The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State.&nbsp;

"The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) announced the launch of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in April 2019 to promote the presence of ISIS associated elements within Central, East, and Southern Africa," the State Department in a statement said.&nbsp;

"Although ISIS-associated media portray ISCAP as a unified structure, ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique are distinct groups with distinct origins."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

The state department said that the two groups "have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism."

It also named the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo and its leader Seka Musa Baluku and Mozambique's Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its chief Abu Yasir Hassan "specially designated global terrorists".

The ADF and Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama are dubbed by the US as ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-global-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-should-blacklist-pakistan-327515">Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan</a>

The ADF, a Ugandan insurgent faction, has been involved in several brutal assaults on civilians since the army started operations against it in late 2019, reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

It has been blamed for the killing of more than 140 people in 2021, in about weekly attacks in Congo's restive east.&nbsp;

According to the UN, the ADF has killed approximate 850 people last year.&nbsp;

Laren Poole from the Bridgeway Foundation, a US-based thinktank said that the recognition and funding to the group by ISIS has pushed the group's deadly expansion.&nbsp;

Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, called Al-Shabaab in Mozambique, staged its first attack in 2017.&nbsp;

Initially known largely for beheadings, the fighters declared allegiance to Islamic State in 2019 and have since intensified its operations.&nbsp;

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State.

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State. "The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) announced the launch of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in April 2019 to promote the presence of ISIS associated elements within Central, East, and Southern Africa," the State Department in a statement said. "Although ISIS-associated media portray ISCAP as a unified structure, ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique are distinct groups with distinct origins." Also read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says The state department said that the two groups "have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism." It also named the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo and its leader Seka Musa Baluku and Mozambique's Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its chief Abu Yasir Hassan "specially designated global terrorists". The ADF and Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama are dubbed by the US as ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique. Also read | Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan The ADF, a Ugandan insurgent faction, has been involved in several brutal assaults on civilians since the army started operations against it in late 2019, reports news agency Reuters. It has been blamed for the killing of more than 140 people in 2021, in about weekly attacks in Congo's restive east. According to the UN, the ADF has killed approximate 850 people last year. Laren Poole from the Bridgeway Foundation, a US-based thinktank said that the recognition and funding to the group by ISIS has pushed the group's deadly expansion. Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, called Al-Shabaab in Mozambique, staged its first attack in 2017. Initially known largely for beheadings, the fighters declared allegiance to Islamic State in 2019 and have since intensified its operations.

US blacklists two groups in Congo and Mozambique over connections with ISIS

Iran slammed the United States on Thursday for continuing to follow former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's </a>policy of applying "maximum pressure".&nbsp;

"US claims it favours diplomacy; not Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure'," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.

"Yet (US Secretary of State Antony Blinken) boasts abt (about) blocking Korea from transferring our OWN money to the Swiss Channel -- only used for food &amp; meds."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-urges-us-iran-to-step-up-efforts-on-nuke-deal-369301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said sticking to the same approach will not "yield new results" for the US.&nbsp;

The Iranian foreign minister's comments came hours after Blinken hinted of the US continuing to oppose the release of Iranian funds worth billions of dollars until Tehran commits to full compliance with a nuclear deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
South Korea, an ally of the US, last month said it agreed on a way to release the Iranian money from oil sales but was waiting for Washington's nod.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-to-offer-constructive-plan-amid-hopes-of-informal-nuclear-talks-368392">Iran's Zarif to offer 'constructive' plan amid hopes of informal nuclear talks</a>

"...unless and until Iran comes back into compliance, they won't be getting that relief," Blinken said.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>has insisted Iran to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal that was scrapped by Trump which further raised tensions between Tehran and Washington.&nbsp;

Iran slammed the United States on Thursday for continuing to follow former president Donald Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure". "US claims it favours diplomacy; not Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure'," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.

Iran slammed the United States on Thursday for continuing to follow former president Donald Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure". "US claims it favours diplomacy; not Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure'," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. "Yet (US Secretary of State Antony Blinken) boasts abt (about) blocking Korea from transferring our OWN money to the Swiss Channel -- only used for food & meds." Watch | He said sticking to the same approach will not "yield new results" for the US. The Iranian foreign minister's comments came hours after Blinken hinted of the US continuing to oppose the release of Iranian funds worth billions of dollars until Tehran commits to full compliance with a nuclear deal. South Korea, an ally of the US, last month said it agreed on a way to release the Iranian money from oil sales but was waiting for Washington's nod. Also read | Iran's Zarif to offer 'constructive' plan amid hopes of informal nuclear talks "...unless and until Iran comes back into compliance, they won't be getting that relief," Blinken said. US President Joe Biden has insisted Iran to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal that was scrapped by Trump which further raised tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran slams US, says Trump's policy of 'maximum pressure' won't do any good

COVID-19 restrictions in Texas have officially been lifted. Businesses in Texas will now be allowed to fully open authorities have lifted the mask mandate as well.

United States: Texas authorities lift mask mandate & occupancy restrictions

A sixth woman has accused the governor of New York state, Andrew Cuomo, of inappropriately touching her.

The 63-year-old Democrat has, however, ruled out resignation once again.

Cuomo claimed he was "not aware" of the new accusation, adding he would await the results of an independent investigation into the allegations, overseen by the state Attorney General Letitia James.&nbsp;

"Let the investigation get the facts and we'll take it from there," Cuomo said during a telephone briefing called shortly after the new charge was published.

The new claim further weakens the position of the governor, who has been in power for 10 years and whose term expires in 2022.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-ex-aide-accuses-andrew-cuomo-of-sexual-misconduct-368578">Also read |&nbsp;Another ex-aide accuses Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct</a>

The Times Union, a newspaper in the state capital of Albany where the New York legislature is based, said the allegation had been made by an unidentified employee of the governor, and that the incident took place at his official residence last year.&nbsp;

She did not file a complaint, the newspaper said, but her allegations were forwarded to the governor's legal department and the state attorney general's office.&nbsp;

Cuomo, initially praised for his state's handling of the pandemic, has suffered a spectacular fall from grace, with Republicans and his accusers also calling for his resignation.

Republicans have begun impeachment proceedings in the state legislature, where Democrats have a majority.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

A sixth woman has accused the governor of New York state, Andrew Cuomo, of inappropriately touching her. The 63-year-old Democrat has, however, ruled out resignation once again.

A sixth woman has accused the governor of New York state, Andrew Cuomo, of inappropriately touching her. The 63-year-old Democrat has, however, ruled out resignation once again. Cuomo claimed he was "not aware" of the new accusation, adding he would await the results of an independent investigation into the allegations, overseen by the state Attorney General Letitia James. "Let the investigation get the facts and we'll take it from there," Cuomo said during a telephone briefing called shortly after the new charge was published. The new claim further weakens the position of the governor, who has been in power for 10 years and whose term expires in 2022. Also read | Another ex-aide accuses Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct The Times Union, a newspaper in the state capital of Albany where the New York legislature is based, said the allegation had been made by an unidentified employee of the governor, and that the incident took place at his official residence last year. She did not file a complaint, the newspaper said, but her allegations were forwarded to the governor's legal department and the state attorney general's office. Cuomo, initially praised for his state's handling of the pandemic, has suffered a spectacular fall from grace, with Republicans and his accusers also calling for his resignation. Republicans have begun impeachment proceedings in the state legislature, where Democrats have a majority. (with inputs)

Sixth woman accuses New York governor Cuomo of harassment

The sister of George Floyd -- the unarmed black man whose death in Minneapolis police custody galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement into a global phenomenon -- made an emotional plea for justice on Monday (March 8) on what was supposed to be the first trial day of the officer accused in his killing.

Sister of George Floyd makes emotional plea for justice as trial gets set to begin

The United States on Monday called out Russia for its disinformation campaign against COVID-19 vaccines made in the US.&nbsp;

Recently, the Global Engagement Center, an extension of the State Department entrusted with the duty of monitoring foreign propaganda said that Russian intelligence was linked to four platforms running a campaign against vaccines. US said that Moscow is putting lives at risk.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vladimir-putin-wants-the-internet-bound-by-moral-rules-368370/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The four platforms "included disinformation about two of the vaccines that have now been approved by the FDA in this country," State Department spokesman Ned Price said to reporters.

"It is very clear that Russia is up to its old tricks, and in doing so is potentially putting people at risk by spreading disinformation about vaccines that we know to be saving lives every day," Price said. 
 
The four online publications are Oriental Review, News Front, New Eastern Outlook, and Rebel Inside. The publications have focused on the side effects caused by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, along with jabs made by other major Western companies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-regulator-urges-caution-on-sputnik-v-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-368720" hreflang="en">EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V, Russia's coronavirus vaccine</a>

According to the report, the false information pertains to the efficacy of the vaccines, while highlighting how the vaccines had been rushed for approvals in the US.

Even though the sites do not have a large pool of audiences, officials claim that their stories are picked up by international media regularly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-austria-agree-to-talks-on-sputnik-v-vaccine-366506" hreflang="en">Russia, Austria agree to talks on Sputnik V vaccine</a>

The websites lay bare side effects caused by the vaccines, which have remained consistently rare while failing to provide accurate information about how the vaccines continue to remain safe for most people.

An official for the State Department told the Wall Street Journal that Russian intelligence services bear "direct responsibility" for employing the four platforms to spread "propaganda and lies''.

The United States on Monday called out Russia for its disinformation campaign against COVID-19 vaccines made in the US. Recently, the Global Engagement Center, an extension of the State Department entrusted with the duty of monitoring foreign propaganda said that Russian intelligence was linked to four platforms running a campaign against vaccines.

The United States on Monday called out Russia for its disinformation campaign against COVID-19 vaccines made in the US. Recently, the Global Engagement Center, an extension of the State Department entrusted with the duty of monitoring foreign propaganda said that Russian intelligence was linked to four platforms running a campaign against vaccines. US said that Moscow is putting lives at risk. The four platforms "included disinformation about two of the vaccines that have now been approved by the FDA in this country," State Department spokesman Ned Price said to reporters. "It is very clear that Russia is up to its old tricks, and in doing so is potentially putting people at risk by spreading disinformation about vaccines that we know to be saving lives every day," Price said. The four online publications are Oriental Review, News Front, New Eastern Outlook, and Rebel Inside. The publications have focused on the side effects caused by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, along with jabs made by other major Western companies. Also read: EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V, Russia's coronavirus vaccine According to the report, the false information pertains to the efficacy of the vaccines, while highlighting how the vaccines had been rushed for approvals in the US. Even though the sites do not have a large pool of audiences, officials claim that their stories are picked up by international media regularly. Also read: Russia, Austria agree to talks on Sputnik V vaccine The websites lay bare side effects caused by the vaccines, which have remained consistently rare while failing to provide accurate information about how the vaccines continue to remain safe for most people. An official for the State Department told the Wall Street Journal that Russian intelligence services bear "direct responsibility" for employing the four platforms to spread "propaganda and lies''.

Russia risking lives by running disinformation campaign against vaccines: US

What have U.S-Taliban peace talks achieved? Has the violence in Afghanistan ended? Have all prisoners been released? And most importantly, Will the U.S. ever withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan? Here's what WION's Palki has to say.

Gravitas: Will US withdraw troops from Afghanistan?

A year after Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in a fairy-tale wedding, she said in an extraordinary interview broadcast on Sunday night, her life as a member of the British royal family had become so emotionally desolate that she contemplated suicide.

At another point, members of the family told Harry and Meghan, a biracial former actress from the United States, that they did not want the couple’s unborn child, Archie, to be a prince or princess and expressed concerns about how dark the color of the baby’s skin would be.

An emotional but self-possessed Meghan said of her suicidal thoughts: “I was ashamed to have to admit it to Harry. I knew that if I didn’t say it, I would do it. I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

Meghan, 39, made the disclosures in an eagerly anticipated, at times incendiary, interview on CBS with Oprah Winfrey that aired in the United States in prime time. In describing a royal life that began as a fairy tale but quickly turned suffocating and cruel, Meghan's blunt answers raised the combustible issues of race and privilege in the most rarefied echelon of British society.

For an American audience that has lapped up the palace intrigue depicted in the popular TV series 'The Crown,' it was the equivalent of an explosive bonus episode — one promoted in a week of charges and countercharges about the role Meghan played in the House of Windsor.

For the royal family, already preoccupied by the hospitalization of its patriarch, Prince Philip, it was both an embarrassing airing of dirty laundry and a painful reminder, a year after Harry and Meghan turned their backs on royal life, that the wounds from that rupture had yet to heal.

Meghan said that while her husband was deeply concerned about her emotional fragility — gripping her hand tightly at public events — her efforts to seek medical help were rebuffed by palace officials, who worried about the effect on the monarchy. She described herself as a sort of prisoner in Kensington Palace.

“I couldn’t just call an Uber to the palace,” she said.

Meghan did not say which family member had raised questions about her baby’s skin color, nor did she fully explain why the royal family had not automatically planned to confer a royal title, which would have provided security protection for the child. By convention, Archie would assume a royal title once his grandfather Prince Charles ascended to the throne.

Still, the lack of detail did not rob the moment of its power: Meghan's reference to her child’s skin tone provoked a stunned “what?” from Winfrey.

In other, less provocative disclosures, Meghan corrected the record on some family business and revealed the sex of their unborn child.

It was her sister-in-law, Kate, she said, who drove her to tears in a clash over dresses for the flower girls, rather than the reverse as had been widely reported. In another awkward encounter with of her own aides, she said that the aide told her she shouldn’t go out to lunch with friends because she was overexposed, even though she had left her residence only twice in four months.

Harry and Meghan disclosed that their second child, due this summer, will be a girl.

Meghan, her baby bump clearly visible, spoke casually and with humor about her early encounters with her future in-laws. She described learning how to curtsy moments before she was introduced to Queen Elizabeth II, with whom she said she always had a warm relationship, and insisted she knew nothing about what was going to be expected of her as a working royal.

“I didn’t do any research about what that would mean,” she said. “I never looked up my husband online.”

Harry, who joined Meghan for the second half of the interview, said the couple broke away because of a lack of support or understanding from his family, particularly about the racism that he said his wife confronted in news coverage.

“No one from my family said anything over those three years,” Harry said.

The prince, who remains sixth in line to the throne, described being financially cut off by his family after he and Meghan announced plans to withdraw from royal duties. He said his relationship with his father was particularly strained — Charles stopped taking his calls at one point — because “there’s a lot of hurt that has happened.”

On both sides of the Atlantic, this was the most eagerly anticipated royal interview since Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, told the BBC in 1995 that “there were three of us in this marriage,” referring to her husband, Charles, and his extramarital relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, whom he later married.

Like Meghan, Diana was a glamorous outsider who brought a shower of stardust to the House of Windsor when she married Charles, only to become deeply unhappy within the confines of royal life. Unlike Meghan, her marriage crumbled amid competing claims of infidelity, and by the time she spoke to the BBC journalist, Martin Bashir, she said the palace viewed her as a “threat of some kind.”

A vivid bookend to her turbulent years in the royal family, Diana’s interview was a pop-cultural moment that drew one of the largest British television audiences in history, lived on in parodies on “Saturday Night Live,” and deepened the media’s fathomless hunger for all things Diana. Two years later, she was dead in Paris, the victim of a car crash after a high-speed chase with photographers.

Harry invoked that tragedy with Winfrey, saying of his wife’s recurring clashes with the tabloid press, “My biggest concern was history repeating itself.” He has long blamed journalists for his mother’s death and said one of the reasons the couple moved to California was to escape the unrelenting media glare.

Even Meghan’s choice of wardrobe seemed calculated to telegraph the message of a new start. Her elegant black dress, designed by Giorgio Armani, featured a striking lotus flower design that her staff said symbolized revival and a will to live. She also wore a diamond tennis bracelet that once belonged to Diana.

But the couple’s effort to relaunch their public image did not go unchallenged back home. In the days leading up to the broadcast, new allegations surfaced that Meghan had bullied members of her staff, reducing junior aides to tears and driving two personal assistants out of the palace. Meghan dismissed the claims as character assassination, while Buckingham Palace said it would look into them.

“What is going on is a significant struggle for the control of the narrative,” said Peter Hunt, a former BBC royal correspondent. “What is our settled judgment for why Harry and Meghan left the royal family? Do we accept two hours of Oprah or do we believe those charges of bullying?”

Early headlines in the British tabloids suggested that Meghan’s bombshells will reverberate for weeks. “I wanted to kill myself,” said a headline on The Daily Mail’s website. “I felt suicidal,” said a headline on The Sun’s site.

Meghan has no shortage of defenders. Patrick J. Adams, an actor who worked with her on the television series, “Suits,” described her on Twitter last week as having “a deep sense of morality and a fierce work ethic.” The royal family, Adams said, was “obscene” to promote accusations of bullying against her.

Critics have long detected a whiff of racism in how some people react to Meghan, a professional woman who had been divorced before she met Harry. While initially rapturous in their coverage of the couple, Britain’s tabloids turned against them, publishing unflattering articles about how they flew on carbon-spewing private jets and restricted access to their newborn son.

Some also point out the hypocrisy of Buckingham Palace investigating claims of bullying against Meghan when Prince Andrew, the queen’s second son and Harry’s uncle, has declined to speak to U.S. authorities about allegations of sex trafficking by his late friend, the convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein.

Though British papers have covered every conceivable angle of the interview, some made clear there were limits to the interest it was generating. The Sunday Times of London reported that the queen herself had no plans to watch the program, which is quite predictable, since it aired after midnight London time. It was to be shown on Monday evening on Britain’s ITV network.

Others in Britain tried to play down its significance, pointing out that there are other more important things going on in the country: Schools are to reopen on Monday, and the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues at full speed. At least one prominent British leader said he had no plans to stay up for it.

“Of course, I’m interested in all sorts of stuff around the news around the world,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday, when asked about Harry and Meghan. “I think it’s quite late our time, so I’ll probably miss it.”

A year after Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in a fairy-tale wedding, she said in an extraordinary interview broadcast on Sunday night, her life as a member of the British royal family had become so emotionally desolate that she contemplated suicide.

A year after Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in a fairy-tale wedding, she said in an extraordinary interview broadcast on Sunday night, her life as a member of the British royal family had become so emotionally desolate that she contemplated suicide. At another point, members of the family told Harry and Meghan, a biracial former actress from the United States, that they did not want the couple’s unborn child, Archie, to be a prince or princess and expressed concerns about how dark the color of the baby’s skin would be. An emotional but self-possessed Meghan said of her suicidal thoughts: “I was ashamed to have to admit it to Harry. I knew that if I didn’t say it, I would do it. I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.” Meghan, 39, made the disclosures in an eagerly anticipated, at times incendiary, interview on CBS with Oprah Winfrey that aired in the United States in prime time. In describing a royal life that began as a fairy tale but quickly turned suffocating and cruel, Meghan's blunt answers raised the combustible issues of race and privilege in the most rarefied echelon of British society. For an American audience that has lapped up the palace intrigue depicted in the popular TV series 'The Crown,' it was the equivalent of an explosive bonus episode — one promoted in a week of charges and countercharges about the role Meghan played in the House of Windsor. For the royal family, already preoccupied by the hospitalization of its patriarch, Prince Philip, it was both an embarrassing airing of dirty laundry and a painful reminder, a year after Harry and Meghan turned their backs on royal life, that the wounds from that rupture had yet to heal. Meghan said that while her husband was deeply concerned about her emotional fragility — gripping her hand tightly at public events — her efforts to seek medical help were rebuffed by palace officials, who worried about the effect on the monarchy. She described herself as a sort of prisoner in Kensington Palace. “I couldn’t just call an Uber to the palace,” she said. Meghan did not say which family member had raised questions about her baby’s skin color, nor did she fully explain why the royal family had not automatically planned to confer a royal title, which would have provided security protection for the child. By convention, Archie would assume a royal title once his grandfather Prince Charles ascended to the throne. Still, the lack of detail did not rob the moment of its power: Meghan's reference to her child’s skin tone provoked a stunned “what?” from Winfrey. In other, less provocative disclosures, Meghan corrected the record on some family business and revealed the sex of their unborn child. It was her sister-in-law, Kate, she said, who drove her to tears in a clash over dresses for the flower girls, rather than the reverse as had been widely reported. In another awkward encounter with of her own aides, she said that the aide told her she shouldn’t go out to lunch with friends because she was overexposed, even though she had left her residence only twice in four months. Harry and Meghan disclosed that their second child, due this summer, will be a girl. Meghan, her baby bump clearly visible, spoke casually and with humor about her early encounters with her future in-laws. She described learning how to curtsy moments before she was introduced to Queen Elizabeth II, with whom she said she always had a warm relationship, and insisted she knew nothing about what was going to be expected of her as a working royal. “I didn’t do any research about what that would mean,” she said. “I never looked up my husband online.” Harry, who joined Meghan for the second half of the interview, said the couple broke away because of a lack of support or understanding from his family, particularly about the racism that he said his wife confronted in news coverage. “No one from my family said anything over those three years,” Harry said. The prince, who remains sixth in line to the throne, described being financially cut off by his family after he and Meghan announced plans to withdraw from royal duties. He said his relationship with his father was particularly strained — Charles stopped taking his calls at one point — because “there’s a lot of hurt that has happened.” On both sides of the Atlantic, this was the most eagerly anticipated royal interview since Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, told the BBC in 1995 that “there were three of us in this marriage,” referring to her husband, Charles, and his extramarital relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, whom he later married. Like Meghan, Diana was a glamorous outsider who brought a shower of stardust to the House of Windsor when she married Charles, only to become deeply unhappy within the confines of royal life. Unlike Meghan, her marriage crumbled amid competing claims of infidelity, and by the time she spoke to the BBC journalist, Martin Bashir, she said the palace viewed her as a “threat of some kind.” A vivid bookend to her turbulent years in the royal family, Diana’s interview was a pop-cultural moment that drew one of the largest British television audiences in history, lived on in parodies on “Saturday Night Live,” and deepened the media’s fathomless hunger for all things Diana. Two years later, she was dead in Paris, the victim of a car crash after a high-speed chase with photographers. Harry invoked that tragedy with Winfrey, saying of his wife’s recurring clashes with the tabloid press, “My biggest concern was history repeating itself.” He has long blamed journalists for his mother’s death and said one of the reasons the couple moved to California was to escape the unrelenting media glare. Even Meghan’s choice of wardrobe seemed calculated to telegraph the message of a new start. Her elegant black dress, designed by Giorgio Armani, featured a striking lotus flower design that her staff said symbolized revival and a will to live. She also wore a diamond tennis bracelet that once belonged to Diana. But the couple’s effort to relaunch their public image did not go unchallenged back home. In the days leading up to the broadcast, new allegations surfaced that Meghan had bullied members of her staff, reducing junior aides to tears and driving two personal assistants out of the palace. Meghan dismissed the claims as character assassination, while Buckingham Palace said it would look into them. “What is going on is a significant struggle for the control of the narrative,” said Peter Hunt, a former BBC royal correspondent. “What is our settled judgment for why Harry and Meghan left the royal family? Do we accept two hours of Oprah or do we believe those charges of bullying?” Early headlines in the British tabloids suggested that Meghan’s bombshells will reverberate for weeks. “I wanted to kill myself,” said a headline on The Daily Mail’s website. “I felt suicidal,” said a headline on The Sun’s site. Meghan has no shortage of defenders. Patrick J. Adams, an actor who worked with her on the television series, “Suits,” described her on Twitter last week as having “a deep sense of morality and a fierce work ethic.” The royal family, Adams said, was “obscene” to promote accusations of bullying against her. Critics have long detected a whiff of racism in how some people react to Meghan, a professional woman who had been divorced before she met Harry. While initially rapturous in their coverage of the couple, Britain’s tabloids turned against them, publishing unflattering articles about how they flew on carbon-spewing private jets and restricted access to their newborn son. Some also point out the hypocrisy of Buckingham Palace investigating claims of bullying against Meghan when Prince Andrew, the queen’s second son and Harry’s uncle, has declined to speak to U.S. authorities about allegations of sex trafficking by his late friend, the convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. Though British papers have covered every conceivable angle of the interview, some made clear there were limits to the interest it was generating. The Sunday Times of London reported that the queen herself had no plans to watch the program, which is quite predictable, since it aired after midnight London time. It was to be shown on Monday evening on Britain’s ITV network. Others in Britain tried to play down its significance, pointing out that there are other more important things going on in the country: Schools are to reopen on Monday, and the coronavirus vaccine rollout continues at full speed. At least one prominent British leader said he had no plans to stay up for it. “Of course, I’m interested in all sorts of stuff around the news around the world,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday, when asked about Harry and Meghan. “I think it’s quite late our time, so I’ll probably miss it.”

Meghan and Harry's interview: Depth of pain from royal life spills into view

Many US states easing their restrictions, movie theatres have begun reopening one of the worlds most significant movie markets that is new york. But this comeback will be its own constraints, restrictions will include 25% occupancy or a maximum of 50 patrons. So what does this move holds for an industry battled by the pandemic for more than a year now?

United States: Can theatres afford re-opening with limited capacity?

South Korea and the united states will be scaling down their joined military drill amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The drill will not include outdoor manoeuvres which have been carried out throughout the year, and the number of troops and equipment will be minimized due to COVID-19 restrictions.

South Korea and the United States will be scale down

United States President Joe Biden said that Indian-Americans are taking over the country, referring to the high number of people from the community getting a place in his administration. He has congratulated the team of NASA scientists.

Your Story: United States President Joe Biden congratulates team of NASA scientists

In a room with dimmed lights, a few brooms and a cart with heat protective gear sits a cremation chamber behind golden doors. It's where Eddie Martinez has been spending a lot of time lately.

Ashes and grief, the footprint of the pandemic in a crematorium

The building hope of nuclear deals revival, Iran has given encouraging signs about opening informal talks with world powers and United States.

Iran signals informal nuclear talks with IAEA's Technical, US supports meet

In the first two months of his presidency, US President Joe Biden has taken concrete steps to overturn his predecessor Donald Trump's policies. One of those moves were initiating hearing for asylum seekers living near the US -Mexico border.

Asylum seekers living near US-Mexico border plead for entry into US

The House of Representatives scrapped Thursday's session after authorities alerted of a possible "breach" of the US Capitol by a militia group.&nbsp;

"We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4," the US Capitol Police said on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers," the statement further added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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House lawmakers announced that the voting on two important bills on police reform and voting rights will no longer be held on Thursday and in fact, will take place late on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The threat comes after extremists groups supporting former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;claimed on the internet that he will return to Washington on March 4 for the inauguration of a second term.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-riot-security-officials-say-rioters-came-ready-for-war-365785">US Capitol riot: Security officials say rioters came 'ready for war'</a>

QAnon, a conspiracy theory group, engaged in online discussions that Trump will be inaugurated as the US president on March 4, a day when most US presidents swore in until 1933, when it was changed to January 20.&nbsp;

About two months before on the day of Joe Biden's certification of the election win, thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed into the Capitol building, causing violence and vandalisation that left five people dead.

The incident sent shockwaves across the world of the threat to American democracy.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The House of Representatives scrapped Thursday's session after authorities alerted of a possible "breach" of the US Capitol by a militia group. "We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4," the US Capitol Police said on Thursday.

The House of Representatives scrapped Thursday's session after authorities alerted of a possible "breach" of the US Capitol by a militia group. "We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4," the US Capitol Police said on Thursday. "We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers," the statement further added. Watch | House lawmakers announced that the voting on two important bills on police reform and voting rights will no longer be held on Thursday and in fact, will take place late on Wednesday. The threat comes after extremists groups supporting former president Donald Trump claimed on the internet that he will return to Washington on March 4 for the inauguration of a second term. Also read | US Capitol riot: Security officials say rioters came 'ready for war' QAnon, a conspiracy theory group, engaged in online discussions that Trump will be inaugurated as the US president on March 4, a day when most US presidents swore in until 1933, when it was changed to January 20. About two months before on the day of Joe Biden's certification of the election win, thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed into the Capitol building, causing violence and vandalisation that left five people dead. The incident sent shockwaves across the world of the threat to American democracy.

Authorities alert of possible attack on US Capitol, House session scrapped

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>on Wednesday criticised Republican-ruled states Texas and Mississippi for dropping measures to wear masks, calling it "Neanderthal thinking".

"The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking, that in the meantime everything's fine -- take off your mask, forget it. It still matters," the US president said.&nbsp;

Biden's remarks came after Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted mask mandate in the state on Tuesday, saying it's time to open "100 per cent".

Watch |&nbsp;

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He said the opening of businesses up to 75 per cent have hurt small players and the state now has the "tools" to protect the Texans from the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Mississippi, which announced lifting compulsory mask-wearing on Wednesday hit back at Biden's comments, with Governor Tate Reeves saying "Mississippians don't need handlers". &nbsp;

"As numbers drop, they can assess their choices and listen to experts. I guess I just think we should trust Americans, not insult them," the Republican governor wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) have also warned of dropping guard to prevent the spread of Covid-19, saying it could lead to a potential fourth wave of the virus in the country.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adult-population-of-us-to-be-vaccinated-by-may-joe-biden-367551">Adult population of US to be vaccinated by May: Joe Biden</a>

"Now is not the time to release all restrictions," Rochelle Walensky, USCDC said.

"Continue wearing your well-fitted mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work."&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday criticised Republican-ruled states Texas and Mississippi for dropping measures to wear masks, calling it "Neanderthal thinking".

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday criticised Republican-ruled states Texas and Mississippi for dropping measures to wear masks, calling it "Neanderthal thinking". "The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking, that in the meantime everything's fine -- take off your mask, forget it. It still matters," the US president said. Biden's remarks came after Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted mask mandate in the state on Tuesday, saying it's time to open "100 per cent". Watch | He said the opening of businesses up to 75 per cent have hurt small players and the state now has the "tools" to protect the Texans from the deadly virus. Mississippi, which announced lifting compulsory mask-wearing on Wednesday hit back at Biden's comments, with Governor Tate Reeves saying "Mississippians don't need handlers". "As numbers drop, they can assess their choices and listen to experts. I guess I just think we should trust Americans, not insult them," the Republican governor wrote in a tweet. Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) have also warned of dropping guard to prevent the spread of Covid-19, saying it could lead to a potential fourth wave of the virus in the country. Also read | Adult population of US to be vaccinated by May: Joe Biden "Now is not the time to release all restrictions," Rochelle Walensky, USCDC said. "Continue wearing your well-fitted mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work."

'Neanderthal thinking': Joe Biden slams Texas, Mississippi for dropping mask-wearing requirements

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido&nbsp;to increase "multilateral pressure" against President Nicolas Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition" of power.&nbsp;

The United States considers Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela and Maduro's reelection win in 2018 was deemed fraudulent.&nbsp;

Watch |

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"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido today. Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of a return to democracy in Venezuela through free and fair elections," state department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

It said that the secretary of state called for "efforts to work with likeminded allies", including the European Union and Lima Group to "increase multilateral pressure" on Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-in-no-rush-to-lift-venezuela-sanctions-seeks-serious-steps-by-maduro-366912">Biden in no rush to lift Venezuela sanctions, seeks 'serious steps' by Maduro</a>

The relations between the countries were stained during the tenure of former president Donald Trump, who imposed severe sanctions on Venezuela and its state oil company in a bid to oust Maduro from power.&nbsp;

The statement by the US secretary of state's office also added that Washington will work with its allies for a political solution to the crisis and to push humanitarian assistance in the South American country.&nbsp;

Guaido declared himself as the country's leader in 2019 and his legitimacy has been accepted by over 50 countries, including the US.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido to increase "multilateral pressure" against President Nicolas Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition" of power.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido to increase "multilateral pressure" against President Nicolas Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition" of power. The United States considers Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela and Maduro's reelection win in 2018 was deemed fraudulent. Watch | "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido today. Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of a return to democracy in Venezuela through free and fair elections," state department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. It said that the secretary of state called for "efforts to work with likeminded allies", including the European Union and Lima Group to "increase multilateral pressure" on Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition". Also read | Biden in no rush to lift Venezuela sanctions, seeks 'serious steps' by Maduro The relations between the countries were stained during the tenure of former president Donald Trump, who imposed severe sanctions on Venezuela and its state oil company in a bid to oust Maduro from power. The statement by the US secretary of state's office also added that Washington will work with its allies for a political solution to the crisis and to push humanitarian assistance in the South American country. Guaido declared himself as the country's leader in 2019 and his legitimacy has been accepted by over 50 countries, including the US.

US Secretary of State talks with Venezuela's Guaido to increase 'pressure' on President Maduro

Texas on Tuesday lifted a state mask mandate as the governor called for opening the state "100 per cent".&nbsp;

Texas Governor Greg Abbott was criticised by fellow Republicans for making masks compulsory in the state last July. His latest announcements come as President Joe Biden's administration insists on not dropping the measures such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing to avoid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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In a speech, Abbott said that for about half a year businesses have been open up to 75 per cent, which caused many small players to "struggle to pay their bills".&nbsp;

"This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100 per cent," the Texas governor said while addressing the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce amid cheers and applause.&nbsp;

"Every business that wants to be open should be open."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-fourth-surge-of-coronavirus-possible-soon-cdc-chief-warns-367345">Potential 'fourth surge' of coronavirus possible soon, CDC chief warns</a>

He said the restrictions have been lifted because of the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines, and since now they have better testing and treatment.&nbsp;

"Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus," Abbott said.&nbsp;

The move by the Republican governor comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned states to not drop the guard of stopping the spread of Covid-19.&nbsp;

"I am really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from Covid-19," Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.&nbsp;

"Now is not the time to relax the critical safeguards that we know can stop the spread of Covid-19," the director said, adding: "Continue wearing your well-fitted mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work."&nbsp;

Over 43,000 people have died in Texas due to Covid-19, making the state the third-worst in the US.

Texas's death toll and infection rate are still amongst the highest in the country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Texas on Tuesday lifted a state mask mandate as the governor called for opening the state "100 per cent". Texas Governor Greg Abbott was criticised by fellow Republicans for making masks compulsory in the state last July.

Texas on Tuesday lifted a state mask mandate as the governor called for opening the state "100 per cent". Texas Governor Greg Abbott was criticised by fellow Republicans for making masks compulsory in the state last July. His latest announcements come as President Joe Biden's administration insists on not dropping the measures such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing to avoid the novel coronavirus. Watch | In a speech, Abbott said that for about half a year businesses have been open up to 75 per cent, which caused many small players to "struggle to pay their bills". "This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100 per cent," the Texas governor said while addressing the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce amid cheers and applause. "Every business that wants to be open should be open." Also read | Potential 'fourth surge' of coronavirus possible soon, CDC chief warns He said the restrictions have been lifted because of the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines, and since now they have better testing and treatment. "Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus," Abbott said. The move by the Republican governor comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned states to not drop the guard of stopping the spread of Covid-19. "I am really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from Covid-19," Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "Now is not the time to relax the critical safeguards that we know can stop the spread of Covid-19," the director said, adding: "Continue wearing your well-fitted mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work." Over 43,000 people have died in Texas due to Covid-19, making the state the third-worst in the US. Texas's death toll and infection rate are still amongst the highest in the country.

Coronavirus in US: Masks no longer compulsory in Texas despite warnings

Democrats faces pressure to stick together to pass their COVID relief package. US President Joe Biden has made an aggressive pitch to the Senate Democrats telling them to get behind the $1.9 trillion bill. President Joe Biden has also said that the US will have vaccines for all Americans by May.

President Joe Biden says US will have vaccines for all Americans by May

Russia on Wednesday warned the United States it would "rebuff aggression" after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

"We will continue to systematically and resolutely defend our national interests and rebuff aggression," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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She further threatened the United States that Kremlin's reaction would be based on "reciprocity and not necessarily symmetrically."

The comments came after the US along with the European Union on Tuesday imposed penalties after US intelligence concluded that Russia was behind the poisoning of Navalny.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-will-worsen-strained-ties-with-us-russia-on-navalny-row-367529">Sanctions will worsen strained ties with US: Russia on Navalny row</a>

Accusing Washington of "trying to cultivate the image of an external enemy," the spokesperson asked the US and its European allies to "not play with fire".&nbsp;

Biden's administration has frozen any US assets of seven Russian officials, including the director of FSB, Russia's intelligence organisation.&nbsp;

It has also criminalised any transactions with these seven officials.&nbsp;

The action has been taken after US intelligence assessed "with high confidence" that FSB officials poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok on August 20, 2020, a US official told reporters.

"The US government has exercised its authorities to send a clear signal that Russia's use of chemical weapons and abuse of human rights have severe consequences," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said.

 
&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday warned the United States it would "rebuff aggression" after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Russia on Wednesday warned the United States it would "rebuff aggression" after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny. "We will continue to systematically and resolutely defend our national interests and rebuff aggression," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | She further threatened the United States that Kremlin's reaction would be based on "reciprocity and not necessarily symmetrically." The comments came after the US along with the European Union on Tuesday imposed penalties after US intelligence concluded that Russia was behind the poisoning of Navalny. Also read | Sanctions will worsen strained ties with US: Russia on Navalny row Accusing Washington of "trying to cultivate the image of an external enemy," the spokesperson asked the US and its European allies to "not play with fire". Biden's administration has frozen any US assets of seven Russian officials, including the director of FSB, Russia's intelligence organisation. It has also criminalised any transactions with these seven officials. The action has been taken after US intelligence assessed "with high confidence" that FSB officials poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok on August 20, 2020, a US official told reporters. "The US government has exercised its authorities to send a clear signal that Russia's use of chemical weapons and abuse of human rights have severe consequences," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said.

'Don't play with fire': Russia warns US, its allies over sanctions on Navalny poisoning

United States National security commission has recommended that American Universities must take steps to prevent sensitive technology from being stolen by the Chinese military.

WION Dispatch: US' growing concerns over security of academic research

US Court has approved $650 million privacy dispute, Facebook needs to pay the amount over the Facial recognition feature . Facebook also has been accused of violating the privacy law.

Facebook to pay over privacy dispute

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif during a visit to Tehran on Saturday (February 27).

The visit comes two days after the United States carried out air strikes authorized by President Joe Biden against facilities belonging to Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria , in response to rocket attacks against U.S. targets in Iraq.

Biden said Iran cannot act with impunity and warned Iran to "be careful" when asked what message he was sending the country with the strikes in Syria on Thursday (February 25).

Watch |&nbsp;

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On Saturday, Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said the strikes "encourage terrorism in the region." Shamkhani made the remarks during his meeting with Hussein.

Hussein, on his second visit to Iran in a month, later met with Zarif.

Hussein is in Iran "to discuss regional developments, including ways to balance relations and avoid tension and escalation" with Iranian officials, according to an Iraqi foreign ministry statement.

An Iraqi militia official close to Iran said the strikes killed one fighter and wounded four. U.S. officials said they were limited in scope to show Biden's administration will act firmly while trying to avoid a big regional escalation.

Shamkhani said "we will confront the U.S. plan to revive terrorism in the region", but did not elaborate.

The air strikes targeted militia sites on the Syrian side of the Iraqi-Syrian frontier, where groups backed by Iran control an important crossing for weapons, personnel and goods.

Western officials and some Iraqi officials accuse Iranian-backed groups of involvement in deadly rocket attacks on U.S. sites and personnel in Iraq over the last month.

Washington and Tehran are seeking maximum leverage in attempts to save Iran's nuclear deal reached with world powers in 2015 but abandoned in 2018 by then-President Donald Trump, after which regional tensions soared.

 
&nbsp;

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif during a visit to Tehran on Saturday (February 27). The visit comes two days after the United States carried out air strikes authorized by President Joe Biden against facilities belonging to Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria , in response to rocket attacks against U.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif during a visit to Tehran on Saturday (February 27). The visit comes two days after the United States carried out air strikes authorized by President Joe Biden against facilities belonging to Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria , in response to rocket attacks against U.S. targets in Iraq. Biden said Iran cannot act with impunity and warned Iran to "be careful" when asked what message he was sending the country with the strikes in Syria on Thursday (February 25). Watch | On Saturday, Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said the strikes "encourage terrorism in the region." Shamkhani made the remarks during his meeting with Hussein. Hussein, on his second visit to Iran in a month, later met with Zarif. Hussein is in Iran "to discuss regional developments, including ways to balance relations and avoid tension and escalation" with Iranian officials, according to an Iraqi foreign ministry statement. An Iraqi militia official close to Iran said the strikes killed one fighter and wounded four. U.S. officials said they were limited in scope to show Biden's administration will act firmly while trying to avoid a big regional escalation. Shamkhani said "we will confront the U.S. plan to revive terrorism in the region", but did not elaborate. The air strikes targeted militia sites on the Syrian side of the Iraqi-Syrian frontier, where groups backed by Iran control an important crossing for weapons, personnel and goods. Western officials and some Iraqi officials accuse Iranian-backed groups of involvement in deadly rocket attacks on U.S. sites and personnel in Iraq over the last month. Washington and Tehran are seeking maximum leverage in attempts to save Iran's nuclear deal reached with world powers in 2015 but abandoned in 2018 by then-President Donald Trump, after which regional tensions soared.

Iran, Iraq foreign ministers meet against backdrop of US air strikes in Syria

After snubbing Saudi Arabia, Joe Biden ordered an airstrike against Iranian interests in Syria - his first military action as US President. What is Biden's gameplan for West Asia? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Joe Biden takes his first military action as President

The United States has welcomed the decision of the joint statement between India and Pakistan. This joint statement will reduce tensions between both countries.

US: We support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan

Reaching the milestone of administering 50 million doses of the COVID vaccine since taking office, US President Joe Biden celebrated the pace of his efforts to end the pandemic in the country.

Joe Biden marks 50 million COVID vaccine shots in US

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>on Wednesday revoked a proclamation issued by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump </a>that blocked several green card holders from entering the United States.&nbsp;

Biden's predecessor Trump imposed the ban last year in a bid to protect the jobs of Americans amid high unemployment due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The ban was initially placed until December last year, but Trump later extended it to March 2021.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-signals-hes-flexible-on-immigration-overhaul-364503">Biden signals he’s flexible on immigration overhaul</a>

Calling immigrants a "risk to the US labour market," Trump blocked their entry into the country by issuing Proclamation 10014 and Proclamation 10052.

Rejecting the proclamation on Wednesday, Biden said the ban had prevented families settled in the US from reuniting and hurt businesses across the country.&nbsp;

Biden said the ban "does not advance the interests of the United States" in his proclamation.

"To the contrary, it harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here. It also harms industries in the United States that utilize talent from around the world," he said.&nbsp;

As many as 120,000 family-based preference visas were lost majorly because of the ban in the 2020 budget year, according to the American Immigrant Lawyers Association.&nbsp;

The Trump proclamation did not allow immigrants to bring over family members unless they were US citizens.&nbsp;

It also barred employment-based visas' entry unless the immigrants were involved in any service beneficial to the US, such as healthcare.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday revoked a proclamation issued by Donald Trump that blocked several green card holders from entering the United States. Biden's predecessor Trump imposed the ban last year in a bid to protect the jobs of Americans amid high unemployment due to the pandemic.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday revoked a proclamation issued by Donald Trump that blocked several green card holders from entering the United States. Biden's predecessor Trump imposed the ban last year in a bid to protect the jobs of Americans amid high unemployment due to the pandemic. Watch | The ban was initially placed until December last year, but Trump later extended it to March 2021. Also read | Biden signals he’s flexible on immigration overhaul Calling immigrants a "risk to the US labour market," Trump blocked their entry into the country by issuing Proclamation 10014 and Proclamation 10052. Rejecting the proclamation on Wednesday, Biden said the ban had prevented families settled in the US from reuniting and hurt businesses across the country. Biden said the ban "does not advance the interests of the United States" in his proclamation. "To the contrary, it harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here. It also harms industries in the United States that utilize talent from around the world," he said. As many as 120,000 family-based preference visas were lost majorly because of the ban in the 2020 budget year, according to the American Immigrant Lawyers Association. The Trump proclamation did not allow immigrants to bring over family members unless they were US citizens. It also barred employment-based visas' entry unless the immigrants were involved in any service beneficial to the US, such as healthcare.

Joe Biden revokes Trump-era ban on green card applicants

The United States senator Mitt Romney has predicted that Donald Trump could easily win the GOP presidential election in 2024.

US: Mitt Romney says Donald Trump will win presidential election in 2024

Top tech executives reveal that the cybersecurity breach that affected about 100 US companies and 9 federal agencies last year was larger and more sophisticated than previously known.

US: Hack affected at least a 100 companies; Top tech executives grilled by Senate

President Joe Biden held a virtual bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the first time since taking office. During the meeting, Biden declared that 'the United States has no greater friend than Canada'.

US-Canada are the best friends: President Biden; Trudeau welcomes US leadership in meeting

Basketball fans eagerly lined up on Tuesday (February 23) to watch the New York Knicks take on the Warriors, as New York City welcomed ticketholders at live sports events for the first time since the pandemic brought sports to a halt nearly a year ago.

'It feels amazing' - New York City arenas open doors to elated fans

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