China threatened Tuesday to retaliate against new US restrictions on Chinese state media, escalating tensions between the two superpowers as they crack down on each other's news outlets. 
 
The US State Department said Monday it was reclassifying four organisations -- China Central Television, China News Service, the People's Daily and the Global Times -- as foreign missions rather than media outlets in the United States, adding to five others designated in February. 
 
China has already expelled more than a dozen American journalists as part of the row.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-raps-china-for-military-activity-says-it-should-fight-coronavirus-instead-307918" hreflang="en">Taiwan raps China for military activity, says it should fight coronavirus instead</a> 
 
On Tuesday Beijing decried the latest US move as "bare-faced political suppression of Chinese media" that "further exposes the hypocrisy of the so-called freedom of speech and press which the US likes to flaunt". 
 
"We strongly urge the US to reject this Cold War mindset and ideological bias... otherwise China will have no choice but to make an appropriate response," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing. 
 
All nine Chinese state-run news organisations will be required to report details of their US-based staff and real estate transactions to the State Department. Their news reporting will not be restricted, officials said. 
 
"These four entities are not media outlets; they are propaganda outlets," David Stilwell, the top US diplomat for East Asia, told reporters. 
 
He declined to say if the four organisations would be asked to reduce their US-based staff, which was required of the five that were earlier designated. 
 
The announcement was further evidence that a closed-door meeting last week in Hawaii between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi did little to ease bilateral tensions. 
 
The five state news outlets earlier designated as foreign missions were Xinhua news agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International and the US distributors of the People's Daily and English-language China Daily. 
 
After these outlets were ordered to slash their numbers of Chinese employees in the United States, Beijing hit back in March by expelling US citizens working for three major newspapers -- The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

Further retaliation? 
Some media rights advocates have voiced misgivings about the approach of President Donald Trump's administration, saying it gave China a pretext to kick out journalists who have fearlessly reported on the coronavirus pandemic and the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims. 
 
State Department officials say US media are free to report critically on their government while Chinese state-run outlets report to the government.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-beidou-satellite-to-track-geolocation-307914" hreflang="en">China launches Beidou satellite to track geolocation</a> 
 
In February, China separately expelled three journalists from The Wall Street Journal after the newspaper ran an opinion piece with a headline that called the country the "sick man of Asia" -- a word choice Beijing called racist. 
 
Stilwell, the assistant secretary of state, played down fears that China would expel more US journalists, saying the US actions were "simply an excuse" for Beijing to crack down on media.&nbsp; 
 
"Trying to tie what we do to defend ourselves to what they choose to do -- to kick out the best investigative reporters, especially the ones who speak Chinese -- this is all their choice," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

China threatened Tuesday to retaliate against new US restrictions on Chinese state media, escalating tensions between the two superpowers as they crack down on each other's news outlets.

China threatened Tuesday to retaliate against new US restrictions on Chinese state media, escalating tensions between the two superpowers as they crack down on each other's news outlets. The US State Department said Monday it was reclassifying four organisations -- China Central Television, China News Service, the People's Daily and the Global Times -- as foreign missions rather than media outlets in the United States, adding to five others designated in February. China has already expelled more than a dozen American journalists as part of the row. Also read: Taiwan raps China for military activity, says it should fight coronavirus instead On Tuesday Beijing decried the latest US move as "bare-faced political suppression of Chinese media" that "further exposes the hypocrisy of the so-called freedom of speech and press which the US likes to flaunt". "We strongly urge the US to reject this Cold War mindset and ideological bias... otherwise China will have no choice but to make an appropriate response," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing. All nine Chinese state-run news organisations will be required to report details of their US-based staff and real estate transactions to the State Department. Their news reporting will not be restricted, officials said. "These four entities are not media outlets; they are propaganda outlets," David Stilwell, the top US diplomat for East Asia, told reporters. He declined to say if the four organisations would be asked to reduce their US-based staff, which was required of the five that were earlier designated. The announcement was further evidence that a closed-door meeting last week in Hawaii between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi did little to ease bilateral tensions. The five state news outlets earlier designated as foreign missions were Xinhua news agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International and the US distributors of the People's Daily and English-language China Daily. After these outlets were ordered to slash their numbers of Chinese employees in the United States, Beijing hit back in March by expelling US citizens working for three major newspapers -- The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Further retaliation? Some media rights advocates have voiced misgivings about the approach of President Donald Trump's administration, saying it gave China a pretext to kick out journalists who have fearlessly reported on the coronavirus pandemic and the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims. State Department officials say US media are free to report critically on their government while Chinese state-run outlets report to the government. Also read: China launches Beidou satellite to track geolocation In February, China separately expelled three journalists from The Wall Street Journal after the newspaper ran an opinion piece with a headline that called the country the "sick man of Asia" -- a word choice Beijing called racist. Stilwell, the assistant secretary of state, played down fears that China would expel more US journalists, saying the US actions were "simply an excuse" for Beijing to crack down on media. "Trying to tie what we do to defend ourselves to what they choose to do -- to kick out the best investigative reporters, especially the ones who speak Chinese -- this is all their choice," he said.

China threatens retaliation for US curbs on 'propaganda' outlets

A Turkish-US business council is projecting Turkey as a trading alternative to China with the help of influential US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close associate of President Donald J Trump.

The Turkish effort comes two weeks after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heralded a new era in long-strained relations with Washington.

Graham’s agreement to participate in a webinar organised by the Turkey American Business Council (TAIK), an affiliate of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), the country’s oldest and largest business association, comes amid Turkish efforts to improve relations with the United States as a hedge to its ties to Russia.

“The growing rift between the United States and China creates a significant opportunity for geopolitical cooperation. Turkey and the United States would both benefit economically,” said a Turkish businessman.

Criticism of China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has widened the gap between Washington and Beijing and sparked calls for diversification of China-centric global supply chains.

Already hard hit, Turkey’s economy has suffered further body blows as a result of the pandemic at a time that Turkish and Russian forces have in recent months ended up on opposite sides of battles in northern Syria and Libya.

Forces of the Turkish-backed, internationally recognised Islamist Government of National Accord (GNA) drove Russian-supported rebels led by self-appointed Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar out of western Libya in recent weeks after Turkish electronic warfare and drones whacked Russian anti-defense missile systems.

Rejecting calls by Egypt and Haftar for a negotiated end to the Libyan conflict, the GNA has vowed to push further by taking the Haftar-controlled, oil-rich south-eastern city of Siirt. Turkey has seconded the GNA’s refusal to negotiate with Haftar.

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi suggested this weekend that Egyptian troops could intervene if GNA forces attacked Siirt. An Egyptian intervention could lead to a battlefield confrontation with Turkey and further muddle Turkish attempts to manage differences with Russia.

Turkish efforts to improve relations with the United States are betting on the belief that the GNA’s military victories have dampened US hopes that Haftar could emerge as a unifying figure in Libya.

Turkish relations with the United States were strained by the NATO member’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile defense system, the presence in the US of a Turkish preacher whom Erdogan holds responsible for the failed 2016 military coup against him, and legal proceedings against a state-owned Turkish bank charged with circumventing US sanctions against Iran.

Erdogan is also banking on his personal relationship with Trump that in the past has produced decisions by the US president that overrode opposition from the Pentagon and other branches of his government.

First and foremost was Tump’s acquiescence to Erdogan’s request last year for a pullback of US troops in northern Syria that paved the way for a Turkish military incursion.

Erdogan again sought to capitalise on his relationship with Trump in a June 9 phone call. “To be honest, after our conversation tonight, a new era can begin between the United States and Turkey,” Erdogan said without offering further details.

Erdogan spoke to Trump as Turkey was projecting itself as an important US trading partner.

The TAIK webinar, entitled ‘A Time for Allies to be Allies: Turkish American Global Supply Chain,’ in which Mr. Graham is scheduled to speak alongside former US Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, is part of an effort to position Turkey as a key player in reducing US dependence on Chinese supply chains.

Foreign Lobby Report, a Washington-based online news service, reported that TAIK, working with lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs, had approached Mr. Graham in March with the proposition that Turkey could serve as the United States’ gateway to Africa.

“As we strive to move forward, we at TAIK are already contemplating how we can reignite the economy post-pandemic,” TAIK chairman Mehmet Ali Yalcindag wrote in a letter to Graham. “Joint ventures in Africa could be an exciting part of this plan. Not only would we be helping fragile economies that will need assistance in recovering, but we also would be striking a blow against Chinese designs in Africa and forging closer economic ties between Turkey and the US.”

Yalcindag recommended in a separate letter last month to US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross “an initial focus on LNG (liquified natural gas) and agriculture imports from the US. At the same time, Turkey could boost exports of white goods and automotive parts — diversifying America’s supply chain away from China, a stated goal of the Trump Administration.”

Boosting agriculture exports that were hard hit by Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports ranks high on the president’s priority list.

Vitter, the former senator scheduled to speak in the TAIK webinar, backs a push by Louisiana Natural Gas Exports Inc. to provide Turkey with “long-term, secure, competitively priced access to Turkey’s LNG terminals, gas pipeline and storage facilities” that would make the country less dependent on Russian and Iranian imports.

The push came as Botas, Turkey’s state-owned gas grid operator, opened a tender for the construction of a pipeline to Nakhichevan, an Azerbaijani exclave in Armenia. The pipeline would allow Azerbaijan to reduce imports from Iran.

Erdogan and his energy minister, Fatih Donmez, have long called for diversification of Turkey’s energy imports.

Turkey last month authorised twice-weekly cargo flights by El Al, Israel’s national carrier, between Istanbul and Tel Aviv despite its strained relations with the Jewish state. Two of those flights ferried medical supplies from Turkey to the United States. The flights to Turkey were El Al’s first in ten years.

“Now is the time to reinforce the climate of cooperation and solidarity, China-dependent firms in the supply chain are…turning their eyes to different countries, Turkey being among them,” Yalcindag said, pointing to the fact that Walmart, one of the world’s biggest retailers, had begun to source products in Turkey.

Predicting that a decoupling of the United States and China would create common interests between the US and Turkey, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay added that “the pre-pandemic global economy was built on a single supply chain, with China at its core. For countries like Turkey, with our robust manufacturing sector and our young population, this will be an economic opportunity.” 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A Turkish-US business council is projecting Turkey as a trading alternative to China with the help of influential US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close associate of President Donald J Trump.

A Turkish-US business council is projecting Turkey as a trading alternative to China with the help of influential US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close associate of President Donald J Trump. The Turkish effort comes two weeks after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heralded a new era in long-strained relations with Washington. Graham’s agreement to participate in a webinar organised by the Turkey American Business Council (TAIK), an affiliate of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), the country’s oldest and largest business association, comes amid Turkish efforts to improve relations with the United States as a hedge to its ties to Russia. “The growing rift between the United States and China creates a significant opportunity for geopolitical cooperation. Turkey and the United States would both benefit economically,” said a Turkish businessman. Criticism of China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has widened the gap between Washington and Beijing and sparked calls for diversification of China-centric global supply chains. Already hard hit, Turkey’s economy has suffered further body blows as a result of the pandemic at a time that Turkish and Russian forces have in recent months ended up on opposite sides of battles in northern Syria and Libya. Forces of the Turkish-backed, internationally recognised Islamist Government of National Accord (GNA) drove Russian-supported rebels led by self-appointed Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar out of western Libya in recent weeks after Turkish electronic warfare and drones whacked Russian anti-defense missile systems. Rejecting calls by Egypt and Haftar for a negotiated end to the Libyan conflict, the GNA has vowed to push further by taking the Haftar-controlled, oil-rich south-eastern city of Siirt. Turkey has seconded the GNA’s refusal to negotiate with Haftar. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi suggested this weekend that Egyptian troops could intervene if GNA forces attacked Siirt. An Egyptian intervention could lead to a battlefield confrontation with Turkey and further muddle Turkish attempts to manage differences with Russia. Turkish efforts to improve relations with the United States are betting on the belief that the GNA’s military victories have dampened US hopes that Haftar could emerge as a unifying figure in Libya. Turkish relations with the United States were strained by the NATO member’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile defense system, the presence in the US of a Turkish preacher whom Erdogan holds responsible for the failed 2016 military coup against him, and legal proceedings against a state-owned Turkish bank charged with circumventing US sanctions against Iran. Erdogan is also banking on his personal relationship with Trump that in the past has produced decisions by the US president that overrode opposition from the Pentagon and other branches of his government. First and foremost was Tump’s acquiescence to Erdogan’s request last year for a pullback of US troops in northern Syria that paved the way for a Turkish military incursion. Erdogan again sought to capitalise on his relationship with Trump in a June 9 phone call. “To be honest, after our conversation tonight, a new era can begin between the United States and Turkey,” Erdogan said without offering further details. Erdogan spoke to Trump as Turkey was projecting itself as an important US trading partner. The TAIK webinar, entitled ‘A Time for Allies to be Allies: Turkish American Global Supply Chain,’ in which Mr. Graham is scheduled to speak alongside former US Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, is part of an effort to position Turkey as a key player in reducing US dependence on Chinese supply chains. Foreign Lobby Report, a Washington-based online news service, reported that TAIK, working with lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs, had approached Mr. Graham in March with the proposition that Turkey could serve as the United States’ gateway to Africa. “As we strive to move forward, we at TAIK are already contemplating how we can reignite the economy post-pandemic,” TAIK chairman Mehmet Ali Yalcindag wrote in a letter to Graham. “Joint ventures in Africa could be an exciting part of this plan. Not only would we be helping fragile economies that will need assistance in recovering, but we also would be striking a blow against Chinese designs in Africa and forging closer economic ties between Turkey and the US.” Yalcindag recommended in a separate letter last month to US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross “an initial focus on LNG (liquified natural gas) and agriculture imports from the US. At the same time, Turkey could boost exports of white goods and automotive parts — diversifying America’s supply chain away from China, a stated goal of the Trump Administration.” Boosting agriculture exports that were hard hit by Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports ranks high on the president’s priority list. Vitter, the former senator scheduled to speak in the TAIK webinar, backs a push by Louisiana Natural Gas Exports Inc. to provide Turkey with “long-term, secure, competitively priced access to Turkey’s LNG terminals, gas pipeline and storage facilities” that would make the country less dependent on Russian and Iranian imports. The push came as Botas, Turkey’s state-owned gas grid operator, opened a tender for the construction of a pipeline to Nakhichevan, an Azerbaijani exclave in Armenia. The pipeline would allow Azerbaijan to reduce imports from Iran. Erdogan and his energy minister, Fatih Donmez, have long called for diversification of Turkey’s energy imports. Turkey last month authorised twice-weekly cargo flights by El Al, Israel’s national carrier, between Istanbul and Tel Aviv despite its strained relations with the Jewish state. Two of those flights ferried medical supplies from Turkey to the United States. The flights to Turkey were El Al’s first in ten years. “Now is the time to reinforce the climate of cooperation and solidarity, China-dependent firms in the supply chain are…turning their eyes to different countries, Turkey being among them,” Yalcindag said, pointing to the fact that Walmart, one of the world’s biggest retailers, had begun to source products in Turkey. Predicting that a decoupling of the United States and China would create common interests between the US and Turkey, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay added that “the pre-pandemic global economy was built on a single supply chain, with China at its core. For countries like Turkey, with our robust manufacturing sector and our young population, this will be an economic opportunity.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Growing rift between US and China creates a significant opportunity for Turkey

The 19th of June commemorates the freedom of slaves. Juneteenth has been celebrated every year since 1866. But Trump credits himself for making the day famous. His explanation? The Tulsa rally! WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Bizarre: Trump says he made Juneteenth famous!

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Geoffrey Berman: I have no intention of resigning my position

The US President Donald Trump claims that he deserves credit for popularising Juneteenth.

US President Donald Trump makes false claim

The United States in the last 24 hours witnessed 840 deaths from the novel coronavirus, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day where the daily death toll was below 1,000.&nbsp;

Despite this encouraging fall in deaths, the number of new cases continues to remain around 20,000 on a daily basis, with six states recording their highest number of coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-wave-of-coronavirus-in-the-us-six-states-record-most-cases-ever-306544">Second-wave of coronavirus in the US? Six states record most cases ever!</a>

The outbreak has moved from the previous epicentre New York and the northeast and spread widely in the south and the west.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/12-per-cent-of-americans-may-not-need-coronavirus-vaccine-us-officials-306411">12 per cent of Americans may not need coronavirus vaccine: US officials</a>

However, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the country would not close businesses again, saying "we won't have to do that," in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Trump also is going ahead with his plans to hold a large election rally in Oklahoma, which is among the six states witnessing record cases.

The US still remains the worst-affected country with COVID-19 by a large margin, with more than 117,000 deaths and 2.1 million positive cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, America's top health expert, Anthony Fauci said that the nation is "still in the first wave" of coronavirus cases and deaths, adding that he would not personally visit Trump's political rally in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

The United States in the last 24 hours witnessed 840 deaths from the novel coronavirus, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day where the daily death toll was below 1,000.

The United States in the last 24 hours witnessed 840 deaths from the novel coronavirus, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day where the daily death toll was below 1,000. Despite this encouraging fall in deaths, the number of new cases continues to remain around 20,000 on a daily basis, with six states recording their highest number of coronavirus infections. Also read | Second-wave of coronavirus in the US? Six states record most cases ever! The outbreak has moved from the previous epicentre New York and the northeast and spread widely in the south and the west. Also read | 12 per cent of Americans may not need coronavirus vaccine: US officials However, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the country would not close businesses again, saying "we won't have to do that," in an interview with Fox News Channel. Trump also is going ahead with his plans to hold a large election rally in Oklahoma, which is among the six states witnessing record cases. The US still remains the worst-affected country with COVID-19 by a large margin, with more than 117,000 deaths and 2.1 million positive cases. Meanwhile, America's top health expert, Anthony Fauci said that the nation is "still in the first wave" of coronavirus cases and deaths, adding that he would not personally visit Trump's political rally in Oklahoma.

Coronavirus: US records less than 1,000 deaths for seventh day in a row

As many as 687 people died of the novel coronavirus in the United States in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

With the latest figures, the death toll stands at 118,381 out of 2,187,876 overall cases in the US, which is the hardest-hit by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-model-predicts-200000-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-306716">White House model predicts 200,000 coronavirus deaths in US</a>

The latest tally suggests that this is the eighth day in which the daily coronavirus deaths in the country have been fewer than 1,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-witnesses-shortage-of-coins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-306688">United States witnesses shortage of coins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

However, nearly 20 states in the country are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases as the epicentre has now moved from New York and the country's Northeast to the South and West.&nbsp;

But the country's top infectious expert, Anthony Fauci on Thursday said that lockdown would not be necessary on states which are reporting a large number of cases.&nbsp;

"I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown," Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, said.

"I think we're going to be talking about trying to better control those areas of the country that seem to be having a surge of cases."

As many as 687 people died of the novel coronavirus in the United States in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

As many as 687 people died of the novel coronavirus in the United States in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0030 GMT) on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. With the latest figures, the death toll stands at 118,381 out of 2,187,876 overall cases in the US, which is the hardest-hit by the pandemic. Also read | White House model predicts 200,000 coronavirus deaths in US The latest tally suggests that this is the eighth day in which the daily coronavirus deaths in the country have been fewer than 1,000. Also read | United States witnesses shortage of coins amid coronavirus pandemic However, nearly 20 states in the country are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases as the epicentre has now moved from New York and the country's Northeast to the South and West. But the country's top infectious expert, Anthony Fauci on Thursday said that lockdown would not be necessary on states which are reporting a large number of cases. "I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown," Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, said. "I think we're going to be talking about trying to better control those areas of the country that seem to be having a surge of cases."

US: Nearly 700 died from coronavirus in last 24 hours

Boarded-up shops, a depressing sight for New Yorkers after looters infiltrated anti-racism marches in the city's trendiest neighborhoods, are being transformed into canvases of hope with paintbrushes wielded by a small army of artists.

Artists paint boarded-up stores to bring hope to lower Manhattan

Paying their tributes to Indian soldiers who were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the US Embassy on Friday said that the bravery of military personnel would not be forgotten.

"The US Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten," US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The U.S. Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gtGR4gSxoG">https://t.co/gtGR4gSxoG</a>
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1273853571465801728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/new-delhis-message-to-china-indicates-a-change-in-the-strategy-307046">New Delhi's message to China indicates a change in the strategy</a>&nbsp;

As many as 20 members of the Indian Army were killed in the Galwan Valley late on Monday, the biggest military confrontation in more than five decades, which escalated the tensions between both the countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-should-india-do-now-to-fight-chinas-provocations-306750">What should India do now to fight China's provocations?</a>

Meanwhile, on Thursday, superior military officers of both the countries held a dialogue for the third consecutive day on the disegngagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in the region part of the dispute.

The incident in Galwan Valley is the biggest face-off between both the two countries after the 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost nearly 80 soldiers while over 300 troops of China were killed.&nbsp;

The border situation between both the countries deteriorated in the beginning of May when nearly 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. A similar clash followed in north Sikkim on May 9.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Paying their tributes to Indian soldiers who were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the US Embassy on Friday said that the bravery of military personnel would not be forgotten.

Paying their tributes to Indian soldiers who were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the US Embassy on Friday said that the bravery of military personnel would not be forgotten. "The US Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten," US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said in a tweet. The U.S. Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten. #USIndia https://t.co/gtGR4gSxoG — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) June 19, 2020 × Also read | New Delhi's message to China indicates a change in the strategy As many as 20 members of the Indian Army were killed in the Galwan Valley late on Monday, the biggest military confrontation in more than five decades, which escalated the tensions between both the countries. Also read | What should India do now to fight China's provocations? Meanwhile, on Thursday, superior military officers of both the countries held a dialogue for the third consecutive day on the disegngagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in the region part of the dispute. The incident in Galwan Valley is the biggest face-off between both the two countries after the 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost nearly 80 soldiers while over 300 troops of China were killed. The border situation between both the countries deteriorated in the beginning of May when nearly 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. A similar clash followed in north Sikkim on May 9.

Indian soldiers bravery and courage will not be forgotten: US

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

"What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-freed-taliban-prisoners-seek-return-to-battlefield-304988">Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield</a>

"We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now."&nbsp;

Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July.

The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington.&nbsp;

McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional.

It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan."

"We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group.

"What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words."&nbsp;

"And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday.

The United States has reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to the level negotiated with the Taliban, around 8,600 troops, the top US commander for the region said Thursday. "What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute. Also read | Afghanistan: Freed Taliban prisoners seek return to battlefield "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said. "We're at that number now." Under the February deal reached with the Taliban, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July. The agreement calls for all US and foreign troops to quit Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda on New York and Washington. McKenzie stressed that while the goal of a complete withdrawal by May 2021 was "aspirational," it was also conditional. It is a "conditions-based approach," the general said, and "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan." "We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of ISIS," McKenzie said of the Islamic State group. "What we need to see is what they're going to do against al-Qaeda," he said of the group responsible for 9/11. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words." "And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he said. "The jury is still very much out." President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.

We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The justice department said that Bolton moved forward with the book's release ahead of the completion of the national security review process, and "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

On Wednesday too, Trump made similar claims, accusing the ex-NSA of breaking the law by divulging "highly classified information".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-government-files-lawsuit-to-prevent-publication-of-boltons-book-306373">Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book</a> 
&nbsp; 
Bolton's new book has made stunning claims about Trump and excerpts of it are leaked in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal.

One of the highlights of these claims was that Trump pleaded to China to help him win re-election.&nbsp;

The ex-NSA mentioned the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump last June, in which the former "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win".&nbsp;

The leaks also said that the US president favoured dictators and praised Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton was a part of Trump administration but resigned from the office of NSA last September after spending 17 months due to his disagreements with Trump.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday.

The US administration is continuing its efforts to block the release of ex-national security advisor John Bolton's book, the latest being US Justice Department filing an emergency order on Wednesday. The justice department said that Bolton moved forward with the book's release ahead of the completion of the national security review process, and "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton On Wednesday too, Trump made similar claims, accusing the ex-NSA of breaking the law by divulging "highly classified information". Also read | Trump government files lawsuit to prevent publication of Bolton's book Bolton's new book has made stunning claims about Trump and excerpts of it are leaked in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. One of the highlights of these claims was that Trump pleaded to China to help him win re-election. The ex-NSA mentioned the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump last June, in which the former "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win". The leaks also said that the US president favoured dictators and praised Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton was a part of Trump administration but resigned from the office of NSA last September after spending 17 months due to his disagreements with Trump.

Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book

Shortage of coins is being witnessed in banks across the United States amid coronavirus crisis, which has forced the American Federal Reserve to ration the distribution and work with the US mint to boost the supplies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644" hreflang="en">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

According to Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chairman, "the flow of coins through the economy has kind of stopped." This is due to the partial closure of the economy in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

The situation is worsening as the US Mint has decreased the production of American coins due to measures to protect its employees.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-aware-of-india-china-face-off-white-house-306665" hreflang="en">Donald Trump aware of India-China face-off: White House</a>

"We are working with the Mint and the Reserve Banks and as the economy reopens we are seeing coins beginning to move around again," Powell said. He made the remarks in response to a question from Tennessee Congressman John Rose, who said a bank in his district told him it would run out of coins by the end of the week because the Fed was only sending a portion of its usual order of coins.

"We all don't want to wake up to headlines in the near future such as 'Banks run out of money,'" he said. Banks "don't know what to tell their customers."

According to Powell, the issue is temporary. He said: "We feel like we are making progress."

The Fed on Monday told banks it is working with the Mint to increase supply, but that until the shortage can be cured would curb the number of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters it sends to them "to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of coin inventory." Allocations will be based on banks' historical patterns of coin orders, it said.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Shortage of coins is being witnessed in banks across the United States amid coronavirus crisis, which has forced the American Federal Reserve to ration the distribution and work with the US mint to boost the supplies.

Shortage of coins is being witnessed in banks across the United States amid coronavirus crisis, which has forced the American Federal Reserve to ration the distribution and work with the US mint to boost the supplies. Also read: Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton According to Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chairman, "the flow of coins through the economy has kind of stopped." This is due to the partial closure of the economy in the light of the coronavirus outbreak. The situation is worsening as the US Mint has decreased the production of American coins due to measures to protect its employees. Also read: Donald Trump aware of India-China face-off: White House "We are working with the Mint and the Reserve Banks and as the economy reopens we are seeing coins beginning to move around again," Powell said. He made the remarks in response to a question from Tennessee Congressman John Rose, who said a bank in his district told him it would run out of coins by the end of the week because the Fed was only sending a portion of its usual order of coins. "We all don't want to wake up to headlines in the near future such as 'Banks run out of money,'" he said. Banks "don't know what to tell their customers." According to Powell, the issue is temporary. He said: "We feel like we are making progress." The Fed on Monday told banks it is working with the Mint to increase supply, but that until the shortage can be cured would curb the number of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters it sends to them "to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of coin inventory." Allocations will be based on banks' historical patterns of coin orders, it said. (Inputs from Reuters)

United States witnesses shortage of coins amid coronavirus pandemic

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

"The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-galwan-valley-has-become-the-flashpoint-in-india-china-conflict-once-again-306607">Why Galwan Valley has become the flashpoint in India-China conflict once again?</a>

"We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-dispute-what-happened-in-nathu-la-in-1967-306590">India-China border dispute: What happened in Nathu La in 1967</a>

As many as 20 Indian Army personnel were killed following a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley late on Monday.&nbsp;

The situation remains on the boil as this was the first time after the war in 1962 that soldiers of two Asian giants were killed in clashes on the India-China border in Ladakh.&nbsp;

The White House official also rejected the idea of the US acting as a mediator, which US President Donald Trump intended a few weeks ago.&nbsp;

"No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there," McEnany said. 
&nbsp;

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation.

Amid the escalating tensions between India and China on the border, the Trump administration has said that the US president is aware of it and Washington is monitoring the situation. "The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters, as quoted by PTI. Also read | Why Galwan Valley has become the flashpoint in India-China conflict once again? "We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that." Also read | India-China border dispute: What happened in Nathu La in 1967 As many as 20 Indian Army personnel were killed following a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley late on Monday. The situation remains on the boil as this was the first time after the war in 1962 that soldiers of two Asian giants were killed in clashes on the India-China border in Ladakh. The White House official also rejected the idea of the US acting as a mediator, which US President Donald Trump intended a few weeks ago. "No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there," McEnany said.

Donald Trump aware of India-China face-off: White House

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-emergency-order-to-block-release-of-john-boltons-book-306708">Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book</a>

The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sought-jinpings-help-for-2020-re-election-says-ex-nsa-john-bolton-306644">Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton</a>

Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book."

The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps.&nbsp;

Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.&nbsp;

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times.

After former US NSA John Bolton's sensational claims on his latest book, China on Thursday clarified it has no intention to interfere in the US elections. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made these remarks when he was asked about Bolton's claims, excerpts of which were leaked in the New York Times. Also read | Trump administration files emergency order to block release of John Bolton's book The former NSA has said that US President Donald Trump pleaded to China to help him in his re-election when he met his Chinese counterpart last year in June. Also read | Trump sought Jinping's help for 2020 re-election, says ex-NSA John Bolton Trump "stunningly turned the conversation to the US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win", one of the excerpts of the book said. Earlier today, the US filed an emergency order to block the release of the book, claiming that Bolton "plans to disseminate classified information as he sees fit in order to profit from his book." The book also claimed that Trump favoured dictators and backed Xi for China's internment camps. Bolton, who was a part of the Trump administration for 17 months, resigned from the office of NSA last September due to his disagreements with the US president.

China has no intention to interfere in US election

The United States is currently witnessing two crises: COVID-19, and stressful race relations which have spurred protests across the country.

What largely began in retaliation against the police killing of a black man, George Floyd, has turned into a bigger debate about racism in America, and police brutality targeting people of colour.

Japan’s richest man feels this will impact the global perception of the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-americans-who-went-to-a-bar-in-florida-return-home-with-covid-19-306553" hreflang="en">16 Americans who went to a bar in Florida return home with COVID-19</a>

In a conversation with CNN, Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of Uniqlo’s Fast Retailing said that he hopes the ongoing protests have a “positive impact” in the long-term, while juxtaposing it with the Civil Rights Movement.

The 71-year-old is Japan’s biggest billionaire, and one of the world’s most prosperous individuals. His company Fast Retailing is Asia’s biggest clothing retailer. As per Bloomberg data, his net worth is about $31.3 billion.

The company operates globally and its operations across major US cities like New York, Los Angeles have been hit hard. Yanai also referred to the political situation in the US as “untenable”, while calling for quick reformative action to end discrimination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-wave-of-coronavirus-in-the-us-six-states-record-most-cases-ever-306544" hreflang="en">Second-wave of coronavirus in the US? Six states record most cases ever!</a>

He further told CNN that companies like his own are using this moment to bring about change in their own organisational set-up, and the purpose they serve in a post-pandemic world, where the distinctions between essentials and non-essentials become more pronounced.

The US is also witnessing a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections. The six American states to report record-high cases are Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Nevada. This comes in the aftermath of what many researchers claimed was the end of the country’s coronavirus peak. Many states have been forced to reopen in the middle of an economic crisis, with the country recording record unemployment rates after the lockdown.

The United States is currently witnessing two crises: COVID-19, and stressful race relations which have spurred protests across the country. What largely began in retaliation against the police killing of a black man, George Floyd, has turned into a bigger debate about racism in America, and police brutality targeting people of colour.

The United States is currently witnessing two crises: COVID-19, and stressful race relations which have spurred protests across the country. What largely began in retaliation against the police killing of a black man, George Floyd, has turned into a bigger debate about racism in America, and police brutality targeting people of colour. Japan’s richest man feels this will impact the global perception of the United States. Also read: 16 Americans who went to a bar in Florida return home with COVID-19 In a conversation with CNN, Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of Uniqlo’s Fast Retailing said that he hopes the ongoing protests have a “positive impact” in the long-term, while juxtaposing it with the Civil Rights Movement. The 71-year-old is Japan’s biggest billionaire, and one of the world’s most prosperous individuals. His company Fast Retailing is Asia’s biggest clothing retailer. As per Bloomberg data, his net worth is about $31.3 billion. The company operates globally and its operations across major US cities like New York, Los Angeles have been hit hard. Yanai also referred to the political situation in the US as “untenable”, while calling for quick reformative action to end discrimination. Also read: Second-wave of coronavirus in the US? Six states record most cases ever! He further told CNN that companies like his own are using this moment to bring about change in their own organisational set-up, and the purpose they serve in a post-pandemic world, where the distinctions between essentials and non-essentials become more pronounced. The US is also witnessing a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections. The six American states to report record-high cases are Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Nevada. This comes in the aftermath of what many researchers claimed was the end of the country’s coronavirus peak. Many states have been forced to reopen in the middle of an economic crisis, with the country recording record unemployment rates after the lockdown.

Global public perception of the US at stake, suggests Japan's richest man

Syria's central bank devalued the Syrian pound on Wednesday giving in to weeks of depreciation on the black market as new US sanctions took effect. 
 
The central bank raised the official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar, in a statement published on its social media pages.&nbsp; 
 
The previous rate had been in force since March.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/china-shows-greater-interest-in-syria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-and-deteriorating-ties-with-the-us-305295" hreflang="en">China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US</a> 
 
Earlier this month, the war-torn country's currency hit a record low on the black market of around 3,000 pounds to the dollar, sparking rare protests, before appreciating slightly after an apparent injection of dollars. 
 
On Wednesday, the rate on the parallel market stood at around 2,600 to 2,800 pounds to the dollar, traders told AFP. 
 
The devaluation comes as the United States prepares to implement new sanctions this week under the Caesar Act, targeting foreigners doing business with the Damascus government, as well as reconstruction of the country. 
 
Zaki Mehchy, a senior consulting fellow at the London-based Chatham House think tank, said the central bank was trying to minimise the gap between the official and black market rates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/syria-records-20-new-coronavirus-cases-in-largest-single-day-increase-300964" hreflang="en">Syria records 20 new coronavirus cases in largest single-day increase</a> 
 
"It is trying to encourage people to use the official channel instead of the black market," he said. 
 
But the pound would probably continue its slide, punctuated by short periods of appreciation, he said.&nbsp; 
 
Syria's economy has been battered by nine years of war, and is now reeling from the knock-on effects of a financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon that has stemmed the flow of dollars into government-held areas. 
 
Analysts have said the recent lows on the black market are likely due to worries ahead of the introduction of new US sanctions, and the sudden fall from grace of tycoon and cousin of the president, Rami Makhlouf, which has set other top businessmen on edge. 
 
The Damascus government has long blamed the country's economic crisis on international sanctions. 
 
Last week, President Bashar al-Assad sacked his prime minister of four years after criticism of the government's handling of the crisis. 
 
Before the conflict, the exchange rate stood at 47 Syrian pounds to the dollar.

Syria's central bank devalued the Syrian pound on Wednesday giving in to weeks of depreciation on the black market as new US sanctions took effect. The central bank raised the official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar, in a statement published on its social media pages.

Syria's central bank devalued the Syrian pound on Wednesday giving in to weeks of depreciation on the black market as new US sanctions took effect. The central bank raised the official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar, in a statement published on its social media pages. The previous rate had been in force since March. Also read: China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US Earlier this month, the war-torn country's currency hit a record low on the black market of around 3,000 pounds to the dollar, sparking rare protests, before appreciating slightly after an apparent injection of dollars. On Wednesday, the rate on the parallel market stood at around 2,600 to 2,800 pounds to the dollar, traders told AFP. The devaluation comes as the United States prepares to implement new sanctions this week under the Caesar Act, targeting foreigners doing business with the Damascus government, as well as reconstruction of the country. Zaki Mehchy, a senior consulting fellow at the London-based Chatham House think tank, said the central bank was trying to minimise the gap between the official and black market rates. Also read: Syria records 20 new coronavirus cases in largest single-day increase "It is trying to encourage people to use the official channel instead of the black market," he said. But the pound would probably continue its slide, punctuated by short periods of appreciation, he said. Syria's economy has been battered by nine years of war, and is now reeling from the knock-on effects of a financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon that has stemmed the flow of dollars into government-held areas. Analysts have said the recent lows on the black market are likely due to worries ahead of the introduction of new US sanctions, and the sudden fall from grace of tycoon and cousin of the president, Rami Makhlouf, which has set other top businessmen on edge. The Damascus government has long blamed the country's economic crisis on international sanctions. Last week, President Bashar al-Assad sacked his prime minister of four years after criticism of the government's handling of the crisis. Before the conflict, the exchange rate stood at 47 Syrian pounds to the dollar.

Syria devalues currency as new US sanctions hit

With fears of a second wave of COVID-19 infections mounting and rocking world financial markets, a Californian medical device manufacturer is preparing for a spike in demand for ventilators and is pushing other work aside to make more of the devices.

US ventilator makers prepare for coronavirus second wave

The New York Police Department is disbanding its aggressive anti-crime unit as part of a nationwide push for policing reforms following the killing of George Floyd.

The New York Police Department is disbanding its aggressive anti-crime unit as part of a nationwide push for policing reforms following the killing of George Floyd. In a major redeployment, the country's largest police force will reassign some 600 plainclothes officers in the anti-crime unit, the target of numerous complaints, to other duties, effective immediately, Commissioner Dermot Shea said on Monday. "Make no mistake, this is a seismic shift in the culture of how the NYPD polices this great city," Shea told a news briefing. "It will be felt immediately throughout the five district attorney's offices, it will be felt immediately in the communities that we protect." Like most US cities, New York has had daily protests demanding racial justice since the May 25 killing of Floyd, a black man, by a white Minneapolis officer. The mass reassignment follows a number of policing overhaul bills signed last week by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The move is designed at modernising the NYPD with a uniformed staff of more than 36,000, and build trust amid heightened racial tension, Shea said. By ending the anti-crime unit, which proactively pursues street criminals, Shea said he hopes to regain support in neighbourhoods alienated by the unit's rough tactics, which have drawn a large share of complaints. Shea stressed he was not faulting the officers of the unit who he said had been doing what was asked of them. The move was closing one of the last chapters of the "stop-and-frisk" era that disproportionately targeted non-white people for random searches, he said. "We can do it with brains, we can do it with guile, we can move away from brute force," he said. (With inputs from Reuters)

New York City police disbands anti-crime unit amid pressure to reform

The United States recorded fewer than 400 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours for the second day in a row, AFP report said quoting a tally Monday by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States recorded fewer than 400 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours for the second day in a row, AFP report said quoting a tally Monday by Johns Hopkins University. There were 385 new deaths at 8:30 pm on Tuesday, the tracker from the Baltimore-based university showed, after a 24-hour toll of 382 the day before, the report added. Also read: US records 382 virus deaths in 24 hours, lowest in weeks: Johns Hopkins University These are the lowest daily death tolls since the end of March, although data tend to be lower at the end of the weekends. The US is the hardest-hit by the novel coronavirus, with both the highest number of deaths, 116,114 and the most infections at more than 2.1 million, the tracker showed. As the country reopens, it continues to register around 20,000 new cases of coronavirus each day and more than a dozen states are recording their highest levels of new cases since the start of the pandemic. Also read: Coronavirus: US reports 734 deaths in past 24 hours; death toll stands at 115,347 That is the situation in Oklahoma, where President Donald Trump has scheduled a campaign rally on Saturday. He rejected pleas from the city of Tulsa not to risk aggravating coronavirus risks and said he wants to triple the crowd to 60,000 people.

US records less than 400 virus deaths in 24 hours for second day: Johns Hopkins

Latin America and the Caribbean on Monday passed 80,000 COVID-19 deaths, as the worldwide COVID-19 cases topped 8 million. Since the disease first spread in Latin America in March, a total of 80,505 deaths have been recorded, 43,959 of them in Brazil which has the world's second-highest number of fatalities after the United States.

Latin America and the Caribbean on Monday passed 80,000 COVID-19 deaths, as the worldwide COVID-19 cases topped 8 million. Since the disease first spread in Latin America in March, a total of 80,505 deaths have been recorded, 43,959 of them in Brazil which has the world's second-highest number of fatalities after the United States. Brazil has more than half of the deaths in Latin America as s the virus accelerates across the region. The number of cases reported in Latin America and the Caribbean now stands at 1,681,378. Also read: Brazil records second highest COVID-19 cases as Bolsonaro downplays it as 'little flu In Brazil, a country of 212 million, 888,271 people have been infected -- more than in all of Asia. Mexico, which has a population of 120 million, has Latin America's second-highest death toll, with 17,141 fatalities out of 146,837 cases. Peru has recorded 6,688 deaths while Chile, which has seen an acceleration in recent weeks, has nearly 180,000 cases and 3,362 deaths. More than eight million cases of novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide. Also read: Coronavirus: Brazil surpasses the United States in terms of daily death toll At least 8,000,202 infections including 435,176 deaths, mostly in Europe, have been registered since the pandemic first emerged in China late last year. The number of confirmed cases likely represents only a fraction of the real number because most countries are only testing the most serious cases or have limited testing capacity. (With inputs from Reuters)

Latin America and Caribbean pass 80,000 COVID-19 deaths as global cases top 8 million

The number of people seeking emergency shelter to escape human trafficking surged in the month following U.S. lockdown orders implemented to slow the spread of coronavirus, a leading anti-trafficking group said on Monday.

The economic and social turmoil of the pandemic created conditions conducive to people falling victim to trafficking, the group, Polaris, said.

The outbreak of COVID-19, starting about mid-March in the United States, forced the closing of businesses across the country and threw millions of people out of work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-tulsa-rally-coronavirus-concerns-saying-will-triple-crowd-306235" hreflang="en">Trump rejects Tulsa rally coronavirus concerns, saying will triple crowd</a>

Polaris said the number of cases in which people contacted its emergency hotline seeking shelter nearly doubled to 54 in April from 29 in March.

It cautioned that its findings correlated with the outbreak and did not mean the rise was caused by the pandemic.

"Sex and labor trafficking don't happen in a vacuum but are the end results of a range of other problems - poverty and systemic inequity, to name just a few," said Nancy McGuire Choi, Polaris' interim chief executive.

"The economic upheaval, the fact that people are essentially trapped with their abusers, the desperate straits so many find themselves in, are conditions where trafficking thrives."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-developed-by-astrazeneca-most-likely-to-protect-for-a-year-ceo-306234" hreflang="en">Vaccine developed by AstraZeneca most likely to protect for a year: CEO</a>

Due to global shutdowns, the world economy is forecast to shrink 3.2% this year, according to a Reuters poll of more than 250 economists.

An estimated 400,000 people are believed trapped in modern slavery in the United States, from sex work to forced labor, according to the Walk Free Foundation, a human rights group.

Globally, the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates 16 million people are caught in forced labor and human trafficking.

The number of people seeking emergency shelter to escape human trafficking surged in the month following U.S. lockdown orders implemented to slow the spread of coronavirus, a leading anti-trafficking group said on Monday.

The number of people seeking emergency shelter to escape human trafficking surged in the month following U.S. lockdown orders implemented to slow the spread of coronavirus, a leading anti-trafficking group said on Monday. The economic and social turmoil of the pandemic created conditions conducive to people falling victim to trafficking, the group, Polaris, said. The outbreak of COVID-19, starting about mid-March in the United States, forced the closing of businesses across the country and threw millions of people out of work. Also read: Trump rejects Tulsa rally coronavirus concerns, saying will triple crowd Polaris said the number of cases in which people contacted its emergency hotline seeking shelter nearly doubled to 54 in April from 29 in March. It cautioned that its findings correlated with the outbreak and did not mean the rise was caused by the pandemic. "Sex and labor trafficking don't happen in a vacuum but are the end results of a range of other problems - poverty and systemic inequity, to name just a few," said Nancy McGuire Choi, Polaris' interim chief executive. "The economic upheaval, the fact that people are essentially trapped with their abusers, the desperate straits so many find themselves in, are conditions where trafficking thrives." Also read: Vaccine developed by AstraZeneca most likely to protect for a year: CEO Due to global shutdowns, the world economy is forecast to shrink 3.2% this year, according to a Reuters poll of more than 250 economists. An estimated 400,000 people are believed trapped in modern slavery in the United States, from sex work to forced labor, according to the Walk Free Foundation, a human rights group. Globally, the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates 16 million people are caught in forced labor and human trafficking.

US emergency trafficking hotline says calls spiked under lockdown

The United States has recorded its lowest death toll in weeks with 382 coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours. This was the lowest 24-hour toll in the US since it peaked in mid-April.

The United States has recorded its lowest death toll in weeks with 382 coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours. This was the lowest 24-hour toll in the US since it peaked in mid-April. It has been averaging 800 or so a day recently. The world's top economy has recorded a death toll of 115,729, according to a tally Sunday by Johns Hopkins University. With both the highest number of deaths and the largest number of infections -- 2,093,335 at 8:30 pm Sunday (0030 GMT Monday), the US is by far the hardest-hit country in the pandemic, a tracker maintained by the Baltimore-based university showed. But the country continues to register around 20,000 new cases of coronavirus each day and is struggling to come down from that plateau as infection rates fluctuate around the country. President Donald Trump's administration allows that there are new flare-ups in coronavirus caseloads in some states but insists there will be no shutdown of the economy if a second full-blown wave arises. (With inputs from AFP)

US records 382 virus deaths in 24 hours, lowest in weeks: Johns Hopkins University

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation.

After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-spreading-like-wildfire-in-africa-test-kits-needed-who-305077" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO</a>

The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent.

However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures.

“The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor&nbsp;David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-saying-asymptomatic-carriers-spreading-covid-19-very-rare-who-clarifies-304664" hreflang="en">After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies</a>

Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”.

This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/confusion-in-the-times-of-coronavirus-who-is-a-poor-example-to-follow-304928" hreflang="en">Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow</a>

The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced.

Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance. Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation. After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale. Also read: Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent. However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures. “The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added. Also read: After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”. This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify. Also read: Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced. Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Scientists question WHO's study on relaxing social distancing norms

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back.

The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country.

Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed.

The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”.

<h6><img alt="A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ac1257b-f9fb-4f2a-9220-9d5f1fab23c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_20.jpg" /> 
A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death.

Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/video-released-of-moment-man-was-shot-by-2-cops-in-atlanta-watch-it-306020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France.

Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder.

The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism. Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back. The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country. Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed. The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”. A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death. Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media. Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France. Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder. The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

Brooks shooting in Atlanta was 'homicide', claims medical examiner

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs.

Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council,&nbsp;formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports.

The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime.

Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations.&nbsp;

Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State.

One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention.

"It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention."

Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document.

"They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said.

DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment.

The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination.

Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan.

"We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said.

Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups.

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences."

"I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter. The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs. Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council, formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports. The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime. Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations. Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State. One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention. "It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention." Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document. "They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said. DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment. The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination. Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan. "We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said. Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups. Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences." "I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States.

The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso.

The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel.

<h6><img alt="People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S., June 14, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10e9d976-6fa6-4f92-811f-870b32e263cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_19.jpg" /> 
People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC.

The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-has-exposed-deep-seated-internal-crises-in-us-putin-305979" hreflang="en">Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin</a>

"The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said.&nbsp;“The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further&nbsp;said.

The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism.

Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens.

Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”. According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States. The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso. The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel. People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters "The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC. The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality. Also read: Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin "The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said. “The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further said. The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism. Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens. Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

UN's human rights body to examine racism and police brutality in the United States

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country. His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so. "Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things."

Donald Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November

Floats, all-night parties and parades may be out, but the LGBTQ community is returning to its roots by teaming up with black activists for Pride month celebrations in the United States.

Gay Pride embraces its roots by teaming up with U.S. black activists

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. &nbsp;

"The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-new-government-completed-as-remaining-ministries-filled-303869">Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled</a>

The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-soldiers-unlikely-to-be-prosecuted-over-iraq-war-crimes-302601">British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes</a>

Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups.&nbsp;

Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. &nbsp;

The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US. &nbsp;

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said.

The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. "The two countries recognized that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq," a joint statement said. Also read | Iraq's new government completed as remaining ministries filled The statement further said that Washington does not intend to establish "permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq." Also read | British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes Iraq, on its part, committed to protecting bases housing US troops after several rocket attacks blamed on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups. Earlier, David Schenker, the top US diplomat in the Arab denied any talks of troop withdrawal in the initial talks and added that Iraq promised of protecting US diplomatic and military facilities. The announcement comes after both the countries on Thursday held their first strategic dialogue in more than a decade, months after Iraqi lawmakers pushed for the removal of US forces from the region in the wake of a US drone strike which killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The killing of Soleimani, a much-revered commander both in Iran and Iraq, worsened relations between Iran and the US.

US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months

The United States is still battling the coronavirus crisis, whose end is nowhere near, and the massive protests across the country have further jolted the country. At a time when the world's most powerful country, started showing improvement in tackling COVID-19 crisis, a black man was killed brutality while in police custody, which has triggered the country into a total mess. A lot of commentators are saying that protests of such nature were not seen in recent history.&nbsp;

From every nook and corner, people are demanding justice for George Floyd.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-going-to-change-the-world-george-floyd-hailed-at-funeral-304921">'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral</a>

If one looks closely at US history, at various junctures, there has been some reference to this name: George, and there are three of them that America may possibly never forget.

George Floyd

George Floyd was an African-American, who was killed on May 25 after a police officer kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, US. The entire incident was recorded in a video that showed Floyd pleading, "I can't breathe". Floyd was arrested on May 25 for allegedly using fake notes to buy cigarettes. According to the police statement, Floyd refused arrest which forced a cop to pin him down.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-the-pain-says-george-floyds-brother-in-first-congressional-hearing-since-his-death-304892">'Stop the pain', says George Floyd's brother in first congressional hearing since his death</a>

In the US, minorities have often complaint of unequal treatment and injustices, police brutality, and all of it got triggered with the killing of Floyd. The "Black Lives Matter" movement is getting global support, with countries like the UK, Canada, France, South Korea, and many others denouncing racism. In the US too, more than two weeks have passed since his killing, still, the anger of people from all walks of life has not doused.&nbsp;

George W Bush

The son of former US president George HW Bush, Bush junior, was the 43rd President of the US. It is a great achievement that both father-son became presidents of the US, but what Bush junior did during his presidency has historical significance. It was early days for Bush when the 9/11 terror attacks jolted the entire nation. This was America's worst terror incident, where more than 3,000 people were killed after two planes crashed into twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York.&nbsp;

What followed was a war on Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bush administration, in an attempt to oust Osama bin Laden and his terror group al-Qaeda, the perpetrators of the 2001 attacks, from Afghanistan took the help of the Taliban. However, later along with its allies, the US overthrew the Taliban and al-Qaeda from Afghanistan in 2011. Despite establishing democracy in Afghanistan, the US couldn't eliminate the Taliban from the region and for 18 years, both Washington and the militant group kept fighting against each other. Apart from several thousands of civilians who became victims of this conflict, thousands of American soldiers died too and only this year, a truce was established. However, the Taliban's extremist activities and control have only risen and the region finds itself still in chaos.&nbsp;

In 2003, Bush accused Saddam Hussein's Iraq of carrying what he described as "weapons of mass destruction". The US successfully invaded Iraq, however, no such weapons as claimed by US administration were found. Also, in 2003, when the US mission was almost successful, about 200 US troops were killed. By 2008, in the last year of Bush junior, about 4,000 US soldiers got killed in attacks by insurgents, militants based in Iraq.&nbsp;

Both Iraq and Afghanistan, which saw American intervention under Bush, are still struggling to attain normalcy, and an end to attacks, massive unemployment, and economic woes don't seem near. When Bush was exiting office, the US also saw its worst recession since the Great Depression in 1929.&nbsp;

George Washington

Known as the 'Father of his (our) country', George Washington was the first president of the US. Born in 1732, Washington successfully led the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-83), which made him a national hero. The US is currently fighting a war against racism, and history tells us that slavery played a role in it. Washington was born in an affluent family and his family owned slaves. At the time of this death, Washington owned some 300 slaves. However, it is well-documented that Washington was against the idea of slavery and in his will mentioned that his slaves be freed after his wife's death. However, his wife freed all their slaves after Washington's death in 1799.&nbsp;

After the 1783 war, Washington played a crucial role in bringing the common union of all the states and was also chosen to head the committee to draft the Constitution. His leadership, love for peace, convinced all the delegates that Washington will be the right person to lead the union.&nbsp;

Washington was reluctant at first, but later fought the elections that were held on January 7, 1989. The rest is history. Washington wanted the US to run with strength, dignity, and on its national identity. And during his eight years of presidency, he ensured that he acted what he preached. The country remained neutral in conflicts between different nations. During his tenure, five more states got included in the union.&nbsp;

Washington declined a third term and in his farewell address talked on his vision of the nation, which he believed should focus on unity, patriotism, and neutrality. Over 220 years have passed since this address, however, still, Washington's wisdom has the potential to strengthen the nation that is in the middle of great unrest.&nbsp;

The United States is still battling the coronavirus crisis, whose end is nowhere near, and the massive protests across the country have further jolted the country.

The United States is still battling the coronavirus crisis, whose end is nowhere near, and the massive protests across the country have further jolted the country. At a time when the world's most powerful country, started showing improvement in tackling COVID-19 crisis, a black man was killed brutality while in police custody, which has triggered the country into a total mess. A lot of commentators are saying that protests of such nature were not seen in recent history. From every nook and corner, people are demanding justice for George Floyd. Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral If one looks closely at US history, at various junctures, there has been some reference to this name: George, and there are three of them that America may possibly never forget. George Floyd George Floyd was an African-American, who was killed on May 25 after a police officer kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, US. The entire incident was recorded in a video that showed Floyd pleading, "I can't breathe". Floyd was arrested on May 25 for allegedly using fake notes to buy cigarettes. According to the police statement, Floyd refused arrest which forced a cop to pin him down. Also read | 'Stop the pain', says George Floyd's brother in first congressional hearing since his death In the US, minorities have often complaint of unequal treatment and injustices, police brutality, and all of it got triggered with the killing of Floyd. The "Black Lives Matter" movement is getting global support, with countries like the UK, Canada, France, South Korea, and many others denouncing racism. In the US too, more than two weeks have passed since his killing, still, the anger of people from all walks of life has not doused. George W Bush The son of former US president George HW Bush, Bush junior, was the 43rd President of the US. It is a great achievement that both father-son became presidents of the US, but what Bush junior did during his presidency has historical significance. It was early days for Bush when the 9/11 terror attacks jolted the entire nation. This was America's worst terror incident, where more than 3,000 people were killed after two planes crashed into twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. What followed was a war on Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bush administration, in an attempt to oust Osama bin Laden and his terror group al-Qaeda, the perpetrators of the 2001 attacks, from Afghanistan took the help of the Taliban. However, later along with its allies, the US overthrew the Taliban and al-Qaeda from Afghanistan in 2011. Despite establishing democracy in Afghanistan, the US couldn't eliminate the Taliban from the region and for 18 years, both Washington and the militant group kept fighting against each other. Apart from several thousands of civilians who became victims of this conflict, thousands of American soldiers died too and only this year, a truce was established. However, the Taliban's extremist activities and control have only risen and the region finds itself still in chaos. In 2003, Bush accused Saddam Hussein's Iraq of carrying what he described as "weapons of mass destruction". The US successfully invaded Iraq, however, no such weapons as claimed by US administration were found. Also, in 2003, when the US mission was almost successful, about 200 US troops were killed. By 2008, in the last year of Bush junior, about 4,000 US soldiers got killed in attacks by insurgents, militants based in Iraq. Both Iraq and Afghanistan, which saw American intervention under Bush, are still struggling to attain normalcy, and an end to attacks, massive unemployment, and economic woes don't seem near. When Bush was exiting office, the US also saw its worst recession since the Great Depression in 1929. George Washington Known as the 'Father of his (our) country', George Washington was the first president of the US. Born in 1732, Washington successfully led the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-83), which made him a national hero. The US is currently fighting a war against racism, and history tells us that slavery played a role in it. Washington was born in an affluent family and his family owned slaves. At the time of this death, Washington owned some 300 slaves. However, it is well-documented that Washington was against the idea of slavery and in his will mentioned that his slaves be freed after his wife's death. However, his wife freed all their slaves after Washington's death in 1799. After the 1783 war, Washington played a crucial role in bringing the common union of all the states and was also chosen to head the committee to draft the Constitution. His leadership, love for peace, convinced all the delegates that Washington will be the right person to lead the union. Washington was reluctant at first, but later fought the elections that were held on January 7, 1989. The rest is history. Washington wanted the US to run with strength, dignity, and on its national identity. And during his eight years of presidency, he ensured that he acted what he preached. The country remained neutral in conflicts between different nations. During his tenure, five more states got included in the union. Washington declined a third term and in his farewell address talked on his vision of the nation, which he believed should focus on unity, patriotism, and neutrality. Over 220 years have passed since this address, however, still, Washington's wisdom has the potential to strengthen the nation that is in the middle of great unrest.

Three Georges America can possibly never forget

The Trump administration has launched an economic and legal offensive on the international criminal court (ICC) in response to the court’s decision to open an investigation into war crimes in Afghanistan carried out by all sides. Watch report.

US vs International criminal court: US to launch counter-investigation into ICC

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