Chinese outlets President Donald Trump had last week said 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' which gathered a lot of criticism for the insensitivity of the topic. I just shared the following note with our employees, and I want to share it with all of you as well. --- As we... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, June 5, 2020 × Former Facebook employees accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of always trying to find a way out of such situations, and avoid going against the Trump. Reportedly, in a staff meeting, employees questioned Zuckerberg's stance on Trump's post. Also read: Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war He has assured that the social media giant will be more transparent about its decision-making on whether to take down posts, review policies on posts that could cause voter suppression and would look to build software to advance racial justice, led by important lieutenants. Zuckerberg finally admitted that Trump's comments were 'deeply offensive'. However, he is still maintaining his stance that the comments did not violate company policy against incitements to violence. While he has now assured exploring other options of content policing, he added "I worry that this approach has a risk of leading us to editorialize on content we don`t like even if it doesn't violate our policies."

Facebook will review its content policies, says Zuckerberg after backlash

U.S. President Donald Trump has retweeted a letter that brands protesters as terrorists. He has also termed the conduct of protesters as 'acts of domestic terror'. Can such a view be endorsed?

Gravitas: Trump thinks protesters are terrorists!

Protests over the killing of George Floyd continue across the World. In Mexico, vandalism is denting the credibility of the cause, in South Korea, the anger is shifting towards the Government.

Gravitas: 'Black Lives Matter' protests: Vandalism denting credibility?

A survey has claimed that jobless claims in United States are below 2 Million now, last week these claims were 2.12 Million. Watch this video to get complete details.

A survey claim US jobless claims are below 2 Mn now, last week these claims were 2.12 Mn

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on June 4 remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. Watch report.

Hundreds of mourners join memorial service of George Floyd in Minnesota

The U.S. is planning to investigate countries over digital tax. From the European Union to India - everybody is a target. U.S. President Donald Trump claims American tech companies are being unfairly targetted. WION's Palki Shama gets you the story.

Gravitas: U.S. probe over Digital Tax | A new trade war?

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization.

Facebook will no longer recommend such groups to members of similar associations, a spokeswoman for the world`s largest social media network said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-employees-from-early-days-denounce-zuckerberg-stance-on-trump-posts-303079">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts</a>

According to FBI's criminal complaint, out of three men, who were charged for plotting violence at a Las Vegas anti-racism protest, two had participated in&nbsp;Boogaloo groups on Facebook.

Facebook banned the usage of the term "Boogalo" and related words after few&nbsp;researchers and media observed that the term "Boogalo" was usually being accompanied by talks of taking up arms and&nbsp;promoting protests to "liberate" states from coronavirus restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-in-talks-to-invest-2-billion-in-bharti-airtel-report-303279">Also read:&nbsp;Amazon in talks to invest $2 billion in Bharti Airtel : Report</a>

However, participants of the infamous term are now coming up with similar terms to avoid Facebook's scrutiny. Terms such as&nbsp;"Big Igloo" or "Big Luau" are now becoming popular for all the similar wrong reasons. While the terms have changed, discussions on future wars and weapons remains the same.

Majority of these interactions are coming from people who identify with white nationalist groups or militias, according to researchers. Some of them are also gun-rights advocates, while others are anti-government protesters or apparent supporters of&nbsp;Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.

Facebook said the politics of Boogaloo members it looked into "ran the gamut" from right to left.

Facebook has stated it will be take strict actions to stop any such activity happening on their social media platform.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization.

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization. Facebook will no longer recommend such groups to members of similar associations, a spokeswoman for the world`s largest social media network said. Also read: Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts According to FBI's criminal complaint, out of three men, who were charged for plotting violence at a Las Vegas anti-racism protest, two had participated in Boogaloo groups on Facebook. Facebook banned the usage of the term "Boogalo" and related words after few researchers and media observed that the term "Boogalo" was usually being accompanied by talks of taking up arms and promoting protests to "liberate" states from coronavirus restrictions. Also read: Amazon in talks to invest $2 billion in Bharti Airtel : Report However, participants of the infamous term are now coming up with similar terms to avoid Facebook's scrutiny. Terms such as "Big Igloo" or "Big Luau" are now becoming popular for all the similar wrong reasons. While the terms have changed, discussions on future wars and weapons remains the same. Majority of these interactions are coming from people who identify with white nationalist groups or militias, according to researchers. Some of them are also gun-rights advocates, while others are anti-government protesters or apparent supporters of Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality. Facebook said the politics of Boogaloo members it looked into "ran the gamut" from right to left. Facebook has stated it will be take strict actions to stop any such activity happening on their social media platform. (With inputs from Reuters)

Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war

Watch reports of Police brutality across the United States of America. New York's governor Andrew Cuomo has condemned the police brutality. Watch this video to get more on this!

Reports of Police brutality across US, New York's governor condemns police brutality

4 policemen have been charged with the murder of George Floyd. All 4 of them could be sentenced for 40 years in jail. Meanwhile, an autopsy report has revealed that George Floyd was infected with the Coronavirus.

Gravitas: Autopsy report reveals George Floyd had Coronavirus

Protests in the United States demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by the police continues to soar across cities for the eight consecutive night.

Protesters in many cities defied curfews and carried out street demonstrating with slogans of “I can’t breathe” and “Black lives matter”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-of-george-floyds-daughter-demands-justice-minneapolis-police-faces-probe-302863" hreflang="en">Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe</a>

Cases of rioting and violence have decreased, after President Donald Trump threatening to deploy military to quell the protests.

Worldwide protests also followed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

<h6><img alt="Demonstrators smash a police vehicle in the Fairfax District as they protest the death of George Floyd, in Los Angeles, California on May 30, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1c6721a-c24b-4be5-af4f-9359bcaeda33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_20.jpg" /> 
Demonstrators smash a police vehicle in the Fairfax District as they protest the death of George Floyd, in Los Angeles, California on May 30, 2020. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Protesters with signs saying “Black Lives Matter” have flooded the streets. A lot of violence was earlier reported&nbsp;in the US, with police officers being shot at, and looting of stores caught in the storm.

Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill to buy cigarettes. When the police arrived, an officer Chauvin who has now been charged with murder, pinned him to the ground with his knee stationed on his neck, which led to his death.

It was only when bystanders insisted on checking his pulse, that the policeman let go, after which Floyd was escorted away in an ambulance. An hour later, he was pronounced dead.

The protests have been calling for an end to police brutality against people of colour, many researchers have pointed how African American have more risk of being assaulted by the police.

The National Guard remains to be deployed across the country as all states erupted in protests. Instances of sporadic violence were reported in Washington, Oregon, Portal.

The police were seen tossing tear gas and flash grenades at the protesters who set off fireworks.

New York City remained relatively calm after a night of intensive looting, which hit even luxury stores in the city. After this, over 200 arrests were made by the police, which they claimed were for violating the curfew.

<h6><img alt="Protesters hold a die-in as they gather peacefully to protest the death of George Floyd at the State Capital building in downtown Columbus, Ohio, on June 1,2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa68b2e2-85b5-41d6-948f-5cd67ae63da5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_13.jpg" /> 
Protesters hold a die-in as they gather peacefully to protest the death of George Floyd at the State Capital building in downtown Columbus, Ohio, on June 1,2020. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Los Angeles also witnessed more demonstrations, however was also relatively calmer. Many arrests were made in the city.

Large groups of people were seen on the streets in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, and Seattle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-defy-curfews-as-trump-faces-backlash-for-violent-crackdown-302854" hreflang="en">US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown</a>

Data compiled by “Mapping Police Violence” of all police killings in 2019 across the US reveals that black Americans are three times more likely to be killed during their interaction with the police than white Americans.

Thousands of people have arrested across Americans cities so far.&nbsp;US President on Tuesday was spotted posing with a bible in the White House. Media outlets reported that to attain free passage of the president, scores of protesters were violently cleared out from the area.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Protests in the United States demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by the police continues to soar across cities for the eight consecutive night.

Protests in the United States demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by the police continues to soar across cities for the eight consecutive night. Protesters in many cities defied curfews and carried out street demonstrating with slogans of “I can’t breathe” and “Black lives matter”. Also read: Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe Cases of rioting and violence have decreased, after President Donald Trump threatening to deploy military to quell the protests. Worldwide protests also followed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Demonstrators smash a police vehicle in the Fairfax District as they protest the death of George Floyd, in Los Angeles, California on May 30, 2020. | AFP Protesters with signs saying “Black Lives Matter” have flooded the streets. A lot of violence was earlier reported in the US, with police officers being shot at, and looting of stores caught in the storm. Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill to buy cigarettes. When the police arrived, an officer Chauvin who has now been charged with murder, pinned him to the ground with his knee stationed on his neck, which led to his death. It was only when bystanders insisted on checking his pulse, that the policeman let go, after which Floyd was escorted away in an ambulance. An hour later, he was pronounced dead. The protests have been calling for an end to police brutality against people of colour, many researchers have pointed how African American have more risk of being assaulted by the police. The National Guard remains to be deployed across the country as all states erupted in protests. Instances of sporadic violence were reported in Washington, Oregon, Portal. The police were seen tossing tear gas and flash grenades at the protesters who set off fireworks. New York City remained relatively calm after a night of intensive looting, which hit even luxury stores in the city. After this, over 200 arrests were made by the police, which they claimed were for violating the curfew. Protesters hold a die-in as they gather peacefully to protest the death of George Floyd at the State Capital building in downtown Columbus, Ohio, on June 1,2020. | AFP Los Angeles also witnessed more demonstrations, however was also relatively calmer. Many arrests were made in the city. Large groups of people were seen on the streets in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, and Seattle. Also read: US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown Data compiled by “Mapping Police Violence” of all police killings in 2019 across the US reveals that black Americans are three times more likely to be killed during their interaction with the police than white Americans. Thousands of people have arrested across Americans cities so far. US President on Tuesday was spotted posing with a bible in the White House. Media outlets reported that to attain free passage of the president, scores of protesters were violently cleared out from the area. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Situation relatively calm after protesters defy curfew for eighth consecutive day in US

The death of George Floyd in the US has triggered mass protests. Floyd was suffocated to death under police custody. WION'S Palki Sharma brings you a video timeline of what happened on the 25th of May.

Gravitas: How George Floyd's death unfolded in Minneapolis? | US Riots

Various agencies of the United States often issue resolutions on human rights violations across the world. But, does the US practice what it preaches? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how America has failed to ensure equal rights to the African American community.

Gravitas: The United States | The biggest violator of human rights?

The death of an African American in Minnesota has triggered violent mass protests. The clashes between the cops and the protesters even led to riots and mass looting. WION's Palki Sharma sums up how America's moral authority and credibility is fast eroding.

Gravitas: Superpower unravels | Riots in the United States

Politics is intensifying after the death of an African American in the United States triggered violent protests. WION'a Palki Sharma tells you how the opposition is blaming US President Donald Trump for the escalating tensions.

Gravitas: United States | Politics erupts over the death of an African American

The US leaves no opportunity in commenting on the affairs of other countries. What does the world make of violence in America? WION's Palki Sharma brings you global reactions.

Gravitas: Riots in the United States | How is the world reacting?

The war of words between China and the United States has intensified with Beijing now warning of strong countermeasures against any move that damages China's interests. Watch the WION ground report from Hong Kong.

China slams US move to revoke Hong Kong status : US vs China over Hong Kong

China slams US: US drafting sanctions on Chinese firms

The &nbsp;‘Boone City bargain’ and the ‘ Emerald City consensus’- allegorical and metaphorical references to post-Cold War frameworks or bargains- &nbsp;were the defining features of American political life, according to the American scholar of scholars and the writer of writers, &nbsp;Professor Andrew Bacevich in his lucid, eminently readable and very engaging book, ‘ The Age of Illusions: How America &nbsp;Squandered its Post-Cold War Victory’. The former, emerging out of the context of the Second World War, defined by certain sobriety, was where freedom had a moral foundation and the latter, incubated in the post-Cold War context was characterized by four intersecting ideas: neoliberal globalization and its spread and advancement, a militarized quest for leadership or hegemony, akin to a post-colonial form of an empire, a presidency that was quasi monarchical and a conception of ‘freedom, an ancient word now drastically revised. The new conception of freedom emphasized autonomy, with traditional moral prohibitions declared obsolete and the removal of constraints maximizing choice. Order and abundance together would underwrite freedom relieving Americans of existential concerns about safety and survival’.

This American idea and conception of modernity was to be transplanted across the world in the service of American interests, holds Professor Bacevich. Each of the elements undergirding the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ was encouraged by academics and journalists – aka Francis Fukuyamas and Thomas Friedman’s of the world- connected to Washington, the former by way of ‘boosterism’- that is intellectual and philosophical gloss referred to as ‘The End of History’, where American inspired democracy and capitalism were the only game in town- and the latter by giving the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ the simulated sheen and framework of coherence. This consensus was validated and reinforced by each of the Post-Cold War presidents, ranging from Bill Clinton, to George Bush Jr and finally Barack Obama, in varying contexts, permutations ad combinations.

While these bargains were riven by contradictions, which inhered in them, and the subsurface anxieties that these generated were pointed out by intellectuals and writers but because they lacked clout, these alarm bells were ignored. Incubating under the cover or patina of the post-Cold War ‘ Emerald City Consensus’ was massive inequality and an assault to democracy, whose early portents were insurgent presidential candidates, Pat Buchanan, Ross Perot and even Hillary Clinton( not a presidential candidate then but an aspirant to power through her husband, Bill Clinton). These inchoate trends were obscured by the seeming transfer of the baton of power to a younger, new generation of politicians.

Beneath the surface, America was changing and had changed, a fact that became painfully evident in 2016 and emblematized by-elections that year. This had to do with the paradoxes of privilege and inequality that undercut democracy. As Professor Bacevich posits, ‘ in a nation that had once prided itself on being immune to class distinctions- simply being American sufficed as identity-such distinctions were becoming omnipresent. ‘On a daily basis, tens of millions of Americans were enduring what one writer called “financial impotence” according to Professor Bacevich. ‘ In the 2016 election, financial impotence was to turn into political outrage , bringing the post-Cold war era to an abrupt end’.

The implication here is that the elements undergirding the Emerald city consensus created conditions propitious for Donald Trump’s rise to US presidency who turned the election into a plebiscite.&nbsp;

Trump’ ascendancy, a metaphor for the malaises identified by Professor Bacevich, was greeted with howls of protest and continues to be done so by mainstream American media. But, according to the good professor, ‘obsessing about Trump, impeded efforts to understand what his election actually signified, diverting attention from matters of far greater relevance to the wellbeing of the United States and the planet as a whole. It was Obama mania turned inside out and magnified’. ‘ What the president’s most prominent opponents have yet to appreciate, according to Professor Bacevich, is that the Emerald City consensus is as defunct as the Boone City consensus that preceded it. They confuse cause for effect. They charge him with dividing America when, in fact, it was a pervasive division that vaulted him to the centre of American politics in the first place’. &nbsp;Assessing this in a grim tone, Professor Bacevich adds, ‘Trump did not create this cleavage. He merely turned it to his advantage. So regardless of the date or terms of Trump’s departure from office, the schism that allowed him to become president is likely to persist after he is gone. It’s that schism […] that merits more attention than it has received’. All in all, asserts Professor Bacevich, ‘Trump’s America did not differ appreciably from pre-Trump America. While a noxious and venal die-hard, the president turned out not to be the disruptive force that his critics have charged him with being’.

Amidst all this, the hat has accrued, according to Professor Bacevich, is that that the West has lost its claim to primacy and, ‘no less important is the fact that belief in the inherent superiority of Western civilization has now become politically and morally unacceptable’.

Calling attention to the American political establishment’s aversion or inability to brook dissent, Professor Bacevich points out to the need of enlarging the discussion now and developing a new consensus and even social contact around issues like Climate change. ‘Around this’ new conception of citizenship can emerge and also an enlightened notion of leadership’. Implying that this potential change will not be top-down, Professor Bacevich leaves the proverbial ball for this to crystallize in the court of the American people. The alternative, too bleak to countenance, can lead to ‘ even something worse than Trump’

All in all, Professor Andrew Bacevich’s book is a lucid and brilliant exposition of what ails America and the deeper, underlying sources of Trump’s ascent to power. &nbsp;The good professor articulates a trenchant critique of the post-war American establishment and what in his schema are and have been its warped preferences-conceptually and in policy terms. While his overall assessment is suggestive or reflective of his political preference-that of conservativism, laced with religious beliefs, these instead of detracting from his core arguments add weight to his overall thesis. But the analysis is more or less monofocal, at times, devolving into mere polemic. Moreover, Professor Bacevich, while delineating the core elements of the ‘ Emerald City consensus’ elides over the context of some foreign policy goals of the United States. For example, the bombings in Yugoslavia were not motivated by some fetish over militarism by the grid lock at the UN Security council and other structural and contextual factors. Similarly, globalization, in its pure form may not be an unalloyed good but surely it has lifted millions out of poverty worldwide.

The rise of China, in some senses, accrues from globalization. Last but not the least, while rallying around climate change is a laudable and noble objective, and a clarion but it implies the United States retreating into itself. The world of states is a ruthless one defined by the quest for power and its maximization. Where would a retreat leave the United States and its allies? While professor Bacevich alludes to ‘enlightened leadership’, he is curiously silent on its nature and content. However, &nbsp;by its very nature, ‘The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Cold War Victory’ constitutes essential reading for all those who seek to understand the trajectory of this peculiar nation after the second world war, during and after the Cold War. While it should be of immense interest to policymakers, policy intellectuals, and anyone interested in a fairer, just world, its ultimate readership should be the American people, upon who may rest the future of their nation and by extension that of the world. It is then time a real and robust conversation inspired by the eminent Professor Bacevich should begin!

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The ‘Boone City bargain’ and the ‘ Emerald City consensus’- allegorical and metaphorical references to post-Cold War frameworks or bargains- were the defining features of American political life, according to the American scholar of scholars and the writer of writers, Professor Andrew Bacevich in his lucid, eminently readable and very engaging book, ‘ The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Post-Cold War Victory’.

The ‘Boone City bargain’ and the ‘ Emerald City consensus’- allegorical and metaphorical references to post-Cold War frameworks or bargains- were the defining features of American political life, according to the American scholar of scholars and the writer of writers, Professor Andrew Bacevich in his lucid, eminently readable and very engaging book, ‘ The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Post-Cold War Victory’. The former, emerging out of the context of the Second World War, defined by certain sobriety, was where freedom had a moral foundation and the latter, incubated in the post-Cold War context was characterized by four intersecting ideas: neoliberal globalization and its spread and advancement, a militarized quest for leadership or hegemony, akin to a post-colonial form of an empire, a presidency that was quasi monarchical and a conception of ‘freedom, an ancient word now drastically revised. The new conception of freedom emphasized autonomy, with traditional moral prohibitions declared obsolete and the removal of constraints maximizing choice. Order and abundance together would underwrite freedom relieving Americans of existential concerns about safety and survival’. This American idea and conception of modernity was to be transplanted across the world in the service of American interests, holds Professor Bacevich. Each of the elements undergirding the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ was encouraged by academics and journalists – aka Francis Fukuyamas and Thomas Friedman’s of the world- connected to Washington, the former by way of ‘boosterism’- that is intellectual and philosophical gloss referred to as ‘The End of History’, where American inspired democracy and capitalism were the only game in town- and the latter by giving the ‘Emerald City Consensus’ the simulated sheen and framework of coherence. This consensus was validated and reinforced by each of the Post-Cold War presidents, ranging from Bill Clinton, to George Bush Jr and finally Barack Obama, in varying contexts, permutations ad combinations. While these bargains were riven by contradictions, which inhered in them, and the subsurface anxieties that these generated were pointed out by intellectuals and writers but because they lacked clout, these alarm bells were ignored. Incubating under the cover or patina of the post-Cold War ‘ Emerald City Consensus’ was massive inequality and an assault to democracy, whose early portents were insurgent presidential candidates, Pat Buchanan, Ross Perot and even Hillary Clinton( not a presidential candidate then but an aspirant to power through her husband, Bill Clinton). These inchoate trends were obscured by the seeming transfer of the baton of power to a younger, new generation of politicians. Beneath the surface, America was changing and had changed, a fact that became painfully evident in 2016 and emblematized by-elections that year. This had to do with the paradoxes of privilege and inequality that undercut democracy. As Professor Bacevich posits, ‘ in a nation that had once prided itself on being immune to class distinctions- simply being American sufficed as identity-such distinctions were becoming omnipresent. ‘On a daily basis, tens of millions of Americans were enduring what one writer called “financial impotence” according to Professor Bacevich. ‘ In the 2016 election, financial impotence was to turn into political outrage , bringing the post-Cold war era to an abrupt end’. The implication here is that the elements undergirding the Emerald city consensus created conditions propitious for Donald Trump’s rise to US presidency who turned the election into a plebiscite. Trump’ ascendancy, a metaphor for the malaises identified by Professor Bacevich, was greeted with howls of protest and continues to be done so by mainstream American media. But, according to the good professor, ‘obsessing about Trump, impeded efforts to understand what his election actually signified, diverting attention from matters of far greater relevance to the wellbeing of the United States and the planet as a whole. It was Obama mania turned inside out and magnified’. ‘ What the president’s most prominent opponents have yet to appreciate, according to Professor Bacevich, is that the Emerald City consensus is as defunct as the Boone City consensus that preceded it. They confuse cause for effect. They charge him with dividing America when, in fact, it was a pervasive division that vaulted him to the centre of American politics in the first place’. Assessing this in a grim tone, Professor Bacevich adds, ‘Trump did not create this cleavage. He merely turned it to his advantage. So regardless of the date or terms of Trump’s departure from office, the schism that allowed him to become president is likely to persist after he is gone. It’s that schism […] that merits more attention than it has received’. All in all, asserts Professor Bacevich, ‘Trump’s America did not differ appreciably from pre-Trump America. While a noxious and venal die-hard, the president turned out not to be the disruptive force that his critics have charged him with being’. Amidst all this, the hat has accrued, according to Professor Bacevich, is that that the West has lost its claim to primacy and, ‘no less important is the fact that belief in the inherent superiority of Western civilization has now become politically and morally unacceptable’. Calling attention to the American political establishment’s aversion or inability to brook dissent, Professor Bacevich points out to the need of enlarging the discussion now and developing a new consensus and even social contact around issues like Climate change. ‘Around this’ new conception of citizenship can emerge and also an enlightened notion of leadership’. Implying that this potential change will not be top-down, Professor Bacevich leaves the proverbial ball for this to crystallize in the court of the American people. The alternative, too bleak to countenance, can lead to ‘ even something worse than Trump’ All in all, Professor Andrew Bacevich’s book is a lucid and brilliant exposition of what ails America and the deeper, underlying sources of Trump’s ascent to power. The good professor articulates a trenchant critique of the post-war American establishment and what in his schema are and have been its warped preferences-conceptually and in policy terms. While his overall assessment is suggestive or reflective of his political preference-that of conservativism, laced with religious beliefs, these instead of detracting from his core arguments add weight to his overall thesis. But the analysis is more or less monofocal, at times, devolving into mere polemic. Moreover, Professor Bacevich, while delineating the core elements of the ‘ Emerald City consensus’ elides over the context of some foreign policy goals of the United States. For example, the bombings in Yugoslavia were not motivated by some fetish over militarism by the grid lock at the UN Security council and other structural and contextual factors. Similarly, globalization, in its pure form may not be an unalloyed good but surely it has lifted millions out of poverty worldwide. The rise of China, in some senses, accrues from globalization. Last but not the least, while rallying around climate change is a laudable and noble objective, and a clarion but it implies the United States retreating into itself. The world of states is a ruthless one defined by the quest for power and its maximization. Where would a retreat leave the United States and its allies? While professor Bacevich alludes to ‘enlightened leadership’, he is curiously silent on its nature and content. However, by its very nature, ‘The Age of Illusions: How America Squandered its Cold War Victory’ constitutes essential reading for all those who seek to understand the trajectory of this peculiar nation after the second world war, during and after the Cold War. While it should be of immense interest to policymakers, policy intellectuals, and anyone interested in a fairer, just world, its ultimate readership should be the American people, upon who may rest the future of their nation and by extension that of the world. It is then time a real and robust conversation inspired by the eminent Professor Bacevich should begin! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

The Age of illusions: How America squandered its cold war victory

Any incident in the US, particularly adverse incident, whether big or small, gets world-wide publicity almost instantaneously. This is mainly due to the fact that the US is recognised as a rich country with superpower status and known for significant advancement in a variety of fields. Such news is followed by debates and discussions in the world media, with some pledged critics stating that such adverse incidents clearly show that the US&nbsp;is a troubled society. Is that really so?

Shoot-out incidents&nbsp;

In recent years, many shoot-outs have taken place in the US&nbsp;in universities, malls and other public places, when a number of innocent lives have been lost. Shoot-outs have been carried out by individuals for one reason or other and even due to psychic problems. &nbsp;

It is generally said that the liberal gun policy and the prevailing gun culture in the US&nbsp;is the primary reason for such shoot outs and violence.

Most of the Americans possess guns and rarely anyone amongst them indulges in such practices. If the violent prone person would not have a gun, he can use a knife or any other weapon.&nbsp;

No evidence of widespread racial conflict :

Now, the case of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white officer pressed his knee into his neck has caused widespread anger across the country. Obviously, the police officer should be punished severely.

Even while President Trump has condemned the incident, protestors burned businesses in Minneapolis. &nbsp;They smashed police cars and windows in Atlanta, broke into police headquarters in Portland and chanted curses at Donald Trump outside the White House.

This sad incident should not be misinterpreted as a result of racial conflict. 
 
While some protestors turned violent, there have been a number of other protestors who conducted themselves peacefully and with dignity, holding placards and demanding justice for George Floyd. Of these protestors, many of them are white, brown or black Americans.

Certainly, there is no racial conflict issue involved in the George Floyd murder but only the stupidity of a violent prone police officer was seen.

A tolerant country :

George Floyd incident has created an impression all over the world that the US&nbsp;is a country under the boil. This certainly is not so.

There are many civilized and sane voices in the US, who rarely get adequate coverage in the media and their civilized thoughts are not adequately publicised for the benefit of the country.

Today, one cannot but deny the fact that the US&nbsp;is the most tolerant country in the world. People from countries with various background seek migration to the US&nbsp;and think that they would be privileged to get US citizenship. This is mainly due to their confidence that they would get a fair deal in the US&nbsp;and the law would protect their interests.

Today, the US&nbsp;is essentially described as a migrant country with people visiting the US as students, job seekers or immigrants and most of them seeking to stay in the US&nbsp;life long by getting citizenship.

Any attempt to describe the US&nbsp;as a country under boil after the George Floyd issue is a mischievous and motivated attempt to discredit the US.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Any incident in the US, particularly adverse incident, whether big or small, gets world-wide publicity almost instantaneously. This is mainly due to the fact that the US is recognised as a rich country with superpower status and known for significant advancement in a variety of fields.

Any incident in the US, particularly adverse incident, whether big or small, gets world-wide publicity almost instantaneously. This is mainly due to the fact that the US is recognised as a rich country with superpower status and known for significant advancement in a variety of fields. Such news is followed by debates and discussions in the world media, with some pledged critics stating that such adverse incidents clearly show that the US is a troubled society. Is that really so? Shoot-out incidents In recent years, many shoot-outs have taken place in the US in universities, malls and other public places, when a number of innocent lives have been lost. Shoot-outs have been carried out by individuals for one reason or other and even due to psychic problems. It is generally said that the liberal gun policy and the prevailing gun culture in the US is the primary reason for such shoot outs and violence. Most of the Americans possess guns and rarely anyone amongst them indulges in such practices. If the violent prone person would not have a gun, he can use a knife or any other weapon. No evidence of widespread racial conflict : Now, the case of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white officer pressed his knee into his neck has caused widespread anger across the country. Obviously, the police officer should be punished severely. Even while President Trump has condemned the incident, protestors burned businesses in Minneapolis. They smashed police cars and windows in Atlanta, broke into police headquarters in Portland and chanted curses at Donald Trump outside the White House. This sad incident should not be misinterpreted as a result of racial conflict. While some protestors turned violent, there have been a number of other protestors who conducted themselves peacefully and with dignity, holding placards and demanding justice for George Floyd. Of these protestors, many of them are white, brown or black Americans. Certainly, there is no racial conflict issue involved in the George Floyd murder but only the stupidity of a violent prone police officer was seen. A tolerant country : George Floyd incident has created an impression all over the world that the US is a country under the boil. This certainly is not so. There are many civilized and sane voices in the US, who rarely get adequate coverage in the media and their civilized thoughts are not adequately publicised for the benefit of the country. Today, one cannot but deny the fact that the US is the most tolerant country in the world. People from countries with various background seek migration to the US and think that they would be privileged to get US citizenship. This is mainly due to their confidence that they would get a fair deal in the US and the law would protect their interests. Today, the US is essentially described as a migrant country with people visiting the US as students, job seekers or immigrants and most of them seeking to stay in the US life long by getting citizenship. Any attempt to describe the US as a country under boil after the George Floyd issue is a mischievous and motivated attempt to discredit the US. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Does recent violence in US indicate a basic flaw in American society?

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy.

Floyd, 46, died on recently after video showed a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It touched off outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation in the midst of a polarizing presidential campaign and recently released from strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work.

The US protest follows months of often violent protests in Hong Kong, &nbsp;particularly since Beijing’s declaration it would impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous region. Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for Hong Kong.&nbsp;

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"I can't breathe." <a href="https://t.co/UXHgXMT0lk">pic.twitter.com/UXHgXMT0lk</a>
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonCHN/status/1266741986096107520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After days of chaotic scenes in the US, on Sunday China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying posted “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s last words – to Twitter, with a screenshot of her American counterpart criticising China’s crackdown on Hong Kong.

Fellow ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao retweeted numerous comments and reports on the protests, including from Russia’s deputy representative to the UN, accusing the US of double standards. “Why US denies China’s right to restore peace and order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?” said Dmitry Polyanskiy.

State media has also revelled in the scenes of unrest unfolding in the US.

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I highly suspect that Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states. Attacking police stations, smashing shops,blocking roads, breaking public facilities, these are all routine in their protests. Vicious HK rioters obviously are mastermind of violent protests across the US😡
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1267018071207669760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once called the violent protests in&nbsp;Hong Kong&nbsp;‘a beautiful sight to behold.’… US politicians now can enjoy this sight from their own windows,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalist tabloid Global Times, wrote on Saturday.

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy.

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy. Floyd, 46, died on recently after video showed a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It touched off outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation in the midst of a polarizing presidential campaign and recently released from strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work. The US protest follows months of often violent protests in Hong Kong, particularly since Beijing’s declaration it would impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous region. Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for Hong Kong. "I can't breathe." pic.twitter.com/UXHgXMT0lk — Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) May 30, 2020 × After days of chaotic scenes in the US, on Sunday China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying posted “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s last words – to Twitter, with a screenshot of her American counterpart criticising China’s crackdown on Hong Kong. Fellow ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao retweeted numerous comments and reports on the protests, including from Russia’s deputy representative to the UN, accusing the US of double standards. “Why US denies China’s right to restore peace and order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?” said Dmitry Polyanskiy. State media has also revelled in the scenes of unrest unfolding in the US. I highly suspect that Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states. Attacking police stations, smashing shops,blocking roads, breaking public facilities, these are all routine in their protests. Vicious HK rioters obviously are mastermind of violent protests across the US😡 — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) May 31, 2020 × “US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once called the violent protests in Hong Kong ‘a beautiful sight to behold.’… US politicians now can enjoy this sight from their own windows,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalist tabloid Global Times, wrote on Saturday.

'Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states': China hits out at US over George Floyd protests

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it.

The tankers are carrying fuel for&nbsp;gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time.

The tanker&nbsp;passed north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago before entering the country's waters, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-probes-mexican-european-firms-over-venezuela-oil-trading-299111">Also read:&nbsp;FBI probes Mexican, European firms over Venezuela oil trading</a>

According to government sources, the tanker, named Fortune, is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela.

The shipment has caused a diplomatic stir between Venezuela, Iran and the US. Venezuela is facing an acute shortage of oil due to a nearly complete breakdown of&nbsp;OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network.

A Washington spokesperson said he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes, and the US will be considering measures in response.

However, few days ago Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Washington about retaliation&nbsp;any problems were caused for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, a local news agency had reported.

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it. The tankers are carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time.

The first of five Iranian tankers entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone, even though US had warned against it. The tankers are carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela, and entered the country's waters on Saturday evening around 7:40pm local time. The tanker passed north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago before entering the country's waters, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon. Also read: FBI probes Mexican, European firms over Venezuela oil trading According to government sources, the tanker, named Fortune, is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela. The shipment has caused a diplomatic stir between Venezuela, Iran and the US. Venezuela is facing an acute shortage of oil due to a nearly complete breakdown of OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network. A Washington spokesperson said he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes, and the US will be considering measures in response. However, few days ago Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Washington about retaliation any problems were caused for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, a local news agency had reported.

Iranian tankers carrying 1.53 million barrels fuel enter US waterways despite warnings

US President Donald Trump is desperately pushing the narrative that America is now open for business. Now he is planning to go ahead with an impersonal meeting of the G7 leaders next week. Watch report.

Trump looks to leverage G7 for US reopening | COVID-19 Pandemic

The United States President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed his predecessor Barack Obama as “grossly incompetent,” a day after former President said leaders weren’t “even pretending to be in charge” amid the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-lot-of-them-arent-even-pretending-to-be-in-charge-obama-attacks-trump-administration-299125">Also read: A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge: Obama attacks Trump administration</a>

“We did a lot of terrific meetings, tremendous progress is being made on many fronts, including coming up with a cure for this horrible plague that has beset our country,” he said. 
 
“Look, he (Barack Obama) was an incompetent president. That’s all I can say. Grossly incompetent," Trump said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-the-story-of-the-wuhan-virus-wion-news-covid-19-pandemic-299303/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier on Saturday, Former US President Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”, media reports said.

''Let’s be honest, a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities,'' Obama was quoted as saying.

''More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge,'' he said.&nbsp;

The US is the worst-hit country by the deadly contagion with at least 1,484,804 numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 89,399 fatalities.

In April, 20.5 million Americans lost their jobs and unemployment was at 14.7 per cent.

The Trump administration has been criticized for a delayed response to the outbreak and a lack of organization in providing tests and medical supplies. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed his predecessor Barack Obama as “grossly incompetent,” a day after former President said leaders weren’t “even pretending to be in charge” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed his predecessor Barack Obama as “grossly incompetent,” a day after former President said leaders weren’t “even pretending to be in charge” amid the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge: Obama attacks Trump administration “We did a lot of terrific meetings, tremendous progress is being made on many fronts, including coming up with a cure for this horrible plague that has beset our country,” he said. “Look, he (Barack Obama) was an incompetent president. That’s all I can say. Grossly incompetent," Trump said. Earlier on Saturday, Former US President Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”, media reports said. ''Let’s be honest, a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities,'' Obama was quoted as saying. ''More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge,'' he said. The US is the worst-hit country by the deadly contagion with at least 1,484,804 numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 89,399 fatalities. In April, 20.5 million Americans lost their jobs and unemployment was at 14.7 per cent. The Trump administration has been criticized for a delayed response to the outbreak and a lack of organization in providing tests and medical supplies. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump calls Barack Obama ‘grossly incompetent’ after ex-president's Covid-19 criticism

Former US President Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”, media reports said.

Former US President Barack Obama attacked the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that many of the country’s leaders “aren’t even pretending to be in charge”, media reports said. Speaking during an online commencement address to graduates of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Obama came down heavily on his successor this breaking tradition of refraining from criticism of successor. ''Let’s be honest, a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities,'' Obama was quoted as saying. ''More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge,'' he said. Also read: Donald Trump blames Obama for conspiracy on Twitter; calls it 'Obamagate' Talking about the injustice faced by the communities of colour, he also talked about the recent killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Ahmaud was an unarmed black jogger who was shot by a white former police officer and his son after they chased him in a neighbourhood in Georgia. “We see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him, if he doesn’t submit to their questioning,” said Obama. Talking to the recent graduates, he motivated them to fight for a better future. “If the world’s going to get better, it’s going to be up to you.” The live video event also saw presence of Steve Harvey, Anthony Hamilton, Doug E Fresh, Wyclef Jean, Common, Kevin Hart, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Vivica A Fox. The two-hour event was broadcasted live on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge: Obama attacks Trump administration

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