In a muddy makeshift camp in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, more than 1,000 migrants had waited for weeks for a chance to request asylum in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-pushes-back-after-top-us-court-favours-trump-on-shunning-migrants-249280">United States</a>, enduring cold nights and long days of uncertainty.

Frustrated, many are giving up and clearing out.

Authorities say as of last week, there were still about 1,400 migrants, most of them from southwestern Mexico, holding out hope under tents and tarps in a park not far from the Rio Grande.&nbsp;

But on Thursday, only about 700 remained. The others grew tired of the near-freezing temperatures at night and the seemingly fruitless quest to be heard by US officials.

Local associations convinced several families to head to shelters or hotels when the mercury started to plummet.

Some instead made their way across the river, without any idea if they would succeed.

And still others opted to remain -- they are afraid to lose their place on the murky waitlist system they themselves created to convince US border agents to take them in order of their arrival.

"They won't let us proceed unless we hand them our slips to show them we have indeed been waiting," said Rosa, who keeps up the list on a daily basis.

Every night, the men and women at the camp keep watch on the comings and goings on the bridge crossing the Rio Grande -- the natural, international border -- to make sure new arrivals don't jump the queue.

'The cartels threatened us'&nbsp;

According to a survey recently led by several universities in northern Mexico, 60 per cent of those at the camp wait their turn in tents, but more than a quarter are sleeping in the open air.

Many migrants say they are fleeing violence in their hometowns.

"The cartels threatened us and took our land," said one man from Guerrero state.

"At first, they asked us for money," he explained. "But when we could no longer pay, they took our house. They gave us two weeks" to get out, he added.

Officials in Ciudad Juarez -- once known as the "murder capital of the world" -- are trying to be flexible about the influx of migrants.

"We understand that US authorities administratively can't process all of these requests," said Enrique Valenzuela, who works for a Chihuahua state agency tasked with local population issues.

"Most of these people are alleged victims in some way," he said.

"They say that they either have been threatened for some reason -- themselves or their families -- or they have either lost a loved one or a neighbour," he added. 
&nbsp;

In a muddy makeshift camp in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, more than 1,000 migrants had waited for weeks for a chance to request asylum in the United States, enduring cold nights and long days of uncertainty.

In a muddy makeshift camp in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, more than 1,000 migrants had waited for weeks for a chance to request asylum in the United States, enduring cold nights and long days of uncertainty. Frustrated, many are giving up and clearing out. Authorities say as of last week, there were still about 1,400 migrants, most of them from southwestern Mexico, holding out hope under tents and tarps in a park not far from the Rio Grande. But on Thursday, only about 700 remained. The others grew tired of the near-freezing temperatures at night and the seemingly fruitless quest to be heard by US officials. Local associations convinced several families to head to shelters or hotels when the mercury started to plummet. Some instead made their way across the river, without any idea if they would succeed. And still others opted to remain -- they are afraid to lose their place on the murky waitlist system they themselves created to convince US border agents to take them in order of their arrival. "They won't let us proceed unless we hand them our slips to show them we have indeed been waiting," said Rosa, who keeps up the list on a daily basis. Every night, the men and women at the camp keep watch on the comings and goings on the bridge crossing the Rio Grande -- the natural, international border -- to make sure new arrivals don't jump the queue. 'The cartels threatened us' According to a survey recently led by several universities in northern Mexico, 60 per cent of those at the camp wait their turn in tents, but more than a quarter are sleeping in the open air. Many migrants say they are fleeing violence in their hometowns. "The cartels threatened us and took our land," said one man from Guerrero state. "At first, they asked us for money," he explained. "But when we could no longer pay, they took our house. They gave us two weeks" to get out, he added. Officials in Ciudad Juarez -- once known as the "murder capital of the world" -- are trying to be flexible about the influx of migrants. "We understand that US authorities administratively can't process all of these requests," said Enrique Valenzuela, who works for a Chihuahua state agency tasked with local population issues. "Most of these people are alleged victims in some way," he said. "They say that they either have been threatened for some reason -- themselves or their families -- or they have either lost a loved one or a neighbour," he added.

At the US-Mexican border, migrants give up hope of crossing

Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-meet-japan-pm-amid-tension-with-us-269275">Hassan Rouhani </a>concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo.

On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry.

The economic crisis in Iran deepened after the US withdrew from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and imposed sanctions on the country. The JCPOA limits Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and prevents the country from sanctions.&nbsp;

The visit to Japan was the first by an Iranian head of state in two decades and came following deadly protests in Iran over fuel price hikes.&nbsp;

In a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, Rouhani sought help from Japan and other countries to revive the Iranian economy.&nbsp;

"We welcome any plan that can increase trade, especially in the field of energy and increasing the exports and sales of oil," Rouhani told Abe, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.

The Japanese PM asked his counterpart to follow the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that Tokyo will do its best to ensure stability is maintained in the Middle East. Rouhani asked Abe to work with other countries to keep the nuclear deal in place.&nbsp;

Japan is a key US ally and in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, Abe earlier visited Tehran in June.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo. On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded his two-day trip to Japan on Saturday, where the sanctions-hit Islamic country sought economic support from Tokyo. On Saturday, Rouhani held a closed meeting at a Tokyo hotel with Japanese business leaders, during which he criticised US sanctions and expressed hope for boosting long-standing ties with Japan, public broadcaster NHK said, quoting the Iranian foreign ministry. The economic crisis in Iran deepened after the US withdrew from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and imposed sanctions on the country. The JCPOA limits Iran's uranium enrichment capacity and prevents the country from sanctions. The visit to Japan was the first by an Iranian head of state in two decades and came following deadly protests in Iran over fuel price hikes. In a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, Rouhani sought help from Japan and other countries to revive the Iranian economy. "We welcome any plan that can increase trade, especially in the field of energy and increasing the exports and sales of oil," Rouhani told Abe, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA. The Japanese PM asked his counterpart to follow the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that Tokyo will do its best to ensure stability is maintained in the Middle East. Rouhani asked Abe to work with other countries to keep the nuclear deal in place. Japan is a key US ally and in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, Abe earlier visited Tehran in June. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Seeking economic support, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani concluded two-day Japan visit

In a crackdown against state-sponsored propaganda, social-media giants Facebook and Twitter said that they had blocked multiple government-backed manipulation operations around the world.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-group-spreading-pro-trump-posts-from-fake-accounts-269435">Facebook </a>said that it had blocked a network in Vietnam and the United States which posted pro-Trump messages targetting US citizens.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-thousands-of-accounts-that-were-linked-to-saudi-arabia-269402">Twitter</a>, on the other hand, claimed that it had blocked nearly 88,000 accounts linked to Saudi state-backed "information operations", in violation of its manipulation rules.

The Twitter safety team said that their analysis found that the network targetted discussions related to Saudi Arabia and was promoting Riyadh's geopolitical interests at an international level.&nbsp;

"Our internal analysis shows the network was involved in various forms of platform manipulation, targetting discussions related to Saudi Arabia and advancing their geopolitical interests on the world stage," the Twitter team said.&nbsp;

Twitter's investigations revealed Saudi-based social media marketing firm Smaat behind this campaign of manipulation. Smaat has been permanently blocked by the platform.&nbsp;

The Saudi-based firm was working for "high-profile individuals" and for several government departments in Saudi Arabia, Twitter said. Some of the tweets were of 2016 and were supporting&nbsp;the presidential campaign of US President Donald Trump.

Facebook said that the Vietnam network was traced to the multi-language media group Epoch Times, which is linked to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, and a US media outlet called BL, which has been uploading pro-Trump posts.&nbsp;

Facebook also said that it has removed more than 600 accounts on Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;

"The people behind this activity made widespread use of fake accounts -- many of which had been automatically removed by our systems -- to manage pages and groups, automate posting at very high frequencies and direct traffic to off-platform sites," Facebook security chief Nathaniel Gleicher said.

"The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few."

The Facebook security chief said that the fake accounts shared memes and content focussing on conservative ideology and US political issues such as Trump's impeachment, trade, family values, freedom of religion, among others.

(with inputs from AFP)

In a crackdown against state-sponsored propaganda, social-media giants Facebook and Twitter said that they had blocked multiple government-backed manipulation operations around the world.

In a crackdown against state-sponsored propaganda, social-media giants Facebook and Twitter said that they had blocked multiple government-backed manipulation operations around the world. Facebook said that it had blocked a network in Vietnam and the United States which posted pro-Trump messages targetting US citizens. Twitter, on the other hand, claimed that it had blocked nearly 88,000 accounts linked to Saudi state-backed "information operations", in violation of its manipulation rules. The Twitter safety team said that their analysis found that the network targetted discussions related to Saudi Arabia and was promoting Riyadh's geopolitical interests at an international level. "Our internal analysis shows the network was involved in various forms of platform manipulation, targetting discussions related to Saudi Arabia and advancing their geopolitical interests on the world stage," the Twitter team said. Twitter's investigations revealed Saudi-based social media marketing firm Smaat behind this campaign of manipulation. Smaat has been permanently blocked by the platform. The Saudi-based firm was working for "high-profile individuals" and for several government departments in Saudi Arabia, Twitter said. Some of the tweets were of 2016 and were supporting the presidential campaign of US President Donald Trump. Facebook said that the Vietnam network was traced to the multi-language media group Epoch Times, which is linked to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, and a US media outlet called BL, which has been uploading pro-Trump posts. Facebook also said that it has removed more than 600 accounts on Facebook and Instagram. "The people behind this activity made widespread use of fake accounts -- many of which had been automatically removed by our systems -- to manage pages and groups, automate posting at very high frequencies and direct traffic to off-platform sites," Facebook security chief Nathaniel Gleicher said. "The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few." The Facebook security chief said that the fake accounts shared memes and content focussing on conservative ideology and US political issues such as Trump's impeachment, trade, family values, freedom of religion, among others. (with inputs from AFP)

Facebook, Twitter block state-sponsored manipulation accounts in latest crackdown

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has accused South Korea of being a rich nation that is profiting off the&nbsp;US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-postpone-joint-drills-in-act-of-goodwill-262741">military</a> forces, which are stationed in the country as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-fearful-of-nightmare-us-troop-withdrawal-199239">legacy</a> of the 1950-1953 Korean War and continued threats from North Korea.

South Korean lawmakers have said&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;is seeking up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-south-korea-resume-defence-cost-sharing-talks-after-trumps-5-bn-demand-gets-dubbed-as-robbery-262883">$5&nbsp;billion</a>&nbsp;a year to support the&nbsp;troops&nbsp;- more than five times the amount&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;agreed to pay this year.

But the&nbsp;US's chief negotiator James DeHart told reporters after Wednesday's meeting that "($5&nbsp;billion) is not the number we are currently focusing on in the negotiation," according to Yonhap News Agency.

"We have been coordinating and compromising. But the figure we&nbsp;agree&nbsp;on will be very different from our initial proposal and will also be different from what we are currently hearing from the Korean side," he added.

As part of his 'America First" policy, Trump has&nbsp;demanded that many&nbsp;US&nbsp;allies, including NATO members and Japan, pay more towards defence.

The lack of a deal in the talks led on South Korea's side by chief negotiator Jeong Eun-bo, could result in a repeat of last year when the two countries missed a year-end deadline but reached a retroactive&nbsp;agreement in the new year.

Some experts, both&nbsp;US&nbsp;and Korean, have warned that if no&nbsp;agreement is reached, it could throw the future of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;presence in South Korea into doubt.

The next set of talks will be in the United States in January, with the exact timing still to be determined.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said their negotiators emphasized the need for "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable&nbsp;agreements," that will strengthen the alliance.

"The two sides have expanded their understanding of each other through many discussions despite differences in their positions on various issues, and decided to continue close consultations," it said in a statement.

The dispute has been a rare public sign of discord in the alliance that has for 70 years formed a buffer against North Korean aggression. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the Korean War ended in a truce but not a peace treaty.

There have been several public protests in South Korea against the&nbsp;US&nbsp;calls for more money, and a survey by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs found that only 4&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of South Korean respondents said&nbsp;Seoul&nbsp;should meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-not-to-exploit-close-trump-kim-ties-258322">Trump</a>'s&nbsp;demands.

On the other hand, 74 per cent&nbsp;of those questioned said they supported the long-term stationing of American&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in South Korea.

If no deal is reached, the most immediate effect may be on thousands of South Korean civilians who work for the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military and who could be placed on unpaid leave.

US President Donald Trump has accused South Korea of being a rich nation that is profiting off the US military forces, which are stationed in the country as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War and continued threats from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump has accused South Korea of being a rich nation that is profiting off the US military forces, which are stationed in the country as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War and continued threats from North Korea. South Korean lawmakers have said Washington is seeking up to $5 billion a year to support the troops - more than five times the amount Seoul agreed to pay this year. But the US's chief negotiator James DeHart told reporters after Wednesday's meeting that "($5 billion) is not the number we are currently focusing on in the negotiation," according to Yonhap News Agency. "We have been coordinating and compromising. But the figure we agree on will be very different from our initial proposal and will also be different from what we are currently hearing from the Korean side," he added. As part of his 'America First" policy, Trump has demanded that many US allies, including NATO members and Japan, pay more towards defence. The lack of a deal in the talks led on South Korea's side by chief negotiator Jeong Eun-bo, could result in a repeat of last year when the two countries missed a year-end deadline but reached a retroactive agreement in the new year. Some experts, both US and Korean, have warned that if no agreement is reached, it could throw the future of the US presence in South Korea into doubt. The next set of talks will be in the United States in January, with the exact timing still to be determined. South Korea's Foreign Ministry said their negotiators emphasized the need for "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable agreements," that will strengthen the alliance. "The two sides have expanded their understanding of each other through many discussions despite differences in their positions on various issues, and decided to continue close consultations," it said in a statement. The dispute has been a rare public sign of discord in the alliance that has for 70 years formed a buffer against North Korean aggression. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the Korean War ended in a truce but not a peace treaty. There have been several public protests in South Korea against the US calls for more money, and a survey by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs found that only 4 per cent of South Korean respondents said Seoul should meet Trump's demands. On the other hand, 74 per cent of those questioned said they supported the long-term stationing of American troops in South Korea. If no deal is reached, the most immediate effect may be on thousands of South Korean civilians who work for the US military and who could be placed on unpaid leave.

Seoul, Washington fail to agree on cost of US troops; US denies $5 billion demand

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is negotiating US-Taliban peace talks, reached Pakistan on Friday where he briefed it about the development with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-announces-a-pause-in-peace-talks-with-taliban-after-airbase-attack-267989">Taliban in Afghanistan</a>, US embassy officials said.

"In his meetings with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the current status of US-Taliban talks," the statement of the US Embassy in Pakistan said.&nbsp;

The US special representative highlighted Pakistan's support for intra-Afghan negotiations and discussed the economic and security benefits to the region if the truce with Taliban is reached, the statement said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad's visit to Pakistan came after he announced on Thursday that there is a "brief" pause in talks with the Taliban after an attack in the US military base at Bagram in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Reportedly, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-packed vehicle near Bagram military base in Parwan province, north of the capital Kabul days after talks resumed between the US and Taliban. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide blast.&nbsp;

The talks between the US and the insurgent group resumed after getting suspended in September following a fatal attack in Kabul, in which an American soldier was killed.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on November 28 made a surprise visit to Afghanistan to celebrate Thanksgiving with US troops and meet President Ashraf Ghani.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is negotiating US-Taliban peace talks, reached Pakistan on Friday where he briefed it about the development with the Taliban in Afghanistan, US embassy officials said.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is negotiating US-Taliban peace talks, reached Pakistan on Friday where he briefed it about the development with the Taliban in Afghanistan, US embassy officials said. "In his meetings with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the current status of US-Taliban talks," the statement of the US Embassy in Pakistan said. The US special representative highlighted Pakistan's support for intra-Afghan negotiations and discussed the economic and security benefits to the region if the truce with Taliban is reached, the statement said. Khalilzad's visit to Pakistan came after he announced on Thursday that there is a "brief" pause in talks with the Taliban after an attack in the US military base at Bagram in Afghanistan. Reportedly, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-packed vehicle near Bagram military base in Parwan province, north of the capital Kabul days after talks resumed between the US and Taliban. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide blast. The talks between the US and the insurgent group resumed after getting suspended in September following a fatal attack in Kabul, in which an American soldier was killed. US President Donald Trump on November 28 made a surprise visit to Afghanistan to celebrate Thanksgiving with US troops and meet President Ashraf Ghani. (with inputs from agencies)

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad briefs Pakistan on Taliban peace talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-subpoenaed-as-congress-battles-white-house-over-russia-report-217187">Donald Trump Jr</a>, the eldest son of US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he wants the United States to work with “its incredible allies” like India to make the world a safer place and present democracy as a shining beacon light for everyone to learn from.&nbsp;

“I want to see America maintain its rightful place as the leader of the free world. I want to see them be able to work with their incredible allies, like India to make the world a safer place. To use democracy as a shining beacon of light for everyone to be able to learn from,” Trump Jr said.

Trump Jr, was addressing the Indian-American community during a event in Long Island, US, along with Trump’s senior advisor for 2020 presidential campaign and former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle.&nbsp;

In the rally, he also spoke about this book: ‘Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us’, his father and ties with India.

Trump Jr said that father fought for American rights and businesses.&nbsp;

“To see what he’s been able to do and I imagine, in this community full of business leaders, you’ve seen those results yourself. But they’re not just benefits for you. They are benefits for everyone around, the employees that you hire, the businesses who are your suppliers, the beneficiaries. Everyone’s winning because of this" Trump Jr said.

“And that’s why I’ve been such an advocate for this (Donald Trump’s vision) because I want to see that winning continue.

Trump Jr added that his father have had a "wonderful" presidency and added that the road ahead will be entertaining "because my father will keep it so, I promise you that. It will be like Bollywood with a lot less dancing".

He also said that his business experience in India was "interesting, and certainly a little bit of a culture shock".&nbsp;

"It also made me appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that so resides in my friends in the Indian community, that notion that you get a deal, go and get whatever it takes to make something happen and get it going.”&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he wants the United States to work with “its incredible allies” like India to make the world a safer place and present democracy as a shining beacon light for everyone to learn from.

Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he wants the United States to work with “its incredible allies” like India to make the world a safer place and present democracy as a shining beacon light for everyone to learn from. “I want to see America maintain its rightful place as the leader of the free world. I want to see them be able to work with their incredible allies, like India to make the world a safer place. To use democracy as a shining beacon of light for everyone to be able to learn from,” Trump Jr said. Trump Jr, was addressing the Indian-American community during a event in Long Island, US, along with Trump’s senior advisor for 2020 presidential campaign and former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. In the rally, he also spoke about this book: ‘Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us’, his father and ties with India. Trump Jr said that father fought for American rights and businesses. “To see what he’s been able to do and I imagine, in this community full of business leaders, you’ve seen those results yourself. But they’re not just benefits for you. They are benefits for everyone around, the employees that you hire, the businesses who are your suppliers, the beneficiaries. Everyone’s winning because of this" Trump Jr said. “And that’s why I’ve been such an advocate for this (Donald Trump’s vision) because I want to see that winning continue. Trump Jr added that his father have had a "wonderful" presidency and added that the road ahead will be entertaining "because my father will keep it so, I promise you that. It will be like Bollywood with a lot less dancing". He also said that his business experience in India was "interesting, and certainly a little bit of a culture shock". "It also made me appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that so resides in my friends in the Indian community, that notion that you get a deal, go and get whatever it takes to make something happen and get it going.” (with inputs from agencies)

Want to see US works with 'incredible allies' like India to make world safe: Donald Trump Jr

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-jews-confront-rising-tide-of-anti-semitism-174320">anti-Semitism</a>, but the move drew some criticism for potentially limiting free speech.

The order would extend protections against discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights Act to people subjected to anti-Semitism on college campuses.

"This is our message to universities: If you want to accept the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year, you must reject anti-Semitism. It's very simple," Trump said during a Hanukkah reception at the White House.

Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

"This action makes clear that Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits the federal funding of universities and other institutions that engage in discrimination, applies to institutions that traffic in anti-Semitic hate," Trump said.

J Street, a liberal Jewish-American lobbying group, criticized the order.

"This executive order, like the stalled congressional legislation it is based on, appears designed less to combat anti-Semitism than to have a chilling effect on free speech and to crack down on campus critics of Israel," it said in a statement.

The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks acts of racism, welcomed the order.

"In a climate of rising anti-Semitism, this executive order provides valuable guidance on anti-Semitism, giving law enforcement and campus officials an important additional tool to help identify and fight this pernicious hate," Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt said.

"It also reaffirms protection of Jews under Title VI without infringing on First Amendment rights," he said in a statement.

The pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement over Israel’s policies towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has gained support among some university students in recent years.

The movement, however, has received a bipartisan rebuke in the US&nbsp;Congress and many states have passed anti-BDS measures.Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities

Some critics argue that participating in boycotts is protected by Americans' constitutional right to free speech and that legitimate criticism of Israeli policies could be stifled under the name of combating anti-Semitism.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that allow anti-Semitism, but the move drew some criticism for potentially limiting free speech.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that allow anti-Semitism, but the move drew some criticism for potentially limiting free speech. The order would extend protections against discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights Act to people subjected to anti-Semitism on college campuses. "This is our message to universities: If you want to accept the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year, you must reject anti-Semitism. It's very simple," Trump said during a Hanukkah reception at the White House. Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. "This action makes clear that Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits the federal funding of universities and other institutions that engage in discrimination, applies to institutions that traffic in anti-Semitic hate," Trump said. J Street, a liberal Jewish-American lobbying group, criticized the order. "This executive order, like the stalled congressional legislation it is based on, appears designed less to combat anti-Semitism than to have a chilling effect on free speech and to crack down on campus critics of Israel," it said in a statement. The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks acts of racism, welcomed the order. "In a climate of rising anti-Semitism, this executive order provides valuable guidance on anti-Semitism, giving law enforcement and campus officials an important additional tool to help identify and fight this pernicious hate," Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt said. "It also reaffirms protection of Jews under Title VI without infringing on First Amendment rights," he said in a statement. The pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement over Israel’s policies towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has gained support among some university students in recent years. The movement, however, has received a bipartisan rebuke in the US Congress and many states have passed anti-BDS measures.Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities Some critics argue that participating in boycotts is protected by Americans' constitutional right to free speech and that legitimate criticism of Israeli policies could be stifled under the name of combating anti-Semitism.

Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities

A day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-meet-over-north-korea-on-wednesday-at-us-request-267389">United States </a>warned North Korea of consequences of a spectacular weapons test, Pyongyang said it is ready to respond to Washington's any "corresponding measure". &nbsp;

"The United States said about corresponding measure at the meeting, as we have said we have nothing to lose and we are ready to respond to any corresponding measure that the US choooses," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said citing a foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

Earlier, North Korea vowed for an ominous "Christmas gift" if the US does not come up with concessions by the end of 2019.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the US ambassador, Kelly Craft, said that North Korea was indicating of carrying out intercontinental ballistic missiles test which is designed to attack the US with nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

"Missile and nuclear testing will not bring the DPRK greater security," Craft said, referring to North Korea by its official name.&nbsp;

"We trust that the DPRK will turn away from further hostility and threats, and instead make a bold decision to engage with us," Craft said.

Craft added that if Pyongyang acted otherwise "we, this Security Council, must all be prepared to act accordingly."

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A day after the United States warned North Korea of consequences of a spectacular weapons test, Pyongyang said it is ready to respond to Washington's any "corresponding measure".

A day after the United States warned North Korea of consequences of a spectacular weapons test, Pyongyang said it is ready to respond to Washington's any "corresponding measure". "The United States said about corresponding measure at the meeting, as we have said we have nothing to lose and we are ready to respond to any corresponding measure that the US choooses," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said citing a foreign ministry spokesperson. Earlier, North Korea vowed for an ominous "Christmas gift" if the US does not come up with concessions by the end of 2019. On Wednesday, the US ambassador, Kelly Craft, said that North Korea was indicating of carrying out intercontinental ballistic missiles test which is designed to attack the US with nuclear weapons. "Missile and nuclear testing will not bring the DPRK greater security," Craft said, referring to North Korea by its official name. "We trust that the DPRK will turn away from further hostility and threats, and instead make a bold decision to engage with us," Craft said. Craft added that if Pyongyang acted otherwise "we, this Security Council, must all be prepared to act accordingly." (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

We are ready to respond to any corresponding measure that US chooses: North Korea

China and the United States are in close communication on trade, its commerce ministry said on Thursday, declining to comment on possible retaliatory steps if Washington imposes more tariffs on Chinese goods this weekend.

The United States is due to impose tariffs on almost $160 billion of Chinese imports such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nintendo-to-officially-launch-its-switch-gaming-console-in-china-266103">video game consoles</a>, computer monitors and toys on Sunday.

US&nbsp;President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-criticism-trump-signs-order-targeting-anti-semitism-at-universities-267765"> Donald Trump</a> is expected to meet top trade advisers on Thursday to discuss the move, sources told Reuters previously.

A decision to proceed with the levies could roil financial markets and scuttle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-talks-free-trade-must-not-be-derailed-198923">US-China talks</a> to end the 17-month-long trade war between the world's two largest economies.

"The two sides' economic and trade teams are maintaining close communication," Gao Feng, a spokesman at the Chinese commerce ministry, told reporters at a regular briefing.

The countries agreed in October to conclude a preliminary trade agreement, but talks have failed to produce deals on agricultural purchases by China and rollbacks of existing tariffs imposed by the United States. Many analysts had expected a deal ahead of December&nbsp;15.

Beijing has said it would retaliate if the United States escalates the trade dispute.

In August, China said it would impose 5 per cent&nbsp;and 10&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in additional tariffs on $75 billion of US&nbsp;goods in two batches. Tariffs on the first batch kicked in on September&nbsp;1, hitting US&nbsp;goods including soybeans, pork, beef, chemicals, and crude oil.

The tariffs on the second batch of products are due to be activated on December&nbsp;15, affecting goods ranging from corn and wheat to small aircraft and rare earth magnets.

China also said at the time that it will reinstitute on December&nbsp;15 an additional 25&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;tariff on US-made vehicles and 5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;tariffs on auto parts that had been suspended at the beginning of 2019.

China and the United States are in close communication on trade, its commerce ministry said on Thursday, declining to comment on possible retaliatory steps if Washington imposes more tariffs on Chinese goods this weekend.

China and the United States are in close communication on trade, its commerce ministry said on Thursday, declining to comment on possible retaliatory steps if Washington imposes more tariffs on Chinese goods this weekend. The United States is due to impose tariffs on almost $160 billion of Chinese imports such as video game consoles, computer monitors and toys on Sunday. US President Donald Trump is expected to meet top trade advisers on Thursday to discuss the move, sources told Reuters previously. A decision to proceed with the levies could roil financial markets and scuttle US-China talks to end the 17-month-long trade war between the world's two largest economies. "The two sides' economic and trade teams are maintaining close communication," Gao Feng, a spokesman at the Chinese commerce ministry, told reporters at a regular briefing. The countries agreed in October to conclude a preliminary trade agreement, but talks have failed to produce deals on agricultural purchases by China and rollbacks of existing tariffs imposed by the United States. Many analysts had expected a deal ahead of December 15. Beijing has said it would retaliate if the United States escalates the trade dispute. In August, China said it would impose 5 per cent and 10 per cent in additional tariffs on $75 billion of US goods in two batches. Tariffs on the first batch kicked in on September 1, hitting US goods including soybeans, pork, beef, chemicals, and crude oil. The tariffs on the second batch of products are due to be activated on December 15, affecting goods ranging from corn and wheat to small aircraft and rare earth magnets. China also said at the time that it will reinstitute on December 15 an additional 25 per cent tariff on US-made vehicles and 5 per cent tariffs on auto parts that had been suspended at the beginning of 2019.

China says in close communication with US on trade as fresh tariffs loom

Six people, including one policemen and two suspects, were killed in an hours-long <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-base-shooting-probe-trump-saudi-crown-prince-vow-to-cooperate-267259">shootout </a>near a cemetery and a grocery store in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

"Our officers were under fire for hours," Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly told reporters after the incident. Kelly also said that it is not immediately clear whether the act was a hate crime or terror-related.&nbsp;

The police chief said that the two suspects acted alone.&nbsp;

Kelly said that the shootout began during the noon at the cemetery and ended in the JC Kosher Supermarket.

The two suspected gunmen and three civilian victims were killed inside the supermarket and the slain police detective was found fatally wounded near the cemetery about a mile away from where the shooting apparently began as he tried to intercept one of the gunmen, the police chief said.&nbsp;

Kelly said that as per the investigation, the U-Haul vehicle might contain an "incendiary device," adding that the device is removed and under examination by the bomb squad.&nbsp;

Two more cops got injured in the shooting spree but were later released from the hospital after getting recovered.&nbsp;

New York Mayor Steven Fulop said that the police officer&nbsp;killed in the shootout was identified as Joe Seals, a married father of five children.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump, in a tweet, described the shootout "horrific" and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.&nbsp;

"Just received a briefing on the horrific shootout that took place in Jersey City, NJ. Our thoughts &amp; prayers are w/ the victims &amp; their families during this very difficult &amp; tragic time.

"We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local &amp; state officials on the ground," Trump wrote.

Immediately post the incident, all schools in Jersey city were placed on lockdown, which was later lifted in the afternoon, as per reports from local media and the mayor.&nbsp;

"I heard fighting outside, then 'Boom! Boom! Boom!'" a food store worker two blocks from the shooting said, reported the New York Daily News.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Six people, including one policemen and two suspects, were killed in an hours-long shootout near a cemetery and a grocery store in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon.

Six people, including one policemen and two suspects, were killed in an hours-long shootout near a cemetery and a grocery store in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon. "Our officers were under fire for hours," Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly told reporters after the incident. Kelly also said that it is not immediately clear whether the act was a hate crime or terror-related. The police chief said that the two suspects acted alone. Kelly said that the shootout began during the noon at the cemetery and ended in the JC Kosher Supermarket. The two suspected gunmen and three civilian victims were killed inside the supermarket and the slain police detective was found fatally wounded near the cemetery about a mile away from where the shooting apparently began as he tried to intercept one of the gunmen, the police chief said. Kelly said that as per the investigation, the U-Haul vehicle might contain an "incendiary device," adding that the device is removed and under examination by the bomb squad. Two more cops got injured in the shooting spree but were later released from the hospital after getting recovered. New York Mayor Steven Fulop said that the police officer killed in the shootout was identified as Joe Seals, a married father of five children. US President Donald Trump, in a tweet, described the shootout "horrific" and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. "Just received a briefing on the horrific shootout that took place in Jersey City, NJ. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & their families during this very difficult & tragic time. "We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local & state officials on the ground," Trump wrote. Immediately post the incident, all schools in Jersey city were placed on lockdown, which was later lifted in the afternoon, as per reports from local media and the mayor. "I heard fighting outside, then 'Boom! Boom! Boom!'" a food store worker two blocks from the shooting said, reported the New York Daily News. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

US shooting: Six killed, including one policeman in New Jersey

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-democrats-introduce-two-articles-of-impeachment-against-president-trump-267510">Donald Trump </a>warned Russia against any attempts to meddle next year's presidential election, the White House said on Tuesday, but Russia's foreign minister denied any such issue arriving at the meet in Washington.&nbsp;

"President Trump warned against any Russian attempts to interfere in United States elections," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement after the US president's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

Immediately after the meeting, Lavrov told reporters that he is not aware of the communication by the White House, and said: "We haven't even actually discussed elections."

US intelligence discovered that Russia, among other means, manipulated social media to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favour.&nbsp;

Trump has denounced such claims in the past and is stressing on an alternative theory of Ukraine meddling in the 2016 election, an accusation outrightly rejected by US Intelligence.&nbsp;

Lavrov also said that Russia wanted to publish US-Russian communications that he said cleared Russia of allegations it meddles 2016 election, but the US had blocked the release.&nbsp;

In the bilateral meeting, the Russian foreign minister also stressed on Moscow's offer of extending US-Russia START treaty, however, Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, emphasized on a strategic dialogue involving China.

The meeting came on the day when the Democrats declared two impeachment charges against the US president, accusing him of abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his democratic rival and obstructing the subsequent Congress investigation. &nbsp;

Pompeo said that the Trump administration will always work for maintaining the integrity of the US elections.&nbsp;

"Should Russia or any foreign actor take steps to undermine our democratic processes, we will take action in response," Pompeo added.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

The US President Donald Trump warned Russia against any attempts to meddle next year's presidential election, the White House said on Tuesday, but Russia's foreign minister denied any such issue arriving at the meet in Washington.

The US President Donald Trump warned Russia against any attempts to meddle next year's presidential election, the White House said on Tuesday, but Russia's foreign minister denied any such issue arriving at the meet in Washington. "President Trump warned against any Russian attempts to interfere in United States elections," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement after the US president's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Immediately after the meeting, Lavrov told reporters that he is not aware of the communication by the White House, and said: "We haven't even actually discussed elections." US intelligence discovered that Russia, among other means, manipulated social media to sway the 2016 election in Trump's favour. Trump has denounced such claims in the past and is stressing on an alternative theory of Ukraine meddling in the 2016 election, an accusation outrightly rejected by US Intelligence. Lavrov also said that Russia wanted to publish US-Russian communications that he said cleared Russia of allegations it meddles 2016 election, but the US had blocked the release. In the bilateral meeting, the Russian foreign minister also stressed on Moscow's offer of extending US-Russia START treaty, however, Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, emphasized on a strategic dialogue involving China. The meeting came on the day when the Democrats declared two impeachment charges against the US president, accusing him of abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his democratic rival and obstructing the subsequent Congress investigation. Pompeo said that the Trump administration will always work for maintaining the integrity of the US elections. "Should Russia or any foreign actor take steps to undermine our democratic processes, we will take action in response," Pompeo added. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Donald Trump warns Russia not to meddle in US election 2020

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-world-bank-to-stop-loaning-to-china-266779">World Bank </a>said Saturday its lending to China has fallen sharply and will continue to be pared back, after US President Donald Trump demanded it stop altogether.

"Why is the World Bank loaning money to China? Can this be possible? China has plenty of money, and if they don't, they create it. STOP!" Trump wrote on Twitter Friday.

The bank, which is led by former US Treasury official David Malpass, defended its approach in a brief statement.

"World Bank lending to China has fallen sharply and will continue to reduce as part of our agreement with all our shareholders including the United States.

"We eliminate lending as countries get richer," it said.

Trump was reiterating a position long held by his administration, including Malpass prior to his election as the current head of the World Bank.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told US lawmakers Thursday that the United States "has objected" to the institution's multi-year program of loans and projects in China.

That program, which includes plans to reduce lending to China, was adopted on Thursday.

The program "reflects the evolution of our relationship with China," Martin Raiser, World Bank Country Director for China, said on Thursday. "Our engagement will be increasingly selective."

Trump's very public stance comes amid negotiations between Washington and Beijing seeking to end the US president's 18-month-long trade war, which is aimed at forcing China to make concessions on protecting American businesses and reducing its trade surplus.

There is a great deal of uncertainty about the date of a possible partial agreement, which Trump said was imminent in October. 
&nbsp;

The World Bank said Saturday its lending to China has fallen sharply and will continue to be pared back, after US President Donald Trump demanded it stop altogether.

The World Bank said Saturday its lending to China has fallen sharply and will continue to be pared back, after US President Donald Trump demanded it stop altogether. "Why is the World Bank loaning money to China? Can this be possible? China has plenty of money, and if they don't, they create it. STOP!" Trump wrote on Twitter Friday. The bank, which is led by former US Treasury official David Malpass, defended its approach in a brief statement. "World Bank lending to China has fallen sharply and will continue to reduce as part of our agreement with all our shareholders including the United States. "We eliminate lending as countries get richer," it said. Trump was reiterating a position long held by his administration, including Malpass prior to his election as the current head of the World Bank. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told US lawmakers Thursday that the United States "has objected" to the institution's multi-year program of loans and projects in China. That program, which includes plans to reduce lending to China, was adopted on Thursday. The program "reflects the evolution of our relationship with China," Martin Raiser, World Bank Country Director for China, said on Thursday. "Our engagement will be increasingly selective." Trump's very public stance comes amid negotiations between Washington and Beijing seeking to end the US president's 18-month-long trade war, which is aimed at forcing China to make concessions on protecting American businesses and reducing its trade surplus. There is a great deal of uncertainty about the date of a possible partial agreement, which Trump said was imminent in October.

World Bank to reduce lending to China

President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that North Korea's Kim Jong Un had "everything" to lose through hostility towards the United States. Trump's comment came after Pyongyang said it had carried out a major new weapons test.

"Kim Jong Un is too smart and has far too much to lose, everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way," Trump tweeted in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-very-significant-test-as-nuclear-talks-with-the-us-remain-deadlocked-266878">unspecified test </a>at the Sohae space launch center.

The announcement of Saturday's test&nbsp;came just hours after Trump said he would be "surprised" by any hostile action from the North, emphasizing his "very good relationship" with Kim.

Trump and Kim engaged in months of mutual insults and threats of devastation in 2017, sending tensions soaring before a diplomatic rapprochement the following year.

The pair have met three times since June 2018 but with little progress towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denuclearisation-off-negotiating-table-with-us-north-koreas-un-envoy-266892">denuclearisation</a>. Pyongyang has set Washington a December&nbsp;31 deadline to make new concessions to kickstart stalled talks.

"North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, has tremendous economic potential, but it must denuclearise as promised," Trump tweeted. "NATO, China, Russia, Japan, and the entire world is unified on this issue!"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kim Jong Un is too smart and has far too much to lose, everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way. He signed a strong Denuclearization Agreement with me in Singapore. He does not want to void his special relationship with the President of the United States or interfere.... <a href="https://t.co/THfOjfB2uE">https://t.co/THfOjfB2uE</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1203695081376690177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Writing that Kim had "signed a strong Denuclearisation Agreement" at their June 2018 summit in Singapore," Trump warned: "He does not want to void his special relationship with the President of the United States or interfere with the US&nbsp;Presidential Election in November."

A spokesman for North Korea's Academy of the National Defense Science said Saturday's "very important test" would have an "important effect" on changing the "strategic position" of North Korea, in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

The statement did not provide further details on the test.

A senior US administration official earlier said Washington had seen reports of a test and was "coordinating closely with allies and partners."

Trump indicated that military action was still possible when he was asked about Pyongyang on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Britain this week.

North Korea fired back that if the United States used military force it would take "prompt corresponding actions at any level."

UN diplomats fear that North Korea will resume long-range nuclear or ballistic tests if no progress is made soon in talks with the United States.

Sohae, on North Korea's northwest coast, is ostensibly a facility designed for putting satellites into orbit.

But Pyongyang has carried out several rocket launches there that were condemned by the US and others as disguised long-range ballistic missile tests.

Following the Singapore summit, Trump said Kim had agreed to destroy "a major missile engine testing site" without naming the facility.

Kim then agreed to shutter the Sohae site during a summit last year with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang as part of trust-building measures.

President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that North Korea's Kim Jong Un had "everything" to lose through hostility towards the United States. Trump's comment came after Pyongyang said it had carried out a major new weapons test.

President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that North Korea's Kim Jong Un had "everything" to lose through hostility towards the United States. Trump's comment came after Pyongyang said it had carried out a major new weapons test. "Kim Jong Un is too smart and has far too much to lose, everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way," Trump tweeted in response to the unspecified test at the Sohae space launch center. The announcement of Saturday's test came just hours after Trump said he would be "surprised" by any hostile action from the North, emphasizing his "very good relationship" with Kim. Trump and Kim engaged in months of mutual insults and threats of devastation in 2017, sending tensions soaring before a diplomatic rapprochement the following year. The pair have met three times since June 2018 but with little progress towards denuclearisation. Pyongyang has set Washington a December 31 deadline to make new concessions to kickstart stalled talks. "North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, has tremendous economic potential, but it must denuclearise as promised," Trump tweeted. "NATO, China, Russia, Japan, and the entire world is unified on this issue!" Kim Jong Un is too smart and has far too much to lose, everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way. He signed a strong Denuclearization Agreement with me in Singapore. He does not want to void his special relationship with the President of the United States or interfere.... https://t.co/THfOjfB2uE — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2019 × Writing that Kim had "signed a strong Denuclearisation Agreement" at their June 2018 summit in Singapore," Trump warned: "He does not want to void his special relationship with the President of the United States or interfere with the US Presidential Election in November." A spokesman for North Korea's Academy of the National Defense Science said Saturday's "very important test" would have an "important effect" on changing the "strategic position" of North Korea, in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. The statement did not provide further details on the test. A senior US administration official earlier said Washington had seen reports of a test and was "coordinating closely with allies and partners." Trump indicated that military action was still possible when he was asked about Pyongyang on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Britain this week. North Korea fired back that if the United States used military force it would take "prompt corresponding actions at any level." UN diplomats fear that North Korea will resume long-range nuclear or ballistic tests if no progress is made soon in talks with the United States. Sohae, on North Korea's northwest coast, is ostensibly a facility designed for putting satellites into orbit. But Pyongyang has carried out several rocket launches there that were condemned by the US and others as disguised long-range ballistic missile tests. Following the Singapore summit, Trump said Kim had agreed to destroy "a major missile engine testing site" without naming the facility. Kim then agreed to shutter the Sohae site during a summit last year with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang as part of trust-building measures.

Kim Jong Un has everything to 'lose': Donald Trump after North Korea's 'significant' test

With support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-democrats-back-on-2020-campaign-trail-after-debate-attacks-on-warren-256253">Elizabeth Warren's </a>White House bid sliding since the release last month of a divisive plan to overhaul healthcare, the Democratic presidential contender has made an effort to refocus her campaign in early-voting Iowa on her signature anti-corruption message.

Some supporters worry that shift could end up hurting the Massachusetts senator, however. Now that Warren has put her $20.5-trillion Medicare For All plan on the table, they want the candidate to try harder to win over doubting voters.

"I don't think she should brush it under the rug," retired teacher and Warren backer Karla Thompson, 60, said at a town hall in Marion, where her wife told the candidate she was worried about the plan. "That's what will make or break her."

For the moment, Warren appears to be treading carefully on the issue.

While she said little about Medicare for All while campaigning in Iowa last week, her campaign there has been mobilizing outside experts to hold town halls and educational house parties to convert skeptics, making an aggressive outreach in the crucial state that will kick off the nominating contests.

In three Iowa town halls, Warren mentioned Medicare for All only after asked or fleetingly at the end of her stump speeches. Her campaign, however, planned to host at least eight healthcare-specific events in the state over the following week, along with general policy discussions and trainings for the Feb. 3 caucuses.

The outreach reflects how the controversy around her proposal has become a central issue for Warren - even though she never set out to have it define her White House bid.

For months, Warren has been running on a populist message of fighting Washington corruption and Wall Street greed. But her promise to expand government health insurance coverage without raising middle-class taxes is what has drawn the most attacks from rivals who say it is unrealistic and from some voters concerned it is too extreme.

Warren's momentum has stalled in the month since she announced how she would finance and implement the system, a policy previously tied most closely to US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is also in the race.

A Nov. 6-13 CBS News/YouGov poll put Warren in fourth place in Iowa, trailing Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. The same poll in mid-October had her tied for first with Biden.

Iowa state Senator Clair Celsi, who endorsed Warren, has suggested the campaign produce explanatory videos to persuade people leery of the proposal, just as she used to be.

"I think the people who are most critical of Medicare for All don't even know what it is," Celsi said.

The campaign would not comment on its efforts, but it has dispatched Iowa state policy director Spencer Dixon to educate voters, held deep-dive policy sessions and tapped local physicians to hold forth at house parties.

"I've got a lot of plans, and I'm glad to have a chance to talk about them," Warren told reporters at an event last week at the University of Iowa, where she did not mention Medicare for All when asked how she would ensure quality healthcare for all women.

Gail Krupa, 75, said that was a missed opportunity. Krupa plans to caucus for Warren but fears not making an overt case for Medicare for All could hurt her chances.

"This would be a great place to go into the details," Krupa said of the university town. "I don't want her to lose votes over it."

With support for Elizabeth Warren's White House bid sliding since the release last month of a divisive plan to overhaul healthcare, the Democratic presidential contender has made an effort to refocus her campaign in early-voting Iowa on her signature anti-corruption message.

With support for Elizabeth Warren's White House bid sliding since the release last month of a divisive plan to overhaul healthcare, the Democratic presidential contender has made an effort to refocus her campaign in early-voting Iowa on her signature anti-corruption message. Some supporters worry that shift could end up hurting the Massachusetts senator, however. Now that Warren has put her $20.5-trillion Medicare For All plan on the table, they want the candidate to try harder to win over doubting voters. "I don't think she should brush it under the rug," retired teacher and Warren backer Karla Thompson, 60, said at a town hall in Marion, where her wife told the candidate she was worried about the plan. "That's what will make or break her." For the moment, Warren appears to be treading carefully on the issue. While she said little about Medicare for All while campaigning in Iowa last week, her campaign there has been mobilizing outside experts to hold town halls and educational house parties to convert skeptics, making an aggressive outreach in the crucial state that will kick off the nominating contests. In three Iowa town halls, Warren mentioned Medicare for All only after asked or fleetingly at the end of her stump speeches. Her campaign, however, planned to host at least eight healthcare-specific events in the state over the following week, along with general policy discussions and trainings for the Feb. 3 caucuses. The outreach reflects how the controversy around her proposal has become a central issue for Warren - even though she never set out to have it define her White House bid. For months, Warren has been running on a populist message of fighting Washington corruption and Wall Street greed. But her promise to expand government health insurance coverage without raising middle-class taxes is what has drawn the most attacks from rivals who say it is unrealistic and from some voters concerned it is too extreme. Warren's momentum has stalled in the month since she announced how she would finance and implement the system, a policy previously tied most closely to US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is also in the race. A Nov. 6-13 CBS News/YouGov poll put Warren in fourth place in Iowa, trailing Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. The same poll in mid-October had her tied for first with Biden. Iowa state Senator Clair Celsi, who endorsed Warren, has suggested the campaign produce explanatory videos to persuade people leery of the proposal, just as she used to be. "I think the people who are most critical of Medicare for All don't even know what it is," Celsi said. The campaign would not comment on its efforts, but it has dispatched Iowa state policy director Spencer Dixon to educate voters, held deep-dive policy sessions and tapped local physicians to hold forth at house parties. "I've got a lot of plans, and I'm glad to have a chance to talk about them," Warren told reporters at an event last week at the University of Iowa, where she did not mention Medicare for All when asked how she would ensure quality healthcare for all women. Gail Krupa, 75, said that was a missed opportunity. Krupa plans to caucus for Warren but fears not making an overt case for Medicare for All could hurt her chances. "This would be a great place to go into the details," Krupa said of the university town. "I don't want her to lose votes over it."

As poll numbers slide, Elizabeth Warren wrestles with Medicare for All dilemma

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations said on Saturday that denuclearisation talks with the United States are off the "negotiating table" and lengthy talks with Washington are not required.

"We do not need to have lengthy talks with the US now and denuclearisation is already gone out of the negotiating table," ambassador Kim Song said in a statement, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Song added that United State's "sustained and substantial dialogue" was a "time-saving trick" in order to fulfil its domestic political agenda.&nbsp;

The North Korean ambassador's comments reflect Pyongyang's earlier warning that discussions on its nuclear weapons program might end as Washington is&nbsp;refusing&nbsp;to offer concessions.&nbsp;

Tensions between the US and North Korea, rose after Pyongyang gave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-test-fires-rockets-in-thanksgiving-reminder-of-year-end-deadline-for-us-265157">Washington a year-end deadline </a>to change its policy of demanding unilateral denuclearisation and asked for relief from punishing sanctions.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also warned that he could take an unspecified "next path" next year, which raised fears of the development of a nuclear bomb and long-range missile testing suspended since 2017.&nbsp;

On Friday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-south-koreas-moon-discuss-trying-to-maintain-talks-with-north-korea-266769">US President Donald Trump </a>held a half-hour phone discussion with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in on ways to maintain diplomacy with North Korea, South Korea said. it said that both leaders agreed that the situation has become "severe" and that "dialogue momentum should be maintained to achieve prompt results from denuclearisation negotiations."

Earlier, Trump and Kim Jong Un have met three times since June 2018, but little progress has been made so far. Recently, both nations again started making inflamed statements against each other, which halted two years ago.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Trump once again called Kim Jong Un <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-dangerous-challenge-if-trump-calls-kim-rocket-man-again-north-korea-266482">"Rocket man"</a>, adding that Washington has the right to use military force against Pyongyang. Responding to Trump's statements, North Korea said that repeat of such language would mean "the relapse of the dotage of a dotard."

North Korea, earlier used to describe Trump as a "dotard".&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations said on Saturday that denuclearisation talks with the United States are off the "negotiating table" and lengthy talks with Washington are not required.

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations said on Saturday that denuclearisation talks with the United States are off the "negotiating table" and lengthy talks with Washington are not required. "We do not need to have lengthy talks with the US now and denuclearisation is already gone out of the negotiating table," ambassador Kim Song said in a statement, reported Reuters. Song added that United State's "sustained and substantial dialogue" was a "time-saving trick" in order to fulfil its domestic political agenda. The North Korean ambassador's comments reflect Pyongyang's earlier warning that discussions on its nuclear weapons program might end as Washington is refusing to offer concessions. Tensions between the US and North Korea, rose after Pyongyang gave Washington a year-end deadline to change its policy of demanding unilateral denuclearisation and asked for relief from punishing sanctions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also warned that he could take an unspecified "next path" next year, which raised fears of the development of a nuclear bomb and long-range missile testing suspended since 2017. On Friday, the US President Donald Trump held a half-hour phone discussion with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in on ways to maintain diplomacy with North Korea, South Korea said. it said that both leaders agreed that the situation has become "severe" and that "dialogue momentum should be maintained to achieve prompt results from denuclearisation negotiations." Earlier, Trump and Kim Jong Un have met three times since June 2018, but little progress has been made so far. Recently, both nations again started making inflamed statements against each other, which halted two years ago. On Tuesday, Trump once again called Kim Jong Un "Rocket man", adding that Washington has the right to use military force against Pyongyang. Responding to Trump's statements, North Korea said that repeat of such language would mean "the relapse of the dotage of a dotard." North Korea, earlier used to describe Trump as a "dotard". (With inputs from Reuters)

Talks with US on denuclearisation off 'negotiating table': North Korean envoy

Democrats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives will spend the weekend on Capitol Hill preparing for what could be the final week of their months-old impeachment inquiry that has imperiled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-win-impeachment-fight-us-president-donald-trump-266504">Donald Trump's presidency</a>.

The House Judiciary Committee's Democratic lawmakers are due to meet on Saturday and Sunday behind closed doors to sift through evidence against the Republican president and draft formal charges, known as articles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-abused-power-us-house-to-draft-impeachment-charges-against-him-nancy-pelosi-266490">impeachment</a>, that the panel could recommend for a full House vote as early as Thursday.

On Friday, the White House told committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler it would not take part in the panel's hearings and condemned the inquiry as "completely baseless."

Nadler expressed disappointment in a statement: "The American people deserve answers from President Trump."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directed the committee to draw up the charges on Thursday after weeks of investigation into Trump's request that Ukraine investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face the president in the 2020 US&nbsp;election.

Passage of formal charges in the Democratic-led House, now seen as all but certain, would lead to a trial in the Senate on whether to remove Trump from office. The Republicans who control the Senate have shown little sign of supporting Trump's removal.

While Trump has refused to cooperate with the House probe, he has made clear his lawyers will mount a defense in a Senate trial, where he believes he will prevail.

The Judiciary Committee is focused on two possible articles of impeachment that would accuse the president of abuse of power in his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress for refusing to cooperate with investigating committees.

Democrats also need to settle the question of whether to draft a third article alleging obstruction of justice based on former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on the federal investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

"That's something that we'll decide this weekend," Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell told reporters on Friday.

The probe has focused on a July 25 telephone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter, and into a discredited theory promoted by Trump and his allies that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 election.

Hunter Biden joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was vice president. Trump has accused the Bidens of corruption. They have denied wrongdoing and the allegations have not been substantiated.

Democrats also have accused Trump of abusing his power by withholding $391 million in security aid to Ukraine - a vulnerable US&nbsp;ally facing Russian aggression - and holding back a coveted White House meeting with Zelenskiy as leverage to pressure Kiev into investigating the Bidens.

The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday. Republicans have also called for a full day of proceedings to examine their own evidence, including a 110-page report saying the inquiry had found no evidence of an impeachable offense.

They have presented their own list of requested witnesses, including Hunter Biden and the anonymous whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry. Nadler is considered unlikely to call them to testify.

Trump is the fourth US&nbsp;president to face impeachment proceedings. None were removed from office, although Richard Nixon resigned as he faced almost certain impeachment in 1974 over the Watergate scandal. 
&nbsp;

Democrats in the US House of Representatives will spend the weekend on Capitol Hill preparing for what could be the final week of their months-old impeachment inquiry that has imperiled Donald Trump's presidency.

Democrats in the US House of Representatives will spend the weekend on Capitol Hill preparing for what could be the final week of their months-old impeachment inquiry that has imperiled Donald Trump's presidency. The House Judiciary Committee's Democratic lawmakers are due to meet on Saturday and Sunday behind closed doors to sift through evidence against the Republican president and draft formal charges, known as articles of impeachment, that the panel could recommend for a full House vote as early as Thursday. On Friday, the White House told committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler it would not take part in the panel's hearings and condemned the inquiry as "completely baseless." Nadler expressed disappointment in a statement: "The American people deserve answers from President Trump." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directed the committee to draw up the charges on Thursday after weeks of investigation into Trump's request that Ukraine investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face the president in the 2020 US election. Passage of formal charges in the Democratic-led House, now seen as all but certain, would lead to a trial in the Senate on whether to remove Trump from office. The Republicans who control the Senate have shown little sign of supporting Trump's removal. While Trump has refused to cooperate with the House probe, he has made clear his lawyers will mount a defense in a Senate trial, where he believes he will prevail. The Judiciary Committee is focused on two possible articles of impeachment that would accuse the president of abuse of power in his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress for refusing to cooperate with investigating committees. Democrats also need to settle the question of whether to draft a third article alleging obstruction of justice based on former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on the federal investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. "That's something that we'll decide this weekend," Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell told reporters on Friday. The probe has focused on a July 25 telephone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to open an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter, and into a discredited theory promoted by Trump and his allies that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 election. Hunter Biden joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was vice president. Trump has accused the Bidens of corruption. They have denied wrongdoing and the allegations have not been substantiated. Democrats also have accused Trump of abusing his power by withholding $391 million in security aid to Ukraine - a vulnerable US ally facing Russian aggression - and holding back a coveted White House meeting with Zelenskiy as leverage to pressure Kiev into investigating the Bidens. The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday. Republicans have also called for a full day of proceedings to examine their own evidence, including a 110-page report saying the inquiry had found no evidence of an impeachable offense. They have presented their own list of requested witnesses, including Hunter Biden and the anonymous whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry. Nadler is considered unlikely to call them to testify. Trump is the fourth US president to face impeachment proceedings. None were removed from office, although Richard Nixon resigned as he faced almost certain impeachment in 1974 over the Watergate scandal.

Democrats to spend weekend drafting impeachment charges against Donald Trump

China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi told US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call on Saturday that the United States should stop interfering in China's internal affairs, according to a report by state TV.

Citing the passing of the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, Yang said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-media-blasts-us-for-uighur-bill-calls-for-action-266285">United States </a>had seriously violated international relations, and urged Washington to "correct its mistakes" and "immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs".

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday requiring a stronger response to Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority.

UN&nbsp;experts and activists say China has detained possibly one million Uighurs in mass detention camps in Xinjiang, a region in China's far west.

China says the camps are part of an anti-terror crackdown and are providing vocational training. It denies any mistreatment of Uighurs.

The Uighur Act followed US&nbsp;legislation recently signed into law by President Donald Trump aimed at protecting human rights in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slaps-sanctions-on-united-states-for-passing-hong-kong-rights-bill-265730">Hong Kong </a>amid a crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

What started as demonstrations against a now-withdrawn bill allowing extradition from Hong Kong to mainland China has morphed into calls for greater democratic freedoms and nearly six months of sometimes violent protests in Hong Kong. Beijing has condemned the unrest and blamed foreign interference.

Yang said US&nbsp;officials have repeatedly made statements that distorted and attacked China's political system and domestic and foreign policies, and interfered in China's internal affairs.

"China expresses its firm opposition and strongly condemns this," said Yang, according to the report.

 
&nbsp;

China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call on Saturday that the United States should stop interfering in China's internal affairs, according to a report by state TV.

China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call on Saturday that the United States should stop interfering in China's internal affairs, according to a report by state TV. Citing the passing of the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, Yang said the United States had seriously violated international relations, and urged Washington to "correct its mistakes" and "immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs". The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday requiring a stronger response to Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority. UN experts and activists say China has detained possibly one million Uighurs in mass detention camps in Xinjiang, a region in China's far west. China says the camps are part of an anti-terror crackdown and are providing vocational training. It denies any mistreatment of Uighurs. The Uighur Act followed US legislation recently signed into law by President Donald Trump aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong amid a crackdown on pro-democracy protests. What started as demonstrations against a now-withdrawn bill allowing extradition from Hong Kong to mainland China has morphed into calls for greater democratic freedoms and nearly six months of sometimes violent protests in Hong Kong. Beijing has condemned the unrest and blamed foreign interference. Yang said US officials have repeatedly made statements that distorted and attacked China's political system and domestic and foreign policies, and interfered in China's internal affairs. "China expresses its firm opposition and strongly condemns this," said Yang, according to the report.

US must stop interfering in our internal affairs: China's top diplomat tells Pompeo

An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of heightened tensions.

Tehran announced the release of Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States shortly before Washington declared American researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home.

"Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

"Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government," which has looked after US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic ties, Zarif said.

In a statement issued in Washington, US President Donald Trump said that "after more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States".

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was "pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this matter" while also thanking Switzerland for its role.

A statement on the Iranian judiciary's Mizan Online website said Wang had been "freed on Islamic clemency" and handed over to Swiss officials in order to be returned to America.

Wang, a Chinese-born American, was serving 10 years on espionage charges in Iran.

A doctoral candidate in history at Princeton University, he had been researching Iran's Qajar dynasty when he was imprisoned in August 2016.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said Soleimani had been "freed moments ago after one year of illegal detention and was handed over to Iranian officials in Switzerland".

Soleimani, a professor and senior stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested on arrival at Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones, according to Iranian media.

"Going home," Zarif said in another tweet.

The Twitter post featured photos of the foreign minister alongside Soleimani outside and inside a plane bearing an Iranian flag. It was unclear when the picture was taken.

Spying allegations&nbsp;

The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic ties since 1980.

Relations between the two foes worsened in May 2018 when Trump withdrew the US from an international accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Iran retaliated one year later by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear pact.

The arch-enemies came to the brink of a military confrontation in June this year when Iran downed a US drone and Trump ordered retaliatory strikes before cancelling them at the last minute.

Iran has over the years arrested several foreign nationals most often on accusations of spying.

They include former US soldier Michael R. White, British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, French academic Roland Marchal and Australian university lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert.

Two other Australians, travel bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin, were released in October by Iran, in another apparent prisoner swap for Iranian student Reza Dehbashi, who had been wanted in the United States.

In September, an Iranian woman sentenced in the United States for violating Washington's sanctions against Tehran was released and returned home.

Negar Ghodskani was arrested in Australia in 2017 and later extradited to the United States, which said she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions.

Pregnant at the time of her arrest, she was sentenced to 27 months but released after already serving time in custody.

An unknown number of Iranians are detained abroad.

An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of heightened tensions.

An Iranian held in the US and an American held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said Saturday, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of heightened tensions. Tehran announced the release of Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States shortly before Washington declared American researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home. "Glad that Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr. Xiyue Wang will be joining their families shortly," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss government," which has looked after US interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic ties, Zarif said. In a statement issued in Washington, US President Donald Trump said that "after more than three years of being held prisoner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United States". Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was "pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this matter" while also thanking Switzerland for its role. A statement on the Iranian judiciary's Mizan Online website said Wang had been "freed on Islamic clemency" and handed over to Swiss officials in order to be returned to America. Wang, a Chinese-born American, was serving 10 years on espionage charges in Iran. A doctoral candidate in history at Princeton University, he had been researching Iran's Qajar dynasty when he was imprisoned in August 2016. Iran's state news agency IRNA said Soleimani had been "freed moments ago after one year of illegal detention and was handed over to Iranian officials in Switzerland". Soleimani, a professor and senior stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested on arrival at Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones, according to Iranian media. "Going home," Zarif said in another tweet. The Twitter post featured photos of the foreign minister alongside Soleimani outside and inside a plane bearing an Iranian flag. It was unclear when the picture was taken. Spying allegations The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic ties since 1980. Relations between the two foes worsened in May 2018 when Trump withdrew the US from an international accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Iran retaliated one year later by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear pact. The arch-enemies came to the brink of a military confrontation in June this year when Iran downed a US drone and Trump ordered retaliatory strikes before cancelling them at the last minute. Iran has over the years arrested several foreign nationals most often on accusations of spying. They include former US soldier Michael R. White, British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, French academic Roland Marchal and Australian university lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Two other Australians, travel bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin, were released in October by Iran, in another apparent prisoner swap for Iranian student Reza Dehbashi, who had been wanted in the United States. In September, an Iranian woman sentenced in the United States for violating Washington's sanctions against Tehran was released and returned home. Negar Ghodskani was arrested in Australia in 2017 and later extradited to the United States, which said she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions. Pregnant at the time of her arrest, she was sentenced to 27 months but released after already serving time in custody. An unknown number of Iranians are detained abroad.

Iranian and American freed in apparent prisoner swap

Global equities mostly retreated Tuesday after US President Donald Trump warned there was no deadline for doing a trade deal with China.

The announcement added to trade uncertainty already stoked by the United States reimposing tariffs on Argentina and Brazil, threatening France with steep levies -- and warning China of possible new measures if ongoing talks fall through.

Trump, in Britain for a NATO summit, warned that efforts to resolve a trade dispute could wait until after next November's US election.

"I have no deadline," Trump told reporters upon his arrival.

"In some ways I like the idea of waiting until after the election for the China deal."

Trump's trade war with China and on-again-off-again attempts to reach a deal have destabilised markets and stoked geopolitical tensions.

'Another turn lower'&nbsp;

"The chances of a deal by December 15 just took another turn lower," said Markets.com analyst Neil Wilson.

"After weeks of making generally positive noises on a deal being very close, there is a real sense now that a deal is not so very near at all and markets need to reprice," Wilson added.

As recently as last week Trump boasted that he was in the "final throes" of negotiating "one of the most important deals in trade ever".

But Washington has since courted Chinese anger by expressing support for Hong Kong protesters.

Optimism that Beijing and Washington will eventually hammer out a partial agreement as part of a wider deal had supported equities for weeks, helping Wall Street to set numerous records.

Wine and cheese&nbsp;

But investor sentiment was dealt a blow on Monday when Trump said he would reinstate tariffs on steel and aluminium from Argentina and Brazil whom he accused of manipulating their currencies and hurting US farmers.

Later, officials warned they would also hit France with up to 100 per cent levies on $2.4 billion in goods, saying a French digital tax was discriminatory against US tech firms such as Google, Apple and Amazon.

Sparkling wine, yoghurt and Roquefort cheese could be affected as soon as next month, while US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warned his office was also considering similar moves against Austria, Italy, and Turkey.

On Tuesday, France vowed a "strong" response to any tariffs.

Oil prices were firmer ahead of a key meeting of OPEC and other major producers, which is expected to see them maintain output cuts into June, with speculation they could go on until the end of 2020.

Key figures around 1645 GMT&nbsp;

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 1.8 percent at 7,158.76 points (close)

Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.2 percent at 12,989.29 (close)

Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.0 percent at 5,727.22 (close)

EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,610.99

New York - Dow: DOWN 1.4 percent at 27,392.08

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.6 percent at 23,379.81 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.2 percent at 26,391.30 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 2,884.70 (close)

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1085 from $1.1078 at 2145 GMT

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3000 from $1.2939

Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.25 pence from 85.63

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.56 from 108.98 yen

Brent North Sea crude: UP 0.2 percent at $61.03 per barrel

West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.2 percent at $56.08&nbsp;

Global equities mostly retreated Tuesday after US President Donald Trump warned there was no deadline for doing a trade deal with China. The announcement added to trade uncertainty already stoked by the United States reimposing tariffs on Argentina and Brazil, threatening France with steep levies -- and warning China of possible new measures if ongoing talks fall through.

Global equities mostly retreated Tuesday after US President Donald Trump warned there was no deadline for doing a trade deal with China. The announcement added to trade uncertainty already stoked by the United States reimposing tariffs on Argentina and Brazil, threatening France with steep levies -- and warning China of possible new measures if ongoing talks fall through. Trump, in Britain for a NATO summit, warned that efforts to resolve a trade dispute could wait until after next November's US election. "I have no deadline," Trump told reporters upon his arrival. "In some ways I like the idea of waiting until after the election for the China deal." Trump's trade war with China and on-again-off-again attempts to reach a deal have destabilised markets and stoked geopolitical tensions. 'Another turn lower' "The chances of a deal by December 15 just took another turn lower," said Markets.com analyst Neil Wilson. "After weeks of making generally positive noises on a deal being very close, there is a real sense now that a deal is not so very near at all and markets need to reprice," Wilson added. As recently as last week Trump boasted that he was in the "final throes" of negotiating "one of the most important deals in trade ever". But Washington has since courted Chinese anger by expressing support for Hong Kong protesters. Optimism that Beijing and Washington will eventually hammer out a partial agreement as part of a wider deal had supported equities for weeks, helping Wall Street to set numerous records. Wine and cheese But investor sentiment was dealt a blow on Monday when Trump said he would reinstate tariffs on steel and aluminium from Argentina and Brazil whom he accused of manipulating their currencies and hurting US farmers. Later, officials warned they would also hit France with up to 100 per cent levies on $2.4 billion in goods, saying a French digital tax was discriminatory against US tech firms such as Google, Apple and Amazon. Sparkling wine, yoghurt and Roquefort cheese could be affected as soon as next month, while US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warned his office was also considering similar moves against Austria, Italy, and Turkey. On Tuesday, France vowed a "strong" response to any tariffs. Oil prices were firmer ahead of a key meeting of OPEC and other major producers, which is expected to see them maintain output cuts into June, with speculation they could go on until the end of 2020. Key figures around 1645 GMT London - FTSE 100: DOWN 1.8 percent at 7,158.76 points (close) Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.2 percent at 12,989.29 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.0 percent at 5,727.22 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,610.99 New York - Dow: DOWN 1.4 percent at 27,392.08 Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.6 percent at 23,379.81 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.2 percent at 26,391.30 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 2,884.70 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1085 from $1.1078 at 2145 GMT Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3000 from $1.2939 Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.25 pence from 85.63 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.56 from 108.98 yen Brent North Sea crude: UP 0.2 percent at $61.03 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.2 percent at $56.08

Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron gave "one of the greatest non-answers I have ever heard" at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-not-fulfilling-their-commitments-in-nato-they-will-be-dealt-with-trump-266019">joint news conference </a>on Tuesday (December 3).

In response to a question posed to Trump by a US&nbsp;journalist, the US&nbsp;president said he would pass the question of whether France should do more to take ISIS fighters captured in the Middle East on to Macron, asking the French President in a light-hearted tone if he would like "some nice ISIS fighters."

The French president gave a long answer, in which he argued that foreign fighters from European countries were a small minority among ISIS troops, and that it would be unhelpful to focus on them rather than on the broader problem.

He said the priority was to finish the war against the militant group. Trump stated that this response from Macron was 'non-answer'.

Asked about NATO members which do not meet a target of spending 2% of economic output on defence, Trump said the alliance "has come a long way" adding that it has become "much fairer" as it lowered the US spending.

US President Donald Trump said his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron gave "one of the greatest non-answers I have ever heard" at a joint news conference on Tuesday (December 3).

US President Donald Trump said his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron gave "one of the greatest non-answers I have ever heard" at a joint news conference on Tuesday (December 3). In response to a question posed to Trump by a US journalist, the US president said he would pass the question of whether France should do more to take ISIS fighters captured in the Middle East on to Macron, asking the French President in a light-hearted tone if he would like "some nice ISIS fighters." The French president gave a long answer, in which he argued that foreign fighters from European countries were a small minority among ISIS troops, and that it would be unhelpful to focus on them rather than on the broader problem. He said the priority was to finish the war against the militant group. Trump stated that this response from Macron was 'non-answer'. Asked about NATO members which do not meet a target of spending 2% of economic output on defence, Trump said the alliance "has come a long way" adding that it has become "much fairer" as it lowered the US spending.

"One of the greatest non-answers": Donald Trump lauds Macron's political skills

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-would-be-best-if-trump-doesnt-get-involved-in-britains-election-boris-johnson-265300">Donald Trump </a>said on Tuesday he did not want to interfere in Britain's election, but that he thought current Prime Minister Boris Johnson was very capable and would do a good job.

"I think Boris is very capable and I think he'll do a good job," Trump said in London, where he is attending a meeting of NATO leaders.

Trump also reaffirmed his support for Brexit - the central objective of Johnson's election campaign. Britain holds its election on Dec. 12.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he did not want to interfere in Britain's election, but that he thought current Prime Minister Boris Johnson was very capable and would do a good job.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he did not want to interfere in Britain's election, but that he thought current Prime Minister Boris Johnson was very capable and would do a good job. "I think Boris is very capable and I think he'll do a good job," Trump said in London, where he is attending a meeting of NATO leaders. Trump also reaffirmed his support for Brexit - the central objective of Johnson's election campaign. Britain holds its election on Dec. 12.

UK PM Boris Johnson 'very capable', says Trump

Democratic lawmakers in Congress will take a big step this week in what appears to be a now inexorable march toward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-does-the-impeachment-of-a-us-president-work-265766">impeaching </a>US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, with the start of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-congressional-panel-to-begin-drawing-up-charges-against-us-president-265633">hearings </a>seen as a precursor to formal charges being announced within weeks.

As opinion polls show Americans bitterly divided over whether to impeach Trump, the Judiciary Committee in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will hold a hearing on Wednesday to explain to the public what constitutes an impeachable offence.

It will also receive a report from the House Intelligence Committee laying out the evidence Democrats say shows Trump abused his office for personal political gain.

Democrats have been looking into the Republican president's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a former Democratic vice president who is seeking his party's nomination to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election, and his son Hunter Biden, who was a board member of a Ukrainian energy company.

The impeachment inquiry has heard testimony from current and former officials that military aid was withheld from Ukraine and that a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was conditioned on investigations into the Bidens and a debunked conspiracy theory about interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;election being carried out.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and says a July 25 phone call with Zelenskiy, in which he pressed for the probes, was "perfect." He and fellow Republicans say Democrats are seeking to overturn the will of the people in the 2016 presidential election.

The judiciary panel will hear public testimony from four legal scholars on what constitutional basis a US&nbsp;president can be removed from office.

In a defiant response on Sunday night, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-it-will-refuse-to-take-part-in-impeachment-hearing-265629">White House </a>informed Democrats that Trump and his lawyers would not participate in Wednesday's hearing, citing a lack of "fundamental fairness."

Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House on Monday en route to London for a NATO summit, Trump said he had declined to participate in the hearing because it was a hoax.

The proceedings would have been the first direct involvement by the Trump camp in the process.

But White House counsel Pat Cipollone has not ruled out taking part in future proceedings if Democrats addressed a list of procedural complaints.

The committee, which is not expected to consider evidence against Trump until next week, has given the president until 5 pm&nbsp;(2200 GMT) on Friday to say whether he plans to mount a defence by calling witnesses and introducing evidence.

Deepening divide

The Republican-controlled Senate, where any impeachment trial would be held, is highly unlikely to vote to oust Trump. Few Senate Republicans have shown an appetite for removing the president.

But the impeachment inquiry has cast a shadow over Trump's already tumultuous presidency and sharpened a divide among Americans that is likely to intensify as election campaigning heats up in the coming weeks.

"We're on an exercise with a very predictable outcome and one that's going to divide the country further. It'll be a live issue through the election itself, and the American people will make the final determination," Republican Representative Tom Cole told Reuters.

Wednesday's hearing, while academic in nature, will set the stage for the Judiciary Committee to begin determining whether Trump should face formal articles of impeachment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to supporters last week that Trump had committed "bribery" and needed to be held accountable.

"Impeachment is the people's last line of self-defence against a president who insists upon acting like a king and trampling the rule of law," said Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

"We've had an intensive focus over the last several weeks on the facts," Raskin said in an interview. "We are now about to revisit the basic values and structures of the American Constitution."

Democratic aides said a vote on possible articles of impeachment would follow quickly on the heels of an evidentiary hearing.

Democratic lawmakers in Congress will take a big step this week in what appears to be a now inexorable march toward impeaching US President Donald Trump, with the start of hearings seen as a precursor to formal charges being announced within weeks.

Democratic lawmakers in Congress will take a big step this week in what appears to be a now inexorable march toward impeaching US President Donald Trump, with the start of hearings seen as a precursor to formal charges being announced within weeks. As opinion polls show Americans bitterly divided over whether to impeach Trump, the Judiciary Committee in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will hold a hearing on Wednesday to explain to the public what constitutes an impeachable offence. It will also receive a report from the House Intelligence Committee laying out the evidence Democrats say shows Trump abused his office for personal political gain. Democrats have been looking into the Republican president's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a former Democratic vice president who is seeking his party's nomination to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election, and his son Hunter Biden, who was a board member of a Ukrainian energy company. The impeachment inquiry has heard testimony from current and former officials that military aid was withheld from Ukraine and that a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was conditioned on investigations into the Bidens and a debunked conspiracy theory about interference in the 2016 US election being carried out. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and says a July 25 phone call with Zelenskiy, in which he pressed for the probes, was "perfect." He and fellow Republicans say Democrats are seeking to overturn the will of the people in the 2016 presidential election. The judiciary panel will hear public testimony from four legal scholars on what constitutional basis a US president can be removed from office. In a defiant response on Sunday night, the White House informed Democrats that Trump and his lawyers would not participate in Wednesday's hearing, citing a lack of "fundamental fairness." Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House on Monday en route to London for a NATO summit, Trump said he had declined to participate in the hearing because it was a hoax. The proceedings would have been the first direct involvement by the Trump camp in the process. But White House counsel Pat Cipollone has not ruled out taking part in future proceedings if Democrats addressed a list of procedural complaints. The committee, which is not expected to consider evidence against Trump until next week, has given the president until 5 pm (2200 GMT) on Friday to say whether he plans to mount a defence by calling witnesses and introducing evidence. Deepening divide The Republican-controlled Senate, where any impeachment trial would be held, is highly unlikely to vote to oust Trump. Few Senate Republicans have shown an appetite for removing the president. But the impeachment inquiry has cast a shadow over Trump's already tumultuous presidency and sharpened a divide among Americans that is likely to intensify as election campaigning heats up in the coming weeks. "We're on an exercise with a very predictable outcome and one that's going to divide the country further. It'll be a live issue through the election itself, and the American people will make the final determination," Republican Representative Tom Cole told Reuters. Wednesday's hearing, while academic in nature, will set the stage for the Judiciary Committee to begin determining whether Trump should face formal articles of impeachment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to supporters last week that Trump had committed "bribery" and needed to be held accountable. "Impeachment is the people's last line of self-defence against a president who insists upon acting like a king and trampling the rule of law," said Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. "We've had an intensive focus over the last several weeks on the facts," Raskin said in an interview. "We are now about to revisit the basic values and structures of the American Constitution." Democratic aides said a vote on possible articles of impeachment would follow quickly on the heels of an evidentiary hearing.

US Democrats set the stage for Trump impeachment with key hearing

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/effective-immediately-us-to-restore-steel-aluminum-tariffs-on-brazil-argentina-trump-265754">Donald Trump </a>struck back Monday at what he called unfair policies by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-president-blames-leonardo-dicaprio-for-financing-amazon-fires-offers-no-evidence-265337">Brazil </a>and Argentina, saying he is reinstating tariffs on steel and aluminium from those countries.

"Brazil and Argentina have been presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies," which is hurting American farmers, he said on Twitter.

"Effective immediately, I will restore the Tariffs on all Steel &amp; Aluminum that is shipped into the US from those countries."

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Brazil and Argentina have been presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies. which is not good for our farmers. Therefore, effective immediately, I will restore the Tariffs on all Steel &amp; Aluminum that is shipped into the U.S. from those countries. The Federal....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1201455858636472320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump last year announced global tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium but later approved exemptions for some countries, including Argentina and Brazil which agreed to quotas.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who considers himself an ideological ally of Trump, said he would not hesitate to open a direct line to the White House to resolve the issue.

"I am going to talk to (Economy Minister) Paulo Guedes," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brasilia, adding that if needed "I have an open channel with" Trump.

Brazil is the second-largest supplier of steel to US markets behind Mexico.

And Brazil and Argentina have benefitted from the US trade war with China since they have stepped in to replace American exports of soybeans and other agricultural goods.

Bolsonaro earlier this month met with China's President Xi Jinping in Brasilia and said the Asian economic power is "becoming more and more part of Brazil's future."

Economic impact&nbsp;

Jose Urtubey, spokesman for Argentina's powerful UIA industrial lobby, said producers in the country will be harmed immediately by the tariffs.

With Argentina's "lack of competitiveness" as a producer, the fact that the United States had the lowest steel and aluminium tariffs was "beneficial," Urtubey said.

Brazil has teetered on the brink of recession this year and Argentina is again enmeshed in an economic crisis, which has led to the currencies of both countries weakening against the US dollar.

Bolsonaro's ultra-right government has promised to revive the nation's flagging economy with a massive stimulus plan, as well as pension and tax reforms, and the central bank has cut the key interest rate more than a dozen times since late 2016.

Trump views those moves as an effort to gain at the expense of the United States.

In his tweets, Trump also called on the Federal Reserve to "likewise act" so other nations no longer "take advantage of our strong dollar by further devaluing their currencies."&nbsp;

Amid a slowing global economy and the impact of Trump's wide-ranging trade offensive, mostly directed against China, the Fed has cut the benchmark interest rates three times this year.&nbsp;

But it has signalled it will stand back before deciding on any further moves.

Despite widespread complaints about the impact of the &nbsp;tariffs on US businesses and consumers, as well as the hit to farmers who have been the target of retaliation from trading partners, Trump claimed in his tweet on Monday that Washington has taken in "massive amounts of money" from the tariffs.

He also claimed that since imposing tariffs at the start of March 2018, US markets were "up as much as 21%." In fact, the benchmark stock index is up 14 per cent.

American steel has continued to suffer with overall employment edging downward and production halted at blast furnaces last month.

President Donald Trump struck back Monday at what he called unfair policies by Brazil and Argentina, saying he is reinstating tariffs on steel and aluminium from those countries.

President Donald Trump struck back Monday at what he called unfair policies by Brazil and Argentina, saying he is reinstating tariffs on steel and aluminium from those countries. "Brazil and Argentina have been presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies," which is hurting American farmers, he said on Twitter. "Effective immediately, I will restore the Tariffs on all Steel & Aluminum that is shipped into the US from those countries." Brazil and Argentina have been presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies. which is not good for our farmers. Therefore, effective immediately, I will restore the Tariffs on all Steel & Aluminum that is shipped into the U.S. from those countries. The Federal.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2019 × Trump last year announced global tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium but later approved exemptions for some countries, including Argentina and Brazil which agreed to quotas. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who considers himself an ideological ally of Trump, said he would not hesitate to open a direct line to the White House to resolve the issue. "I am going to talk to (Economy Minister) Paulo Guedes," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brasilia, adding that if needed "I have an open channel with" Trump. Brazil is the second-largest supplier of steel to US markets behind Mexico. And Brazil and Argentina have benefitted from the US trade war with China since they have stepped in to replace American exports of soybeans and other agricultural goods. Bolsonaro earlier this month met with China's President Xi Jinping in Brasilia and said the Asian economic power is "becoming more and more part of Brazil's future." Economic impact Jose Urtubey, spokesman for Argentina's powerful UIA industrial lobby, said producers in the country will be harmed immediately by the tariffs. With Argentina's "lack of competitiveness" as a producer, the fact that the United States had the lowest steel and aluminium tariffs was "beneficial," Urtubey said. Brazil has teetered on the brink of recession this year and Argentina is again enmeshed in an economic crisis, which has led to the currencies of both countries weakening against the US dollar. Bolsonaro's ultra-right government has promised to revive the nation's flagging economy with a massive stimulus plan, as well as pension and tax reforms, and the central bank has cut the key interest rate more than a dozen times since late 2016. Trump views those moves as an effort to gain at the expense of the United States. In his tweets, Trump also called on the Federal Reserve to "likewise act" so other nations no longer "take advantage of our strong dollar by further devaluing their currencies." Amid a slowing global economy and the impact of Trump's wide-ranging trade offensive, mostly directed against China, the Fed has cut the benchmark interest rates three times this year. But it has signalled it will stand back before deciding on any further moves. Despite widespread complaints about the impact of the tariffs on US businesses and consumers, as well as the hit to farmers who have been the target of retaliation from trading partners, Trump claimed in his tweet on Monday that Washington has taken in "massive amounts of money" from the tariffs. He also claimed that since imposing tariffs at the start of March 2018, US markets were "up as much as 21%." In fact, the benchmark stock index is up 14 per cent. American steel has continued to suffer with overall employment edging downward and production halted at blast furnaces last month.

US re-imposes steel, aluminium tariffs on Brazil, Argentina

Notorious for leaks and chastened by previous security lapses, the White House went to unusual lengths to keep President Donald Trump's Thanksgiving trip to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-they-are-ready-to-resume-peace-talks-with-us-report-265286">Afghanistan </a>under wraps, devising a cover story for his movements that included posting scripted tweets while he was in the air, administration officials said.

On Thursday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-wants-to-make-a-deal-trump-in-afghanistan-265151">Trump </a>dropped in unannounced on troops at Afghanistan's Bagram military airbase in his first trip to the country and only his second to a war zone during his presidency. He served soldiers a turkey dinner and posed for selfies, before telling reporters that the United States and Taliban hoped to resume peace talks.

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Just returned to the United States after spending a GREAT Thanksgiving with our Courageous American Warriors in Afghanistan! <a href="https://t.co/b2vgY5BH6z">pic.twitter.com/b2vgY5BH6z</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1200415623798501378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the 33-hour roundtrip, which White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said had been weeks in the making, was the administration's success in keeping it secret until shortly before the president left Afghanistan to return home.

Frequently wrong-footed by leaks and Trump's freewheeling use of Twitter, the White House informed only a tight circle of officials about the trip.

On Tuesday, Trump travelled to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida as scheduled, accompanied by the regular caravan of reporters which follows the president on all trips.

When those journalists waited for him to emerge for a Thursday afternoon conference call with the troops, per his official schedule, they learnt that overnight he had flown the 13,400 km (8,331 miles) to Afghanistan to visit them in person.

"It is a dangerous area and he wants to support the troops," Grisham told a small group of correspondents aboard Air Force One on Wednesday evening, explaining why the White House had concealed Trump's true movements.

Only hours before, that second group of reporters had secretly gathered at a parking lot near the Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, a regular departure spot for Trump, from which they were driven in minivans into the complex.

They had been told ahead of time that Trump would be travelling incognito to an undisclosed location.

Once inside the base, all smartphones and any devices that could send a signal were confiscated and not returned until at least two hours after Trump's arrival at Bagram, the largest US&nbsp;base in Afghanistan.

Throughout the 13-hour flight, nobody on board Air Force One had access to their phones, including White House staff, Grisham said. The cabin lights were mostly switched off and window blinds stayed shut.

Last Christmas, en route to a troop visit in Iraq, Air Force One was identified above England by a plane spotter who tweeted a photo of its distinctive turquoise livery, sparking a social media storm. Many speculated then that Trump was on his way to a war zone, pointing to his unusually quiet Twitter account, which had sent dozens of tweets the day before.

This time, Grisham said the White House made arrangements to ensure continuity in the president's Twitter account, which posted happy Thanksgiving tweets as he was in the air, including one thanking the military.

"We just had a nice Thanksgiving dinner," Trump said amid chants of "U-S-A" during his speech at the Bagram base.

"I thought I was going to be doing it someplace else."

Notorious for leaks and chastened by previous security lapses, the White House went to unusual lengths to keep President Donald Trump's Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan under wraps, devising a cover story for his movements that included posting scripted tweets while he was in the air, administration officials said.

Notorious for leaks and chastened by previous security lapses, the White House went to unusual lengths to keep President Donald Trump's Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan under wraps, devising a cover story for his movements that included posting scripted tweets while he was in the air, administration officials said. On Thursday, Trump dropped in unannounced on troops at Afghanistan's Bagram military airbase in his first trip to the country and only his second to a war zone during his presidency. He served soldiers a turkey dinner and posed for selfies, before telling reporters that the United States and Taliban hoped to resume peace talks. Just returned to the United States after spending a GREAT Thanksgiving with our Courageous American Warriors in Afghanistan! pic.twitter.com/b2vgY5BH6z — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2019 × Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the 33-hour roundtrip, which White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said had been weeks in the making, was the administration's success in keeping it secret until shortly before the president left Afghanistan to return home. Frequently wrong-footed by leaks and Trump's freewheeling use of Twitter, the White House informed only a tight circle of officials about the trip. On Tuesday, Trump travelled to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida as scheduled, accompanied by the regular caravan of reporters which follows the president on all trips. When those journalists waited for him to emerge for a Thursday afternoon conference call with the troops, per his official schedule, they learnt that overnight he had flown the 13,400 km (8,331 miles) to Afghanistan to visit them in person. "It is a dangerous area and he wants to support the troops," Grisham told a small group of correspondents aboard Air Force One on Wednesday evening, explaining why the White House had concealed Trump's true movements. Only hours before, that second group of reporters had secretly gathered at a parking lot near the Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, a regular departure spot for Trump, from which they were driven in minivans into the complex. They had been told ahead of time that Trump would be travelling incognito to an undisclosed location. Once inside the base, all smartphones and any devices that could send a signal were confiscated and not returned until at least two hours after Trump's arrival at Bagram, the largest US base in Afghanistan. Throughout the 13-hour flight, nobody on board Air Force One had access to their phones, including White House staff, Grisham said. The cabin lights were mostly switched off and window blinds stayed shut. Last Christmas, en route to a troop visit in Iraq, Air Force One was identified above England by a plane spotter who tweeted a photo of its distinctive turquoise livery, sparking a social media storm. Many speculated then that Trump was on his way to a war zone, pointing to his unusually quiet Twitter account, which had sent dozens of tweets the day before. This time, Grisham said the White House made arrangements to ensure continuity in the president's Twitter account, which posted happy Thanksgiving tweets as he was in the air, including one thanking the military. "We just had a nice Thanksgiving dinner," Trump said amid chants of "U-S-A" during his speech at the Bagram base. "I thought I was going to be doing it someplace else."

No phones, scripted tweets: How Trump's Afghanistan trip was kept under wraps

The US Navy will proceed in its effort to oust a member of its elite SEAL commando unit, an official said Saturday, defying the wishes of President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Edward Gallagher had been accused of war crimes in a high-profile case but was found guilty only of a lesser offence. On November 15, Trump reversed the demotion handed down to the 40-year-old under his conviction.

The Navy this week launched a procedure under which a peer review board could strip him and three other members of his unit of their Trident pins -- effectively booting them from the SEALs.

A rankled Trump declared on Twitter on Thursday that "The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's Trident Pin."

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The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher’s Trident Pin. This case was handled very badly from the beginning. Get back to business!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1197507542726909952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Saturday, however, a senior Pentagon official who requested anonymity in order to speak freely said the "peer review board is proceeding."

Whether Gallagher can remain in the unit or not will be determined by a panel of Navy SEAL officers that is set to convene in December.

The move came as multiple US news outlets reported that Navy Secretary Richard Spencer had threatened to resign over the affair, a claim he sharply denied.

"Contrary to popular belief, I am still here. I did not threaten to resign," Spencer said, speaking at a forum in Halifax, Canada.

The US Navy chief said he did not consider Trump's tweet to be a formal order.&nbsp;

"I need a formal order to act," Spencer told reporters on the sidelines of the forum.

According to the US Constitution, the president is the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces.

Gallagher, a 15-year Navy SEAL, had been accused in the stabbing death of a wounded Islamic State prisoner in Iraq in 2017, attempted murder of other civilians and obstruction of justice.&nbsp;

In July, he was acquitted of charges related to those accusations, but was convicted of a lesser charge -- posing with the slain fighter's body in a group picture with other SEALs.

As a result, he was demoted one rank, from chief petty officer to petty officer first class.

Gallagher's case had been championed by Fox News, which the president follows closely.

The US Navy will proceed in its effort to oust a member of its elite SEAL commando unit, an official said Saturday, defying the wishes of President Donald Trump.

The US Navy will proceed in its effort to oust a member of its elite SEAL commando unit, an official said Saturday, defying the wishes of President Donald Trump. Edward Gallagher had been accused of war crimes in a high-profile case but was found guilty only of a lesser offence. On November 15, Trump reversed the demotion handed down to the 40-year-old under his conviction. The Navy this week launched a procedure under which a peer review board could strip him and three other members of his unit of their Trident pins -- effectively booting them from the SEALs. A rankled Trump declared on Twitter on Thursday that "The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's Trident Pin." The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher’s Trident Pin. This case was handled very badly from the beginning. Get back to business! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 21, 2019 × On Saturday, however, a senior Pentagon official who requested anonymity in order to speak freely said the "peer review board is proceeding." Whether Gallagher can remain in the unit or not will be determined by a panel of Navy SEAL officers that is set to convene in December. The move came as multiple US news outlets reported that Navy Secretary Richard Spencer had threatened to resign over the affair, a claim he sharply denied. "Contrary to popular belief, I am still here. I did not threaten to resign," Spencer said, speaking at a forum in Halifax, Canada. The US Navy chief said he did not consider Trump's tweet to be a formal order. "I need a formal order to act," Spencer told reporters on the sidelines of the forum. According to the US Constitution, the president is the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces. Gallagher, a 15-year Navy SEAL, had been accused in the stabbing death of a wounded Islamic State prisoner in Iraq in 2017, attempted murder of other civilians and obstruction of justice. In July, he was acquitted of charges related to those accusations, but was convicted of a lesser charge -- posing with the slain fighter's body in a group picture with other SEALs. As a result, he was demoted one rank, from chief petty officer to petty officer first class. Gallagher's case had been championed by Fox News, which the president follows closely.

US Navy defies Trump, proceeds in effort to expel SEAL

Pakistan on Sunday made another effort to quell <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-china-cpec-project-will-hamstringing-pm-imran-khans-reform-agenda-us-263755">United States'&nbsp;concerns </a>over the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to the multi-billion dollar Chinese project.

Speaking to reporters in Multan, the foreign minister said Islamabad had categorically rejected Washington's claims on CPEC and its impact on Pakistan's economy, The Express Tribune reported.

"We do not agree with the [American] assessment and we have conveyed as much. In fact, we have expedited CPEC projects and have initiated the second phase of its implementation," he said.

The minister asserted that China's share in Pakistan's overall debt burden was minimal and that the mega project would only have a positive impact.

"Pakistan's total debt burden is USD 74 billion of which CPEC is only $4.9bn. CPEC is a gamechanger for the entire region and there is no restriction for any country, including the US, to invest in the special economic zones being established under CPEC," said Qureshi.

In a series of tweets earlier in the day, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said CPEC was a top priority for Pakistan and would be a harbinger of economic development and prosperity for the entire region.

She said the economic zones established under CPEC would generate more job opportunities for Pakistanis and help address one of the country's most pressing challenges.

In her address at an event in Washington last week, US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, had strongly criticised China's international development projects and lending practices under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Wells had deemed CPEC a form of financing ensuring guaranteed profits for Chinese state-owned enterprises, and pointed out that the multi-billion dollar project is certain to take a toll on Pakistan's economy at the time of the repayment of the debt and dividend in the coming years.

She had raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the project, saying that it could foster corruption and increase the project cost, thereby resulting in an even heavier debt burden for Pakistan. The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Sunday made another effort to quell United States' concerns over the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to the multi-billion dollar Chinese project.

Pakistan on Sunday made another effort to quell United States' concerns over the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to the multi-billion dollar Chinese project. Speaking to reporters in Multan, the foreign minister said Islamabad had categorically rejected Washington's claims on CPEC and its impact on Pakistan's economy, The Express Tribune reported. "We do not agree with the [American] assessment and we have conveyed as much. In fact, we have expedited CPEC projects and have initiated the second phase of its implementation," he said. The minister asserted that China's share in Pakistan's overall debt burden was minimal and that the mega project would only have a positive impact. "Pakistan's total debt burden is USD 74 billion of which CPEC is only $4.9bn. CPEC is a gamechanger for the entire region and there is no restriction for any country, including the US, to invest in the special economic zones being established under CPEC," said Qureshi. In a series of tweets earlier in the day, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said CPEC was a top priority for Pakistan and would be a harbinger of economic development and prosperity for the entire region. She said the economic zones established under CPEC would generate more job opportunities for Pakistanis and help address one of the country's most pressing challenges. In her address at an event in Washington last week, US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, had strongly criticised China's international development projects and lending practices under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Wells had deemed CPEC a form of financing ensuring guaranteed profits for Chinese state-owned enterprises, and pointed out that the multi-billion dollar project is certain to take a toll on Pakistan's economy at the time of the repayment of the debt and dividend in the coming years. She had raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the project, saying that it could foster corruption and increase the project cost, thereby resulting in an even heavier debt burden for Pakistan. The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan FM rejects US concerns over CPEC

Billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-presidential-candidate-michael-bloomberg-spends-record-amount-for-tv-ads-264108">Michael Bloomberg </a>formally announced on Sunday that he will be running for the US presidential elections in 2020.

"I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg said on his web portal. He added that we cannot give US President Donald another four years for "reckless" and "unethical"&nbsp;actions.

Interestingly, the 77-year-old had earlier said in March that he will not run for the presidency. Now, three candidates with over 70 years of age are running for the presidency from Democrats.&nbsp;

"He represents an existential threat to our country and our values. If he wins another term in office, we may never recover from the damage," Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg's entry makes the Democratic race even more crowded with the likes of frontrunners including Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warrens, Pete Buttigieg, among others. Now, 18 candidates from the Democratic party will be competing to take on each other.&nbsp;

As the eight-richest men in the world according to Forbes, Bloomberg can able to spend a lot of money for his campaigning.&nbsp;

The media mogul, who is also the founder of Bloomberg LP, has been critical of the left-inclined leaders Sanders and Warrens and calls them ''extremists''. He has also spoken against Warrens for her stance on taxing the super-rich and programs such as universal health care, free college tuition, etc.

Bloomberg is likely to represent the Centrist side of the Democratic party.&nbsp;

On Saturday, it was reported that Bloomberg has spent&nbsp;$31 million in his television advertising campaign, the largest-ever by any presidential candidate in the US.

Sanders criticised this move in a tweet, saying that the candidate should be able to build a grassroot support and if can't do that, then&nbsp;"you have no business running for president."&nbsp;

The amount surpassed the previous record of $25 million spent by former US president Barack Obama when he was running in 2012 and reflects the financial dominance of one of the richest men in the world.

The former mayor of New York (2002-13) took another step closer for 2020 bid when he registered with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-registers-committee-in-anticipation-of-white-house-run-263771">US Federal Elections Commission </a>on Thursday.&nbsp;

Bloomberg's lists revitalising&nbsp;New York post-9/11, advocacy for gun control and working to control climate change as his achievements as mayor of New York.

Since 2014, he has served as a special UN envoy for climate action and helped several US states, counties and cities finance emissions-reducing projects. &nbsp;

However, Bloomberg is also accused of changing his political stance multiple times. Bloomberg had&nbsp;served as mayor as a Republican.&nbsp;

In 2018,&nbsp;Blomberg donated&nbsp;$100 million to Democrats for gaining their majority back in the House of Representatives.

(with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg formally announced on Sunday that he will be running for the US presidential elections in 2020. "I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg said on his web portal.

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg formally announced on Sunday that he will be running for the US presidential elections in 2020. "I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg said on his web portal. He added that we cannot give US President Donald another four years for "reckless" and "unethical" actions. Interestingly, the 77-year-old had earlier said in March that he will not run for the presidency. Now, three candidates with over 70 years of age are running for the presidency from Democrats. "He represents an existential threat to our country and our values. If he wins another term in office, we may never recover from the damage," Bloomberg said. Bloomberg's entry makes the Democratic race even more crowded with the likes of frontrunners including Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warrens, Pete Buttigieg, among others. Now, 18 candidates from the Democratic party will be competing to take on each other. As the eight-richest men in the world according to Forbes, Bloomberg can able to spend a lot of money for his campaigning. The media mogul, who is also the founder of Bloomberg LP, has been critical of the left-inclined leaders Sanders and Warrens and calls them ''extremists''. He has also spoken against Warrens for her stance on taxing the super-rich and programs such as universal health care, free college tuition, etc. Bloomberg is likely to represent the Centrist side of the Democratic party. On Saturday, it was reported that Bloomberg has spent $31 million in his television advertising campaign, the largest-ever by any presidential candidate in the US. Sanders criticised this move in a tweet, saying that the candidate should be able to build a grassroot support and if can't do that, then "you have no business running for president." The amount surpassed the previous record of $25 million spent by former US president Barack Obama when he was running in 2012 and reflects the financial dominance of one of the richest men in the world. The former mayor of New York (2002-13) took another step closer for 2020 bid when he registered with the US Federal Elections Commission on Thursday. Bloomberg's lists revitalising New York post-9/11, advocacy for gun control and working to control climate change as his achievements as mayor of New York. Since 2014, he has served as a special UN envoy for climate action and helped several US states, counties and cities finance emissions-reducing projects. However, Bloomberg is also accused of changing his political stance multiple times. Bloomberg had served as mayor as a Republican. In 2018, Blomberg donated $100 million to Democrats for gaining their majority back in the House of Representatives. (with inputs from agencies)

Can't give Trump another term for 'unethical' actions: Bloomberg confirms US presidential candidacy

US&nbsp;Central Command chief General Kenneth McKenzie said on Saturday about 500 US&nbsp;personnel in east Syria are expected to resume operations against Islamic State in coming days and weeks.

Islamic State has lost nearly all its territory in Syria and US&nbsp;forces killed its former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last month, but the group that once controlled a third of Syria and neighbouring Iraq is still seen as a threat.

The administration of President Donald Trump shocked US&nbsp;allies last December by saying Washington was pulling out all its troops from Syria.

It said later it decided to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country, focusing on preventing Islamic State from staging a comeback and attacking the oilfields there.

"Now I've got about 500 US&nbsp;personnel generally east of the Euphrates river east of Deir al Zor up to Hasaka, northeast all the way up into extreme northeast Syria," McKenzie told reporters on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain.

"It is our intention to remain in that position working with our SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) partners to continue operations against ISIS down the Euphrates river valley where those targets present themselves," he added.

Turkey launched and then halted an offensive against the YPG, the main component of the US-backed SDF that helped the United States defeat Islamic State, which it sees as a terrorist group with links to Kurdish militants on Turkish soil.

Moscow, the main backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said this week it was also in the process of deploying more Russian military police to northeast Syria, setting up field hospitals for civilians, distributing humanitarian aid and rebuilding infrastructure.

US Central Command chief General Kenneth McKenzie said on Saturday about 500 US personnel in east Syria are expected to resume operations against Islamic State in coming days and weeks.

US Central Command chief General Kenneth McKenzie said on Saturday about 500 US personnel in east Syria are expected to resume operations against Islamic State in coming days and weeks. Islamic State has lost nearly all its territory in Syria and US forces killed its former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last month, but the group that once controlled a third of Syria and neighbouring Iraq is still seen as a threat. The administration of President Donald Trump shocked US allies last December by saying Washington was pulling out all its troops from Syria. It said later it decided to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country, focusing on preventing Islamic State from staging a comeback and attacking the oilfields there. "Now I've got about 500 US personnel generally east of the Euphrates river east of Deir al Zor up to Hasaka, northeast all the way up into extreme northeast Syria," McKenzie told reporters on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain. "It is our intention to remain in that position working with our SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) partners to continue operations against ISIS down the Euphrates river valley where those targets present themselves," he added. Turkey launched and then halted an offensive against the YPG, the main component of the US-backed SDF that helped the United States defeat Islamic State, which it sees as a terrorist group with links to Kurdish militants on Turkish soil. Moscow, the main backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said this week it was also in the process of deploying more Russian military police to northeast Syria, setting up field hospitals for civilians, distributing humanitarian aid and rebuilding infrastructure.

US Central Command says anti-IS operations to pick up in coming days, weeks

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence.

In his first visit as vice president, Pence visited American troops at Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq's Anbar province, but was not expected to travel to the capital.

His trip came after weeks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-in-iraq-capital-as-top-cleric-bluntly-pushes-reform-263953">anti-government rallies </a>across Baghdad and the south.

Iraqi officials told AFP that Pence spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi by telephone.

"There won't be a meeting as they had a phone call. The prime minister isn't going to Anbar" to meet Pence, one source said.

President Barham Saleh's office told AFP it was not aware Pence was coming to Iraq and had no meeting planned. The US embassy said it had no details to share.

Pence did met Iraqi Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani and his prime minister Masrour Barzani in Arbil, the Kurdish presidency said, publishing pictures of the encounters.

Pence tweeted images of himself and his wife speaking to US forces and carrying a roast turkey, traditionally served during the American Thanksgiving holiday celebrated next week.

"Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honoured to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq!" he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecondLady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecondLady</a> and I are so honored to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq! We are so proud of you and thankful for you all! <a href="https://t.co/bzcM1fGgiG">pic.twitter.com/bzcM1fGgiG</a>
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1198238137543053312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The visit echoed President Donald Trump's own surprise trip to Ain al-Asad a year ago, where he briefly met troops just after Christmas but controversially did not see officials in Baghdad.

Trump's visit was veiled in such secrecy that there was speculation most Iraqi authorities had not been told he president was coming.

Pence's trip came as the death toll from weeks of anti-government rallies across Iraq's capital and the south rose even further.

One protester killed&nbsp;

One protester was killed and 17 were wounded in clashes with security forces Saturday on the Al-Ahrar bridge in Baghdad, a medical source said.

Demonstrators have massed on three main bridges leading from their protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square to the western bank of the river Tigris, where government offices and foreign embassies are based.

Since Thursday, nine protesters have been killed in skirmishes with security forces there.

Around 350 people have been killed and 15,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted on October 1 amid outrage over rampant government corruption and lack of jobs.&nbsp;

Protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the ruling system in place since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein.

The US then dismantled Iraq's security forces and tried to rebuild the country's institutions by working closely with a newfound political class.

But ties are now at their "coldest" since 2003, American and Iraqi officials have told AFP.

Abdel Mahdi, in office for the past year, has yet to visit Washington amid frustrations in the White House that his office was "too close" to Tehran.

Tensions between the US and Iran have spiralled since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 deal over the latter's nuclear programme and began imposing a series of crushing sanctions.

Baghdad, which has close ties with both countries, has feared being caught in the middle.

Washington has already slapped sanctions on Iraqi officials, military factions and institutions with ties to blacklisted Iranian organisations.

'Not welcome in Iraq'&nbsp;

In July, the US singled out the leaders of two paramilitary groups in Iraq that Pence accused of being tied to Iran.

Rayan al-Kildani and Waad Qado -- the former a Christian and the latter a member of the Shabak minority -- were both sanctioned over "serious human rights abuse" by them or their organisations.

Kildani reacted to Pence's visit on Saturday, tweeting: "To the American vice president who came to Iraq stealthily... You are not welcome on Iraqi territory."

Kildani and Qado's factions belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful Shiite-majority paramilitary network that includes many groups with close ties to Tehran.

Hashed leaders and Iran have been widely criticised in the recent protests, accused of defending the very government the demonstrators want to bring down.

Many of their offices have been burned in Iraq's restive south, the scene of new protests on Saturday.

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence.

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence. In his first visit as vice president, Pence visited American troops at Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq's Anbar province, but was not expected to travel to the capital. His trip came after weeks of anti-government rallies across Baghdad and the south. Iraqi officials told AFP that Pence spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi by telephone. "There won't be a meeting as they had a phone call. The prime minister isn't going to Anbar" to meet Pence, one source said. President Barham Saleh's office told AFP it was not aware Pence was coming to Iraq and had no meeting planned. The US embassy said it had no details to share. Pence did met Iraqi Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani and his prime minister Masrour Barzani in Arbil, the Kurdish presidency said, publishing pictures of the encounters. Pence tweeted images of himself and his wife speaking to US forces and carrying a roast turkey, traditionally served during the American Thanksgiving holiday celebrated next week. "Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honoured to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq!" he tweeted. Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honored to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq! We are so proud of you and thankful for you all! pic.twitter.com/bzcM1fGgiG — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) November 23, 2019 × The visit echoed President Donald Trump's own surprise trip to Ain al-Asad a year ago, where he briefly met troops just after Christmas but controversially did not see officials in Baghdad. Trump's visit was veiled in such secrecy that there was speculation most Iraqi authorities had not been told he president was coming. Pence's trip came as the death toll from weeks of anti-government rallies across Iraq's capital and the south rose even further. One protester killed One protester was killed and 17 were wounded in clashes with security forces Saturday on the Al-Ahrar bridge in Baghdad, a medical source said. Demonstrators have massed on three main bridges leading from their protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square to the western bank of the river Tigris, where government offices and foreign embassies are based. Since Thursday, nine protesters have been killed in skirmishes with security forces there. Around 350 people have been killed and 15,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted on October 1 amid outrage over rampant government corruption and lack of jobs. Protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the ruling system in place since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein. The US then dismantled Iraq's security forces and tried to rebuild the country's institutions by working closely with a newfound political class. But ties are now at their "coldest" since 2003, American and Iraqi officials have told AFP. Abdel Mahdi, in office for the past year, has yet to visit Washington amid frustrations in the White House that his office was "too close" to Tehran. Tensions between the US and Iran have spiralled since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 deal over the latter's nuclear programme and began imposing a series of crushing sanctions. Baghdad, which has close ties with both countries, has feared being caught in the middle. Washington has already slapped sanctions on Iraqi officials, military factions and institutions with ties to blacklisted Iranian organisations. 'Not welcome in Iraq' In July, the US singled out the leaders of two paramilitary groups in Iraq that Pence accused of being tied to Iran. Rayan al-Kildani and Waad Qado -- the former a Christian and the latter a member of the Shabak minority -- were both sanctioned over "serious human rights abuse" by them or their organisations. Kildani reacted to Pence's visit on Saturday, tweeting: "To the American vice president who came to Iraq stealthily... You are not welcome on Iraqi territory." Kildani and Qado's factions belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful Shiite-majority paramilitary network that includes many groups with close ties to Tehran. Hashed leaders and Iran have been widely criticised in the recent protests, accused of defending the very government the demonstrators want to bring down. Many of their offices have been burned in Iraq's restive south, the scene of new protests on Saturday.

American vice president avoids Baghdad leaders on surprise Iraq visit

The founder and CEO of one of Nigeria's largest airlines, Air Peace, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of bank fraud and money laundering for the alleged illegal movement of more than $20 million, the department said.

Allen Onyema was accused of transferring the money from Nigeria through US&nbsp;bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes, the justice department said in a statement dated Nov. 22.

The airline's chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged with bank fraud and identity theft in connection with the alleged scheme, the statement said.

Both Onyema and Eghagha denied any wrongdoing in statements issued by their lawyers, adding that they would defend themselves against the allegations.

"Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud," US Attorney Byung J. Pak was quoted as saying by the Department of Justice.

Legal firm A.O. Alegeh &amp; Co. said "the allegations are unfounded and strange," in statements on behalf of each of the accused. It added they both looked forward to "an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court".

Air Peace, founded by Onyema in 2010, flies to destinations across Nigeria as well as international routes to other West African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

Onyema, 56, of Lagos, and Eghagha, 37, also of Lagos, were indicted on Nov. 19 on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud, the department.

Onyema was also charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

The founder and CEO of one of Nigeria's largest airlines, Air Peace, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of bank fraud and money laundering for the alleged illegal movement of more than $20 million, the department said.

The founder and CEO of one of Nigeria's largest airlines, Air Peace, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of bank fraud and money laundering for the alleged illegal movement of more than $20 million, the department said. Allen Onyema was accused of transferring the money from Nigeria through US bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes, the justice department said in a statement dated Nov. 22. The airline's chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged with bank fraud and identity theft in connection with the alleged scheme, the statement said. Both Onyema and Eghagha denied any wrongdoing in statements issued by their lawyers, adding that they would defend themselves against the allegations. "Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud," US Attorney Byung J. Pak was quoted as saying by the Department of Justice. Legal firm A.O. Alegeh & Co. said "the allegations are unfounded and strange," in statements on behalf of each of the accused. It added they both looked forward to "an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court". Air Peace, founded by Onyema in 2010, flies to destinations across Nigeria as well as international routes to other West African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal. Onyema, 56, of Lagos, and Eghagha, 37, also of Lagos, were indicted on Nov. 19 on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud, the department. Onyema was also charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

US indicts Nigerian airline CEO on bank fraud and money laundering charges

Billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-registers-committee-in-anticipation-of-white-house-run-263771">Michael Bloomberg</a>, a potential candidate for 2020 US election, is planning to launch a $31 million television advertising campaign on Monday.&nbsp;

As per ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Bloomberg has purchased a total of $31 million in advertising inserts, the largest sum ever spent by a US presidential candidate.&nbsp;

Bernie Sanders, one of the frontrunners in the presidential race, slammed the move in a tweet on Friday and stating he was "disgusted by the idea that Michael Bloomberg or any billionaire thinks they can circumvent the political process and spend tens of millions of dollars to buy elections".

He tweeted that if you can't build grassroot support for your candidacy than "you have no business running for president."&nbsp;

The amount exceeds the record $25 million spent by former US president Barack Obama in 2012 for his campaign and reflects the financial might of one of the richest men in the world.&nbsp;

Bloomberg, a former New York mayor from 2002 to 2013, registered on Thursday with the US Federal Election Commission, a step closer to running for US presidency.&nbsp;

Nearly two weeks ago, Bloomberg said that he was "close" to take a final call on whether to enter the crowded battleground of Democrats for 2020 presidency.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg, a potential candidate for 2020 US election, is planning to launch a $31 million television advertising campaign on Monday. As per ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Bloomberg has purchased a total of $31 million in advertising inserts, the largest sum ever spent by a US presidential candidate.

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg, a potential candidate for 2020 US election, is planning to launch a $31 million television advertising campaign on Monday. As per ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Bloomberg has purchased a total of $31 million in advertising inserts, the largest sum ever spent by a US presidential candidate. Bernie Sanders, one of the frontrunners in the presidential race, slammed the move in a tweet on Friday and stating he was "disgusted by the idea that Michael Bloomberg or any billionaire thinks they can circumvent the political process and spend tens of millions of dollars to buy elections". He tweeted that if you can't build grassroot support for your candidacy than "you have no business running for president." The amount exceeds the record $25 million spent by former US president Barack Obama in 2012 for his campaign and reflects the financial might of one of the richest men in the world. Bloomberg, a former New York mayor from 2002 to 2013, registered on Thursday with the US Federal Election Commission, a step closer to running for US presidency. Nearly two weeks ago, Bloomberg said that he was "close" to take a final call on whether to enter the crowded battleground of Democrats for 2020 presidency. (with inputs from AFP)

Potential US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg spends record amount for TV ads