China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huaweis-china-smartphone-market-share-jumps-as-rivals-lose-ground-report-239367">Huawei Technologies</a> said on Tuesday revenue in the first half of the year grew 23.2% - faster than a year ago - despite an intense U.S. campaign against it that ultimately became a trade ban from mid-May.

Unlisted Huawei, which only started disclosing quarterly results this year, said revenue in the first half rose to 401.3 billion yuan ($58.28 billion) from 325.7 billion a year ago, with smartphone shipments reaching 118 million units, up 24%.

Huawei's supply chain was significantly disrupted when it was put on a trade blacklist by Washington in mid-May. The US government alleges it is a national security risk as its equipment could be used by Beijing to spy, which Huawei has repeatedly denied.

It has since been given a 3-month reprieve till August 19, and US&nbsp;President Trump signalled Washington would be relaxing the sanctions on Huawei, though details are unknown.

Huawei's 23% revenue growth for the first half compared with the 15% growth in the same period of last year.

"Revenue grew fast up through May," Huawei Chairman Liang Hua told reporters at an earnings briefing.

"Given the foundation, we laid in the first half of the year, we continue to see the growth even after we were added to the entity list. That's not to say we don't have difficulties ahead. We do, and they may affect the pace of our growth in the short term."

Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei told reporters last month that the impact of the blacklisting was worse than expected. It could cost the company $30 billion in revenue, and that Huawei's revenue this year and in 2020 could stay roughly the same as 2018 at around $100 billion, he said.

Analysts say strong domestic smartphone sales and new 5G carrier contracts helped offset the impact from the export ban that threatens to cut Huawei's access to advanced US components and software such as Google Android apps.

According to data from Canalys, Huawei expanded its lead in China's smartphone market in the second quarter, while overseas smartphones sales had a slight drop year-on-year.

China's Huawei Technologies said on Tuesday revenue in the first half of the year grew 23.2% - faster than a year ago - despite an intense U.S. campaign against it that ultimately became a trade ban from mid-May.

China's Huawei Technologies said on Tuesday revenue in the first half of the year grew 23.2% - faster than a year ago - despite an intense U.S. campaign against it that ultimately became a trade ban from mid-May. Unlisted Huawei, which only started disclosing quarterly results this year, said revenue in the first half rose to 401.3 billion yuan ($58.28 billion) from 325.7 billion a year ago, with smartphone shipments reaching 118 million units, up 24%. Huawei's supply chain was significantly disrupted when it was put on a trade blacklist by Washington in mid-May. The US government alleges it is a national security risk as its equipment could be used by Beijing to spy, which Huawei has repeatedly denied. It has since been given a 3-month reprieve till August 19, and US President Trump signalled Washington would be relaxing the sanctions on Huawei, though details are unknown. Huawei's 23% revenue growth for the first half compared with the 15% growth in the same period of last year. "Revenue grew fast up through May," Huawei Chairman Liang Hua told reporters at an earnings briefing. "Given the foundation, we laid in the first half of the year, we continue to see the growth even after we were added to the entity list. That's not to say we don't have difficulties ahead. We do, and they may affect the pace of our growth in the short term." Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei told reporters last month that the impact of the blacklisting was worse than expected. It could cost the company $30 billion in revenue, and that Huawei's revenue this year and in 2020 could stay roughly the same as 2018 at around $100 billion, he said. Analysts say strong domestic smartphone sales and new 5G carrier contracts helped offset the impact from the export ban that threatens to cut Huawei's access to advanced US components and software such as Google Android apps. According to data from Canalys, Huawei expanded its lead in China's smartphone market in the second quarter, while overseas smartphones sales had a slight drop year-on-year.

Huawei's first-half revenue growth accelerates despite US sanctions

Who is Boris Johnson? Brexit warrior, Trump's friend & China's frenemy

Police and ambulances raced to a shooting at a food festival in California on Sunday, with four people reported dead and several injured, and video posted on social media showing people at the event running for cover as shots rang out.

Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting: Trump tweets 'be careful and safe'

The US director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, has become the latest high-profile figure to leave the Trump administration. President Donald Trump tweeted Coats would step down in mid-August and that he would nominate the Texan congressman John Ratcliffe to replace him.

US intelligence chief Dan Coats is set to resign

United States President Donald Trump nominates John Ratcliffe to replace Dan Coats as the next Director of National Intelligence.

WION Dispatch: Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for intelligence chief

Dan Coats, the spy chief who has clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump over-assessments involving Russia, Iran, and North Korea, plans to step down soon, a source familiar with the matter said on Sunday. A person with direct knowledge of that matter told Reuters that Coats advised Trump last week that he planned to step down fairly soon as director of national intelligence. He offered the president some thoughts on who might succeed him, the source said. The New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported the departure was expected "in the coming days." Coats' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. spy chief Dan Coats to step down in coming days

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-announces-controversial-asylum-deal-with-guatemala-238748">US President Donald Trump </a>on Friday said he would drop the threat of economic sanctions against Guatemala after its government agreed to implement new measures aimed at bringing down US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador.

US officials described the deal as a safe third-country agreement, which would make Guatemala a buffer zone for migrants from its Central American neighbours, although the Guatemalan government did not characterize the accord as such.

Guatemala's Constitutional Court had already ruled a safe third-country agreement would need prior approval from the Guatemalan Congress, which is on a summer recess.

That prompted the two candidates contesting a second-round run-off on Aug. 11 to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-president-jimmy-morales-calls-off-us-meeting-with-donald-trump-236018">Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales</a> to cast doubt on the deal which Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart signed for Guatemala in Washington.

"There needs to be a thorough analysis of whether the minister had the power to sign an agreement with these international characteristics, and in any case, the agreement has to go to Congress, whoever signed it," said Sandra Torres, the centre-left candidate who led the first round of voting in June.

Torres, who was speaking at a rally in Chichicastenango, north of the capital, ordered lawmakers from her UNE party to summon both Degenhart and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel to give testimony before Congress on how the deal was brokered.

Her rival for the presidency, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, called the accord "bad news for Guatemala."

"This has opened a rocky road for President Morales because according to the Constitutional Court ruling, that agreement has to pass through Congress," Giammattei told CNN.

Guatemalan human rights groups also criticized the deal, which did, however, receive backing from business associations.

Guatemala's next president will take office in January. 
&nbsp;

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America.

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America. US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would drop the threat of economic sanctions against Guatemala after its government agreed to implement new measures aimed at bringing down US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador. US officials described the deal as a safe third-country agreement, which would make Guatemala a buffer zone for migrants from its Central American neighbours, although the Guatemalan government did not characterize the accord as such. Guatemala's Constitutional Court had already ruled a safe third-country agreement would need prior approval from the Guatemalan Congress, which is on a summer recess. That prompted the two candidates contesting a second-round run-off on Aug. 11 to succeed Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales to cast doubt on the deal which Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart signed for Guatemala in Washington. "There needs to be a thorough analysis of whether the minister had the power to sign an agreement with these international characteristics, and in any case, the agreement has to go to Congress, whoever signed it," said Sandra Torres, the centre-left candidate who led the first round of voting in June. Torres, who was speaking at a rally in Chichicastenango, north of the capital, ordered lawmakers from her UNE party to summon both Degenhart and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel to give testimony before Congress on how the deal was brokered. Her rival for the presidency, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, called the accord "bad news for Guatemala." "This has opened a rocky road for President Morales because according to the Constitutional Court ruling, that agreement has to pass through Congress," Giammattei told CNN. Guatemalan human rights groups also criticized the deal, which did, however, receive backing from business associations. Guatemala's next president will take office in January.

Guatemalan presidential candidates question US migration deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flags-of-inconvenience-noose-tightens-around-iranian-shipping-238568">Two Iranian ships stranded off</a> the coast of Brazil for weeks were setting sail Saturday, officials said, after a court-ordered state oil giant Petrobras to fuel up the vessels.

The bulk carriers had been stuck at Paranagua port in the southern state of Parana since early last month after Petrobras refused to provide fuel for fear of breaching US sanctions on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-is-ready-for-any-scenario-warns-of-escalating-uk-tension-237432">Iran</a>.

The ships dragged Brazil into a global standoff which has seen rising tensions and fears of a military clash involving Tehran and Washington, which imposed a raft of punitive measures on Iran and companies with ties to the Islamic republic.

US President Donald Trump has placed crippling sanctions on Iran since he pulled the United States last year out from a landmark multinational pact. The deal had lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for a freeze on its nuclear program.

The port administrator said that the ship Termeh left around noon, headed to another Brazilian port where it would be loaded with corn. The Bavand, which already has its cargo, will leave for Iran Saturday night. The journey home takes approximately 30 days, the administrator added.

A spokesperson for Eleva Quimica, the Brazilian company which contracted the vessels, said refuelling started in the early hours of Saturday, with the Termeh receiving 600 tons and Bavand 1,300 tons of fuel.

Petrobras, whose stock is listed in the US and Sao Paulo, confirmed it was refuelling the ships.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court order came after Iran's top envoy to Brazil told Bloomberg that Tehran could suspend imports from Brazil if the issue was not resolved.&nbsp;

The ships had reportedly brought urea, which is used to make fertilizer, to Brazil and was to transport corn back to Iran.&nbsp;

Petrobras had said the Iranian vessels and the Iranian company that owns those ships reportedly Sapid Shipping were sanctioned by the United States.

"If Petrobras were to supply these vessels, it would be subject to the risk of being included in the same list, which could cause serious damages to the company," it said in an earlier statement.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two Iranian ships stranded off the coast of Brazil for weeks were setting sail Saturday, officials said, after a court-ordered state oil giant Petrobras to fuel up the vessels.

Two Iranian ships stranded off the coast of Brazil for weeks were setting sail Saturday, officials said, after a court-ordered state oil giant Petrobras to fuel up the vessels. The bulk carriers had been stuck at Paranagua port in the southern state of Parana since early last month after Petrobras refused to provide fuel for fear of breaching US sanctions on Iran. The ships dragged Brazil into a global standoff which has seen rising tensions and fears of a military clash involving Tehran and Washington, which imposed a raft of punitive measures on Iran and companies with ties to the Islamic republic. US President Donald Trump has placed crippling sanctions on Iran since he pulled the United States last year out from a landmark multinational pact. The deal had lifted sanctions on Tehran in exchange for a freeze on its nuclear program. The port administrator said that the ship Termeh left around noon, headed to another Brazilian port where it would be loaded with corn. The Bavand, which already has its cargo, will leave for Iran Saturday night. The journey home takes approximately 30 days, the administrator added. A spokesperson for Eleva Quimica, the Brazilian company which contracted the vessels, said refuelling started in the early hours of Saturday, with the Termeh receiving 600 tons and Bavand 1,300 tons of fuel. Petrobras, whose stock is listed in the US and Sao Paulo, confirmed it was refuelling the ships. The Supreme Court order came after Iran's top envoy to Brazil told Bloomberg that Tehran could suspend imports from Brazil if the issue was not resolved. The ships had reportedly brought urea, which is used to make fertilizer, to Brazil and was to transport corn back to Iran. Petrobras had said the Iranian vessels and the Iranian company that owns those ships reportedly Sapid Shipping were sanctioned by the United States. "If Petrobras were to supply these vessels, it would be subject to the risk of being included in the same list, which could cause serious damages to the company," it said in an earlier statement.

Iran ships stranded in Brazil are set to depart: Officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-is-making-china-stronger-234526">US trade negotiators return to China</a> this week for a fresh round of talks in a new city, but experts warn a change of air is unlikely to quickly solve an impasse between the world's two biggest economies.

The meetings in Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday will be the first face-to-face discussions since negotiations collapsed in May after President Donald Trump accused China of reneging on its commitments.

Washington and Beijing have so far hit each other with punitive tariffs covering more than $360 billion in two-way trade in the tense stand-off.

Despite an agreement by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">Trump and President Xi Jinping at the G20</a> in Japan to cease hostilities, there has been little progress since and the US leader has irritated the Chinese side by claiming the slowing economy is forcing them to make a trade deal.

The dispute has centred on US demands for China to curb the alleged theft of American technology and provide a level-playing field to US companies in the Asian country.

Trump has also angered China by blacklisting telecom giant Huawei over national security concerns.

"China tried to take this as a purely economic affair and just wants to make a deal, but on the US side, it seems ... (they) try to connect the trade affairs with a strategic rivalry," Wang Chuanxing, professor at Tongji University, told AFP.

"The common ground is that both of the sides want to strike a deal, so this is very important."

Symbolic venue&nbsp;

The re-starting of talks is seen as a positive step, and the change of location to the country's leading city of commerce Shanghai is also suggestive.

"It could be an attempt to distance the consequences of the negotiations from Xi Jinping and the people immediately around him," said Michael Pettis, a finance professor at the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University.

Holding talks in Shanghai is also a nod to a time of better relations, as the home of the 1972 Shanghai Communique an important step in building diplomatic relations between the US and China.

"There's a significance to (China) of the Shanghai Communique and the symbolism obviously of that important agreement," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC, adding that he would take the invite to Shanghai as "good news that we will be making progress next week".

However, Mnuchin, who will be joined by US trade representative Robert Lighthizer in Shanghai, warned there were "a lot of issues" and he expected follow-up talks in the US.

"It's not likely (they will sign a deal) this week," said Shanghai-based professor Shen Dingli.

The Global Times, a state-run nationalist daily, said in an editorial on Friday that it is "widely believed that trade talks will take a long time" and the chance of getting a deal could be missed if Washington continues to put pressure on Beijing.

Further lowering expectations was Larry Kudlow, director of the US National Economic Council, who told CNBC on Friday that he "wouldn't expect any grand deal."

"Talking to our negotiators, I think they're going to reset the stage and hopefully go back to where the talks left off last May," he said, adding that the two sides still need to address key structural issues such as intellectual property theft and forced transfers of technology.

New places, new faces

As well as a fresh location, the new round of trade talks seem set to give a more prominent role to the Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan.

While Vice Premier Liu He will likely lead the talks for China again, the addition of Zhong could change the tone of the discussions as he is seen as a hardliner.

"On the one hand maybe in his speeches he might express something tough," Wang said.

"But on the other hand, we can also think that China is making more efforts to strike a deal because Zhong Shan is a man with much expertise in this area."

There is also a suggestion that Beijing is deliberately delaying the process until the next US election, in the hope of finding a more conciliatory leader to deal with.

It will be tougher for Xi to push reforms following US criticism of Beijing's human rights record and an open letter signed by retired US military officials urging Trump to maintain a hard line against Communist China, said Larry Ong, senior analyst with political risk consultancy SinoInsider.

"Xi's rivals and other (Communist) Party hardliners will seize on the aforementioned developments as proof that the US wants to defeat the CCP in a Cold War-style conflict, not reach a 'win-win' trade agreement and revert the Sino-US relationship to the engagement era," Ong said.

US trade negotiators return to China this week for a fresh round of talks in a new city, but experts warn a change of air is unlikely to quickly solve an impasse between the world's two biggest economies.

US trade negotiators return to China this week for a fresh round of talks in a new city, but experts warn a change of air is unlikely to quickly solve an impasse between the world's two biggest economies. The meetings in Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday will be the first face-to-face discussions since negotiations collapsed in May after President Donald Trump accused China of reneging on its commitments. Washington and Beijing have so far hit each other with punitive tariffs covering more than $360 billion in two-way trade in the tense stand-off. Despite an agreement by Trump and President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Japan to cease hostilities, there has been little progress since and the US leader has irritated the Chinese side by claiming the slowing economy is forcing them to make a trade deal. The dispute has centred on US demands for China to curb the alleged theft of American technology and provide a level-playing field to US companies in the Asian country. Trump has also angered China by blacklisting telecom giant Huawei over national security concerns. "China tried to take this as a purely economic affair and just wants to make a deal, but on the US side, it seems ... (they) try to connect the trade affairs with a strategic rivalry," Wang Chuanxing, professor at Tongji University, told AFP. "The common ground is that both of the sides want to strike a deal, so this is very important." Symbolic venue The re-starting of talks is seen as a positive step, and the change of location to the country's leading city of commerce Shanghai is also suggestive. "It could be an attempt to distance the consequences of the negotiations from Xi Jinping and the people immediately around him," said Michael Pettis, a finance professor at the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. Holding talks in Shanghai is also a nod to a time of better relations, as the home of the 1972 Shanghai Communique an important step in building diplomatic relations between the US and China. "There's a significance to (China) of the Shanghai Communique and the symbolism obviously of that important agreement," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC, adding that he would take the invite to Shanghai as "good news that we will be making progress next week". However, Mnuchin, who will be joined by US trade representative Robert Lighthizer in Shanghai, warned there were "a lot of issues" and he expected follow-up talks in the US. "It's not likely (they will sign a deal) this week," said Shanghai-based professor Shen Dingli. The Global Times, a state-run nationalist daily, said in an editorial on Friday that it is "widely believed that trade talks will take a long time" and the chance of getting a deal could be missed if Washington continues to put pressure on Beijing. Further lowering expectations was Larry Kudlow, director of the US National Economic Council, who told CNBC on Friday that he "wouldn't expect any grand deal." "Talking to our negotiators, I think they're going to reset the stage and hopefully go back to where the talks left off last May," he said, adding that the two sides still need to address key structural issues such as intellectual property theft and forced transfers of technology. New places, new faces As well as a fresh location, the new round of trade talks seem set to give a more prominent role to the Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan. While Vice Premier Liu He will likely lead the talks for China again, the addition of Zhong could change the tone of the discussions as he is seen as a hardliner. "On the one hand maybe in his speeches he might express something tough," Wang said. "But on the other hand, we can also think that China is making more efforts to strike a deal because Zhong Shan is a man with much expertise in this area." There is also a suggestion that Beijing is deliberately delaying the process until the next US election, in the hope of finding a more conciliatory leader to deal with. It will be tougher for Xi to push reforms following US criticism of Beijing's human rights record and an open letter signed by retired US military officials urging Trump to maintain a hard line against Communist China, said Larry Ong, senior analyst with political risk consultancy SinoInsider. "Xi's rivals and other (Communist) Party hardliners will seize on the aforementioned developments as proof that the US wants to defeat the CCP in a Cold War-style conflict, not reach a 'win-win' trade agreement and revert the Sino-US relationship to the engagement era," Ong said.

Cautious hopes before new round of US-China trade talks

US President Donald Trump hit out Saturday at a prominent Congressman who's been a strong critic of Trump's handling of the migration crisis on the US-Mexico border. In a series of tweets, the president described Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, and the House Oversight Chairman, as a "brutal bully".

Trump lashes out at Cummings over border criticism

US President Donald Trump defended Sunday his latest attack on a prominent African-American lawmaker in comments that drew more accusations of racism.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Trump took aim at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of the majority-black city of Baltimore, Maryland.

"Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess," the president wrote, calling it "the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States."

"No human being would want to live there," he said, in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings' criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border.

Trump's comments triggered a torrent of criticism and he defended them on Sunday in another burst of tweets.

"There is nothing wrong with bringing out the very obvious fact that Congressman Elijah Cummings has done a very poor job for his district and the City of Baltimore," Trump said, without adding anything to back up his argument.

"Just take a look, the facts speak far louder than words! The Democrats always play the Race Card, when in fact they have done so little for our Nation's great African American people," Trump wrote.

"Now, the lowest unemployment in US&nbsp;history, and only getting better. Elijah Cummings has failed badly!"

Saturday's diatribe ignited a storm of criticism less than two weeks after the House of Representatives condemned Trump for "racist" comments targeting four first-term Democratic congresswomen who are from ethnic minorities.

The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi, on Saturday accused Trump of a "racist" attack on a "champion... of civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague."&nbsp;

"We all reject racist attacks against him," wrote Pelosi -- who was born in Baltimore and whose father served as mayor of the city.&nbsp;

Former vice president Joe Biden -- the Democratic frontrunner to challenge Trump in 2020 -- called out the president directly on Twitter.

"It is despicable for you to attack him and the people of Baltimore this way," Biden wrote. "Once again you have proved yourself unfit to hold the office. A President is supposed to lift this nation up. Not tear it down."

In another tweet on Sunday, Trump said Pelosi is doing a bad job representing her district in California.

"Speaking of failing badly, has anyone seen what is happening to Nancy Pelosi's district in San Francisco. It is not even recognisable lately. Something must be done before it is too late," he wrote.

US President Donald Trump defended Sunday his latest attack on a prominent African-American lawmaker in comments that drew more accusations of racism. In a series of tweets on Saturday, Trump took aim at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of the majority-black city of Baltimore, Maryland.

US President Donald Trump defended Sunday his latest attack on a prominent African-American lawmaker in comments that drew more accusations of racism. In a series of tweets on Saturday, Trump took aim at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of the majority-black city of Baltimore, Maryland. "Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess," the president wrote, calling it "the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States." "No human being would want to live there," he said, in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings' criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. Trump's comments triggered a torrent of criticism and he defended them on Sunday in another burst of tweets. "There is nothing wrong with bringing out the very obvious fact that Congressman Elijah Cummings has done a very poor job for his district and the City of Baltimore," Trump said, without adding anything to back up his argument. "Just take a look, the facts speak far louder than words! The Democrats always play the Race Card, when in fact they have done so little for our Nation's great African American people," Trump wrote. "Now, the lowest unemployment in US history, and only getting better. Elijah Cummings has failed badly!" Saturday's diatribe ignited a storm of criticism less than two weeks after the House of Representatives condemned Trump for "racist" comments targeting four first-term Democratic congresswomen who are from ethnic minorities. The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi, on Saturday accused Trump of a "racist" attack on a "champion... of civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague." "We all reject racist attacks against him," wrote Pelosi -- who was born in Baltimore and whose father served as mayor of the city. Former vice president Joe Biden -- the Democratic frontrunner to challenge Trump in 2020 -- called out the president directly on Twitter. "It is despicable for you to attack him and the people of Baltimore this way," Biden wrote. "Once again you have proved yourself unfit to hold the office. A President is supposed to lift this nation up. Not tear it down." In another tweet on Sunday, Trump said Pelosi is doing a bad job representing her district in California. "Speaking of failing badly, has anyone seen what is happening to Nancy Pelosi's district in San Francisco. It is not even recognisable lately. Something must be done before it is too late," he wrote.

Donald Trump defends attack on African-American US lawmaker Elijah Cummings

Israel and the United States have successfully carried out tests of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-fires-missiles-into-south-syria-state-media-238080">ballistic missile interceptor</a> that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday provides protection against potential threats from Iran.

The tests of the Arrow-3 system were carried out in the US state of Alaska and it successfully intercepted targets above the atmosphere, Israel's defence ministry said in a statement.

"The flight tests were conducted in Alaska in order to test capabilities that may not be tested in Israel," the statement said.

Netanyahu said, "today Israel has the ability to act against ballistic missiles that could be launched against us from Iran or anywhere else".

"This is a great achievement for the security of Israel," he added.

US ambassador to Israel David Friedman joined Netanyahu at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday to watch video footage of the tests.

In January, Israel said it also carried out a successful test with the United States of the Arrow-3 in Israel.

A series of tests were also conducted before the missiles being deployed in 2017 to Israeli airbases.

Officials said that the one deployed was an older version and the upgraded system will provide more advanced protection.

The Arrow system, partly financed by the United States, was developed and produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries in partnership with Boeing.

Arrow-3 is intended to serve as Israel's highest-altitude missile interception system.

Systems for intercepting incoming missiles at lower altitudes also exist.

Since 2015, Israel's main enemy Iran has continued developing and testing ballistic missiles which it says are for defensive purposes only.

Israel has the most powerful military in the Middle East and is widely considered to be its sole nuclear-armed power, though it has never acknowledged the capability.

The tests come with tensions high between the United States and Iran.

Those tensions followed Washington's sanctions against Tehran after US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from a nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers.

Israel and the United States have successfully carried out tests of a ballistic missile interceptor that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday provides protection against potential threats from Iran.

Israel and the United States have successfully carried out tests of a ballistic missile interceptor that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday provides protection against potential threats from Iran. The tests of the Arrow-3 system were carried out in the US state of Alaska and it successfully intercepted targets above the atmosphere, Israel's defence ministry said in a statement. "The flight tests were conducted in Alaska in order to test capabilities that may not be tested in Israel," the statement said. Netanyahu said, "today Israel has the ability to act against ballistic missiles that could be launched against us from Iran or anywhere else". "This is a great achievement for the security of Israel," he added. US ambassador to Israel David Friedman joined Netanyahu at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday to watch video footage of the tests. In January, Israel said it also carried out a successful test with the United States of the Arrow-3 in Israel. A series of tests were also conducted before the missiles being deployed in 2017 to Israeli airbases. Officials said that the one deployed was an older version and the upgraded system will provide more advanced protection. The Arrow system, partly financed by the United States, was developed and produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries in partnership with Boeing. Arrow-3 is intended to serve as Israel's highest-altitude missile interception system. Systems for intercepting incoming missiles at lower altitudes also exist. Since 2015, Israel's main enemy Iran has continued developing and testing ballistic missiles which it says are for defensive purposes only. Israel has the most powerful military in the Middle East and is widely considered to be its sole nuclear-armed power, though it has never acknowledged the capability. The tests come with tensions high between the United States and Iran. Those tensions followed Washington's sanctions against Tehran after US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from a nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers.

Israel, US test ballistic missile interceptor that'll protect against threats from Iran

The head of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-network-selling-materials-for-iran-nuclear-programme-237033">Iran's Atomic Energy Organization</a>, Ali Akbar Salehi, told lawmakers on Sunday that Iran will restart activities at the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, the ISNA news agency reported.

ISNA cited a member of parliament who attended the meeting. Heavy water can be employed in reactors to produce plutonium, a fuel used in nuclear warheads.

In May Iran announced planned measures to breach the nuclear agreement with major world powers following the US withdrawal from deal and Washington's reimposition of tough sanctions.

On July 3, President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would increase its uranium enrichment levels and start to revive its Arak heavy-water reactor after July 7 if the nations in the nuclear pact did not protect trade with Iran promised under the deal but blocked by the US sanctions.&nbsp;

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, told lawmakers on Sunday that Iran will restart activities at the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, the ISNA news agency reported.

The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, told lawmakers on Sunday that Iran will restart activities at the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, the ISNA news agency reported. ISNA cited a member of parliament who attended the meeting. Heavy water can be employed in reactors to produce plutonium, a fuel used in nuclear warheads. In May Iran announced planned measures to breach the nuclear agreement with major world powers following the US withdrawal from deal and Washington's reimposition of tough sanctions. On July 3, President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would increase its uranium enrichment levels and start to revive its Arak heavy-water reactor after July 7 if the nations in the nuclear pact did not protect trade with Iran promised under the deal but blocked by the US sanctions.

Iran intends to restart activities at Arak heavy water nuclear reactor: Report

Iran said on Saturday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-abandon-its-missile-programme-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-224364">missile tests</a> were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile.

A US defence official said Iran tested what appeared to be a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-drone-shot-down-in-international-airspace-by-iranian-missile-official-228888"> medium-range ballistic missile</a> on Wednesday that travelled about 1,000 km (620 miles), adding that the test did not pose a threat to shipping or US personnel in the region.

"An informed source at the staff of the armed forces said Iran's missile tests are natural within its defensive needs. This missile capacity is not against any country, and only aims to respond to possible aggression," Iranian news agencies reported.

"Iran does not need the permission of any power in the world for its self-defence," the reports quoted the military source as saying.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme last year and stepped up sanctions on Tehran.

He said the nuclear deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq.

Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says is defensive. It denies the missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Iran said on Saturday missile tests were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile.

Iran said on Saturday missile tests were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile. A US defence official said Iran tested what appeared to be a medium-range ballistic missile on Wednesday that travelled about 1,000 km (620 miles), adding that the test did not pose a threat to shipping or US personnel in the region. "An informed source at the staff of the armed forces said Iran's missile tests are natural within its defensive needs. This missile capacity is not against any country, and only aims to respond to possible aggression," Iranian news agencies reported. "Iran does not need the permission of any power in the world for its self-defence," the reports quoted the military source as saying. US President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme last year and stepped up sanctions on Tehran. He said the nuclear deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says is defensive. It denies the missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Iran says missile tests defensive, needs no one's permission

US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority-black city of Baltimore an "infested mess."

Trump's outburst came in a series of sharply worded tweets aimed at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of Baltimore.

"Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess," the president wrote, calling it "the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States."

"No human being would want to live there," he said -- in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings' criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the Mexican border.

"Rep. Elijah Cummings has been a brutal bully, shouting and screaming at the great men &amp; women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border, when actually his Baltimore district is FAR WORSE and more dangerous," Trump charged.

The president's morning diatribe ignited a storm of criticism, less than two weeks after the US House of Representatives condemned him for "racist" comments targeting a Somali-born lawmaker.

The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi -- whose father served as mayor of Baltimore -- accused Trump of a "racist" attack.

"@RepCummings is a champion in the Congress and the country for civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague," Pelosi wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

"We all reject racist attacks against him and support his steadfast leadership."

The Democratic mayor of Baltimore Bernard "Jack" Young &nbsp;-- who is black -- rejected Trump's rhetoric as "hurtful and dangerous."

"It's completely unacceptable for the political leader of our country to denigrate a vibrant American City like Baltimore, and to viciously attack US Representative Elijah Cummings," Young wrote in a statement.

Prominent Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, tweeted that she was "proud" to have her 2020 campaign headquarters in the Cummings district.&nbsp;

"It's disgraceful the president has chosen to start his morning disparaging this great American city," said Harris, one of two leading black candidates in the race to succeed Trump.

Cummings himself tweeted: "Mr President, I go home to my district daily. Each morning, I wake up, and I go and fight for my neighbours. It is my constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. But it is my moral duty to fight for my constituents."

As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Cummings -- one of the most prominent African Americans in Congress -- has launched investigations into Trump administration policies, including reports of poor treatment at migrant detention centres.&nbsp;

Trump's attack was reminiscent of his recent, racially-charged criticism of four young Democratic lawmakers, all women of colour, who he suggested should "go back" to the "crime infested" places they came from. In fact, three were born in the US and all four are American citizens.

Baltimore, a historic port city, presents a mixed picture, with both handsome and affluent neighbourhoods and large poverty-stricken districts. It has one of the country's highest murder rates.&nbsp;

Cummings' district is more than 50 per cent black -- and the city of Baltimore as whole more than 60 per cent.

US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority-black city of Baltimore an "infested mess.

US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority-black city of Baltimore an "infested mess." Trump's outburst came in a series of sharply worded tweets aimed at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of Baltimore. "Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess," the president wrote, calling it "the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States." "No human being would want to live there," he said -- in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings' criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the Mexican border. "Rep. Elijah Cummings has been a brutal bully, shouting and screaming at the great men & women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border, when actually his Baltimore district is FAR WORSE and more dangerous," Trump charged. The president's morning diatribe ignited a storm of criticism, less than two weeks after the US House of Representatives condemned him for "racist" comments targeting a Somali-born lawmaker. The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi -- whose father served as mayor of Baltimore -- accused Trump of a "racist" attack. "@RepCummings is a champion in the Congress and the country for civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague," Pelosi wrote on Twitter. "We all reject racist attacks against him and support his steadfast leadership." The Democratic mayor of Baltimore Bernard "Jack" Young -- who is black -- rejected Trump's rhetoric as "hurtful and dangerous." "It's completely unacceptable for the political leader of our country to denigrate a vibrant American City like Baltimore, and to viciously attack US Representative Elijah Cummings," Young wrote in a statement. Prominent Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, tweeted that she was "proud" to have her 2020 campaign headquarters in the Cummings district. "It's disgraceful the president has chosen to start his morning disparaging this great American city," said Harris, one of two leading black candidates in the race to succeed Trump. Cummings himself tweeted: "Mr President, I go home to my district daily. Each morning, I wake up, and I go and fight for my neighbours. It is my constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. But it is my moral duty to fight for my constituents." As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Cummings -- one of the most prominent African Americans in Congress -- has launched investigations into Trump administration policies, including reports of poor treatment at migrant detention centres. Trump's attack was reminiscent of his recent, racially-charged criticism of four young Democratic lawmakers, all women of colour, who he suggested should "go back" to the "crime infested" places they came from. In fact, three were born in the US and all four are American citizens. Baltimore, a historic port city, presents a mixed picture, with both handsome and affluent neighbourhoods and large poverty-stricken districts. It has one of the country's highest murder rates. Cummings' district is more than 50 per cent black -- and the city of Baltimore as whole more than 60 per cent.

Outrage as Donald Trump brands mostly-black Baltimore 'infested mess'

U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Boris Johnson on becoming British prime minister in a phone call on Friday (July 26) and said work had already begun on a U.S.-British free trade agreement. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office he had just gotten off the phone with Johnson. "I congratulated him and he's all set to go," said Trump. Johnson succeeded Theresa May as prime minister earlier this week and made clear to the European Union he will be taking a tougher approach to negotiating a revision of the Brexit divorce deal that May failed to deliver. Trump said their two governments were already working on a free trade agreement seen as crucial to helping Britain once a Brexit deal takes place.

Trump says U.S and UK already working on free trade agreement

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (July 26)the United States would hit France shortly with a "substantial reciprocal action" - and warned a new American tax on French wine was possible - after Paris announced a tax aimed at U.S. technology companies. Trump told reporters the tax decision was wrong and he threatened the key French export. The United States is by far the largest single export market for French wine and spirits, which is France's second-biggest export after aerospace. The United States in 2018 accounted for nearly a quarter of all French wine exports or 3.2 billion euros' ($3.6 billion) worth. Trump also offered a pessimistic view on reaching a trade deal with China, saying Beijing may not sign one before the November 2020 election in hopes a Democrat who will be easier to deal with, will win.

Trump says U.S. to hit France with 'substantial' action for digital tax

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-lets-trump-use-disputed-funds-of-25-billion-for-border-wall-238745">President Donald Trump</a> announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-president-jimmy-morales-calls-off-us-meeting-with-donald-trump-236018">agreement has been reached with Guatemala</a>, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a "safe third country," meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead.

But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known.

Trump said the deal will "provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud" in the region.

"This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business," the president said, referring to the "bad people" who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border.

The agreement comes days after Trump threatened tough retaliation against the small Central American country if it did not sign on to an asylum deal -- threatening a travel ban, tariffs, remittance fees or "all of the above."

Friday's agreement, signed in the Oval Office by Guatemala's interior minister, Enrique Degenhart, and US Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, would likely apply to Salvadoran or Honduran migrants passing through Guatemala towards the United States.

Their asylum claims and determinations "should be made at the earliest possible point," McAleenan told reporters on a press call.

If Central American migrants instead "make a journey all the way to the US border, they would be removable back to Guatemala if they want to seek asylum," he added.

The deal is expected to be up and running in August, McAleenan said.

US authorities have recorded a dramatic rise in detentions of migrants over the past year, many of those fleeing chronic poverty and gruesome gang violence in Central America.

'Not' safe

Serious questions about the pact remained.

It was not immediately clear how the agreement signed Friday would jibe with a provision of Guatemala's constitutional court, which recently blocked the idea of a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests.

McAleenan conceded that the term "is a colloquialism" and is not in the text itself.

A top Democrat assailed the deal as "cruel and immoral," as well as illegal, arguing that Guatemala lacks sufficient asylum and protection processes.

"Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires," said House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel, adding that he expects the "counterproductive" deal to be challenged in the courts.

The non-governmental organization Refugees International called the agreement "very alarming" and said it would put "some of the most vulnerable people in Central America in grave danger" because Guatemala is not safe for refugees and asylum seekers, the group's president Eric Schwartz said.

McAleenan insisted Guatemala has been undergoing an "evolution" in providing asylum protection.

"Guatemala has had a significant reduction in their murder rate and violent crime rate in the last five years," he added.&nbsp;

"We expect that to continue."

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border. The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a "safe third country," meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead. But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known. Trump said the deal will "provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud" in the region. "This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business," the president said, referring to the "bad people" who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border. The agreement comes days after Trump threatened tough retaliation against the small Central American country if it did not sign on to an asylum deal -- threatening a travel ban, tariffs, remittance fees or "all of the above." Friday's agreement, signed in the Oval Office by Guatemala's interior minister, Enrique Degenhart, and US Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, would likely apply to Salvadoran or Honduran migrants passing through Guatemala towards the United States. Their asylum claims and determinations "should be made at the earliest possible point," McAleenan told reporters on a press call. If Central American migrants instead "make a journey all the way to the US border, they would be removable back to Guatemala if they want to seek asylum," he added. The deal is expected to be up and running in August, McAleenan said. US authorities have recorded a dramatic rise in detentions of migrants over the past year, many of those fleeing chronic poverty and gruesome gang violence in Central America. 'Not' safe Serious questions about the pact remained. It was not immediately clear how the agreement signed Friday would jibe with a provision of Guatemala's constitutional court, which recently blocked the idea of a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests. McAleenan conceded that the term "is a colloquialism" and is not in the text itself. A top Democrat assailed the deal as "cruel and immoral," as well as illegal, arguing that Guatemala lacks sufficient asylum and protection processes. "Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires," said House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel, adding that he expects the "counterproductive" deal to be challenged in the courts. The non-governmental organization Refugees International called the agreement "very alarming" and said it would put "some of the most vulnerable people in Central America in grave danger" because Guatemala is not safe for refugees and asylum seekers, the group's president Eric Schwartz said. McAleenan insisted Guatemala has been undergoing an "evolution" in providing asylum protection. "Guatemala has had a significant reduction in their murder rate and violent crime rate in the last five years," he added. "We expect that to continue."

US President Donald Trump announces controversial asylum deal with Guatemala

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-discussed-need-for-broad-digital-tax-deal-with-trump-elysee-238773">France </a>would proceed with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-macron-over-digital-tax-on-us-tech-giants-threatens-reciprocal-action-against-french-wine-238733">taxing revenues of big technology firms</a> and urged the United States not to bring trade tariffs into the debate on how to fairly raise levies on digital services.

Le Maire was responding to US President Donald Trump`s threat to tax French wines in retaliation for France`s digital services tax, which he says unjustly targets US companies.

"It`s in our interest to have a fair digital tax," Le Maire told reporters, speaking in English. "Please do not mix the two issues. The key question now is how we can we get consensus on fair taxation of digital activities."

Two weeks ago, the French Senate approved the 3% levy that will apply to revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with more than 25 million euros ($27.8 million) in French revenue and 750 million euros worldwide.

Other European Union countries, including Austria, Britain, Spain and Italy, have also announced plans for their own digital taxes.

Trump blasted Macron`s "foolishness" for pressing ahead with the French levy and warned his administration would announce "substantial reciprocal action".

"They shouldn`t have done this," Trump told reporters on Friday. "I told them, I said, `Don`t do it because if you do it, I`m going to tax your wine.`"

Le Maire reiterated Macron`s assurance that France would lift its national digital tax if there was a deal on a universal tax at the level of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).&nbsp;

He added that France wanted leaders of the G7 group of nations to agree on the principle of universal taxation of digital activities at next month`s summit in the coastal resort of Biarritz.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday that France would proceed with taxing revenues of big technology firms and urged the United States not to bring trade tariffs into the debate on how to fairly raise levies on digital services.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday that France would proceed with taxing revenues of big technology firms and urged the United States not to bring trade tariffs into the debate on how to fairly raise levies on digital services. Le Maire was responding to US President Donald Trump`s threat to tax French wines in retaliation for France`s digital services tax, which he says unjustly targets US companies. "It`s in our interest to have a fair digital tax," Le Maire told reporters, speaking in English. "Please do not mix the two issues. The key question now is how we can we get consensus on fair taxation of digital activities." Two weeks ago, the French Senate approved the 3% levy that will apply to revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with more than 25 million euros ($27.8 million) in French revenue and 750 million euros worldwide. Other European Union countries, including Austria, Britain, Spain and Italy, have also announced plans for their own digital taxes. Trump blasted Macron`s "foolishness" for pressing ahead with the French levy and warned his administration would announce "substantial reciprocal action". "They shouldn`t have done this," Trump told reporters on Friday. "I told them, I said, `Don`t do it because if you do it, I`m going to tax your wine.`" Le Maire reiterated Macron`s assurance that France would lift its national digital tax if there was a deal on a universal tax at the level of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He added that France wanted leaders of the G7 group of nations to agree on the principle of universal taxation of digital activities at next month`s summit in the coastal resort of Biarritz.

Don't mix digital taxes and wine tariffs: France urges Trump

The US Supreme Court has allowed US President Donald Trump to use defence funds to build border wall. Donald Trump says it is a big win for border security. Watch this video to know more.

US Supreme Court allows use of funds for border wall

Just when India and the US had begun to address the uneasiness in bilateral ties due to high tariffs imposed by the two sides, President Donald Trump saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought his help in resolving the Kashmir issue with Pakistan has increased the temperature in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Realising the impact of the false statement, US officials swung into the damage control mode, saying that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. The fact, however, remains that the damage has been done.&nbsp;

The latest statement by Trump needs to be examined in the light of his ambiguous and regressive policy towards India in recent times.&nbsp;

Sure, India has been given a preeminent position in US Indo-Pacific strategy. The Trump administration has renamed its Pacific Command as the Indo-Pacific Command, largely in recognition of India’s increasing military and economic might in the region.&nbsp;

The US has also shown interest in treating India on a par with its NATO allies, deciding to sell India an MTCT Category-1 Unmanned Aerial System, Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD) and Patriot Missile Defence System.&nbsp;

While these initiatives point towards the Trump administration’s ardent desire to strengthen defence and security ties with India, the fact remains the offer of THAAD has been made only to prevent India from buying the S-400 missile system from Russia.&nbsp;

This and other defence offerings by the US also underscore the Trump administration’s efforts to secure a large portion of the Indian defence market. Understandably so, because India is the world’s second-largest arms buyer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While US is keen to see India play a vital role in the Indo-Pacific region, Washington is not a bit concerned about addressing India’s security threats emanating from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the continued insecurity in Afghanistan and the conflict between the US and Iran, among other issues.&nbsp;

In fact, there is a sea change in the Trump administration’s South Asia policy. In 2017, Trump’s South Asia Policy mentioned that the US will deploy more troops in Afghanistan without fixing a timeline for their return. Now, the US is holding talks with Taliban terrorists to secure a respectable exit from the 18-year-long Afghan war.&nbsp;

All this is happening without Washington consulting New Delhi on the issue. This unilateral action by the US indicates that it is not interested in protecting the interests of its allies and partners.&nbsp;

This becomes further clear from Trump’s Iran policy, which has resulted in India ending all oil imports from Iran. The possibility of India facing sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is very high because it allows the US to impose economic sanctions on countries buying Russian military weapons.&nbsp;

If these initiatives still do not give a clear picture of the direction of Trump’s policy towards India, look at the high tariffs that Washington has imposed on Indian products. While the Modi government resisted taking retaliatory measures initially, the latest move by the US finally forced India to raise the tariffs on the import of 28 US products. This, in turn, further intensified the tension between the two sides.&nbsp;

In the meantime, the massive victory of the BJP-led alliance under the leadership of Modi witnessed some positive changes in the US’ attitude.&nbsp;

Speaking at the India Ideas Summit and the 44th Annual Meeting of the US-India Business Council, secretary of state Michael Pompeo said, “Modi Hai to Mumkin Hai,” alluding to the necessity of taking concrete efforts to address each other’s concerns. Subsequently, Pompeo’s visit to India and the meeting between Modi and Trump during the G-20 in June infused fresh air into the relationship.&nbsp;

However, the recent development has once again derailed the momentum of improvement in the relationship. Now it remains to be seen how the US tries to engage with India, while attempting to chart out a new approach towards its ties with Pakistan and the Taliban terrorist group in Afghanistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-trump-s-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-2775756">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Just when India and the US had begun to address the uneasiness in bilateral ties due to high tariffs imposed by the two sides, President Donald Trump saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought his help in resolving the Kashmir issue with Pakistan has increased the temperature in New Delhi.

Just when India and the US had begun to address the uneasiness in bilateral ties due to high tariffs imposed by the two sides, President Donald Trump saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought his help in resolving the Kashmir issue with Pakistan has increased the temperature in New Delhi. Realising the impact of the false statement, US officials swung into the damage control mode, saying that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. The fact, however, remains that the damage has been done. The latest statement by Trump needs to be examined in the light of his ambiguous and regressive policy towards India in recent times. Sure, India has been given a preeminent position in US Indo-Pacific strategy. The Trump administration has renamed its Pacific Command as the Indo-Pacific Command, largely in recognition of India’s increasing military and economic might in the region. The US has also shown interest in treating India on a par with its NATO allies, deciding to sell India an MTCT Category-1 Unmanned Aerial System, Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD) and Patriot Missile Defence System. While these initiatives point towards the Trump administration’s ardent desire to strengthen defence and security ties with India, the fact remains the offer of THAAD has been made only to prevent India from buying the S-400 missile system from Russia. This and other defence offerings by the US also underscore the Trump administration’s efforts to secure a large portion of the Indian defence market. Understandably so, because India is the world’s second-largest arms buyer. While US is keen to see India play a vital role in the Indo-Pacific region, Washington is not a bit concerned about addressing India’s security threats emanating from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the continued insecurity in Afghanistan and the conflict between the US and Iran, among other issues. In fact, there is a sea change in the Trump administration’s South Asia policy. In 2017, Trump’s South Asia Policy mentioned that the US will deploy more troops in Afghanistan without fixing a timeline for their return. Now, the US is holding talks with Taliban terrorists to secure a respectable exit from the 18-year-long Afghan war. All this is happening without Washington consulting New Delhi on the issue. This unilateral action by the US indicates that it is not interested in protecting the interests of its allies and partners. This becomes further clear from Trump’s Iran policy, which has resulted in India ending all oil imports from Iran. The possibility of India facing sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is very high because it allows the US to impose economic sanctions on countries buying Russian military weapons. If these initiatives still do not give a clear picture of the direction of Trump’s policy towards India, look at the high tariffs that Washington has imposed on Indian products. While the Modi government resisted taking retaliatory measures initially, the latest move by the US finally forced India to raise the tariffs on the import of 28 US products. This, in turn, further intensified the tension between the two sides. In the meantime, the massive victory of the BJP-led alliance under the leadership of Modi witnessed some positive changes in the US’ attitude. Speaking at the India Ideas Summit and the 44th Annual Meeting of the US-India Business Council, secretary of state Michael Pompeo said, “Modi Hai to Mumkin Hai,” alluding to the necessity of taking concrete efforts to address each other’s concerns. Subsequently, Pompeo’s visit to India and the meeting between Modi and Trump during the G-20 in June infused fresh air into the relationship. However, the recent development has once again derailed the momentum of improvement in the relationship. Now it remains to be seen how the US tries to engage with India, while attempting to chart out a new approach towards its ties with Pakistan and the Taliban terrorist group in Afghanistan. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Donald Trump’s attitude towards India unpredictable, unreliable

The US economy likely grew at its slowest pace in more than two years in the second quarter as an acceleration in consumer spending was probably offset by weak exports and business investment.

The anticipated moderation in growth will come against the backdrop of rising risks to the economy's outlook, especially from a trade war between the United States and China as well as slowing growth overseas, which are seen encouraging the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates next Wednesday for the first time in a decade.

With a strong labour market supporting consumer spending, a recession is, however, not on the horizon. The Commerce Department will publish the second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) report on Friday at 8:30 am EDT (1230 GMT).

"The slowing in the economy spooked the Fed and markets, but the sky is not falling," said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist at Moody's Analytics in West Chester, Pennsylvania. "If we do get a recession next year it would be because we shot ourselves in the foot with the trade tensions."

Gross domestic product probably increased at a 1.8% annualized rate in the second quarter, also because of a smaller inventory build, according to a Reuters survey of economists, after surging at a 3.1% pace in the January-March period.

But with the volatile exports and inventory categories accounting for much of the expected step-down in GDP, the slowest growth pace since the first quarter of 2017 will likely mask some underlying strength in the 10-year economic expansion, the longest in history.

The survey was completed before the release of June wholesale and retail inventories as well as durable goods and goods trade deficit data, which led the Atlanta Fed to cut its forecast by three-tenths of a percentage point to a 1.3% rate.

The economy is slowing largely as the stimulus from the White House's $1.5 trillion tax cut package fades. The tax cuts together with more government spending and deregulation were part of measures adopted by the Trump administration to boost annual economic growth to 3.0% on a sustained basis.

The economy grew 2.9% in 2018 and growth this year is expected to be around 2.5%. Economists estimate the speed at which the economy can grow over a long period without igniting inflation at between 1.7% and 2.0%.

"As the benefits of fiscal stimulus fade and trade policy uncertainty and slowing global demand remain headwinds to business investment, US GDP growth should moderate," said Sam Bullard, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The GDP report is also expected to show a pickup in inflation last quarter, but the overall trend likely remained benign. The government will also publish revisions to GDP data from 2014 through the first quarter of 2019.

Strong consumer spending

Growth in consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, is expected to have surged after slowing to a 0.9% rate in the first quarter, the weakest in a year. Some of the slowdown in consumer spending early in the year was blamed on a 35-day partial shutdown of the government. Spending is being supported by the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 50 years, which is lifting wages.

The jump in consumer spending was, however, likely blunted by a sharp drop in exports, in a reversal of the strong growth experienced in the first quarter. Weak exports are expected to have resulted in the deterioration of the trade deficit in the second quarter. Trade is believed to have subtracted from GDP growth last quarter after contributing 0.94 percentage point in the January-March period.

The acceleration in consumer spending likely helped businesses to whittle down an inventory overhang, resulting in a smaller inventory build. While that probably weighed on GDP growth in the second quarter, it is a potential boost to manufacturing. Businesses have been placing fewer orders with factories while working through stockpiles of unsold goods, which contributed to undercutting manufacturing production.

Business investment was probably weak in the second quarter, with spending on equipment expected to have contracted again after declining at its steepest pace in three years in the January-March period.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell early this month flagged business investment as one area of weakness in the economy, noting it had "slowed notably," and that this might "reflect concerns about trade tensions and slower growth in the global economy."

Design problems at aerospace giant Boeing have hurt business investment, with some spillover to exports.

Boeing reported its biggest-ever quarterly loss on Wednesday due to the spiraling cost of resolving issues with its 737 MAX airplane and warned it might have to shut production of the grounded jet completely if it runs into new hurdles with global regulators to getting its best-selling aircraft back in the air.

The plane was grounded worldwide in March after two fatal crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Production of the aircraft has been reduced and deliveries suspended. Economists estimate the 737 MAX troubles cut at least two-tenths of a percentage point from GDP growth in the second quarter.

"There could be more noticeable effects on various growth components, with weakness in related equipment spending and exports and a partially offsetting increase in inventories," said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York.

Business spending on structures, which include oil and gas well drilling, is expected to have declined last quarter. Spending on intellectual products, including research and development, likely increased.

Strong growth in government investment is expected, but spending on homebuilding likely contracted for a sixth straight quarter.

The US economy likely grew at its slowest pace in more than two years in the second quarter as an acceleration in consumer spending was probably offset by weak exports and business investment.

The US economy likely grew at its slowest pace in more than two years in the second quarter as an acceleration in consumer spending was probably offset by weak exports and business investment. The anticipated moderation in growth will come against the backdrop of rising risks to the economy's outlook, especially from a trade war between the United States and China as well as slowing growth overseas, which are seen encouraging the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates next Wednesday for the first time in a decade. With a strong labour market supporting consumer spending, a recession is, however, not on the horizon. The Commerce Department will publish the second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) report on Friday at 8:30 am EDT (1230 GMT). "The slowing in the economy spooked the Fed and markets, but the sky is not falling," said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist at Moody's Analytics in West Chester, Pennsylvania. "If we do get a recession next year it would be because we shot ourselves in the foot with the trade tensions." Gross domestic product probably increased at a 1.8% annualized rate in the second quarter, also because of a smaller inventory build, according to a Reuters survey of economists, after surging at a 3.1% pace in the January-March period. But with the volatile exports and inventory categories accounting for much of the expected step-down in GDP, the slowest growth pace since the first quarter of 2017 will likely mask some underlying strength in the 10-year economic expansion, the longest in history. The survey was completed before the release of June wholesale and retail inventories as well as durable goods and goods trade deficit data, which led the Atlanta Fed to cut its forecast by three-tenths of a percentage point to a 1.3% rate. The economy is slowing largely as the stimulus from the White House's $1.5 trillion tax cut package fades. The tax cuts together with more government spending and deregulation were part of measures adopted by the Trump administration to boost annual economic growth to 3.0% on a sustained basis. The economy grew 2.9% in 2018 and growth this year is expected to be around 2.5%. Economists estimate the speed at which the economy can grow over a long period without igniting inflation at between 1.7% and 2.0%. "As the benefits of fiscal stimulus fade and trade policy uncertainty and slowing global demand remain headwinds to business investment, US GDP growth should moderate," said Sam Bullard, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, North Carolina. The GDP report is also expected to show a pickup in inflation last quarter, but the overall trend likely remained benign. The government will also publish revisions to GDP data from 2014 through the first quarter of 2019. Strong consumer spending Growth in consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, is expected to have surged after slowing to a 0.9% rate in the first quarter, the weakest in a year. Some of the slowdown in consumer spending early in the year was blamed on a 35-day partial shutdown of the government. Spending is being supported by the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 50 years, which is lifting wages. The jump in consumer spending was, however, likely blunted by a sharp drop in exports, in a reversal of the strong growth experienced in the first quarter. Weak exports are expected to have resulted in the deterioration of the trade deficit in the second quarter. Trade is believed to have subtracted from GDP growth last quarter after contributing 0.94 percentage point in the January-March period. The acceleration in consumer spending likely helped businesses to whittle down an inventory overhang, resulting in a smaller inventory build. While that probably weighed on GDP growth in the second quarter, it is a potential boost to manufacturing. Businesses have been placing fewer orders with factories while working through stockpiles of unsold goods, which contributed to undercutting manufacturing production. Business investment was probably weak in the second quarter, with spending on equipment expected to have contracted again after declining at its steepest pace in three years in the January-March period. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell early this month flagged business investment as one area of weakness in the economy, noting it had "slowed notably," and that this might "reflect concerns about trade tensions and slower growth in the global economy." Design problems at aerospace giant Boeing have hurt business investment, with some spillover to exports. Boeing reported its biggest-ever quarterly loss on Wednesday due to the spiraling cost of resolving issues with its 737 MAX airplane and warned it might have to shut production of the grounded jet completely if it runs into new hurdles with global regulators to getting its best-selling aircraft back in the air. The plane was grounded worldwide in March after two fatal crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Production of the aircraft has been reduced and deliveries suspended. Economists estimate the 737 MAX troubles cut at least two-tenths of a percentage point from GDP growth in the second quarter. "There could be more noticeable effects on various growth components, with weakness in related equipment spending and exports and a partially offsetting increase in inventories," said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York. Business spending on structures, which include oil and gas well drilling, is expected to have declined last quarter. Spending on intellectual products, including research and development, likely increased. Strong growth in government investment is expected, but spending on homebuilding likely contracted for a sixth straight quarter.

US economic growth seen slowing in second quarter

Similarities & Differences Between U.S. President Donald Trump & U.K.'s Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A dodgy reputation with facts, controversies, allegations of adultery, stance against immigration, protectionism, even 'striking' hair colours; the U.S. President Trump & U.K.'s Prime Minister Johnson have striking similarities. But there are sharp dissimilarities too. Palki compares & contrasts Trump and Johnson

Gravitas: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

In yet another embarrassment to US President Donald Trump his adviser, Kellyanne Conway was caught off guard on questions over US President's claims on mediating in the Kashmir issue.

Conway was addressing reporters at the White House when she was questioned whether Trump had made up his statement that he was asked to mediate in the Kashmir issue by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a timid response, Conway who has been a long-time adviser of Trump said that she has not discussed that with the US president.

During a media briefing along with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump had said that he would love to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, saying that he would do so at PM Modi's behest.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject and he actually said 'Would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator', I said 'Where', He said 'Kashmir'. Because this has been going on for many, many years," Trump said at the White House, where he was hosting Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"If I can help, I would love to be a mediator. If I can do anything to help, let me know," he added.

Trump's statement was rejected by India which reiterated that any resolution between India and Pakistan is based on accords and that no such request had been made by the Indian prime minister.

In yet another embarrassment to US President Donald Trump his adviser, Kellyanne Conway was caught off guard on questions over US President's claims on mediating in the Kashmir issue.

In yet another embarrassment to US President Donald Trump his adviser, Kellyanne Conway was caught off guard on questions over US President's claims on mediating in the Kashmir issue. Conway was addressing reporters at the White House when she was questioned whether Trump had made up his statement that he was asked to mediate in the Kashmir issue by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a timid response, Conway who has been a long-time adviser of Trump said that she has not discussed that with the US president. During a media briefing along with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump had said that he would love to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, saying that he would do so at PM Modi's behest. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject and he actually said 'Would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator', I said 'Where', He said 'Kashmir'. Because this has been going on for many, many years," Trump said at the White House, where he was hosting Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. "If I can help, I would love to be a mediator. If I can do anything to help, let me know," he added. Trump's statement was rejected by India which reiterated that any resolution between India and Pakistan is based on accords and that no such request had been made by the Indian prime minister.

Kellyanne Conway says she did not discuss Trump's statement on Kashmir with president 

U.S President Donald Trump said that Afghanistan could be wiped off Earth. The U.S said that they have spent billions of dollars in Afghanistan. U.S state department firefights for Prez Trump. Watch this video to know more.

Uproar over Trump's Afghanistan comment- ''Wipe off in one week''

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 26th, 2019

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

Thursday's missile tests were the first since Kim and US President Donald Trump agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu meeting last month in the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea.

That working-level dialogue has yet to begin and, even before Thursday's launches, Pyongyang had warned the talks could be derailed by Washington and Seoul's refusal to scrap joint military exercises scheduled for next month.

KCNA provided no technical specifications, but said the latest tests were of a "new-type tactical guided weapon" that sent a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over their insistence on holding the joint drills "in defiance of repeated warnings".

There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and their annual manoeuvres with South Korean soldiers have always infuriated Pyongyang.

South Korean military monitors said the two short-range missiles fired on Thursday flew nearly 450 kilometres and 700 kilometres respectively, before splashing down in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan.

That range would allow them to hit any target in South Korea.

Japan's defence minister called the launches "extremely regrettable" while Seoul's National Security Office expressed "strong concern" and the US called for an end to such "provocations".&nbsp;

'Double-dealing behaviour'&nbsp;

According to KCNA, Kim said the new "state-of-the-art" missiles were capable of low-altitude flight that made them difficult to intercept and cautioned Seoul against "ignoring the warning" implicit in their development.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he believed the working-level talks would still go ahead, and that the latest tests were a negotiating tactic.

"Everybody tries to get ready for negotiations and create leverage and create risk for the other side," Pompeo said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

"We remain convinced that there’s a diplomatic way forward, a negotiated solution to this," he said, adding he was unconcerned at the delay in getting back to the table.

"If it takes another two weeks or four weeks, so be it," he said.

Pyongyang carried out similar short-range launches in May, which Trump dismissed at the time as "very standard stuff" that would have no impact on his relationship with Kim.

Thursday's launches came a day after US National Security Advisor John Bolton -- an arch-hawk regularly vilified by North Korean state media -- spoke with senior South Korean officials in Seoul.

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States. Thursday's missile tests were the first since Kim and US President Donald Trump agreed to resume nuclear talks during an impromptu meeting last month in the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea. That working-level dialogue has yet to begin and, even before Thursday's launches, Pyongyang had warned the talks could be derailed by Washington and Seoul's refusal to scrap joint military exercises scheduled for next month. KCNA provided no technical specifications, but said the latest tests were of a "new-type tactical guided weapon" that sent a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over their insistence on holding the joint drills "in defiance of repeated warnings". There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and their annual manoeuvres with South Korean soldiers have always infuriated Pyongyang. South Korean military monitors said the two short-range missiles fired on Thursday flew nearly 450 kilometres and 700 kilometres respectively, before splashing down in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan. That range would allow them to hit any target in South Korea. Japan's defence minister called the launches "extremely regrettable" while Seoul's National Security Office expressed "strong concern" and the US called for an end to such "provocations". 'Double-dealing behaviour' According to KCNA, Kim said the new "state-of-the-art" missiles were capable of low-altitude flight that made them difficult to intercept and cautioned Seoul against "ignoring the warning" implicit in their development. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he believed the working-level talks would still go ahead, and that the latest tests were a negotiating tactic. "Everybody tries to get ready for negotiations and create leverage and create risk for the other side," Pompeo said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. "We remain convinced that there’s a diplomatic way forward, a negotiated solution to this," he said, adding he was unconcerned at the delay in getting back to the table. "If it takes another two weeks or four weeks, so be it," he said. Pyongyang carried out similar short-range launches in May, which Trump dismissed at the time as "very standard stuff" that would have no impact on his relationship with Kim. Thursday's launches came a day after US National Security Advisor John Bolton -- an arch-hawk regularly vilified by North Korean state media -- spoke with senior South Korean officials in Seoul.

North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers'

A resolution recently tabled by two Republican senators recommitting the US` "continuing support" to Pakistan is not only an insult to American servicemen who laid down their lives while fighting in Afghanistan but is also in contrast with goals of US national security.

In an opinion piece for Washington Examiner, Michael Rubin examines how lobbying was at play behind tabling of the resolution and underlines how Pakistan continues to harbour and support terrorists.

Senators Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and Jim Banks of Indiana had introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives welcoming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Washington and reiterating the US` stand to "continuing support and commitment to the long and enduring friendship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."

"Pakistan and the United States have a shared interest and are cooperating in efforts to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan," the resolution reads.

However, the resolution adopted is a far cry from Pakistan`s realities, considering that it continues to harbour, shield and support terror-groups operating on its soil and consistently undermining Afghanistan`s security and stability writes Rubin.

The writer of the article also recalls an open letter written by Khan in 2009. In that letter addressed to then US President Barack Obama, Khan had said that the US is an "occupying power" in Afghanistan and opined that the Taliban group is the legitimate government in the war-torn nation.

Khan also pointed fingers at Obama for a "supposed al Qaeda resurgence" in Afghanistan owing to US` presence, which ironically, came at a time when Pakistan was sheltering Al Qaeda founder chief Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a raid by US special forces at his private compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011.

When Laden was killed, Khan had claimed that Washington`s action was a breach of the UN Charter. In a fundraising visit to the US in 2012, Khan heaped praises on Taliban and justified the group`s "jihad in Afghanistan."

"Khan`s followers have worked to prevent vital resupply of US and NATO troops fighting the Taliban. Blocking NATO supply through Pakistan in contravention of a diplomatic and contractual agreement which saw aid and fees flood into Pakistani accounts was a position directed by Khan himself," Rubin notes.

''The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution urges greater investment in Pakistan, but it was again Khan who argued that taking American money made Pakistan a `stooge.` Khan may seek money, but his track record over a long career suggests that humiliating the United States and promoting its assailants is his chief goal," the author opines.

Moreover, Rubin says that Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and political elites in the country have long believed that using religious radicalism as a tool of foreign policy for achieving Islamabad`s short-term goals.

"The elite bubbles in which Khan has lived his life are wrong, however. Religious radicalism may well be past the tipping point in Pakistan, and may very well be a danger that risks overwhelming more traditional Pakistani politics and moderation," the writer warns.

To embrace Khan "sycophantically" and ignoring the fact that the policies he adopted and continuing to embrace them has led to the deaths of over 2,000 American servicemen and an exponentially higher number of Afghan civilians, says Rubin.

Criticising Lee and Banks for their resolution, the author says that the duo could have spoken the truth to Khan, if they "really cared" about the country, rather than allowing Islamabad "a free pass to launder it position papers through Congress".Rubin concludes in his article, "The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution suggests a dangerous lack of strategic vision in both parties and a failure on Capitol Hill to honour the legacy and sacrifice of American troops who have made so many sacrifices to promote a better future in Afghanistan and keep al Qaeda on the run.

A resolution recently tabled by two Republican senators recommitting the US` "continuing support" to Pakistan is not only an insult to American servicemen who laid down their lives while fighting in Afghanistan but is also in contrast with goals of US national security.

A resolution recently tabled by two Republican senators recommitting the US` "continuing support" to Pakistan is not only an insult to American servicemen who laid down their lives while fighting in Afghanistan but is also in contrast with goals of US national security. In an opinion piece for Washington Examiner, Michael Rubin examines how lobbying was at play behind tabling of the resolution and underlines how Pakistan continues to harbour and support terrorists. Senators Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and Jim Banks of Indiana had introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives welcoming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Washington and reiterating the US` stand to "continuing support and commitment to the long and enduring friendship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan." "Pakistan and the United States have a shared interest and are cooperating in efforts to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan," the resolution reads. However, the resolution adopted is a far cry from Pakistan`s realities, considering that it continues to harbour, shield and support terror-groups operating on its soil and consistently undermining Afghanistan`s security and stability writes Rubin. The writer of the article also recalls an open letter written by Khan in 2009. In that letter addressed to then US President Barack Obama, Khan had said that the US is an "occupying power" in Afghanistan and opined that the Taliban group is the legitimate government in the war-torn nation. Khan also pointed fingers at Obama for a "supposed al Qaeda resurgence" in Afghanistan owing to US` presence, which ironically, came at a time when Pakistan was sheltering Al Qaeda founder chief Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a raid by US special forces at his private compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011. When Laden was killed, Khan had claimed that Washington`s action was a breach of the UN Charter. In a fundraising visit to the US in 2012, Khan heaped praises on Taliban and justified the group`s "jihad in Afghanistan." "Khan`s followers have worked to prevent vital resupply of US and NATO troops fighting the Taliban. Blocking NATO supply through Pakistan in contravention of a diplomatic and contractual agreement which saw aid and fees flood into Pakistani accounts was a position directed by Khan himself," Rubin notes. ''The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution urges greater investment in Pakistan, but it was again Khan who argued that taking American money made Pakistan a `stooge.` Khan may seek money, but his track record over a long career suggests that humiliating the United States and promoting its assailants is his chief goal," the author opines. Moreover, Rubin says that Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and political elites in the country have long believed that using religious radicalism as a tool of foreign policy for achieving Islamabad`s short-term goals. "The elite bubbles in which Khan has lived his life are wrong, however. Religious radicalism may well be past the tipping point in Pakistan, and may very well be a danger that risks overwhelming more traditional Pakistani politics and moderation," the writer warns. To embrace Khan "sycophantically" and ignoring the fact that the policies he adopted and continuing to embrace them has led to the deaths of over 2,000 American servicemen and an exponentially higher number of Afghan civilians, says Rubin. Criticising Lee and Banks for their resolution, the author says that the duo could have spoken the truth to Khan, if they "really cared" about the country, rather than allowing Islamabad "a free pass to launder it position papers through Congress".Rubin concludes in his article, "The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution suggests a dangerous lack of strategic vision in both parties and a failure on Capitol Hill to honour the legacy and sacrifice of American troops who have made so many sacrifices to promote a better future in Afghanistan and keep al Qaeda on the run.

Pro-Pak congressional resolution contrary to national security, insults US servicemen

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-attacks-robert-mueller-ahead-of-testimony-on-russia-probe-237817">US President Donald Trump</a> tweeted in May his intention to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, management at California-based NewAir Appliances knew they needed to do something or their business would be in trouble.&nbsp;

The importer of beer fridges, ice makers and other household devices all sourced from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-228567">China</a> had tackled 10 per cent tariffs imposed last year by seeking to cut costs and negotiating with big box and other retailers for better terms.

But the jump to 25 per cent tariffs presented a much bigger challenge.

The day after Trump's tweet, NewAir's four-member leadership team met for lunch and began to formulate a more radical plan. There was a "level of tension", said Andrew Stephenson, the company's vice president for marketing, but no sense of panic.

The result: an ambitious overhaul of its product offerings, with 50-60 new or revamped goods set to come on the market this year a move that allows the company to hit the reset button on pricing as their costs leap.

The product turnover is a huge increase for NewAir, which has a range of some 70 goods and usually introduces 10 or fewer new items each year.

Like NewAir, many importers of goods from China have had to make difficult business decisions and sharp changes in strategy as they reel from the impact of US tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods.

With consumers and retailers often unwilling to accept higher prices for the same products, oft-heard tactics range from accepting lower profit-margins to cost-cutting that may include lowering wages or laying off workers, to shifting production from China to other countries.

While the approach taken by NewAir and others in the sector requires significant investment, it underscores how the year-long US-China trade war is forcing some companies to adopt novel workarounds as they fight for long-term survival and bump up against the limitations of belt-tightening.

"Instead of cutting costs we're going to add some costs, but in the long run it will pay off," Stephenson said by telephone after a trip to China to meet suppliers.

Working closely with suppliers to develop products, he is also implementing measures like air-mailing samples to the United States instead of using cheaper maritime freight, aiming to slash up to a month of the process of getting goods approved.

"Anything we can do to expedite the process is what we're looking at doing," he said.

NewAir, a company with 50-plus employees, would likely spend "hundreds of thousands of dollars" on the project and was considering hiring a marketing manager, as Stephenson's focus shifts to dealing full-time with trade war strategy.

Up featuring

NewAir, whose products are sold under its brand as well as under licence with Magic Chef, Frigidaire and PepsiCo Inc, is still discussing ways to share the burden of the tariffs with Chinese suppliers and American retailers. It is also looking into sourcing some goods from India and Mexico.

But the cornerstone of its new strategy is the overhaul of its product line.

In addition to items it has not sold before, such as internet-enabled wine fridges and combination air fryer ovens, NewAir will retire some old products and give others that have been modified fresh SKUs, or stock-keeping units - unique product numbers that retailers use to track inventory. That will allow NewAir and its retailers to set new prices.

Jim Estill, CEO of Danby Appliances, a Canadian company that sources similar products from China and sells many in the United States, calls the strategy "up featuring".

"If you're already buying a minifridge for $129 and now it's $149. You're up in arms. But the psychology is completely different if you say: 'here's the new XYZ, it's $149' and the customer checks the market and sees everyone is charging $149 for the same thing, it's acceptable."

Danby expects to turn over 80 per cent of its product line of about 300 goods in 2019, compared to a normal rate of 30 per cent, he said, adding that improvements in technology had made this an opportune time for product revamps.

"If this happened 10 years ago, it would have been tough to say my white box is different. But now you can say I have a freezer that sends you an email when the power is out."

Danby, which makes annual revenue of about $400 million, estimates the cost of revamping its product line at around $4 million.

If the strategy works, it does in part shift some of the costs of tariffs designed to hurt China to the US consumer. But it is not risk-free.

"When you sell new products at significantly higher prices it will affect your demand somewhat because now you are asking people to upgrade to a better product at much higher prices. How many consumers would have such budgets?" said Jing Bing, an associate professor of marketing at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing.

The point of pursuing a trade war "is to ask the American consumers to walk away from Chinese made products," he said, adding: "That's precisely the effect."

NewAir CEO Luke Peters said retailers and consumers will get better products and will not see "a huge 25 per cent increase" in prices.

"Our customers, who also have to be profitable, are going to see more value in the products that we're giving to them. So it's kind of forcing us to be more innovative," he said.

But whether or not importers like NewAir can find a balance between higher prices and demand remains to be seen.

"That's going to be the telltale for us, is what happens in about six to nine months," said Stephenson.

When US President Donald Trump tweeted in May his intention to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, management at California-based NewAir Appliances knew they needed to do something or their business would be in trouble.

When US President Donald Trump tweeted in May his intention to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, management at California-based NewAir Appliances knew they needed to do something or their business would be in trouble. The importer of beer fridges, ice makers and other household devices all sourced from China had tackled 10 per cent tariffs imposed last year by seeking to cut costs and negotiating with big box and other retailers for better terms. But the jump to 25 per cent tariffs presented a much bigger challenge. The day after Trump's tweet, NewAir's four-member leadership team met for lunch and began to formulate a more radical plan. There was a "level of tension", said Andrew Stephenson, the company's vice president for marketing, but no sense of panic. The result: an ambitious overhaul of its product offerings, with 50-60 new or revamped goods set to come on the market this year a move that allows the company to hit the reset button on pricing as their costs leap. The product turnover is a huge increase for NewAir, which has a range of some 70 goods and usually introduces 10 or fewer new items each year. Like NewAir, many importers of goods from China have had to make difficult business decisions and sharp changes in strategy as they reel from the impact of US tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods. With consumers and retailers often unwilling to accept higher prices for the same products, oft-heard tactics range from accepting lower profit-margins to cost-cutting that may include lowering wages or laying off workers, to shifting production from China to other countries. While the approach taken by NewAir and others in the sector requires significant investment, it underscores how the year-long US-China trade war is forcing some companies to adopt novel workarounds as they fight for long-term survival and bump up against the limitations of belt-tightening. "Instead of cutting costs we're going to add some costs, but in the long run it will pay off," Stephenson said by telephone after a trip to China to meet suppliers. Working closely with suppliers to develop products, he is also implementing measures like air-mailing samples to the United States instead of using cheaper maritime freight, aiming to slash up to a month of the process of getting goods approved. "Anything we can do to expedite the process is what we're looking at doing," he said. NewAir, a company with 50-plus employees, would likely spend "hundreds of thousands of dollars" on the project and was considering hiring a marketing manager, as Stephenson's focus shifts to dealing full-time with trade war strategy. Up featuring NewAir, whose products are sold under its brand as well as under licence with Magic Chef, Frigidaire and PepsiCo Inc, is still discussing ways to share the burden of the tariffs with Chinese suppliers and American retailers. It is also looking into sourcing some goods from India and Mexico. But the cornerstone of its new strategy is the overhaul of its product line. In addition to items it has not sold before, such as internet-enabled wine fridges and combination air fryer ovens, NewAir will retire some old products and give others that have been modified fresh SKUs, or stock-keeping units - unique product numbers that retailers use to track inventory. That will allow NewAir and its retailers to set new prices. Jim Estill, CEO of Danby Appliances, a Canadian company that sources similar products from China and sells many in the United States, calls the strategy "up featuring". "If you're already buying a minifridge for $129 and now it's $149. You're up in arms. But the psychology is completely different if you say: 'here's the new XYZ, it's $149' and the customer checks the market and sees everyone is charging $149 for the same thing, it's acceptable." Danby expects to turn over 80 per cent of its product line of about 300 goods in 2019, compared to a normal rate of 30 per cent, he said, adding that improvements in technology had made this an opportune time for product revamps. "If this happened 10 years ago, it would have been tough to say my white box is different. But now you can say I have a freezer that sends you an email when the power is out." Danby, which makes annual revenue of about $400 million, estimates the cost of revamping its product line at around $4 million. If the strategy works, it does in part shift some of the costs of tariffs designed to hurt China to the US consumer. But it is not risk-free. "When you sell new products at significantly higher prices it will affect your demand somewhat because now you are asking people to upgrade to a better product at much higher prices. How many consumers would have such budgets?" said Jing Bing, an associate professor of marketing at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing. The point of pursuing a trade war "is to ask the American consumers to walk away from Chinese made products," he said, adding: "That's precisely the effect." NewAir CEO Luke Peters said retailers and consumers will get better products and will not see "a huge 25 per cent increase" in prices. "Our customers, who also have to be profitable, are going to see more value in the products that we're giving to them. So it's kind of forcing us to be more innovative," he said. But whether or not importers like NewAir can find a balance between higher prices and demand remains to be seen. "That's going to be the telltale for us, is what happens in about six to nine months," said Stephenson.

To survive trade war, some US importers embark on major revamps of product lines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-to-cut-china-phone-output-as-market-share-sinks-224670">Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's</a> first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, will go on sale from September in selected markets after the launch was delayed by screen problems earlier this year, the company said on Thursday.

Samsung is hoping its highly anticipated foldable phone will revive flagging smartphone sales but its rollout has been hampered by defects in samples reported in April when it was originally due to hit the US market.

The delays cost the South Korean tech giant sales that could have provided a decent bump in revenue during the slow summer season.

Samsung said in a statement it had made improvements to the nearly $2,000 phone and was conducting final tests. Changes included strengthening hinges which early reviewers had found to be problematic.

Analysts said headlines about glitches with sample Folds would dampen consumer excitement around the launch.

"Consumer confidence in Galaxy Fold has significantly deteriorated. If Samsung manages to sell 300,000 devices this year, that can be a decent performance given the delay," said Kim Young-woo, an analyst at SK Securities.

Samsung said earlier that it planned to make at least 1 million Fold handsets in the first year, versus the total 300 million phones it produces annually on average.

The world's top smartphone maker has hailed the folding design as the future in a segment that has seen few surprises since Apple Inc's groundbreaking iPhone was released in 2007.

Chinese rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has also announced a folding handset, the Mate X, which is expected to go on sale in September.

Samsung is still in talks with mobile carriers around the world to decide on details of the Fold's sale, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, will go on sale from September in selected markets after the launch was delayed by screen problems earlier this year, the company said on Thursday.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, will go on sale from September in selected markets after the launch was delayed by screen problems earlier this year, the company said on Thursday. Samsung is hoping its highly anticipated foldable phone will revive flagging smartphone sales but its rollout has been hampered by defects in samples reported in April when it was originally due to hit the US market. The delays cost the South Korean tech giant sales that could have provided a decent bump in revenue during the slow summer season. Samsung said in a statement it had made improvements to the nearly $2,000 phone and was conducting final tests. Changes included strengthening hinges which early reviewers had found to be problematic. Analysts said headlines about glitches with sample Folds would dampen consumer excitement around the launch. "Consumer confidence in Galaxy Fold has significantly deteriorated. If Samsung manages to sell 300,000 devices this year, that can be a decent performance given the delay," said Kim Young-woo, an analyst at SK Securities. Samsung said earlier that it planned to make at least 1 million Fold handsets in the first year, versus the total 300 million phones it produces annually on average. The world's top smartphone maker has hailed the folding design as the future in a segment that has seen few surprises since Apple Inc's groundbreaking iPhone was released in 2007. Chinese rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has also announced a folding handset, the Mate X, which is expected to go on sale in September. Samsung is still in talks with mobile carriers around the world to decide on details of the Fold's sale, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

Samsung Electronics' delayed Galaxy Fold now ready for September launch

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has told US President Donald Trump that normal ties with India would be beneficial for both the countries, asserting that a "peaceful neighbourhood" was a priority of his foreign policy, according to officials here.

Gravitas: Imran Khan wish-list for Trump

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