WASHINGTON — No longer restrained by President Donald Trump’s affection for Turkey’s authoritarian leader, U.S. officials and Congress are using the waning days of his presidency to ready sanctions and strike a strident tone against the strategic but unreliable ally.

Turkey, a member of NATO, has vexed the administration almost since its start. That has been as much Trump’s doing — and his admiration for its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan — as that of actions by the government in Ankara, which has abused human rights, imprisoned Americans and journalists, and muscled into confrontations from Syria to Libya to the Caucasus to the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The redirection of U.S. policy also will require President-elect Joe Biden to carefully bring Turkey back into the West’s embrace and keep from pushing it closer to Russia.

“For years, President Trump has personally shielded Erdogan and Turkey,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. He said the incoming Biden administration “will be an important check on Erdogan’s efforts to expand his influence at our expense, in a way that undermines our interests.”

“It’s a little bit of a crossroads for Erdogan,” Van Hollen said in a recent interview. “He’s going to have to make a decision — is he going to be the faithful NATO ally, or is he going to go it alone in the region?”

Congress is poised this week to approve economic sanctions against Turkey for buying Russian missile defense systems early in Trump’s term, potentially exposing NATO military technology to Moscow. Trump stalled the sanctions last year, after the defense systems were delivered to Turkey.

For the first time, and after Ankara tested the system this fall, White House officials have informed Turkish diplomats that the Trump administration will not oppose the congressional sanctions, according to two people involved in the discussions.

Instead, they said, the sanctions are meant in part to warn Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and other nations that have signaled interest in purchasing Russian military equipment.

At a meeting of foreign ministers from NATO nations last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Turkey on several fronts, according to a person briefed on his comments. His statements — against Turkey’s defense purchases, its exploration of natural gas in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and its support of foreign forces in external conflicts such as Libya — showed that Pompeo had wearied of trying to temper rising tensions among European allies and American lawmakers.

“We are concerned about some of the Turkish behavior,” Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, told reporters ahead of the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “The idea that you could put a Russian-made missile defense system in the middle of our alliance is out of bounds.”

The European Union is weighing its own sanctions against Turkey as retaliation for separate disputes with Greece, Cyprus and Germany in a decision that could come as soon as Thursday, according to a European diplomat in Washington.

Taken together, Turkey is feeling increasingly isolated, according to a senior official in its government.

Last month’s basing of a U.S. Navy expeditionary ship at Souda Bay, off the Greek coast, signaled that Turkey was no longer the key U.S. ally in the Eastern Mediterranean, the senior official said.

The Abraham accords brokered this fall by the Trump administration — fostering normalized relationships among Israel and three Arab states, Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates — harnessed Middle Eastern countries that are hostile to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamist movement is supported by Erdogan.

The senior Turkish official also described feeling snubbed by Pompeo’s visits this fall to rivals in Cyprus and Greece and then his tour of Istanbul with his wife in November instead of going to Ankara to meet with government leaders.

The expected sanctions are sure to hammer Turkey’s already strained economy and may force Erdogan to pull back from most of his military missions abroad. (One exception would be in neighboring Syria, where Turkey is battling Islamic State militants and American-backed Kurdish fighters; Erdogan considers both of the groups to be terrorists and is unlikely to retreat.)

Experts warn that this could push Turkey into Russia’s arms if Biden is not careful.

“Relations with Turkey will be a major, urgent question for the Biden administration,” said James F. Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Iraq who retired last month as the State Department’s special envoy for Syria policy and the coalition to defeat the Islamic State.

“Given the country’s size, location, economic and military power, and the pro-Western sentiments of the population — if not its president — does it make sense to sideline Turkey or push it into the Russian camp?” Jeffrey said.

He noted that Turkey and Russia have been on opposite sides in ongoing conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. It also remains a critical NATO ally in Iraq and Afghanistan, and opposes Iran’s regional advances.

The senior Turkish official described Erdogan’s interests as ultimately having more in common with the West than with Russia. But, he said, how the Biden administration approaches the dispute over the missile defense systems will be a first test.

It is far from certain a compromise can be struck. But the Turkish official said Biden’s advisers have indicated in low-level discussions they were open to considering compromises as they are proposed, including convening a NATO working group to look at whether Russia could indeed penetrate Western military systems through the missile defense systems.

A spokesman for Biden’s transition team declined to comment.

The senior Turkish official also said that Biden’s advisers have made clear they will engage with Turkey through traditional and technical diplomatic channels — and not rely on the kind of spontaneous and direct lines of communication that marked the relationship between Trump and Erdogan.

That was welcome news to the Turks, the senior official said.

WASHINGTON — No longer restrained by President Donald Trump’s affection for Turkey’s authoritarian leader, U.S. officials and Congress are using the waning days of his presidency to ready sanctions and strike a strident tone against the strategic but unreliable ally.

WASHINGTON — No longer restrained by President Donald Trump’s affection for Turkey’s authoritarian leader, U.S. officials and Congress are using the waning days of his presidency to ready sanctions and strike a strident tone against the strategic but unreliable ally. Turkey, a member of NATO, has vexed the administration almost since its start. That has been as much Trump’s doing — and his admiration for its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan — as that of actions by the government in Ankara, which has abused human rights, imprisoned Americans and journalists, and muscled into confrontations from Syria to Libya to the Caucasus to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Watch | The redirection of U.S. policy also will require President-elect Joe Biden to carefully bring Turkey back into the West’s embrace and keep from pushing it closer to Russia. “For years, President Trump has personally shielded Erdogan and Turkey,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. He said the incoming Biden administration “will be an important check on Erdogan’s efforts to expand his influence at our expense, in a way that undermines our interests.” “It’s a little bit of a crossroads for Erdogan,” Van Hollen said in a recent interview. “He’s going to have to make a decision — is he going to be the faithful NATO ally, or is he going to go it alone in the region?” Congress is poised this week to approve economic sanctions against Turkey for buying Russian missile defense systems early in Trump’s term, potentially exposing NATO military technology to Moscow. Trump stalled the sanctions last year, after the defense systems were delivered to Turkey. For the first time, and after Ankara tested the system this fall, White House officials have informed Turkish diplomats that the Trump administration will not oppose the congressional sanctions, according to two people involved in the discussions. Instead, they said, the sanctions are meant in part to warn Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and other nations that have signaled interest in purchasing Russian military equipment. At a meeting of foreign ministers from NATO nations last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Turkey on several fronts, according to a person briefed on his comments. His statements — against Turkey’s defense purchases, its exploration of natural gas in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and its support of foreign forces in external conflicts such as Libya — showed that Pompeo had wearied of trying to temper rising tensions among European allies and American lawmakers. “We are concerned about some of the Turkish behavior,” Kay Bailey Hutchison, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, told reporters ahead of the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “The idea that you could put a Russian-made missile defense system in the middle of our alliance is out of bounds.” The European Union is weighing its own sanctions against Turkey as retaliation for separate disputes with Greece, Cyprus and Germany in a decision that could come as soon as Thursday, according to a European diplomat in Washington. Taken together, Turkey is feeling increasingly isolated, according to a senior official in its government. Last month’s basing of a U.S. Navy expeditionary ship at Souda Bay, off the Greek coast, signaled that Turkey was no longer the key U.S. ally in the Eastern Mediterranean, the senior official said. The Abraham accords brokered this fall by the Trump administration — fostering normalized relationships among Israel and three Arab states, Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates — harnessed Middle Eastern countries that are hostile to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Islamist movement is supported by Erdogan. The senior Turkish official also described feeling snubbed by Pompeo’s visits this fall to rivals in Cyprus and Greece and then his tour of Istanbul with his wife in November instead of going to Ankara to meet with government leaders. The expected sanctions are sure to hammer Turkey’s already strained economy and may force Erdogan to pull back from most of his military missions abroad. (One exception would be in neighboring Syria, where Turkey is battling Islamic State militants and American-backed Kurdish fighters; Erdogan considers both of the groups to be terrorists and is unlikely to retreat.) Experts warn that this could push Turkey into Russia’s arms if Biden is not careful. “Relations with Turkey will be a major, urgent question for the Biden administration,” said James F. Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Iraq who retired last month as the State Department’s special envoy for Syria policy and the coalition to defeat the Islamic State. “Given the country’s size, location, economic and military power, and the pro-Western sentiments of the population — if not its president — does it make sense to sideline Turkey or push it into the Russian camp?” Jeffrey said. He noted that Turkey and Russia have been on opposite sides in ongoing conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. It also remains a critical NATO ally in Iraq and Afghanistan, and opposes Iran’s regional advances. The senior Turkish official described Erdogan’s interests as ultimately having more in common with the West than with Russia. But, he said, how the Biden administration approaches the dispute over the missile defense systems will be a first test. It is far from certain a compromise can be struck. But the Turkish official said Biden’s advisers have indicated in low-level discussions they were open to considering compromises as they are proposed, including convening a NATO working group to look at whether Russia could indeed penetrate Western military systems through the missile defense systems. A spokesman for Biden’s transition team declined to comment. The senior Turkish official also said that Biden’s advisers have made clear they will engage with Turkey through traditional and technical diplomatic channels — and not rely on the kind of spontaneous and direct lines of communication that marked the relationship between Trump and Erdogan. That was welcome news to the Turks, the senior official said.

US takes tougher tone with Turkey as Trump exits

The pair will hold talks over dinner, after negotiations between officials ended in deadlock.

UK PM Boris Johnson to meet Ursula von der Leyen for trade deal talks

The Christmas season has began but COVID-19 pandemic has cast a large shadow on the celebrations this year. So how are different nations around the world preparing for Christmas, WION brings you a report.

Nations around the world preparing for Christmas amid pandemic

Known as rag trees in Ireland, one of several other countries where the practice survives, the arbres à loques show pagan and Christian influences.

Have you seen 'healing trees' in France?

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

However, Moldovan lawmakers passed a bill a bill this week that transferred control of intelligence agency from the president to the parliament. Mai Sandu then called on her supporters to rally againt this decision.

On Thursday, more than 5000 people rallied against the decision. Sunday saw even bigger protest. More than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers.

AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out.

The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally.

Protesters also demanded inauguration of Sandu as the president on December 10. Moldova's constitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory.&nbsp;

Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later.

"We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari.

"Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks."

Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections.

"Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!"

(With AFP inputs)

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon. However, Moldovan lawmakers passed a bill a bill this week that transferred control of intelligence agency from the president to the parliament. Mai Sandu then called on her supporters to rally againt this decision. On Thursday, more than 5000 people rallied against the decision. Sunday saw even bigger protest. More than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers. AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out. The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors. During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally. Protesters also demanded inauguration of Sandu as the president on December 10. Moldova's constitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory. Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later. "We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari. "Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks." Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections. "Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!" (With AFP inputs)

Moldova: Thousands rally demanding government's resignation

The UK and EU have decided to return to the negotiating table to try to agree a post-Brexit trade deal, despite "significant differences".

Brexit: UK-EU trade talks to resume over certain issues

Brexit saga continues, this time its a tough week as talks over a trade deal entered their final days with serious differences yet to be resolved. United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday claimed that the upcoming week would be “very significant” for Brexit. Both sides are trying to reach a trade deal with five weeks to go before their current relationship ends.

World Business Watch: UK's very significant week for Brexit, talks over trade deal to enter final days

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads.

Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups

But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. 
The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far".

The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations.

Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies.

Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria.

Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics.

The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly.

Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence.

While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line.

(With AFP inputs)

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide.

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads. Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far". The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations. Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies. Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria. Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics. The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly. Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence. While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss voters reject world's strictest corporate responsibility rules

Aid and human rights groups have said the best way to stop the journeys is to provide safe routes for people to seek asylum in the UK.

UK, France sign new deal to curb Channel refugee crossings

Countries across Europe are seeing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases after successfully slowing outbreaks early in the year.

Which countries in Europe are experiencing a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases?

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France.

The latest act of terror is the terrorist assault in a&nbsp;synagogue in central Vienna (Austria), where&nbsp;on November 2, a group of unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately killing three and grievously injuring 14.&nbsp;This has sent bone-chilling shockwaves in Austria in particular, and in other adjacent European countries particularly Germany.&nbsp;

Vienna has ordinarily&nbsp;been out of the terror radar of the perpetrators when compared to violent terror strikes in other parts of Europe including in London, Brussels, Paris etc.&nbsp;While one of the assailants has been killed by the Austrian counter-terror forces, the rest are on the run, raising the level of alertness to the highest. All border countries have upped their antenna to apprehend the absconders. &nbsp;

Barely two weeks ago, on October 16, Samuel Paty, the simple school teacher in a Paris school in his mid-forties was brutally beheaded by an Islamic fanatic in the suburbs of Paris. Samuel Paty’s only ‘ fault‘ was that in one of his classes, he explained his pupils the French tenet of freedom of expression which included the caricature drawing, even if that was of any religious leader as drawn and published fearlessly by Charlie Hebdo. Paty was slain mercilessly which was a murder most foul. This was followed by a series of more killings in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Nice. This perverse act, in quick succession, was yet another grim reminder that France in particular and Europe, in general, were rapidly getting into an insecure mode falling into huge vulnerability.&nbsp;

Earlier, a Pakistani national in his teens had injured a couple of French people openly using a meat cleaver. We see a Pakistani, a Chechen and some of the other Islamic settlers moving openly with lethal tools of murder like a cleaver, displaying the fact that they are so highly radicalised and are ready to be killed in their attempts to avenge any self-perceived affront to their Prophet.&nbsp;

Now the question is how these perpetrators of ghastly murders are getting emboldened? Primarily, because Islamic leaders in a bid to assume a pan Islamic global role have most irresponsibly embarked on the rhetoric of hate and belligerence. Former Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad‘s most provoking remarks exhorting for indiscriminate killings of the French were in very poor taste most unbecoming of a former Head of State. More lamentably, Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan’s tenor using expressions like relaunching of a crusade against Islam or Islamophobia have done incalculable harm in any damage control or providing healing touch but instead added fuel to the fire. Pakistan PM, Imran Khan so as not to lag behind, also emerged with unsavoury statements with no appeal whatsoever to the terrorists for calm.

As President Emmanuel Macron of France has hardened his stance describing the acts of terror in France as part of Islamic terror, the Muslim world has gone on protests&nbsp;taking to streets. Bangladesh saw thousands of people converging daily in capital Dhaka demonstrating against France, burning Macron’s effigy, boycotting French goods and even going to the extent of resorting to vandalism targeting Hindus and their properties. Hindu minority in Bangladesh has nothing to do with the killings in France. This looks bizarre.&nbsp;

As Paris is yet to return to normalcy, Vienna is the latest victim setting a pattern being followed by the terrorists carefully selecting their targets in Europe. Belgium, Holland, Germany, France etc. &nbsp;Many more countries have a considerable number of population, originating from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Tunisia. Many of them had been complicit in terror assaults in Belgium, Holland etc. Encouraged by the emotional support, they are likely to stun Europe by lone-wolf attacks making these countries and even others, more insecure forcing them to live in fear and in edges.&nbsp;

It is reckoned by security analysts, that there is an urgent need to increase the intelligence with a meaningful exchange of actionable and preemptive information. Europol could be the point of coordination. However, it doesn’t seem to be happening today or else, in Vienna, how could the terrorists acquire such modern weapons and open fire killing three and wounding more than a dozen? The same logic holds good for France. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, there are no signs of any abatement in containing the spiralling cases of terror as yet. Nor are there any attempts of reconciliation between the deeply polarised camps represented by the religiously radicalised countries on one hand, and Europe on the other. Top religious leaders from both the camps need to do some brainstorming and the security professionals must also tighten their border control mechanism, intelligence apparatus and counter-terror initiatives to rein in one of the worst terror menaces the world is afflicted with. Importantly, their approach should be purely professional cutting across religious lines.&nbsp;

The developments in Austria and France call for a ‘ zero tolerance ‘ attitude in India too where all the concerned security agencies must exercise maximum vigil keeping a sharp eye on the potential mischief-makers to foil any terror-linked agenda to mar peace. This is underscored also to rule out fanning of communal passions and planning of lone-wolf attacks.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst, and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France.

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France. The latest act of terror is the terrorist assault in a synagogue in central Vienna (Austria), where on November 2, a group of unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately killing three and grievously injuring 14. This has sent bone-chilling shockwaves in Austria in particular, and in other adjacent European countries particularly Germany. Vienna has ordinarily been out of the terror radar of the perpetrators when compared to violent terror strikes in other parts of Europe including in London, Brussels, Paris etc. While one of the assailants has been killed by the Austrian counter-terror forces, the rest are on the run, raising the level of alertness to the highest. All border countries have upped their antenna to apprehend the absconders. Barely two weeks ago, on October 16, Samuel Paty, the simple school teacher in a Paris school in his mid-forties was brutally beheaded by an Islamic fanatic in the suburbs of Paris. Samuel Paty’s only ‘ fault‘ was that in one of his classes, he explained his pupils the French tenet of freedom of expression which included the caricature drawing, even if that was of any religious leader as drawn and published fearlessly by Charlie Hebdo. Paty was slain mercilessly which was a murder most foul. This was followed by a series of more killings in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Nice. This perverse act, in quick succession, was yet another grim reminder that France in particular and Europe, in general, were rapidly getting into an insecure mode falling into huge vulnerability. Earlier, a Pakistani national in his teens had injured a couple of French people openly using a meat cleaver. We see a Pakistani, a Chechen and some of the other Islamic settlers moving openly with lethal tools of murder like a cleaver, displaying the fact that they are so highly radicalised and are ready to be killed in their attempts to avenge any self-perceived affront to their Prophet. Now the question is how these perpetrators of ghastly murders are getting emboldened? Primarily, because Islamic leaders in a bid to assume a pan Islamic global role have most irresponsibly embarked on the rhetoric of hate and belligerence. Former Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad‘s most provoking remarks exhorting for indiscriminate killings of the French were in very poor taste most unbecoming of a former Head of State. More lamentably, Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan’s tenor using expressions like relaunching of a crusade against Islam or Islamophobia have done incalculable harm in any damage control or providing healing touch but instead added fuel to the fire. Pakistan PM, Imran Khan so as not to lag behind, also emerged with unsavoury statements with no appeal whatsoever to the terrorists for calm. As President Emmanuel Macron of France has hardened his stance describing the acts of terror in France as part of Islamic terror, the Muslim world has gone on protests taking to streets. Bangladesh saw thousands of people converging daily in capital Dhaka demonstrating against France, burning Macron’s effigy, boycotting French goods and even going to the extent of resorting to vandalism targeting Hindus and their properties. Hindu minority in Bangladesh has nothing to do with the killings in France. This looks bizarre. As Paris is yet to return to normalcy, Vienna is the latest victim setting a pattern being followed by the terrorists carefully selecting their targets in Europe. Belgium, Holland, Germany, France etc. Many more countries have a considerable number of population, originating from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Tunisia. Many of them had been complicit in terror assaults in Belgium, Holland etc. Encouraged by the emotional support, they are likely to stun Europe by lone-wolf attacks making these countries and even others, more insecure forcing them to live in fear and in edges. It is reckoned by security analysts, that there is an urgent need to increase the intelligence with a meaningful exchange of actionable and preemptive information. Europol could be the point of coordination. However, it doesn’t seem to be happening today or else, in Vienna, how could the terrorists acquire such modern weapons and open fire killing three and wounding more than a dozen? The same logic holds good for France. Meanwhile, there are no signs of any abatement in containing the spiralling cases of terror as yet. Nor are there any attempts of reconciliation between the deeply polarised camps represented by the religiously radicalised countries on one hand, and Europe on the other. Top religious leaders from both the camps need to do some brainstorming and the security professionals must also tighten their border control mechanism, intelligence apparatus and counter-terror initiatives to rein in one of the worst terror menaces the world is afflicted with. Importantly, their approach should be purely professional cutting across religious lines. The developments in Austria and France call for a ‘ zero tolerance ‘ attitude in India too where all the concerned security agencies must exercise maximum vigil keeping a sharp eye on the potential mischief-makers to foil any terror-linked agenda to mar peace. This is underscored also to rule out fanning of communal passions and planning of lone-wolf attacks. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst, and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Europe in the grip of terror 

A new kind of bird flu is spreading across farms in Europe. At least 9 European nations reported 300 new cases in last 30 days. The disease which goes by the name avian influenza is set to be highly pathogenic putting the poultry industry on alert.

Europe Is preparing for another outbreak of bird flu | Avian Influenza

'Climate Guardian' Sentinel-6 satellite, jointly developed by Europe and the United States has been launched. The satellite will greatly help scientists keep track of the rise in global sea levels, one of the most daunting effects of climate change.

'Climate Guardian' Sentinel-6 satellite blasts off on ocean mission

Besides the COVID-19 pandemic there are now reports of the bird flu outbreak in different parts of the Europe & in Belgium not just humans, but even birds have been put under a strict lockdown. WION brings you a report.

Spate of bird flu outbreak in Europe, Swans go into quarantine in Belgium

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed

"After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good," she said.

"We still have, of course, the three main difficult issues: governance, fisheries and the level playing field. But, within the frame of the level playing field for example, progress has been made on the question of state aid."

The chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that would come into force in just six weeks.

Britain's transition out of the EU following Brexit ends on Dec. 31 and quotas and tariffs would hit bilateral trade from 2021, unless the estranged allies overcome their differences and seal a new partnership agreement that would also regulate ties from energy to transport to security.

(With agency inputs)

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed "After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed "After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good," she said. "We still have, of course, the three main difficult issues: governance, fisheries and the level playing field. But, within the frame of the level playing field for example, progress has been made on the question of state aid." The chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that would come into force in just six weeks. Britain's transition out of the EU following Brexit ends on Dec. 31 and quotas and tariffs would hit bilateral trade from 2021, unless the estranged allies overcome their differences and seal a new partnership agreement that would also regulate ties from energy to transport to security. (With agency inputs)

'Progress' on Brexit talks but long way to go: EU chief

The latest political shake-up comes as Peru battles the coronavirus pandemic and what is expected to be its worst economic contraction in a century.

Peru’s interim president Merino resigns after deadly protest

After Europe, Saudi Arabia has become a target of terrorists. A French Consulate ceremony was targeted with a bomb in Jeddah. In the Netherlands, a gunman opened fire on the Saudi Embassy in The Hague. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: After Europe, terrorists target Saudi Arabia

Europe second wave of COVID-19 cases continue to worsen. In Spain, for instance, mass testing is underway in Southern region of Andalusia.

Europe's second wave of COVID-19 continue to worsen

Europe second wave of COVID-19 cases continue to worsen. In Spain, for instance, mass testing is underway in Southern region of Andalusia. It has been identified as "possible Coronavirus hotspot".

Europe's second wave of COVID-19 continue to worsen, Spain report 40,000 deaths

Portugal Footwear Industry is in big loss due to the pandemic, the demand for Portugal's high and leather footwear has gone down because of the COVID-19 pandemic as everyone prefer comfortable footwears nowadays.

Portugal's luxury footwear industry hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic

The EU wants to strengthen border security and gain access to encrypted messages as it begins a pan-European crackdown on Islamist terror. All eyes now on EU Interior ministers as they meet to chart a common strategy. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Europe begins crackdown on Islamist terror

The unrest on Wednesday erupted broke out after the participants ignored police warnings to disperse to limit COVID-19 infection risks.

Far-right ‘hooligans’ clash with police at Warsaw march

The European Union charged Amazon with damaging retail competition, alleging on Tuesday that the U.S. company uses its size, power and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform.

Europe charges Amazon with using dominance and data to squeeze rivals

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new rules which would essentially enable the EU to declare a health emergency. In addition, this would allow the EU to test individual national plans in place to tackle pandemics.

A blow to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has historically taken such calls, this could signal a shift in WHO-centric health policy outlook.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-sinopharm-claims-results-of-its-vaccine-are-better-than-expected-342440" hreflang="en">China's Sinopharm claims results of its vaccine are 'better than expected'</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-pandemic-europe-faces-shortage-of-beds-doctors-nurses-342402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reaction to COVID-19 among 27 EU countries has been uncoordinated, which is why some countries have managed it amiably, while others have faltered. Currently, Europe is witnessing a second-wave of coronavirus infections, with numbers increasing across all major countries. Many have also reimposed lockdowns.

Owing to the unequal response and preparation, many EU countries were seen competing for medical gear and other paraphernalia.

WHO criticised

The WHO has faced global criticism for undermining the severity of COVID-19, and for&nbsp;declaring it a pandemic too late. The WHO, though denies all such claims.

The proposals state that the EU would be able to declare a pan-EU public health emergency, which they would facilitate coordination among EU states. As of now, the union has to rely on the WHO before declaring such emergencies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-president-warns-recurring-cycles-viral-spread-despite-vaccine-342445" hreflang="en">EU president warns 'recurring cycles' viral spread despite vaccine</a>

"The new rules will enable the activation of EU emergency response mechanisms… without making it contingent upon the WHO's own declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern," an EU document says, Reuters reported. However, all such responses would be in coordination with the WHO.

EU states want reform in the WHO, and believe that they had relied on the organisation too heavily during the pandemic.

"We relied too much on the WHO for the COVID-19 pandemic," Peter Liese, lawmaker from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party said.

"Under pressure from China, the WHO declared the health emergency too late. It is therefore very important to have the possibility to act at European level in future similar situations”, Liese added.

The incumbent US President Donald Trump had labelled WHO a puppet of China.

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new rules which would essentially enable the EU to declare a health emergency. In addition, this would allow the EU to test individual national plans in place to tackle pandemics.

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed new rules which would essentially enable the EU to declare a health emergency. In addition, this would allow the EU to test individual national plans in place to tackle pandemics. A blow to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has historically taken such calls, this could signal a shift in WHO-centric health policy outlook. Also read: China's Sinopharm claims results of its vaccine are 'better than expected' The reaction to COVID-19 among 27 EU countries has been uncoordinated, which is why some countries have managed it amiably, while others have faltered. Currently, Europe is witnessing a second-wave of coronavirus infections, with numbers increasing across all major countries. Many have also reimposed lockdowns. Owing to the unequal response and preparation, many EU countries were seen competing for medical gear and other paraphernalia. WHO criticised The WHO has faced global criticism for undermining the severity of COVID-19, and for declaring it a pandemic too late. The WHO, though denies all such claims. The proposals state that the EU would be able to declare a pan-EU public health emergency, which they would facilitate coordination among EU states. As of now, the union has to rely on the WHO before declaring such emergencies. Also read: EU president warns 'recurring cycles' viral spread despite vaccine "The new rules will enable the activation of EU emergency response mechanisms… without making it contingent upon the WHO's own declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern," an EU document says, Reuters reported. However, all such responses would be in coordination with the WHO. EU states want reform in the WHO, and believe that they had relied on the organisation too heavily during the pandemic. "We relied too much on the WHO for the COVID-19 pandemic," Peter Liese, lawmaker from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party said. "Under pressure from China, the WHO declared the health emergency too late. It is therefore very important to have the possibility to act at European level in future similar situations”, Liese added. The incumbent US President Donald Trump had labelled WHO a puppet of China.

EU seeks power to declare health emergencies undermining WHO

After lecturing the world on secularism, E.U. is now rushing to regulate Islam. What took Europe so long to realise there's a difference between secularism and appeasement? WION's Palki Sharma makes a case.

Gravitas: Europe moves to curb terror

&nbsp;Europe is a test case for a very special reason. The European continent has always considered itself the Avant Garde of secularism. In 2013, the European Union published guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-islamist-terror-tops-european-unions-agenda-342279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2016, Jan Figel was appointed special envoy for this, for the promotion of freedom of religion outside the EU. In 2018 and 2019, Europe sanctioned countries for they way they treated Muslims, mostly for a good reason but also because Europe felt the moral authority and responsibility to tell the world how to treat minorities as recently as 2020, the European parliament wanted to discuss India's citizenship amendment act and the removal of special status of Kashmir. It had no business doing so but the EU, the self-appointed gatekeeper of secularism wanted to lecture India on the treatment of minorities.

In November 2020, Europe itself is rushing to legislate on religion and come December, France will table a bill that will help the state regulate Islam. It will help the state monitor the funding of French mosques.

It will create a certificate program for French imams and it will ban homeschooling for young children to prevent the creation of Islamic schools or Madrassas.

If a non-European, non-Western country had planned such a bill, Europe would have cried Islamophobia. It would have sat down to draw a list of sanctions against the country, slapped its leaders with a travel ban probably frozen their assets but now terror has struck home.

France is legislating to create its own brand of Islam and in doing so, France doesn't care if it's being called Islamophobe. Europe is finally learning to crack down on terror and unfortunately, it is learning the hard way.

Just like the United States did post the attacks of 9/11 before the two planes crashed into the twin towers, America took pride preaching secularism. In 1998, the Clinton administration created the office of international religious freedom (IRF) within the US state department.

Three years later, Washington found itself looking at every Muslim with suspicion, at least 1,200 people were detained by the end of November 2001. In her book "detained without a cause" Irum Sheikh writes that the US immigration officials began categorising Muslims "special interest" cases.

Europe's lectures on CAA and Kashmir were an overreach, India's tour of European MP's to seek validation on Kashmir even worse, if Europe must compare its own brand of secularism to India's - it should see which has worked. Going forward, Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism. It is time to work on the faultlines. Counter-terror with all sincerity without making any exceptions.

Europe is a test case for a very special reason. The European continent has always considered itself the Avant Garde of secularism. In 2013, the European Union published guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.

Europe is a test case for a very special reason. The European continent has always considered itself the Avant Garde of secularism. In 2013, the European Union published guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief. In 2016, Jan Figel was appointed special envoy for this, for the promotion of freedom of religion outside the EU. In 2018 and 2019, Europe sanctioned countries for they way they treated Muslims, mostly for a good reason but also because Europe felt the moral authority and responsibility to tell the world how to treat minorities as recently as 2020, the European parliament wanted to discuss India's citizenship amendment act and the removal of special status of Kashmir. It had no business doing so but the EU, the self-appointed gatekeeper of secularism wanted to lecture India on the treatment of minorities. In November 2020, Europe itself is rushing to legislate on religion and come December, France will table a bill that will help the state regulate Islam. It will help the state monitor the funding of French mosques. It will create a certificate program for French imams and it will ban homeschooling for young children to prevent the creation of Islamic schools or Madrassas. If a non-European, non-Western country had planned such a bill, Europe would have cried Islamophobia. It would have sat down to draw a list of sanctions against the country, slapped its leaders with a travel ban probably frozen their assets but now terror has struck home. France is legislating to create its own brand of Islam and in doing so, France doesn't care if it's being called Islamophobe. Europe is finally learning to crack down on terror and unfortunately, it is learning the hard way. Just like the United States did post the attacks of 9/11 before the two planes crashed into the twin towers, America took pride preaching secularism. In 1998, the Clinton administration created the office of international religious freedom (IRF) within the US state department. Three years later, Washington found itself looking at every Muslim with suspicion, at least 1,200 people were detained by the end of November 2001. In her book "detained without a cause" Irum Sheikh writes that the US immigration officials began categorising Muslims "special interest" cases. Europe's lectures on CAA and Kashmir were an overreach, India's tour of European MP's to seek validation on Kashmir even worse, if Europe must compare its own brand of secularism to India's - it should see which has worked. Going forward, Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism. It is time to work on the faultlines. Counter-terror with all sincerity without making any exceptions.

Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism

European countries are struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Intensive care is the last line for the defence to severely ill coronavirus patients, but Europe is now running out of beds, doctors & nurses.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Europe faces shortage of beds, doctors & nurses

Le Drian's highly anticipated meeting with Tayeb, head of Al-Azhar -- considered the foremost religious institution for Sunni Muslims

French minister seeks to ease tensions over cartoons in Cairo visit

European stocks hit two-week highs on strong earnings results and after the BofE increased its already huge bond-buying stimulus by 150 billion pounds ($195 billion), or about 50 billion pounds more than expected.

How is Europe reacting to the US presidential elections 2020?

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for an overhaul of the rules governing the Schengen area of the free movement in Europe. He also announces to double their forces of border control to fight against the terrorist threat.

France wants stronger response to illegal immigration

French President Macron calls for tighter border controls & Schengen overhaul

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