Donald Trump praises Theresa May as Brexit battle continous

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-significance-of-golan-heights-204773">Golan Heights</a> after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-unfortunate-statement-on-golan-heights-brings-region-to-edge-of-new-crisis-erdogan-204870">President Donald Trump</a> said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory.

Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari urged the council to "take practical measures to ensure that the council is fulfilling ... its mandate in the implementation of its resolutions" concerning the Golan, in a letter seen by AFP.

The council is scheduled to discuss the Golan on Wednesday during a meeting on renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed between Israel and Syria in the Golan, known as UNDOF.

Trump broke with decades of US Middle East policy when he posted a Tweet on Thursday that said it was time to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan.&nbsp;

In the letter, the Syrian ambassador also asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to reaffirm the UN position on Israel's occupation of the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Asked about Trump's stance, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said UN policy was based on council resolutions and those of the General Assembly on the status of the Golan.

"The resolutions are of course unchanged," said Haq. "Our policies have not changed in that regard."

The United States backed Resolution 242 adopted in 1967, which calls on Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied in the Six-Day War and refers to the "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war".

The council adopted another resolution in 1973 that reaffirmed the demand for withdrawal and in 1981, backed a separate measure that rejected Israel's annexation of the Golan.

After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution in 2017 condemning the decision to the General Assembly that won overwhelming support.

UN diplomats said it was premature to speculate as to whether there would be a similar measure in the assembly.

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory.

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory. Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari urged the council to "take practical measures to ensure that the council is fulfilling ... its mandate in the implementation of its resolutions" concerning the Golan, in a letter seen by AFP. The council is scheduled to discuss the Golan on Wednesday during a meeting on renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed between Israel and Syria in the Golan, known as UNDOF. Trump broke with decades of US Middle East policy when he posted a Tweet on Thursday that said it was time to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan. In the letter, the Syrian ambassador also asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to reaffirm the UN position on Israel's occupation of the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Asked about Trump's stance, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said UN policy was based on council resolutions and those of the General Assembly on the status of the Golan. "The resolutions are of course unchanged," said Haq. "Our policies have not changed in that regard." The United States backed Resolution 242 adopted in 1967, which calls on Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied in the Six-Day War and refers to the "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war". The council adopted another resolution in 1973 that reaffirmed the demand for withdrawal and in 1981, backed a separate measure that rejected Israel's annexation of the Golan. After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution in 2017 condemning the decision to the General Assembly that won overwhelming support. UN diplomats said it was premature to speculate as to whether there would be a similar measure in the assembly.

Syria asks UN council to uphold resolutions on Golan Heights

A Republican congressman is suing Twitter claiming the online platform discriminates against conservatives by hiding their messages, and for allowing "abusive, hateful and defamatory" content about the lawmaker.

The complaint was filed by Representative Devin Nunes, an ally of President Donald Trump, in a Virginia state court, and released online by Fox News. It seeks $250 million in damages.

Nunes alleges that Twitter "shadow bans" conservatives -- purportedly making their messages less visible -- and failed to crack down on parody accounts such as "Devin Nunes' Mom" and "Devin Nunes' cow" which accused him of obstructing investigations into the president.

The suit echoes accusations from Trump that major internet platforms discriminate against conservatives, even though he himself has more than 59 million followers on Twitter.

Twitter declined to comment on the lawsuit, but has in the past vigorously denied claims that its platform is politically biased.

Legal analysts have largely maintained that internet platforms such as Twitter are not liable for most content posted by third parties, but the Nunes lawsuit claims Twitter was negligent and failed to enforce its own terms of service.

"Twitter let it happen because Twitter had (and has) a political agenda and motive," the lawsuit said.

The complaint included many of the insulting tweets, including one from the Devin Nunes' Mom account stating: "Are you trying to obstruct a federal investigation again? You come home right this instant or no more Minecraft!"

Other tweets accused the lawmaker of having "white supremacist friends" and distributing "disturbing inflammatory racial propaganda."

Nunes, who represents a district in California, is a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and was accused of undermining the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Trump himself weighed in on the issue again on Tuesday, retweeting a message about the lawsuit and repeating his claims about bias by internet firms.

"Facebook, Google and Twitter, not to mention the Corrupt Media, are sooo on the side of the Radical Left Democrats. But fear not, we will win anyway, just like we did before!" Trump tweeted.

A Republican congressman is suing Twitter claiming the online platform discriminates against conservatives by hiding their messages, and for allowing "abusive, hateful and defamatory" content about the lawmaker.

A Republican congressman is suing Twitter claiming the online platform discriminates against conservatives by hiding their messages, and for allowing "abusive, hateful and defamatory" content about the lawmaker. The complaint was filed by Representative Devin Nunes, an ally of President Donald Trump, in a Virginia state court, and released online by Fox News. It seeks $250 million in damages. Nunes alleges that Twitter "shadow bans" conservatives -- purportedly making their messages less visible -- and failed to crack down on parody accounts such as "Devin Nunes' Mom" and "Devin Nunes' cow" which accused him of obstructing investigations into the president. The suit echoes accusations from Trump that major internet platforms discriminate against conservatives, even though he himself has more than 59 million followers on Twitter. Twitter declined to comment on the lawsuit, but has in the past vigorously denied claims that its platform is politically biased. Legal analysts have largely maintained that internet platforms such as Twitter are not liable for most content posted by third parties, but the Nunes lawsuit claims Twitter was negligent and failed to enforce its own terms of service. "Twitter let it happen because Twitter had (and has) a political agenda and motive," the lawsuit said. The complaint included many of the insulting tweets, including one from the Devin Nunes' Mom account stating: "Are you trying to obstruct a federal investigation again? You come home right this instant or no more Minecraft!" Other tweets accused the lawmaker of having "white supremacist friends" and distributing "disturbing inflammatory racial propaganda." Nunes, who represents a district in California, is a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and was accused of undermining the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Trump himself weighed in on the issue again on Tuesday, retweeting a message about the lawsuit and repeating his claims about bias by internet firms. "Facebook, Google and Twitter, not to mention the Corrupt Media, are sooo on the side of the Radical Left Democrats. But fear not, we will win anyway, just like we did before!" Trump tweeted.

US lawmaker Devin Nunes sues Twitter, alleging anti-conservative bias

United States President Donald Trump is expected to sign a veto of the congressional measure to end his emergency declaration to get funds to build a border wall at a 3:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) event on Friday, a White House spokesman said.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters Trump would be flanked by border officials and people who have had family members killed by someone who is in the United States illegally.

The veto would be the first of Trump's presidency. On Thursday, Democrats and Republicans rebuked Trump over his decision to circumvent Congress and take money already designated for other programs to pay for his barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump has said he wants a wall to prevent immigrants from crossing into the United States, describing the situation as a national emergency. Democrats deny there is an emergency at the border, saying border crossings are at a four-decade low.

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate voted to end his border emergency declaration, with 12 of Trump's fellow Republicans joining Democrats. The numbers did not make it to the level required to override a veto, meaning Trump would secure his plans despite congressional disapproval.

The president made a border wall a central promise of his 2016 campaign for the White House. He initially insisted that Mexico would pay for the wall but it has declined to do so. Last year, Trump forced a government shutdown over an impasse with Congress over funding for the barrier.

When a deal to prevent another shutdown did not give him the funding he requested, Trump declared a national emergency, redirecting funds that were allocated for other projects to build the barrier instead.

United States President Donald Trump is expected to sign a veto of the congressional measure to end his emergency declaration to get funds to build a border wall at a 3:30 p.

United States President Donald Trump is expected to sign a veto of the congressional measure to end his emergency declaration to get funds to build a border wall at a 3:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) event on Friday, a White House spokesman said. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters Trump would be flanked by border officials and people who have had family members killed by someone who is in the United States illegally. The veto would be the first of Trump's presidency. On Thursday, Democrats and Republicans rebuked Trump over his decision to circumvent Congress and take money already designated for other programs to pay for his barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump has said he wants a wall to prevent immigrants from crossing into the United States, describing the situation as a national emergency. Democrats deny there is an emergency at the border, saying border crossings are at a four-decade low. The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate voted to end his border emergency declaration, with 12 of Trump's fellow Republicans joining Democrats. The numbers did not make it to the level required to override a veto, meaning Trump would secure his plans despite congressional disapproval. The president made a border wall a central promise of his 2016 campaign for the White House. He initially insisted that Mexico would pay for the wall but it has declined to do so. Last year, Trump forced a government shutdown over an impasse with Congress over funding for the barrier. When a deal to prevent another shutdown did not give him the funding he requested, Trump declared a national emergency, redirecting funds that were allocated for other projects to build the barrier instead.

Trump expected to veto lawmakers' measure against border wall

US President Donald Trump condemned the "horrible massacre" at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, a deadly attack that killed 49 people in what the White House called a "vicious act of hate."

The massacre during Friday prayers wounded more than 40 others in the country's worst-ever mass shooting, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as terrorism.

"My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

Earlier, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that the United States strongly condemned the attack.

"The United States strongly condemns the attack in Christchurch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and their government against this vicious act of hate,” Sanders said.

The accused gunman's manifesto praised Trump as "a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump drew strong criticism in the days after a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 when he equated white supremacists with counter-protesters and saying "both sides" were to blame.

He said on the anniversary of the rally in August that he condemns "all types of racism and acts of violence."

Trump has at times indicated his supporters could turn to violence. Asked about possible impeachment in a December interview with Reuters, he said, "I think that the people would revolt if that happened."

US President Donald Trump condemned the "horrible massacre" at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, a deadly attack that killed 49 people in what the White House called a "vicious act of hate.

US President Donald Trump condemned the "horrible massacre" at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, a deadly attack that killed 49 people in what the White House called a "vicious act of hate." The massacre during Friday prayers wounded more than 40 others in the country's worst-ever mass shooting, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as terrorism. "My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter. Earlier, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that the United States strongly condemned the attack. "The United States strongly condemns the attack in Christchurch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and their government against this vicious act of hate,” Sanders said. The accused gunman's manifesto praised Trump as "a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump drew strong criticism in the days after a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 when he equated white supremacists with counter-protesters and saying "both sides" were to blame. He said on the anniversary of the rally in August that he condemns "all types of racism and acts of violence." Trump has at times indicated his supporters could turn to violence. Asked about possible impeachment in a December interview with Reuters, he said, "I think that the people would revolt if that happened."

Trump condemns New Zealand mosque attack as 'horrible massacre'

When Donald Trump spoke with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg on Tuesday to get assurances about the safety of the 737 MAX plane that crashed in Ethiopia, he wasn`t talking to a stranger.

The US president, who owned his own airline, Trump Shuttle, from 1989 to 1992, is an aviation enthusiast. Before becoming president he had his own private jet and since his inauguration, he has taken visible delight in the presidential aircraft, Air Force One.

His aviation connections have expanded during his presidency to include relationships with powerful executives in the defense industry, including Muilenburg, with whom he has talked several times.&nbsp;

Muilenburg told Trump in Tuesday`s morning call that the aircraft was safe and did not need to be grounded, two people briefed on the conversation said.&nbsp;

Later in the day, aviation officials repeated that US flights of the plane would continue.

That leaves the United States as an outlier in its response to Sunday`s crash of a Boeing 737 MAX that killed 157 people. The European Union`s aviation safety regulator on Tuesday suspended all flights by the plane in the bloc; of the top 10 countries by air passenger travel, all but the United States and Japan have halted flights.

US officials, including a bipartisan group of five Senators, are asking why the FAA is not doing the same. US Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican who chairs the Senate subcommittee on aviation and space, said he intends to convene a hearing to investigate.

The Ethiopian crash follows one of a 737 MAX five months ago in Indonesia that killed 189 people. There is no evidence yet that the two disasters are linked. Plane experts say it is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash.

DEEP TIES

Trump personally negotiated with Muilenburg to try to lower the cost of a future version of Air Force One after complaining the price tag was too high.

"He cares about business and he creates open communication lines, and we will have differences from time to time, we may not agree on every topic,” Muilenburg said in a radio interview last month.&nbsp;

But while the relationship hasn`t all been cozy, ties between Boeing and the Trump administration run deep.

Trump has used Boeing products and sites as a backdrop for major announcements over the course of his presidency. In March 2018 he touted the impact of his tax overhaul bill as he visited a plant in St. Louis.

Before joining the Pentagon, acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, who is expected to be named to the post, worked for 31 years at Boeing, where he was general manager for the 787 Dreamliner passenger jet.

Boeing has nominated Nikki Haley, Trump`s former US ambassador to the United Nations who continues to be a close ally, to join its board of directors at the company`s annual shareholders meeting on April 29.

Trump has also put pressure on US allies to buy products from Boeing, the country`s second largest defense contractor which received $104 billion in unclassified defense contracts between 2014 and 2018.&nbsp;

US officials and defense industry sources said that weeks after Trump pressed the Emir of Kuwait in 2018 over a long-delayed deal for Boeing`s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, Kuwait said it would proceed with the order.

Boeing is also one of the largest US exporters to China, and Muilenburg told an aviation summit in Washington that purchases of its US-made aircraft by China could be part of a sweeping trade deal currently being negotiated.

Aircraft exports have thus far been spared from retaliatory Chinese tariffs.

When Donald Trump spoke with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg on Tuesday to get assurances about the safety of the 737 MAX plane that crashed in Ethiopia, he wasn`t talking to a stranger.

When Donald Trump spoke with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg on Tuesday to get assurances about the safety of the 737 MAX plane that crashed in Ethiopia, he wasn`t talking to a stranger. The US president, who owned his own airline, Trump Shuttle, from 1989 to 1992, is an aviation enthusiast. Before becoming president he had his own private jet and since his inauguration, he has taken visible delight in the presidential aircraft, Air Force One. His aviation connections have expanded during his presidency to include relationships with powerful executives in the defense industry, including Muilenburg, with whom he has talked several times. Muilenburg told Trump in Tuesday`s morning call that the aircraft was safe and did not need to be grounded, two people briefed on the conversation said. Later in the day, aviation officials repeated that US flights of the plane would continue. That leaves the United States as an outlier in its response to Sunday`s crash of a Boeing 737 MAX that killed 157 people. The European Union`s aviation safety regulator on Tuesday suspended all flights by the plane in the bloc; of the top 10 countries by air passenger travel, all but the United States and Japan have halted flights. US officials, including a bipartisan group of five Senators, are asking why the FAA is not doing the same. US Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican who chairs the Senate subcommittee on aviation and space, said he intends to convene a hearing to investigate. The Ethiopian crash follows one of a 737 MAX five months ago in Indonesia that killed 189 people. There is no evidence yet that the two disasters are linked. Plane experts say it is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash. DEEP TIES Trump personally negotiated with Muilenburg to try to lower the cost of a future version of Air Force One after complaining the price tag was too high. "He cares about business and he creates open communication lines, and we will have differences from time to time, we may not agree on every topic,” Muilenburg said in a radio interview last month. But while the relationship hasn`t all been cozy, ties between Boeing and the Trump administration run deep. Trump has used Boeing products and sites as a backdrop for major announcements over the course of his presidency. In March 2018 he touted the impact of his tax overhaul bill as he visited a plant in St. Louis. Before joining the Pentagon, acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, who is expected to be named to the post, worked for 31 years at Boeing, where he was general manager for the 787 Dreamliner passenger jet. Boeing has nominated Nikki Haley, Trump`s former US ambassador to the United Nations who continues to be a close ally, to join its board of directors at the company`s annual shareholders meeting on April 29. Trump has also put pressure on US allies to buy products from Boeing, the country`s second largest defense contractor which received $104 billion in unclassified defense contracts between 2014 and 2018. US officials and defense industry sources said that weeks after Trump pressed the Emir of Kuwait in 2018 over a long-delayed deal for Boeing`s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, Kuwait said it would proceed with the order. Boeing is also one of the largest US exporters to China, and Muilenburg told an aviation summit in Washington that purchases of its US-made aircraft by China could be part of a sweeping trade deal currently being negotiated. Aircraft exports have thus far been spared from retaliatory Chinese tariffs.

Ties between Boeing and Trump run deep

President Donald Trump on Monday told Congress to slash funding for foreign aid and the State Department and increase spending for the military and the wall he wants to build on the US-Mexico border in his 2020 budget, the opening move in his next funding fight with Congress.

The Republican president's $4.7 trillion budget is expected to be rejected by Congress, where Democratic leaders on Sunday warned Trump against what they called a "repeat performance" of last year's funding war, which led to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-will-not-reopen-until-we-have-the-mexican-border-wall-trump-to-us-troops-186467">a five-week partial shutdown of the federal government</a>.

This year, the stakes are higher. The October 1 deadline for a funding deal to keep the government running coincides with the deadline to lift the debt limit. Without an increase in the limit, the US government would risk a default, which would shock the world economy.

Trump's budget asked for $8.6 billion to build a wall on the southern border with Mexico, more than six times what Congress gave him for border projects in each of the past two fiscal years, and 6 percent more than he has corralled by invoking emergency powers this year after he failed to get the money he wanted.

Trump called for defence spending to rise by 4 per cent to $750 billion, using the emergency Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account - derided by conservatives as a slush fund - to skirt spending caps set out in a 2011 fiscal restraint law.

Non-defence spending was held below those caps, thanks to steep proposed funding cut to the State Department (23 per cent) and Environmental Protection Agency (31 per cent), among others. The White House also proposed reforms to mandatory spending programs such as food stamps to cut $22 billion.

Even with the cuts, which the White House said would add up to $2.7 trillion in savings over a decade, the budget office said budget would not balance until 2034, exceeding the traditional 10-year outlook.

Tax cuts have been a priority for the Republican White House and Congress in recent years, rather than deficit reduction. The deficit ran to $900 billion in 2019, and the national debt has ballooned to $22 trillion.

President Donald Trump on Monday told Congress to slash funding for foreign aid and the State Department and increase spending for the military and the wall he wants to build on the US-Mexico border in his 2020 budget, the opening move in his next funding fight with Congress.

President Donald Trump on Monday told Congress to slash funding for foreign aid and the State Department and increase spending for the military and the wall he wants to build on the US-Mexico border in his 2020 budget, the opening move in his next funding fight with Congress. The Republican president's $4.7 trillion budget is expected to be rejected by Congress, where Democratic leaders on Sunday warned Trump against what they called a "repeat performance" of last year's funding war, which led to a five-week partial shutdown of the federal government. This year, the stakes are higher. The October 1 deadline for a funding deal to keep the government running coincides with the deadline to lift the debt limit. Without an increase in the limit, the US government would risk a default, which would shock the world economy. Trump's budget asked for $8.6 billion to build a wall on the southern border with Mexico, more than six times what Congress gave him for border projects in each of the past two fiscal years, and 6 percent more than he has corralled by invoking emergency powers this year after he failed to get the money he wanted. Trump called for defence spending to rise by 4 per cent to $750 billion, using the emergency Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account - derided by conservatives as a slush fund - to skirt spending caps set out in a 2011 fiscal restraint law. Non-defence spending was held below those caps, thanks to steep proposed funding cut to the State Department (23 per cent) and Environmental Protection Agency (31 per cent), among others. The White House also proposed reforms to mandatory spending programs such as food stamps to cut $22 billion. Even with the cuts, which the White House said would add up to $2.7 trillion in savings over a decade, the budget office said budget would not balance until 2034, exceeding the traditional 10-year outlook. Tax cuts have been a priority for the Republican White House and Congress in recent years, rather than deficit reduction. The deficit ran to $900 billion in 2019, and the national debt has ballooned to $22 trillion.

Slash foreign aid and increase funding for Mexico wall, military: Trump to Congress

A top US commander on Thursday said though the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban have made considerable progress, much left to be done in war-torn Afghanistan.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's South Asia Strategy is working in Afghanistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fight-against-islamic-state-far-from-over-us-commander-201855">General Joseph Votel</a>, Commander of the US Central Command, told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing.

"The efforts of our Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, are demonstrating that there is a path to progress...But there is much left to do to move towards our end state of reconciliation between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban," he said.

Khalilzad is currently leading a US delegation for talks with the Taliban in Doha. US officials have indicated that progress is being made in the dialogue.

"Our military efforts are focused on supporting the Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) and providing Ambassador Khalilzad with the maximum military pressure and leverage to support his diplomatic efforts to establish a framework that will lead to an Afghan dialogue, a reduction in violence and ultimately a negotiated settlement," Votel said.

He also noted that Afghanistan was used as a platform to attack America in 2001, and as such, the US has an enduring vital national interest to ensure that such an incident doesn't happen again.

"Safeguarding this national interest and preventing violent extremist organisations like al-Qaeda and ISIS-Khorasan from plotting attacks against our country is also a continuing effort for our forces --- one that we will need to be prepared to address as long as violent extremists can operate from this region," the commander said.&nbsp;

A top US commander on Thursday said though the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban have made considerable progress, much left to be done in war-torn Afghanistan.

A top US commander on Thursday said though the ongoing talks between the US and the Taliban have made considerable progress, much left to be done in war-torn Afghanistan. President Donald Trump's South Asia Strategy is working in Afghanistan, General Joseph Votel, Commander of the US Central Command, told members of the House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing. "The efforts of our Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, are demonstrating that there is a path to progress...But there is much left to do to move towards our end state of reconciliation between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban," he said. Khalilzad is currently leading a US delegation for talks with the Taliban in Doha. US officials have indicated that progress is being made in the dialogue. "Our military efforts are focused on supporting the Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) and providing Ambassador Khalilzad with the maximum military pressure and leverage to support his diplomatic efforts to establish a framework that will lead to an Afghan dialogue, a reduction in violence and ultimately a negotiated settlement," Votel said. He also noted that Afghanistan was used as a platform to attack America in 2001, and as such, the US has an enduring vital national interest to ensure that such an incident doesn't happen again. "Safeguarding this national interest and preventing violent extremist organisations like al-Qaeda and ISIS-Khorasan from plotting attacks against our country is also a continuing effort for our forces --- one that we will need to be prepared to address as long as violent extremists can operate from this region," the commander said.

Much left to be done in Afghanistan: US commander

At least 22 people, some of them children, died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, and the death toll was expected to rise as rescuers searched through the rubble of destroyed homes, authorities and media said.

Emergency workers faced a grim night of pulling the dead and injured from the wreckage of homes and businesses.

"The challenge is the sheer volume of the debris where all the homes were located," Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said in an interview with CNN. "It's the most I've seen that I can recall."

Storms, including at least one apparent tornado, uprooted trees and destroyed homes in neighbouring Georgia, initially knocking out power to 21,000 customers, said Georgia Power spokeswoman Meredith Stone.

On Twitter, US President Donald Trump urged residents of Alabama and other areas affected by the storms to be "careful and safe."

"Tornadoes and storms were truly violent and more could be coming," Trump wrote. "To the families and friends of the victims, and to the injured, God bless you all!"

In Alabama, Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said the death toll could rise.

"We've still got people being pulled out of the rubble," he told the Birmingham News newspaper early on Sunday evening. "We're going to be here all night."

The East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika said in a statement that it was treating more than 40 patients as a result of the tornado and expected to receive more. Some patients had been sent to other hospitals, it added.

Cold weather warning

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey warned residents on Twitter that more severe weather might be on the way.

A state of emergency for Alabama, issued on February 23 to deal with flooding, would be extended, she said.

"Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the storms that hit Lee County today," Ivey wrote. "Praying for their families &amp; everyone whose homes or businesses were affected."

Lee County Schools announced on Twitter that campuses in the county would be closed on Monday.

The National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama, said it was sending three survey teams out on Monday to assess damage in Autauga, Macon, Lee and Barbour counties.

"Please stay out of damaged areas so first responders can do their job," the NWS office said on Twitter.

The storm initially left 17,000 customers without power in Alabama, but crews were able to reduce that number to 6,000 by about 9 p.m. EST on Sunday, said Michael Sznajderman, spokesman for the utility Alabama Power.

As thousands faced a night without power, temperatures looked set to fall to near freezing following the storm.

"Colder air will sweep into the Southeast behind the severe weather with temperatures dropping into the 30s (1 C) southward to central Georgia and across most of Alabama by Monday morning," AccuWeather meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

"Those without power who rely on electric heat need to find ways to stay warm," she added.

At least 22 people, some of them children, died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, and the death toll was expected to rise as rescuers searched through the rubble of destroyed homes, authorities and media said.

At least 22 people, some of them children, died after a tornado swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, and the death toll was expected to rise as rescuers searched through the rubble of destroyed homes, authorities and media said. Emergency workers faced a grim night of pulling the dead and injured from the wreckage of homes and businesses. "The challenge is the sheer volume of the debris where all the homes were located," Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said in an interview with CNN. "It's the most I've seen that I can recall." Storms, including at least one apparent tornado, uprooted trees and destroyed homes in neighbouring Georgia, initially knocking out power to 21,000 customers, said Georgia Power spokeswoman Meredith Stone. On Twitter, US President Donald Trump urged residents of Alabama and other areas affected by the storms to be "careful and safe." "Tornadoes and storms were truly violent and more could be coming," Trump wrote. "To the families and friends of the victims, and to the injured, God bless you all!" In Alabama, Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said the death toll could rise. "We've still got people being pulled out of the rubble," he told the Birmingham News newspaper early on Sunday evening. "We're going to be here all night." The East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika said in a statement that it was treating more than 40 patients as a result of the tornado and expected to receive more. Some patients had been sent to other hospitals, it added. Cold weather warning Alabama Governor Kay Ivey warned residents on Twitter that more severe weather might be on the way. A state of emergency for Alabama, issued on February 23 to deal with flooding, would be extended, she said. "Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the storms that hit Lee County today," Ivey wrote. "Praying for their families & everyone whose homes or businesses were affected." Lee County Schools announced on Twitter that campuses in the county would be closed on Monday. The National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama, said it was sending three survey teams out on Monday to assess damage in Autauga, Macon, Lee and Barbour counties. "Please stay out of damaged areas so first responders can do their job," the NWS office said on Twitter. The storm initially left 17,000 customers without power in Alabama, but crews were able to reduce that number to 6,000 by about 9 p.m. EST on Sunday, said Michael Sznajderman, spokesman for the utility Alabama Power. As thousands faced a night without power, temperatures looked set to fall to near freezing following the storm. "Colder air will sweep into the Southeast behind the severe weather with temperatures dropping into the 30s (1 C) southward to central Georgia and across most of Alabama by Monday morning," AccuWeather meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said. "Those without power who rely on electric heat need to find ways to stay warm," she added.

At least 22 dead in Alabama tornado, toll expected to rise: Report

A large group of Central American migrants who US authorities separated from their children last year when they crossed the Mexican border entered the United States again on Saturday asking for refuge and to be reunited with their kids.

A Reuters witness said some 50 people entered the United States at the international border crossing from Mexicali, Mexico into Calexico, California, where they were met by agents from US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

Visibly nervous parents crossed the pedestrian bridge, some with children and carrying luggage, a Reuters witness said. They were accompanied by lawyers from immigration advocacy group Al Otro Lado. The group said 29 parents crossed.

"This is a huge victory for these families, but this fight isn't over until they're reunited with their kids," said Erika Pinheiro, Litigation and Policy Director of Al Otro Lado.

The families, who arrived back in Mexico helped by Al Otro Lado, which means "On the Other Side," hope to present their cases to US authorities and be reunited with their children.

Customs and Border Patrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment out of normal office hours.

In a crackdown on illegal immigration by President Donald Trump's administration, US officials have separated thousands of children from migrant parents who crossed from Mexico into the United States. Many were placed in detention camps before being reunited with their parents.

Other parents were deported back to Central America without their children, some of whom were later sent to foster homes or to live with relatives in the United States.

The US Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general said in a January report that the administration began ramping up separations in 2017. They accelerated in 2018 after Trump implemented a "zero tolerance" policy to criminally prosecute and jail illegal border crossers.

Outrage over the policy led Trump to sign an executive order on June 20, 2018, reversing course.

"We are waiting here in Mexicali, we arrived early. God willing and our cases can be seen," Joe Arteaga, a Honduran man separated from his 15-year old son last year, said before the crossing.

"I know it's a big risk, but we hope for the best," he added.

Families interviewed by Reuters last week in Tijuana said their children were now among those either with relatives or foster parents in the United States. They described their confusion when their kids were taken away by US immigration officials last year.

"Every day I saw my son through a fence ... One day, as he cried, he said 'daddy they're going to deport you,'" said Arnold Flores, a Honduran who said he fled his country after he was beaten and had his house burned down.

"That same day the officers called me, a defence attorney said something to me in English that I didn't understand and I haven't seen my son since," he said.

A large group of Central American migrants who US authorities separated from their children last year when they crossed the Mexican border entered the United States again on Saturday asking for refuge and to be reunited with their kids.

A large group of Central American migrants who US authorities separated from their children last year when they crossed the Mexican border entered the United States again on Saturday asking for refuge and to be reunited with their kids. A Reuters witness said some 50 people entered the United States at the international border crossing from Mexicali, Mexico into Calexico, California, where they were met by agents from US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Visibly nervous parents crossed the pedestrian bridge, some with children and carrying luggage, a Reuters witness said. They were accompanied by lawyers from immigration advocacy group Al Otro Lado. The group said 29 parents crossed. "This is a huge victory for these families, but this fight isn't over until they're reunited with their kids," said Erika Pinheiro, Litigation and Policy Director of Al Otro Lado. The families, who arrived back in Mexico helped by Al Otro Lado, which means "On the Other Side," hope to present their cases to US authorities and be reunited with their children. Customs and Border Patrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment out of normal office hours. In a crackdown on illegal immigration by President Donald Trump's administration, US officials have separated thousands of children from migrant parents who crossed from Mexico into the United States. Many were placed in detention camps before being reunited with their parents. Other parents were deported back to Central America without their children, some of whom were later sent to foster homes or to live with relatives in the United States. The US Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general said in a January report that the administration began ramping up separations in 2017. They accelerated in 2018 after Trump implemented a "zero tolerance" policy to criminally prosecute and jail illegal border crossers. Outrage over the policy led Trump to sign an executive order on June 20, 2018, reversing course. "We are waiting here in Mexicali, we arrived early. God willing and our cases can be seen," Joe Arteaga, a Honduran man separated from his 15-year old son last year, said before the crossing. "I know it's a big risk, but we hope for the best," he added. Families interviewed by Reuters last week in Tijuana said their children were now among those either with relatives or foster parents in the United States. They described their confusion when their kids were taken away by US immigration officials last year. "Every day I saw my son through a fence ... One day, as he cried, he said 'daddy they're going to deport you,'" said Arnold Flores, a Honduran who said he fled his country after he was beaten and had his house burned down. "That same day the officers called me, a defence attorney said something to me in English that I didn't understand and I haven't seen my son since," he said.

Migrant parents separated from children return to US, plead to be reunited

The Pentagon has submitted a proposal to Congress that, if approved, would see the creation of a new "Space Force," officials said Friday.

The move comes at the request of President Donald Trump, who has insisted that a separate branch of military is needed to focus on protecting satellites and tackling vulnerabilities in space.

"Our approach follows President Trump's bold vision for space and commits resources to deliver more capability faster, ensuring the United States can compete, deter, and, if needed, win in a complex domain," Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said.&nbsp;

In its current form, the Space Force would be established as its own branch of the military but would fall under the Air Force, similar to how the Navy oversees the Marine Corps.

Not since the Air Force was stood up in 1947 has the Pentagon created a new military branch&nbsp;Space Force would be the sixth, with the others being the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

But the creation of Space Force is by no means a done deal, as it must be vetted and approved by Congress.&nbsp;

Lawmakers and defence officials have reacted with scepticism -- they are wary of the cost, added bureaucracy and duplication of work currently done by the Air Force.

Space plays a vital role in just about every aspect of modern warfare, with many military technologies reliant on a network of orbiting sensors and satellites, and the Pentagon has warned that countries such as Russia and China are working to build anti-satellite capabilities.

The Pentagon has submitted a proposal to Congress that, if approved, would see the creation of a new "Space Force," officials said Friday. The move comes at the request of President Donald Trump, who has insisted that a separate branch of military is needed to focus on protecting satellites and tackling vulnerabilities in space.

The Pentagon has submitted a proposal to Congress that, if approved, would see the creation of a new "Space Force," officials said Friday. The move comes at the request of President Donald Trump, who has insisted that a separate branch of military is needed to focus on protecting satellites and tackling vulnerabilities in space. "Our approach follows President Trump's bold vision for space and commits resources to deliver more capability faster, ensuring the United States can compete, deter, and, if needed, win in a complex domain," Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said. In its current form, the Space Force would be established as its own branch of the military but would fall under the Air Force, similar to how the Navy oversees the Marine Corps. Not since the Air Force was stood up in 1947 has the Pentagon created a new military branch Space Force would be the sixth, with the others being the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. But the creation of Space Force is by no means a done deal, as it must be vetted and approved by Congress. Lawmakers and defence officials have reacted with scepticism -- they are wary of the cost, added bureaucracy and duplication of work currently done by the Air Force. Space plays a vital role in just about every aspect of modern warfare, with many military technologies reliant on a network of orbiting sensors and satellites, and the Pentagon has warned that countries such as Russia and China are working to build anti-satellite capabilities.

Pentagon submits Space Force proposal to Congress

Two influential American Senators have asked US President Donald Trump to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict between India and Pakistan and ensure that Islamabad does more against the terrorist groups.

In a letter to Trump, Senators Jerry Moran from Kansas and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire said that there is an urgency surrounding the dangerous situation between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.

"We affirm India's right to self-defence in response to attacks planned and executed by Pakistani-based terrorist groups designated by the United States and United Nations and welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent decision to release a captured Air Force officer from India, the two Senators wrote.

They also urged Trump to ensure that Pakistan does more against the terrorist groups.&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Following the attack, India bombed and destroyed JeM's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 80-km from the Line of Control (LoC) early Tuesday, killing a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders.

Pakistan detained Indian Air Force Pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Wednesday following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed.

However, in a surprise announcement during a joint session of Parliament, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday that the captured IAF pilot Varthaman will be released on Friday as a gesture of peace.

The two American Senators said that they were concerned that the crisis might scale into an all-out war given the thousands of troops amassed along the countries' border, heavy artillery barrages and gunfire recorded in the area and tank columns taking formation.

"We share your position that Pakistan must do more to combat these anti-India extremist groups that destabilise the region and urge you to use your authority to pursue a peaceful resolution to this conflict before it grows," Moran from the ruling Republican party and Shaheen from the Democratic party said.

In light of recent events, and the spectre of the use of nuclear weapons should Pakistan and India continue to escalate hostilities, we strongly implore the direct and sustained engagement of the highest levels of your administration, they said.

Noting that the US historically has conducted essential diplomacy to defuse previous crises in South Asia, the two Senators said that they are heartened by the Secretary of State's engagement and his recent statement that We've been in the middle to calm heightened tensions in Kashmir.

As in the past, the United States should continue to take a hands-on approach, and, when appropriate, should work with other interested regional actors to apply appropriate pressure on Islamabad and New Delhi to address the underlying causes of the conflict," the two senators said.

They pointed to the key positions lying vacant in the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department.

"We would be remiss if the issue of important State Department vacancies subject to Senate confirmation was not raised. Our nation currently lacks an ambassador to Pakistan, and despite her sterling reputation," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice G. Wells remains serving in an 'acting' capacity, they said.

"We encourage you to submit expeditiously to the Senate nominees for these critical positions and am intent to confirm qualified nominees in a timely manner," the letter said.

"The United States must be well-positioned to assist in conflict prevention and mitigation that threatens the interests of our nation and our partners,? the Senators wrote.&nbsp;

Two influential American Senators have asked US President Donald Trump to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict between India and Pakistan and ensure that Islamabad does more against the terrorist groups.

Two influential American Senators have asked US President Donald Trump to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict between India and Pakistan and ensure that Islamabad does more against the terrorist groups. In a letter to Trump, Senators Jerry Moran from Kansas and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire said that there is an urgency surrounding the dangerous situation between India and Pakistan in Kashmir. "We affirm India's right to self-defence in response to attacks planned and executed by Pakistani-based terrorist groups designated by the United States and United Nations and welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent decision to release a captured Air Force officer from India, the two Senators wrote. They also urged Trump to ensure that Pakistan does more against the terrorist groups. Tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the attack, India bombed and destroyed JeM's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 80-km from the Line of Control (LoC) early Tuesday, killing a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders. Pakistan detained Indian Air Force Pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Wednesday following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed. However, in a surprise announcement during a joint session of Parliament, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday that the captured IAF pilot Varthaman will be released on Friday as a gesture of peace. The two American Senators said that they were concerned that the crisis might scale into an all-out war given the thousands of troops amassed along the countries' border, heavy artillery barrages and gunfire recorded in the area and tank columns taking formation. "We share your position that Pakistan must do more to combat these anti-India extremist groups that destabilise the region and urge you to use your authority to pursue a peaceful resolution to this conflict before it grows," Moran from the ruling Republican party and Shaheen from the Democratic party said. In light of recent events, and the spectre of the use of nuclear weapons should Pakistan and India continue to escalate hostilities, we strongly implore the direct and sustained engagement of the highest levels of your administration, they said. Noting that the US historically has conducted essential diplomacy to defuse previous crises in South Asia, the two Senators said that they are heartened by the Secretary of State's engagement and his recent statement that We've been in the middle to calm heightened tensions in Kashmir. As in the past, the United States should continue to take a hands-on approach, and, when appropriate, should work with other interested regional actors to apply appropriate pressure on Islamabad and New Delhi to address the underlying causes of the conflict," the two senators said. They pointed to the key positions lying vacant in the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department. "We would be remiss if the issue of important State Department vacancies subject to Senate confirmation was not raised. Our nation currently lacks an ambassador to Pakistan, and despite her sterling reputation," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice G. Wells remains serving in an 'acting' capacity, they said. "We encourage you to submit expeditiously to the Senate nominees for these critical positions and am intent to confirm qualified nominees in a timely manner," the letter said. "The United States must be well-positioned to assist in conflict prevention and mitigation that threatens the interests of our nation and our partners,? the Senators wrote.

US Senators urge Trump to pursue peaceful resolution to India-Pak conflict

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to delay the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-inquiry-to-probe-russian-agents-meetings-with-treasury-fed-197701">sentencing of Maria Butina</a>, who has admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and make inroads with US conservative activists and Republicans, at the request of a prosecutor who cited her ongoing cooperation.

Butina, 30, has been in custody since her arrest in July. She pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia.

Robert Driscoll, Butina's attorney, told US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in court on Tuesday his client is ready to be sentenced.

"From our perspective, we're ready to go," Driscoll said.

Erik Kenerson, the lead prosecutor, said the prosecution still needs Butina's cooperation in its ongoing probe, but did not elaborate.

Chutkan said she is sensitive to the defence's concerns, but agreed to postpone sentencing and hold a status hearing on March 28.

"Ms Butina has been detained for a substantial portion of what she would likely face," Chutkan said. But, the judge added that "her cooperation continues to be needed by the government."

The group Butina admitted to trying to infiltrate is the National Rifle Association, which has close ties to Republicans including President Donald Trump.

The prosecution has indicated the involvement of others in the Butina case.

Paul Erickson, a conservative US political activist with deep Republican ties who was romantically linked to Butina, was referred in court records in the case as "Person 1." Those records stated that "Person 1" helped advise Butina on which American politicians she should target for meetings.

Erickson is well-known in Republican circles and previously served as a senior official in Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign.

Federal prosecutors in South Dakota this month said Erickson was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering in charges unrelated to those brought against Butina. But Erickson's indictment did appear to make a reference to Butina when it said he made a payment of $8,000 to an "MB" in June 2015 and another payment to "MB" in March 2017.

The indictment said Erickson paid about $20,000 in June 2017 to American University in Washington, the school from which Butina obtained her master's degree.

William Hurd, an attorney for Erickson, declined to comment when asked about the prosecution's request to delay sentencing for Butina.

Alexander Torshin, who was a deputy governor of Russia's central bank and employed Butina as a translator and assistant, has been identified by her lawyers as a Russian official cited in court records. Torshin was hit with US Treasury Department sanctions in April, but has not been charged in this case.

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to delay the sentencing of Maria Butina, who has admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and make inroads with US conservative activists and Republicans, at the request of a prosecutor who cited her ongoing cooperation.

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to delay the sentencing of Maria Butina, who has admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and make inroads with US conservative activists and Republicans, at the request of a prosecutor who cited her ongoing cooperation. Butina, 30, has been in custody since her arrest in July. She pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia. Robert Driscoll, Butina's attorney, told US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in court on Tuesday his client is ready to be sentenced. "From our perspective, we're ready to go," Driscoll said. Erik Kenerson, the lead prosecutor, said the prosecution still needs Butina's cooperation in its ongoing probe, but did not elaborate. Chutkan said she is sensitive to the defence's concerns, but agreed to postpone sentencing and hold a status hearing on March 28. "Ms Butina has been detained for a substantial portion of what she would likely face," Chutkan said. But, the judge added that "her cooperation continues to be needed by the government." The group Butina admitted to trying to infiltrate is the National Rifle Association, which has close ties to Republicans including President Donald Trump. The prosecution has indicated the involvement of others in the Butina case. Paul Erickson, a conservative US political activist with deep Republican ties who was romantically linked to Butina, was referred in court records in the case as "Person 1." Those records stated that "Person 1" helped advise Butina on which American politicians she should target for meetings. Erickson is well-known in Republican circles and previously served as a senior official in Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign. Federal prosecutors in South Dakota this month said Erickson was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering in charges unrelated to those brought against Butina. But Erickson's indictment did appear to make a reference to Butina when it said he made a payment of $8,000 to an "MB" in June 2015 and another payment to "MB" in March 2017. The indictment said Erickson paid about $20,000 in June 2017 to American University in Washington, the school from which Butina obtained her master's degree. William Hurd, an attorney for Erickson, declined to comment when asked about the prosecution's request to delay sentencing for Butina. Alexander Torshin, who was a deputy governor of Russia's central bank and employed Butina as a translator and assistant, has been identified by her lawyers as a Russian official cited in court records. Torshin was hit with US Treasury Department sanctions in April, but has not been charged in this case.

US judge delays sentencing of Russian agent Butina

The US State Department refused more than 37,000 visa applications in 2018 due to the Trump administration's travel ban, up from less than 1,000 the previous year when the ban had not fully taken effect, according to agency data released on Tuesday.

The United States denies nearly 4 million visa applications a year for a variety of reasons, including for practising polygamy, abducting children or simply not qualifying for the visa in question. The data released Tuesday was the first comprehensive look at the human impact of Republican President Donald Trump's ban, imposed shortly after he took office and initially blocked by federal courts.

The ban has especially affected people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, countries where the number of visas issued slid 80 per cent in 2018 from 2016, the last year without a travel ban.

Trump's initial January 2017 executive order banning entry to the United States by citizens of several Muslim-majority countries launched a fierce fight in federal courts over whether the policy amounts to an unlawful "Muslim ban" or is a legal exercise of presidential power.

The administration revised the policy following court challenges, and the Supreme Court allowed it to largely go into effect in December 2017 while legal challenges continued. In June 2018, the high court upheld the new version of the ban.

As a result, most people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen have not been able to enter the United States for well over a year. Venezuela and North Korea also were targeted in the current policy, but those restrictions were not challenged in court.

The figures released on Tuesday show the government denied 15,384 applications for immigrant visas - given to those who want to live permanently in the United States - due to the "2017 Executive Order on Immigration." A State Department spokeswoman confirmed that term referred to the travel ban policy.

In addition, 21,645 applications for non-immigrant visas - given to people coming for short-term visits for business, tourism or other reasons - were denied due to the ban.

Approximately 2,200 visa applications overcame denials based on the travel ban last year, but it was unclear how many of those applications were initially made last year or earlier.

The data did not include how many visa applications were made by citizens from countries affected by the travel ban.

Every month, the State Department releases the numbers of visas issued to citizens of all countries, including those under the travel ban, but it does not publish equivalent monthly information on the number of visa applications or denials by country.

Other, previously released data from the State Department shows that the number of US visas issued to citizens of the countries under the travel ban has dropped drastically as a result of its implementation.

In the fiscal year from October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018, citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen - the five countries consistently on the travel ban list throughout its different iterations - received approximately 14,600 US visas. That is down 80 per cent from approximately 72,000 visas issued for citizens of those countries in the 2016 fiscal year when no such ban was in place.

The denials have affected people like Rasha Jarhum, a Yemeni human rights defender who applied for a US visitor visa in October to attend events on women's rights.

The US consular officer "refused to even take my passport to process anything," Jarhum said. The officer handed her a piece of paper citing the executive order as the reason for her visa denial, a picture of which Jarhum posted on Twitter.

Ahmad Shariftabrizi, a US citizen and oncologist in New York, is considering leaving the United States if his wife, an Iranian citizen, is unable to receive a visa to join him.

The couple, who wed in 2017, applied for her visa that year, and she was denied in December 2018, he said in a phone interview. The US government is now reviewing whether she is eligible for a waiver to the ban, which has been rarely granted.

The uncertainty and distance is extracting a huge emotional toll on the couple.

"The separation from my wife is making both of us break down psychologically," he said. "It's extremely difficult."

The US State Department refused more than 37,000 visa applications in 2018 due to the Trump administration's travel ban, up from less than 1,000 the previous year when the ban had not fully taken effect, according to agency data released on Tuesday.

The US State Department refused more than 37,000 visa applications in 2018 due to the Trump administration's travel ban, up from less than 1,000 the previous year when the ban had not fully taken effect, according to agency data released on Tuesday. The United States denies nearly 4 million visa applications a year for a variety of reasons, including for practising polygamy, abducting children or simply not qualifying for the visa in question. The data released Tuesday was the first comprehensive look at the human impact of Republican President Donald Trump's ban, imposed shortly after he took office and initially blocked by federal courts. The ban has especially affected people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, countries where the number of visas issued slid 80 per cent in 2018 from 2016, the last year without a travel ban. Trump's initial January 2017 executive order banning entry to the United States by citizens of several Muslim-majority countries launched a fierce fight in federal courts over whether the policy amounts to an unlawful "Muslim ban" or is a legal exercise of presidential power. The administration revised the policy following court challenges, and the Supreme Court allowed it to largely go into effect in December 2017 while legal challenges continued. In June 2018, the high court upheld the new version of the ban. As a result, most people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen have not been able to enter the United States for well over a year. Venezuela and North Korea also were targeted in the current policy, but those restrictions were not challenged in court. The figures released on Tuesday show the government denied 15,384 applications for immigrant visas - given to those who want to live permanently in the United States - due to the "2017 Executive Order on Immigration." A State Department spokeswoman confirmed that term referred to the travel ban policy. In addition, 21,645 applications for non-immigrant visas - given to people coming for short-term visits for business, tourism or other reasons - were denied due to the ban. Approximately 2,200 visa applications overcame denials based on the travel ban last year, but it was unclear how many of those applications were initially made last year or earlier. The data did not include how many visa applications were made by citizens from countries affected by the travel ban. Every month, the State Department releases the numbers of visas issued to citizens of all countries, including those under the travel ban, but it does not publish equivalent monthly information on the number of visa applications or denials by country. Other, previously released data from the State Department shows that the number of US visas issued to citizens of the countries under the travel ban has dropped drastically as a result of its implementation. In the fiscal year from October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018, citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen - the five countries consistently on the travel ban list throughout its different iterations - received approximately 14,600 US visas. That is down 80 per cent from approximately 72,000 visas issued for citizens of those countries in the 2016 fiscal year when no such ban was in place. The denials have affected people like Rasha Jarhum, a Yemeni human rights defender who applied for a US visitor visa in October to attend events on women's rights. The US consular officer "refused to even take my passport to process anything," Jarhum said. The officer handed her a piece of paper citing the executive order as the reason for her visa denial, a picture of which Jarhum posted on Twitter. Ahmad Shariftabrizi, a US citizen and oncologist in New York, is considering leaving the United States if his wife, an Iranian citizen, is unable to receive a visa to join him. The couple, who wed in 2017, applied for her visa that year, and she was denied in December 2018, he said in a phone interview. The US government is now reviewing whether she is eligible for a waiver to the ban, which has been rarely granted. The uncertainty and distance is extracting a huge emotional toll on the couple. "The separation from my wife is making both of us break down psychologically," he said. "It's extremely difficult."

US denied tens of thousands more visas in 2018 due to travel ban: Data

Sales at Kim Chang-bae's hardware shop in South Korea rise every year thanks to Camp Humphreys, an enormous US military base he is frightened will close in the wake of the summit between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-sets-off-by-train-to-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-report-199156">Kim Jong Un</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rules-out-reducing-us-troops-from-south-korea-199062">Donald Trump</a>.

More than 28,000 US troops are stationed in the South to guard against nuclear-armed North Korea, part of a Seoul-Washington security alliance in place since the Korean war ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

But with talks between the North Korean and US leaders in Hanoi just days away, speculation is building that the pair could agree to a treaty in return for denuclearisation measures from Pyongyang -- and that the withdrawal of US troops might follow.

For South Koreans dependent on US troops to make a living -- like Kim Chang-bae -- that is a worrisome prospect.

"Without the presence of US soldiers, many businesses, including mine, will lose their main source of income," said Kim, who sells bolts and screwdrivers to Americans stationed at Camp Humphreys, 60 kilometres south of Seoul.

"It's a nightmare scenario."

Camp Humphreys, in the city of Pyeongtaek, is the US' largest overseas military base, stretching across 14.7 square kilometres to accommodate 32,000 people -- soldiers and their families.&nbsp;

The camp -- home to almost all of the US troops in South Korea -- boasts a fleet of Blackhawk and Apache helicopters, a bowling alley, an 18-hole golf course, multiple schools, churches and cinemas.

Hundreds of restaurants and shops ranging from nail salons to tattoo parlours have set up around the base, which is in the final stages of an expansion project that will see its capacity rise to 43,000 people by 2022.

"It does worry me that they could leave the country," said Choi Eun-hee, who has run a Turkish restaurant just a few steps from Camp Humphreys for a decade. "At least 80 per cent of our customers are US soldiers".

'We go together'&nbsp;

Choi, 43, attended a rally last month, where dozens from the community demanded US troops remain.&nbsp;

When AFP visited, banners reading "Anti-Americans, Get Out" and "We Go Together" were strung up among a cluster of American and South Korean flags.

Shop owner Kim, 57, who is head of the local merchants' association representing 230 business owners, said Americans in uniform had become a "hallmark of the city's character".&nbsp;

If the war were to be officially declared over at the Hanoi summit -- the second between Trump and Kim after the two met in Singapore last year -- and a peace treaty subsequently signed, Pyongyang could raise objections over the presence of US troops in the South, analysts say.

South Korean president Moon Jae-in has tried to quell concerns, saying in January that the North Korean leader had told him the end of war declaration had "nothing to do" with US forces in the South.

"Kim Jong Un understands that the issue is entirely up to the decision of South Korea and the US," Moon said.&nbsp;

But Seoul has "no reasons to believe" Kim Jong Un's quoted assurance at face value, Kim Sung-han, professor of international relations at Korea University, told AFP.

"North Korea is expected to say the US military presence in the South poses a serious threat to its security... It could claim true peace is only possible when US troops are out of here."&nbsp;

Trump factor

Even if a peace treaty is not secured in Hanoi, there is no guarantee US troops will remain with a highly unpredictable president at the helm who has flip-flopped on the issue of their long-term stay.

Trump said on Friday that reducing US forces in the South "was not one of the things on the table" at the summit -- but he has repeatedly complained about the expense of keeping them there.&nbsp;

Seoul agreed earlier this month to hike its payment for maintaining the troops on its soil, but since the new deal is only valid for one year, the two sides may soon have to return to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

Song Wol-sook, 46, who runs a nail salon, said US withdrawal would leave South Koreans feeling isolated and alone in their own city, with a bleak future. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"It will leave pretty much every business here in ruins, including mine."

Sales at Kim Chang-bae's hardware shop in South Korea rise every year thanks to Camp Humphreys, an enormous US military base he is frightened will close in the wake of the summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump.

Sales at Kim Chang-bae's hardware shop in South Korea rise every year thanks to Camp Humphreys, an enormous US military base he is frightened will close in the wake of the summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. More than 28,000 US troops are stationed in the South to guard against nuclear-armed North Korea, part of a Seoul-Washington security alliance in place since the Korean war ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty. But with talks between the North Korean and US leaders in Hanoi just days away, speculation is building that the pair could agree to a treaty in return for denuclearisation measures from Pyongyang -- and that the withdrawal of US troops might follow. For South Koreans dependent on US troops to make a living -- like Kim Chang-bae -- that is a worrisome prospect. "Without the presence of US soldiers, many businesses, including mine, will lose their main source of income," said Kim, who sells bolts and screwdrivers to Americans stationed at Camp Humphreys, 60 kilometres south of Seoul. "It's a nightmare scenario." Camp Humphreys, in the city of Pyeongtaek, is the US' largest overseas military base, stretching across 14.7 square kilometres to accommodate 32,000 people -- soldiers and their families. The camp -- home to almost all of the US troops in South Korea -- boasts a fleet of Blackhawk and Apache helicopters, a bowling alley, an 18-hole golf course, multiple schools, churches and cinemas. Hundreds of restaurants and shops ranging from nail salons to tattoo parlours have set up around the base, which is in the final stages of an expansion project that will see its capacity rise to 43,000 people by 2022. "It does worry me that they could leave the country," said Choi Eun-hee, who has run a Turkish restaurant just a few steps from Camp Humphreys for a decade. "At least 80 per cent of our customers are US soldiers". 'We go together' Choi, 43, attended a rally last month, where dozens from the community demanded US troops remain. When AFP visited, banners reading "Anti-Americans, Get Out" and "We Go Together" were strung up among a cluster of American and South Korean flags. Shop owner Kim, 57, who is head of the local merchants' association representing 230 business owners, said Americans in uniform had become a "hallmark of the city's character". If the war were to be officially declared over at the Hanoi summit -- the second between Trump and Kim after the two met in Singapore last year -- and a peace treaty subsequently signed, Pyongyang could raise objections over the presence of US troops in the South, analysts say. South Korean president Moon Jae-in has tried to quell concerns, saying in January that the North Korean leader had told him the end of war declaration had "nothing to do" with US forces in the South. "Kim Jong Un understands that the issue is entirely up to the decision of South Korea and the US," Moon said. But Seoul has "no reasons to believe" Kim Jong Un's quoted assurance at face value, Kim Sung-han, professor of international relations at Korea University, told AFP. "North Korea is expected to say the US military presence in the South poses a serious threat to its security... It could claim true peace is only possible when US troops are out of here." Trump factor Even if a peace treaty is not secured in Hanoi, there is no guarantee US troops will remain with a highly unpredictable president at the helm who has flip-flopped on the issue of their long-term stay. Trump said on Friday that reducing US forces in the South "was not one of the things on the table" at the summit -- but he has repeatedly complained about the expense of keeping them there. Seoul agreed earlier this month to hike its payment for maintaining the troops on its soil, but since the new deal is only valid for one year, the two sides may soon have to return to the negotiating table. Song Wol-sook, 46, who runs a nail salon, said US withdrawal would leave South Koreans feeling isolated and alone in their own city, with a bleak future. "It will leave pretty much every business here in ruins, including mine."

South Koreans fearful of 'nightmare' US troop withdrawal

India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad is expected to be out later this month. All the participating teams have to share their provisional squad by early May. Hence, a&nbsp;lot is being said and written about Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue's squad. Amid all this, former Indian captain and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly made a bold claim. The Bengal Tiger feels Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be the openers for the one-time winners at the mega event, which kicks off in West Indies and USA on June 1.

Speaking to PTI, Ganguly, who is currently serving as the director of cricket for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024,&nbsp;said, "Both Rohit Sharma and Viral Kohli will definitely go to West Indies and USA. Its a call for selectors whom they will open with but if you ask me personally both Rohit and Virat should open for India in the T20 World Cup."

He further added, "Of course, Rohit should captain the team in the T20I World Cup. Virat Kohli also should be there. Virat Kohli is an outstanding player, nothing will happen (to return after 14 months)."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-a-first-tier-or-even-a-second-tier-new-zealand-team-ramiz-raja-reacts-to-pakistans-3rd-t20i-loss-713897">'Not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team' - Ramiz Raja reacts to Pakistan's 3rd T20I loss</a>

Both Rohit and Kohli returned to India's T20I setup after 14 months during the national side's home T20Is versus Afghanistan early this year. They had taken a long break from the format following India's 2022 T20 WC semifinal loss to eventual winners England, in Adelaide, Australia.

Kohli remains the highest run-getter in T20Is (4,037) and is also the leading run-scorer in T20 WC history, with 1,141 runs including 14 fifties. Meanwhile, Rohit is the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament history, with 963 runs. Overall, he is second -- only behind Kohli -- in terms of most T20I runs (3,974). At present, both are busy in IPL 2024. Having been removed as the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, Rohit is among the top run-getters in the ongoing edition, with 297 runs (fifth-most) including a best of 105*. Kohli, on the other hand, remains an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and is the leading run-getter, with 379 runs along with a best of 113 not out.

If Kohli and Rohit open the innings for India in the T20 WC, one among Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill might not be selected. The provisional squad is expected to be out by May 1 (i.e. the cut-off date for all teams).

India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad is expected to be out later this month. All the participating teams have to share their provisional squad by early May. Hence, a lot is being said and written about Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue's squad.

India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad is expected to be out later this month. All the participating teams have to share their provisional squad by early May. Hence, a lot is being said and written about Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue's squad. Amid all this, former Indian captain and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly made a bold claim. The Bengal Tiger feels Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be the openers for the one-time winners at the mega event, which kicks off in West Indies and USA on June 1. Speaking to PTI, Ganguly, who is currently serving as the director of cricket for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024, said, "Both Rohit Sharma and Viral Kohli will definitely go to West Indies and USA. Its a call for selectors whom they will open with but if you ask me personally both Rohit and Virat should open for India in the T20 World Cup." He further added, "Of course, Rohit should captain the team in the T20I World Cup. Virat Kohli also should be there. Virat Kohli is an outstanding player, nothing will happen (to return after 14 months)." Also read: 'Not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team' - Ramiz Raja reacts to Pakistan's 3rd T20I loss Both Rohit and Kohli returned to India's T20I setup after 14 months during the national side's home T20Is versus Afghanistan early this year. They had taken a long break from the format following India's 2022 T20 WC semifinal loss to eventual winners England, in Adelaide, Australia. Kohli remains the highest run-getter in T20Is (4,037) and is also the leading run-scorer in T20 WC history, with 1,141 runs including 14 fifties. Meanwhile, Rohit is the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament history, with 963 runs. Overall, he is second -- only behind Kohli -- in terms of most T20I runs (3,974). At present, both are busy in IPL 2024. Having been removed as the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, Rohit is among the top run-getters in the ongoing edition, with 297 runs (fifth-most) including a best of 105*. Kohli, on the other hand, remains an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and is the leading run-getter, with 379 runs along with a best of 113 not out. If Kohli and Rohit open the innings for India in the T20 WC, one among Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill might not be selected. The provisional squad is expected to be out by May 1 (i.e. the cut-off date for all teams).

US Democrats introduce resolution stopping Trump border emergency

Alec Baldwin whose satirical take on Trump has been one of the highlights of 'Saturday Night Live' has expressed concern for his family after President of United States, Donald Trump blasted him and the show on his Twitter page.&nbsp;

While Baldwin has been portraying Trump on the show ever since he became president, the latest satire targetting Trump's call to declare an emergency to carry on with his plans for a border wall made the President react on Twitter.&nbsp;

Trump took to Twitter to slam the show and said there was 'nothing funny' about it that aired on 'Fake News NBC'.&nbsp;

"Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into. This is the real Collusion!," Trump tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
"THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!" Trump further added.&nbsp;

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Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into. This is the real Collusion!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1097116612279316480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1097117499336855553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reacting to the President's tweets, Baldwin wrote, "I wonder if a sitting President exhorting his followers that my role in a TV comedy qualifies me as an enemy of the people constitutes a threat to my safety and that of my family?"

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I wonder if a sitting President exhorting his followers that my role in a TV comedy qualifies me as an enemy of the people constitutes a threat to my safety and that of my family?
— HABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABFalecbaldwin/status/1097319232151449600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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You know, Junior, I’m sure u r stressed, facing a possible indictment and prison time for being part of the first criminal enterprise to operate out of the WH. But don’t worry. Tune in <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nbcsnl</a> while you are in the slammer. Your dad and his nuttiness will never be far away.
— HABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABFalecbaldwin/status/1098004624735391744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Replying to Baldwin, the president’s son Donald Trump Jr tweeted that the actor’s claims of being afraid of his safety were bullsh*t and called out Baldwin’s aggressive behaviour. &nbsp;

The actor then went on to reply to Trump junior's tweet, saying, "You know, Junior, I’m sure u r stressed, facing a possible indictment and prison time for being part of the first criminal enterprise to operate out of the WH. But don’t worry. Tune in @nbcsnl while you are in the slammer. Your dad and his nuttiness will never be far away."&nbsp;

Alec Baldwin whose satirical take on Trump has been one of the highlights of 'Saturday Night Live' has expressed concern for his family after President of United States, Donald Trump blasted him and the show on his Twitter page.

Alec Baldwin whose satirical take on Trump has been one of the highlights of 'Saturday Night Live' has expressed concern for his family after President of United States, Donald Trump blasted him and the show on his Twitter page. While Baldwin has been portraying Trump on the show ever since he became president, the latest satire targetting Trump's call to declare an emergency to carry on with his plans for a border wall made the President react on Twitter. Trump took to Twitter to slam the show and said there was 'nothing funny' about it that aired on 'Fake News NBC'. "Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into. This is the real Collusion!," Trump tweeted. "THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!" Trump further added. Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into. This is the real Collusion! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019 × THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019 × Reacting to the President's tweets, Baldwin wrote, "I wonder if a sitting President exhorting his followers that my role in a TV comedy qualifies me as an enemy of the people constitutes a threat to my safety and that of my family?" I wonder if a sitting President exhorting his followers that my role in a TV comedy qualifies me as an enemy of the people constitutes a threat to my safety and that of my family? — HABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) February 18, 2019 × You know, Junior, I’m sure u r stressed, facing a possible indictment and prison time for being part of the first criminal enterprise to operate out of the WH. But don’t worry. Tune in @nbcsnl while you are in the slammer. Your dad and his nuttiness will never be far away. — HABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) February 19, 2019 × Replying to Baldwin, the president’s son Donald Trump Jr tweeted that the actor’s claims of being afraid of his safety were bullsh*t and called out Baldwin’s aggressive behaviour. The actor then went on to reply to Trump junior's tweet, saying, "You know, Junior, I’m sure u r stressed, facing a possible indictment and prison time for being part of the first criminal enterprise to operate out of the WH. But don’t worry. Tune in @nbcsnl while you are in the slammer. Your dad and his nuttiness will never be far away."

Alec Baldwin fears for his family's safety as Trump slams 'Saturday Night Live', tweets about 'retribution'

By Amitrajeet A Batabyal

Talks between the US and China to end the trade war appear to be in trouble with the March 2 deadline for a deal fast approaching.

In the ongoing trade talks between the US and China, a lack of trust – key to any successful negotiation – appears to be hobbling the ability to reach a deal. Hence it is not clear negotiators will be able to achieve anything substantive before they hit President Donald Trump’s deadline, triggering automatic tariff hikes if there’s no agreement.

As a trade economist, I believe the answer to the trust conundrum lies in learning from an international body the president disdains: the World Trade Organisation.

Empty words? 
 
From the American perspective, a key issue is that in the past the Chinese have made all sorts of promises to address US&nbsp;concerns that they later reneged on. Or, China has taken so long to act that when it finally did it made little difference.

Several examples of Chinese promises going unkept readily come to mind.

When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, it was given “developing country” status. This allowed China to levy high tariffs on imports from the US&nbsp;and Europe even as it benefited from low duties on its exports.

The understanding at that time was that as its economy grew, China would gradually adopt market-based economic principles and commit itself to the basic tenets of liberalised trade and globalisation. But this has not happened.

Sometime after China joined the WTO, the country imposed a 21 per cent to 30 per cent tariff on cars. It was only this past December, and under pressure because of the current trade talks, that the Chinese finally agreed to temporarily reduce the tariff to 15 per cent. In contrast, the corresponding US tariff on Chinese auto imports has long been 2.5 per cent.

More generally, also after becoming a WTO member, China promised to open up its banking, telecommunications and electronic payment processing sectors. But action in these areas has either been non-existent or half-hearted.

Even now, the Chinese telecommunications industry remains very much under government control, and the government has effectively precluded Facebook and Google from offering their services in China.

Concerns about the reliability of the Chinese are not limited to economic and technological matters. To see this, note that on a state visit to the US in 2015, President Xi Jinping promised not to militarize the artificial islands on disputed reefs that the Chinese were building in the South China Sea.

However, we now have clear evidence that he has done exactly what he promised he would not do.

Holding China’s feet to the fire

Given all this, I believe it would be rather naïve on the part of the US to agree to any Chinese promises in the current trade talks without also building a robust enforcement mechanism into any deal.

Indeed, the negotiators themselves seem to understand this, but difficulty finding a way to enforce any agreements – both past and present – is making it harder to come to a deal. And that’s where the WTO and its enforcement mechanisms come in.

For example, China agreed to just such a mechanism with its WTO ascension. This enforcement rule permitted a nation to automatically levy tariffs on certain Chinese goods and services if that country’s domestic market was hurt by those same exports. Unfortunately, like most WTO rules, this rule had a finite life and was allowed to lapse at the end in 2013. Even though this mechanism has been infrequently used, President Barack Obama took advantage of it with some success in 2009 to impose tariffs on Chinese-made tires that were harming US manufacturers.

If such an enforcement mechanism can be built into a trade deal, then the US would not have to plead its case before some international body before it retaliated against the Chinese. Instead, when confronted with one or more broken promises, it would have the legal right to act unilaterally to hold China accountable.

That said, since the current negotiations are between two sovereign nations, the key is to devise an enforcement mechanism that is agreeable to both the US and China. Only then will a resulting trade deal be self-enforcing.

Since the US and China are both members of the WTO, another but less potent enforcement mechanism would lie in utilising its dispute settlement mechanism to address any disagreements that may arise after a deal is reached. The US has had success in the past in using this WTO mechanism as well to hold China accountable.

A deal worth the paper it’s printed on

The venerable Chinese sage Sun Tzu once said that “in the midst of chaos, there is also the opportunity.”

The US now has an opportunity to conclude a meaningful trade deal with China that also has enforcement built into it. Therefore, the American negotiators ought to seize this opportunity and ensure a deal isn’t backed primarily by Chinese promises.

Otherwise, it won’t be the last time a US president fumes about unfair Chinese trading practices.

(By Amitrajeet A Batabyal is Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, Rochester Institute of Technology)

(This article was originally published on the Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/us-china-trade-talks-will-the-chinese-keep-promises-to-stop-bad-behavior-111900">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 Amitrajeet A Batabyal Talks between the US and China to end the trade war appear to be in trouble with the March 2 deadline for a deal fast approaching. In the ongoing trade talks between the US and China, a lack of trust – key to any successful negotiation – appears to be hobbling the ability to reach a deal.

By Amitrajeet A Batabyal Talks between the US and China to end the trade war appear to be in trouble with the March 2 deadline for a deal fast approaching. In the ongoing trade talks between the US and China, a lack of trust – key to any successful negotiation – appears to be hobbling the ability to reach a deal. Hence it is not clear negotiators will be able to achieve anything substantive before they hit President Donald Trump’s deadline, triggering automatic tariff hikes if there’s no agreement. As a trade economist, I believe the answer to the trust conundrum lies in learning from an international body the president disdains: the World Trade Organisation. Empty words? From the American perspective, a key issue is that in the past the Chinese have made all sorts of promises to address US concerns that they later reneged on. Or, China has taken so long to act that when it finally did it made little difference. Several examples of Chinese promises going unkept readily come to mind. When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, it was given “developing country” status. This allowed China to levy high tariffs on imports from the US and Europe even as it benefited from low duties on its exports. The understanding at that time was that as its economy grew, China would gradually adopt market-based economic principles and commit itself to the basic tenets of liberalised trade and globalisation. But this has not happened. Sometime after China joined the WTO, the country imposed a 21 per cent to 30 per cent tariff on cars. It was only this past December, and under pressure because of the current trade talks, that the Chinese finally agreed to temporarily reduce the tariff to 15 per cent. In contrast, the corresponding US tariff on Chinese auto imports has long been 2.5 per cent. More generally, also after becoming a WTO member, China promised to open up its banking, telecommunications and electronic payment processing sectors. But action in these areas has either been non-existent or half-hearted. Even now, the Chinese telecommunications industry remains very much under government control, and the government has effectively precluded Facebook and Google from offering their services in China. Concerns about the reliability of the Chinese are not limited to economic and technological matters. To see this, note that on a state visit to the US in 2015, President Xi Jinping promised not to militarize the artificial islands on disputed reefs that the Chinese were building in the South China Sea. However, we now have clear evidence that he has done exactly what he promised he would not do. Holding China’s feet to the fire Given all this, I believe it would be rather naïve on the part of the US to agree to any Chinese promises in the current trade talks without also building a robust enforcement mechanism into any deal. Indeed, the negotiators themselves seem to understand this, but difficulty finding a way to enforce any agreements – both past and present – is making it harder to come to a deal. And that’s where the WTO and its enforcement mechanisms come in. For example, China agreed to just such a mechanism with its WTO ascension. This enforcement rule permitted a nation to automatically levy tariffs on certain Chinese goods and services if that country’s domestic market was hurt by those same exports. Unfortunately, like most WTO rules, this rule had a finite life and was allowed to lapse at the end in 2013. Even though this mechanism has been infrequently used, President Barack Obama took advantage of it with some success in 2009 to impose tariffs on Chinese-made tires that were harming US manufacturers. If such an enforcement mechanism can be built into a trade deal, then the US would not have to plead its case before some international body before it retaliated against the Chinese. Instead, when confronted with one or more broken promises, it would have the legal right to act unilaterally to hold China accountable. That said, since the current negotiations are between two sovereign nations, the key is to devise an enforcement mechanism that is agreeable to both the US and China. Only then will a resulting trade deal be self-enforcing. Since the US and China are both members of the WTO, another but less potent enforcement mechanism would lie in utilising its dispute settlement mechanism to address any disagreements that may arise after a deal is reached. The US has had success in the past in using this WTO mechanism as well to hold China accountable. A deal worth the paper it’s printed on The venerable Chinese sage Sun Tzu once said that “in the midst of chaos, there is also the opportunity.” The US now has an opportunity to conclude a meaningful trade deal with China that also has enforcement built into it. Therefore, the American negotiators ought to seize this opportunity and ensure a deal isn’t backed primarily by Chinese promises. Otherwise, it won’t be the last time a US president fumes about unfair Chinese trading practices. (By Amitrajeet A Batabyal is Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, Rochester Institute of Technology) (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.)

US-China trade conflict: Lack of trust hobbling the ability to reach a deal

The US economy will post strong growth in the first quarter, despite negative effects from the extended government shutdown, top White House economist Kevin Hassett said Monday.

He said the year started off strong, with the blockbuster January jobs gain of over 300,000 pointing to expansion of more than three per cent in the first quarter.

While he recently acknowledged that his office had underestimated the impact on the economy of idling 800,000 federal workers, Hassett was upbeat about the outlook.

"My thought is the negative effects we talked about from the shutdown will be very, very hard to see in the data," he said on CNBC.&nbsp;

"I think Q1 has got to be well north of two and maybe even north of three"per cent growth, given the momentum from employment.

And due to the stimulus provided by 2017's massive corporate tax cuts, the economy is seeing "a tax-induced supply shock" that will boost growth without increasing prices, he said.

"So I think we could go forward with a great deal of confidence that the high growth isn't pushing an enormous amount on inflation."

Hassett said he got a "fist bump" from President Donald Trump on Friday after the January employment report provided "good news the White House needed."

However, financial markets have become increasingly concerned that despite strong jobs growth the economy will slow this year.&nbsp;

And those fears prompted the Federal Reserve to signal clearly that it intends to pause its interest rate increases.

The US trade war with China also has created uncertainty and threatened to slow both economies.

Hassett said he remained "hopeful" Washington and Beijing could reach an agreement but cautioned that "there's still a lot of work to do."

The US will more than double the punitive tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods if no deal is agreed by March 1.

The sides held a second round of talks in Washington last week and are expected to meet again in Beijing later this month.

The US economy will post strong growth in the first quarter, despite negative effects from the extended government shutdown, top White House economist Kevin Hassett said Monday.

The US economy will post strong growth in the first quarter, despite negative effects from the extended government shutdown, top White House economist Kevin Hassett said Monday. He said the year started off strong, with the blockbuster January jobs gain of over 300,000 pointing to expansion of more than three per cent in the first quarter. While he recently acknowledged that his office had underestimated the impact on the economy of idling 800,000 federal workers, Hassett was upbeat about the outlook. "My thought is the negative effects we talked about from the shutdown will be very, very hard to see in the data," he said on CNBC. "I think Q1 has got to be well north of two and maybe even north of three"per cent growth, given the momentum from employment. And due to the stimulus provided by 2017's massive corporate tax cuts, the economy is seeing "a tax-induced supply shock" that will boost growth without increasing prices, he said. "So I think we could go forward with a great deal of confidence that the high growth isn't pushing an enormous amount on inflation." Hassett said he got a "fist bump" from President Donald Trump on Friday after the January employment report provided "good news the White House needed." However, financial markets have become increasingly concerned that despite strong jobs growth the economy will slow this year. And those fears prompted the Federal Reserve to signal clearly that it intends to pause its interest rate increases. The US trade war with China also has created uncertainty and threatened to slow both economies. Hassett said he remained "hopeful" Washington and Beijing could reach an agreement but cautioned that "there's still a lot of work to do." The US will more than double the punitive tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods if no deal is agreed by March 1. The sides held a second round of talks in Washington last week and are expected to meet again in Beijing later this month.

White House economist says economy strong despite shutdown

United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday denounced Venezuela's attorney general for what he described&nbsp;were threats against opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised by Washington as the country's interim president.

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We denounce the illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General's threats against President Juan Guaido. Let me reiterate - there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido.
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1090323542812569602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Labelling Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab an "illegitimate former" Venezuelan official, Bolton said in a message on Twitter "there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido."

Earlier on Tuesday, Saab called on the Venezuelan top court to open an investigation into the self-declared president, accusing him of helping foreign countries to interfere in internal matters.

United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday denounced Venezuela's attorney general for what he described were threats against opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised by Washington as the country's interim president.

United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, on Tuesday denounced Venezuela's attorney general for what he described were threats against opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised by Washington as the country's interim president. We denounce the illegitimate former Venezuelan Attorney General's threats against President Juan Guaido. Let me reiterate - there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 29, 2019 × Labelling Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab an "illegitimate former" Venezuelan official, Bolton said in a message on Twitter "there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido." Earlier on Tuesday, Saab called on the Venezuelan top court to open an investigation into the self-declared president, accusing him of helping foreign countries to interfere in internal matters.

Trump security adviser denounces 'threats' against Venezuela's Opposition leader Juan Guaido

WION Your Story, 28th January, 2019

Mexico said Friday it "disagrees" with the United States's new policy of returning asylum seekers back across the border while their cases are processed, but will accept them for "humanitarian" reasons.

Speaking as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-begin-returning-asylum-seekers-to-mexico-192617">US prepared to send the first asylum seekers</a> back across the border, foreign ministry spokesman Roberto Velasco said Mexico had not contributed to President Donald Trump's "Remain in Mexico" policy.

"The Mexican government disagrees with the unilateral measure implemented by the United States government. However... we reiterate our commitment to migrants and human rights," Velasco told a news conference.

He said the US embassy in Mexico had informed local authorities the policy would begin within hours with the return of 20 Central American asylum seekers at the San Ysidro border crossing between San Diego, California and the Mexican city of Tijuana.

The US will continue presenting 20 people a day at that crossing, and eventually extend the policy to other points along the 3,145-kilometre (2,000-mile) border, he said.

Announced in December, the policy is meant to stop what Trump calls "catch and release" -- allowing migrants who cross the border without papers and claim asylum to leave detention and remain in the United States while their cases are processed.

The US Department of Homeland Security says at least 80 per cent of asylum claims are without merit -- mostly by poor refugees from violence-wracked Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Many of them never show up for their court hearings, department officials say.

The system is badly backlogged, with 800,000 asylum requests currently pending.

But the "Remain in Mexico" plan has been sharply criticized by opponents on both sides of the border.

Migrants have been tortured, raped and killed in Mexico's often violent border regions, and the new policy violates their right to seek asylum in the US, activists say.

The new policy "is not only unlawful but could lead to dire and catastrophic consequences for those who are seeking to access the asylum process in the United States, a right which is enshrined in both domestic and international law," Katie Shepherd, a lawyer at the American Immigration Council, told AFP.

Mexico said it would give returnees humanitarian visas that would allow them to remain in the country temporarily while they await their court dates in the US.

Authorities in Tijuana said they would initially be housed in a government-run shelter.

Mexico will not accept unaccompanied minors, people with health problems or those who have appealed a rejected asylum claim, said Velasco.

Trump announced a deal Friday to reopen the US government after a record five-week shutdown triggered by his fight with Congress over funding for a border wall, which he says is the only way to stop illegal immigration.

The deal with opposition Democrats does not include funding for the wall. Mexico 'disagrees' with US returning asylum seekers

Mexico said Friday it "disagrees" with the United States's new policy of returning asylum seekers back across the border while their cases are processed, but will accept them for "humanitarian" reasons.

Mexico said Friday it "disagrees" with the United States's new policy of returning asylum seekers back across the border while their cases are processed, but will accept them for "humanitarian" reasons. Speaking as the US prepared to send the first asylum seekers back across the border, foreign ministry spokesman Roberto Velasco said Mexico had not contributed to President Donald Trump's "Remain in Mexico" policy. "The Mexican government disagrees with the unilateral measure implemented by the United States government. However... we reiterate our commitment to migrants and human rights," Velasco told a news conference. He said the US embassy in Mexico had informed local authorities the policy would begin within hours with the return of 20 Central American asylum seekers at the San Ysidro border crossing between San Diego, California and the Mexican city of Tijuana. The US will continue presenting 20 people a day at that crossing, and eventually extend the policy to other points along the 3,145-kilometre (2,000-mile) border, he said. Announced in December, the policy is meant to stop what Trump calls "catch and release" -- allowing migrants who cross the border without papers and claim asylum to leave detention and remain in the United States while their cases are processed. The US Department of Homeland Security says at least 80 per cent of asylum claims are without merit -- mostly by poor refugees from violence-wracked Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Many of them never show up for their court hearings, department officials say. The system is badly backlogged, with 800,000 asylum requests currently pending. But the "Remain in Mexico" plan has been sharply criticized by opponents on both sides of the border. Migrants have been tortured, raped and killed in Mexico's often violent border regions, and the new policy violates their right to seek asylum in the US, activists say. The new policy "is not only unlawful but could lead to dire and catastrophic consequences for those who are seeking to access the asylum process in the United States, a right which is enshrined in both domestic and international law," Katie Shepherd, a lawyer at the American Immigration Council, told AFP. Mexico said it would give returnees humanitarian visas that would allow them to remain in the country temporarily while they await their court dates in the US. Authorities in Tijuana said they would initially be housed in a government-run shelter. Mexico will not accept unaccompanied minors, people with health problems or those who have appealed a rejected asylum claim, said Velasco. Trump announced a deal Friday to reopen the US government after a record five-week shutdown triggered by his fight with Congress over funding for a border wall, which he says is the only way to stop illegal immigration. The deal with opposition Democrats does not include funding for the wall. Mexico 'disagrees' with US returning asylum seekers

Mexico 'disagrees' with US returning asylum seekers

Pope Francis wasted no time wading in on the standoff over funding for a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-temporary-protection-to-immigrants-in-return-for-his-wall-democrats-say-no-191509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiq2o7IyIXgAhUHso8KHeRUDU4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iMMK7iPlQNvLOFQIUTAlZ">US-Mexico border wall</a> on Wednesday as he started his trip to Panama, saying on the plane from Rome that hostility to immigrants was driven by irrational fear.

In a brief conversation between the pope and journalists on the flight, one reporter described the barrier that juts out into the Pacific Ocean between the two countries in San Diego, California, as a "folly".

Francis, who has made the defence of migrants a key part of his papacy, responded: "Fear makes us crazy".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-reiterates-demand-for-wall-attacks-media-191492&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjYofXgyIXgAhVVknAKHZQEC5IQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kEDorYu3T_d6V7J1EqXde">President Donald Trump</a>, with whom the pope has sparred before on immigration, has triggered a US government shutdown over demands for $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the United States' southern border.

Immigration is expected to be one of the main themes of Francis's six-day trip. The pope met eight refugees in Rome before heading to the airport for his 13-hour flight to Panama for World Youth Day.

Since mid-October, thousands of Central Americans, mostly from Honduras, have travelled north to the United States through Mexico in caravans, some walking much of the way.

Many are seeking asylum, saying they suffer from rampant crime and bleak opportunities in their native countries.

"Nobody wants to leave their country but young Salvadorans are doing it searching for opportunities, employment, security," said Edwin Valiente, a 28-year-old architecture student who came to Panama from El Salvador for Francis' visit.

Francis, on his first trip to Panama and the first by a pope since 1983, was greeted at the airport by President Juan Carlos Varela and thousands of cheering children.

World Youth Day has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock", a jamboree where young people celebrate their faith and discuss social issues. It is held in a different city every three years.

About 150,000 have registered for this year's event, being held in Latin America for only the third time since Pope John Paul instituted it in 1985.

Several hundred thousand people are expected at the final Mass at a park on Sunday that will be open to all visitors and citizens of the country of 4 million people, which is about 89 per cent Catholic.

Pope Francis wasted no time wading in on the standoff over funding for a US-Mexico border wall on Wednesday as he started his trip to Panama, saying on the plane from Rome that hostility to immigrants was driven by irrational fear.

Pope Francis wasted no time wading in on the standoff over funding for a US-Mexico border wall on Wednesday as he started his trip to Panama, saying on the plane from Rome that hostility to immigrants was driven by irrational fear. In a brief conversation between the pope and journalists on the flight, one reporter described the barrier that juts out into the Pacific Ocean between the two countries in San Diego, California, as a "folly". Francis, who has made the defence of migrants a key part of his papacy, responded: "Fear makes us crazy". President Donald Trump, with whom the pope has sparred before on immigration, has triggered a US government shutdown over demands for $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the United States' southern border. Immigration is expected to be one of the main themes of Francis's six-day trip. The pope met eight refugees in Rome before heading to the airport for his 13-hour flight to Panama for World Youth Day. Since mid-October, thousands of Central Americans, mostly from Honduras, have travelled north to the United States through Mexico in caravans, some walking much of the way. Many are seeking asylum, saying they suffer from rampant crime and bleak opportunities in their native countries. "Nobody wants to leave their country but young Salvadorans are doing it searching for opportunities, employment, security," said Edwin Valiente, a 28-year-old architecture student who came to Panama from El Salvador for Francis' visit. Francis, on his first trip to Panama and the first by a pope since 1983, was greeted at the airport by President Juan Carlos Varela and thousands of cheering children. World Youth Day has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock", a jamboree where young people celebrate their faith and discuss social issues. It is held in a different city every three years. About 150,000 have registered for this year's event, being held in Latin America for only the third time since Pope John Paul instituted it in 1985. Several hundred thousand people are expected at the final Mass at a park on Sunday that will be open to all visitors and citizens of the country of 4 million people, which is about 89 per cent Catholic.

Pope says fear of migrants makes people 'crazy'

Hours before major announcement on border wall, United States President Donald Trump reiterated his demands on border wall.

In the latest salvo of tweets, trump emphasised on building a border wall to prevent migrants from approaching US border.

Trump's launched the latest tweetstorm even came as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting US troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned Congressional trip.

The shutdown -- the longest in US history -- has paralyzed Washington and resulted in 800-thousand federal employees continuing to work &nbsp;-- or sit at home -- without pay.

Ahead of the announcement, &nbsp;Trump also released a video message on Twitter in which he called border security a humanitarian and national crisis.&nbsp;

The United States will be a very very sad and foolish lot if they do not &nbsp;secure the border, Trump said.&nbsp;

Trump also launched a scathing attack on US media and targeted Buzzfeed News which reported on Thursday evening that Trump had personally directed Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about a real estate project in Moscow.&nbsp;

The report cited two federal law enforcement sources and said the special counsel’s office had learned of Trump’s alleged directive from multiple witnesses, Trump Organization emails, text messages and other documents.

''Many people are saying that the Mainstream Media will have a very hard time restoring credibility because of the way they have treated me over the past 3 years (including the election lead-up), as highlighted by the disgraceful Buzzfeed story &amp; the even more disgraceful coverage!'' Trump tweeted.

''The Economy is one of the best in our history, with unemployment at a 50 year low, and the Stock Market ready to again break a record (set by us many times) - &amp; all you heard yesterday, based on a phony story, was Impeachment. You want to see a Stock Market Crash, Impeach Trump!'' he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Hours before major announcement on border wall, United States President Donald Trump reiterated his demands on border wall. In the latest salvo of tweets, trump emphasised on building a border wall to prevent migrants from approaching US border.

Hours before major announcement on border wall, United States President Donald Trump reiterated his demands on border wall. In the latest salvo of tweets, trump emphasised on building a border wall to prevent migrants from approaching US border. Trump's launched the latest tweetstorm even came as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting US troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicising a planned Congressional trip. The shutdown -- the longest in US history -- has paralyzed Washington and resulted in 800-thousand federal employees continuing to work -- or sit at home -- without pay. Ahead of the announcement, Trump also released a video message on Twitter in which he called border security a humanitarian and national crisis. The United States will be a very very sad and foolish lot if they do not secure the border, Trump said. Trump also launched a scathing attack on US media and targeted Buzzfeed News which reported on Thursday evening that Trump had personally directed Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about a real estate project in Moscow. The report cited two federal law enforcement sources and said the special counsel’s office had learned of Trump’s alleged directive from multiple witnesses, Trump Organization emails, text messages and other documents. ''Many people are saying that the Mainstream Media will have a very hard time restoring credibility because of the way they have treated me over the past 3 years (including the election lead-up), as highlighted by the disgraceful Buzzfeed story & the even more disgraceful coverage!'' Trump tweeted. ''The Economy is one of the best in our history, with unemployment at a 50 year low, and the Stock Market ready to again break a record (set by us many times) - & all you heard yesterday, based on a phony story, was Impeachment. You want to see a Stock Market Crash, Impeach Trump!'' he said in another tweet.

Donald Trump reiterates demand for wall, attacks media   

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-discussed-missile-defence-cooperation-with-india-pentagons-missile-defence-review-2019-191084">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-discussed-missile-defence-cooperation-with-india-pentagons-missile-defence-review-2019-191084"> discussed missile defence cooperation with India: Pentagon's missile defence review 2019</a>

Pentagon's missile defence review (MDR) 2019 has said the United States has discussed "potential missile defence cooperation" with India. The MDR 2019 said the discussion is part of "natural outgrowth" of India’s status as a major defence partner and "a key element of our Indo-Pacific Strategy."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cancels-us-delegations-trip-to-davos-amid-shutdown-191091">Trump cancels US delegation's trip to Davos amid shutdown</a>

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the&nbsp;US delegation's trip to the annual&nbsp;international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-to-get-satellite-from-isro-to-strengthen-border-security-191102">Ministry of Home Affairs to get satellite from ISRO to strengthen border security</a>

A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111">Food surpluses have led to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111">dip</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111"> in farmers' income: Arun Jaitley</a>

Amid speculation that the BJP-led central government may introduce an income support scheme, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said food surpluses have caused both food prices and farmers' income to plunge, posing a policy challenge.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-prince-philip-97-escapes-unhurt-from-car-crash-191090">UK's Prince Philip escapes unhurt in car crash</a>

Queen Elizabeth's 97-year-old husband&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Philip escaped uninjured from a car crash while driving on Thursday near the Sandringham estate in eastern England.

&nbsp;

US discussed missile defence cooperation with India: Pentagon's missile defence review 2019 Pentagon's missile defence review (MDR) 2019 has said the United States has discussed "potential missile defence cooperation" with India.

US discussed missile defence cooperation with India: Pentagon's missile defence review 2019 Pentagon's missile defence review (MDR) 2019 has said the United States has discussed "potential missile defence cooperation" with India. The MDR 2019 said the discussion is part of "natural outgrowth" of India’s status as a major defence partner and "a key element of our Indo-Pacific Strategy." Trump cancels US delegation's trip to Davos amid shutdown President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the US delegation's trip to the annual international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government. Ministry of Home Affairs to get satellite from ISRO to strengthen border security A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development. Food surpluses have led to dip in farmers' income: Arun Jaitley Amid speculation that the BJP-led central government may introduce an income support scheme, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said food surpluses have caused both food prices and farmers' income to plunge, posing a policy challenge. UK's Prince Philip escapes unhurt in car crash Queen Elizabeth's 97-year-old husband Prince Philip escaped uninjured from a car crash while driving on Thursday near the Sandringham estate in eastern England.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-donald-trump-will-likely-lose-the-government-shutdown-189325&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjNjOvf1_HfAhUCS48KHfMzDnsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1QOVAe4CI7zGrW3ttH8eDB">President Donald Trump</a>'s nominee for US attorney general, William Barr, told lawmakers on Tuesday he would protect a federal probe into Russian election meddling from political pressure, stressing he would bring independence to the job and not shy away from breaking ranks with the administration.

"I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong - by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I'm going to do what I think is right."&nbsp;

Barr is expected to win confirmation in the Republican-controlled Senate to serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer, which would put him in charge of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and any possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

"On my watch, Bob will be allowed to complete his work," Barr said.&nbsp;

Democrats worry that Trump's administration may try to undercut the investigation, which has clouded Trump's two years in office and has been a frequent target of the president and his allies.

Barr, who was attorney general under Republican President George H.W. Bush in the 1990s, said his primary loyalty would be to the rule of law, not Trump. He said he did not seek out the job and was reluctant to accept when Trump offered it to him.

While he staked out a position of independence, Barr spoke broadly in favour of many of the tough immigration policies that have been pushed by Trump. He said he believed in the use of border walls, and criticized "sanctuary cities" that shield from deportation immigrants who are in the country without authorization.

"We need money right now for border security, including walls and barriers," he said.&nbsp;

Much of the questioning centred on the Mueller probe, which Trump frequently criticizes as a "witch hunt" while denying any collusion with Russia or obstruction of justice. Russia has denied US intelligence agencies findings that it interfered in the 2016 election.

Barr said he agreed with Mueller's charge that Russian entities interfered in the election, or at least tried to do so. He said he described Mueller, a longtime friend, as a "straight shooter" when Trump asked about him.

"I don't believe Mr Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Barr said.

If Trump asked him to fire Mueller without good cause, "I would refuse to carry out that instruction," he said.&nbsp;

FATALLY MISCONCEIVED

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders described Barr as an "honourable man" in a statement. "President Trump thinks he will be a great attorney general," she said.

Mueller has secured indictments against or guilty pleas from 33 people and three Russian companies, including former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

He is due to submit a confidential report containing his findings to the attorney general, prompting concern from some Democrats that the Trump administration will try to quash it. Barr said he would not let Trump modify the report and would make public as many of Mueller's findings as possible.

"My objective and goal are to get as much as I can of the information to Congress and the public," he said.

Barr faced questions from Democrats about an unsolicited memo he wrote last year that called Mueller's probe "fatally misconceived" for examining whether Trump obstructed justice by firing FBI Director James Comey in 2017.

Barr said his memo did not question the legitimacy of the probe as a whole, but only expressed concerns that the special counsel might be improperly interpreting one aspect of the law.

RECUSAL DECISION

Barr also drew objections from some Democrats for saying he would not necessarily recuse himself from oversight of the Mueller probe if ethics officials recommended he do so.

"In this context, just asking us to trust you is not enough," Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono told him.

Barr said it would be improper to automatically defer to people who report to him.&nbsp;

"I am not going to surrender the responsibilities of the attorney general," he said.

Barr's insistence that he should have the last word was in contrast to former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who said he would defer to the recommendation of ethics officials after it emerged he had met with Russian officials while working on Trump's election campaign.

Sessions faced repeated attacks from the president after he recused himself from the Russia probe.&nbsp;

Barr said Sessions "did the right thing" by leaving the recusal decision in the hands of career ethics officials because he faced a conflict due to his political activities.

The man who currently holds the job, Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, has not recused himself from oversight of the Mueller probe, despite a recommendation he does so.

President Donald Trump's nominee for US attorney general, William Barr, told lawmakers on Tuesday he would protect a federal probe into Russian election meddling from political pressure, stressing he would bring independence to the job and not shy away from breaking ranks with the administration.

President Donald Trump's nominee for US attorney general, William Barr, told lawmakers on Tuesday he would protect a federal probe into Russian election meddling from political pressure, stressing he would bring independence to the job and not shy away from breaking ranks with the administration. "I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong - by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I'm going to do what I think is right." Barr is expected to win confirmation in the Republican-controlled Senate to serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer, which would put him in charge of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and any possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's campaign. "On my watch, Bob will be allowed to complete his work," Barr said. Democrats worry that Trump's administration may try to undercut the investigation, which has clouded Trump's two years in office and has been a frequent target of the president and his allies. Barr, who was attorney general under Republican President George H.W. Bush in the 1990s, said his primary loyalty would be to the rule of law, not Trump. He said he did not seek out the job and was reluctant to accept when Trump offered it to him. While he staked out a position of independence, Barr spoke broadly in favour of many of the tough immigration policies that have been pushed by Trump. He said he believed in the use of border walls, and criticized "sanctuary cities" that shield from deportation immigrants who are in the country without authorization. "We need money right now for border security, including walls and barriers," he said. Much of the questioning centred on the Mueller probe, which Trump frequently criticizes as a "witch hunt" while denying any collusion with Russia or obstruction of justice. Russia has denied US intelligence agencies findings that it interfered in the 2016 election. Barr said he agreed with Mueller's charge that Russian entities interfered in the election, or at least tried to do so. He said he described Mueller, a longtime friend, as a "straight shooter" when Trump asked about him. "I don't believe Mr Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Barr said. If Trump asked him to fire Mueller without good cause, "I would refuse to carry out that instruction," he said. FATALLY MISCONCEIVED White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders described Barr as an "honourable man" in a statement. "President Trump thinks he will be a great attorney general," she said. Mueller has secured indictments against or guilty pleas from 33 people and three Russian companies, including former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. He is due to submit a confidential report containing his findings to the attorney general, prompting concern from some Democrats that the Trump administration will try to quash it. Barr said he would not let Trump modify the report and would make public as many of Mueller's findings as possible. "My objective and goal are to get as much as I can of the information to Congress and the public," he said. Barr faced questions from Democrats about an unsolicited memo he wrote last year that called Mueller's probe "fatally misconceived" for examining whether Trump obstructed justice by firing FBI Director James Comey in 2017. Barr said his memo did not question the legitimacy of the probe as a whole, but only expressed concerns that the special counsel might be improperly interpreting one aspect of the law. RECUSAL DECISION Barr also drew objections from some Democrats for saying he would not necessarily recuse himself from oversight of the Mueller probe if ethics officials recommended he do so. "In this context, just asking us to trust you is not enough," Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono told him. Barr said it would be improper to automatically defer to people who report to him. "I am not going to surrender the responsibilities of the attorney general," he said. Barr's insistence that he should have the last word was in contrast to former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who said he would defer to the recommendation of ethics officials after it emerged he had met with Russian officials while working on Trump's election campaign. Sessions faced repeated attacks from the president after he recused himself from the Russia probe. Barr said Sessions "did the right thing" by leaving the recusal decision in the hands of career ethics officials because he faced a conflict due to his political activities. The man who currently holds the job, Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, has not recused himself from oversight of the Mueller probe, despite a recommendation he does so.

Trump's pick for US attorney general says he will not 'be bullied' by anybody

The US-led coalition in Syria has begun withdrawing its troops, a spokesman said Friday, less than a month after US President Donald Trump made his shock announcement.

The force which has battled the Islamic State group since 2014 started scaling down but it remained unclear how long the drawdown process would last.

"CJTF-OIR has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria," spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan told AFP in a statement, referring to the US-led anti-jihadist force.

"Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troops movements," he said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the coalition had started scaling down its presence at Rmeilan airfield in the Hasakeh province in northeastern Syria.

"On Thursday, some American forces withdrew from the Rmeilan military base," Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation, said.

"This is the first such pullout of American forces since the US president's announcement" of military withdrawal from Syria last month, he said.

The US-led coalition has several other bases across northeastern Syria, as well as in neighbouring Iraq, where Trump has said his forces would remain.

A US defence official in Washington had earlier confirmed to AFP that equipment was being removed from Syria.

Pompeo visit

The US-led coalition, which also includes countries such as France and Britain, was formed in mid-2014 to counter the expansion of the Islamic State group after it proclaimed its self-styled "caliphate".

Trump claimed last month that the jihadists had been defeated and that US troops could, therefore, come home.

Fighter jets and special forces have played a key role in efforts to claw back the territory lost to IS.

A Kurdish-led group, the Syrian Democratic Forces, is currently flushing out the very last pockets of land controlled by the jihadists in the Euphrates River Valley.

The beginning of the drawdown coincided with a visit to the Middle East by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who insisted in Cairo Thursday that the withdrawal would go ahead despite widespread criticism.

Earlier this week, US National Security Advisor John Bolton laid out conditions for the pullout, including the defeat of the IS in Syria and guarantees for the safety of Washington's Kurdish allies in the campaign, who have been threatened with an imminent offensive by Turkey.

Bolton's comments were widely seen as backtracking on Trump's announcement, including by Turkey which described them as "unacceptable".

The battle against die-hard jihadists in remote areas along the Iraqi-Syrian border and the hunt for IS supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the world's most wanted man, could last indefinitely, however.

Anti-IS fight

And the Kurdish militia which has spearheaded the ground battle against the jihadist group is left exposed to a Turkish offensive by the US withdrawal.

The People's Protection Units (YPG), a Syrian offshoot of the PKK group which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, has already started cosying up to Damascus and its Russian sponsor.

Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist announcement and has repeatedly threatened to move into Syria to create a buffer zone along the border.

Critics of Trump's decision, including within his own Republican camp, have said that a precipitous withdrawal would shatter US policy in Syria and allow IS to rebuild.

They have also argued that it would further allow Damascus ally Iran to extend its influence across Syria and potentially threaten Israel.

Since his surprise announcement last month, Trump has stressed any withdrawal would be coordinated, gradual and "prudent".

But observers have stressed that the announcement of the withdrawal was having the same impact in reshuffling the cards of the conflict as the withdrawal itself.

"The damage is done. On the ground, the announcement of the pullout is as if they were already gone," said Fabrice Balanche, a geographer and Syria expert.

The US-led coalition in Syria has begun withdrawing its troops, a spokesman said Friday, less than a month after US President Donald Trump made his shock announcement.

The US-led coalition in Syria has begun withdrawing its troops, a spokesman said Friday, less than a month after US President Donald Trump made his shock announcement. The force which has battled the Islamic State group since 2014 started scaling down but it remained unclear how long the drawdown process would last. "CJTF-OIR has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria," spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan told AFP in a statement, referring to the US-led anti-jihadist force. "Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troops movements," he said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the coalition had started scaling down its presence at Rmeilan airfield in the Hasakeh province in northeastern Syria. "On Thursday, some American forces withdrew from the Rmeilan military base," Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring organisation, said. "This is the first such pullout of American forces since the US president's announcement" of military withdrawal from Syria last month, he said. The US-led coalition has several other bases across northeastern Syria, as well as in neighbouring Iraq, where Trump has said his forces would remain. A US defence official in Washington had earlier confirmed to AFP that equipment was being removed from Syria. Pompeo visit The US-led coalition, which also includes countries such as France and Britain, was formed in mid-2014 to counter the expansion of the Islamic State group after it proclaimed its self-styled "caliphate". Trump claimed last month that the jihadists had been defeated and that US troops could, therefore, come home. Fighter jets and special forces have played a key role in efforts to claw back the territory lost to IS. A Kurdish-led group, the Syrian Democratic Forces, is currently flushing out the very last pockets of land controlled by the jihadists in the Euphrates River Valley. The beginning of the drawdown coincided with a visit to the Middle East by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who insisted in Cairo Thursday that the withdrawal would go ahead despite widespread criticism. Earlier this week, US National Security Advisor John Bolton laid out conditions for the pullout, including the defeat of the IS in Syria and guarantees for the safety of Washington's Kurdish allies in the campaign, who have been threatened with an imminent offensive by Turkey. Bolton's comments were widely seen as backtracking on Trump's announcement, including by Turkey which described them as "unacceptable". The battle against die-hard jihadists in remote areas along the Iraqi-Syrian border and the hunt for IS supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the world's most wanted man, could last indefinitely, however. Anti-IS fight And the Kurdish militia which has spearheaded the ground battle against the jihadist group is left exposed to a Turkish offensive by the US withdrawal. The People's Protection Units (YPG), a Syrian offshoot of the PKK group which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, has already started cosying up to Damascus and its Russian sponsor. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist announcement and has repeatedly threatened to move into Syria to create a buffer zone along the border. Critics of Trump's decision, including within his own Republican camp, have said that a precipitous withdrawal would shatter US policy in Syria and allow IS to rebuild. They have also argued that it would further allow Damascus ally Iran to extend its influence across Syria and potentially threaten Israel. Since his surprise announcement last month, Trump has stressed any withdrawal would be coordinated, gradual and "prudent". But observers have stressed that the announcement of the withdrawal was having the same impact in reshuffling the cards of the conflict as the withdrawal itself. "The damage is done. On the ground, the announcement of the pullout is as if they were already gone," said Fabrice Balanche, a geographer and Syria expert.

US-led coalition says Syria withdrawal has begun

A Democratic congresswoman kicked off her term with an expletive-laced vow to impeach Donald Trump, testing her party's discipline and earning a chiding Friday from the president.

As a clip of Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib's animated comments circulated widely on social media, Trump tartly dismissed the threat of impeachment, while the newly elected Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared loath to reign in the congresswoman's language.

"How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time?" Trump said on Twitter, saying Democrats only consider impeachment "because they know they can't win in 2020."

At an event hours after her swearing-in on Thursday, Tlaib told supporters that "we are gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the motherfucker."

The crowd roared, and Tlaib hugged supporters.

Salty language by US lawmakers -- or presidents, for that matter -- is nothing new. Trump, hardly the paradigm of verbal decency, last year derided African nations as "shithole" countries, after all.

But when Trump was asked about his critic's comments, he said they were "disgraceful," and "highly disrespectful to the United States of America."

"I think she dishonoured herself and I think she dishonoured her family, using language like that," he added.

The timing and optics of Tlaib's outburst are notable.

Democrats have just won control of the House of Representatives, after eight years in the minority. Tlaib, 42, is one in a cadre of ebullient, media-savvy rising stars -- the self-described "radical" Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is another -- who aim to shake up Washington's status quo.

Such progressives will be eager to push back against an administration they believe has abused its authority in the nearly two years since Trump's inauguration.

Doubling down on her outburst, Tlaib -- the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress -- tweeted Friday: "I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe."

But she dodged reporters repeatedly asking about her remarks.

- No 'censorship' - 
As the chamber's new speaker, the 78-year-old Pelosi is challenged with keeping Trump -- as well as the more radical elements of her own party -- in check.

Pelosi sought to downplay Tlaib's potty mouth.

"I probably have a generational reaction to it. But in any event, I'm not in the censorship business," she said in comments aired Friday on MSNBC.

"But I don't think it's any worse than what the president has said."

Republicans have bridled at Tlaib's comments, using them to portray Democrats as seeking politically-motivated retribution against Trump rather than common ground.

"We watched a new freshman stand up, use this language, get cheered by their base, and we watched a brand new speaker say nothing to her," top House Republican Kevin McCarthy said.

"That action should not stand."

Democrats who support impeachment have argued that Trump obstructed justice by firing former FBI director James Comey, and that hush payment to at least two women made by his personal attorney during the presidential race violated campaign finance laws.

As a long-time Trump critic, Tlaib made calls for his impeachment central to her campaign -- and was once arrested for heckling the then-candidate during his White House run.

"The time for impeachment proceedings is now," she wrote in a co-authored op-ed published in the Detroit Free Press newspaper the morning of her entry into Congress.

House Democrat Brad Sherman agrees, and on Thursday formally introduced impeachment measures against Trump. They are unlikely to get a vote on the House floor, at least for now.

Even if Democrats believe some of Trump's actions clear the threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanours," Pelosi has downplayed the prospects of impeachment, saying it's "not something that I'm stirring the pot on."

She wants special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian electoral interference -- and possible collusion with Trump's campaign -- to run its course before Congress decides about taking such a serious step.

Equally pressing, Pelosi must contend with liberal Democrats seeking to pull the party leftward in the run-up to the 2020 election.

New York's Ocasio-Cortez, who last year unseated the fourth highest-ranking House Democrat in a shock primary, told the CBS show "60 Minutes" that she wants US tax rates to return to "as high as 60 or 70 per cent" for the wealthiest Americans, in order to pay for an ambitious plan to fight climate change.

A Democratic congresswoman kicked off her term with an expletive-laced vow to impeach Donald Trump, testing her party's discipline and earning a chiding Friday from the president.

A Democratic congresswoman kicked off her term with an expletive-laced vow to impeach Donald Trump, testing her party's discipline and earning a chiding Friday from the president. As a clip of Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib's animated comments circulated widely on social media, Trump tartly dismissed the threat of impeachment, while the newly elected Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared loath to reign in the congresswoman's language. "How do you impeach a president who has won perhaps the greatest election of all time?" Trump said on Twitter, saying Democrats only consider impeachment "because they know they can't win in 2020." At an event hours after her swearing-in on Thursday, Tlaib told supporters that "we are gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the motherfucker." The crowd roared, and Tlaib hugged supporters. Salty language by US lawmakers -- or presidents, for that matter -- is nothing new. Trump, hardly the paradigm of verbal decency, last year derided African nations as "shithole" countries, after all. But when Trump was asked about his critic's comments, he said they were "disgraceful," and "highly disrespectful to the United States of America." "I think she dishonoured herself and I think she dishonoured her family, using language like that," he added. The timing and optics of Tlaib's outburst are notable. Democrats have just won control of the House of Representatives, after eight years in the minority. Tlaib, 42, is one in a cadre of ebullient, media-savvy rising stars -- the self-described "radical" Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is another -- who aim to shake up Washington's status quo. Such progressives will be eager to push back against an administration they believe has abused its authority in the nearly two years since Trump's inauguration. Doubling down on her outburst, Tlaib -- the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress -- tweeted Friday: "I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe." But she dodged reporters repeatedly asking about her remarks. - No 'censorship' - As the chamber's new speaker, the 78-year-old Pelosi is challenged with keeping Trump -- as well as the more radical elements of her own party -- in check. Pelosi sought to downplay Tlaib's potty mouth. "I probably have a generational reaction to it. But in any event, I'm not in the censorship business," she said in comments aired Friday on MSNBC. "But I don't think it's any worse than what the president has said." Republicans have bridled at Tlaib's comments, using them to portray Democrats as seeking politically-motivated retribution against Trump rather than common ground. "We watched a new freshman stand up, use this language, get cheered by their base, and we watched a brand new speaker say nothing to her," top House Republican Kevin McCarthy said. "That action should not stand." Democrats who support impeachment have argued that Trump obstructed justice by firing former FBI director James Comey, and that hush payment to at least two women made by his personal attorney during the presidential race violated campaign finance laws. As a long-time Trump critic, Tlaib made calls for his impeachment central to her campaign -- and was once arrested for heckling the then-candidate during his White House run. "The time for impeachment proceedings is now," she wrote in a co-authored op-ed published in the Detroit Free Press newspaper the morning of her entry into Congress. House Democrat Brad Sherman agrees, and on Thursday formally introduced impeachment measures against Trump. They are unlikely to get a vote on the House floor, at least for now. Even if Democrats believe some of Trump's actions clear the threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanours," Pelosi has downplayed the prospects of impeachment, saying it's "not something that I'm stirring the pot on." She wants special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian electoral interference -- and possible collusion with Trump's campaign -- to run its course before Congress decides about taking such a serious step. Equally pressing, Pelosi must contend with liberal Democrats seeking to pull the party leftward in the run-up to the 2020 election. New York's Ocasio-Cortez, who last year unseated the fourth highest-ranking House Democrat in a shock primary, told the CBS show "60 Minutes" that she wants US tax rates to return to "as high as 60 or 70 per cent" for the wealthiest Americans, in order to pay for an ambitious plan to fight climate change.

Trump slams 'disgraceful' Democrat's profane impeachment vow

A partial shutdown of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-calls-democrats-plan-to-end-shutdown-non-starter-187935">US government </a>entered a 12th day Wednesday as President Donald Trump prepared to meet top Democratic and Republican lawmakers in a bid to break the impasse over his demand for funding for a border wall with Mexico.

One day before Democrats take over control of the House of Representatives, Trump showed no signs of backing away from his insistence on $5 billion for his "beautiful" southern wall.

"President Trump wants an agreement that reopens the government AND keeps Americans safe," the White House tweeted.

It said senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security would provide a "border security briefing" at the White House later in the day to top Democratic lawmakers Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Earlier Wednesday, Trump was to meet with his cabinet.

It will be Trump's first meeting with Pelosi, who will take over as speaker of the House on Thursday, and Schumer, the Senate minority leader, since an acrimonious Oval Office meeting with the pair on December 11.

Amid the stalemate over the wall, Trump shelved his annual Christmas vacation in Florida, choosing to remain in Washington and fire off a stream of angry -- and often misleading -- tweets.

"Much of the Wall has already been renovated or built," he asserted on Wednesday along with the dubious claim that Mexico would pay for the wall through the new trade deal negotiated between the two countries.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders accused Democrats of refusing to compromise.

"President Trump made a serious, good faith offer to Democrats to open the government, address the crisis at our border, and protect all Americans," Sanders said.

She described a plan put forward by Pelosi as a "non-starter because it does not fund our homeland security or keep American families safe from human trafficking, drugs, and crime."

Romney criticizes Trump 

Democrats say the border wall, one of Trump's key campaign promises, is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base.

The standoff resulted in swaths of the federal government being shut down over the Christmas and New Year holidays -- and for the foreseeable future until a deal is reached.

Pelosi is proposing a budget that would fund most government agencies through September 30 with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security and would only receive funding through February 8.

Republicans lost 40 seats and their majority in the House in the November midterm elections but they retained control of the Senate.

Sixty votes, however, are needed to advance legislation in the Senate, requiring Democratic support.

Republican Representative Steve Scalise called on Democrats on Wednesday to come to an agreement and accused them of "playing games with the safety of our country."

"The time for political games is over," Scalise said in an opinion piece for Fox News. "Lives are at stake."&nbsp;

Republican Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, has said he will only schedule a vote on a deal that has the support of both the House and Trump.

Adding to the uncertainty in Washington, an incoming senator, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, lashed out at Trump on Tuesday in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

"Trump's words and actions have caused dismay around the world," wrote Romney, who was elected to the Senate in November from his home state of Utah.

"I do not intend to comment on every tweet or fault," Romney said. "But I will speak out against significant statements or actions that are divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive to democratic institutions." 
&nbsp;

A partial shutdown of the US government entered a 12th day Wednesday as President Donald Trump prepared to meet top Democratic and Republican lawmakers in a bid to break the impasse over his demand for funding for a border wall with Mexico.

A partial shutdown of the US government entered a 12th day Wednesday as President Donald Trump prepared to meet top Democratic and Republican lawmakers in a bid to break the impasse over his demand for funding for a border wall with Mexico. One day before Democrats take over control of the House of Representatives, Trump showed no signs of backing away from his insistence on $5 billion for his "beautiful" southern wall. "President Trump wants an agreement that reopens the government AND keeps Americans safe," the White House tweeted. It said senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security would provide a "border security briefing" at the White House later in the day to top Democratic lawmakers Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Earlier Wednesday, Trump was to meet with his cabinet. It will be Trump's first meeting with Pelosi, who will take over as speaker of the House on Thursday, and Schumer, the Senate minority leader, since an acrimonious Oval Office meeting with the pair on December 11. Amid the stalemate over the wall, Trump shelved his annual Christmas vacation in Florida, choosing to remain in Washington and fire off a stream of angry -- and often misleading -- tweets. "Much of the Wall has already been renovated or built," he asserted on Wednesday along with the dubious claim that Mexico would pay for the wall through the new trade deal negotiated between the two countries. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders accused Democrats of refusing to compromise. "President Trump made a serious, good faith offer to Democrats to open the government, address the crisis at our border, and protect all Americans," Sanders said. She described a plan put forward by Pelosi as a "non-starter because it does not fund our homeland security or keep American families safe from human trafficking, drugs, and crime." Romney criticizes Trump Democrats say the border wall, one of Trump's key campaign promises, is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base. The standoff resulted in swaths of the federal government being shut down over the Christmas and New Year holidays -- and for the foreseeable future until a deal is reached. Pelosi is proposing a budget that would fund most government agencies through September 30 with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security and would only receive funding through February 8. Republicans lost 40 seats and their majority in the House in the November midterm elections but they retained control of the Senate. Sixty votes, however, are needed to advance legislation in the Senate, requiring Democratic support. Republican Representative Steve Scalise called on Democrats on Wednesday to come to an agreement and accused them of "playing games with the safety of our country." "The time for political games is over," Scalise said in an opinion piece for Fox News. "Lives are at stake." Republican Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, has said he will only schedule a vote on a deal that has the support of both the House and Trump. Adding to the uncertainty in Washington, an incoming senator, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, lashed out at Trump on Tuesday in an opinion piece in The Washington Post. "Trump's words and actions have caused dismay around the world," wrote Romney, who was elected to the Senate in November from his home state of Utah. "I do not intend to comment on every tweet or fault," Romney said. "But I will speak out against significant statements or actions that are divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive to democratic institutions."

Trump ready to meet lawmakers in a bid to end shutdown 

This is President of the United States for you.

A political novice, businessman and former fledgling real estate figure whose presidency has been filled with controversies, policy upheavals and high profile exits.

2018 was no different.

In June this year, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-concerned-about-being-impeached-report-183111">Trump</a> held a historic summit with the North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pictures-with-kim-jong-un-mask-pulled-down-from-social-media-after-backlash-in-south-korea-183853">Kim Jong-un</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the countries. The joint statement signed at the end of their meeting pledged to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula while Washington committed to provide security guarantees to North Korea.

But as the world applauded the US and South Korea in bringing the unpredictable Kim Jong-un to the talking table,&nbsp;disappointed allies looked on as Trump pulled out the US from a 2015 international agreement with Iran&nbsp;designed to deny Tehran the ability to build nuclear weapons.

Trump said he planned to restore the full force of US sanctions on Iran as the deal was&nbsp;flawed since then Trump has imposed sanctions on several countries trading with Iran, slapping sanctions on them as well including India despite certain waivers.

"In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating US nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States. America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail," Trump said.

Kim was not the only dictator Trump cosied up to. In July, he met with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in Helsinki, talking without aides present for over two hours, then emerging to declare that Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial&nbsp;of meddling in the 2016 election.

In November, Trump took the side of the Saudi crown prince <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mohammed-bin-salman-reformist-prince-who-has-shaken-saudi-arabia-184964">Mohammed bin Salman</a>, who allegedly directed the murder and dismemberment of journalist and dissident <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-other-journalists-are-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-183310">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, a US resident at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. And as the world leaders reacted sharply to the murder of Khashoggi, his own CIA confirmed that they had audio proof of the Saudi crown prince MBS ordering his brutal murder; a defiant Trump called the proof unconfirmed and speculative.

While most countries have believed in hyphenating&nbsp;the relationship between Israel and Palestine and promising a two-state solution, the US under Trump this year also shifted its embassy from Tel Aviv to&nbsp;Jerusalem on May 14.&nbsp;Trump's decision to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel caused significant criticism and violence, with 40 Palestinians being killed by&nbsp;Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week-long border protest.

So, Trump made several policy shifts,&nbsp;symptomatic of his presidency. He's also had several run-ins with the press.

President Trump left the Group of Seven summit early and announced he was backing out of the joint communique issued by the other leaders aimed at maintaining a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allies pushing for free, fair and mutually beneficial trade leaving the leaders in disarray and slapping tariffs on steel, aluminium imports from China, the EU and Mexico.

But the biggest blow was yet to come to the global economy. Trump hit China with sanctions on Chinese imports worth US $285 billion, promising more as stocks world over fell, oil prices spiked and currencies tumbled on a potential trade war.

Months later, in December, US and China announced a ceasefire in their tariff wars a pause on the trade wars for 90 days and holding off on raising tariffs by 25% and imposition of additional levies.

The tariffs started small, with duties on washing machines, then ramped up with steel and aluminum, then escalated into a broad range of levies affecting allies like Canada as much as economic foes like China. Agricultural exports were hit hard.

Trump touted his renegotiation of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-if-the-us-terminates-nafta-181728">North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)</a>, in which Mexico and Canada agreed to new terms ostensibly better for us industry.

Trump also withdrew from what he described as a "hypocritical and self-serving" United Nations human rights council on June 19 over what it called chronic bias against Israel and a lack of reform. The withdrawal, announced by US ambassador to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-continues-to-harbour-terrorists-nikki-haley-182609">UN Nikki Haley</a>, followed the US pulling out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. It also came as the United States faced intense criticism for detaining children separated from their immigrant parents at the US-Mexico border.

Trump's choice of the Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh plagued his presidency for months with accusations of sexual harassment against the nominee, but Trump brazened it out as he did on his alleged relationship with adult star Stormy Daniels and the murder of&nbsp;dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

He's changed the constitution of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;Approximately one-sixth of all federal appellate judges are now Trump appointees.

He also&nbsp;spurned fiscal conservatism in 2018, boosting spending toward a US $1 trillion annual deficit and ballooning the national debt by the US $1.9 trillion. He also abandoned his populist economic promises, which included raising taxes on hedge-fund managers, providing universal health care, spending on public works and reining in prescription&nbsp;drug prices.

Donald Trump came to the presidency by surprise and&nbsp;has been a disrupter ever since. He's stoked political divisions, breaking policy norms, weakening institutions and disavowing decades of US strategy- how different will 2019 be?

This is President of the United States for you. A political novice, businessman and former fledgling real estate figure whose presidency has been filled with controversies, policy upheavals and high profile exits.

This is President of the United States for you. A political novice, businessman and former fledgling real estate figure whose presidency has been filled with controversies, policy upheavals and high profile exits. 2018 was no different. In June this year, Trump held a historic summit with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the countries. The joint statement signed at the end of their meeting pledged to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula while Washington committed to provide security guarantees to North Korea. But as the world applauded the US and South Korea in bringing the unpredictable Kim Jong-un to the talking table, disappointed allies looked on as Trump pulled out the US from a 2015 international agreement with Iran designed to deny Tehran the ability to build nuclear weapons. Trump said he planned to restore the full force of US sanctions on Iran as the deal was flawed since then Trump has imposed sanctions on several countries trading with Iran, slapping sanctions on them as well including India despite certain waivers. "In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating US nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States. America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail," Trump said. Kim was not the only dictator Trump cosied up to. In July, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, talking without aides present for over two hours, then emerging to declare that Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial of meddling in the 2016 election. In November, Trump took the side of the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who allegedly directed the murder and dismemberment of journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi, a US resident at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. And as the world leaders reacted sharply to the murder of Khashoggi, his own CIA confirmed that they had audio proof of the Saudi crown prince MBS ordering his brutal murder; a defiant Trump called the proof unconfirmed and speculative. While most countries have believed in hyphenating the relationship between Israel and Palestine and promising a two-state solution, the US under Trump this year also shifted its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14. Trump's decision to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel caused significant criticism and violence, with 40 Palestinians being killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week-long border protest. So, Trump made several policy shifts, symptomatic of his presidency. He's also had several run-ins with the press. President Trump left the Group of Seven summit early and announced he was backing out of the joint communique issued by the other leaders aimed at maintaining a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allies pushing for free, fair and mutually beneficial trade leaving the leaders in disarray and slapping tariffs on steel, aluminium imports from China, the EU and Mexico. But the biggest blow was yet to come to the global economy. Trump hit China with sanctions on Chinese imports worth US $285 billion, promising more as stocks world over fell, oil prices spiked and currencies tumbled on a potential trade war. Months later, in December, US and China announced a ceasefire in their tariff wars a pause on the trade wars for 90 days and holding off on raising tariffs by 25% and imposition of additional levies. The tariffs started small, with duties on washing machines, then ramped up with steel and aluminum, then escalated into a broad range of levies affecting allies like Canada as much as economic foes like China. Agricultural exports were hit hard. Trump touted his renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in which Mexico and Canada agreed to new terms ostensibly better for us industry. Trump also withdrew from what he described as a "hypocritical and self-serving" United Nations human rights council on June 19 over what it called chronic bias against Israel and a lack of reform. The withdrawal, announced by US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, followed the US pulling out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. It also came as the United States faced intense criticism for detaining children separated from their immigrant parents at the US-Mexico border. Trump's choice of the Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh plagued his presidency for months with accusations of sexual harassment against the nominee, but Trump brazened it out as he did on his alleged relationship with adult star Stormy Daniels and the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He's changed the constitution of the Supreme Court. Approximately one-sixth of all federal appellate judges are now Trump appointees. He also spurned fiscal conservatism in 2018, boosting spending toward a US $1 trillion annual deficit and ballooning the national debt by the US $1.9 trillion. He also abandoned his populist economic promises, which included raising taxes on hedge-fund managers, providing universal health care, spending on public works and reining in prescription drug prices. Donald Trump came to the presidency by surprise and has been a disrupter ever since. He's stoked political divisions, breaking policy norms, weakening institutions and disavowing decades of US strategy- how different will 2019 be?

Donald Trump: US President marks another year of controversies

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-four-time-president-and-global-influencer-185673">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> on Wednesday hailed final tests of a hypersonic missile, which he earlier said would render existing missile defence systems obsolete.&nbsp;

"On my instructions, the Ministry of Defence prepared and conducted a final test of this system. This has just been completed with absolute success," Putin said during a televised meeting with members of the government.

"Russia has a new type of strategic weapon," he said, adding that the intercontinental "Avangard" system would be ready for use from 2019.&nbsp;

The Kremlin told Russian news agencies the test had taken place in far eastern Kamchatka while Putin was at the national defence control centre.

Putin unveiled features of the Avangard during his annual address in March, which he said would be part of a new generation of "invincible" weaponry.

The hypersonic missile could fly at 20 times the speed of sound and manoeuvre up and down, meaning it could breach defence systems, he said at the time.&nbsp;

The final test comes after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-say-trump-plunging-country-into-chaos-with-multiple-crises-186247">US President Donald Trump</a> announced plans to pull out of a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

Putin has laid out plans to develop missiles banned under the deal if the United States abandons it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday hailed final tests of a hypersonic missile, which he earlier said would render existing missile defence systems obsolete.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday hailed final tests of a hypersonic missile, which he earlier said would render existing missile defence systems obsolete. "On my instructions, the Ministry of Defence prepared and conducted a final test of this system. This has just been completed with absolute success," Putin said during a televised meeting with members of the government. "Russia has a new type of strategic weapon," he said, adding that the intercontinental "Avangard" system would be ready for use from 2019. The Kremlin told Russian news agencies the test had taken place in far eastern Kamchatka while Putin was at the national defence control centre. Putin unveiled features of the Avangard during his annual address in March, which he said would be part of a new generation of "invincible" weaponry. The hypersonic missile could fly at 20 times the speed of sound and manoeuvre up and down, meaning it could breach defence systems, he said at the time. The final test comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Putin has laid out plans to develop missiles banned under the deal if the United States abandons it.

Putin hails 'successful' test of new hypersonic missile

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