The United States President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promises-sunny-state-of-union-speech-but-clouds-thicken-195206">Donald Trump</a> will give his annual <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-state-of-the-union-address-31215">State of the Union speech</a> on Tuesday as he will begin the second half of his presidency.

According to the excerpt released by White House, Trump's speech will cover various topics including immigration, national security, and trade and call for unity in a divided Congress.

In the address,&nbsp;Trump will also call on&nbsp;Congress to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which if signed into law could have consequences on bilateral trade with India.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-the-union-address-barack-obama-versus-donald-trump-31291">State of the Union address, Barack Obama versus Donald Trump</a>

The Reciprocal Trade Act would give Trump an authority to levy tariffs equal to those of a foreign country on a particular product if that country's tariffs are determined to be significantly lower than those charged by the United States.

It would also allow him to take into account non-tariff barriers when determining such tariffs.&nbsp;

The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by President of United States to a joint session of the United States Congress which starts after the president completes one year of his term and as it is broadcast live across the country, it is a platform for President to directly communicate to the people of America.

The president address held in the house of representative before a joint session of the United States Congress. Today the address will take place at 7:30 am&nbsp;(GMT-5).

In January, Trump in interaction with lawmakers at the White House had said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-on-motorcycle-tariffs-by-india-fair-deal-trump-192625">Reciprocal Trade Act</a> would give the US workers a fair and level playing field against other countries.

He has also alleged that the US had been taken advantage of by many countries all over the world.

"They charge us tariffs and taxes, the likes of which nobody has any understanding. They're so high and so unfair! They also have barriers where we can't go in. They have trade barriers that make it impossible for us to sell our farm products and our other products.

&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump will give his annual State of the Union speech on Tuesday as he will begin the second half of his presidency. According to the excerpt released by White House, Trump's speech will cover various topics including immigration, national security, and trade and call for unity in a divided Congress.

The United States President Donald Trump will give his annual State of the Union speech on Tuesday as he will begin the second half of his presidency. According to the excerpt released by White House, Trump's speech will cover various topics including immigration, national security, and trade and call for unity in a divided Congress. In the address, Trump will also call on Congress to pass the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, which if signed into law could have consequences on bilateral trade with India. Also read: State of the Union address, Barack Obama versus Donald Trump The Reciprocal Trade Act would give Trump an authority to levy tariffs equal to those of a foreign country on a particular product if that country's tariffs are determined to be significantly lower than those charged by the United States. It would also allow him to take into account non-tariff barriers when determining such tariffs. The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by President of United States to a joint session of the United States Congress which starts after the president completes one year of his term and as it is broadcast live across the country, it is a platform for President to directly communicate to the people of America. The president address held in the house of representative before a joint session of the United States Congress. Today the address will take place at 7:30 am (GMT-5). In January, Trump in interaction with lawmakers at the White House had said the Reciprocal Trade Act would give the US workers a fair and level playing field against other countries. He has also alleged that the US had been taken advantage of by many countries all over the world. "They charge us tariffs and taxes, the likes of which nobody has any understanding. They're so high and so unfair! They also have barriers where we can't go in. They have trade barriers that make it impossible for us to sell our farm products and our other products.

Eye on India: In State of the Union address, Trump to speak on Reciprocal Trade Act

The United States President Donald Trump&nbsp;appointed Rear Admiral in the White House navy, Ronny Jackson as his assistant and chief medical advisor, White House announced on Saturday.

Ronny Jackson is currently facing investigation by Pentagon for several accusations including drinking on work and creating a hostile environment for co-workers.

The appointment was announced by White House.&nbsp;

Jackson was appointed to the role of Physician to the President in 2013 by former President Barack Obama and was retained by Trump following his inauguration in January 2017.

Last year in March, Trump nominated him to be United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs to succeed David Shulkin, however, after the allegations claiming misconduct and mismanagement during his service in the White House surfaced, Jackson withdrew his nomination.

Jackson is accused of having an 'abusive' behaviour toward his colleagues, loosely handled prescription pain medications and sometimes being intoxicated on work. However, Jackson denies any wrongdoing.

In 2018, Jackson also sparked another controversy after he cleared Trump's annual health checkup and told reporters that President is in "excellent health" despite revealing that he is borderline obese.

 
&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump appointed Rear Admiral in the White House navy, Ronny Jackson as his assistant and chief medical advisor, White House announced on Saturday.

The United States President Donald Trump appointed Rear Admiral in the White House navy, Ronny Jackson as his assistant and chief medical advisor, White House announced on Saturday. Ronny Jackson is currently facing investigation by Pentagon for several accusations including drinking on work and creating a hostile environment for co-workers. The appointment was announced by White House. Jackson was appointed to the role of Physician to the President in 2013 by former President Barack Obama and was retained by Trump following his inauguration in January 2017. Last year in March, Trump nominated him to be United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs to succeed David Shulkin, however, after the allegations claiming misconduct and mismanagement during his service in the White House surfaced, Jackson withdrew his nomination. Jackson is accused of having an 'abusive' behaviour toward his colleagues, loosely handled prescription pain medications and sometimes being intoxicated on work. However, Jackson denies any wrongdoing. In 2018, Jackson also sparked another controversy after he cleared Trump's annual health checkup and told reporters that President is in "excellent health" despite revealing that he is borderline obese.

Trump appoints Ronny Jackson as chief medical advisor amid Pentagon investigation

US President Donald Trump is serious about getting out of Afghanistan, the Taliban told AFP Friday, outlining the "Islamic system" comprising "all Afghans" that the group says it hopes to establish under any peace deal.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid spoke to AFP via WhatsApp a day after the US said talks with the militants are "on the right path", fuelling speculation of a breakthrough in the 17-year conflict.

The US president's apparent eagerness to pull troops out has weighed on the negotiations, which culminated with six straight days of meetings in Qatar last week.

"An agreement was reached on a principle framework... Which, if implemented, and if the Americans take honest steps and stick to it truthfully, then God willing we are hopeful that the Americans will end the occupation of Afghanistan," Mujahid said.

"It appears that Trump is serious," the Taliban spokesman continued. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad also spoke this week of a "draft framework" for a deal, though he warned that major hurdles -- including any US withdrawal -- remain.

Experts have hailed the development as a milestone in the conflict. But it has prompted concerns from Afghans and observers who feared foreign troops could withdraw before a lasting peace is reached between the insurgents and the government in Kabul.

The Taliban took over Afghanistan in 1996, imposing their brutal interpretation of Shariah law on the country until they were toppled in the US invasion of 2001.

They have since fought an insurgency demanding foreign troops leave and an Islamic state be re-established.

Mujahid said a foreign withdrawal was the first goal.

"Secondly, we want the establishment of an Islamic system," he continued, dampening tentative hopes among Afghans that the insurgents would agree to participate in the existing democratic system built since 2001.

He said they would establish such a system through "negotiations with different political sides, even if they have so far been under the umbrella of the invaders".

If the government in Kabul will not stand in the way, he added, "then of course there will be no need for war".

Mujahid said the insurgents are not seeking to monopolise power. "Inshallah (God willing) all Afghans, including different political sides" can take part, he told AFP.

Such a system would be based on the principle of shura, or council, with Islamic experts making decisions and "representatives of people and scholars" contributing.

Mujahid said the group was "100 percent hopeful" of establishing such a system.

He admitted that the Taliban regime of the 1990s experienced "a lot of economic, social and security problems" -- a key one being how to separate men from women.

Under the Taliban women were largely confined to their homes, venturing outside only with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa. Girls education was banned and women were prohibited from the workplace save in some few areas such as medicine.

Now, the militants "don't oppose the education of women", Mujahid said. "We will try to provide a safe environment for the education and work of women," he told AFP, adding "whatever is permissible for women in Islamic Sharia will be allowed".

Many women have spoken to AFP of their fears that a peace deal could come at the cost of the few, hard-won rights they have managed to establish in the deeply patriarchal, conservative country since 2001.

Mujahid said the next round of talks with the US will again take place in Doha starting February 25.

The US has said talks will continue, but not confirmed any date. Khalilzad tweeted late Thursday that both sides had made "significant progress on two vital issues: counter terrorism and troop withdrawal".

But that "doesn't mean we're done", he continued, adding work continues on both issues as well as a ceasefire and convincing the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government -- all issues on which attempts at peace negotiations have foundered in the past.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is serious about getting out of Afghanistan, the Taliban told AFP Friday, outlining the "Islamic system" comprising "all Afghans" that the group says it hopes to establish under any peace deal.

US President Donald Trump is serious about getting out of Afghanistan, the Taliban told AFP Friday, outlining the "Islamic system" comprising "all Afghans" that the group says it hopes to establish under any peace deal. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid spoke to AFP via WhatsApp a day after the US said talks with the militants are "on the right path", fuelling speculation of a breakthrough in the 17-year conflict. The US president's apparent eagerness to pull troops out has weighed on the negotiations, which culminated with six straight days of meetings in Qatar last week. "An agreement was reached on a principle framework... Which, if implemented, and if the Americans take honest steps and stick to it truthfully, then God willing we are hopeful that the Americans will end the occupation of Afghanistan," Mujahid said. "It appears that Trump is serious," the Taliban spokesman continued. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad also spoke this week of a "draft framework" for a deal, though he warned that major hurdles -- including any US withdrawal -- remain. Experts have hailed the development as a milestone in the conflict. But it has prompted concerns from Afghans and observers who feared foreign troops could withdraw before a lasting peace is reached between the insurgents and the government in Kabul. The Taliban took over Afghanistan in 1996, imposing their brutal interpretation of Shariah law on the country until they were toppled in the US invasion of 2001. They have since fought an insurgency demanding foreign troops leave and an Islamic state be re-established. Mujahid said a foreign withdrawal was the first goal. "Secondly, we want the establishment of an Islamic system," he continued, dampening tentative hopes among Afghans that the insurgents would agree to participate in the existing democratic system built since 2001. He said they would establish such a system through "negotiations with different political sides, even if they have so far been under the umbrella of the invaders". If the government in Kabul will not stand in the way, he added, "then of course there will be no need for war". Mujahid said the insurgents are not seeking to monopolise power. "Inshallah (God willing) all Afghans, including different political sides" can take part, he told AFP. Such a system would be based on the principle of shura, or council, with Islamic experts making decisions and "representatives of people and scholars" contributing. Mujahid said the group was "100 percent hopeful" of establishing such a system. He admitted that the Taliban regime of the 1990s experienced "a lot of economic, social and security problems" -- a key one being how to separate men from women. Under the Taliban women were largely confined to their homes, venturing outside only with a male escort and hidden beneath a burqa. Girls education was banned and women were prohibited from the workplace save in some few areas such as medicine. Now, the militants "don't oppose the education of women", Mujahid said. "We will try to provide a safe environment for the education and work of women," he told AFP, adding "whatever is permissible for women in Islamic Sharia will be allowed". Many women have spoken to AFP of their fears that a peace deal could come at the cost of the few, hard-won rights they have managed to establish in the deeply patriarchal, conservative country since 2001. Mujahid said the next round of talks with the US will again take place in Doha starting February 25. The US has said talks will continue, but not confirmed any date. Khalilzad tweeted late Thursday that both sides had made "significant progress on two vital issues: counter terrorism and troop withdrawal". But that "doesn't mean we're done", he continued, adding work continues on both issues as well as a ceasefire and convincing the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government -- all issues on which attempts at peace negotiations have foundered in the past.

Trump 'serious' about Afghan withdrawal: Taliban

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-close-us-embassy-consulates-maduro-192578">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, a top US official said on Thursday.

Although short on details, the announcement signals that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-orders-non-emergency-embassy-staff-to-leave-venezuela-192582">Washington is willing</a> to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro's government, which is already struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown.

Such a move would significantly strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of Washington and nations around the region.

"What we're focusing on today is disconnecting the illegitimate Maduro regime from the sources of his revenues," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House.

"We think consistent with our recognition of Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela that those revenues should go to the legitimate government."

Bolton added that the process was "very complicated" and that officials were still studying how this would function. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment.

Guaido, in an interview with broadcaster Univision, said he believed this was "the beginning of the end" for Maduro and he would work to guarantee humanitarian aid and implement new economic measures to rachet up pressure.

"Our challenge is to secure free elections, and we want them as soon as possible. But we are living in a dictatorship," he said, from an undisclosed location.

BOLD CHALLENGE

Washington's support for Guaido prompted Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. On Thursday, he said he was closing Venezuela's embassy in Washington and its consulates in the United States.

Guaido's swearing-in was the opposition's boldest challenge yet to the long-ruling Socialist Party and has given Maduro's adversaries an unprecedented diplomatic platform to press for change in a nation dogged by hyperinflation, rising malnutrition and political conflict.

But Guaido now leads what amounts to a shadow government disavowed by the armed forces and with no influence over day-to-day administration such as importing and distributing food and medicine.

The 35-year-old industrial engineer said he had spoken on Thursday by telephone with supportive heads of state from around the world.

In the Univision interview, Guaido repeated his proposal of future amnesties to officials and military members who disavowed Maduro, even saying the offer could be extended to government ministers and to Maduro himself if they willingly left power.

Guaido's ascent was greeted with excitement by investors holding Venezuela and state oil company PDVSA bonds, which hit their highest level since 2017 despite being almost entirely in default.

Concerns about potential disruption of Venezuelan crude supplies gave support to global oil prices.

Oil revenues are crucial to the already crumbling Venezuelan economy and routing that money away from Maduro as the United State seeks to do would be a serious blow.

The US&nbsp;State Department on Thursday ordered some US&nbsp;government workers to leave Venezuela and said US&nbsp;citizens should consider leaving the country.

WHO IS LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT?

Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election, widely viewed as fraudulent.

Backing for him has come principally from the Western hemisphere. Venezuelan allies including Russia and Turkey - both important commercial partners - criticized Guaido's rise as a sign of U.S. interference.

The European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, noted that Venezuelans had "massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny," but stopped short of recognizing Guaido.

Maduro, in a rambling speech, dismissed Guaido's inauguration and said he himself remained the country's legitimate leader.

He has relied extensively on the military to maintain power amid annual inflation of nearly 2 million per cent and an exodus of Venezuelan refugees into neighbouring countries.

Guaido has said Maduro's January 10 inauguration to a second six-year term amounted to a usurpation of power. The vote was boycotted by Venezuela's main opposition parties, with Maduro's two most popular rivals banned from running and Socialist Party aggressive campaigning opponents called vote-buying.

Guaido and allies argue that the presidency is vacant as a result and that the constitution calls for the head of Congress to assume the interim presidency in such a situation.

That still leaves Guaido struggling against a state unwilling to recognize him and security forces that could jail him, as they did his mentor Leopoldo Lopez - who is under house arrest for leading anti-Maduro protests in 2014.

"Can he name ministers? Ministers of air? Phantom ministers?," asked Maduro during a speech before the Supreme Court. "Is he going to name commanders of military units? Will the armed forces obey his command? Never."

Protesters clashed with security forces on Wednesday night around the country and in both affluent and working class areas of Caracas, with some demonstrations spilling over into looting.

A total of 14 people have been killed in violence linked to this week's protests, according to local rights groups.

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated President Nicolas Maduro, a top US official said on Thursday.

The United States is seeking to ensure that Venezuelan oil revenue goes to opposition leader and self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, and to cut off money from isolated President Nicolas Maduro, a top US official said on Thursday. Although short on details, the announcement signals that Washington is willing to go beyond traditional diplomatic measures and will seek to drain cash from Maduro's government, which is already struggling under an unprecedented economic meltdown. Such a move would significantly strengthen the hand of Guaido, who swore himself in as interim head of state on Wednesday with the support of Washington and nations around the region. "What we're focusing on today is disconnecting the illegitimate Maduro regime from the sources of his revenues," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House. "We think consistent with our recognition of Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela that those revenues should go to the legitimate government." Bolton added that the process was "very complicated" and that officials were still studying how this would function. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. Guaido, in an interview with broadcaster Univision, said he believed this was "the beginning of the end" for Maduro and he would work to guarantee humanitarian aid and implement new economic measures to rachet up pressure. "Our challenge is to secure free elections, and we want them as soon as possible. But we are living in a dictatorship," he said, from an undisclosed location. BOLD CHALLENGE Washington's support for Guaido prompted Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, to break relations with the United States. On Thursday, he said he was closing Venezuela's embassy in Washington and its consulates in the United States. Guaido's swearing-in was the opposition's boldest challenge yet to the long-ruling Socialist Party and has given Maduro's adversaries an unprecedented diplomatic platform to press for change in a nation dogged by hyperinflation, rising malnutrition and political conflict. But Guaido now leads what amounts to a shadow government disavowed by the armed forces and with no influence over day-to-day administration such as importing and distributing food and medicine. The 35-year-old industrial engineer said he had spoken on Thursday by telephone with supportive heads of state from around the world. In the Univision interview, Guaido repeated his proposal of future amnesties to officials and military members who disavowed Maduro, even saying the offer could be extended to government ministers and to Maduro himself if they willingly left power. Guaido's ascent was greeted with excitement by investors holding Venezuela and state oil company PDVSA bonds, which hit their highest level since 2017 despite being almost entirely in default. Concerns about potential disruption of Venezuelan crude supplies gave support to global oil prices. Oil revenues are crucial to the already crumbling Venezuelan economy and routing that money away from Maduro as the United State seeks to do would be a serious blow. The US State Department on Thursday ordered some US government workers to leave Venezuela and said US citizens should consider leaving the country. WHO IS LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT? Guaido took the helm of the National Assembly on Jan. 5 with a call for the armed forces to recognize Maduro as a "usurper" after his May 2018 re-election, widely viewed as fraudulent. Backing for him has come principally from the Western hemisphere. Venezuelan allies including Russia and Turkey - both important commercial partners - criticized Guaido's rise as a sign of U.S. interference. The European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, noted that Venezuelans had "massively called for democracy and the possibility to freely determine their own destiny," but stopped short of recognizing Guaido. Maduro, in a rambling speech, dismissed Guaido's inauguration and said he himself remained the country's legitimate leader. He has relied extensively on the military to maintain power amid annual inflation of nearly 2 million per cent and an exodus of Venezuelan refugees into neighbouring countries. Guaido has said Maduro's January 10 inauguration to a second six-year term amounted to a usurpation of power. The vote was boycotted by Venezuela's main opposition parties, with Maduro's two most popular rivals banned from running and Socialist Party aggressive campaigning opponents called vote-buying. Guaido and allies argue that the presidency is vacant as a result and that the constitution calls for the head of Congress to assume the interim presidency in such a situation. That still leaves Guaido struggling against a state unwilling to recognize him and security forces that could jail him, as they did his mentor Leopoldo Lopez - who is under house arrest for leading anti-Maduro protests in 2014. "Can he name ministers? Ministers of air? Phantom ministers?," asked Maduro during a speech before the Supreme Court. "Is he going to name commanders of military units? Will the armed forces obey his command? Never." Protesters clashed with security forces on Wednesday night around the country and in both affluent and working class areas of Caracas, with some demonstrations spilling over into looting. A total of 14 people have been killed in violence linked to this week's protests, according to local rights groups.

US seeks to cut off money for Venezuela's Maduro to aid opposition

WION Chat: Donald Trump offers concessions to Democrats

Breaking News: Second Trump-Kim meet in February

By Christopher Dent

The clock is ticking for China and the US to resolve their trade dispute. Some progress was made at the last round of talks (January 7-9) but negotiators must find a comprehensive agreement by March 2.&nbsp;

If they fail, the US government plans to raise tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on $200 billion of Chinese imports. This would have an enormous impact not just on US-China bilateral trade but also on many other countries due to global supply chain linkages.

The US president, Donald Trump, wishes to adjust the “terms of trade” between both countries, addressing what he alleges are China’s “unfair” trading practices. Many observers believe this is a battle not just about trade but also about economic and technological supremacy.

The Trump administration accuses China of stealing technology from American companies. It has also been critical of the Chinese government’s strategic plans to make the country a world leader in industry sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy, robotics and electric vehicles. The recent successful landing of a Chinese spacecraft on the Moon would have caused further consternation among Americans fearful of China’s new technological capacities.

The US says it wants China to become a free market economy and ditch its state management approach. Ironically, the credibility of America’s position on this matter is undermined by Trump’s own protectionist stance on trade, which itself constitutes significant state intervention in the marketplace.

But, despite their political and economic differences, the reality is that the US and China’s economies are deeply interconnected through various layers of commercial, financial and production links. The two are so entwined that they have been dubbed a symbiotic “Chimerica” economy.

Economic interdependence

US-China economic interdependence has to be carefully managed and many companies are critical of the Trump administration’s decision to raise tariffs. They rightly warn that aggressive US actions against China will ultimately harm American firms, workers and consumers. What’s more, the world’s two largest national economies lie at the core of an ever more integrated global economy. Any significant disruption to their relationship will have major ramifications for businesses worldwide.

From his actions and tweeted thinking to date, it appears that Trump is failing to acknowledge the extent of US-China economic interdependence, or is choosing to ignore it. While the US trade deficit of $336 billion with China in 2017 is at some level a cause for concern, China recycles much of its surplus back through buying US government securities.

Taking the car industry as an example, we can reasonably assume that Trump wishes to see more cars made by Ford, General Motors and other American firms in the US, which get sold both at home and in foreign markets. Ideally, in Trump’s view, they would also be sourcing materials and parts from US-based companies, thus overall generating more jobs and prosperity for Americans. But this cannot be sustainably achieved through protectionist trade measures.

Trump’s adoption of a defensive economic nationalist position and a simplistic “imports bad, exports good” mindset chimes with a 19th-century view of the world economy. Then it was the norm for companies to organise production in one nation and simply export from it. Today, technological advances mean companies increasingly organise their production across nations, mainly for reasons of cost efficiency, making goods cheaper to buy and providing wider consumer choice. In many of the world’s major industries, it makes no economic sense today to do otherwise.

Competitive advantage

For companies, the ultimate arbiter of success is the consumer. The fundamental reason why the sales of American car manufacturers have fallen over the years – both at home and in export markets – is not due to “unfair” trade practices but because they lack competitiveness. The same logic applies to other industries.

Sales of foreign cars in Japan illustrates this. While the Japanese car market is hard for foreign firms to penetrate, Japan does not apply import tariffs in this sector. So both European and US firms face the same challenges in satisfying the discerning Japanese consumer.

From 2013 to 2016, Japan’s imports of US cars fell from 23,381 to 19,933, whereas imports of European vehicles increased from 239,090 to 251,155. If Trump wishes American car makers to expand production and exports, they need to produce more competitive and desirable products.

Sometimes, this is extraordinarily difficult to achieve in industries experiencing deep structural decline, such as the US steel sector. There are, of course, many other sectors where American firms have developed a competitive advantage over their foreign rivals, such as cinema and television shows, popular culture, financial services and university education.

Higher tariffs on US imports of goods from China and other countries will in most cases be passed on as higher prices to American consumers, raising inflation and, in turn, interest rates. One of the ironies of imposing import tariffs on goods from China is that a high volume of these will come from US companies such as Apple and Dell, which assemble their products cost competitively in China, then export them to US consumers. Trump calls for these firms to relocate their production back to the US, but comparatively much higher labour and other costs would lead to higher prices for consumers and inflation.

It is time for the US president to end his short-sighted and self-harming trade policies, and fully appreciate the inter-connected nature of the 21st-century global economy and society. The future health of the global economy depends on a good working partnership between the US and China. Both countries must quickly end this trade war and focus instead on establishing more harmonious relations – for all our sakes.

(Christopher Dent is Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-there-will-be-no-winners-from-the-us-china-trade-war-109822">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 Christopher Dent The clock is ticking for China and the US to resolve their trade dispute. Some progress was made at the last round of talks (January 7-9) but negotiators must find a comprehensive agreement by March 2.

By Christopher Dent The clock is ticking for China and the US to resolve their trade dispute. Some progress was made at the last round of talks (January 7-9) but negotiators must find a comprehensive agreement by March 2. If they fail, the US government plans to raise tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on $200 billion of Chinese imports. This would have an enormous impact not just on US-China bilateral trade but also on many other countries due to global supply chain linkages. The US president, Donald Trump, wishes to adjust the “terms of trade” between both countries, addressing what he alleges are China’s “unfair” trading practices. Many observers believe this is a battle not just about trade but also about economic and technological supremacy. The Trump administration accuses China of stealing technology from American companies. It has also been critical of the Chinese government’s strategic plans to make the country a world leader in industry sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy, robotics and electric vehicles. The recent successful landing of a Chinese spacecraft on the Moon would have caused further consternation among Americans fearful of China’s new technological capacities. The US says it wants China to become a free market economy and ditch its state management approach. Ironically, the credibility of America’s position on this matter is undermined by Trump’s own protectionist stance on trade, which itself constitutes significant state intervention in the marketplace. But, despite their political and economic differences, the reality is that the US and China’s economies are deeply interconnected through various layers of commercial, financial and production links. The two are so entwined that they have been dubbed a symbiotic “Chimerica” economy. Economic interdependence US-China economic interdependence has to be carefully managed and many companies are critical of the Trump administration’s decision to raise tariffs. They rightly warn that aggressive US actions against China will ultimately harm American firms, workers and consumers. What’s more, the world’s two largest national economies lie at the core of an ever more integrated global economy. Any significant disruption to their relationship will have major ramifications for businesses worldwide. From his actions and tweeted thinking to date, it appears that Trump is failing to acknowledge the extent of US-China economic interdependence, or is choosing to ignore it. While the US trade deficit of $336 billion with China in 2017 is at some level a cause for concern, China recycles much of its surplus back through buying US government securities. Taking the car industry as an example, we can reasonably assume that Trump wishes to see more cars made by Ford, General Motors and other American firms in the US, which get sold both at home and in foreign markets. Ideally, in Trump’s view, they would also be sourcing materials and parts from US-based companies, thus overall generating more jobs and prosperity for Americans. But this cannot be sustainably achieved through protectionist trade measures. Trump’s adoption of a defensive economic nationalist position and a simplistic “imports bad, exports good” mindset chimes with a 19th-century view of the world economy. Then it was the norm for companies to organise production in one nation and simply export from it. Today, technological advances mean companies increasingly organise their production across nations, mainly for reasons of cost efficiency, making goods cheaper to buy and providing wider consumer choice. In many of the world’s major industries, it makes no economic sense today to do otherwise. Competitive advantage For companies, the ultimate arbiter of success is the consumer. The fundamental reason why the sales of American car manufacturers have fallen over the years – both at home and in export markets – is not due to “unfair” trade practices but because they lack competitiveness. The same logic applies to other industries. Sales of foreign cars in Japan illustrates this. While the Japanese car market is hard for foreign firms to penetrate, Japan does not apply import tariffs in this sector. So both European and US firms face the same challenges in satisfying the discerning Japanese consumer. From 2013 to 2016, Japan’s imports of US cars fell from 23,381 to 19,933, whereas imports of European vehicles increased from 239,090 to 251,155. If Trump wishes American car makers to expand production and exports, they need to produce more competitive and desirable products. Sometimes, this is extraordinarily difficult to achieve in industries experiencing deep structural decline, such as the US steel sector. There are, of course, many other sectors where American firms have developed a competitive advantage over their foreign rivals, such as cinema and television shows, popular culture, financial services and university education. Higher tariffs on US imports of goods from China and other countries will in most cases be passed on as higher prices to American consumers, raising inflation and, in turn, interest rates. One of the ironies of imposing import tariffs on goods from China is that a high volume of these will come from US companies such as Apple and Dell, which assemble their products cost competitively in China, then export them to US consumers. Trump calls for these firms to relocate their production back to the US, but comparatively much higher labour and other costs would lead to higher prices for consumers and inflation. It is time for the US president to end his short-sighted and self-harming trade policies, and fully appreciate the inter-connected nature of the 21st-century global economy and society. The future health of the global economy depends on a good working partnership between the US and China. Both countries must quickly end this trade war and focus instead on establishing more harmonious relations – for all our sakes. (Christopher Dent is Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University) (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)

Why there will be no winners from the US-China trade war

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told CBS "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" that she would file paperwork on Tuesday night to explore a run for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election.

Colbert, during the taping of an episode that will air on Tuesday night, asked Gillibrand, who has been taking the steps to begin a presidential campaign, if she had anything she would like to announce.

"Yes," the lawmaker from New York said. " I'm filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight."

The formation of an exploratory committee will allow Gillibrand, 52, who is known for spearheading efforts to change how Congress handles allegations of sexual harassment and became a prominent voice in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/emraan-hashmi-on-metoo-allegations-against-soumik-sen-cant-play-judge-and-decide-on-a-verdict-190456&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirqJi1wfHfAhVFp48KHb0ACoYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WV4D9lyNccYpSOostUEIb">#MeToo movement</a>, to begin fundraising and organizing her campaign.

"I’m going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom I’m going to fight for other people’s kids as hard as I would fight for my own," Gillibrand said to applause.

She has hired several top political aides in recent weeks, fueling speculation her jump into the 2020 fray was imminent.

There is no dominant early front-runner in what is expected to be a crowded Democratic nominating race to take on<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDtIrawfHfAhVQfysKHfYnBHoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1H1tvfzur1scR5QJK56JhC"> President Donald Trump</a>, the likely Republican nominee.&nbsp;

Texas Democrat Julian Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and top US housing official, formally launched his White House bid on Saturday.&nbsp;

Former US Representative John Delaney has been running for more than a year. The US Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts formed an exploratory committee last month and Representative Tulsi Gabbard said Friday that she will run for president.

Some in the party believe an establishment figure who can appeal to centrist voters is the way to victory. Others argue a fresh face, and particularly a diverse one, is needed to energize the party's increasingly left-leaning base.

Gillibrand was a member of the centrist and fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition while in the House of Representatives. Her positions became more liberal after she was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton in New York when Clinton became former President Barack Obama's secretary of state.&nbsp;

Gillibrand then won the seat in a special election and was re-elected to six-year terms in 2012 and 2018. She has attributed the ideology shift to representing a liberal state versus a more conservative district.

As a senator, Gillibrand was outspoken about rape in the military and campus sexual assault years before the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault first arose in 2017.

In late 2017, as she pushed for a bill changing how Congress processes and settles sexual harassment allegations made by staffers, some prominent party leaders criticized her for being the first Democratic senator to urge the resignation of Senator Al Franken, who was accused of groping and kissing women without their consent.

During the same period, Gillibrand said Hillary Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, should have resigned from the White House after his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky, which led to his impeachment by the House. Some criticized the senator for attacking the Clintons, who had supported her political career.

Gillibrand backs a Medicare-for-all bill championed by Democratic Party liberals. She was the first senator to call in June 2018 for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid controversy over Trump's separation of families entering the country at the US-Mexico border.

"I believe healthcare should be a right and not a privilege," Gillibrand told Colbert.

In a dig at Trump, Gillibrand said the first thing she would do if elected to the White House is "restore what's been lost" like the "integrity and compassion of this country."

"You have to start by restoring what’s been lost, restoring our leadership in the world, addressing things like global climate change and being that beacon of light and hope in the world," Gillibrand said.

Trump and Gillibrand have sparred publicly in the past. In December 2017, the president targeted her with a sexually tinged tweet, calling her a "total flunky" who had "come to my office 'begging' for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them)."

Gillibrand shot back immediately on Twitter.

"You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office," she wrote.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told CBS "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" that she would file paperwork on Tuesday night to explore a run for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told CBS "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" that she would file paperwork on Tuesday night to explore a run for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election. Colbert, during the taping of an episode that will air on Tuesday night, asked Gillibrand, who has been taking the steps to begin a presidential campaign, if she had anything she would like to announce. "Yes," the lawmaker from New York said. " I'm filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight." The formation of an exploratory committee will allow Gillibrand, 52, who is known for spearheading efforts to change how Congress handles allegations of sexual harassment and became a prominent voice in the #MeToo movement, to begin fundraising and organizing her campaign. "I’m going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom I’m going to fight for other people’s kids as hard as I would fight for my own," Gillibrand said to applause. She has hired several top political aides in recent weeks, fueling speculation her jump into the 2020 fray was imminent. There is no dominant early front-runner in what is expected to be a crowded Democratic nominating race to take on President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. Texas Democrat Julian Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and top US housing official, formally launched his White House bid on Saturday. Former US Representative John Delaney has been running for more than a year. The US Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts formed an exploratory committee last month and Representative Tulsi Gabbard said Friday that she will run for president. Some in the party believe an establishment figure who can appeal to centrist voters is the way to victory. Others argue a fresh face, and particularly a diverse one, is needed to energize the party's increasingly left-leaning base. Gillibrand was a member of the centrist and fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition while in the House of Representatives. Her positions became more liberal after she was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton in New York when Clinton became former President Barack Obama's secretary of state. Gillibrand then won the seat in a special election and was re-elected to six-year terms in 2012 and 2018. She has attributed the ideology shift to representing a liberal state versus a more conservative district. As a senator, Gillibrand was outspoken about rape in the military and campus sexual assault years before the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault first arose in 2017. In late 2017, as she pushed for a bill changing how Congress processes and settles sexual harassment allegations made by staffers, some prominent party leaders criticized her for being the first Democratic senator to urge the resignation of Senator Al Franken, who was accused of groping and kissing women without their consent. During the same period, Gillibrand said Hillary Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, should have resigned from the White House after his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky, which led to his impeachment by the House. Some criticized the senator for attacking the Clintons, who had supported her political career. Gillibrand backs a Medicare-for-all bill championed by Democratic Party liberals. She was the first senator to call in June 2018 for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid controversy over Trump's separation of families entering the country at the US-Mexico border. "I believe healthcare should be a right and not a privilege," Gillibrand told Colbert. In a dig at Trump, Gillibrand said the first thing she would do if elected to the White House is "restore what's been lost" like the "integrity and compassion of this country." "You have to start by restoring what’s been lost, restoring our leadership in the world, addressing things like global climate change and being that beacon of light and hope in the world," Gillibrand said. Trump and Gillibrand have sparred publicly in the past. In December 2017, the president targeted her with a sexually tinged tweet, calling her a "total flunky" who had "come to my office 'begging' for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them)." Gillibrand shot back immediately on Twitter. "You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office," she wrote.

Democratic US Senator Gillibrand to launch 2020 White House bid

There’s one thing Turkey and the US can definitely agree on these days: Unreliability is now the bedrock of their relationship. It’s perhaps not surprising when the two powers are led by notably unpredictable men — US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In the latest antagonism, Erdogan’s close adviser, Yasin Aktay, has spoken of the US as a “highly unreliable partner” due to its efforts to safeguard the Syrian Kurdish forces who have partnered with the US in defeating the Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

The criticism is a further illustration of the echo chambers in which diplomacy is being conducted at the moment. Far from seeking to reduce friction (the usual role of diplomacy), such statements are part of the new prickly nationalism that is everywhere in the ascendant.

The most glaring dimension of Aktay’s statement is its subjectivity. Trump’s announcement in December 2018 of the US troop withdrawal from Syria really did put America’s Syrian Kurdish allies in potential harm’s way, at the hands of the Turkish army. The recent move to safeguard that ally could be viewed, in fact, as reliability.

But of course, Atkay is speaking from within the echo chamber of Turkish politics. Within that chamber, the US has deserted its NATO ally in favour of a Syrian Kurdish militia with strong ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — a movement within Turkey designated a terrorist organisation.

His assessment discounts the fact that the threat from IS was very real. The US needed local allies on the ground in order to counter it. Indeed, it was a long time before the Turkish government decided to give the fight against the Islamic State the same priority that it gave the fight against Kurdish groups.

Yet the Turkish displeasure with its NATO ally is not all paranoia and blinkered Turkish nationalism. President Trump has been cavalier in his diplomacy within the international body. He has also been transparently shortsighted in his engagement with the Middle East.

In line with his “America First” policies, Trump was quick to single out IS as a grave threat to be addressed, largely because it had the capacity to impact America itself and American lives. Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama, have been far less eager to address Syria’s civil war.

From the Turkish viewpoint, this looks a lot like abandonment. The war on its southern frontier has been highly porous. It has deeply impacted Turkey in terms of terrorist atrocities, refugee flows, political destabilisation, economic impact and the very real threat of escalation from the Assad regime’s allies, Russia and Iran. None of this seems to have moved the US greatly.

Every man for himself

The result is a zero-sum environment in which all the key actors have gradually amassed leaders who see the best strategy as entrenchment and national defence. This may have been led by Russian President Vladimir Putin — the past master of such tactics — but it has been a domino effect.

President Erdogan has veered sharply in the same direction ever since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. With the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency in November 2016, the world’s key superpower has followed suit. In the current dispute, the only real losers are likely to be the Kurds.

The Turkish government position has ossified. It cannot easily roll back on its war with the Syrian Kurdish militia now. The US position is more fluid. As President Trump as demonstrated, Washington is quite capable of dropping the Syrian Kurdish militia.

The reason the US government has so far stepped back from leaving the Syrian Kurds at the full mercy of other powers in Syria is not altruism. The Syrian Kurds merely offered the right guns for hire at the right time. But to drop them would hand valuable power to US adversaries.

In the cases of Russia and Iran, that would stick in the craw of the US administration. The irony is, as things stand, the other “adversary” who would clearly benefit is a country — Turkey — that is supposed to be an erstwhile NATO ally and a bulwark in the Middle East.

(Nathaniel Handy is a writer and academic)

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/turkey-us-relations-syrian-kurds-syria-civil-war-islamic-state-world-news-57293/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There’s one thing Turkey and the US can definitely agree on these days: Unreliability is now the bedrock of their relationship. It’s perhaps not surprising when the two powers are led by notably unpredictable men — US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

There’s one thing Turkey and the US can definitely agree on these days: Unreliability is now the bedrock of their relationship. It’s perhaps not surprising when the two powers are led by notably unpredictable men — US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the latest antagonism, Erdogan’s close adviser, Yasin Aktay, has spoken of the US as a “highly unreliable partner” due to its efforts to safeguard the Syrian Kurdish forces who have partnered with the US in defeating the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. The criticism is a further illustration of the echo chambers in which diplomacy is being conducted at the moment. Far from seeking to reduce friction (the usual role of diplomacy), such statements are part of the new prickly nationalism that is everywhere in the ascendant. The most glaring dimension of Aktay’s statement is its subjectivity. Trump’s announcement in December 2018 of the US troop withdrawal from Syria really did put America’s Syrian Kurdish allies in potential harm’s way, at the hands of the Turkish army. The recent move to safeguard that ally could be viewed, in fact, as reliability. But of course, Atkay is speaking from within the echo chamber of Turkish politics. Within that chamber, the US has deserted its NATO ally in favour of a Syrian Kurdish militia with strong ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — a movement within Turkey designated a terrorist organisation. His assessment discounts the fact that the threat from IS was very real. The US needed local allies on the ground in order to counter it. Indeed, it was a long time before the Turkish government decided to give the fight against the Islamic State the same priority that it gave the fight against Kurdish groups. Yet the Turkish displeasure with its NATO ally is not all paranoia and blinkered Turkish nationalism. President Trump has been cavalier in his diplomacy within the international body. He has also been transparently shortsighted in his engagement with the Middle East. In line with his “America First” policies, Trump was quick to single out IS as a grave threat to be addressed, largely because it had the capacity to impact America itself and American lives. Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama, have been far less eager to address Syria’s civil war. From the Turkish viewpoint, this looks a lot like abandonment. The war on its southern frontier has been highly porous. It has deeply impacted Turkey in terms of terrorist atrocities, refugee flows, political destabilisation, economic impact and the very real threat of escalation from the Assad regime’s allies, Russia and Iran. None of this seems to have moved the US greatly. Every man for himself The result is a zero-sum environment in which all the key actors have gradually amassed leaders who see the best strategy as entrenchment and national defence. This may have been led by Russian President Vladimir Putin — the past master of such tactics — but it has been a domino effect. President Erdogan has veered sharply in the same direction ever since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. With the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency in November 2016, the world’s key superpower has followed suit. In the current dispute, the only real losers are likely to be the Kurds. The Turkish government position has ossified. It cannot easily roll back on its war with the Syrian Kurdish militia now. The US position is more fluid. As President Trump as demonstrated, Washington is quite capable of dropping the Syrian Kurdish militia. The reason the US government has so far stepped back from leaving the Syrian Kurds at the full mercy of other powers in Syria is not altruism. The Syrian Kurds merely offered the right guns for hire at the right time. But to drop them would hand valuable power to US adversaries. In the cases of Russia and Iran, that would stick in the craw of the US administration. The irony is, as things stand, the other “adversary” who would clearly benefit is a country — Turkey — that is supposed to be an erstwhile NATO ally and a bulwark in the Middle East. (Nathaniel Handy is a writer and academic) (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why the US is still losing Turkey

Watch: WION Gravitas, 15th January, 2019

President Donald Trump has attributed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-republicans-oppose-border-emergency-as-shutdown-drags-on-190088">the partial government shutdown</a>, which is now into its 24th day, to the opposition Democrats who have blocked his proposal of $5.7 billion in Congressional funding to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

He also said that he will "never ever back down" when it comes to keeping the American people safe.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-hopes-for-imminent-end-to-us-government-shutdown-190082">The partial government shutdown</a>, which is the longest ever, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments.

"The government remains shut down for one reason and one reason only, the Democrats will not fund border security, our safety, our national security," Trump said on Monday while addressing to a rally of farmers in Louisiana.&nbsp;

Referring to his visit to the Mexico border last week, Trump said illegal aliens not only from Mexico but also from other nations enter the country from the southern border.&nbsp;

"People come from many countries. When I was at the wall the other day, Border Patrol said they have 150 people they caught that day who weren't from Mexico. I said that's a strange statement," he said.

"They said no, these are the people that weren't from Mexico and I was surprised. Three were from Pakistan, four from another Mideast, two Mideast countries and many were from other countries including China, countries all over the world.&nbsp;

"150 of the people, as he said, were not from Mexico. Now they caught, many, many more but that's 150 people coming from countries that you wouldn't believe," Trump said.

He said the Democrats will not approve the measures he needs to keep America safe.&nbsp;

"We can't do that. We can't do that because this is of paramount importance to our country and again, I could take it nice and easy. I could enjoy myself. I could relax. I have been in the White House because I think it's very important to be there," he said.

He alleged that the Democrat leaders went on a nice wonderful vacation over the weekend.

"They had a great time but I would have loved to have been with them. I didn't like the look of it. I would have loved to have been with them but we have a very big problem. This should have been done by other presidents just like the moving of the embassy to Jerusalem should have been done. It was promised by many other presidents," the US President said.

Trump insisted that the US needed a wall all around, all the length of the border.&nbsp;

"We have got to stop the drug packers bringing drugs to poison our people," he said, arguing that walls, as being said by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are not immoral.

"I've travelled around the world and the biggest wall I have ever seen is around the Vatican. Now you can't tell me that the wonderful priests and officials of the Roman Catholic church including the Pope are immoral. They have a wall. Why can't we?" he said.

Asserting that the defense of the nation is his highest and most important duty, Trump said when it comes to keeping the American people safe, he will never ever back down.

"I didn't need this fight. This is a real fight. We are dealing against people who think if they can stop me from building the wall again, we've already done a lot of work but they think that's a good thing for 2020 because they're not going to win.&nbsp;

"They think if they can't stop me from building the wall that's good. This is the reason why they don't want the wall built because they all know it works, they all approved it numerous times," he said.

The partial government shutdown, which is the longest ever, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments.

President Donald Trump has attributed the partial government shutdown, which is now into its 24th day, to the opposition Democrats who have blocked his proposal of $5.7 billion in Congressional funding to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. He also said that he will "never ever back down" when it comes to keeping the American people safe. The partial government shutdown, which is the longest ever, has left more than 800,000 federal government workers out of work across the key departments. "The government remains shut down for one reason and one reason only, the Democrats will not fund border security, our safety, our national security," Trump said on Monday while addressing to a rally of farmers in Louisiana. Referring to his visit to the Mexico border last week, Trump said illegal aliens not only from Mexico but also from other nations enter the country from the southern border. "People come from many countries. When I was at the wall the other day, Border Patrol said they have 150 people they caught that day who weren't from Mexico. I said that's a strange statement," he said. "They said no, these are the people that weren't from Mexico and I was surprised. Three were from Pakistan, four from another Mideast, two Mideast countries and many were from other countries including China, countries all over the world. "150 of the people, as he said, were not from Mexico. Now they caught, many, many more but that's 150 people coming from countries that you wouldn't believe," Trump said. He said the Democrats will not approve the measures he needs to keep America safe. "We can't do that. We can't do that because this is of paramount importance to our country and again, I could take it nice and easy. I could enjoy myself. I could relax. I have been in the White House because I think it's very important to be there," he said. He alleged that the Democrat leaders went on a nice wonderful vacation over the weekend. "They had a great time but I would have loved to have been with them. I didn't like the look of it. I would have loved to have been with them but we have a very big problem. This should have been done by other presidents just like the moving of the embassy to Jerusalem should have been done. It was promised by many other presidents," the US President said. Trump insisted that the US needed a wall all around, all the length of the border. "We have got to stop the drug packers bringing drugs to poison our people," he said, arguing that walls, as being said by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are not immoral. "I've travelled around the world and the biggest wall I have ever seen is around the Vatican. Now you can't tell me that the wonderful priests and officials of the Roman Catholic church including the Pope are immoral. They have a wall. Why can't we?" he said. Asserting that the defense of the nation is his highest and most important duty, Trump said when it comes to keeping the American people safe, he will never ever back down. "I didn't need this fight. This is a real fight. We are dealing against people who think if they can stop me from building the wall again, we've already done a lot of work but they think that's a good thing for 2020 because they're not going to win. "They think if they can't stop me from building the wall that's good. This is the reason why they don't want the wall built because they all know it works, they all approved it numerous times," he said.

Government shutdown because of opposition Democrats: US President Trump

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-seeks-to-up-ante-with-xi-summit-analysts-189006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi-wqWave_fAhUHuY8KHRVKAsUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QRoSp6uM2wv1niHr2J446">Kim Jong Un</a> and US President Donald Trump.

Choe Son Hui, a North Korean vice-minister of foreign affairs, landed in Beijing on a flight from the North Korean capital Pyongyang.

"I am going to an international conference in Sweden," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying on arrival at the airport.

Choe's trip comes as expectations grow for a second meeting between Kim and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMu_WBwO_fAhXYe30KHXYcBmwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw080PzFPcJFkJya-os8jZgU">Trump</a>&nbsp;— despite a lack of progress in denuclearisation negotiations — after the North Korean leader went to Beijing, long Pyongyang's key ally, last week for talks with President Xi Jinping.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Kim's trip was a sign a second US-North Korean summit was "imminent", and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the weekend that: "We're working out the details".

Suggestions circulating among Korea-watchers for possible venues include Vietnam and Thailand, among others.

Stockholm has a long history of mediating between Washington and Pyongyang — while the two do not have diplomatic relations, Sweden is the protecting power for US citizens in the Asian country, and Choe has been intimately involved in the US-North Korean relationship.

Before she assumed her current position, she was director general of the foreign ministry's North American department.

She was also among the officials who accompanied Kim to Singapore for his first summit with Trump in June.

The meeting, held in a blaze of publicity, saw the two men sign a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Pyongyang is seeking sanctions relief and rejects demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament, while Washington insists that the punitive measures must stay in place until it gives up its nuclear arsenal.

Citing a diplomatic source, the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo's counterpart in the discussion process, was expected to visit Washington later this week for talks.

There were no reports that he had passed through Beijing.

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. Choe Son Hui, a North Korean vice-minister of foreign affairs, landed in Beijing on a flight from the North Korean capital Pyongyang. "I am going to an international conference in Sweden," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying on arrival at the airport. Choe's trip comes as expectations grow for a second meeting between Kim and Trump — despite a lack of progress in denuclearisation negotiations — after the North Korean leader went to Beijing, long Pyongyang's key ally, last week for talks with President Xi Jinping. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Kim's trip was a sign a second US-North Korean summit was "imminent", and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the weekend that: "We're working out the details". Suggestions circulating among Korea-watchers for possible venues include Vietnam and Thailand, among others. Stockholm has a long history of mediating between Washington and Pyongyang — while the two do not have diplomatic relations, Sweden is the protecting power for US citizens in the Asian country, and Choe has been intimately involved in the US-North Korean relationship. Before she assumed her current position, she was director general of the foreign ministry's North American department. She was also among the officials who accompanied Kim to Singapore for his first summit with Trump in June. The meeting, held in a blaze of publicity, saw the two men sign a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means. Pyongyang is seeking sanctions relief and rejects demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament, while Washington insists that the punitive measures must stay in place until it gives up its nuclear arsenal. Citing a diplomatic source, the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo's counterpart in the discussion process, was expected to visit Washington later this week for talks. There were no reports that he had passed through Beijing.

North Korean official heads for talks in Sweden: Report

Ohio police officers were politically motivated when they arrested Stormy Daniels, the porn star who has described having an affair with President Donald Trump, at a strip club last year, the actress said in a lawsuit on Monday.

The Columbus vice unit officers who arrested Daniels on July 12, 2018, were registered Republicans as is the president, Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said in her lawsuit filed in federal court in Ohio.

"Defendant officers believed that Ms Clifford was damaging President Trump and they thereafter entered into a conspiracy to arrest her during her performance in Columbus in retaliation for the public statements she had made regarding (Trump)," the suit said.

The legal action against the officers could bring to light further details about the circumstances of Daniels arrest, which made headlines at the time.

Columbus police had accused Daniels of committing a misdemeanour sex offence while performing at the club Sirens by touching three customers who were undercover vice detectives.

The charge was dropped hours later. Daniels had committed no crime because she did not perform regularly at the club, as required under the law, a city attorney said at the time.

The Columbus Division of Police launched an internal investigation soon after the incident.

"The Columbus Division of Police internal affairs bureau continues its investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment on this matter at this time," the division said in a statement about the lawsuit.

The division, in Ohio's state capital, was not named as a defendant in Daniels` lawsuit, which accused the officers of violating her civil rights.

A representative for the police union for the officers could not immediately be reached for comment.

Daniels sued Trump for defamation in March 2018, before her arrest, and was seeking release from a non-disclosure agreement she signed before the 2016 presidential election to remain silent about the affair she said she had with Trump.

Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, saying she was paid to stop "false and extortionist accusations."

A federal judge in Los Angeles dismissed Daniels` defamation lawsuit last year.

Daniels` attorney, Michael Avenatti, has described her arrest as a politically motivated set-up since the day it happened.

"Here in America, unlike in Russia, we don`t arrest citizens for political purposes in order to silence them," Avenatti said in a statement on Monday.

Ohio police officers were politically motivated when they arrested Stormy Daniels, the porn star who has described having an affair with President Donald Trump, at a strip club last year, the actress said in a lawsuit on Monday.

Ohio police officers were politically motivated when they arrested Stormy Daniels, the porn star who has described having an affair with President Donald Trump, at a strip club last year, the actress said in a lawsuit on Monday. The Columbus vice unit officers who arrested Daniels on July 12, 2018, were registered Republicans as is the president, Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, said in her lawsuit filed in federal court in Ohio. "Defendant officers believed that Ms Clifford was damaging President Trump and they thereafter entered into a conspiracy to arrest her during her performance in Columbus in retaliation for the public statements she had made regarding (Trump)," the suit said. The legal action against the officers could bring to light further details about the circumstances of Daniels arrest, which made headlines at the time. Columbus police had accused Daniels of committing a misdemeanour sex offence while performing at the club Sirens by touching three customers who were undercover vice detectives. The charge was dropped hours later. Daniels had committed no crime because she did not perform regularly at the club, as required under the law, a city attorney said at the time. The Columbus Division of Police launched an internal investigation soon after the incident. "The Columbus Division of Police internal affairs bureau continues its investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment on this matter at this time," the division said in a statement about the lawsuit. The division, in Ohio's state capital, was not named as a defendant in Daniels` lawsuit, which accused the officers of violating her civil rights. A representative for the police union for the officers could not immediately be reached for comment. Daniels sued Trump for defamation in March 2018, before her arrest, and was seeking release from a non-disclosure agreement she signed before the 2016 presidential election to remain silent about the affair she said she had with Trump. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, saying she was paid to stop "false and extortionist accusations." A federal judge in Los Angeles dismissed Daniels` defamation lawsuit last year. Daniels` attorney, Michael Avenatti, has described her arrest as a politically motivated set-up since the day it happened. "Here in America, unlike in Russia, we don`t arrest citizens for political purposes in order to silence them," Avenatti said in a statement on Monday.

Stormy Daniels sues over Ohio strip club arrest, calling it political

Global Leadership Series: Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai speaks exclusively to WION

White House slams New York Times report on FBI probing Donald Trump

Top congressional Democrats on Tuesday accused <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-to-build-the-wall-trump-on-ending-shutdown-188587">President Donald Trump of holding Americans "hostage"</a> by refusing to strike a deal to fund shuttered government agencies and using fear mongering to justify his demand for his much-hyped border wall.

"President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis, and must re-open the government," Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a curt rebuttal to Trump's address to the nation minutes earlier, in which he declared the situation on the southern border a "crisis of the heart."

The political impasse over Trump's border wall demand — and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pence-meets-with-democratic-aides-to-discuss-shutdown-impasse-188469">the divided Congress's refusal to fund it </a>— has kept key government agencies closed for the past 18 days, with few signs that a breakthrough is imminent.

And with Democrats reclaiming the majority in the House of Representatives, Trump has lost his monopoly on congressional power that could have helped him reach an agreement with lawmakers.

About 800,000 federal workers, and many more contractors, are not being paid, but Trump said that problem could be resolved swiftly if Democrats simply "fund border security."

In a sombre appeal to the nation, Trump spoke of Americans who have been "savagely murdered in cold blood" by immigrants who crossed illegally into the United States.

"How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" he pleaded.

The Democrats rejected Trump's fear-mongering as "misinformation and even malice," with Pelosi blasting the president's "obsession with forcing American taxpayers to waste billions of dollars on an expensive and ineffective wall."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, standing with Pelosi in the US Capitol, accused Trump of throwing a "temper tantrum" over the border, where he "appealed to fear, not facts."

"No president should pound the table and demand he gets his way or else the government shuts down, hurting millions of Americans who are treated as leverage," Schumer said.

"The symbol of America should be the Statue of Liberty, not a 30-foot wall," he concluded.

Rank-and-file lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle weighed in quickly on social media, with Republicans praising Trump for outlining the facts of a national security crisis on the border and Democrats attacking him for misleading and dividing Americans.

"Throughout history, presidents have used an Oval Office address to bring the country together," tweeted Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

"Tonight, Trump used it to stoke fear and division."

The political impasse over Trump's border wall demand and the divided Congress's refusal to fund it has kept key government agencies closed for the past 18 days.

Top congressional Democrats on Tuesday accused President Donald Trump of holding Americans "hostage" by refusing to strike a deal to fund shuttered government agencies and using fear mongering to justify his demand for his much-hyped border wall. "President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis, and must re-open the government," Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a curt rebuttal to Trump's address to the nation minutes earlier, in which he declared the situation on the southern border a "crisis of the heart." The political impasse over Trump's border wall demand — and the divided Congress's refusal to fund it — has kept key government agencies closed for the past 18 days, with few signs that a breakthrough is imminent. And with Democrats reclaiming the majority in the House of Representatives, Trump has lost his monopoly on congressional power that could have helped him reach an agreement with lawmakers. About 800,000 federal workers, and many more contractors, are not being paid, but Trump said that problem could be resolved swiftly if Democrats simply "fund border security." In a sombre appeal to the nation, Trump spoke of Americans who have been "savagely murdered in cold blood" by immigrants who crossed illegally into the United States. "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" he pleaded. The Democrats rejected Trump's fear-mongering as "misinformation and even malice," with Pelosi blasting the president's "obsession with forcing American taxpayers to waste billions of dollars on an expensive and ineffective wall." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, standing with Pelosi in the US Capitol, accused Trump of throwing a "temper tantrum" over the border, where he "appealed to fear, not facts." "No president should pound the table and demand he gets his way or else the government shuts down, hurting millions of Americans who are treated as leverage," Schumer said. "The symbol of America should be the Statue of Liberty, not a 30-foot wall," he concluded. Rank-and-file lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle weighed in quickly on social media, with Republicans praising Trump for outlining the facts of a national security crisis on the border and Democrats attacking him for misleading and dividing Americans. "Throughout history, presidents have used an Oval Office address to bring the country together," tweeted Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. "Tonight, Trump used it to stoke fear and division."

Watch: Stop holding Americans hostage over shutdown, Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Trump

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser on Sunday set out conditions for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-team-coming-to-discuss-syria-troops-withdrawal-turkey-186239">withdrawal of American troops from Syria</a>, saying the defence of allies must first be assured.

The comments by John Bolton during a visit to Israel signalled a far more gradual US withdrawal than initially set out by Trump, whose December 19 announcement concerned allies and led to the resignation of defence secretary Jim Mattis.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troops-withdrawal-will-not-have-security-impact-on-afghanistan-presidential-spokesman-185677">US pullout from Syria angers Iraq</a>

Trump himself has more recently spoken of "slowly" sending troops home "over a period of time", and Bolton laid out some of the conditions required before it takes place.

"We're going to be discussing the president's decision to withdraw, but to do so from northeast Syria in a way that makes sure that ISIS is defeated and is not able to revive itself and become a threat again," Bolton said when meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

"And to make sure that the defence of Israel and our other friends in the region is absolutely assured, and to take care of those who have fought with us against ISIS and other terrorist groups."

Israel is especially worried over whether the withdrawal will allow its main enemy Iran to expand its presence in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

Netanyahu has pledged to continue to act against Iran in Syria.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and deliveries of advanced weapons to Hezbollah, a Shiite Lebanese militia backed by Tehran.

Earlier in the day, Bolton told journalists travelling with him that conditions such as guarantees on the safety of Kurdish allies must be met before American troops are withdrawn, NBC News reported.

Bolton also said all 2,000 US forces may not be pulled out, according to the report.

He said the withdrawal would take place in northeastern Syria, while some forces could remain to the south at the al-Tanf garrison as part of efforts to counter Iran's presence.

'Condition the withdrawal'

"There are objectives that we want to accomplish that condition the withdrawal," said Bolton, according to NBC.

"Timetables or the timing of the withdrawal occurs as a result of the fulfilment of the conditions and the establishment of the circumstances that we want to see. And once that's done, then you talk about a timetable."

Kurdish-led forces control a large swathe of Syria's north and northeast, some of it seized from the Islamic State group.

Despite backing from the US-led coalition and success in pushing back IS, Kurdish-led forces have at times incurred heavy losses.

A US withdrawal could leave them exposed to an attack by neighbouring Turkey -- where Bolton travels on Monday -- and its Syrian proxies.

The Kurds have invited Damascus to send troops into some of the territory it controls, to act as a bulwark against pro-Turkish forces.

Bolton's visit was part of a US effort to reassure allies after Trump's announcement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who also met Netanyahu last week, leaves on Tuesday for an eight-day trip to Amman, Cairo, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, and Kuwait City.

Netanyahu used Sunday's meeting to again push for the United States and other countries to recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the strategic plateau it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed.

He said he planned to take Bolton to visit the Golan before he leaves for Turkey on Monday if weather permits.

"The Golan Heights is tremendously important for our security and I think that when you're there you'll be able to understand perfectly why we'll never leave the Golan Heights," Netanyahu said alongside Bolton.

"And why it's important that all countries recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. I've discussed this with the president."

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser on Sunday set out conditions for the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, saying the defence of allies must first be assured.

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser on Sunday set out conditions for the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, saying the defence of allies must first be assured. The comments by John Bolton during a visit to Israel signalled a far more gradual US withdrawal than initially set out by Trump, whose December 19 announcement concerned allies and led to the resignation of defence secretary Jim Mattis. Also read: US pullout from Syria angers Iraq Trump himself has more recently spoken of "slowly" sending troops home "over a period of time", and Bolton laid out some of the conditions required before it takes place. "We're going to be discussing the president's decision to withdraw, but to do so from northeast Syria in a way that makes sure that ISIS is defeated and is not able to revive itself and become a threat again," Bolton said when meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. "And to make sure that the defence of Israel and our other friends in the region is absolutely assured, and to take care of those who have fought with us against ISIS and other terrorist groups." Israel is especially worried over whether the withdrawal will allow its main enemy Iran to expand its presence in the neighbouring country. Netanyahu has pledged to continue to act against Iran in Syria. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and deliveries of advanced weapons to Hezbollah, a Shiite Lebanese militia backed by Tehran. Earlier in the day, Bolton told journalists travelling with him that conditions such as guarantees on the safety of Kurdish allies must be met before American troops are withdrawn, NBC News reported. Bolton also said all 2,000 US forces may not be pulled out, according to the report. He said the withdrawal would take place in northeastern Syria, while some forces could remain to the south at the al-Tanf garrison as part of efforts to counter Iran's presence. 'Condition the withdrawal' "There are objectives that we want to accomplish that condition the withdrawal," said Bolton, according to NBC. "Timetables or the timing of the withdrawal occurs as a result of the fulfilment of the conditions and the establishment of the circumstances that we want to see. And once that's done, then you talk about a timetable." Kurdish-led forces control a large swathe of Syria's north and northeast, some of it seized from the Islamic State group. Despite backing from the US-led coalition and success in pushing back IS, Kurdish-led forces have at times incurred heavy losses. A US withdrawal could leave them exposed to an attack by neighbouring Turkey -- where Bolton travels on Monday -- and its Syrian proxies. The Kurds have invited Damascus to send troops into some of the territory it controls, to act as a bulwark against pro-Turkish forces. Bolton's visit was part of a US effort to reassure allies after Trump's announcement. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who also met Netanyahu last week, leaves on Tuesday for an eight-day trip to Amman, Cairo, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, and Kuwait City. Netanyahu used Sunday's meeting to again push for the United States and other countries to recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the strategic plateau it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed. He said he planned to take Bolton to visit the Golan before he leaves for Turkey on Monday if weather permits. "The Golan Heights is tremendously important for our security and I think that when you're there you'll be able to understand perfectly why we'll never leave the Golan Heights," Netanyahu said alongside Bolton. "And why it's important that all countries recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. I've discussed this with the president."

National security advisor John Bolton sets conditions for US Syria withdrawal

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began her term as the youngest woman ever elected to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">US Congress </a>with a bang this week by proposing to tax the ultra-rich at 60 or 70 per cent.

The daughter of hardscrabble working-class parents, the 29-year-old New Yorker was working toward making good on a campaign promise.&nbsp;

"People are going to have to pay their fair share of taxes," she told CBS television's "60 Minutes" on Sunday.

The proposal is part of an ambitious tax plan dubbed the "Green New Deal" that aims to eliminate carbon emissions by 2030.&nbsp;

The self-described Democratic Socialist, nicknamed AOC, suggested taxing the ultra-wealthy up to 70 per cent in order to finance the plan.

"You look at our tax rates back in the 60s and when you have a progressive tax rate system, your tax rate, let's say, from zero to $75,000 maybe 10 per cent or 15 per cent, et cetera," Ocasio-Cortez explained.&nbsp;

"But once you get to, like, the tippy tops, on your 10 millionth dollar, sometimes you see tax rates as high as 60 or 70 per cent. That doesn't mean all $10 million are taxed at an extremely high rate. But it means that as you climb up this ladder you should be contributing more."

The top marginal tax rate is now 37 per cent, following President Donald Trump's fiscal reforms. It was previously at 39.6 per cent.

Even though it has little chance of success, the proposal backed by the young lawmaker has already garnered significant support.

It landed her on the front page of the New York Daily News, an image of which Ocasio-Cortez was quick to retweet.

A Washington Post analysis found that if the approximately 16,000 Americans who earn more than $10 million each paid 70 per cent income taxes for any revenue above that marker, the federal government would rake in around $72 billion per year.

But the sum would likely be much lower because individuals falling in that bracket would find ways to avoid the heavy tax burden.

In a New York Times op-ed, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman backed Ocasio-Cortez, rejecting "the constant effort to portray her as flaky and ignorant."

"On the tax issue, she's just saying what good economists say," he added.

Undeterred by her youth&nbsp;

Ocasio-Cortez's surprise victory during Democratic primaries in June over Joseph Crowley has made her a key figure of the liberal wing of the party. Crowley had run unopposed for more than a decade and was seen as a contender to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives.

She rarely attacks President Donald Trump — but when questioned, she told CBS there was "no question" he was a racist.

"The president certainly didn't invent racism. But he's certainly given a voice to it and expanded it and created a platform for those things," she said.

In response, the White House told CBS Trump has "repeatedly condemned racism and bigotry in all forms," dismissing Ocasio-Cortez's "sheer ignorance."

But the 29-year-old is no stranger to criticism — and has repeatedly demonstrated she can respond swiftly to her detractors.

To suggestions her proposals are unrealistic, she told CBS: "We pay more per capita in healthcare and education for lower outcomes than many other nations.

"And so for me, what's unrealistic is what we're living in right now."

And when Republican campaign consultant Ed Rollins called her a "little girl" on a conservative television talk show, Ocasio-Cortez shot back on Twitter: "If anything, this dude is a walking argument to tax misogyny at 100%."

On Friday, a video released online by a detractor showing a young Ocasio-Cortez dancing with fellow Boston University students to the Phoenix song "Lisztomania" in a remake of a mashup of scenes from the Brat Pack movies.

But rather than embarrass Ocasio-Cortez, the release ended up having the opposite of its intended effect.&nbsp;

The congresswoman, who has over two million Twitter followers and 1.5 million on Instagram, responded by posting a new video of her dancing in front of her office on Capitol Hill, writing: "I hear the GOP thinks women dancing are scandalous. Wait till they find out Congresswomen dance too!"

With her past as a New York bartender, Ocasio-Cortez is a figurehead of the new wave of young lawmakers who entered Congress after the midterm elections, bringing fresh perspectives and more diversity to the legislature.

Asked if she considers herself to be a radical, Ocasio-Cortez told CBS, "You know, if that's what radical means, call me a radical."

"I think that it only has ever been radicals that have changed this country," she explained.&nbsp;

"Abraham Lincoln made the radical decision to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the radical decision to embark on establishing programs like Social Security. That is radical." 
&nbsp;

'People are going to have to pay their fair share of taxes,' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told CBS television's '60 Minutes' on Sunday.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began her term as the youngest woman ever elected to the US Congress with a bang this week by proposing to tax the ultra-rich at 60 or 70 per cent. The daughter of hardscrabble working-class parents, the 29-year-old New Yorker was working toward making good on a campaign promise. "People are going to have to pay their fair share of taxes," she told CBS television's "60 Minutes" on Sunday. The proposal is part of an ambitious tax plan dubbed the "Green New Deal" that aims to eliminate carbon emissions by 2030. The self-described Democratic Socialist, nicknamed AOC, suggested taxing the ultra-wealthy up to 70 per cent in order to finance the plan. "You look at our tax rates back in the 60s and when you have a progressive tax rate system, your tax rate, let's say, from zero to $75,000 maybe 10 per cent or 15 per cent, et cetera," Ocasio-Cortez explained. "But once you get to, like, the tippy tops, on your 10 millionth dollar, sometimes you see tax rates as high as 60 or 70 per cent. That doesn't mean all $10 million are taxed at an extremely high rate. But it means that as you climb up this ladder you should be contributing more." The top marginal tax rate is now 37 per cent, following President Donald Trump's fiscal reforms. It was previously at 39.6 per cent. Even though it has little chance of success, the proposal backed by the young lawmaker has already garnered significant support. It landed her on the front page of the New York Daily News, an image of which Ocasio-Cortez was quick to retweet. A Washington Post analysis found that if the approximately 16,000 Americans who earn more than $10 million each paid 70 per cent income taxes for any revenue above that marker, the federal government would rake in around $72 billion per year. But the sum would likely be much lower because individuals falling in that bracket would find ways to avoid the heavy tax burden. In a New York Times op-ed, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman backed Ocasio-Cortez, rejecting "the constant effort to portray her as flaky and ignorant." "On the tax issue, she's just saying what good economists say," he added. Undeterred by her youth Ocasio-Cortez's surprise victory during Democratic primaries in June over Joseph Crowley has made her a key figure of the liberal wing of the party. Crowley had run unopposed for more than a decade and was seen as a contender to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives. She rarely attacks President Donald Trump — but when questioned, she told CBS there was "no question" he was a racist. "The president certainly didn't invent racism. But he's certainly given a voice to it and expanded it and created a platform for those things," she said. In response, the White House told CBS Trump has "repeatedly condemned racism and bigotry in all forms," dismissing Ocasio-Cortez's "sheer ignorance." But the 29-year-old is no stranger to criticism — and has repeatedly demonstrated she can respond swiftly to her detractors. To suggestions her proposals are unrealistic, she told CBS: "We pay more per capita in healthcare and education for lower outcomes than many other nations. "And so for me, what's unrealistic is what we're living in right now." And when Republican campaign consultant Ed Rollins called her a "little girl" on a conservative television talk show, Ocasio-Cortez shot back on Twitter: "If anything, this dude is a walking argument to tax misogyny at 100%." On Friday, a video released online by a detractor showing a young Ocasio-Cortez dancing with fellow Boston University students to the Phoenix song "Lisztomania" in a remake of a mashup of scenes from the Brat Pack movies. But rather than embarrass Ocasio-Cortez, the release ended up having the opposite of its intended effect. The congresswoman, who has over two million Twitter followers and 1.5 million on Instagram, responded by posting a new video of her dancing in front of her office on Capitol Hill, writing: "I hear the GOP thinks women dancing are scandalous. Wait till they find out Congresswomen dance too!" With her past as a New York bartender, Ocasio-Cortez is a figurehead of the new wave of young lawmakers who entered Congress after the midterm elections, bringing fresh perspectives and more diversity to the legislature. Asked if she considers herself to be a radical, Ocasio-Cortez told CBS, "You know, if that's what radical means, call me a radical." "I think that it only has ever been radicals that have changed this country," she explained. "Abraham Lincoln made the radical decision to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the radical decision to embark on establishing programs like Social Security. That is radical."

America's youngest congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launches term with radical plan

US issues warning against travel to China

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering Iran in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he met with Pompeo in the Brazilian capital that he planned to discuss how to intensify intelligence and operations cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian "aggression."

In his first public comments on Trump's decision, Pompeo said it "in no way changes anything that this administration is working on alongside Israel."

"The counter-ISIS campaign continues, our efforts to counter Iranian aggression continue and our commitment to Middle East stability and the protection of Israel continues in the same way it did before that decision was made," he said.

Trump announced last month that he planned to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, declaring that they had succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State and were no longer needed in the country.

In making the announcement, Trump ignored the advice of top national security aides and did so without consulting lawmakers or US&nbsp;allies participating in anti-Islamic State operations. The decision prompted Jim Mattis to resign as defense secretary.

"We have a lot to discuss," said Netanyahu, who like Pompeo was in the Brazilian capital for the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro as Brazil's new president.

"We’re going to be discussing our, the intense cooperation between Israel and the United States which will also deal with the questions following the decision, the American decision, on Syria and how to intensify even further our intelligence and operational cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian aggression in the Middle East."Netanyahu said Israel was very appreciative of the "strong ... unequivocal support" Pompeo gave Israel's "efforts at self defense against Syria" in the past few days.

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said Pompeo and Netanyahu “discussed the unacceptable threat that regional aggression and provocation by Iran and its agents poses to Israeli and regional security” and Pompeo reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense.

Netanyahu said last month after Trump's announcement that Israel would escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Israel sees the spread of Iran's influence in the Middle East as a growing threat, and has carried out scores of air strikes in civil war-torn Syria against suspected military deployments and arms deliveries by Iranian forces supporting Damascus.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering Iran in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to cooperate with Israel over Syria and in countering Iran in the Middle East, even as President Donald Trump plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he met with Pompeo in the Brazilian capital that he planned to discuss how to intensify intelligence and operations cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian "aggression." In his first public comments on Trump's decision, Pompeo said it "in no way changes anything that this administration is working on alongside Israel." "The counter-ISIS campaign continues, our efforts to counter Iranian aggression continue and our commitment to Middle East stability and the protection of Israel continues in the same way it did before that decision was made," he said. Trump announced last month that he planned to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, declaring that they had succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State and were no longer needed in the country. In making the announcement, Trump ignored the advice of top national security aides and did so without consulting lawmakers or US allies participating in anti-Islamic State operations. The decision prompted Jim Mattis to resign as defense secretary. "We have a lot to discuss," said Netanyahu, who like Pompeo was in the Brazilian capital for the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro as Brazil's new president. "We’re going to be discussing our, the intense cooperation between Israel and the United States which will also deal with the questions following the decision, the American decision, on Syria and how to intensify even further our intelligence and operational cooperation in Syria and elsewhere to block Iranian aggression in the Middle East."Netanyahu said Israel was very appreciative of the "strong ... unequivocal support" Pompeo gave Israel's "efforts at self defense against Syria" in the past few days. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said Pompeo and Netanyahu “discussed the unacceptable threat that regional aggression and provocation by Iran and its agents poses to Israeli and regional security” and Pompeo reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense. Netanyahu said last month after Trump's announcement that Israel would escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Israel sees the spread of Iran's influence in the Middle East as a growing threat, and has carried out scores of air strikes in civil war-torn Syria against suspected military deployments and arms deliveries by Iranian forces supporting Damascus.

Mike Pompeo says cooperation with Israel over Syria and Iran to continue

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

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

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

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

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Gold prices hit a six-month high on Wednesday as concerns over global growth and a partial government shutdown in the United States fuelled risk aversion, prompting investors to seek refuge in the metal.

Spot gold climbed 0.3 per cent to $1,271.85 per ounce as at 0429 GMT. The metal hit $1272.56 in early trade, its highest since June 20.

US&nbsp;gold futures were up 0.3 per cent at $1,275.8 per ounce.

Investors are uneasy about global economic growth and are seeking gold as a safe-haven, said Yuichi Ikemizu, Tokyo branch manager at ICBC Standard Bank, adding the sharp sell-off in stock markets has also lent support.

"We always see good demand for gold in the year-end. I would not be surprised if we see gold surpass $1,300 in the near future."

Asian equities were shaky following a Christmas eve US&nbsp;stocks plunge. Wall Street has dropped sharply in recent weeks on concerns over weaker economic growth, compounded by political instability in the United States after a partial government shutdown.

The US&nbsp;Senate has been unable to break an impasse over&nbsp;Trump's demand for more funds for a wall on the border with Mexico, and a senior official said the shutdown could continue until January 3.

Tensions between the White House and the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve over monetary policy tightening also weighed on sentiment in the wider markets.

President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;largely laid the blame for economic headwinds on the Fed, openly criticizing its chairman, Jerome Powell, whom he appointed.

"The latest move on gold should be a stark reminder to investors that gold in any form should be an essential part of any long-term investment strategy as again they yellow metal has proven its weight when markets turn turbulent," Stephen Innes, APAC trading head at OANDA in Singapore, said in a note.

Among other metals, silver rose 0.5 per cent to $14.80 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.3 per cent to $784.50.

Palladium was up 0.5 per cent to $1,252.24 per ounce.

Gold prices hit a six-month high on Wednesday as concerns over global growth and a partial government shutdown in the United States fuelled risk aversion, prompting investors to seek refuge in the metal.

Gold prices hit a six-month high on Wednesday as concerns over global growth and a partial government shutdown in the United States fuelled risk aversion, prompting investors to seek refuge in the metal. Spot gold climbed 0.3 per cent to $1,271.85 per ounce as at 0429 GMT. The metal hit $1272.56 in early trade, its highest since June 20. US gold futures were up 0.3 per cent at $1,275.8 per ounce. Investors are uneasy about global economic growth and are seeking gold as a safe-haven, said Yuichi Ikemizu, Tokyo branch manager at ICBC Standard Bank, adding the sharp sell-off in stock markets has also lent support. "We always see good demand for gold in the year-end. I would not be surprised if we see gold surpass $1,300 in the near future." Asian equities were shaky following a Christmas eve US stocks plunge. Wall Street has dropped sharply in recent weeks on concerns over weaker economic growth, compounded by political instability in the United States after a partial government shutdown. The US Senate has been unable to break an impasse over Trump's demand for more funds for a wall on the border with Mexico, and a senior official said the shutdown could continue until January 3. Tensions between the White House and the US Federal Reserve over monetary policy tightening also weighed on sentiment in the wider markets. President Donald Trump largely laid the blame for economic headwinds on the Fed, openly criticizing its chairman, Jerome Powell, whom he appointed. "The latest move on gold should be a stark reminder to investors that gold in any form should be an essential part of any long-term investment strategy as again they yellow metal has proven its weight when markets turn turbulent," Stephen Innes, APAC trading head at OANDA in Singapore, said in a note. Among other metals, silver rose 0.5 per cent to $14.80 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.3 per cent to $784.50. Palladium was up 0.5 per cent to $1,252.24 per ounce.

Gold climbs to six-month peak on waning risk appetite

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-rise-as-opec-output-cuts-seen-deeper-than-previously-expected-185630">Oil prices</a> were mixed in thin trading on Wednesday as the US&nbsp;benchmark rebounded from steep losses in the previous session, even though concern over the health of the global economy continued to overshadow the market in the longer term.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures, were up 29 cents, or 0.68 per cent, at $42.82 per barrel, at 0355 GMT, having at one point risen as high as 2 per cent from the last close. They had slumped 6.7 per cent in the previous session to $42.53 a barrel - the lowest since June 2017.

Meanwhile, Brent crude oil futures were down 11 cents or 0.22 per cent at $50.36 a barrel, having skidded 6.2 per cent in the previous session to $50.47 a barrel, the weakest since August 2017.

"$50 is a psychological support level (for Brent)," said Margaret Yang, market analyst for CMC Markets in Singapore.

"But market confidence needs to be restored for oil price...that includes an equity market rebound and/or a bigger production cut from major oil exporters," Yang said, referring to an OPEC-led agreement to lower output from next month.

Broader financial markets have been under pressure on worries about a global economic slowdown amid higher US&nbsp;interest rates and the US-China trade dispute.

"US&nbsp;equity futures are trading a bit firmer this morning triggering some little buying interest in the oil markets," said Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia-Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore.

But Innes added macroeconomics fears will continue unless the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) "reassures markets the viability of their supply cuts and even impose deeper ones as some members have suggested". OPEC and allies led by Russia agreed this month to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day from January.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that oil prices would become more stable in the first half of 2019, supported by OPEC and non-OPEC countries' joint efforts to cut output.

Elsewhere, US&nbsp;political turmoil triggered by the partial shutdown of the federal government is also adding to market concerns. President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Tuesday that shutdown could last until his demand for US-Mexico border wall money is met.

Oil prices were mixed in thin trading on Wednesday as the US benchmark rebounded from steep losses in the previous session, even though concern over the health of the global economy continued to overshadow the market in the longer term.

Oil prices were mixed in thin trading on Wednesday as the US benchmark rebounded from steep losses in the previous session, even though concern over the health of the global economy continued to overshadow the market in the longer term. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures, were up 29 cents, or 0.68 per cent, at $42.82 per barrel, at 0355 GMT, having at one point risen as high as 2 per cent from the last close. They had slumped 6.7 per cent in the previous session to $42.53 a barrel - the lowest since June 2017. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil futures were down 11 cents or 0.22 per cent at $50.36 a barrel, having skidded 6.2 per cent in the previous session to $50.47 a barrel, the weakest since August 2017. "$50 is a psychological support level (for Brent)," said Margaret Yang, market analyst for CMC Markets in Singapore. "But market confidence needs to be restored for oil price...that includes an equity market rebound and/or a bigger production cut from major oil exporters," Yang said, referring to an OPEC-led agreement to lower output from next month. Broader financial markets have been under pressure on worries about a global economic slowdown amid higher US interest rates and the US-China trade dispute. "US equity futures are trading a bit firmer this morning triggering some little buying interest in the oil markets," said Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia-Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore. But Innes added macroeconomics fears will continue unless the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) "reassures markets the viability of their supply cuts and even impose deeper ones as some members have suggested". OPEC and allies led by Russia agreed this month to cut oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day from January. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that oil prices would become more stable in the first half of 2019, supported by OPEC and non-OPEC countries' joint efforts to cut output. Elsewhere, US political turmoil triggered by the partial shutdown of the federal government is also adding to market concerns. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that shutdown could last until his demand for US-Mexico border wall money is met.

US  oil prices rebound after tumbling to lowest since June 2017 on economy fears

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-brexit-muddles-along-trump-roots-for-a-full-break-184425">Britain's departure from the European Union</a> and trade disputes triggered by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity.

The German economy, Europe's largest, is expected to post its weakest growth rate in many years in 2018 as exporters are facing headwinds from abroad. But vibrant domestic demand means many companies are still able to expand the business.

In a survey conducted by Reuters, the heads of Germany's leading industry associations said they did not see the economy entering a recession and that most forecasts were predicting a solid growth rate of around 1.5 per cent for 2019.

But the industry associations said the economic woes of company executives were increasing and the government should do more to help them, for example by lowering corporate taxes and investing more in digital infrastructure.

"The biggest risk in the short term is Brexit," said Dieter Kempf, president of the BDI industry association.

If Britain left the EU in March without any agreement on its future relations with the bloc, this would create massive uncertainties for trade and business, Kempf warned.

"The British economy would face the direct threat of a recession which would indirectly also affect Germany," Kempf said.

Holger Bingmann, head of the BGA trade group, said Brexit was the "most urgent problem for the German economy" while an escalation of international trade disputes sparked by the United States could potentially derail the economic upswing

DIHK President Eric Schweitzer said German companies are still worried about the US&nbsp;imposing higher import tariffs on European cars. "The threat of car tariffs is still on the table," Schweitzer warned.

It was vital that both sides increased their efforts to find a solution to the trade dispute through negotiations that ideally would lead to lower tariffs, Schweitzer said.

The German economy likely grew by around 1.5 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2017.

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that Britain's departure from the European Union and trade disputes triggered by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity.

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that Britain's departure from the European Union and trade disputes triggered by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity. The German economy, Europe's largest, is expected to post its weakest growth rate in many years in 2018 as exporters are facing headwinds from abroad. But vibrant domestic demand means many companies are still able to expand the business. In a survey conducted by Reuters, the heads of Germany's leading industry associations said they did not see the economy entering a recession and that most forecasts were predicting a solid growth rate of around 1.5 per cent for 2019. But the industry associations said the economic woes of company executives were increasing and the government should do more to help them, for example by lowering corporate taxes and investing more in digital infrastructure. "The biggest risk in the short term is Brexit," said Dieter Kempf, president of the BDI industry association. If Britain left the EU in March without any agreement on its future relations with the bloc, this would create massive uncertainties for trade and business, Kempf warned. "The British economy would face the direct threat of a recession which would indirectly also affect Germany," Kempf said. Holger Bingmann, head of the BGA trade group, said Brexit was the "most urgent problem for the German economy" while an escalation of international trade disputes sparked by the United States could potentially derail the economic upswing DIHK President Eric Schweitzer said German companies are still worried about the US imposing higher import tariffs on European cars. "The threat of car tariffs is still on the table," Schweitzer warned. It was vital that both sides increased their efforts to find a solution to the trade dispute through negotiations that ideally would lead to lower tariffs, Schweitzer said. The German economy likely grew by around 1.5 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2017.

German industry views Brexit, Trump as biggest risks to economy

Watch: WION Dispatch, 25th December, 2018

A US judge on Monday ordered North Korea to pay $501 million over the death of American Otto Warmbier, concluding that the university student likely suffered torture.

The penalties, which North Korea is highly unlikely to pay willingly, come in the midst of a diplomatic drive by President Donald Trump, who is eager to reach a potential landmark deal with leader Kim Jong Un.

The parents of Warmbier sued North Korea in a US court after the 22-year-old was flown back to the United States last year in a coma, unrecognizable to his family and died within days of his return.

Beryl Howell, the chief judge of the US District Court for Washington, DC, awarded $501,134,683.80 to the family, most of it in punitive damages.

"An American family, the Warmbiers, experienced North Korea's brutality first-hand when North Korea seized their son to use as a pawn in that totalitarian state's global shenanigans and face-off with the United States," she wrote.

"North Korea is liable for the torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing of Otto Warmbier, and the injuries to his mother and father, Fred and Cindy Warmbier," she added.

Chances of paying slim&nbsp;

Howell said North Korea did not submit any response to the lawsuit, which the family filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, a US law that allows lawsuits against foreign governments over offences not considered to be covered by diplomatic immunity.

As one of the world's most isolated countries, North Korea is believed to have few assets in the United States that could be seized to meet the judgment.

But North Korea is seeking to end economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear program. An accord with Trump raises the possibility of future US assistance, which could become entangled by the court-ordered damages.

Trump, who held a historic summit in June with North Korea, posted on Twitter that he had a briefing Monday on diplomatic efforts and is "looking forward to my next summit with Chairman Kim!"

Senator Robert Portman of Ohio, who had secretly met North Korean officials as he pushed for Warmbier's release, hailed the court verdict.

"While nothing will bring back Otto Warmbier, who was such a promising young man, I'm glad that North Korea has been rightly held accountable for his death," he tweeted.

&nbsp;Unrecognizable after release&nbsp;

Warmbier, an Ohio native who studied at the University of Virginia, travelled to North Korea on a tour but did not return home. He was pulled away at the Pyongyang airport and charged with crimes against the state for allegedly taking down a poster in support of Kim.

The ruling said the family was continually advised by the State Department to stay quiet, believing North Korea would make a demand in return for Warmbier's safe release.

When he finally returned home after 17 months, Warmbier&nbsp;a high school prom king who was studying business and economics was attached to a feeding tube and was howling incomprehensible noises, the ruling said.&nbsp;

The head-shaven Warmbier had gone blind and deaf, his once straight teeth misaligned and his eyes bulging out, it said.&nbsp;

The judge quoted his neurologist in Ohio, Daniel Kanter, as concluding that Warmbier probably suffered brain damage of the sort caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain of five to 20 minutes.

Based on previously known cases in which North Korea extracted confessions, Warmbier's injuries could have been caused by water-boarding, electric shock, suffocation or pulling his teeth with pliers, Howell said.

North Korea has denied ill-treatment of Warmbier, saying he contracted botulism, a nerve disorder caused by toxin poisoning, while in detention.

But the judge quoted medical tests that found no evidence of botulism. And even if the diagnosis were true, the judge questioned why North Korea did not earlier send him back for medical care, a delay which she said: "compounds the deliberate nature of the totalitarian state's brutal treatment of Otto."

A US judge on Monday ordered North Korea to pay $501 million over the death of American Otto Warmbier, concluding that the university student likely suffered torture.

A US judge on Monday ordered North Korea to pay $501 million over the death of American Otto Warmbier, concluding that the university student likely suffered torture. The penalties, which North Korea is highly unlikely to pay willingly, come in the midst of a diplomatic drive by President Donald Trump, who is eager to reach a potential landmark deal with leader Kim Jong Un. The parents of Warmbier sued North Korea in a US court after the 22-year-old was flown back to the United States last year in a coma, unrecognizable to his family and died within days of his return. Beryl Howell, the chief judge of the US District Court for Washington, DC, awarded $501,134,683.80 to the family, most of it in punitive damages. "An American family, the Warmbiers, experienced North Korea's brutality first-hand when North Korea seized their son to use as a pawn in that totalitarian state's global shenanigans and face-off with the United States," she wrote. "North Korea is liable for the torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing of Otto Warmbier, and the injuries to his mother and father, Fred and Cindy Warmbier," she added. Chances of paying slim Howell said North Korea did not submit any response to the lawsuit, which the family filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, a US law that allows lawsuits against foreign governments over offences not considered to be covered by diplomatic immunity. As one of the world's most isolated countries, North Korea is believed to have few assets in the United States that could be seized to meet the judgment. But North Korea is seeking to end economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear program. An accord with Trump raises the possibility of future US assistance, which could become entangled by the court-ordered damages. Trump, who held a historic summit in June with North Korea, posted on Twitter that he had a briefing Monday on diplomatic efforts and is "looking forward to my next summit with Chairman Kim!" Senator Robert Portman of Ohio, who had secretly met North Korean officials as he pushed for Warmbier's release, hailed the court verdict. "While nothing will bring back Otto Warmbier, who was such a promising young man, I'm glad that North Korea has been rightly held accountable for his death," he tweeted. Unrecognizable after release Warmbier, an Ohio native who studied at the University of Virginia, travelled to North Korea on a tour but did not return home. He was pulled away at the Pyongyang airport and charged with crimes against the state for allegedly taking down a poster in support of Kim. The ruling said the family was continually advised by the State Department to stay quiet, believing North Korea would make a demand in return for Warmbier's safe release. When he finally returned home after 17 months, Warmbier a high school prom king who was studying business and economics was attached to a feeding tube and was howling incomprehensible noises, the ruling said. The head-shaven Warmbier had gone blind and deaf, his once straight teeth misaligned and his eyes bulging out, it said. The judge quoted his neurologist in Ohio, Daniel Kanter, as concluding that Warmbier probably suffered brain damage of the sort caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain of five to 20 minutes. Based on previously known cases in which North Korea extracted confessions, Warmbier's injuries could have been caused by water-boarding, electric shock, suffocation or pulling his teeth with pliers, Howell said. North Korea has denied ill-treatment of Warmbier, saying he contracted botulism, a nerve disorder caused by toxin poisoning, while in detention. But the judge quoted medical tests that found no evidence of botulism. And even if the diagnosis were true, the judge questioned why North Korea did not earlier send him back for medical care, a delay which she said: "compounds the deliberate nature of the totalitarian state's brutal treatment of Otto."

US judge orders North Korea to pay $501 million over dead American

Asian stocks fell in early trade Monday despite a weekend call by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to top US banking executives aimed at stemming market panic which saw Wall Street experienced its worst week in a decade.

The Dow and the Nasdaq ended Friday with their biggest weekly drop since the start of the global financial crisis as investors took fright over a government shutdown in Washington, President Donald Trump's public feuding with the Federal Reserve and the US-China trade war returning to the forefront.

With Tokyo closed for a public holiday on Monday, Hong Kong and Shanghai set the tone with both exchanges seeing losses in early trading. Sydney was up slightly while Seoul was down.

Mnuchin spent much of the weekend in damage control mode after multiple media outlets reported that Trump had privately asked cabinet members if he has the authority to fire Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.

Last week, the central bank hiked rates, infuriating Trump who has ignored the traditional respect for the Fed's independence, calling it "crazy", "out of control" and a greater economic threat than China.

Mnuchin denied the reports of Trump seeking Powell's scalp, tweeting on Saturday that the president told him: "I never suggested firing Chairman Jay Powell, nor do I believe I have the right to do so."

The following day, Mnuchin announced he had called senior executives from six of the largest American banks to discuss the market turmoil and received assurances.

"The banks all confirmed ample liquidity is available for lending to consumer and business markets," the Treasury said in a statement attached to a tweet from Mnuchin announcing the calls.

"We continue to see strong economic growth in the US economy with robust activity from consumers and business," Mnuchin was quoted in the statement as saying, adding that he would convene a call with the President's Working Group on financial markets later Monday.

'More panic and fear'&nbsp;

Analysts expressed both surprise and alarm at Mnuchin's Sunday statement, saying it might do the opposite of calming current jitters.

"Nothing says don't panic like saying 'I'm calling the plunge protection team tomorrow'," Michael O'Rourke, JonesTrading's chief market strategist, told Bloomberg News.

"I honestly think that's the type of event that's going to startle markets and create more panic and fear when it's meant to create confidence."

Last week's turmoil in Washington which included a government shutdown that appears likely to last until at least Thursday and the abrupt resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis&nbsp;has spooked markets worldwide.

Japan's Nikkei hit a fresh 15-month low on Friday with its fourth consecutive day of losses, while European bourses were flat or rising slightly.

Oil inched higher in Asian trade after crude-producing nations said they expect prices will arrest their recent slide and rebalance early next year when a deal on new production cuts takes effect.

However, analysts said prospects for a global economic slowdown in the coming year&nbsp;which would weaken crude demand&nbsp;and rising US shale output are dampening sentiment and limiting any rebound from the current 15-month lows.

Prices have plunged by around 40 per cent from four-year peaks reached in early October on concerns about oversupply and weaker demand.

In foreign exchange markets, the yen rose 0.2 per cent to 111.02 per dollar, the euro was up 0.1 per cent at $1.1379 and the pound was at $1.2658, a 0.1 per cent rise.

Asian stocks fell in early trade Monday despite a weekend call by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to top US banking executives aimed at stemming market panic which saw Wall Street experienced its worst week in a decade.

Asian stocks fell in early trade Monday despite a weekend call by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to top US banking executives aimed at stemming market panic which saw Wall Street experienced its worst week in a decade. The Dow and the Nasdaq ended Friday with their biggest weekly drop since the start of the global financial crisis as investors took fright over a government shutdown in Washington, President Donald Trump's public feuding with the Federal Reserve and the US-China trade war returning to the forefront. With Tokyo closed for a public holiday on Monday, Hong Kong and Shanghai set the tone with both exchanges seeing losses in early trading. Sydney was up slightly while Seoul was down. Mnuchin spent much of the weekend in damage control mode after multiple media outlets reported that Trump had privately asked cabinet members if he has the authority to fire Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Last week, the central bank hiked rates, infuriating Trump who has ignored the traditional respect for the Fed's independence, calling it "crazy", "out of control" and a greater economic threat than China. Mnuchin denied the reports of Trump seeking Powell's scalp, tweeting on Saturday that the president told him: "I never suggested firing Chairman Jay Powell, nor do I believe I have the right to do so." The following day, Mnuchin announced he had called senior executives from six of the largest American banks to discuss the market turmoil and received assurances. "The banks all confirmed ample liquidity is available for lending to consumer and business markets," the Treasury said in a statement attached to a tweet from Mnuchin announcing the calls. "We continue to see strong economic growth in the US economy with robust activity from consumers and business," Mnuchin was quoted in the statement as saying, adding that he would convene a call with the President's Working Group on financial markets later Monday. 'More panic and fear' Analysts expressed both surprise and alarm at Mnuchin's Sunday statement, saying it might do the opposite of calming current jitters. "Nothing says don't panic like saying 'I'm calling the plunge protection team tomorrow'," Michael O'Rourke, JonesTrading's chief market strategist, told Bloomberg News. "I honestly think that's the type of event that's going to startle markets and create more panic and fear when it's meant to create confidence." Last week's turmoil in Washington which included a government shutdown that appears likely to last until at least Thursday and the abrupt resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has spooked markets worldwide. Japan's Nikkei hit a fresh 15-month low on Friday with its fourth consecutive day of losses, while European bourses were flat or rising slightly. Oil inched higher in Asian trade after crude-producing nations said they expect prices will arrest their recent slide and rebalance early next year when a deal on new production cuts takes effect. However, analysts said prospects for a global economic slowdown in the coming year which would weaken crude demand and rising US shale output are dampening sentiment and limiting any rebound from the current 15-month lows. Prices have plunged by around 40 per cent from four-year peaks reached in early October on concerns about oversupply and weaker demand. In foreign exchange markets, the yen rose 0.2 per cent to 111.02 per dollar, the euro was up 0.1 per cent at $1.1379 and the pound was at $1.2658, a 0.1 per cent rise.

Asia stocks fall despite Mnuchin's weekend triage

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-britain-eu-of-hypocrisy-over-canada-detentions-concerns-186148">China</a> plays a significant and influential role in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-leader-replaces-top-security-chiefs-in-major-shake-up-186004">Afghanistan</a>'s peace process as a good neighbour and world superpower, according to the former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.

Karzai made the remarks during a recent interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in south China's Guangzhou City, where he was attending the 2018 Imperial Springs International Forum earlier this month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-role-in-afghanistan-peace-process-crucial-pakistan-183213">The peace process in Afghanistan </a>has recently come back into focus after the United States said it is considering a substantial reduction of US troops in Afghanistan, with US President Donald Trump last week dramatically calling for the withdrawal of troops from Syria.

Referring to the recent US-led peace initiative, which saw meetings with the Qatar-based leaders of the Taliban earlier this year, Karzai said he hopes these efforts will succeed and expects some major countries in the region to take parts, such as China and Russia.

"Just recently the United States has launched a new initiative for peace in Afghanistan and we hope it succeeds. But the latest US initiative for peace in Afghanistan will bear fruits only when they fully keep the Afghan people on board, and in charge. And when they genuinely see corporation from major powers who are our neighbours. China for example, is our neighbour, and a superpower in the world. Russia, in the same way, and our neighbours as well. Therefore, a successful US effort for peace will mean Afghanistan doing its part fully and independently and the US seeking the corporation of China. That will bring us peace and I'm sure that if the US extends its hands of corporation to China, China will support it and Russia will support it as well," said Karzai.

Aside from the peace process within Afghanistan, Karzai, who had a 13-year tenure as Afghanistan's leader, thinks China can also play a constructive role in ensuring regional stability by improving the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"China and Pakistan being always friends, we see it as a positive, we see it as good. We want China's friendship with Pakistan to expand, to deepen. We are also a great friend of China and a good neighbour of China. And China has been a tremendous ally and supporter to Afghanistan as well. Therefore, Chinese friendship with Pakistan, we see, as an asset towards positive. And we, for this reason, have been seeking China's participation and contribution to improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and together all the two of us, effectively fight against extremists," said the former president.

Karzai also shared his views about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which he believes is an effective platform for promoting wider corporation within the region.

"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an effective instrument for stability and corporation in our larger region. And we're glad that all the three major powers of the region — China, Russia, India, are part of it. So is Pakistan, so are countries of central Asia — Turkey as well and Iran. And Afghanistan is an observer. So India's joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we see it as a positive development and we hope that through the cooperative working within this organization, Afghanistan will be one of the first beneficiaries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization," he said.

Karzai was speaking on the sidelines of the Imperial Springs International Forum, which opened in Guangzhou on December 10. The event gathered some 200 former world leaders, renowned scholars and business elites to discuss the theme of advancing reform and opening-up, and promoting win-win cooperation.

China plays a significant and influential role in Afghanistan's peace process as a good neighbour and world superpower, according to the former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.

China plays a significant and influential role in Afghanistan's peace process as a good neighbour and world superpower, according to the former Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Karzai made the remarks during a recent interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in south China's Guangzhou City, where he was attending the 2018 Imperial Springs International Forum earlier this month. The peace process in Afghanistan has recently come back into focus after the United States said it is considering a substantial reduction of US troops in Afghanistan, with US President Donald Trump last week dramatically calling for the withdrawal of troops from Syria. Referring to the recent US-led peace initiative, which saw meetings with the Qatar-based leaders of the Taliban earlier this year, Karzai said he hopes these efforts will succeed and expects some major countries in the region to take parts, such as China and Russia. "Just recently the United States has launched a new initiative for peace in Afghanistan and we hope it succeeds. But the latest US initiative for peace in Afghanistan will bear fruits only when they fully keep the Afghan people on board, and in charge. And when they genuinely see corporation from major powers who are our neighbours. China for example, is our neighbour, and a superpower in the world. Russia, in the same way, and our neighbours as well. Therefore, a successful US effort for peace will mean Afghanistan doing its part fully and independently and the US seeking the corporation of China. That will bring us peace and I'm sure that if the US extends its hands of corporation to China, China will support it and Russia will support it as well," said Karzai. Aside from the peace process within Afghanistan, Karzai, who had a 13-year tenure as Afghanistan's leader, thinks China can also play a constructive role in ensuring regional stability by improving the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "China and Pakistan being always friends, we see it as a positive, we see it as good. We want China's friendship with Pakistan to expand, to deepen. We are also a great friend of China and a good neighbour of China. And China has been a tremendous ally and supporter to Afghanistan as well. Therefore, Chinese friendship with Pakistan, we see, as an asset towards positive. And we, for this reason, have been seeking China's participation and contribution to improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and together all the two of us, effectively fight against extremists," said the former president. Karzai also shared his views about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which he believes is an effective platform for promoting wider corporation within the region. "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an effective instrument for stability and corporation in our larger region. And we're glad that all the three major powers of the region — China, Russia, India, are part of it. So is Pakistan, so are countries of central Asia — Turkey as well and Iran. And Afghanistan is an observer. So India's joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we see it as a positive development and we hope that through the cooperative working within this organization, Afghanistan will be one of the first beneficiaries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization," he said. Karzai was speaking on the sidelines of the Imperial Springs International Forum, which opened in Guangzhou on December 10. The event gathered some 200 former world leaders, renowned scholars and business elites to discuss the theme of advancing reform and opening-up, and promoting win-win cooperation.

Video: China plays significant role in Afghan peace process, says former president Karzai

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-strategy-a-game-changer-for-peace-process-in-afghanistan-ashraf-ghani-180161">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a> on Sunday replaced two of the country's top security chiefs with staunch anti-Taliban officials, in a major shake-up days after US President Donald Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in the country.

Amrullah Saleh and Assadullah Khaled, both former heads of the Afghan intelligence agency, have been appointed to the critical posts of interior minister and defence minister, respectively, a presidential decree said.

There was no official explanation for the sudden reshuffle.

But it comes four months after Ghani rejected the resignations of former interior minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and defence minister Tariq Shah Bahrami following criticism over an increasingly deadly insurgency.

The move caps a tumultuous few days for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/afghanistan">Afghanistan</a> after an American official told AFP late last week that Trump had decided to pull out "roughly half" of the 14,000 US forces in the country.

The unexpected move stunned and dismayed foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul who are intensifying a push to end the 17-year conflict with the Taliban.&nbsp;

While the Taliban has not issued a formal statement on Trump's plan, a senior commander told AFP the group was "more than happy".

Trump's decision apparently came Tuesday as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-visits-kabul-after-talks-with-taliban-on-afghan-peace-185428">US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad</a> met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul.

Observers fear the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are being slaughtered at a record rate.

Ghani, who is planning to seek re-election in April, could be trying to strengthen his security credentials ahead of the vote.&nbsp;

Saleh, a fierce government critic who fought against the Taliban in the 1990s, served as head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) from 2004 to 2010.&nbsp;

Khaled was briefly NDS chief in 2012 before being wounded by a Taliban suicide bomber. Both men will serve as acting ministers until the parliament approves their appointments.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced two of the country's top security chiefs with staunch anti-Taliban officials, in a major shake-up days after US President Donald Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in the country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced two of the country's top security chiefs with staunch anti-Taliban officials, in a major shake-up days after US President Donald Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in the country. Amrullah Saleh and Assadullah Khaled, both former heads of the Afghan intelligence agency, have been appointed to the critical posts of interior minister and defence minister, respectively, a presidential decree said. There was no official explanation for the sudden reshuffle. But it comes four months after Ghani rejected the resignations of former interior minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and defence minister Tariq Shah Bahrami following criticism over an increasingly deadly insurgency. The move caps a tumultuous few days for Afghanistan after an American official told AFP late last week that Trump had decided to pull out "roughly half" of the 14,000 US forces in the country. The unexpected move stunned and dismayed foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul who are intensifying a push to end the 17-year conflict with the Taliban. While the Taliban has not issued a formal statement on Trump's plan, a senior commander told AFP the group was "more than happy". Trump's decision apparently came Tuesday as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. Observers fear the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are being slaughtered at a record rate. Ghani, who is planning to seek re-election in April, could be trying to strengthen his security credentials ahead of the vote. Saleh, a fierce government critic who fought against the Taliban in the 1990s, served as head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) from 2004 to 2010. Khaled was briefly NDS chief in 2012 before being wounded by a Taliban suicide bomber. Both men will serve as acting ministers until the parliament approves their appointments.

Afghanistan President Ghani replaces top security chiefs in major shake-up

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