US Attorney General William Barr is considering resigning over President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department investigations, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, while the department said he was not leaving.

"The Attorney General has no plans to resign," Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said in a post on Twitter late Tuesday night.

The Washington Post separately reported on Tuesday that Barr has told people close to Trump about his concerns, but it was not immediately clear if Barr had spoken to the president directly.

"He has his limits," the newspaper quoted one person familiar with Barr's thinking as saying.

Barr may be sharing his position with people close to Trump in hopes the president gets the message and stops tweeting about the Justice Department’s criminal investigations, the Post added.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump earlier on Tuesday said he had total confidence in Barr, who last week told ABC News in an interview that Trump's tweeting habit had made it impossible for him to do his job.

"I do make his job harder ... I do agree with that," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One Tuesday afternoon. "The attorney general is a man with great integrity."

Last week senior Justice Department officials withdrew an earlier sentencing recommendation for longtime Trump friend Roger Stone, who was found guilty in November of seven counts of lying to Congress, prompting upheaval within the department.

Over the weekend, more than 1,000 former department officials called for Barr to resign in an open letter. The signatories grew to more than 2,400 by Wednesday morning.

Trump has used Twitter to attack the four prosecutors who had argued the Stone case as well as the judge presiding over it.

"Social media for me has been very important because it gives me a voice," he told reporters on Tuesday.

Barr told ABC on Thursday that he could not do his job "with a constant background commentary" and that it was "time to stop the tweeting about Department of Justice criminal cases."

US Attorney General William Barr is considering resigning over President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department investigations, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, while the department said he was not leaving.

US Attorney General William Barr is considering resigning over President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department investigations, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters, while the department said he was not leaving. "The Attorney General has no plans to resign," Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said in a post on Twitter late Tuesday night. The Washington Post separately reported on Tuesday that Barr has told people close to Trump about his concerns, but it was not immediately clear if Barr had spoken to the president directly. "He has his limits," the newspaper quoted one person familiar with Barr's thinking as saying. Barr may be sharing his position with people close to Trump in hopes the president gets the message and stops tweeting about the Justice Department’s criminal investigations, the Post added. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Trump earlier on Tuesday said he had total confidence in Barr, who last week told ABC News in an interview that Trump's tweeting habit had made it impossible for him to do his job. "I do make his job harder ... I do agree with that," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One Tuesday afternoon. "The attorney general is a man with great integrity." Last week senior Justice Department officials withdrew an earlier sentencing recommendation for longtime Trump friend Roger Stone, who was found guilty in November of seven counts of lying to Congress, prompting upheaval within the department. Over the weekend, more than 1,000 former department officials called for Barr to resign in an open letter. The signatories grew to more than 2,400 by Wednesday morning. Trump has used Twitter to attack the four prosecutors who had argued the Stone case as well as the judge presiding over it. "Social media for me has been very important because it gives me a voice," he told reporters on Tuesday. Barr told ABC on Thursday that he could not do his job "with a constant background commentary" and that it was "time to stop the tweeting about Department of Justice criminal cases."

US Attorney General Barr considers quitting over Trump tweets: Report

No trade deal during two days visit of Trump to India. Around seven million people are expected between the airport and the event. Trump is saving trade deal for later.

Trump India visit: Trump focussed more on road show than trade

US Attorney General William Barr is mulling resignation over President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department investigations, according to a report in Washington Post.

US Attorney General William Barr is mulling resignation over President Donald Trump's tweets about Justice Department investigations, according to a report in Washington Post. Barr has told people close to Trump about his concerns, but it was not immediately clear if Barr had told Trump directly, the Post added in a report. "He has his limits," the newspaper quoted one person familiar with Barr's thinking as saying. Barr may be sharing his position with people close to Trump in hopes the president gets the message and stops tweeting about the Justice Department’s criminal investigations, the Post said. Meanwhile, Trump said on Tuesday he had total confidence in Barr, who last week said in an interview that Trump's tweeting habit had made it impossible for him to do his job. "I do make his job harder ... I do agree with that," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One. "The attorney general is a man with great integrity." Last week senior Justice Department officials withdrew an earlier sentencing recommendation for longtime Trump friend Roger Stone, who was found guilty in November of seven counts of lying to Congress, prompting upheaval within the department. More than 1,000 former department officials have now called for Barr to resign.

US Attorney General Barr mulling resignation over Trump tweets: Report

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, raised concern on Monday about his unpublished book being "suppressed" by the White House and suggested he should be able to respond to the president's tweets about him.

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, raised concern on Monday about his unpublished book being "suppressed" by the White House and suggested he should be able to respond to the president's tweets about him. “I hope, ultimately, I can get the book published,” Bolton told a Duke University event in North Carolina during his first public remarks since Trump's acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial. “I hope it’s not suppressed.” Asked about the president's criticism of him on Twitter, Bolton said: “He (Trump) tweets, but I can’t talk about it. How fair is that?” For a guy who couldn’t get approved for the Ambassador to the U.N. years ago, couldn’t get approved for anything since, “begged” me for a non Senate approved job, which I gave him despite many saying “Don’t do it, sir,” takes the job, mistakenly says “Libyan Model” on T.V., and.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2020 × ....many more mistakes of judgement, gets fired because frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now, and goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2020 × Bolton, 71, left his post in September after disagreements with the president. Trump said he fired him. Bolton said he quit. Also Read: Trump, White House seek to quash Bolton testimony at Senate trial Media outlets reported in October that Bolton, a leading foreign policy hawk, was planning to write a book about his time in the Trump administration. Bolton allegedly described in his manuscript how Trump wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden — an allegation that fueled Trump's impeachment. On December 18, the Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstructing Congress relating to his actions in Ukraine. Watch: White House blocks Bolton's book, Contains classified information Trump denied wrongdoing and denounced the impeachment process as a sham. The Republican-led Senate acquitted Trump largely along party lines on February 5 in only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history. Bolton had refused to cooperate with the House impeachment investigation but said on January 6 he would be willing to testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed to do so. Democrats sought his testimony at the trial, but the chamber voted not to call witnesses. The White House informed Bolton in January that his book manuscript appeared to contain “significant amounts of classified information” and could not be published in its current form. Bolton said during Monday's event that the White House was still doing a pre-publication review of his manuscript.

Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted proposals that could restrict <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-grant-tariff-exemptions-on-696-us-goods-to-support-purchases-281418">US companies' ability to supply jet engines and other components</a> to China's aviation industry and said he had instructed his administration to prevent such moves.

The president's intervention illustrated, at least in this case, his desire to prioritize economic benefits over potential competitive pitfalls and national security concerns.

And it contrasts with his administration's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112">treatment of China's telecoms industry</a>; US companies are prevented from trading with Huawei Technologies, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, for national security reasons.

But in a series of tweets on Tuesday, Trump said national security should not be used as an "excuse" to make it difficult for foreign countries to buy US products.

"The United States cannot, &amp; will not, become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product, including for the always used National Security excuse, that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive," Trump wrote on Twitter.

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The United States cannot, &amp; will not, become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product, including for the always used National Security excuse, that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive. We want to sell...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1229790099866603521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"As an example, I want China to buy our jet engines, the best in the World," he added.

Trump did not identify the restrictions. The White House declined to comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/more-twists-and-turns-in-us-china-trade-war-170668">Watch: More twists and turns in US-China trade war</a>

The United States and China, the world's two largest economies, have a complicated and competitive relationship. Trump signed a first-phase trade deal with China earlier this year after a long trade war in which the two sides levied significant tariffs on each others' products. Many of those tariffs are still in place.

Trump's series of tweets on Tuesday was an apparent reference to reports over the weekend that the US government is considering whether to block General Electric Co from continuing to supply engines for a new Chinese passenger jet.

Washington is also eyeing limits on other components for Chinese commercial aircraft such as flight control systems made by Honeywell International Inc.

Central to the possible crackdown on the sale of US parts to China's aircraft industry is whether shipments could fuel the rise of a serious competitor to US-based Boeing Co or boost China's military capabilities.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said it welcomed Trump's comments.

“We applaud President Trump’s tweets supporting US companies being able to sell products to China and opposing proposed regulations that would unduly curtail that ability," said John Neuffer, the group's president, in a statement. "As we have discussed with the administration, sales of non-sensitive, commercial products to China drive semiconductor research and innovation, which is critical to America’s economic strength and national security.”

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted proposals that could restrict US companies' ability to supply jet engines and other components to China's aviation industry and said he had instructed his administration to prevent such moves.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted proposals that could restrict US companies' ability to supply jet engines and other components to China's aviation industry and said he had instructed his administration to prevent such moves. The president's intervention illustrated, at least in this case, his desire to prioritize economic benefits over potential competitive pitfalls and national security concerns. And it contrasts with his administration's treatment of China's telecoms industry; US companies are prevented from trading with Huawei Technologies, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, for national security reasons. But in a series of tweets on Tuesday, Trump said national security should not be used as an "excuse" to make it difficult for foreign countries to buy US products. "The United States cannot, & will not, become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product, including for the always used National Security excuse, that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive," Trump wrote on Twitter. The United States cannot, & will not, become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product, including for the always used National Security excuse, that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive. We want to sell... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2020 × "As an example, I want China to buy our jet engines, the best in the World," he added. Trump did not identify the restrictions. The White House declined to comment. Watch: More twists and turns in US-China trade war The United States and China, the world's two largest economies, have a complicated and competitive relationship. Trump signed a first-phase trade deal with China earlier this year after a long trade war in which the two sides levied significant tariffs on each others' products. Many of those tariffs are still in place. Trump's series of tweets on Tuesday was an apparent reference to reports over the weekend that the US government is considering whether to block General Electric Co from continuing to supply engines for a new Chinese passenger jet. Washington is also eyeing limits on other components for Chinese commercial aircraft such as flight control systems made by Honeywell International Inc. Central to the possible crackdown on the sale of US parts to China's aircraft industry is whether shipments could fuel the rise of a serious competitor to US-based Boeing Co or boost China's military capabilities. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said it welcomed Trump's comments. “We applaud President Trump’s tweets supporting US companies being able to sell products to China and opposing proposed regulations that would unduly curtail that ability," said John Neuffer, the group's president, in a statement. "As we have discussed with the administration, sales of non-sensitive, commercial products to China drive semiconductor research and innovation, which is critical to America’s economic strength and national security.”

Trump blasts proposed restrictions on selling US jet parts to China

US President Donald Trump is all set to visit India. But the US trade representative will not visit the country. Is a trade deal still on the cards?

Gravitas: No trade deal during Trump's visit to India?

Voting in a parliamentary election this week is "a religious duty" for Iranians, Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-yield-to-americas-pressure-for-talks-says-president-rouhani-280967">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> said on Tuesday, days before the vote seen as a referendum on the clerical establishment's popularity.

Iran's hardline Guardian Council vetting body has rejected some 6,850 moderate or conservative hopefuls in favour of hardliners from among the 14,000 applicants seeking to contest the February&nbsp;21 vote. About a third of lawmakers have also been barred from standing again.

"Today, voting is not only a revolutionary and national responsibility, but it is also a religious duty," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-no-dialogue-for-now-as-saudis-iranians-camp-on-positions-280904">Also read: No dialogue for now as Saudis, Iranians camp on positions</a>

Due to a large number of disqualified candidates, hardliners loyal to Khamenei are likely to dominate the 290-seat parliament.

Friday's vote will have no major influence on foreign affairs or Iran's nuclear policy, which is determined by Khamenei.

The final authority in Iran's complex system of clerical rule and limited democracy, Khamenei has supported the Guardian Council, saying the next parliament was no place for those scared of speaking out against foreign enemies.

"Elections are a means to strengthen the country ... A weak parliament will have long-term affects ... a weak parliament will negatively affect our fight against enemies," he said.

"The election will neutralise American's ill intentions ... the vote is the Islamic Republic's prestige."

Tensions have been high between Iran and the United States since 2018, when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-says-donald-trump-misled-by-advisors-280867">US President Donald Trump </a>exited a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, reimposing sanctions that have battered the country's economy.

In retaliation, Iran has gradually rolled back its commitments under the deal. Tehran says its steps are reversible if European parties to the agreement fulfil their promises of shielding Iran's economy from US penalties.

Pro-reform voters are dismayed by disarray in their camp and the failure of pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani to abide by an election pledge to ease social and political restrictions.

A parliament dominated by hardliners could increase pressure on Rouhani, the architect of the nuclear pact, whose performance in power has been criticized by Khamenei's influential allies.

Campaigning will end on Thursday, on the eve of the vote, for which 58 million Iranians are eligible to vote out of a population of 83 million.

Voting in a parliamentary election this week is "a religious duty" for Iranians, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday, days before the vote seen as a referendum on the clerical establishment's popularity.

Voting in a parliamentary election this week is "a religious duty" for Iranians, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday, days before the vote seen as a referendum on the clerical establishment's popularity. Iran's hardline Guardian Council vetting body has rejected some 6,850 moderate or conservative hopefuls in favour of hardliners from among the 14,000 applicants seeking to contest the February 21 vote. About a third of lawmakers have also been barred from standing again. "Today, voting is not only a revolutionary and national responsibility, but it is also a religious duty," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television. Also read: No dialogue for now as Saudis, Iranians camp on positions Due to a large number of disqualified candidates, hardliners loyal to Khamenei are likely to dominate the 290-seat parliament. Friday's vote will have no major influence on foreign affairs or Iran's nuclear policy, which is determined by Khamenei. The final authority in Iran's complex system of clerical rule and limited democracy, Khamenei has supported the Guardian Council, saying the next parliament was no place for those scared of speaking out against foreign enemies. "Elections are a means to strengthen the country ... A weak parliament will have long-term affects ... a weak parliament will negatively affect our fight against enemies," he said. "The election will neutralise American's ill intentions ... the vote is the Islamic Republic's prestige." Tensions have been high between Iran and the United States since 2018, when US President Donald Trump exited a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, reimposing sanctions that have battered the country's economy. In retaliation, Iran has gradually rolled back its commitments under the deal. Tehran says its steps are reversible if European parties to the agreement fulfil their promises of shielding Iran's economy from US penalties. Pro-reform voters are dismayed by disarray in their camp and the failure of pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani to abide by an election pledge to ease social and political restrictions. A parliament dominated by hardliners could increase pressure on Rouhani, the architect of the nuclear pact, whose performance in power has been criticized by Khamenei's influential allies. Campaigning will end on Thursday, on the eve of the vote, for which 58 million Iranians are eligible to vote out of a population of 83 million.

Khamenei says voting in Iran's election 'a religious duty'

China will grant exemptions on retaliatory duties imposed against 696 US goods, the most substantial tariff relief to be offered so far, as Beijing seeks to fulfil commitments made in its interim trade deal with the United States.

Tuesday's announcement comes after the Phase 1 trade deal between the two countries took effect on February 14 and is the third round of tariff exemptions China has offered on US goods.

China has committed to boosting its purchases of goods and services from the United States by $200 billion over two years as part of the agreement and has already rolled back some additional tariffs on US imports after the deal was signed.

US goods eligible for tariff exemptions include key agricultural and energy products such as pork, beef, soybeans, liquefied natural gas and crude oil, which were subject to extra tariffs imposed during the escalation of the bilateral trade dispute.

The coronavirus epidemic that emerged late last year in China has raised concerns about its ability to meet the purchasing targets, however. Authorities throughout the country imposed major restriction on travel and transportation to curb the spread of the virus, which has killed nearly 1,900 and infected more than 70,000 in the country.

The containment efforts have kept factories shut or operating with drastically reduced staff, hitting production. The public has also been discouraged from leaving their homes or going to public places, also stunting consumption.

White House adviser Larry Kudlow said earlier this month that Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump during a recent call that China will still meet its Phase 1 trade deal purchasing targets.

Beijing's announcement on Tuesday emphasised that Chinese firms will submit applications for tariff exemptions based on market conditions and commercial considerations.

"Unless the state forcefully asks firms to apply for tariff exemption and buy US soybeans, crushers would still go for Brazilian beans, based on market free will," said a trader, adding that Brazilian beans are of good quality and price this year.

Other products subject to exemption on additional tariffs imposed include denatured ethanol and wheat, corn and sorghum. Some medical devices and metals including copper ore and concentrates, copper scrap and aluminium scrap are also subject to exemption.

Pharmaceutical products such as recombinant human insulin and some antibiotics are also among US products eligible for tariff exemptions.

Firms can start submitting their applications on March 2, and any exemptions granted will be valid for one year.

China will grant exemptions on retaliatory duties imposed against 696 US goods, the most substantial tariff relief to be offered so far, as Beijing seeks to fulfil commitments made in its interim trade deal with the United States.

China will grant exemptions on retaliatory duties imposed against 696 US goods, the most substantial tariff relief to be offered so far, as Beijing seeks to fulfil commitments made in its interim trade deal with the United States. Tuesday's announcement comes after the Phase 1 trade deal between the two countries took effect on February 14 and is the third round of tariff exemptions China has offered on US goods. China has committed to boosting its purchases of goods and services from the United States by $200 billion over two years as part of the agreement and has already rolled back some additional tariffs on US imports after the deal was signed. US goods eligible for tariff exemptions include key agricultural and energy products such as pork, beef, soybeans, liquefied natural gas and crude oil, which were subject to extra tariffs imposed during the escalation of the bilateral trade dispute. The coronavirus epidemic that emerged late last year in China has raised concerns about its ability to meet the purchasing targets, however. Authorities throughout the country imposed major restriction on travel and transportation to curb the spread of the virus, which has killed nearly 1,900 and infected more than 70,000 in the country. The containment efforts have kept factories shut or operating with drastically reduced staff, hitting production. The public has also been discouraged from leaving their homes or going to public places, also stunting consumption. White House adviser Larry Kudlow said earlier this month that Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump during a recent call that China will still meet its Phase 1 trade deal purchasing targets. Beijing's announcement on Tuesday emphasised that Chinese firms will submit applications for tariff exemptions based on market conditions and commercial considerations. "Unless the state forcefully asks firms to apply for tariff exemption and buy US soybeans, crushers would still go for Brazilian beans, based on market free will," said a trader, adding that Brazilian beans are of good quality and price this year. Other products subject to exemption on additional tariffs imposed include denatured ethanol and wheat, corn and sorghum. Some medical devices and metals including copper ore and concentrates, copper scrap and aluminium scrap are also subject to exemption. Pharmaceutical products such as recombinant human insulin and some antibiotics are also among US products eligible for tariff exemptions. Firms can start submitting their applications on March 2, and any exemptions granted will be valid for one year.

China to grant tariff exemptions on 696 US goods to support purchases

By Tom Smith

The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world.

But Duterte is using it as a pretext to push the Philippines, which is battling an ongoing series of insurgencies, closer to China.

Duterte’s “drug war” has killed over 20,000 people (nobody knows the true extent). In January, the US triggered the Magnitsky Act over the violence. The US then denied a US visa and froze the assets of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is now the National Police Chief and figurehead of the war on drugs.

After a month of procrastinating, Duterte followed through on his threat to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows US military personnel and equipment to move through the Philippines and is the basis of a deeply entrenched military alliance between the two countries. There are some 300 US-Philippines joint exercises each year and the Philippines remains a key strategic ally for the US.

So far so tit-for-tat. But Duterte, a proud America-basher, knows there will be plenty who support withdrawing from the VFA.

The VFA has been a symbol of American imperialism in the Philippines since its inception in 1998. It was one of the few issues that united liberals and nationalists, who argued that it was unconstitutional and point to incidents of US Marines using the VFA to try and avoid Filipino justice – most notoriously in the case of the 2014 murder of Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude.

Liberals have argued forcefully that the country was in an unbalanced, if not abusive, relationship with the US. But it has taken an authoritarian president and a ruthless campaign of extrajudicial killings to enact any re-balance. If that doesn’t quell celebrations in the Philippines and elsewhere at the termination of the VFA, then thinking through the possible fallout and its implications for the country and wider region will.

Territorial disputes and terrorism

The US president, Donald Trump, shrugged off the Philippines’ decision. There are still other Philippine-US military agreements in place: the more comprehensive 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is already being targetted for termination too, according to Duterte’s spokesman.

Besides this, the US still has a separate mutual defence pact with its former colony and assists internally as well as externally in security operations. The US has played a key role in counter-terror and counter-insurgency campaigns in the Philippines since 9/11.

Focusing on Islamist rather than communist groups, US training, intelligence and surveillance has been a constant presence for the past two decades, if not very successful. Violence proliferates from a variety of ever-evolving militant groups and US assistance if not insistence on offensive operations has a patchy record.

When the US helped the army end its five-month siege of Marawi city in 2017, not only did it fail to prevent the destruction of the city. It oversaw what Amnesty International alleged were violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

What value the US is bringing to the battle with Islamist militancy certainly deserves scrutiny. But the prospect of less Western oversight and training for the Philippines in this complex and often exoticised conflict is also concerning.

Externally, the South China Sea dispute between China and a host of nations, including the Philippines, is critical to US interests in the region. The alliance with the Philippines has been a key part of US strategy in countering Chinese expansionism in the region.

The Philippines sought redress at the International Court of Arbitration over territorial claims against the Chinese and won. China was found to be in breach of international law in 2016, but Duterte has since tried to entirely ignore the dispute, which was launched by a predecessor, as he is keen to push back against US influence and inclined to build closer relations with China. He is unwilling to be a pawn in the tussle between Washington and Beijing and openly courted closer Russian and Chinese relations.

Can China fill the US void?

Senior US and Filipino military officials are unhappy with the VFA termination. While the US blames Duterte and insists the US is doing the right thing in terms of human rights, the move pits Duterte against his own military. They think he’s potentially taken away their support and that he’s cow-towing to Beijing.

The prospect of the Philippines surrendering territory to China and potentially involving its military in counter-terror operations should fill few with joy. Chinese counter-terror operations in its own Xinjiang province towards the Uighur are hardly a best-practice guide for a nation already swamped by human rights abuses.

Yet Duterte, who openly admits to the “militarisation of government” has politicised his military. The military is bonded to him through its role in the war on drugs and by numerous political appointments of military figures to government.

The Americans have more options, large bases in stable nations including Japan and South Korea and other allies across Southeast Asia. While Filipinos have already suffered under Duterte, with two years left of his tenure the Americans may take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook by playing the long game and waiting out Duterte in favour of a new administration willing to stand up to China.

(Tom Smith is Principal Lecturer in International Relations, University of Portsmouth)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/rodrigo-duterte-terminated-a-military-agreement-with-us-why-it-could-push-philippines-closer-to-china-131812">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 Tom Smith The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world.

By Tom Smith The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world. But Duterte is using it as a pretext to push the Philippines, which is battling an ongoing series of insurgencies, closer to China. Duterte’s “drug war” has killed over 20,000 people (nobody knows the true extent). In January, the US triggered the Magnitsky Act over the violence. The US then denied a US visa and froze the assets of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is now the National Police Chief and figurehead of the war on drugs. After a month of procrastinating, Duterte followed through on his threat to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows US military personnel and equipment to move through the Philippines and is the basis of a deeply entrenched military alliance between the two countries. There are some 300 US-Philippines joint exercises each year and the Philippines remains a key strategic ally for the US. So far so tit-for-tat. But Duterte, a proud America-basher, knows there will be plenty who support withdrawing from the VFA. The VFA has been a symbol of American imperialism in the Philippines since its inception in 1998. It was one of the few issues that united liberals and nationalists, who argued that it was unconstitutional and point to incidents of US Marines using the VFA to try and avoid Filipino justice – most notoriously in the case of the 2014 murder of Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude. Liberals have argued forcefully that the country was in an unbalanced, if not abusive, relationship with the US. But it has taken an authoritarian president and a ruthless campaign of extrajudicial killings to enact any re-balance. If that doesn’t quell celebrations in the Philippines and elsewhere at the termination of the VFA, then thinking through the possible fallout and its implications for the country and wider region will. Territorial disputes and terrorism The US president, Donald Trump, shrugged off the Philippines’ decision. There are still other Philippine-US military agreements in place: the more comprehensive 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is already being targetted for termination too, according to Duterte’s spokesman. Besides this, the US still has a separate mutual defence pact with its former colony and assists internally as well as externally in security operations. The US has played a key role in counter-terror and counter-insurgency campaigns in the Philippines since 9/11. Focusing on Islamist rather than communist groups, US training, intelligence and surveillance has been a constant presence for the past two decades, if not very successful. Violence proliferates from a variety of ever-evolving militant groups and US assistance if not insistence on offensive operations has a patchy record. When the US helped the army end its five-month siege of Marawi city in 2017, not only did it fail to prevent the destruction of the city. It oversaw what Amnesty International alleged were violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. What value the US is bringing to the battle with Islamist militancy certainly deserves scrutiny. But the prospect of less Western oversight and training for the Philippines in this complex and often exoticised conflict is also concerning. Externally, the South China Sea dispute between China and a host of nations, including the Philippines, is critical to US interests in the region. The alliance with the Philippines has been a key part of US strategy in countering Chinese expansionism in the region. The Philippines sought redress at the International Court of Arbitration over territorial claims against the Chinese and won. China was found to be in breach of international law in 2016, but Duterte has since tried to entirely ignore the dispute, which was launched by a predecessor, as he is keen to push back against US influence and inclined to build closer relations with China. He is unwilling to be a pawn in the tussle between Washington and Beijing and openly courted closer Russian and Chinese relations. Can China fill the US void? Senior US and Filipino military officials are unhappy with the VFA termination. While the US blames Duterte and insists the US is doing the right thing in terms of human rights, the move pits Duterte against his own military. They think he’s potentially taken away their support and that he’s cow-towing to Beijing. The prospect of the Philippines surrendering territory to China and potentially involving its military in counter-terror operations should fill few with joy. Chinese counter-terror operations in its own Xinjiang province towards the Uighur are hardly a best-practice guide for a nation already swamped by human rights abuses. Yet Duterte, who openly admits to the “militarisation of government” has politicised his military. The military is bonded to him through its role in the war on drugs and by numerous political appointments of military figures to government. The Americans have more options, large bases in stable nations including Japan and South Korea and other allies across Southeast Asia. While Filipinos have already suffered under Duterte, with two years left of his tenure the Americans may take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook by playing the long game and waiting out Duterte in favour of a new administration willing to stand up to China. (Tom Smith is Principal Lecturer in International Relations, University of Portsmouth) (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 a terminated agreement with the US could push the Philippines closer to China

US President Donald Trump took a loop around the Daytona 500 racetrack on Sunday in the presidential limousine drawing cheers from fans at NASCAR'S most prestigious race.

Trump takes a lap at 'Daytona 500' auto race in presidential limousine

A cleanliness drive is going on at the historic Sabarmati Ashram and a thorough security check is also being done. US President Donald Trump will arrive on a 2-day India visit from February 24 with first lady Melania Trump. Apart from Delhi, the US President will also visit Ahmedabad. Watch the full video for more information.

Trump to visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram directly form Ahmedabad airport

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-at-stake-like-never-before-trump-to-supporters-252638">Donald Trump</a> has called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia </a>to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US </a>concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Turkey's </a>foreign minister also pressed his Russian counterpart over the attacks by Damascus on the last rebel-held bastion in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims</a>

Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made fresh gains Sunday as he intensified his assault on the holdout northwestern province of Idlib.

In a call with Turkish President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan</a>, Trump "expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Syria </a>and... conveyed the United States' desire to see an end to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia's </a>support for the Assad regime's atrocities."

Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal reached between Ankara and Moscow to prevent a regime offensive, but Syrian regime forces have pressed ahead regardless.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report</a>

Four of the Turkish posts are believed to be encircled by Syrian forces, and Ankara has threatened to attack Damascus if they do not retreat by the end of February.

"I stressed that the attacks in Idlib must stop and it was necessary to establish a lasting ceasefire that would not be violated," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists at the Munich Security Conference after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Damascus </a>ally Russia have worked closely on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Syria </a>in recent years despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict.

A Turkish delegation will head to Moscow on Monday after Russian officials visited Ankara last weekend but failed to reach a concrete deal.

Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday said regime forces "were in control of all the villages and small towns around Aleppo for the first time since 2012."

Regime forces have for weeks been making gains in northwestern Syria and chipping away at territory held by jihadists and allied rebels, focusing their latest operations on the west of Aleppo province.

The Russian-backed offensive has triggered the largest wave of displacement in Syria's civil war, with 800,000 people fleeing since it began in December, the United Nations has said.&nbsp;

Backed by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Assad's forces now control more than 70 per cent of Syria and the president has repeatedly vowed to retake the entire country.

In the Saturday phone call with Erdogan, Trump also "reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation."

Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations vying for power.

States including Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt support strongman Khalifa Haftar, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord is backed by Turkey and Qatar.

President Donald Trump has called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed US concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday.

President Donald Trump has called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed US concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday. Turkey's foreign minister also pressed his Russian counterpart over the attacks by Damascus on the last rebel-held bastion in the country. Also read: Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made fresh gains Sunday as he intensified his assault on the holdout northwestern province of Idlib. In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump "expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, Syria and... conveyed the United States' desire to see an end to Russia's support for the Assad regime's atrocities." Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal reached between Ankara and Moscow to prevent a regime offensive, but Syrian regime forces have pressed ahead regardless. Also read: US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report Four of the Turkish posts are believed to be encircled by Syrian forces, and Ankara has threatened to attack Damascus if they do not retreat by the end of February. "I stressed that the attacks in Idlib must stop and it was necessary to establish a lasting ceasefire that would not be violated," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists at the Munich Security Conference after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Rebel supporter Turkey and Damascus ally Russia have worked closely on Syria in recent years despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict. A Turkish delegation will head to Moscow on Monday after Russian officials visited Ankara last weekend but failed to reach a concrete deal. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday said regime forces "were in control of all the villages and small towns around Aleppo for the first time since 2012." Regime forces have for weeks been making gains in northwestern Syria and chipping away at territory held by jihadists and allied rebels, focusing their latest operations on the west of Aleppo province. The Russian-backed offensive has triggered the largest wave of displacement in Syria's civil war, with 800,000 people fleeing since it began in December, the United Nations has said. Backed by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Assad's forces now control more than 70 per cent of Syria and the president has repeatedly vowed to retake the entire country. In the Saturday phone call with Erdogan, Trump also "reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation." Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations vying for power. States including Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt support strongman Khalifa Haftar, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord is backed by Turkey and Qatar.

President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'

President Trump will pay a state visit to India on February 24 and 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He would be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

Trump India visit: High Profile Indians to accompany US Prez

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy defended his country against allegations of corruption made by the US President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskiy said he was very open with Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy defended his country against allegations of corruption made by the US President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskiy said he was very open with Trump. ''We fight corruption each day, please stop saying that Ukraine is a corrupt country because now, it's not,'' he said. Zelensky was responding to Trump's comments made on a television interview last November in which he said Ukraine was the third most corrupt country in the world. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko, also in Munich, said the impeachment saga had weighed on the country's relationship with the United States, a crucial ally for Kiev in the face of a resurgent Russia. "There are things that have not yet been resolved" following Trump's acquittal by US senators in his impeachment trial, Prystaiko told reporters. He singled out the departure of US special envoy Kurt Volker, who played a key role in talks with Moscow about the conflict in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region.

Ukrainian President Zelensky rejects Trump's claim that Ukraine is corrupt

Iran will never hold talks with its longtime foe, the United States, under pressure, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-sounds-alarm-for-democracy-after-candidates-barred-276882">President Hassan Rouhani</a> said in a televised news conference on Sunday, adding that Tehran's help was essential to establish security in the Middle East.

"Iran will never negotiate under pressure ... We will never yield to America's pressure and we will not negotiate from a position of weakness. America's 'maximum pressure' towards Iran is doomed to failure," Rouhani said.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unbearable-for-us-to-accept-irans-victory-rouhani-taunts-on-anniversary-of-shahs-ouster-280079"> 'Unbearable for US to accept Iran's victory': Rouhani taunts on anniversary of Shah's ouster</a>

Tensions have increased between Iran and the United States since 2018 when President Donald Trump exited a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers and Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran that has crippled its economy.

Trump administration wants a new deal that further curbs Iran's nuclear programme, ends its ballistic missile programme and its involvement in decades of proxy wars in the Middle East.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-not-lift-sanctions-to-negotiate-with-iran-donald-trump-276694">US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump</a>

Tehran has rejected holding negotiations over a new deal, saying talks are possible only if the United States returns to the nuclear pact and lifts sanctions.

Iran has been involved in decades of regional proxy wars with its key regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-hassan-rouhani-rejects-new-trump-deal-tells-us-to-pick-right-path-274435">Iran's Hassan Rouhani rejects new 'Trump deal'; tells US to pick 'right path'</a>

"Securing peace and stability in the sensitive region of the Middle East and in the Persian Gulf is impossible without Iran's help," Rouhani said.

Iran will never hold talks with its longtime foe, the United States, under pressure, President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised news conference on Sunday, adding that Tehran's help was essential to establish security in the Middle East.

Iran will never hold talks with its longtime foe, the United States, under pressure, President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised news conference on Sunday, adding that Tehran's help was essential to establish security in the Middle East. "Iran will never negotiate under pressure ... We will never yield to America's pressure and we will not negotiate from a position of weakness. America's 'maximum pressure' towards Iran is doomed to failure," Rouhani said. Also read: 'Unbearable for US to accept Iran's victory': Rouhani taunts on anniversary of Shah's ouster Tensions have increased between Iran and the United States since 2018 when President Donald Trump exited a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers and Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran that has crippled its economy. Trump administration wants a new deal that further curbs Iran's nuclear programme, ends its ballistic missile programme and its involvement in decades of proxy wars in the Middle East. Also read: US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump Tehran has rejected holding negotiations over a new deal, saying talks are possible only if the United States returns to the nuclear pact and lifts sanctions. Iran has been involved in decades of regional proxy wars with its key regional rival Saudi Arabia. Also read: Iran's Hassan Rouhani rejects new 'Trump deal'; tells US to pick 'right path' "Securing peace and stability in the sensitive region of the Middle East and in the Persian Gulf is impossible without Iran's help," Rouhani said.

Iran will never yield to America's pressure for talks, says President Rouhani

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-and-donald-trump-two-men-to-watch-in-us-election-280746">Donald Trump</a> on Friday said he has "the legal right" to interfere in criminal cases, capping a tumultuous week that raised questions about whether he is eroding the independence of the US&nbsp;legal system.

Trump's criticism of the judge, jury and prosecutors in the criminal case of his longtime adviser Roger Stone prompted an unusual rebuke from Attorney General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">William Barr</a>, his top law enforcement official, and spurred new demands for investigation from the Democrats who unsuccessfully tried to remove the Republican president from office.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-and-donald-trump-two-men-to-watch-in-us-election-280746">Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump: Two men to watch in US election</a>

It was the latest in a string of aggressive actions by Trump since the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him of impeachment charges last week.

Trump has transferred or fired government officials who testified about his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a potential political rival in November's presidential election.

He also dropped his nomination of former US&nbsp;Attorney Jessie Liu, who oversaw the Stone case, for another government post in the Treasury Department.

Sources close to the president said Trump has a greater sense of freedom following his Senate acquittal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-takes-impeachment-victory-lap-over-vicious-democrats-279141">Donald Trump takes impeachment victory lap over 'vicious' Democrats</a>

"You have to remember, he's not 'of' government. He gets frustrated when people tell him something can't get done. He's like: 'Just get it done,'" said one administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Barr has privately told Trump for "some time" that his public statements were making it hard for him to run the Justice Department effectively, according to a source familiar with the matter.

He went public on Thursday, telling ABC News that Trump's attacks made it "impossible" for him to do his job. "It's time to stop the tweeting," he said.

Trump "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case," Barr added.

The president responded on Friday morning.&nbsp;

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“The President has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case.” A.G. Barr This doesn’t mean that I do not have, as President, the legal right to do so, I do, but I have so far chosen not to!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1228311415192215553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Administration officials said Barr did not clear his remarks with Trump. They said Trump shrugged them off when told about them by aides.

Trump's insistence that he has the right to interfere in criminal cases runs counter to the practice of previous US&nbsp;presidents, who have generally kept an arms-length distance from the Justice Department since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s that led then-President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-behaviour-worse-than-nixon-head-of-impeachment-probe-263752">Richard Nixon</a> to resign from office.

"Trump goes farther than Nixon, though. He's proud to openly corrupt the justice system and use it to target his enemies and protect his friends," Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said in a prepared statement.

Also read: Trump's behaviour worse than Nixon: Head of impeachment probe

Trump's running commentary on the Stone case calls into question whether Barr can oversee US&nbsp;law enforcement in an independent manner, said Bruce Green, a former federal prosecutor who now teaches at Fordham School of Law.

"Given the sequence of events, it's doubtful that Barr's effort to distance himself from the president's tweets will be enough of a cure," Green told Reuters.

Barr has been an outspoken defender of the president and has aggressively sought to implement his agenda, frequently drawing charges from Democrats and former Justice Department officials that he is politicizing the rule of law.

The Justice Department on Tuesday asked for a lighter sentence for Stone, scaling back prosecutors' initial request that he serve 7 to 9 years after being found guilty of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering. That prompted all four prosecutors to resign from the case in apparent protest.

On Friday, Barr appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case against Michael Flynn, another former Trump adviser who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.

Barr has also ordered an investigation into the Obama administration's activities in 2016 as it examined possible ties between Moscow and the Trump campaign, and has gone after states and cities that have adopted "sanctuary" policies to protect unauthorized immigrants from deportation.

Barr's Justice Department sought to quash the whistleblower complaint about Trump's effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, which led to the president's impeachment.

He confirmed earlier this week that the department is taking evidence from Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who has been seeking information in Ukraine about Biden.

Democrats who control the House of Representatives called for Barr to testify next month over the matter and asked the department's watchdog to investigate but have little other recourse.

Like Barr, Trump's Republican allies in Congress have said they wish he would be less outspoken on Twitter, even as they have consistently defended his actions.

The Senate on Thursday sought to impose some restrictions on Trump, voting to limit his ability to wage war with Iran and questioning whether one of his nominees is qualified to serve on the board of the Federal Reserve.

Meanwhile, the president has moved to rebuild his staff with those he sees as loyalists, including former communication director Hope Hicks, who worked closely with Trump in his business before serving as his 2016 campaign press secretary.

He also rehired his former personal assistant Johnny McEntee to lead his personnel office, who sources say will be tasked with ensuring that new hires are loyal to the president.

Trump is about to launch a week of re-election activities, starting with a fundraising dinner on Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

On Sunday, he will seek to appeal to blue-collar voters by attending the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, where he will be named the grand marshal, the first president to have that distinction.

On Tuesday he goes on a three-day swing through California, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he has "the legal right" to interfere in criminal cases, capping a tumultuous week that raised questions about whether he is eroding the independence of the US legal system.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he has "the legal right" to interfere in criminal cases, capping a tumultuous week that raised questions about whether he is eroding the independence of the US legal system. Trump's criticism of the judge, jury and prosecutors in the criminal case of his longtime adviser Roger Stone prompted an unusual rebuke from Attorney General William Barr, his top law enforcement official, and spurred new demands for investigation from the Democrats who unsuccessfully tried to remove the Republican president from office. Also read: Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump: Two men to watch in US election It was the latest in a string of aggressive actions by Trump since the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him of impeachment charges last week. Trump has transferred or fired government officials who testified about his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a potential political rival in November's presidential election. He also dropped his nomination of former US Attorney Jessie Liu, who oversaw the Stone case, for another government post in the Treasury Department. Sources close to the president said Trump has a greater sense of freedom following his Senate acquittal. Also read: Donald Trump takes impeachment victory lap over 'vicious' Democrats "You have to remember, he's not 'of' government. He gets frustrated when people tell him something can't get done. He's like: 'Just get it done,'" said one administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Barr has privately told Trump for "some time" that his public statements were making it hard for him to run the Justice Department effectively, according to a source familiar with the matter. He went public on Thursday, telling ABC News that Trump's attacks made it "impossible" for him to do his job. "It's time to stop the tweeting," he said. Trump "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case," Barr added. The president responded on Friday morning. “The President has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case.” A.G. Barr This doesn’t mean that I do not have, as President, the legal right to do so, I do, but I have so far chosen not to! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2020 × Administration officials said Barr did not clear his remarks with Trump. They said Trump shrugged them off when told about them by aides. Trump's insistence that he has the right to interfere in criminal cases runs counter to the practice of previous US presidents, who have generally kept an arms-length distance from the Justice Department since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s that led then-President Richard Nixon to resign from office. "Trump goes farther than Nixon, though. He's proud to openly corrupt the justice system and use it to target his enemies and protect his friends," Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said in a prepared statement. Also read: Trump's behaviour worse than Nixon: Head of impeachment probe Trump's running commentary on the Stone case calls into question whether Barr can oversee US law enforcement in an independent manner, said Bruce Green, a former federal prosecutor who now teaches at Fordham School of Law. "Given the sequence of events, it's doubtful that Barr's effort to distance himself from the president's tweets will be enough of a cure," Green told Reuters. Barr has been an outspoken defender of the president and has aggressively sought to implement his agenda, frequently drawing charges from Democrats and former Justice Department officials that he is politicizing the rule of law. The Justice Department on Tuesday asked for a lighter sentence for Stone, scaling back prosecutors' initial request that he serve 7 to 9 years after being found guilty of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering. That prompted all four prosecutors to resign from the case in apparent protest. On Friday, Barr appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case against Michael Flynn, another former Trump adviser who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI. Barr has also ordered an investigation into the Obama administration's activities in 2016 as it examined possible ties between Moscow and the Trump campaign, and has gone after states and cities that have adopted "sanctuary" policies to protect unauthorized immigrants from deportation. Barr's Justice Department sought to quash the whistleblower complaint about Trump's effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, which led to the president's impeachment. He confirmed earlier this week that the department is taking evidence from Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who has been seeking information in Ukraine about Biden. Democrats who control the House of Representatives called for Barr to testify next month over the matter and asked the department's watchdog to investigate but have little other recourse. Like Barr, Trump's Republican allies in Congress have said they wish he would be less outspoken on Twitter, even as they have consistently defended his actions. The Senate on Thursday sought to impose some restrictions on Trump, voting to limit his ability to wage war with Iran and questioning whether one of his nominees is qualified to serve on the board of the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, the president has moved to rebuild his staff with those he sees as loyalists, including former communication director Hope Hicks, who worked closely with Trump in his business before serving as his 2016 campaign press secretary. He also rehired his former personal assistant Johnny McEntee to lead his personnel office, who sources say will be tasked with ensuring that new hires are loyal to the president. Trump is about to launch a week of re-election activities, starting with a fundraising dinner on Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. On Sunday, he will seek to appeal to blue-collar voters by attending the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, where he will be named the grand marshal, the first president to have that distinction. On Tuesday he goes on a three-day swing through California, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado.

Emboldened, Donald Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases

International efforts to mediate between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-consider-withdrawing-from-npt-if-nuclear-dispute-referred-to-unsc-zarif-275493">Tehran and the US</a> are being thwarted by President Donald Trump's advisors misleading him into thinking the Iranian regime is collapsing, the country's foreign minister said Saturday.

France and Japan have both sought to foster dialogue between the two foes in recent months in a bid to calm spiralling tensions, but without success.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-and-president-rouhani-did-not-know-the-reason-behind-boeing-crash-till-friday-iran-foreign-minister-zarif-at-raisina-dialogue-274417">Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> said Trump was being badly advised and this had led him to reject overtures from French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"Unfortunately the suggestions by Macron and by Abe and others have all fallen on deaf ears because President Trump has been convinced that we are about to collapse, so he doesn't want to talk to a collapsing regime," Zarif said at the Munich Security Conference.

"I believe President Trump unfortunately does not have good advisors. He's been waiting for the Iranian government's collapse since he withdrew from the nuclear deal."

The nuclear accord that curbed Iran's nuclear programme has been slowly crumbling since Trump pulled out in 2018 and reimposed tough sanctions, despite European efforts to save it.

The US and Iran have also been at loggerheads over the Islamic republic's ballistic missile programme and its interference in regional conflicts around the Middle East.

Tensions came to a head in January when the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad, prompting fears of all-out war.

Zarif said retaliatory rocket attacks by Iran on US-used bases in Iraq soon after the Soleimani killing were the end of the military response.

But he suggested a possible informal response by hinting at "consequences from the population" -- likely a veiled reference to Iran's network of proxy militias across the Middle East.

Zarif said Trump suffered bad advice from his hawkish former national security advisor John Bolton, the architect of Washington's "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran.

"Now today with John Bolton gone unfortunately somebody else is trying to mimic John Bolton and promise the president that killing Soleimani will bring people to dance in the streets of Tehran and Baghdad," Zarif said.

While the Iranian minister did not name those he thought were misleading Trump, he has traded barbs repeatedly with his US counterpart Mike Pompeo.

And his mention of dancing in the street was an apparent reference to a tweet by Pompeo following the killing of Soleimani.

International efforts to mediate between Tehran and the US are being thwarted by President Donald Trump's advisors misleading him into thinking the Iranian regime is collapsing, the country's foreign minister said Saturday.

International efforts to mediate between Tehran and the US are being thwarted by President Donald Trump's advisors misleading him into thinking the Iranian regime is collapsing, the country's foreign minister said Saturday. France and Japan have both sought to foster dialogue between the two foes in recent months in a bid to calm spiralling tensions, but without success. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Trump was being badly advised and this had led him to reject overtures from French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "Unfortunately the suggestions by Macron and by Abe and others have all fallen on deaf ears because President Trump has been convinced that we are about to collapse, so he doesn't want to talk to a collapsing regime," Zarif said at the Munich Security Conference. "I believe President Trump unfortunately does not have good advisors. He's been waiting for the Iranian government's collapse since he withdrew from the nuclear deal." The nuclear accord that curbed Iran's nuclear programme has been slowly crumbling since Trump pulled out in 2018 and reimposed tough sanctions, despite European efforts to save it. The US and Iran have also been at loggerheads over the Islamic republic's ballistic missile programme and its interference in regional conflicts around the Middle East. Tensions came to a head in January when the US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad, prompting fears of all-out war. Zarif said retaliatory rocket attacks by Iran on US-used bases in Iraq soon after the Soleimani killing were the end of the military response. But he suggested a possible informal response by hinting at "consequences from the population" -- likely a veiled reference to Iran's network of proxy militias across the Middle East. Zarif said Trump suffered bad advice from his hawkish former national security advisor John Bolton, the architect of Washington's "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran. "Now today with John Bolton gone unfortunately somebody else is trying to mimic John Bolton and promise the president that killing Soleimani will bring people to dance in the streets of Tehran and Baghdad," Zarif said. While the Iranian minister did not name those he thought were misleading Trump, he has traded barbs repeatedly with his US counterpart Mike Pompeo. And his mention of dancing in the street was an apparent reference to a tweet by Pompeo following the killing of Soleimani.

Iran foreign minister says Donald Trump misled by advisors

Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers.

This week, the US granted Iraq last-minute leave to import Iranian gas for its crippled power grids, despite American sanctions on Tehran.

But Washington's patience seems to be running out -- the latest waiver was reduced from the usual 90 or 120 days to just 45.

"This is the beginning of death by a thousand cuts," warned financial analyst Ahmed Tabaqchali, of the Iraq-based Institute of Regional and International Studies.

"The shorter the waiver, the more we can't afford for things to go wrong in that time."

Iraq is at a crucial crossroads. Its new premier is struggling to form a cabinet, anti-government protests are filling the streets and skyrocketing tensions between its two main allies, Tehran and Washington, have already spilt blood on its territory.&nbsp;

While Iran enjoys tremendous political and military sway in Iraq, the US still holds a major trump card -- the economy.

Every month or so, Iraq's Central Bank flies in $1 billion to $2 billion in cash from the Federal Reserve in New York, where all its oil revenues are kept, to pay for official and commercial transactions.

But the mid-January shipment was more than a week late, a top Iraqi official and an oil industry source said, citing "political reasons" for the White House decision.

"We are on a knife's edge," the Iraqi official said.

Pompeo 'yelled' at Iraq PM

It was the first sign Washington may implement a January threat to block Iraqi access to its money were Baghdad to oust the roughly 5,200 US troops stationed in Iraq.

That was the Iraqi parliament's response to a US strike on its soil that killed a top Iranian commander and an Iraqi paramilitary chief.

Washington has considered blocking the funds to pressure Iraq for months, a senior US diplomat in Baghdad said, describing it last year as "the nuclear option".&nbsp;

While February's dollars arrived on time, Iraqi officials said they expect Washington to start restricting how much cash Baghdad can bring in.

Losing access to its funds would have devastating ramifications for Iraq, whose economy relies almost entirely on oil exports paid with the greenback.&nbsp;

And if the sanctions waiver expires, Iraq would have to either stop buying Iranian gas and face sweeping power cuts, or keep importing and risk US sanctions itself.

Iraq's power cuts can last up to 20 hours a day.

Washington has tied sanctions to other issues, including the nearly 20 rocket attacks since October on the US embassy in Baghdad and Iraqi bases hosting US troops.

An Iraqi official said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had "yelled" at outgoing Iraqi premier Adel Abdel Mahdi in a phone call last month.&nbsp;

"He told him to forget talks over a waiver renewal if the attacks continue," the official told AFP.&nbsp;

A senior State Department official told AFP that any decision to renew the waiver is ultimately up to Pompeo himself.&nbsp;

In a worrying sign, Pompeo and other senior US officials did not meet with Iraq's federal foreign minister Mohammad al-Hakim at the Munich Security Conference.

'Weaponise these waivers'

The US is also irritated by Iraq's slow progress in signing deals with major US energy firms and weaning itself off Iran.

"(Iraqis) have continuously rejected the deals with GE and Exxon," a senior administration official told AFP, weeks before the recent waiver expired.&nbsp;

"They are choosing to be dependent on the Iranians, giving (Tehran) a chokehold on their economy and infrastructure."

Iran, which has long sought to curb US influence across the region, is the second-largest exporter of goods to Iraq.

But the US dwarfs it in terms of direct investment, particularly in the vital oil sector and infrastructure.

Sources in both Baghdad and Washington described a split in US policy, with the White House willing to ramp up pressure on Iraq while others argued for flexibility.

Hardliners were becoming "dominant," they said, and one Iraqi official described them as "transactional bullies."

In an interview with AFP following the waiver renewal, electricity minister Luay al-Khatteeb said Washington must not "corner Iraq."&nbsp;

"I am confident the US will not weaponise these waivers to compromise public services," he said.

Khatteeb cited signs of progress -- deals already signed with Jordan and the Gulf for cross-border grids and possible gas purchases from operators in the autonomous Kurdish region.

And three weeks before the waiver expired, Iraq's caretaker cabinet green-lighted six gas contracts to boost power generation.&nbsp;

"That announcement was a response to growing American pressure. You can see the Iraqi government panicked," said Tabaqchali.

But the US could find itself with little leverage other than "economic-based threats", said Ramzy Mardini of the United States Institute for Peace.

"That approach may work to secure US interests in the short term, but the overall bilateral relationship will remain severely impaired by distrust and animosity," he said.

Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers.

Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers. This week, the US granted Iraq last-minute leave to import Iranian gas for its crippled power grids, despite American sanctions on Tehran. But Washington's patience seems to be running out -- the latest waiver was reduced from the usual 90 or 120 days to just 45. "This is the beginning of death by a thousand cuts," warned financial analyst Ahmed Tabaqchali, of the Iraq-based Institute of Regional and International Studies. "The shorter the waiver, the more we can't afford for things to go wrong in that time." Iraq is at a crucial crossroads. Its new premier is struggling to form a cabinet, anti-government protests are filling the streets and skyrocketing tensions between its two main allies, Tehran and Washington, have already spilt blood on its territory. While Iran enjoys tremendous political and military sway in Iraq, the US still holds a major trump card -- the economy. Every month or so, Iraq's Central Bank flies in $1 billion to $2 billion in cash from the Federal Reserve in New York, where all its oil revenues are kept, to pay for official and commercial transactions. But the mid-January shipment was more than a week late, a top Iraqi official and an oil industry source said, citing "political reasons" for the White House decision. "We are on a knife's edge," the Iraqi official said. Pompeo 'yelled' at Iraq PM It was the first sign Washington may implement a January threat to block Iraqi access to its money were Baghdad to oust the roughly 5,200 US troops stationed in Iraq. That was the Iraqi parliament's response to a US strike on its soil that killed a top Iranian commander and an Iraqi paramilitary chief. Washington has considered blocking the funds to pressure Iraq for months, a senior US diplomat in Baghdad said, describing it last year as "the nuclear option". While February's dollars arrived on time, Iraqi officials said they expect Washington to start restricting how much cash Baghdad can bring in. Losing access to its funds would have devastating ramifications for Iraq, whose economy relies almost entirely on oil exports paid with the greenback. And if the sanctions waiver expires, Iraq would have to either stop buying Iranian gas and face sweeping power cuts, or keep importing and risk US sanctions itself. Iraq's power cuts can last up to 20 hours a day. Washington has tied sanctions to other issues, including the nearly 20 rocket attacks since October on the US embassy in Baghdad and Iraqi bases hosting US troops. An Iraqi official said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had "yelled" at outgoing Iraqi premier Adel Abdel Mahdi in a phone call last month. "He told him to forget talks over a waiver renewal if the attacks continue," the official told AFP. A senior State Department official told AFP that any decision to renew the waiver is ultimately up to Pompeo himself. In a worrying sign, Pompeo and other senior US officials did not meet with Iraq's federal foreign minister Mohammad al-Hakim at the Munich Security Conference. 'Weaponise these waivers' The US is also irritated by Iraq's slow progress in signing deals with major US energy firms and weaning itself off Iran. "(Iraqis) have continuously rejected the deals with GE and Exxon," a senior administration official told AFP, weeks before the recent waiver expired. "They are choosing to be dependent on the Iranians, giving (Tehran) a chokehold on their economy and infrastructure." Iran, which has long sought to curb US influence across the region, is the second-largest exporter of goods to Iraq. But the US dwarfs it in terms of direct investment, particularly in the vital oil sector and infrastructure. Sources in both Baghdad and Washington described a split in US policy, with the White House willing to ramp up pressure on Iraq while others argued for flexibility. Hardliners were becoming "dominant," they said, and one Iraqi official described them as "transactional bullies." In an interview with AFP following the waiver renewal, electricity minister Luay al-Khatteeb said Washington must not "corner Iraq." "I am confident the US will not weaponise these waivers to compromise public services," he said. Khatteeb cited signs of progress -- deals already signed with Jordan and the Gulf for cross-border grids and possible gas purchases from operators in the autonomous Kurdish region. And three weeks before the waiver expired, Iraq's caretaker cabinet green-lighted six gas contracts to boost power generation. "That announcement was a response to growing American pressure. You can see the Iraqi government panicked," said Tabaqchali. But the US could find itself with little leverage other than "economic-based threats", said Ramzy Mardini of the United States Institute for Peace. "That approach may work to secure US interests in the short term, but the overall bilateral relationship will remain severely impaired by distrust and animosity," he said.

Irked US squeezes Iraq with cash delays, short waivers

President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that killed a top Iranian military commander last month in response to past attacks, the White House said in a memo released on Friday, despite previous administration assertions that it was due to an imminent threat.

President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that killed a top Iranian military commander last month in response to past attacks, the White House said in a memo released on Friday, despite previous administration assertions that it was due to an imminent threat. As required by law, the administration sent Congress an unclassified justification for the strike on January 2 that killed Qasem Soleimani at the airport in Baghdad. The strike, and Iran’s retaliation, raised fears of wider war and frustrated some lawmakers who said Trump had given them shifting justifications for the attack. “The President directed this action in response to an escalating series of attacks in preceding months by Iran and Iran-backed militias on U.S. forces and interests in the Middle East region,” the report to Congress said. The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee released the memo a day after the US Senate, in a rebuke to Trump, passed legislation with rare bipartisan support to limit the president’s ability to wage war against Iran. The report said the purposes of the action were to protect US personnel, deter Iran, degrade Iranian-backed militias’ ability to conduct attacks and “end Iran’s strategic escalation of attacks.” It also said the US constitution gives the president the right to direct the use of force to protect the country from an attack or threat or imminent attack. And it said an Authorization for the Use of Military Force that Congress passed in 2002, for the Iraq War, also applied. Democratic Representative Eliot Engel, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said the memo contradicted Trump’s previous assertion that the strike prevented an imminent attack and said lawmakers needed more answers. “This spurious, after-the-fact explanation won’t do. We need answers and testimony, so I look forward to Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo testifying before the committee at an open Feb. 28 hearing on Iran and Iraq policy, including the Soleimani strike and war powers,” Engel said in a statement. A committee aide confirmed that Pompeo had agreed to appear on Feb. 28. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Engel announced in late January that Pompeo had agreed to participate in a public hearing at a date that had not been set. Pompeo had declined two previous committee requests to discuss Iran policy in an open setting.

White House memo says strike on Iranian commander responded to past attacks

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;on Friday rejected European pessimism about Washington's retreat from the global stage, saying the death of the transatlantic bond is "grossly over-exaggerated".

"The West is winning and we're winning together,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Pompeo&nbsp;</a>said at the Munich Security Conference.

The annual gathering of world leaders, generals and diplomats to discuss security challenges has been dominated by fears of diminishing Western influence in the face of a more assertive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">China </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;spoke a day after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">United States</a> rejected "even the idea of an international community" and was acting "at the expense of neighbours and partners".

"Those statements don't reflect reality. I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly over-exaggerated,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said, paraphrasing a famous Mark Twain quote.

He said Washington played a key role in keeping Europe safe by reinforcing NATO's eastern flank on the border with Russia, and had led a multinational effort to defeat the Islamic State jihadist group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">US-China trade pact fails to resolve three fundamental issues</a>

"Is this an America that 'rejects the international community'?" he asked.

"The free West has a brighter future than illiberal alternatives."&nbsp;

He also warned of the threats posed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia's </a>territorial ambitions, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">China's </a>military buildup in the South <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">China </a>Sea and Iran's "campaigns of terror" through proxy conflicts in the Middle East.

In a nod to concerns about European reliance on Russian natural gas,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;also announced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US </a>would finance energy projects in eastern EU countries.

"The United States through our International Development Finance Corporation, and with the support of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US </a>Congress intends to provide up to $1 billion in financing to the Central and Eastern European countries of the Three Seas Initiative,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told the conference.

"Our aim is to galvanise private sector investment in their energy sectors."

The pledge comes amid fierce US opposition to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double the country's gas shipments to Germany.

Washington believes the pipeline will give Russia too much influence over security and economic issues in western Europe.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday rejected European pessimism about Washington's retreat from the global stage, saying the death of the transatlantic bond is "grossly over-exaggerated".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday rejected European pessimism about Washington's retreat from the global stage, saying the death of the transatlantic bond is "grossly over-exaggerated". "The West is winning and we're winning together," Pompeo said at the Munich Security Conference. The annual gathering of world leaders, generals and diplomats to discuss security challenges has been dominated by fears of diminishing Western influence in the face of a more assertive China and Russia. Also read: US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal Pompeo spoke a day after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested the United States rejected "even the idea of an international community" and was acting "at the expense of neighbours and partners". "Those statements don't reflect reality. I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly over-exaggerated," Pompeo said, paraphrasing a famous Mark Twain quote. He said Washington played a key role in keeping Europe safe by reinforcing NATO's eastern flank on the border with Russia, and had led a multinational effort to defeat the Islamic State jihadist group. Also read: US-China trade pact fails to resolve three fundamental issues "Is this an America that 'rejects the international community'?" he asked. "The free West has a brighter future than illiberal alternatives." He also warned of the threats posed by Russia's territorial ambitions, China's military buildup in the South China Sea and Iran's "campaigns of terror" through proxy conflicts in the Middle East. In a nod to concerns about European reliance on Russian natural gas, Pompeo also announced that the US would finance energy projects in eastern EU countries. "The United States through our International Development Finance Corporation, and with the support of the US Congress intends to provide up to $1 billion in financing to the Central and Eastern European countries of the Three Seas Initiative," Pompeo told the conference. "Our aim is to galvanise private sector investment in their energy sectors." The pledge comes amid fierce US opposition to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double the country's gas shipments to Germany. Washington believes the pipeline will give Russia too much influence over security and economic issues in western Europe.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejects claims that US has quit global role

US President Donald Trump has said that it is a great honour that Facebook ranked him number one and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social networking site in terms of his popularity before his first visit to India.

Trump tweets about his upcoming visit to India on February 25

The US Presidential election is in November. But the battle is already heating up. Two billionaire candidates - Donald Trump and Michael Bloomberg are battling each other out.

Gravitas: US Elections 2020: Battle between two billionaires

The race to the White House is as entertaining as it could get. Thanks to the contenders.Two business magnates are up against each other. Donald trump and Micheal Bloomberg are leaving nothing to chance.

The ammunition is ready, lots of money, memes and personal insults.It is a battle between two billionaires and the future of the United States is at stake.The war of words has well and truly begun. The billionare media magnate and former mayor of New York — Michael Bloomberg, who is leaving no stone unturned to beat Donald Trump.

"I am a New Yorker and I know how to deal with new york bullies. And so i'm not afraid of donald trump. And that's why he keeps tweeting about me. He's a narcissist he understands name is everything. And if you really want to annoy him, say that person, don't say Donald Trump," said Micheal Bloomberg.

Bloomberg wants to make college education and healthcare free. And he has been donating millions of dollars to organisations fighting climate change and gun violence.He is not competing in the first four democratic nomination contests.

Instead he has carved out a nationwide campaign ahead of the march primaries and so far he has risen in public opinion polls.

While spending hundreds of millions of dollars on television advertisements.But with the money bags also come heaps of criticism.

Bloomberg's self funding has led to many saying he is attempting to buy the election.He has also been pouring millions of dollars into Facebook and Instagram.

And we are talking obscene amounts of money.1 million dollars a day to be precise. That is more than three times what trump spent per day during his winning campaign in 2016.

It is called the meme 2020 project. Bloomberg got together some of the biggest meme-makers on the internet to post sponsored content on Instagram to promote his candidacy.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/t2WRgFpDwM">pic.twitter.com/t2WRgFpDwM</a>
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBloomberg/status/1227957260644749318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Reports suggest Bloomberg's campaign managers are offering social media influencers 150 dollars to create content for him by building a tribe.

Bloomberg's biggest internet moment so far in this election campaign was not what he was expecting.

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I regret to inform you that Mike Bloomberg attempted to shake a dog’s mouth. <a href="https://t.co/hKsagJ4xAf">pic.twitter.com/hKsagJ4xAf</a>
— Christopher J. Hale (@chrisjollyhale) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisjollyhale/status/1222257575250579458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump has called him a 5 feet 4 inch mass of dead energy and Bloomberg fired back calling trump a carnival barking dog.

"Well Donald Trump's insults do not bother me. I've never run away from a fight. And i can just tell you, he's not going to bully me, and i won't let him bully you either," said Bloomberg. 
 
"Look, he's a lightweight. He's a lightweight. You're going to find that out. He's also one of the worst debaters I've ever seen. And his presence is zero. So he'll spend his three, four or five hundred million dollars, maybe they will take it away. Frankly, i'd rather run against bloomberg than Bernie Sanders because sanders has real followers," replied Donald Trump.

With an estimated net worth of around 61 billion dollars. Bloomberg's campaign budget is virtually limitless.

The race to the White House is as entertaining as it could get. Thanks to the contenders.Two business magnates are up against each other. Donald trump and Micheal Bloomberg are leaving nothing to chance.

The race to the White House is as entertaining as it could get. Thanks to the contenders.Two business magnates are up against each other. Donald trump and Micheal Bloomberg are leaving nothing to chance. The ammunition is ready, lots of money, memes and personal insults.It is a battle between two billionaires and the future of the United States is at stake.The war of words has well and truly begun. The billionare media magnate and former mayor of New York — Michael Bloomberg, who is leaving no stone unturned to beat Donald Trump. "I am a New Yorker and I know how to deal with new york bullies. And so i'm not afraid of donald trump. And that's why he keeps tweeting about me. He's a narcissist he understands name is everything. And if you really want to annoy him, say that person, don't say Donald Trump," said Micheal Bloomberg. Bloomberg wants to make college education and healthcare free. And he has been donating millions of dollars to organisations fighting climate change and gun violence.He is not competing in the first four democratic nomination contests. Instead he has carved out a nationwide campaign ahead of the march primaries and so far he has risen in public opinion polls. While spending hundreds of millions of dollars on television advertisements.But with the money bags also come heaps of criticism. Bloomberg's self funding has led to many saying he is attempting to buy the election.He has also been pouring millions of dollars into Facebook and Instagram. And we are talking obscene amounts of money.1 million dollars a day to be precise. That is more than three times what trump spent per day during his winning campaign in 2016. It is called the meme 2020 project. Bloomberg got together some of the biggest meme-makers on the internet to post sponsored content on Instagram to promote his candidacy. .@realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/t2WRgFpDwM — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) February 13, 2020 × Reports suggest Bloomberg's campaign managers are offering social media influencers 150 dollars to create content for him by building a tribe. Bloomberg's biggest internet moment so far in this election campaign was not what he was expecting. I regret to inform you that Mike Bloomberg attempted to shake a dog’s mouth. pic.twitter.com/hKsagJ4xAf — Christopher J. Hale (@chrisjollyhale) January 28, 2020 × Trump has called him a 5 feet 4 inch mass of dead energy and Bloomberg fired back calling trump a carnival barking dog. "Well Donald Trump's insults do not bother me. I've never run away from a fight. And i can just tell you, he's not going to bully me, and i won't let him bully you either," said Bloomberg. "Look, he's a lightweight. He's a lightweight. You're going to find that out. He's also one of the worst debaters I've ever seen. And his presence is zero. So he'll spend his three, four or five hundred million dollars, maybe they will take it away. Frankly, i'd rather run against bloomberg than Bernie Sanders because sanders has real followers," replied Donald Trump. With an estimated net worth of around 61 billion dollars. Bloomberg's campaign budget is virtually limitless.

Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump: Two men to watch in US election

The United States has imposed sanctions on Sri Lanka's army chief, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, for alleged human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in 2009 during the country's civil war, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.

"The allegations of gross human rights violations against Shavendra Silva, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible," Pompeo said in a statement.

The sanctions imposed on Friday by Washington bar Silva and his family members from entering the United States.

Silva's appointment as army commander of the island nation in August drew sharp criticism from the United States and the United Nations, which in September suspended the Sri Lankan army from its peacekeeping operations after he was named army chief.

Silva is credited with leading an army division against Tamil Tiger rebels in the final phases of the island nation's 26-year-long brutal civil war, which ended in 2009.

His victory, however, was highly controversial. Thousands of civilians were killed in the last phases of the armed conflict, including in areas declared by the government to be a 'no-fire zone,' which came under sustained army shelling, including hospitals.

A United Nations panel has accused Silva's division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war and systematic torture of people in custody.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Sri Lanka's army chief, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, for alleged human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in 2009 during the country's civil war, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Sri Lanka's army chief, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, for alleged human rights violations including extrajudicial killings in 2009 during the country's civil war, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday. "The allegations of gross human rights violations against Shavendra Silva, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible," Pompeo said in a statement. The sanctions imposed on Friday by Washington bar Silva and his family members from entering the United States. Silva's appointment as army commander of the island nation in August drew sharp criticism from the United States and the United Nations, which in September suspended the Sri Lankan army from its peacekeeping operations after he was named army chief. Silva is credited with leading an army division against Tamil Tiger rebels in the final phases of the island nation's 26-year-long brutal civil war, which ended in 2009. His victory, however, was highly controversial. Thousands of civilians were killed in the last phases of the armed conflict, including in areas declared by the government to be a 'no-fire zone,' which came under sustained army shelling, including hospitals. A United Nations panel has accused Silva's division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war and systematic torture of people in custody.

US blacklists Sri Lankan army commander Shavendra Silva, cites killings and abuses

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">Air pollution grips China's capital despite reduced emissions from coronavirus economic slowdown</a>

Home to 22 million people, the capital has not resumed full economic activity following the Lunar New Year holiday due to the coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-forces-clash-despite-talk-of-breakthrough-in-peace-deal-280693">Taliban, Afghan forces clash despite talk of breakthrough in peace deal</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday there was a 'good chance' of reaching an agreement with the Taliban on a reduction of US troops in Afghanistan.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-forces-clash-despite-talk-of-breakthrough-in-peace-deal-280693">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-lieutenant-benjamin-griveaux-out-of-paris-mayoral-race-for-sexting-280720">Emmanuel Macron's lieutenant Benjamin Griveaux out of Paris Mayoral race for sexting</a>

Griveaux has been subjected to months of anonymous statements defaming him and threats to disclose private conversations stolen from him becoming a routine fiasco for Griveaux and his family. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-lieutenant-benjamin-griveaux-out-of-paris-mayoral-race-for-sexting-280720">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/280673">Doughnut in space: NASA unveils most distant object ever visited</a>

NASA said the Arrokoth's smooth surface indicated it was well preserved since the end of the planet formation era.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/280673">READ MORE</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antartica-melt-down-a-snow-paradise-falls-victim-to-drastic-climate-change-280656">Antarctic meltdown: Snow paradise registers over 20 degrees celsius for first time</a>

Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antartica-melt-down-a-snow-paradise-falls-victim-to-drastic-climate-change-280656">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle-meghan-markle-prince-harry-fire-all-their-staff-in-uk-280692">Meghan Markle, Prince Harry fire all their staff in UK</a>

According to a report, the couple closed their UK office and asked their staff to leave way back in January soon after they decided to quit the royal family.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle-meghan-markle-prince-harry-fire-all-their-staff-in-uk-280692">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-non-profit-organization-ruins-trafficking-industry-with-sex-worker-chatbots-to-deter-potential-buyers-and-victims-280681">Non-profit organization fighting sex trafficking with ‘sex worker’ chatbots to deter potential buyers and victims</a>

2.1 million ads were placed between 2014 and 2016 that had simple deterrence messages such as “You could be arrested for buying sex online” or “By buying sex online you could be causing harm to a victim” and links to counselling services and other support groups.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-non-profit-organization-ruins-trafficking-industry-with-sex-worker-chatbots-to-deter-potential-buyers-and-victims-280681">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death</a>

According to the health ministry, 64,600 people have now been infected with the virus nationwide. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">READ MORE</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pele-says-im-fine-after-his-son-talks-about-brazilian-football-legends-depression-280615">Pele says 'I will be 80, I'm fine', dismisses son's claim on depression</a>

The statement comes after Pele's son Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house. He is very shy, reclusive." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pele-says-im-fine-after-his-son-talks-about-brazilian-football-legends-depression-280615">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mcc-captain-kumar-sangakkara-to-revisit-2009-wound-in-pakistan-280663">Kumar Sangakkara visits Lahore for first time after 2009 bus attack on Lankan team</a>

The match will take place in the same Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan team was attacked by militants in 2009 that killed eight people. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mcc-captain-kumar-sangakkara-to-revisit-2009-wound-in-pakistan-280663">READ MORE</a>

Air pollution grips China's capital despite reduced emissions from coronavirus economic slowdown Home to 22 million people, the capital has not resumed full economic activity following the Lunar New Year holiday due to the coronavirus.

Air pollution grips China's capital despite reduced emissions from coronavirus economic slowdown Home to 22 million people, the capital has not resumed full economic activity following the Lunar New Year holiday due to the coronavirus. READ MORE Taliban, Afghan forces clash despite talk of breakthrough in peace deal US President Donald Trump said on Thursday there was a 'good chance' of reaching an agreement with the Taliban on a reduction of US troops in Afghanistan.READ MORE Emmanuel Macron's lieutenant Benjamin Griveaux out of Paris Mayoral race for sexting Griveaux has been subjected to months of anonymous statements defaming him and threats to disclose private conversations stolen from him becoming a routine fiasco for Griveaux and his family. READ MORE Doughnut in space: NASA unveils most distant object ever visited NASA said the Arrokoth's smooth surface indicated it was well preserved since the end of the planet formation era.READ MORE Antarctic meltdown: Snow paradise registers over 20 degrees celsius for first time Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high.READ MORE Meghan Markle, Prince Harry fire all their staff in UK According to a report, the couple closed their UK office and asked their staff to leave way back in January soon after they decided to quit the royal family.READ MORE Non-profit organization fighting sex trafficking with ‘sex worker’ chatbots to deter potential buyers and victims 2.1 million ads were placed between 2014 and 2016 that had simple deterrence messages such as “You could be arrested for buying sex online” or “By buying sex online you could be causing harm to a victim” and links to counselling services and other support groups.READ MORE China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death According to the health ministry, 64,600 people have now been infected with the virus nationwide. READ MORE Pele says 'I will be 80, I'm fine', dismisses son's claim on depression The statement comes after Pele's son Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house. He is very shy, reclusive." READ MORE Kumar Sangakkara visits Lahore for first time after 2009 bus attack on Lankan team The match will take place in the same Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan team was attacked by militants in 2009 that killed eight people. READ MORE

Top 10 world news today: Erdogan in Pak, Pulwama anniversary and more

Three US senators will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday, seeking to reinforce the importance of his country as a strategic US ally after he found himself at the centre of President Donald Trump's acrimonious impeachment trial.

Three US senators will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday, seeking to reinforce the importance of his country as a strategic US ally after he found himself at the centre of President Donald Trump's acrimonious impeachment trial. "The US-Ukraine relationship is as important now as ever," Republican Senators Ron Johnson and John Barrasso and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in a statement on Wednesday announcing their trip. "The future of Ukraine matters to the United States and we must make sure Ukraine knows that we view them as a strategic ally," they said. Also Read: Two days after his acquittal, Trump ousts two star impeachment witnesses Johnson and Murphy last met with Zelenskiy in Kyiv on September 5, as his government was dealing with Trump's decision to freeze nearly $400 million (£308.43 million) in security assistance. Murphy told reporters at a news conference in Washington with Johnson on September 10 that Ukrainian officials did not have a full understanding of why the money might be withheld, and that they had brought up the issue in every meeting during their trip. That decision, and Trump's telephone call with the Ukrainian leader to discuss it, became central to an investigation of Trump that led to his impeachment by the Democratic-led House of Representatives late last year. Also See: Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump The Republican-led Senate acquitted Trump last week. His defence argued that the money had been withheld because of corruption in Ukraine, not to put pressure on Zelenskiy. Trump insisted his call with Zelenskiy had been "perfect." Democratic impeachment managers contended that Trump withheld the money to put pressure on Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic rival to Trump as he seeks re-election this year, and Biden's son, Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian company. Johnson is chairman, and Barrasso and Murphy are members, of a Senate subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.

US Senators plan on visiting Ukraine after Trump impeachment trial

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-first-death-due-to-coronavirus-280551">Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus</a>

Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-first-death-due-to-coronavirus-280551" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547">United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears</a> 
 
United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-agrees-to-compensate-families-of-uss-cole-victims-280545">Sudan agrees to compensate families of USS Cole victims</a>

Sudan has agreed to compensate the families of sailors killed in an al Qaeda attack on the USS Cole warship 20 years ago.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-agrees-to-compensate-families-of-uss-cole-victims-280545" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-disabled-lawmakers-fight-to-end-the-invisibility-of-people-with-disabilities-280540">Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities</a>

Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-disabled-lawmakers-fight-to-end-the-invisibility-of-people-with-disabilities-280540" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-caution-advisory-issued-as-mount-merapi-erupts-280532">Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts</a>

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-caution-advisory-issued-as-mount-merapi-erupts-280532" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-young-saudis-are-sowing-seeds-of-love-amid-conservative-boundaries-280523">How young Saudis are sowing seeds of love amid conservative boundaries</a>

Saudi Arabia is not just known for its lavish lifestyle but of rigid laws where once clampdown on something as trivial as selling roses was common. There was a time when relationships outside marriage in the country were seen as asking for a death wish.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-young-saudis-are-sowing-seeds-of-love-amid-conservative-boundaries-280523" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-crowns-112-year-old-japanese-man-named-oldest-man-alive-280521">Guinness world record crowns 112-year-old Japanese man oldest man alive</a>

Japan's 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe has been crowned the world's oldest male.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-crowns-112-year-old-japanese-man-named-oldest-man-alive-280521" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

China's novel coronavirus has adversely affected sporting events in China. The latest victim is the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report</a>

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-sanctions-against-the-maduro-regime-defended-by-venezuelas-president-guaido-280477">Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido</a>

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-sanctions-against-the-maduro-regime-defended-by-venezuelas-president-guaido-280477" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday. Read More United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday. Read More United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic. Read More Sudan agrees to compensate families of USS Cole victims Sudan has agreed to compensate the families of sailors killed in an al Qaeda attack on the USS Cole warship 20 years ago. Read More Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak. Read More Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky. Read More How young Saudis are sowing seeds of love amid conservative boundaries Saudi Arabia is not just known for its lavish lifestyle but of rigid laws where once clampdown on something as trivial as selling roses was common. There was a time when relationships outside marriage in the country were seen as asking for a death wish. Read More Guinness world record crowns 112-year-old Japanese man oldest man alive Japan's 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe has been crowned the world's oldest male. Read More Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus China's novel coronavirus has adversely affected sporting events in China. The latest victim is the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix. Read More US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. Read More Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist. Read More

Top 10 world news today: China Flight Ban, COVID-19 death in Japan and more

Sen. Bernie Sanders won the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary Tuesday night in a narrow victory that ensures the race to challenge President Trump

Bernie Sanders Wins New Hampshire Primary

The White House has yet to confirm Trump’s expected visit this month, although preparations have begun in earnest. The US is seeking to conclude a modest bilateral deal with India that will bring an end to almost three years of trade hostilities.

Trump's India Policy: Full of Flip-Flops

US President Donald Trump visit to India will start on February 24 at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold the Kem Chho Trump (Howdy Trump) event.

Donald Trump to visit Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram

India is all set to roll up the red carpet for US President Donald Trump. This will be perhaps the last major bilateral engagement for Donald Trump before the US Presidential elections. Trump is very excited about this visit. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Trump's visit to India, What is on the cards?

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