President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Donald Trump </a>on Monday repeated his insistence that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/something-is-going-to-happen-but-not-war-expert-on-us-iran-tension-272543">nuclear weapon</a>, amid mounting tension over the US killing of a top Iranian commander.

Writing in all-caps, the US leader tweeted: "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!"

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IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1214197038063243266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet came a day after Tehran announced it was further winding down observance of parts of an international deal struck to ensure that the country does not secretly develop a nuclear weapon under cover of its civilian nuclear industry.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 deal negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama. Last year, Iran resumed uranium enrichment, reporting a tenfold increase in production.

Tensions between the two countries spiked last week when a US drone strike in Baghdad killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force.

Watch:&nbsp;

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While Iran has threatened retaliation for the killing, Trump has warned that the US will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if the Islamic republic does attack US personnel or assets.&nbsp;

Huge crowds turned out Monday in Iran for the 62-year-old commander's funeral, while in neighbouring Iraq, parliament has voted to expel some 5,200 US troops stationed in the country.

Trump's tweet did not add any details about the steps he was considering to prevent Iran from reviving its nuclear program. Iran has always denied any military dimension to its nuclear project.

President Donald Trump on Monday repeated his insistence that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, amid mounting tension over the US killing of a top Iranian commander.

President Donald Trump on Monday repeated his insistence that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, amid mounting tension over the US killing of a top Iranian commander. Writing in all-caps, the US leader tweeted: "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2020 × The tweet came a day after Tehran announced it was further winding down observance of parts of an international deal struck to ensure that the country does not secretly develop a nuclear weapon under cover of its civilian nuclear industry. Watch: Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 deal negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama. Last year, Iran resumed uranium enrichment, reporting a tenfold increase in production. Tensions between the two countries spiked last week when a US drone strike in Baghdad killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Watch: While Iran has threatened retaliation for the killing, Trump has warned that the US will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if the Islamic republic does attack US personnel or assets. Huge crowds turned out Monday in Iran for the 62-year-old commander's funeral, while in neighbouring Iraq, parliament has voted to expel some 5,200 US troops stationed in the country. Trump's tweet did not add any details about the steps he was considering to prevent Iran from reviving its nuclear program. Iran has always denied any military dimension to its nuclear project.

Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani

The Golden Globes kick off the Hollywood awards season on Sunday, but the most talked-about attraction at the customarily boozy dinner in Beverly Hills may be the wicked tongue of host Ricky Gervais. 
 
Gervais, the no-holds-barred British comedian, returns for the fifth time and is already promising to let the barbs fly. "Take a drink every time a celebrity looks like they want to punch me in the face," he suggests to viewers in a video promotion for the ceremony. Whether Hollywood's A-listers and American television audiences will still embrace him four years after his last stint remains to be seen. 
 
"This is a different moment in Hollywood than when Ricky Gervais last hosted the show," said Matthew Belloni, editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter. 
 
"We are in the middle of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-faces-justice-two-years-after-scandal-erupted-271766">#MeToo</a> movement, the push for diversity, the backlash to a lot of the Trump stuff. He is in many ways a throwback host to a time before we had all of these concerns," Belloni said. 
 
Gervais, the creator and star of the British TV comedy 'The Office',&nbsp;last hosted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/2020-golden-globes-the-complete-nominations-list-267269">Golden Globes </a>in January 2016 - long before the election and impeachment of President Donald Trump, the sexual misconduct scandal that has roiled the entertainment industry, and the #OscarsSoWhite controversies. 
 
Four years ago his targets included cosmetic surgery, Mel Gibson, Bill Cosby, newly transitioned Caitlyn Jenner and bawdy jokes about using his own Golden Globe statuette as a sex toy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/golden-globes-2020-best-actor-nominations-271661">Meet the best actor nominees of Golden Globes 2020</a> 
 
"It's life, so anything can happen. The stars are there. I will insult them, if that's what you like," Gervais said in the video ahead of Sunday's show. 
 
Celebrities attending the event are expected to include Golden Globe nominees Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Eddie Murphy and Al Pacino for movies and television shows that range from 'The Irishman'&nbsp;and 'Two Popes'&nbsp;to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bombshell-review-charlize-theron-margot-robbie-feature-in-a-timely-film-in-the-post-metoo-era-271878">Bombshell</a>' and 'The Crown'. 
 
"We will see how he&nbsp;handles it. Is there a place for that kind of sarcastic and insult-oriented comedy in Hollywood 2020? We'll see," said Belloni.

Sunday's ceremony also takes place one day before the start of jury selection in the trial in New York of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein on rape and sexual assault charges. Weinstein has denied the charges. 
 
Gervais says he has free rein to say whatever he likes at the dinner - an informal affair where champagne flows and the comedian swigged beer onstage throughout the 2016 show. 
 
He also says he has never had to cut any jokes from his Golden Globes routines.&nbsp; 
 
"I do have to tell a lawyer about it just before I go on," Gervais told talk show host Graham Norton in an appearance in London in November. 
 
"I know what I can get away with," he added. "I don't libel anyone. And I've never had a complaint upheld."

The Golden Globes kick off the Hollywood awards season on Sunday, but the most talked-about attraction at the customarily boozy dinner in Beverly Hills may be the wicked tongue of host Ricky Gervais.

The Golden Globes kick off the Hollywood awards season on Sunday, but the most talked-about attraction at the customarily boozy dinner in Beverly Hills may be the wicked tongue of host Ricky Gervais. Gervais, the no-holds-barred British comedian, returns for the fifth time and is already promising to let the barbs fly. "Take a drink every time a celebrity looks like they want to punch me in the face," he suggests to viewers in a video promotion for the ceremony. Whether Hollywood's A-listers and American television audiences will still embrace him four years after his last stint remains to be seen. "This is a different moment in Hollywood than when Ricky Gervais last hosted the show," said Matthew Belloni, editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter. "We are in the middle of the #MeToo movement, the push for diversity, the backlash to a lot of the Trump stuff. He is in many ways a throwback host to a time before we had all of these concerns," Belloni said. Gervais, the creator and star of the British TV comedy 'The Office', last hosted the Golden Globes in January 2016 - long before the election and impeachment of President Donald Trump, the sexual misconduct scandal that has roiled the entertainment industry, and the #OscarsSoWhite controversies. Four years ago his targets included cosmetic surgery, Mel Gibson, Bill Cosby, newly transitioned Caitlyn Jenner and bawdy jokes about using his own Golden Globe statuette as a sex toy. Meet the best actor nominees of Golden Globes 2020 "It's life, so anything can happen. The stars are there. I will insult them, if that's what you like," Gervais said in the video ahead of Sunday's show. Celebrities attending the event are expected to include Golden Globe nominees Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Eddie Murphy and Al Pacino for movies and television shows that range from 'The Irishman' and 'Two Popes' to 'Bombshell' and 'The Crown'. "We will see how he handles it. Is there a place for that kind of sarcastic and insult-oriented comedy in Hollywood 2020? We'll see," said Belloni. Sunday's ceremony also takes place one day before the start of jury selection in the trial in New York of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein on rape and sexual assault charges. Weinstein has denied the charges. Gervais says he has free rein to say whatever he likes at the dinner - an informal affair where champagne flows and the comedian swigged beer onstage throughout the 2016 show. He also says he has never had to cut any jokes from his Golden Globes routines. "I do have to tell a lawyer about it just before I go on," Gervais told talk show host Graham Norton in an appearance in London in November. "I know what I can get away with," he added. "I don't libel anyone. And I've never had a complaint upheld."

Host Ricky Gervais takes on Golden Globes in Trump, #MeToo era

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-phase-one-trade-deal-to-be-signed-january-15-trump-271308">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad.

Asked about the possibility of tensions spiraling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening."

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the attack on US embassy in Iraq</a> and said it would be held responsible. Iran rejected the accusation.

Militiamen and their supporters protesting against deadly US&nbsp;air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US&nbsp;Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday in an unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in the country.

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The incident marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran - both influential players in Iraq - while mass protests are challenging Iraq's own political system nearly 17 years after the US&nbsp;invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

It comes after months of security incidents in the region for which both sides have traded blame.

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Baghdad has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but has not been physically attacked by demonstrators in this way before.

The protests were led by Iranian-backed militias and lasted several hours, but the US&nbsp;State Department said later that personnel were secure and the facility had not been breached.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad. Asked about the possibility of tensions spiraling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening." Meanwhile, Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the attack on US embassy in Iraq and said it would be held responsible. Iran rejected the accusation. Militiamen and their supporters protesting against deadly US air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday in an unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in the country. × The incident marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran - both influential players in Iraq - while mass protests are challenging Iraq's own political system nearly 17 years after the US invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. It comes after months of security incidents in the region for which both sides have traded blame. The US Embassy in Baghdad has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but has not been physically attacked by demonstrators in this way before. The protests were led by Iranian-backed militias and lasted several hours, but the US State Department said later that personnel were secure and the facility had not been breached.

I want to have peace: Trump says he doesn't want, nor foresee, war with Iran

Tehran summoned an official from the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, to complain about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">American "warmongering" in neighbouring Iraq</a>, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

"The Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry... over stances of American officials with regards to developments in Iraq," a ministry statement said.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran conveyed its strong protest... over warmongering remarks made by American officials which violate the United Nations Charter," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;

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President Donald Trump and other US officials have blamed Iran for rocket fire that killed an American civilian contractor in northern Iraq on Friday.

They have also accused Iran of being behind the storming of the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday by protesters angry over retaliatory US airstrikes in western Iraq that killed 25 militants.

In its statement, the Iranian foreign ministry said it had asked the Swiss charge d'affaires to inform the United States that "Iraq is an independent country".

"The American army has martyred at least 25 young Iraqis and has wounded countless more without presenting the slightest evidence of them being at fault," it said.

"Naturally the people of Iraq react to the country that has occupied their country and kills their young people."

Tehran and Washington have not had direct diplomatic relations since Iranian students stormed the US embassy in 1980 and held staff hostage for 444 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-to-have-peace-trump-says-he-doesnt-want-nor-foresee-war-with-iran-271328">Does not want, nor foresee, war with Iran</a>

US President Donald Trump said he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad.

Asked about the possibility of tensions spiralling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida: "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening."

Tehran summoned an official from the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, to complain about American "warmongering" in neighbouring Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Tehran summoned an official from the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, to complain about American "warmongering" in neighbouring Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. "The Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry... over stances of American officials with regards to developments in Iraq," a ministry statement said. "The Islamic Republic of Iran conveyed its strong protest... over warmongering remarks made by American officials which violate the United Nations Charter," it added. Watch: President Donald Trump and other US officials have blamed Iran for rocket fire that killed an American civilian contractor in northern Iraq on Friday. They have also accused Iran of being behind the storming of the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday by protesters angry over retaliatory US airstrikes in western Iraq that killed 25 militants. In its statement, the Iranian foreign ministry said it had asked the Swiss charge d'affaires to inform the United States that "Iraq is an independent country". "The American army has martyred at least 25 young Iraqis and has wounded countless more without presenting the slightest evidence of them being at fault," it said. "Naturally the people of Iraq react to the country that has occupied their country and kills their young people." Tehran and Washington have not had direct diplomatic relations since Iranian students stormed the US embassy in 1980 and held staff hostage for 444 days. Does not want, nor foresee, war with Iran US President Donald Trump said he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad. Asked about the possibility of tensions spiralling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida: "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening."

US embassy attack: Iran summons envoy over US 'warmongering' but Trump says he doesn't want war

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">impeachment trial of President Donald Trump</a>, saying there should be distance between the two.

The comments by the Alaska lawmaker come after Mitch&nbsp;McConnell, majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, said during an&nbsp;interview earlier this month that he was working in "total coordination" with the White House on the upcoming trial.

"To me, it means that we have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defence," Murkowski said in comments aired late on Tuesday during an interview. "I heard what leader&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;had said. I happened to think that has further confused the process."

&nbsp;

Also Watch: Trump impeachment gets mixed reviews

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&nbsp;

Murkowski, who says she remains undecided in how she will vote in the upcoming impeachment proceedings, cited the need for distance between the White House and the Senate on how the trial should be conducted.

Trump was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-unfair-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-delay-in-senate-269522">impeached</a> last week by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the top contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden's son. He has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation.

Trump has said he did nothing wrong.

Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">Senate</a>, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, a bid to pressure Senate Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats in the chamber on trial rules.&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;said the Senate could not take any action until it receives the articles.

Whether or not to call witnesses has been one of the main sticking points between the Democrats and the Republicans in drafting rules for the impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;on Monday said that Republicans had not ruled out hearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">witnesses</a> in the impeachment trial the Republican president.

However,&nbsp;McConnell&nbsp;made clear he would not accede to a Democratic request for the Senate to agree ahead of time to take testimony during the trial.

There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, saying there should be distance between the two.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" by the Senate leader's approach to working with White House counsel on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, saying there should be distance between the two. The comments by the Alaska lawmaker come after Mitch McConnell, majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, said during an interview earlier this month that he was working in "total coordination" with the White House on the upcoming trial. "To me, it means that we have to take that step back from being hand-in-glove with the defence," Murkowski said in comments aired late on Tuesday during an interview. "I heard what leader McConnell had said. I happened to think that has further confused the process." Also Watch: Trump impeachment gets mixed reviews × Murkowski, who says she remains undecided in how she will vote in the upcoming impeachment proceedings, cited the need for distance between the White House and the Senate on how the trial should be conducted. Trump was impeached last week by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on two charges over his pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the top contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Biden's son. He has been charged with abuse of power and obstructing Congress' investigation. Trump has said he did nothing wrong. Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the Senate, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, a bid to pressure Senate Republicans to reach an accord with the Democrats in the chamber on trial rules. McConnell said the Senate could not take any action until it receives the articles. Whether or not to call witnesses has been one of the main sticking points between the Democrats and the Republicans in drafting rules for the impeachment proceedings. McConnell on Monday said that Republicans had not ruled out hearing witnesses in the impeachment trial the Republican president. However, McConnell made clear he would not accede to a Democratic request for the Senate to agree ahead of time to take testimony during the trial. There is little chance Trump will be convicted and removed from office through a trial in the Republican-led Senate, but the impeachment proceedings could resonate at the ballot box in November.

Republican senator 'disturbed' by McConnell's work with White House on impeachment trial

Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-indian-origin-lawmakers-inducted-in-canadian-pm-justin-trudeaus-new-cabinet-263695">Justin Trudeau</a> called Thursday on the United States not to sign a trade deal with China unless Beijing agrees to release two Canadians detained since last year.

Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor have been held in China's opaque legal system since they were apprehended on December 10, 2018, accused of espionage.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Their case is widely viewed by Canadians as retribution for the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver just nine days prior. She is wanted in the United States on charges related to Iran sanctions violations.

Obtaining the two men's release has been a top priority of Trudeau's government.

When asked if he thought a US-China trade deal could help resolve the situation during an interview with French-language channel TVA, Trudeau responded: "We hope so."

"We told them that the United States must not sign a final and complete deal with China that does not solve the problem of Meng Wanzhou and the two Canadians," he added.

Trudeau, who has been criticized by the opposition for his handling of the case, also said his administration has worked "practically every day to try and make China understand that they must free these two Canadians."

Meng was released on bail a few days after her arrest. She is living in her Vancouver mansion while waiting for an extradition hearing scheduled to begin January 20.

"Whatever pressure they put on us, arresting two Canadians... won't change the Court of British Columbia's decision on extradition," Trudeau warned, noting that the Canadian judicial system is "independent."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Thursday on the United States not to sign a trade deal with China unless Beijing agrees to release two Canadians detained since last year.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Thursday on the United States not to sign a trade deal with China unless Beijing agrees to release two Canadians detained since last year. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor have been held in China's opaque legal system since they were apprehended on December 10, 2018, accused of espionage. Watch: Their case is widely viewed by Canadians as retribution for the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver just nine days prior. She is wanted in the United States on charges related to Iran sanctions violations. Obtaining the two men's release has been a top priority of Trudeau's government. When asked if he thought a US-China trade deal could help resolve the situation during an interview with French-language channel TVA, Trudeau responded: "We hope so." "We told them that the United States must not sign a final and complete deal with China that does not solve the problem of Meng Wanzhou and the two Canadians," he added. Trudeau, who has been criticized by the opposition for his handling of the case, also said his administration has worked "practically every day to try and make China understand that they must free these two Canadians." Meng was released on bail a few days after her arrest. She is living in her Vancouver mansion while waiting for an extradition hearing scheduled to begin January 20. "Whatever pressure they put on us, arresting two Canadians... won't change the Court of British Columbia's decision on extradition," Trudeau warned, noting that the Canadian judicial system is "independent."

Don't sign China trade deal unless Canadians freed, says PM Justin Trudeau to Trump

The dollar took US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's impeachment in stride on Thursday while its Australian counterpart rallied after a surprise fall in the country's unemployment rate. The British pound&nbsp;remained under pressure on renewed fears of a chaotic exit from the European Union. It was last at $1.3081 after sliding nearly 2 per cent&nbsp;in as many days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/euro-steady-as-us-dollar-set-for-worst-week-since-october-266647">Dollar</a> traders were sanguine after a majority of lawmakers in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump.

The dollar was a shade firmer against the safe-haven yen&nbsp;at 109.56. An index that tracks the dollar against six major currencies hovered at 97.347, not far from a six-day high of 97.475 touched on Wednesday.

"It is unlikely that the Senate will support the motion when it votes in January, as is required to remove Trump from office," ANZ economists wrote in a note.

The Aussie dollar climbed as high as $0.6883 after the robust jobs data suggested the country's labour market might have enough life in it to lessen the need for more interest rate cuts. It was last at $0.6878.

In New Zealand, better-than-expected third-quarter economic growth data sent the kiwi dollar&nbsp;bouncing off a one-week low at $0.6592.

Risk sensitive currencies such as the Aussie and the kiwi started December on a firm footing after a preliminary US-China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-conflict-lack-of-trust-hobbling-the-ability-to-reach-a-deal-198533">trade deal</a> and a landslide Conservative election win in the UK removed two major uncertainties hanging over markets.

However, fears have resurfaced this week as the spectre of US-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trade-war-goes-digital-countries-eye-tariffs-on-internet-economy-266783">tariff war</a> has not completely disappeared with traders awaiting more details on the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-reached-with-us-china-268186">phase one</a>" deal with Beijing.

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Tuesday that the United States may raise tariffs on European goods as it tries to shrink its chronic trade deficit with the continent, re-igniting worries of the prospects of the export-driven euro.

The euro&nbsp;held close to Wednesday's trough of $1.1109 against the dollar, shrugging off a better-than-expected survey of German business morale. It was last at $1.1126.

"The most significant piece of news overnight has been the German December IFO survey, which... has shown evidence that the German economy may be in the process of pulling itself up by its boot straps," said Ray Attrill, Sydney-based head of forex strategy at National Australia Bank.

"Improvement in the German – and broader Eurozone – economy – is fundamental to our expectation for a softer US&nbsp;dollar and stronger Euro next year."

Markets will focus on interest rate decisions from the Bank of England, which is seen unlikely to change policy. At its previous meeting, two of the central bank's nine policymakers voted to cut interest rates.

The dollar took US President Donald Trump's impeachment in stride on Thursday while its Australian counterpart rallied after a surprise fall in the country's unemployment rate.

The dollar took US President Donald Trump's impeachment in stride on Thursday while its Australian counterpart rallied after a surprise fall in the country's unemployment rate. The British pound remained under pressure on renewed fears of a chaotic exit from the European Union. It was last at $1.3081 after sliding nearly 2 per cent in as many days. Dollar traders were sanguine after a majority of lawmakers in the US House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump. The dollar was a shade firmer against the safe-haven yen at 109.56. An index that tracks the dollar against six major currencies hovered at 97.347, not far from a six-day high of 97.475 touched on Wednesday. "It is unlikely that the Senate will support the motion when it votes in January, as is required to remove Trump from office," ANZ economists wrote in a note. The Aussie dollar climbed as high as $0.6883 after the robust jobs data suggested the country's labour market might have enough life in it to lessen the need for more interest rate cuts. It was last at $0.6878. In New Zealand, better-than-expected third-quarter economic growth data sent the kiwi dollar bouncing off a one-week low at $0.6592. Risk sensitive currencies such as the Aussie and the kiwi started December on a firm footing after a preliminary US-China trade deal and a landslide Conservative election win in the UK removed two major uncertainties hanging over markets. However, fears have resurfaced this week as the spectre of US-led tariff war has not completely disappeared with traders awaiting more details on the "phase one" deal with Beijing. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Tuesday that the United States may raise tariffs on European goods as it tries to shrink its chronic trade deficit with the continent, re-igniting worries of the prospects of the export-driven euro. The euro held close to Wednesday's trough of $1.1109 against the dollar, shrugging off a better-than-expected survey of German business morale. It was last at $1.1126. "The most significant piece of news overnight has been the German December IFO survey, which... has shown evidence that the German economy may be in the process of pulling itself up by its boot straps," said Ray Attrill, Sydney-based head of forex strategy at National Australia Bank. "Improvement in the German – and broader Eurozone – economy – is fundamental to our expectation for a softer US dollar and stronger Euro next year." Markets will focus on interest rate decisions from the Bank of England, which is seen unlikely to change policy. At its previous meeting, two of the central bank's nine policymakers voted to cut interest rates.

Dollar barely flinches after Trump impeachment, Aussie jumps on solid jobs data

Republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-the-impeachment-inquiry-might-affect-donald-trumps-2020-re-election-chances-253716">Donald Trump</a> is this week likely to become the third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/for-russia-talk-of-donald-trump-impeachment-is-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-254956">US president</a> to be impeached when the Democratic-led House of Representatives votes on charges stemming from his effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-does-the-impeachment-of-a-us-president-work-265766">Trump</a> faces one charge of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to investigate Biden, a leading Democratic contender to oppose him in the 2020 US presidential election, and one of obstructing Congress' investigation into the matter.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The president has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of a baseless and politically-motivated bid to oust him from power.

The House is likely to take up impeachment on Wednesday, setting the stage for a vote this week on whether to approve the charges and send the matter to the Republican-led Senate to hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office.

Democrats, who enjoy a 36-seat majority in the House, are expected to win an impeachment vote, which requires a simple majority.

Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats in the Senate, where they appear likely to prevail in any trial against Trump, which would require a two-thirds majority of those present to remove him from office.

Seeking to shape any trial, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called on Sunday for testimony from White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, former national security adviser John Bolton, Mulvaney aide Robert Blair and budget official Michael Duffey.

Schumer made his appeal in a letter to Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said last week he was coordinating with the White House and has raised the prospect of a short impeachment trial in which no witnesses would be called.

"I hope we can come to an agreement about a fair trial," Schumer told MSNBC in an interview on Monday.

House Democrats also sought testimony from the four men in their inquiry, but they did not appear.

The House Judiciary Committee voted 23-17 on Friday along party lines to approve the two charges against Trump and to send the matter to the full chamber. Late on Sunday, the panel issued its full report detailing the case against him.

In a tweet on Monday, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Schumer's comments seeking fairness were "laughable" after the release of the 658-page report "in the middle of the night. Thankfully the people of this country continue to see the partisan sham that this is."

A McConnell spokesman did not directly address Schumer's requests, but said the Senate majority leader "plans to meet with Leader Schumer to discuss the contours of a trial soon."

Defection

No US&nbsp;president has been removed as a direct result of impeachment.

Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before he could be removed, while Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached by the House, respectively in 1868 and 1998, but not convicted by the Senate.

Senior House Democrats expect to win any impeachment vote, albeit with the possibility of some defections from moderates facing tough re-elections next year in Trump-leaning districts.

Representative Jeff Van Drew, a conservative Democrat from New Jersey who opposed impeachment, is planning to become a Republican, media reported over the weekend. The news prompted a mass resignation of staffers in his office.

In congressional hearings, Democrats have accused Trump of endangering the U.S. Constitution, jeopardizing national security and undermining the integrity of next year's U.S. presidential election by asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July phone call to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Democrats argue impeachment is an urgent necessity because Trump has continued his alleged misconduct, endangering the integrity of the 2020 election.

Republicans have defended Trump and accused Democrats of a partisan effort aimed at overturning his upset 2016 victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump has branded the entire impeachment drive a sham.

"READ THE TRANSCRIPTS! The Impeachment Hoax is the greatest con job in the history of American politics!" he said in a tweet on Monday.

Trump has alleged the Bidens were involved in corruption in Ukraine and should be investigated there, but has offered no evidence. Biden, a former U.S. vice president, has denied wrongdoing.

Republican Donald Trump is this week likely to become the third US president to be impeached when the Democratic-led House of Representatives votes on charges stemming from his effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden.

Republican Donald Trump is this week likely to become the third US president to be impeached when the Democratic-led House of Representatives votes on charges stemming from his effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Trump faces one charge of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to investigate Biden, a leading Democratic contender to oppose him in the 2020 US presidential election, and one of obstructing Congress' investigation into the matter. Watch: The president has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of a baseless and politically-motivated bid to oust him from power. The House is likely to take up impeachment on Wednesday, setting the stage for a vote this week on whether to approve the charges and send the matter to the Republican-led Senate to hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office. Democrats, who enjoy a 36-seat majority in the House, are expected to win an impeachment vote, which requires a simple majority. Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats in the Senate, where they appear likely to prevail in any trial against Trump, which would require a two-thirds majority of those present to remove him from office. Seeking to shape any trial, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called on Sunday for testimony from White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, former national security adviser John Bolton, Mulvaney aide Robert Blair and budget official Michael Duffey. Schumer made his appeal in a letter to Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said last week he was coordinating with the White House and has raised the prospect of a short impeachment trial in which no witnesses would be called. "I hope we can come to an agreement about a fair trial," Schumer told MSNBC in an interview on Monday. House Democrats also sought testimony from the four men in their inquiry, but they did not appear. The House Judiciary Committee voted 23-17 on Friday along party lines to approve the two charges against Trump and to send the matter to the full chamber. Late on Sunday, the panel issued its full report detailing the case against him. In a tweet on Monday, White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Schumer's comments seeking fairness were "laughable" after the release of the 658-page report "in the middle of the night. Thankfully the people of this country continue to see the partisan sham that this is." A McConnell spokesman did not directly address Schumer's requests, but said the Senate majority leader "plans to meet with Leader Schumer to discuss the contours of a trial soon." Defection No US president has been removed as a direct result of impeachment. Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before he could be removed, while Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached by the House, respectively in 1868 and 1998, but not convicted by the Senate. Senior House Democrats expect to win any impeachment vote, albeit with the possibility of some defections from moderates facing tough re-elections next year in Trump-leaning districts. Representative Jeff Van Drew, a conservative Democrat from New Jersey who opposed impeachment, is planning to become a Republican, media reported over the weekend. The news prompted a mass resignation of staffers in his office. In congressional hearings, Democrats have accused Trump of endangering the U.S. Constitution, jeopardizing national security and undermining the integrity of next year's U.S. presidential election by asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July phone call to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company. Democrats argue impeachment is an urgent necessity because Trump has continued his alleged misconduct, endangering the integrity of the 2020 election. Republicans have defended Trump and accused Democrats of a partisan effort aimed at overturning his upset 2016 victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump has branded the entire impeachment drive a sham. "READ THE TRANSCRIPTS! The Impeachment Hoax is the greatest con job in the history of American politics!" he said in a tweet on Monday. Trump has alleged the Bidens were involved in corruption in Ukraine and should be investigated there, but has offered no evidence. Biden, a former U.S. vice president, has denied wrongdoing.

Donald Trump on track to become third US president to be impeached

As Democrats set to vote on impeaching the US president, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-on-track-to-become-third-us-president-to-be-impeached-268809">Trump in a tweet</a> said he has done nothing wrong, while adding that it was "terrible thing".

"Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the radical Left, do nothing Democrats, and I did nothing wrong! A terrible thing. Read the transcripts," Trump said, adding,"This should never happen to another President again."

Trump had earlier told US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in a letter that "history will judge you harshly." The US president accussed Pelosi of "declaring open war on American Democracy."

Watch Video:

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President Trump is only the third US leader to ever be impeached. The US president is accussed of forcing Ukraine into a probe into a main 2020 re-election rival, Joe Biden. The US president is also accused of obstructing Congress by refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation.

The two articles of impeachment will be voted by the Democrats today. It will then be presented to the Senate in January while the Democrats hold a majority in the House of Representatives, the Republicans are in majority in the Senate.

Richard Nixon had quit office before being impeached in 1974. In 1999, 45 Democratic Senators had stayed united against the 55 Republicans to block a two-thirds vote for conviction against Clinton.

As Democrats set to vote on impeaching the US president, Trump in a tweet said he has done nothing wrong, while adding that it was "terrible thing". "Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the radical Left, do nothing Democrats, and I did nothing wrong!

As Democrats set to vote on impeaching the US president, Trump in a tweet said he has done nothing wrong, while adding that it was "terrible thing". "Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the radical Left, do nothing Democrats, and I did nothing wrong! A terrible thing. Read the transcripts," Trump said, adding,"This should never happen to another President again." Trump had earlier told US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in a letter that "history will judge you harshly." The US president accussed Pelosi of "declaring open war on American Democracy." Watch Video: President Trump is only the third US leader to ever be impeached. The US president is accussed of forcing Ukraine into a probe into a main 2020 re-election rival, Joe Biden. The US president is also accused of obstructing Congress by refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation. The two articles of impeachment will be voted by the Democrats today. It will then be presented to the Senate in January while the Democrats hold a majority in the House of Representatives, the Republicans are in majority in the Senate. Richard Nixon had quit office before being impeached in 1974. In 1999, 45 Democratic Senators had stayed united against the 55 Republicans to block a two-thirds vote for conviction against Clinton.

I did nothing wrong, says Trump ahead of impeachment vote in US House

The campaign for United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday released a new video on Twitter where Marvel Comic Universe’ supervillain Thanos was replaced by Trump in the now-famous climax scene of Avengers: Infinity War.&nbsp;

The original clip where Thanos says “I am inevitable” before snapping his fingers to destroy half the universe was replaced by Trump snapping his fingers to destroy Nancy Pelosi and other Democrat leaders into dust. &nbsp;

The video was released hours after Democrats launched two articles of impeachment against the President stating that his “re-election is inevitable”.&nbsp;

“House Democrats can push their sham impeachment all they want.President Trump's re-election is inevitable,” the tweet said.&nbsp;

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House Democrats can push their sham impeachment all they want. 
 
President Trump's re-election is 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. <a href="https://t.co/O7o02S26nS">pic.twitter.com/O7o02S26nS</a>
— Trump War Room (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1204503645607333888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump campaign also tweeted an “Important update” regarding the status of the tweet, declaring that the efforts of “humourless liberals” have been unsuccessful in having the tweet deleted from the platform.&nbsp;

“IMPORTANT UPDATE! Bitter, humourless liberals are soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election. So far, their efforts to delete this tweet have been unsuccessful,” the new tweet said.&nbsp;

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IMPORTANT UPDATE! 
 
Bitter, humorless liberals are soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election. 
 
So far, their efforts to delete this tweet have been unsuccessful. <a href="https://t.co/AjPEZEDjLR">https://t.co/AjPEZEDjLR</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3M3D5n1Vr">pic.twitter.com/c3M3D5n1Vr</a>
— Trump War Room (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1204871370728988673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The creator of Thanos Jim Starlin expressed to The Hollywood Reporter that he initially felt violated at the use of his creation by the President to “stroke his infantile ego” and looking forward to the time the “national nightmare” will come to an end.&nbsp;

"After my initial feeling of being violated, seeing that pompous fool using my creation to stroke his infantile ego, it finally struck me that the leader of my country and the free world actually enjoys comparing himself to a mass murderer," Starlin said.&nbsp;

"How sick is that? These are sad and strange times we are going through. Fortunately, all things, even national nightmares, eventually come to an end," he added.

The campaign for United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday released a new video on Twitter where Marvel Comic Universe’ supervillain Thanos was replaced by Trump in the now-famous climax scene of Avengers: Infinity War.

The campaign for United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday released a new video on Twitter where Marvel Comic Universe’ supervillain Thanos was replaced by Trump in the now-famous climax scene of Avengers: Infinity War. The original clip where Thanos says “I am inevitable” before snapping his fingers to destroy half the universe was replaced by Trump snapping his fingers to destroy Nancy Pelosi and other Democrat leaders into dust. The video was released hours after Democrats launched two articles of impeachment against the President stating that his “re-election is inevitable”. “House Democrats can push their sham impeachment all they want.President Trump's re-election is inevitable,” the tweet said. House Democrats can push their sham impeachment all they want. President Trump's re-election is 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. pic.twitter.com/O7o02S26nS — Trump War Room (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TrumpWarRoom) December 10, 2019 × Trump campaign also tweeted an “Important update” regarding the status of the tweet, declaring that the efforts of “humourless liberals” have been unsuccessful in having the tweet deleted from the platform. “IMPORTANT UPDATE! Bitter, humourless liberals are soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election. So far, their efforts to delete this tweet have been unsuccessful,” the new tweet said. IMPORTANT UPDATE! Bitter, humorless liberals are soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election. So far, their efforts to delete this tweet have been unsuccessful. https://t.co/AjPEZEDjLR pic.twitter.com/c3M3D5n1Vr — Trump War Room (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TrumpWarRoom) December 11, 2019 × The creator of Thanos Jim Starlin expressed to The Hollywood Reporter that he initially felt violated at the use of his creation by the President to “stroke his infantile ego” and looking forward to the time the “national nightmare” will come to an end. "After my initial feeling of being violated, seeing that pompous fool using my creation to stroke his infantile ego, it finally struck me that the leader of my country and the free world actually enjoys comparing himself to a mass murderer," Starlin said. "How sick is that? These are sad and strange times we are going through. Fortunately, all things, even national nightmares, eventually come to an end," he added.

US Presidential Election 2020: Trump compares self to supervillain Thanos calling his re-election ‘inevitable’

The trial of Donald Trump will be the Senate's first priority in January if the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refers-to-charges-of-impeachment-as-ridiculous-267524">president is impeached</a> as expected next week, the top Republican in Congress said Wednesday.

The House Judiciary Committee was set to meet beginning Wednesday evening to debate two articles of impeachment that accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine.

The panel will likely vote to approve the charges on Thursday.

That would send the articles to a full vote by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-expected-to-unveil-two-articles-of-impeachment-against-trump-267354">Democratic-led House of Representatives</a> as early as next week on whether to impeach a US president for only the third time in US history.

The case would then shift to the Senate in the new year for a trial to decide whether Trump is removed from office.

Watch: Trump impeachment saga - Democrats unveil formal charges

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"A Senate trial will have to be our first item of business in January," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told colleagues on the floor.

Conviction appears unlikely given that Republicans hold a majority in the chamber and the threshold for conviction is high, at two-thirds of members.

McConnell savaged Democrats who he says have been desperate to impeach Trump from the day he took the oath of office, and who have rushed the process "based on the least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history."

"If the House continues down this destructive road and sends us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-us-democrats-introduce-two-articles-of-impeachment-against-trump-267533">articles of impeachment</a>, the Senate will take them up in the new year and proceed to a fair trial."

In multiple public House hearings, Democrats have argued that Trump abused the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in 2020's US elections and that he would remain a "clear and present danger" to national security if not removed from office.

Trump has reportedly told advisors he wants to make a dramatic show of the trial, and that calling witnesses to appear in person in the Senate could help him damage Democrats ahead of the November election.

McConnell told reporters Tuesday that no decision on whether to hear from witnesses live, rather than in taped depositions, would be made until after the trial's opening arguments.

The trial of Donald Trump will be the Senate's first priority in January if the US president is impeached as expected next week, the top Republican in Congress said Wednesday.

The trial of Donald Trump will be the Senate's first priority in January if the US president is impeached as expected next week, the top Republican in Congress said Wednesday. The House Judiciary Committee was set to meet beginning Wednesday evening to debate two articles of impeachment that accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with Ukraine. The panel will likely vote to approve the charges on Thursday. That would send the articles to a full vote by the Democratic-led House of Representatives as early as next week on whether to impeach a US president for only the third time in US history. The case would then shift to the Senate in the new year for a trial to decide whether Trump is removed from office. Watch: Trump impeachment saga - Democrats unveil formal charges "A Senate trial will have to be our first item of business in January," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told colleagues on the floor. Conviction appears unlikely given that Republicans hold a majority in the chamber and the threshold for conviction is high, at two-thirds of members. McConnell savaged Democrats who he says have been desperate to impeach Trump from the day he took the oath of office, and who have rushed the process "based on the least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history." "If the House continues down this destructive road and sends us articles of impeachment, the Senate will take them up in the new year and proceed to a fair trial." In multiple public House hearings, Democrats have argued that Trump abused the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in 2020's US elections and that he would remain a "clear and present danger" to national security if not removed from office. Trump has reportedly told advisors he wants to make a dramatic show of the trial, and that calling witnesses to appear in person in the Senate could help him damage Democrats ahead of the November election. McConnell told reporters Tuesday that no decision on whether to hear from witnesses live, rather than in taped depositions, would be made until after the trial's opening arguments.

Trump's impeachment trial 'first' priority in January: US Senate leader

Democrats are expected to announce on Tuesday two articles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-democrat-says-president-violated-oath-republicans-attack-probe-267302">impeachment against Donald Trump</a>, US media reported Monday evening, after laying out their case at a hearing against a president they branded a "clear and present danger" to national security.

The articles will focus on the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, The Washington Post said, citing three officials familiar with the matter.

It added that the full House of Representatives would vote on the articles next week, ahead of a trial in the Senate.

CNN said the third article on obstruction of justice was still being debated, and the network's sources cautioned that plans were still being finalized.

Four months after a whistleblower sparked the investigation of Trump for seeking illicit political favours from Ukraine, Democrats said at Monday's hearing there was abundant evidence that he had committed bribery, abused his power and obstructed the investigation.

"President Trump's persistent and continuing effort to coerce a foreign country to help him cheat to win an election is a clear and present danger to our free and fair elections and to our national security," said Daniel Goldman, counsel for the Democrats.

Facing an almost certain vote to make Trump the third American leader impeached and placed on trial, top Republican Doug Collins countered that the effort was simply "a good PR move" for Democrats ahead of next year's presidential elections.

"It's all political," Collins said. "Where's the impeachable offence? Why are we here?"

The allegations came in a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing in which Republicans repeatedly punched back, while Trump himself denounced the inquiry as a "disgrace" and "hoax."

Fueling the partisan divisions in Washington, the Republicans marshalled a Department of Justice report released Monday as ammunition for a counteroffensive.

The DoJ's inspector general said its review of investigations into four Trump aides did not find evidence of "political bias" in the decisions to open the probes.

The report effectively rebutted Trump's repeated claims that the FBI illegally spied on his campaign -- but Republicans seized on its findings that the bureau committed "numerous serious factual errors" related to the investigations.

Tempers erupt

Tempers flared as Republicans tried to derail the hearing with procedural moves.

A lone protester was ejected after shouting in the president's defence — the first time such an outburst has occurred over the last month of public impeachment hearings.

"We voted for Donald Trump (and) Americans are sick of your impeachment scam," he shouted as he was removed by police. "Trump is innocent!"

The president is accused of abusing his powers by pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden, his potential challenger in the 2020 election.

Trump also pressed Kiev to investigate a widely-dismissed allegation that the Ukraine government helped the Democrats in the 2016 election.

Barry Berke, an attorney for the Democrats, said there was "significant proof" of wrongdoing as he laid out the evidence collected by the House Intelligence Committee in a 10-week investigation.

"In the scheme to pressure Ukraine... the person at the centre of that scheme was President Donald Trump," he told the hearing.

Berke played videos of testimony by top US diplomats involved with Ukraine supporting the charges and footage of Trump claiming he has "the right to do whatever I want as president."

Witnesses produced documents "that provide uncontroverted, clear and overwhelming evidence that President Trump did this scheme," Berke said.

'Baloney'

Republican attorney Stephen Castor, tasked with disputing the evidence, said Democrats were simply attacking Trump for policies they do not agree with.

"Democrats are obsessed with impeaching the president," he said, calling evidence from the transcript of a July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky "baloney."

In that call, Trump told Zelensky he wanted "a favour," including an investigation of Biden and the 2016 conspiracy theory.

While Democrats have cried foul over the Biden attacks, Republicans said it was a conflict of interest at best that Biden's son Hunter served on the board of a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was US vice president.

"On this record, there is a legitimate basis for President Trump to have a concern about Hunter Biden's role on Burisma's board," Castor said. 
Castor also argued that Democrats needed to take more time to accumulate evidence and build their case.

Democrats rejected that argument, noting Trump has blocked his top advisors from testifying and refused to hand over White House records.

"There is a constitutional remedy for a president who undermines our national security and our elections, who puts his own interest before those of the country — that remedy is impeachment," said Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler.

That could see Trump stand trial in the Senate in January.

Given the solid Republican majority in the Senate and a two-thirds threshold for conviction, it is almost certain he will be acquitted.

Democrats are expected to announce on Tuesday two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, US media reported Monday evening, after laying out their case at a hearing against a president they branded a "clear and present danger" to national security.

Democrats are expected to announce on Tuesday two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, US media reported Monday evening, after laying out their case at a hearing against a president they branded a "clear and present danger" to national security. The articles will focus on the abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, The Washington Post said, citing three officials familiar with the matter. It added that the full House of Representatives would vote on the articles next week, ahead of a trial in the Senate. CNN said the third article on obstruction of justice was still being debated, and the network's sources cautioned that plans were still being finalized. Four months after a whistleblower sparked the investigation of Trump for seeking illicit political favours from Ukraine, Democrats said at Monday's hearing there was abundant evidence that he had committed bribery, abused his power and obstructed the investigation. "President Trump's persistent and continuing effort to coerce a foreign country to help him cheat to win an election is a clear and present danger to our free and fair elections and to our national security," said Daniel Goldman, counsel for the Democrats. Facing an almost certain vote to make Trump the third American leader impeached and placed on trial, top Republican Doug Collins countered that the effort was simply "a good PR move" for Democrats ahead of next year's presidential elections. "It's all political," Collins said. "Where's the impeachable offence? Why are we here?" The allegations came in a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing in which Republicans repeatedly punched back, while Trump himself denounced the inquiry as a "disgrace" and "hoax." Fueling the partisan divisions in Washington, the Republicans marshalled a Department of Justice report released Monday as ammunition for a counteroffensive. The DoJ's inspector general said its review of investigations into four Trump aides did not find evidence of "political bias" in the decisions to open the probes. The report effectively rebutted Trump's repeated claims that the FBI illegally spied on his campaign -- but Republicans seized on its findings that the bureau committed "numerous serious factual errors" related to the investigations. Tempers erupt Tempers flared as Republicans tried to derail the hearing with procedural moves. A lone protester was ejected after shouting in the president's defence — the first time such an outburst has occurred over the last month of public impeachment hearings. "We voted for Donald Trump (and) Americans are sick of your impeachment scam," he shouted as he was removed by police. "Trump is innocent!" The president is accused of abusing his powers by pressuring Ukraine to announce an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden, his potential challenger in the 2020 election. Trump also pressed Kiev to investigate a widely-dismissed allegation that the Ukraine government helped the Democrats in the 2016 election. Barry Berke, an attorney for the Democrats, said there was "significant proof" of wrongdoing as he laid out the evidence collected by the House Intelligence Committee in a 10-week investigation. "In the scheme to pressure Ukraine... the person at the centre of that scheme was President Donald Trump," he told the hearing. Berke played videos of testimony by top US diplomats involved with Ukraine supporting the charges and footage of Trump claiming he has "the right to do whatever I want as president." Witnesses produced documents "that provide uncontroverted, clear and overwhelming evidence that President Trump did this scheme," Berke said. 'Baloney' Republican attorney Stephen Castor, tasked with disputing the evidence, said Democrats were simply attacking Trump for policies they do not agree with. "Democrats are obsessed with impeaching the president," he said, calling evidence from the transcript of a July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky "baloney." In that call, Trump told Zelensky he wanted "a favour," including an investigation of Biden and the 2016 conspiracy theory. While Democrats have cried foul over the Biden attacks, Republicans said it was a conflict of interest at best that Biden's son Hunter served on the board of a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was US vice president. "On this record, there is a legitimate basis for President Trump to have a concern about Hunter Biden's role on Burisma's board," Castor said. Castor also argued that Democrats needed to take more time to accumulate evidence and build their case. Democrats rejected that argument, noting Trump has blocked his top advisors from testifying and refused to hand over White House records. "There is a constitutional remedy for a president who undermines our national security and our elections, who puts his own interest before those of the country — that remedy is impeachment," said Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler. That could see Trump stand trial in the Senate in January. Given the solid Republican majority in the Senate and a two-thirds threshold for conviction, it is almost certain he will be acquitted.

Two impeachment articles expected against Trump: Reports

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-has-everything-to-lose-donald-trump-after-north-koreas-significant-test-267034">Donald Trump</a> renewed his war against his own security establishment Tuesday with a broadside against the "attitude" of FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Trump accused Wray of downplaying the findings of a report issued Monday into the FBI's opening of an investigation into Russian interference during Trump's victorious 2016 election campaign.

"With that kind of attitude, he will never be able to fix the FBI, which is badly broken," Trump tweeted.

The report by the Justice Department inspector general found there had been numerous procedural errors but said there was no political bias against Trump by law enforcement. Wray said the investigation had been underpinned by "adequate factual predication."

This starkly contradicts Trump's claims that the investigation,&nbsp;which grew into a sprawling probe of multi-pronged Kremlin interference operations and Trump's business links with Russia,&nbsp;was an "attempted coup."

Ignoring the report's finding that there was no political motivation, Trump is instead focusing on the many procedural mistakes highlighted by the inspector general.

"I don’t know what report current Director of the FBI Christopher Wray was reading, but it sure wasn't the one given to me," Trump tweeted.

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I don’t know what report current Director of the FBI Christopher Wray was reading, but it sure wasn’t the one given to me. With that kind of attitude, he will never be able to fix the FBI, which is badly broken despite having some of the greatest men &amp; women working there!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1204374382715506690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-jewish-americans-he-is-israels-best-friend-266897">Trump has been at odds</a> with much of the national security establishment since he took office and claims, without providing evidence, that a "deep state" is working against him.

His attack on Wray and attempt to use the inspector general report as fuel for continued accusations of a "coup" come as the lower house of Congress is poised to impeach him on accusations that he tried to force Ukraine into embarrassing a political opponent back home.

Wray took over at the FBI in 2017, replacing an acting director who had held the position since Trump's firing of director James Comey in May that year, just as the Russia probe gathered steam.

President Donald Trump renewed his war against his own security establishment Tuesday with a broadside against the "attitude" of FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump accused Wray of downplaying the findings of a report issued Monday into the FBI's opening of an investigation into Russian interference during Trump's victorious 2016 election campaign.

President Donald Trump renewed his war against his own security establishment Tuesday with a broadside against the "attitude" of FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump accused Wray of downplaying the findings of a report issued Monday into the FBI's opening of an investigation into Russian interference during Trump's victorious 2016 election campaign. "With that kind of attitude, he will never be able to fix the FBI, which is badly broken," Trump tweeted. The report by the Justice Department inspector general found there had been numerous procedural errors but said there was no political bias against Trump by law enforcement. Wray said the investigation had been underpinned by "adequate factual predication." This starkly contradicts Trump's claims that the investigation, which grew into a sprawling probe of multi-pronged Kremlin interference operations and Trump's business links with Russia, was an "attempted coup." Ignoring the report's finding that there was no political motivation, Trump is instead focusing on the many procedural mistakes highlighted by the inspector general. "I don’t know what report current Director of the FBI Christopher Wray was reading, but it sure wasn't the one given to me," Trump tweeted. I don’t know what report current Director of the FBI Christopher Wray was reading, but it sure wasn’t the one given to me. With that kind of attitude, he will never be able to fix the FBI, which is badly broken despite having some of the greatest men & women working there! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2019 × Trump has been at odds with much of the national security establishment since he took office and claims, without providing evidence, that a "deep state" is working against him. His attack on Wray and attempt to use the inspector general report as fuel for continued accusations of a "coup" come as the lower house of Congress is poised to impeach him on accusations that he tried to force Ukraine into embarrassing a political opponent back home. Wray took over at the FBI in 2017, replacing an acting director who had held the position since Trump's firing of director James Comey in May that year, just as the Russia probe gathered steam.

Donald Trump launches broadside against his FBI director

The US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold its first impeachment hearing on December 4, starting a new phase of the inquiry that could lead to formal charges against President Donald Trump within weeks.

The following explains the basics of impeachment, what happens next, and why Trump is unlikely to be removed from office. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Why Impeachment?

The founders of the United States feared presidents abusing their powers, so they included in the Constitution a process for removing one from office.

The president, under the Constitution, can be removed from office for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." 
 
High crimes and misdemeanours has historically encompassed corruption and abuses of the public trust, as opposed to just indictable violations of criminal statutes.

Former President Gerald Ford, while in Congress, famously said: "An impeachable offence is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history."

No president has ever been removed as a direct result of impeachment. One, Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be removed. Two, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached by the House but not convicted by the Senate. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
How does it work?

Impeachment begins in the House, the lower chamber, which debates and votes on whether to bring charges against the president via approval of an impeachment resolution, or "articles of impeachment," by a simple majority of the body`s members.

The Constitution gives House leaders wide latitude in deciding how to conduct impeachment proceedings, legal experts said.

The House Intelligence Committee has conducted an investigation into whether Trump abused his power to pressure Ukraine to launch investigations that would benefit him politically, holding weeks of closed-door testimony and televised hearings. The panel is expected to release a formal evidence report shortly after lawmakers return to Congress on Dec. 3 from their Thanksgiving recess.

The Judiciary panel will use the report to consider formal charges that could form the basis of a full House impeachment vote by the end of December.

If the House approves articles of impeachment, a trial is then held in the Senate. House members act as the prosecutors; the senators as jurors; the chief justice of the Supreme Court presides. Historically, the president has been allowed to have defence lawyers call witnesses and request documents.

Can the Senate refuse to hold a trial?

There is debate about whether the Constitution requires a Senate trial. But Senate rules currently in effect require a trial, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has publicly stated that he will allow one to proceed.

Republicans could seek to amend those rules, but such a move is politically risky and considered unlikely, legal experts said.

What about opening a trial and quickly ending it?

The Senate rules allow members to file, before the conclusion of the trial, motions to dismiss the charges against the president. If such a motion passes by a simple majority the impeachment proceedings effectively end.

Clinton`s Senate impeachment trial, which did not end in a conviction, lasted five weeks. Halfway through the proceedings, a Democratic senator introduced a motion to dismiss, which was voted down.

What's the party breakdown in Congress?

The House comprises 431 members, 233 of whom are Democrats. As a result, the Democrats could impeach Trump with no Republican support.

In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat.

The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with the Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would require a two-thirds majority. So, for Trump to be removed from office via impeachment, in the case of all 100 senators voting, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Who becomes the President if Trump is removed?

In the unlikely event the Senate convicted Trump, Vice President Mike Pence would become president for the remainder of Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold its first impeachment hearing on December 4, starting a new phase of the inquiry that could lead to formal charges against President Donald Trump within weeks.

The US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold its first impeachment hearing on December 4, starting a new phase of the inquiry that could lead to formal charges against President Donald Trump within weeks. The following explains the basics of impeachment, what happens next, and why Trump is unlikely to be removed from office. Why Impeachment? The founders of the United States feared presidents abusing their powers, so they included in the Constitution a process for removing one from office. The president, under the Constitution, can be removed from office for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." High crimes and misdemeanours has historically encompassed corruption and abuses of the public trust, as opposed to just indictable violations of criminal statutes. Former President Gerald Ford, while in Congress, famously said: "An impeachable offence is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history." No president has ever been removed as a direct result of impeachment. One, Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be removed. Two, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached by the House but not convicted by the Senate. How does it work? Impeachment begins in the House, the lower chamber, which debates and votes on whether to bring charges against the president via approval of an impeachment resolution, or "articles of impeachment," by a simple majority of the body`s members. The Constitution gives House leaders wide latitude in deciding how to conduct impeachment proceedings, legal experts said. The House Intelligence Committee has conducted an investigation into whether Trump abused his power to pressure Ukraine to launch investigations that would benefit him politically, holding weeks of closed-door testimony and televised hearings. The panel is expected to release a formal evidence report shortly after lawmakers return to Congress on Dec. 3 from their Thanksgiving recess. The Judiciary panel will use the report to consider formal charges that could form the basis of a full House impeachment vote by the end of December. If the House approves articles of impeachment, a trial is then held in the Senate. House members act as the prosecutors; the senators as jurors; the chief justice of the Supreme Court presides. Historically, the president has been allowed to have defence lawyers call witnesses and request documents. Can the Senate refuse to hold a trial? There is debate about whether the Constitution requires a Senate trial. But Senate rules currently in effect require a trial, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has publicly stated that he will allow one to proceed. Republicans could seek to amend those rules, but such a move is politically risky and considered unlikely, legal experts said. What about opening a trial and quickly ending it? The Senate rules allow members to file, before the conclusion of the trial, motions to dismiss the charges against the president. If such a motion passes by a simple majority the impeachment proceedings effectively end. Clinton`s Senate impeachment trial, which did not end in a conviction, lasted five weeks. Halfway through the proceedings, a Democratic senator introduced a motion to dismiss, which was voted down. What's the party breakdown in Congress? The House comprises 431 members, 233 of whom are Democrats. As a result, the Democrats could impeach Trump with no Republican support. In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat. The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with the Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would require a two-thirds majority. So, for Trump to be removed from office via impeachment, in the case of all 100 senators voting, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him. Who becomes the President if Trump is removed? In the unlikely event the Senate convicted Trump, Vice President Mike Pence would become president for the remainder of Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How does the impeachment of a US President work?

The Taliban said Friday it was "way too early" to speak of resuming direct talks with Washington, a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-wants-to-make-a-deal-trump-in-afghanistan-265151">President Donald Trump </a>suggested negotiations to end America's longest war were back on track during a surprise visit to Afghanistan.

"It is way too early to talk about the resumption of talks for now. We will give our official reaction later," the Islamist group's official spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told AFP in a WhatsApp message.

Trump on Thursday had said the Taliban "wants to make a deal".

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING! <a href="https://t.co/7SGZnHindW">pic.twitter.com/7SGZnHindW</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1200168067075981313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We're meeting with them and we're saying it has to be a ceasefire," he told reporters during his unannounced trip to Bagram Airfield, outside the capital Kabul, to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with the troops.

His statement suggested progress after his shock decision in September to end negotiations with the insurgents just as Washington appeared on the verge of signing a deal with the Taliban that would have seen the US begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.

The deal was expected to pave a way towards direct talks between the Taliban and the government in Kabul.

But Trump described the year-long effort as "dead" and withdrew an invitation to the insurgents to meet in the United States due to the killing of an American soldier.

Both Washington and the Taliban had left the door open for talks to resume, however, with most observers agreeing that a political settlement is the only way to reach a lasting peace in Afghanistan after 18 years of war.

The Taliban said Friday it was "way too early" to speak of resuming direct talks with Washington, a day after President Donald Trump suggested negotiations to end America's longest war were back on track during a surprise visit to Afghanistan.

The Taliban said Friday it was "way too early" to speak of resuming direct talks with Washington, a day after President Donald Trump suggested negotiations to end America's longest war were back on track during a surprise visit to Afghanistan. "It is way too early to talk about the resumption of talks for now. We will give our official reaction later," the Islamist group's official spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told AFP in a WhatsApp message. Trump on Thursday had said the Taliban "wants to make a deal". HAPPY THANKSGIVING! pic.twitter.com/7SGZnHindW — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2019 × "We're meeting with them and we're saying it has to be a ceasefire," he told reporters during his unannounced trip to Bagram Airfield, outside the capital Kabul, to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with the troops. His statement suggested progress after his shock decision in September to end negotiations with the insurgents just as Washington appeared on the verge of signing a deal with the Taliban that would have seen the US begin pulling troops out of Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. The deal was expected to pave a way towards direct talks between the Taliban and the government in Kabul. But Trump described the year-long effort as "dead" and withdrew an invitation to the insurgents to meet in the United States due to the killing of an American soldier. Both Washington and the Taliban had left the door open for talks to resume, however, with most observers agreeing that a political settlement is the only way to reach a lasting peace in Afghanistan after 18 years of war.

After Trump’s statement, Taliban say 'way too early' to speak of resuming talks with US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-aims-to-boost-revenue-for-renewable- power-firms-264353">Beijing</a> on Wednesday accused developed countries including the US of doing too little to curb global warming, ahead of a UN summit discussing controversial issues including climate compensation.

China is the world's second-largest economy and the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide but has repeatedly argued that developed nations should lead on tackling international climate obligations.

"Developed countries' insufficient political will to provide support" is the "biggest problem" currently facing international climate efforts, said Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of ecology and environment, at a press conference Wednesday.

An environment ministry report released at the briefing also criticised the US,&nbsp;currently in the process of pulling out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../greenhouse-emissions-hit-new-record-could- bring-destructive-effects-un-264634">2015 Paris Agreement</a> on global warming.

"These unilateral behaviours seriously harm the global community's willingness and trust in tackling climate change together," the report says.

The US generated more oil and gas than any other nation last year and is the world's number two coal producer after China.

Zhao called for developed countries to honour financial commitments including providing $100 billion to poorer states harmed by climate change.

The $100 billion,&nbsp;which China has said it is entitled to part of,&nbsp;was a nonbinding accompaniment to the Paris Agreement and was the annual amount that rich countries pledged to muster by 2020.

The European Commission has called for the EU to adopt a carbon border tax that would impose higher tariffs on imported goods made through greenhouse gas-intensive processes.

But China's report said carbon border taxes currently being considered by "some developed countries" would "seriously harm" the global community's willingness to tackle the issue.

Zhao was speaking a week ahead of a Madrid summit to discuss the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change -- based on the principle all nations must give proportionately to mitigate climate change.

The UN said Tuesday the world will miss its chance to avert climate disaster without an immediate and all-but-impossible fall in fossil fuel emissions.

Climate groups said Monday the US and Europe bear more than half the cost of repairing the existing environmental damage, based on their historic greenhouse gas emissions.

Beijing said Wednesday it had reduced carbon emissions intensity by 45 percent between 2005 and 2018.

But China's absolute carbon emissions have continued to rise, according to Tuesday's UN report.

A separate study earlier this month warned that Beijing's planned coal powerplants were equivalent to all of the EU's current generating capacity.

Beijing on Wednesday accused developed countries including the US of doing too little to curb global warming, ahead of a UN summit discussing controversial issues including climate compensation.

Beijing on Wednesday accused developed countries including the US of doing too little to curb global warming, ahead of a UN summit discussing controversial issues including climate compensation. China is the world's second-largest economy and the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide but has repeatedly argued that developed nations should lead on tackling international climate obligations. "Developed countries' insufficient political will to provide support" is the "biggest problem" currently facing international climate efforts, said Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of ecology and environment, at a press conference Wednesday. An environment ministry report released at the briefing also criticised the US, currently in the process of pulling out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on global warming. "These unilateral behaviours seriously harm the global community's willingness and trust in tackling climate change together," the report says. The US generated more oil and gas than any other nation last year and is the world's number two coal producer after China. Zhao called for developed countries to honour financial commitments including providing $100 billion to poorer states harmed by climate change. The $100 billion, which China has said it is entitled to part of, was a nonbinding accompaniment to the Paris Agreement and was the annual amount that rich countries pledged to muster by 2020. The European Commission has called for the EU to adopt a carbon border tax that would impose higher tariffs on imported goods made through greenhouse gas-intensive processes. But China's report said carbon border taxes currently being considered by "some developed countries" would "seriously harm" the global community's willingness to tackle the issue. Zhao was speaking a week ahead of a Madrid summit to discuss the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change -- based on the principle all nations must give proportionately to mitigate climate change. The UN said Tuesday the world will miss its chance to avert climate disaster without an immediate and all-but-impossible fall in fossil fuel emissions. Climate groups said Monday the US and Europe bear more than half the cost of repairing the existing environmental damage, based on their historic greenhouse gas emissions. Beijing said Wednesday it had reduced carbon emissions intensity by 45 percent between 2005 and 2018. But China's absolute carbon emissions have continued to rise, according to Tuesday's UN report. A separate study earlier this month warned that Beijing's planned coal powerplants were equivalent to all of the EU's current generating capacity.

China says developed countries lack 'political will' on climate goals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosi-says-trump-has-admitted-to-bribery-as-impeachment-probe-intensifies-262171">US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</a> said on Thursday there was clear evidence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-behaviour-worse-than-nixon-head-of-impeachment-probe-263752">President Donald Trump</a> had used his office for personal gain and undermined national security, but that no final impeachment decision had been made as House Democrats continued their impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

Pelosi, speaking at her weekly press conference, reiterated that it was up to the House Intelligence Committee to determine how to proceed with the investigation as lawmakers continued to gather facts and hear from witnesses.

"The evidence is clear ... that the president has used his office for his own personal gain and in doing so undermined the national security," she told reporters. "He has violated his oath of office."

The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee on Thursday was conducting its fifth and final scheduled day of public hearings in the impeachment inquiry centered on Trump's request in a July 25 phone call that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy conduct probes of Trump's political rivals.

The inquiry is also examining whether Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid to Ukraine was meant to pressure Zelenskiy to undertake the investigations. 
Trump has denied wrongdoing.

The inquiry could lead the House to approve formal charges against Trump, known as articles of impeachment.

The Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove him from office, although few Republican senators have been critical of Trump so far.

Asked by a reporter whether the House was now ready to advance articles of impeachment against Trump, Pelosi said, "We haven't made any decision."

The nation's leading Democrat also left open the possibility of additional hearings by the House Intelligence Committee or the interviewing of additional witnesses.

"We are not finished yet. The day is not over and you never know what testimony of one person may lead to the need for testimony of another," Pelosi said.

She again issued an invitation to Trump to come forward, saying, "if you have any information that is exculpatory ... because it seems as if the facts are uncontested to what happened. Now if you have contrary, if you have reason to convince people that something was different, under oath, please let us know."&nbsp;

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday there was clear evidence President Donald Trump had used his office for personal gain and undermined national security, but that no final impeachment decision had been made as House Democrats continued their impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday there was clear evidence President Donald Trump had used his office for personal gain and undermined national security, but that no final impeachment decision had been made as House Democrats continued their impeachment inquiry into the Republican president. Pelosi, speaking at her weekly press conference, reiterated that it was up to the House Intelligence Committee to determine how to proceed with the investigation as lawmakers continued to gather facts and hear from witnesses. "The evidence is clear ... that the president has used his office for his own personal gain and in doing so undermined the national security," she told reporters. "He has violated his oath of office." The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee on Thursday was conducting its fifth and final scheduled day of public hearings in the impeachment inquiry centered on Trump's request in a July 25 phone call that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy conduct probes of Trump's political rivals. The inquiry is also examining whether Trump's withholding of $391 million in security aid to Ukraine was meant to pressure Zelenskiy to undertake the investigations. Trump has denied wrongdoing. The inquiry could lead the House to approve formal charges against Trump, known as articles of impeachment. The Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove him from office, although few Republican senators have been critical of Trump so far. Asked by a reporter whether the House was now ready to advance articles of impeachment against Trump, Pelosi said, "We haven't made any decision." The nation's leading Democrat also left open the possibility of additional hearings by the House Intelligence Committee or the interviewing of additional witnesses. "We are not finished yet. The day is not over and you never know what testimony of one person may lead to the need for testimony of another," Pelosi said. She again issued an invitation to Trump to come forward, saying, "if you have any information that is exculpatory ... because it seems as if the facts are uncontested to what happened. Now if you have contrary, if you have reason to convince people that something was different, under oath, please let us know."

Pelosi says evidence is clear, Trump used office for personal gain

US diplomat Gordon Sondland said Wednesday President Donald Trump never spoke to him about stalled military aid to Ukraine or any alleged link to Trump's demands for political investigations.

"I never heard from President Trump that aid was conditioned on an announcement of (the investigations)," Sondland told a congressional impeachment inquiry.

"I don't recall President Trump ever talking to me about any security assistance, ever," he added.

Democrats are investigating Trump for allegedly abusing his office by pressing a foreign power -- Ukraine -- to interfere on his behalf in the 2020 US election.

Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for investigations into the US leader's political rivals while withholding military aid for the US ally, which is at war with Russian proxies in its east. &nbsp;

Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, told the House Intelligence Committee he had come to understand that there was a "quid pro quo" link between the mid-July suspension of $391 million in aid and Kiev announcing investigations into Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden and the Democratic Party.

But he said Trump never spoke to him about the aid. He added that he had understood from Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani that a White House meeting Zelensky had sought with Trump had been conditioned on the investigations.

But the link between the frozen aid and investigations "was my own personal guess," Sondland told the committee.

Democrats have sought evidence that Trump personally set the quid pro quo on both a summit meeting and aid to support allegations that he tried to "bribe" Zelensky.

Sondland testified he had several direct phone calls with Trump this summer about Ukraine policy, but did not offer evidence of a direct command from the president.

Instead, he said, he worked at Trump's orders with Giuliani, who tied the White House meeting between the two leaders to Ukraine announcing the investigations.

US diplomat Gordon Sondland said Wednesday President Donald Trump never spoke to him about stalled military aid to Ukraine or any alleged link to Trump's demands for political investigations.

US diplomat Gordon Sondland said Wednesday President Donald Trump never spoke to him about stalled military aid to Ukraine or any alleged link to Trump's demands for political investigations. "I never heard from President Trump that aid was conditioned on an announcement of (the investigations)," Sondland told a congressional impeachment inquiry. "I don't recall President Trump ever talking to me about any security assistance, ever," he added. Democrats are investigating Trump for allegedly abusing his office by pressing a foreign power -- Ukraine -- to interfere on his behalf in the 2020 US election. Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for investigations into the US leader's political rivals while withholding military aid for the US ally, which is at war with Russian proxies in its east. Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, told the House Intelligence Committee he had come to understand that there was a "quid pro quo" link between the mid-July suspension of $391 million in aid and Kiev announcing investigations into Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. But he said Trump never spoke to him about the aid. He added that he had understood from Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani that a White House meeting Zelensky had sought with Trump had been conditioned on the investigations. But the link between the frozen aid and investigations "was my own personal guess," Sondland told the committee. Democrats have sought evidence that Trump personally set the quid pro quo on both a summit meeting and aid to support allegations that he tried to "bribe" Zelensky. Sondland testified he had several direct phone calls with Trump this summer about Ukraine policy, but did not offer evidence of a direct command from the president. Instead, he said, he worked at Trump's orders with Giuliani, who tied the White House meeting between the two leaders to Ukraine announcing the investigations.

Trump 'never' discussed Ukraine aid freeze with me: US diplomat Gordon Sondland

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rupee-falls-to-historic-low-against-us-dollar-gdp-growth-expected-to-fall-to-24-per-cent-227151">dollar</a> rose on Wednesday and trade-exposed currencies fell after the US&nbsp;president threatened a trade war escalation and China condemned a US&nbsp;senate measure backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

China's yuan slipped to a new two-week low in overnight trading after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cook-meeting-culminates-with-visit-to-apple-factory-263332">Donald Trump</a> threatened to raise new tariffs on Chinese imports if ongoing trade negotiations fail.

China condemned the US&nbsp;legislation aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong, saying that the US&nbsp;should stop interfering.

After four days of falling, the dollar was up 0.1 per cent&nbsp;against both the euro and a basket of currencies.

"Today the main focus is the trade talks between China and the US&nbsp;and we are seeing risk aversion," said Piotr Matys, currency strategist at Rabobank.

Matys said that the US&nbsp;senate's bill in support of Hong Kong could complicate progress towards a preliminary trade deal.

Markets had hoped that a partial trade deal to end the 16-month US-China trade war could be signed at a summit in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-police-suspend-use-of-birdshot-against-protesters-after-outcry-over-eye-injuries-263242">Chile</a>, which was scheduled for mid-November. The summit was cancelled, leaving the outlook for a deal unclear.

Adam Cole, chief currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets said that a preliminary "phase one" trade deal could be reached by the end of the year.

"The prospect of a broader more all-encompassing deal will drag on well into next year," he added.

"The market is worrying (about) this sort of exogenous shock to the process by the build-up of tension in Hong Kong - I ultimately doubt that either side will allow that to delay the process," Cole said.

The Canadian dollar fell against the US&nbsp;dollar to its lowest since October&nbsp;11 after a speech by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-markets-mostly-down-after-mixed-lead-from-wall-street-213578">Bank of Canada</a>'s senior deputy governor boosted the perceived likelihood of a rate cut.&nbsp;

Trade-exposed currencies took a hit from the worsening US-China relations. The Australian and New Zealand dollars were both down 0.4 per cent&nbsp;versus the US&nbsp;dollar.

The Norwegian crown was down 0.9 per cent&nbsp;versus the dollar&nbsp;and 0.7 per cent versus the euro.

The Swedish crown tracked these losses, but to a lesser extent, down 0.4 per cent&nbsp;versus the dollar&nbsp;and 0.7 per cent&nbsp;versus the euro.

Demand for safe-have currencies was relatively unchanged, with the Japanese yen up around 0.1 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar and the Swiss franc flat around 0.9905.

Minutes from the US&nbsp;federal reserve's FOMC meeting in October are due at 19.00 GMT. Analysts expect little impact.

The dollar rose on Wednesday and trade-exposed currencies fell after the US president threatened a trade war escalation and China condemned a US senate measure backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

The dollar rose on Wednesday and trade-exposed currencies fell after the US president threatened a trade war escalation and China condemned a US senate measure backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. China's yuan slipped to a new two-week low in overnight trading after US President Donald Trump threatened to raise new tariffs on Chinese imports if ongoing trade negotiations fail. China condemned the US legislation aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong, saying that the US should stop interfering. After four days of falling, the dollar was up 0.1 per cent against both the euro and a basket of currencies. "Today the main focus is the trade talks between China and the US and we are seeing risk aversion," said Piotr Matys, currency strategist at Rabobank. Matys said that the US senate's bill in support of Hong Kong could complicate progress towards a preliminary trade deal. Markets had hoped that a partial trade deal to end the 16-month US-China trade war could be signed at a summit in Chile, which was scheduled for mid-November. The summit was cancelled, leaving the outlook for a deal unclear. Adam Cole, chief currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets said that a preliminary "phase one" trade deal could be reached by the end of the year. "The prospect of a broader more all-encompassing deal will drag on well into next year," he added. "The market is worrying (about) this sort of exogenous shock to the process by the build-up of tension in Hong Kong - I ultimately doubt that either side will allow that to delay the process," Cole said. The Canadian dollar fell against the US dollar to its lowest since October 11 after a speech by the Bank of Canada's senior deputy governor boosted the perceived likelihood of a rate cut. Trade-exposed currencies took a hit from the worsening US-China relations. The Australian and New Zealand dollars were both down 0.4 per cent versus the US dollar. The Norwegian crown was down 0.9 per cent versus the dollar and 0.7 per cent versus the euro. The Swedish crown tracked these losses, but to a lesser extent, down 0.4 per cent versus the dollar and 0.7 per cent versus the euro. Demand for safe-have currencies was relatively unchanged, with the Japanese yen up around 0.1 per cent against the dollar and the Swiss franc flat around 0.9905. Minutes from the US federal reserve's FOMC meeting in October are due at 19.00 GMT. Analysts expect little impact.

Dollar rises as US-China relations worsen over Hong Kong and tariffs

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-white-house-ukraine-expert-says-trump-request-for-biden-probe-was-improper-263232">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday warned that failure to get a trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-china-trade-deal-hopes-restart-stocks-rally-260575">China will prompt more tariffs</a>.

"If we don’t make a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-steady-as-us-china-trade-deal-doubts-linger-263135">deal with China</a>, I’ll just raise the tariffs even higher," he told reporters at the White House.

Trump's latest tough comment came as markets are watching intensely for signs of progress in the two economic superpowers' attempt to reach a so-called "phase one" partial deal taking the heat out of a growing trade war.

Predictions of a resolution have come and gone repeatedly as Trump veers from hints of imminent deals to declaring his satisfaction with the current standoff because the United States is pulling in billions of dollars in trade tariffs.

Sceptics say even a partial pact hinges on Trump rolling back existing tariffs, something his latest comment about increasing the duties would appear to put in doubt.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that failure to get a trade deal with China will prompt more tariffs. "If we don’t make a deal with China, I’ll just raise the tariffs even higher," he told reporters at the White House.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that failure to get a trade deal with China will prompt more tariffs. "If we don’t make a deal with China, I’ll just raise the tariffs even higher," he told reporters at the White House. Trump's latest tough comment came as markets are watching intensely for signs of progress in the two economic superpowers' attempt to reach a so-called "phase one" partial deal taking the heat out of a growing trade war. Predictions of a resolution have come and gone repeatedly as Trump veers from hints of imminent deals to declaring his satisfaction with the current standoff because the United States is pulling in billions of dollars in trade tariffs. Sceptics say even a partial pact hinges on Trump rolling back existing tariffs, something his latest comment about increasing the duties would appear to put in doubt.

Trump says China tariffs will go 'even higher' without deal

&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../40000-refugees-expelled-from-istanbul-262461">Tayyip Erdogan</a> said on Tuesday he told US&nbsp;President Donald Trump during talks in Washington last week that Turkey would not give up on the Russian S-400 missile defences it procured this year, despite protests from its NATO ally.

Ankara and Washington have been at loggerheads over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../turkey-bought-s-400s-from-russia-to-use-them- not-to-put-them-aside-262580">Turkey's purchase of the S-400s</a>, which Washington says are not compatible with NATO defences and pose a threat to its F-35 stealth fighter jets.

In response, the United States has suspended Turkey from the jet programme, where it was a buyer and a manufacturer, and warned of possible US sanctions over the deal.

Last week, Erdogan and Trump met at the White House to overcome mounting differences ranging from the S-400s to Syria policy. During the talks, Trump urged Erdogan to drop the S-400 systems in lieu of US&nbsp;Patriot systems.

However, Erdogan said on Tuesday he had told Trump during their talks that Turkey will not abandon the S-400s.

"We agreed to seek solutions to the S-400 issue. I explained to Trump once again how we came to the point of buying S-400s," Erdogan told party members in parliament.

"I told him that we could not give up on the S-400s and that Turkey will not turn back," he said.

Erdogan also reiterated a warning that Turkey will seek fighter jets elsewhere if Washington continued to block its planned purchases of F-35s.

"If the current uncompromising stance on the F-35s persists, we told him (Trump) that Turkey would seek alternatives to meet its medium-term needs," Erdogan said.

Tensions between the NATO allies were further strained last month when Turkey launched an incursion against the Kurdish YPG militia in northeast Syria. Ankara views the U.S.-backed YPG as a terrorist group and has been infuriated by American support.

Despite what appears to be warm relations between Erdogan and Trump, the offensive prompted the US&nbsp;Congress to pass one resolution recognising the mass killings of Armenians in 1915 as "genocide" and another calling for sanctions on Ankara.

While Ankara has said the talks in Washington were fruitful, Erdogan's remarks since then about keeping the S-400s have angered some U.S. lawmakers.

"I will work with my colleagues to ensure there is zero chance that F-35s will leave the United States for Turkey while Erdogan possesses the S-400 missile system," Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said late last week.

"In addition, if he is firm in his position on keeping the S-400s, I intend to move forward with a Turkey sanctions bill. It is his choice, and he knows the consequences," said Risch, who like Trump is a Republican and who attended part of the Oval Office meeting with Erdogan.

But Erdogan appeared to strike a conciliatory tone on Tuesday, saying lingering differences between the allies can be resolved.

"The areas of concern with the United States are comprised of small things," he said. "While we were unable solve many of the issues between us during our talks, we showed the entire world that we are not letting these problems take our relations hostage."

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he told US President Donald Trump during talks in Washington last week that Turkey would not give up on the Russian S-400 missile defences it procured this year, despite protests from its NATO ally.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he told US President Donald Trump during talks in Washington last week that Turkey would not give up on the Russian S-400 missile defences it procured this year, despite protests from its NATO ally. Ankara and Washington have been at loggerheads over Turkey's purchase of the S-400s, which Washington says are not compatible with NATO defences and pose a threat to its F-35 stealth fighter jets. In response, the United States has suspended Turkey from the jet programme, where it was a buyer and a manufacturer, and warned of possible US sanctions over the deal. Last week, Erdogan and Trump met at the White House to overcome mounting differences ranging from the S-400s to Syria policy. During the talks, Trump urged Erdogan to drop the S-400 systems in lieu of US Patriot systems. However, Erdogan said on Tuesday he had told Trump during their talks that Turkey will not abandon the S-400s. "We agreed to seek solutions to the S-400 issue. I explained to Trump once again how we came to the point of buying S-400s," Erdogan told party members in parliament. "I told him that we could not give up on the S-400s and that Turkey will not turn back," he said. Erdogan also reiterated a warning that Turkey will seek fighter jets elsewhere if Washington continued to block its planned purchases of F-35s. "If the current uncompromising stance on the F-35s persists, we told him (Trump) that Turkey would seek alternatives to meet its medium-term needs," Erdogan said. Tensions between the NATO allies were further strained last month when Turkey launched an incursion against the Kurdish YPG militia in northeast Syria. Ankara views the U.S.-backed YPG as a terrorist group and has been infuriated by American support. Despite what appears to be warm relations between Erdogan and Trump, the offensive prompted the US Congress to pass one resolution recognising the mass killings of Armenians in 1915 as "genocide" and another calling for sanctions on Ankara. While Ankara has said the talks in Washington were fruitful, Erdogan's remarks since then about keeping the S-400s have angered some U.S. lawmakers. "I will work with my colleagues to ensure there is zero chance that F-35s will leave the United States for Turkey while Erdogan possesses the S-400 missile system," Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said late last week. "In addition, if he is firm in his position on keeping the S-400s, I intend to move forward with a Turkey sanctions bill. It is his choice, and he knows the consequences," said Risch, who like Trump is a Republican and who attended part of the Oval Office meeting with Erdogan. But Erdogan appeared to strike a conciliatory tone on Tuesday, saying lingering differences between the allies can be resolved. "The areas of concern with the United States are comprised of small things," he said. "While we were unable solve many of the issues between us during our talks, we showed the entire world that we are not letting these problems take our relations hostage."

Erdogan says he told Trump Turkey will not give up Russian S-400s

Gold held steady on Tuesday, after hitting its highest since November&nbsp;7 earlier in the session, as doubts about a trade deal between the United States and China dented risk sentiment.

Spot gold was little changed at $1,471.90 per ounce as of 0559 GMT.

US&nbsp;gold futures inched up 0.07 per cent&nbsp;to $1,472.90 per ounce.

"We're not seeing any big moves at the moment and given the proximity to the $1,490-level, movements will be sideways in the short term, unless Beijing or Washington come and say that a trade deal is unlikely," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets.

Asian share markets were mixed as another day awaiting clearer news on the progress of the trade negotiations left investors bereft of trading motivation.

Overnight, CNBC had reported the mood in Beijing was pessimistic about the prospects of sealing an agreement.

"The to and fro between the two parties surrounding the first phase of the deal is keeping prices in a tight range," ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes said.

"Lingering global economic scenario and a weaker dollar is providing some support to gold."

The dollar held near a two-week low.

Market participants also kept a close eye on the unrest in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-appoints-new-police-chief-in-hong-kong- 263113"> Hong Kong</a>, with dozens of protesters in the financial hub staging a dramatic escape from a university campus sealed off by police on Monday.

Gold is considered a safe store of value during economic or political uncertainties.

The focus now shifts to minutes from the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve's last policy meeting this year, due on Wednesday.

The Fed cut rates three times this year in part to offset what it views as damage done by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-us-had-constructive-phone-call-on-trade- report-262656">tariff war</a>. But after their meeting in October, policymakers signalled they would lower rates no further unless the economy took a serious turn for the worse.

"It is worth noting that recent gains (in gold) have been led by fast-money interest in the face of (exchange traded fund) ETF outflows, positioning that is fickle amid price volatility," according to MKS PAMP.

Holdings of the SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.6 per cent&nbsp;to 891.79 tonnes on Monday from Friday.

Elsewhere, silver rose 0.6 per cent&nbsp;to $17.12 per ounce, while palladium fell 0.3 per cent&nbsp;to $1,732.93 per ounce.

Platinum advanced 0.5 per cent to $898.10 per ounce.

Gold held steady on Tuesday, after hitting its highest since November 7 earlier in the session, as doubts about a trade deal between the United States and China dented risk sentiment.

Gold held steady on Tuesday, after hitting its highest since November 7 earlier in the session, as doubts about a trade deal between the United States and China dented risk sentiment. Spot gold was little changed at $1,471.90 per ounce as of 0559 GMT. US gold futures inched up 0.07 per cent to $1,472.90 per ounce. "We're not seeing any big moves at the moment and given the proximity to the $1,490-level, movements will be sideways in the short term, unless Beijing or Washington come and say that a trade deal is unlikely," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets. Asian share markets were mixed as another day awaiting clearer news on the progress of the trade negotiations left investors bereft of trading motivation. Overnight, CNBC had reported the mood in Beijing was pessimistic about the prospects of sealing an agreement. "The to and fro between the two parties surrounding the first phase of the deal is keeping prices in a tight range," ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes said. "Lingering global economic scenario and a weaker dollar is providing some support to gold." The dollar held near a two-week low. Market participants also kept a close eye on the unrest in Hong Kong, with dozens of protesters in the financial hub staging a dramatic escape from a university campus sealed off by police on Monday. Gold is considered a safe store of value during economic or political uncertainties. The focus now shifts to minutes from the US Federal Reserve's last policy meeting this year, due on Wednesday. The Fed cut rates three times this year in part to offset what it views as damage done by the tariff war. But after their meeting in October, policymakers signalled they would lower rates no further unless the economy took a serious turn for the worse. "It is worth noting that recent gains (in gold) have been led by fast-money interest in the face of (exchange traded fund) ETF outflows, positioning that is fickle amid price volatility," according to MKS PAMP. Holdings of the SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.6 per cent to 891.79 tonnes on Monday from Friday. Elsewhere, silver rose 0.6 per cent to $17.12 per ounce, while palladium fell 0.3 per cent to $1,732.93 per ounce. Platinum advanced 0.5 per cent to $898.10 per ounce.

Gold prices steady as US-China trade deal doubts linger

China's&nbsp;factory output&nbsp;growth&nbsp;slowed significantly more than expected in&nbsp;October, as weakness in global and domestic demand and the drawn-out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../global-markets-asian-shares-a-sea-of-red-as-hk- chaos-hits-sentiment-261277">Sino-US&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war</a> weighed on broad segments of the world's second-largest economy.

Industrial production rose 4.7 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in&nbsp;October, data from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../chinas-q3-gdp-growth-slows-to-6-slowest-in-27 -years-256577">National Bureau of Statistics</a> released on Thursday showed, below the median forecast of 5.4 per cent&nbsp;growth&nbsp;in a Reuters poll and slower than September's 5.8 per cent.

Indicators showed other sectors also slowed significantly and missed forecasts with retail sales&nbsp;growth&nbsp;back near a 16-year trough and fixed asset investment&nbsp;growth&nbsp;the weakest on record.

The disappointing numbers show China off to a rough start in the final three months of 2019 and will bolster calls for Beijing to roll out fresh support after third-quarter&nbsp;growth&nbsp;slowed to its weakest in almost three decades, with factory production bruised by the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war with Washington.

Asian stocks fell after the soft data, which reinforced concerns the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war was hurting one of the world's major drivers of economic&nbsp;growth.

"These data support our view that&nbsp;growth&nbsp;headwinds remain&nbsp;strong and the economy has yet to hit bottom," said Nomura in a note, adding that GDP&nbsp;growth&nbsp;is expected to slow to 5.8 per cent&nbsp;in the fourth quarter from 6.0 per cent&nbsp;in the third quarter.

Broad activity in&nbsp;China's&nbsp;factory sector remained weak in&nbsp;October&nbsp;with producer prices falling at their fastest pace in more than three years and manufacturing activity mired in contraction for a six straight month, recent indicators showed.

Thursday's data showed the value of delivered industrial exports fell 3.8 per cent&nbsp;on-year in&nbsp;October, marking the third straight month of declines.

China's&nbsp;steel output fell to a seven-month low in&nbsp;October&nbsp;while the cement production contracted for the first time in over a year, compared with a year earlier.

The tariff war between China and the United States has hit global demand, disrupted supply chains and upended financial markets.

Other major trading powers have also felt the blow from the dispute with Japan's economy grinding to a near standstill in the third quarter, posting its weakest&nbsp;growth&nbsp;in a year.

While some signs of recent progress in&nbsp;trade&nbsp;negotiations between the superpowers have cheered financial market, officials from both sides have so far avoided any firm commitments to end their dispute.

That uncertainty has weighed persistently on manufacturers and their order books in recent months and raised doubts about the prospects of any breakthrough.

"Even if a minor deal is agreed upon in the coming months, this would merely allow the focus to shift to the more intractable issues that we think will eventually lead the&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks to break down," Capital Economics China Economist Martin Lynge Rasmussen said.

Fixed asset investment, a key driver of economic&nbsp;growth, rose just 5.2 per cent&nbsp;from January-October, against expected&nbsp;growth&nbsp;of 5.4 per cent&nbsp;and the weakest pace since Reuters record began in 1996.

Infrastructure investment rose 4.2 per cent&nbsp;in the first 10 months, slowing from a 4.5 per cent&nbsp;gain in January-September.

In a bid to stop this trend,&nbsp;China's&nbsp;State Council on Wednesday pledged to lower the minimum capital ratio requirement for some infrastructure investment projects.

At the same time, local governments are facing increasing fiscal strains as tax cuts and the broader slowdown reduce revenues, hampering the big infrastructure projects Beijing needs to revive&nbsp;growth.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;China's&nbsp;property investment and sales&nbsp;growth&nbsp;both eased to three-months low in&nbsp;October, suggesting a critical pillar of the economy is softening.

Retail sales rose 7.2 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in&nbsp;October, missing expected&nbsp;growth&nbsp;of 7.9 per cent&nbsp;and matching the more than 16-year low hit in April.

Consumers have been hit with higher food prices over the past few months, as pork and other meat prices soared. For&nbsp;October, they bought fewer garments, jewellery, automobiles from a year earlier.

To prop up&nbsp;growth,&nbsp;China's&nbsp;central bank this month cut the interest rate on its one-year medium-term lending facility loans, a key policy rate, for the first time since early 2016.

Analysts said the cut, while modest, maybe a sign the central bank is becoming more proactive and looking to ease worries that higher inflation will prevent it from delivering fresh stimulus.

"Economic performance still faces a fairly large number of risks and challenges and these cannot be underestimated. In the next stage, we will...continue to fully implement counter-cyclical adjustment policies," statistics bureau spokeswoman Liu Aihua told reporters in a briefing.

Earlier this week, Premier Li Keqiang flagged the need for the more effective use of economic support tools, such as "counter-cyclical adjustments" and local government special bonds.

In a front-page editorial on Thursday, the state-owned Securities Times said authorities should tolerate longer-term increases in&nbsp;China's&nbsp;debt-to-gross domestic product ratio to allow for changing economic conditions.

China's factory output growth slowed significantly more than expected in October, as weakness in global and domestic demand and the drawn-out Sino-US trade war weighed on broad segments of the world's second-largest economy.

China's factory output growth slowed significantly more than expected in October, as weakness in global and domestic demand and the drawn-out Sino-US trade war weighed on broad segments of the world's second-largest economy. Industrial production rose 4.7 per cent year-on-year in October, data from the National Bureau of Statistics released on Thursday showed, below the median forecast of 5.4 per cent growth in a Reuters poll and slower than September's 5.8 per cent. Indicators showed other sectors also slowed significantly and missed forecasts with retail sales growth back near a 16-year trough and fixed asset investment growth the weakest on record. The disappointing numbers show China off to a rough start in the final three months of 2019 and will bolster calls for Beijing to roll out fresh support after third-quarter growth slowed to its weakest in almost three decades, with factory production bruised by the trade war with Washington. Asian stocks fell after the soft data, which reinforced concerns the trade war was hurting one of the world's major drivers of economic growth. "These data support our view that growth headwinds remain strong and the economy has yet to hit bottom," said Nomura in a note, adding that GDP growth is expected to slow to 5.8 per cent in the fourth quarter from 6.0 per cent in the third quarter. Broad activity in China's factory sector remained weak in October with producer prices falling at their fastest pace in more than three years and manufacturing activity mired in contraction for a six straight month, recent indicators showed. Thursday's data showed the value of delivered industrial exports fell 3.8 per cent on-year in October, marking the third straight month of declines. China's steel output fell to a seven-month low in October while the cement production contracted for the first time in over a year, compared with a year earlier. The tariff war between China and the United States has hit global demand, disrupted supply chains and upended financial markets. Other major trading powers have also felt the blow from the dispute with Japan's economy grinding to a near standstill in the third quarter, posting its weakest growth in a year. While some signs of recent progress in trade negotiations between the superpowers have cheered financial market, officials from both sides have so far avoided any firm commitments to end their dispute. That uncertainty has weighed persistently on manufacturers and their order books in recent months and raised doubts about the prospects of any breakthrough. "Even if a minor deal is agreed upon in the coming months, this would merely allow the focus to shift to the more intractable issues that we think will eventually lead the trade talks to break down," Capital Economics China Economist Martin Lynge Rasmussen said. Fixed asset investment, a key driver of economic growth, rose just 5.2 per cent from January-October, against expected growth of 5.4 per cent and the weakest pace since Reuters record began in 1996. Infrastructure investment rose 4.2 per cent in the first 10 months, slowing from a 4.5 per cent gain in January-September. In a bid to stop this trend, China's State Council on Wednesday pledged to lower the minimum capital ratio requirement for some infrastructure investment projects. At the same time, local governments are facing increasing fiscal strains as tax cuts and the broader slowdown reduce revenues, hampering the big infrastructure projects Beijing needs to revive growth. Meanwhile, China's property investment and sales growth both eased to three-months low in October, suggesting a critical pillar of the economy is softening. Retail sales rose 7.2 per cent year-on-year in October, missing expected growth of 7.9 per cent and matching the more than 16-year low hit in April. Consumers have been hit with higher food prices over the past few months, as pork and other meat prices soared. For October, they bought fewer garments, jewellery, automobiles from a year earlier. To prop up growth, China's central bank this month cut the interest rate on its one-year medium-term lending facility loans, a key policy rate, for the first time since early 2016. Analysts said the cut, while modest, maybe a sign the central bank is becoming more proactive and looking to ease worries that higher inflation will prevent it from delivering fresh stimulus. "Economic performance still faces a fairly large number of risks and challenges and these cannot be underestimated. In the next stage, we will...continue to fully implement counter-cyclical adjustment policies," statistics bureau spokeswoman Liu Aihua told reporters in a briefing. Earlier this week, Premier Li Keqiang flagged the need for the more effective use of economic support tools, such as "counter-cyclical adjustments" and local government special bonds. In a front-page editorial on Thursday, the state-owned Securities Times said authorities should tolerate longer-term increases in China's debt-to-gross domestic product ratio to allow for changing economic conditions.

China's main growth engines falter in October on trade frictions

The first open hearings in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-compares-impeachment-to-lynching-faces-backlash-257586"> impeachment enquiry</a> into US President Donald Trump are set for next week, the congressman overseeing the process said Wednesday, as the investigation heads into a much-anticipated public phase.

Two US officials including William Taylor, the top US diplomat to Ukraine who has bolstered the accusation that Trump pressured Kiev to launch investigations that could help the president politically, will testify next Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/committee-releases-first-transcripts-in-trump-impeachment-inquiry-259964/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

People will be able to see "the degree to which the president enlisted whole departments of government in the illicit aim of trying to get Ukraine to dig up dirt on a political opponent," Schiff said.

Deputy Assistant Secretary George Kent, who heads the European and Eurasian bureau at the State Department, also testifies on November 13.

The former US ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, who told investigators she was ousted from her post over "false claims" spread by Trump allies, is scheduled to testify on November 15.

The Capitol Hill hearings will be broadcast live as Democratic and Republican lawmakers question witnesses, many of whom the White House has sought to discredit.

Republican lawmakers have spent weeks accusing Democrats of holding "sham" secret hearings in the US Capitol basement and demanding a more open process.

Schiff said that such a phase has now arrived and that Americans will be able to hear the accounts of potential abuse of power directly from witnesses who were caught up in the scandal.

The hearings "will be an opportunity for the American people to evaluate the witnesses for themselves, to make their own determinations about the credibility of the witnesses, but also learn first-hand about the facts of the president's misconduct," Schiff added.

An anonymous whistleblower filed a complaint in September highlighting potential abuse of power by the president when he telephoned Ukraine's leader and asked him to investigate Trump's potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden.

The complaint led Democrats to formally launch their impeachment inquiry, which has led to an avalanche of testimony from several witnesses, including current and former diplomats or administration officials who have largely corroborated the whistleblower's account.

The first open hearings in the impeachment enquiry into US President Donald Trump are set for next week, the congressman overseeing the process said Wednesday, as the investigation heads into a much-anticipated public phase.

The first open hearings in the impeachment enquiry into US President Donald Trump are set for next week, the congressman overseeing the process said Wednesday, as the investigation heads into a much-anticipated public phase. Two US officials including William Taylor, the top US diplomat to Ukraine who has bolstered the accusation that Trump pressured Kiev to launch investigations that could help the president politically, will testify next Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said. Watch: People will be able to see "the degree to which the president enlisted whole departments of government in the illicit aim of trying to get Ukraine to dig up dirt on a political opponent," Schiff said. Deputy Assistant Secretary George Kent, who heads the European and Eurasian bureau at the State Department, also testifies on November 13. The former US ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, who told investigators she was ousted from her post over "false claims" spread by Trump allies, is scheduled to testify on November 15. The Capitol Hill hearings will be broadcast live as Democratic and Republican lawmakers question witnesses, many of whom the White House has sought to discredit. Republican lawmakers have spent weeks accusing Democrats of holding "sham" secret hearings in the US Capitol basement and demanding a more open process. Schiff said that such a phase has now arrived and that Americans will be able to hear the accounts of potential abuse of power directly from witnesses who were caught up in the scandal. The hearings "will be an opportunity for the American people to evaluate the witnesses for themselves, to make their own determinations about the credibility of the witnesses, but also learn first-hand about the facts of the president's misconduct," Schiff added. An anonymous whistleblower filed a complaint in September highlighting potential abuse of power by the president when he telephoned Ukraine's leader and asked him to investigate Trump's potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden. The complaint led Democrats to formally launch their impeachment inquiry, which has led to an avalanche of testimony from several witnesses, including current and former diplomats or administration officials who have largely corroborated the whistleblower's account.

Public hearings in Trump impeachment probe start next week: US lawmaker

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday the ceasefire in northeastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/could-congress-reverse-trumps-decision-to-pull-troops-out-of-syria-259451">Syria</a> where Turkey has sent in troops to clear the area of Syrian Kurdish militia forces has held very nicely.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump also said he had a very good relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Meanwhile, Turkish and Russian troops in armoured vehicles held their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrols-in-northern-syria-report-259271">first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria</a> on Friday under a deal between the two countries that forced a Kurdish militia away from territory near Turkey's border.

Turkey and allied Syrian rebels launched a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, seizing control of 120 km (75 miles) of land along the frontier.

Last week, Ankara and Moscow agreed to remove the militia fighters to a depth of at least 30 km (19 miles) south of the border and Russia has told Turkey that the YPG left the strip.

Turkish armoured vehicles on Friday drove across the border to join their Russian counterparts, according to Reuters television footage filmed from the Turkish side of the border. Around four hours later, they returned to Turkey.

Ground and air units were involved in the patrol around the Syrian border town of Darbasiya, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter, showing photos of soldiers studying a map and of four armoured vehicles.

On Wednesday, President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey had information that the YPG, which Ankara sees as a terrorist group because of its ties to Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey, had not completed its pullout.

Russia is the Syrian government's most powerful ally and helped it turn the tables in the country`s civil war by retaking much of the country from rebels since 2015. The Turkish-Russian deal last week allowed Syrian government forces to move back into border regions from which they had been absent for years.

Ankara launched its offensive against the YPG following President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of 1,000 U.S. troops from northern Syria in early October. The YPG helped the United States smash the Islamic State "caliphate" in Syria.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the ceasefire in northeastern Syria where Turkey has sent in troops to clear the area of Syrian Kurdish militia forces has held very nicely.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the ceasefire in northeastern Syria where Turkey has sent in troops to clear the area of Syrian Kurdish militia forces has held very nicely. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump also said he had a very good relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Meanwhile, Turkish and Russian troops in armoured vehicles held their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria on Friday under a deal between the two countries that forced a Kurdish militia away from territory near Turkey's border. Turkey and allied Syrian rebels launched a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, seizing control of 120 km (75 miles) of land along the frontier. Last week, Ankara and Moscow agreed to remove the militia fighters to a depth of at least 30 km (19 miles) south of the border and Russia has told Turkey that the YPG left the strip. Turkish armoured vehicles on Friday drove across the border to join their Russian counterparts, according to Reuters television footage filmed from the Turkish side of the border. Around four hours later, they returned to Turkey. Ground and air units were involved in the patrol around the Syrian border town of Darbasiya, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter, showing photos of soldiers studying a map and of four armoured vehicles. On Wednesday, President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey had information that the YPG, which Ankara sees as a terrorist group because of its ties to Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey, had not completed its pullout. Russia is the Syrian government's most powerful ally and helped it turn the tables in the country`s civil war by retaking much of the country from rebels since 2015. The Turkish-Russian deal last week allowed Syrian government forces to move back into border regions from which they had been absent for years. Ankara launched its offensive against the YPG following President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of 1,000 U.S. troops from northern Syria in early October. The YPG helped the United States smash the Islamic State "caliphate" in Syria.

Trump says ceasefire in northeastern Syria holding well

By John A Tures

After former Islamic State Group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military action, speculation began on whether or not President Donald Trump would get a boost in public opinion surveys as a result.

My political science research with my students shows that presidents do enjoy a short-term poll boost after foreign policy raids and capital city captures.

However, that’s often followed by a long-term decline.

A closer look at the polls 
 
Supporters of the diversionary theory of war, known in the media as the “Wag the Dog” effect, contend that presidents can boost their approval ratings in the polls by fighting a war abroad.

In other words, they benefit from a burst of patriotism during the conflict.

But international relations scholars Bradley Lian and John R. Oneal tested this theory by looking at conflicts from 1950 through 1984 and found scant empirical support for this hypothesis.

My students and I considered 12 cases to determine whether presidents benefit at the polls from conducting raids involving the capture of a leader, seizure of a capital city or an attempt to rescue hostages, and how long that support can be expected to last.

The events we looked at included the surrender of Manuel Noriega in January of 1990; the apprehension of Saddam Hussein in 2003; and the killing of Moammar Gaddafi in 2011.

We looked at polls conducted by the Gallup Polling Presidential Job Approval Center, calculating an average of three presidential approval polls taken before the foreign policy event, and the mean of the first three polls issued after the case.

We also analysed polls taken by the end of the year, or six months later if the raid took place near the end of the year, to see how presidents fared long after the event.

Our results show that in 75 per cent of cases, the US President received a boost in the polls shortly after a foreign policy raid or capital capture.

But the jump is short lived. In 83 per cent of cases, presidential approval declined over the next several months. In seven cases, it fell by more than five percentage points from the initial poll boost.

For example, President Donald Trump insisted that al-Baghdadi’s death was a bigger deal than the raid that killed Osama Bin-Laden. That May 2011 event was widely credited with sealing President Barack Obama’s reelection the following year.

That credit may have been misplaced. Our evidence shows that Obama’s approval ratings had declined to 45 per cent by December of 2011. Thus, if history is any guide, I expect that Trump may have higher approval ratings in the coming days but shouldn’t count on better polls over the next several months.

(John A Tures is Professor of Political Science, LaGrange College)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/will-killing-al-baghdadi-give-trump-a-boost-in-the-polls-probably-but-it-wont-last-125987"> 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 John A Tures After former Islamic State Group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military action, speculation began on whether or not President Donald Trump would get a boost in public opinion surveys as a result.

By John A Tures After former Islamic State Group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military action, speculation began on whether or not President Donald Trump would get a boost in public opinion surveys as a result. My political science research with my students shows that presidents do enjoy a short-term poll boost after foreign policy raids and capital city captures. However, that’s often followed by a long-term decline. A closer look at the polls Supporters of the diversionary theory of war, known in the media as the “Wag the Dog” effect, contend that presidents can boost their approval ratings in the polls by fighting a war abroad. In other words, they benefit from a burst of patriotism during the conflict. But international relations scholars Bradley Lian and John R. Oneal tested this theory by looking at conflicts from 1950 through 1984 and found scant empirical support for this hypothesis. My students and I considered 12 cases to determine whether presidents benefit at the polls from conducting raids involving the capture of a leader, seizure of a capital city or an attempt to rescue hostages, and how long that support can be expected to last. The events we looked at included the surrender of Manuel Noriega in January of 1990; the apprehension of Saddam Hussein in 2003; and the killing of Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. We looked at polls conducted by the Gallup Polling Presidential Job Approval Center, calculating an average of three presidential approval polls taken before the foreign policy event, and the mean of the first three polls issued after the case. We also analysed polls taken by the end of the year, or six months later if the raid took place near the end of the year, to see how presidents fared long after the event. Our results show that in 75 per cent of cases, the US President received a boost in the polls shortly after a foreign policy raid or capital capture. But the jump is short lived. In 83 per cent of cases, presidential approval declined over the next several months. In seven cases, it fell by more than five percentage points from the initial poll boost. For example, President Donald Trump insisted that al-Baghdadi’s death was a bigger deal than the raid that killed Osama Bin-Laden. That May 2011 event was widely credited with sealing President Barack Obama’s reelection the following year. That credit may have been misplaced. Our evidence shows that Obama’s approval ratings had declined to 45 per cent by December of 2011. Thus, if history is any guide, I expect that Trump may have higher approval ratings in the coming days but shouldn’t count on better polls over the next several months. (John A Tures is Professor of Political Science, LaGrange College) (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)

Will killing Al-Baghdadi give Donald Trump a boost in the polls?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baghdadi-died-whimpering-and-crying-after-running-into-a-dead-end-tunnel-says-trump-258391">President Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday the US military had killed the person who likely would have succeeded<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-islamic-state-chief-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-buried-at-sea-us-official-258568"> Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> as the leader of Islamic State.

"Just confirmed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s number one replacement has been terminated by American troops," Trump said on Twitter. "Most likely would have taken the top spot."

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Just confirmed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s number one replacement has been terminated by American troops. Most likely would have taken the top spot - Now he is also Dead!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1189172468159864832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump did not specify who he was referring to, but the United States on Monday confirmed the killing of Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, Islamic State spokesman and a high-ranking figure within the jihadi group.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that fugitive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died in a raid by US&nbsp;special forces in northwest Syria, in a major blow to the jihadist group.

Trump told the nation in a televised address from the White House that US forces killed a "large number" of Islamic State militants during the raid which culminated in cornering Baghdadi in a tunnel, where he set off a suicide vest.

"He ignited his vest, killing himself," Trump said.

"He died after running into a dead end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump said, adding that three of Baghdadi's children also died in the blast.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military had killed the person who likely would have succeeded Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the leader of Islamic State.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military had killed the person who likely would have succeeded Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the leader of Islamic State. "Just confirmed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s number one replacement has been terminated by American troops," Trump said on Twitter. "Most likely would have taken the top spot." Just confirmed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s number one replacement has been terminated by American troops. Most likely would have taken the top spot - Now he is also Dead! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2019 × Trump did not specify who he was referring to, but the United States on Monday confirmed the killing of Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, Islamic State spokesman and a high-ranking figure within the jihadi group. US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that fugitive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died in a raid by US special forces in northwest Syria, in a major blow to the jihadist group. Trump told the nation in a televised address from the White House that US forces killed a "large number" of Islamic State militants during the raid which culminated in cornering Baghdadi in a tunnel, where he set off a suicide vest. "He ignited his vest, killing himself," Trump said. "He died after running into a dead end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump said, adding that three of Baghdadi's children also died in the blast.

Trump says Baghdadi's top replacement also 'terminated'

Iran said on Sunday that the death of Islamic State group leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baghdadi-died-whimpering-and-crying-after-running-into-a-dead-end-tunnel-says-trump-258391">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi </a>does not mean the end of the fight against the group or its ideology.

"Baghdadi's death is not the end of fighting Deash (Arabic acronym for IS) terrorism but just the end of a chapter," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said in a tweet.

"(IS terrorism) is still growing and evident. Growing via American policies and regional petrodollars, and evident in takfiri (Sunni Muslim extremist) ideology. These three sources must be extinguished," he added.

US President Donald Trump announced Baghdadi's death on Sunday during a nighttime raid by US special forces deep outside the village of Barisha in Idlib province, northwestern Syria.

He said that US forces killed a "large number" of IS militants during the raid which culminated in cornerning Baghdadi in a tunnel, where he set off a suicide vest.

The raid -- which required flying more than an hour by helicopter in both directions from an undisclosed base -- had been accomplished by help from Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iraq, according to Trump.

In 2014, Iran sent the commander of the elite Quds Force of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Qasem Soleimani and "military advisers" to Iraq to help it in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-says-it-provided-baghdadis-location-to-us-for-raid-258398">the fight against IS</a>.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State group's spokesman was killed Sunday in northern Syria, a top Kurdish official said, hours after the jihadists' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was announced dead.

The official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces -- who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on the issue -- said IS spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir had been killed, after SDF chief Mazloum Abdi said he had been "targeted" in a fresh raid.

Iran said on Sunday that the death of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi does not mean the end of the fight against the group or its ideology. "Baghdadi's death is not the end of fighting Deash (Arabic acronym for IS) terrorism but just the end of a chapter," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said in a tweet.

Iran said on Sunday that the death of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi does not mean the end of the fight against the group or its ideology. "Baghdadi's death is not the end of fighting Deash (Arabic acronym for IS) terrorism but just the end of a chapter," government spokesman Ali Rabiei said in a tweet. "(IS terrorism) is still growing and evident. Growing via American policies and regional petrodollars, and evident in takfiri (Sunni Muslim extremist) ideology. These three sources must be extinguished," he added. US President Donald Trump announced Baghdadi's death on Sunday during a nighttime raid by US special forces deep outside the village of Barisha in Idlib province, northwestern Syria. He said that US forces killed a "large number" of IS militants during the raid which culminated in cornerning Baghdadi in a tunnel, where he set off a suicide vest. The raid -- which required flying more than an hour by helicopter in both directions from an undisclosed base -- had been accomplished by help from Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iraq, according to Trump. In 2014, Iran sent the commander of the elite Quds Force of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Qasem Soleimani and "military advisers" to Iraq to help it in the fight against IS. Meanwhile, the Islamic State group's spokesman was killed Sunday in northern Syria, a top Kurdish official said, hours after the jihadists' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was announced dead. The official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces -- who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on the issue -- said IS spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir had been killed, after SDF chief Mazloum Abdi said he had been "targeted" in a fresh raid.

Baghdadi's death not the end of Islamic State: Iran

President Donald Trump on Monday said he could release segments of video from the dramatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-planned-operation-to-kill-islamic-state-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-258512">US raid to kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> in Syria.

"We may take certain parts of it and release it," Trump said on departure from Washington to Chicago, where he was due to address a police officers' convention.

The attack by US special forces deep into Syria took place Saturday, culminating in the death of the fugitive leader who at his peak headed an organization that attempted to set up a hardline Islamic state across a huge area of Iraq and Syria.

Trump described the raid in unusually colorful and detailed terms on Sunday, saying that Baghdadi died when he exploded a suicide vest after being cornered by US soldiers in a tunnel, together with three children.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baghdadis-death-not-the-end-of-islamic-state-iran-258406">Baghdadi's death not the end of Islamic State: Iran</a>

He died "like a dog," Trump said in his comments, which differed sharply in tone from similar announcements by presidents in the past.

A report in The New York Times, quoting military and intelligence officials, cast doubt on some of Trump's descriptions, including his repeated claim that Baghdadi was "whimpering and crying" in the tunnel.

Trump said his account was based on having watched the whole raid in real time, like "a movie."

According to the report, Trump would not have had access to audio of the events at the time, or have been able to see footage from inside the tunnel.

President Donald Trump on Monday said he could release segments of video from the dramatic US raid to kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria. "We may take certain parts of it and release it," Trump said on departure from Washington to Chicago, where he was due to address a police officers' convention.

President Donald Trump on Monday said he could release segments of video from the dramatic US raid to kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria. "We may take certain parts of it and release it," Trump said on departure from Washington to Chicago, where he was due to address a police officers' convention. The attack by US special forces deep into Syria took place Saturday, culminating in the death of the fugitive leader who at his peak headed an organization that attempted to set up a hardline Islamic state across a huge area of Iraq and Syria. Trump described the raid in unusually colorful and detailed terms on Sunday, saying that Baghdadi died when he exploded a suicide vest after being cornered by US soldiers in a tunnel, together with three children. Also read- Baghdadi's death not the end of Islamic State: Iran He died "like a dog," Trump said in his comments, which differed sharply in tone from similar announcements by presidents in the past. A report in The New York Times, quoting military and intelligence officials, cast doubt on some of Trump's descriptions, including his repeated claim that Baghdadi was "whimpering and crying" in the tunnel. Trump said his account was based on having watched the whole raid in real time, like "a movie." According to the report, Trump would not have had access to audio of the events at the time, or have been able to see footage from inside the tunnel.

A day after confirming ISIS leader Baghdadi's death, Trump says he may release partial video of raid

United States&nbsp;congressional Democrats, faced with stepped-up efforts by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-validates-impeachment-enquiry-against-donald-trump-orders-mueller-document-release-258208">President Donald Trump's</a> Republican allies to disrupt their impeachment enquiry, are now considering calling only career government employees to testify at public hearings expected to start next month, according to congressional sources.

Democrats on the three House of Representatives committees handling the initial inquiries plan to conduct at least two more weeks of closed-door depositions with witnesses knowledgeable about dealings that Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and other officials have had with Ukrainian authorities including President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Top Trump advisers such as Giuliani, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and Energy Secretary Rick Perry have defied House subpoenas for documents.

But other witnesses have appeared for committee depositions despite instructions from the Trump administration to boycott such proceedings, and in some cases have provided what Democrats describe as damning evidence about Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine to serve his own political interests.

The Democratic-led inquiry is focussed on Trump's request in a July 25 telephone call to Zelenskiy to investigate a domestic political rival, Joe Biden, the former vice president who is a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. US&nbsp;law prohibits candidates from accepting foreign help in an election.

Televised proceedings could help Democrats stoke public support for a House vote to impeach Trump later this year, while increasing pressure on Republican lawmakers to break with Trump and support an impeachment resolution.

But after a group of Republican lawmakers threw the enquiry into chaos this week by barging into a high-security hearing room and forcing a delay in testimony from a Pentagon official, Democrats have grown more concerned about the potential for disruptions, said the sources, who were not authorized to speak on the record.

Republicans have denounced the inquiry as illegitimate and called on Democrats to hold a full House vote authorizing the investigation and to give Trump and Republican lawmakers the ability to cross-examine witnesses and subpoena their own. 
 
Early-stage

While the planning of public proceedings remains at an early stage, the sources said Democrats are inclined to avoid open testimony by Giuliani, Mulvaney, Pompeo and others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-to-unveil-measure-knocking-trump-impeachment-effort-258014">Trump's former national security adviser</a> John Bolton could prove to be the exception, given closed-door testimony that he was alarmed by efforts to pressure Ukraine. But sources said it is not clear whether Bolton would be willing to speak publicly about what occurred.

Democrats are instead considering a limited number of public hearings that would feature testimony only by nonpolitical career diplomats such as acting US&nbsp;Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor and former US&nbsp;Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, according to the sources.

In closed-door testimony on Tuesday, Taylor told the three investigating House committees that Trump made the release of $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine contingent on Kiev publicly declaring that it would carry out investigations into Biden and a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

Yovanovitch testified earlier that Trump ousted her from her post in Ukraine based on "unfounded and false claims" after she came under attack from Giuliani.

United States congressional Democrats, faced with stepped-up efforts by President Donald Trump's Republican allies to disrupt their impeachment enquiry, are now considering calling only career government employees to testify at public hearings expected to start next month, according to congressional sources.

United States congressional Democrats, faced with stepped-up efforts by President Donald Trump's Republican allies to disrupt their impeachment enquiry, are now considering calling only career government employees to testify at public hearings expected to start next month, according to congressional sources. Democrats on the three House of Representatives committees handling the initial inquiries plan to conduct at least two more weeks of closed-door depositions with witnesses knowledgeable about dealings that Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and other officials have had with Ukrainian authorities including President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Top Trump advisers such as Giuliani, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and Energy Secretary Rick Perry have defied House subpoenas for documents. But other witnesses have appeared for committee depositions despite instructions from the Trump administration to boycott such proceedings, and in some cases have provided what Democrats describe as damning evidence about Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine to serve his own political interests. The Democratic-led inquiry is focussed on Trump's request in a July 25 telephone call to Zelenskiy to investigate a domestic political rival, Joe Biden, the former vice president who is a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. US law prohibits candidates from accepting foreign help in an election. Televised proceedings could help Democrats stoke public support for a House vote to impeach Trump later this year, while increasing pressure on Republican lawmakers to break with Trump and support an impeachment resolution. But after a group of Republican lawmakers threw the enquiry into chaos this week by barging into a high-security hearing room and forcing a delay in testimony from a Pentagon official, Democrats have grown more concerned about the potential for disruptions, said the sources, who were not authorized to speak on the record. Republicans have denounced the inquiry as illegitimate and called on Democrats to hold a full House vote authorizing the investigation and to give Trump and Republican lawmakers the ability to cross-examine witnesses and subpoena their own. Early-stage While the planning of public proceedings remains at an early stage, the sources said Democrats are inclined to avoid open testimony by Giuliani, Mulvaney, Pompeo and others. Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton could prove to be the exception, given closed-door testimony that he was alarmed by efforts to pressure Ukraine. But sources said it is not clear whether Bolton would be willing to speak publicly about what occurred. Democrats are instead considering a limited number of public hearings that would feature testimony only by nonpolitical career diplomats such as acting US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor and former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, according to the sources. In closed-door testimony on Tuesday, Taylor told the three investigating House committees that Trump made the release of $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine contingent on Kiev publicly declaring that it would carry out investigations into Biden and a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 US election. Yovanovitch testified earlier that Trump ousted her from her post in Ukraine based on "unfounded and false claims" after she came under attack from Giuliani.

United States Democrats to limit witnesses in public impeachment hearings: Report

By Greg Barton

“Remaining and expanding”. The propaganda tagline of Islamic State (IS) has rung hollow since the collapse of the physical caliphate. But recent developments in northeastern Syria threaten to give it fresh legitimacy.

US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Turkey after he announced the Turkish government agreed to a permanent ceasefire in northern Syria.

In a televised speech, he pushed back against criticisms of his decision to remove 1,000 troops from Syria, abandoning their Kurdish allies.

This decision allowed Turkish forces – a hybrid of Turkish military and Free Syrian Army rebels, including jihadi extremists – to surge across the Turkish border and begin intense bombardment of towns and cities liberated from IS.

Just how quickly and how far IS will rise from now remains unclear. One thing that’s certain, however, is that IS and the al-Qaeda movement that spawned it, plan and act for the long-term. They believe in their divine destiny and are prepared to sacrifice anything to achieve it.

In speaking about the resurgence of IS, we risk talking up the IS brand, the very thing it cares so very much about. But the greater risk is underestimating the capacity for reinvention, resilience and enduring appeal of IS.

And complacency and short-sighted politics threaten to lead us to repeat the mistakes of a decade ago that saw a decimated Islamic State in Iraq (ISI) insurgency roar back to life.

From violent beginnings

In 2006, Sunni tribes in northwestern Iraq killed or arrested the majority of ISI fighters with US support, reducing their strength from many thousands to a few hundred.

But with no backing for the Sunni tribes from the poorly functioning, Shia-dominated government in Baghdad, the outbreak of civil war in Syria, and the draw-down of US troops, ISI launched an insurgency in Syria before rising triumphant as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

ISIS quickly became the most potent terrorist group in history, drawing more than 40,000 fighters from around the world, and seizing control of northeastern Syria and northwestern Iraq.

The final defeat of the IS caliphate in northeastern Syria came after five hard years of fighting and 11,000 lives from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), largely composed of members of the Kurdish YPG.

To the US, the SDF fighters were local partners and boots-on-the-ground after multiple false starts and expensive mistakes from allying with rebel groups in the Free Syrian Army. Without this SDF alliance, the IS caliphate could not be toppled.

Trump’s betrayal could open up ISIS recruitment

Donald Trump’s betrayal of the SDF in recent weeks is disastrous on several levels. It ignores the threat IS represents and validates ISIS’s central narrative.

What’s more, it contributes to the very circumstances of neglect, cynical short-term thinking and governance failures that lead to giving the IS insurgency an open pathway for recruiting.

Trump’s reckless move to withdraw 1,000 special forces troops from Syria comes from an impatience to end an 18-year long “Global War on Terrorism” military campaign of unprecedented expense.

This is somewhat understandable. After almost $6 trillion of US Federal expenditure and two decades of fighting, surely enough is enough.

But the inconvenient truth is IS and al-Qaeda jihadi fighters around the world have increased, in some estimates nearly four-fold, since September 11.

Still, betraying the SDF and pulling out of Syria for small short-term savings risks jeopardising all that has been achieved in defeating the IS caliphate in northwestern Iraq.

IS hardliners in overcrowded camps

IS will never return to its days of power as a physical caliphate, but all the evidence points to it tipping past an inflection point and beginning a long, steady resurgence.

IS has thousands of terrorist fighters still active in the field in northern Iraq. They’re attacking by night and rebuilding strength from disgruntled Sunni communities, as well as having thousands of fighters lying low in Syria.

But in recent months, the tempo of IS attacks has shifted from Iraq to Syria with the previously hidden insurgency reemerging.

As many as 12,000 terrorist fighters, including 2,000 foreigners, are detained in prisons run, at least until this week, by the SDF. Many are located in the border region now being overrun by the Turkish military and the Syrian jihadi it counts as loyal instruments.

Elsewhere, in poorly secured overcrowded camps for internally displaced peoples (IDPs), tens of thousands of women, many fiercely loyal to IS, and children are held in precarious circumstances.

In the Al Hawl camp alone there are more than 60,000 women and children linked to IS, including 11 Australian women and their 44 children, along with 10,000 IDPs.

The IS hardliners not only enforce a reign of terror within the camps, but are in regular communication with IS insurgents. They confidently await their liberation by the IS insurgent forces.

Liberated ISIS fighters

The hope of being freed is neither naive nor remote. Already, hundreds of fighters and IDPs have escaped the prisons and camps since the Turkish offensive began.

From mid-2012 until mid-2013, IS ran an insurgent campaign called “Breaking the Walls”. It saw thousands of hardened senior ISIS leaders, and many other militants who would later join the movement, broken out of half a dozen prisons surrounding Baghdad.

Suicide squads were used to blast holes in prison walls. Heavily armed assault teams moved rapidly through the prisons, blasting open cells and rushing the hundreds of liberated terrorist fighters into tactical four-wheel-drives. They were to be driven away in the desert through the night to rebuild the senior ranks of ISIS.

The liberated fighters were not only more valuable to ISIS after their time in prison, with many switching allegiances to join the movement, they were better educated and more deeply radicalised graduating for what they refer to as their terrorist universities.

It would appear the same cycle is now being repeated in northeastern Syria.

(Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/us-retreat-from-syria-could-see-islamic-state-roar-back-to-life-125311">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
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By Greg Barton “Remaining and expanding”. The propaganda tagline of Islamic State (IS) has rung hollow since the collapse of the physical caliphate. But recent developments in northeastern Syria threaten to give it fresh legitimacy.

By Greg Barton “Remaining and expanding”. The propaganda tagline of Islamic State (IS) has rung hollow since the collapse of the physical caliphate. But recent developments in northeastern Syria threaten to give it fresh legitimacy. US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Turkey after he announced the Turkish government agreed to a permanent ceasefire in northern Syria. In a televised speech, he pushed back against criticisms of his decision to remove 1,000 troops from Syria, abandoning their Kurdish allies. This decision allowed Turkish forces – a hybrid of Turkish military and Free Syrian Army rebels, including jihadi extremists – to surge across the Turkish border and begin intense bombardment of towns and cities liberated from IS. Just how quickly and how far IS will rise from now remains unclear. One thing that’s certain, however, is that IS and the al-Qaeda movement that spawned it, plan and act for the long-term. They believe in their divine destiny and are prepared to sacrifice anything to achieve it. In speaking about the resurgence of IS, we risk talking up the IS brand, the very thing it cares so very much about. But the greater risk is underestimating the capacity for reinvention, resilience and enduring appeal of IS. And complacency and short-sighted politics threaten to lead us to repeat the mistakes of a decade ago that saw a decimated Islamic State in Iraq (ISI) insurgency roar back to life. From violent beginnings In 2006, Sunni tribes in northwestern Iraq killed or arrested the majority of ISI fighters with US support, reducing their strength from many thousands to a few hundred. But with no backing for the Sunni tribes from the poorly functioning, Shia-dominated government in Baghdad, the outbreak of civil war in Syria, and the draw-down of US troops, ISI launched an insurgency in Syria before rising triumphant as Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). ISIS quickly became the most potent terrorist group in history, drawing more than 40,000 fighters from around the world, and seizing control of northeastern Syria and northwestern Iraq. The final defeat of the IS caliphate in northeastern Syria came after five hard years of fighting and 11,000 lives from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), largely composed of members of the Kurdish YPG. To the US, the SDF fighters were local partners and boots-on-the-ground after multiple false starts and expensive mistakes from allying with rebel groups in the Free Syrian Army. Without this SDF alliance, the IS caliphate could not be toppled. Trump’s betrayal could open up ISIS recruitment Donald Trump’s betrayal of the SDF in recent weeks is disastrous on several levels. It ignores the threat IS represents and validates ISIS’s central narrative. What’s more, it contributes to the very circumstances of neglect, cynical short-term thinking and governance failures that lead to giving the IS insurgency an open pathway for recruiting. Trump’s reckless move to withdraw 1,000 special forces troops from Syria comes from an impatience to end an 18-year long “Global War on Terrorism” military campaign of unprecedented expense. This is somewhat understandable. After almost $6 trillion of US Federal expenditure and two decades of fighting, surely enough is enough. But the inconvenient truth is IS and al-Qaeda jihadi fighters around the world have increased, in some estimates nearly four-fold, since September 11. Still, betraying the SDF and pulling out of Syria for small short-term savings risks jeopardising all that has been achieved in defeating the IS caliphate in northwestern Iraq. IS hardliners in overcrowded camps IS will never return to its days of power as a physical caliphate, but all the evidence points to it tipping past an inflection point and beginning a long, steady resurgence. IS has thousands of terrorist fighters still active in the field in northern Iraq. They’re attacking by night and rebuilding strength from disgruntled Sunni communities, as well as having thousands of fighters lying low in Syria. But in recent months, the tempo of IS attacks has shifted from Iraq to Syria with the previously hidden insurgency reemerging. As many as 12,000 terrorist fighters, including 2,000 foreigners, are detained in prisons run, at least until this week, by the SDF. Many are located in the border region now being overrun by the Turkish military and the Syrian jihadi it counts as loyal instruments. Elsewhere, in poorly secured overcrowded camps for internally displaced peoples (IDPs), tens of thousands of women, many fiercely loyal to IS, and children are held in precarious circumstances. In the Al Hawl camp alone there are more than 60,000 women and children linked to IS, including 11 Australian women and their 44 children, along with 10,000 IDPs. The IS hardliners not only enforce a reign of terror within the camps, but are in regular communication with IS insurgents. They confidently await their liberation by the IS insurgent forces. Liberated ISIS fighters The hope of being freed is neither naive nor remote. Already, hundreds of fighters and IDPs have escaped the prisons and camps since the Turkish offensive began. From mid-2012 until mid-2013, IS ran an insurgent campaign called “Breaking the Walls”. It saw thousands of hardened senior ISIS leaders, and many other militants who would later join the movement, broken out of half a dozen prisons surrounding Baghdad. Suicide squads were used to blast holes in prison walls. Heavily armed assault teams moved rapidly through the prisons, blasting open cells and rushing the hundreds of liberated terrorist fighters into tactical four-wheel-drives. They were to be driven away in the desert through the night to rebuild the senior ranks of ISIS. The liberated fighters were not only more valuable to ISIS after their time in prison, with many switching allegiances to join the movement, they were better educated and more deeply radicalised graduating for what they refer to as their terrorist universities. It would appear the same cycle is now being repeated in northeastern Syria. (Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin 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)

US retreat from Syria could see Islamic State roar back to life

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