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Two days after the US assassinated top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, a red flag was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque in the holy city of Qom in Iran.

It was a rare sight for the flag which symbolises revenge to be unfurled outside the month of Muharram. The flag’s video was widely shared on social media with many saying that it signified an impending battle.&nbsp;

War had become too real. The killing united Iran which had been reeling under anti-government protests over the fuel price hike. Slogans against the establishment were replaced by those against America.

In the US, Congress condemned President Trump’s decision to order the strike without its approval. It later voted to limit Trump's power to declare war on Iran.

Many questioned the timing of the killing which happened in an election year. President Trump had his own battles to fight. He has recently been impeached and is awaiting trial in the Senate. Countries around the world including Washington's allies called for de-escalation.

Then came January 8.&nbsp;

Less than a week after Soleimani’s killing, Iran launched a series of rockets at two Iraqi bases hosting US troops. There were no casualties in the attacks but in a separate incident, 176 innocent people lost their lives.

Hours after the strikes, a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed near Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. All 176 on board were killed.

Majority of the victims were Iranians while others included citizens of Canada, Ukraine and Sweden. Almost immediately after the accident, US and Canada said that they had intelligence that a missile shot down the Boeing 737 jet.

Iran denied the claims but it also refused to hand out the plane’s black box to Boeing. Three days after the crash, Iran admitted that it had unintentionally shot down the plane mistaking it for a ‘hostile jet’. The country vowed to bring the guilty to justice.

Internationally, Iran signalled that it favoured the diffusion of tensions. Speaking at the ‘Raisina Dialogue’ in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that there was still room for diplomacy with the United States.

Amid heightened tensions, the crash exposed the possible cracks within the top Iranian military leadership. The missile was launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps- a paramilitary which has its own army, air force and navy which are independent of the Iranian military.

Soleimani was the head of the ‘Quds Force’ or the foreign unit of the IRGC. Iran said that it was in a state of ‘high-readiness’ over fears of US retaliation. If missiles had to be deployed then why was Iranian airspace not closed?

Was there a lack of communication between the military, IRCG and the government? While these questions remain unanswered, an old challenged threatened the Iranian regime. Protesters took to the streets of capital Tehran chanting slogans against their leaders and calling them liars for initially denying the downing of the Ukrainian jet.

The demonstrators found support from Trump who in an unusual move, tweeted in Persian asking the Iranian government ‘to not massacre peaceful protesters.’

The Iranian leadership has a lot to worry about. It is not just an election year for the US but Iran too. In fact, the country is heading to polls next month. But as of now, a major war has been averted. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Two days after the US assassinated top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, a red flag was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque in the holy city of Qom in Iran.

Two days after the US assassinated top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, a red flag was raised over the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque in the holy city of Qom in Iran. It was a rare sight for the flag which symbolises revenge to be unfurled outside the month of Muharram. The flag’s video was widely shared on social media with many saying that it signified an impending battle. War had become too real. The killing united Iran which had been reeling under anti-government protests over the fuel price hike. Slogans against the establishment were replaced by those against America. In the US, Congress condemned President Trump’s decision to order the strike without its approval. It later voted to limit Trump's power to declare war on Iran. Many questioned the timing of the killing which happened in an election year. President Trump had his own battles to fight. He has recently been impeached and is awaiting trial in the Senate. Countries around the world including Washington's allies called for de-escalation. Then came January 8. Less than a week after Soleimani’s killing, Iran launched a series of rockets at two Iraqi bases hosting US troops. There were no casualties in the attacks but in a separate incident, 176 innocent people lost their lives. Hours after the strikes, a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed near Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. All 176 on board were killed. Majority of the victims were Iranians while others included citizens of Canada, Ukraine and Sweden. Almost immediately after the accident, US and Canada said that they had intelligence that a missile shot down the Boeing 737 jet. Iran denied the claims but it also refused to hand out the plane’s black box to Boeing. Three days after the crash, Iran admitted that it had unintentionally shot down the plane mistaking it for a ‘hostile jet’. The country vowed to bring the guilty to justice. Internationally, Iran signalled that it favoured the diffusion of tensions. Speaking at the ‘Raisina Dialogue’ in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that there was still room for diplomacy with the United States. Amid heightened tensions, the crash exposed the possible cracks within the top Iranian military leadership. The missile was launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps- a paramilitary which has its own army, air force and navy which are independent of the Iranian military. Soleimani was the head of the ‘Quds Force’ or the foreign unit of the IRGC. Iran said that it was in a state of ‘high-readiness’ over fears of US retaliation. If missiles had to be deployed then why was Iranian airspace not closed? Was there a lack of communication between the military, IRCG and the government? While these questions remain unanswered, an old challenged threatened the Iranian regime. Protesters took to the streets of capital Tehran chanting slogans against their leaders and calling them liars for initially denying the downing of the Ukrainian jet. The demonstrators found support from Trump who in an unusual move, tweeted in Persian asking the Iranian government ‘to not massacre peaceful protesters.’ The Iranian leadership has a lot to worry about. It is not just an election year for the US but Iran too. In fact, the country is heading to polls next month. But as of now, a major war has been averted. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How a war between US and Iran was averted

India's main stock indexes closed at record highs on Monday as the expected signing of a Phase 1 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-had-constructive-phone-call-on-trade-report-262656">China-US</a>&nbsp;trade deal and strong results from IT bellwether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equity-indices-edge-up-infosys-profit-jumps-by-4-pc-on-good-q3-results-273855">Infosys Ltd</a> helped boost sentiment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equity-indices-edge-up-infosys-profit-jumps-by-4-pc-on-good-q3-results-273855">Also read:&nbsp;Equity indices edge up, Infosys profit jumps by 4 % on good Q3 results</a>

Investors awaited retail inflation data for December, due later in the day. At an expected 6.20 percent&nbsp;according to a Reuters poll, inflation is set to hit its highest in more than five years.

"Rising inflation after December has been priced in by the market because toward the end of the year (2019) we had seen upticks in inflation," said Anand James, chief market strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

The Nifty 50 Index ended 0.59&nbsp;percent higher at 12,329.55, while the benchmark S&amp;P BSE&nbsp;Sensex&nbsp;Index jumped 0.62&nbsp;percent&nbsp;to 41,859.69.

Both indexes had touched intraday all-time peaks at 12,337.75 and 41,889.63, respectively, earlier in the session.

Infosys' shares ended 4.8&nbsp;percent higher, making it the biggest gainer on the Nifty after the IT bellwether beat quarterly profit estimates and cleared its top executives of financial misconduct allegations. The Nifty IT index closed 1.67&nbsp;percent higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/board-member-at-yes-bank-quits-cites-governance-concerns-273443">Yes Bank Ltd</a> ended 5.92&nbsp;percent&nbsp;lower and led the losses on the Nifty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/board-member-at-yes-bank-quits-cites-governance-concerns-273443">Board member at Yes Bank quits, cites governance concerns</a>

The private sector lender on Friday rejected a $1.2 billion investment from Canadian investor Erwin Singh Braich and Hong Kong-based SPGP Holdings and launched a $1.4 billion share sale.

Shares of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-markets-steady-in-early-trade-ahead-of-cabinet-meeting-inflation-figures-261732">Britannia Industries</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-consumer-goods-growth-slows-as-rural-demand-cools-nielsen-236908">Hindustan Unilever Ltd</a> gained 1.85&nbsp;percent&nbsp;and 2.1 percent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-crashes-by-788-points-on-us-iran-tensions-banks-and-auto-companies-bleed-272541">IndusInd Bank</a> Ltd ended 3.25&nbsp;percent&nbsp;higher ahead of its quarterly results on Tuesday and was the second-biggest gainer on the Nifty.

India's main stock indexes closed at record highs on Monday as the expected signing of a Phase 1 China-US trade deal and strong results from IT bellwether Infosys Ltd helped boost sentiment.

India's main stock indexes closed at record highs on Monday as the expected signing of a Phase 1 China-US trade deal and strong results from IT bellwether Infosys Ltd helped boost sentiment. Also read: Equity indices edge up, Infosys profit jumps by 4 % on good Q3 results Investors awaited retail inflation data for December, due later in the day. At an expected 6.20 percent according to a Reuters poll, inflation is set to hit its highest in more than five years. "Rising inflation after December has been priced in by the market because toward the end of the year (2019) we had seen upticks in inflation," said Anand James, chief market strategist at Geojit Financial Services. The Nifty 50 Index ended 0.59 percent higher at 12,329.55, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex Index jumped 0.62 percent to 41,859.69. Both indexes had touched intraday all-time peaks at 12,337.75 and 41,889.63, respectively, earlier in the session. Infosys' shares ended 4.8 percent higher, making it the biggest gainer on the Nifty after the IT bellwether beat quarterly profit estimates and cleared its top executives of financial misconduct allegations. The Nifty IT index closed 1.67 percent higher. Yes Bank Ltd ended 5.92 percent lower and led the losses on the Nifty. Also read: Board member at Yes Bank quits, cites governance concerns The private sector lender on Friday rejected a $1.2 billion investment from Canadian investor Erwin Singh Braich and Hong Kong-based SPGP Holdings and launched a $1.4 billion share sale. Shares of Britannia Industries and Hindustan Unilever Ltd gained 1.85 percent and 2.1 percent. IndusInd Bank Ltd ended 3.25 percent higher ahead of its quarterly results on Tuesday and was the second-biggest gainer on the Nifty.

Nifty, Sensex end on record highs on Infosys, US-China trade deal optimism

Indian shares settled higher for a fourth straight session on Tuesday and marked record closing levels, with conglomerate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-edge-higher-in-rangebound-trade-gail-power-grid-rise-270934">ITC Ltd </a>and motorcycle maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-close-on-positive-note-led-by-metals-and-banks-267902">Hero MotoCorp</a>&nbsp;leading gains.

The NSE Nifty 50 Index ended 0.27 per cent higher at 12,362.30, while the S&amp;P BSE&nbsp;Sensex&nbsp;index&nbsp;added 0.22 per cent to close at 41,952.63.

Broader Asian shares touched fresh peaks on Tuesday amid signs of improving relations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-warns-silicon-valley-on-china-ahead-of-trade-pact-274102">United States</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/china-united-states-relations-and-the-thucydides-trap-192673">China</a>, as the two countries prepare to sign a preliminary trade deal on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-rise-ahead-of-us-china-phase-one-trade-deal-273851">Asian shares rise ahead of US-China 'phase one' trade deal</a>

In domestic markets, shares of ITC Ltd rose nearly 2 per cent and were among the top gainers on both NSE and BSE, while Hero MotoCorp added 2.2 per cent.

The Nifty Media index closed up 2.1 per cent, with shares of TV18 Broadcast&nbsp;surging over 16 per cent after the company posted a strong set of quarterly numbers.

Among decliners, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/board-member-at-yes-bank-quits-cites-governance-concerns-273443">Yes Bank&nbsp;</a>tumbled over 13% and IndusInd Bank&nbsp;slipped 4.51 per cent.

Indian shares settled higher for a fourth straight session on Tuesday and marked record closing levels, with conglomerate ITC Ltd and motorcycle maker Hero MotoCorp leading gains.

Indian shares settled higher for a fourth straight session on Tuesday and marked record closing levels, with conglomerate ITC Ltd and motorcycle maker Hero MotoCorp leading gains. The NSE Nifty 50 Index ended 0.27 per cent higher at 12,362.30, while the S&P BSE Sensex index added 0.22 per cent to close at 41,952.63. Broader Asian shares touched fresh peaks on Tuesday amid signs of improving relations between the United States and China, as the two countries prepare to sign a preliminary trade deal on Wednesday. Also read: Asian shares rise ahead of US-China 'phase one' trade deal In domestic markets, shares of ITC Ltd rose nearly 2 per cent and were among the top gainers on both NSE and BSE, while Hero MotoCorp added 2.2 per cent. The Nifty Media index closed up 2.1 per cent, with shares of TV18 Broadcast surging over 16 per cent after the company posted a strong set of quarterly numbers. Among decliners, Yes Bank tumbled over 13% and IndusInd Bank slipped 4.51 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex close at record highs

The US House of Representative is expected&nbsp;to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week.&nbsp;

What happens in the House

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler is likely to bring forward a resolution that will formally transmit the charges against Trump to the Senate.

Some Democrats will be then appointed as impeachment managers&nbsp;in order to prosecute the US President in the Senate.

Senate Process

After the Senate receives a notification from the House that the managers have been appointed, it would&nbsp;adopt a resolution, saying it is ready to receive the managers to present the charges.&nbsp;

US Chief Justice John Roberts would be sworn in to preside over the trial. Senators would be sworn in as jurors. Once the proceedings begin, the House managers would present their charges against the President. Thereafter, Trump's legal team will respond to the charges.

The Senators, sworn in as jurors, would then be given time to submit questions to each side. The Senate is expected to vote to acquit Trump. 
 
With a two-thirds vote required to convict the president, Trump’s acquittal in the Republican-controlled chamber is assured. The Constitution requires 67 votes to convict the President whereas only 34 votes to remove him.

What are the charges against Trump

Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine into investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. 
 
The charges say that Trump repeatedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate whether Biden misused his position as Vice-President to threaten to withhold US&nbsp;aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into the gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired. 
 
 
&nbsp;

The US House of Representative is expected to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week. What happens in the House House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The US House of Representative is expected to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week. What happens in the House House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine. The House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler is likely to bring forward a resolution that will formally transmit the charges against Trump to the Senate. Some Democrats will be then appointed as impeachment managers in order to prosecute the US President in the Senate. Senate Process After the Senate receives a notification from the House that the managers have been appointed, it would adopt a resolution, saying it is ready to receive the managers to present the charges. US Chief Justice John Roberts would be sworn in to preside over the trial. Senators would be sworn in as jurors. Once the proceedings begin, the House managers would present their charges against the President. Thereafter, Trump's legal team will respond to the charges. The Senators, sworn in as jurors, would then be given time to submit questions to each side. The Senate is expected to vote to acquit Trump. With a two-thirds vote required to convict the president, Trump’s acquittal in the Republican-controlled chamber is assured. The Constitution requires 67 votes to convict the President whereas only 34 votes to remove him. What are the charges against Trump Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine into investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. The charges say that Trump repeatedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate whether Biden misused his position as Vice-President to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into the gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired.

US President Donald Trump's impeachment: What happens next

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ford-india-introduces-brand-new-premium-suv-endeavour-at-rs-2819-lakh-198952">Ford Motor Co</a>'s&nbsp;China&nbsp;vehicle&nbsp;sales&nbsp;fell for a&nbsp;third&nbsp;consecutive&nbsp;year, by 26.1 percent, as it battles a prolonged overall&nbsp;sales&nbsp;decline in its second-biggest market that has hit demand for its mass-market Ford brand and sports utility&nbsp;vehicles.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-has-agreed-to-cut-tariffs-on-us-made-cars-181113">US&nbsp;</a>automaker delivered 146,473&nbsp;vehicles in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-fines-ford-joint-venture-citing-anti-monopoly-law-224439">China</a>&nbsp;in the fourth quarter, down 14.7 percent year-on-year, Ford said in a statement. In total, it sold 567,854&nbsp;vehicles over 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-fines-ford-joint-venture-citing-anti-monopoly-law-224439">China fines Ford joint venture, citing anti-monopoly law</a>

Ford has been trying to revive&nbsp;sales&nbsp;in&nbsp;China&nbsp;after its business began slumping in late 2017.&nbsp;

Sales&nbsp;sank 37&nbsp;percent in 2018, after a 6 percent decline in 2017.

Anning Chen, president and chief executive of Ford Greater&nbsp;China, said that while 2019 was a "challenging"&nbsp;year&nbsp;for the automaker, it saw its market share in the high-to-premium segment stabilise and its&nbsp;sales&nbsp;decline in the value segment start to narrow in the second-half of the&nbsp;year.

"The pressure from the external environment and downward trend of the industry volume will continue in 2020, and we will put more efforts into strengthening our product lineup with more customer-centric products and customer experiences to mitigate the external pressure and improve dealers' profitability."

The automaker plans to launch more than 30 new models in&nbsp;China&nbsp;over the next three&nbsp;years of which over a&nbsp;third&nbsp;will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-miao-wei-no-significant-cut-in-new-energy-vehicle-subsidies-in-2020-273646">electric&nbsp;vehicles</a>. It has also said it would localise management teams by hiring more Chinese staff and aimed to improve relationships with joint venture partners.

New models it launched in the fourth quarter include a new Ford Escape version - for which the automaker said orders received so far have been much higher than expected - and the Lincoln Corsair, the first localized Lincoln model in&nbsp;China.

In&nbsp;China, Ford makes cars through a joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd and Jiangling Motors Corp Ltd (JMC). It has also said it would partner Zotye Automobile Co Ltd to sell lower priced cars.

Its larger US&nbsp;rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gm-workers-struggle-with-daily-expenses-as-long-strike-continues-255454">General Motors</a> Co last week said its&nbsp;sales&nbsp;in&nbsp;China&nbsp;fell 15&nbsp;percent from a&nbsp;year&nbsp;earlier to 3.09 million&nbsp;vehicles in 2019, its second&nbsp;year&nbsp;of decline.

China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-auto-sales-slump-continues-in-april-218327">auto market</a> is set to contract by 2 percent in 2020 for the&nbsp;third&nbsp;year&nbsp;of decline, the&nbsp;China&nbsp;Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) forecast, due to a weaker economy and trade dispute with the United States.

Over 28 million&nbsp;vehicles were sold in 2018, down 3&nbsp;percent from the prior&nbsp;year, while 2019&nbsp;sales&nbsp;are likely to have declined 8&nbsp;percent from the prior&nbsp;year, CAAM said.

Ford Motor Co's China vehicle sales fell for a third consecutive year, by 26.1 percent, as it battles a prolonged overall sales decline in its second-biggest market that has hit demand for its mass-market Ford brand and sports utility vehicles.

Ford Motor Co's China vehicle sales fell for a third consecutive year, by 26.1 percent, as it battles a prolonged overall sales decline in its second-biggest market that has hit demand for its mass-market Ford brand and sports utility vehicles. The US automaker delivered 146,473 vehicles in China in the fourth quarter, down 14.7 percent year-on-year, Ford said in a statement. In total, it sold 567,854 vehicles over 2019. Also read: China fines Ford joint venture, citing anti-monopoly law Ford has been trying to revive sales in China after its business began slumping in late 2017. Sales sank 37 percent in 2018, after a 6 percent decline in 2017. Anning Chen, president and chief executive of Ford Greater China, said that while 2019 was a "challenging" year for the automaker, it saw its market share in the high-to-premium segment stabilise and its sales decline in the value segment start to narrow in the second-half of the year. "The pressure from the external environment and downward trend of the industry volume will continue in 2020, and we will put more efforts into strengthening our product lineup with more customer-centric products and customer experiences to mitigate the external pressure and improve dealers' profitability." The automaker plans to launch more than 30 new models in China over the next three years of which over a third will be electric vehicles. It has also said it would localise management teams by hiring more Chinese staff and aimed to improve relationships with joint venture partners. New models it launched in the fourth quarter include a new Ford Escape version - for which the automaker said orders received so far have been much higher than expected - and the Lincoln Corsair, the first localized Lincoln model in China. In China, Ford makes cars through a joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd and Jiangling Motors Corp Ltd (JMC). It has also said it would partner Zotye Automobile Co Ltd to sell lower priced cars. Its larger US rival General Motors Co last week said its sales in China fell 15 percent from a year earlier to 3.09 million vehicles in 2019, its second year of decline. China's auto market is set to contract by 2 percent in 2020 for the third year of decline, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) forecast, due to a weaker economy and trade dispute with the United States. Over 28 million vehicles were sold in 2018, down 3 percent from the prior year, while 2019 sales are likely to have declined 8 percent from the prior year, CAAM said.

Ford's vehicle sales in China tumble for third consecutive year

Iran on Sunday hinted de-escalation of tensions with the United States which were triggered nearly two weeks ago when top commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington in Iraq.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said that both countries agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the ongoing crisis after he met Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in his visit to Iran.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-sole-female-olympic-medalist-kimia-alizadeh-says-she-left-her-country-for-europe-273826">Iran's sole female Olympic medalist Kimia Alizadeh says she left her country for Europe</a> 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Hassan Rouhani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b9fc5ef-312a-4883-8d35-60c6f19ae722" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NN4XQ.jpg" />

(Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani | Photo Credit: AFP)

"This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-kill-your-protesters-us-president-trump-to-iranian-authorities-273818">'Do not kill your protesters, world is watching', Trump warns Iran</a>

"We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue."

Rouhani said: "We've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region."

<img alt="Iran protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8519d58b-2ecb-4685-8a50-3ff30a643aed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hqL8YOpo.jpg" />

(A woman shouts slogans as she gathers with people to show their sympathy to the victims of the crash of the Boeing 737-800 plane, flight PS 752, in Tehran,&nbsp;Iran | Photo Credit: Reuters)

Earlier today, Trump tweeted that US NSA suggested that "sanctions &amp; protests have Iran choked off," and will force the country to "negotiate".&nbsp;

"Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters,” the tweet added.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions &amp; protests have Iran “choked off”, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1216506722153639942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The protests began on Saturday in Iran after Rouhani admitted that "human error" brought down the Boeing 737, which killed 176 people.&nbsp;

Hundreds of students also shouted "death to liars" at a memorial at Tehran's Amir Kabir University on Saturday. Some protests in the Islamic Republic also demanded the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

On Sunday, heightened tensions were observed once again after security was beefed up near the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre in Tehran.&nbsp;

Riot police were deployed in Amir Kabir, Sharif and Tehran universities and Enqelab Square in the Iranian capital.&nbsp;

Earlier, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said that "Canada and the world still have many questions, questions that must be answered". Trudeau also said it is necessary for Canada to participate in the investigation of the crashed aircraft in which 57 Canadians were killed.&nbsp;

Ukraine demanded that guilty of those responsible in the crash be brought to justice and asked for the payment of compensation to the victims' family.&nbsp;

Iran on Sunday hinted de-escalation of tensions with the United States which were triggered nearly two weeks ago when top commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington in Iraq.

Iran on Sunday hinted de-escalation of tensions with the United States which were triggered nearly two weeks ago when top commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike by Washington in Iraq. On Sunday, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said that both countries agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the ongoing crisis after he met Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in his visit to Iran. Also read: Iran's sole female Olympic medalist Kimia Alizadeh says she left her country for Europe (Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani | Photo Credit: AFP) "This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said. Also read: 'Do not kill your protesters, world is watching', Trump warns Iran "We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue." Rouhani said: "We've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region." (A woman shouts slogans as she gathers with people to show their sympathy to the victims of the crash of the Boeing 737-800 plane, flight PS 752, in Tehran, Iran | Photo Credit: Reuters) Earlier today, Trump tweeted that US NSA suggested that "sanctions & protests have Iran choked off," and will force the country to "negotiate". "Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters,” the tweet added. National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran “choked off”, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and “don’t kill your protesters.” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020 × The protests began on Saturday in Iran after Rouhani admitted that "human error" brought down the Boeing 737, which killed 176 people. Hundreds of students also shouted "death to liars" at a memorial at Tehran's Amir Kabir University on Saturday. Some protests in the Islamic Republic also demanded the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Sunday, heightened tensions were observed once again after security was beefed up near the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre in Tehran. Riot police were deployed in Amir Kabir, Sharif and Tehran universities and Enqelab Square in the Iranian capital. Earlier, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said that "Canada and the world still have many questions, questions that must be answered". Trudeau also said it is necessary for Canada to participate in the investigation of the crashed aircraft in which 57 Canadians were killed. Ukraine demanded that guilty of those responsible in the crash be brought to justice and asked for the payment of compensation to the victims' family.

Iran hints at de-escalating tensions with US

As the papers of the trade deal are to be signed, different industrial sectors are hoping high for some good news for lower tariffs. The boat manufacturing industry in the United States is anticipating lower tariffs, leading to the growth of the boat industry. #US #USBoatIndustry #BoatIndustry #WION #WIONNews

WION Wallet: US boat industry sales 11 year high in 2018

The base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors, but a majority had been evacuated following tensions between the US and Iran over the past two weeks. #WION

Six rockets hit Iraq base hosting US troops

By the law of unintended consequences, US President Donald J Trump’s mix of uncritical and cynical embrace of Saudi Arabia and transactional approach towards relations with the kingdom may be producing results.

Saudi Arabia appears to be backing away from its largely disastrous assertive and robust go-it-alone foreign and defence policy posture and reverting to a more cautious approach that embraces multilateralism, seeks international backing before acting and emphasises traditional and public diplomacy.

The kingdom’s shift towards a less reckless, more coordinated and deliberate foreign and defence policy does not necessarily mean a change in rhetoric or a greater willingness to seek negotiated solutions.

It entails a change in tone and strategy rather than a backing away from key foreign or domestic policy positions, including Saudi Arabia’s deep-seated animosity towards Iran.

Saudi state minister for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir made that clear, saying that Saudi Arabia had not ruled out a military response to drone and missile attacks that severely damaged two if its key oil installations.

Al-Jubeir reiterated conditions for any successful negotiation that include tough restrictions on and oversight of Iran’s nuclear programme and limits to its development of ballistic missile. He further demanded fundamental changes in Iran’s foreign and defence policy.

“No nukes, no missiles and no terrorism,” Al-Jubeir said in language that was likely to appeal to a broad audience but masked the two countries’ core differences.

Nicolas Dunais, an economic advisor to Gulf governments who last year was helping Saudi Arabia establish a national risk and resilience unit, got a glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s fundamental attitude before the kingdom’s recent repackaging.

Dunais was taken aback when he suggested opening a backchannel to Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

"Suggestions by Dunais to consider the broader risks related to the missile threat and to undertake an indirect dialogue with the Houthi leadership were summarily dismissed given the confidence that military might alone would be enough to crush a ragtag army of rebels"

King Salman signalled the policy shift when he told a Cabinet meeting, days after the attacks believed to have at least been enabled by Iran, that they were "not aimed at the vital facilities of Saudi Arabia only, but also threaten the global economy."

King Salman’s statement was as much an effort to capitalise on the attacks to garner international support and step up pressure on Iran as it was the setting of a different foreign policy tone.

Unlike the United States that put responsibility for the attacks squarely on the shoulders of Iran, Saudi spokesmen were careful to stop short of holding Iran directly responsible for the attacks. Instead, they asserted that the weapons used in the attacks were Iranian made and therefore bore some degree of responsibility.

Similarly, in sharp contrast to the kingdom’s rejection of an international investigation into last year’s killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its tight control of access to war-torn Yemen, Saudi Arabia followed up on King Salman’s statement by inviting the United Nations and others to participate in a forensic investigation of the attacks that would focus on the origin of the weapons employed, and the launching spot of the drones and missiles.

Speaking to the New York-based Council of Foreign Relations, Al-Jubeir said foreign experts had already arrived in the kingdom. Driving the point home, Al al-Jubeir said earlier that Saudi Arabia was consulting “with friends and allies about the next steps to take.”

In a further embrace of multilateralism, Saudi Arabia, days after the attacks, joined a US-led coalition to secure the Middle East’s waterways. Earlier, Britain, Bahrain and Australia pledged to participate in the coalition.

The Saudi moves were buffeted by a concerted reaching out to the media rather than relying primarily on expensive public relations and lobbying agencies to ensure that the kingdom’s voice and more cautious approach was heard and noted.

The attacks drove home the vulnerability of the kingdom’s oil assets that account for the bulk of its revenues and its international standing and a realisation that Saudi Arabia could not count on unquestioned support of the international community and particularly the United States, its long-standing guardian angel.

That realisation came as Saudi Arabia was working to repair damage to its image as a result of its conduct of the Yemen war; the killing of Khashoggi; the massive crackdown on activists, critics and businessmen; and its abrupt and undiplomatic response to countries like Sweden and Canada that voiced public criticism of the kingdom’s policies.

This week, Saudi ambassador to the UN Abdulaziz Alwasil didn’t mince his words, responding to Australia’s leadership of 24 Western nations in issuing a statement condemning the kingdom for a raft of human rights abuses.

Yet, in a sign of the times and in contrast to earlier incidents involving Sweden and Canada, Alwasil did not threaten disruption of trade and other forms of cooperation with Australia nor did he indicate that the kingdom may expel Australian diplomats.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to come to grips with new realities came as the kingdom was preparing for an initial public offering by its national oil company, Aramco, that has been struggling to ensure that it meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s target valuation of $2 trillion.

The precarity of the kingdom’s situation was obvious for all to see when Trump made clear that his inclination was not to launch a risky retaliatory strike against Iran in response to the attacks but to tighten economic sanctions and to continue exploring a possible dialogue with the Islamic republic.

Adding insult to injury, Trump emphasised the fact that the attacks were against Saudi Arabia and not against the United States and that his administration would support a Saudi response or potentially act on its behalf against payment.

As a result, Saudi Arabia has been manoeuvring to ensure that the situation does not get out of control and that it is not put in a position in which it risks an all-out war that could prove to be devastating.

Saudi Arabia’s shift in policy approach follows in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates that has in recent months sought to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf by distancing itself from Saudi positions. 
 
The UAE has partially withdrawn its forces from Yemen in an effort to prevent further reputational damage, a move that sparked fighting between UAE and Saudi-backed forces in the country. It was careful not to blame Iran for attacks on tankers off the coast of the UAE believed to have been launched by Iran and reached out to the Islamic republic by sending a coast guard delegation to Tehran.

Said Rebecca Wasser, a senior policy analyst at RAND Corporation, noting that the attacks had made the kingdom realise that it may be playing for stakes that are too high: “I think there has a been a calculation that the costs might be too high.”

Trump can claim some credit for Saudi Arabia’s emerging adoption of a more cautious approach. Higher costs and greater risk perceptions were likely one consequence of his transactional approach towards the kingdom. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By the law of unintended consequences, US President Donald J Trump’s mix of uncritical and cynical embrace of Saudi Arabia and transactional approach towards relations with the kingdom may be producing results.

By the law of unintended consequences, US President Donald J Trump’s mix of uncritical and cynical embrace of Saudi Arabia and transactional approach towards relations with the kingdom may be producing results. Saudi Arabia appears to be backing away from its largely disastrous assertive and robust go-it-alone foreign and defence policy posture and reverting to a more cautious approach that embraces multilateralism, seeks international backing before acting and emphasises traditional and public diplomacy. The kingdom’s shift towards a less reckless, more coordinated and deliberate foreign and defence policy does not necessarily mean a change in rhetoric or a greater willingness to seek negotiated solutions. It entails a change in tone and strategy rather than a backing away from key foreign or domestic policy positions, including Saudi Arabia’s deep-seated animosity towards Iran. Saudi state minister for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir made that clear, saying that Saudi Arabia had not ruled out a military response to drone and missile attacks that severely damaged two if its key oil installations. Al-Jubeir reiterated conditions for any successful negotiation that include tough restrictions on and oversight of Iran’s nuclear programme and limits to its development of ballistic missile. He further demanded fundamental changes in Iran’s foreign and defence policy. “No nukes, no missiles and no terrorism,” Al-Jubeir said in language that was likely to appeal to a broad audience but masked the two countries’ core differences. Nicolas Dunais, an economic advisor to Gulf governments who last year was helping Saudi Arabia establish a national risk and resilience unit, got a glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s fundamental attitude before the kingdom’s recent repackaging. Dunais was taken aback when he suggested opening a backchannel to Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. "Suggestions by Dunais to consider the broader risks related to the missile threat and to undertake an indirect dialogue with the Houthi leadership were summarily dismissed given the confidence that military might alone would be enough to crush a ragtag army of rebels" King Salman signalled the policy shift when he told a Cabinet meeting, days after the attacks believed to have at least been enabled by Iran, that they were "not aimed at the vital facilities of Saudi Arabia only, but also threaten the global economy." King Salman’s statement was as much an effort to capitalise on the attacks to garner international support and step up pressure on Iran as it was the setting of a different foreign policy tone. Unlike the United States that put responsibility for the attacks squarely on the shoulders of Iran, Saudi spokesmen were careful to stop short of holding Iran directly responsible for the attacks. Instead, they asserted that the weapons used in the attacks were Iranian made and therefore bore some degree of responsibility. Similarly, in sharp contrast to the kingdom’s rejection of an international investigation into last year’s killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its tight control of access to war-torn Yemen, Saudi Arabia followed up on King Salman’s statement by inviting the United Nations and others to participate in a forensic investigation of the attacks that would focus on the origin of the weapons employed, and the launching spot of the drones and missiles. Speaking to the New York-based Council of Foreign Relations, Al-Jubeir said foreign experts had already arrived in the kingdom. Driving the point home, Al al-Jubeir said earlier that Saudi Arabia was consulting “with friends and allies about the next steps to take.” In a further embrace of multilateralism, Saudi Arabia, days after the attacks, joined a US-led coalition to secure the Middle East’s waterways. Earlier, Britain, Bahrain and Australia pledged to participate in the coalition. The Saudi moves were buffeted by a concerted reaching out to the media rather than relying primarily on expensive public relations and lobbying agencies to ensure that the kingdom’s voice and more cautious approach was heard and noted. The attacks drove home the vulnerability of the kingdom’s oil assets that account for the bulk of its revenues and its international standing and a realisation that Saudi Arabia could not count on unquestioned support of the international community and particularly the United States, its long-standing guardian angel. That realisation came as Saudi Arabia was working to repair damage to its image as a result of its conduct of the Yemen war; the killing of Khashoggi; the massive crackdown on activists, critics and businessmen; and its abrupt and undiplomatic response to countries like Sweden and Canada that voiced public criticism of the kingdom’s policies. This week, Saudi ambassador to the UN Abdulaziz Alwasil didn’t mince his words, responding to Australia’s leadership of 24 Western nations in issuing a statement condemning the kingdom for a raft of human rights abuses. Yet, in a sign of the times and in contrast to earlier incidents involving Sweden and Canada, Alwasil did not threaten disruption of trade and other forms of cooperation with Australia nor did he indicate that the kingdom may expel Australian diplomats. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to come to grips with new realities came as the kingdom was preparing for an initial public offering by its national oil company, Aramco, that has been struggling to ensure that it meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s target valuation of $2 trillion. The precarity of the kingdom’s situation was obvious for all to see when Trump made clear that his inclination was not to launch a risky retaliatory strike against Iran in response to the attacks but to tighten economic sanctions and to continue exploring a possible dialogue with the Islamic republic. Adding insult to injury, Trump emphasised the fact that the attacks were against Saudi Arabia and not against the United States and that his administration would support a Saudi response or potentially act on its behalf against payment. As a result, Saudi Arabia has been manoeuvring to ensure that the situation does not get out of control and that it is not put in a position in which it risks an all-out war that could prove to be devastating. Saudi Arabia’s shift in policy approach follows in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates that has in recent months sought to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf by distancing itself from Saudi positions. The UAE has partially withdrawn its forces from Yemen in an effort to prevent further reputational damage, a move that sparked fighting between UAE and Saudi-backed forces in the country. It was careful not to blame Iran for attacks on tankers off the coast of the UAE believed to have been launched by Iran and reached out to the Islamic republic by sending a coast guard delegation to Tehran. Said Rebecca Wasser, a senior policy analyst at RAND Corporation, noting that the attacks had made the kingdom realise that it may be playing for stakes that are too high: “I think there has a been a calculation that the costs might be too high.” Trump can claim some credit for Saudi Arabia’s emerging adoption of a more cautious approach. Higher costs and greater risk perceptions were likely one consequence of his transactional approach towards the kingdom. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Saudi Arabia policy shift: A rare Donald Trump's foreign policy success

An Iran hawk who advocated killing General Qasem Soleimani, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has ordered his diplomats to limit contacts with militant Iranian exile and opposition groups that support either regime change or greater rights for ethnic groups like Kurds and Arabs.

Coming on the back of the Soleimani killing, Pompeo’s directive appears to put an end to the Trump administration’s hinting that it covertly supports insurgent efforts to at the very least destabilise the Iranian government if not topple it.

A litmus test of the directive by Pompeo, known to have a close relationship with Donald J Trump, is likely to be whether the president’s personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, distances himself from the controversial National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an offshoot of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, a group that was taken off the US Treasury’s list of designated terrorists several years ago.

Giuliani is a frequent, well-paid speaker at gatherings of the group that has built a significant network among Western political elites. The council and the Mujahedeen openly call for regime change in Iran.

The Mujahedeen were moved with US assistance from their exile base in Iraq to a reportedly Saudi-funded secretive facility in Albania.

A New Jersey-based lobbying firm hired by the NCRI, Rosemont Associates, reported last year in its filing as a foreign agent frequent email and telephone contact on behalf of its client with the US embassy in the Albanian capital of Tirana as well as Brian Hook, the US Special Representative for Iran, and Gabriel Noronha, an aide to Hook.

In his directive, Pompeo said that “Direct US government engagement with these groups could prove counterproductive to our policy goal of seeking a comprehensive deal with the Iranian regime that addresses its destabilising behaviour.”&nbsp;

The secretary went on to say that Iranian opposition groups “Try to engage US officials regularly to gain at least the appearance of tacit support and enhance their visibility and clout.”

Pompeo’s cable, while keeping a potential negotiated deal with Iran on the table, does not stop other US government agencies from covertly supporting the various groups, that also includes Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahwaz (AMLA), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, and the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI).

Iran, which has long believed that the United States, alongside Saudi Arabia and Israel, supported the Mujahedeen as well as ethnic militants that intermittently launch attacks inside Iran, is likely to take a wait-and see-attitude towards Pompeo’s directive that could be seen as a signal that the Trump administration is not seeking regime change.

The timing of the directive is significant. Iran responded to the killing of Soleimani with carefully calibrated missile attacks on US facilities in Iraq in a bid to create an environment in which backchanneling potentially could steer the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table.

While it was uncertain that one round of escalated tensions would do the trick, potential efforts were not helped by the death of Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, a key interlocutor who has repeatedly helped resolve US-Iranian problems and initiated contacts that ultimately led to the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program.

In his directive, Pompeo, referring to Komala, acknowledged that “Iran’s regime appears to assess that the United States and/or Israel support this group of militant Kurds.”

Iranian perceptions were reinforced not only by calls for regime change by senior figures like Giuliani and Saudi prince Turki al-Faisal, a former head of the kingdom’s intelligence service and ex-ambassador to Britain and the United States, but also the appointment in 2018 of Steven Fagin as counsel general in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Shortly before moving to Erbil, Fagin met in Washington as head of the State Department’s Office of Iranian Affairs, with Mustafa Hijri, leader of the KDPI as it stepped up its attacks in Iranian Kurdistan.

Iranian perceptions were further informed by the appointment of John Bolton, Trump’s since departed national security advisor and like Giuliani a frequent speaker at NCRI events, who publicly advocates support of ethnic insurgencies in Iran in a bid to change the regime.

As Trump’s first director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Pompeo named Michael D’Andrea, a hard-charging, chain-smoking covert operations officer, alternatively nicknamed the Dark Prince or Ayatollah Mike, whose track record includes overseeing the hunt for Osama Bin Laden, as head of the CIA’s Iran operations.

The appointment was followed by the publication by a Riyadh-based think tank believed to be close to crown prince Mohammed bin Salman of a study for Saudi support for a low-level Baloch insurgency in Iran. Prince Mohammed vowed around the same time that “We will work so that the battle is for them in Iran, not in Saudi Arabia.”

Pakistani militants have claimed that Saudi Arabia had stepped up funding of militant madrassas or religious seminaries in the Pakistani province of Balochistan that allegedly serves as havens for anti-Iranian fighters.

The New York Times reported this week that aides to Prince Mohammed had in the past discussed with private businessmen the assassination of Soleimani, an architect of Iran’s regional network of proxies, and other Iranians as well as ways of sabotaging the country’s economy.

Pompeo’s directive is unlikely to persuade Iran that Washington has had a change of heart. Indeed, it hasn’t. Trump maintains his campaign of maximum pressure and this week imposed additional sanctions on Iran.

Nonetheless, potentially taking regime change off the table facilitates backchanneling that aims at getting the two nations to talk again. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

An Iran hawk who advocated killing General Qasem Soleimani, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has ordered his diplomats to limit contacts with militant Iranian exile and opposition groups that support either regime change or greater rights for ethnic groups like Kurds and Arabs.

An Iran hawk who advocated killing General Qasem Soleimani, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has ordered his diplomats to limit contacts with militant Iranian exile and opposition groups that support either regime change or greater rights for ethnic groups like Kurds and Arabs. Coming on the back of the Soleimani killing, Pompeo’s directive appears to put an end to the Trump administration’s hinting that it covertly supports insurgent efforts to at the very least destabilise the Iranian government if not topple it. A litmus test of the directive by Pompeo, known to have a close relationship with Donald J Trump, is likely to be whether the president’s personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, distances himself from the controversial National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an offshoot of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, a group that was taken off the US Treasury’s list of designated terrorists several years ago. Giuliani is a frequent, well-paid speaker at gatherings of the group that has built a significant network among Western political elites. The council and the Mujahedeen openly call for regime change in Iran. The Mujahedeen were moved with US assistance from their exile base in Iraq to a reportedly Saudi-funded secretive facility in Albania. A New Jersey-based lobbying firm hired by the NCRI, Rosemont Associates, reported last year in its filing as a foreign agent frequent email and telephone contact on behalf of its client with the US embassy in the Albanian capital of Tirana as well as Brian Hook, the US Special Representative for Iran, and Gabriel Noronha, an aide to Hook. In his directive, Pompeo said that “Direct US government engagement with these groups could prove counterproductive to our policy goal of seeking a comprehensive deal with the Iranian regime that addresses its destabilising behaviour.” The secretary went on to say that Iranian opposition groups “Try to engage US officials regularly to gain at least the appearance of tacit support and enhance their visibility and clout.” Pompeo’s cable, while keeping a potential negotiated deal with Iran on the table, does not stop other US government agencies from covertly supporting the various groups, that also includes Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahwaz (AMLA), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, and the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI). Iran, which has long believed that the United States, alongside Saudi Arabia and Israel, supported the Mujahedeen as well as ethnic militants that intermittently launch attacks inside Iran, is likely to take a wait-and see-attitude towards Pompeo’s directive that could be seen as a signal that the Trump administration is not seeking regime change. The timing of the directive is significant. Iran responded to the killing of Soleimani with carefully calibrated missile attacks on US facilities in Iraq in a bid to create an environment in which backchanneling potentially could steer the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. While it was uncertain that one round of escalated tensions would do the trick, potential efforts were not helped by the death of Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, a key interlocutor who has repeatedly helped resolve US-Iranian problems and initiated contacts that ultimately led to the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. In his directive, Pompeo, referring to Komala, acknowledged that “Iran’s regime appears to assess that the United States and/or Israel support this group of militant Kurds.” Iranian perceptions were reinforced not only by calls for regime change by senior figures like Giuliani and Saudi prince Turki al-Faisal, a former head of the kingdom’s intelligence service and ex-ambassador to Britain and the United States, but also the appointment in 2018 of Steven Fagin as counsel general in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. Shortly before moving to Erbil, Fagin met in Washington as head of the State Department’s Office of Iranian Affairs, with Mustafa Hijri, leader of the KDPI as it stepped up its attacks in Iranian Kurdistan. Iranian perceptions were further informed by the appointment of John Bolton, Trump’s since departed national security advisor and like Giuliani a frequent speaker at NCRI events, who publicly advocates support of ethnic insurgencies in Iran in a bid to change the regime. As Trump’s first director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Pompeo named Michael D’Andrea, a hard-charging, chain-smoking covert operations officer, alternatively nicknamed the Dark Prince or Ayatollah Mike, whose track record includes overseeing the hunt for Osama Bin Laden, as head of the CIA’s Iran operations. The appointment was followed by the publication by a Riyadh-based think tank believed to be close to crown prince Mohammed bin Salman of a study for Saudi support for a low-level Baloch insurgency in Iran. Prince Mohammed vowed around the same time that “We will work so that the battle is for them in Iran, not in Saudi Arabia.” Pakistani militants have claimed that Saudi Arabia had stepped up funding of militant madrassas or religious seminaries in the Pakistani province of Balochistan that allegedly serves as havens for anti-Iranian fighters. The New York Times reported this week that aides to Prince Mohammed had in the past discussed with private businessmen the assassination of Soleimani, an architect of Iran’s regional network of proxies, and other Iranians as well as ways of sabotaging the country’s economy. Pompeo’s directive is unlikely to persuade Iran that Washington has had a change of heart. Indeed, it hasn’t. Trump maintains his campaign of maximum pressure and this week imposed additional sanctions on Iran. Nonetheless, potentially taking regime change off the table facilitates backchanneling that aims at getting the two nations to talk again. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US backs off support to regime change in Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/walmart-microsoft-in-partnership-to-use-cloud-tech-152321">Walmart</a>&nbsp;Inc, the world's largest retailer, has fired 56&nbsp;of its&nbsp;India&nbsp;executives&nbsp;as part of its&nbsp;restructuring&nbsp;in the country, three&nbsp;sources&nbsp;with direct knowledge told Reuters.

The move underscores the struggles&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;has faced in expanding its wholesale business in&nbsp;India.

Reuters reported the firings earlier on Monday, citing three people with direct knowledge of the matter, adding the move had mostly affected executives in&nbsp;Walmart's real estate division, which takes care of store expansion, as the wholesale business model did not bring in expected growth.

Eight of the 56 executives fired were in "senior management" roles and the rest from middle or lower management, Krish Iyer, President and CEO of&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;India said in a statement.

"We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organised in the right way," Iyer said, adding the fired executives had been offered enhanced severance benefits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-told-us-government-indias-e-commerce-rules-regressive-warned-of-trade-impact-235131">India's e-commerce rules regressive, potential to hurt trade ties: Walmart told US government</a>

The Bentonville, Arkansas&nbsp;based company currently operates 28 wholesale stores where it sells goods to small shopkeepers, and not to retail consumers.

The firings mostly affected&nbsp;executives&nbsp;in the company's real estate division because the growth in the wholesale model has not been that robust, two of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

"It's happening because the focus is shifting to e-commerce rather than physical (stores)," said one source, who declined to be identified as the decision is not public.

Walmart&nbsp;has placed bold bets on&nbsp;India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-proposes-new-e-commerce-regulations-with-focus-on-data-rules-199214">e-commerce</a> sector.

In 2018, it paid $16 billion to acquire a majority stake in&nbsp;India's online marketplace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/walmart-completes-deal-to-acquire-77-stake-in-flipkart-160020">Flipkart</a>, in its biggest global acquisition.

The second source added that while&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;could slow down the pace of opening new wholesale stores, the focus will increasingly be on boosting sales through business-to-business and retail e-commerce.

Some of the&nbsp;executives&nbsp;were sacked last week and more could be let go on Monday, two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Walmart&nbsp;has&nbsp;around&nbsp;600 staff in its&nbsp;India&nbsp;head office out of a total of&nbsp;around&nbsp;5,300 nationally, one of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Walmart Inc, the world's largest retailer, has fired 56 of its India executives as part of its restructuring in the country, three sources with direct knowledge told Reuters.

Walmart Inc, the world's largest retailer, has fired 56 of its India executives as part of its restructuring in the country, three sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. The move underscores the struggles Walmart has faced in expanding its wholesale business in India. Reuters reported the firings earlier on Monday, citing three people with direct knowledge of the matter, adding the move had mostly affected executives in Walmart's real estate division, which takes care of store expansion, as the wholesale business model did not bring in expected growth. Eight of the 56 executives fired were in "senior management" roles and the rest from middle or lower management, Krish Iyer, President and CEO of Walmart India said in a statement. "We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organised in the right way," Iyer said, adding the fired executives had been offered enhanced severance benefits. Also read: India's e-commerce rules regressive, potential to hurt trade ties: Walmart told US government The Bentonville, Arkansas based company currently operates 28 wholesale stores where it sells goods to small shopkeepers, and not to retail consumers. The firings mostly affected executives in the company's real estate division because the growth in the wholesale model has not been that robust, two of the sources said. "It's happening because the focus is shifting to e-commerce rather than physical (stores)," said one source, who declined to be identified as the decision is not public. Walmart has placed bold bets on India's e-commerce sector. In 2018, it paid $16 billion to acquire a majority stake in India's online marketplace Flipkart, in its biggest global acquisition. The second source added that while Walmart could slow down the pace of opening new wholesale stores, the focus will increasingly be on boosting sales through business-to-business and retail e-commerce. Some of the executives were sacked last week and more could be let go on Monday, two sources said. Walmart has around 600 staff in its India head office out of a total of around 5,300 nationally, one of the sources said.

Walmart sacks 56 executives in India as part of restructuring

The United States and China have agreed to restart semi-annual talks aimed at resolving economic disputes between the two countries, a process abandoned at the start of the Trump administration as a trade conflict between the countries escalated.

An official familiar with the deliberations said the resumption of the US&nbsp;China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue will be announced on Jan. 15 as part of the signing of a Phase 1 trade deal between the US&nbsp;and China.

The restart of the meetings was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The regular meetings will provide a forum for steady, high-level conversation between the world's two largest economies separate from the sometimes rocky negotiations over their trade relationship.

The sessions will likely be lead by US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/details-of-us-china-deal-to-be-published-after-signing-white-house-273483">Details of US-China deal to be published after signing: White House</a>

The two sides have been embroiled in a trade war for well over a year, with the use of import tariffs by both sides upending global supply chains and dealing a blow to business confidence.

The twice-yearly Strategic Economic Dialogue began under former President George W. Bush as a way for the world's two largest economic powers to manage the growing array of issues that arose between them as China's economy and its exports to the US&nbsp;expanded rapidly in the early 2000s.

It was continued under President Barack Obama and initially by President Donald Trump as well. The first round of what the Trump administration renamed the Comprehensive Economic Dialogue was held in July, 2017.

But the regular sessions, sprawling affairs often criticized as heavy on process and light on tangible outcomes, were abandoned as the Trump administration moved towards a more confrontational approach to China that relied on the use of tariffs to pressure the country into economic concessions.

The United States and China have agreed to restart semi-annual talks aimed at resolving economic disputes between the two countries, a process abandoned at the start of the Trump administration as a trade conflict between the countries escalated.

The United States and China have agreed to restart semi-annual talks aimed at resolving economic disputes between the two countries, a process abandoned at the start of the Trump administration as a trade conflict between the countries escalated. An official familiar with the deliberations said the resumption of the US China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue will be announced on Jan. 15 as part of the signing of a Phase 1 trade deal between the US and China. The restart of the meetings was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The regular meetings will provide a forum for steady, high-level conversation between the world's two largest economies separate from the sometimes rocky negotiations over their trade relationship. The sessions will likely be lead by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. Also read: Details of US-China deal to be published after signing: White House The two sides have been embroiled in a trade war for well over a year, with the use of import tariffs by both sides upending global supply chains and dealing a blow to business confidence. The twice-yearly Strategic Economic Dialogue began under former President George W. Bush as a way for the world's two largest economic powers to manage the growing array of issues that arose between them as China's economy and its exports to the US expanded rapidly in the early 2000s. It was continued under President Barack Obama and initially by President Donald Trump as well. The first round of what the Trump administration renamed the Comprehensive Economic Dialogue was held in July, 2017. But the regular sessions, sprawling affairs often criticized as heavy on process and light on tangible outcomes, were abandoned as the Trump administration moved towards a more confrontational approach to China that relied on the use of tariffs to pressure the country into economic concessions.

US, China agree to semi-annual talks aimed at reforms, resolving disputes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-change-position-on-taiwan-after-landslide-election-273675">China</a> on Sunday slammed officials from the US and other countries for congratulating Taiwan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-elections-a-brief-analysis-273501">Tsai Ing-wen</a> after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island.

Tsai, who had pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China, secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's presidential election.

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-applauds-taiwan-president-re-election-mike-pompeo-273668">Mike Pompeo</a>, as well as top diplomats from Britain and Japan, issued statements congratulating Tsai and the island's democratic elections.

But Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, denounced their actions as violating the one-China principle.

"The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

"We oppose any form of official exchange between Taiwan and countries that have established diplomatic relations with China," he said in a statement.

Chinese state media also sought to downplay Tsai's victory and cast doubt on the legitimacy of her campaign by accusing the Taiwanese leader of "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dirty-tactics-chinese-media-on-tsais-landslide-taiwan-poll-win-273750">dirty tactics</a>" and cheating.

Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used "dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and evil nature", said official news agency Xinhua in an op-ed Sunday.

Xinhua also accused Tsai of buying votes, and said "external dark forces" were partly responsible for the election results.

Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan -- by force if necessary -- loathes Tsai because she refuses to acknowledge the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

China doubled down on its "one-China principle" after Tsai's victory, with Geng emphasising Sunday that "regardless of what happens in Taiwan, the basic facts won't change: there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China".

"The Chinese government's position won't change," he added in a statement.

Orchestrating tensions

Over the last four years, Beijing has ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island, hoping it would scare voters into supporting Tsai's opposition.

But the strong-arm tactics have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-declares-victory-in-taiwan-election-273651">backfired</a> and voters flocked to Tsai's DPP, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Chinese state media have accused Tsai, who frequently invokes Hong Kong's protests as a warning about a Beijing-controlled Taiwan, of fear-mongering.

Tsai and her party are "orchestrating tensions", wrote the nationalistic Global Times on Saturday.

At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese leader "wantonly hyped up the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland while slandering Han Kuo-yu's mainland connections", it said, referring to her Beijing-friendly main opponent from the Kuomintang party.

Chinese state media also dismissed Saturday's election results as an anomaly in long-term ties between Taiwan and the mainland, with Xinhua describing Tsai's win as a "fluke".

"The fact that the Chinese mainland is getting increasingly stronger and the Taiwan island is getting weaker is an inevitable reality," added the Global Times.

"Recognising and complying with the reality is the only feasible option for Taiwan's peaceful development."

China on Sunday slammed officials from the US and other countries for congratulating Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island.

China on Sunday slammed officials from the US and other countries for congratulating Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen after she was re-elected with a landslide victory in a stunning rebuke of Beijing's campaign to isolate the self-ruled island. Tsai, who had pitched herself as a defender of liberal democratic values against an increasingly authoritarian China, secured a record-breaking win in Saturday's presidential election. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as well as top diplomats from Britain and Japan, issued statements congratulating Tsai and the island's democratic elections. But Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, denounced their actions as violating the one-China principle. "The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. "We oppose any form of official exchange between Taiwan and countries that have established diplomatic relations with China," he said in a statement. Chinese state media also sought to downplay Tsai's victory and cast doubt on the legitimacy of her campaign by accusing the Taiwanese leader of "dirty tactics" and cheating. Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used "dirty tactics such as cheating, repression and intimidation to get votes, fully exposing their selfish, greedy and evil nature", said official news agency Xinhua in an op-ed Sunday. Xinhua also accused Tsai of buying votes, and said "external dark forces" were partly responsible for the election results. Beijing, which has vowed to one day take Taiwan -- by force if necessary -- loathes Tsai because she refuses to acknowledge the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". China doubled down on its "one-China principle" after Tsai's victory, with Geng emphasising Sunday that "regardless of what happens in Taiwan, the basic facts won't change: there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China". "The Chinese government's position won't change," he added in a statement. Orchestrating tensions Over the last four years, Beijing has ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island, hoping it would scare voters into supporting Tsai's opposition. But the strong-arm tactics have backfired and voters flocked to Tsai's DPP, fuelled in part by China's hardline response to months of huge and violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Chinese state media have accused Tsai, who frequently invokes Hong Kong's protests as a warning about a Beijing-controlled Taiwan, of fear-mongering. Tsai and her party are "orchestrating tensions", wrote the nationalistic Global Times on Saturday. At the end of 2019, the Taiwanese leader "wantonly hyped up the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland while slandering Han Kuo-yu's mainland connections", it said, referring to her Beijing-friendly main opponent from the Kuomintang party. Chinese state media also dismissed Saturday's election results as an anomaly in long-term ties between Taiwan and the mainland, with Xinhua describing Tsai's win as a "fluke". "The fact that the Chinese mainland is getting increasingly stronger and the Taiwan island is getting weaker is an inevitable reality," added the Global Times. "Recognising and complying with the reality is the only feasible option for Taiwan's peaceful development."

China slams United States for congratulating Tsai Ing-wen on Taiwan poll win

United States federal agency, <a href="wionews.com/world/hopes-for-many-battling-chronic-pain-as-scientists-discover-technique-to-silence-pain-gene-272255">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> has issued a 'level-two' travel alert which requires visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination for traveling to polio-endemic countries.

The agency wants to prevent the virus from spreading to other countries.

According to the CDC, Asian countries that have reported polio outbreaks other than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-import-polio-markers-from-india-price-of-89-medicines-reduced-by-15-270164">Pakistan</a> are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, China, &nbsp;Papua New Guinea, Philippines and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-records-first-case-of-polio-after-three-decades-266974">Malaysia</a>.

According to the travel alert, adults who have been vaccinated for polio in their childhood would need a single dose of polio vaccine before traveling to these polio-endemic nations. Such individuals would now need the adult booster dose - Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) booster - before traveling to these countries, the CDC recommends.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-has-ill-effects-on-health-but-not-enough-funding-world-health-organisation-265954">World Health Organisation</a> has asked visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination before leaving such polio-endemic countries.

United States federal agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a 'level-two' travel alert which requires visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination for traveling to polio-endemic countries.

United States federal agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a 'level-two' travel alert which requires visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination for traveling to polio-endemic countries. The agency wants to prevent the virus from spreading to other countries. According to the CDC, Asian countries that have reported polio outbreaks other than Pakistan are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, China, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Malaysia. According to the travel alert, adults who have been vaccinated for polio in their childhood would need a single dose of polio vaccine before traveling to these polio-endemic nations. Such individuals would now need the adult booster dose - Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) booster - before traveling to these countries, the CDC recommends. The World Health Organisation has asked visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination before leaving such polio-endemic countries.

US federal agency issues travel alert for Pakistan, other polio-endemic countries

The conflict between the U.S. & Iran has been the major global headline over the last week. Now the mystery around the U.I.A. plane crash in Tehran deepens. Did Iran mistakenly fire at the jet as the western intelligence agencies suspect? WION's Palki Sharma explains. #Gravitas #US #Iran #PlaneCrash #Boeing

Gravitas: Iran plane crash, Did Iran mistakenly fire at the Ukrainian jet?

176 people of 7 nationalities have been killed in the mysterious Iran plane crash. Did E.U. nations & IAEA fail Iran? Is the world normalising the recklessness of the U.S., especially with regard to Soleimani's killing. On #WionEdit Palki Sharma explains. #Iran #PlaneCrash #WION

Wion Edit: Iran plane crash, Politics over innocent lives?

This is not the first time a passenger jet has been shot down by a missile. History is full of similar examples of unsuspecting passengers becoming fodder for geopolitical conflicts. A compact compilation in this report. #Gravitas #US #Iran #PlaneCrash #Boeing

Gravitas: How airline passengers become targets of geopolitical conflicts

Videos, images, claims, counterclaims & conspiracy theories over Iran plane crash have heightened tensions in West Asia. As always, the clincher will be the incontrovertible evidence. This report pieces together all the available evidence on the Iran plane crash. #Gravitas #Boeing #US #Iran #PlaneCrash

Gravitas: Iran plane crash, What does the evidence say

Boeing has released hundreds of internal messages that contained harshly critical comments about the development of the 737 MAX, including one that said the plane was designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys. Watch video to know more. #Boeing #BoeingEmails # 737MAX #US #Iran #Ukraine

Fineprint: Boeing emails reveal Max 737 designed by clowns

Oil edged further above $65 a barrel on Friday as concerns about a possible renewed spike in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/middle-east-protests-a-tug-of-war-over-who-has-the-longer-breath-263181">Middle East tensions</a> outweighed rising US&nbsp;inventories and other signs of ample supply.

Iran responded to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-orders-killing-of-qassim-suleimani-in-baghdad-271821">US&nbsp;drone strike</a> that killed a top Iranian general on January&nbsp;3 with a missile attack on Iraqi airbases hosting US&nbsp;forces that left no casualties. But a Revolutionary Guards commander said Iran would take "harsher revenge" soon.

"Hostilities may have ended for the time being, but the longer-term risks of conflict have by no means vanished," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM.

"Set against this backdrop, the threat of supply disruptions in the Middle East is very much alive."

Brent crude&nbsp;the global benchmark was up 24 cents at $65.61 by 1155 GMT and was heading for its first weekly decline in six weeks, down over 4 percent. US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude&nbsp;added 11 cents to $59.67.

Brent is still below where it was before the US&nbsp;drone strike killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on January&nbsp;3.

"There has been some de-escalation, but the return of risk is still there," said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix.

"The closing hours of Friday are traditionally filled by short-covering due to the impossibility to react during the weekend."

Still, there has been no disruption to Middle East production as a result of the flare-up in tensions and other indications this week suggest supply is ample.

Crude inventories in the United States rose last week by 1.2 million barrels, the US&nbsp;Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

That compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 3.6 million-barrel drop.

"There's too much supply out there," a Japan-based based oil executive told Reuters.

In a bid to tackle any build-up of excess supply, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus allies including Russia are embarking on a further cut in production as of January&nbsp;1 this year.

Industry surveys, including from Reuters, showed that OPEC output declined in December ahead of the new pact. Still, production remains higher than the forecast demand for early 2020, according to some analysts.&nbsp;

"The oversupply on the oil market is sizeable," said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank.

Oil edged further above $65 a barrel on Friday as concerns about a possible renewed spike in Middle East tensions outweighed rising US inventories and other signs of ample supply.

Oil edged further above $65 a barrel on Friday as concerns about a possible renewed spike in Middle East tensions outweighed rising US inventories and other signs of ample supply. Iran responded to a US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general on January 3 with a missile attack on Iraqi airbases hosting US forces that left no casualties. But a Revolutionary Guards commander said Iran would take "harsher revenge" soon. "Hostilities may have ended for the time being, but the longer-term risks of conflict have by no means vanished," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. "Set against this backdrop, the threat of supply disruptions in the Middle East is very much alive." Brent crude the global benchmark was up 24 cents at $65.61 by 1155 GMT and was heading for its first weekly decline in six weeks, down over 4 percent. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 11 cents to $59.67. Brent is still below where it was before the US drone strike killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on January 3. "There has been some de-escalation, but the return of risk is still there," said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix. "The closing hours of Friday are traditionally filled by short-covering due to the impossibility to react during the weekend." Still, there has been no disruption to Middle East production as a result of the flare-up in tensions and other indications this week suggest supply is ample. Crude inventories in the United States rose last week by 1.2 million barrels, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. That compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 3.6 million-barrel drop. "There's too much supply out there," a Japan-based based oil executive told Reuters. In a bid to tackle any build-up of excess supply, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus allies including Russia are embarking on a further cut in production as of January 1 this year. Industry surveys, including from Reuters, showed that OPEC output declined in December ahead of the new pact. Still, production remains higher than the forecast demand for early 2020, according to some analysts. "The oversupply on the oil market is sizeable," said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank.

Oil edges above $65 as Middle East concerns support

By Sarah Burns

To many observers, President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a senior Iranian general is yet another example of his unique impetuousness and determination to go it alone in his foreign policy. Congress has begun to take steps to reel in Trump’s independence.

There are important similarities between Trump’s action and the decision by President Barack Obama to attack Libya in 2011.

Both acted unilaterally without much apparent concern for Congress’ role in military actions, a topic I discuss in my recent book, “The Politics of War Powers.”

But there are some pretty significant differences, too.

Congressional power

The Constitution reserves for Congress the power to declare war. However, after World War II, several presidents – including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon – initiated military operations without congressional approval. They claimed that they could take military action short of actual war through their constitutional capacity as commander-in-chief of the military. Often they also said they needed to support UN or NATO allies who were using force.

By 1973, Congress wanted to reclaim its authority. Over President Nixon’s veto, bipartisan supermajorities passed the War Powers Resolution, requiring presidents to get congressional permission in advance of military action that goes beyond defending against an actual attack.

There are two loopholes, though: If the president does take unilateral action, he must inform Congress within 48 hours. And the president can initiate and carry out military operations for up to 90 days even without congressional approval.

Obama attacks Libya and Congress wags a finger 
 
In 2011, the Arab Spring movement saw citizens across North Africa and the Middle East call on authoritarian regimes to become more democratic.

Many leaders in the region responded with violent crackdowns on protests, some of which appeared to violate the protesters’ human rights. Due to the especially violent repression in Libya, the United Nations Security Council authorized countries to take “all necessary measures” to protect the protesters there.

Without informing or consulting Congress, as the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution require, Obama launched airstrikes against Libyan armed forces on March 19, 2011, alongside NATO allies. Two days later, the president formally informed Congress of his action.

Only a few hawkish Republicans supported the president’s unilateral action. Most Republicans criticized the move. Sens. Richard Lugar and Rand Paul decried Obama’s actions as unconstitutional, claiming he had encroached on legislators’ war powers. Michigan Congressman Justin Amash said, “When there is no imminent threat to our country, he cannot launch strikes without authorisation from the American people, through our elected representatives in Congress.”

Some Democrats also criticised Obama’s action. Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich and other liberal Democrats went so far as to file a lawsuit against him, objecting to the use of military force without congressional approval.

Obama’s Cabinet members and the Pentagon coordinated with each other and NATO allies to organise the operation, but the operation took time. As the airstrikes passed the 90-day mark, Obama didn’t follow the War Powers Resolution’s requirement to pull troops out.

Instead, he sent a State Department lawyer, Harold Koh, to Congress to explain that their US&nbsp;military actions didn’t actually amount to the sort of “hostilities” defined by the law.

Koh’s testimony took a certain amount of criticism, but beyond wagging their fingers, senators did nothing to impede or authorize Obama’s actions. The House chastised Obama for failing to notify Congress, but a motion to pull all US&nbsp;forces out of Libyan action failed – with most Democrats choosing not to limit Obama’s unilateral action, even though it encroached on their legislative powers.

Trump’s drone strike 
 
President Trump’s decision to order a lethal drone strike against Iranian Major&nbsp;General&nbsp;Qasem Soleimani on January&nbsp;3 has some similarities. They include both sudden, unilateral action by a president and sharp criticism from his political opponents.

But there are important differences that show how much farther Trump is willing to push the boundaries of his own individual power.

First, with Obama’s action, there was a humanitarian crisis and broad multilateral support. But with Trump’s killing of Soleimani, there was no U.N. resolution calling for Soleimani’s death nor a humanitarian crisis.

Congress had already been worried about Trump taking unilateral military action: In April 2019, Congress tried to invoke the War Powers Resolution to pull U.S. support out of Yemen.

And in December 2019, Congress tried to pass a defense spending bill that limited Trump’s ability to engage militarily with Iran. Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, along with others, objected to that proposal, however, saying he favoured “flexibility” for the president. That objection won out over Congress asserting its war powers.

When Trump exercised that “flexibility” and ordered Soleimani killed, there was – as with Obama – a great deal of congressional criticism. But this time, it was split along partisan lines.

Republican Sen. Jim Risch from Idaho praised Trump’s “decisive action” and the “successful outcome.” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted a threat to the Iranian government saying, “if you want more, you will get more.”

Conversely, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi worried that Trump’s action “risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence.” Democrats demanded Trump consult with Congress and called on their fellow legislators to reassert their authority under the War Powers Resolution.

The Democratic-controlled House has approved a resolution that would limit Trump’s ability to fight against Iran. It is unlikely to make it through the Republican-controlled Senate.

A new view of presidential power

Trump’s unilateral action stands out from his predecessors’ in part because of his apparent disregard for congressional power.

A week after the killing of Soleimani, Trump’s administration began to formally tell Congress about the strike on Soleimani.

In the meantime, the US President unilaterally decided to send troops to Kuwait. He also claimed that sending a tweet about military force could serve as a formal notification of Congress.

Trump has claimed various authorities for the drone strike, including a 2002 law authorising the president – then George W Bush – to use military force in Iraq.

Trump has also said he acted against Soleimani to stop “imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel,” a justification that isn’t allowed under the War Powers Resolution, which only authorizes a response to an actual attack after it happens.

Public opinion may be a factor

With Congress bitterly divided along partisan lines, it’s clear the majority of senators – Republicans – will have veto power over any congressional effort to check Trump’s actions. If lawmakers do nothing, Congress will have effectively ceded its war powers to the president. If the dispute goes deeper, the Supreme Court would likely avoid getting involved, because it’s a dispute between the other two branches about their respective claims to constitutional powers.

The only remaining check would be a popular opinion, which can rise and fall as national security crises unfold. But Trump’s popularity is unusually stable, leaving him free to act with the confidence that his base won’t abandon him.

The executive branch will continue to determine the course of action with Iran. On January 8, Trump himself told the nation, “As long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” Without congressional restraint, what that means – and how he carries out that promise – rests entirely in Trump’s hands.

(Sarah Burns is Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-like-obama-tests-the-limits-of-presidential-war-powers-129528">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Sarah Burns To many observers, President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a senior Iranian general is yet another example of his unique impetuousness and determination to go it alone in his foreign policy.

By Sarah Burns To many observers, President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a senior Iranian general is yet another example of his unique impetuousness and determination to go it alone in his foreign policy. Congress has begun to take steps to reel in Trump’s independence. There are important similarities between Trump’s action and the decision by President Barack Obama to attack Libya in 2011. Both acted unilaterally without much apparent concern for Congress’ role in military actions, a topic I discuss in my recent book, “The Politics of War Powers.” But there are some pretty significant differences, too. Congressional power The Constitution reserves for Congress the power to declare war. However, after World War II, several presidents – including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon – initiated military operations without congressional approval. They claimed that they could take military action short of actual war through their constitutional capacity as commander-in-chief of the military. Often they also said they needed to support UN or NATO allies who were using force. By 1973, Congress wanted to reclaim its authority. Over President Nixon’s veto, bipartisan supermajorities passed the War Powers Resolution, requiring presidents to get congressional permission in advance of military action that goes beyond defending against an actual attack. There are two loopholes, though: If the president does take unilateral action, he must inform Congress within 48 hours. And the president can initiate and carry out military operations for up to 90 days even without congressional approval. Obama attacks Libya and Congress wags a finger In 2011, the Arab Spring movement saw citizens across North Africa and the Middle East call on authoritarian regimes to become more democratic. Many leaders in the region responded with violent crackdowns on protests, some of which appeared to violate the protesters’ human rights. Due to the especially violent repression in Libya, the United Nations Security Council authorized countries to take “all necessary measures” to protect the protesters there. Without informing or consulting Congress, as the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution require, Obama launched airstrikes against Libyan armed forces on March 19, 2011, alongside NATO allies. Two days later, the president formally informed Congress of his action. Only a few hawkish Republicans supported the president’s unilateral action. Most Republicans criticized the move. Sens. Richard Lugar and Rand Paul decried Obama’s actions as unconstitutional, claiming he had encroached on legislators’ war powers. Michigan Congressman Justin Amash said, “When there is no imminent threat to our country, he cannot launch strikes without authorisation from the American people, through our elected representatives in Congress.” Some Democrats also criticised Obama’s action. Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich and other liberal Democrats went so far as to file a lawsuit against him, objecting to the use of military force without congressional approval. Obama’s Cabinet members and the Pentagon coordinated with each other and NATO allies to organise the operation, but the operation took time. As the airstrikes passed the 90-day mark, Obama didn’t follow the War Powers Resolution’s requirement to pull troops out. Instead, he sent a State Department lawyer, Harold Koh, to Congress to explain that their US military actions didn’t actually amount to the sort of “hostilities” defined by the law. Koh’s testimony took a certain amount of criticism, but beyond wagging their fingers, senators did nothing to impede or authorize Obama’s actions. The House chastised Obama for failing to notify Congress, but a motion to pull all US forces out of Libyan action failed – with most Democrats choosing not to limit Obama’s unilateral action, even though it encroached on their legislative powers. Trump’s drone strike President Trump’s decision to order a lethal drone strike against Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani on January 3 has some similarities. They include both sudden, unilateral action by a president and sharp criticism from his political opponents. But there are important differences that show how much farther Trump is willing to push the boundaries of his own individual power. First, with Obama’s action, there was a humanitarian crisis and broad multilateral support. But with Trump’s killing of Soleimani, there was no U.N. resolution calling for Soleimani’s death nor a humanitarian crisis. Congress had already been worried about Trump taking unilateral military action: In April 2019, Congress tried to invoke the War Powers Resolution to pull U.S. support out of Yemen. And in December 2019, Congress tried to pass a defense spending bill that limited Trump’s ability to engage militarily with Iran. Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, along with others, objected to that proposal, however, saying he favoured “flexibility” for the president. That objection won out over Congress asserting its war powers. When Trump exercised that “flexibility” and ordered Soleimani killed, there was – as with Obama – a great deal of congressional criticism. But this time, it was split along partisan lines. Republican Sen. Jim Risch from Idaho praised Trump’s “decisive action” and the “successful outcome.” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted a threat to the Iranian government saying, “if you want more, you will get more.” Conversely, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi worried that Trump’s action “risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence.” Democrats demanded Trump consult with Congress and called on their fellow legislators to reassert their authority under the War Powers Resolution. The Democratic-controlled House has approved a resolution that would limit Trump’s ability to fight against Iran. It is unlikely to make it through the Republican-controlled Senate. A new view of presidential power Trump’s unilateral action stands out from his predecessors’ in part because of his apparent disregard for congressional power. A week after the killing of Soleimani, Trump’s administration began to formally tell Congress about the strike on Soleimani. In the meantime, the US President unilaterally decided to send troops to Kuwait. He also claimed that sending a tweet about military force could serve as a formal notification of Congress. Trump has claimed various authorities for the drone strike, including a 2002 law authorising the president – then George W Bush – to use military force in Iraq. Trump has also said he acted against Soleimani to stop “imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel,” a justification that isn’t allowed under the War Powers Resolution, which only authorizes a response to an actual attack after it happens. Public opinion may be a factor With Congress bitterly divided along partisan lines, it’s clear the majority of senators – Republicans – will have veto power over any congressional effort to check Trump’s actions. If lawmakers do nothing, Congress will have effectively ceded its war powers to the president. If the dispute goes deeper, the Supreme Court would likely avoid getting involved, because it’s a dispute between the other two branches about their respective claims to constitutional powers. The only remaining check would be a popular opinion, which can rise and fall as national security crises unfold. But Trump’s popularity is unusually stable, leaving him free to act with the confidence that his base won’t abandon him. The executive branch will continue to determine the course of action with Iran. On January 8, Trump himself told the nation, “As long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” Without congressional restraint, what that means – and how he carries out that promise – rests entirely in Trump’s hands. (Sarah Burns is Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US President Donald Trump, like Barack Obama, tests the limits of presidential war powers

The Boeing commercial flight carried 176 people when it crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran's main airport. The crash of Ukraine International Airlines came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue that brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. There is no clarity on what led to the crash. Amid the tensions with the United States Iran has now refused to hand over the plane black box to the aircraft manufacturer. #PlaneCrash #IranPlaneCrash #FinePrint #US #Iran #Boeing

Fineprint: Iran plane crash, What do we know about the crash

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-to-tweak-proposed-content-regulations-to- ease-burden-on-some-sources-272997">Facebook</a>&nbsp;Inc said on Thursday it was making&nbsp;some&nbsp;changes to its approach to&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads, including allowing&nbsp;users&nbsp;to turn off certain ad-targeting tools, but the updates stop far short of critics' demands and what rival companies have pledged to do.

The world's biggest social network has vowed to curb&nbsp;political&nbsp;manipulation of its platform, after failing to counter alleged Russian interference and the misuse of user data by defunct&nbsp;political&nbsp;consulting firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../brazil-fines-facebook-16-million-for-improper- sharing-of-user-data-271120">Cambridge Analytica</a> in 2016.

But&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../three-swing-district-democrats-back-joe-bidens- presidential-bid-272511">US&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;election</a>&nbsp;in November 2020,&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;is struggling to quell criticism of its relatively hands-off&nbsp;ads&nbsp;policies. In particular, it has come under fire after it exempted politicians'&nbsp;ads&nbsp;from fact-checking standards applied to other content on its network.

Facebook&nbsp;said that in addition to rolling out a tool enabling individual&nbsp;users&nbsp;to choose to&nbsp;see&nbsp;fewer&nbsp;political&nbsp;and social issue&nbsp;ads&nbsp;on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and its photo-sharing app Instagram, it will also make more ad audience data publicly available.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-executive-says-it-helped-put-trump-in-white-house-272838">Facebook executive says it helped put Trump in White House</a>

In contrast, Twitter Inc banned&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads&nbsp;in October, while Alphabet Inc's Google said it would stop letting advertisers target&nbsp;election&nbsp;ads&nbsp;using data such as public voter records and general&nbsp;political&nbsp;affiliations.

Other online platforms like Spotify, Pinterest and TikTok have also issued bans.

In a blog post,&nbsp;Facebook's director of product management Rob Leathern said the company considered imposing limits like Google's but decided against them as internal data indicated most&nbsp;ads&nbsp;run by&nbsp;US&nbsp;presidential candidates are broadly targeted, at audiences larger than 250,000 people.

"We have based (our policies) on the principle that people should be able to hear from those who wish to lead them, warts and all," Leathern wrote.

The expanded ad audience data features will be rolled out in the first quarter of this year and&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;plans to deploy the&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads&nbsp;control&nbsp;starting in the United States early this summer, eventually expanding this preference to more locations.

Another change will be to allow&nbsp;users&nbsp;to choose to stop&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;ads&nbsp;based on an advertiser's "Custom Audience" and that will apply to all types of advertising, not only&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads.

The "Custom Audiences" feature lets advertisers upload lists of personal data they maintain, like email addresses and phone numbers.&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;then matches that information to user accounts and shows the advertiser's content to those people.

However,&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;will not give&nbsp;users&nbsp;a blanket option to turn off the feature, meaning they will have to opt-out of&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;ads&nbsp;for each advertiser one by one, a spokesman told Reuters.

The change will also not affect ad targeting via&nbsp;Facebook's Lookalike Audiences tool, which uses the same uploads&nbsp;of personal data to direct&nbsp;ads&nbsp;at people with similar characteristics to those on the lists, the spokesman said.

Leathern said in the post the company would make new information publicly available about the audience size of&nbsp;political&nbsp;ads&nbsp;in the company's Ad Library, showing approximately&nbsp;how&nbsp;many people the advertisers aimed to reach.

The changes follow a New York Times report this week of an internal memo by senior&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;executive Andrew Bosworth, who told employees the company had a duty not to tilt the scales against&nbsp;US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../could-iran-us-tensions-mean-troubled-waters- ahead-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-273207">Donald Trump</a>'s re-election&nbsp;campaign.

Bosworth, a close confidant of Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg who subsequently made his post public, wrote that he believed&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;was responsible for Trump's&nbsp;election&nbsp;in 2016, but not because of misinformation or Trump's work with Cambridge Analytica.

Rather, he said, the Trump campaign used&nbsp;Facebook's advertising tools most effectively.

&nbsp;

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it was making some changes to its approach to political ads, including allowing users to turn off certain ad-targeting tools, but the updates stop far short of critics' demands and what rival companies have pledged to do.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it was making some changes to its approach to political ads, including allowing users to turn off certain ad-targeting tools, but the updates stop far short of critics' demands and what rival companies have pledged to do. The world's biggest social network has vowed to curb political manipulation of its platform, after failing to counter alleged Russian interference and the misuse of user data by defunct political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica in 2016. But ahead of the US presidential election in November 2020, Facebook is struggling to quell criticism of its relatively hands-off ads policies. In particular, it has come under fire after it exempted politicians' ads from fact-checking standards applied to other content on its network. Facebook said that in addition to rolling out a tool enabling individual users to choose to see fewer political and social issue ads on Facebook and its photo-sharing app Instagram, it will also make more ad audience data publicly available. Also Read: Facebook executive says it helped put Trump in White House In contrast, Twitter Inc banned political ads in October, while Alphabet Inc's Google said it would stop letting advertisers target election ads using data such as public voter records and general political affiliations. Other online platforms like Spotify, Pinterest and TikTok have also issued bans. In a blog post, Facebook's director of product management Rob Leathern said the company considered imposing limits like Google's but decided against them as internal data indicated most ads run by US presidential candidates are broadly targeted, at audiences larger than 250,000 people. "We have based (our policies) on the principle that people should be able to hear from those who wish to lead them, warts and all," Leathern wrote. The expanded ad audience data features will be rolled out in the first quarter of this year and Facebook plans to deploy the political ads control starting in the United States early this summer, eventually expanding this preference to more locations. Another change will be to allow users to choose to stop seeing ads based on an advertiser's "Custom Audience" and that will apply to all types of advertising, not only political ads. The "Custom Audiences" feature lets advertisers upload lists of personal data they maintain, like email addresses and phone numbers. Facebook then matches that information to user accounts and shows the advertiser's content to those people. However, Facebook will not give users a blanket option to turn off the feature, meaning they will have to opt-out of seeing ads for each advertiser one by one, a spokesman told Reuters. The change will also not affect ad targeting via Facebook's Lookalike Audiences tool, which uses the same uploads of personal data to direct ads at people with similar characteristics to those on the lists, the spokesman said. Leathern said in the post the company would make new information publicly available about the audience size of political ads in the company's Ad Library, showing approximately how many people the advertisers aimed to reach. The changes follow a New York Times report this week of an internal memo by senior Facebook executive Andrew Bosworth, who told employees the company had a duty not to tilt the scales against US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign. Bosworth, a close confidant of Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg who subsequently made his post public, wrote that he believed Facebook was responsible for Trump's election in 2016, but not because of misinformation or Trump's work with Cambridge Analytica. Rather, he said, the Trump campaign used Facebook's advertising tools most effectively.

Ahead of US election, Facebook gives users some control over how they see political ads

Japanese carmaker Honda unveiled its vision for the future of autonomous driving at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, introducing its Augmented Driving Concept.

Concept cars unveiled at CES aim to be 'extension of driver'

The biggest question across the world right now is Iran retaliating against the US. The missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting US personnel is Iran's revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani.

Experts say that this was aimed at satisfying the domestic audience in Tehran.&nbsp;

With missile attacks, Iran's Supreme Leader has used a dangerous language, "Slap on the face of the US, but such military actions are not enough".

Iran's strikes were highly symbolic. It happened around the same time as Soleimani's killing on Friday - 1.30 am.

Like Donald Trump, many Iranian officials tweeted pictures of the national flag. And Iranian media is hailing the strikes, but there is no clarity on the casualties.

Upon closer look, it is clear that Iran targetted bases that were on high alert. Foreign Minister of Iran says that the strikes were in 'self-defence' and 'within the boundaries of international law'.

Meanwhile, after the attacks, President Trump tweeted "All is well", "So Far So Good". He also highlighted America's military might.

The 'All is Well' comment does not mean that the US will not attack Iran if provoked further. Right now, there is a chance for both the parties to de-escalate the conflict.&nbsp;

But the question is, will the US take that chance? Will Iran refrain from further attacks?

These are the important questions, but it is unwise to look for clear answers at this juncture. There are many reasons for this lack of clarity.

First, Iran did not show any regard for Iraq's sovereignty. This could be a sign of things to come.

Iran runs many proxy wars in the region outside the range of the US counter strikes - the Houthis in Yemen,&nbsp;Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

Iran could initiate conflicts in these regions simultaneously. Second, Iran can continue with its typical dangerous tactics, like rocket strikes on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and cyber warfare.

Three, if US President Donald Trump is unpredictable, then Iran's Supreme Commander Khamenei wants more revenge.

While most countries have urged both the countries to calm down, the chances of a full-blown conflict remain at large. Israel has given its complete backing to the US.

But now, it is a game of who-blinks-first. Iran wants to end the presence of America in the region, but Trump won't take any attack from Iran lying down.

Both the sides have an option now to de-escalate, but the rhetoric from Tehran is worrisome - for regional peace, global peace and global economy.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;

The biggest question across the world right now is Iran retaliating against the US. The missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting US personnel is Iran's revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani.

The biggest question across the world right now is Iran retaliating against the US. The missile attacks on Iraqi bases hosting US personnel is Iran's revenge for the killing of Qasem Soleimani. Experts say that this was aimed at satisfying the domestic audience in Tehran. With missile attacks, Iran's Supreme Leader has used a dangerous language, "Slap on the face of the US, but such military actions are not enough". Iran's strikes were highly symbolic. It happened around the same time as Soleimani's killing on Friday - 1.30 am. Like Donald Trump, many Iranian officials tweeted pictures of the national flag. And Iranian media is hailing the strikes, but there is no clarity on the casualties. Upon closer look, it is clear that Iran targetted bases that were on high alert. Foreign Minister of Iran says that the strikes were in 'self-defence' and 'within the boundaries of international law'. Meanwhile, after the attacks, President Trump tweeted "All is well", "So Far So Good". He also highlighted America's military might. The 'All is Well' comment does not mean that the US will not attack Iran if provoked further. Right now, there is a chance for both the parties to de-escalate the conflict. But the question is, will the US take that chance? Will Iran refrain from further attacks? These are the important questions, but it is unwise to look for clear answers at this juncture. There are many reasons for this lack of clarity. First, Iran did not show any regard for Iraq's sovereignty. This could be a sign of things to come. Iran runs many proxy wars in the region outside the range of the US counter strikes - the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Iran could initiate conflicts in these regions simultaneously. Second, Iran can continue with its typical dangerous tactics, like rocket strikes on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and cyber warfare. Three, if US President Donald Trump is unpredictable, then Iran's Supreme Commander Khamenei wants more revenge. While most countries have urged both the countries to calm down, the chances of a full-blown conflict remain at large. Israel has given its complete backing to the US. But now, it is a game of who-blinks-first. Iran wants to end the presence of America in the region, but Trump won't take any attack from Iran lying down. Both the sides have an option now to de-escalate, but the rhetoric from Tehran is worrisome - for regional peace, global peace and global economy. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: US-Iran conflict - what's next?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-no-us-troops-hurt-in-iran-strikes-announces-new-sanctions-on-iran-273049">US President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday hailed the US missile arsenal and said that many hypersonic missiles are under construction.&nbsp;

While delivering his address to the nation from the White House, Trump described US missiles as "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast".

Trump called top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani a top terrorist and defended his killing in US strikes that hit Iraq's Baghdad International Airport on January 3.&nbsp;

The US president also said that casualties were avoided in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-its-time-for-iraqi-response-to-us-drone-strike-says-paramilitary-chief-qais-al-khazali-272966">Iran's ballistic missile attack at US bases in Iraq</a> as a warning was issued in advance by the Pentagon.&nbsp;

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LIVE: President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> Addresses the Nation <a href="https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N">https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1214946620053184513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump added that "we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it."

Iran on Wednesday, in retaliation to Soleimani's killing, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">fired over a dozen ballistic missiles</a> at two Iraqi bases housing US troops.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the strikes were not to escalate tension or to start a war but were an act of self-defence in accordance with the UN charter.&nbsp;

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Shortly after Iran fired missiles, Trump tweeted out saying "All is well!"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman</a>

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All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties &amp; damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1214739853025394693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties &amp; damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," his tweet read.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the US missile arsenal and said that many hypersonic missiles are under construction. While delivering his address to the nation from the White House, Trump described US missiles as "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast".

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the US missile arsenal and said that many hypersonic missiles are under construction. While delivering his address to the nation from the White House, Trump described US missiles as "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast". Trump called top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani a top terrorist and defended his killing in US strikes that hit Iraq's Baghdad International Airport on January 3. The US president also said that casualties were avoided in Iran's ballistic missile attack at US bases in Iraq as a warning was issued in advance by the Pentagon. LIVE: President @realDonaldTrump Addresses the Nation https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 8, 2020 × Trump added that "we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it." Iran on Wednesday, in retaliation to Soleimani's killing, fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the strikes were not to escalate tension or to start a war but were an act of self-defence in accordance with the UN charter. × Shortly after Iran fired missiles, Trump tweeted out saying "All is well!" Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 × "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," his tweet read.

We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region.

The Delhi-based envoys were briefed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-issues-guidelines-for-its-personnel-visiting-kartarpur-corridor-266732">Indian Army</a> on the security situation, sources said.

This is the first visit by diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/beyond-article-370-india-now-has-to-plan-jammu-and-kashmirs-thoroughgoing-integration-into-the-union-243991">Article 370</a> of the Constitution that accorded special status to the region.

Sources had earlier said that the delegation, which includes diplomats from the United States, Maldives, Norway, Argentina, Niger, Togo, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Peru, Morocco, among others, will meet civil society leaders and will be briefed on the security situation by the Army and intelligence services during the two-day visit.

Last year a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament had visited the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region.

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region. The Delhi-based envoys were briefed by the Indian Army on the security situation, sources said. This is the first visit by diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that accorded special status to the region. Sources had earlier said that the delegation, which includes diplomats from the United States, Maldives, Norway, Argentina, Niger, Togo, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Peru, Morocco, among others, will meet civil society leaders and will be briefed on the security situation by the Army and intelligence services during the two-day visit. Last year a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament had visited the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

Delegation of foreign envoys arrive in Srinagar; briefed by Army on security situation

CES, the annual technology industry show in Las Vegas, opened its doors on Tuesday (January 7). The annual convention brings thousands of technology enthusiasts to Las Vegas to get a peek at the latest innovations.

Underwater scooter and fish drone among items on show at CES tech show opening

The tensions in West Asia bring bad news for businessmen. Several international airlines have been forced to re-route their flights, prices of oil have skyrocketed and India too is feeling the pinch.

Investors are rattled by the volatility in the stock markets and if the crisis continues, it could trigger more trouble for a slowing global economy.

The escalating tensions are driving fears of a recession, investors are worried about the prospect of a conflict. America's move to kill Iran's most powerful General Qasem Soleimani has shaken up the global economy.

If a war-like situation comes up, airlines will have to spend more on insurance as well. They would need to pay anywhere from $18 thousand to $40 thousand more per aircraft every month.

Assurances from the organisation of petroleum exporting countries or OPEC helped in stabilising the prices. But if the war clouds remain, global oil prices could rise again.

Such a situation would be bad news for India -&nbsp;a country that imports more than 80 per cent of its oil needs.&nbsp;

A $10 dollar increase in crude prices would increase India's monthly import bill by $1.5 billion whereas retail inflation would rise by around 0.4 per cent.

The likelihood of full-blown conflict is a far cry as of today. But, the prevailing tensions are already hurting the bottom line of several global businesses around the world.

The tensions in West Asia bring bad news for businessmen. Several international airlines have been forced to re-route their flights, prices of oil have skyrocketed and India too is feeling the pinch.

The tensions in West Asia bring bad news for businessmen. Several international airlines have been forced to re-route their flights, prices of oil have skyrocketed and India too is feeling the pinch. Investors are rattled by the volatility in the stock markets and if the crisis continues, it could trigger more trouble for a slowing global economy. The escalating tensions are driving fears of a recession, investors are worried about the prospect of a conflict. America's move to kill Iran's most powerful General Qasem Soleimani has shaken up the global economy. If a war-like situation comes up, airlines will have to spend more on insurance as well. They would need to pay anywhere from $18 thousand to $40 thousand more per aircraft every month. Assurances from the organisation of petroleum exporting countries or OPEC helped in stabilising the prices. But if the war clouds remain, global oil prices could rise again. Such a situation would be bad news for India - a country that imports more than 80 per cent of its oil needs. A $10 dollar increase in crude prices would increase India's monthly import bill by $1.5 billion whereas retail inflation would rise by around 0.4 per cent. The likelihood of full-blown conflict is a far cry as of today. But, the prevailing tensions are already hurting the bottom line of several global businesses around the world.

Explained: How US-Iran tensions impact the economy

The 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's premier tech show, was officially launched on Tuesday in Las Vegas, the United States.

Consumer Electronics Show 2020 kicks off in Las Vegas

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