Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the United States had made "a vicious move" in designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which he controls, as a foreign terrorist organisation, state TV reported on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-designates-irans-revolutionary-guards-as-a-terrorist-organisation-donald-trump-208837">US President Donald Trump designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organisation</a> on Monday -- an unprecedented step that will raise tensions in the Middle East.

"They wish to plot against our Sepah (the Guards) ... it is in the frontline of confronting enemies of our (1979 Islamic) revolution and has always defended the country ... America has failed to block our advancements," Khamenei said, addressing a group of Guards.

"In spite of all the pressure in the past 40 years, Americans have failed to do a damn thing and their vicious move will bear no fruit."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also defended the corps as protectors of Iran, saying in a televised speech that the United States "holds a grudge" against the Guards who have "sacrificed their lives to protect our people, our revolution".

Comprising an estimated 125,000-strong military with army, navy and air units, the Guards also command the Basij, a religious volunteer paramilitary and control Iran's missile programmes. Its overseas Quds forces have fought Iran's proxy wars in the region.

The US has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with the Guards, but not the organization as a whole.

Trump's move comes after relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse last May, when Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions.

Tehran took retaliatory action by naming the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) as a terrorist organisation and the US government as a sponsor of terror, and Iranian officials warned the move will endanger US interests in the region, where Iran is involved in proxy wars from Syria to Lebanon.

"This mistake will unite Iranians and the Guards will grow more popular in Iran and in the region ... America has used terrorists as a tool in the region while the Guards have fought against them from Iraq to Syria," Rouhani said.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders have repeatedly said that US bases in the Middle East and US aircraft carriers in the Gulf are within range of Iranian missiles.

Tehran has also threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf if the United States tries to strangle Tehran's economy by halting its oil exports.

Iran's arch-rival Saudi Arabia welcomed the US decision on Tuesday. "The US decision translates the Kingdom's repeated demands to the international community of the necessity of confronting terrorism supported by Iran," Saudi state news agency SPA said, citing a foreign ministry source.

"Our patience has limits"

In a show of support, Iranian lawmakers wore Guards' uniforms to parliament on Tuesday, chanting "Death to America” as Iran marked the annual National Day of the Revolutionary Guards, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"America's decision to label the Guards as a terrorist group was the peak of stupidity and ignorance of the American leadership," Fars quoted Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani as saying.

Iran has so far continued to comply with the nuclear deal, but Tehran's clerical rulers have threatened to withdraw from it and to resume the suspended nuclear work if other signatories of the pact fail to protect Iran's interests.

"I am telling you (American leaders), if you pressure us, we will mass produce IR8 advanced centrifuges," Rouhani said in the speech marking Iran's National Nuclear Day.

Under the nuclear deal, sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and United Nations were lifted in return for Iran agreeing long-term curbs on a nuclear programme the West suspected was geared to developing an atom bomb.

The Trump administration says the nuclear deal did not do enough to curb Iranian meddling in regional affairs or restrict its ballistic missile program.

"Since last year, we have acquired kind of missiles that you cannot even imagine," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's determination to continue expanding its missile program despite mounting US pressure to curb it.

Co-signatories Britain, France and Germany are trying to salvage the deal and set up in January a mechanism to allow trade with Tehran and circumvent US sanctions.

But Iran has criticised the EU for failing to "honour its pledges" to protect trade with Iran. Rouhani, who could be weakened by a blow to Iran’s economy if the deal falls apart, struck a tough tone in his televised speech.

"We have been patient and will continue to be patient ... but our patience has a limit ... Fulfil your commitments and respect your pledges," Rouhani told the EU. 
&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the United States had made "a vicious move" in designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which he controls, as a foreign terrorist organisation, state TV reported on Tuesday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the United States had made "a vicious move" in designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which he controls, as a foreign terrorist organisation, state TV reported on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organisation on Monday -- an unprecedented step that will raise tensions in the Middle East. "They wish to plot against our Sepah (the Guards) ... it is in the frontline of confronting enemies of our (1979 Islamic) revolution and has always defended the country ... America has failed to block our advancements," Khamenei said, addressing a group of Guards. "In spite of all the pressure in the past 40 years, Americans have failed to do a damn thing and their vicious move will bear no fruit." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also defended the corps as protectors of Iran, saying in a televised speech that the United States "holds a grudge" against the Guards who have "sacrificed their lives to protect our people, our revolution". Comprising an estimated 125,000-strong military with army, navy and air units, the Guards also command the Basij, a religious volunteer paramilitary and control Iran's missile programmes. Its overseas Quds forces have fought Iran's proxy wars in the region. The US has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with the Guards, but not the organization as a whole. Trump's move comes after relations between Tehran and Washington took a turn for the worse last May, when Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions. Tehran took retaliatory action by naming the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) as a terrorist organisation and the US government as a sponsor of terror, and Iranian officials warned the move will endanger US interests in the region, where Iran is involved in proxy wars from Syria to Lebanon. "This mistake will unite Iranians and the Guards will grow more popular in Iran and in the region ... America has used terrorists as a tool in the region while the Guards have fought against them from Iraq to Syria," Rouhani said. Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders have repeatedly said that US bases in the Middle East and US aircraft carriers in the Gulf are within range of Iranian missiles. Tehran has also threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf if the United States tries to strangle Tehran's economy by halting its oil exports. Iran's arch-rival Saudi Arabia welcomed the US decision on Tuesday. "The US decision translates the Kingdom's repeated demands to the international community of the necessity of confronting terrorism supported by Iran," Saudi state news agency SPA said, citing a foreign ministry source. "Our patience has limits" In a show of support, Iranian lawmakers wore Guards' uniforms to parliament on Tuesday, chanting "Death to America” as Iran marked the annual National Day of the Revolutionary Guards, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. "America's decision to label the Guards as a terrorist group was the peak of stupidity and ignorance of the American leadership," Fars quoted Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani as saying. Iran has so far continued to comply with the nuclear deal, but Tehran's clerical rulers have threatened to withdraw from it and to resume the suspended nuclear work if other signatories of the pact fail to protect Iran's interests. "I am telling you (American leaders), if you pressure us, we will mass produce IR8 advanced centrifuges," Rouhani said in the speech marking Iran's National Nuclear Day. Under the nuclear deal, sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and United Nations were lifted in return for Iran agreeing long-term curbs on a nuclear programme the West suspected was geared to developing an atom bomb. The Trump administration says the nuclear deal did not do enough to curb Iranian meddling in regional affairs or restrict its ballistic missile program. "Since last year, we have acquired kind of missiles that you cannot even imagine," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's determination to continue expanding its missile program despite mounting US pressure to curb it. Co-signatories Britain, France and Germany are trying to salvage the deal and set up in January a mechanism to allow trade with Tehran and circumvent US sanctions. But Iran has criticised the EU for failing to "honour its pledges" to protect trade with Iran. Rouhani, who could be weakened by a blow to Iran’s economy if the deal falls apart, struck a tough tone in his televised speech. "We have been patient and will continue to be patient ... but our patience has a limit ... Fulfil your commitments and respect your pledges," Rouhani told the EU.

Iran's Khamenei calls US blacklisting of Guards a 'vicious move'

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would forge ahead with the purchase of an air-defense system from Russia despite U.S. warnings that using the equipment would jeopardize Ankara’s role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Turkey vows to buy Russian Missiles despite US warnings

Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Monday declared the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-designates-irans-revolutionary-guards-as-a-terrorist-organisation-donald-trump-208837">United States a "state sponsor of terrorism"</a> and US forces in the region "terrorist groups", state media said.

In a statement carried by the official news agency IRNA, it said the move was in response to the United States designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a "terrorist organisation".

The council slammed Washington's move as an "illegal and foolish act".

In response, it "declares that it considers the regime of the USA a 'state sponsor of terrorism' and 'the Central Command of America, known as CENTCOM' and all forces related to it 'terrorist groups'," the statement said.

Part of America's vast military presence around the globe, CENTCOM's area of command covers multiple war zones and hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Gulf.

Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif had earlier urged President Hassan Rouhani to place CENTCOM forces on Tehran's list of terror groups, his ministry said.

Zarif blasted the US move on Twitter, saying it was timed to support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's parliamentary election in the Jewish state.

"A(nother) misguided election-eve gift to Netanyahu. A(nother) dangerous US misadventure in the region," he wrote.

The US decision came as part of already far-reaching attempts to undermine the Iranian government.

President Donald Trump said the "unprecedented" move "recognises the reality that Iran is not only a State Sponsor of Terrorism, but that the IRGC actively participates in, finances, and promotes terrorism as a tool of statecraft."

"The IRGC is the Iranian government's primary means of directing and implementing its global terrorist campaign," Trump said in a statement.

It is the first time the United States has applied the designation to part of a foreign government, rather than guerrilla groups or other informal entities.

The move follows Trump's decision to pull the United States out of a multilateral deal with Iran that was meant to lift crippling economic sanctions in return curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Monday declared the United States a "state sponsor of terrorism" and US forces in the region "terrorist groups", state media said.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Monday declared the United States a "state sponsor of terrorism" and US forces in the region "terrorist groups", state media said. In a statement carried by the official news agency IRNA, it said the move was in response to the United States designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a "terrorist organisation". The council slammed Washington's move as an "illegal and foolish act". In response, it "declares that it considers the regime of the USA a 'state sponsor of terrorism' and 'the Central Command of America, known as CENTCOM' and all forces related to it 'terrorist groups'," the statement said. Part of America's vast military presence around the globe, CENTCOM's area of command covers multiple war zones and hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Gulf. Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif had earlier urged President Hassan Rouhani to place CENTCOM forces on Tehran's list of terror groups, his ministry said. Zarif blasted the US move on Twitter, saying it was timed to support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's parliamentary election in the Jewish state. "A(nother) misguided election-eve gift to Netanyahu. A(nother) dangerous US misadventure in the region," he wrote. The US decision came as part of already far-reaching attempts to undermine the Iranian government. President Donald Trump said the "unprecedented" move "recognises the reality that Iran is not only a State Sponsor of Terrorism, but that the IRGC actively participates in, finances, and promotes terrorism as a tool of statecraft." "The IRGC is the Iranian government's primary means of directing and implementing its global terrorist campaign," Trump said in a statement. It is the first time the United States has applied the designation to part of a foreign government, rather than guerrilla groups or other informal entities. The move follows Trump's decision to pull the United States out of a multilateral deal with Iran that was meant to lift crippling economic sanctions in return curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran declares US 'state sponsor of terrorism': State media

US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the front-line defender of the administration's controversial immigration policies, announced her resignation Sunday, in a move linked by observers to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-asylum-seekers-explains-halt-of-funds-to-central-american-nations-208466"> president's anger over Central American border crossers</a>.

Her departure marks the end of a tortured relationship with Donald Trump, who reportedly blamed her for a recent surge in the number of migrants crossing the southern border and felt she wasn't tough enough to implement his crackdown.

During her 18 months at the head of the powerful agency, Nielsen became synonymous with the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-parents-separated-from-children-return-to-us-plead-to-be-reunited-200880"> controversial policy of separating children from their parents</a>, making her a frequent target of progressive groups and the Democratic opposition who repeatedly called on her to resign.

None of this, however, seems to have been enough for Trump, whose ever hardening push against illegal immigration has left no room for the 46-year-old, an old hand of the administration who signed on at the start of the real-estate tycoon's presidency.

"Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service," Trump tweeted Sunday.

He added US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan would become acting secretary.

"Despite our progress in reforming homeland security for a new age, I have determined that it is the right time for me to step aside," Nielsen said in a resignation letter she later shared on Twitter.

Nielsen's resignation comes days after she and Trump visited the Mexican border in California together, where the president delivered a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, "Our country is full."

He had previously threatened to close the US-Mexico border if Congress and Central American governments did not act to stem a flow of migrants that saw Nielsen last week order an "emergency surge" of personnel to handle the situation.

Trump wants tougher

On Friday, US media reported that Trump also pulled his nominee to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement department -- saying he wanted someone "tougher" to lead the department -- a sub-agency of Nielsen's.

The personnel shake-ups were seen by observers as a signal the president wants to tack an even harder line.

"When even the most radical voices in the administration aren't radical enough for President Trump, you know he's completely lost touch with the American people," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday.

Nielsen initially joined the Trump administration in January 2017 as an assistant to Trump's first DHS secretary, John Kelly. When Kelly moved to the White House as Trump's chief of staff in July 2017, Nielsen went with him as his deputy.

But by October she was back at DHS, this time as secretary. Disaster relief, cybersecurity, transportation security, the Coast Guard, customs and policing the borders all fall under the department's purview.

Family separations

Most notably, however, she has become the face of the Trump administration's fierce anti-immigration policy.&nbsp;

That included the widely condemned practice of separating migrant children from their parents as part of a "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting all illegal border crossers.

Images of sobbing children being taken from their parents last year fuelled a national outcry that saw Democrats demand she resign, as condemnation poured in from the United Nations, human rights groups, and four former first ladies -- all mothers -- who called the policy "cruel" and "immoral."

Nielsen's relationship with the president had long been said to be difficult. But despite reports, he complained constantly about her performance -- and that he believed she was not harsh enough -- she remained steadfastly loyal.

Last month, she defended the president's declaration of a national emergency to secure funding for his pet project, a wall on the US-Mexico border.

And when participants in a January 2018 White House session on immigration quoted Trump as referring to African nations as "shithole" countries, Nielsen came to the president's defence.

"I did not hear that word used," she told a congressional hearing.

Nielsen is just the latest of dozens of White House aides -- from attorney general Jeff Sessions to press secretary Sean Spicer -- to either resign or be sacked from a position in the Trump administration.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the front-line defender of the administration's controversial immigration policies, announced her resignation Sunday, in a move linked by observers to the president's anger over Central American border crossers.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the front-line defender of the administration's controversial immigration policies, announced her resignation Sunday, in a move linked by observers to the president's anger over Central American border crossers. Her departure marks the end of a tortured relationship with Donald Trump, who reportedly blamed her for a recent surge in the number of migrants crossing the southern border and felt she wasn't tough enough to implement his crackdown. During her 18 months at the head of the powerful agency, Nielsen became synonymous with the controversial policy of separating children from their parents, making her a frequent target of progressive groups and the Democratic opposition who repeatedly called on her to resign. None of this, however, seems to have been enough for Trump, whose ever hardening push against illegal immigration has left no room for the 46-year-old, an old hand of the administration who signed on at the start of the real-estate tycoon's presidency. "Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, and I would like to thank her for her service," Trump tweeted Sunday. He added US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan would become acting secretary. "Despite our progress in reforming homeland security for a new age, I have determined that it is the right time for me to step aside," Nielsen said in a resignation letter she later shared on Twitter. Nielsen's resignation comes days after she and Trump visited the Mexican border in California together, where the president delivered a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, "Our country is full." He had previously threatened to close the US-Mexico border if Congress and Central American governments did not act to stem a flow of migrants that saw Nielsen last week order an "emergency surge" of personnel to handle the situation. Trump wants tougher On Friday, US media reported that Trump also pulled his nominee to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement department -- saying he wanted someone "tougher" to lead the department -- a sub-agency of Nielsen's. The personnel shake-ups were seen by observers as a signal the president wants to tack an even harder line. "When even the most radical voices in the administration aren't radical enough for President Trump, you know he's completely lost touch with the American people," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday. Nielsen initially joined the Trump administration in January 2017 as an assistant to Trump's first DHS secretary, John Kelly. When Kelly moved to the White House as Trump's chief of staff in July 2017, Nielsen went with him as his deputy. But by October she was back at DHS, this time as secretary. Disaster relief, cybersecurity, transportation security, the Coast Guard, customs and policing the borders all fall under the department's purview. Family separations Most notably, however, she has become the face of the Trump administration's fierce anti-immigration policy. That included the widely condemned practice of separating migrant children from their parents as part of a "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting all illegal border crossers. Images of sobbing children being taken from their parents last year fuelled a national outcry that saw Democrats demand she resign, as condemnation poured in from the United Nations, human rights groups, and four former first ladies -- all mothers -- who called the policy "cruel" and "immoral." Nielsen's relationship with the president had long been said to be difficult. But despite reports, he complained constantly about her performance -- and that he believed she was not harsh enough -- she remained steadfastly loyal. Last month, she defended the president's declaration of a national emergency to secure funding for his pet project, a wall on the US-Mexico border. And when participants in a January 2018 White House session on immigration quoted Trump as referring to African nations as "shithole" countries, Nielsen came to the president's defence. "I did not hear that word used," she told a congressional hearing. Nielsen is just the latest of dozens of White House aides -- from attorney general Jeff Sessions to press secretary Sean Spicer -- to either resign or be sacked from a position in the Trump administration.

US Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen resigns

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjp7YeRvcDhAhXBV3wKHb8sDKoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LKar4w0_nmjS2nPb6_SGT">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> sought to energise supporters on the eve of Tuesday's elections with warnings and controversial promises, while his centrist challenger urged voters to tell the premier the country has had enough.

The general election in which Netanyahu is seeking to extend his already 13 years in office despite corruption allegations against him is expected to be close, with ex-military chief Benny Gantz posing a serious threat.

They spent the campaign's final hours exhorting voters with two different strategies: Netanyahu repeatedly warned that his Likud was at risk of losing, while Gantz made the case that Israel was on the verge of historic change.

The truth was more complicated, with opinion polls giving Netanyahu's Likud and Gantz's Blue and White a similar number of seats in the 120-seat parliament.

Under those polls, both would fall far short of an outright majority and would need to pull together a coalition.

If polling trends hold, Netanyahu would be best placed to do so thanks to smaller right-wing parties allied to him.

There have however been repeated warnings of the unreliability of polls in the past and the fact that many voters say they remain undecided.

Netanyahu's claims that Likud may lose were widely seen as a way to ensure his base of supporters turns out to vote.

'Who can do this?'&nbsp;

Netanyahu has made last-minute appeals to the right, issuing a deeply controversial pledge to annex settlements in the occupied <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-pledges-to-annex-west-bank-settlements-after-vote-208465&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjp7YeRvcDhAhXBV3wKHb8sDKoQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3j7hMBpYqfPSILaqVnnD6i">West Bank</a>.

If done on a large-scale, applying Israeli sovereignty there could end any remaining hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

In an interview on Sunday, Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump, who is expected to release his long-awaited deal for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after the election, was aware of his plans to do so.

He said he planned to apply sovereignty gradually, and that he did not differentiate between Israel's large West Bank settlement blocs and the isolated ones located deep in the territory on land the Palestinians see as part of a future state.

"Who else can do this? Who can do this? Come on. Honestly," Netanyahu said, making the case as he has throughout the campaign that he is Israel's essential statesman.

"Who can stand in front of the world? Who can stand in front of the American Congress? Who can move public opinion in that direction?"

Gantz has called Netanyahu's pledge an "irresponsible" bid for right-wing votes.

He says he favours a "globally backed peace agreement" that sees Israel hold on to the large settlement blocs in the West Bank and maintain security control over the territory.

Gantz has also highlighted his security credentials while saying he will heal divisions he accuses Netanyahu of exacerbating.

"There’s a need for change and an opportunity for change," Gantz told Israel's army radio on Monday.

"Israel needs to choose a direction of unification, connection and hope -- or of extremity."

'Witch hunt'

The two were also engaging in typical pre-election campaigning, including Gantz riding a motorcycle to his rally on Sunday and Netanyahu visiting Jerusalem's main market on Monday.

Netanyahu will be on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving prime minister should he win on Tuesday.

But even if he does, he faces the prospect of becoming the first sitting prime minister to be indicted.

The attorney general has announced he intends to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending an upcoming hearing.

The premier's opponents have seized on the allegations to argue that the 69-year-old Netanyahu has lost his way and must go.

But Netanyahu has been defiant, calling the investigations a "witch hunt" and denouncing journalists reporting on them -- similar to the tactics used by his ally Trump.

While the threat of indictment hangs over Netanyahu, he has also built a reputation as the guarantor of Israel's security and economic growth.

He has repeatedly spoken of Trump's recognition of the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights as two of his major accomplishments.

Gantz has sought to overcome that in part by allying with two other former military chiefs of staff and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to energise supporters on the eve of Tuesday's elections with warnings and controversial promises, while his centrist challenger urged voters to tell the premier the country has had enough.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to energise supporters on the eve of Tuesday's elections with warnings and controversial promises, while his centrist challenger urged voters to tell the premier the country has had enough. The general election in which Netanyahu is seeking to extend his already 13 years in office despite corruption allegations against him is expected to be close, with ex-military chief Benny Gantz posing a serious threat. They spent the campaign's final hours exhorting voters with two different strategies: Netanyahu repeatedly warned that his Likud was at risk of losing, while Gantz made the case that Israel was on the verge of historic change. The truth was more complicated, with opinion polls giving Netanyahu's Likud and Gantz's Blue and White a similar number of seats in the 120-seat parliament. Under those polls, both would fall far short of an outright majority and would need to pull together a coalition. If polling trends hold, Netanyahu would be best placed to do so thanks to smaller right-wing parties allied to him. There have however been repeated warnings of the unreliability of polls in the past and the fact that many voters say they remain undecided. Netanyahu's claims that Likud may lose were widely seen as a way to ensure his base of supporters turns out to vote. 'Who can do this?' Netanyahu has made last-minute appeals to the right, issuing a deeply controversial pledge to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank. If done on a large-scale, applying Israeli sovereignty there could end any remaining hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians. In an interview on Sunday, Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump, who is expected to release his long-awaited deal for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after the election, was aware of his plans to do so. He said he planned to apply sovereignty gradually, and that he did not differentiate between Israel's large West Bank settlement blocs and the isolated ones located deep in the territory on land the Palestinians see as part of a future state. "Who else can do this? Who can do this? Come on. Honestly," Netanyahu said, making the case as he has throughout the campaign that he is Israel's essential statesman. "Who can stand in front of the world? Who can stand in front of the American Congress? Who can move public opinion in that direction?" Gantz has called Netanyahu's pledge an "irresponsible" bid for right-wing votes. He says he favours a "globally backed peace agreement" that sees Israel hold on to the large settlement blocs in the West Bank and maintain security control over the territory. Gantz has also highlighted his security credentials while saying he will heal divisions he accuses Netanyahu of exacerbating. "There’s a need for change and an opportunity for change," Gantz told Israel's army radio on Monday. "Israel needs to choose a direction of unification, connection and hope -- or of extremity." 'Witch hunt' The two were also engaging in typical pre-election campaigning, including Gantz riding a motorcycle to his rally on Sunday and Netanyahu visiting Jerusalem's main market on Monday. Netanyahu will be on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving prime minister should he win on Tuesday. But even if he does, he faces the prospect of becoming the first sitting prime minister to be indicted. The attorney general has announced he intends to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending an upcoming hearing. The premier's opponents have seized on the allegations to argue that the 69-year-old Netanyahu has lost his way and must go. But Netanyahu has been defiant, calling the investigations a "witch hunt" and denouncing journalists reporting on them -- similar to the tactics used by his ally Trump. While the threat of indictment hangs over Netanyahu, he has also built a reputation as the guarantor of Israel's security and economic growth. He has repeatedly spoken of Trump's recognition of the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights as two of his major accomplishments. Gantz has sought to overcome that in part by allying with two other former military chiefs of staff and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid.

Israel PM Netanyahu, Gantz make final pitches before voters

Japan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-cronyism-scandal-japans-finance-minister-to-skip-g20-meeting-35618&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSytLyk8DhAhVt7HMBHVX2AfUQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RKFW75e3aATX6dN0qXfsA">Shinzo Abe </a>announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year.

The tour from April 22 to 29 will also include stops in Italy, Belgium and Slovakia, a foreign ministry official said.

The trip comes ahead of long-awaited trade talks between Washington and Tokyo, as US President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-opens-under-assault-from-trump-on-collective-action-180345&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSytLyk8DhAhVt7HMBHVX2AfUQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GXHmUZ8HyCRuZwl_Nph4O"> Donald Trump</a> looks to negotiate a bilateral deal and threatens auto tariffs.

The visit to France comes at a sensitive time, with ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who holds French citizenship, back behind bars in Tokyo.

He was re-arrested last week while out on bail and faces multiple charges of financial misconduct.

Abe said the trip was intended to "affirm close co-operation for success in the G20 summit in Osaka", which will be held June 28 and 29.

Trump is also expected to visit Japan in May to become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who will be enthroned on May 1.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year. The tour from April 22 to 29 will also include stops in Italy, Belgium and Slovakia, a foreign ministry official said. The trip comes ahead of long-awaited trade talks between Washington and Tokyo, as US President Donald Trump looks to negotiate a bilateral deal and threatens auto tariffs. The visit to France comes at a sensitive time, with ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who holds French citizenship, back behind bars in Tokyo. He was re-arrested last week while out on bail and faces multiple charges of financial misconduct. Abe said the trip was intended to "affirm close co-operation for success in the G20 summit in Osaka", which will be held June 28 and 29. Trump is also expected to visit Japan in May to become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who will be enthroned on May 1.

Japan's Abe to visit US, France on pre-G20 tour

India charges America over 100 per cent tariffs on a large number of products while the US imposes nothing on the similar or same items, President Donald

Trump has said, urging his administration to work on the "stupid trade".

His statement came days after he criticised India, saying it is one of the world's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-reciprocal-tax-on-india-to-match-tariffs-on-us-exports-says-donald-trump-200816">highest taxing nations</a>".

The US President has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products.

Addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas on Saturday, Trump said: "We have a case where a certain country, India, is charging us... What great country, a great friend, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi -- charging us over 100 per cent for many things".

The United States, he said, is charging India "nothing for similar or same" products.

In his speech, Trump indicated that he is receiving resistance from Senators for imposing a reciprocal tariff on India.

He cited India as a country other than China which imposes high tariffs on American products.

India, he alleged, continues to wage "stupid trade" and unfair trade practices, and called out Prime Minister Modi for the trade imbalance with the US.

"I have Senators who say, you can't do that. It's not free trade. When did they come from? Where did they come from? It's not free trade," he said, ramping up his rhetoric against India's trade and tariff policies.

He asked his senior administration officials to work on this.

"Will you please work on them? It's the craziest thing. It's stupid trade. We have so much stupid trade," Trump said.

He said that as a result of such trades, the US has lost for many years now -- $800 billion a year on trade.

"Who the hell makes these deals? Those are not good negotiators. Actually, Democrats made a lot of them though. But Republicans met a lot of up too, that's the amazing thing. They made $800 billion. But we're getting it back. We'll get to give back. We're going to be getting a lot of it.

"I have to be a little bit politically correct by saying it's ok if we lose $20 billion with a country because we want to be nice. We want to be nice with everyone," Trump said, asserting that his administration is cracking down on countries that cheat.

Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for the reciprocal tax, Trump said he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent.

Trump has said that his administration is fixing broken trade deals to protect the American workers. 
&nbsp;

India charges America over 100 per cent tariffs on a large number of products while the US imposes nothing on the similar or same items, President Donald Trump has said, urging his administration to work on the "stupid trade".

India charges America over 100 per cent tariffs on a large number of products while the US imposes nothing on the similar or same items, President Donald Trump has said, urging his administration to work on the "stupid trade". His statement came days after he criticised India, saying it is one of the world's "highest taxing nations". The US President has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products. Addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas on Saturday, Trump said: "We have a case where a certain country, India, is charging us... What great country, a great friend, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi -- charging us over 100 per cent for many things". The United States, he said, is charging India "nothing for similar or same" products. In his speech, Trump indicated that he is receiving resistance from Senators for imposing a reciprocal tariff on India. He cited India as a country other than China which imposes high tariffs on American products. India, he alleged, continues to wage "stupid trade" and unfair trade practices, and called out Prime Minister Modi for the trade imbalance with the US. "I have Senators who say, you can't do that. It's not free trade. When did they come from? Where did they come from? It's not free trade," he said, ramping up his rhetoric against India's trade and tariff policies. He asked his senior administration officials to work on this. "Will you please work on them? It's the craziest thing. It's stupid trade. We have so much stupid trade," Trump said. He said that as a result of such trades, the US has lost for many years now -- $800 billion a year on trade. "Who the hell makes these deals? Those are not good negotiators. Actually, Democrats made a lot of them though. But Republicans met a lot of up too, that's the amazing thing. They made $800 billion. But we're getting it back. We'll get to give back. We're going to be getting a lot of it. "I have to be a little bit politically correct by saying it's ok if we lose $20 billion with a country because we want to be nice. We want to be nice with everyone," Trump said, asserting that his administration is cracking down on countries that cheat. Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for the reciprocal tax, Trump said he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. Trump has said that his administration is fixing broken trade deals to protect the American workers.

India charging US over 100 per cent tariffs on many products: Donald Trump

Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in isolated North Korea.&nbsp;

The event — part of the celebrations for the anniversary of founder Kim Il Sung's birth in 1912 — is the highlight of the North's tourism calendar and offers the chance to run or jog through the streets of the tightly-controlled city.

Around 950 Westerners entered the event, according to market leader Koryo Tours, compared to some 450 last year when numbers slumped.

That brought participation almost back to the levels of 2017, before tensions soared as the North carried out a series of missile launches and leader Kim Jong Un traded threats and personal insults with US President Donald Trump.

The same year, Washington also banned its citizens from visiting the North following the death of Otto Warmbier, a US student jailed for trying to steal a propaganda poster who died in a mysterious coma days after his release.

Several other countries subsequently raised their travel warnings, a combination of events that dealt a significant blow to the North's tourism industry.

The US ban remains in place but more Western tourists signed up for the marathon this time, tour operators said, following a year of high-level diplomacy between Trump and Kim.

"As political tensions have subsided, tourism demand has increased," said Elliott Davies, director at Uri Tours, another operator, adding: "You could plot a graph in this direct relationship."

- 'Marathon chasers' - 
The vast majority of tourists to the North are Chinese and some 5,000 Westerners a year used to visit the North -- with about 20 percent of those from the US -- seeking unique adventures in one of the most closed countries in the world.

The annual race also attracts so-called "Marathon Chasers" who tick off runs around the world, said Matt Kulesza, a senior tour guide at Young Pioneer Tours.

Angel Arnaudov, a 34-year-old engineer from Macedonia, said Pyongyang came onto his "radar" after finishing more than 30 marathons in cities ranging from Tokyo, New York and Copenhagen.

"I want to experience the life in North Korea myself and see if it is like they say on TV or different," he said, adding he would be posting videos on his YouTube channel.

For third-time participant Jasmine Barrett, the Pyongyang Marathon was an opportunity to interact with ordinary North Koreans who line the streets to cheer on the runners, offering high-fives and posing for selfies.

"I keep coming back because I love to see the smiles on the children's faces," the Australian entrepreneur told AFP.

"I'd definitely recommend it to others because it's a great way to see the city and the people who live there," she added.

Tour operators advise visitors to take extra precautions about "what to do and what not to do" when travelling in the North.

Simon Cockerell, Koryo Tours' general manager, said: "This is vital when visiting North Korea and anyone wanting to travel shouldn't go without a briefing."

Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in isolated North Korea.

Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in isolated North Korea. The event — part of the celebrations for the anniversary of founder Kim Il Sung's birth in 1912 — is the highlight of the North's tourism calendar and offers the chance to run or jog through the streets of the tightly-controlled city. Around 950 Westerners entered the event, according to market leader Koryo Tours, compared to some 450 last year when numbers slumped. That brought participation almost back to the levels of 2017, before tensions soared as the North carried out a series of missile launches and leader Kim Jong Un traded threats and personal insults with US President Donald Trump. The same year, Washington also banned its citizens from visiting the North following the death of Otto Warmbier, a US student jailed for trying to steal a propaganda poster who died in a mysterious coma days after his release. Several other countries subsequently raised their travel warnings, a combination of events that dealt a significant blow to the North's tourism industry. The US ban remains in place but more Western tourists signed up for the marathon this time, tour operators said, following a year of high-level diplomacy between Trump and Kim. "As political tensions have subsided, tourism demand has increased," said Elliott Davies, director at Uri Tours, another operator, adding: "You could plot a graph in this direct relationship." - 'Marathon chasers' - The vast majority of tourists to the North are Chinese and some 5,000 Westerners a year used to visit the North -- with about 20 percent of those from the US -- seeking unique adventures in one of the most closed countries in the world. The annual race also attracts so-called "Marathon Chasers" who tick off runs around the world, said Matt Kulesza, a senior tour guide at Young Pioneer Tours. Angel Arnaudov, a 34-year-old engineer from Macedonia, said Pyongyang came onto his "radar" after finishing more than 30 marathons in cities ranging from Tokyo, New York and Copenhagen. "I want to experience the life in North Korea myself and see if it is like they say on TV or different," he said, adding he would be posting videos on his YouTube channel. For third-time participant Jasmine Barrett, the Pyongyang Marathon was an opportunity to interact with ordinary North Koreans who line the streets to cheer on the runners, offering high-fives and posing for selfies. "I keep coming back because I love to see the smiles on the children's faces," the Australian entrepreneur told AFP. "I'd definitely recommend it to others because it's a great way to see the city and the people who live there," she added. Tour operators advise visitors to take extra precautions about "what to do and what not to do" when travelling in the North. Simon Cockerell, Koryo Tours' general manager, said: "This is vital when visiting North Korea and anyone wanting to travel shouldn't go without a briefing."

North Korea holds marathon, tourist numbers are double from last year

US President Donald Trump on Saturday promised to bolster border security and mocked the asylum process at the southern border.

The President's latest pronouncements are in response to a rising number of migrants, many of them f<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-full-turn-around-trump-to-asylum-seekers-at-mexico-border-208260">amilies with children</a>, travelling northward from Central America through Mexico and to the US border.

Trump praised efforts by Mexico to hinder illegal immigration from Central America at its own southern border.

In recent days, Mexico has taken a more rigorous approach to interviewing and registering immigrants from Central America, Haiti and Cuba, according to officials.

Trump has made fighting illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America a key part of his agenda, but shutting down one of the world's most used borders might be a step too far, even for many of his fellow Republicans.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Saturday promised to bolster border security and mocked the asylum process at the southern border. The President's latest pronouncements are in response to a rising number of migrants, many of them families with children, travelling northward from Central America through Mexico and to the US border.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday promised to bolster border security and mocked the asylum process at the southern border. The President's latest pronouncements are in response to a rising number of migrants, many of them families with children, travelling northward from Central America through Mexico and to the US border. Trump praised efforts by Mexico to hinder illegal immigration from Central America at its own southern border. In recent days, Mexico has taken a more rigorous approach to interviewing and registering immigrants from Central America, Haiti and Cuba, according to officials. Trump has made fighting illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America a key part of his agenda, but shutting down one of the world's most used borders might be a step too far, even for many of his fellow Republicans.

Trump mocks asylum seekers, explains halt of funds to Central American nations

Israeli Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436"> Benjamin Netanyahu </a>pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">upcoming general election</a>.

"I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

Annexation could prove to be the death knell for the two-state solution.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's annexation remark comes just three days before the April 9 general election and could be seen as an appeal to rightwing voters who don't believe in the feasibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

In an interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump he would not remove settlements or people as part of a future American peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television.

Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it."

Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative.

Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement&nbsp;

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements as part of its military occupation of the territory, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty.

While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the upcoming general election. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the upcoming general election. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. Annexation could prove to be the death knell for the two-state solution. Netanyahu's annexation remark comes just three days before the April 9 general election and could be seen as an appeal to rightwing voters who don't believe in the feasibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In an interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump he would not remove settlements or people as part of a future American peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television. Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it." Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative. Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements as part of its military occupation of the territory, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty. While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to annex West Bank settlements after vote

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had not read Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report investigating contacts between his 2016 campaign and Russia that his Democratic opponents say should be released in full.

"I have not read the Mueller Report yet, even though I have every right to do so," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Only know the conclusions, and on the big one, No Collusion."

US Attorney General William Barr has said he plans to make public a redacted copy of the nearly 400-page investigative report into Russian interference in the 2016 election by the middle of this month, if not sooner.

On March 22, Mueller completed his 22-month probe and Barr

sent a four-page letter to Congress two days later outlining the main findings. Barr told lawmakers the investigation did not establish that members of Trump's election campaign conspired with Russia, but also did not exonerate the president on obstruction of justice.

Barr said he had concluded there was not enough evidence to show that Trump committed the crime of obstruction. But news media reports this week said members of Mueller's team were unhappy with the way Barr, a Trump appointee, had characterized the report's conclusions.

Asked in an interview with Fox and Friends Weekend about calls for the release of the full confidential report, Trump said: “It’s really up to the attorney general, whatever he wants to do.”

In another tweet, Trump called the report "a total waste of time."

Barr did not meet a demand by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives to provide the unredacted report to lawmakers by April 2.

He told Congress in a letter last week he must redact material that was presented to a grand jury, as required by law, as well as information that could reveal US intelligence agencies' sources and methods. Congressional Democrats have indicated they will fight those redactions in court if the subpoena is ignored.

Russia's government has denied interfering in the US election.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had not read Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report investigating contacts between his 2016 campaign and Russia that his Democratic opponents say should be released in full.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had not read Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report investigating contacts between his 2016 campaign and Russia that his Democratic opponents say should be released in full. "I have not read the Mueller Report yet, even though I have every right to do so," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Only know the conclusions, and on the big one, No Collusion." US Attorney General William Barr has said he plans to make public a redacted copy of the nearly 400-page investigative report into Russian interference in the 2016 election by the middle of this month, if not sooner. On March 22, Mueller completed his 22-month probe and Barr sent a four-page letter to Congress two days later outlining the main findings. Barr told lawmakers the investigation did not establish that members of Trump's election campaign conspired with Russia, but also did not exonerate the president on obstruction of justice. Barr said he had concluded there was not enough evidence to show that Trump committed the crime of obstruction. But news media reports this week said members of Mueller's team were unhappy with the way Barr, a Trump appointee, had characterized the report's conclusions. Asked in an interview with Fox and Friends Weekend about calls for the release of the full confidential report, Trump said: “It’s really up to the attorney general, whatever he wants to do.” In another tweet, Trump called the report "a total waste of time." Barr did not meet a demand by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives to provide the unredacted report to lawmakers by April 2. He told Congress in a letter last week he must redact material that was presented to a grand jury, as required by law, as well as information that could reveal US intelligence agencies' sources and methods. Congressional Democrats have indicated they will fight those redactions in court if the subpoena is ignored. Russia's government has denied interfering in the US election.

US President Trump says has not read Mueller report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-full-turn-around-trump-to-asylum-seekers-at-mexico-border-208260">Our country is full, turn around: Trump to asylum seekers at Mexico border</a>

US President Donald Trump visited the Mexican border on Friday to deliver a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers: don't bother coming.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-cuts-737-production-rate-by-10-planes-per-month-208263">Boeing cuts 737 production rate by 10 planes per month</a>

Boeing announced Friday it would cut the production schedule of its 737 aircraft line following the two recent crashes that have seen the 737 MAX grounded worldwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265">As </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265">Maldives</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265"> heads for polls today President Solih hopes for </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265">majority</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-maldives-heads-for-polls-today-president-solih-hopes-for-majority-to-probe-china-deals-208265"> to probe China deals</a>

The Maldives heads for a parliamentary election on Saturday with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih seeking a majority for his party to investigate debts to China, which it fears could run as high as $3 billion and risk sinking the economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-115-rohingya-seeking-to-reach-malaysia-208264">Bangladesh stops 115 Rohingya seeking to reach Malaysia</a>

Bangladesh police have prevented 115 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia in rickety fishing boats, officials said Saturday, but no suspected traffickers were detained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-warns-of-russian-interference-in-parliamentary-polls-208261">Canada PM Justin Trudeau warns of Russian interference in parliamentary polls</a>

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday warned of the risk of interference by Russia in Canadian parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.

&nbsp;

Our country is full, turn around: Trump to asylum seekers at Mexico border US President Donald Trump visited the Mexican border on Friday to deliver a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers: don't bother coming.

Our country is full, turn around: Trump to asylum seekers at Mexico border US President Donald Trump visited the Mexican border on Friday to deliver a message to would-be illegal immigrants and asylum seekers: don't bother coming. Boeing cuts 737 production rate by 10 planes per month Boeing announced Friday it would cut the production schedule of its 737 aircraft line following the two recent crashes that have seen the 737 MAX grounded worldwide. As Maldives heads for polls today President Solih hopes for majority to probe China deals The Maldives heads for a parliamentary election on Saturday with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih seeking a majority for his party to investigate debts to China, which it fears could run as high as $3 billion and risk sinking the economy. Bangladesh stops 115 Rohingya seeking to reach Malaysia Bangladesh police have prevented 115 Rohingya refugees from being smuggled to Malaysia in rickety fishing boats, officials said Saturday, but no suspected traffickers were detained. Canada PM Justin Trudeau warns of Russian interference in parliamentary polls Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday warned of the risk of interference by Russia in Canadian parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has reached Congressionally-mandated 65,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/h1-b-visa-restrictions-compel-tech-firms-to-hire-more-locals-208225">H-1B visa</a> cap for the fiscal year 2020, after it started receiving the applications for the most sought-after work visa among foreign, including Indian, professionals.&nbsp;

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The USCIS, the federal agency mandated with the task of approving such applications, on Friday said, "it has received a sufficient number of petitions projected as needed to reach the congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap for the fiscal year 2020."

The fiscal year begins October 1, 2019, and it the USCIS started receiving the visa petitions from April 1.&nbsp;

However, the agency did not reveal the number of petitions received by it in the first five days.

The USCIS said it will next determine if it has received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap.&nbsp;

The agency said it will reject and return visa fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not prohibited multiple filings. It will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.

Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2020 H-1B, the USCIS said.

It did not say if it would resort to the computerised draw of lots as was the case in the last several years.

Last year, the USCIS received 190,000 cap-subjected H-1B petitions. In 2018, it received 199,000 applications while in 2017, 236,000 petitions in the first five days after it started receiving the applications.&nbsp;

The USCIS received 232,972 H-1B cap-subject petitions in 2016 and in 2015, it received 172,581 cap-subjected petitions.

This is the first season of H-1B petitions after the USCIS announced enforcing new rules for the most sought-after US work visa applications for foreign professionals.&nbsp;

The new rules give preferences to those who have completed their post-graduation degree course from any US educational institutions.

This year the USCIS has suspended the electronic registration requirement for the fiscal year 2020 cap season to complete user testing and ensure the system and process are fully functional.

Under the new system, the USCIS first selects H-1B petitions submitted on behalf of all beneficiaries, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

Thereafter, the USCIS will select from the remaining eligible petitions, a number projected to reach the advanced degree exemption. Changing the order in which the USCIS counts these allocations will likely increase the number of petitions for beneficiaries with a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education to be selected under the H-1B numerical allocations.

The USCIS says that the change will result in an estimated increase of up to 16 per cent (or 5,340 workers) in the number of selected petitions for H-1B beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution of higher education.

"These simple and smart changes are a positive benefit for employers, the foreign workers they seek to employ, and the agency's adjudicators, helping the H-1B visa program work better," USCIS Director L Francis Cissna had said in a statement.

"The US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery in years of excess demand for new H-1B visas," Cissna said.

In April 2017, US President Donald Trump, had issued the 'Buy American and Hire American Executive Order', instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of US workers in the administration of our immigration system."

The executive order specifically mentioned the H-1B program and directed the DHS and other agencies to "suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid petition beneficiaries."&nbsp;

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has reached Congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2020, after it started receiving the applications for the most sought-after work visa among foreign, including Indian, professionals.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it has reached Congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2020, after it started receiving the applications for the most sought-after work visa among foreign, including Indian, professionals. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The USCIS, the federal agency mandated with the task of approving such applications, on Friday said, "it has received a sufficient number of petitions projected as needed to reach the congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap for the fiscal year 2020." The fiscal year begins October 1, 2019, and it the USCIS started receiving the visa petitions from April 1. However, the agency did not reveal the number of petitions received by it in the first five days. The USCIS said it will next determine if it has received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master's cap. The agency said it will reject and return visa fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not prohibited multiple filings. It will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2020 H-1B, the USCIS said. It did not say if it would resort to the computerised draw of lots as was the case in the last several years. Last year, the USCIS received 190,000 cap-subjected H-1B petitions. In 2018, it received 199,000 applications while in 2017, 236,000 petitions in the first five days after it started receiving the applications. The USCIS received 232,972 H-1B cap-subject petitions in 2016 and in 2015, it received 172,581 cap-subjected petitions. This is the first season of H-1B petitions after the USCIS announced enforcing new rules for the most sought-after US work visa applications for foreign professionals. The new rules give preferences to those who have completed their post-graduation degree course from any US educational institutions. This year the USCIS has suspended the electronic registration requirement for the fiscal year 2020 cap season to complete user testing and ensure the system and process are fully functional. Under the new system, the USCIS first selects H-1B petitions submitted on behalf of all beneficiaries, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Thereafter, the USCIS will select from the remaining eligible petitions, a number projected to reach the advanced degree exemption. Changing the order in which the USCIS counts these allocations will likely increase the number of petitions for beneficiaries with a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education to be selected under the H-1B numerical allocations. The USCIS says that the change will result in an estimated increase of up to 16 per cent (or 5,340 workers) in the number of selected petitions for H-1B beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution of higher education. "These simple and smart changes are a positive benefit for employers, the foreign workers they seek to employ, and the agency's adjudicators, helping the H-1B visa program work better," USCIS Director L Francis Cissna had said in a statement. "The US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery in years of excess demand for new H-1B visas," Cissna said. In April 2017, US President Donald Trump, had issued the 'Buy American and Hire American Executive Order', instructing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of US workers in the administration of our immigration system." The executive order specifically mentioned the H-1B program and directed the DHS and other agencies to "suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid petition beneficiaries."

US reaches 65,000 H-1B visa cap for 2020

The arrest of a Chinese woman who allegedly brought malicious software to President Donald Trump's Florida resort shows that Beijing poses a threat, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday.

Zhang Yujing was arrested last week at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was on one of his frequent visits, after attempting to enter while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, according to court documents.

"I think this tells the American people the threat that China poses, the efforts that they're making here inside the United States not only against government officials, but more broadly," Pompeo said in an interview with CBS News.

"The theft of American intellectual property is a big business to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, and President Trump is determined to push back against it," he said.

He was referring to ongoing trade talks in which the United States is pressing China to take action to protect intellectual property.

Pompeo said the administration was looking closely at the arrest but declined further comment, saying the investigation was ongoing.

There has been no evidence presented publicly that Zhang was sent by the Chinese government, although Beijing says it is providing consular assistance.

Zhang was accused of making false statements to federal officers after first claiming to be a member who wanted to use the pool, and then saying she was attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event.

The security of Mar-a-Lago itself has drawn scrutiny in light of the unusual situation of a president who frequently hobnobs with members who pay to be part of his club.

The arrest of a Chinese woman who allegedly brought malicious software to President Donald Trump's Florida resort shows that Beijing poses a threat, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday.

The arrest of a Chinese woman who allegedly brought malicious software to President Donald Trump's Florida resort shows that Beijing poses a threat, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday. Zhang Yujing was arrested last week at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was on one of his frequent visits, after attempting to enter while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, according to court documents. "I think this tells the American people the threat that China poses, the efforts that they're making here inside the United States not only against government officials, but more broadly," Pompeo said in an interview with CBS News. "The theft of American intellectual property is a big business to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, and President Trump is determined to push back against it," he said. He was referring to ongoing trade talks in which the United States is pressing China to take action to protect intellectual property. Pompeo said the administration was looking closely at the arrest but declined further comment, saying the investigation was ongoing. There has been no evidence presented publicly that Zhang was sent by the Chinese government, although Beijing says it is providing consular assistance. Zhang was accused of making false statements to federal officers after first claiming to be a member who wanted to use the pool, and then saying she was attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event. The security of Mar-a-Lago itself has drawn scrutiny in light of the unusual situation of a president who frequently hobnobs with members who pay to be part of his club.

Arrest at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort shows China threat: Mike Pompeo

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-full-turn-around-trump-to-asylum-seekers-at-mexico-border-208260">President Donald Trump</a> on Friday said talks with Beijing were making progress toward ending the trade war between the world's two top economies, but he again stopped short of predicting success.

"The China meeting was a big success," Trump told reporters, discussing the latest round of shuttle diplomacy conducted this week in Washington.&nbsp;

"I don't want to predict a deal or not a deal, but we're very well along," he added. "We have really negotiated probably the two hardest points."

He offered no detail on what those two points were, however.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin engaged in trade talks with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He from April 3-5 in Washington.

"Significant work remains" in the talks, the White House said in a statement later in the day, "and the principals, deputy ministers, and delegation members will be in continuous contact to resolve outstanding issues."

Those issues include "intellectual property, forced technology transfer, non-tariff barriers, agriculture, services, purchases, and enforcement."

The statement, however, did say that both sides had "productive meetings and made progress on numerous key issues."

Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg Television that the talks had been "very productive" and were "moving the ball in the right direction."

The US side was less interested in the timing of a deal than "getting a good deal," he said.

Kudlow said progress had been made on how to enforce the commitments made by both sides, the theft of intellectual property, forced transfers of technology and commodity sales.

"I am not here to provide details as those are in the middle of the negotiations that are ongoing," he said.

On Thursday, Trump stopped short of announcing a date for a summit to seal a final deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, something he said as far back as February was likely a month away.

Instead, the Republican president said the talks were likely to stretch on for another four weeks, with any summit coming shortly thereafter.

In China, Xi said Friday he hoped the talks would conclude "as soon as possible," according to state media.

Since last year, the two countries have exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade.

President Donald Trump on Friday said talks with Beijing were making progress toward ending the trade war between the world's two top economies, but he again stopped short of predicting success.

President Donald Trump on Friday said talks with Beijing were making progress toward ending the trade war between the world's two top economies, but he again stopped short of predicting success. "The China meeting was a big success," Trump told reporters, discussing the latest round of shuttle diplomacy conducted this week in Washington. "I don't want to predict a deal or not a deal, but we're very well along," he added. "We have really negotiated probably the two hardest points." He offered no detail on what those two points were, however. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin engaged in trade talks with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He from April 3-5 in Washington. "Significant work remains" in the talks, the White House said in a statement later in the day, "and the principals, deputy ministers, and delegation members will be in continuous contact to resolve outstanding issues." Those issues include "intellectual property, forced technology transfer, non-tariff barriers, agriculture, services, purchases, and enforcement." The statement, however, did say that both sides had "productive meetings and made progress on numerous key issues." Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Bloomberg Television that the talks had been "very productive" and were "moving the ball in the right direction." The US side was less interested in the timing of a deal than "getting a good deal," he said. Kudlow said progress had been made on how to enforce the commitments made by both sides, the theft of intellectual property, forced transfers of technology and commodity sales. "I am not here to provide details as those are in the middle of the negotiations that are ongoing," he said. On Thursday, Trump stopped short of announcing a date for a summit to seal a final deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, something he said as far back as February was likely a month away. Instead, the Republican president said the talks were likely to stretch on for another four weeks, with any summit coming shortly thereafter. In China, Xi said Friday he hoped the talks would conclude "as soon as possible," according to state media. Since last year, the two countries have exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade.

Trump sees progress in China talks but doesn't predict success

For Americans, Vietnam is a place associated with their country’s bloodiest war. It has entered their conscience once again due to the failed denuclearisation summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong un and President Donald Trump.

The stage was set for a second meet between the two world leaders in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi from February 27 to 28. The venue added more significance to the high stakes talks.

But the summit broke down without any official statements. North Korea had demanded the lifting of the US sanctions. Washington rejected the demands saying that sanctions would end when Pyongyang dismantles its nuclear sites.

Days after the talk, there are no clear signs of any progress in negotiations between the two camps.

But denuclearisation wasn’t the only thing that the Trump administration was trying to achieve in Hanoi. The other aim was to sell the ‘Vietnam Model of Development’ to North Korea.

Ahead of the summit, Trump had tweeted that North Korea would become an ‘economic rocket’. The US wanted to convince North Korea to divert funds from its nuclear programme to its tanking economy.

White House sought an example for the hermit nation closer to home. Vietnam, a communist country with a flourishing economy seemed to fit the bill for communist North Korea.

It was a different story that Vietnam was also an example of a small nation defeating a superpower.

But the ‘socialist-oriented market economy’ was not the sole reason for picking the South-East Asian nation. Both the US and North Korea have a shared history with Vietnam.

The two nations fought in the Vietnam War but on opposite sides. North Korea had backed anti-US and eventually victorious Vietcong forces.

The US- Vietnam relations improved significantly, years after the war. While Pyongyang still bears resentment against Washington for the Korean War (1950-53).

Post-war, Vietnam suffered from US economic sanctions.

But Vietnam’s economy continued to progress majorly due to the 1986 ‘Doi Moi’ liberalisation reforms, and partly because of the lifting of the US, UN and other international sanctions in the 1990s.

The Vietnam War ended in 1975 so what led to sanctions to be drawn for that long?

Shortly after independence, Vietnam engaged in a war with neighbouring Cambodia that ended in 1979. However, Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia continued for a decade, until Hanoi decided to officially end hostilities to get rid of international sanctions.

The onus here somewhat lies with North Korea. In Vietnam’s case, sanctions were lifted after an end to aggression. It also remains to be seen if Trump would forgo sanctions in favour of the third summit with Kim Jong Un.

For Americans, Vietnam is a place associated with their country’s bloodiest war. It has entered their conscience once again due to the failed denuclearisation summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong un and President Donald Trump.

For Americans, Vietnam is a place associated with their country’s bloodiest war. It has entered their conscience once again due to the failed denuclearisation summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong un and President Donald Trump. The stage was set for a second meet between the two world leaders in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi from February 27 to 28. The venue added more significance to the high stakes talks. But the summit broke down without any official statements. North Korea had demanded the lifting of the US sanctions. Washington rejected the demands saying that sanctions would end when Pyongyang dismantles its nuclear sites. Days after the talk, there are no clear signs of any progress in negotiations between the two camps. But denuclearisation wasn’t the only thing that the Trump administration was trying to achieve in Hanoi. The other aim was to sell the ‘Vietnam Model of Development’ to North Korea. Ahead of the summit, Trump had tweeted that North Korea would become an ‘economic rocket’. The US wanted to convince North Korea to divert funds from its nuclear programme to its tanking economy. White House sought an example for the hermit nation closer to home. Vietnam, a communist country with a flourishing economy seemed to fit the bill for communist North Korea. It was a different story that Vietnam was also an example of a small nation defeating a superpower. But the ‘socialist-oriented market economy’ was not the sole reason for picking the South-East Asian nation. Both the US and North Korea have a shared history with Vietnam. The two nations fought in the Vietnam War but on opposite sides. North Korea had backed anti-US and eventually victorious Vietcong forces. The US- Vietnam relations improved significantly, years after the war. While Pyongyang still bears resentment against Washington for the Korean War (1950-53). Post-war, Vietnam suffered from US economic sanctions. But Vietnam’s economy continued to progress majorly due to the 1986 ‘Doi Moi’ liberalisation reforms, and partly because of the lifting of the US, UN and other international sanctions in the 1990s. The Vietnam War ended in 1975 so what led to sanctions to be drawn for that long? Shortly after independence, Vietnam engaged in a war with neighbouring Cambodia that ended in 1979. However, Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia continued for a decade, until Hanoi decided to officially end hostilities to get rid of international sanctions. The onus here somewhat lies with North Korea. In Vietnam’s case, sanctions were lifted after an end to aggression. It also remains to be seen if Trump would forgo sanctions in favour of the third summit with Kim Jong Un.

Donald Trump-Kim Jong un summit's other aim was to sell ‘Vietnam model’ to North Korea

David Malpass, a senior US Treasury official in President Donald Trump's administration, was unanimously chosen Friday as the next president of the World Bank.

The selection of Malpass by the bank's board of directors followed an "open, transparent" nomination process in which citizens of all membership countries were potentially eligible, the bank said in a statement.&nbsp;

But since the bank's creation following World War II, all of its presidents have been American men, following an unwritten rule that also ensures European leadership at the top of its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund.

The announcement on Friday came as expected just prior to next week's joint spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF.

Malpass had been the lone candidate for the job and his nomination by Trump earlier this year sparked outrage among critics, who saw it as an affront to the global anti-poverty lender's very mission.

The 63-year-old US Treasury official in charge of international affairs has been a strident critic of global financial institutions -- calling their lending practices "corrupt" and ineffective, and complaining they are overly generous to China.

He has softened his message recently, however, saying he was committed to the bank's mission of eliminating extreme poverty, and that reforms enacted last year had addressed many of his criticisms.

In recent years, emerging market countries have challenged the unwritten arrangement on World Bank and IMF leadership, demanding a more open, merit-based selection process.

The bank has been at pains to stress that it has heard such criticisms and now allows a more open process. But the few non-American candidates in recent years have received little support from major bank shareholders.

Many, including former Treasury officials from both political parties, have sharply criticized Malpass and his qualifications, pointing to his failure to foresee the global financial crisis during his time at the now-defunct investment bank Bear Stearns and his opposition, which later proved unjustified, to post-crisis Federal Reserve policies.

David Malpass, a senior US Treasury official in President Donald Trump's administration, was unanimously chosen Friday as the next president of the World Bank. The selection of Malpass by the bank's board of directors followed an "open, transparent" nomination process in which citizens of all membership countries were potentially eligible, the bank said in a statement.

David Malpass, a senior US Treasury official in President Donald Trump's administration, was unanimously chosen Friday as the next president of the World Bank. The selection of Malpass by the bank's board of directors followed an "open, transparent" nomination process in which citizens of all membership countries were potentially eligible, the bank said in a statement. But since the bank's creation following World War II, all of its presidents have been American men, following an unwritten rule that also ensures European leadership at the top of its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund. The announcement on Friday came as expected just prior to next week's joint spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF. Malpass had been the lone candidate for the job and his nomination by Trump earlier this year sparked outrage among critics, who saw it as an affront to the global anti-poverty lender's very mission. The 63-year-old US Treasury official in charge of international affairs has been a strident critic of global financial institutions -- calling their lending practices "corrupt" and ineffective, and complaining they are overly generous to China. He has softened his message recently, however, saying he was committed to the bank's mission of eliminating extreme poverty, and that reforms enacted last year had addressed many of his criticisms. In recent years, emerging market countries have challenged the unwritten arrangement on World Bank and IMF leadership, demanding a more open, merit-based selection process. The bank has been at pains to stress that it has heard such criticisms and now allows a more open process. But the few non-American candidates in recent years have received little support from major bank shareholders. Many, including former Treasury officials from both political parties, have sharply criticized Malpass and his qualifications, pointing to his failure to foresee the global financial crisis during his time at the now-defunct investment bank Bear Stearns and his opposition, which later proved unjustified, to post-crisis Federal Reserve policies.

US Treasury official David Malpass named 13th World Bank president

WION Gravitas: Donald Trump hopes for success in Afghanistan?

China trade deal possible in 4 weeks, says Donald Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the "early conclusion of negotiations" on the text of a trade deal with the United States, state media reported Friday.

The comments, carried by the Xinhua news agency, came as speculation mounted that the two sides were close to finalising an agreement to resolve their nine month-trade war.&nbsp;

The remarks were part of a message conveyed by Chinese vice premier Liu He at a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

"Under the current situation, the healthy and stable development of China-US relations is related to the interests of both Chinese and American people," said Liu, passing on remarks from Xi.

Washington and Beijing since last year has imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, biting into their manufacturing sectors as the world economy slows.

Vice Premier and Beijing's trade envoy Liu flew to Washington this week to continue hammering out trade negotiations.

The two sides "reached a new consensus on important issues" in trade agreement documents, said Xinhua's report, citing Liu.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the "early conclusion of negotiations" on the text of a trade deal with the United States, state media reported Friday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the "early conclusion of negotiations" on the text of a trade deal with the United States, state media reported Friday. The comments, carried by the Xinhua news agency, came as speculation mounted that the two sides were close to finalising an agreement to resolve their nine month-trade war. The remarks were part of a message conveyed by Chinese vice premier Liu He at a meeting with US President Donald Trump. "Under the current situation, the healthy and stable development of China-US relations is related to the interests of both Chinese and American people," said Liu, passing on remarks from Xi. Washington and Beijing since last year has imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, biting into their manufacturing sectors as the world economy slows. Vice Premier and Beijing's trade envoy Liu flew to Washington this week to continue hammering out trade negotiations. The two sides "reached a new consensus on important issues" in trade agreement documents, said Xinhua's report, citing Liu.

China's Xi Jinping calls for early conclusion of US trade talks: Report

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday.

The figure includes children uprooted from Venezuela, those who have returned and others in host and transit communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, said a UNICEF statement.

The latest estimate highlighted expectations among aid agencies that the political crisis in Venezuela will worsen in the coming months, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of children and families. &nbsp;

UNICEF called on governments in the region to uphold the rights of children and ensure they have access to essential services.

An internal UN report seen by AFP last week said seven million people -- about 24 per cent of Venezuela's population -- are in need of humanitarian aid, lacking access to food and medical care.

President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US sanctions for Venezuela's economic problems but opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says government corruption and mismanagement are at fault.&nbsp;

Guaido is recognised by the United States and around 50 other governments.

The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week at the request of the United States to discuss Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday.

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday. The figure includes children uprooted from Venezuela, those who have returned and others in host and transit communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, said a UNICEF statement. The latest estimate highlighted expectations among aid agencies that the political crisis in Venezuela will worsen in the coming months, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of children and families. UNICEF called on governments in the region to uphold the rights of children and ensure they have access to essential services. An internal UN report seen by AFP last week said seven million people -- about 24 per cent of Venezuela's population -- are in need of humanitarian aid, lacking access to food and medical care. President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US sanctions for Venezuela's economic problems but opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says government corruption and mismanagement are at fault. Guaido is recognised by the United States and around 50 other governments. The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week at the request of the United States to discuss Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

1.1 million children affected by Venezuela crisis: UNICEF

By David Smilde

Even in a country where the crisis has become the norm, the past month has been eventful for Venezuela.

On April 3 Juan Guaidó, the Venezuelan National Assembly president who is leading an effort to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity. The arrest seems increasingly likely. Guaidó’s chief-of-staff was jailed on March 22, on charges of organising a “terrorist cell.”

Two days later, two Russian military planes carrying 35 tons of unspecified equipment and 100 soldiers landed at the international airport in Caracas.

Meanwhile, three blackouts leftover 90 per cent of the country in the dark. Since water pumps need electricity to run, neighbourhoods and families were forced to organise water rationing systems or fetch water from polluted rivers and streams.

Maduro blames the blackouts on “sabotage” by Guaidó and the United States. The opposition blames government corruption and neglect of Venezuela’s energy grid.

Thousands of Venezuelans protesting the power outages on March 30 were met with violent repression. Counter-protestors came out to support the Maduro government.

These extraordinary events may give the appearance that armed conflict is on the horizon. But having researched Venezuela for over 25 years, I believe a prolonged deadlock – and deeper human suffering – is the more likely result.

International conflict

Each side in Venezuela’s political struggle has powerful international backers.

Guaidó has been coordinating with the Trump administration since before assuming the interim presidency, and Trump has made regime change in Venezuela a foreign policy priority. Over 50 countries now recognise Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

Maduro’s government retains important support from Cuba, Turkey and China – though China, which has loaned Venezuela some $60 billion over the last 12 years, has diminished its public backing of Maduro.

Russia has become Maduro’s most important ally. The Russian military equipment and personnel sent in March will likely help maintain and operate Venezuela’s sophisticated Russian-made S-300 air defence system, which protects the capital and key military bases from air attack.

The missile defence system may have been damaged in recent power outages or left understaffed by desertions from Venezuela’s military.

In a March 29 press statement, White House national security adviser John Bolton called Russia’s military assistance to Venezuela a “direct threat to international peace and security in the region” that will “perpetuate the economic crisis that has destroyed Venezuela’s economy.”

Russian officials retorted that the deployment is part of a prior bilateral arms trade agreement with Venezuela.

“The United States is present in many parts of the world and no one is telling it where it should or shouldn’t be,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov at a March 28 Kremlin press conference.

Regime change stalled

Venezuela’s opposition coalition and its allies in the US appear to have thought that global rejection of Maduro’s re-election and Guaidó’s assuming the interim presidency – coupled with threats of a US military invasion and sanctions on Venezuelan oil – would lead Venezuela’s armed forces to turn against Maduro.&nbsp;

That would then usher in a democratic transition.

Recent events have shown that this strategy was simplistic.

More than 500 Venezuelan soldiers have defected to Colombia and Brazil. But most have stayed loyal, as have the generals who hold high positions in Maduro’s government. And Maduro has shown himself quite adept at using dispersed violence to discourage dissent.

Despite President Donald Trump’s repeated mentions of a “military option” for dealing with Venezuela, it’s become clear in recent weeks that the US has no actual plans for military action. Indeed, it does not have significant military assets in position near Venezuela.

Venezuela’s armed forces are the fifth most powerful in Latin America, according to Global Fire Power, which ranks military strength. It has around 200,000 troops, a volunteer militia, plus paramilitary forces and a fleet of Russian Sukhoi fighter jets.

The presence of Russian troops in Venezuela further complicates any plans for US intervention. Russia is a nuclear power, so incurring Russian casualties is probably too big of a risk for the US to take.

Adam Isacson, a defence expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a human rights organization, suggests that removing Maduro by force would not only kill thousands of people on the ground, it would likely require tens of thousands of US troops to occupy Venezuela for years in order to stabilize it.

Outside of South Florida, where some 200,000 Venezuelan exiles are clamouring for Maduro’s ouster, few Americans would have an appetite for such a prolonged operation.

US economic sanctions – which are now targeting Venezuelan oil – appear to be hurting the Venezuelan people more than Maduro’s government.

That will only make a democratic transition more elusive. Depriving the Venezuelan government of cash and credit will impede it from fixing the electrical grid by preventing the purchase of new equipment. And without electricity and water, Venezuelans, who in their vast majority oppose Maduro, will be concentrating on survival rather than protest.

Working for peace

An international effort led by the European Union, Uruguay, Ecuador and Costa Rica is seeking to negotiate new elections. Calling itself the International Contact Group, this coalition has sent technical teams to Caracas twice to meet with the Maduro government and the opposition.

The International Contact Group has not actually found much interest on either side.

The opposition and its allies in the Trump administration still believe that their strategy of political pressure and economic punishment will lead to the government’s collapse. Maduro, it appears, thinks he can hunker down and wait out the storm.

There is one glimmer of hope.

After years of political wrangling over humanitarian aid, on March 29 the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that it had brokered agreements with both the Maduro government and the opposition. They will allow the Red Cross to distribute food and medicine to Venezuelans, who have suffered severe shortages of both since 2015.

The United Nations estimates that 94 per cent of Venezuela’s population now lives in poverty, and a quarter of its people urgently need humanitarian assistance.

The Red Cross deal shows what can be achieved with “satellite diplomacy” – that is, negotiations that engage with rival factions independently rather than requiring them to meet face to face.

This is significant. It is the first time that this diplomatic technique has succeeded in Venezuela’s conflict.

In the best-case scenario, the humanitarian aid agreement will stick. And it could serve as a model for how international actors can facilitate a democratic transition in Venezuela.

(David Smilde is Professor of Sociology, Tulane University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/venezuelas-power-struggle-reaches-a-tense-stalemate-as-human-suffering-deepens-114545">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;

By David Smilde Even in a country where the crisis has become the norm, the past month has been eventful for Venezuela. On April 3 Juan Guaidó, the Venezuelan National Assembly president who is leading an effort to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity.

By David Smilde Even in a country where the crisis has become the norm, the past month has been eventful for Venezuela. On April 3 Juan Guaidó, the Venezuelan National Assembly president who is leading an effort to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity. The arrest seems increasingly likely. Guaidó’s chief-of-staff was jailed on March 22, on charges of organising a “terrorist cell.” Two days later, two Russian military planes carrying 35 tons of unspecified equipment and 100 soldiers landed at the international airport in Caracas. Meanwhile, three blackouts leftover 90 per cent of the country in the dark. Since water pumps need electricity to run, neighbourhoods and families were forced to organise water rationing systems or fetch water from polluted rivers and streams. Maduro blames the blackouts on “sabotage” by Guaidó and the United States. The opposition blames government corruption and neglect of Venezuela’s energy grid. Thousands of Venezuelans protesting the power outages on March 30 were met with violent repression. Counter-protestors came out to support the Maduro government. These extraordinary events may give the appearance that armed conflict is on the horizon. But having researched Venezuela for over 25 years, I believe a prolonged deadlock – and deeper human suffering – is the more likely result. International conflict Each side in Venezuela’s political struggle has powerful international backers. Guaidó has been coordinating with the Trump administration since before assuming the interim presidency, and Trump has made regime change in Venezuela a foreign policy priority. Over 50 countries now recognise Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president. Maduro’s government retains important support from Cuba, Turkey and China – though China, which has loaned Venezuela some $60 billion over the last 12 years, has diminished its public backing of Maduro. Russia has become Maduro’s most important ally. The Russian military equipment and personnel sent in March will likely help maintain and operate Venezuela’s sophisticated Russian-made S-300 air defence system, which protects the capital and key military bases from air attack. The missile defence system may have been damaged in recent power outages or left understaffed by desertions from Venezuela’s military. In a March 29 press statement, White House national security adviser John Bolton called Russia’s military assistance to Venezuela a “direct threat to international peace and security in the region” that will “perpetuate the economic crisis that has destroyed Venezuela’s economy.” Russian officials retorted that the deployment is part of a prior bilateral arms trade agreement with Venezuela. “The United States is present in many parts of the world and no one is telling it where it should or shouldn’t be,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov at a March 28 Kremlin press conference. Regime change stalled Venezuela’s opposition coalition and its allies in the US appear to have thought that global rejection of Maduro’s re-election and Guaidó’s assuming the interim presidency – coupled with threats of a US military invasion and sanctions on Venezuelan oil – would lead Venezuela’s armed forces to turn against Maduro. That would then usher in a democratic transition. Recent events have shown that this strategy was simplistic. More than 500 Venezuelan soldiers have defected to Colombia and Brazil. But most have stayed loyal, as have the generals who hold high positions in Maduro’s government. And Maduro has shown himself quite adept at using dispersed violence to discourage dissent. Despite President Donald Trump’s repeated mentions of a “military option” for dealing with Venezuela, it’s become clear in recent weeks that the US has no actual plans for military action. Indeed, it does not have significant military assets in position near Venezuela. Venezuela’s armed forces are the fifth most powerful in Latin America, according to Global Fire Power, which ranks military strength. It has around 200,000 troops, a volunteer militia, plus paramilitary forces and a fleet of Russian Sukhoi fighter jets. The presence of Russian troops in Venezuela further complicates any plans for US intervention. Russia is a nuclear power, so incurring Russian casualties is probably too big of a risk for the US to take. Adam Isacson, a defence expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, a human rights organization, suggests that removing Maduro by force would not only kill thousands of people on the ground, it would likely require tens of thousands of US troops to occupy Venezuela for years in order to stabilize it. Outside of South Florida, where some 200,000 Venezuelan exiles are clamouring for Maduro’s ouster, few Americans would have an appetite for such a prolonged operation. US economic sanctions – which are now targeting Venezuelan oil – appear to be hurting the Venezuelan people more than Maduro’s government. That will only make a democratic transition more elusive. Depriving the Venezuelan government of cash and credit will impede it from fixing the electrical grid by preventing the purchase of new equipment. And without electricity and water, Venezuelans, who in their vast majority oppose Maduro, will be concentrating on survival rather than protest. Working for peace An international effort led by the European Union, Uruguay, Ecuador and Costa Rica is seeking to negotiate new elections. Calling itself the International Contact Group, this coalition has sent technical teams to Caracas twice to meet with the Maduro government and the opposition. The International Contact Group has not actually found much interest on either side. The opposition and its allies in the Trump administration still believe that their strategy of political pressure and economic punishment will lead to the government’s collapse. Maduro, it appears, thinks he can hunker down and wait out the storm. There is one glimmer of hope. After years of political wrangling over humanitarian aid, on March 29 the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that it had brokered agreements with both the Maduro government and the opposition. They will allow the Red Cross to distribute food and medicine to Venezuelans, who have suffered severe shortages of both since 2015. The United Nations estimates that 94 per cent of Venezuela’s population now lives in poverty, and a quarter of its people urgently need humanitarian assistance. The Red Cross deal shows what can be achieved with “satellite diplomacy” – that is, negotiations that engage with rival factions independently rather than requiring them to meet face to face. This is significant. It is the first time that this diplomatic technique has succeeded in Venezuela’s conflict. In the best-case scenario, the humanitarian aid agreement will stick. And it could serve as a model for how international actors can facilitate a democratic transition in Venezuela. (David Smilde is Professor of Sociology, Tulane University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Venezuela’s power struggle reaches a tense stalemate as human suffering deepens

For<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/woodward-book-on-white-house-in-disarray-out-today-trump-says-its-a-joke-164996&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjDjbaKrrjhAhXb7HMBHfJMA4gQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw36_L94-qKjVgnokU4gfU6G"> Donald Trump</a>, the rigid rules of golf are flexible, allowing for the kick of a wayward ball into a better location, skipping a putt that looks close enough. What's the big deal?

That is according to Rick Reilly, a former Sports Illustrated columnist who has just written the book "Commander in Cheat," which alleges Trump is guilty of all sorts of sins on the golf course.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Reilly laid out a number of accusations to support his view that the US&nbsp; president's golf game is, well, not par for the course, particularly for a president who owns a string of golf resorts.

Among the charges: Playing with pros Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Brad Faxon in November 2017, Trump hit two balls in the water on one hole but didn't charge himself any penalty strokes.

The pros all saw it happen but just grinned their way through it. Why didn't they call him out for the violation?

"Because he's so fun and we want our own stories to tell about the cheating," Reilly said he was told.

At Winged Foot, a famous golf club in Westchester County, New York, Trump had a reputation among the caddies for kicking his ball into a better position so often that they called him "Pele," the former soccer star, Reilly said.

While Trump has in the past claimed a golf handicap of 2.8, meaning he typically will average three strokes over par over 18 holes, his handicap is actually about 10, said Reilly.

"This idea that Donald Trump is a great golfer - he's not," said Reilly. "He's good. He’s a 72-year-old man who’s a 10 handicap. That’s pretty good. But why isn’t that good enough?"

One time Democrat Hillary Clinton, who Trump defeated in the 2016 election, had her brother, Hugh Rodham, to play around at Winged Foot but showed up wearing shorts and was told he had to have long pants, Reilly said.

Rodham ended up wearing Trump's rain pants in order to meet the dress code and gave them back when he was done. This didn't sit well with Trump when he found out about it.

"Somebody tells Trump this and he was so mad he made the club buy him a whole new rain suit," said Reilly.

Reilly said the point of the book is to show what Trump is really like behind the scenes.

"Golf is a window into a guy’s soul and this gives a pretty good view of the guy," he said.

The White House declined to comment.

For Donald Trump, the rigid rules of golf are flexible, allowing for the kick of a wayward ball into a better location, skipping a putt that looks close enough. What's the big deal?

For Donald Trump, the rigid rules of golf are flexible, allowing for the kick of a wayward ball into a better location, skipping a putt that looks close enough. What's the big deal? That is according to Rick Reilly, a former Sports Illustrated columnist who has just written the book "Commander in Cheat," which alleges Trump is guilty of all sorts of sins on the golf course. In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Reilly laid out a number of accusations to support his view that the US president's golf game is, well, not par for the course, particularly for a president who owns a string of golf resorts. Among the charges: Playing with pros Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Brad Faxon in November 2017, Trump hit two balls in the water on one hole but didn't charge himself any penalty strokes. The pros all saw it happen but just grinned their way through it. Why didn't they call him out for the violation? "Because he's so fun and we want our own stories to tell about the cheating," Reilly said he was told. At Winged Foot, a famous golf club in Westchester County, New York, Trump had a reputation among the caddies for kicking his ball into a better position so often that they called him "Pele," the former soccer star, Reilly said. While Trump has in the past claimed a golf handicap of 2.8, meaning he typically will average three strokes over par over 18 holes, his handicap is actually about 10, said Reilly. "This idea that Donald Trump is a great golfer - he's not," said Reilly. "He's good. He’s a 72-year-old man who’s a 10 handicap. That’s pretty good. But why isn’t that good enough?" One time Democrat Hillary Clinton, who Trump defeated in the 2016 election, had her brother, Hugh Rodham, to play around at Winged Foot but showed up wearing shorts and was told he had to have long pants, Reilly said. Rodham ended up wearing Trump's rain pants in order to meet the dress code and gave them back when he was done. This didn't sit well with Trump when he found out about it. "Somebody tells Trump this and he was so mad he made the club buy him a whole new rain suit," said Reilly. Reilly said the point of the book is to show what Trump is really like behind the scenes. "Golf is a window into a guy’s soul and this gives a pretty good view of the guy," he said. The White House declined to comment.

Rick Reilly describes Trump, loose with the rules in his book 'Commander in Cheat'

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hillary-give-each-other-cold-shoulder-at-bush-funeral-181923">Donald Trump</a> has said he called President Xi Jinping "king" of China. And that while Xi said he was not, he did not seem too upset by the title.&nbsp;

Trump told his tale at the National Republican Congressional Committee spring dinner in Washington on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"He said, 'But I am not king, I am president.' I said 'No, you're president for life, and therefore you're king'," Trump told his audience, prompting laughter, CNN reported.

"He said, huh. He liked that. I get along with him great," it quoted the US President as saying.

Trump, 72, visited Beijing in November 2017, just months before China's rubber-stamp legislature, the National People's Congress, dropped the two-term limit on the Chinese presidency in March.

The controversial move cleared the way for Xi, 65, to serve indefinitely as China's head of state, strengthening his grip on power.&nbsp;

China abolished monarchical rule in 1912 when the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, Pu Yi, was overthrown to establish the Republic of China.

Xi is also serving as General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has said he called President Xi Jinping "king" of China. And that while Xi said he was not, he did not seem too upset by the title. Trump told his tale at the National Republican Congressional Committee spring dinner in Washington on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump has said he called President Xi Jinping "king" of China. And that while Xi said he was not, he did not seem too upset by the title. Trump told his tale at the National Republican Congressional Committee spring dinner in Washington on Tuesday. "He said, 'But I am not king, I am president.' I said 'No, you're president for life, and therefore you're king'," Trump told his audience, prompting laughter, CNN reported. "He said, huh. He liked that. I get along with him great," it quoted the US President as saying. Trump, 72, visited Beijing in November 2017, just months before China's rubber-stamp legislature, the National People's Congress, dropped the two-term limit on the Chinese presidency in March. The controversial move cleared the way for Xi, 65, to serve indefinitely as China's head of state, strengthening his grip on power. China abolished monarchical rule in 1912 when the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, Pu Yi, was overthrown to establish the Republic of China. Xi is also serving as General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Trump says he called President Xi Jinping 'king' of China

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to put tariffs on cars coming from Mexico into the United States if Mexico does not continue to help Washington deal with the immigration and drug situation along the southern US&nbsp;border.

Trump told reporters at the White House he would put tariffs on cars or close the border, but he said he may start with the tariffs. He also said he would give Mexico a year to try to stop the flow of drugs before putting tariffs in place.

"A lot of good things are happening with Mexico. Mexico understands that we're going to close the border, or I'm going to tariff the cars," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump said he would "probably start off with the tariffs - that will be a very powerful incentive."

Trump warned last Friday that he would close the US&nbsp;border with Mexico this week unless Mexico took action to help stop the flow of illegal migrants across the frontier.

Trump said on Thursday that media coverage in recent days has prompted Mexico to make moves to curb the flow of immigrants to the United States and take other action to ease the pressure on US&nbsp;ports of entry.

Separately, Mexican exporters said this week they were looking into sending their goods to the United States by air freight to avoid a five-mile-long line of trucks at the border caused by the Trump administration moving federal agents away from customs checks to immigration duties.

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to put tariffs on cars coming from Mexico into the United States if Mexico does not continue to help Washington deal with the immigration and drug situation along the southern US border.

US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to put tariffs on cars coming from Mexico into the United States if Mexico does not continue to help Washington deal with the immigration and drug situation along the southern US border. Trump told reporters at the White House he would put tariffs on cars or close the border, but he said he may start with the tariffs. He also said he would give Mexico a year to try to stop the flow of drugs before putting tariffs in place. "A lot of good things are happening with Mexico. Mexico understands that we're going to close the border, or I'm going to tariff the cars," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump said he would "probably start off with the tariffs - that will be a very powerful incentive." Trump warned last Friday that he would close the US border with Mexico this week unless Mexico took action to help stop the flow of illegal migrants across the frontier. Trump said on Thursday that media coverage in recent days has prompted Mexico to make moves to curb the flow of immigrants to the United States and take other action to ease the pressure on US ports of entry. Separately, Mexican exporters said this week they were looking into sending their goods to the United States by air freight to avoid a five-mile-long line of trucks at the border caused by the Trump administration moving federal agents away from customs checks to immigration duties.

Trump threatens tariffs if Mexico does not help with immigration, drugs

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers.

The House of Representatives voted 247 to 175, with one congressman voting present, to approve a resolution that directs the president "to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen" within 30 days.

The text, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. The White House called the measure "flawed" and warned it would harm bilateral relations in the region, including with Saudi Arabia.

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers.

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers. The House of Representatives voted 247 to 175, with one congressman voting present, to approve a resolution that directs the president "to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen" within 30 days. The text, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. The White House called the measure "flawed" and warned it would harm bilateral relations in the region, including with Saudi Arabia.

US Congress ends support for Yemen war, Trump likely to veto move

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the US&nbsp;economy was very strong despite what he said were "unnecessary and destructive actions" taken by the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve, his latest attack on the nation's independent central bank.

"Despite the unnecessary and destructive actions taken by the Fed, the Economy is looking very strong, the China and USMCA deals are moving along nicely, there is little or no Inflation, and USA optimism is very high!," Trump said on Twitter.

USMCA is Trump's designation for a trade pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada that would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Trump has departed from the practice of recent previous administrations of not commenting on Fed interest rate policy, repeatedly criticizing the central bank for a rate-hike campaign it brought to an abrupt end last month.

On Friday, he said the Fed had made a mistake in raising rates, and his top economic adviser said the president felt the central bank should reverse course and cut borrowing cuts.

Several Fed officials have touted the underlying strength of the US&nbsp;economy in recent remarks, arguing that a spate of weak data is likely to prove fleeting. None have said they back a rate cut.

 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the US economy was very strong despite what he said were "unnecessary and destructive actions" taken by the US Federal Reserve, his latest attack on the nation's independent central bank.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the US economy was very strong despite what he said were "unnecessary and destructive actions" taken by the US Federal Reserve, his latest attack on the nation's independent central bank. "Despite the unnecessary and destructive actions taken by the Fed, the Economy is looking very strong, the China and USMCA deals are moving along nicely, there is little or no Inflation, and USA optimism is very high!," Trump said on Twitter. USMCA is Trump's designation for a trade pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada that would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump has departed from the practice of recent previous administrations of not commenting on Fed interest rate policy, repeatedly criticizing the central bank for a rate-hike campaign it brought to an abrupt end last month. On Friday, he said the Fed had made a mistake in raising rates, and his top economic adviser said the president felt the central bank should reverse course and cut borrowing cuts. Several Fed officials have touted the underlying strength of the US economy in recent remarks, arguing that a spate of weak data is likely to prove fleeting. None have said they back a rate cut.

Trump says US economy strong despite 'destructive actions' by Fed

Trump Administration may allow a small group of countries, including India continue buying Iranian oil after a US deadline on sanctions waivers expires in May, news agency ANI reported quoting analysts.

India, China, Turkey, South Korea and Japan were among the eight countries that were allowed to continue importing Iranian crude in November and condensate without facing penalties, and are now likely to be given new waivers, according to US-based analysts Eurasia Group.

The US will probably fail to meet its goal to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero, despite renewed talk from the White House about letting all oil import waivers expire on May 2, a move that will limit oil exports from Iran, the fourth-largest producer in OPEC.

"Given OPEC+ production cuts and conditions in Venezuela, the oil market probably cannot absorb the loss of 1.3 million barrels per day of Iranian crude without a significant effect on domestic gasoline prices- a red line for US President Donald Trump,"&nbsp;&nbsp;said Henry Rome, a political analyst at Eurasia Group's Global Macro practice, in a note.

If waivers are renewed, countries importing the crude oil will most likely be required to reduce purchases.

In that case, Iranian exports are likely to fall between 900,000 bpd and 1.1 million bpd on average through the May-November waiver period.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Trump Administration may allow a small group of countries, including India continue buying Iranian oil after a US deadline on sanctions waivers expires in May, news agency ANI reported quoting analysts.

Trump Administration may allow a small group of countries, including India continue buying Iranian oil after a US deadline on sanctions waivers expires in May, news agency ANI reported quoting analysts. India, China, Turkey, South Korea and Japan were among the eight countries that were allowed to continue importing Iranian crude in November and condensate without facing penalties, and are now likely to be given new waivers, according to US-based analysts Eurasia Group. The US will probably fail to meet its goal to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero, despite renewed talk from the White House about letting all oil import waivers expire on May 2, a move that will limit oil exports from Iran, the fourth-largest producer in OPEC. "Given OPEC+ production cuts and conditions in Venezuela, the oil market probably cannot absorb the loss of 1.3 million barrels per day of Iranian crude without a significant effect on domestic gasoline prices- a red line for US President Donald Trump," said Henry Rome, a political analyst at Eurasia Group's Global Macro practice, in a note. If waivers are renewed, countries importing the crude oil will most likely be required to reduce purchases. In that case, Iranian exports are likely to fall between 900,000 bpd and 1.1 million bpd on average through the May-November waiver period. (With ANI inputs)

US may renew waivers to countries importing Iranian oil, including India

Chinese diplomats have contacted a woman arrested at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-criticizes-india-for-tremendously-high-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-its-one-of-the-highest-taxing-nations-in-world-207904">US President Donald Trump</a>'s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and offered her consular services, the Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday.

The woman was arrested Saturday at Trump's resort after attempting to gain access while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, court documents revealed.

The US president was staying at the Florida resort at the time.

Zhang Yujing was arrested and charged with making false statements to federal officers and knowingly entering a restricted building -- which Mar-a-Lago becomes while Trump is in residence.

The Chinese Consulate General in Houston was notified of the arrest and "contacted the person concerned" to provide assistance, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Thursday, without offering details.

An arrest document in the federal district court of Palm Beach said Zhang first presented herself as a member and said she was headed to the pool — despite not having a swimsuit.

She then claimed to be attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event.&nbsp;

After she was detained, Zhang said she had been asked by a Chinese friend named Charles to attend the event and try to speak with a member of the president's family about US-China economic relations, the document said.

The woman carried two passports from the People's Republic of China, according to the US Secret Service, which arrested her.

Trump owns the luxurious beachside club in the wealthy Atlantic coast city of Palm Beach, and travels there frequently on weekends to play golf and meet friends.

He keeps a residence in a private area of the club, but was reportedly golfing at a nearby course around the time Zhang was there.

Two events had been recently advertised at Mar-a-Lago for Saturday by a local Chinese-American businesswoman, Cindy Yang, on Chinese language social media, the Miami Herald said.

Yang is a Mar-a-Lago member who built and later sold a chain of massage parlours in Florida, which were recently raided by police over prostitution.&nbsp;

In recent years she has promoted herself as a path of access to the US president, and Yang's website featured pictures of her with Trump, his family and officials.

The Herald also said an event promoter who Yang worked with was named Charles Lee.

Chinese diplomats have contacted a woman arrested at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and offered her consular services, the Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday.

Chinese diplomats have contacted a woman arrested at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and offered her consular services, the Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday. The woman was arrested Saturday at Trump's resort after attempting to gain access while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, court documents revealed. The US president was staying at the Florida resort at the time. Zhang Yujing was arrested and charged with making false statements to federal officers and knowingly entering a restricted building -- which Mar-a-Lago becomes while Trump is in residence. The Chinese Consulate General in Houston was notified of the arrest and "contacted the person concerned" to provide assistance, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Thursday, without offering details. An arrest document in the federal district court of Palm Beach said Zhang first presented herself as a member and said she was headed to the pool — despite not having a swimsuit. She then claimed to be attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event. After she was detained, Zhang said she had been asked by a Chinese friend named Charles to attend the event and try to speak with a member of the president's family about US-China economic relations, the document said. The woman carried two passports from the People's Republic of China, according to the US Secret Service, which arrested her. Trump owns the luxurious beachside club in the wealthy Atlantic coast city of Palm Beach, and travels there frequently on weekends to play golf and meet friends. He keeps a residence in a private area of the club, but was reportedly golfing at a nearby course around the time Zhang was there. Two events had been recently advertised at Mar-a-Lago for Saturday by a local Chinese-American businesswoman, Cindy Yang, on Chinese language social media, the Miami Herald said. Yang is a Mar-a-Lago member who built and later sold a chain of massage parlours in Florida, which were recently raided by police over prostitution. In recent years she has promoted herself as a path of access to the US president, and Yang's website featured pictures of her with Trump, his family and officials. The Herald also said an event promoter who Yang worked with was named Charles Lee.

China offers assistance to woman arrested at Trump resort: Foreign ministry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-official-report-states-crew-followed-procedures-ceo-says-proud-of-crashed-pilots-efforts-to-save-flight-207903">Ethiopian Airlines crash: Crew followed Boeing's procedures but could not regain control of </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-official-report-states-crew-followed-procedures-ceo-says-proud-of-crashed-pilots-efforts-to-save-flight-207903">plane</a>

Ethiopia’s minister of transport delivered the first official report on the airplane disaster and stated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots followed proper procedures when their Boeing MAX 8 airplane repeatedly nosedived before a March 10 crash that killed 157 people, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-4-bsf-jawans-killed-in-encounter-with-naxals-207898">Chhattisgarh: 4 Border Security Force jawans killed in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-4-bsf-jawans-killed-in-encounter-with-naxals-207898">encounter</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-4-bsf-jawans-killed-in-encounter-with-naxals-207898"> with Naxals</a>

Four BSF jawans have been killed and two injured in an encounter battle with Naxals in southern Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;Police said the encounter took place in the district of Kanker.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-criticizes-india-for-tremendously-high-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-its-one-of-the-highest-taxing-nations-in-world-207904">India one of the world's 'highest-taxing nations': US President Donald Trump</a>

India is one of the world's "highest-taxing nations", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-takes-lead-in-advertising-on-google-youtube-with-rs-121-cr-spend-207865">Lok Sabha polls: BJP has spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertising on Google, Congress Rs 54,100</a>

A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.21 crore, while its main rival Congress has spent only Rs 54,100, the search engine said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-un-experts-who-condemned-deportation-of-rohingyas-207935">India slams UN experts who 'condemned' deportation of Rohingyas</a> 
 
India has slammed the UN human rights experts who "condemned" the Indian government’s decision to deport three Rohingya to Myanmar, saying the statements made by them are misleading and incorrect and that New Delhi's action is in accordance with Indian laws.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Crew followed Boeing's procedures but could not regain control of plane Ethiopia’s minister of transport delivered the first official report on the airplane disaster and stated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots followed proper procedures when their Boeing MAX 8 airplane repeatedly nosedived before a March 10 crash that killed 157 people, news agency Reuters reported.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Crew followed Boeing's procedures but could not regain control of plane Ethiopia’s minister of transport delivered the first official report on the airplane disaster and stated that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots followed proper procedures when their Boeing MAX 8 airplane repeatedly nosedived before a March 10 crash that killed 157 people, news agency Reuters reported. Chhattisgarh: 4 Border Security Force jawans killed in encounter with Naxals Four BSF jawans have been killed and two injured in an encounter battle with Naxals in southern Chhattisgarh. Police said the encounter took place in the district of Kanker. India one of the world's 'highest-taxing nations': US President Donald Trump India is one of the world's "highest-taxing nations", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Lok Sabha polls: BJP has spent Rs 1.21 crore on advertising on Google, Congress Rs 54,100 A week before the first phase of elections, ruling BJP has taken a big lead in advertising on Google and its affiliated platforms such as YouTube with an ad spend of Rs 1.21 crore, while its main rival Congress has spent only Rs 54,100, the search engine said. India slams UN experts who 'condemned' deportation of Rohingyas India has slammed the UN human rights experts who "condemned" the Indian government’s decision to deport three Rohingya to Myanmar, saying the statements made by them are misleading and incorrect and that New Delhi's action is in accordance with Indian laws.

The peripatetic US envoy for the peace process in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was back this week in Kabul to restart the enigmatic dialogue with Taliban. Are the five rounds of talks between the US and Taliban, the last and most intense at Doha last month, going nowhere or there is light at the end of the tunnel? Hope of a breakthrough is being spread by Pakistan which has the maximum to gain from its success. Here are the known facts.&nbsp;

President Trump last December, unsurprisingly, did a U-turn on Afghanistan. Having been reluctantly persuaded by his Generals to stay the course, in a policy speech on Afghanistan in August 2017, he lashed out at Pakistan saying all it has given the US is lies and deceit after receiving $31 billion and praised India for its constructive role in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Then Defence Secretary James Mattis issued a ‘last chance’ ultimatum to Pakistan to act against Taliban sanctuaries which did not work despite intensified drone strikes in Pakistan. Soon, Trump did another U-turn: embraced Pakistan, criticised India for doing five minutes of work like building libraries in Afghanistan and sought an exit by appointing Zalmay Khalilzad as an interlocutor with Taliban to work out an exit deal. So far according to the US, four issues have been discussed – US withdrawal from Afghanistan;&nbsp;

Taliban pledge that Afghanistan will not become a base for Al Qaeda and its affiliates for attacks on the US and its allies; ceasefire and composition of a future Afghan government including direct talks between Taliban and Kabul.&nbsp;

The Taliban says only two issues constitute the framework accord. Equally pressing problems like interim government, elections, constitution, exchange of prisoners and lifting the ban on Taliban leaders are also to be addressed. &nbsp;

This kind of peace and reconciliation talks are called talking while fighting or vice versa as a conventional peace process is sequenced roughly like this: ceasefire; disarmament (integration of armies and arms); constitutional arrangements; and elections. The presidential elections have been postponed from April to July to September and maybe indefinitely to accommodate the Taliban.

Similarly, the results of the October 2018 parliamentary elections delayed by two years have not been finalised. Conspicuously, the Afghan government has been kept out of the loop in the present US-Taliban series of engagements, making a mockery of the much-touted peace process being Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. This reflects the urgency Trump attaches to a quick troop withdrawal - half the 14,000 soldiers before the end of the year before his re-election bid and the remainder within two to three years.&nbsp;

The US and Afghanistan have signed in 2012 a Strategic Partnership Agreement according to which, America will not abandon the country militarily or financially for years after 2014 which was the US deadline for foreign forces withdrawal. Then in 2014, a bilateral security agreement was signed that provides US troops access to military bases like Bagram and Kandahar in Afghanistan upto 2024 and beyond. Will Trump forsake the retention of strategic assets in Afghanistan? Is this being kept under wraps?&nbsp;

If the mercurial Trump were to pull out like he reportedly announced recently from Syria and Afghanistan – both denied and later and modified – it could prove catastrophic. The Mattis exit was catalysed by this decision setting the cat among the pigeons in the region. James Dobbins, a former US envoy to Afghanistan, fears it could lead to a civil war – back to 1996? Probably not. Gen Kenneth Mackenzie of CENTCOM has said Afghan National Security Forces will dissolve without US support. In 2014, a report published by Special Inspector General Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) had made the assessment that ANSF would be capable of resisting Taliban independently after December 2014 when International Security Assistance Forces combat role ended but would require US air support and assistance in casualty evacuation. When Konduz became the first provincial capital to fall to Taliban in 2014, all hell broke loose in Pentagon, sparking the fear of a strategic collapse.&nbsp;

With the Taliban staging spectacular suicide attacks and enhancing their territorial control (only 54 per cent of 407 districts were under control/influence of government in October 2018 against 72 per cent in November 2005). ANSF casualties are averaging 120 to 130 a month with complete companies capitulating. Instead of correcting the deficiency of unprepared ANSF in the lead since December 2014, US is considering further cuts and exit. In mid-2009, President Obama had observed that if Afghanistan falls to Taliban it will once again become an Al Qaeda base. On 2 January 2019, unpredictable Trump made the following convoluted observation on Afghanistan. ‘Pakistan is there…it should be fighting. But Russia should be fighting too, to prevent terrorists from going to Russia…and India….Why are we there. And we’re 6000 miles away !’&nbsp;

The Afghans are convinced that Taliban pumped by Pakistan is taking the US for a royal ride. NSA Hamdullah Mohib, addressing UNSC last month, criticised the US peace process, especially Khalilzad stressing: ‘peace at any cost is not acceptable’. Former intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, has doubts about the sincerity of the Taliban, adding it did not represent the Afghan people but Pakistan. Will Trump spring a surprise by ordering a hasty withdrawal or put in place, a mechanism that ensures that the gains of the last 17 years under US leadership are preserved?&nbsp;

India has been outpaced by developments in Afghanistan mainly due to an impetuous Trump. Army Chief, Gen Bipin Rawat’s advice to engage the Taliban even at this late stage, has been ignored. A backchannel should have been started in 2014-15 after the Konduz debacle. India must update its contingency plans to prevent the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul by force and protect its strategic assets including 5000 Indians. India’s only foreign air base at Ayni in Tajikistan where 100 IAF personnel and engineers are located, must be factored for utilisation after consultations with Russia which has the last word on its use.&nbsp;

Since 2002, India’s right of use has been unclear and combat aircraft have never been stationed there. The Chinese have lately acquired a military base in Tajikistan with its troops operating in the Wakhan corridor. The present government has made national security its prime election issue acting boldly against Pakistan and China but losing sight of Afghanistan.. India’s diminution in Afghanistan will be a jolt to its prestige and image in the region.&nbsp;

For Khalilzad though finding all the pieces to fit into the peace and reconciliation puzzle will be an uphill task and could take time, even as strategic patience is not a virtue Trump is blessed with.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The peripatetic US envoy for the peace process in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was back this week in Kabul to restart the enigmatic dialogue with Taliban. Are the five rounds of talks between the US and Taliban, the last and most intense at Doha last month, going nowhere or there is light at the end of the tunnel?

The peripatetic US envoy for the peace process in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was back this week in Kabul to restart the enigmatic dialogue with Taliban. Are the five rounds of talks between the US and Taliban, the last and most intense at Doha last month, going nowhere or there is light at the end of the tunnel? Hope of a breakthrough is being spread by Pakistan which has the maximum to gain from its success. Here are the known facts. President Trump last December, unsurprisingly, did a U-turn on Afghanistan. Having been reluctantly persuaded by his Generals to stay the course, in a policy speech on Afghanistan in August 2017, he lashed out at Pakistan saying all it has given the US is lies and deceit after receiving $31 billion and praised India for its constructive role in Afghanistan. Then Defence Secretary James Mattis issued a ‘last chance’ ultimatum to Pakistan to act against Taliban sanctuaries which did not work despite intensified drone strikes in Pakistan. Soon, Trump did another U-turn: embraced Pakistan, criticised India for doing five minutes of work like building libraries in Afghanistan and sought an exit by appointing Zalmay Khalilzad as an interlocutor with Taliban to work out an exit deal. So far according to the US, four issues have been discussed – US withdrawal from Afghanistan; Taliban pledge that Afghanistan will not become a base for Al Qaeda and its affiliates for attacks on the US and its allies; ceasefire and composition of a future Afghan government including direct talks between Taliban and Kabul. The Taliban says only two issues constitute the framework accord. Equally pressing problems like interim government, elections, constitution, exchange of prisoners and lifting the ban on Taliban leaders are also to be addressed. This kind of peace and reconciliation talks are called talking while fighting or vice versa as a conventional peace process is sequenced roughly like this: ceasefire; disarmament (integration of armies and arms); constitutional arrangements; and elections. The presidential elections have been postponed from April to July to September and maybe indefinitely to accommodate the Taliban. Similarly, the results of the October 2018 parliamentary elections delayed by two years have not been finalised. Conspicuously, the Afghan government has been kept out of the loop in the present US-Taliban series of engagements, making a mockery of the much-touted peace process being Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. This reflects the urgency Trump attaches to a quick troop withdrawal - half the 14,000 soldiers before the end of the year before his re-election bid and the remainder within two to three years. The US and Afghanistan have signed in 2012 a Strategic Partnership Agreement according to which, America will not abandon the country militarily or financially for years after 2014 which was the US deadline for foreign forces withdrawal. Then in 2014, a bilateral security agreement was signed that provides US troops access to military bases like Bagram and Kandahar in Afghanistan upto 2024 and beyond. Will Trump forsake the retention of strategic assets in Afghanistan? Is this being kept under wraps? If the mercurial Trump were to pull out like he reportedly announced recently from Syria and Afghanistan – both denied and later and modified – it could prove catastrophic. The Mattis exit was catalysed by this decision setting the cat among the pigeons in the region. James Dobbins, a former US envoy to Afghanistan, fears it could lead to a civil war – back to 1996? Probably not. Gen Kenneth Mackenzie of CENTCOM has said Afghan National Security Forces will dissolve without US support. In 2014, a report published by Special Inspector General Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) had made the assessment that ANSF would be capable of resisting Taliban independently after December 2014 when International Security Assistance Forces combat role ended but would require US air support and assistance in casualty evacuation. When Konduz became the first provincial capital to fall to Taliban in 2014, all hell broke loose in Pentagon, sparking the fear of a strategic collapse. With the Taliban staging spectacular suicide attacks and enhancing their territorial control (only 54 per cent of 407 districts were under control/influence of government in October 2018 against 72 per cent in November 2005). ANSF casualties are averaging 120 to 130 a month with complete companies capitulating. Instead of correcting the deficiency of unprepared ANSF in the lead since December 2014, US is considering further cuts and exit. In mid-2009, President Obama had observed that if Afghanistan falls to Taliban it will once again become an Al Qaeda base. On 2 January 2019, unpredictable Trump made the following convoluted observation on Afghanistan. ‘Pakistan is there…it should be fighting. But Russia should be fighting too, to prevent terrorists from going to Russia…and India….Why are we there. And we’re 6000 miles away !’ The Afghans are convinced that Taliban pumped by Pakistan is taking the US for a royal ride. NSA Hamdullah Mohib, addressing UNSC last month, criticised the US peace process, especially Khalilzad stressing: ‘peace at any cost is not acceptable’. Former intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, has doubts about the sincerity of the Taliban, adding it did not represent the Afghan people but Pakistan. Will Trump spring a surprise by ordering a hasty withdrawal or put in place, a mechanism that ensures that the gains of the last 17 years under US leadership are preserved? India has been outpaced by developments in Afghanistan mainly due to an impetuous Trump. Army Chief, Gen Bipin Rawat’s advice to engage the Taliban even at this late stage, has been ignored. A backchannel should have been started in 2014-15 after the Konduz debacle. India must update its contingency plans to prevent the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul by force and protect its strategic assets including 5000 Indians. India’s only foreign air base at Ayni in Tajikistan where 100 IAF personnel and engineers are located, must be factored for utilisation after consultations with Russia which has the last word on its use. Since 2002, India’s right of use has been unclear and combat aircraft have never been stationed there. The Chinese have lately acquired a military base in Tajikistan with its troops operating in the Wakhan corridor. The present government has made national security its prime election issue acting boldly against Pakistan and China but losing sight of Afghanistan.. India’s diminution in Afghanistan will be a jolt to its prestige and image in the region. For Khalilzad though finding all the pieces to fit into the peace and reconciliation puzzle will be an uphill task and could take time, even as strategic patience is not a virtue Trump is blessed with. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Afghan peace talks: India must update its contingency plans to prevent Taliban’s takeover of Kabul

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