NBA commissioner Adam Silver is ready to accept the consequences for defending freedom of speech, even if supporting those values means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tv-drops-nba-exhibition-games-escalating-pressure-amid-tweet-uproar-254463">losing the riches that Chinese business partnerships</a> have brought the league.

Forty years after the Washington Bullets played exhibition games in Beijing and Shanghai as the first NBA club to visit China, the league and its lucrative relationship with the nation of 1.4 billion people faces its toughest test.

It's only the latest battle over values championed by Silver, the 57-year-old American who replaced David Stern as the NBA's boss in February 2014. He has banned an owner for life for racist remarks and moved an NBA All-Star Game over a law discriminating against the gay and transgender communities.

A socially conscious league whose biggest star players have criticized US President Donald Trump and shunned ceremonial White House visits,&nbsp;LeBron James famously calling Trump a "bum" in a 2017 tweet,&nbsp;was thrust into controversy again Friday when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted: "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353">Hong Kong has been rocked by protests</a> since June that were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions of criminal suspects to the mainland but snowballed into a movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Morey's tweet shattered some China sponsorships for the Rockets, retired Chinese star Yao Ming's former club. Chinese television dropped planned telecasts of NBA pre-season games in China.

Early NBA statements on the issue drew fire from US critics as overly capitulating, setting the stage for Silver to settle matters in Tokyo.

"The long-held values of the NBA are to support freedom of expression, and certainly freedom of expression by members of the NBA community," Silver said.

"I understand there are consequences from that exercise of, in essence, his freedom of speech. We will have to live with those consequences.

"It's my hope that for our Chinese fans and our partners in China, they will see those remarks in the context of now a three-decade, if not longer, relationship."

The same week that American television show "South Park" parodied US companies who cave into Chinese censorship for commercial gain, the NBA was challenged to put its values over its bottom line and stand up to financial backers.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is ready to accept the consequences for defending freedom of speech, even if supporting those values means losing the riches that Chinese business partnerships have brought the league.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is ready to accept the consequences for defending freedom of speech, even if supporting those values means losing the riches that Chinese business partnerships have brought the league. Forty years after the Washington Bullets played exhibition games in Beijing and Shanghai as the first NBA club to visit China, the league and its lucrative relationship with the nation of 1.4 billion people faces its toughest test. It's only the latest battle over values championed by Silver, the 57-year-old American who replaced David Stern as the NBA's boss in February 2014. He has banned an owner for life for racist remarks and moved an NBA All-Star Game over a law discriminating against the gay and transgender communities. A socially conscious league whose biggest star players have criticized US President Donald Trump and shunned ceremonial White House visits, LeBron James famously calling Trump a "bum" in a 2017 tweet, was thrust into controversy again Friday when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted: "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong." Hong Kong has been rocked by protests since June that were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions of criminal suspects to the mainland but snowballed into a movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability. Morey's tweet shattered some China sponsorships for the Rockets, retired Chinese star Yao Ming's former club. Chinese television dropped planned telecasts of NBA pre-season games in China. Early NBA statements on the issue drew fire from US critics as overly capitulating, setting the stage for Silver to settle matters in Tokyo. "The long-held values of the NBA are to support freedom of expression, and certainly freedom of expression by members of the NBA community," Silver said. "I understand there are consequences from that exercise of, in essence, his freedom of speech. We will have to live with those consequences. "It's my hope that for our Chinese fans and our partners in China, they will see those remarks in the context of now a three-decade, if not longer, relationship." The same week that American television show "South Park" parodied US companies who cave into Chinese censorship for commercial gain, the NBA was challenged to put its values over its bottom line and stand up to financial backers.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver ready to 'live with consequences' over China row

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-united-states-going-into-middle-east-was-worst-decision-ever-254802">Donald Trump on Wednesday</a> called for outing the whistleblower behind the impeachment enquiry threatening his presidency and sought to transform the entire scandal into a boost for his 2020 reelection campaign.

Trump began his attempt to crush impeachment on Tuesday with a breathtaking show of defiance to Congress.

In an eight-page letter signed by the White House counsel, the administration bluntly announced it would not cooperate with the Democratic-led House of Representatives, calling its impeachment push illegitimate.

Democrats responded by accusing Trump of stonewalling and obstruction.

"No one is above the law, not even President Trump," the Democratic majority leader in the House, Steny Hoyer, said Wednesday.

Now Trump is demanding that the whistleblower, who reported the president's alleged pressure on Ukraine to dig up dirt on Democratic election rival Joe Biden, be exposed. The identity of whistleblowers is protected by law.

On Twitter, which Trump is using to bombard the public with conspiracy theories about a secret "deep state" trying to remove him from power, the president argued that the whistleblower had been shown to be partisan and inaccurate.

"The Whistleblower's facts have been so incorrect about my 'no pressure' conversation with the Ukrainian President, and now the conflict of interest and involvement with a Democrat Candidate, that he or she should be exposed and questioned," Trump tweeted.

In another tweet he dismissed the impeachment process as a Democratic bid to influence the election, saying "their total focus is 2020, nothing more."

Trump, who broke with precedent by campaigning for reelection almost from the moment he took office in 2017, is himself pouncing on the impeachment as the new cornerstone of his 2020 effort.

He and the Republican Party have pushed hard to raise funds off the back of their accusation of unfair treatment from the Democratic lower house in Congress.

And on Thursday and Friday, Trump will take that message to his core supporters when he holds campaign rallies in Minneapolis and in Louisiana.

Constitution under strain

Even if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-inquiry-lacks-legitimate-constitutional-foundation-white-house-254610">House impeaches Trump, it remains unlikely that the Republican-led Senate would convict him in the subsequent trial</a>.

However, Trump's already turbulent presidency would be forever associated with the impeachment.

The former real estate salesman's furious response is in keeping with his established style of never admitting to being wrong and doing whatever it takes to fight back.

"The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!!" he exclaimed in one of his tweets early Wednesday.

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The Do Nothing Democrats are Con Artists, only looking to hurt the Republican Party and President. Their total focus is 2020, nothing more, and nothing less. The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181907681512169472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But the point-blank refusal to accept the House's authority to investigate his alleged abuse of office puts the legislature and executive branches on a collision course that will strain the constitution, if not lead to a full-blown constitutional crisis.

"This is a historic showdown and, I would say, a struggle for the soul of American democracy," Chris Edelson, who teaches government at American University, said.

Edelson predicted that even if the White House stalls, refusing to answer requests for documents and witnesses, the House will go ahead with an impeachment vote in the coming months.

Ukrainian phone call

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-trump-to-produce-tax-returns-president-appeals-254340">Pelosi formally launched the impeachment enquiry last month</a> after revelations Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call.

In the call, Trump asked Zelensky to look into what the US leader said were corrupt business deals involving Biden.

Democrats say that Trump tried to coerce Zelensky by holding back US military aid to Ukraine. Trump says there was no quid pro quo and that his only desire is to combat corruption.

He subsequently said publicly that he would also like China to investigate Biden, something critics say bolsters the allegation that Trump is seeking foreign help to discredit opponents.

Witness blocked

On Tuesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-to-testify-about-trump-ukraine-efforts-as-democrats-build-impeachment-case-254216">Trump administration blocked a potentially major witness</a>, ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, from testifying before Congress. Democrats then slapped Sondland with a subpoena to appear on October 16.

"The failure to produce this witness, the failure to produce these documents" was "additional strong evidence of obstruction," House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said.

Lawmakers want to hear on Friday from another key witness: former US ambassador to Kiev Marie Yovanovitch, who is scheduled to appear before the House Intelligence Committee.

US media has reported that Trump removed her from her post because she opposed his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Donald Trump on Wednesday called for outing the whistleblower behind the impeachment enquiry threatening his presidency and sought to transform the entire scandal into a boost for his 2020 reelection campaign.

Donald Trump on Wednesday called for outing the whistleblower behind the impeachment enquiry threatening his presidency and sought to transform the entire scandal into a boost for his 2020 reelection campaign. Trump began his attempt to crush impeachment on Tuesday with a breathtaking show of defiance to Congress. In an eight-page letter signed by the White House counsel, the administration bluntly announced it would not cooperate with the Democratic-led House of Representatives, calling its impeachment push illegitimate. Democrats responded by accusing Trump of stonewalling and obstruction. "No one is above the law, not even President Trump," the Democratic majority leader in the House, Steny Hoyer, said Wednesday. Now Trump is demanding that the whistleblower, who reported the president's alleged pressure on Ukraine to dig up dirt on Democratic election rival Joe Biden, be exposed. The identity of whistleblowers is protected by law. On Twitter, which Trump is using to bombard the public with conspiracy theories about a secret "deep state" trying to remove him from power, the president argued that the whistleblower had been shown to be partisan and inaccurate. "The Whistleblower's facts have been so incorrect about my 'no pressure' conversation with the Ukrainian President, and now the conflict of interest and involvement with a Democrat Candidate, that he or she should be exposed and questioned," Trump tweeted. In another tweet he dismissed the impeachment process as a Democratic bid to influence the election, saying "their total focus is 2020, nothing more." Trump, who broke with precedent by campaigning for reelection almost from the moment he took office in 2017, is himself pouncing on the impeachment as the new cornerstone of his 2020 effort. He and the Republican Party have pushed hard to raise funds off the back of their accusation of unfair treatment from the Democratic lower house in Congress. And on Thursday and Friday, Trump will take that message to his core supporters when he holds campaign rallies in Minneapolis and in Louisiana. Constitution under strain Even if the House impeaches Trump, it remains unlikely that the Republican-led Senate would convict him in the subsequent trial. However, Trump's already turbulent presidency would be forever associated with the impeachment. The former real estate salesman's furious response is in keeping with his established style of never admitting to being wrong and doing whatever it takes to fight back. "The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!!" he exclaimed in one of his tweets early Wednesday. The Do Nothing Democrats are Con Artists, only looking to hurt the Republican Party and President. Their total focus is 2020, nothing more, and nothing less. The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2019 × But the point-blank refusal to accept the House's authority to investigate his alleged abuse of office puts the legislature and executive branches on a collision course that will strain the constitution, if not lead to a full-blown constitutional crisis. "This is a historic showdown and, I would say, a struggle for the soul of American democracy," Chris Edelson, who teaches government at American University, said. Edelson predicted that even if the White House stalls, refusing to answer requests for documents and witnesses, the House will go ahead with an impeachment vote in the coming months. Ukrainian phone call Pelosi formally launched the impeachment enquiry last month after revelations Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call. In the call, Trump asked Zelensky to look into what the US leader said were corrupt business deals involving Biden. Democrats say that Trump tried to coerce Zelensky by holding back US military aid to Ukraine. Trump says there was no quid pro quo and that his only desire is to combat corruption. He subsequently said publicly that he would also like China to investigate Biden, something critics say bolsters the allegation that Trump is seeking foreign help to discredit opponents. Witness blocked On Tuesday, the Trump administration blocked a potentially major witness, ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, from testifying before Congress. Democrats then slapped Sondland with a subpoena to appear on October 16. "The failure to produce this witness, the failure to produce these documents" was "additional strong evidence of obstruction," House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said. Lawmakers want to hear on Friday from another key witness: former US ambassador to Kiev Marie Yovanovitch, who is scheduled to appear before the House Intelligence Committee. US media has reported that Trump removed her from her post because she opposed his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Donald Trump seeks to discredit entire impeachment enquiry against him

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-stop-interfering-in-its-affairs-after-blacklisting-of-companies-254518">"repression" of Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">historic crisis in Xinjiang</a>, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China.

"China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

"China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said.

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Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1181654413913534464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States.

Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang

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The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected.

But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang.

Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet.

Defying Chinese protests

The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang.

Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region.

"These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture.

Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork.

China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence.

Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese.

The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed.

Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany.

But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs.

Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods.

At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions. The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a historic crisis in Xinjiang, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China. "China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter. "China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 8, 2019 × In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States. Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang × The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected. But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang. Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet. Defying Chinese protests The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang. Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region. "These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing. Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture. Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork. China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence. Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese. The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed. Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany. But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs. Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods. At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials; demands end to Uighur 'repression'

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-opposes-syria-military-action-javad-zarif-tells-turkey-254396"> United States began pulling back troops</a>, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

But US President Donald Trump warned he<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-turkeys-economy-over-syria-254345"> would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy</a> if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region.

The US withdrawal will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency inside Turkey.

"The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday.

"It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disaster-in-the-making-top-republicans-outraged-over-trump-pullback-in-syria-254361">Trump's warning on Turkey's economy</a> appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorism threats from Syria.

"Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a 151 billion lira ($26 billion) construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 U.S. troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria.

Turkey's lira lost 2% of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September. It stood at 5.8385 early on Tuesday.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. But US President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region. The US withdrawal will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency inside Turkey. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday. "It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said. Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorism threats from Syria. "Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement. President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a 151 billion lira ($26 billion) construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 U.S. troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria. Turkey's lira lost 2% of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September. It stood at 5.8385 early on Tuesday.

All preparations for Syria operations completed, says Turkey

Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Tehran is opposed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disaster-in-the-making-top-republicans-outraged-over-trump-pullback-in-syria-254361">military action in Syria</a>, the foreign ministry said.

"Zarif voiced opposition to military action" and "urged respect for Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty," Zarif was quoted as saying in a statement issued late Monday.

The Iranian foreign minister also "stressed the need for the fight against terrorism and for the establishment of stability and security in Syria".

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was poised to launch a military operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, after US President Donald Trump gave him the green light.

Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from the region has faced strong criticism in the US, including from his own allies who have accused him of turning his back on Kurds who took heavy casualties in the US-backed campaign against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.

In their phone call, Zarif told Cavusoglu that the Adana agreement was "the best approach for Syria and Turkey and for addressing their concerns".

Ankara and Damascus signed the agreement in 1998 to ease tensions after Turkey threatened Syria with military action if it did not expel Turkish-Kurdish rebel leader Abdallah Ocalan from its soil.

For his part, Cavusoglu said the Turkish military operation in northeastern Syria "would be temporary", according to the statement from the Iranian foreign ministry.

Erdogan has expressed Ankara's determination to clear the Syrian border area east of the Euphrates river of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

Turkey says the YPG is a "terrorist offshoot" of Ocalan's Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The United States worked closely with the YPG to recapture swathes of territory from IS.

Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Tehran is opposed to military action in Syria, the foreign ministry said.

Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Tehran is opposed to military action in Syria, the foreign ministry said. "Zarif voiced opposition to military action" and "urged respect for Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty," Zarif was quoted as saying in a statement issued late Monday. The Iranian foreign minister also "stressed the need for the fight against terrorism and for the establishment of stability and security in Syria". President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was poised to launch a military operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, after US President Donald Trump gave him the green light. Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from the region has faced strong criticism in the US, including from his own allies who have accused him of turning his back on Kurds who took heavy casualties in the US-backed campaign against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. In their phone call, Zarif told Cavusoglu that the Adana agreement was "the best approach for Syria and Turkey and for addressing their concerns". Ankara and Damascus signed the agreement in 1998 to ease tensions after Turkey threatened Syria with military action if it did not expel Turkish-Kurdish rebel leader Abdallah Ocalan from its soil. For his part, Cavusoglu said the Turkish military operation in northeastern Syria "would be temporary", according to the statement from the Iranian foreign ministry. Erdogan has expressed Ankara's determination to clear the Syrian border area east of the Euphrates river of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey says the YPG is a "terrorist offshoot" of Ocalan's Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The United States worked closely with the YPG to recapture swathes of territory from IS.

Iran opposes Syria military action, Javad Zarif tells Turkey

Influential Republicans including staunch allies of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-turkeys-economy-over-syria-254345">Donald Trump</a> in Congress angrily criticised the president Monday for pulling back <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-calls-for-protecting-civilians-in-northeast-syria-254304">US troops from key areas of northern Syria</a>, warning the move abandons battlefield allies the Kurds.

Senator Lindsey Graham said he will call on Congress to reverse the sudden decision to withdraw American forces from positions along or near Turkey's border with Syria, essentially greenlighting Ankara's long-threatened move against the Kurds and raising fears of a jihadist comeback.

Graham, chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee and one of Trump's most outspoken supporters, described the move as "a disaster in the making."

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I don’t know all the details regarding President Trump’s decision in northern Syria. In process of setting up phone call with Secretary Pompeo. 
 
If press reports are accurate this is a disaster in the making.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1181181561045172224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said it would be "a stain on America's honour for abandoning the Kurds," who were Washington's main ally in the years-old battle against the so-called Islamic State group.

"Also, if this plan goes forward will introduce Senate resolution opposing and asking for a reversal of this decision. Expect it will receive strong bipartisan support," the senator tweeted.

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Also, if this plan goes forward will introduce Senate resolution opposing and asking for reversal of this decision. Expect it will receive strong bipartisan support.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1181181862183604224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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No matter what President Trump is saying about his decision, it is EXACTLY what President Obama did in Iraq with even more disastrous consequences for our national security. 
 
Unlike President Obama, I hope President Trump will reassess and take sound military advice.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1181249892527808512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Democrats also hammered the president. Senator Bernie Sanders, who seeks the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination, tweeted that while he supports ending US military intervention in the Middle East, Trump's "extremely irresponsible" announcement is "likely to result in more suffering and instability."

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I have long believed the U.S. must responsibly end our military interventions in the Middle East. But Trump’s abrupt announcement to withdraw from northern Syria and endorse Turkey’s incursion is extremely irresponsible. It is likely to result in more suffering and instability. <a href="https://t.co/a4Wi5RYFuC">https://t.co/a4Wi5RYFuC</a>
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/1181199607281393664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch: United States to withdraw troops from Syria

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Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state Trump defeated in 2016, accused the president of committing "a sickening betrayal both of the Kurds and his oath of office."

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Let us be clear: The president has sided with authoritarian leaders of Turkey and Russia over our loyal allies and America’s own interests. His decision is a sickening betrayal both of the Kurds and his oath of office.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/1181191825459159040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After a call between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the White House said Ankara would "soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria" -- and that US forces would "no longer be in the immediate area."

The announcement stunned and angered several Republicans.

"Withdrawing US forces from Northern Syria is a catastrophic mistake that puts our gains against ISIS at risk and threatens US security," tweeted Liz Cheney, the number three House Republican.&nbsp;

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Withdrawing US forces from Northern Syria is a catastrophic mistake that puts our gains against ISIS at risk and threatens US security. 
 
This decision ignores lesson of 9/11. Terrorists thousands of miles away can and will use their safe-havens to launch attacks against America.
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liz_Cheney/status/1181190806469779457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Senator Mitt Romney called the withdrawal "a betrayal" that facilitates a jihadist resurgence.

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The President’s decision to abandon our Kurd allies in the face of an assault by Turkey is a betrayal. It says that America is an unreliable ally; it facilitates ISIS resurgence; and it presages another humanitarian disaster. <a href="https://t.co/Tu8ARa8Pmp">https://t.co/Tu8ARa8Pmp</a>
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRomney/status/1181213916740894720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump took to Twitter to defend the withdrawal, saying the region would have to "figure the situation out."

"The Kurds fought with us, but were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to do so," he said.

"They have been fighting Turkey for decades. I held off this fight for almost 3 years but it is time for us to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars, many of them tribal, and bring our soldiers home."

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...figure the situation out, and what they want to do with the captured ISIS fighters in their “neighborhood.” They all hate ISIS, have been enemies for years. We are 7000 miles away and will crush ISIS again if they come anywhere near us!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181172467676565505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The strident objections included a slap by Trump's former UN envoy Nikki Haley, a Republican seen by some as a potential post-Trump presidential candidate.

"We must always have the backs of our allies, if we expect them to have our back," Haley said, calling the Kurds "instrumental" in the US fight against ISIS.

"Leaving them to die is a big mistake."

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We must always have the backs of our allies, if we expect them to have our back. The Kurds were instrumental in our successful fight against ISIS in Syria. Leaving them to die is a big mistake. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TurkeyIsNotOurFriend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TurkeyIsNotOurFriend</a>
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiHaley/status/1181191973367160834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump even received push-back from a host of "Fox &amp; Friends," a show followed closely by the president.

With Washington opening the door for Turkish action against the Kurds, "what kind of message is that to the next ally that wants to side with us?" Brian Kilmeade said on the show Monday.

"I hope the president will rethink this."

Meanwhile, later on Sunday, Trump threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

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As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!). They must, with Europe and others, watch over...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181232249821388801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Influential Republicans including staunch allies of Donald Trump in Congress angrily criticised the president Monday for pulling back US troops from key areas of northern Syria, warning the move abandons battlefield allies the Kurds.

Influential Republicans including staunch allies of Donald Trump in Congress angrily criticised the president Monday for pulling back US troops from key areas of northern Syria, warning the move abandons battlefield allies the Kurds. Senator Lindsey Graham said he will call on Congress to reverse the sudden decision to withdraw American forces from positions along or near Turkey's border with Syria, essentially greenlighting Ankara's long-threatened move against the Kurds and raising fears of a jihadist comeback. Graham, chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee and one of Trump's most outspoken supporters, described the move as "a disaster in the making." I don’t know all the details regarding President Trump’s decision in northern Syria. In process of setting up phone call with Secretary Pompeo. If press reports are accurate this is a disaster in the making. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 7, 2019 × He said it would be "a stain on America's honour for abandoning the Kurds," who were Washington's main ally in the years-old battle against the so-called Islamic State group. "Also, if this plan goes forward will introduce Senate resolution opposing and asking for a reversal of this decision. Expect it will receive strong bipartisan support," the senator tweeted. Also, if this plan goes forward will introduce Senate resolution opposing and asking for reversal of this decision. Expect it will receive strong bipartisan support. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 7, 2019 × No matter what President Trump is saying about his decision, it is EXACTLY what President Obama did in Iraq with even more disastrous consequences for our national security. Unlike President Obama, I hope President Trump will reassess and take sound military advice. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 7, 2019 × Democrats also hammered the president. Senator Bernie Sanders, who seeks the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination, tweeted that while he supports ending US military intervention in the Middle East, Trump's "extremely irresponsible" announcement is "likely to result in more suffering and instability." I have long believed the U.S. must responsibly end our military interventions in the Middle East. But Trump’s abrupt announcement to withdraw from northern Syria and endorse Turkey’s incursion is extremely irresponsible. It is likely to result in more suffering and instability. https://t.co/a4Wi5RYFuC — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) October 7, 2019 × Watch: United States to withdraw troops from Syria × Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state Trump defeated in 2016, accused the president of committing "a sickening betrayal both of the Kurds and his oath of office." Let us be clear: The president has sided with authoritarian leaders of Turkey and Russia over our loyal allies and America’s own interests. His decision is a sickening betrayal both of the Kurds and his oath of office. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 7, 2019 × After a call between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the White House said Ankara would "soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria" -- and that US forces would "no longer be in the immediate area." The announcement stunned and angered several Republicans. "Withdrawing US forces from Northern Syria is a catastrophic mistake that puts our gains against ISIS at risk and threatens US security," tweeted Liz Cheney, the number three House Republican. Withdrawing US forces from Northern Syria is a catastrophic mistake that puts our gains against ISIS at risk and threatens US security. This decision ignores lesson of 9/11. Terrorists thousands of miles away can and will use their safe-havens to launch attacks against America. — Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) October 7, 2019 × Senator Mitt Romney called the withdrawal "a betrayal" that facilitates a jihadist resurgence. The President’s decision to abandon our Kurd allies in the face of an assault by Turkey is a betrayal. It says that America is an unreliable ally; it facilitates ISIS resurgence; and it presages another humanitarian disaster. https://t.co/Tu8ARa8Pmp — Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) October 7, 2019 × Trump took to Twitter to defend the withdrawal, saying the region would have to "figure the situation out." "The Kurds fought with us, but were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to do so," he said. "They have been fighting Turkey for decades. I held off this fight for almost 3 years but it is time for us to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars, many of them tribal, and bring our soldiers home." ...figure the situation out, and what they want to do with the captured ISIS fighters in their “neighborhood.” They all hate ISIS, have been enemies for years. We are 7000 miles away and will crush ISIS again if they come anywhere near us! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2019 × The strident objections included a slap by Trump's former UN envoy Nikki Haley, a Republican seen by some as a potential post-Trump presidential candidate. "We must always have the backs of our allies, if we expect them to have our back," Haley said, calling the Kurds "instrumental" in the US fight against ISIS. "Leaving them to die is a big mistake." We must always have the backs of our allies, if we expect them to have our back. The Kurds were instrumental in our successful fight against ISIS in Syria. Leaving them to die is a big mistake. #TurkeyIsNotOurFriend — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) October 7, 2019 × Trump even received push-back from a host of "Fox & Friends," a show followed closely by the president. With Washington opening the door for Turkish action against the Kurds, "what kind of message is that to the next ally that wants to side with us?" Brian Kilmeade said on the show Monday. "I hope the president will rethink this." Meanwhile, later on Sunday, Trump threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I’ve done before!). They must, with Europe and others, watch over... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2019 ×

'Disaster in making': Top Republicans outraged over Trump pullback in Syria

U.S. President Donald Trump said, ''US-Japan trade deal is a game-changer''. Watch this video to know more.

U.S. President Donald Trump said, ''US-Japan trade deal is a game changer''

We live in interesting times. The awkward, weird and dangerous is now the new normal.

An ex-talk show reality TV host is the president of the most powerful nation on Earth, another across the Atlantic is now set to disrupt his country by walking out of the European Union with a “no-deal”.

There is more, a 16-year-old girl from Sweden has shocked elders into taking climate change seriously. The “little girl” has gone on to make the most powerful men in the White House &amp; Kremlin a wee bit uncomfortable, especially given the fact that they have a nuclear stockpile which can bring about a nuclear winter, leave alone Co2 levels.

Closer home, an outdated 70-year-old Article in the Indian Constitution has been abrogated bringing with it multiple headaches for India’s neighbour and for a prime minister who has been running from pillar to post to convince the world that India is wrong &amp; Pakistan is right.&nbsp;

So what is about the “Joker” that we fear. Do they test our demons? Or are they a force of change for the good in the time of FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google).

According to research, in the last 15 years( roughly the dawn of the worldwide web), mankind has seen the most dramatic changes - technologically &amp; socially. It has naturally changed the natural order of things - we are more “connected”, less dependent &amp; more selfie, oops self-aware!

Disruption, however, has come to define our times with virtually every industry, country and society feeling its effect. There are talk shows, realms of newsprint and a wide variety of websites devoted to it trying to assess and define the phenomena.

The notable thing is though that disruption has always defined the way civilization exists. The industrial revolution in Britain created a wave of technology and changes in the 19th century which profoundly changed the way we looked at ourselves.

The Ford car with its groundbreaking "assembly line" disrupted horse carriages ensuring a "cleaner" way to travel on roads, but over 100 years later cars are now being panned for causing pollution.&nbsp;

The industrial revolution spawned a generation of individual disrupters, or jokers if you want to call them - Richard Roberts invented the power loom replacing the handloom, thereby explosively increasing scale of production. Other greats - Richard Arkwright defined the spinning industry, James Watt invented the steam engine and changed travel forever. A little known Englishman Charles Babbage also known as the "father of computers" created the first mechanical computer. The list is endless.

Even as these changes were taking place, Britain and Europe were expanding not just territorially in their hunt for new colonies and markets but in population as well, but the pace of change continued unabated.

The 21st century is no different. The Internet has radically changed our way of thinking bringing with it people who have defined our times - Zuckerberg, Bezos, Steve Jobs, and several others. The change has been felt in politics, culture and economy, each has tried to incorporate the new wave, those who have resisted have sunk into oblivion.

A final thought for the "jokers", the world should at least take note of their presence, learn from them and rework their plan because they are a product of our times. The jokers cannot be shunned and dismissed as a bad joke because the consequences of that could be even worse.

In 2020 and beyond, progress has to be all-embracing with no boundaries and no limits. In a disruptive world wrought with fear and insecurity - the weak, strong and the great must walk together. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

We live in interesting times. The awkward, weird and dangerous is now the new normal. An ex-talk show reality TV host is the president of the most powerful nation on Earth, another across the Atlantic is now set to disrupt his country by walking out of the European Union with a “no-deal”.

We live in interesting times. The awkward, weird and dangerous is now the new normal. An ex-talk show reality TV host is the president of the most powerful nation on Earth, another across the Atlantic is now set to disrupt his country by walking out of the European Union with a “no-deal”. There is more, a 16-year-old girl from Sweden has shocked elders into taking climate change seriously. The “little girl” has gone on to make the most powerful men in the White House & Kremlin a wee bit uncomfortable, especially given the fact that they have a nuclear stockpile which can bring about a nuclear winter, leave alone Co2 levels. Closer home, an outdated 70-year-old Article in the Indian Constitution has been abrogated bringing with it multiple headaches for India’s neighbour and for a prime minister who has been running from pillar to post to convince the world that India is wrong & Pakistan is right. So what is about the “Joker” that we fear. Do they test our demons? Or are they a force of change for the good in the time of FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google). According to research, in the last 15 years( roughly the dawn of the worldwide web), mankind has seen the most dramatic changes - technologically & socially. It has naturally changed the natural order of things - we are more “connected”, less dependent & more selfie, oops self-aware! Disruption, however, has come to define our times with virtually every industry, country and society feeling its effect. There are talk shows, realms of newsprint and a wide variety of websites devoted to it trying to assess and define the phenomena. The notable thing is though that disruption has always defined the way civilization exists. The industrial revolution in Britain created a wave of technology and changes in the 19th century which profoundly changed the way we looked at ourselves. The Ford car with its groundbreaking "assembly line" disrupted horse carriages ensuring a "cleaner" way to travel on roads, but over 100 years later cars are now being panned for causing pollution. The industrial revolution spawned a generation of individual disrupters, or jokers if you want to call them - Richard Roberts invented the power loom replacing the handloom, thereby explosively increasing scale of production. Other greats - Richard Arkwright defined the spinning industry, James Watt invented the steam engine and changed travel forever. A little known Englishman Charles Babbage also known as the "father of computers" created the first mechanical computer. The list is endless. Even as these changes were taking place, Britain and Europe were expanding not just territorially in their hunt for new colonies and markets but in population as well, but the pace of change continued unabated. The 21st century is no different. The Internet has radically changed our way of thinking bringing with it people who have defined our times - Zuckerberg, Bezos, Steve Jobs, and several others. The change has been felt in politics, culture and economy, each has tried to incorporate the new wave, those who have resisted have sunk into oblivion. A final thought for the "jokers", the world should at least take note of their presence, learn from them and rework their plan because they are a product of our times. The jokers cannot be shunned and dismissed as a bad joke because the consequences of that could be even worse. In 2020 and beyond, progress has to be all-embracing with no boundaries and no limits. In a disruptive world wrought with fear and insecurity - the weak, strong and the great must walk together. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why the world fears a ‘Joker’

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

But US&nbsp;President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region.

The US&nbsp;move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey.

"The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday.

"It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said.

Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday.

A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria.

US&nbsp;forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US&nbsp;official said.

Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

'Red flag'

His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics.

"Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag."

"The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added.

The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back".

Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon".

"Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters.

The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said.

The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria.

"Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement.

Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US&nbsp;troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria.

Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure.

Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. But US President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region. The US move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday. "It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said. Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday. A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria. US forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US official said. Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. 'Red flag' His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics. "Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag." "The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added. The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back". Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon". "Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters. The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said. The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria. "Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement. Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria. President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria. Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure. Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey says Syria attack plans complete, Trump delivers threat

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a banner day for American farmers, announcing two trade agreements with Japan that he said would deepen economic ties in agriculture and digital commerce.

The trade deals, which were formally unveiled last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, come as Trump renews far more fraught negotiations later this week with China.

Trump's trade wars have since last year profoundly disrupted trade ties for US farmers, who have borne the brunt of China's retaliation.

US soybean exports to China have risen in recent weeks, however.

"These deals are a tremendous victory for both our nations," Trump said Monday of the new US-Japan agreements.&nbsp;

"We love our farmers and our ranchers. We have been working hard on this."

Under the agreement, Japan will cut tariffs for $7 billion in US farm exports, including beef and pork, while reducing mark-ups on purchases of American wheat and barley.

In return, Washington has agreed to cut US tariffs on $40 million in Japanese agricultural goods and to ease tariff-rate quotas on the country's beef, allowing Japan to compete for a greater share of the US market.

In a separate agreement, US and Japanese officials have also agreed to eliminate duties on digital products like videos, music and ebooks as well as to ensure cross-border that data transfers are barrier-free.

Japanese officials also said last month that Washington had promised not to impose tariffs on Japanese auto exports, a threat Trump has held over major trading partners since last year.

The White House announced earlier Monday that the US-China trade talks were due to resume on Thursday when Beijing's top trade envoy Liu He is due to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a banner day for American farmers, announcing two trade agreements with Japan that he said would deepen economic ties in agriculture and digital commerce.

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a banner day for American farmers, announcing two trade agreements with Japan that he said would deepen economic ties in agriculture and digital commerce. The trade deals, which were formally unveiled last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, come as Trump renews far more fraught negotiations later this week with China. Trump's trade wars have since last year profoundly disrupted trade ties for US farmers, who have borne the brunt of China's retaliation. US soybean exports to China have risen in recent weeks, however. "These deals are a tremendous victory for both our nations," Trump said Monday of the new US-Japan agreements. "We love our farmers and our ranchers. We have been working hard on this." Under the agreement, Japan will cut tariffs for $7 billion in US farm exports, including beef and pork, while reducing mark-ups on purchases of American wheat and barley. In return, Washington has agreed to cut US tariffs on $40 million in Japanese agricultural goods and to ease tariff-rate quotas on the country's beef, allowing Japan to compete for a greater share of the US market. In a separate agreement, US and Japanese officials have also agreed to eliminate duties on digital products like videos, music and ebooks as well as to ensure cross-border that data transfers are barrier-free. Japanese officials also said last month that Washington had promised not to impose tariffs on Japanese auto exports, a threat Trump has held over major trading partners since last year. The White House announced earlier Monday that the US-China trade talks were due to resume on Thursday when Beijing's top trade envoy Liu He is due to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

US, Japan ink trade agreements on farm, digital exports

Turkey said on Tuesday it had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-preparations-for-syria-operations-completed-says-turkey-254414">completed preparations for a military operation</a> in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

The first military operations began on Monday night with Turkish artillery and jet fighters bombing Kurdish positions in Tell Tawil, a village in the northeastern side of Syria.

The US withdrawal will leave Kurdish-led forces in Syria, that have long allied with Washington vulnerable to a planned incursion by the Turkish military which brands them as terrorists.

Many of the US military bases, including the one near Tel Arqam, have now been completely desolated after the withdrawal.

The Kurdish forces have denounced the US decision by calling it a stab in the back.

Even as the global outrage continued over the United State's double stand, Trump reiterated that his decision was firm and that it was something he was considering for the past nine months.

"I was going to do this nine months ago. and we were not at 100 per cent but we were pretty close, everyone said can we get to 100 per cent. now I get to 100 per cent and they say 'well maybe we could stay longer'. I said well 'when do we get out? there's going to be a time we get out we have to bring our people back home'; and frankly our great soldiers have been talking about this on the campaign. you go back three years ago and more and you watch the speeches we want to bring our soldiers back home. these are the endless wars," Trump had said during a briefing with the military leaders.

Watch: Turkey to send troops into northern Syria

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On late Monday Trump threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump had tweeted.

The President had earlier appeared to mellow his position on the troop withdrawal as he had said the troops will be relocated to different bases.

The White House held a press briefing on the issue earlier during which it said that the Trump administration would not support or endorse any Turkish military action on the Kurds and that the troops were not being withdrawn per se.

The President decided to relocate the US troops to different bases when he learnt about the planned Turkish incursion.

According to the White House, Turkey would be made responsible for any humanitarian issues during the proposed operation, and it will also have to take responsibility for the Islamic State fighters currently imprisoned by the Kurdish forces.

Meanwhile, Turkey says that the US, which supports the Syrian Democratic Forces, was moving too slowly to set up the buffer zone.

It has repeatedly warned of launching an offensive on its own into northeastern Syria, where US forces are stationed alongside the SDF.

In August, the NATO allies had agreed to establish a zone in northeastern Syria along the border with Turkey.

Ankara says that the zone should be cleared of the People's Protection Units, a Kurdish militia.

Turkey says that it wants to settle up to two million Syrian refugees in the zone.

It currently hosts 3.6 million Syrians sheltering from Syria's more than eight-year conflict.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. The first military operations began on Monday night with Turkish artillery and jet fighters bombing Kurdish positions in Tell Tawil, a village in the northeastern side of Syria. The US withdrawal will leave Kurdish-led forces in Syria, that have long allied with Washington vulnerable to a planned incursion by the Turkish military which brands them as terrorists. Many of the US military bases, including the one near Tel Arqam, have now been completely desolated after the withdrawal. The Kurdish forces have denounced the US decision by calling it a stab in the back. Even as the global outrage continued over the United State's double stand, Trump reiterated that his decision was firm and that it was something he was considering for the past nine months. "I was going to do this nine months ago. and we were not at 100 per cent but we were pretty close, everyone said can we get to 100 per cent. now I get to 100 per cent and they say 'well maybe we could stay longer'. I said well 'when do we get out? there's going to be a time we get out we have to bring our people back home'; and frankly our great soldiers have been talking about this on the campaign. you go back three years ago and more and you watch the speeches we want to bring our soldiers back home. these are the endless wars," Trump had said during a briefing with the military leaders. Watch: Turkey to send troops into northern Syria × On late Monday Trump threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump had tweeted. The President had earlier appeared to mellow his position on the troop withdrawal as he had said the troops will be relocated to different bases. The White House held a press briefing on the issue earlier during which it said that the Trump administration would not support or endorse any Turkish military action on the Kurds and that the troops were not being withdrawn per se. The President decided to relocate the US troops to different bases when he learnt about the planned Turkish incursion. According to the White House, Turkey would be made responsible for any humanitarian issues during the proposed operation, and it will also have to take responsibility for the Islamic State fighters currently imprisoned by the Kurdish forces. Meanwhile, Turkey says that the US, which supports the Syrian Democratic Forces, was moving too slowly to set up the buffer zone. It has repeatedly warned of launching an offensive on its own into northeastern Syria, where US forces are stationed alongside the SDF. In August, the NATO allies had agreed to establish a zone in northeastern Syria along the border with Turkey. Ankara says that the zone should be cleared of the People's Protection Units, a Kurdish militia. Turkey says that it wants to settle up to two million Syrian refugees in the zone. It currently hosts 3.6 million Syrians sheltering from Syria's more than eight-year conflict.

As Turkey, United States spar over Syrian operation, Kurdish forces feel vulnerable

US President Donald Trump, under pressure as Democrats pursue an impeachment inquiry against him, lashed out at the top Democrat in Congress on Sunday, saying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could be guilty of treason.

"Nancy Pelosi knew of all of the many Shifty Adam Schiff lies and massive frauds perpetrated upon Congress and the American people," Trump said on Twitter, referring to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff.

Trump has attacked Schiff for his characterisation of a call the president held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and he has said, without evidence, that Schiff helped draft a whistleblower complaint at the heart of the inquiry.

During the July 25 call, Trump pressed Zelenskiy for an investigation into former US vice president and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, according to a summary of the call released by the Trump administration.

Democrats say Trump's effort was an abuse of power to gather dirt on a political rival.

Schiff, who was tagged by Pelosi to lead the impeachment investigation, said during a hearing last month that the summary read like a "classic organized crime shakedown."

Trump has repeatedly attacked Schiff for his characterization of the call. Schiff has said it was "meant to be at least part in parody."

A spokesman for Schiff's committee acknowledged last week that the whistleblower approached the panel for guidance before filing his complaint about Trump's efforts to push Ukraine to pursue an investigation into the Bidens, but there is no evidence that Schiff or the panel helped draft the complaint.

Trump referred to both Schiff's characterization of his call with Zelenskiy and the whistleblower's approach to the House Intelligence Committee in his email targeting Pelosi.

"This makes Nervous Nancy every bit as guilty as Liddle’ Adam Schiff for High Crimes and Misdemeanors, and even Treason," he said on Twitter.

"I guess that means that they, along with all of those that evilly 'Colluded' with them, must all be immediately Impeached!"

US President Donald Trump, under pressure as Democrats pursue an impeachment inquiry against him, lashed out at the top Democrat in Congress on Sunday, saying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could be guilty of treason.

US President Donald Trump, under pressure as Democrats pursue an impeachment inquiry against him, lashed out at the top Democrat in Congress on Sunday, saying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could be guilty of treason. "Nancy Pelosi knew of all of the many Shifty Adam Schiff lies and massive frauds perpetrated upon Congress and the American people," Trump said on Twitter, referring to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff. Trump has attacked Schiff for his characterisation of a call the president held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and he has said, without evidence, that Schiff helped draft a whistleblower complaint at the heart of the inquiry. During the July 25 call, Trump pressed Zelenskiy for an investigation into former US vice president and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, according to a summary of the call released by the Trump administration. Democrats say Trump's effort was an abuse of power to gather dirt on a political rival. Schiff, who was tagged by Pelosi to lead the impeachment investigation, said during a hearing last month that the summary read like a "classic organized crime shakedown." Trump has repeatedly attacked Schiff for his characterization of the call. Schiff has said it was "meant to be at least part in parody." A spokesman for Schiff's committee acknowledged last week that the whistleblower approached the panel for guidance before filing his complaint about Trump's efforts to push Ukraine to pursue an investigation into the Bidens, but there is no evidence that Schiff or the panel helped draft the complaint. Trump referred to both Schiff's characterization of his call with Zelenskiy and the whistleblower's approach to the House Intelligence Committee in his email targeting Pelosi. "This makes Nervous Nancy every bit as guilty as Liddle’ Adam Schiff for High Crimes and Misdemeanors, and even Treason," he said on Twitter. "I guess that means that they, along with all of those that evilly 'Colluded' with them, must all be immediately Impeached!"

Donald Trump amps up complaints, says Pelosi may be guilty of treason

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-to-testify-about-trump-ukraine-efforts-as-democrats-build-impeachment-case-254216">A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns</a>, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations.

In a 75-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump's argument, saying such vast immunity would "operate to frustrate the administration of justice" by putting the president's personal and professional affairs off-limits.

"This court cannot endorse such a categorical and limitless assertion of presidential immunity from judicial process," Marrero wrote.

"The Court cannot square a vision of presidential immunity that would place the President above the law," added the US District Court judge for the Southern District of New York.

The decision opened a new front in&nbsp;a years-long effort to obtain copies of the president's tax returns, which he promised during the campaign to make public after an audit -&nbsp;but has since refused to share.

Lawyers for Trump immediately appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which issued a temporary stay of the judge's order, Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, said in a statement.

Trump had filed suit against Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr, who had subpoenaed the accounting firm Mazars USA, seeking access to the president's returns dating back to 2011.

Vance is investigating payments made by Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress who claimed to have had a sexual liaison with Trump before he ran for president in 2016.

Cohen is currently serving three years in prison after admitting paying hush money - in violation of campaign finance laws -&nbsp;to Daniels and another woman, tax fraud, and lying to Congress.

Trump has declined to release his tax returns, claiming they were under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, and there have been various attempts to obtain them, including by the Democratic-led House of Representatives.

Trump pushes back

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-amps-up-complaints-says-pelosi-may-be-guilty-of-treason-254144">Trump lashed out on Twitter at the move by Manhattan prosecutors following Judge Marrero's ruling</a>.

"The Radical Left Democrats have failed on all fronts, so now they are pushing local New York City and State Democrat prosecutors to go get President Trump," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"A thing like this has never happened to any President before. Not even close!"

Trump broke with a long-established norm during the 2016 presidential election by refusing to release his tax returns as most presidents have done since the 1970s even though it is not required by law.

California's governor signed a law in July that would prevent Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot unless he discloses his income tax returns.&nbsp;

"These are extraordinary times and states have a legal and moral duty to do everything in their power to ensure leaders seeking the highest offices meet minimal standards," California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said at the time.

"The disclosure required by this bill will shed light on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or influence from domestic and foreign business interest," Newsom said.&nbsp;

The California law means any candidate for president must file five years' worth of returns in order to contest primary elections in the country's most populous state.

The bill was passed by California's heavily Democratic legislature.

The law is being challenged in court by Trump's lawyers and is not expected to seriously impact his bid for the 2020 Republican nomination.

A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations.

A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations. In a 75-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump's argument, saying such vast immunity would "operate to frustrate the administration of justice" by putting the president's personal and professional affairs off-limits. "This court cannot endorse such a categorical and limitless assertion of presidential immunity from judicial process," Marrero wrote. "The Court cannot square a vision of presidential immunity that would place the President above the law," added the US District Court judge for the Southern District of New York. The decision opened a new front in a years-long effort to obtain copies of the president's tax returns, which he promised during the campaign to make public after an audit - but has since refused to share. Lawyers for Trump immediately appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which issued a temporary stay of the judge's order, Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, said in a statement. Trump had filed suit against Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr, who had subpoenaed the accounting firm Mazars USA, seeking access to the president's returns dating back to 2011. Vance is investigating payments made by Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress who claimed to have had a sexual liaison with Trump before he ran for president in 2016. Cohen is currently serving three years in prison after admitting paying hush money - in violation of campaign finance laws - to Daniels and another woman, tax fraud, and lying to Congress. Trump has declined to release his tax returns, claiming they were under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, and there have been various attempts to obtain them, including by the Democratic-led House of Representatives. Trump pushes back Trump lashed out on Twitter at the move by Manhattan prosecutors following Judge Marrero's ruling. "The Radical Left Democrats have failed on all fronts, so now they are pushing local New York City and State Democrat prosecutors to go get President Trump," he tweeted. "A thing like this has never happened to any President before. Not even close!" Trump broke with a long-established norm during the 2016 presidential election by refusing to release his tax returns as most presidents have done since the 1970s even though it is not required by law. California's governor signed a law in July that would prevent Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot unless he discloses his income tax returns. "These are extraordinary times and states have a legal and moral duty to do everything in their power to ensure leaders seeking the highest offices meet minimal standards," California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said at the time. "The disclosure required by this bill will shed light on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or influence from domestic and foreign business interest," Newsom said. The California law means any candidate for president must file five years' worth of returns in order to contest primary elections in the country's most populous state. The bill was passed by California's heavily Democratic legislature. The law is being challenged in court by Trump's lawyers and is not expected to seriously impact his bid for the 2020 Republican nomination.

US judge orders Trump to produce tax returns, president appeals

US President Donald Trump and Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan discussed the planed 'safe zone' in northeastern Syria on Sunday.

Turkish president office, in a statement, said that Erdogan is expected to visit the US next month, reported Sputnik.

"Our president had a phone conversation with Donald Trump. In addition to issues related to bilateral ties, the sides exchanged opinions on the planned safe zone in northern Syria, east of the Euphrates River," the Turkey presidency said in a press statement.

Turkey and the US on August 7 agreed to set up a safe zone in northern Syria and develop a peace corridor to facilitate the movement of displaced Syrians.

The agreement also proposed for necessary security measures to address Turkey's security concerns. In order to secure the border, Turkey plans to resettle two million Syrians in the safe zone, stretching from the Euphrates River to the Iraqi border, including Manbij.

Turkey has demanded a 30-kilometre deep safe zone. However, the two countries have not reached an agreement on the size and composition of the safe zone.

The call between as Ankara has accelerated the effort to seal the deal of safe zone with Washington.

On Friday, Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin and the newly appointed US National Security Advisor Robert C O'Brien discussed the issue.

US President Donald Trump and Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan discussed the planed 'safe zone' in northeastern Syria on Sunday. Turkish president office, in a statement, said that Erdogan is expected to visit the US next month, reported Sputnik.

US President Donald Trump and Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan discussed the planed 'safe zone' in northeastern Syria on Sunday. Turkish president office, in a statement, said that Erdogan is expected to visit the US next month, reported Sputnik. "Our president had a phone conversation with Donald Trump. In addition to issues related to bilateral ties, the sides exchanged opinions on the planned safe zone in northern Syria, east of the Euphrates River," the Turkey presidency said in a press statement. Turkey and the US on August 7 agreed to set up a safe zone in northern Syria and develop a peace corridor to facilitate the movement of displaced Syrians. The agreement also proposed for necessary security measures to address Turkey's security concerns. In order to secure the border, Turkey plans to resettle two million Syrians in the safe zone, stretching from the Euphrates River to the Iraqi border, including Manbij. Turkey has demanded a 30-kilometre deep safe zone. However, the two countries have not reached an agreement on the size and composition of the safe zone. The call between as Ankara has accelerated the effort to seal the deal of safe zone with Washington. On Friday, Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin and the newly appointed US National Security Advisor Robert C O'Brien discussed the issue.

Trump, Erdogan discuss proposed 'safe zone' in northeastern Syria over phone call

Explainer: Impeaching US President - how it works

Saudi and Iranian leaders are this week walking back from the brink, signalling that they want to avoid outright military confrontation and manage rather than resolve differences.

In fact, there is every reason to believe that neither Riyadh nor Tehran has a vested interest in a definitive solution of the Middle East and North Africa’s multiple problems.

The trick for men like Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is to find a controllable way of maintaining their potentially existential bitter rivalry without fighting what could be a devastating regional war.

To do so, both men appear to be making the right noises against the backdrop of an evolving US policy that is forcing Saudi Arabia to rethink its almost decade-long, often reckless and assertive go-it-alone foreign and defence policy and Iran to seek ways to level the playing field.

“The Anti-Iran Alliance is not just faltering, it’s crumbling. Bolton is gone; Bibi is going; MBZ has struck his deal with Iran; MBS is not far behind,” tweeted Council on Foreign Relations distinguished fellow and former US Middle East negotiator Martin S Indyk.

Indyk was referring to former US national security advisor John Bolton and embattled Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu while identifying United Arab Emirates crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed and his Saudi counterpart and namesake, Prince Mohammed, by their initials.

Signalling a change in tone, Saudi Arabia has gone quiet on its investigation into responsibility for last month's attacks on key Saudi oil facilities after earlier stopping just short of blaming Iran.

Prince Mohammed has, meanwhile, welcomed potential face-to-face talks between US President Donald J Trump and Rouhani, saying “absolutely... This is what we all ask for.”

Prince Mohammed’s remarks were tempered by Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir who spelled out the kingdom’s demands.

Without clarifying whether these were a pre-condition for talks or issues to be discussed, Al-Jubeir’s demands included “ending Iran’s involvement in the affairs of other countries; stopping support for terrorist organisations; abandoning the policy of destruction and sowing conflict; and freezing the plan to develop nuclear weapons and the ballistic-missile program.”

In response, Iran insisted that Saudi Arabia freeze its multibillion-dollar arms purchases from the United States, stop its intervention in Yemen and end discrimination against the Shiite Muslim minority in Saudi Arabia.

The chances of the two countries accepting the other’s conditions are virtually nil.

Nonetheless, Rouhani, with France, Iraq and Pakistan seeking to mediate, has kept the door open for talks with the United States which withdrew last year from the 2015 international agreement that curbs the Islamic republic's nuclear program and has since imposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran.

Addressing the Iranian cabinet this week, Rouhani termed a four-point plan put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron “acceptable.”

The plan calls for the United States to lift sanctions on Iran and allow it to freely export its oil and collect revenue in return for an Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and help ensure Gulf security.

Macron’s proposal includes a $15 billion credit line that would enable Iran to export oil and would also restore the P5+1 framework of signatories of the nuclear accord, France, Britain, Russia, China, Germany and the US.

Like with Al Jubeir’s demands, the question is what comes first, the chicken or the egg.

Trump sees lifting of sanctions as the outcome of talks while Rouhani has insisted that sanctions be removed prior to negotiations.

To step up the pressure, Iran has been gradually breaching the terms of the accord and increasing tensions that bring the region closer to the brink of war in a bid to position negotiations as the only alternative.

Iranian oil minister Bijan Zanganeh put the changing mood on public display at a Russian energy conference chaired by President Vladimir Putin when he described his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, a son of King Salman, the Saudi monarch, as “a friend.”

“Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has been a friend for over 22 years,” Zanganeh said.

The two men were later seen holding hands together with Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mohammed Barkindo and speaking on the sidelines of the conference in the first such encounter since the attack on the oil facilities.

The new mood could over time, against the backdrop of mounting Gulf doubts about the reliability of the United States’ regional defence umbrella, make a Chinese-backed Russian proposal for a multilateral security architecture more attractive.

The Russian proposal is built on the notion that security in the Gulf would be better served by an architecture that downplays regional rivalries rather than accentuating them as part of the US umbrella that is rooted in the Saudi-Iranian divide and designed to protect the conservative Arab monarchies against the Islamic republic.

The Russian approach theoretically could accommodate the survival strategies of both the Iranian regime and the Saudi ruling family.

Upholding Iran’s revolutionary façade requires the existence of an imperialist foreign threat that also gives a lease on life to the vested economic interests of hardliners grouped around the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Saudi Arabia, figuring that it needs at least six years to develop its natural gas potential to the degree that it can compete with Iran, home to the world’s second-largest reserves, may want to see an Iranian regime that is weakened and possibly destabilised, but not on the verge of collapse. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Saudi and Iranian leaders are this week walking back from the brink, signalling that they want to avoid outright military confrontation and manage rather than resolve differences.

Saudi and Iranian leaders are this week walking back from the brink, signalling that they want to avoid outright military confrontation and manage rather than resolve differences. In fact, there is every reason to believe that neither Riyadh nor Tehran has a vested interest in a definitive solution of the Middle East and North Africa’s multiple problems. The trick for men like Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is to find a controllable way of maintaining their potentially existential bitter rivalry without fighting what could be a devastating regional war. To do so, both men appear to be making the right noises against the backdrop of an evolving US policy that is forcing Saudi Arabia to rethink its almost decade-long, often reckless and assertive go-it-alone foreign and defence policy and Iran to seek ways to level the playing field. “The Anti-Iran Alliance is not just faltering, it’s crumbling. Bolton is gone; Bibi is going; MBZ has struck his deal with Iran; MBS is not far behind,” tweeted Council on Foreign Relations distinguished fellow and former US Middle East negotiator Martin S Indyk. Indyk was referring to former US national security advisor John Bolton and embattled Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu while identifying United Arab Emirates crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed and his Saudi counterpart and namesake, Prince Mohammed, by their initials. Signalling a change in tone, Saudi Arabia has gone quiet on its investigation into responsibility for last month's attacks on key Saudi oil facilities after earlier stopping just short of blaming Iran. Prince Mohammed has, meanwhile, welcomed potential face-to-face talks between US President Donald J Trump and Rouhani, saying “absolutely... This is what we all ask for.” Prince Mohammed’s remarks were tempered by Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir who spelled out the kingdom’s demands. Without clarifying whether these were a pre-condition for talks or issues to be discussed, Al-Jubeir’s demands included “ending Iran’s involvement in the affairs of other countries; stopping support for terrorist organisations; abandoning the policy of destruction and sowing conflict; and freezing the plan to develop nuclear weapons and the ballistic-missile program.” In response, Iran insisted that Saudi Arabia freeze its multibillion-dollar arms purchases from the United States, stop its intervention in Yemen and end discrimination against the Shiite Muslim minority in Saudi Arabia. The chances of the two countries accepting the other’s conditions are virtually nil. Nonetheless, Rouhani, with France, Iraq and Pakistan seeking to mediate, has kept the door open for talks with the United States which withdrew last year from the 2015 international agreement that curbs the Islamic republic's nuclear program and has since imposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran. Addressing the Iranian cabinet this week, Rouhani termed a four-point plan put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron “acceptable.” The plan calls for the United States to lift sanctions on Iran and allow it to freely export its oil and collect revenue in return for an Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and help ensure Gulf security. Macron’s proposal includes a $15 billion credit line that would enable Iran to export oil and would also restore the P5+1 framework of signatories of the nuclear accord, France, Britain, Russia, China, Germany and the US. Like with Al Jubeir’s demands, the question is what comes first, the chicken or the egg. Trump sees lifting of sanctions as the outcome of talks while Rouhani has insisted that sanctions be removed prior to negotiations. To step up the pressure, Iran has been gradually breaching the terms of the accord and increasing tensions that bring the region closer to the brink of war in a bid to position negotiations as the only alternative. Iranian oil minister Bijan Zanganeh put the changing mood on public display at a Russian energy conference chaired by President Vladimir Putin when he described his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, a son of King Salman, the Saudi monarch, as “a friend.” “Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has been a friend for over 22 years,” Zanganeh said. The two men were later seen holding hands together with Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mohammed Barkindo and speaking on the sidelines of the conference in the first such encounter since the attack on the oil facilities. The new mood could over time, against the backdrop of mounting Gulf doubts about the reliability of the United States’ regional defence umbrella, make a Chinese-backed Russian proposal for a multilateral security architecture more attractive. The Russian proposal is built on the notion that security in the Gulf would be better served by an architecture that downplays regional rivalries rather than accentuating them as part of the US umbrella that is rooted in the Saudi-Iranian divide and designed to protect the conservative Arab monarchies against the Islamic republic. The Russian approach theoretically could accommodate the survival strategies of both the Iranian regime and the Saudi ruling family. Upholding Iran’s revolutionary façade requires the existence of an imperialist foreign threat that also gives a lease on life to the vested economic interests of hardliners grouped around the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Saudi Arabia, figuring that it needs at least six years to develop its natural gas potential to the degree that it can compete with Iran, home to the world’s second-largest reserves, may want to see an Iranian regime that is weakened and possibly destabilised, but not on the verge of collapse. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Gulf straddles the edge of war and peace

A parade of US diplomats will head to Capitol Hill for closed-door testimony this week as Democrats build their impeachment case against President Donald Trump, while the White House considers ways to slow down the process.

The interviews could yield more fodder for Democrats' impeachment drive over a whistleblower's allegations that Trump leveraged $400 million in aid to secure a promise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate political rival Joe Biden, and his son Hunter, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian energy company.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and assailed the probe.

Among those due to testify: Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union who was involved in efforts to get Ukraine to open the investigations, and Masha Yovanovitch, who was abruptly recalled from her post as US ambassador to Ukraine in May after Trump supporters questioned her loyalty to the president.

Trump's White House could formally tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as early as Monday that it will ignore lawmakers' demands for documents until the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives holds a vote to formally approve the impeachment inquiry.

Pelosi says a vote is not needed, but Democrats say she would prevail if one were held, although very few Republicans would be expected to side with the Democratic majority. Congress returns to Washington on October 15 after a two-week recess.

"There's no question in my mind that she would have the votes," Democratic Representative Jim Himes said on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday.

The impeachment investigation could lead to the approval by the House of formal charges against Trump.

A trial on whether to remove him from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate, but few Republicans have broken ranks with Trump so far for asking Ukraine and China to launch investigations of Biden, a former vice president and leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 presidential election.

Second whistleblower

On Sunday, lawyers said a second whistleblower had come forward to substantiate an August complaint from an unnamed US government official, which touched off the investigation.&nbsp;

Diplomatic text messages released by Democrats last week show that US officials were involved in the effort to secure a public commitment from Ukraine to look into the business dealings of Hunter Biden.&nbsp;

Trump has alleged that Hunter Biden profited in his business dealings in both Ukraine and China from his father's position, and that Joe Biden, as vice president, pushed Ukraine to fire a prosecutor to impede a probe of a company tied to his son.

There has been no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of either Biden.

Those texts show Sondland seeking to downplay the concerns of another US diplomat, William Taylor, that the United States was withholding $400 million in aid in order to secure Ukraine's cooperation.

"The President has been crystal clear no quid pro quo's of any kind," Sondland wrote. "I suggest we stop the back and forths by text."

Sondland is expected to testify on Tuesday before the three House committees leading the impeachment probe. State Department counselor Ulrich Brechbuhl is also scheduled to testify that day.

Deputy Secretary of State George Kent is scheduled to testify on Monday. Yovanovitch is due to appear on Friday.

A parade of US diplomats will head to Capitol Hill for closed-door testimony this week as Democrats build their impeachment case against President Donald Trump, while the White House considers ways to slow down the process.

A parade of US diplomats will head to Capitol Hill for closed-door testimony this week as Democrats build their impeachment case against President Donald Trump, while the White House considers ways to slow down the process. The interviews could yield more fodder for Democrats' impeachment drive over a whistleblower's allegations that Trump leveraged $400 million in aid to secure a promise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate political rival Joe Biden, and his son Hunter, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian energy company. Trump has denied wrongdoing and assailed the probe. Among those due to testify: Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union who was involved in efforts to get Ukraine to open the investigations, and Masha Yovanovitch, who was abruptly recalled from her post as US ambassador to Ukraine in May after Trump supporters questioned her loyalty to the president. Trump's White House could formally tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as early as Monday that it will ignore lawmakers' demands for documents until the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives holds a vote to formally approve the impeachment inquiry. Pelosi says a vote is not needed, but Democrats say she would prevail if one were held, although very few Republicans would be expected to side with the Democratic majority. Congress returns to Washington on October 15 after a two-week recess. "There's no question in my mind that she would have the votes," Democratic Representative Jim Himes said on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday. The impeachment investigation could lead to the approval by the House of formal charges against Trump. A trial on whether to remove him from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate, but few Republicans have broken ranks with Trump so far for asking Ukraine and China to launch investigations of Biden, a former vice president and leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November 2020 presidential election. Second whistleblower On Sunday, lawyers said a second whistleblower had come forward to substantiate an August complaint from an unnamed US government official, which touched off the investigation. Diplomatic text messages released by Democrats last week show that US officials were involved in the effort to secure a public commitment from Ukraine to look into the business dealings of Hunter Biden. Trump has alleged that Hunter Biden profited in his business dealings in both Ukraine and China from his father's position, and that Joe Biden, as vice president, pushed Ukraine to fire a prosecutor to impede a probe of a company tied to his son. There has been no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of either Biden. Those texts show Sondland seeking to downplay the concerns of another US diplomat, William Taylor, that the United States was withholding $400 million in aid in order to secure Ukraine's cooperation. "The President has been crystal clear no quid pro quo's of any kind," Sondland wrote. "I suggest we stop the back and forths by text." Sondland is expected to testify on Tuesday before the three House committees leading the impeachment probe. State Department counselor Ulrich Brechbuhl is also scheduled to testify that day. Deputy Secretary of State George Kent is scheduled to testify on Monday. Yovanovitch is due to appear on Friday.

US diplomats to testify about Trump-Ukraine efforts as Democrats build impeachment case

Afghanistan's war cost 13-year-old shoe shiner Hameedullah his education. Poverty forced Sabir, 11, to flee home and sell dried fruits on Kabul's streets. Niyamathullah, 9, hangs out in a park, looking for work.

Such is the lot of many a child in Afghanistan, which this week passes another sombre milestone. On Monday, the conflict turned 18, meaning every single Afghan child now has known only war.

"Peace is like a dream to us in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Mobin, a 17-year-old Kabul high schooler. "Afghanistan can develop only if we have peace."

On October 7, 2001, the United States launched air strikes against Afghanistan, following the September 11 attacks conducted by Al-Qaeda that killed nearly 3,000 people in the US.

The Taliban, who had refused to hand over Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were toppled within weeks, but the ensuing insurgent conflict has dragged on ever since and become the longest war in US history.

Violence has only worsened in recent years, disproportionately impacting children.

"Since we were born, we have had no peace in our country, it has only been fighting and conflict," said Sayed Ibrahim, an 18-year-old medical student in Kabul.

The UN published a report last week saying that from 2015 to 2018, researchers studying the plight of Afghan kids documented more than 14,000 grave violations against them throughout the country, marking a sharp increase from the previous four years.

"Imagine turning 18 having known nothing but conflict and war throughout your entire childhood and formative years," said Onno van Manen, country director for Save the Children in Afghanistan.

"Life in Afghanistan means living in daily fear of explosions, missing school because it's too unsafe and not knowing if your parents or siblings will make it home."

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) says the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict.

"I don't study because I have no money, I have to make money to support my family," said Sabir, an 11-year-old boy who fled his home province of Ghazni to sell peanuts, sunflower seeds and dried fruits in central Kabul.&nbsp;

"We have to go to school and get an education. We can end fighting through education."

'No proper jobs'

The 2001 invasion did herald some enduring improvements for many young Afghans -- particularly girls, who had been banned from receiving an education under the Taliban.&nbsp;

In Kabul and other urban centres, schools and universities flourished, and an entire generation of children now has never known Taliban rule.

But the economy remains so weak that poorer families often yank their kids from school and send them to hustle for extra cash on dangerous streets.

Jobs for many youths are so scarce they have few options but to try to emigrate, or join the Taliban or other insurgent groups who pay a regular wage.

During a recent visit to a busy park in downtown Kabul, nine-year-old Niyamathullah told AFP he would do anything for work -- sell gum, wash cars, run errands.&nbsp;

Hameedullah, the 13-year-old shoe shiner, said he would have stayed in school but needed to raise money for his family.

"There is no peace, the fighting is ongoing, there are no proper jobs for us," he said.

"I would like to go to school, get an education and work for my country."

According to the UN Population Fund, 42 per cent of Afghanistan's population is aged under 14. UNICEF says more than 3.7 million children are currently out of school -- most of them girls.

The US and the Taliban had spent the past year negotiating a deal that could have led to talks between the Islamists and the Afghan government -- and an eventual ceasefire -- but President Donald Trump scuttled the agreement at the last moment, citing concerns over Taliban violence.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's war cost 13-year-old shoe shiner Hameedullah his education. Poverty forced Sabir, 11, to flee home and sell dried fruits on Kabul's streets. Niyamathullah, 9, hangs out in a park, looking for work.

Afghanistan's war cost 13-year-old shoe shiner Hameedullah his education. Poverty forced Sabir, 11, to flee home and sell dried fruits on Kabul's streets. Niyamathullah, 9, hangs out in a park, looking for work. Such is the lot of many a child in Afghanistan, which this week passes another sombre milestone. On Monday, the conflict turned 18, meaning every single Afghan child now has known only war. "Peace is like a dream to us in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Mobin, a 17-year-old Kabul high schooler. "Afghanistan can develop only if we have peace." On October 7, 2001, the United States launched air strikes against Afghanistan, following the September 11 attacks conducted by Al-Qaeda that killed nearly 3,000 people in the US. The Taliban, who had refused to hand over Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were toppled within weeks, but the ensuing insurgent conflict has dragged on ever since and become the longest war in US history. Violence has only worsened in recent years, disproportionately impacting children. "Since we were born, we have had no peace in our country, it has only been fighting and conflict," said Sayed Ibrahim, an 18-year-old medical student in Kabul. The UN published a report last week saying that from 2015 to 2018, researchers studying the plight of Afghan kids documented more than 14,000 grave violations against them throughout the country, marking a sharp increase from the previous four years. "Imagine turning 18 having known nothing but conflict and war throughout your entire childhood and formative years," said Onno van Manen, country director for Save the Children in Afghanistan. "Life in Afghanistan means living in daily fear of explosions, missing school because it's too unsafe and not knowing if your parents or siblings will make it home." The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) says the number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut due to conflict. "I don't study because I have no money, I have to make money to support my family," said Sabir, an 11-year-old boy who fled his home province of Ghazni to sell peanuts, sunflower seeds and dried fruits in central Kabul. "We have to go to school and get an education. We can end fighting through education." 'No proper jobs' The 2001 invasion did herald some enduring improvements for many young Afghans -- particularly girls, who had been banned from receiving an education under the Taliban. In Kabul and other urban centres, schools and universities flourished, and an entire generation of children now has never known Taliban rule. But the economy remains so weak that poorer families often yank their kids from school and send them to hustle for extra cash on dangerous streets. Jobs for many youths are so scarce they have few options but to try to emigrate, or join the Taliban or other insurgent groups who pay a regular wage. During a recent visit to a busy park in downtown Kabul, nine-year-old Niyamathullah told AFP he would do anything for work -- sell gum, wash cars, run errands. Hameedullah, the 13-year-old shoe shiner, said he would have stayed in school but needed to raise money for his family. "There is no peace, the fighting is ongoing, there are no proper jobs for us," he said. "I would like to go to school, get an education and work for my country." According to the UN Population Fund, 42 per cent of Afghanistan's population is aged under 14. UNICEF says more than 3.7 million children are currently out of school -- most of them girls. The US and the Taliban had spent the past year negotiating a deal that could have led to talks between the Islamists and the Afghan government -- and an eventual ceasefire -- but President Donald Trump scuttled the agreement at the last moment, citing concerns over Taliban violence.

'Peace is like a dream': Afghan generation knows only conflict as war turns 18

US President Donald Trump on Saturday opened a new front in the impeachment battle that threatens his administration, blasting a prominent member of his party for criticizing his push to get foreign nations to probe a leading Democratic rival.

The Republican president, who launched a stream of invective at Democrats and the media this week as an impeachment probe in Congress widened, tweeted that US Senator Mitt Romney was a "pompous 'ass' who has been fighting me from the beginning."

Romney, who lost the 2012 election to Democratic incumbent President Barack Obama, criticized Trump on Friday for asking China to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

The Utah Republican said Trump's appeal to China was "wrong and appalling."

In a later tweet, Trump said he was hearing that people in Utah regretted electing Romney to the Senate in 2018. "I agree! He is a fool who is playing right into the hands of the Do-Nothing Democrats! #IMPEACHMITTROMNEY," Trump wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m hearing that the Great People of Utah are considering their vote for their Pompous Senator, Mitt Romney, to be a big mistake. I agree! He is a fool who is playing right into the hands of the Do Nothing Democrats! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMPEACHMITTROMNEY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IMPEACHMITTROMNEY</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1180559858699030529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump also defended again as "appropriate" the July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that triggered the impeachment inquiry in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and said his call for China to investigate Biden and his son Hunter was linked to corruption, not politics.

Another Republican senator, Susan Collins of Maine, on Saturday also criticized Trump for exhorting China to investigate the Bidens, calling it "completely inappropriate" in remarks to reporters at an event in her home state, according to the Bangor Daily News.

"I thought the president made a big mistake by asking China to get involved in investigating a political opponent," Collins said, according to the local report.

House Democrats are examining whether there are grounds to impeach Trump based on a whistleblower's complaint that said he asked Zelenskiy to help probe the Bidens. Hunter Biden was on the board of a Ukrainian natural gas company for several years.

There is no evidence of wrongdoing by either the former vice president or his son.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a Trump ally, said on Saturday the State Department had issued an initial response to a request by the House Foreign Affairs Committee for documents tied to US contacts with the Ukrainian government. The panel issued Pompeo a subpoena on September 27.

"The State Department sent a letter last night to Congress, which is our initial response to the document request. We will obviously do all the things we are required to by law," Pompeo said in a news conference in Greece. He did not elaborate on the contents of the letter.

An official from the House Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement to Reuters that Pompeo had "failed to meet the deadline to produce documents required by the subpoena," but confirmed the State Department had contacted the three House committees involved in the probes.

"We hope the department will cooperate in full promptly," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

'Gotcha game'

Pompeo, who has acknowledged he listened to the July 25 call between Trump and Zelenskiy, objected last week to efforts by Democrats to obtain depositions from current and former department officials.

Asked at another event on Saturday if there were any red flags in the Ukraine saga that required further investigation, Pompeo said he did not think the audience was interested in hearing about the issue."This is what's wrong, when the world doesn't focus on the things that are right, the things that matter, the things that impact real people's lives and instead you get caught up in silly gotcha game?" he said.He also addressed a notion Trump has long held that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 US presidential election, a theory that runs counter to the US intelligence community's findings that it was Russia that meddled in the campaign.

Pompeo said, "governments have an obligation and indeed a duty to make sure that elections happen with integrity, without interference from any government, whether that's the Ukrainian government or any other."

Lawmakers are looking at whether Trump jeopardized national security and the integrity of US elections for personal political gain. Trump has called the impeachment investigation a "hoax" and accused the media and Democrats of corruption.

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, told Reuters in a phone interview on Saturday that the president in the July 25 call had not offered his Ukrainian counterpart any "quid pro quo" for his cooperation in probing Biden and his son.

"One thing clear about the conversation is, there's no quid pro quo," said the former New York mayor, who has emerged as a central figure in the scandal. The House Intelligence Committee has issued a subpoena to Giuliani, setting an Oct. 15 deadline for him to turn over documents related to his work with Ukrainians on Trump's behalf.

House Democrats subpoenaed the White House for documents on Friday. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said the subpoena "changes nothing" and that it would be ultimately shown that Trump did nothing wrong.

The probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate.

A two-thirds majority of the senators present would be needed to oust Trump, which means 20 Republicans would have to jump ship if all the Democrats and the two independents who caucus with Democrats form a united front.

Although Trump's Senate firewall has no visible cracks so far, Romney's willingness to step out of formation and criticise Trump over his calls for foreign investigations of a political opponent could act as a catalyst for others.

Romney savaged Trump during the 2016 campaign, calling him a "con man" who was unfit for the presidency, but the two men later set aside their differences. Trump endorsed Romney's political comeback last year.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday opened a new front in the impeachment battle that threatens his administration, blasting a prominent member of his party for criticizing his push to get foreign nations to probe a leading Democratic rival.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday opened a new front in the impeachment battle that threatens his administration, blasting a prominent member of his party for criticizing his push to get foreign nations to probe a leading Democratic rival. The Republican president, who launched a stream of invective at Democrats and the media this week as an impeachment probe in Congress widened, tweeted that US Senator Mitt Romney was a "pompous 'ass' who has been fighting me from the beginning." Romney, who lost the 2012 election to Democratic incumbent President Barack Obama, criticized Trump on Friday for asking China to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. The Utah Republican said Trump's appeal to China was "wrong and appalling." In a later tweet, Trump said he was hearing that people in Utah regretted electing Romney to the Senate in 2018. "I agree! He is a fool who is playing right into the hands of the Do-Nothing Democrats! #IMPEACHMITTROMNEY," Trump wrote. I’m hearing that the Great People of Utah are considering their vote for their Pompous Senator, Mitt Romney, to be a big mistake. I agree! He is a fool who is playing right into the hands of the Do Nothing Democrats! #IMPEACHMITTROMNEY — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2019 × Trump also defended again as "appropriate" the July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that triggered the impeachment inquiry in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and said his call for China to investigate Biden and his son Hunter was linked to corruption, not politics. Another Republican senator, Susan Collins of Maine, on Saturday also criticized Trump for exhorting China to investigate the Bidens, calling it "completely inappropriate" in remarks to reporters at an event in her home state, according to the Bangor Daily News. "I thought the president made a big mistake by asking China to get involved in investigating a political opponent," Collins said, according to the local report. House Democrats are examining whether there are grounds to impeach Trump based on a whistleblower's complaint that said he asked Zelenskiy to help probe the Bidens. Hunter Biden was on the board of a Ukrainian natural gas company for several years. There is no evidence of wrongdoing by either the former vice president or his son. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a Trump ally, said on Saturday the State Department had issued an initial response to a request by the House Foreign Affairs Committee for documents tied to US contacts with the Ukrainian government. The panel issued Pompeo a subpoena on September 27. "The State Department sent a letter last night to Congress, which is our initial response to the document request. We will obviously do all the things we are required to by law," Pompeo said in a news conference in Greece. He did not elaborate on the contents of the letter. An official from the House Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement to Reuters that Pompeo had "failed to meet the deadline to produce documents required by the subpoena," but confirmed the State Department had contacted the three House committees involved in the probes. "We hope the department will cooperate in full promptly," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. 'Gotcha game' Pompeo, who has acknowledged he listened to the July 25 call between Trump and Zelenskiy, objected last week to efforts by Democrats to obtain depositions from current and former department officials. Asked at another event on Saturday if there were any red flags in the Ukraine saga that required further investigation, Pompeo said he did not think the audience was interested in hearing about the issue."This is what's wrong, when the world doesn't focus on the things that are right, the things that matter, the things that impact real people's lives and instead you get caught up in silly gotcha game?" he said.He also addressed a notion Trump has long held that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 US presidential election, a theory that runs counter to the US intelligence community's findings that it was Russia that meddled in the campaign. Pompeo said, "governments have an obligation and indeed a duty to make sure that elections happen with integrity, without interference from any government, whether that's the Ukrainian government or any other." Lawmakers are looking at whether Trump jeopardized national security and the integrity of US elections for personal political gain. Trump has called the impeachment investigation a "hoax" and accused the media and Democrats of corruption. Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, told Reuters in a phone interview on Saturday that the president in the July 25 call had not offered his Ukrainian counterpart any "quid pro quo" for his cooperation in probing Biden and his son. "One thing clear about the conversation is, there's no quid pro quo," said the former New York mayor, who has emerged as a central figure in the scandal. The House Intelligence Committee has issued a subpoena to Giuliani, setting an Oct. 15 deadline for him to turn over documents related to his work with Ukrainians on Trump's behalf. House Democrats subpoenaed the White House for documents on Friday. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said the subpoena "changes nothing" and that it would be ultimately shown that Trump did nothing wrong. The probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. A two-thirds majority of the senators present would be needed to oust Trump, which means 20 Republicans would have to jump ship if all the Democrats and the two independents who caucus with Democrats form a united front. Although Trump's Senate firewall has no visible cracks so far, Romney's willingness to step out of formation and criticise Trump over his calls for foreign investigations of a political opponent could act as a catalyst for others. Romney savaged Trump during the 2016 campaign, calling him a "con man" who was unfit for the presidency, but the two men later set aside their differences. Trump endorsed Romney's political comeback last year.

Et tu, Mitt? Trump blasts Republican senator as impeachment battle heats up

U.S. President Donald Trump opened a new front in the impeachment battle that threatens his administration, blasting a prominent member of his party for criticizing his push to get foreign nations to probe a leading Democratic rival.

Will Donald Trump be impeached?

North Korea and the United States walked away on Saturday with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-united-states-officials-to-resume-nuclear-talks-after-latest-missile-test-253916">opposing assessments of nuclear talks</a> in Sweden, which Pyongyang said broke down but Washington called "good discussions."

The United States accepted host Sweden's invitation to resume talks in two weeks' time, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

The discussions followed months of stalemate after a February meeting between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-seeks-meeting-with-north-koreas-kim-despite-missile-launch-253658">North's leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump</a>, and came after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday.

"The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectations and finally broke up... without any outcome. (It) is totally due to the fact that the US would not give up their old... attitude," the nuclear-armed North's leading negotiator Kim Myong Gil told reporters in Stockholm.

"The US raised expectations and offered suggestions like flexible approach, new methods and creative solutions but they have disappointed us greatly, and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiations by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," Kim Myong Gil said.

He added that North Korea stood "at the crossroads of dialogue or confrontation".

Kim Myong Gil's US counterpart was Stephen Biegun, Trump's special envoy.

Ortagus said in a statement that "the early comments from the DPRK delegation do not reflect the content or the spirit of today's eight-and-a-half-hour discussion."

"The US brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," she said, using the North's formal acronym.

Ortagus said the United States "previewed a number of new initiatives" that would allow progress on the statement reached in Singapore at the first Trump-Kim summit last year.

The two leaders adopted a vaguely worded document on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" but little progress has since been made on dismantling the North's nuclear programme.

Dialogue 'needed'

The two sides met at a heavily guarded venue on an island off Stockholm, several hundred metres (yards) from the North Korean embassy, an AFP correspondent said.

As the meeting got underway, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde tweeted: "I am encouraged that US and (North Korean) working level delegations are currently in Sweden to hold talks".

Dialogue, she said, was "needed to reach denuclearisation and peaceful solution".

Similar-level talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament were held in Stockholm in March 2018 and then in January this year.

North Korea claimed to have entered a new phase in its defence capability with Wednesday's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile -- the most provocative since Pyongyang began dialogue with Washington in 2018.

North Korea frequently couples diplomatic overtures with military moves as a way of maintaining pressure on negotiating partners, analysts say, and may believe this weapons system gives it added leverage.

The Pentagon said Thursday the missile seems to have been launched from a "sea-based platform" and not a submarine.

Trump has said he sees no problem with a string of short-range missile tests conducted previously by North Korea, while insisting his personal ties with the North's leader remain good.

Heavy sanctions

The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold closed-door talks early next week on the latest test, diplomats said.

Those talks were requested by Britain, France and Germany, as the European powers push for the world body to keep up pressure on Pyongyang which is under heavy US and UN sanctions over its weapons program.

North Korea is banned from ballistic missile launches by Security Council resolutions.

Since the US-North Korea talks began, Russia and China have been calling for the UN to start lifting sanctions so as to create momentum towards the North's denuclearisation. But the United States has refused.

"The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean Peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," Ortagus said.

"These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment."

North Korea and the United States walked away on Saturday with opposing assessments of nuclear talks in Sweden, which Pyongyang said broke down but Washington called "good discussions.

North Korea and the United States walked away on Saturday with opposing assessments of nuclear talks in Sweden, which Pyongyang said broke down but Washington called "good discussions." The United States accepted host Sweden's invitation to resume talks in two weeks' time, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. The discussions followed months of stalemate after a February meeting between the North's leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump, and came after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday. "The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectations and finally broke up... without any outcome. (It) is totally due to the fact that the US would not give up their old... attitude," the nuclear-armed North's leading negotiator Kim Myong Gil told reporters in Stockholm. "The US raised expectations and offered suggestions like flexible approach, new methods and creative solutions but they have disappointed us greatly, and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiations by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," Kim Myong Gil said. He added that North Korea stood "at the crossroads of dialogue or confrontation". Kim Myong Gil's US counterpart was Stephen Biegun, Trump's special envoy. Ortagus said in a statement that "the early comments from the DPRK delegation do not reflect the content or the spirit of today's eight-and-a-half-hour discussion." "The US brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," she said, using the North's formal acronym. Ortagus said the United States "previewed a number of new initiatives" that would allow progress on the statement reached in Singapore at the first Trump-Kim summit last year. The two leaders adopted a vaguely worded document on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" but little progress has since been made on dismantling the North's nuclear programme. Dialogue 'needed' The two sides met at a heavily guarded venue on an island off Stockholm, several hundred metres (yards) from the North Korean embassy, an AFP correspondent said. As the meeting got underway, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde tweeted: "I am encouraged that US and (North Korean) working level delegations are currently in Sweden to hold talks". Dialogue, she said, was "needed to reach denuclearisation and peaceful solution". Similar-level talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament were held in Stockholm in March 2018 and then in January this year. North Korea claimed to have entered a new phase in its defence capability with Wednesday's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile -- the most provocative since Pyongyang began dialogue with Washington in 2018. North Korea frequently couples diplomatic overtures with military moves as a way of maintaining pressure on negotiating partners, analysts say, and may believe this weapons system gives it added leverage. The Pentagon said Thursday the missile seems to have been launched from a "sea-based platform" and not a submarine. Trump has said he sees no problem with a string of short-range missile tests conducted previously by North Korea, while insisting his personal ties with the North's leader remain good. Heavy sanctions The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold closed-door talks early next week on the latest test, diplomats said. Those talks were requested by Britain, France and Germany, as the European powers push for the world body to keep up pressure on Pyongyang which is under heavy US and UN sanctions over its weapons program. North Korea is banned from ballistic missile launches by Security Council resolutions. Since the US-North Korea talks began, Russia and China have been calling for the UN to start lifting sanctions so as to create momentum towards the North's denuclearisation. But the United States has refused. "The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean Peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," Ortagus said. "These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment."

'US would not give up old attitude,' says North Korea as nuclear talks end in contrasting assessments

North Korea's top negotiator said that working-level nuclear talks in Sweden between officials from Pyongyang and Washington had broken off, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate.

North Korea-U.S talks fail; blames U.S for talks failure

Trump Impeachment Inquiry: Trump hits out at Pelosi, Schiff

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to promote a "long-term, sound and stable" relationship with North Korea, state news agency Xinhua said Sunday, as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also sent a message to Xi saying their countries' "invincible friendship will be immortal on the road of accomplishing the cause of socialism," said Pyongyang's state news agency KCNA on Sunday.

North Korea was among the first countries to recognise the People's Republic of China after it was founded in 1949.

Xi said the relationship between the Asian neighbours had played an "important and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," said Xinhua.

Since March 2018, Xi and Kim have met five times.

Xi was the first Chinese leader to visit the reclusive North in 14 years when he made a highly symbolic trip to the nuclear-armed state in June.

Kim said the two countries would "steadily defend the cause of socialism and preserve peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and the world," according to KCNA.

The warm words from Beijing follow its huge military parade Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding a Communist China, and come a day after the latest round of nuclear talks between the US and North Korea ended in Sweden.

Pyongyang -- under three sets of UN sanctions in a bid to force it to give up its nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes -- said the talks broke down because the US "disappointed us greatly".

Washington, however, said there had been "good discussions".

The talks followed months of stalemate after a February meeting between Kim and US President Donald Trump, and came after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday.

Since the US-North Korea talks began, Russia and China have been calling for the United Nations to start lifting sanctions so as to create momentum towards the North's denuclearisation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to promote a "long-term, sound and stable" relationship with North Korea, state news agency Xinhua said Sunday, as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to promote a "long-term, sound and stable" relationship with North Korea, state news agency Xinhua said Sunday, as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also sent a message to Xi saying their countries' "invincible friendship will be immortal on the road of accomplishing the cause of socialism," said Pyongyang's state news agency KCNA on Sunday. North Korea was among the first countries to recognise the People's Republic of China after it was founded in 1949. Xi said the relationship between the Asian neighbours had played an "important and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," said Xinhua. Since March 2018, Xi and Kim have met five times. Xi was the first Chinese leader to visit the reclusive North in 14 years when he made a highly symbolic trip to the nuclear-armed state in June. Kim said the two countries would "steadily defend the cause of socialism and preserve peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and the world," according to KCNA. The warm words from Beijing follow its huge military parade Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding a Communist China, and come a day after the latest round of nuclear talks between the US and North Korea ended in Sweden. Pyongyang -- under three sets of UN sanctions in a bid to force it to give up its nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes -- said the talks broke down because the US "disappointed us greatly". Washington, however, said there had been "good discussions". The talks followed months of stalemate after a February meeting between Kim and US President Donald Trump, and came after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday. Since the US-North Korea talks began, Russia and China have been calling for the United Nations to start lifting sanctions so as to create momentum towards the North's denuclearisation.

Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un hail 'immortal' China-North Korea relationship

The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to restrictive abortion law in Louisiana, taking up a flashpoint issue that will serve as a test for two new conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump.

The nine justices will examine the merits of an abortion law adopted in 2014 in the conservative southern state.

The court issued an injunction in February blocking the law from taking effect, but without ruling on what it actually stipulates.

A decision in the case would come before the end of the Supreme Court's term in June 2020, just months before the US presidential election.

The law states that doctors at Louisiana abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (50 kilometres) of where the procedure is being carried out.

Abortion rights advocates say this restriction is extreme and would force the closure of most of the state's clinics, leaving it with just one doctor authorised to perform abortions.

Louisiana says the stipulation in the law is needed because of the risk of a complication arising during abortions and the need to be able to transfer a patient to a nearby hospital.

Around 10,000 abortions are performed each year in the state.

'Hanging by a thread'

After years of legal wrangling, a federal appeals court upheld the law last year.

Critics of the bill filed an urgent lawsuit with the Supreme Court and just as the law was about to take effect in February, the high court voted 5-4 to block it -- but did not rule on the law's merits.

In June 2016, the court struck down a Texas abortion law similar to the one it will now consider.

The Supreme Court's deliberations will come right in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign -- and its eventual ruling will be the first meaty decision on the hot-button issue since Trump appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, shifting the court's balance to the right.

In February, the pair voted to allow the Louisiana law to take effect.

But Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative who voted in favour of the Texas law, sided with the four progressives on the bench in suspending the Louisiana measure.

On both sides of the abortion debate, people are watching to see what Roberts does now.

"Access to abortion is hanging by a thread in this country, and this case is what could snap that thread," said Alexis McGill, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood.

Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the high court could only strike down the Louisiana law if it follows its own precedent from the Texas case.

"If the rule of law means anything, it means that the Court cannot sit by and watch as the lower court thumbs its nose at Supreme Court precedent and at people's constitutional rights," she said.

On the other side of the debate, Katrina Jackson, a lawmaker who helped write the Louisiana law, urged the court to reverse or at least alter the precedent set with the Texas law.

"Abortion has known medical risks, and the women of this state who are often coerced into abortion deserve to have the same standard of care required for other surgical procedures," Jackson wrote in a statement published by pressure group Louisiana Right to Life.

The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to restrictive abortion law in Louisiana, taking up a flashpoint issue that will serve as a test for two new conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump.

The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to restrictive abortion law in Louisiana, taking up a flashpoint issue that will serve as a test for two new conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump. The nine justices will examine the merits of an abortion law adopted in 2014 in the conservative southern state. The court issued an injunction in February blocking the law from taking effect, but without ruling on what it actually stipulates. A decision in the case would come before the end of the Supreme Court's term in June 2020, just months before the US presidential election. The law states that doctors at Louisiana abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (50 kilometres) of where the procedure is being carried out. Abortion rights advocates say this restriction is extreme and would force the closure of most of the state's clinics, leaving it with just one doctor authorised to perform abortions. Louisiana says the stipulation in the law is needed because of the risk of a complication arising during abortions and the need to be able to transfer a patient to a nearby hospital. Around 10,000 abortions are performed each year in the state. 'Hanging by a thread' After years of legal wrangling, a federal appeals court upheld the law last year. Critics of the bill filed an urgent lawsuit with the Supreme Court and just as the law was about to take effect in February, the high court voted 5-4 to block it -- but did not rule on the law's merits. In June 2016, the court struck down a Texas abortion law similar to the one it will now consider. The Supreme Court's deliberations will come right in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign -- and its eventual ruling will be the first meaty decision on the hot-button issue since Trump appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, shifting the court's balance to the right. In February, the pair voted to allow the Louisiana law to take effect. But Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative who voted in favour of the Texas law, sided with the four progressives on the bench in suspending the Louisiana measure. On both sides of the abortion debate, people are watching to see what Roberts does now. "Access to abortion is hanging by a thread in this country, and this case is what could snap that thread," said Alexis McGill, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood. Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the high court could only strike down the Louisiana law if it follows its own precedent from the Texas case. "If the rule of law means anything, it means that the Court cannot sit by and watch as the lower court thumbs its nose at Supreme Court precedent and at people's constitutional rights," she said. On the other side of the debate, Katrina Jackson, a lawmaker who helped write the Louisiana law, urged the court to reverse or at least alter the precedent set with the Texas law. "Abortion has known medical risks, and the women of this state who are often coerced into abortion deserve to have the same standard of care required for other surgical procedures," Jackson wrote in a statement published by pressure group Louisiana Right to Life.

US Supreme Court agrees to hear case on restrictive abortion law

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who will not be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or do not have the means to pay for their healthcare costs themselves.

The proclamation, issued by the White House, said it would not affect any individual's eligibility for asylum or refugee status. The measure will take effect on November 3, it said.

Trump has made cutting legal and illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency. The Trump administration said last month that it planned to allow only 18,000 refugees to resettle in the United States in the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest number in the history of the modern refugee program.

"While our healthcare system grapples with the challenges caused by uncompensated care, the United States Government is making the problem worse by admitting thousands of aliens who have not demonstrated any ability to pay for their healthcare costs," Trump said in the proclamation.

He said the suspension applied only to people seeking to enter the United States with an immigrant visa.

The document listed the types of insurance considered approved, such as employer-sponsored plans and the Medicare program for the elderly.

But it said for people over the age of 18, coverage under the Medicaid program for the poor is not approved.

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who will not be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or do not have the means to pay for their healthcare costs themselves.

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants who will not be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entering the United States or do not have the means to pay for their healthcare costs themselves. The proclamation, issued by the White House, said it would not affect any individual's eligibility for asylum or refugee status. The measure will take effect on November 3, it said. Trump has made cutting legal and illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency. The Trump administration said last month that it planned to allow only 18,000 refugees to resettle in the United States in the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest number in the history of the modern refugee program. "While our healthcare system grapples with the challenges caused by uncompensated care, the United States Government is making the problem worse by admitting thousands of aliens who have not demonstrated any ability to pay for their healthcare costs," Trump said in the proclamation. He said the suspension applied only to people seeking to enter the United States with an immigrant visa. The document listed the types of insurance considered approved, such as employer-sponsored plans and the Medicare program for the elderly. But it said for people over the age of 18, coverage under the Medicaid program for the poor is not approved.

Donald Trump suspends entry of immigrants who cannot pay for healthcare

Trump Impeachment inquiry: White house downplays the Subpoena

Unemployment rate in the U.S falls to lowest in 50 years. Trump takes to Twitter to announce this 'Breaking News'

A good news for President Donald Trump

US House Democrats on Friday subpoenaed the White House for documents they want to see as part of their impeachment investigation of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-missile-sale-raised-in-ukraine-call-253609">Donald Trump</a>.

The chairmen of three House of Representatives committees said they want documents related to a July 25 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texts-show-us-diplomat-pushing-ukraine-on-probe-for-donald-trump-meeting-253653">phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> that is at the heart of their inquiry.

The three said they were forced to issue the subpoena after the White House failed to produce documents they requested in a September 9 letter.

"We deeply regret that President Trump has put us - and the nation - in this position, but his actions have left us with no choice but to issue this subpoena," said Representatives Elijah Cummings of the Oversight Committee, Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Eliot Engel of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

They gave the White House until October 18 to produce the information, including who else besides Trump was on the phone call with Zelenskiy.

"This subpoena changes nothing - just more document requests, wasted time, and taxpayer dollars that will ultimately show the President did nothing wrong," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.

Watch: Defiant Trump takes aim at journalist over Ukraine

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White House lawyers believe Trump, a Republican, can ignore lawmakers' demands until the Democratic-controlled Households a full vote of the chamber to formally approve of the impeachment inquiry, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Earlier, the committees asked Vice President Mike Pence to hand over documents relating to a meeting he held with Zelenskiy and the call between Zelenskiy and Trump.

They gave Pence until October 15 to produce any records relating to the July call and a meeting he held with Zelenskiy on Sept. 1.

According to a partial transcript of the call, Trump asked Zelenskiy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-on-china-and-ukraine-to-investigate-biden-253570">the "favour" of investigating former US Vice President Joe Biden</a>, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, and his son, Hunter Biden, who had served on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

At the time, the Trump administration was withholding hundreds of millions in aid for Ukraine and Democrats said they suspect Trump was using U.S. foreign policy and taxpayer money for his personal political gain. Trump is running for re-election.

"Recently, public reports have raised questions about any role you may have played in conveying or reinforcing the president's stark message to the Ukrainian president," Cummings, Schiff and Engel wrote in a letter to Pence.

A spokeswoman for Pence said the broad nature of the request showed that it was not "serious."

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-diplomat-at-center-of-trump-ukraine-affair-to-meet-with-house-committee-staff-253410">Pence met with Zelenskiy</a>, the two discussed the $250 million in security assistance that the US Congress had approved but that the Trump administration had not disbursed.

Whistleblower

The contents of the Trump-Zelenskiy call were revealed by a member of the intelligence community who filed a whistleblower complaint and remains anonymous. Trump has said he wants to know the whistleblower's identity.

Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the Intelligence Committee, said he believed the whistleblower's identity should be kept secret even from members of the panel.

"I think that the less we know about that person, the more protected he or she will be," Krishnamoorthi told Reuters.

A second intelligence official, who has more direct information about Trump's dealings with Ukraine than the first whistleblower, is also considering filing a whistleblower complaint, the New York Times reported, citing two people briefed on the matter.

The second official is among those interviewed by the intelligence community inspector general to corroborate the allegations of the original whistleblower, one of the people said, according to the Times.

The inspector general, Michael Atkinson, testified before a closed-door session of the House Intelligence Committee on Friday.

The investigation could lead to the approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove him from office would then be held in the US Senate. Republicans who control the Senate have shown little appetite for ousting Trump.

A cache of diplomatic texts Democrats received as part of their impeachment inquiry showed US officials pressured the Ukrainian government to launch investigations that might benefit Trump's personal political agenda in exchange for a meeting of the two countries' leaders.

Kurt Volker, who resigned last week as Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, gave the messages to the House committees in a closed-door meeting on Thursday, and the chairmen released them later in the day.

Romney pushes back

Trump has said Biden and his son are "corrupt" but has shown no evidence to back that up. The president on Thursday went a step further in his attacks on Biden when he called on China to investigate the former vice president and his son, who had business interests there.

US senator and former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said on Friday it was "wrong and appalling" for Trump to push other nations to investigate Biden.

"When the only American citizen President Trump singles out for China's investigation is his political opponent in the midst of the Democratic nomination process, it strains credulity to suggest that it is anything other than politically motivated," Romney said on Twitter.

Trump said on Friday he would not tie a much-anticipated trade deal with China to his desire for Beijing to investigate Joe Biden.

"One thing has nothing to do with the other," he said.

Biden leads in most opinion polls among the 19 Democrats seeking the party's nomination. His campaign has blasted Trump's efforts as desperate.

In a signal of how Kiev will handle investigations being watched in Washington, Ukrainian prosecutors said they would review 15 old probes related to Burisma's founder but added that they were unaware of any evidence of wrongdoing by Biden's son.

The White House plans to argue that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, must have the full House vote to formally approve an impeachment inquiry, a source familiar with the effort said.

Without a vote, White House lawyers believe Trump, who has called the impeachment probe a "hoax," can ignore lawmakers' requests, the source said, meaning the federal courts would presumably have to render a decision and potentially slow the march toward impeachment.

A White House letter arguing Pelosi must hold a House vote will probably be sent to Capitol Hill next week, an administration official said.

US House Democrats on Friday subpoenaed the White House for documents they want to see as part of their impeachment investigation of President Donald Trump. The chairmen of three House of Representatives committees said they want documents related to a July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of their inquiry.

US House Democrats on Friday subpoenaed the White House for documents they want to see as part of their impeachment investigation of President Donald Trump. The chairmen of three House of Representatives committees said they want documents related to a July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of their inquiry. The three said they were forced to issue the subpoena after the White House failed to produce documents they requested in a September 9 letter. "We deeply regret that President Trump has put us - and the nation - in this position, but his actions have left us with no choice but to issue this subpoena," said Representatives Elijah Cummings of the Oversight Committee, Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Eliot Engel of the Foreign Affairs Committee. They gave the White House until October 18 to produce the information, including who else besides Trump was on the phone call with Zelenskiy. "This subpoena changes nothing - just more document requests, wasted time, and taxpayer dollars that will ultimately show the President did nothing wrong," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. Watch: Defiant Trump takes aim at journalist over Ukraine × White House lawyers believe Trump, a Republican, can ignore lawmakers' demands until the Democratic-controlled Households a full vote of the chamber to formally approve of the impeachment inquiry, according to a person familiar with the matter. Earlier, the committees asked Vice President Mike Pence to hand over documents relating to a meeting he held with Zelenskiy and the call between Zelenskiy and Trump. They gave Pence until October 15 to produce any records relating to the July call and a meeting he held with Zelenskiy on Sept. 1. According to a partial transcript of the call, Trump asked Zelenskiy the "favour" of investigating former US Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, and his son, Hunter Biden, who had served on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. At the time, the Trump administration was withholding hundreds of millions in aid for Ukraine and Democrats said they suspect Trump was using U.S. foreign policy and taxpayer money for his personal political gain. Trump is running for re-election. "Recently, public reports have raised questions about any role you may have played in conveying or reinforcing the president's stark message to the Ukrainian president," Cummings, Schiff and Engel wrote in a letter to Pence. A spokeswoman for Pence said the broad nature of the request showed that it was not "serious." When Pence met with Zelenskiy, the two discussed the $250 million in security assistance that the US Congress had approved but that the Trump administration had not disbursed. Whistleblower The contents of the Trump-Zelenskiy call were revealed by a member of the intelligence community who filed a whistleblower complaint and remains anonymous. Trump has said he wants to know the whistleblower's identity. Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the Intelligence Committee, said he believed the whistleblower's identity should be kept secret even from members of the panel. "I think that the less we know about that person, the more protected he or she will be," Krishnamoorthi told Reuters. A second intelligence official, who has more direct information about Trump's dealings with Ukraine than the first whistleblower, is also considering filing a whistleblower complaint, the New York Times reported, citing two people briefed on the matter. The second official is among those interviewed by the intelligence community inspector general to corroborate the allegations of the original whistleblower, one of the people said, according to the Times. The inspector general, Michael Atkinson, testified before a closed-door session of the House Intelligence Committee on Friday. The investigation could lead to the approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove him from office would then be held in the US Senate. Republicans who control the Senate have shown little appetite for ousting Trump. A cache of diplomatic texts Democrats received as part of their impeachment inquiry showed US officials pressured the Ukrainian government to launch investigations that might benefit Trump's personal political agenda in exchange for a meeting of the two countries' leaders. Kurt Volker, who resigned last week as Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, gave the messages to the House committees in a closed-door meeting on Thursday, and the chairmen released them later in the day. Romney pushes back Trump has said Biden and his son are "corrupt" but has shown no evidence to back that up. The president on Thursday went a step further in his attacks on Biden when he called on China to investigate the former vice president and his son, who had business interests there. US senator and former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said on Friday it was "wrong and appalling" for Trump to push other nations to investigate Biden. "When the only American citizen President Trump singles out for China's investigation is his political opponent in the midst of the Democratic nomination process, it strains credulity to suggest that it is anything other than politically motivated," Romney said on Twitter. Trump said on Friday he would not tie a much-anticipated trade deal with China to his desire for Beijing to investigate Joe Biden. "One thing has nothing to do with the other," he said. Biden leads in most opinion polls among the 19 Democrats seeking the party's nomination. His campaign has blasted Trump's efforts as desperate. In a signal of how Kiev will handle investigations being watched in Washington, Ukrainian prosecutors said they would review 15 old probes related to Burisma's founder but added that they were unaware of any evidence of wrongdoing by Biden's son. The White House plans to argue that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, must have the full House vote to formally approve an impeachment inquiry, a source familiar with the effort said. Without a vote, White House lawyers believe Trump, who has called the impeachment probe a "hoax," can ignore lawmakers' requests, the source said, meaning the federal courts would presumably have to render a decision and potentially slow the march toward impeachment. A White House letter arguing Pelosi must hold a House vote will probably be sent to Capitol Hill next week, an administration official said.

House Democrats subpoena White House for documents in Donald Trump impeachment probe

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky was told he should open an investigation sought by Donald Trump if he wanted an invitation to visit Washington, according to text messages published Thursday.

Trump is accused of pressuring Zelensky to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden in return for $400 million in military aid, a scandal that has prompted an impeachment probe into the American president.

The messages, released by House Democrats, show former US special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker writing to top Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak, promising the new Ukrainian leader a trip to Washington in exchange for the investigation.

"Heard from White House -- assuming President Z convinces trump he will investigate / 'get to the bottom of what happened' in 2016, we will nail down date for visit to Washington. Good luck!" Volker wrote in the July 25 message.

Trump has been accused of pressuring Zelensky to open a corruption investigation against Biden in a phone call later that same day by making military aid to Ukraine contingent on that favour.

Days before the two leaders spoke, Volker wrote in a text message to Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, that it was most important for "Zelensky to say that he will help (the) investigation."

The release of the text messages came the same day Volker spoke for more than eight hours to House lawyers, in an interview centred on his role in alleged efforts by Trump and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to solicit foreign interference in the next US election.

A whistleblower, so far only identified as a US intelligence officer, went to the authorities with concerns about the phone call between Trump and Zelensky, triggering the impeachment inquiry.

"Engaging in these stunning abuses in broad daylight does not absolve President Trump of his wrongdoings -- or his grave offences against the Constitution," said the chairs of three House committees, who received Volker's testimony, in a joint statement.

On Thursday, Trump publicly called for both China and Ukraine to open investigations into Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky was told he should open an investigation sought by Donald Trump if he wanted an invitation to visit Washington, according to text messages published Thursday.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky was told he should open an investigation sought by Donald Trump if he wanted an invitation to visit Washington, according to text messages published Thursday. Trump is accused of pressuring Zelensky to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden in return for $400 million in military aid, a scandal that has prompted an impeachment probe into the American president. The messages, released by House Democrats, show former US special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker writing to top Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak, promising the new Ukrainian leader a trip to Washington in exchange for the investigation. "Heard from White House -- assuming President Z convinces trump he will investigate / 'get to the bottom of what happened' in 2016, we will nail down date for visit to Washington. Good luck!" Volker wrote in the July 25 message. Trump has been accused of pressuring Zelensky to open a corruption investigation against Biden in a phone call later that same day by making military aid to Ukraine contingent on that favour. Days before the two leaders spoke, Volker wrote in a text message to Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, that it was most important for "Zelensky to say that he will help (the) investigation." The release of the text messages came the same day Volker spoke for more than eight hours to House lawyers, in an interview centred on his role in alleged efforts by Trump and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to solicit foreign interference in the next US election. A whistleblower, so far only identified as a US intelligence officer, went to the authorities with concerns about the phone call between Trump and Zelensky, triggering the impeachment inquiry. "Engaging in these stunning abuses in broad daylight does not absolve President Trump of his wrongdoings -- or his grave offences against the Constitution," said the chairs of three House committees, who received Volker's testimony, in a joint statement. On Thursday, Trump publicly called for both China and Ukraine to open investigations into Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.

Texts show US diplomat pushing Ukraine on probe for Donald Trump meeting

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry is expected to announce his resignation in November, Politico reported on Thursday, citing three unidentified people familiar with his plans.

A spokeswoman for the Energy Department said Perry remains a "proud member" of President Donald Trump's Cabinet, in a statement that stopped short of denying the Politico report.

"While the beltway media has breathlessly reported on rumours of Secretary Perry's departure for months, he is still the Secretary of Energy," spokeswoman Shaylyn Haynes said in a statement. "One day the media will be right. Today is not that day."

While Perry's contacts with Ukraine have drawn him into the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump by House of Representatives Democrats, the three people said his expected departure was not related to the Ukraine controversy, Politico reported.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the impeachment investigation last week after a whistleblower lodged a complaint about Trump asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to look into investigating former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

The complaint mentioned Perry, who led a small US delegation to Zelenskiy's inauguration in May, replacing Vice President Mike Pence.

Perry has been free of ethics investigations that have weighed on other Trump officials, forcing a number of them, such as former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt, to leave the Republican administration.

Perry, who was the longest-serving governor of oil-producing Texas, has worked to advance Trump's "energy dominance" agenda on maximizing production of fossil fuels. He has been a frequent visitor to Europe promoting what he calls "freedom gas" or shipments of US liquefied natural gas, to provide Poland, Lithuania and other countries as an alternative to Russian gas.

Perry often met with Khalid al-Falih, a friend and fellow alumnus of Texas A&amp;M University, who was until early September the energy minister the world's top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia.

Perry held talks with Falih about Saudi Arabia's plans to build its first two commercial nuclear power plants, urging the kingdom to use US nuclear technology, rather than Chinese or Russian technology.

Saudi Arabia has resisted agreeing to nonproliferation standards, but Perry said he told officials there it was important for the kingdom to be perceived by the world as strong on nonproliferation.

Perry has so far failed to save US nuclear energy and coal plants from a rash of closures due to competition from natural gas, solar and wind power.

Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, who has attended several international energy meetings in recent months, is widely expected by energy experts to replace Perry.

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry is expected to announce his resignation in November, Politico reported on Thursday, citing three unidentified people familiar with his plans.

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry is expected to announce his resignation in November, Politico reported on Thursday, citing three unidentified people familiar with his plans. A spokeswoman for the Energy Department said Perry remains a "proud member" of President Donald Trump's Cabinet, in a statement that stopped short of denying the Politico report. "While the beltway media has breathlessly reported on rumours of Secretary Perry's departure for months, he is still the Secretary of Energy," spokeswoman Shaylyn Haynes said in a statement. "One day the media will be right. Today is not that day." While Perry's contacts with Ukraine have drawn him into the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump by House of Representatives Democrats, the three people said his expected departure was not related to the Ukraine controversy, Politico reported. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the impeachment investigation last week after a whistleblower lodged a complaint about Trump asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to look into investigating former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The complaint mentioned Perry, who led a small US delegation to Zelenskiy's inauguration in May, replacing Vice President Mike Pence. Perry has been free of ethics investigations that have weighed on other Trump officials, forcing a number of them, such as former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt, to leave the Republican administration. Perry, who was the longest-serving governor of oil-producing Texas, has worked to advance Trump's "energy dominance" agenda on maximizing production of fossil fuels. He has been a frequent visitor to Europe promoting what he calls "freedom gas" or shipments of US liquefied natural gas, to provide Poland, Lithuania and other countries as an alternative to Russian gas. Perry often met with Khalid al-Falih, a friend and fellow alumnus of Texas A&M University, who was until early September the energy minister the world's top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia. Perry held talks with Falih about Saudi Arabia's plans to build its first two commercial nuclear power plants, urging the kingdom to use US nuclear technology, rather than Chinese or Russian technology. Saudi Arabia has resisted agreeing to nonproliferation standards, but Perry said he told officials there it was important for the kingdom to be perceived by the world as strong on nonproliferation. Perry has so far failed to save US nuclear energy and coal plants from a rash of closures due to competition from natural gas, solar and wind power. Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, who has attended several international energy meetings in recent months, is widely expected by energy experts to replace Perry.

US Energy Secretary Perry expected to announce resignation next month: Report

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