From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi&nbsp;activists&nbsp;have no doubts: extrajudicial&nbsp;killings&nbsp;have suddenly&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say.

Around 2,500 Bangladeshis have allegedly been killed by security forces since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, according to&nbsp;rights&nbsp;group Odhikar, which maintains detailed records, with hundreds more enforced disappearances.

It has tallied nearly 1,200 such deaths in the last four years, or an average of 25 per month.

But since Washington on December 10 imposed sweeping Magnitsky Act&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) elite security force including seven of its top officers,&nbsp;killings&nbsp;have totalled zero, it says.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australia-to-open-mission-in-maldives-invest-in-bangladesh-452325">Australia to open mission in Maldives; invest in Bangladesh</a>

"I wish this sanction was slapped a lot earlier," said Afroza Islam Akhi, whose brother vanished eight years ago. "A lot of lives would have been saved."

Akhi is now a coordinator for Mayer Daak, which represents hundreds of families of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial&nbsp;killings.

The RAB was set up in 2004 to tackle Marxist insurgents and Islamist extremism as well as curb human trafficking -- goals it pursued mercilessly and officials say effectively.

More recently its targets have largely been alleged criminals and drug dealers, with authorities insisting that deaths have only occurred during exchanges of fire in legitimate law enforcement operations.

But critics say political opponents have also died at the hands of security forces and that gunfights are staged to deny the victims due legal process.

Akhi's brother Sajedul Islam Suman was among at least 18&nbsp;activists&nbsp;with the main opposition&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly picked up by RAB officers in December 2013 in the run-up to national elections.

"My mother went to the RAB headquarters every day for more than a year as we heard RAB officers detained him," Akhi told AFP. "But he never returned."

&nbsp;'Every bone broken'&nbsp;

Nur Khan Liton, head of&nbsp;Bangladesh's top&nbsp;rights&nbsp;group Ain O Salish Kendra, said the US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;have directly improved the country's&nbsp;rights&nbsp;situation.

"People are happy with it and many have started speaking out," he said.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;activists, almost all victims of extrajudicial&nbsp;killings&nbsp;are detained and then shot dead.

Rita Begum last saw her 14-year-old son Rakib Howlader handcuffed and detained at a police station in old Dhaka in 2018.&nbsp;

The next day her father told her the boy -- accused of peddling drugs -- had been beaten to death and then shot to make it appear he had died in an exchange of fire.

"Every bone in his body was broken and then he was shot," she told AFP. "I didn't get&nbsp;justice."

When she tried to file a complaint, she said, "police came to my house. They held a pistol to my head and made me sign a lot of papers. They even threatened to rape my daughter.&nbsp;

"I want the American&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;to prevail," she added.

"I don't want to see any more mothers losing their children. I don't want anybody else to suffer my fate. I lost my gem of a boy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-rope-in-jamie-siddons-as-new-batting-coach-452017">Bangladesh rope in Jamie Siddons as new batting coach</a>

'Nervous about the future'&nbsp;

In some cases RAB officers have been prosecuted, with at least 26 people including an RAB commander sentenced to death for seven murders in the central city of Narayanganj in April 2014.

Dhaka and Washington normally have warm relations, co-operating on security issues and with&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;often voting alongside the United States at the United Nations.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;include asset freezes and visa bans and were imposed on the RAB and current or former RAB officials, including its ex-head Benazir Ahmed, now the national chief of police.

The move -- at a time when China is pouring investment into one of Asia's poorest countries -- stunned Dhaka, with the foreign secretary summoning the US ambassador to convey "discontent".

But the&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;constitute a "tactical strike" on the understanding between the security forces and ruling party and "put the whole security establishment under renewed international scrutiny", said Sydney-based&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;researcher Mubashar Hasan.

They have also raised anxiety among Bangladeshi officials for whom the West is a popular retirement and training destination, he added.

He pointed out that the Biden administration has begun to target businesses connected to governments that it says suppress&nbsp;human rights, such as China.

"Many Bangladeshi businessmen tied with the ruling party are nervous about the future," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;The Rohingya in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island get access to education

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-rohingya-in-bangladeshs-bhasan-char-island-get-access-to-education-451353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There was no response to repeated requests by AFP to the RAB and the national police for comment.

Dhaka denies its officers are involved in extrajudicial&nbsp;killings&nbsp;or enforced disappearances.

But Shahab Enam Khan, a professor at Jahangirnagar University, said: "Sanction from the US on the law enforcement agencies or personnel is a lesson and perhaps nobody wants it to be repeated."

From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic sanctions has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi activists have no doubts: extrajudicial killings have suddenly stopped since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say.

From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic sanctions has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi activists have no doubts: extrajudicial killings have suddenly stopped since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say. Around 2,500 Bangladeshis have allegedly been killed by security forces since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, according to rights group Odhikar, which maintains detailed records, with hundreds more enforced disappearances. It has tallied nearly 1,200 such deaths in the last four years, or an average of 25 per month. But since Washington on December 10 imposed sweeping Magnitsky Act sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) elite security force including seven of its top officers, killings have totalled zero, it says. Also read | Australia to open mission in Maldives; invest in Bangladesh "I wish this sanction was slapped a lot earlier," said Afroza Islam Akhi, whose brother vanished eight years ago. "A lot of lives would have been saved." Akhi is now a coordinator for Mayer Daak, which represents hundreds of families of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The RAB was set up in 2004 to tackle Marxist insurgents and Islamist extremism as well as curb human trafficking -- goals it pursued mercilessly and officials say effectively. More recently its targets have largely been alleged criminals and drug dealers, with authorities insisting that deaths have only occurred during exchanges of fire in legitimate law enforcement operations. But critics say political opponents have also died at the hands of security forces and that gunfights are staged to deny the victims due legal process. Akhi's brother Sajedul Islam Suman was among at least 18 activists with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly picked up by RAB officers in December 2013 in the run-up to national elections. "My mother went to the RAB headquarters every day for more than a year as we heard RAB officers detained him," Akhi told AFP. "But he never returned." 'Every bone broken' Nur Khan Liton, head of Bangladesh's top rights group Ain O Salish Kendra, said the US sanctions have directly improved the country's rights situation. "People are happy with it and many have started speaking out," he said. According to activists, almost all victims of extrajudicial killings are detained and then shot dead. Rita Begum last saw her 14-year-old son Rakib Howlader handcuffed and detained at a police station in old Dhaka in 2018. The next day her father told her the boy -- accused of peddling drugs -- had been beaten to death and then shot to make it appear he had died in an exchange of fire. "Every bone in his body was broken and then he was shot," she told AFP. "I didn't get justice." When she tried to file a complaint, she said, "police came to my house. They held a pistol to my head and made me sign a lot of papers. They even threatened to rape my daughter. "I want the American sanctions to prevail," she added. "I don't want to see any more mothers losing their children. I don't want anybody else to suffer my fate. I lost my gem of a boy." Also read | Bangladesh rope in Jamie Siddons as new batting coach 'Nervous about the future' In some cases RAB officers have been prosecuted, with at least 26 people including an RAB commander sentenced to death for seven murders in the central city of Narayanganj in April 2014. Dhaka and Washington normally have warm relations, co-operating on security issues and with Bangladesh often voting alongside the United States at the United Nations. The sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans and were imposed on the RAB and current or former RAB officials, including its ex-head Benazir Ahmed, now the national chief of police. The move -- at a time when China is pouring investment into one of Asia's poorest countries -- stunned Dhaka, with the foreign secretary summoning the US ambassador to convey "discontent". But the sanctions constitute a "tactical strike" on the understanding between the security forces and ruling party and "put the whole security establishment under renewed international scrutiny", said Sydney-based Bangladesh researcher Mubashar Hasan. They have also raised anxiety among Bangladeshi officials for whom the West is a popular retirement and training destination, he added. He pointed out that the Biden administration has begun to target businesses connected to governments that it says suppress human rights, such as China. "Many Bangladeshi businessmen tied with the ruling party are nervous about the future," he said. Watch | The Rohingya in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island get access to education There was no response to repeated requests by AFP to the RAB and the national police for comment. Dhaka denies its officers are involved in extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances. But Shahab Enam Khan, a professor at Jahangirnagar University, said: "Sanction from the US on the law enforcement agencies or personnel is a lesson and perhaps nobody wants it to be repeated."

US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists

As anti-vaccination protests continue in Canada similar storm is now growing in New York. Thousands of New York city municipal employees face termination without proof as Covid-19 vaccination deadline ends on February 7th.

NYC: Workers, Unions protest against vaccine mandate

Two people were killed, including the suspect after a shooting and standoff in Phoenix. Also, nine police officers were injured.&nbsp;

As per a CNN tally, the nine officers are among the 15 law enforcement officers who have been injured in separate shootings across the US in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) President Patrick Yoes, in a statement, said, "Enough is enough!"

He further claimed that the last year was most dangerous for law enforcement officers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-tells-allies-russia-may-attack-ukraine-on-february-16-reports-452685">Also read |&nbsp;Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports</a>

The suspect in the Phoenix shooting was recognised as 36-year-old Morris Jones. He shot an officer who initially responded. After this, he shot four others who were trying to rescue a baby at the location.

The remaining officers were injured during the hours-long standoff before Jones was dead.

It started after a call was made to 911 reporting a shooting. After the police officer approached the home, someone inside opened fire.&nbsp;

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, speaking about the incident said, "I cannot recall an incident in city history where so many officers were injured. A baby is safe today because of our Phoenix police officers.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people were killed, including the suspect after a shooting and standoff in Phoenix. Also, nine police officers were injured. As per a CNN tally, the nine officers are among the 15 law enforcement officers who have been injured in separate shootings across the US in the last 24 hours.

Two people were killed, including the suspect after a shooting and standoff in Phoenix. Also, nine police officers were injured. As per a CNN tally, the nine officers are among the 15 law enforcement officers who have been injured in separate shootings across the US in the last 24 hours. National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) President Patrick Yoes, in a statement, said, "Enough is enough!" He further claimed that the last year was most dangerous for law enforcement officers. Also read | Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports The suspect in the Phoenix shooting was recognised as 36-year-old Morris Jones. He shot an officer who initially responded. After this, he shot four others who were trying to rescue a baby at the location. The remaining officers were injured during the hours-long standoff before Jones was dead. It started after a call was made to 911 reporting a shooting. After the police officer approached the home, someone inside opened fire. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, speaking about the incident said, "I cannot recall an incident in city history where so many officers were injured. A baby is safe today because of our Phoenix police officers.” (With inputs from agencies)

Two dead, 9 police officers injured after hours-long standoff in Phoenix

As fears of Russian invasion loom over Ukraine, the United States has dramatically raised the alarm warning that a Russian invasion could begin within few days. The White House said that a Russian invasion starting with civilians being caught under aerial bombing could begin any time even before the end of the Beijing Olympics. WION's executive editor Palki Sharma and Ashok Sajjanhar, former Indian envoy to Kazakhstan give more insights on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US continues to raise alarms over Russian invasion in Ukraine | Palki Sharma Exclusive

&nbsp;China is seeking to establish military relationships in the Pacific, a senior US&nbsp;administration official said on Saturday, as Washington promised more diplomatic and security resources for the region, including an embassy in the Solomon Islands.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will announce plans for the embassy in the Solomon Islands, which switched its diplomatic allegiance to China from Taiwan in 2019, while on a visit to Fiji where he will host a virtual summit with 18 Pacific leaders, a state department official said.

Blinken flew to Fiji after a meeting in Melbourne of the United States, Japan, India and Australia, at which the so-called Quad pledged to deepen cooperation to ensure an Indo-Pacific region free from "coercion," a thinly veiled swipe at China`s economic and military expansion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-china-united-states-pledges-to-step-up-effort-in-indo-pacific-region-452543">Eyeing China, United States pledges to step up effort in Indo-Pacific region</a>

In a briefing on the flight, a senior U.S. administration official told travelling reporters that "there are very clear indications that (China) want to create military relationships in the Pacific".

"The most pressing case right now is what`s going on in the Solomon Islands. With Chinese security personnel bucking up an increasingly besieged president in a way that has caused a lot of anxieties across the region," the official said.

Last November, violent protests erupted in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare refused to speak with protesters who had travelled from Malaita province, which had opposed the diplomatic switch to Beijing.

Around 200 police and soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea arrived in Honiara within days of the riots, at Sogavare`s request.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-labour-organization-slams-china-for-racial-and-religious-discrimination-in-xinjiang-452555">&nbsp;International Labour Organization slams China for racial and religious discrimination in Xinjiang</a>

Sogavare accused the provincial government in Malaita, the most populous province in the country, of being "Taiwan`s agent", and in December survived a no-confidence motion in parliament.

China later sent police advisers to help train Solomons police, and equipment including shields, helmets and batons 
INDO-PAC STRATEGY

Blinken`s visit to Fiji, the first by a U.S. secretary of state in four decades, comes after the Biden administration issued a strategy overview for the Indo-Pacific in which it vowed to commit more diplomatic and security resources to the region to push back against China.

In the document, the United States vowed to modernise alliances, strengthen emerging partnerships and said it would pursue a "free and open Indo-Pacific ... through a latticework of strong and mutually reinforcing coalitions."

Under an action plan for the next 12-24 months, the document said Washington would "meaningfully expand" its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and prioritise key negotiations with Pacific island states that cover access for the U.S. military and which have appeared to stall in the past year.

Watch |&nbsp;Washington still reluctant to completely trust Beijing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-chinese-counter-part-xi-jinping-hold-meet-430746/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Richard Clark, a spokesman for the president of one of the island nations, the Federated States of Micronesia, told Reuters a "tremendous amount of progress" was still needed in talks with Washington.

Blinken is in the region to emphasise the priority the United States attaches to the Indo-Pacific even as Washington grapples with a dangerous standoff with Moscow, which has massed some 100,000 troops near Ukraine`s border, stoking Western fears of an invasion.

China is seeking to establish military relationships in the Pacific, a senior US administration official said on Saturday, as Washington promised more diplomatic and security resources for the region, including an embassy in the Solomon Islands.

China is seeking to establish military relationships in the Pacific, a senior US administration official said on Saturday, as Washington promised more diplomatic and security resources for the region, including an embassy in the Solomon Islands. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will announce plans for the embassy in the Solomon Islands, which switched its diplomatic allegiance to China from Taiwan in 2019, while on a visit to Fiji where he will host a virtual summit with 18 Pacific leaders, a state department official said. Blinken flew to Fiji after a meeting in Melbourne of the United States, Japan, India and Australia, at which the so-called Quad pledged to deepen cooperation to ensure an Indo-Pacific region free from "coercion," a thinly veiled swipe at China`s economic and military expansion. Also read | Eyeing China, United States pledges to step up effort in Indo-Pacific region In a briefing on the flight, a senior U.S. administration official told travelling reporters that "there are very clear indications that (China) want to create military relationships in the Pacific". "The most pressing case right now is what`s going on in the Solomon Islands. With Chinese security personnel bucking up an increasingly besieged president in a way that has caused a lot of anxieties across the region," the official said. Last November, violent protests erupted in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare refused to speak with protesters who had travelled from Malaita province, which had opposed the diplomatic switch to Beijing. Around 200 police and soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea arrived in Honiara within days of the riots, at Sogavare`s request. Also read | International Labour Organization slams China for racial and religious discrimination in Xinjiang Sogavare accused the provincial government in Malaita, the most populous province in the country, of being "Taiwan`s agent", and in December survived a no-confidence motion in parliament. China later sent police advisers to help train Solomons police, and equipment including shields, helmets and batons INDO-PAC STRATEGY Blinken`s visit to Fiji, the first by a U.S. secretary of state in four decades, comes after the Biden administration issued a strategy overview for the Indo-Pacific in which it vowed to commit more diplomatic and security resources to the region to push back against China. In the document, the United States vowed to modernise alliances, strengthen emerging partnerships and said it would pursue a "free and open Indo-Pacific ... through a latticework of strong and mutually reinforcing coalitions." Under an action plan for the next 12-24 months, the document said Washington would "meaningfully expand" its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and prioritise key negotiations with Pacific island states that cover access for the U.S. military and which have appeared to stall in the past year. Watch | Washington still reluctant to completely trust Beijing Richard Clark, a spokesman for the president of one of the island nations, the Federated States of Micronesia, told Reuters a "tremendous amount of progress" was still needed in talks with Washington. Blinken is in the region to emphasise the priority the United States attaches to the Indo-Pacific even as Washington grapples with a dangerous standoff with Moscow, which has massed some 100,000 troops near Ukraine`s border, stoking Western fears of an invasion.

Washington plans Solomon Islands embassy in push to counter China

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;City&nbsp;was poised to sack roughly&nbsp;3,000&nbsp;municipal workers on Friday for failing to meet a deadline to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The expected dismissals come amid growing discontent in North America against coronavirus restrictions and as states unilaterally lift mask mandates.

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;requires all&nbsp;city&nbsp;employees, including police, firefighters and teachers, to receive at least one dose of a&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;under orders passed by former mayor Bill de Blasio last year.

"We're not firing them. People are quitting," his successor, Eric Adams, said on Thursday.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/future-of-covid-vaccines-scientists-develop-a-vaccine-that-can-be-inhaled-wont-need-needles-452473">&nbsp;Future of Covid vaccines: Scientists develop a vaccine that can be inhaled, won't need needles</a>

"The responsibility is clear. We said it: if you're hired, if you get this job, you have to be vaccinated. If you are not following the rules, you are making that decision," he added.

Like mandatory mask-wearing, mandatory vaccinations have been a controversial political issue in America, with Republican-led Texas going as far as banning them.

Hundreds of workers who oppose&nbsp;New&nbsp;York's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;requirement were due to march on&nbsp;City&nbsp;Hall in Manhattan on Friday.&nbsp;

Approximately 95 percent of the&nbsp;city's municipal workforce has received at least one dose of a&nbsp;vaccine.

The&nbsp;3,000&nbsp;number represents less than one percent of the Big Apple's 370,000&nbsp;municipal workers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/efficacy-of-pfizer-and-moderna-vaccines-wane-after-third-dose-study-452589">Efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines wane after third dose: Study</a>

Several thousand others remain unvaccinated but have applied for either medical or religious exemptions to avoid losing their jobs.

Friday's deadline comes after&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;state let an indoor mask&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;expire on Thursday.

Several other states, including California,&nbsp;New&nbsp;Jersey and Massachusetts announced this week the lifting of mask mandates for either businesses or schools.

The moves come as the US government&nbsp;grows increasingly concerned about copycat trucker-led protests against coronavirus restrictions that have shut down the Canadian capital Ottawa and three US border crossings.

Watch | NYC's municipal workers face termination over covid-19 vaccine status

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nycs-municipal-workers-face-termination-over-covid-19-vaccine-status-452560/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Supporters of the movement in the United States have called on a convoy of truckers to gather in California in early March for a two-day rally before possibly heading towards the capital Washington.

&nbsp;

New York City was poised to sack roughly 3,000 municipal workers on Friday for failing to meet a deadline to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The expected dismissals come amid growing discontent in North America against coronavirus restrictions and as states unilaterally lift mask mandates.

New York City was poised to sack roughly 3,000 municipal workers on Friday for failing to meet a deadline to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The expected dismissals come amid growing discontent in North America against coronavirus restrictions and as states unilaterally lift mask mandates. New York requires all city employees, including police, firefighters and teachers, to receive at least one dose of a vaccine under orders passed by former mayor Bill de Blasio last year. "We're not firing them. People are quitting," his successor, Eric Adams, said on Thursday. Also read | Future of Covid vaccines: Scientists develop a vaccine that can be inhaled, won't need needles "The responsibility is clear. We said it: if you're hired, if you get this job, you have to be vaccinated. If you are not following the rules, you are making that decision," he added. Like mandatory mask-wearing, mandatory vaccinations have been a controversial political issue in America, with Republican-led Texas going as far as banning them. Hundreds of workers who oppose New York's vaccine requirement were due to march on City Hall in Manhattan on Friday. Approximately 95 percent of the city's municipal workforce has received at least one dose of a vaccine. The 3,000 number represents less than one percent of the Big Apple's 370,000 municipal workers. Also read | Efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines wane after third dose: Study Several thousand others remain unvaccinated but have applied for either medical or religious exemptions to avoid losing their jobs. Friday's deadline comes after New York state let an indoor mask mandate expire on Thursday. Several other states, including California, New Jersey and Massachusetts announced this week the lifting of mask mandates for either businesses or schools. The moves come as the US government grows increasingly concerned about copycat trucker-led protests against coronavirus restrictions that have shut down the Canadian capital Ottawa and three US border crossings. Watch | NYC's municipal workers face termination over covid-19 vaccine status Supporters of the movement in the United States have called on a convoy of truckers to gather in California in early March for a two-day rally before possibly heading towards the capital Washington.

New York City set to fire 3,000 staff for defying vaccine mandate

Major global stock indexes fell on Thursday under pressure from crucial US inflation data, falling technology shares and rising benchmark bond yields.

US inflation data hits global stocks, highest in 40 years

Several public high schools in Washington were evacuated after they received anonymous bomb threats. However, no explosives were found in any of these schools. A total of seven schools received bomb threats, namely: Dunbar High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Ron Brown High School, KIPP DC College Preparatory, IDEA Public Charter School, Seed Public Charter School and McKinley Tech High School.

Friendship Public Charter School became the eighth school to receive such a threat but fortunately, it was not in session.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), on Twitter, said that in each case, students were evacuated and the building searched and “cleared with no hazardous material found.”&nbsp;

A day after the threats, a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with "terroristic threats" in connection to multiple bomb threats.&nbsp;

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Update: a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, has been arrested and charged with Terroristic Threats in connection to multiple bomb threats yesterday. MPD continues to investigate these incidents with our federal partners.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/DCPoliceDept/status/1491776143711735809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, the police continue to investigate these incidents with the federal partners.

Earlier in November, very prestigious Ivy League universities in the US - Brown, Cornell and Columbia University had to evacuate parts of their campuses after receiving bomb threats. However, later, it turned out to be a false threat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several public high schools in Washington were evacuated after they received anonymous bomb threats. However, no explosives were found in any of these schools. A total of seven schools received bomb threats, namely: Dunbar High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Ron Brown High School, KIPP DC College Preparatory, IDEA Public Charter School, Seed Public Charter School and McKinley Tech High School.

Several public high schools in Washington were evacuated after they received anonymous bomb threats. However, no explosives were found in any of these schools. A total of seven schools received bomb threats, namely: Dunbar High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Ron Brown High School, KIPP DC College Preparatory, IDEA Public Charter School, Seed Public Charter School and McKinley Tech High School. Friendship Public Charter School became the eighth school to receive such a threat but fortunately, it was not in session. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), on Twitter, said that in each case, students were evacuated and the building searched and “cleared with no hazardous material found.” A day after the threats, a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with "terroristic threats" in connection to multiple bomb threats. Update: a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, has been arrested and charged with Terroristic Threats in connection to multiple bomb threats yesterday. MPD continues to investigate these incidents with our federal partners. — DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 10, 2022 × However, the police continue to investigate these incidents with the federal partners. Earlier in November, very prestigious Ivy League universities in the US - Brown, Cornell and Columbia University had to evacuate parts of their campuses after receiving bomb threats. However, later, it turned out to be a false threat. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 16-year old male arrested in connection with school bomb threats

President Joe Biden called on US citizens to leave Ukraine immediately due to the heightened risk of a Russian invasion. Biden reiterated that under no circumstances would he send US troops to Ukraine, even to rescue Americans in case of a Russian invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US urges its citizens to leave Ukraine immediately

Inflation in the US has been worsening lately. It has now soared to become the highest in 40 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This development has been giving sleepless nights to the American consumers as it has wiped out pay raises and reinforced the decision of the Federal Reserve to begin raising the borrowing rates across the economy. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boy-scouts-of-america-wins-key-support-for-sex-abuse-settlement-452257" hreflang="en">Boy Scouts of America wins key support for sex abuse settlement</a>

On Thursday, the Labor Department said that consumer prices jumped 7.5 per cent last month as compared with last year. It seems to be the steepest year-over-year increase since February 1982. &nbsp;

The inflation in the US was 0.6 per cent from December to January. The prices also rose 0.7 per cent from October to November and 0.9 per cent from September to October. &nbsp;

The inflation seems to have risen last year due to the shortages of supplies and workers, ultra-low interest rates, heavy doses of federal aid and robust consumer spending. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdc-proposes-new-guidelines-for-treating-pain-including-opioid-use-452206" hreflang="en">CDC proposes new guidelines for treating pain, including Opioid use</a>

There seems to be only a few signs that it may ease&nbsp;significantly anytime soon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Some economists are of the view that the Fed could raise its key rate in March to tackle the rise in inflation. It could be a one-half a percentage point hike and not its typical quarter-point raise. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Inflation in the US has been worsening lately. It has now soared to become the highest in 40 years. This development has been giving sleepless nights to the American consumers as it has wiped out pay raises and reinforced the decision of the Federal Reserve to begin raising the borrowing rates across the economy.

Inflation in the US has been worsening lately. It has now soared to become the highest in 40 years. This development has been giving sleepless nights to the American consumers as it has wiped out pay raises and reinforced the decision of the Federal Reserve to begin raising the borrowing rates across the economy. Also Read: Boy Scouts of America wins key support for sex abuse settlement On Thursday, the Labor Department said that consumer prices jumped 7.5 per cent last month as compared with last year. It seems to be the steepest year-over-year increase since February 1982. The inflation in the US was 0.6 per cent from December to January. The prices also rose 0.7 per cent from October to November and 0.9 per cent from September to October. The inflation seems to have risen last year due to the shortages of supplies and workers, ultra-low interest rates, heavy doses of federal aid and robust consumer spending. Also Read: CDC proposes new guidelines for treating pain, including Opioid use There seems to be only a few signs that it may ease significantly anytime soon. Some economists are of the view that the Fed could raise its key rate in March to tackle the rise in inflation. It could be a one-half a percentage point hike and not its typical quarter-point raise. (With inputs from agencies)

Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years

Foreign ministers are convening a crucial meeting in Melbourne with a focus on countering china's expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region and mounting tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine conflict.

Quad reiterates support for a rule-based order during Foreign Ministers' meeting in Melbourne

The U.S. government will take steps on Friday to free half of the $7 billion in frozen Afghan reserves held in the United States to aid the Afghan people without providing the Taliban access to the funds, sources familiar with the plan said.

A multi-step plan calls for the other half of the funds to remain in the United States, subject to ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including relatives of those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, hijacking attacks, the sources said.

The moves come amid mounting pressure in Congress for the Biden administration to use the frozen Afghan reserves to address the dire economic crisis facing Afghanistan, which is suffering from severe recession and liquidity crisis.

To move forward, President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on Friday that will block property of the Afghan central bank held in the United States by U.S. financial institutions, requiring the transfer of the funds into a consolidated account held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the sources said.

The U.S. government will work to ensure access to $3.5 billion of those assets for "the benefit of the Afghan people and for Afghanistan’s future," said one of the sources, without providing details.

Decisions about the remaining funds need to be made by federal courts since some of the 9/11 families have writs of execution against the frozen assets, the sources said, adding that the plaintiffs would have a full opportunity to have their claims heard in court.

The U.S. government will take steps on Friday to free half of the $7 billion in frozen Afghan reserves held in the United States to aid the Afghan people without providing the Taliban access to the funds, sources familiar with the plan said.

The U.S. government will take steps on Friday to free half of the $7 billion in frozen Afghan reserves held in the United States to aid the Afghan people without providing the Taliban access to the funds, sources familiar with the plan said. A multi-step plan calls for the other half of the funds to remain in the United States, subject to ongoing litigation by U.S. victims of terrorism, including relatives of those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, hijacking attacks, the sources said. The moves come amid mounting pressure in Congress for the Biden administration to use the frozen Afghan reserves to address the dire economic crisis facing Afghanistan, which is suffering from severe recession and liquidity crisis. To move forward, President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on Friday that will block property of the Afghan central bank held in the United States by U.S. financial institutions, requiring the transfer of the funds into a consolidated account held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the sources said. The U.S. government will work to ensure access to $3.5 billion of those assets for "the benefit of the Afghan people and for Afghanistan’s future," said one of the sources, without providing details. Decisions about the remaining funds need to be made by federal courts since some of the 9/11 families have writs of execution against the frozen assets, the sources said, adding that the plaintiffs would have a full opportunity to have their claims heard in court.

US moves to free $7 billion in Afghan assets to aid Afghan people, 9/11 victims: Officials

Thousands of people were forced to flee Orange county as California in the US reports two winter fires. Over 200 firefighters battled the fire.

Thousands forced to flee in Orange county as California reports two winter fires

Criminal violence is on the rise in America. Last year, the US registered a concerning surge in homicides according to MCCA.

Concerning surge in homicides across US according to MCCA

The first evidence of respiratory infection in a dinosaur, which lived over 150 million years ago, has been found by the researchers. &nbsp;

The discovery was made by the palaeontologists when they examined the fossilised neck bones of a diplodocid. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Diplodocid is a huge and long-necked herbivore, which existed on Earth in the late Jurassic period. &nbsp;

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Dr Cary Woodruff, director, palaeontology, Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta, Montana, noticed unusual broccoli-like growths in several neck bones of the dinosaur named Dolly. It happened when Woodruff was inspecting the remains of the dinosaur, which was unearthed over 30 years ago. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’ve looked at a lot of sauropod vertebrae and I’ve seen some weird things, but never anything like these structures,” Woodruff told the Guardian. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Woodruff, who was stumped by the finding, put a call out on social media for anyone, who may know what it was. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-evolution-humans-noses-have-become-less-sensitive-finds-study-450319" hreflang="en">In evolution, humans’ noses have become less sensitive, finds study</a>

In the immediate response, a number of scientists joined the investigation. They said the bony growths looked similar to protrusions, which can be caused by respiratory infections in birds of today’s era. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I imagine that Dolly would have been very much like a sick person: coughing, sneezing, experiencing a fever and out of it. We’ve all had many of the same symptoms, and likely felt just as crummy as Dolly did. I don’t personally know of any fossil I’ve been able to sympathetically relate to more,” Woodruff said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The first evidence of respiratory infection in a dinosaur, which lived over 150 million years ago, has been found by the researchers. The discovery was made by the palaeontologists when they examined the fossilised neck bones of a diplodocid.

The first evidence of respiratory infection in a dinosaur, which lived over 150 million years ago, has been found by the researchers. The discovery was made by the palaeontologists when they examined the fossilised neck bones of a diplodocid. Diplodocid is a huge and long-necked herbivore, which existed on Earth in the late Jurassic period. Also Read: NASA releases pictures of Venus’s surface taken by Parker Solar Probe in new light Dr Cary Woodruff, director, palaeontology, Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta, Montana, noticed unusual broccoli-like growths in several neck bones of the dinosaur named Dolly. It happened when Woodruff was inspecting the remains of the dinosaur, which was unearthed over 30 years ago. “I’ve looked at a lot of sauropod vertebrae and I’ve seen some weird things, but never anything like these structures,” Woodruff told the Guardian. Woodruff, who was stumped by the finding, put a call out on social media for anyone, who may know what it was. Also Read: In evolution, humans’ noses have become less sensitive, finds study In the immediate response, a number of scientists joined the investigation. They said the bony growths looked similar to protrusions, which can be caused by respiratory infections in birds of today’s era. “I imagine that Dolly would have been very much like a sick person: coughing, sneezing, experiencing a fever and out of it. We’ve all had many of the same symptoms, and likely felt just as crummy as Dolly did. I don’t personally know of any fossil I’ve been able to sympathetically relate to more,” Woodruff said. (With inputs from agencies)

Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery  

Can a game help save someone’s life? Well, truly it can. &nbsp;&nbsp;

An elderly woman was rescued in the US after a 20-hour home invasion hostage ordeal due to the wildly popular online puzzle ‘Wordle’. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 80-year-old woman was locked in the basement of her home in Illinois after a naked and knife-wielding intruder woke her up in the middle of the night. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-when-a-training-session-turns-into-a-life-saving-mission-firefighters-rescue-teens-from-a-icy-death-452329" hreflang="en">Watch: When a training session turns into a life-saving mission. Firefighters rescue teens from a icy death</a>

The shivering man got into her bed and threatened to “cut her” if she screamed before backing down from his threats. He also asked her to help warm him up in the bath. &nbsp;

Denyse Holt, who is a retired teacher, was locked in the basement by the man without food or medication. She had started to fear for her life. &nbsp;

The viral word game 'Wordle' seems to have turned into a potential life saver when the woman’s elder daughter got irked that her mother didn't text her score in the game as she used to do everyday. The daughter started trying to reach her and also took neighbour's help after failing to connect with her over landline.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inflation-in-us-worsens-becomes-highest-in-40-years-452274" hreflang="en">Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years</a>

“I didn’t send my older daughter a Wordle in the morning. And that was disconcerting to her,” Holt told Chicago’s WBBM. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The neighbour found no answer at the door when Holt’s car was still in the drive way. So, the police were called. And when they went around, they heard her shouting “I’m here! I’m here! I’m here in the basement!” and freed her. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 32-year-old man was also arrested from a bedroom upstairs. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Can a game help save someone’s life? Well, truly it can. An elderly woman was rescued in the US after a 20-hour home invasion hostage ordeal due to the wildly popular online puzzle ‘Wordle’.

Can a game help save someone’s life? Well, truly it can. An elderly woman was rescued in the US after a 20-hour home invasion hostage ordeal due to the wildly popular online puzzle ‘Wordle’. The 80-year-old woman was locked in the basement of her home in Illinois after a naked and knife-wielding intruder woke her up in the middle of the night. Also Read | Watch: When a training session turns into a life-saving mission. Firefighters rescue teens from a icy death The shivering man got into her bed and threatened to “cut her” if she screamed before backing down from his threats. He also asked her to help warm him up in the bath. Denyse Holt, who is a retired teacher, was locked in the basement by the man without food or medication. She had started to fear for her life. The viral word game 'Wordle' seems to have turned into a potential life saver when the woman’s elder daughter got irked that her mother didn't text her score in the game as she used to do everyday. The daughter started trying to reach her and also took neighbour's help after failing to connect with her over landline. Also Read: Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years “I didn’t send my older daughter a Wordle in the morning. And that was disconcerting to her,” Holt told Chicago’s WBBM. The neighbour found no answer at the door when Holt’s car was still in the drive way. So, the police were called. And when they went around, they heard her shouting “I’m here! I’m here! I’m here in the basement!” and freed her. The 32-year-old man was also arrested from a bedroom upstairs. (With inputs from agencies)

Believe it or not? ‘Wordle’ game helps rescue 80-year-old woman in US

Republican leader Mitch McConnell has rebuked Republican Party officials for censuring two Republican legislators who have criticised former president Donald Trump and pursued an investigation of the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riot.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell criticises RNC censure of Jan 6 probe panel

A&nbsp;record&nbsp;number of international patents were filed last year, indicating that innovation had not been stymied by the pandemic, the United Nations said Thursday.

Even as Covid-19 took a vast human and economic toll, international&nbsp;patent&nbsp;applications continued to grow, with Asia, and China in particular, cementing their leading positions.

A&nbsp;record&nbsp;277,500 international patents were filed in&nbsp;2021, marking a 0.9-percent increase from 2020, the&nbsp;UN's World Intellectual Property Organisation said in its annual overview.

"These figures show that human ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit remain strong despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic." WIPO Director-General Daren Tang said in a statement.

Last year marked the 12th consecutive year of growth in international&nbsp;patent&nbsp;filings.

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WIPO's chief economist Carsten Fink highlighted how remarkable it was that "international&nbsp;patent&nbsp;filings&nbsp;continued to grow in 2020 and&nbsp;2021&nbsp;as the&nbsp;global&nbsp;pandemic unfolded and upended economies around the world."

"This experience is notably different compared to previous economic crises," he told reporters, pointing to how international&nbsp;patent&nbsp;filings&nbsp;fell during the&nbsp;global&nbsp;financial crisis in 2009.

WIPO's complex system of registering international patents involves multiple categories, including&nbsp;global&nbsp;trademarks and design filing systems.

China on top

In the main category -- the&nbsp;Patent&nbsp;Cooperation Treaty, or PCT -- China remained at the top of the rankings with 69,540&nbsp;filings.

That marks a mere 0.9-percent increase over 2020.&nbsp;

But a year earlier, China registered a 16-percent jump over 2019, when it for the first time overtook the United States as the world's top international&nbsp;patent&nbsp;filer.

The United States remained in second place in&nbsp;2021, with 59,570&nbsp;filings, followed by Japan with 50,260, South Korea with 20,678 and Germany with 17,322.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;agency highlighted significant growth in applications by several smaller filers as well.

Singapore, for instance, saw its international&nbsp;patent&nbsp;applications swell by 23 percent to 1,617, while Finland and Turkey each saw jumps of over 13 percent.

WIPO's report showed that Asia-based applicants accounted for 54.1 percent of all&nbsp;filings&nbsp;last year, up from 38.5 percent a decade earlier.

For the fifth consecutive year, China-based telecoms giant Huawei Technologies topped the&nbsp;global&nbsp;ranking in&nbsp;2021, with 6,952 PCT applications.

The company thus applied for more international patents than all the&nbsp;filings&nbsp;out of Britain in&nbsp;2021, Fink pointed out.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-menacing-call-after-another-threats-against-lawmakers-surge-452046">&nbsp;One menacing call after another: Threats against lawmakers surge</a>

It was followed by US firm Qualcomm Inc at 3,931; South Korea's Samsung Electronics at 3,041 and LG Electronics at 2,855; and Mitsubishi Electric Corp of Japan at 2,673.

Computer technology accounted for the largest share of published PCT applications, making up 9.9 percent of the total, followed by digital communication and medical technology.

The pharmaceutical field recorded the strongest growth rate for&nbsp;filings, seeing a 12.8-percent jump, followed by biotechnology, which was up 9.5 percent.

Fink pointed out that it takes around 18 months for patents to be published after they are filed, warning that the official&nbsp;2021&nbsp;figures might not yet completely reflect pandemic-fuelled technology trends.

However, he said, "we have definitely seen greater dynamism in the health-related technology fields."

A record number of international patents were filed last year, indicating that innovation had not been stymied by the pandemic, the United Nations said Thursday.

A record number of international patents were filed last year, indicating that innovation had not been stymied by the pandemic, the United Nations said Thursday. Even as Covid-19 took a vast human and economic toll, international patent applications continued to grow, with Asia, and China in particular, cementing their leading positions. A record 277,500 international patents were filed in 2021, marking a 0.9-percent increase from 2020, the UN's World Intellectual Property Organisation said in its annual overview. "These figures show that human ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit remain strong despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic." WIPO Director-General Daren Tang said in a statement. Last year marked the 12th consecutive year of growth in international patent filings. Also read | Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed WIPO's chief economist Carsten Fink highlighted how remarkable it was that "international patent filings continued to grow in 2020 and 2021 as the global pandemic unfolded and upended economies around the world." "This experience is notably different compared to previous economic crises," he told reporters, pointing to how international patent filings fell during the global financial crisis in 2009. WIPO's complex system of registering international patents involves multiple categories, including global trademarks and design filing systems. China on top In the main category -- the Patent Cooperation Treaty, or PCT -- China remained at the top of the rankings with 69,540 filings. That marks a mere 0.9-percent increase over 2020. But a year earlier, China registered a 16-percent jump over 2019, when it for the first time overtook the United States as the world's top international patent filer. The United States remained in second place in 2021, with 59,570 filings, followed by Japan with 50,260, South Korea with 20,678 and Germany with 17,322. The UN agency highlighted significant growth in applications by several smaller filers as well. Singapore, for instance, saw its international patent applications swell by 23 percent to 1,617, while Finland and Turkey each saw jumps of over 13 percent. WIPO's report showed that Asia-based applicants accounted for 54.1 percent of all filings last year, up from 38.5 percent a decade earlier. For the fifth consecutive year, China-based telecoms giant Huawei Technologies topped the global ranking in 2021, with 6,952 PCT applications. The company thus applied for more international patents than all the filings out of Britain in 2021, Fink pointed out. Also read | One menacing call after another: Threats against lawmakers surge It was followed by US firm Qualcomm Inc at 3,931; South Korea's Samsung Electronics at 3,041 and LG Electronics at 2,855; and Mitsubishi Electric Corp of Japan at 2,673. Computer technology accounted for the largest share of published PCT applications, making up 9.9 percent of the total, followed by digital communication and medical technology. The pharmaceutical field recorded the strongest growth rate for filings, seeing a 12.8-percent jump, followed by biotechnology, which was up 9.5 percent. Fink pointed out that it takes around 18 months for patents to be published after they are filed, warning that the official 2021 figures might not yet completely reflect pandemic-fuelled technology trends. However, he said, "we have definitely seen greater dynamism in the health-related technology fields."

Global patent filings surged to record high in 2021: UN

Lieutenant general Michael Kurilla told the Senate Arms Services committee that the threat from the reconstituting of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K in Afghanistan remains a big challenge.

Reconstituting of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K in Afghanistan remains big challenge for US, says Kurilla

The US Justice Department has unraveled its biggest cryptocurrency theft, it seized more than $3.6 billion worth of Bitcoin stolen in a 2016 hack from the Bitfinex currency exchange.

US makes largest financial seizure ever, seizes $3.6 bn in Bitcoin stolen in 2016

To boost Taiwan’s defences against an increasingly aggressive China, the Biden administration has approved a $100 million support contract with the government of the island. It includes the sale of equipment and services. &nbsp;

On Monday, the State Department announced the engineering and maintenance agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the agreement, the US will help Taiwan in maintaining its existing air-defence missiles and advanced US-made Patriot missiles, which the country is acquiring. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-find-compromises-no-nord-stream-2-if-russia-invades-ukraine-says-biden-451357" hreflang="en">'Find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden</a>

On Twitter, Taiwan's defence ministry also conveyed its thanks to the US for the approval to the agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a statement, said that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department’s approval for the sale, which was urged by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington. &nbsp;

In a statement, the DSCA said that upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would "help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-crucial-trip-to-russia-french-president-emmanuel-macron-talks-to-us-president-joe-biden-451105" hreflang="en">Before crucial trip to Russia, Macron talks to Biden</a>

"This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the agency added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The main contractors in the deal would be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, it said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To boost Taiwan’s defences against an increasingly aggressive China, the Biden administration has approved a $100 million support contract with the government of the island.

To boost Taiwan’s defences against an increasingly aggressive China, the Biden administration has approved a $100 million support contract with the government of the island. It includes the sale of equipment and services. On Monday, the State Department announced the engineering and maintenance agreement. As per the agreement, the US will help Taiwan in maintaining its existing air-defence missiles and advanced US-made Patriot missiles, which the country is acquiring. Also Read: 'Find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden On Twitter, Taiwan's defence ministry also conveyed its thanks to the US for the approval to the agreement. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a statement, said that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department’s approval for the sale, which was urged by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington. In a statement, the DSCA said that upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would "help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region." Also Read: Before crucial trip to Russia, Macron talks to Biden "This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the agency added. The main contractors in the deal would be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

To boost defences against aggressive China, US approves $100 million support deal with Taiwan

Ahead of resumption of indirect talks between the US and Iran, oil prices have eased today morning which may revive a nuclear deal, it could lead to removal of sanctions on oil sales and it can increase global supplies.

Oil slips from seven-year highs ahead of US-Iran talks

Amid Russia's troop build up near Ukraine and the west deployment in eastern Europe, an intense week of diplomacy to ease the conflict has begun. Meanwhile, the United States and the European Union held talks to discuss Europe's energy supply as tensions mount.

US-EU talks on energy supply amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

American-born Chinese athlete&nbsp;Zhu Yi has been facing intense criticism of Chinese social media platform Weibo after her disappointing show at the ongoing Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing, China. Zhu Yi had given up her US citizenship and changed her name from Beverly Zu to Zhu Yi, in order to compete for the host nation at the Beijing Winter Games.

In what was a forgetful debut for the 19-year-old, Zhu Yi fell twice during the women's short program team event at the Beijing Winter Games. The figure skater had started her performance amidst cheers at the Beijing Indoor Stadium, however, she was reduced to tears on the ice court by the end of it.

Zhu failed to land a jump and fell down in the opening combination before messing up another jump in the short program. After falling twice, she managed a score o only 47.03 as China suffered a jolt in the team event. China slipped from the third spot to the fifth spot after Zhu's disappointing show.

The 19-year-old was seen in tears after her debut performance but she was not spared by the Chinese public on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. 'Zhu Yi has fallen'&nbsp;started trending on the social media platform soon after her disappointing show as the US-born figure skater was subjected to intense criticism with some even questioning her loyalty towards China.

"Please let her learn Chinese first, before she talks about patriotism," wrote a Weibo user, as per Dailymail.UK.

"Zhu Yi, how ridiculous your performance is! How dare you skate for China? You cannot even hold a candle to an amateur," said another.

While there was immense&nbsp;backlash from all corners, some also offered support to the US-born Chinese figure skater and condemned the criticism directed towards her.

<img alt="Zhu Yi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91daed00-c403-4abd-aa63-9a020e2e8130" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zhu.png" />

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-bones-are-sticking-out-i-cry-every-day-russian-athlete-claims-food-at-beijing-winter-olympics-inedible-451017">'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible</a>

Zhu was born in Los Angeles to Chinese parents and was named Beverly. She started figure skating at the tender age of seven and decided to change her name and give up her American citizenship after winning the novice division Figure Skating Championships in California, US.

She started a new life in China with the name Zhu Yi and subsequently secured a spot in the Chinese figure skating team for the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. She was clearly under pressure ahead of her debut at the Winter Games and said she was 'upset and embarrassed' with her performance.

"I'm upset and a little embarrassed, I counted over and over again last night to see how many points I need to collect today to help my team advance," Zhu told the media, as per Dailymail.UK.

"I guess I felt a lot of pressure because I know everybody in China was pretty surprised with the selection for ladies' singles and I just really wanted to show them what I was able to do but unfortunately I didn't,"&nbsp;she added.&nbsp;

American-born Chinese athlete Zhu Yi has been facing intense criticism of Chinese social media platform Weibo after her disappointing show at the ongoing Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing, China.

American-born Chinese athlete Zhu Yi has been facing intense criticism of Chinese social media platform Weibo after her disappointing show at the ongoing Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing, China. Zhu Yi had given up her US citizenship and changed her name from Beverly Zu to Zhu Yi, in order to compete for the host nation at the Beijing Winter Games. In what was a forgetful debut for the 19-year-old, Zhu Yi fell twice during the women's short program team event at the Beijing Winter Games. The figure skater had started her performance amidst cheers at the Beijing Indoor Stadium, however, she was reduced to tears on the ice court by the end of it. Zhu failed to land a jump and fell down in the opening combination before messing up another jump in the short program. After falling twice, she managed a score o only 47.03 as China suffered a jolt in the team event. China slipped from the third spot to the fifth spot after Zhu's disappointing show. The 19-year-old was seen in tears after her debut performance but she was not spared by the Chinese public on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. 'Zhu Yi has fallen' started trending on the social media platform soon after her disappointing show as the US-born figure skater was subjected to intense criticism with some even questioning her loyalty towards China. "Please let her learn Chinese first, before she talks about patriotism," wrote a Weibo user, as per Dailymail.UK. "Zhu Yi, how ridiculous your performance is! How dare you skate for China? You cannot even hold a candle to an amateur," said another. While there was immense backlash from all corners, some also offered support to the US-born Chinese figure skater and condemned the criticism directed towards her. Also Read: 'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible Zhu was born in Los Angeles to Chinese parents and was named Beverly. She started figure skating at the tender age of seven and decided to change her name and give up her American citizenship after winning the novice division Figure Skating Championships in California, US. She started a new life in China with the name Zhu Yi and subsequently secured a spot in the Chinese figure skating team for the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. She was clearly under pressure ahead of her debut at the Winter Games and said she was 'upset and embarrassed' with her performance. "I'm upset and a little embarrassed, I counted over and over again last night to see how many points I need to collect today to help my team advance," Zhu told the media, as per Dailymail.UK. "I guess I felt a lot of pressure because I know everybody in China was pretty surprised with the selection for ladies' singles and I just really wanted to show them what I was able to do but unfortunately I didn't," she added.

Zhu Yi, who gave up US citizenship to compete for China, slammed after poor show at Beijing Winter Olympics

San Francisco-born Eileen Gu, who lifted the host country to the top of the medals table at the Beijing Olympics with a Freeski Big Air gold on Tuesday, remained evasive on whether she was still holding an American passport.

China does not allow dual nationality, and state media have previously reported that the 18-year-old renounced her U.S. citizenship after she became a Chinese national at the age of 15.

Gu would not confirm that on Tuesday.

"So I grew up spending 25-30% (of my time) in China. I`m fluent in Mandarin and English and fluent culturally in both," she answered when asked if she was still an American citizen.

"So coming here, I really feel there was a sense of coming home. I feel just as American as Chinese. I don`t feel I`m taking advantage of one or another. They understand that my mission is to foster a connection between countries and not a divisive force."

When the reporter asked again, the news conference moderator interjected: "Next question, please."

The fashion model and incoming Stanford University student whose Weibo following has ballooned to almost three million from just under two million on Monday says she feels at home in China.

"There`s like a tower here you can see from the top of the course. And I`m also seeing it from my house in Beijing," she explained, where her face is ubiquitous in advertising.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-tennis-star-peng-shuai-watches-as-eileen-gu-puts-china-atop-medals-table-451392">Beijing Winter Olympics: Tennis star Peng Shuai watches as Eileen Gu puts China atop medals table</a>

In 2019, China relaxed rules that had been in force for more than a decade barring national team athletes from taking part in commercial activities without approval, paving the way for Gu to become the face of Chinese brands from the Bank of China and China Mobile to Mengniu Dairy and Luckin Coffee.

Hugely popular in China, Gu has had a better Olympics so far than Zhu Yi, the figure skater who gave up American citizenship in 2018 to compete for China and was blasted on Weibo when she fell during her short programme in the team event on Sunday.

The hashtag "Zhu Yi has fallen" later disappeared from Weibo. Gu offered her support.

"I just met Zhu a few days ago. I went to see her training. She`s such a nice person. She`s amazing. Whoever qualifies the Olympics is already amazing," she said.

"Making mistakes under huge pressure is part of sports. We should have sportsmanship and we can`t always do our best on the platform, but the most important thing is she`s safe and she enjoys the process.

"Of course, everyone hopes she can do better, but she is the one who hopes she could do better the most. I hope people can understand her more."

San Francisco-born Eileen Gu, who lifted the host country to the top of the medals table at the Beijing Olympics with a Freeski Big Air gold on Tuesday, remained evasive on whether she was still holding an American passport.

San Francisco-born Eileen Gu, who lifted the host country to the top of the medals table at the Beijing Olympics with a Freeski Big Air gold on Tuesday, remained evasive on whether she was still holding an American passport. China does not allow dual nationality, and state media have previously reported that the 18-year-old renounced her U.S. citizenship after she became a Chinese national at the age of 15. Gu would not confirm that on Tuesday. "So I grew up spending 25-30% (of my time) in China. I`m fluent in Mandarin and English and fluent culturally in both," she answered when asked if she was still an American citizen. "So coming here, I really feel there was a sense of coming home. I feel just as American as Chinese. I don`t feel I`m taking advantage of one or another. They understand that my mission is to foster a connection between countries and not a divisive force." When the reporter asked again, the news conference moderator interjected: "Next question, please." The fashion model and incoming Stanford University student whose Weibo following has ballooned to almost three million from just under two million on Monday says she feels at home in China. "There`s like a tower here you can see from the top of the course. And I`m also seeing it from my house in Beijing," she explained, where her face is ubiquitous in advertising. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Tennis star Peng Shuai watches as Eileen Gu puts China atop medals table In 2019, China relaxed rules that had been in force for more than a decade barring national team athletes from taking part in commercial activities without approval, paving the way for Gu to become the face of Chinese brands from the Bank of China and China Mobile to Mengniu Dairy and Luckin Coffee. Hugely popular in China, Gu has had a better Olympics so far than Zhu Yi, the figure skater who gave up American citizenship in 2018 to compete for China and was blasted on Weibo when she fell during her short programme in the team event on Sunday. The hashtag "Zhu Yi has fallen" later disappeared from Weibo. Gu offered her support. "I just met Zhu a few days ago. I went to see her training. She`s such a nice person. She`s amazing. Whoever qualifies the Olympics is already amazing," she said. "Making mistakes under huge pressure is part of sports. We should have sportsmanship and we can`t always do our best on the platform, but the most important thing is she`s safe and she enjoys the process. "Of course, everyone hopes she can do better, but she is the one who hopes she could do better the most. I hope people can understand her more."

Eileen Gu dodges US passport question after lifting China to top of the medals table at Beijing Games

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are the new talk of the town. It may also be entering a new market recently as a house in the US could be the first house sold as an NFT. &nbsp;

This four-bedroom house is located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It will be put on the market as an NFT by a local realtor on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The house’s property rights will be minted as a digital token. It may get sold for a minimum bid of $650,000. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-year-long-absence-iconic-tapestry-of-pablo-picassos-guernica-returns-to-un-450891" hreflang="en">After year-long absence, iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ returns to UN</a>

A local real estate investor, Leslie Alessandra, is selling the home in partnership with a real estate tech company, Propy, as per the listing. &nbsp;

The property rights of the house will also be accompanied by an NFT of an indoor mural, which has been designed by a local artist, Derek Donnelly. &nbsp;

Alessandra, who is also the founder of cryptocurrency company, DeFi Unlimited, said that she transformed the home's certificate of authenticity into an NFT. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-winter-storm-over-150000-us-homes-witness-chilly-conditions-sans-power-450849" hreflang="en">After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power</a>

It was achieved by turning the ownership into a limited liability corporation. By doing this, one can simplify the property sale process, according to Alessandra. &nbsp;

It could help people to theoretically sell a house with just a Venmo transaction, she added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Christopher Vasilakis, a local real estate and virtual reality expert, told the Tampa Bay Times, "You're essentially just selling a company, and the company owns that house." &nbsp;

Amy Heckler, president, Heckler Realty Group, told WTSP, "It's an exciting venture into what possibly could be the future of real estate." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are the new talk of the town. It may also be entering a new market recently as a house in the US could be the first house sold as an NFT.

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are the new talk of the town. It may also be entering a new market recently as a house in the US could be the first house sold as an NFT. This four-bedroom house is located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It will be put on the market as an NFT by a local realtor on Tuesday. The house’s property rights will be minted as a digital token. It may get sold for a minimum bid of $650,000. Also Read: After year-long absence, iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ returns to UN A local real estate investor, Leslie Alessandra, is selling the home in partnership with a real estate tech company, Propy, as per the listing. The property rights of the house will also be accompanied by an NFT of an indoor mural, which has been designed by a local artist, Derek Donnelly. Alessandra, who is also the founder of cryptocurrency company, DeFi Unlimited, said that she transformed the home's certificate of authenticity into an NFT. Also Read: After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power It was achieved by turning the ownership into a limited liability corporation. By doing this, one can simplify the property sale process, according to Alessandra. It could help people to theoretically sell a house with just a Venmo transaction, she added. Christopher Vasilakis, a local real estate and virtual reality expert, told the Tampa Bay Times, "You're essentially just selling a company, and the company owns that house." Amy Heckler, president, Heckler Realty Group, told WTSP, "It's an exciting venture into what possibly could be the future of real estate." (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, US realtor puts four-bedroom house on sale as NFT

US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett over the phone discussing nuclear talks, the Russia-Ukraine crisis and a visit to Israel later this year.

US President Joe Biden to visit Israel later this year

The United States of America has given Nepal a deadline of February 28 to secure parliamentary ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) deal. The compact was signed between Nepal and the US in 2017 and still, Nepal has failed to reach a census to ratify it in the parliament.

US sets deadline of Feb 28 to secure parliamentary ratification of MCC deal

The United States has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could order for an attack on Ukraine within days or even weeks, as Washington and its European allies continues their efforts to try and de-escalate the situation.

US warns Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen 'any day'

Amidst the American warnings of an 'imminent invasion' into Ukraine, interestingly, Ukraine has pushed back against the apocalyptic assessment and played down the fears of Russian invasion. Palki Sharma gets you the ground report.

Ukraine plays down apocalyptic warnings amidst US' warnings of an 'imminent invasion'

If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended better masks from the beginning, how many people would have worn them and for how long? If the Biden administration had flooded stores with cheap rapid tests, would people have used them? If boosters had been pushed earlier, and more loudly, would the United States no longer trail peer nations in vaccinations?

Put differently: How much would getting our pandemic policies right have mattered?

It’s easy to speak as if policy smoothly reshapes reality. I’m more guilty of that than most. But policy lies downstream of society. Mandates are not self-executing; to work, policies need to be followed, guidance needs to be believed. Public health is rooted in the soil of trust. That soil has thinned in America.

That isn’t to absolve policymakers of responsibility for their mistakes, but it is to wonder about the power they actually wield, in a country that led the world in vaccine development but lags Chile, Vietnam and Brazil in vaccine deployment. A recent interview with Michael Bang Petersen, a Danish political scientist, drove that point home for me. “In Denmark, people are in favor of vaccines, with more than 81% of adults doubly vaccinated, but also very opposed to vaccine mandates,” he told The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson. “There are no political parties in Parliament that are loudly advocating for vaccine mandates.”

You know what’s better than a vaccine mandate? A society that doesn’t need one.

We began this pandemic by asking the wrong questions, and thus we got the wrong answers. Rewind to October 2019. The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Nuclear Threat Initiative release the Global Health Security Index. It ranks 195 countries on their pandemic preparedness. Each country is judged on prevention policy, on detection capabilities, on response infrastructure, on health system capacity, on international cooperation and on underlying risk. The news is reassuring, at least if you live in the United States: We’re No. 1!

Then, only months later, we get an actual, once-in-a-century pandemic. The United States fails the test. We have more infections, more deaths, more pain and suffering and division and grief. Our performance doesn’t just fall short of rich countries like Germany and Denmark. It falls short of far poorer countries, too. The Global Health Security Index was measuring the wrong things. The researchers later noted that tucked inside the report was a finding about the United States that would prove more predictive of our response: “It had the lowest possible score on public confidence in the government.”

But that leaves the question: What &lt;em&gt;were&lt;/em&gt; the right questions? What did we miss?

A paper published Tuesday in The Lancet tries to unravel the mystery — and not just for the United States. It’s built atop new data that tries to adjust for differences in testing and gaps in reporting to paint a clearer picture of case numbers and fatality rates across 177 countries from Jan. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021. (I do want to note that the data here remains far from perfect, and there is inevitably noise, randomness and distortion in these comparisons. We live in a fallen world, and yet still we try and understand.)

Looked at in an international context, the magnitude of America’s failure comes clear. So too do the successes of other countries.

Over the first 21 months of the pandemic, the United States had 545 coronavirus cases per 1,000 residents. Uruguay had 472. The United Kingdom 374. Canada 346. Germany 188, Switzerland 164. But it’s our peers in Asia that really put us to shame. Japan had 67 cases per 1,000. Singapore 59. South Korea 28. Taiwan seven. These numbers are so low as to be baffling.

The United States does better when you measure the ratio of cases that lead to death. There, our performance is at least middling. Our infection fatality rate was 4.55 per 1,000 cases. That’s lower than Germany (6.34) and Switzerland (5.56) but higher than South Korea (3.24) or Singapore (0.68). Still, our far larger number of cases mean we’ve grieved far more loss. And we’re not the only ones.

“One reason this pandemic is an epidemiological mystery is because you see a surprising amount of variation among nations in close geographic proximity,” Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations, and one of the paper’s authors, told me. “Bulgaria, Namibia and Bolivia have fatality rates twice as high as their neighbors, Turkey, Angola and Colombia.”

The researchers tested everything they could think of for predictive power. They looked at gross domestic product, population density, altitude, age, obesity, smoking, air pollution, cancer rates, exposure to previous beta-coronaviruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome, health insurance coverage, pandemic preparedness ratings, trust in government, trust in fellow citizens, hospital beds per capita and more. It’s a dizzying suite of possibilities, and they run the numbers one by one.

When it comes to deaths caused by infections, no single variable explains everything or even all that much, with the exception of age. The coronavirus strikes the old with particular viciousness, and so the age of a population explains 47% of the variation in fatality ratios between countries. This helps explain why richer countries have seen a disproportionate number of deaths: Richer countries are older.

But age was alone in its ability to predict fatality rates. Nothing else — not body mass index, not smoking, not air pollution, not cancer prevalence, not universal health care, not hospital beds — explained very much.

More unexpected was what the researchers found when they looked at the factors that predicted how many people got infected. Some of the obvious candidates — population density, GDP per capita and exposure to past coronaviruses — failed to predict much in the way of outcomes. But both trust in government and trust in fellow citizens proved potent.

This yields the paper’s most striking finding: Moving every country up to the 75th percentile in trust in government — that’s where Denmark sits — would have prevented 13% of global infections. Moving every country to the 75th percentile of trust in their fellow citizens — roughly South Korea’s level — would have prevented 40% of global infections.

“When confronted with a novel, contagious virus the best way for governments to protect their citizens is to convince them to take the measures to protect themselves,” Bollyky said. “Especially in free societies the success of that effort depends on trust — trust between citizens and their government, and trusts between citizens themselves.”

When Bollyky told me that, I thought back to an essay I’d read in The New York Times by Hitoshi Oshitani, a key adviser to Japan’s government, that had been nagging at me.

The Japanese government, he said, understood that the virus was airborne, and they made sure their citizenry knew it. The message became that “People should avoid the three C’s, which are closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings. The Japanese government shared this advice with the public in early March, and it became omnipresent. The message to avoid the three C’s was on the news, variety shows, social media and posters. ‘Three C’s’ was even declared the buzzword of the year in Japan in 2020.”

What struck me about this, when I first read it, was what it left unsaid. Japan was much quicker to understand airborne transmission than the United States, but we knew it soon enough. We certainly knew it by the time of the delta surge, when Japan again performed far better than we did. We know it now, and Japan is still performing better than we are. It is what we do with what we know that matters.

Trust is regularly polled in international surveys, and so the researchers had access to those numbers. But I suspect trust is only a cousin of what we’re really trying to measure here. Solidarity is perhaps closer to the social sentiment the pandemic demanded. Poring over this data left me thinking about something my colleague Zeynep Tufekci told me:

"If you’re in the 19th century, and you’re just puzzling over yellow fever, and you don’t even have germ theory, and you don’t understand mosquito vectors — it’s hard. It’s really hard. I read those histories, and I want to give them clues. But right now, we have everything in place. And it’s our dysfunction that’s holding us back. It’s the global, political dysfunction; our U.S.-specific dysfunction."

There are lots of policy recommendations that work to curb the coronavirus: Masking, social distancing, vaccinations, testing, quarantining and so on. But for any of them to work, they need to be followed. This has been, certainly, the Biden administration’s insuperable challenge. It can make vaccines available, but it can’t make people take them. It can make masks available, but it can’t make people wear them. The context for the Biden administration’s entire response was a Republican Party divided over the legitimacy of the 2020 election and aware that the road to 2024 ran through opposition to Biden’s coronavirus policies.

So what if you assume political polarization and media disinformation are here to stay, and you need to work around them, rather than ignoring them?

When you reframe the question, other possibilities reveal themselves. As an example: Only 36% of Republicans trust Anthony Fauci. I think the Republican campaign against him has been largely unfair, but that he is particularly polarizing among the people the Biden administration most needs to reach is simply a fact, and one it has chosen to ignore. Perhaps new voices were needed, including high-profile ones chosen for their appeal to those most inclined to doubt Biden and avoid vaccination.

I asked Ron Klain, Biden’s chief of staff, about the absence of messengers with credibility among Republicans, and his response struck me as understandably but depressingly fatalistic. “I think this question of polarization around vaccinations is very, very complicated,” he replied. “I mean, you saw President Trump get booed when he himself advocated people getting booster shots. So this isn’t as simple as ‘Can you put more conservatives out there talking about vaccinations?’ ”

That’s certainly true. And I don’t mean to single out Fauci or overestimate the value of replacing him. Any Republican who joined the Biden administration would be seen as a traitor by much of the conservative base. But improvements are made on the margins.

That our political and social problems are maddeningly difficult to solve doesn’t make them any less necessary to at least try and ease. Whatever basket of pandemic policies the Biden administration tries — be they the vaccine mandates the Supreme Court just gutted, or new testing infrastructure, or variant-specific boosters — will not work if the social context in which those policies play out continues to deteriorate. And it is deteriorating: 88% of Americans say the pandemic has left us more divided, which is higher than in any of the other 16 countries Pew surveyed.

We erred this time by believing ourselves not just more capable, but also more united, than ultimately proved true. Now that we know the truth about ourselves, and the havoc our divisions will wreak on any pandemic response, the problem we need to solve becomes clearer.

What does good pandemic policy look like for a low-trust, high-dysfunction society?

If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended better masks from the beginning, how many people would have worn them and for how long? If the Biden administration had flooded stores with cheap rapid tests, would people have used them?

If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended better masks from the beginning, how many people would have worn them and for how long? If the Biden administration had flooded stores with cheap rapid tests, would people have used them? If boosters had been pushed earlier, and more loudly, would the United States no longer trail peer nations in vaccinations? Put differently: How much would getting our pandemic policies right have mattered? It’s easy to speak as if policy smoothly reshapes reality. I’m more guilty of that than most. But policy lies downstream of society. Mandates are not self-executing; to work, policies need to be followed, guidance needs to be believed. Public health is rooted in the soil of trust. That soil has thinned in America. That isn’t to absolve policymakers of responsibility for their mistakes, but it is to wonder about the power they actually wield, in a country that led the world in vaccine development but lags Chile, Vietnam and Brazil in vaccine deployment. A recent interview with Michael Bang Petersen, a Danish political scientist, drove that point home for me. “In Denmark, people are in favor of vaccines, with more than 81% of adults doubly vaccinated, but also very opposed to vaccine mandates,” he told The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson. “There are no political parties in Parliament that are loudly advocating for vaccine mandates.” You know what’s better than a vaccine mandate? A society that doesn’t need one. We began this pandemic by asking the wrong questions, and thus we got the wrong answers. Rewind to October 2019. The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Nuclear Threat Initiative release the Global Health Security Index. It ranks 195 countries on their pandemic preparedness. Each country is judged on prevention policy, on detection capabilities, on response infrastructure, on health system capacity, on international cooperation and on underlying risk. The news is reassuring, at least if you live in the United States: We’re No. 1! Then, only months later, we get an actual, once-in-a-century pandemic. The United States fails the test. We have more infections, more deaths, more pain and suffering and division and grief. Our performance doesn’t just fall short of rich countries like Germany and Denmark. It falls short of far poorer countries, too. The Global Health Security Index was measuring the wrong things. The researchers later noted that tucked inside the report was a finding about the United States that would prove more predictive of our response: “It had the lowest possible score on public confidence in the government.” But that leaves the question: What were the right questions? What did we miss? A paper published Tuesday in The Lancet tries to unravel the mystery — and not just for the United States. It’s built atop new data that tries to adjust for differences in testing and gaps in reporting to paint a clearer picture of case numbers and fatality rates across 177 countries from Jan. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021. (I do want to note that the data here remains far from perfect, and there is inevitably noise, randomness and distortion in these comparisons. We live in a fallen world, and yet still we try and understand.) Looked at in an international context, the magnitude of America’s failure comes clear. So too do the successes of other countries. Over the first 21 months of the pandemic, the United States had 545 coronavirus cases per 1,000 residents. Uruguay had 472. The United Kingdom 374. Canada 346. Germany 188, Switzerland 164. But it’s our peers in Asia that really put us to shame. Japan had 67 cases per 1,000. Singapore 59. South Korea 28. Taiwan seven. These numbers are so low as to be baffling. The United States does better when you measure the ratio of cases that lead to death. There, our performance is at least middling. Our infection fatality rate was 4.55 per 1,000 cases. That’s lower than Germany (6.34) and Switzerland (5.56) but higher than South Korea (3.24) or Singapore (0.68). Still, our far larger number of cases mean we’ve grieved far more loss. And we’re not the only ones. “One reason this pandemic is an epidemiological mystery is because you see a surprising amount of variation among nations in close geographic proximity,” Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations, and one of the paper’s authors, told me. “Bulgaria, Namibia and Bolivia have fatality rates twice as high as their neighbors, Turkey, Angola and Colombia.” The researchers tested everything they could think of for predictive power. They looked at gross domestic product, population density, altitude, age, obesity, smoking, air pollution, cancer rates, exposure to previous beta-coronaviruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome, health insurance coverage, pandemic preparedness ratings, trust in government, trust in fellow citizens, hospital beds per capita and more. It’s a dizzying suite of possibilities, and they run the numbers one by one. When it comes to deaths caused by infections, no single variable explains everything or even all that much, with the exception of age. The coronavirus strikes the old with particular viciousness, and so the age of a population explains 47% of the variation in fatality ratios between countries. This helps explain why richer countries have seen a disproportionate number of deaths: Richer countries are older. But age was alone in its ability to predict fatality rates. Nothing else — not body mass index, not smoking, not air pollution, not cancer prevalence, not universal health care, not hospital beds — explained very much. More unexpected was what the researchers found when they looked at the factors that predicted how many people got infected. Some of the obvious candidates — population density, GDP per capita and exposure to past coronaviruses — failed to predict much in the way of outcomes. But both trust in government and trust in fellow citizens proved potent. This yields the paper’s most striking finding: Moving every country up to the 75th percentile in trust in government — that’s where Denmark sits — would have prevented 13% of global infections. Moving every country to the 75th percentile of trust in their fellow citizens — roughly South Korea’s level — would have prevented 40% of global infections. “When confronted with a novel, contagious virus the best way for governments to protect their citizens is to convince them to take the measures to protect themselves,” Bollyky said. “Especially in free societies the success of that effort depends on trust — trust between citizens and their government, and trusts between citizens themselves.” When Bollyky told me that, I thought back to an essay I’d read in The New York Times by Hitoshi Oshitani, a key adviser to Japan’s government, that had been nagging at me. The Japanese government, he said, understood that the virus was airborne, and they made sure their citizenry knew it. The message became that “People should avoid the three C’s, which are closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings. The Japanese government shared this advice with the public in early March, and it became omnipresent. The message to avoid the three C’s was on the news, variety shows, social media and posters. ‘Three C’s’ was even declared the buzzword of the year in Japan in 2020.” What struck me about this, when I first read it, was what it left unsaid. Japan was much quicker to understand airborne transmission than the United States, but we knew it soon enough. We certainly knew it by the time of the delta surge, when Japan again performed far better than we did. We know it now, and Japan is still performing better than we are. It is what we do with what we know that matters. Trust is regularly polled in international surveys, and so the researchers had access to those numbers. But I suspect trust is only a cousin of what we’re really trying to measure here. Solidarity is perhaps closer to the social sentiment the pandemic demanded. Poring over this data left me thinking about something my colleague Zeynep Tufekci told me: "If you’re in the 19th century, and you’re just puzzling over yellow fever, and you don’t even have germ theory, and you don’t understand mosquito vectors — it’s hard. It’s really hard. I read those histories, and I want to give them clues. But right now, we have everything in place. And it’s our dysfunction that’s holding us back. It’s the global, political dysfunction; our U.S.-specific dysfunction." There are lots of policy recommendations that work to curb the coronavirus: Masking, social distancing, vaccinations, testing, quarantining and so on. But for any of them to work, they need to be followed. This has been, certainly, the Biden administration’s insuperable challenge. It can make vaccines available, but it can’t make people take them. It can make masks available, but it can’t make people wear them. The context for the Biden administration’s entire response was a Republican Party divided over the legitimacy of the 2020 election and aware that the road to 2024 ran through opposition to Biden’s coronavirus policies. So what if you assume political polarization and media disinformation are here to stay, and you need to work around them, rather than ignoring them? When you reframe the question, other possibilities reveal themselves. As an example: Only 36% of Republicans trust Anthony Fauci. I think the Republican campaign against him has been largely unfair, but that he is particularly polarizing among the people the Biden administration most needs to reach is simply a fact, and one it has chosen to ignore. Perhaps new voices were needed, including high-profile ones chosen for their appeal to those most inclined to doubt Biden and avoid vaccination. I asked Ron Klain, Biden’s chief of staff, about the absence of messengers with credibility among Republicans, and his response struck me as understandably but depressingly fatalistic. “I think this question of polarization around vaccinations is very, very complicated,” he replied. “I mean, you saw President Trump get booed when he himself advocated people getting booster shots. So this isn’t as simple as ‘Can you put more conservatives out there talking about vaccinations?’ ” That’s certainly true. And I don’t mean to single out Fauci or overestimate the value of replacing him. Any Republican who joined the Biden administration would be seen as a traitor by much of the conservative base. But improvements are made on the margins. That our political and social problems are maddeningly difficult to solve doesn’t make them any less necessary to at least try and ease. Whatever basket of pandemic policies the Biden administration tries — be they the vaccine mandates the Supreme Court just gutted, or new testing infrastructure, or variant-specific boosters — will not work if the social context in which those policies play out continues to deteriorate. And it is deteriorating: 88% of Americans say the pandemic has left us more divided, which is higher than in any of the other 16 countries Pew surveyed. We erred this time by believing ourselves not just more capable, but also more united, than ultimately proved true. Now that we know the truth about ourselves, and the havoc our divisions will wreak on any pandemic response, the problem we need to solve becomes clearer. What does good pandemic policy look like for a low-trust, high-dysfunction society?

Opinion: The Covid policy that really mattered wasn’t a policy

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