The United Arab Emirates has suspended talks on a $23 billion deal to purchase American-made F-35 planes in a rare dispute between Washington and a key US ally in the Persian Gulf.

UAE suspends discussions on $23 billion weapons deal with US

The US Congress approved raising the federal government's debt limit by $2.5 trillion, to about $31.4 trillion, sending the bill to President Joe Biden to sign and avert an unprecedented default.

US Congress approves boosting debt limit to $31.4 trillion

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mulling to suspend discussions over the procurement of 50 F-35 fighter jets that are part of the $23 billion arms deal with the US, according to media reports.

An unnamed official from UAE told Reuters that the US has been apprised of the middle eastern country’s concern over technical issues such as cost-benefit analysis and restrictive end-user agreement.

“Technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis led to the re-assessment,” the UAE official said.

The UAE had signed an agreement to purchase 50 5th generation fighter jets and up to 18 armed drones, and other advanced munitions.

“The US remains the UAE’s preferred provider for advanced defence requirements and discussions for the F-35 may be re-opened in the future,” the official said, adding there were discussions to “address mutual defence security conditions for the acquisition.”

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However, US State secretary Anthony Blinken on Wednesday said that America is prepared to move forward with the sale of the fighter jets and drones to the its ally.

Speaking at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Blinken said Washington had to conduct some reviews.

"We've wanted to make sure, for example, that our commitment to Israel`s qualitative military edge is assured, so we wanted to make sure that we could do a thorough review of any technologies that are sold or transferred to other partners in the region, including the UAE," Blinken said.

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"But I think we continue to be prepared to move forward if the UAE continues to want to pursue both of these," he said.

The sale of 50 F-35 jets comes as a part of a $23 billion arms deal that the US and the UAE reached in the last days of Trump’s administration. The agreement also involves a sale of 18 MQ-9B Reaper attack drones, as well as other high-tech munitions.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mulling to suspend discussions over the procurement of 50 F-35 fighter jets that are part of the $23 billion arms deal with the US, according to media reports.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mulling to suspend discussions over the procurement of 50 F-35 fighter jets that are part of the $23 billion arms deal with the US, according to media reports. An unnamed official from UAE told Reuters that the US has been apprised of the middle eastern country’s concern over technical issues such as cost-benefit analysis and restrictive end-user agreement. “Technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis led to the re-assessment,” the UAE official said. The UAE had signed an agreement to purchase 50 5th generation fighter jets and up to 18 armed drones, and other advanced munitions. “The US remains the UAE’s preferred provider for advanced defence requirements and discussions for the F-35 may be re-opened in the future,” the official said, adding there were discussions to “address mutual defence security conditions for the acquisition.” Also read | India in a tough neighbourhood, will help secure its borders, says Biden’s envoy pick Garcetti However, US State secretary Anthony Blinken on Wednesday said that America is prepared to move forward with the sale of the fighter jets and drones to the its ally. Speaking at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Blinken said Washington had to conduct some reviews. "We've wanted to make sure, for example, that our commitment to Israel`s qualitative military edge is assured, so we wanted to make sure that we could do a thorough review of any technologies that are sold or transferred to other partners in the region, including the UAE," Blinken said. Also read | US women urge Supreme Court to repeal topless sunbathing ban as it permits discrimination "But I think we continue to be prepared to move forward if the UAE continues to want to pursue both of these," he said. The sale of 50 F-35 jets comes as a part of a $23 billion arms deal that the US and the UAE reached in the last days of Trump’s administration. The agreement also involves a sale of 18 MQ-9B Reaper attack drones, as well as other high-tech munitions. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE mulling to scrap talks on 50 F-35 fighter jets deal with US: Report

When President Biden met his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo, last month in Glasgow, he praised Indonesia’s “essential” leadership in the Indo-Pacific and “strong commitment” to democratic values.

But the reality of American engagement with the world’s third-most-populous democracy has been more tepid than these warm words imply, belying Indonesia’s position as the leading Southeast Asian power and a vital balancing force in the geopolitical contest of our time between the United States and China.

The Biden administration has spent much of its first year in office shoring up support among allies and partners who share Washington’s concerns about Beijing but were bruised by four years of Donald Trump. That period of reassurance was important and necessary. But if the real goal of strategic competition with China is to ensure a “free and open Indo-Pacific” — rather than pursuing great-power competition for its own sake — America cannot rely on a few fast friends who share its worldview.

Washington needs to move closer to nonaligned, and sometimes quarrelsome, emerging powers like Indonesia and help them become less reliant on China.

A proud nation of 275 million people, Indonesia jealously guards its autonomy in international affairs, knowing full well how damaging foreign interventions can be — from colonial rule to violent coups and uprisings supported by America in the 1950s and ’60s.

Indonesia established an “independent and active” foreign policy after declaring independence from the Netherlands in 1945. It still refuses to sign alliances with any other powers, is a committed member of the Non-Aligned Movement and reacts angrily to perceived threats to its sovereignty.

Relations with Washington have seesawed over the decades. The United States ended a lengthy period of confrontation with Sukarno, Indonesia’s founding president, by backing his ouster and propelling the rise of Suharto, a taciturn general who ruled as a dictator for 32 years until 1998. But the Indonesian government soured on Washington because it felt that President Bill Clinton had pressured Indonesia to accept a punishing I.M.F. bailout in 1998 and later grant an independence referendum to East Timor.

Today, Indonesia maintains close ties with U.S. adversaries Russia and Iran. And there’s its growing relationship with China. Under President Joko, known as Jokowi, China has become one of Indonesia’s biggest investors, spending billions of dollars on new highways, power plants and a high-speed rail line. It also provided Indonesia with around 80 percent of its Covid-19 vaccines.

While Indonesia cooperates with the United States on military, counterterrorism and development programs, it also is wary about new American security initiatives in the region — like the AUKUS partnership, which aims to equip neighboring Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.

Now is the perfect time for Washington and its allies to woo Indonesia. The goal should not be to peel Indonesia away from China but to support Mr. Joko’s plans for economic and social development — he is looking to cement his legacy before he’s due to step down in 2024 — and help the country become an alternative pole of strength to challenge the emerging sense in Asia that China alone holds the keys to the region’s future.

So far, Washington has shown limited ambition for boosting the relationship with Indonesia. Despite warnings over Beijing’s growing strategic leverage with Jakarta, it has yet to come up with significant economic counterweights.

But closer relations with China don’t mean that Mr. Joko is choosing a side in great-power competition. Rather, he is approaching foreign policy with the practicality of the furniture factory owner and mayor he used to be, willing to work with whoever can help him meet core objectives — like boosting the economy.

Kurt Campbell, who leads Indo-Pacific policy in the White House, once told me that if you ranked the countries most important to the United States but least understood, Indonesia would be first. The world’s fourth-most-populous nation, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation and the world’s largest archipelago nation: Generating interest in Indonesia usually requires a list of superlatives.

Between domestic issues and a long list of foreign policy challenges to address, it seems that Indonesia is falling off the agenda again, even as the Biden administration starts to step up in Southeast Asia. The president’s interim national security strategic guidance, released in March, name-checked Singapore and Vietnam, which support U.S. pushback against China, as important Southeast Asian partners, but not Indonesia.

When Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made separate trips to Southeast Asia earlier this year, they skipped Indonesia — which The Jakarta Post, the country’s leading English language newspaper, called a “snub.”

The good news is that Mr. Joko does not bear grudges. While writing his first English-language political biography, I watched him work with all comers to get what he wants, from street hawkers to billionaires to hard-line Islamist preachers.

A planned visit to Jakarta this week by Secretary of State Antony Blinken is a much-needed corrective to earlier oversights. But one trip does not build a relationship, especially when Chinese ministers have had more regular face-to-face contact with Indonesian counterparts. The Biden administration should use this visit to kick-start a sustained charm offensive to bring the world’s third-largest democracy closer.

Much like Mr. Biden, Mr. Joko is a doer, not a thinker. So the United States should concentrate on areas of practical cooperation with Indonesia — like trade and investment, financing for Jakarta’s plans to curb coal-fired power and deforestation, and greater support for Indonesia’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

Helping Indonesia emerge from the economic and health crisis spurred by the pandemic will win favor with Mr. Joko while reducing his reliance on Beijing. Supporting Indonesia’s recovery also will bolster the argument that democracy — not authoritarianism — can deliver for developing countries in Asia.

If the Biden administration wants to dispel China’s line that Washington is an unreliable, declining power, then its proposed Indo-Pacific economic framework, due early next year, must bring real heft. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia merits its own special attention too.

A stronger, wealthier, democratic Indonesia won’t always agree with the United States — but it will add a critical counterweight to China in Asia.

When President Biden met his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo, last month in Glasgow, he praised Indonesia’s “essential” leadership in the Indo-Pacific and “strong commitment” to democratic values.

When President Biden met his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo, last month in Glasgow, he praised Indonesia’s “essential” leadership in the Indo-Pacific and “strong commitment” to democratic values. But the reality of American engagement with the world’s third-most-populous democracy has been more tepid than these warm words imply, belying Indonesia’s position as the leading Southeast Asian power and a vital balancing force in the geopolitical contest of our time between the United States and China. The Biden administration has spent much of its first year in office shoring up support among allies and partners who share Washington’s concerns about Beijing but were bruised by four years of Donald Trump. That period of reassurance was important and necessary. But if the real goal of strategic competition with China is to ensure a “free and open Indo-Pacific” — rather than pursuing great-power competition for its own sake — America cannot rely on a few fast friends who share its worldview. Washington needs to move closer to nonaligned, and sometimes quarrelsome, emerging powers like Indonesia and help them become less reliant on China. A proud nation of 275 million people, Indonesia jealously guards its autonomy in international affairs, knowing full well how damaging foreign interventions can be — from colonial rule to violent coups and uprisings supported by America in the 1950s and ’60s. Indonesia established an “independent and active” foreign policy after declaring independence from the Netherlands in 1945. It still refuses to sign alliances with any other powers, is a committed member of the Non-Aligned Movement and reacts angrily to perceived threats to its sovereignty. Relations with Washington have seesawed over the decades. The United States ended a lengthy period of confrontation with Sukarno, Indonesia’s founding president, by backing his ouster and propelling the rise of Suharto, a taciturn general who ruled as a dictator for 32 years until 1998. But the Indonesian government soured on Washington because it felt that President Bill Clinton had pressured Indonesia to accept a punishing I.M.F. bailout in 1998 and later grant an independence referendum to East Timor. Today, Indonesia maintains close ties with U.S. adversaries Russia and Iran. And there’s its growing relationship with China. Under President Joko, known as Jokowi, China has become one of Indonesia’s biggest investors, spending billions of dollars on new highways, power plants and a high-speed rail line. It also provided Indonesia with around 80 percent of its Covid-19 vaccines. While Indonesia cooperates with the United States on military, counterterrorism and development programs, it also is wary about new American security initiatives in the region — like the AUKUS partnership, which aims to equip neighboring Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. Now is the perfect time for Washington and its allies to woo Indonesia. The goal should not be to peel Indonesia away from China but to support Mr. Joko’s plans for economic and social development — he is looking to cement his legacy before he’s due to step down in 2024 — and help the country become an alternative pole of strength to challenge the emerging sense in Asia that China alone holds the keys to the region’s future. So far, Washington has shown limited ambition for boosting the relationship with Indonesia. Despite warnings over Beijing’s growing strategic leverage with Jakarta, it has yet to come up with significant economic counterweights. But closer relations with China don’t mean that Mr. Joko is choosing a side in great-power competition. Rather, he is approaching foreign policy with the practicality of the furniture factory owner and mayor he used to be, willing to work with whoever can help him meet core objectives — like boosting the economy. Kurt Campbell, who leads Indo-Pacific policy in the White House, once told me that if you ranked the countries most important to the United States but least understood, Indonesia would be first. The world’s fourth-most-populous nation, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation and the world’s largest archipelago nation: Generating interest in Indonesia usually requires a list of superlatives. Between domestic issues and a long list of foreign policy challenges to address, it seems that Indonesia is falling off the agenda again, even as the Biden administration starts to step up in Southeast Asia. The president’s interim national security strategic guidance, released in March, name-checked Singapore and Vietnam, which support U.S. pushback against China, as important Southeast Asian partners, but not Indonesia. When Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made separate trips to Southeast Asia earlier this year, they skipped Indonesia — which The Jakarta Post, the country’s leading English language newspaper, called a “snub.” The good news is that Mr. Joko does not bear grudges. While writing his first English-language political biography, I watched him work with all comers to get what he wants, from street hawkers to billionaires to hard-line Islamist preachers. A planned visit to Jakarta this week by Secretary of State Antony Blinken is a much-needed corrective to earlier oversights. But one trip does not build a relationship, especially when Chinese ministers have had more regular face-to-face contact with Indonesian counterparts. The Biden administration should use this visit to kick-start a sustained charm offensive to bring the world’s third-largest democracy closer. Much like Mr. Biden, Mr. Joko is a doer, not a thinker. So the United States should concentrate on areas of practical cooperation with Indonesia — like trade and investment, financing for Jakarta’s plans to curb coal-fired power and deforestation, and greater support for Indonesia’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Helping Indonesia emerge from the economic and health crisis spurred by the pandemic will win favor with Mr. Joko while reducing his reliance on Beijing. Supporting Indonesia’s recovery also will bolster the argument that democracy — not authoritarianism — can deliver for developing countries in Asia. If the Biden administration wants to dispel China’s line that Washington is an unreliable, declining power, then its proposed Indo-Pacific economic framework, due early next year, must bring real heft. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia merits its own special attention too. A stronger, wealthier, democratic Indonesia won’t always agree with the United States — but it will add a critical counterweight to China in Asia.

If the US is serious about China competition, it needs Indonesia

Pentagon makes it clear that none of their military personnel will be held accountable for the last US drone strike in war-torn Afghanistan.

No US troops to be held accountable for last airstrike in Afghanistan

Amid ongoing tensions with China, US secretary of state Antony Blinken embarks on a Southeast Asia trip. It is his first trip since he took over the office.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken delivers remarks on Indo-Pacific

At dusk the converted school bus pulled up to the little park as it does every Friday evening, and a line began to form. A man with a clipboard made his way down the line taking names and asking questions: “You need any socks or hygiene kits tonight? Anything I can pray for?”

Then came the main event: Volunteers in the bus, run by a group called City Relief, handed each waiting person a cup of hot vegetable soup, two big rolls and a cup of hot chocolate.

Among the regulars waiting here, at Peter Francisco Park behind Newark Penn Station, the news that city officials plan to make it harder to give food to homeless people did not go over well.

“I think it’s wrong,” Olivia Fontana, 40, who has lived in a shelter for the past year, said this month as she waited in the soup line, which typically feeds about 60 people. “People need to eat.”

A few days before Thanksgiving, the city sent out an email to churches and relief organizations announcing that it was prohibiting feeding homeless people in public places, including parks and the train station.

After inquiries from The New York Times about the policy, the city shifted and said that groups who give out food would need a permit and that the new rule would be specifically targeted at those who give food to the homeless.

“The ordinance the city is working on will prohibit agencies and individuals without a permit from feeding residents without addresses,” a spokeswoman for Mayor Ras Baraka said in an email. “All violators will be ticketed and fined.”

Putting restrictions on perhaps the most fundamental act of human charity, feeding the hungry, may seem harsh. But many places do it. According to a 2019 report from the National Homelessness Law Center, at least 17 cities across the U.S. either ban giving out food in public areas or require permits for it, some with onerous conditions attached.

Tristia Bauman, a senior attorney at the law center, said that by singling out homeless people, Newark’s ordinance could violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause and also impinge food donors’ First Amendment rights, since courts have found that food sharing is a form of protected speech.

“This discriminatory restriction seems based on animus toward people experiencing homelessness, rather than a legitimate government interest,” Bauman said in an email.

A few miles away in New York City, the Coalition for the Homeless serves about 1,000 hot meals seven nights a week in 25 pop-up locations. While the city technically requires a $70-a-year permit to serve food “at a fixed location for a temporary period of time,” the group has never been asked for a distribution permit, said David Giffen, the coalition’s executive director, adding “nor do we think we should be.”

“In terms of going to the streets and handing out meals, people are just hungry, and we have to feed them,” Giffen said. “This can’t be buried in bureaucratic morasses. We have to be able to respond to a need. These are life-or-death issues.”

Newark officials offered various reasons for the crackdown, saying the city needed to ensure that food being given out was safe, and that distributing food in public places actually encouraged street homelessness. The city wants those who wish to donate food to bring it to shelters and soup kitchens instead.

But the shifting ground also reflects a struggle over marquee public space.

Restrictions on food handouts have been pushed by a business-improvement group in the Ironbound neighborhood, which includes Peter Francisco Park, a well-trodden 1-acre triangle where weekends bring a steady stream of food donors and often end with the park filled with litter. The Ironbound, like much of Newark’s downtown, is undergoing a wave of redevelopment.

Seth Grossman, executive director of the Ironbound Business Improvement District, said groups that brought food sometimes did not clean up trash left behind.

“It’s always important to be a good neighbor, and what constitutes a good neighbor is a person who is safe, clean and considerate of each other,” he said.

Newark’s move to limit food handouts, which the city has periodically discussed for at least five years, also comes as the state of New Jersey and New Jersey Transit are gearing up for a $190 million makeover of Newark Penn Station, an 85-year-old neoclassical behemoth where one morning this month a dozen men were slumped across long benches in the grand, high-ceilinged waiting room.

Like cities across the country, Newark—New Jersey’s biggest city, with a population of 311,000 — has seen homelessness worsen during the pandemic. The nonprofit that the city contracts with to do homeless outreach, Bridges, has tallied 1,366 people who have spent an unsheltered night so far this year. The equivalent figure in New York City, which has nearly 30 times as many residents as Newark, would be about 37,000 unsheltered people, far higher than any estimate of New York’s street-homeless population.

Under Baraka, the city has taken steps to reduce homelessness. He created an office of homeless services last year and appointed a former Bridges official, Sakinah Hoyte, to be the city’s homelessness czar. This year, the city opened a housing facility called Hope Village, made from converted shipping containers, which is designed to help transition people who live in and around the train station into permanent housing. The city is converting a former schoolhouse into another shelter and housing-services center.

It was in the context of these new programs that Hoyte sent out a “public feeding letter” on Nov. 19 announcing an outright ban on giving food to homeless people in public areas.

“Feeding people in parks doesn’t encourage any sort of transitioning folks into housing,” Hoyte said in an interview. “It keeps people living on sidewalks and sleeping outside.”

She said the city welcomed relief groups offering homeless people emergency supplies like warm clothes and helping connect them to social services, but that public feeding should not be part of the picture.

To City Relief’s chief program officer, Josiah Haken, this approach seemed backward: Offering people food where they are, he said, is often the first step to getting them off the street.

“The meal is really important,” he said. “It’s what helps us build trust, and we leverage that trust to help people move forward. The simple truth is that there aren’t enough resources in Newark for the people that are in the street.”

Besides, he said, no one decides to live in the street or a train station, rather than in an apartment, because of the convenience of a nearby free meal.

The day after Hoyte spoke to the Times, the city had changed course and said it would require permits instead. Haken said City Relief would abide by the city’s permit process.

Inside the train station this month, several men who live there said they had sometimes seen the New Jersey Transit police telling groups that came in with food donations to distribute the food outside.

“I saw them stop people from coming in here the other day,” said Eugene Bradley, 41. “It’s stupid, inconsiderate and pointless.”

But Vincent Jiles, 57, who has lived in the station for three years, said he understood that New Jersey Transit was trying to run a train station, not a shelter.

“This is a place of business,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of movement through here, and by distributing food, it can interrupt the businesses.” Sometimes when people bring in food, he said, “People go a little crazy, and then it can make a big mess.”

At dusk the converted school bus pulled up to the little park as it does every Friday evening, and a line began to form. A man with a clipboard made his way down the line taking names and asking questions: “You need any socks or hygiene kits tonight?

At dusk the converted school bus pulled up to the little park as it does every Friday evening, and a line began to form. A man with a clipboard made his way down the line taking names and asking questions: “You need any socks or hygiene kits tonight? Anything I can pray for?” Then came the main event: Volunteers in the bus, run by a group called City Relief, handed each waiting person a cup of hot vegetable soup, two big rolls and a cup of hot chocolate. Among the regulars waiting here, at Peter Francisco Park behind Newark Penn Station, the news that city officials plan to make it harder to give food to homeless people did not go over well. “I think it’s wrong,” Olivia Fontana, 40, who has lived in a shelter for the past year, said this month as she waited in the soup line, which typically feeds about 60 people. “People need to eat.” A few days before Thanksgiving, the city sent out an email to churches and relief organizations announcing that it was prohibiting feeding homeless people in public places, including parks and the train station. After inquiries from The New York Times about the policy, the city shifted and said that groups who give out food would need a permit and that the new rule would be specifically targeted at those who give food to the homeless. “The ordinance the city is working on will prohibit agencies and individuals without a permit from feeding residents without addresses,” a spokeswoman for Mayor Ras Baraka said in an email. “All violators will be ticketed and fined.” Putting restrictions on perhaps the most fundamental act of human charity, feeding the hungry, may seem harsh. But many places do it. According to a 2019 report from the National Homelessness Law Center, at least 17 cities across the U.S. either ban giving out food in public areas or require permits for it, some with onerous conditions attached. Tristia Bauman, a senior attorney at the law center, said that by singling out homeless people, Newark’s ordinance could violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause and also impinge food donors’ First Amendment rights, since courts have found that food sharing is a form of protected speech. “This discriminatory restriction seems based on animus toward people experiencing homelessness, rather than a legitimate government interest,” Bauman said in an email. A few miles away in New York City, the Coalition for the Homeless serves about 1,000 hot meals seven nights a week in 25 pop-up locations. While the city technically requires a $70-a-year permit to serve food “at a fixed location for a temporary period of time,” the group has never been asked for a distribution permit, said David Giffen, the coalition’s executive director, adding “nor do we think we should be.” “In terms of going to the streets and handing out meals, people are just hungry, and we have to feed them,” Giffen said. “This can’t be buried in bureaucratic morasses. We have to be able to respond to a need. These are life-or-death issues.” Newark officials offered various reasons for the crackdown, saying the city needed to ensure that food being given out was safe, and that distributing food in public places actually encouraged street homelessness. The city wants those who wish to donate food to bring it to shelters and soup kitchens instead. But the shifting ground also reflects a struggle over marquee public space. Restrictions on food handouts have been pushed by a business-improvement group in the Ironbound neighborhood, which includes Peter Francisco Park, a well-trodden 1-acre triangle where weekends bring a steady stream of food donors and often end with the park filled with litter. The Ironbound, like much of Newark’s downtown, is undergoing a wave of redevelopment. Seth Grossman, executive director of the Ironbound Business Improvement District, said groups that brought food sometimes did not clean up trash left behind. “It’s always important to be a good neighbor, and what constitutes a good neighbor is a person who is safe, clean and considerate of each other,” he said. Newark’s move to limit food handouts, which the city has periodically discussed for at least five years, also comes as the state of New Jersey and New Jersey Transit are gearing up for a $190 million makeover of Newark Penn Station, an 85-year-old neoclassical behemoth where one morning this month a dozen men were slumped across long benches in the grand, high-ceilinged waiting room. Like cities across the country, Newark—New Jersey’s biggest city, with a population of 311,000 — has seen homelessness worsen during the pandemic. The nonprofit that the city contracts with to do homeless outreach, Bridges, has tallied 1,366 people who have spent an unsheltered night so far this year. The equivalent figure in New York City, which has nearly 30 times as many residents as Newark, would be about 37,000 unsheltered people, far higher than any estimate of New York’s street-homeless population. Under Baraka, the city has taken steps to reduce homelessness. He created an office of homeless services last year and appointed a former Bridges official, Sakinah Hoyte, to be the city’s homelessness czar. This year, the city opened a housing facility called Hope Village, made from converted shipping containers, which is designed to help transition people who live in and around the train station into permanent housing. The city is converting a former schoolhouse into another shelter and housing-services center. It was in the context of these new programs that Hoyte sent out a “public feeding letter” on Nov. 19 announcing an outright ban on giving food to homeless people in public areas. “Feeding people in parks doesn’t encourage any sort of transitioning folks into housing,” Hoyte said in an interview. “It keeps people living on sidewalks and sleeping outside.” She said the city welcomed relief groups offering homeless people emergency supplies like warm clothes and helping connect them to social services, but that public feeding should not be part of the picture. To City Relief’s chief program officer, Josiah Haken, this approach seemed backward: Offering people food where they are, he said, is often the first step to getting them off the street. “The meal is really important,” he said. “It’s what helps us build trust, and we leverage that trust to help people move forward. The simple truth is that there aren’t enough resources in Newark for the people that are in the street.” Besides, he said, no one decides to live in the street or a train station, rather than in an apartment, because of the convenience of a nearby free meal. The day after Hoyte spoke to the Times, the city had changed course and said it would require permits instead. Haken said City Relief would abide by the city’s permit process. Inside the train station this month, several men who live there said they had sometimes seen the New Jersey Transit police telling groups that came in with food donations to distribute the food outside. “I saw them stop people from coming in here the other day,” said Eugene Bradley, 41. “It’s stupid, inconsiderate and pointless.” But Vincent Jiles, 57, who has lived in the station for three years, said he understood that New Jersey Transit was trying to run a train station, not a shelter. “This is a place of business,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of movement through here, and by distributing food, it can interrupt the businesses.” Sometimes when people bring in food, he said, “People go a little crazy, and then it can make a big mess.”

Feed the hungry? You’ll need a permit for that. 

The US' Pentagon has said that no American troops or officials will be held accountable for a drone strike that killed 10 people in Afghanistan in August.

No US troops to be held accountable for Kabul drone strike, says Pentagon

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged China to cease “aggressive actions” in the Indo-Pacific, speaking during a visit to the region.

Antony Blinken urges China to stop 'aggressive actions' in Indo-Pacific

US President Joe Biden is facing significant skepticism from the American public, with his job approval rating lagging across a range of major issues, including handling of inflation, COVID-19 and gun violence.

Joe Biden faces lowest approval ratings yet in handling of inflation, COVID-19

Amid ongoing tensions with China, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken embarks on a Southeast Asia trip. It is his first trip since he took over the office.

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken on Southeast Asia trip

Tornadoes destroyed everything in their path as 30 tornadoes rip through 6 US states. The worst tornado strike in Kentucky history.

The worst tornado in Kentucky history

Pentagon: No military personnel to be held accountable for last US drone strike in Afghanistan

In sort of a rerun of a superhero movie, a woman claims that she was saved by a 'superman' when the deadly tornadoes hit the US state of Kentucky. &nbsp;

The woman, Autumn Kirks, was working at the Mayfield candle factory, when the tornadoes struck. Kirks lost her boyfriend Lannis Ward in the natural calamity. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-waitress-gets-fired-for-refusing-to-share-4400-tip-with-restaurant-436834" hreflang="en">US waitress gets fired for refusing to share $4,400 tip with restaurant</a>

The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100 with many still missing as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage. &nbsp;

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated this was the deadliest tornado event in the state's history. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To meet the demands for the Christmas holiday, the candle factory was operating "24/7". &nbsp;

When the tornadoes hit, the woman and three others got trapped in the hallway under a concrete wall before it was lifted by an unidentified man, who brought everyone to safety. Kirks called the unidentified man as "superman". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-choice-ever-time-magazine-faces-backlash-for-naming-elon-musk-person-of-the-year-for-2021-436799" hreflang="en">‘Worst choice ever’: Time magazine faces backlash for naming Elon Musk 'Person of the Year’ for 2021</a>

If not for him, Kirks, said, "I feel like I would probably still be under that wall. I don’t know who he was. I wish I did, so I could thank him. We got to safety because of him." &nbsp;

Kirks gave the account of the incident to Fox News host Neil Cavuto in a touching interview on Monday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In sort of a rerun of a superhero movie, a woman claims that she was saved by a 'superman' when the deadly tornadoes hit the US state of Kentucky. The woman, Autumn Kirks, was working at the Mayfield candle factory, when the tornadoes struck.

In sort of a rerun of a superhero movie, a woman claims that she was saved by a 'superman' when the deadly tornadoes hit the US state of Kentucky. The woman, Autumn Kirks, was working at the Mayfield candle factory, when the tornadoes struck. Kirks lost her boyfriend Lannis Ward in the natural calamity. Also Read: US waitress gets fired for refusing to share $4,400 tip with restaurant The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100 with many still missing as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated this was the deadliest tornado event in the state's history. To meet the demands for the Christmas holiday, the candle factory was operating "24/7". When the tornadoes hit, the woman and three others got trapped in the hallway under a concrete wall before it was lifted by an unidentified man, who brought everyone to safety. Kirks called the unidentified man as "superman". Also Read: ‘Worst choice ever’: Time magazine faces backlash for naming Elon Musk 'Person of the Year’ for 2021 If not for him, Kirks, said, "I feel like I would probably still be under that wall. I don’t know who he was. I wish I did, so I could thank him. We got to safety because of him." Kirks gave the account of the incident to Fox News host Neil Cavuto in a touching interview on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

When deadly tornadoes hit US state, woman claims 'superman' saved her life

The Joe Biden administration 'censored' Taiwan at the Summit For Democracies. A Taiwanese minister's video was 'cut off' for showing a map with China and Taiwan in different shades. Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: US censors Taiwan at Summit for Democracies

A 'monstrous' tornado struck Kentucky over the weekend, destroying everything that stood in its way. More than 80 people have died, thousands have been displaced. Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: 'Deadliest' tornado hits Kentucky

Victims of jailed former US national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar are to receive $380 million after reaching a settlement with USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic committee.

Larry Nassar sexual abuse victims reach $380 mn settlement with USA Gymnastics

In a bizarre incident, a waitress was fired after she refused to share a hefty tip of $4,400 with the restaurant she was working with in&nbsp;the United States recently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The waitress, Ryan Brandt, was working at Oven and Tap in Bentonville, Arkansas when some generous customers at a table gave her the tip or collective gratuity of $4,400, reported KNWA. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-kentucky-tallying-the-grim-scale-of-destruction-436692" hreflang="en">In Kentucky, tallying the grim scale of destruction</a>

Grant Wise, a diner at the eatery, said, “It was an incredible thing to do, and to see her reaction was awesome, to see what that meant to her, the impact that it’s had on her life already.” &nbsp;

Brandt said, “I was told that I have to give the cash over to my shift manager, and I would be taking home 20%.” &nbsp;

In over three years on the job, she said that she was never asked to split tips with others. &nbsp;

“It was devastating. I borrowed a significant amount for student loans. Most of them were turned off because of the pandemic, but they’re turning back on in January, and that’s a harsh reality,” Brandt said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-us-air-force-personnel-removed-for-refusing-to-take-covid-19-vaccine-436725" hreflang="en">27 US Air Force personnel removed for refusing to take COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Finally, Brandt got the tip money but was fired for what the restaurant said was a breach of policy. &nbsp;

In a statement over the incident to KNWA, Oven and Top said that out of respect to employees, they will not discuss the details of a termination. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a waitress was fired after she refused to share a hefty tip of $4,400 with the restaurant she was working with in the United States recently.

In a bizarre incident, a waitress was fired after she refused to share a hefty tip of $4,400 with the restaurant she was working with in the United States recently. The waitress, Ryan Brandt, was working at Oven and Tap in Bentonville, Arkansas when some generous customers at a table gave her the tip or collective gratuity of $4,400, reported KNWA. Also Read: In Kentucky, tallying the grim scale of destruction Grant Wise, a diner at the eatery, said, “It was an incredible thing to do, and to see her reaction was awesome, to see what that meant to her, the impact that it’s had on her life already.” Brandt said, “I was told that I have to give the cash over to my shift manager, and I would be taking home 20%.” In over three years on the job, she said that she was never asked to split tips with others. “It was devastating. I borrowed a significant amount for student loans. Most of them were turned off because of the pandemic, but they’re turning back on in January, and that’s a harsh reality,” Brandt said. Also Read: 27 US Air Force personnel removed for refusing to take COVID-19 vaccine Finally, Brandt got the tip money but was fired for what the restaurant said was a breach of policy. In a statement over the incident to KNWA, Oven and Top said that out of respect to employees, they will not discuss the details of a termination. (With inputs from agencies)

US waitress gets fired for refusing to share $4,400 tip with restaurant

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US will strengthen its military and economic ties with Asian allies to counter China's growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

Blinken stated that the Biden administration is committed to maintaining regional peace and prosperity, and that it will do so by strengthening US alliances, developing new ties, and ensuring that the US military maintains "its competitive advantage."

Blinken urged China to stop "aggressive measures" in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington looks to strengthen allies against Beijing.&nbsp;

"Threats are evolving, our security approach has to evolve with them. To do that, we will lean on our greatest strength: our alliances and partnerships," Blinken said in a speech in Indonesia, outlining the administration’s Indo-Pacific plans.&nbsp;

"We’ll adopt a strategy that more closely weaves together all our instruments of national power – diplomacy, military, intelligence – with those of our allies and partners," he said.

According to him, this will entail connecting US and Asian defence companies, consolidating supply chains, and working on technical innovation.&nbsp;

China claims practically the whole resource-rich South China Sea, with four Southeast Asian states and Taiwan making conflicting claims.

Beijing has been accused of deploying anti-ship and anti-surface-to-air missiles in the area, despite a 2016 international tribunal judgement declaring Beijing's historical claim to most of the waters to be unfounded.

Washington also wants to preserve "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," according to Blinken.

Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US will strengthen its military and economic ties with Asian allies to counter China's growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US will strengthen its military and economic ties with Asian allies to counter China's growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Blinken stated that the Biden administration is committed to maintaining regional peace and prosperity, and that it will do so by strengthening US alliances, developing new ties, and ensuring that the US military maintains "its competitive advantage." Blinken urged China to stop "aggressive measures" in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington looks to strengthen allies against Beijing. "Threats are evolving, our security approach has to evolve with them. To do that, we will lean on our greatest strength: our alliances and partnerships," Blinken said in a speech in Indonesia, outlining the administration’s Indo-Pacific plans. "We’ll adopt a strategy that more closely weaves together all our instruments of national power – diplomacy, military, intelligence – with those of our allies and partners," he said. According to him, this will entail connecting US and Asian defence companies, consolidating supply chains, and working on technical innovation. China claims practically the whole resource-rich South China Sea, with four Southeast Asian states and Taiwan making conflicting claims. Beijing has been accused of deploying anti-ship and anti-surface-to-air missiles in the area, despite a 2016 international tribunal judgement declaring Beijing's historical claim to most of the waters to be unfounded. Washington also wants to preserve "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," according to Blinken. Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

Stop 'aggressive actions' in the Indo-Pacific: US warns China

In the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, USA gymnastics & US Olympic committee reach a settlement with multiple victims of Nassar.

Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal: USA gymnastics & US Olympic committee reach a settlement

Due to COVID19 concerns, the US urges its citizens to avoid travel plans to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius. It has also classified 84 destinations at level 4.

COVID-19: the US urges citizens to avoid travel to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius

With new US sanctions denting Communist Cuba's economy, recovery hopes for the nation seemed grim. Cuba's economy had declined 10.9% in 2020.

Communist-run country Cuba struggling to recover from economic crisis

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi presented state draft budget. Iran is eyeing an increase in oil sales despite sanctions from the US. The draft budget has to be passed by the parliament.

Iran: President Raisi presents draft state budget

As situation worsens with the coming of new Covid variant, the US on Sunday reached 800,000 deaths due to the deadly virus, says a Reuters tally. The US is also struggling in its fights with Covid as there can be a potential new wave of infections.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of this year, the US has recorded over 450,000 deaths due to Covid. This is 57 per cent of all US deaths so far.&nbsp;

US government’s leading infectious diseases official, Anthony Fauci urged Americans to get &nbsp;a Covid-19 booster shot. Fauci has said that an extra shot provides “optimal” protection against Omicron.&nbsp;

While speaking on ABC news, he said, "Preliminary data show that when you get a booster, for example a third shot of an mRNA, it raises the level of protection high enough that it then does do well against the Omicron."

As per health experts, most deaths recorded this year were in unvaccinated people.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerning-situation-covid-cases-surge-in-the-us-and-uk-amid-concerns-of-a-new-wave-436022">Also read |&nbsp;'Deeply concerning situation': Covid cases surge in the US and UK amid concerns of a new wave</a>

US deaths jumped from 600,000 to 700,000 in a little over 100 days. Also, the next 100,000 deaths&nbsp;took just 73 days, reports Reuters.

As of now, the US has the highest number of reported Covid deaths. It is then followed by Brazil and India. Also, the country will soon surpass 50 million cases.

While the newly emerged Omicron variant is taking over the US, the Delta variant still accounts for more than 99 per cent of all US cases.

Earlier, Fauci said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand the full severity of the Omicron variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

As situation worsens with the coming of new Covid variant, the US on Sunday reached 800,000 deaths due to the deadly virus, says a Reuters tally. The US is also struggling in its fights with Covid as there can be a potential new wave of infections.

As situation worsens with the coming of new Covid variant, the US on Sunday reached 800,000 deaths due to the deadly virus, says a Reuters tally. The US is also struggling in its fights with Covid as there can be a potential new wave of infections. Since the beginning of this year, the US has recorded over 450,000 deaths due to Covid. This is 57 per cent of all US deaths so far. US government’s leading infectious diseases official, Anthony Fauci urged Americans to get a Covid-19 booster shot. Fauci has said that an extra shot provides “optimal” protection against Omicron. While speaking on ABC news, he said, "Preliminary data show that when you get a booster, for example a third shot of an mRNA, it raises the level of protection high enough that it then does do well against the Omicron." As per health experts, most deaths recorded this year were in unvaccinated people. Also read | 'Deeply concerning situation': Covid cases surge in the US and UK amid concerns of a new wave US deaths jumped from 600,000 to 700,000 in a little over 100 days. Also, the next 100,000 deaths took just 73 days, reports Reuters. As of now, the US has the highest number of reported Covid deaths. It is then followed by Brazil and India. Also, the country will soon surpass 50 million cases. While the newly emerged Omicron variant is taking over the US, the Delta variant still accounts for more than 99 per cent of all US cases. Earlier, Fauci said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand the full severity of the Omicron variant. (With inputs from agencies)

As US Covid deaths reach 800,000, Fauci urges people to get booster shots

A 3,500-year-old clay tablet bearing a portion of the Epic of Gilgamesh that was looted from an Iraqi museum 30 years ago and recently recovered from the United States was formally returned to Iraq. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you the story of this tablet.

The West Asia Post: Looted Gilgamesh tablet back in Iraq

Recently, more than 30 tornadoes have ripped across the six US states. WION tells you how are these tornadoes formed and when do they become devastating.

How are tornadoes formed and when do they become devastating?

Multiple tornadoes have ripped across six of the US states in a Stormfront that killed dozens and tore apart a candle factory, crushed a nursing home, derailed a train, and smashed an Amazon warehouse.

US: Tornadoes hit six state including Kentucky, Illinois

One person has been killed and at least 13 have been injured after another shooting incident took place in Texas, US. The incident took place when a gunman inside a vehicle started firing on a crowd gathered at&nbsp;vigil at around 6:40 pm.

Nearly 50 people were gathered for a celebration in Baytown, which is about 25 miles west of Houston.&nbsp;

Speaking to the Associated Press, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "Right as they were releasing the balloons up into the air was when the vehicle came. Almost at that exact time is when they opened fire into a crowd."

He further explained that one of the injured person was taken to a hospital by helicopter. One among the injured is also said to be a child.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: "Maybe 20 to 30 shots" 
 
One person is dead and at least 7 others injured after a suspect fires into a crowd in Baytown, according to HCSO. The large crowd was holding a vigil for a man recently murdered. 
 
Hear from a witness on <a href="https://twitter.com/abc13houston?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abc13houston</a> at 10 p.m. <a href="https://t.co/3ABflN1msl">pic.twitter.com/3ABflN1msl</a>
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The police has not disclosed any more information as of now.&nbsp;

Shooting incidents have become too common in Texas. Earlier in October, a Texas deputy was shot dead and two of his colleagues were injured, outside a bar. This happened when they were investigating a disturbance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kentucky-tornadoes-likely-killed-more-than-100-says-governor-andy-beshear-436395">Also read |&nbsp;Kentucky tornadoes likely killed more than 100, says Governor Andy Beshear</a>

Earlier in the same month, the Timberview High School was targeted by an 18-year-old who opened fire in the school premises after a fight broke out in the school.&nbsp;

The shooter was identified as Timothy George Simpkins. The school was immediately put under a lockdown after the horrifying incident took place.

(With inputs from agencies)

One person has been killed and at least 13 have been injured after another shooting incident took place in Texas, US. The incident took place when a gunman inside a vehicle started firing on a crowd gathered at vigil at around 6:40 pm.

One person has been killed and at least 13 have been injured after another shooting incident took place in Texas, US. The incident took place when a gunman inside a vehicle started firing on a crowd gathered at vigil at around 6:40 pm. Nearly 50 people were gathered for a celebration in Baytown, which is about 25 miles west of Houston. Speaking to the Associated Press, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "Right as they were releasing the balloons up into the air was when the vehicle came. Almost at that exact time is when they opened fire into a crowd." He further explained that one of the injured person was taken to a hospital by helicopter. One among the injured is also said to be a child. #BREAKING: "Maybe 20 to 30 shots" One person is dead and at least 7 others injured after a suspect fires into a crowd in Baytown, according to HCSO. The large crowd was holding a vigil for a man recently murdered. Hear from a witness on @abc13houston at 10 p.m. pic.twitter.com/3ABflN1msl — Brooke Taylor (@ABC13Brooke) December 13, 2021 × The police has not disclosed any more information as of now. Shooting incidents have become too common in Texas. Earlier in October, a Texas deputy was shot dead and two of his colleagues were injured, outside a bar. This happened when they were investigating a disturbance. Also read | Kentucky tornadoes likely killed more than 100, says Governor Andy Beshear Earlier in the same month, the Timberview High School was targeted by an 18-year-old who opened fire in the school premises after a fight broke out in the school. The shooter was identified as Timothy George Simpkins. The school was immediately put under a lockdown after the horrifying incident took place. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 1 dead, 13 injured after gunman opens fire at vigil in Texas

Visuals from the aftermath of Tornadoes emerge. A trail of destruction that battered several US states have now claimed over 100 lives.

Tornadoes leave a trail of destruction in US states as fatalities rise over 100

In a protest against China's human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region, Top Japanese officials are likely to skip Beijing Winter Olympics.

Japan likely to join US, Australia, UK & Canada in boycotting Beijing Winter Olympics diplomatically

To honour the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington city council has decided to change the name of the street in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy. It will be now called 'Jamal Kashaoggi Way.'

The council bill stated, "Through his journalism, Jamal Khashoggi was a fierce advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By designating the street fronting the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia after Jamal Khashoggi, the District is creating a memorial in his honor that cannot be covered up or repressed."

The decision came after the council voted unanimously. As a part of the process, the bill from the council will be signed by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. Also, it is not expected to see any sort of objection US Congress, which reviews all legislation from the US capital city government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-the-suspects-of-jamal-khashoggis-murder-arrested-in-france-reports-434932">Also read |&nbsp;One of the suspects of Jamal Khashoggi's murder arrested in France: Reports</a>

Khashoggi was a prominent journalist who was based in the US in self-exile. He was strangled to death by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and his body was later dismembered.&nbsp;

His body was never retrieved.

He had gone to the consulate on October 2, 2018, to finish up paperwork that was required to marry his fiancee. Since then, the authorities have been hunting for his murderers.&nbsp;

In the latest development, a key suspect in the murder was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Khalid Alotaibi was arrested at the airport while he was, reportedly, gearing up to fly to Saudi Arabia. However, it was later declared that it was a case of mistaken identity.

(With inputs from agencies)

To honour the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington city council has decided to change the name of the street in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy.

To honour the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington city council has decided to change the name of the street in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy. It will be now called 'Jamal Kashaoggi Way.' The council bill stated, "Through his journalism, Jamal Khashoggi was a fierce advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By designating the street fronting the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia after Jamal Khashoggi, the District is creating a memorial in his honor that cannot be covered up or repressed." The decision came after the council voted unanimously. As a part of the process, the bill from the council will be signed by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. Also, it is not expected to see any sort of objection US Congress, which reviews all legislation from the US capital city government. Also read | One of the suspects of Jamal Khashoggi's murder arrested in France: Reports Khashoggi was a prominent journalist who was based in the US in self-exile. He was strangled to death by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and his body was later dismembered. His body was never retrieved. He had gone to the consulate on October 2, 2018, to finish up paperwork that was required to marry his fiancee. Since then, the authorities have been hunting for his murderers. In the latest development, a key suspect in the murder was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Khalid Alotaibi was arrested at the airport while he was, reportedly, gearing up to fly to Saudi Arabia. However, it was later declared that it was a case of mistaken identity. (With inputs from agencies)

US to change name of street in front of Saudi embassy to 'Jamal Khashoggi Way'

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