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WION Dispatch: Why coronavirus cases surged in US

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Canada handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the faltering U.S. effort.

Canada - with a population one-tenth the size of the United States - has so far recorded 8,711 deaths and 106,167 cases and Trudeau said the situation was stabilizing, although some hot spots remained.

In contrast, the United States has recorded more than 3 million cases and 131,336 deaths. Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks.

"We were able to control the virus better than many of our allies, particularly including our neighbor," Trudeau told a briefing, saying Canada's success would help efforts to restart the economy.

Canada and the United States have blocked nonessential travel between the two nations since March and are discussing whether to extend the ban when it expires on July 21.

Canadian health officials said the death toll could hit 8,900 by July 17.

Deputy Chief public health officer Howard Njoo said the outbreak was largely under control, while stressing measures such as contact tracing and quarantine would still be essential.

"If we relax too much or too soon, the epidemic will most likely rebound, with explosive growth as a distinct possibility," he told a separate news conference.

Although Trudeau's relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have been good over the last 18 months, he skipped a Washington meeting on Wednesday to herald the start of a new continental trade agreement with the United States and Mexico.

Trudeau, who would have had to enter a 14-day quarantine period on his return, repeated concerns about the possible imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports of aluminum. 
&nbsp;

Canada handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the faltering U.

Canada handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the faltering U.S. effort. Canada - with a population one-tenth the size of the United States - has so far recorded 8,711 deaths and 106,167 cases and Trudeau said the situation was stabilizing, although some hot spots remained. In contrast, the United States has recorded more than 3 million cases and 131,336 deaths. Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks. "We were able to control the virus better than many of our allies, particularly including our neighbor," Trudeau told a briefing, saying Canada's success would help efforts to restart the economy. Canada and the United States have blocked nonessential travel between the two nations since March and are discussing whether to extend the ban when it expires on July 21. Canadian health officials said the death toll could hit 8,900 by July 17. Deputy Chief public health officer Howard Njoo said the outbreak was largely under control, while stressing measures such as contact tracing and quarantine would still be essential. "If we relax too much or too soon, the epidemic will most likely rebound, with explosive growth as a distinct possibility," he told a separate news conference. Although Trudeau's relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have been good over the last 18 months, he skipped a Washington meeting on Wednesday to herald the start of a new continental trade agreement with the United States and Mexico. Trudeau, who would have had to enter a 14-day quarantine period on his return, repeated concerns about the possible imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports of aluminum.

Canada handled the coronavirus outbreak better than US: Trudeau

&nbsp;The US&nbsp;Supreme Court on Wednesday endorsed a plan by President Donald Trump's administration to give employers broad religious and moral exemptions from a federal mandate that health insurance they provide to their workers includes coverage for women's birth control.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-standoff-pompeo-hits-out-at-aggressive-chinese-action-at-galwan-says-us-europe-serious-about-threat-311748" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Pompeo hits out at 'aggressive' Chinese action at Galwan, says US, Europe 'serious' about threat</a>

The court ruled 7-2 against the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which challenged the legality of Trump's 2018 rule weakening the so-called contraceptive mandate of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare. Christian conservatives, a key constituency for Trump as he seeks re-election on Nov. 3, had strongly opposed the Obamacare mandate.

The federal government has estimated that up to 126,000 women could lose contraception coverage through their employer-provided health insurance under Trump's regulation.

The Obamacare mandate requires employer-provided health insurance to give coverage for birth control with no co-pays. Previously, many employer-provided insurance policies did not offer this coverage. Republicans have sought to repeal Obamacare, signed by Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama in 2010, and Trump's administration has chipped away at it through various actions.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany called the ruling "a big win for religious freedom and freedom of conscience."

"Ensuring that women receive the healthcare they need does not require banishing religious groups that refuse to surrender their beliefs from the public square," McEnany added.

Trump's rule allows any nonprofit or for-profit employer, including publicly traded companies, to seek an exemption on religious grounds. A moral objection can be made by nonprofits and companies that are not publicly traded. The Trump exemption also would be available for religiously affiliated universities that provide health insurance to students.

Writing for the court, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas said Trump's administration "had the statutory authority to craft that exemption, as well as the contemporaneously issued moral exemption."

Liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. "Today, for the first time, the court casts totally aside countervailing rights and interests in its zeal to secure religious rights to the nth degree," Ginsburg wrote.

The court's other two liberal justices, Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer, agreed with the outcome but did not did not sign on to Thomas' opinion. Kagan wrote that the regulations could yet be challenged on other grounds, including that the moral exemption is overly broad, which she said is a "close call."

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, pledged to continue the fight against Trump's regulation.

"Our case is about an overly broad rule that allows the personal beliefs of CEOs to dictate women's guaranteed access to contraceptive medicine," Shapiro said.

&nbsp;

'OVERJOYED'

Rules implemented under Obama exempted religious entities from the mandate. A further accommodation was created for religiously affiliated nonprofit employers, which some groups including the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Roman Catholic order of nuns that was one of the groups seeking an exemption, objected to as not going far enough.

"We are overjoyed that, once again, the Supreme Court has protected our right to serve the elderly without violating our faith," said Mother Loraine Marie Maguire of the Little Sisters.

Groups supporting the contraception mandate criticized the decision.

"Today's ruling has given bosses the power to dictate how their employees can and cannot use their health insurance - allowing them to intrude into their employees' private decisions based on whatever personal beliefs their employers happen to hold," said Lourdes Rivera of the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The legal question was whether Trump's administration had the legal authority to expand the exemption under both the Obamacare law itself and another federal law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which lets people press religious claims against the federal government.

The administration was joined in the litigation by a Pittsburgh affiliate of the Little Sisters. Under a separate court ruling, the group already had an exemption to the mandate.

Thomas wrote that the Little Sisters "have had to fight for the ability to continue in their noble work without violating their sincerely held religious beliefs" and that Trump's rule resolves their concerns.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with Catholic schools in a separate legal dispute with teachers who said they were unlawfully dismissed, ruling that religious institutions like churches and schools are shielded from employment discrimination lawsuits.

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday endorsed a plan by President Donald Trump's administration to give employers broad religious and moral exemptions from a federal mandate that health insurance they provide to their workers includes coverage for women's birth control.

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday endorsed a plan by President Donald Trump's administration to give employers broad religious and moral exemptions from a federal mandate that health insurance they provide to their workers includes coverage for women's birth control. Also read: India-China standoff: Pompeo hits out at 'aggressive' Chinese action at Galwan, says US, Europe 'serious' about threat The court ruled 7-2 against the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which challenged the legality of Trump's 2018 rule weakening the so-called contraceptive mandate of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare. Christian conservatives, a key constituency for Trump as he seeks re-election on Nov. 3, had strongly opposed the Obamacare mandate. The federal government has estimated that up to 126,000 women could lose contraception coverage through their employer-provided health insurance under Trump's regulation. The Obamacare mandate requires employer-provided health insurance to give coverage for birth control with no co-pays. Previously, many employer-provided insurance policies did not offer this coverage. Republicans have sought to repeal Obamacare, signed by Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama in 2010, and Trump's administration has chipped away at it through various actions. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany called the ruling "a big win for religious freedom and freedom of conscience." "Ensuring that women receive the healthcare they need does not require banishing religious groups that refuse to surrender their beliefs from the public square," McEnany added. Trump's rule allows any nonprofit or for-profit employer, including publicly traded companies, to seek an exemption on religious grounds. A moral objection can be made by nonprofits and companies that are not publicly traded. The Trump exemption also would be available for religiously affiliated universities that provide health insurance to students. Writing for the court, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas said Trump's administration "had the statutory authority to craft that exemption, as well as the contemporaneously issued moral exemption." Liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. "Today, for the first time, the court casts totally aside countervailing rights and interests in its zeal to secure religious rights to the nth degree," Ginsburg wrote. The court's other two liberal justices, Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer, agreed with the outcome but did not did not sign on to Thomas' opinion. Kagan wrote that the regulations could yet be challenged on other grounds, including that the moral exemption is overly broad, which she said is a "close call." Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, pledged to continue the fight against Trump's regulation. "Our case is about an overly broad rule that allows the personal beliefs of CEOs to dictate women's guaranteed access to contraceptive medicine," Shapiro said. 'OVERJOYED' Rules implemented under Obama exempted religious entities from the mandate. A further accommodation was created for religiously affiliated nonprofit employers, which some groups including the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Roman Catholic order of nuns that was one of the groups seeking an exemption, objected to as not going far enough. "We are overjoyed that, once again, the Supreme Court has protected our right to serve the elderly without violating our faith," said Mother Loraine Marie Maguire of the Little Sisters. Groups supporting the contraception mandate criticized the decision. "Today's ruling has given bosses the power to dictate how their employees can and cannot use their health insurance - allowing them to intrude into their employees' private decisions based on whatever personal beliefs their employers happen to hold," said Lourdes Rivera of the Center for Reproductive Rights. The legal question was whether Trump's administration had the legal authority to expand the exemption under both the Obamacare law itself and another federal law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which lets people press religious claims against the federal government. The administration was joined in the litigation by a Pittsburgh affiliate of the Little Sisters. Under a separate court ruling, the group already had an exemption to the mandate. Thomas wrote that the Little Sisters "have had to fight for the ability to continue in their noble work without violating their sincerely held religious beliefs" and that Trump's rule resolves their concerns. The Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with Catholic schools in a separate legal dispute with teachers who said they were unlawfully dismissed, ruling that religious institutions like churches and schools are shielded from employment discrimination lawsuits.

US Supreme Court permits broad religious exemption to birth control coverage

The Federal Trade Commission and the US Justice Department are looking into allegations that popular app TikTok did not live up to a 2019 agreement that aimed at protecting children’s privacy. Watch report.

Tiktok Draws U.S. Scrutiny Over Privacy Privacy Groups Accuse Tiktok Over Handling Of Data.

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it is expanding a program to supply repair parts, tools and manuals for iPhones to independent repair shops in 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada.

Apple began the program last year in the United States after years of lobbying against state-level "right to repair" bills that would have compelled it to provide parts to independent shops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090" hreflang="en">CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

Apple has long maintained a network of authorized service providers such as Best Buy Co Inc to perform warranty work, but smaller shops had complained that the program was too costly to join because of high volume commitments, leaving them without access to genuine Apple parts or the software tools needed to perform some repairs.

Apple launched its program for those independent shops last August, making it free to join if technicians complete a training program. Apple said Wednesday that 140 businesses with 700 locations have signed up for the program in the United States. Some of the independent shops, such as uBreakiFix, have multiple locations, while some are sole proprietorships.

"When a customer needs a repair, we want them to have a range of options that not only suits their needs but also guarantees safety and quality so their iPhone can be used for as long as possible," Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/apple-other-us-goods-from-china-held-up-at-indian-ports-308321" hreflang="en">Apple, other US goods from China held up at Indian ports</a>

Under the program, independent shops get access to Apple parts and tools to perform out-of-warranty repairs. They also get Apple parts at the same prices as authorized service centers and can still also use third-party after-market parts and set their own prices. The program only covers iPhones.&nbsp;

Independent shops must inform customers whether they are using genuine Apple parts and send any salvaged Apple parts back to the company, where they are either refurbished or recycled. Apple said it is also creating an online tool to verify whether an independent shop participates in its program.

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it is expanding a program to supply repair parts, tools and manuals for iPhones to independent repair shops in 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada.

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it is expanding a program to supply repair parts, tools and manuals for iPhones to independent repair shops in 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada. Apple began the program last year in the United States after years of lobbying against state-level "right to repair" bills that would have compelled it to provide parts to independent shops. Also read: CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues Apple has long maintained a network of authorized service providers such as Best Buy Co Inc to perform warranty work, but smaller shops had complained that the program was too costly to join because of high volume commitments, leaving them without access to genuine Apple parts or the software tools needed to perform some repairs. Apple launched its program for those independent shops last August, making it free to join if technicians complete a training program. Apple said Wednesday that 140 businesses with 700 locations have signed up for the program in the United States. Some of the independent shops, such as uBreakiFix, have multiple locations, while some are sole proprietorships. "When a customer needs a repair, we want them to have a range of options that not only suits their needs but also guarantees safety and quality so their iPhone can be used for as long as possible," Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement. Also read: Apple, other US goods from China held up at Indian ports Under the program, independent shops get access to Apple parts and tools to perform out-of-warranty repairs. They also get Apple parts at the same prices as authorized service centers and can still also use third-party after-market parts and set their own prices. The program only covers iPhones. Independent shops must inform customers whether they are using genuine Apple parts and send any salvaged Apple parts back to the company, where they are either refurbished or recycled. Apple said it is also creating an online tool to verify whether an independent shop participates in its program.

Apple expands independent repair shop programme to Europe, Canada

Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to demand the removal of confederate statues from various parts of the US. The singer-actor took to Instagram on Monday to demand the removal of the status amid protests across the country.

"A lot of you know I’m from Tennessee...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple," Timberlake wrote in his caption.

He wrote a long caption as he posted a video featuring the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) deputy legal director Jeffrey Robinson. In the video, Robinson can be seen saying the top 10 states with confederate monuments "account for over 4,000 lynchings in 73 years from 1977 to 1950."

"This is when you hear 'But that’s all in the past'. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country," the post further read.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCUKBZeh0Ij/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. ⠀ ⠀ When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple. ⠀ ⠀ This is when you hear “But that’s all in the past”. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country. ⠀ ⠀ There are roughly 1,848 confederate statues of in the US. More than half are in The South, and it’s not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners. ⠀ If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down. But let’s remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country’s vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it’s a step towards progress and actual equality for all. ⠀ ⠀ This video is by @aclu_nationwide, which has been fighting hard to remove these statues across the country. Their Legal Director #JeffreyRobinson has been speaking on this issue for years (you can find more in the link in my bio). Please follow them and learn more about the history of the monuments in your own states and counties.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justintimberlake/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Justin Timberlake</a> (@justintimberlake) on <time datetime="2020-07-06T21:05:02+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 6, 2020 at 2:05pm PDT</time>
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The singer added that there are about " 1,848 confederate statues" still standing in the United States. 
 
"More than half are in The South, and it's not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners," Timberlake wrote. "If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down." 
But let's remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country's vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it's a step towards progress and actual equality for all," Timberlake concluded. 
 
Timberlake joins Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and several other celebrities who have recently been vocal of the racial injustice in America clear. Earlier, singer Faith Hill urged her native state of Mississippi's state legislature to replace its flag featuring the Confederate emblem.

Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to demand the removal of confederate statues from various parts of the US. The singer-actor took to Instagram on Monday to demand the removal of the status amid protests across the country.

Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to demand the removal of confederate statues from various parts of the US. The singer-actor took to Instagram on Monday to demand the removal of the status amid protests across the country. "A lot of you know I’m from Tennessee...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple," Timberlake wrote in his caption. He wrote a long caption as he posted a video featuring the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) deputy legal director Jeffrey Robinson. In the video, Robinson can be seen saying the top 10 states with confederate monuments "account for over 4,000 lynchings in 73 years from 1977 to 1950." "This is when you hear 'But that’s all in the past'. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country," the post further read. View this post on Instagram ...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. ⠀ ⠀ When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple. ⠀ ⠀ This is when you hear “But that’s all in the past”. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country. ⠀ ⠀ There are roughly 1,848 confederate statues of in the US. More than half are in The South, and it’s not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners. ⠀ If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down. But let’s remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country’s vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it’s a step towards progress and actual equality for all. ⠀ ⠀ This video is by @aclu_nationwide, which has been fighting hard to remove these statues across the country. Their Legal Director #JeffreyRobinson has been speaking on this issue for years (you can find more in the link in my bio). Please follow them and learn more about the history of the monuments in your own states and counties. A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Jul 6, 2020 at 2:05pm PDT × The singer added that there are about " 1,848 confederate statues" still standing in the United States. "More than half are in The South, and it's not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners," Timberlake wrote. "If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down." But let's remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country's vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it's a step towards progress and actual equality for all," Timberlake concluded. Timberlake joins Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and several other celebrities who have recently been vocal of the racial injustice in America clear. Earlier, singer Faith Hill urged her native state of Mississippi's state legislature to replace its flag featuring the Confederate emblem.

Justin Timberlake calls for the removal of confederate statues across US

A record 6.5 million people either found jobs or were rehired in May, a government report show

U.S hiring jumps to a record high; New jobs in accommodation, food services

The U.S. has asked foreign students to go home or face deportation. The new visa rule does not allow them to attend online-only courses while residing in America. Chinese & Indians are the worst-hit student groups.

Gravitas: U.S. Orders Foreign Students To Leave

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Harvard University on Tuesday, calling its decision to move all its courses online in the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic "ridiculous."

Donald Trump vs Harvard feud intensifies; 'Give money back to Americans', says Trump

The United States passed another grim coronavirus milestone as the death toll from the virus climbed past 130,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

US deaths cross 1,30,000 mark and experts warn of a second wave of infections

The United States has called for the release of the Chinese professor who was detained in China for criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-detains-law-professor-for-criticising-president-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-pandemic-311076">China detains law professor for criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic</a>

Chinese authorities had detained Xu Zhangrun, a law professor on Monday for writing essays criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic and his efforts to consolidate power.

"We are deeply concerned by the PRC's detention of Professor Xu Zhangrun for criticizing Chinese leaders amid tightening ideological controls on university campuses in China," State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"The PRC must release Xu and uphold its international commitments to respect freedom of expression," she wrote on Twitter.

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In February, Xu published an essay criticising the culture of deception and censorship fostered by Xi for the spread of the coronavirus in China.

He wrote that China's "leader system is itself destroying the structure of governance". He went on to add that the chaos in the virus epicentre of Hubei province reflected systemic problems in the Chinese state. Xu's essay was posted on foreign websites.&nbsp;

Xu is a law professor at Tsinghua University, which is considered as one of the top universities in China. He even spoke against the abolition of presidential term limits in 2018 in an essay that circulated online.&nbsp;

US-China ties have been badly affected due to coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump has outright blamed China for their poor COVID-19 response.&nbsp;

The United States has called for the release of the Chinese professor who was detained in China for criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic. Also read: China detains law professor for criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic Chinese authorities had detained Xu Zhangrun, a law professor on Monday for writing essays criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic and his efforts to consolidate power.

The United States has called for the release of the Chinese professor who was detained in China for criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic. Also read: China detains law professor for criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic Chinese authorities had detained Xu Zhangrun, a law professor on Monday for writing essays criticising President Xi Jinping over coronavirus pandemic and his efforts to consolidate power. "We are deeply concerned by the PRC's detention of Professor Xu Zhangrun for criticizing Chinese leaders amid tightening ideological controls on university campuses in China," State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus said, referring to the People's Republic of China. "The PRC must release Xu and uphold its international commitments to respect freedom of expression," she wrote on Twitter. We are deeply concerned by the PRC’s detention of Professor Xu Zhangrun for criticizing Chinese leaders amid tightening ideological controls on university campuses in China. The PRC must release Xu and uphold its international commitments to respect freedom of expression. — Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) July 7, 2020 × In February, Xu published an essay criticising the culture of deception and censorship fostered by Xi for the spread of the coronavirus in China. He wrote that China's "leader system is itself destroying the structure of governance". He went on to add that the chaos in the virus epicentre of Hubei province reflected systemic problems in the Chinese state. Xu's essay was posted on foreign websites. Xu is a law professor at Tsinghua University, which is considered as one of the top universities in China. He even spoke against the abolition of presidential term limits in 2018 in an essay that circulated online. US-China ties have been badly affected due to coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump has outright blamed China for their poor COVID-19 response.

US urges China to free law professor who criticized Xi Jinping over coronavirus

The United States said Monday it would not allow foreign students to remain in the country if all of their classes are moved online in the fall because of the coronavirus crisis.

US to withdraw visas for Int. students whose classes move online

The United States has announced the withdrawal of visas of foreign students if their classes move fully online. Watch report.

Fineprint: Students must leave US if classes go online, US foreign student law

Firearms sales in America tend to increase when buyers anticipate an influx of new regulations on gun ownership.

US based on history of Racism, classism and discrimination

Paint me freedom: Artists write messages in sky over ICE detention centers

The United States has sent two aircraft carriers into the South China Sea at the same time as China is conducting military exercises in the contested waterway.

US navy sends two aircraft carriers to South China Sea

The US notched over 57,800 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours. The cases are surging even as many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the virus while making extensive alterations to work and social life that could last for a year or more until a vaccine is available.

Four major US states witness record surge in COVID-19 cases

Fast and furious: Countries that rushed to unlock economy now fear second wave of COVID-19

US President Donald Trump claimed&nbsp;"tremendous victory" was at hand against the pandemic on the Fourth of July national holiday, despite a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States. A date before the national holiday, the country witnessed over 50,000 cases with Florida and Texas reporting most of the cases.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-decides-to-go-big-for-july-4-amid-rising-coronavirus-cases-310726">Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases</a>

“It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big,” the president said in a message to the nation. “Our country will be greater than ever before.”

The United States is the worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 2.8 million cases and 130,000 deaths.&nbsp;

However, Trump claimed: “We were doing better than any country had done in history ... and then we got hit with this terrible plague from China and now we’re getting closer to fighting our way out of it.”

“Our country is coming back, our jobs numbers are spectacular, a lot of things are happening that people don’t quite see yet. We’re on our way to a tremendous victory. It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big. Our country will be greater than ever before,” he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-left-wing-cultural-revolution-rails-against-removal-of-statues-at-mount-rushmore-310621">Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore</a>

The Federal jobs did show an increase in numbers, however, experts say that these figures were drawn out from the beginning of economic reopening, before a consequent surge in cases.

Trump took to social media platform Twitter to reassert his claim and wrote: “if we didn’t test so much and so successfully, we would have very few cases”, and said: “In the meantime, deaths and the all important mortality rate goes down.”

According to the health experts, the US mortality rate has fallen due to testing, treatment and the age and health profile of those now being infected. Any increase in mortality would be expected to lag behind a rise in diagnoses.

US President Donald Trump claimed "tremendous victory" was at hand against the pandemic on the Fourth of July national holiday, despite a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States.

US President Donald Trump claimed "tremendous victory" was at hand against the pandemic on the Fourth of July national holiday, despite a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States. A date before the national holiday, the country witnessed over 50,000 cases with Florida and Texas reporting most of the cases. Also read: Trump decides to 'go big' for July 4 amid rising coronavirus cases “It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big,” the president said in a message to the nation. “Our country will be greater than ever before.” The United States is the worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 2.8 million cases and 130,000 deaths. However, Trump claimed: “We were doing better than any country had done in history ... and then we got hit with this terrible plague from China and now we’re getting closer to fighting our way out of it.” “Our country is coming back, our jobs numbers are spectacular, a lot of things are happening that people don’t quite see yet. We’re on our way to a tremendous victory. It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big. Our country will be greater than ever before,” he added. Also read: Trump blasts 'left wing cultural revolution'; rails against removal of statues at Mount Rushmore The Federal jobs did show an increase in numbers, however, experts say that these figures were drawn out from the beginning of economic reopening, before a consequent surge in cases. Trump took to social media platform Twitter to reassert his claim and wrote: “if we didn’t test so much and so successfully, we would have very few cases”, and said: “In the meantime, deaths and the all important mortality rate goes down.” According to the health experts, the US mortality rate has fallen due to testing, treatment and the age and health profile of those now being infected. Any increase in mortality would be expected to lag behind a rise in diagnoses.

Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, US president Donald Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted.

The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar.

The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-forces-destroy-let-camp-at-afghanistan-pakistan-border-310390">Also watch:&nbsp;Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border</a>

On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar.

After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments.

Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021.

So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-concerned-afghan-violence-aimed-at-derailing-peace-talks-310176">Also read:&nbsp;UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks</a>

For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future.

The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time&nbsp;are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies.

Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal."

"I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said.

"The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain."

The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops.

Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran&nbsp;have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression.

Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans.

They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks.

The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal.

McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US.

"They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? 
Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.

"I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said.

Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001.

"Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public --&nbsp;there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said.

The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops.

The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said.

The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US.

The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida.

Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war. It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted. The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar. The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars." Also watch: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar. After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments. Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021. So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint. Also read: UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future. The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies. Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal." "I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said. "The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain." The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops. Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression. Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans. They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks. The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal. McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US. "They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. "I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said. Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001. "Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public -- there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said. The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops. The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said. The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US. The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida. Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan. On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted

After days of record spikes in new COVID-19 cases in the United States, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that it "is way beyond the worst spikes that we have seen."

United States records more than 53,000 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

US President Donald Trump at a press briefing celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% last month, when states began allowing businesses to reopen from strict shutdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump: Jobs report proves US economy 'roaring back'

For the first time, The United States registered more than 50,000 COVID-19 cases in a single day.

US: More than 52,000 cases in last 24 hours

US President Donald Trump held a press conference on July 2 and said that the American economy is doing very well. Watch report.

Fineprint: US economy is doing amazingly well | Donald Trump

The United States and China, world’s mammoth economies are currently fighting on many fronts, including trade and media.

On the one hand is China, known as the pundit of public relations. The country has mastered the use of media to push its propaganda. On the other hand is the United States, fighting this propaganda war. As part of its efforts, the US has designated four Chinese media outlets as foreign missions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-administration-designates-4-more-chinese-media-outlets-as-foreign-missions-307846" hreflang="en">Trump administration designates 4 more Chinese media outlets as 'foreign missions'</a>

According to the US, Beijing has full editorial control over the content, and hence will be treated as embassies. As part of this move, the companies will have to report details of their staff, and also reveal the properties they hold in the US. Currently, at least nine Chinese outlets are under scrutiny.

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China retaliated by imposing sanctions on US media outlets in China including the Associated Press, the National Public Radio, CBS news, and the United Press International News Agency.

These Americans companies will now need to divulge the same details expected of Chinese media outlets.

China’s brainwash game?

To strengthen its front of optics, China conducted media outreach campaigns in every continent. These include journalism exchange and training schemes.

Journalists are called to china on fully-sponsored trips that sometimes last 10 months, mostly those hailing from developing countries.

For instance, one Latin American nation reported that more than 50 journalists went to China on a two-month trip, and all of them belonged mostly to left-leaning publications.

Free content sharing

Chinese state media content, such as Xinhua and CGTN offer stories and videos for free, as part of their content sharing agreements.

They also run paid content in foreign outlets, stories that assert the superiority of the “Chinese way”. Reports say - China has such agreements with at least 25 to 30 media outlets in Afghanistan alone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/all-about-the-optics-chinese-media-goes-full-throttle-to-make-jinping-look-like-a-messiah-306090" hreflang="en">All about the optics: Chinese media goes full-throttle to make Jinping look like a 'messiah'</a>

In Africa, China sells stories that show how Bejing is helping develop the continent.

Journalists in Kenya say that it's refreshing as western media only focuses on African catastrophes.

Acquisitions

China is buying legacy companies or setting up digital joint ventures overseas in a bid to increase media presence and to strengthen scope of acquisitions.

Chinese media presence is higher in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, compared to Latin America and Europe. China's Star Times in Africa has become a dominating satellite television player. In Hong Kong - the South China Morning Post is owned by the Alibaba group.

China daily’s spending in the US has soared from 500,000 USD in 2009 to more than five million USD in 2019.

The United States and China, world’s mammoth economies are currently fighting on many fronts, including trade and media. On the one hand is China, known as the pundit of public relations.

The United States and China, world’s mammoth economies are currently fighting on many fronts, including trade and media. On the one hand is China, known as the pundit of public relations. The country has mastered the use of media to push its propaganda. On the other hand is the United States, fighting this propaganda war. As part of its efforts, the US has designated four Chinese media outlets as foreign missions. Also read: Trump administration designates 4 more Chinese media outlets as 'foreign missions' According to the US, Beijing has full editorial control over the content, and hence will be treated as embassies. As part of this move, the companies will have to report details of their staff, and also reveal the properties they hold in the US. Currently, at least nine Chinese outlets are under scrutiny. China retaliated by imposing sanctions on US media outlets in China including the Associated Press, the National Public Radio, CBS news, and the United Press International News Agency. These Americans companies will now need to divulge the same details expected of Chinese media outlets. China’s brainwash game? To strengthen its front of optics, China conducted media outreach campaigns in every continent. These include journalism exchange and training schemes. Journalists are called to china on fully-sponsored trips that sometimes last 10 months, mostly those hailing from developing countries. For instance, one Latin American nation reported that more than 50 journalists went to China on a two-month trip, and all of them belonged mostly to left-leaning publications. Free content sharing Chinese state media content, such as Xinhua and CGTN offer stories and videos for free, as part of their content sharing agreements. They also run paid content in foreign outlets, stories that assert the superiority of the “Chinese way”. Reports say - China has such agreements with at least 25 to 30 media outlets in Afghanistan alone. Also read: All about the optics: Chinese media goes full-throttle to make Jinping look like a 'messiah' In Africa, China sells stories that show how Bejing is helping develop the continent. Journalists in Kenya say that it's refreshing as western media only focuses on African catastrophes. Acquisitions China is buying legacy companies or setting up digital joint ventures overseas in a bid to increase media presence and to strengthen scope of acquisitions. Chinese media presence is higher in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, compared to Latin America and Europe. China's Star Times in Africa has become a dominating satellite television player. In Hong Kong - the South China Morning Post is owned by the Alibaba group. China daily’s spending in the US has soared from 500,000 USD in 2009 to more than five million USD in 2019.

China's global media spending suggests US concerns about a 'media war' are not unfounded

The coronavirus pandemic will not end anytime soon. People are learning to live with the pandemic began six months ago.

Governments are still hunting for cures. For now, there is no magic bullet. There are existing medicines -- that can cure patients.

But, they are only available to the highest bidder. This story is about remdesivir.

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Remdesivir a drug produced by an American company Gilead. Some studies show that helps patients recover faster. The world has known about remdesivir for several weeks now.

It has the endorsement of America's top disease researcher, Dr Anthony Fauci. Needless to say --- everyone wants it. Especially, the worst affected countries.

But the United States won't let anyone else have it. It has outbid and outmanoeuvred everyone and secured virtually all the stocks of remdesivir for the next months.

&nbsp;It has left nothing for Europe and most of the rest of the world. Remdesivir was the first drug approved by the American licensing authorities.

Gilead, the company that makes the drug, supplied the first one lakh forty thousand doses. It was sent to drug trials around the world.

Now, that supply has been used up.

According to reports, the Trump administration has bought more than five lakh doses now. That is Gilead's entire stock for July and 90 per cent of the supply for August and September.

&nbsp;Is that how is going to be when we find a drug that works? Will the highest bidder get the entire supply of vaccines when one does become available?

The case of remdesivir has exposed how broken the global health care setup is. The cures that the world needs the most.

Are available to those who can pay for it? And remdesivir is not a cheap drug. In the developed world, six doses of the drug costs around 3,200 dollars, according to the American government.

Donald Trump is bringing his America first brand of politics to this pandemic too. Time and again, it has tired to secure supplies and first access to potential cures.

In May, French manufacturer Sanofi had said the United States would get first access to its COVID vaccine because America was first in line to fund its research. Later, the company had to backtrack. After it faced pressure from the French government.&nbsp;

In April, Trump tried to block the export of masks that were made in America. He invoked a law called the Defense Production Act to secure some medical goods and now with remdesivir, America has shown that it wants to have the monopoly over coronavirus drugs and cures. This didn't happen by accident. It has been done by design.

Gilead owns the patent on remdesivir and, only a few companies in the world have the right to make the drug.

Last month, India had approved remdesivir for emergency use. Gilead has tied up with select companies to produce the drug. This is a voluntary licensing agreement where Gilead is sharing its patent with five companies.

They will produce remdesivir for distribution in 127 countries. This includes India. Fewer companies mean limited supply.

The coronavirus has infected more than one crore people across the world. With the limited supply --- there will never be enough doses to go around. A pandemic is not the time to create hindrances through exclusivity. America's approach towards remdesivir echoes how it will behave --- once a vaccine does become available.

World powers must push for a global patent pool now because drug monopolies are weakening the effort to end this pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic will not end anytime soon. People are learning to live with the pandemic began six months ago. Governments are still hunting for cures. For now, there is no magic bullet.

The coronavirus pandemic will not end anytime soon. People are learning to live with the pandemic began six months ago. Governments are still hunting for cures. For now, there is no magic bullet. There are existing medicines -- that can cure patients. But, they are only available to the highest bidder. This story is about remdesivir. Remdesivir a drug produced by an American company Gilead. Some studies show that helps patients recover faster. The world has known about remdesivir for several weeks now. It has the endorsement of America's top disease researcher, Dr Anthony Fauci. Needless to say --- everyone wants it. Especially, the worst affected countries. But the United States won't let anyone else have it. It has outbid and outmanoeuvred everyone and secured virtually all the stocks of remdesivir for the next months. It has left nothing for Europe and most of the rest of the world. Remdesivir was the first drug approved by the American licensing authorities. Gilead, the company that makes the drug, supplied the first one lakh forty thousand doses. It was sent to drug trials around the world. Now, that supply has been used up. According to reports, the Trump administration has bought more than five lakh doses now. That is Gilead's entire stock for July and 90 per cent of the supply for August and September. Is that how is going to be when we find a drug that works? Will the highest bidder get the entire supply of vaccines when one does become available? The case of remdesivir has exposed how broken the global health care setup is. The cures that the world needs the most. Are available to those who can pay for it? And remdesivir is not a cheap drug. In the developed world, six doses of the drug costs around 3,200 dollars, according to the American government. Donald Trump is bringing his America first brand of politics to this pandemic too. Time and again, it has tired to secure supplies and first access to potential cures. In May, French manufacturer Sanofi had said the United States would get first access to its COVID vaccine because America was first in line to fund its research. Later, the company had to backtrack. After it faced pressure from the French government. In April, Trump tried to block the export of masks that were made in America. He invoked a law called the Defense Production Act to secure some medical goods and now with remdesivir, America has shown that it wants to have the monopoly over coronavirus drugs and cures. This didn't happen by accident. It has been done by design. Gilead owns the patent on remdesivir and, only a few companies in the world have the right to make the drug. Last month, India had approved remdesivir for emergency use. Gilead has tied up with select companies to produce the drug. This is a voluntary licensing agreement where Gilead is sharing its patent with five companies. They will produce remdesivir for distribution in 127 countries. This includes India. Fewer companies mean limited supply. The coronavirus has infected more than one crore people across the world. With the limited supply --- there will never be enough doses to go around. A pandemic is not the time to create hindrances through exclusivity. America's approach towards remdesivir echoes how it will behave --- once a vaccine does become available. World powers must push for a global patent pool now because drug monopolies are weakening the effort to end this pandemic.

Coronavirus crisis: United States buys 90 per cent of Remdesivir stock

Dr Anthony Fauci said coronavirus cases could grow to 100,000 a day in the US if Americans don't start following public health recommendations.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says US could reach 100,000 new cases a day

By Arie Perliger

As US&nbsp;politics heat up in advance of the November election, it’s not surprising that extremist groups across the political spectrum are becoming more active and engaged in acts of political violence.

A growing number of scholars and policymakers suggest this problem should be dealt with by designating violent groups as “domestic terrorist” organizations.

Like most students of American extremism, I agree that some members of domestic extremist groups do engage in terrorist acts – using violence to spread fear among targeted groups of people, with the aim of promoting political objectives. Nonetheless, as someone who has studied democracies’ response to domestic terrorism for almost 20 years, I believe that legally designating domestic extremist groups as terrorist organizations will have limited benefits, if any at all.

What is domestic terrorism 
 
There is not a formal legal definition of a domestic terrorist group, the way there is for international terrorism.

A federal law and a presidential executive order allow the government to designate groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Most scholars agree that some American far-right groups are involved in foreign conflicts, and others communicate with foreign groups. But that is not enough to be considered a foreign organization: American extremists do not have permanent logistical, operational and leadership apparatus abroad.

The law, or the executive order, could be revised or replaced in ways that would cover U.S.-based groups.

But the real problem is that designating specific groups as terrorists doesn’t actually curb terrorism.

Too little organization 
 
Many acts of far-right violence are perpetrated by individuals, not organized groups. These people may be loosely associated with, or perhaps supporters or online followers of, far-right movements. But they usually operate independently, without help or involvement from others. My research has shown that in many cases, the acts of violence aren’t even planned in advance.

In any case, the two major contemporary extremist movements which attracted calls to designate them as terrorist organizations, the “boogaloo” movement on the right and antifa on the left, both lack any hierarchy or central coordination and, therefore, don’t fit the criteria of a formal organization.

No real effect on operations 
 
There are several organizations that the U.S. has designated as “terrorists” over the years – including Hamas, Hezbollah, FARC, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Islamic State group and its affiliates. Being named to the list subjects a group and its supporters to certain legal, administrative and financial sanctions: Americans who give them money, for instance, can be imprisoned. Non-Americans who are deemed members can be deported from the U.S. or denied permission to enter the country. Banks can be ordered to seize the group’s funds.

Despite decades on the list, though, many of these groups are still flourishing. Some are even powerful enough to be dominant political movements in their regions or hold territory outside the control of national governments.

Others of these groups appear to have disappeared, but really didn’t. Kahane Chai, for instance, was an Israeli organization that advocated violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in order to ensure Jewish control of what its members considered part of the Jewish homeland. The U.S. State Department designated it a terrorist group in 1997. Kahane Chai is no longer operating, but many of its members are active in other associations, promoting a similar ideology and engaging in violence.

Similar dynamics are also visible among American extremist movements. In my book on the American far right, I explain that after the Aryan Nations, the most prominent white supremacy group of its time, collapsed in the late 1990s, most of its members dispersed and joined other organizations. The American far-right community was largely unaffected.

Also in the late 1990s, many states passed anti-militia laws, seeking to limit the American militia movement in the wake of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh, who was linked to the Michigan Militia and similar groups in Arizona. The state laws banned people from gathering to practice military-style training, and had a limited effect for about a decade. But in the last 15 years, a second wave of militias has emerged, which actually seems to be more popular, more organized and more capable of mobilizing members than their predecessors.

Most domestic groups remain decentralized, small and without formal structure, even if they coordinate with like-minded people online. The few groups that are more organized tend to split, merge or change their names frequently. In my view, that’s too fragmented a situation for any formal terrorist designation to have much use. A better solution would be to advance policies that can slow political polarization and counter the development of extremist beliefs in the first place.

(Arie Perliger is Director of Security Studies and Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-domestic-terrorist-designation-wont-stop-extremism-141258">original article</a>) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Arie Perliger As US politics heat up in advance of the November election, it’s not surprising that extremist groups across the political spectrum are becoming more active and engaged in acts of political violence.

By Arie Perliger As US politics heat up in advance of the November election, it’s not surprising that extremist groups across the political spectrum are becoming more active and engaged in acts of political violence. A growing number of scholars and policymakers suggest this problem should be dealt with by designating violent groups as “domestic terrorist” organizations. Like most students of American extremism, I agree that some members of domestic extremist groups do engage in terrorist acts – using violence to spread fear among targeted groups of people, with the aim of promoting political objectives. Nonetheless, as someone who has studied democracies’ response to domestic terrorism for almost 20 years, I believe that legally designating domestic extremist groups as terrorist organizations will have limited benefits, if any at all. What is domestic terrorism There is not a formal legal definition of a domestic terrorist group, the way there is for international terrorism. A federal law and a presidential executive order allow the government to designate groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Most scholars agree that some American far-right groups are involved in foreign conflicts, and others communicate with foreign groups. But that is not enough to be considered a foreign organization: American extremists do not have permanent logistical, operational and leadership apparatus abroad. The law, or the executive order, could be revised or replaced in ways that would cover U.S.-based groups. But the real problem is that designating specific groups as terrorists doesn’t actually curb terrorism. Too little organization Many acts of far-right violence are perpetrated by individuals, not organized groups. These people may be loosely associated with, or perhaps supporters or online followers of, far-right movements. But they usually operate independently, without help or involvement from others. My research has shown that in many cases, the acts of violence aren’t even planned in advance. In any case, the two major contemporary extremist movements which attracted calls to designate them as terrorist organizations, the “boogaloo” movement on the right and antifa on the left, both lack any hierarchy or central coordination and, therefore, don’t fit the criteria of a formal organization. No real effect on operations There are several organizations that the U.S. has designated as “terrorists” over the years – including Hamas, Hezbollah, FARC, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Islamic State group and its affiliates. Being named to the list subjects a group and its supporters to certain legal, administrative and financial sanctions: Americans who give them money, for instance, can be imprisoned. Non-Americans who are deemed members can be deported from the U.S. or denied permission to enter the country. Banks can be ordered to seize the group’s funds. Despite decades on the list, though, many of these groups are still flourishing. Some are even powerful enough to be dominant political movements in their regions or hold territory outside the control of national governments. Others of these groups appear to have disappeared, but really didn’t. Kahane Chai, for instance, was an Israeli organization that advocated violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in order to ensure Jewish control of what its members considered part of the Jewish homeland. The U.S. State Department designated it a terrorist group in 1997. Kahane Chai is no longer operating, but many of its members are active in other associations, promoting a similar ideology and engaging in violence. Similar dynamics are also visible among American extremist movements. In my book on the American far right, I explain that after the Aryan Nations, the most prominent white supremacy group of its time, collapsed in the late 1990s, most of its members dispersed and joined other organizations. The American far-right community was largely unaffected. Also in the late 1990s, many states passed anti-militia laws, seeking to limit the American militia movement in the wake of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh, who was linked to the Michigan Militia and similar groups in Arizona. The state laws banned people from gathering to practice military-style training, and had a limited effect for about a decade. But in the last 15 years, a second wave of militias has emerged, which actually seems to be more popular, more organized and more capable of mobilizing members than their predecessors. Most domestic groups remain decentralized, small and without formal structure, even if they coordinate with like-minded people online. The few groups that are more organized tend to split, merge or change their names frequently. In my view, that’s too fragmented a situation for any formal terrorist designation to have much use. A better solution would be to advance policies that can slow political polarization and counter the development of extremist beliefs in the first place. (Arie Perliger is Director of Security Studies and Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

The ‘domestic terrorist’ designation won’t stop extremism

The war in Syria is entering its tenth year and there seems to be no end to Syrians grief and pain from the ravaging violence. The war has resulted in an unprecedented food crisis and crumbling infrastructure.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-bans-chinese-apps-what-does-the-decision-mean-for-beijing-309734" hreflang="en">India bans Chinese apps: What does the decision mean for Beijing?</a>

As the Syrians continue to live in fear and despair, the coronavirus pandemic has further wreaked havoc in the country, as the health sector is in tatters.&nbsp;

In an attempt to help Syria, over 60 governments and NGOs will attend a meeting lead by the European Union as the United Nations have sought 10 billion dollars for the country to fight the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
This is the tenth year of conflict and armed struggle in Syria. A fire fed by international actors and local groups. One of the deadliest in the century. The conflict broke out when Syrians took to the streets on March 15, 2011.

They were protesting against the government of President Bashar Al Assad. In response, the government launched a brutal crackdown. Rebel groups took shape turning a protest into a civil war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/source-very-very-important-who-will-send-expert-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19s-origin-309694" hreflang="en">‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin</a>

By June 2013, 90 thousand people had been killed. International forces intervened and thus began a war which has killed over 380,000 people. And triggered the biggest refugee crisis since World War II.

The war divided global players. Russia and Iran back President Assad. The United States and Turkey support different rebel groups. Caught in the crossfire are the people of Syria.

More than 5.6 million people have fled the country and become international refugees. More than 6.5 million have been displaced internally. 9.3 million Syrians are fighting hunger.

70 per cent of the population doesn't have access to drinking water. Millions of children are out of school. Food prices have soared more than 200 per cent.

The World Health Organisation says over 90 per cent of the Syrian population lives on less than $2 a day making it one of the poorest countries in the world.

The so-called Islamic state tried to exploit the chaos. And declared a caliphate in 2014. Years of fighting have pushed them out of their last strongholds like Idlib.&nbsp;

But innocent Syrians have been collateral damage. The United Nations says there's evidence that all sides were guilty of war crimes including murder, torture and rape.

The Assad govt has been accused of using chemical weapons against its people. In 2013, the Sarin gas was used in Damascus, killing hundreds of people.&nbsp;

In 2014, chlorine was used. The ISIS has been accused of using sulphur mustard. Airstrikes have turned entire cities into ghost towns.&nbsp;

Nine years and counting, Syria remains caught in a deadly cycle of failed peace talks and proxy wars.&nbsp;

The war in Syria is entering its tenth year and there seems to be no end to Syrians grief and pain from the ravaging violence. The war has resulted in an unprecedented food crisis and crumbling infrastructure.

The war in Syria is entering its tenth year and there seems to be no end to Syrians grief and pain from the ravaging violence. The war has resulted in an unprecedented food crisis and crumbling infrastructure. Also read: India bans Chinese apps: What does the decision mean for Beijing? As the Syrians continue to live in fear and despair, the coronavirus pandemic has further wreaked havoc in the country, as the health sector is in tatters. In an attempt to help Syria, over 60 governments and NGOs will attend a meeting lead by the European Union as the United Nations have sought 10 billion dollars for the country to fight the coronavirus pandemic. This is the tenth year of conflict and armed struggle in Syria. A fire fed by international actors and local groups. One of the deadliest in the century. The conflict broke out when Syrians took to the streets on March 15, 2011. They were protesting against the government of President Bashar Al Assad. In response, the government launched a brutal crackdown. Rebel groups took shape turning a protest into a civil war. Also read: ‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin By June 2013, 90 thousand people had been killed. International forces intervened and thus began a war which has killed over 380,000 people. And triggered the biggest refugee crisis since World War II. The war divided global players. Russia and Iran back President Assad. The United States and Turkey support different rebel groups. Caught in the crossfire are the people of Syria. More than 5.6 million people have fled the country and become international refugees. More than 6.5 million have been displaced internally. 9.3 million Syrians are fighting hunger. 70 per cent of the population doesn't have access to drinking water. Millions of children are out of school. Food prices have soared more than 200 per cent. The World Health Organisation says over 90 per cent of the Syrian population lives on less than $2 a day making it one of the poorest countries in the world. The so-called Islamic state tried to exploit the chaos. And declared a caliphate in 2014. Years of fighting have pushed them out of their last strongholds like Idlib. But innocent Syrians have been collateral damage. The United Nations says there's evidence that all sides were guilty of war crimes including murder, torture and rape. The Assad govt has been accused of using chemical weapons against its people. In 2013, the Sarin gas was used in Damascus, killing hundreds of people. In 2014, chlorine was used. The ISIS has been accused of using sulphur mustard. Airstrikes have turned entire cities into ghost towns. Nine years and counting, Syria remains caught in a deadly cycle of failed peace talks and proxy wars.

Syria faces food crisis and crumbling infrastructure due to years of war

The Chicago Pride Parade that traditionally happens the last Sunday in June was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousand participates in march for Pride parade in Chicago

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