A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least nine people and left 300 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

The tailings dam, owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, broke apart "very violently, very suddenly," sending a massive torrent of mud over the complex where hundreds of employees were working, Vale CEO Fabio Schvartsman told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro.

The deluge rumbled on to the nearby town of Brumadinho, located southwest of the city of Belo Horizonte, cutting a swath through vegetation, farmland and roads, and impeding access to the area.

The death toll was expected to rise, as rescue teams scoured through the disaster zone overnight into Saturday. Dozens of helicopters were being used.

Brazil's new government led by President Jair Bolsonaro reacted to its first big emergency since taking office early this month by launching disaster coordination between the defence, mining and environment ministries and authorities in the affected state of Minas Gerais.

Bolsonaro and his defence minister were to fly over the zone on Saturday. His environment minister raced to the area late Friday.

An AFP photographer viewing the zone from the air described tractors, houses and a bridge submerged in mud, and emergency crews using earth-moving machinery to search for survivors.

Television images earlier showed helicopters being used to rescue people stuck in mud.

'Human tragedy'

Schvartsman called the dam break "a human tragedy because we're talking about probably a large number of victims -- we don't know how many but we know it will be a high number."

Schvartsman, who had his two-year term renewed last month by Vale's board, said it was an "inactive dam" that was in the process of being decommissioned that burst apart.

Its contents -- tailings, or mining byproducts mixed with water -- cascaded into another dam, which overflowed, he said.&nbsp;

The liquid, brown mass barreled on towards Brumadinho, population 39,000, but did not deal it a direct hit.

The Minas Gerais government statement said 427 people had been working at the Vale mine at the time of the dam collapse, and 279 were recovered alive. The others were listed as missing.

"Where are our relatives?" wailed Raquel Cristina, one of several people demanding information in Belo Horizonte about their kin in the mud-hit area.&nbsp;

"My five-year-old nephew is asking me if his dad died. What do I tell him?" asked another, Olivia Rios.

Romeo Zema, the governor of Minas Gerais state, told reporters that, while all was being done to find survivors, "from now, the odds are minimal and it is most likely we will recover only bodies."

Vale shares plunge&nbsp;

Shares in Vale plummeted eight per cent in New York trading Friday. The Sao Paulo stock market was closed for a holiday.

The disaster recalled trauma from a 2015 dam break in a different part of the same state of Minas Gerais, in Mariana, in which 19 people died.&nbsp;

That accident three years ago released millions of tons of toxic iron waste along hundreds of kilometres (miles), causing what is considered the country's worst environmental disaster. Vale was joint operator of that dam, along with the Anglo-Australian group BHP.

The Brazil office of Greenpeace, the environmental activist group, said Friday's dam break was "a sad consequence of the lessons not learned by the Brazilian government and the mining companies."

It said that the incidents "are not accidents but environmental crimes that must be investigated, punished and repaired."

Civil defence officials said people living in low-lying areas of Brumadinho had been evacuated after the collapse.

Vale issued a statement saying it had set up shelters for residents left homeless.

Brumadinho's municipality issued an alert on social media warning residents to move away from the Paraopeba river that the dam had been holding back.

The town is best known to tourists for Inhotim, an outdoor contemporary art museum, which was evacuated as a precaution. The venue receives 35,000 visitors a month.

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least nine people and left 300 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least nine people and left 300 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster. The tailings dam, owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, broke apart "very violently, very suddenly," sending a massive torrent of mud over the complex where hundreds of employees were working, Vale CEO Fabio Schvartsman told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro. The deluge rumbled on to the nearby town of Brumadinho, located southwest of the city of Belo Horizonte, cutting a swath through vegetation, farmland and roads, and impeding access to the area. The death toll was expected to rise, as rescue teams scoured through the disaster zone overnight into Saturday. Dozens of helicopters were being used. Brazil's new government led by President Jair Bolsonaro reacted to its first big emergency since taking office early this month by launching disaster coordination between the defence, mining and environment ministries and authorities in the affected state of Minas Gerais. Bolsonaro and his defence minister were to fly over the zone on Saturday. His environment minister raced to the area late Friday. An AFP photographer viewing the zone from the air described tractors, houses and a bridge submerged in mud, and emergency crews using earth-moving machinery to search for survivors. Television images earlier showed helicopters being used to rescue people stuck in mud. 'Human tragedy' Schvartsman called the dam break "a human tragedy because we're talking about probably a large number of victims -- we don't know how many but we know it will be a high number." Schvartsman, who had his two-year term renewed last month by Vale's board, said it was an "inactive dam" that was in the process of being decommissioned that burst apart. Its contents -- tailings, or mining byproducts mixed with water -- cascaded into another dam, which overflowed, he said. The liquid, brown mass barreled on towards Brumadinho, population 39,000, but did not deal it a direct hit. The Minas Gerais government statement said 427 people had been working at the Vale mine at the time of the dam collapse, and 279 were recovered alive. The others were listed as missing. "Where are our relatives?" wailed Raquel Cristina, one of several people demanding information in Belo Horizonte about their kin in the mud-hit area. "My five-year-old nephew is asking me if his dad died. What do I tell him?" asked another, Olivia Rios. Romeo Zema, the governor of Minas Gerais state, told reporters that, while all was being done to find survivors, "from now, the odds are minimal and it is most likely we will recover only bodies." Vale shares plunge Shares in Vale plummeted eight per cent in New York trading Friday. The Sao Paulo stock market was closed for a holiday. The disaster recalled trauma from a 2015 dam break in a different part of the same state of Minas Gerais, in Mariana, in which 19 people died. That accident three years ago released millions of tons of toxic iron waste along hundreds of kilometres (miles), causing what is considered the country's worst environmental disaster. Vale was joint operator of that dam, along with the Anglo-Australian group BHP. The Brazil office of Greenpeace, the environmental activist group, said Friday's dam break was "a sad consequence of the lessons not learned by the Brazilian government and the mining companies." It said that the incidents "are not accidents but environmental crimes that must be investigated, punished and repaired." Civil defence officials said people living in low-lying areas of Brumadinho had been evacuated after the collapse. Vale issued a statement saying it had set up shelters for residents left homeless. Brumadinho's municipality issued an alert on social media warning residents to move away from the Paraopeba river that the dam had been holding back. The town is best known to tourists for Inhotim, an outdoor contemporary art museum, which was evacuated as a precaution. The venue receives 35,000 visitors a month.

At least 9 dead, 300 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">Donald Trump signs deal ending </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">longest</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857"> government shutdown in US history</a>

United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the government shutdown, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-7-dead-150-missing-in-brazil-dam-collapse-disaster-192826">At least 7 dead, 150 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster</a>

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least seven people and left 150 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-to-integrate-whatsapp-instagram-and-facebook-messenger-report-192830">Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report</a>

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842">Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842">situation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842"> arises: Mizoram Chief Minister</a>

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844">Live updates | INDvsNZ, 2nd ODI: India </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844">are</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844"> at 56-0 after 10 overs</a>

After 10 overs, India are at a score of 56 at without losing any wicket.

The openers started off the innings well as India managed to give a dominating start.

Rohit (30) and Shikhar (24) strike several beautiful shots to cheer up Indian fans present at Bat Oval stadium.&nbsp;

Donald Trump signs deal ending longest government shutdown in US history United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported.

Donald Trump signs deal ending longest government shutdown in US history United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported. President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the government shutdown, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border. At least 7 dead, 150 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least seven people and left 150 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster. Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday. Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if situation arises: Mizoram Chief Minister Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked. Live updates | INDvsNZ, 2nd ODI: India are at 56-0 after 10 overs After 10 overs, India are at a score of 56 at without losing any wicket. The openers started off the innings well as India managed to give a dominating start. Rohit (30) and Shikhar (24) strike several beautiful shots to cheer up Indian fans present at Bat Oval stadium.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Brazil dam collapse: 9 dead, 300 missing

A dam in southeast Brazil collapsed on Friday, unleashing a torrent of mud that killed "several" people living in an area close to the city of Belo Horizonte, an official with the local fire service told AFP.

Emergency services were still responding to the situation in and around the town of Brumadinho and did not yet have a precise toll, the official said.

"According to accounts that we are receiving, there were several deaths," he said.

Television images taken from the air showed a wide swath of devastation cut through vegetation and farmland in which several homes were seen, many damaged and some destroyed, with nothing but their tiled roofs left sitting on mud.

A rescue helicopter was seen hovering close to two survivors trapped up to their waist in mud, with its crew trying to pull them to safety.

An online video showed the moment the river of tons of mud cut across a road.

The dam belonged to Brazil's biggest mining company Vale, which confirmed its collapse and said "the total priority is to protect the lives of employees and inhabitants."

Brumadinho's municipality issued an alert on social media warning residents to move away from the Paraopeba river that the dam had been holding back.

The emergency recalled trauma from a 2015 dam break in a different part of the same state of Minas Gerais, at Mariana, in which 19 people died. That was considered the country's worst environmental disaster.

A dam in southeast Brazil collapsed on Friday, unleashing a torrent of mud that killed "several" people living in an area close to the city of Belo Horizonte, an official with the local fire service told AFP.

A dam in southeast Brazil collapsed on Friday, unleashing a torrent of mud that killed "several" people living in an area close to the city of Belo Horizonte, an official with the local fire service told AFP. Emergency services were still responding to the situation in and around the town of Brumadinho and did not yet have a precise toll, the official said. "According to accounts that we are receiving, there were several deaths," he said. Television images taken from the air showed a wide swath of devastation cut through vegetation and farmland in which several homes were seen, many damaged and some destroyed, with nothing but their tiled roofs left sitting on mud. A rescue helicopter was seen hovering close to two survivors trapped up to their waist in mud, with its crew trying to pull them to safety. An online video showed the moment the river of tons of mud cut across a road. The dam belonged to Brazil's biggest mining company Vale, which confirmed its collapse and said "the total priority is to protect the lives of employees and inhabitants." Brumadinho's municipality issued an alert on social media warning residents to move away from the Paraopeba river that the dam had been holding back. The emergency recalled trauma from a 2015 dam break in a different part of the same state of Minas Gerais, at Mariana, in which 19 people died. That was considered the country's worst environmental disaster.

Dam collapses in Brazil; several feared dead

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hosts-brazil-face-peru-venezuela-bolivia-in-copa-america-192703">2019 Copa America</a> will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities.&nbsp;

Brazilian coach Tite is worried about Neymar, who&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/foot-injury-makes-neymar-a-doubt-for-champions-league-clash-192423">injured a metatarsal</a> in his right foot during their 2-0 French Cup win over Strasbourg on January 23 which was confirmed by the club Paris St Germain.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old left the pitch after twisting his foot and the club said initial examinations revealed a "reactivation of the lesion of the fifth right metatarsal", adding that treatment would depend on how the injury heals in the next few days.&nbsp;

Coach Tite said, "Of course it [injury] worries me because of Neymar's greatness, because of the health of a great athlete, because of the way it happened."

"I have the same information that you do: It will take 3 days to see the real extension of the damage, the recovery process, how he reacts. We hope everything is fine, Tite added."

The Brazilian had fractured the same metatarsal last February and required surgery that effectively ended his club campaign. He returned to action in May, in time for the World Cup in Russia.

Brazil have not won Copa America since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil.&nbsp;

However, host Brazil was drawn in a relatively easy group for this year's tournament, where it will face Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru.&nbsp;

"Bolivia and Venezuela are not well ranked, they ended in 9th and 10th (at last World Cup Qualifiers). Theoretically, they are not at the same level of Peru. But that doesn't mean that they will make our lives easier on the pitch," said Tite.&nbsp;

Neymar is doubtful for next month's Champions League clash against Manchester United.&nbsp;

The 2019 Copa America will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities. Brazilian coach Tite is worried about Neymar, who injured a metatarsal in his right foot during their 2-0 French Cup win over Strasbourg on January 23 which was confirmed by the club Paris St Germain.

The 2019 Copa America will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities. Brazilian coach Tite is worried about Neymar, who injured a metatarsal in his right foot during their 2-0 French Cup win over Strasbourg on January 23 which was confirmed by the club Paris St Germain. The 26-year-old left the pitch after twisting his foot and the club said initial examinations revealed a "reactivation of the lesion of the fifth right metatarsal", adding that treatment would depend on how the injury heals in the next few days. Coach Tite said, "Of course it [injury] worries me because of Neymar's greatness, because of the health of a great athlete, because of the way it happened." "I have the same information that you do: It will take 3 days to see the real extension of the damage, the recovery process, how he reacts. We hope everything is fine, Tite added." The Brazilian had fractured the same metatarsal last February and required surgery that effectively ended his club campaign. He returned to action in May, in time for the World Cup in Russia. Brazil have not won Copa America since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil. However, host Brazil was drawn in a relatively easy group for this year's tournament, where it will face Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru. "Bolivia and Venezuela are not well ranked, they ended in 9th and 10th (at last World Cup Qualifiers). Theoretically, they are not at the same level of Peru. But that doesn't mean that they will make our lives easier on the pitch," said Tite. Neymar is doubtful for next month's Champions League clash against Manchester United.

Neymar's injury concerns Brazilian coach Tite

Hosts Brazil were given a kind draw and will face Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia in the 2019 Copa America, a tournament they have not won since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil.

Thursday's draw also placed Argentina, another side desperate for a major title after an even longer trophy drought, with Colombia, Paraguay and invited team Qatar.

The third of the three top seeds Uruguay are in perhaps the most difficult Group C, along with the other invited side Japan, plus Ecuador and reigning champions Chile.

This year's tournament will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities. The final is at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on July 7.

"People have questioned me about the draw and some said, it's easy, others said, be careful," Brazil coach Tite said. "Our responsibility is to perform at the highest level, to play with joy and to be proud of representing Brazil."

"We need to play really well, and that's how you become champions."

The draw at a cavernous Rio concert hall was led by former Brazil captain Cafu and aided by soccer luminaries like former Inter Milan defender Javier Zanetti, Uruguayan Diego Lugano and six times FIFA Player of the year Marta.

It marked the starting gun for what promises to be a high pressure year for both Brazil and Argentina.

The host nation have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 2007 and coach Tite, whose side were knocked out the World Cup at the quarter-final stage last year, is under pressure to deliver some silverware.

Argentina, meanwhile, have reached the last two finals of the Copa America and lost both times on penalties. Another loss would extend a trophy drought that stretches back to 1993.

The two-times World Cup winners will come to the tournament with Lionel Scaloni in charge and although the interim coach, who has a contract until after the Copa, would not be drawn on his rivals he said his aim was to triumph.

"It's going to be difficult and no matter who we play we have to win," he told reporters. "The idea is that we are as good as anyone; we just need to keep notching up the victories."

They could also be without Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward took a sabbatical from international soccer after a disappointing World Cup in Russia and has not said whether he will return to play in Brazil.

The Copa America is the oldest international tournament in the world and is played between the 10 South American nations and invited teams.

In addition to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, matches will be held in Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte and Salvador.

"Undoubtedly, there is always a great respect and admiration for Brazil's footballing culture," said Chilean coach Reinaldo Rueda.

"I think that will guarantee a great tournament."

Hosts Brazil were given a kind draw and will face Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia in the 2019 Copa America, a tournament they have not won since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil.

Hosts Brazil were given a kind draw and will face Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia in the 2019 Copa America, a tournament they have not won since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil. Thursday's draw also placed Argentina, another side desperate for a major title after an even longer trophy drought, with Colombia, Paraguay and invited team Qatar. The third of the three top seeds Uruguay are in perhaps the most difficult Group C, along with the other invited side Japan, plus Ecuador and reigning champions Chile. This year's tournament will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities. The final is at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on July 7. "People have questioned me about the draw and some said, it's easy, others said, be careful," Brazil coach Tite said. "Our responsibility is to perform at the highest level, to play with joy and to be proud of representing Brazil." "We need to play really well, and that's how you become champions." The draw at a cavernous Rio concert hall was led by former Brazil captain Cafu and aided by soccer luminaries like former Inter Milan defender Javier Zanetti, Uruguayan Diego Lugano and six times FIFA Player of the year Marta. It marked the starting gun for what promises to be a high pressure year for both Brazil and Argentina. The host nation have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 2007 and coach Tite, whose side were knocked out the World Cup at the quarter-final stage last year, is under pressure to deliver some silverware. Argentina, meanwhile, have reached the last two finals of the Copa America and lost both times on penalties. Another loss would extend a trophy drought that stretches back to 1993. The two-times World Cup winners will come to the tournament with Lionel Scaloni in charge and although the interim coach, who has a contract until after the Copa, would not be drawn on his rivals he said his aim was to triumph. "It's going to be difficult and no matter who we play we have to win," he told reporters. "The idea is that we are as good as anyone; we just need to keep notching up the victories." They could also be without Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward took a sabbatical from international soccer after a disappointing World Cup in Russia and has not said whether he will return to play in Brazil. The Copa America is the oldest international tournament in the world and is played between the 10 South American nations and invited teams. In addition to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, matches will be held in Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. "Undoubtedly, there is always a great respect and admiration for Brazil's footballing culture," said Chilean coach Reinaldo Rueda. "I think that will guarantee a great tournament."

Hosts Brazil face Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia in Copa America

Brazilian authorities have detected a series of suspicious cash transfers amounting to around $30,000 into the bank account of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-has-got-the-environmentalists-worried-188740">President Jair Bolsonaro</a>'s eldest son, according to a report.

The exclusive report aired Friday on Jornal Nacional, Brazil's most respected newscast, said that 48 deposits of 2,000 reais each were deposited into the bank account of Senator-elect Flavio Bolsonaro between June and July 2017, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state lawmaker.

That totals to 96,000 reais or about $30,000 at the average exchange rate of that year.

A Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF) document quoted in the report said the origin of the money was unclear, but the fact that they were all of the same amounts and made at a bank at Rio's state legislative assembly, where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-loosens-gun-laws-in-murder-ridden-brazil-190671">Bolsonaro worked</a>, made them suspicious.

The news broke a day after Brazil's supreme court temporarily suspended a probe into transactions in the bank account of Flavio Bolsonaro's driver, Fabricio Queiroz, which totalled $300,000 — an amount deemed suspicious because it does not appear to be commensurate with his income.

One of the transfers was a deposit of $6,400 into the account of Michelle Bolsonaro, the president's wife.

Flavio Bolsonaro and Queiroz both deny any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

In a television interview late December, Quieroz denied acting as a front for the Bolsonaros and said the money came from side businesses he ran, "buying cars, selling cars."

The president has tried to downplay the affair, saying that if any "mistake" was made it would be "paid." He said the payment from Quieroz's account to his wife was partial repayment of an undeclared loan he had made to his son's driver.

The stories are hugely embarrassing for Bolsonaro, who swept to power zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to end years of political graft that damaged his country's reputation.

The exclusive report aired Friday on Jornal Nacional, said that 48 deposits of 2,000 reais each were deposited into the bank account of Senator-elect Flavio Bolsonaro between June and July 2017.

Brazilian authorities have detected a series of suspicious cash transfers amounting to around $30,000 into the bank account of President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, according to a report. The exclusive report aired Friday on Jornal Nacional, Brazil's most respected newscast, said that 48 deposits of 2,000 reais each were deposited into the bank account of Senator-elect Flavio Bolsonaro between June and July 2017, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state lawmaker. That totals to 96,000 reais or about $30,000 at the average exchange rate of that year. A Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF) document quoted in the report said the origin of the money was unclear, but the fact that they were all of the same amounts and made at a bank at Rio's state legislative assembly, where Bolsonaro worked, made them suspicious. The news broke a day after Brazil's supreme court temporarily suspended a probe into transactions in the bank account of Flavio Bolsonaro's driver, Fabricio Queiroz, which totalled $300,000 — an amount deemed suspicious because it does not appear to be commensurate with his income. One of the transfers was a deposit of $6,400 into the account of Michelle Bolsonaro, the president's wife. Flavio Bolsonaro and Queiroz both deny any wrongdoing. In a television interview late December, Quieroz denied acting as a front for the Bolsonaros and said the money came from side businesses he ran, "buying cars, selling cars." The president has tried to downplay the affair, saying that if any "mistake" was made it would be "paid." He said the payment from Quieroz's account to his wife was partial repayment of an undeclared loan he had made to his son's driver. The stories are hugely embarrassing for Bolsonaro, who swept to power zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to end years of political graft that damaged his country's reputation.

Suspicious deposits made to account of Brazil president's son: Report

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a temporary decree making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders. 
&nbsp; 
Bolsonaro won the presidency by running on a far-right, law-and-order platform, and often delighted supporters at a campaign stop with his signature "guns up" hand gesture. His maverick presidential run energized a base of rural landowners, Christian conservatives and free-market hawks who yearned for a tougher response to years of rising violence and political graft.

The temporary decree, which will expire in 120 days unless ratified by Congress, is likely to thrill his supporters, but many others fear it will only worsen violence in Brazil. The country suffered a record 64,000 murders in 2017, the most in the world. Nearly 45,000 of those homicides involved firearms. 
&nbsp; 
A former paratrooper who took office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro eventually wants to overturn a 2003 law that effectively banned the civilian purchase of guns.&nbsp;

"To guarantee citizens their legitimate right to defense, I, as president, will use this weapon," Bolsonaro said, holding up the pen he used to sign the decree. 
&nbsp; 
Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaro`s chief of staff, said the government was considering lower taxes on guns and opening up Brazil`s small arms market to foreign firms. The thornier question of granting more permits for citizens to carry guns outside of their home or personal business is also under study.&nbsp;

Shares of domestic gunmaker Taurus Armas SA, which has a dominant share of the Brazilian market, dropped 16 per cent in late trading on Tuesday, as investors took profits.

&nbsp;The stock has more than tripled in the last 12 months as Bolsonaro was elected promising to loosen gun controls.

Gun laws toughened considerably under former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who in 2003 signed sweeping measures that prevented ordinary citizens from carrying guns. The law mandated background checks for gun purchases and gave federal police the right to reject applications for gun ownership for any reason.&nbsp;

However, Lula`s attempts to deepen gun control foundered in a 2005 referendum, when about 65 per cent of Brazilians voted against a proposal to completely ban gun sales.&nbsp;

ENDING POLICE DISCRETION

Bolsonaro`s executive order will remove the "discretionary" role that police have in approving civilians` requests to buy guns. He has said decisions about who can carry weapons are subjective.

The measure will apply to people living in the countryside, those residing in urban areas where the homicide rate is above 10 deaths per 100,000 people, and to "collectors and hunters."

Brazilians will be allowed to keep up to four guns in their homes or offices, though that number could rise on a case-by-case basis. Any home with a child, or someone suffering from certain mental illnesses, must store the weapons in a safe.&nbsp;

Federal Police data shows that just over 646,000 legally-purchased arms are in circulation in Brazil. About half of those weapons are registered to private citizens. The rest is held by security personnel.

Accurate data on how many illegal firearms are in Brazil is hard to come by, but previous studies from the Justice Ministry suggest nearly 8 million guns are in the country illegally.

Brazil`s heavily armed drug gangs and paramilitary militias easily get weapons smuggled over the country`s porous borders. Gangs in Rio de Janeiro almost exclusively carry Glock weapons and have obtained an array of AR rifles that come from US and European manufacturers. 
&nbsp; 
Lorenzoni said the decree restored the right of citizens to have a weapon for their legitimate defense.

"Studies show that the better armed the population is the less violence there will be," Lorenzoni told the GloboNews cable channel. He said armed robberies of homes had increased because thieves knew residents could not defend themselves.

Robert Muggah, director of research at the Rio-based Igarape Institute, a security and development think tank, said that was not true.&nbsp;

"There is no hard evidence that loosening access to firearms improves public safety or security," he said. "By contrast, there is considerable evidence that responsible regulations are associated with reductions in a gun-related homicide of civilians and police officers alike." 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a temporary decree making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a temporary decree making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders. Bolsonaro won the presidency by running on a far-right, law-and-order platform, and often delighted supporters at a campaign stop with his signature "guns up" hand gesture. His maverick presidential run energized a base of rural landowners, Christian conservatives and free-market hawks who yearned for a tougher response to years of rising violence and political graft. The temporary decree, which will expire in 120 days unless ratified by Congress, is likely to thrill his supporters, but many others fear it will only worsen violence in Brazil. The country suffered a record 64,000 murders in 2017, the most in the world. Nearly 45,000 of those homicides involved firearms. A former paratrooper who took office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro eventually wants to overturn a 2003 law that effectively banned the civilian purchase of guns. "To guarantee citizens their legitimate right to defense, I, as president, will use this weapon," Bolsonaro said, holding up the pen he used to sign the decree. Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaro`s chief of staff, said the government was considering lower taxes on guns and opening up Brazil`s small arms market to foreign firms. The thornier question of granting more permits for citizens to carry guns outside of their home or personal business is also under study. Shares of domestic gunmaker Taurus Armas SA, which has a dominant share of the Brazilian market, dropped 16 per cent in late trading on Tuesday, as investors took profits. The stock has more than tripled in the last 12 months as Bolsonaro was elected promising to loosen gun controls. Gun laws toughened considerably under former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who in 2003 signed sweeping measures that prevented ordinary citizens from carrying guns. The law mandated background checks for gun purchases and gave federal police the right to reject applications for gun ownership for any reason. However, Lula`s attempts to deepen gun control foundered in a 2005 referendum, when about 65 per cent of Brazilians voted against a proposal to completely ban gun sales. ENDING POLICE DISCRETION Bolsonaro`s executive order will remove the "discretionary" role that police have in approving civilians` requests to buy guns. He has said decisions about who can carry weapons are subjective. The measure will apply to people living in the countryside, those residing in urban areas where the homicide rate is above 10 deaths per 100,000 people, and to "collectors and hunters." Brazilians will be allowed to keep up to four guns in their homes or offices, though that number could rise on a case-by-case basis. Any home with a child, or someone suffering from certain mental illnesses, must store the weapons in a safe. Federal Police data shows that just over 646,000 legally-purchased arms are in circulation in Brazil. About half of those weapons are registered to private citizens. The rest is held by security personnel. Accurate data on how many illegal firearms are in Brazil is hard to come by, but previous studies from the Justice Ministry suggest nearly 8 million guns are in the country illegally. Brazil`s heavily armed drug gangs and paramilitary militias easily get weapons smuggled over the country`s porous borders. Gangs in Rio de Janeiro almost exclusively carry Glock weapons and have obtained an array of AR rifles that come from US and European manufacturers. Lorenzoni said the decree restored the right of citizens to have a weapon for their legitimate defense. "Studies show that the better armed the population is the less violence there will be," Lorenzoni told the GloboNews cable channel. He said armed robberies of homes had increased because thieves knew residents could not defend themselves. Robert Muggah, director of research at the Rio-based Igarape Institute, a security and development think tank, said that was not true. "There is no hard evidence that loosening access to firearms improves public safety or security," he said. "By contrast, there is considerable evidence that responsible regulations are associated with reductions in a gun-related homicide of civilians and police officers alike."

Bolsonaro loosens gun laws in murder-ridden Brazil

A mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter beat up a thief who tried to rob her using a fake gun in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. &nbsp;

UFC fighter Polyana Viana turned the tables on the thief with kicks and punches and held him in a "rear-naked choke" while waiting for the police to arrive. The would-be thief's gun was made out of cardboard.&nbsp;

Polyana, who goes by the nickname "The Iron Lady", was waiting for a cab when the thief warned her that he was armed, and&nbsp;ordered her to hand over her mobile phone.&nbsp;

Viana told website MMA Junkie that the thief used a fake gun to try and steal her mobile phone while she waited outside her apartment block on Saturday night.&nbsp;

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The Robber Union in Rio de Janeiro is asking that the UFC please give a fight to Polyana soon! They are worried for their safety while she is lose out there and with nothing to do! <a href="https://twitter.com/Mickmaynard2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mickmaynard2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/danawhite?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danawhite</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PolyanaViana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PolyanaViana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NandaPrates_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NandaPrates_</a> <a href="https://t.co/Iwbp26t38H">pic.twitter.com/Iwbp26t38H</a>
— Alex Davis (@Alexdavismma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alexdavismma/status/1082291694119333891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the left is <a href="https://twitter.com/Polyana_VianaDF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Polyana_VianaDF</a>, one of our <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UFC</a> fighters and on the right is the guy who tried to rob her <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/badfuckingidea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#badfuckingidea</a> <a href="https://t.co/oHBVpS2TQt">pic.twitter.com/oHBVpS2TQt</a>
— Dana White (@danawhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/1082110419785969666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"When he saw I saw him, he sat next to me," Viana said.

"He asked me the time, I said it, and I saw he wasn't going to leave. So I already moved to put my cell phone in my waist.

"And then he said, 'Give me the phone. Don't try to react, because I'm armed.' Then he put his hand over [a gun], but I realised it was too soft.

"He was really close to me. So I thought 'if it's a gun, he won't have time to draw it.' So I stood up. I threw two punches and a kick. He fell, then I caught him in a rear-naked choke."

Viana posted images of the would-be robber, looking dejected and bruised, with blood on his sleeveless shirt and on a hand.&nbsp;

She said that, after the suspect's processing by police and treatment for his injuries, she went home and made dinner. Her hands hurt a bit the next day, but nothing serious and she was otherwise unharmed. &nbsp;

A mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter beat up a thief who tried to rob her using a fake gun in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UFC fighter Polyana Viana turned the tables on the thief with kicks and punches and held him in a "rear-naked choke" while waiting for the police to arrive.

A mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter beat up a thief who tried to rob her using a fake gun in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UFC fighter Polyana Viana turned the tables on the thief with kicks and punches and held him in a "rear-naked choke" while waiting for the police to arrive. The would-be thief's gun was made out of cardboard. Polyana, who goes by the nickname "The Iron Lady", was waiting for a cab when the thief warned her that he was armed, and ordered her to hand over her mobile phone. Viana told website MMA Junkie that the thief used a fake gun to try and steal her mobile phone while she waited outside her apartment block on Saturday night. The Robber Union in Rio de Janeiro is asking that the UFC please give a fight to Polyana soon! They are worried for their safety while she is lose out there and with nothing to do! @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite @PolyanaViana @NandaPrates_ pic.twitter.com/Iwbp26t38H — Alex Davis (@Alexdavismma) January 7, 2019 × On the left is @Polyana_VianaDF, one of our @UFC fighters and on the right is the guy who tried to rob her #badfuckingidea pic.twitter.com/oHBVpS2TQt — Dana White (@danawhite) January 7, 2019 × "When he saw I saw him, he sat next to me," Viana said. "He asked me the time, I said it, and I saw he wasn't going to leave. So I already moved to put my cell phone in my waist. "And then he said, 'Give me the phone. Don't try to react, because I'm armed.' Then he put his hand over [a gun], but I realised it was too soft. "He was really close to me. So I thought 'if it's a gun, he won't have time to draw it.' So I stood up. I threw two punches and a kick. He fell, then I caught him in a rear-naked choke." Viana posted images of the would-be robber, looking dejected and bruised, with blood on his sleeveless shirt and on a hand. She said that, after the suspect's processing by police and treatment for his injuries, she went home and made dinner. Her hands hurt a bit the next day, but nothing serious and she was otherwise unharmed.

Brazilian MMA fighter Polyana Viana beats up thief who tried to rob her with fake gun

By Anthony Pereira

The inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro’s administration. But several factors, both domestic and transnational, could constrain its ability to wreak environmental damage.

First, some bad news: Bolsonaro and his cabinet do seem to view environmental concerns as an obstacle to development. For instance, the new environment minister, Ricardo Salles, said that the debate over climate change was a “secondary issue” and was recently convicted in court of fraudulently favouring mining companies when he was state secretary for the environment in São Paulo. Under Salles’ leadership, the ministry will probably suffer budget cuts, and it has already lost key departments.

Furthermore, Bolsonaro has said he wants to restrict the ability of IBAMA, the forest protection agency, to fine individuals and companies that illegally deforest and pollute. And, while the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell overall by roughly 75 per cent between 2004 and 2017, it has gone back up again even before Bolsonaro took office. Between August 2017 and July 2018, deforestation increased by an estimated 13.7 per cent.

Bolsonaro also recently tweeted that he wants to free Brazilian agribusiness from dependence on imported fertiliser (75% comes from abroad). However, mining the ingredients in Brazil could do further environmental damage. For example, the largest recently discovered deposit of potassium, used to make fertiliser, is on the banks of the River Madeira in the Amazon.

The new president also appears to favour more dam-building (there are proposals to build 334 dams in the Amazon). He also backed away from the previous commitment of the Brazilian government to host the next UN climate conference later this year. And, on his first day in office, Bolsonaro signed a provisional measure transferring authority to demarcate indigenous lands from the justice ministry to the agriculture ministry, thereby making it highly likely that – as he promised – no new indigenous reserves will be created on his watch.

Brazil’s environmental movement 
 
Bolsonaro does face some constraints. The new president speaks as if agribusiness and the protection of the environment are incompatible – and appears to want to sacrifice the environment for farming, mining and logging. But other voices will have a say, and at least some heed will be given to the view that sustainable agriculture which preserves biodiversity is better both for Brazil’s development prospects and for the world’s climate.

Before his inauguration, Bolsonaro said that he wanted to subordinate the environment ministry to the agriculture ministry. He was persuaded to drop this idea, due in part to criticisms from environmental NGOs and federal civil servants in environmental agencies. Some agricultural interests even spoke out, because they fear that their international image and access to markets, especially the European Union, could be damaged by being associated with deforestation.

Brazil also has an environmental movement that is as old as its counterparts in Europe and North America. It was the strength of this movement that ensured the country’s 1988 constitution has several ecological safeguards in place, including conservation areas, indigenous reserves and the environmental licensing system. José Lutzenberger, an environmental pioneer and former environment minister, helped to organise the Eco 92 conference in Rio and demarcate the huge Yanomami indigenous reserve.

The Rio conference was part of a process that eventually led to the 2015 Paris Agreement, where Brazilian participation was important. And, in his last days in office, outgoing president Michel Temer delivered a report to his successor that recommended that Brazil stay in the Paris Agreement and pursue the goal of achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2060.

Pressure from overseas 
 
External actors can also pressure the Bolsonaro administration. For example, the government of Norway has contributed 93 per cnt of the money disbursed by the Amazon Fund to 102 different projects, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds provide incentives to enforce environmental laws and create sustainable livelihoods in the rainforest.

Norway’s contributions are tied to maintaining rates of deforestation to specified limits, a fact Temer was reminded of by his hosts on a visit to Oslo in June 2017.

Pay attention to facts on the ground 
 
The Bolsonaro administration is likely to move quietly to achieve some of its objectives. In addition to weakening the environment ministry, it could informally signal to state governors and congressional delegations that the laws regarding deforestation will no longer be rigorously enforced. Observers, therefore, have to be attentive to facts on the ground. Civil society organisations and journalists in the Amazon working for publications such as InfoAmazonia and O Eco are particularly good sources of information. There is some transnational support for these journalists. For example, the Pulitzer Centre is administering a Rainforest Journalism Fund, financed by the Norwegian government, which gives grants to journalists reporting on deforestation.

Brazil’s foreign minister Ernesto Araújo claims that initiatives such as the 2015 Paris Agreement are liberal, “globalist” and part of a gigantic “cultural Marxist” propaganda machine. From this perspective, international NGOs and foreign states are violating Brazilian sovereignty by interfering in the Amazon.

But this is a smokescreen. In the Paris Agreement, the Brazilian government voluntarily committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 per cent by 2025 and 43 per cent by 2030, with 2005 as the baseline year. The Brazilian Climate Change Forum that produced this commitment had input from 340 different government entities, businesses, NGOs, and academics. And the country already has various advantages when it comes to making the transition to a low-carbon economy, including relatively clean energy and 60m hectares of degraded pasture land that could be reforested.

Preserving the Amazon rainforest is of fundamental importance to the planet, and there are many people in Brazil who want to do that. They reject the notion that development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive, and support reorienting the Amazonian economy towards sustainable livelihoods. It remains to be seen whether their vision will prevail in the years to come. 
 
(Anthony Pereira is Director, King's Brazil Institute, King's College London)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/jair-bolsonaro-can-be-stopped-from-trashing-the-amazon-heres-how-109346">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Anthony Pereira The inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro’s administration.

By Anthony Pereira The inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro’s administration. But several factors, both domestic and transnational, could constrain its ability to wreak environmental damage. First, some bad news: Bolsonaro and his cabinet do seem to view environmental concerns as an obstacle to development. For instance, the new environment minister, Ricardo Salles, said that the debate over climate change was a “secondary issue” and was recently convicted in court of fraudulently favouring mining companies when he was state secretary for the environment in São Paulo. Under Salles’ leadership, the ministry will probably suffer budget cuts, and it has already lost key departments. Furthermore, Bolsonaro has said he wants to restrict the ability of IBAMA, the forest protection agency, to fine individuals and companies that illegally deforest and pollute. And, while the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell overall by roughly 75 per cent between 2004 and 2017, it has gone back up again even before Bolsonaro took office. Between August 2017 and July 2018, deforestation increased by an estimated 13.7 per cent. Bolsonaro also recently tweeted that he wants to free Brazilian agribusiness from dependence on imported fertiliser (75% comes from abroad). However, mining the ingredients in Brazil could do further environmental damage. For example, the largest recently discovered deposit of potassium, used to make fertiliser, is on the banks of the River Madeira in the Amazon. The new president also appears to favour more dam-building (there are proposals to build 334 dams in the Amazon). He also backed away from the previous commitment of the Brazilian government to host the next UN climate conference later this year. And, on his first day in office, Bolsonaro signed a provisional measure transferring authority to demarcate indigenous lands from the justice ministry to the agriculture ministry, thereby making it highly likely that – as he promised – no new indigenous reserves will be created on his watch. Brazil’s environmental movement Bolsonaro does face some constraints. The new president speaks as if agribusiness and the protection of the environment are incompatible – and appears to want to sacrifice the environment for farming, mining and logging. But other voices will have a say, and at least some heed will be given to the view that sustainable agriculture which preserves biodiversity is better both for Brazil’s development prospects and for the world’s climate. Before his inauguration, Bolsonaro said that he wanted to subordinate the environment ministry to the agriculture ministry. He was persuaded to drop this idea, due in part to criticisms from environmental NGOs and federal civil servants in environmental agencies. Some agricultural interests even spoke out, because they fear that their international image and access to markets, especially the European Union, could be damaged by being associated with deforestation. Brazil also has an environmental movement that is as old as its counterparts in Europe and North America. It was the strength of this movement that ensured the country’s 1988 constitution has several ecological safeguards in place, including conservation areas, indigenous reserves and the environmental licensing system. José Lutzenberger, an environmental pioneer and former environment minister, helped to organise the Eco 92 conference in Rio and demarcate the huge Yanomami indigenous reserve. The Rio conference was part of a process that eventually led to the 2015 Paris Agreement, where Brazilian participation was important. And, in his last days in office, outgoing president Michel Temer delivered a report to his successor that recommended that Brazil stay in the Paris Agreement and pursue the goal of achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2060. Pressure from overseas External actors can also pressure the Bolsonaro administration. For example, the government of Norway has contributed 93 per cnt of the money disbursed by the Amazon Fund to 102 different projects, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds provide incentives to enforce environmental laws and create sustainable livelihoods in the rainforest. Norway’s contributions are tied to maintaining rates of deforestation to specified limits, a fact Temer was reminded of by his hosts on a visit to Oslo in June 2017. Pay attention to facts on the ground The Bolsonaro administration is likely to move quietly to achieve some of its objectives. In addition to weakening the environment ministry, it could informally signal to state governors and congressional delegations that the laws regarding deforestation will no longer be rigorously enforced. Observers, therefore, have to be attentive to facts on the ground. Civil society organisations and journalists in the Amazon working for publications such as InfoAmazonia and O Eco are particularly good sources of information. There is some transnational support for these journalists. For example, the Pulitzer Centre is administering a Rainforest Journalism Fund, financed by the Norwegian government, which gives grants to journalists reporting on deforestation. Brazil’s foreign minister Ernesto Araújo claims that initiatives such as the 2015 Paris Agreement are liberal, “globalist” and part of a gigantic “cultural Marxist” propaganda machine. From this perspective, international NGOs and foreign states are violating Brazilian sovereignty by interfering in the Amazon. But this is a smokescreen. In the Paris Agreement, the Brazilian government voluntarily committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 per cent by 2025 and 43 per cent by 2030, with 2005 as the baseline year. The Brazilian Climate Change Forum that produced this commitment had input from 340 different government entities, businesses, NGOs, and academics. And the country already has various advantages when it comes to making the transition to a low-carbon economy, including relatively clean energy and 60m hectares of degraded pasture land that could be reforested. Preserving the Amazon rainforest is of fundamental importance to the planet, and there are many people in Brazil who want to do that. They reject the notion that development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive, and support reorienting the Amazonian economy towards sustainable livelihoods. It remains to be seen whether their vision will prevail in the years to come. (Anthony Pereira is Director, King's Brazil Institute, King's College London) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has got the environmentalists worried

A special deployment of Brazilian troops began fanning out in the northern city of Fortaleza Saturday with orders to stop a spike in violent attacks by criminal gangs against banks, buses and shops, officials said.

By the end of the weekend, 300 soldiers will be patrolling that city and other towns in Ceara state in a bid to halt the rampage, national public security secretary Guilherme Teophilo said, according to government news agency Agencia Brasil.

The intervention is the first test of new President Jair Bolsonaro's strict law-and-order platform since he took office last Tuesday.&nbsp;

His justice minister ordered the deployment after concluding that Ceara police were overwhelmed. Some 50 suspects have been arrested.

The gangs terrorizing Fortaleza could be seen torching service stations in security videos aired by Brazilian media. Dozens of attacks have been registered this week, forcing residents to stay at home and leaving main roads deserted.

In one attack, explosives badly damaged a pillar supporting a flyover road in the town of Caucaia, just to the west of Fortaleza.

The triggers for the wave of violence were being investigated, but intelligence reports published by media suggested gangs were revolting against tough new measures recently imposed in the state's prisons.

The changes include blocks on cellphone signals and an end to a policy of separating inmates according to gang affiliation.

Two gangs have set aside their rivalry to join forces against the government, the G1 news website reported, citing security officials.

Bolsonaro has vowed to crack down on Brazil's rampant crime by extending immunity to soldiers and police using lethal force and easing gun laws so "good" citizens can challenge armed criminals.

The far-right president, a 63-year-old former paratrooper, has made "restoring order" a centerpiece of his four-year mandate.

'Rapid and effective'&nbsp;

Much of that task falls to his justice minister, Sergio Moro, a former star judge who headed up Operation Car Wash, an investigation into Brazil's biggest-ever corruption scandal.

Bolsonaro on Friday praised Moro's decision to send in troops as "apt, rapid and effective."

Ceara's governor belongs to the leftwing Workers Party which was driven into opposition by the election of Bolsonaro and his ultraconservative allies.

Brazil has the third biggest prison population in the world, behind the United States and China, with nearly 730,000 inmates as of 2016.&nbsp;

Penitentiaries are overcrowded and prey to gangs that often viciously turn on each other.

The three gangs active in Ceara are the Red Command (CV by its initials in Portuguese) that grew out of organized criminal activity in Rio de Janeiro, the First Command of the Capital (PCC) based in Sao Paulo, and a group called the Guardians of the State (GDE).

Of those, the CV and the PCC are said to have sealed a "non-aggression" pact against each other in Ceara to focus against the government forces.

The 300 troops sent to reinforce state security forces will have a big task.&nbsp;

Nearly 80 attacks have been reported in towns across Ceara state this week. The Brazilian state is larger than Costa Rica or Croatia.

A special deployment of Brazilian troops began fanning out in the northern city of Fortaleza Saturday with orders to stop a spike in violent attacks by criminal gangs against banks, buses and shops, officials said.

A special deployment of Brazilian troops began fanning out in the northern city of Fortaleza Saturday with orders to stop a spike in violent attacks by criminal gangs against banks, buses and shops, officials said. By the end of the weekend, 300 soldiers will be patrolling that city and other towns in Ceara state in a bid to halt the rampage, national public security secretary Guilherme Teophilo said, according to government news agency Agencia Brasil. The intervention is the first test of new President Jair Bolsonaro's strict law-and-order platform since he took office last Tuesday. His justice minister ordered the deployment after concluding that Ceara police were overwhelmed. Some 50 suspects have been arrested. The gangs terrorizing Fortaleza could be seen torching service stations in security videos aired by Brazilian media. Dozens of attacks have been registered this week, forcing residents to stay at home and leaving main roads deserted. In one attack, explosives badly damaged a pillar supporting a flyover road in the town of Caucaia, just to the west of Fortaleza. The triggers for the wave of violence were being investigated, but intelligence reports published by media suggested gangs were revolting against tough new measures recently imposed in the state's prisons. The changes include blocks on cellphone signals and an end to a policy of separating inmates according to gang affiliation. Two gangs have set aside their rivalry to join forces against the government, the G1 news website reported, citing security officials. Bolsonaro has vowed to crack down on Brazil's rampant crime by extending immunity to soldiers and police using lethal force and easing gun laws so "good" citizens can challenge armed criminals. The far-right president, a 63-year-old former paratrooper, has made "restoring order" a centerpiece of his four-year mandate. 'Rapid and effective' Much of that task falls to his justice minister, Sergio Moro, a former star judge who headed up Operation Car Wash, an investigation into Brazil's biggest-ever corruption scandal. Bolsonaro on Friday praised Moro's decision to send in troops as "apt, rapid and effective." Ceara's governor belongs to the leftwing Workers Party which was driven into opposition by the election of Bolsonaro and his ultraconservative allies. Brazil has the third biggest prison population in the world, behind the United States and China, with nearly 730,000 inmates as of 2016. Penitentiaries are overcrowded and prey to gangs that often viciously turn on each other. The three gangs active in Ceara are the Red Command (CV by its initials in Portuguese) that grew out of organized criminal activity in Rio de Janeiro, the First Command of the Capital (PCC) based in Sao Paulo, and a group called the Guardians of the State (GDE). Of those, the CV and the PCC are said to have sealed a "non-aggression" pact against each other in Ceara to focus against the government forces. The 300 troops sent to reinforce state security forces will have a big task. Nearly 80 attacks have been reported in towns across Ceara state this week. The Brazilian state is larger than Costa Rica or Croatia.

Brazil deploys troops to stop criminal attacks in northern city of Fortaleza

The new president of Brazil signed on Tuesday, hours after his inauguration, a decree in which he set the minimum wage at 998 reals ($257.5) for 2019, an increase of 4.61 percent over last year.

In absolute numbers, the value is 44 reals ($11.3) higher than the minimum wage of 954 reals ($246.1 on 1st Jan.) decreed for 2018 by the former president Michel Temer, who on Tuesday handed the presidential sash to the far-right Jair Bolsonaro.

The figure is less than the 1,006 reals ($259.6) calculated by the outgoing government and included in the 2019 budget.

The increase of the minimum wage in Brazil is decided with a formula that takes into account inflation, the growth rate of the previous year and other variables.

The reduction between the value finally decreed by Bolsonaro and that reflected in the budgets is due to a decrease in inflation estimates.

The readjustment of the minimum wage is traditionally decreed in the last days of December, but the former president Michel Temer decided to leave the matter to the new head of state, who chose to fix it hours after his swearing in.

Bolsonaro, leader of the far-right, was sworn in on Tuesday as president in Brasilia, after winning the elections in October with 55 percent of the votes.

In his two public pronouncements before Congress and the thousands of supporters waiting in front of Planalto's presidential palace, Bolsonaro promised to free Brazil from ideological ties, govern "without discrimination" and carry out the economic reforms necessary to overcome the effects of the crisis.

He also reiterated that he proposes to open international markets for Brazilian exports, stimulating competition, productivity and efficiency and with special attention to the agricultural sector, which is the main engine of the national economy.

The new president of Brazil signed on Tuesday, hours after his inauguration, a decree in which he set the minimum wage at 998 reals ($257.5) for 2019, an increase of 4.

The new president of Brazil signed on Tuesday, hours after his inauguration, a decree in which he set the minimum wage at 998 reals ($257.5) for 2019, an increase of 4.61 percent over last year. In absolute numbers, the value is 44 reals ($11.3) higher than the minimum wage of 954 reals ($246.1 on 1st Jan.) decreed for 2018 by the former president Michel Temer, who on Tuesday handed the presidential sash to the far-right Jair Bolsonaro. The figure is less than the 1,006 reals ($259.6) calculated by the outgoing government and included in the 2019 budget. The increase of the minimum wage in Brazil is decided with a formula that takes into account inflation, the growth rate of the previous year and other variables. The reduction between the value finally decreed by Bolsonaro and that reflected in the budgets is due to a decrease in inflation estimates. The readjustment of the minimum wage is traditionally decreed in the last days of December, but the former president Michel Temer decided to leave the matter to the new head of state, who chose to fix it hours after his swearing in. Bolsonaro, leader of the far-right, was sworn in on Tuesday as president in Brasilia, after winning the elections in October with 55 percent of the votes. In his two public pronouncements before Congress and the thousands of supporters waiting in front of Planalto's presidential palace, Bolsonaro promised to free Brazil from ideological ties, govern "without discrimination" and carry out the economic reforms necessary to overcome the effects of the crisis. He also reiterated that he proposes to open international markets for Brazilian exports, stimulating competition, productivity and efficiency and with special attention to the agricultural sector, which is the main engine of the national economy.

Bolsonaro increases Brazil's minimum wage by 4.6%

In pics: Jair Bolsonaro takes over as Brazil's 38th President

The United States is demanding the immediate return of a retired US Marine detained by Russia on spying charges and wants an explanation on why he was arrested, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-cooperation-with-israel-over-syria-and-iran-to-continue-187786">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> said on Wednesday.

Speaking in Brasilia the day after<a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/2018-gave-brazil-a-far-right-president-jair-bolsonaro-185048"> Brazil's new president Jair Bolsonaro </a>was inaugurated, Pompeo said the US government hoped to gain consular access to Paul Whelan within the next few hours following his arrest in Moscow.

Pompeo&nbsp;also discussed Venezuela with Brazil's new right-wing government on Wednesday in the context of what he termed a joint-front against authoritarian regimes in Latin America.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Brazil's new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;named Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua as countries that do not have shared democratic values.

"We have an opportunity to work alongside each other against authoritarian regimes," he said of U.S.-Brazil relations.

The United States is demanding the immediate return of Paul Whelan who was detained by Russia on spying charges and wants an explanation, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The United States is demanding the immediate return of a retired US Marine detained by Russia on spying charges and wants an explanation on why he was arrested, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday. Speaking in Brasilia the day after Brazil's new president Jair Bolsonaro was inaugurated, Pompeo said the US government hoped to gain consular access to Paul Whelan within the next few hours following his arrest in Moscow. Pompeo also discussed Venezuela with Brazil's new right-wing government on Wednesday in the context of what he termed a joint-front against authoritarian regimes in Latin America. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Brazil's new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, Pompeo named Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua as countries that do not have shared democratic values. "We have an opportunity to work alongside each other against authoritarian regimes," he said of U.S.-Brazil relations.

US demands immediate return of ex-Marine detained in Russia on spy charges: Mike Pompeo

Cuba, long a source of inspiration for leftist Latin American governments, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its revolution on Tuesday facing increasing isolation in a region dominated by a resurgent right.&nbsp;

The first such anniversary of the post-Castro era coincided with the inauguration in Brazil of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose recent election victory is one of several for right-wing governments across the region.

Bolsonaro, who had made a point of not inviting Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuela's Socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to his inauguration, unfolded his nation's green and yellow flag in Brasilia and proclaimed: "This is our flag, which will never be red."

Like Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru have all swung to the right in recent years, unseating leftist governments.

Maduro paid tribute to the "heroic Cuban people" in a tweet, lauding their "resistance and dignity" in the face of "60 years of sacrifices, struggles and blockade."

Another surviving leftist leader, Bolivia's Evo Morales, said Cuba's revolution gave birth to "the light of hope and invincible will for the liberation of the people."

The symbolic commemoration was set for late afternoon in the island's southeastern city of Santiago de Cuba, the so-called "cradle of the revolution."

Ex-president Raul Castro was slated to give the keynote speech at the tombs of national heroes Jose Marti and Fidel Castro.

For the first time since 1976, Cuba's president is not a Castro. Miguel Diaz-Canel, 58, took over in April as president from Raul Castro, who retains significant influence.

"Today the date is with Raul in Santiago," wrote Diaz-Canel on Twitter.&nbsp;

"The brave and noble people of Cuba" will be honored -- with Fidel, Raul and "all those who have fought, and fight, to keep the homeland free, sovereign and happy."&nbsp;

The streets of Santiago were adorned with flags and posters. In one, a vigorous Fidel raises a rifle next to Raul, with the legend "60 years of victories."

Concerts and dances were held across the island on New Year's Eve, and a 21-gun salute rang out across Havana Bay to usher in the anniversary of the revolution.

Diaz-Canel wasn't even born when Fidel Castro declared victory for his revolution on January 1, 1959.&nbsp;

US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista had fled the country earlier that day, opening the way for Castro to install a one-party communist system.

Last week, a defiant Diaz-Canel wrote on Twitter: "The Cuban revolution is invincible, it grows, it lasts."

But not everyone is convinced.

Dissident Vladimiro Roca, whose father Blas Roca served as a high-ranking official under Fidel Castro, insists that "the revolution died a long time ago."

Abroad, Cuba's government has faced heavy criticism for its authoritarian nature, intolerance of opposition and persecution of detractors. Vladimiro Roca was jailed from 1997 to 2002 for his protests.

And while US-Cuba relations thawed under Barack Obama, the Caribbean island of 11 million people has had to contend with an increasingly hostile administration under President Donald Trump these last two years.

Change is coming, though.

In February, the communist regime is to submit to referendum a new constitution that will officially recognize private property, markets and foreign investment.

However, the document also ratifies communism as the nation's "social goal," insists the country will "never" return to capitalism, and defines the Communist Party as by nature, single, and the "supreme political force of state and society."

'A new cycle'

Economic changes are coming as well. One deal, between Major League Baseball in the US and the Cuban Baseball Federation, will allow the island's top talents to sign multi-million dollar deals with MLB clubs.

"For sure, a new cycle is being opened. This cycle is continuity and change," academic Arturo Lopez-Levy, from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, told AFP.

That's not the view of Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.

"For now, it looks like Castrism without a Castro" in power, he said.

Vladimiro Roca, for his part, believes the revolution "will blow itself out" due to the indifference of the new generations and a lack of outside support.

Russia and China remain allies, but neither has shown willingness to subsidize the country's economy in the way the former Soviet Union did for 30 years.

Diaz-Canel has repeatedly said that the "most important battle is the economy," which has grown barely one percent in recent years, not enough to support its population.

Squaring the circle

For many Cubans, their hopes for an improved life depend "on whether they can work for themselves or emigrate," said Duany.

Once the world's primary exporter of sugar, Cuba recently had to import that commodity from France, while over the last few weeks, eggs, rice and flour have disappeared from supermarket aisles.

It leaves "Diaz-Canel and his team with the challenge of applying a contradictory policy," said Lopez-Levy.

The country is institutionalizing the revolution in a time of economic crisis, while the Communist Party creates a market economy allowing inhabitants to get rich in a society based on egalitarian principles.

"The challenge is to square the circle in order to avoid sinking," said Lopez-Levy.

It's not a hopeless dream, though, in a country that has resisted a US-led embargo since 1962 by showing "its ability to adapt, identifying and applying policies that manage to meet the challenges," he said.

&nbsp;

Cuba, long a source of inspiration for leftist Latin American governments, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its revolution on Tuesday facing increasing isolation in a region dominated by a resurgent right.

Cuba, long a source of inspiration for leftist Latin American governments, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its revolution on Tuesday facing increasing isolation in a region dominated by a resurgent right. The first such anniversary of the post-Castro era coincided with the inauguration in Brazil of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose recent election victory is one of several for right-wing governments across the region. Bolsonaro, who had made a point of not inviting Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuela's Socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to his inauguration, unfolded his nation's green and yellow flag in Brasilia and proclaimed: "This is our flag, which will never be red." Like Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru have all swung to the right in recent years, unseating leftist governments. Maduro paid tribute to the "heroic Cuban people" in a tweet, lauding their "resistance and dignity" in the face of "60 years of sacrifices, struggles and blockade." Another surviving leftist leader, Bolivia's Evo Morales, said Cuba's revolution gave birth to "the light of hope and invincible will for the liberation of the people." The symbolic commemoration was set for late afternoon in the island's southeastern city of Santiago de Cuba, the so-called "cradle of the revolution." Ex-president Raul Castro was slated to give the keynote speech at the tombs of national heroes Jose Marti and Fidel Castro. For the first time since 1976, Cuba's president is not a Castro. Miguel Diaz-Canel, 58, took over in April as president from Raul Castro, who retains significant influence. "Today the date is with Raul in Santiago," wrote Diaz-Canel on Twitter. "The brave and noble people of Cuba" will be honored -- with Fidel, Raul and "all those who have fought, and fight, to keep the homeland free, sovereign and happy." The streets of Santiago were adorned with flags and posters. In one, a vigorous Fidel raises a rifle next to Raul, with the legend "60 years of victories." Concerts and dances were held across the island on New Year's Eve, and a 21-gun salute rang out across Havana Bay to usher in the anniversary of the revolution. Diaz-Canel wasn't even born when Fidel Castro declared victory for his revolution on January 1, 1959. US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista had fled the country earlier that day, opening the way for Castro to install a one-party communist system. Last week, a defiant Diaz-Canel wrote on Twitter: "The Cuban revolution is invincible, it grows, it lasts." But not everyone is convinced. Dissident Vladimiro Roca, whose father Blas Roca served as a high-ranking official under Fidel Castro, insists that "the revolution died a long time ago." Abroad, Cuba's government has faced heavy criticism for its authoritarian nature, intolerance of opposition and persecution of detractors. Vladimiro Roca was jailed from 1997 to 2002 for his protests. And while US-Cuba relations thawed under Barack Obama, the Caribbean island of 11 million people has had to contend with an increasingly hostile administration under President Donald Trump these last two years. Change is coming, though. In February, the communist regime is to submit to referendum a new constitution that will officially recognize private property, markets and foreign investment. However, the document also ratifies communism as the nation's "social goal," insists the country will "never" return to capitalism, and defines the Communist Party as by nature, single, and the "supreme political force of state and society." 'A new cycle' Economic changes are coming as well. One deal, between Major League Baseball in the US and the Cuban Baseball Federation, will allow the island's top talents to sign multi-million dollar deals with MLB clubs. "For sure, a new cycle is being opened. This cycle is continuity and change," academic Arturo Lopez-Levy, from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, told AFP. That's not the view of Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. "For now, it looks like Castrism without a Castro" in power, he said. Vladimiro Roca, for his part, believes the revolution "will blow itself out" due to the indifference of the new generations and a lack of outside support. Russia and China remain allies, but neither has shown willingness to subsidize the country's economy in the way the former Soviet Union did for 30 years. Diaz-Canel has repeatedly said that the "most important battle is the economy," which has grown barely one percent in recent years, not enough to support its population. Squaring the circle For many Cubans, their hopes for an improved life depend "on whether they can work for themselves or emigrate," said Duany. Once the world's primary exporter of sugar, Cuba recently had to import that commodity from France, while over the last few weeks, eggs, rice and flour have disappeared from supermarket aisles. It leaves "Diaz-Canel and his team with the challenge of applying a contradictory policy," said Lopez-Levy. The country is institutionalizing the revolution in a time of economic crisis, while the Communist Party creates a market economy allowing inhabitants to get rich in a society based on egalitarian principles. "The challenge is to square the circle in order to avoid sinking," said Lopez-Levy. It's not a hopeless dream, though, in a country that has resisted a US-led embargo since 1962 by showing "its ability to adapt, identifying and applying policies that manage to meet the challenges," he said.

Cuba celebrates 60 years of revolution amid challenges and change

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise.

"The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess."

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise. "The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess." His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Bolsonaro sworn in as Brazil's president, inaugurates far-right firebrand

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-netanyahu-says-report-187399">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said Monday that Arab countries viewed Israel as an "indispensable ally" fighting Iran and the Islamic State group.

That evaluation, he told Brazil's Globo TV during a visit to Rio, has caused "a revolution in relations with the Arab world."

The comments came as Israel has stepped up air strikes on Iranian positions in neighbouring Syria, and as Israel digested an abrupt decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria.

Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons to destroy his country.

Israel, he said, had shown itself to be active in battling "radical Islam, violent Islam — either the one led by radical Shiites led by Iran or the one led by the radical Sunnis led by Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda."

"Unfortunately we have not made any advance with the Palestinians. Half of them are already under the gun of Iran and of radical Islam," Netanyahu added.

Asked if he could ever contemplate sitting down with an Iranian leader to talk peace, Netanyahu replied: "If Iran remains committed to our destruction the answer is no."

The only way, he said, would be "if Iran undergoes a total transformation."

Netanyahu was in Brazil to attend Tuesday's inauguration of the Latin American country's new, pro-Israel president, Jair Bolsonaro.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Netanyahu was to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also among the visiting dignitaries.

They were expected to discuss the US troop pullout from Syria and Iranian activities in the Middle East.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons to destroy his country.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Arab countries viewed Israel as an "indispensable ally" fighting Iran and the Islamic State group. That evaluation, he told Brazil's Globo TV during a visit to Rio, has caused "a revolution in relations with the Arab world." The comments came as Israel has stepped up air strikes on Iranian positions in neighbouring Syria, and as Israel digested an abrupt decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons to destroy his country. Israel, he said, had shown itself to be active in battling "radical Islam, violent Islam — either the one led by radical Shiites led by Iran or the one led by the radical Sunnis led by Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda." "Unfortunately we have not made any advance with the Palestinians. Half of them are already under the gun of Iran and of radical Islam," Netanyahu added. Asked if he could ever contemplate sitting down with an Iranian leader to talk peace, Netanyahu replied: "If Iran remains committed to our destruction the answer is no." The only way, he said, would be "if Iran undergoes a total transformation." Netanyahu was in Brazil to attend Tuesday's inauguration of the Latin American country's new, pro-Israel president, Jair Bolsonaro. On the sidelines of the ceremony, Netanyahu was to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also among the visiting dignitaries. They were expected to discuss the US troop pullout from Syria and Iranian activities in the Middle East.

PM Netanyahu says Israel is Arabs' 'indispensable ally' against Iran

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday.

The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-moving-its-embassy-to-jerusalem-matter-of-when-not-if-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-187443">Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem</a>, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts." 
&nbsp;

Jair Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders.

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday. The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Brazil to inaugurate far-right firebrand Bolsonaro president

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-embassy-move-announced-as-brazils-bolsonaro-hosts-israels-netanyahu-187108">Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro</a> told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-netanyahu-says-report-187399">his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem </a>from Tel Aviv.

The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy.

But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue.

Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

"Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro.

"We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change."

Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil.

After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

The Arab League had told Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy. But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue. Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December. "Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro. "We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change." Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil. After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

Brazil moving its embassy to Jerusalem matter of 'when not if': PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus scored a brace to help Manchester City beat Everton 3-1 on Saturday. By virtue of this win, City again made it to the top of the English Premier League.

The defending champion secured the home win to erase the memory of its first loss this season; 2-0 against Chelsea in the previous round.

City not only dominated the beginning of the game but its players squandered several scoring chances.

Jesus opened the scoring for his side after 22 minutes into the match with an accurate short-range shot inside the penalty area.

Everton fought to come from behind, but Jesus struck again with a second goal just five minutes into the second half off a header after his teammate Leroy Sane sent a cross from the left side.

Everton again tried to make a comeback as forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored, narrowing City's lead 15 minutes later off a header on a cross sent from the left side.

Later City's forward Raheem Sterling scored the third goal in the 69th minute, putting a header from a cross-shot in on the left side to seal the 3-1 win.

After this victory, Man City provisionally leads the Premier League standings with 44 points, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, which will host Manchester United Sunday.

Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus scored a brace to help Manchester City beat Everton 3-1 on Saturday. By virtue of this win, City again made it to the top of the English Premier League.

Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus scored a brace to help Manchester City beat Everton 3-1 on Saturday. By virtue of this win, City again made it to the top of the English Premier League. The defending champion secured the home win to erase the memory of its first loss this season; 2-0 against Chelsea in the previous round. City not only dominated the beginning of the game but its players squandered several scoring chances. Jesus opened the scoring for his side after 22 minutes into the match with an accurate short-range shot inside the penalty area. Everton fought to come from behind, but Jesus struck again with a second goal just five minutes into the second half off a header after his teammate Leroy Sane sent a cross from the left side. Everton again tried to make a comeback as forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored, narrowing City's lead 15 minutes later off a header on a cross sent from the left side. Later City's forward Raheem Sterling scored the third goal in the 69th minute, putting a header from a cross-shot in on the left side to seal the 3-1 win. After this victory, Man City provisionally leads the Premier League standings with 44 points, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, which will host Manchester United Sunday.

Manchester City beats Everton 3-1, top Premier League

Joao de Deus, who styles himself as a "spiritual healer," said on Wednesday that he is innocent after more than 200 women have come forward to accuse him of sexually abusing them in the course of treatment.

Ten women appeared on Globo television last week to denounce the 76-year-old "psychic surgeon," and since then the allegations have multiplied and even have included some complaints from women who were minors at the time of the alleged abuse.

De Deus on Wednesday went to his House of Dom Inacio de Loyola healing center in the central Brazilian state of Goias, where he was greeted with applause by the clerks, and told the waiting journalists that he is "innocent."

"My dear brothers and my dear sisters, I thank God for being here. I am still a brother of God, but I want to comply with Brazilian law because I am in the hands of the law. Joao de Deus is still alive," he said.

The team that was created to pursue the case began the investigation with the testimony of the 10 women who appeared on the Globo program.

The healer's lawyer, Alberto Toron, stated that his client denies the accusations and that he is at the disposal of prosecutors to clarify the situation.

Ever since 1976, De Deus has performed "miraculous healings" inside a sort of temple that he founded in Abadiania, in Goias state, where thousands of people come every month, many of them from abroad.

His fame grew in 2012 after it became known that he had cared for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva while he was battling cancer.

Joao de Deus, who styles himself as a "spiritual healer," said on Wednesday that he is innocent after more than 200 women have come forward to accuse him of sexually abusing them in the course of treatment.

Joao de Deus, who styles himself as a "spiritual healer," said on Wednesday that he is innocent after more than 200 women have come forward to accuse him of sexually abusing them in the course of treatment. Ten women appeared on Globo television last week to denounce the 76-year-old "psychic surgeon," and since then the allegations have multiplied and even have included some complaints from women who were minors at the time of the alleged abuse. De Deus on Wednesday went to his House of Dom Inacio de Loyola healing center in the central Brazilian state of Goias, where he was greeted with applause by the clerks, and told the waiting journalists that he is "innocent." "My dear brothers and my dear sisters, I thank God for being here. I am still a brother of God, but I want to comply with Brazilian law because I am in the hands of the law. Joao de Deus is still alive," he said. The team that was created to pursue the case began the investigation with the testimony of the 10 women who appeared on the Globo program. The healer's lawyer, Alberto Toron, stated that his client denies the accusations and that he is at the disposal of prosecutors to clarify the situation. Ever since 1976, De Deus has performed "miraculous healings" inside a sort of temple that he founded in Abadiania, in Goias state, where thousands of people come every month, many of them from abroad. His fame grew in 2012 after it became known that he had cared for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva while he was battling cancer.

Brazilian spiritualist denies sex abuse claims by more than 200 women

A gunman opened fire in a cathedral in the southeastern Brazilian city of Campinas, near Sao Paulo, on Tuesday, killing at least five worshippers before committing suicide, police said.

Paramedics told media the man fired a revolver and a .38-caliber pistol inside the cathedral, also wounding several people before killing himself.

The motive of the shooting and the identity of the gunman were not immediately known.

"An individual entered a church and opened fire on several people," a police spokesperson said.

"Currently the information we have is six deaths and three wounded," the spokesperson said, declining for the moment to say whether the gunman was included in the toll.

However, television images showed the lifeless body of the gunman, wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt, lying inside the cathedral, holding a discharged pistol in his right hand.

Television also showed paramedics attending several people outside the cathedral and multiple police cars in the street.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A gunman opened fire in a cathedral in the southeastern Brazilian city of Campinas, near Sao Paulo, on Tuesday, killing at least five worshippers before committing suicide, police said.

A gunman opened fire in a cathedral in the southeastern Brazilian city of Campinas, near Sao Paulo, on Tuesday, killing at least five worshippers before committing suicide, police said. Paramedics told media the man fired a revolver and a .38-caliber pistol inside the cathedral, also wounding several people before killing himself. The motive of the shooting and the identity of the gunman were not immediately known. "An individual entered a church and opened fire on several people," a police spokesperson said. "Currently the information we have is six deaths and three wounded," the spokesperson said, declining for the moment to say whether the gunman was included in the toll. However, television images showed the lifeless body of the gunman, wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt, lying inside the cathedral, holding a discharged pistol in his right hand. Television also showed paramedics attending several people outside the cathedral and multiple police cars in the street.

Gunman kills 5 in Brazil cathedral, commits suicide

Brazil's next government, under incoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">far-right president Jair Bolsonaro</a> who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures.

That's the final composition that has emerged after weeks of announcements and casting about to fill the top posts of 22 ministries, down from 29 in the outgoing administration.

Seven of the ministers will be military men. Eight have technocrat profiles. And seven are politicians.&nbsp;

All are united by fierce criticism of the leftwing governments that ruled under former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) -- who is now in prison for corruption -- and his protegee Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) -- whose second mandate was cut short by impeachment.

Bolsonaro said at a ceremony on Monday he would govern "without distinction of social origin, race, sex, age or religion."

There are just two women in Bolsonaro's government, which is double the number in the outgoing lineup under President Michel Temer.&nbsp;

There are no blacks, despite half of Brazil's population being at least partly descended from Africans.

Oliver Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said there were three distinct groups to be seen: "A nationalist, anti-globalist group that is oriented towards the populist politics of Donald Trump, a group of neo-liberals that controls the economic part, and another of military men with influence in various areas."

He added: "We'll soon see how the power play will work out between these three axes."

'Chicago Oldies'&nbsp;

A big challenge for Bolsonaro will be to bring Brazil's economy back to full health. The country exited its worst recession on record two years ago but has put in an anemic performance since.

To that end he has tapped Paulo Guedes, a product of the University of Chicago's economic liberalism, to head up an economy superministry in charge of finances, planning, trade and a chunk of the scrapped labour portfolio.

Guedes, a strong advocate of privatization and small government, has named a bunch of veteran economists -- nicknamed the "Chicago Oldies" by the Brazilian press -- to take charge of state oil company Petrobras, the central bank and the BNDES development bank.

"The formation of the economic team suggests that Guedes will enjoy fairly big autonomy to carry out the reform agenda without interference from other parts of the government," Thomaz Favaro, an analyst at the firm Control Risks, told AFP.

Anti-corruption&nbsp;

Another priority is to fight corruption and rampant crime.

Another superministry -- for justice this time -- will be under the command of Sergio Moro, a celebrated anti-graft judge who led the Car Wash investigation that led to Lula and other politicians being sent to prison.

But it remains to be seen how Moro will be able to operate under Bolsonaro's extreme right direction, with divergences already possible over the next president's push to ease gun laws and to label radical rural groups as "terrorists."

Wladimir Gramacho, a political sciences professor at the University of Brasilia, said Moro and Guedes, as well as Onyx Lorenzoni who will become Bolsonaro's chief of staff, "have the confidence of the three pillars supporting a government: Congress, the economy and public opinion."

Camouflage in cabinet&nbsp;

Brazil's 63-year-old leader-to-be has never hidden his nostalgia for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship he served, nor his intent to dose his cabinet with ex-military types.

In addition to the post of vice president, retired generals have been named as the ministers of defense, the secretariat of government, institutional security, mines and energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and the comptroller's office.

"We'll see what the military men in the future government bring and their interest in taking on greater portions of power," Gramacho told AFP.

God above all

Bolsonaro has also brought in people who share his ultraconservative values -- he is against abortion and gender identity as defined by individuals -- and his Christian faith, as well as his pro-US, anti-globalization, anti-left views that include scepticism toward climate change.

His future foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, has promised to clean out any trace of "cultural Marxism" from his ministry. His education minister, a Colombian philosopher named Ricardo Velez Rodriguez, has stated that "it's nature that defines gender."

His environment minister is a lawyer, Ricardo Salles, who is sympathetic to the powerful rural sector according to Greenpeace and other groups fighting deforestation.

The new minister for human rights, women and the family will be a female evangelical pastor, Damares Alves, who has surprised some by saying she believed it was possible to have "a government of peace between the conservative movement, the LGBT movement and other movements."

Beef, Bullets, Bible&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has eschewed the custom of doling out ministries to parties supporting him.

Instead he has put some portfolios -- agriculture for instance -- in the hands of what is being called the "BBB" lobbies, standing for "Beef, Bullets and the Bible."

They cut across several parties and put forward the interests of Brazil's powerful agribusiness groups, gun advocates, and an influential and growing evangelical movement.

Brazil's next government, under incoming far-right president Jair Bolsonaro who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures.

Brazil's next government, under incoming far-right president Jair Bolsonaro who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures. That's the final composition that has emerged after weeks of announcements and casting about to fill the top posts of 22 ministries, down from 29 in the outgoing administration. Seven of the ministers will be military men. Eight have technocrat profiles. And seven are politicians. All are united by fierce criticism of the leftwing governments that ruled under former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) -- who is now in prison for corruption -- and his protegee Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) -- whose second mandate was cut short by impeachment. Bolsonaro said at a ceremony on Monday he would govern "without distinction of social origin, race, sex, age or religion." There are just two women in Bolsonaro's government, which is double the number in the outgoing lineup under President Michel Temer. There are no blacks, despite half of Brazil's population being at least partly descended from Africans. Oliver Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said there were three distinct groups to be seen: "A nationalist, anti-globalist group that is oriented towards the populist politics of Donald Trump, a group of neo-liberals that controls the economic part, and another of military men with influence in various areas." He added: "We'll soon see how the power play will work out between these three axes." 'Chicago Oldies' A big challenge for Bolsonaro will be to bring Brazil's economy back to full health. The country exited its worst recession on record two years ago but has put in an anemic performance since. To that end he has tapped Paulo Guedes, a product of the University of Chicago's economic liberalism, to head up an economy superministry in charge of finances, planning, trade and a chunk of the scrapped labour portfolio. Guedes, a strong advocate of privatization and small government, has named a bunch of veteran economists -- nicknamed the "Chicago Oldies" by the Brazilian press -- to take charge of state oil company Petrobras, the central bank and the BNDES development bank. "The formation of the economic team suggests that Guedes will enjoy fairly big autonomy to carry out the reform agenda without interference from other parts of the government," Thomaz Favaro, an analyst at the firm Control Risks, told AFP. Anti-corruption Another priority is to fight corruption and rampant crime. Another superministry -- for justice this time -- will be under the command of Sergio Moro, a celebrated anti-graft judge who led the Car Wash investigation that led to Lula and other politicians being sent to prison. But it remains to be seen how Moro will be able to operate under Bolsonaro's extreme right direction, with divergences already possible over the next president's push to ease gun laws and to label radical rural groups as "terrorists." Wladimir Gramacho, a political sciences professor at the University of Brasilia, said Moro and Guedes, as well as Onyx Lorenzoni who will become Bolsonaro's chief of staff, "have the confidence of the three pillars supporting a government: Congress, the economy and public opinion." Camouflage in cabinet Brazil's 63-year-old leader-to-be has never hidden his nostalgia for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship he served, nor his intent to dose his cabinet with ex-military types. In addition to the post of vice president, retired generals have been named as the ministers of defense, the secretariat of government, institutional security, mines and energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and the comptroller's office. "We'll see what the military men in the future government bring and their interest in taking on greater portions of power," Gramacho told AFP. God above all Bolsonaro has also brought in people who share his ultraconservative values -- he is against abortion and gender identity as defined by individuals -- and his Christian faith, as well as his pro-US, anti-globalization, anti-left views that include scepticism toward climate change. His future foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, has promised to clean out any trace of "cultural Marxism" from his ministry. His education minister, a Colombian philosopher named Ricardo Velez Rodriguez, has stated that "it's nature that defines gender." His environment minister is a lawyer, Ricardo Salles, who is sympathetic to the powerful rural sector according to Greenpeace and other groups fighting deforestation. The new minister for human rights, women and the family will be a female evangelical pastor, Damares Alves, who has surprised some by saying she believed it was possible to have "a government of peace between the conservative movement, the LGBT movement and other movements." Beef, Bullets, Bible Bolsonaro has eschewed the custom of doling out ministries to parties supporting him. Instead he has put some portfolios -- agriculture for instance -- in the hands of what is being called the "BBB" lobbies, standing for "Beef, Bullets and the Bible." They cut across several parties and put forward the interests of Brazil's powerful agribusiness groups, gun advocates, and an influential and growing evangelical movement.

Brazil president-elect Bolsonaro government has military, conservative streak

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-studying-new-auto-tariffs-after-general-motors-announces-job-cuts-180128">US President Donald Trump</a> has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion w/ Brazil’s President-elect Bolsonaro &amp; his national security team. I extended an invitation from Pres. Trump for <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JairBolsonaro</a> to visit the US. We look forward to a dynamic partnership w/ Brazil. <a href="https://t.co/KrGF7mYDaA">pic.twitter.com/KrGF7mYDaA</a>
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1068097703895285761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bolton described the meeting, which included members of Bolsonaro's national security team, as "wide-ranging" and "very productive."

Bolsonaro is an admirer of the US president and, like Trump, took the political establishment by surprise when he won office in October, riding a wave of anger against traditional politicians.

He has vowed to sweep out corruption, crack down on crime and align Brazil closely with the United States in a shift towards conservative nationalism.

Bolsonaro has threatened to follow Trump's lead and pull Brazil out of the Paris climate agreement, despite having the world's biggest rainforest in the Amazon.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January. Enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion w/ Brazil’s President-elect Bolsonaro & his national security team. I extended an invitation from Pres. Trump for @JairBolsonaro to visit the US. We look forward to a dynamic partnership w/ Brazil. pic.twitter.com/KrGF7mYDaA — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) November 29, 2018 × Bolton described the meeting, which included members of Bolsonaro's national security team, as "wide-ranging" and "very productive." Bolsonaro is an admirer of the US president and, like Trump, took the political establishment by surprise when he won office in October, riding a wave of anger against traditional politicians. He has vowed to sweep out corruption, crack down on crime and align Brazil closely with the United States in a shift towards conservative nationalism. Bolsonaro has threatened to follow Trump's lead and pull Brazil out of the Paris climate agreement, despite having the world's biggest rainforest in the Amazon. (With inputs from Reuters) ×

Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Bolsonaro to US: John Bolton

The destruction of Brazil's Amazon rainforest reached its highest level in a decade this year, government data released on Friday showed, driven by illegal logging and the encroachment of agriculture on the jungle.

Satellite images for the 12 months through the end of July 2018 showed that 7,900 square kilometers (3,050 square miles) of forest were cleared in the Amazon, equivalent to more than half the territory of Jamaica. That was a 13.7 percent increase from the same period in the prior year.

Deforestation is a key factor behind global warming, accounting for around 15 percent of annual emissions of heat-trapping gases, similar to that of the transportation sector.

On Friday, a US&nbsp;government report found that climate change will cost the United States hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century.

Brazil's environment minister Edson Duarte said in a statement that illegal logging was the main factor behind the increase in deforestation in the Amazon. He called on the government to increase its policing of the jungle.

The states of Pará and Mato Grosso were the largest contributors to the deforestation increase. Mato Grosso is Brazil's top grains producer, leading Brazil's booming soybean output.

Brazil's Climate Observatory, a network of non-governmental organizations, said in a separate statement that the increase was not a surprise. Besides illegal logging, it said Brazil's growing commodities sector was contributing to forest destruction as farmers sought to expand.

Marcio Astrini, from the local office of Greenpeace, said the Brazilian government had not done enough to fight deforestation and recent policy moves such as ones reducing areas under federal protection fueled environmental destruction.

Both groups said they were worried that deforestation could increase further during the government of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, due to take office in January. He has sharply criticized the Brazilian environmental protection agency, and the agriculture sector is one of his main political bases.

Despite the recent rise, deforestation remains sharply below the levels recorded in the early 2000s, before the Brazilian government launched a strategy to fight forest destruction. In 2004, for example, more than 27,000 square km were cleared, an area the size of Haiti.

Scientists consider the Amazon as one of nature's best protections against global warming, as it acts as a giant carbon "sink" by absorbing the gas. The jungle is also rich in biodiversity, hosting billions of species yet to be studied.

The destruction of Brazil's Amazon rainforest reached its highest level in a decade this year, government data released on Friday showed, driven by illegal logging and the encroachment of agriculture on the jungle.

The destruction of Brazil's Amazon rainforest reached its highest level in a decade this year, government data released on Friday showed, driven by illegal logging and the encroachment of agriculture on the jungle. Satellite images for the 12 months through the end of July 2018 showed that 7,900 square kilometers (3,050 square miles) of forest were cleared in the Amazon, equivalent to more than half the territory of Jamaica. That was a 13.7 percent increase from the same period in the prior year. Deforestation is a key factor behind global warming, accounting for around 15 percent of annual emissions of heat-trapping gases, similar to that of the transportation sector. On Friday, a US government report found that climate change will cost the United States hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century. Brazil's environment minister Edson Duarte said in a statement that illegal logging was the main factor behind the increase in deforestation in the Amazon. He called on the government to increase its policing of the jungle. The states of Pará and Mato Grosso were the largest contributors to the deforestation increase. Mato Grosso is Brazil's top grains producer, leading Brazil's booming soybean output. Brazil's Climate Observatory, a network of non-governmental organizations, said in a separate statement that the increase was not a surprise. Besides illegal logging, it said Brazil's growing commodities sector was contributing to forest destruction as farmers sought to expand. Marcio Astrini, from the local office of Greenpeace, said the Brazilian government had not done enough to fight deforestation and recent policy moves such as ones reducing areas under federal protection fueled environmental destruction. Both groups said they were worried that deforestation could increase further during the government of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, due to take office in January. He has sharply criticized the Brazilian environmental protection agency, and the agriculture sector is one of his main political bases. Despite the recent rise, deforestation remains sharply below the levels recorded in the early 2000s, before the Brazilian government launched a strategy to fight forest destruction. In 2004, for example, more than 27,000 square km were cleared, an area the size of Haiti. Scientists consider the Amazon as one of nature's best protections against global warming, as it acts as a giant carbon "sink" by absorbing the gas. The jungle is also rich in biodiversity, hosting billions of species yet to be studied.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon reaches decade high

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside.

The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship.

Mercedes will seal the constructors&nbsp;title on Sunday unless Ferrari outscores them by 13 points.

Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole in Brazil last year, qualified third with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen fourth on an all-Finnish second row.

"That was a tough qualifying session," gasped a delighted Hamilton, who had never previously managed to take a pole in a season after winning the title with races to spare.

"The weather was going up and down and we didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, Ferrari are incredibly quick this weekend.

"I didn't know whether or not I had the pole. The last lap wasn`t that great, if I'm honest. I had a bit of understeer in a few places," added the Briton, who has five stars and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna`s design on his helmet.

He was the only one to improve on his final flying lap, after earlier securing provisional pole, with the&nbsp;best time of one minute 07.281 seconds -- a track record and more than a second quicker than last year's pole.&nbsp;

Hamilton and Vettel provided the main talking points of the session, with the former fortunate to escape the immediate attention of the stewards after nearly colliding with the Williams of Russian Sergey Sirotkin in the second phase.

Raikkonen also had to swerve to avoid him in another incident.

Vettel`s summons by the stewards was inevitable after he was called in for weighing at a critical point in the second phase with rain threatening, making it crucial to get in an early timed lap.

With a cone barring access to the weighbridge, he drove into it and then gesticulated angrily for officials to hurry up, before driving off again in a breach of the regulations.

The governing FIA said that by keeping the engine running he had made it hard to get a stable result and by driving off rather than being pushed he had also `destroyed` their equipment.

"They shouldn't call us when the conditions are changing like that, I think it's unfair if somebody gets pulled in. I wanted them to hurry up," said Vettel.

Stewards handed the four-time world champion a reprimand for failing to follow instructions, his first of the season, and a 25,000 euros ($28,335.00) fine.&nbsp;

Before the summons, it looked like Ferrari had pulled off a tactical masterstroke as the only team into the final phase on soft tyres, rather than the faster but quicker-wearing super-soft, giving them a potential advantage at the race start.&nbsp;

Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth with Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo sixth but dropping five places due to a penalty for having a turbocharger replaced.

That will lift Sauber pairing Marcus Ericsson and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to sixth and seventh, the latter producing a phenomenal lap to get into the final phase in tricky conditions with time running out.

Haas's Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will start eighth and 10th respectively with Toro Rosso`s Pierre Gasly sandwiched in between.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside. The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship. Mercedes will seal the constructors title on Sunday unless Ferrari outscores them by 13 points. Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole in Brazil last year, qualified third with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen fourth on an all-Finnish second row. "That was a tough qualifying session," gasped a delighted Hamilton, who had never previously managed to take a pole in a season after winning the title with races to spare. "The weather was going up and down and we didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, Ferrari are incredibly quick this weekend. "I didn't know whether or not I had the pole. The last lap wasn`t that great, if I'm honest. I had a bit of understeer in a few places," added the Briton, who has five stars and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna`s design on his helmet. He was the only one to improve on his final flying lap, after earlier securing provisional pole, with the best time of one minute 07.281 seconds -- a track record and more than a second quicker than last year's pole. Hamilton and Vettel provided the main talking points of the session, with the former fortunate to escape the immediate attention of the stewards after nearly colliding with the Williams of Russian Sergey Sirotkin in the second phase. Raikkonen also had to swerve to avoid him in another incident. Vettel`s summons by the stewards was inevitable after he was called in for weighing at a critical point in the second phase with rain threatening, making it crucial to get in an early timed lap. With a cone barring access to the weighbridge, he drove into it and then gesticulated angrily for officials to hurry up, before driving off again in a breach of the regulations. The governing FIA said that by keeping the engine running he had made it hard to get a stable result and by driving off rather than being pushed he had also `destroyed` their equipment. "They shouldn't call us when the conditions are changing like that, I think it's unfair if somebody gets pulled in. I wanted them to hurry up," said Vettel. Stewards handed the four-time world champion a reprimand for failing to follow instructions, his first of the season, and a 25,000 euros ($28,335.00) fine. Before the summons, it looked like Ferrari had pulled off a tactical masterstroke as the only team into the final phase on soft tyres, rather than the faster but quicker-wearing super-soft, giving them a potential advantage at the race start. Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth with Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo sixth but dropping five places due to a penalty for having a turbocharger replaced. That will lift Sauber pairing Marcus Ericsson and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to sixth and seventh, the latter producing a phenomenal lap to get into the final phase in tricky conditions with time running out. Haas's Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will start eighth and 10th respectively with Toro Rosso`s Pierre Gasly sandwiched in between.

Motor Racing: Lewis Hamilton on pole in Brazil, Vettel alongside

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival.

Moro oversaw the so-called 'Operation Car Wash' probe that convicted former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of bribery and money laundering, blocking the then poll-leader from running against Jair Bolsonaro.

A telegenic 46-year-old who has previously dismissed any political ambitions, Moro flew to Bolsonaro's beachside Rio de Janeiro home on Thursday, where he met with Brazil's next president for about an hour before both announced the decision.

The president-elect scores a clear political victory with the appointment of Moro, who gained a cult following in Brazil after he locked up a string of politicians and businessmen in the country's biggest-ever graft investigation.

But the decision also gives ammunition to his opponents, who have long argued that the 'Car Wash' probe was a politicized purge aimed at sidelining Lula and his leftist Workers Party (PT).

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival.

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival. Moro oversaw the so-called 'Operation Car Wash' probe that convicted former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of bribery and money laundering, blocking the then poll-leader from running against Jair Bolsonaro. A telegenic 46-year-old who has previously dismissed any political ambitions, Moro flew to Bolsonaro's beachside Rio de Janeiro home on Thursday, where he met with Brazil's next president for about an hour before both announced the decision. The president-elect scores a clear political victory with the appointment of Moro, who gained a cult following in Brazil after he locked up a string of politicians and businessmen in the country's biggest-ever graft investigation. But the decision also gives ammunition to his opponents, who have long argued that the 'Car Wash' probe was a politicized purge aimed at sidelining Lula and his leftist Workers Party (PT).

Brazil's Bolsonaro names judge who jailed his rival as justice minister

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Pakistan's ultra-Islamist party&nbsp;blocked roads in major cities for a third day on Friday in&nbsp;protest against the acquittal of a Christian woman&nbsp;Asia Bibi on death row for blasphemy allegations.

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Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch.

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed reports that State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is under "serious consideration" to become the next US ambassador to the United Nations.

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President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was finalising a plan that would require&nbsp;immigrants seeking asylum&nbsp;in the United States to approach a legal port of entry, pushing a hard line on immigration ahead of next week's congressional elections.

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Apple on Thursday reported that its profit leapt in the recently ended quarter, but shares slid on weaker-than-expected iPhone sales and the forecast going into the year-end holiday.

Asia Bibi: Pakistan Islamists block roads to protest acquittal of Christian woman over blasphemy allegations Pakistan's ultra-Islamist party blocked roads in major cities for a third day on Friday in protest against the acquittal of a Christian woman Asia Bibi on death row for blasphemy allegations.

Asia Bibi: Pakistan Islamists block roads to protest acquittal of Christian woman over blasphemy allegations Pakistan's ultra-Islamist party blocked roads in major cities for a third day on Friday in protest against the acquittal of a Christian woman Asia Bibi on death row for blasphemy allegations. Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem: President-elect Jair Bolsonaro Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch. US State Dept spokeswoman Heather Nauert could be next UN envoy: Trump US President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed reports that State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is under "serious consideration" to become the next US ambassador to the United Nations. Trump moves to crack down on asylum seekers ahead of US elections President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was finalising a plan that would require immigrants seeking asylum in the United States to approach a legal port of entry, pushing a hard line on immigration ahead of next week's congressional elections. Apple quarterly profit leaps but shares slip on weaker-than-expected iPhone sales Apple on Thursday reported that its profit leapt in the recently ended quarter, but shares slid on weaker-than-expected iPhone sales and the forecast going into the year-end holiday.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch.

"As previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that," Bolsonaro tweeted, a move that will defy Palestinians and most of the world.

In interviews, Bolsonaro said Israel should have the right to decide where its capital is located, just as Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960. 
Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, with international consensus being that the status of the whole city must be negotiated between the two sides.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.

In December, President Donald Trump reversed longstanding US policy and recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, prompting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to boycott his administration.

The embassy was officially transferred on May 14. Guatemala and Paraguay followed suit, though the latter announced last month it would return its embassy to Tel Aviv.

Bolsonaro, 63, who won a run-off election on Sunday, has outraged many with his overtly misogynistic, homophobic and racist rhetoric. 
Following his victory, Netanyahu told Bolsonaro he was certain his election "will lead to a great friendship between our peoples and the tightening of links between Brazil and Israel."

An official in Netanyahu's office told AFP the Israeli premier was "very likely" to attend Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony in January.

Bolsonaro meanwhile plans to make Israel one of his first foreign trips as president, along with the United States and Chile -- countries that "share our worldview," according to the president-elect's future for chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch. "As previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that," Bolsonaro tweeted, a move that will defy Palestinians and most of the world. In interviews, Bolsonaro said Israel should have the right to decide where its capital is located, just as Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, with international consensus being that the status of the whole city must be negotiated between the two sides. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community. In December, President Donald Trump reversed longstanding US policy and recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, prompting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to boycott his administration. The embassy was officially transferred on May 14. Guatemala and Paraguay followed suit, though the latter announced last month it would return its embassy to Tel Aviv. Bolsonaro, 63, who won a run-off election on Sunday, has outraged many with his overtly misogynistic, homophobic and racist rhetoric. Following his victory, Netanyahu told Bolsonaro he was certain his election "will lead to a great friendship between our peoples and the tightening of links between Brazil and Israel." An official in Netanyahu's office told AFP the Israeli premier was "very likely" to attend Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony in January. Bolsonaro meanwhile plans to make Israel one of his first foreign trips as president, along with the United States and Chile -- countries that "share our worldview," according to the president-elect's future for chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem: President-elect Bolsonaro

The army general tapped by Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to be defence minister said on Wednesday that snipers should be deployed to take down armed criminal suspects.

His comments came after the far-right governor-elect of Rio de Janeiro, Wilson Witzel, met with criticism after announcing he would deploy police snipers to shoot suspects even if officers' lives are not in danger.

"It's a necessary reaction to the ostentatious display of weapons of war, often in the hands of young people," retired general Augusto Heleno told Radio Nacional.

"It's not about killing indiscriminately. You need well-established criteria," he added.

"Police in Rio are very brave... But they need another kind of support."

Rio de Janeiro's impoverished "favela" neighbourhoods are regular scenes of combat-style confrontations between heavily armed drug traffickers and security forces.

Witzel, a vocal Bolsonaro backer, was elected alongside him Sunday after both campaigned on hardline platforms that tapped outrage over violent crime.

Following through on a campaign pledge, the governor-elect said he would instruct police and soldiers to open fire on armed suspects, even if it meant shooting them in the back unprovoked.

"I'd rather defend officers in the courts than go to their funerals," he said in an interview Monday night with TV network Globonews.

He also proposed deploying snipers in helicopters to shoot suspects from above during police operations against drug traffickers.

Asked if his plan included shooting suspects in the back, he said: "Gun in hand? He's a threat. He's going to use that gun to attack anyone who's in front of him."

In February, President Michel Temer deployed the army to Rio to try to gain the upper hand in the bloody war on drug trafficking. Witzel said he wants to extend that 10-month emergency deployment by another 10 months.

In a country that registered a record 63,880 murders last year, many Brazilians are fed up with violent crime - a big factor in Bolsonaro's victory, and those of 12 far-right governors swept to office with him.

But rights activists said Witzel's proposals were not even legal.

"Giving prior authorization to automatically kill anyone who may be armed when there is no imminent risk to life is an affront to Brazilian and international law," Amnesty International said in a statement.

"It would only result in an escalation of violence and put hundreds of thousands of people's lives at risk, including those of the officers themselves." Witzel, a little-known federal judge, surged to victory in Brazil's "Bolsonaro wave" after declaring his fervent support for the far-right former army captain.

Bolsonaro's own crime-fighting proposals include relaxing gun-control laws so "good people" can take justice into their own hands.

"Those who don't respect the law need to understand they will be held responsible, either before the law or by being taken down," he said Monday in his first interview as president-elect.

The army general tapped by Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to be defence minister said on Wednesday that snipers should be deployed to take down armed criminal suspects.

The army general tapped by Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to be defence minister said on Wednesday that snipers should be deployed to take down armed criminal suspects. His comments came after the far-right governor-elect of Rio de Janeiro, Wilson Witzel, met with criticism after announcing he would deploy police snipers to shoot suspects even if officers' lives are not in danger. "It's a necessary reaction to the ostentatious display of weapons of war, often in the hands of young people," retired general Augusto Heleno told Radio Nacional. "It's not about killing indiscriminately. You need well-established criteria," he added. "Police in Rio are very brave... But they need another kind of support." Rio de Janeiro's impoverished "favela" neighbourhoods are regular scenes of combat-style confrontations between heavily armed drug traffickers and security forces. Witzel, a vocal Bolsonaro backer, was elected alongside him Sunday after both campaigned on hardline platforms that tapped outrage over violent crime. Following through on a campaign pledge, the governor-elect said he would instruct police and soldiers to open fire on armed suspects, even if it meant shooting them in the back unprovoked. "I'd rather defend officers in the courts than go to their funerals," he said in an interview Monday night with TV network Globonews. He also proposed deploying snipers in helicopters to shoot suspects from above during police operations against drug traffickers. Asked if his plan included shooting suspects in the back, he said: "Gun in hand? He's a threat. He's going to use that gun to attack anyone who's in front of him." In February, President Michel Temer deployed the army to Rio to try to gain the upper hand in the bloody war on drug trafficking. Witzel said he wants to extend that 10-month emergency deployment by another 10 months. In a country that registered a record 63,880 murders last year, many Brazilians are fed up with violent crime - a big factor in Bolsonaro's victory, and those of 12 far-right governors swept to office with him. But rights activists said Witzel's proposals were not even legal. "Giving prior authorization to automatically kill anyone who may be armed when there is no imminent risk to life is an affront to Brazilian and international law," Amnesty International said in a statement. "It would only result in an escalation of violence and put hundreds of thousands of people's lives at risk, including those of the officers themselves." Witzel, a little-known federal judge, surged to victory in Brazil's "Bolsonaro wave" after declaring his fervent support for the far-right former army captain. Bolsonaro's own crime-fighting proposals include relaxing gun-control laws so "good people" can take justice into their own hands. "Those who don't respect the law need to understand they will be held responsible, either before the law or by being taken down," he said Monday in his first interview as president-elect.

Brazil's next defence minister wants snipers to take out criminals

By Helder Ferreira do Vale

After the most polarised and divisive campaign in its modern history, Brazil has elected as its next president a right-wing politician who openly disdains human rights and admires military dictators.

Jair Bolsonaro, a 63-year-old congressman who had strong evangelical backing for his law-and-order stance on policing, support for gun rights and opposition to abortion, won 55 per cent of votes. Bolsonaro’s leftist competitor, Fernando Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of São Paulo, received 45 per cent of the roughly 100 million ballots cast.

Bolsonaro’s angry, populist campaign rhetoric led many newspapers and public figures worldwide to declare his candidacy a threat to democracy. But 57.8 million Brazilians on Sunday showed less concern about Bolsonaro’s message.

Haddad, his opponent, joined Brazil’s presidential race less than a month before the first round of voting. The Workers Party, which has run Brazil since 2002, tapped Haddad to replace front-runner Inacio Lula de Silva, a wildly popular former president jailed on corruption charges in July. Haddad was unable to retain Lula’s lead.

Brazil’s politics of disillusionment

Bolsonaro’s victory will likely worsen an already acute crisis in Brazil, the second-most populous nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Once a rising star in the developing world, Brazil has been mired in severe recession and political turmoil since 2015. Hundreds of politicians, including former President Lula, have been arrested and jailed in a judicial investigation that has exposed corruption at the highest levels of government.

That corruption has consequences: A survey conducted in August by the Brazilian Institute of Public Opinion and Statistics showed that only 25 per cent of citizens trusted their federal government and 18 per cent trusted Congress.

In such circumstances, Bolsonaro’s win as an anti-establishment candidate was predictable – and not just because Bolsonaro had maintained a clear lead in the polls ever since Lula withdrew in September.

When voters don’t believe in their politicians or government institutions, candidates who tap into voter disdain for the political system can find success. In my scholarly research on democratization, this is what I call the “politics of disillusionment.”

This phenomenon helped conservative outsiders to win in the United States, Italy and Hungary.

Now, disillusionment in Brazil has handed victory to a right-wing populist who promises to purge the country of his leftist opponents.

“Either they go overseas, or they go to jail,” he told a huge crowd in São Paulo in one of his last appearances before Sunday’s vote.

Inflammatory rhetoric and militarism

Bolsonaro has been in Congress for three decades. But to harness popular rage against the system, his campaign offered an outsider’s scathing critique of Brazilian society.

In response to rampant political corruption and extreme violence in Brazil, Bolsonaro defended military dictatorships like the one that ran Brazil from 1964 to 1985. The only problem with Brazil’s former authoritarian leaders, Bolsonaro said, was that they “tortured rather than killed” dissenters.

Critics say his adulation of the military raises serious doubts about the future of Brazil’s 33-year-old democracy.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain, regularly uses homophobic, misogynistic and racist rhetoric against large swaths of Brazil’s population. He has said that he would “never allow” his children to get romantically involved with a black person and that he was “incapable of loving a homosexual son.”

Bolsonaro also once told a fellow congressional representative that she “did not deserve to be raped” by him because she was “terrible and ugly.”

His candidacy was met by outrage and mass protest by women.

The president-elect’s ambiguous policy agenda 
 
Beyond his inflammatory rhetoric, Bolsonaro has offered few specifics about how he would govern Brazil.

He skipped presidential debates and avoided tough questions about whether he would make economic and political reforms to help get Brazil out of its three-year-long crisis.

To tackle record-high crime, the president-elect has said he will ease gun laws and reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16. He is a staunch proponent of restarting the death penalty in Brazil, saying he would “volunteer to kill those on death row” himself.

Brazil has the world’s third-largest prison population. Sixty-four percent of those incarcerated are black.

Bolsonaro also wants to end affirmative action at Brazilian public universities.

He considers abortion to be murder. The procedure is banned in Brazil, but in recent years women’s groups have been pushing to liberalize abortion laws. That is unlikely to happen under Bolsonaro.

Some analysts have suggested that Congress may rein in Bolsonaro’s more radical tendencies. But evidence from the United States and elsewhere suggests that in the politics of disillusion, presidents who campaign as extremist govern as extremists.

Bolsonaro takes office on January 1. Brazil’s political institutions, already weakened by corruption and public outrage, will face great pressure to show that they can withstand the new president’s populist ambitions and militaristic instincts.

It is a daunting challenge for Brazil’s young and, I fear, faltering democracy.

(Helder Ferreira do Vale is Associate Professor, Graduate School of International and Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/bolsonaro-wins-brazil-election-promises-to-purge-leftists-from-country-105481">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Helder Ferreira do Vale After the most polarised and divisive campaign in its modern history, Brazil has elected as its next president a right-wing politician who openly disdains human rights and admires military dictators.

By Helder Ferreira do Vale After the most polarised and divisive campaign in its modern history, Brazil has elected as its next president a right-wing politician who openly disdains human rights and admires military dictators. Jair Bolsonaro, a 63-year-old congressman who had strong evangelical backing for his law-and-order stance on policing, support for gun rights and opposition to abortion, won 55 per cent of votes. Bolsonaro’s leftist competitor, Fernando Haddad, a former education minister and ex-mayor of São Paulo, received 45 per cent of the roughly 100 million ballots cast. Bolsonaro’s angry, populist campaign rhetoric led many newspapers and public figures worldwide to declare his candidacy a threat to democracy. But 57.8 million Brazilians on Sunday showed less concern about Bolsonaro’s message. Haddad, his opponent, joined Brazil’s presidential race less than a month before the first round of voting. The Workers Party, which has run Brazil since 2002, tapped Haddad to replace front-runner Inacio Lula de Silva, a wildly popular former president jailed on corruption charges in July. Haddad was unable to retain Lula’s lead. Brazil’s politics of disillusionment Bolsonaro’s victory will likely worsen an already acute crisis in Brazil, the second-most populous nation in the Western Hemisphere. Once a rising star in the developing world, Brazil has been mired in severe recession and political turmoil since 2015. Hundreds of politicians, including former President Lula, have been arrested and jailed in a judicial investigation that has exposed corruption at the highest levels of government. That corruption has consequences: A survey conducted in August by the Brazilian Institute of Public Opinion and Statistics showed that only 25 per cent of citizens trusted their federal government and 18 per cent trusted Congress. In such circumstances, Bolsonaro’s win as an anti-establishment candidate was predictable – and not just because Bolsonaro had maintained a clear lead in the polls ever since Lula withdrew in September. When voters don’t believe in their politicians or government institutions, candidates who tap into voter disdain for the political system can find success. In my scholarly research on democratization, this is what I call the “politics of disillusionment.” This phenomenon helped conservative outsiders to win in the United States, Italy and Hungary. Now, disillusionment in Brazil has handed victory to a right-wing populist who promises to purge the country of his leftist opponents. “Either they go overseas, or they go to jail,” he told a huge crowd in São Paulo in one of his last appearances before Sunday’s vote. Inflammatory rhetoric and militarism Bolsonaro has been in Congress for three decades. But to harness popular rage against the system, his campaign offered an outsider’s scathing critique of Brazilian society. In response to rampant political corruption and extreme violence in Brazil, Bolsonaro defended military dictatorships like the one that ran Brazil from 1964 to 1985. The only problem with Brazil’s former authoritarian leaders, Bolsonaro said, was that they “tortured rather than killed” dissenters. Critics say his adulation of the military raises serious doubts about the future of Brazil’s 33-year-old democracy. Bolsonaro, a former army captain, regularly uses homophobic, misogynistic and racist rhetoric against large swaths of Brazil’s population. He has said that he would “never allow” his children to get romantically involved with a black person and that he was “incapable of loving a homosexual son.” Bolsonaro also once told a fellow congressional representative that she “did not deserve to be raped” by him because she was “terrible and ugly.” His candidacy was met by outrage and mass protest by women. The president-elect’s ambiguous policy agenda Beyond his inflammatory rhetoric, Bolsonaro has offered few specifics about how he would govern Brazil. He skipped presidential debates and avoided tough questions about whether he would make economic and political reforms to help get Brazil out of its three-year-long crisis. To tackle record-high crime, the president-elect has said he will ease gun laws and reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16. He is a staunch proponent of restarting the death penalty in Brazil, saying he would “volunteer to kill those on death row” himself. Brazil has the world’s third-largest prison population. Sixty-four percent of those incarcerated are black. Bolsonaro also wants to end affirmative action at Brazilian public universities. He considers abortion to be murder. The procedure is banned in Brazil, but in recent years women’s groups have been pushing to liberalize abortion laws. That is unlikely to happen under Bolsonaro. Some analysts have suggested that Congress may rein in Bolsonaro’s more radical tendencies. But evidence from the United States and elsewhere suggests that in the politics of disillusion, presidents who campaign as extremist govern as extremists. Bolsonaro takes office on January 1. Brazil’s political institutions, already weakened by corruption and public outrage, will face great pressure to show that they can withstand the new president’s populist ambitions and militaristic instincts. It is a daunting challenge for Brazil’s young and, I fear, faltering democracy. (Helder Ferreira do Vale is Associate Professor, Graduate School of International and Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Here's what Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency means for Brazil

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