Many have tried to bring peace between Israel and Palestine but failed. US President Donald Trump has initiated a plan for peace between the two countries. How is Trump's plan different and efficient from previous who tried? watch Report:

Key takeaways from Trump's West Asia plan

The Maccoux family receive visitors to their beautiful home in a Minneapolis suburb with an infectious warmth that belies the fact their youngest daughter Olivia has had more than 140 brain surgeries, all by the age of 24.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-jerusalem-to-be-undivided-capital-277163" hreflang="en">Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital</a>

Mom Cathy smiles tenderly as she scrolls through photos of Olivia on hospital beds at various ages, from a baby to toddler to a teen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174" hreflang="en">Trump administration files lawsuits against overseas call centers for making fake robocalls</a>

"That's just a hole in her skull from one of the shunts, isn't that crazy?" she says.

And dad, Dan, is close to laughing as he reads from bills sprawled out on a table cataloguing medical costs going back to 1996 including parking tickets and hospital meals.

"Very surprisingly, very few people have a love of records," says the 57-year-old independent consultant in the semiconductor industry.

The family's case is a telling illustration of the flaws of the US health care system, which Democratic candidates for the White House have promised to overhaul or scrap ahead of their first primary contests in February.

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Despite spending the most on health care in the world, 27.5 million Americans are without any health insurance.

And for the "lucky" insured, sky-high costs can lead many to bankruptcy, or as in the case of the Maccoux, indebted for life.

Olivia was born three months early, which is at the root of her misfortunes.

She has a rare condition called hydrocephalus, meaning fluids build up in the cavities of her brain that require valves and catheters to drain down toward the abdomen.

But the devices have needed to be changed dozens of times -- not to say anything of epilepsy she experiences, among several other neurological conditions.

"I grew up with no hair," she says of her childhood.

But the Maccoux family are fortunate in one respect: Dan has a six-figure income and has always had health insurance.

When he worked for a company, his insurance coverage was "gold," he says.

The problem is that in the US, coverage rarely covers 100 per cent of people's needs. The system is largely privatized, and reimbursements to patients depend on negotiations between a hospital or pharmacy and the insurer.

The level of reimbursement varies from case to case. There are different levels of "deductibles" -- the amount paid by the patient before the insurance kicks in, as well as "copays," the fixed amount of out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits or drugs once the deductible has been met.

"It was the copays I think that killed us because we had so many appointments," said Cathy. "We were drowning for a while because it was just constant, constant."

- Advised to divorce -

Dan sat with an AFP team and added up the columns on spreadsheets he has used to calculate costs since 2005, the year he began documenting expenses in detail (before that, he has estimates).

Across a total of 15 years, it came to $100,000 for out-of-pocket costs, $22,000 for prescription co-pays, $15,000 for meals during hospitalization...with provider co-pays and parking threw in, totalling $192,000.

From 1996 to 2004, he estimates the costs were around $130,000 with the two figures combining to around $322,000.

"Considering the catastrophe, we did relatively good," said Dan. "We probably had a couple of dozen times where a provider turned it over to a debt collector and those situations were probably the hardest to deal with."

The house in which they live has served as a piggy bank for their debts: the family has borrowed money by remortgaging it, a permanent financial juggle.

In 2001, their woes multiplied when their second youngest, Traci was diagnosed at the age of 11 with complex regional pain syndrome, a rare affliction that started in her leg and spread to her arms (their eldest, Amanda, is fine).

The family has on occasion turned to GoFundMe to raise money for the two; the platform has become indispensable for Americans trapped in medical debt.

"We've had people tell us you should get a divorce," said Cathy, as a financial strategy. Under this plan, she would have taken custody of the children and, without being employed, would have benefited from public coverage.

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The couple never considered it.

Obamacare, the insurance reforms enacted by former President Barack Obama in 2010, helped the family by removing lifetime caps previously imposed by insurance companies on their payouts.

It also prevented insurers from refusing patients coverage on the basis of having pre-existing conditions&nbsp;something that would have made the family pariahs when Dan left his company and went freelance.

In the last few years, things have improved markedly, said Dan. Olivia and Traci are still sick but have successfully moved to state health insurance, a more comprehensive package that reduces the burden of out-of-pocket costs on the family.

Olivia finished college last year. "Neurologically I'm doing a lot better," she said.

But the system isn't finished yet with the parents. While Obamacare helped the family in some ways, it also sent their insurance premiums soaring. For this year, Dan and Cathy are paying $1,261 a month. Any reimbursements won't kick in until they reach their annual deductible of $6,400 each.

"We all have to laugh," said Dan. While his friends are discussing their retirement plans, "I'm like, I'll never be able to retire!"

The Maccoux family receive visitors to their beautiful home in a Minneapolis suburb with an infectious warmth that belies the fact their youngest daughter Olivia has had more than 140 brain surgeries, all by the age of 24.

The Maccoux family receive visitors to their beautiful home in a Minneapolis suburb with an infectious warmth that belies the fact their youngest daughter Olivia has had more than 140 brain surgeries, all by the age of 24. Also read: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan; Jerusalem to be undivided capital Mom Cathy smiles tenderly as she scrolls through photos of Olivia on hospital beds at various ages, from a baby to toddler to a teen. Also read: Trump administration files lawsuits against overseas call centers for making fake robocalls "That's just a hole in her skull from one of the shunts, isn't that crazy?" she says. And dad, Dan, is close to laughing as he reads from bills sprawled out on a table cataloguing medical costs going back to 1996 including parking tickets and hospital meals. "Very surprisingly, very few people have a love of records," says the 57-year-old independent consultant in the semiconductor industry. The family's case is a telling illustration of the flaws of the US health care system, which Democratic candidates for the White House have promised to overhaul or scrap ahead of their first primary contests in February. × Despite spending the most on health care in the world, 27.5 million Americans are without any health insurance. And for the "lucky" insured, sky-high costs can lead many to bankruptcy, or as in the case of the Maccoux, indebted for life. Olivia was born three months early, which is at the root of her misfortunes. She has a rare condition called hydrocephalus, meaning fluids build up in the cavities of her brain that require valves and catheters to drain down toward the abdomen. But the devices have needed to be changed dozens of times -- not to say anything of epilepsy she experiences, among several other neurological conditions. "I grew up with no hair," she says of her childhood. But the Maccoux family are fortunate in one respect: Dan has a six-figure income and has always had health insurance. When he worked for a company, his insurance coverage was "gold," he says. The problem is that in the US, coverage rarely covers 100 per cent of people's needs. The system is largely privatized, and reimbursements to patients depend on negotiations between a hospital or pharmacy and the insurer. The level of reimbursement varies from case to case. There are different levels of "deductibles" -- the amount paid by the patient before the insurance kicks in, as well as "copays," the fixed amount of out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits or drugs once the deductible has been met. "It was the copays I think that killed us because we had so many appointments," said Cathy. "We were drowning for a while because it was just constant, constant." - Advised to divorce - Dan sat with an AFP team and added up the columns on spreadsheets he has used to calculate costs since 2005, the year he began documenting expenses in detail (before that, he has estimates). Across a total of 15 years, it came to $100,000 for out-of-pocket costs, $22,000 for prescription co-pays, $15,000 for meals during hospitalization...with provider co-pays and parking threw in, totalling $192,000. From 1996 to 2004, he estimates the costs were around $130,000 with the two figures combining to around $322,000. "Considering the catastrophe, we did relatively good," said Dan. "We probably had a couple of dozen times where a provider turned it over to a debt collector and those situations were probably the hardest to deal with." The house in which they live has served as a piggy bank for their debts: the family has borrowed money by remortgaging it, a permanent financial juggle. In 2001, their woes multiplied when their second youngest, Traci was diagnosed at the age of 11 with complex regional pain syndrome, a rare affliction that started in her leg and spread to her arms (their eldest, Amanda, is fine). The family has on occasion turned to GoFundMe to raise money for the two; the platform has become indispensable for Americans trapped in medical debt. "We've had people tell us you should get a divorce," said Cathy, as a financial strategy. Under this plan, she would have taken custody of the children and, without being employed, would have benefited from public coverage. × The couple never considered it. Obamacare, the insurance reforms enacted by former President Barack Obama in 2010, helped the family by removing lifetime caps previously imposed by insurance companies on their payouts. It also prevented insurers from refusing patients coverage on the basis of having pre-existing conditions something that would have made the family pariahs when Dan left his company and went freelance. In the last few years, things have improved markedly, said Dan. Olivia and Traci are still sick but have successfully moved to state health insurance, a more comprehensive package that reduces the burden of out-of-pocket costs on the family. Olivia finished college last year. "Neurologically I'm doing a lot better," she said. But the system isn't finished yet with the parents. While Obamacare helped the family in some ways, it also sent their insurance premiums soaring. For this year, Dan and Cathy are paying $1,261 a month. Any reimbursements won't kick in until they reach their annual deductible of $6,400 each. "We all have to laugh," said Dan. While his friends are discussing their retirement plans, "I'm like, I'll never be able to retire!"

Health care in America: For one family, a $300,000 debt nightmare

Trump's West Asia Plan was rejected by Palestinian leaders before they saw it but the architect of the plan Jared Kushner has said that the different parts of Palestine will be linked using tunnels, bridges and huge highways. Both Kushner and Trump has called this deal as the last chance to bring peace between Israel and Palestine.

Trump's West Asia Plan is the last chance to bring peace, Says Jared Kushner & Trump

Fifty US military personnel have now been diagnosed with shocks and traumatic brain injuries following the Iranian missile attack on US forces in Iraq earlier this month. That's an increase of 16 from late last week when the Pentagon said 34 cases had been diagnosed. Watch report:

50 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries after Iranian missile strike

WION spoke with Political consultant and expert on British politics, Jodie Cohen on Trump's West Asia Plan which indicates that Trump has outrightly handed over Jerusalem to Israel. Watch the video for more information.

Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel

A major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rebuilding-lives-after-earthquake-9">earthquake </a>of 7.7 magnitude struck the <a href="wionews.com/entertainment/adele-and-harry-styles-vacation-in-the-caribbean-as-they-leave-a-massive-tip-of-2020-272453">Caribbean </a>region&nbsp;between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamaicas-toni-ann-singh-clinches-miss-world-2019-title-268319">Jamaica</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-sanctions-sting-cubas-tourism-sector-275724">Cuba</a>, triggering a brief tsunami alert and sending hundreds of people pouring onto the streets of Havana on Tuesday.

The earthquake hit at a depth of 10 kilometres in the sea around 2 pm, 125 kilometres northwest of Lucea, Jamaica according to the United States Geological Survey.

It estimated there was a low likelihood of casualties or damage, and there were no immediate reports of either.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-irma-reduces-caribbean-island-barbuda-to-rubble-19946/amp">Hurricane Irma reduces Caribbean island Barbuda to rubble</a>

Hours later, a 6.1 magnitude aftershock hit off the coast of the Cayman Islands, part of a cluster of more than a dozen aftershocks which were mainly in the four-to-five magnitude range and lasted well into the evening, the USGS said.

<img alt="Caribbean belt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b9d34b0-e244-4f4f-b48d-a91b883c41e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5e3147742030275eea7a7482.jpg" />

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning that there was a threat of tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meter above tide level for the coasts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamaicas-toni-ann-singh-clinches-miss-world-2019-title-268319">Jamaica</a>, Belize, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-sanctions-sting-cubas-tourism-sector-275724">Cuba</a>, Honduras, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/migrants-will-pay-the-price-of-mexicos-tariff-deal-with-trump-226455">Mexico</a> and the Cayman Islands.&nbsp;

But it lifted the alert update about two hours later.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-61-magnitude-quake-shakes-colombian-caribbean-islands-179274">Strong 6.1-magnitude quake shakes Colombian Caribbean islands</a>

The threat of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-still-scared-asia-marks-15-years-since-indian-ocean-tsunami-killed-230000-270361"> tsunami </a>wave had largely passed but minor sea-level fluctuations up to 1 foot were still possible, it said afterwards.

The impact of quakes was hard to predict but the fact that it happened at sea level appeared to have helped,'' according to Don Blakeman, a geophysicist at the National Earthquake Information Center.

"The good news is really that it waved out into the ocean, it would have been a much different story if it had been right in Kingston," he added.

The first, bigger quake rattled several tall buildings in the Cuban capital Havana, which were immediately evacuated.

The earthquake was felt in several provinces including Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba in the east, Cienfuegos in the centre and Havana in the northwest, the official Cubadebate website reported.

But there were no preliminary reports of damage or injuries.

In Miami, police said &nbsp;buildings were being evacuated as a precaution after reports of tremors being felt in some areas of the city. 
&nbsp;

A major earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck the Caribbean region between Jamaica and Cuba, triggering a brief tsunami alert and sending hundreds of people pouring onto the streets of Havana on Tuesday.

A major earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck the Caribbean region between Jamaica and Cuba, triggering a brief tsunami alert and sending hundreds of people pouring onto the streets of Havana on Tuesday. The earthquake hit at a depth of 10 kilometres in the sea around 2 pm, 125 kilometres northwest of Lucea, Jamaica according to the United States Geological Survey. It estimated there was a low likelihood of casualties or damage, and there were no immediate reports of either. Also read: Hurricane Irma reduces Caribbean island Barbuda to rubble Hours later, a 6.1 magnitude aftershock hit off the coast of the Cayman Islands, part of a cluster of more than a dozen aftershocks which were mainly in the four-to-five magnitude range and lasted well into the evening, the USGS said. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning that there was a threat of tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meter above tide level for the coasts of Jamaica, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico and the Cayman Islands. But it lifted the alert update about two hours later. Also read: Strong 6.1-magnitude quake shakes Colombian Caribbean islands The threat of a tsunami wave had largely passed but minor sea-level fluctuations up to 1 foot were still possible, it said afterwards. The impact of quakes was hard to predict but the fact that it happened at sea level appeared to have helped,'' according to Don Blakeman, a geophysicist at the National Earthquake Information Center. "The good news is really that it waved out into the ocean, it would have been a much different story if it had been right in Kingston," he added. The first, bigger quake rattled several tall buildings in the Cuban capital Havana, which were immediately evacuated. The earthquake was felt in several provinces including Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba in the east, Cienfuegos in the centre and Havana in the northwest, the official Cubadebate website reported. But there were no preliminary reports of damage or injuries. In Miami, police said buildings were being evacuated as a precaution after reports of tremors being felt in some areas of the city.

Earthquake of 7.7 magnitude strikes the Caribbean, tsunami warning issued

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill strengthening Washington's support for human rights and environmental protection in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tibetans-retain-power-of-truth-china-exercises-power-of-guns-dalai-lama-270151">Tibet</a>, and advocating sanctions against China if it interferes in the succession of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tibetan-government-passes-resolution-on-reincarnation-of-dalai-lama-254071">Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama</a>.

The bill, Tibet Policy Support Act of 2019, states that if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-increased-influence-in-nepal-led-to-ban-on-dalai-lama-birthday-celebration-us-envoy-257843">Chinese officials</a> interfere in the process of recognizing a successor or reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, they will be subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Also Read:<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dalai-lama-a-monk-in-the-middle-of-two-rival-nations-270442">Dalai Lama: A monk in the middle of two rival nations</a>

Introduced by Congressman James P McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the bill passed with an overwhelming vote of 392-22, reported CNN.

Stating that the US is sending a 'clear signal' to China, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "We are sending Beijing a clear signal that they will be held accountable for interfering in Tibet's religious and cultural affairs. We are making clear that Chinese officials who meddle in the process of recognizing a new Dalai Lama will be subject to targeted sanctions, including those in the Global Magnitsky Act."

"I rise in support of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2019: strong, bipartisan and urgently-needed legislation to strengthen America's commitment to the Tibetan people and their right to safeguard their distinct identity," she added.

Further, she added that this legislation deploys America's diplomatic weight to encourage a genuine dialogue between Tibetan leaders and Beijing.

"It is unacceptable that the Chinese government still refuses to enter into a dialogue with Tibetan leaders," she added.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill strengthening Washington's support for human rights and environmental protection in Tibet, and advocating sanctions against China if it interferes in the succession of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill strengthening Washington's support for human rights and environmental protection in Tibet, and advocating sanctions against China if it interferes in the succession of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The bill, Tibet Policy Support Act of 2019, states that if Chinese officials interfere in the process of recognizing a successor or reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, they will be subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act. Also Read: Dalai Lama: A monk in the middle of two rival nations Introduced by Congressman James P McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the bill passed with an overwhelming vote of 392-22, reported CNN. Stating that the US is sending a 'clear signal' to China, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "We are sending Beijing a clear signal that they will be held accountable for interfering in Tibet's religious and cultural affairs. We are making clear that Chinese officials who meddle in the process of recognizing a new Dalai Lama will be subject to targeted sanctions, including those in the Global Magnitsky Act." "I rise in support of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2019: strong, bipartisan and urgently-needed legislation to strengthen America's commitment to the Tibetan people and their right to safeguard their distinct identity," she added. Further, she added that this legislation deploys America's diplomatic weight to encourage a genuine dialogue between Tibetan leaders and Beijing. "It is unacceptable that the Chinese government still refuses to enter into a dialogue with Tibetan leaders," she added.

US House passes bill to support Tibet, warns sanctions on Chinese officials for interfering in Dalai Lama's succession

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-provided-zero-cooperation-in-epstein-probe-us-prosecutor-276984">Prince Andrew</a> is vexed and baffled over the FBI allegations of ''<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-provided-zero-cooperation-in-epstein-probe-us-prosecutor-276984">zero co-operation'</a>' in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-opens-epstein-linked-rape-abuse-probe-245196">Epstein</a> sex trafficking probe.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">Duke of York </a>claimed that he had not received any request by the investigation agency.

''The Duke is happy to talk but he hasn't been approached by the FBI,'' said a source close to the British royal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-provided-zero-cooperation-in-epstein-probe-us-prosecutor-276984">Prince Andrew provided 'zero cooperation' in Epstein probe: US prosecutor</a>

''The allegations are not true at all. The prince is willing to provide complete assistance to the FBI but it hasn't approached him yet. He is vexed about the way his reputation was&nbsp;being maligned and baffled as to why this was said in New York. It appears that people are jumping to conclusions,'' he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-provided-zero-cooperation-in-epstein-probe-us-prosecutor-276984">Geoffrey Berman</a>, the US prosecutor in charge of the case had accused the prince&nbsp;of providing ''zero cooperation'' in the probe on Monday.

''Till date, he has provided zero co-operation,'' the investigator had said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jeffrey-epstein-how-the-man-with-famous-friends-fell-apart-242546">Jeffrey Epstein: How the man with famous friends fell apart</a>

The prince had said that if required, he was ''willing to co-operate with law enforcement agencies with their investigation''.

A 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein had said that she was forced to be intimate with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-may-loose-armed-protection-in-major-downgrade-of-security-274825">Prince Andrew</a>.

Andrew, 59, had met Epstein in 1999 and said that he did not regret his friendship with the US financier who was arrested in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution.

The Duke of York had to step down from his royal duties after being heavily criticized for his friendship with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-opens-epstein-linked-rape-abuse-probe-245196">Epstein</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-opens-epstein-linked-rape-abuse-probe-245196">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, 66, was a convicted sex offender who killed himself in a jail cell in August during the trail in which sex traffickking and conspiracy charges were being investigated against him. 
&nbsp;

Prince Andrew is vexed and baffled over the FBI allegations of ''zero co-operation'' in the Epstein sex trafficking probe. The Duke of York claimed that he had not received any request by the investigation agency.

Prince Andrew is vexed and baffled over the FBI allegations of ''zero co-operation'' in the Epstein sex trafficking probe. The Duke of York claimed that he had not received any request by the investigation agency. ''The Duke is happy to talk but he hasn't been approached by the FBI,'' said a source close to the British royal. Also read: Prince Andrew provided 'zero cooperation' in Epstein probe: US prosecutor ''The allegations are not true at all. The prince is willing to provide complete assistance to the FBI but it hasn't approached him yet. He is vexed about the way his reputation was being maligned and baffled as to why this was said in New York. It appears that people are jumping to conclusions,'' he added. Geoffrey Berman, the US prosecutor in charge of the case had accused the prince of providing ''zero cooperation'' in the probe on Monday. ''Till date, he has provided zero co-operation,'' the investigator had said. Also see: Jeffrey Epstein: How the man with famous friends fell apart The prince had said that if required, he was ''willing to co-operate with law enforcement agencies with their investigation''. A 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein had said that she was forced to be intimate with Prince Andrew. Andrew, 59, had met Epstein in 1999 and said that he did not regret his friendship with the US financier who was arrested in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution. The Duke of York had to step down from his royal duties after being heavily criticized for his friendship with Epstein. Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was a convicted sex offender who killed himself in a jail cell in August during the trail in which sex traffickking and conspiracy charges were being investigated against him.

Prince Andrew 'vexed' over FBI's allegation of 'zero cooperation'

50 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">US</a> service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">Iraq</a> was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month.

The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.&nbsp;

Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash</a>

31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said.

18 of the total have been sent to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-woman-linked-to-islamic-state-returned-to-germany-264251">Germany</a> for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said.

"This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added.

Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174">Donald Trump</a> and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-sounds-alarm-for-democracy-after-candidates-barred-276882">Iran</a>'s attack on January 8.

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum </a>last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth</a>

This was&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by&nbsp;US war veterans.

''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday.

According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000.

The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> on January 3.

The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation. 
&nbsp;

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike. Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea. Also see: Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash 31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said. 18 of the total have been sent to Germany for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said. "This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added. Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe. US President Donald Trump and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in Iran's attack on January 8. At the World Economic Forum last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''. Also read: 50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth This was criticised by US war veterans. ''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday. According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000. The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general Qassem Soleimani on January 3. The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation.

50 US troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran strike: Pentagon

Former national security adviser John Bolton wrote in a draft of his forthcoming book that Donald Trump told him in August that he wanted to freeze aid to Ukraine until the country aided investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens. The Republicans have denied wrongdoing in his dealings with Ukraine. On January 27, Trump denied telling Bolton anything about his decision to hold up aid to Kyiv and said he hadn’t seen the manuscript of the coming book.

White House could block Bolton testimony

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz are in Washington to hold the historic talks with US President Donald Trump. Trump welcomed Netanyahu to the White House. The much-anticipated plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is expected to be announced soon.

What to expect from Trump's peace plan or "Deal Of Century" ?

Now, Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-israeli-palestinian-plan-has-a-chance-276949">Israel'</a>s longest-serving prime minister said in a statement that an immunity debate in parliament would have been a "circus" and he did not want to take part in this "dirty game".

Netanyahu, who denies all wrongdoing, said: "I informed the Knesset speaker that I am withdrawing my immunity request."

The veteran right-winger, who faces a national election in March, is under no legal obligation to resign.

Netanyahu, 70, is now in Washington for meetings with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a>&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-trial-of-donald-trump-all-star-defence-team-scared-of-going-near-bolton-276987">Donald Trump</a> ahead of the release of Trump's long-delayed Israel-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Palestinian</a> peace plan, which the Palestinians have already rejected.

Netanyahu's main rival, centrist former general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-calls-off-israel-unity-government-talks-reports-253192">Benny Gantz</a>, made Netanyahu's legal troubles a centrepiece of his campaigns in two Israeli elections last year.

Gantz made a brief trip to Washington to discuss the peace plan with Trump, and had rushed back to Israel expecting to lead the parliament debate against granting Netanyahu immunity.

"Netanyahu is going to trial, we have to move on," Gantz said after Netanyahu pulled his immunity request.

"The citizens of Israel have a clear choice: a prime minister who works for them or a prime minister busy with himself. No one can manage the country and in parallel manage three serious criminal cases," Gantz said in a tweet.

Israelis attorney general Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges - the first of their kind against a serving Israeli prime minister - last November following a long-running investigation.

The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud.

Netanyahu is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing regulatory favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by a popular news website.

Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty. Israel's longest-serving prime minister said in a statement that an immunity debate in parliament would have been a "circus" and he did not want to take part in this "dirty game". Netanyahu, who denies all wrongdoing, said: "I informed the Knesset speaker that I am withdrawing my immunity request." The veteran right-winger, who faces a national election in March, is under no legal obligation to resign. Netanyahu, 70, is now in Washington for meetings with US President Donald Trump ahead of the release of Trump's long-delayed Israel-Palestinian peace plan, which the Palestinians have already rejected. Netanyahu's main rival, centrist former general Benny Gantz, made Netanyahu's legal troubles a centrepiece of his campaigns in two Israeli elections last year. Gantz made a brief trip to Washington to discuss the peace plan with Trump, and had rushed back to Israel expecting to lead the parliament debate against granting Netanyahu immunity. "Netanyahu is going to trial, we have to move on," Gantz said after Netanyahu pulled his immunity request. "The citizens of Israel have a clear choice: a prime minister who works for them or a prime minister busy with himself. No one can manage the country and in parallel manage three serious criminal cases," Gantz said in a tweet. Israelis attorney general Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges - the first of their kind against a serving Israeli prime minister - last November following a long-running investigation. The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Netanyahu is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing regulatory favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by a popular news website. Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu withdraws bid for immunity from corruption prosecution

The head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-likely-to-rise-in-china-world-health-organisation-276391">World Health Organisation </a>said on Tuesday he was confident in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-virus-death-toll-passes-100-as-us-canada-issue-travel-warning-276958">China</a>'s ability to contain a new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/discovery-of-a-cure-for-coronavirus-claimed-by-siddha-doctor-from-tamil-nadu-276986">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;that has killed 106 people and that he did not think foreigners should be evacuated,&nbsp;China's foreign ministry said.

A growing number of&nbsp;countries&nbsp;have said they will evacuate their citizens from Wuhan, a central city of 11 million people and the epicentre of the outbreak.

A chartered&nbsp;plane taking out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a>&nbsp;consulate staff was set to leave Wuhan on Wednesday, a spokeswoman at the US&nbsp;embassy in Beijing said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-deadly-virus-continues-to-spread-outside-china-276966">Coronavirus outbreak: Deadly virus continues to spread outside China</a>

Some space was being offered to other US&nbsp;citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/discovery-of-a-cure-for-coronavirus-claimed-by-siddha-doctor-from-tamil-nadu-276986">India</a> said it was preparing to evacuate its citizens from Hubei province, of which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wuhan-mayor-vows-to-take-any-responsibility-for-city-lockdown-to-bring-epidemic-under-control-276963">Wuhan</a> is the capital.

Watch:&nbsp;Three suspected cases of coronavirus in New Delhi

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Concern is mounting about the impact of the coronavirus&nbsp;may have on the world's second-biggest economy amid travel bans and an extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holiday. Global stocks fell again, oil prices hit three-month lows and&nbsp;China's yuan currency dipped to its weakest in 2020.

The head of the&nbsp;WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a meeting with State Councillor Wang Yi in Beijing, said he approved of the government's measures to curb the outbreak, the foreign ministry said.

"Tedros said the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;does not advocate for&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to evacuate their citizens from&nbsp;China, adding there was no need to overreact," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "He said the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;is confident in&nbsp;China's ability to prevent and control the epidemic."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-wuhan-coronavirus-who-yet-to-decide-if-china-virus-is-a-global-health-emergency-276018">China coronavirus: WHO yet to decide if Wuhan virus is a global health emergency</a>

The&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;chief,&nbsp;who&nbsp;also met President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-can-win-the-battle-against-coronavirus-epidemic-presidnet-xi-jinping-276528">Xi Jinping</a>, was not available for comment. A&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;panel of 16 independent experts twice last week declined to declare an international emergency over the outbreak.

The flu-like&nbsp;virus&nbsp;has spread overseas, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-visa-restriction-on-chinese-tourists-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-277052">Sri Lanka</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-woman-linked-to-islamic-state-returned-to-germany-264251">Germany</a> the latest&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to be hit, but none of the 106 deaths has been&nbsp;outside&nbsp;China&nbsp;and all but six have been in the central city of Wuhan, where the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;emerged last month.

Thailand confirmed six more infections among visitors from&nbsp;China, taking its tally to 14, the highest&nbsp;outside&nbsp;China.

Far eastern Russian regions would close their borders with&nbsp;China&nbsp;until February&nbsp;7, Tass news agency said, citing the regional government.

Chinese-ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-confirms-8th-case-of-coronavirus-hubei-residents-banned-276979">Hong Kong</a> said cross-border ferry services would stop.

Watch: Hong Kong confirms 8th case of coronavirus, Hubei residents banned

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Wuhan, where the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;apparently jumped to a human in an illegal wildlife market, has been all but put under quarantine, with a lockdown on transport and bans on gatherings.

Tens of millions of others in Hubei live under some form of travel curbs set up to try to stifle the&nbsp;virus.

The&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;said only one of the overseas cases involved human-to-human transmission.

"That’s still one case too many. But we’re encouraged that so far we have not seen more human-to-human transmission&nbsp;outside&nbsp;China," the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;said on Twitter.

"We’re monitoring the outbreak constantly."

Tuesday's toll of 106 dead was up from 81 the day before. The number of total confirmed cases in&nbsp;China&nbsp;surged to 4,515 as of Monday from 2,835 the previous day, the National Health Commission said.

Incubation&nbsp;estimates

Analysts said&nbsp;China's travel and tourism would be the hardest-hit sectors, together with retail and liquor sales, though healthcare and online shopping were seen as likely outperformers.

Officially known as "2019-nCoV", the coronavirus&nbsp;can cause pneumonia, but it is too early to know just how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads.

Some health experts question whether&nbsp;China&nbsp;can contain it.

Chinese health officials say the incubation period could range from one to 14 days, and the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;is infectious during that time. The&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;estimated an incubation period of two to 10 days.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-attack-deadly-virus-outbreaks-across-the-world-which-created-panic-in-the-past-276895">Coronavirus attack: Deadly virus outbreaks across the world which created panic in the past</a>

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-trial-of-donald-trump-all-star-defence-team-scared-of-going-near-bolton-276987">Donald Trump</a> on Monday offered&nbsp;China&nbsp;whatever help it needed, while the State Department said Americans should reconsider visiting&nbsp;China.

Canada, which has two infections and 19 potential cases, warned its citizens to avoid travel to Hubei.

Authorities in Hubei, home to nearly 60 million people, have been the focus of public outrage on&nbsp;China's heavily censored social media over what many see as a bungled initial response to the&nbsp;virus.

In rare public self-criticism, Mayor Zhou Xianwang said Wuhan's management of the crisis was "not good enough" and indicated he was willing to resign.

China's ambassador to the United Nations, following a meeting with UN Secretary-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-chief-antonio-guterres-urges-iran-to-stick-to-nuclear-deal-after-breaching-cap-232148">Antonio Guterres</a>, said his government put "paramount importance" on the epidemic and was working with the international community in a spirit of "openness, transparency and scientific coordination".

Communist Party-ruled&nbsp;China&nbsp;has been eager to seem open in its handling of the epidemic after it was heavily criticised for efforts to cover up an epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that killed about 800 people globally in 2002-2003.

SARS, which was also believed to have originated in a wildlife market, led to a 45 percent&nbsp;plunge in air passenger demand in Asia. The travel industry is more reliant on Chinese travellers now, and&nbsp;China's share of the global economy has quadrupled.

With Chinese markets shut for the holiday, investors were selling the offshore yuan and the Australian dollar as a proxy for risk. Oil was also under pressure as fears about the wider fallout grew.

The US&nbsp;S&amp;P 500 closed down nearly 1.6 percent.

The head of the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday he was confident in China's ability to contain a new coronavirus that has killed 106 people and that he did not think foreigners should be evacuated, China's foreign ministry said.

The head of the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday he was confident in China's ability to contain a new coronavirus that has killed 106 people and that he did not think foreigners should be evacuated, China's foreign ministry said. A growing number of countries have said they will evacuate their citizens from Wuhan, a central city of 11 million people and the epicentre of the outbreak. A chartered plane taking out US consulate staff was set to leave Wuhan on Wednesday, a spokeswoman at the US embassy in Beijing said. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Deadly virus continues to spread outside China Some space was being offered to other US citizens. India said it was preparing to evacuate its citizens from Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital. Watch: Three suspected cases of coronavirus in New Delhi Concern is mounting about the impact of the coronavirus may have on the world's second-biggest economy amid travel bans and an extended Lunar New Year holiday. Global stocks fell again, oil prices hit three-month lows and China's yuan currency dipped to its weakest in 2020. The head of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a meeting with State Councillor Wang Yi in Beijing, said he approved of the government's measures to curb the outbreak, the foreign ministry said. "Tedros said the WHO does not advocate for countries to evacuate their citizens from China, adding there was no need to overreact," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "He said the WHO is confident in China's ability to prevent and control the epidemic." Also read: China coronavirus: WHO yet to decide if Wuhan virus is a global health emergency The WHO chief, who also met President Xi Jinping, was not available for comment. A WHO panel of 16 independent experts twice last week declined to declare an international emergency over the outbreak. The flu-like virus has spread overseas, with Sri Lanka and Germany the latest countries to be hit, but none of the 106 deaths has been outside China and all but six have been in the central city of Wuhan, where the virus emerged last month. Thailand confirmed six more infections among visitors from China, taking its tally to 14, the highest outside China. Far eastern Russian regions would close their borders with China until February 7, Tass news agency said, citing the regional government. Chinese-ruled Hong Kong said cross-border ferry services would stop. Watch: Hong Kong confirms 8th case of coronavirus, Hubei residents banned Wuhan, where the virus apparently jumped to a human in an illegal wildlife market, has been all but put under quarantine, with a lockdown on transport and bans on gatherings. Tens of millions of others in Hubei live under some form of travel curbs set up to try to stifle the virus. The WHO said only one of the overseas cases involved human-to-human transmission. "That’s still one case too many. But we’re encouraged that so far we have not seen more human-to-human transmission outside China," the WHO said on Twitter. "We’re monitoring the outbreak constantly." Tuesday's toll of 106 dead was up from 81 the day before. The number of total confirmed cases in China surged to 4,515 as of Monday from 2,835 the previous day, the National Health Commission said. Incubation estimates Analysts said China's travel and tourism would be the hardest-hit sectors, together with retail and liquor sales, though healthcare and online shopping were seen as likely outperformers. Officially known as "2019-nCoV", the coronavirus can cause pneumonia, but it is too early to know just how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads. Some health experts question whether China can contain it. Chinese health officials say the incubation period could range from one to 14 days, and the virus is infectious during that time. The WHO estimated an incubation period of two to 10 days. Also see: Coronavirus attack: Deadly virus outbreaks across the world which created panic in the past US President Donald Trump on Monday offered China whatever help it needed, while the State Department said Americans should reconsider visiting China. Canada, which has two infections and 19 potential cases, warned its citizens to avoid travel to Hubei. Authorities in Hubei, home to nearly 60 million people, have been the focus of public outrage on China's heavily censored social media over what many see as a bungled initial response to the virus. In rare public self-criticism, Mayor Zhou Xianwang said Wuhan's management of the crisis was "not good enough" and indicated he was willing to resign. China's ambassador to the United Nations, following a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said his government put "paramount importance" on the epidemic and was working with the international community in a spirit of "openness, transparency and scientific coordination". Communist Party-ruled China has been eager to seem open in its handling of the epidemic after it was heavily criticised for efforts to cover up an epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that killed about 800 people globally in 2002-2003. SARS, which was also believed to have originated in a wildlife market, led to a 45 percent plunge in air passenger demand in Asia. The travel industry is more reliant on Chinese travellers now, and China's share of the global economy has quadrupled. With Chinese markets shut for the holiday, investors were selling the offshore yuan and the Australian dollar as a proxy for risk. Oil was also under pressure as fears about the wider fallout grew. The US S&P 500 closed down nearly 1.6 percent.

China says World Health Organization chief against virus-related evacuations, as countries plan pull-outs

European aerospace giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-defence-unit-sees-cash-challenge-adopts-efficiency-plan-254715">Airbus </a>said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a> authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation.

Airbus has been the subject of corruption probes in all three countries and said it released the statement in response to press reports.

The Financial Times reported Monday that Airbus, which employs 134,000 staff and contributes significantly to the economic output of its major backers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/airbus-set-to-close-deal-for-majority-stake-in-bombardier-cseries-143078">France</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-deadly-virus-continues-to-spread-outside-china-276966">Germany</a>, might have to pay more than 3.0 billion euros&nbsp; to settle the corruption probes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-beats-goal-with-863-jet-deliveries-in-2019-ousts-boeing-from-top-spot-271445">Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot</a>

The affair began as an internal investigation and was a factor in a more than year-long executive shake-up at Airbus that ended in April 2019 when Guillaume Faury replaced Tom Enders as chief executive.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-not-to-ban-huawei-in-europe-but-to-impose-strict-rules-european-commissioner-breton-277078">United Kingdom</a>'s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and its French equivalent, the PNF, told AFP Tuesday that they would not comment on the statement or report.

"These agreements are made in the context of investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption as well as compliance with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-imposes-record-75-billion-tariffs-on-european-union-256583">US</a> International Traffic in Arms Regulations," Airbus said.

"They remain subject to approval by French and UK courts and (the) US court and regulator."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sale-of-120-jets-worth-11-billion-finalised-airbus-188085">Sale of 120 jets worth $11 billion finalised: Airbus</a>

The amount of the potential settlement is roughly equivalent to the group's 2018 net profit.

Airbus is to release its 2019 results on February 13, when the company may provide more detail on the affair's potential cost.

"For legal reasons, Airbus cannot make any comments on the details of its discussions with the investigating authorities," the statement said.

Airbus has been under investigation for financial irregularities in France and Britain, having approached the authorities itself in 2016.

The US also launched a probe into the company later.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-ups-estimate-of-20-year-demand-for-new-planes-250372">Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes</a>

In 2013, Airbus found irregularities, notably in commission levels, in some transactions carried out by its Strategy and Marketing Organization unit.

Commercial agents for some transactions had not been identified to government export aid agencies.

Meanwhile, US authorities suspect that Airbus did not obtain necessary approval for the export of some military equipment that contained US components.

Airbus manufactures civilian and military aircraft from drones and helicopters to long-haul airliners, along with rockets, satellites and communications systems.

The procedure launched by Airbus in France should allow it to negotiate the amount of possible fines without prolonged legal proceedings that could make the final bill much higher.

The strategy has already been used by British engine maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/rolls-royce-soars-as-ceo-east-sets-ambitious-mid-term-goals-144599">Rolls-Royce</a>, which was ordered in early 2017 to pay 763 million euros to Brazilian, British and US authorities in connection with corruption that it had itself reported to the SFO in late 2012.

<hr />

European aerospace giant Airbus said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and US authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation.

European aerospace giant Airbus said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and US authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation. Airbus has been the subject of corruption probes in all three countries and said it released the statement in response to press reports. The Financial Times reported Monday that Airbus, which employs 134,000 staff and contributes significantly to the economic output of its major backers France and Germany, might have to pay more than 3.0 billion euros to settle the corruption probes. Also read: Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot The affair began as an internal investigation and was a factor in a more than year-long executive shake-up at Airbus that ended in April 2019 when Guillaume Faury replaced Tom Enders as chief executive. The United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and its French equivalent, the PNF, told AFP Tuesday that they would not comment on the statement or report. "These agreements are made in the context of investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption as well as compliance with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations," Airbus said. "They remain subject to approval by French and UK courts and (the) US court and regulator." Also read: Sale of 120 jets worth $11 billion finalised: Airbus The amount of the potential settlement is roughly equivalent to the group's 2018 net profit. Airbus is to release its 2019 results on February 13, when the company may provide more detail on the affair's potential cost. "For legal reasons, Airbus cannot make any comments on the details of its discussions with the investigating authorities," the statement said. Airbus has been under investigation for financial irregularities in France and Britain, having approached the authorities itself in 2016. The US also launched a probe into the company later. Also read: Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes In 2013, Airbus found irregularities, notably in commission levels, in some transactions carried out by its Strategy and Marketing Organization unit. Commercial agents for some transactions had not been identified to government export aid agencies. Meanwhile, US authorities suspect that Airbus did not obtain necessary approval for the export of some military equipment that contained US components. Airbus manufactures civilian and military aircraft from drones and helicopters to long-haul airliners, along with rockets, satellites and communications systems. The procedure launched by Airbus in France should allow it to negotiate the amount of possible fines without prolonged legal proceedings that could make the final bill much higher. The strategy has already been used by British engine maker Rolls-Royce, which was ordered in early 2017 to pay 763 million euros to Brazilian, British and US authorities in connection with corruption that it had itself reported to the SFO in late 2012.

Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-anti-abortion-rally-trump-assails-democrats-draws-applause-276481">US Supreme Court</a> on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-detains-800-central-american-migrants-headed-to-united-states-276281">Mexico detains 800 Central American migrants headed to&nbsp;United States</a> 
&nbsp;

The top chamber's five conservative justices outvoted their four progressive colleagues to support a request by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-had-ukraine-aid-withheld-reveals-boltons -new-book-276814">President Donald Trump</a> to lift a New York court injunction that had blocked the rule's application.

Trump has made clamping down on immigrants a cornerstone of his presidency, and Monday's ruling is the latest by the Supreme Court in favour of his migrant-related policies.

"Today the Court (rightly) grants a stay, allowing the government to pursue (for now) its policy everywhere save Illinois," the Supreme Court ruling said.

The White House lauded the ruling, calling it a "massive win for American taxpayers, American workers, and the American Constitution" in a statement.

Announcing last August a new definition of the longstanding "public charge" law, Trump said that "to protect benefits for American citizens, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient."

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The new rules threatened to set back the citizenship hopes of millions of mostly Hispanic migrants who work for low wages and depend in part on public services to get by.

Under the changes, the 22 million non-citizen residents of the United States using food stamps, public healthcare and other welfare will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship, according to the White House.

Additionally, hopeful migrants will not be granted resident visas if they are deemed too poor and likely to need public assistance.

'Activist' judges

Immigration officials will have more leeway to deny the entry of immigrants or to grant a certain migrant status to those receiving public assistance.

A coalition of states in August quickly sued Trump's administration over the rule. They said it was unconstitutional and disproportionately targeted non-white immigrants.

Ken Cuccinelli, acting Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, welcomed Monday's ruling.

He said the Supreme Court "is fed up" with injunctions by judges whom he said are trying to impose policy rather than enforce the law.

"I hope some of these activist district court judges finally get the message that they need to deal with the law, not their policy preferences. If they want to do that, get out and run for Congress," he said.

The Democratic National Committee, charged with the process of choosing the party's challenger to Trump in this year's elections, countered that "it's sickening to see the United States Supreme Court rubber-stamp Trump's extreme, anti-immigrant, xenophobic agenda."

In September, the Supreme Court said Trump could enact severe restrictions on asylum seekers.

That followed a July ruling backing the president's move to divert billions of dollars in Pentagon funds for extending or rebuilding stretches of the wall on the Mexican border.

The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits.

The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits. Also read: Mexico detains 800 Central American migrants headed to United States The top chamber's five conservative justices outvoted their four progressive colleagues to support a request by President Donald Trump to lift a New York court injunction that had blocked the rule's application. Trump has made clamping down on immigrants a cornerstone of his presidency, and Monday's ruling is the latest by the Supreme Court in favour of his migrant-related policies. "Today the Court (rightly) grants a stay, allowing the government to pursue (for now) its policy everywhere save Illinois," the Supreme Court ruling said. The White House lauded the ruling, calling it a "massive win for American taxpayers, American workers, and the American Constitution" in a statement. Announcing last August a new definition of the longstanding "public charge" law, Trump said that "to protect benefits for American citizens, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient." × The new rules threatened to set back the citizenship hopes of millions of mostly Hispanic migrants who work for low wages and depend in part on public services to get by. Under the changes, the 22 million non-citizen residents of the United States using food stamps, public healthcare and other welfare will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship, according to the White House. Additionally, hopeful migrants will not be granted resident visas if they are deemed too poor and likely to need public assistance. 'Activist' judges Immigration officials will have more leeway to deny the entry of immigrants or to grant a certain migrant status to those receiving public assistance. A coalition of states in August quickly sued Trump's administration over the rule. They said it was unconstitutional and disproportionately targeted non-white immigrants. Ken Cuccinelli, acting Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, welcomed Monday's ruling. He said the Supreme Court "is fed up" with injunctions by judges whom he said are trying to impose policy rather than enforce the law. "I hope some of these activist district court judges finally get the message that they need to deal with the law, not their policy preferences. If they want to do that, get out and run for Congress," he said. The Democratic National Committee, charged with the process of choosing the party's challenger to Trump in this year's elections, countered that "it's sickening to see the United States Supreme Court rubber-stamp Trump's extreme, anti-immigrant, xenophobic agenda." In September, the Supreme Court said Trump could enact severe restrictions on asylum seekers. That followed a July ruling backing the president's move to divert billions of dollars in Pentagon funds for extending or rebuilding stretches of the wall on the Mexican border.

US top court sides with Trump on immigrant welfare benefits

In a major poll over US President Donald Trump that whether he should continue his office or not, 47% of the people believe that he should not. Watch whole story here.

Trump Impeachment Poll: 47% Want Trump Out Of White House

A Hindu temple was vandalised in &nbsp;Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-hindu-girl-abducted-from-paks-sindh-province-forced-to-convert-255030">Also read: Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert</a>

After the attack on Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, this is the second attack on a temple of any minority community within a month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082">Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism</a>

The miscreants vandalised the Mata Rani Bhatiyani temple, desecrated the scriptures and idols inside the temple. No arrest has been made yet in the incident.

This heinous incident attracted critical reaction from social media users slamming Imran Khan-led Pakistan government.

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Yet another Hindu temple vandalised in Sindh. The statue and holy scriptures desecrated as a mob attacked the temple of Mata Rani Bhatiyani in Chachro, Tharparkar. <a href="https://t.co/VrKXpi8btd">pic.twitter.com/VrKXpi8btd</a>
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1221507805384933378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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हर दूसरे दिन भारत के अल्पसंख्यको पर ट्वीट करने वाले <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> जी पाक में हिंदू सिखो पर हो रहे अत्याचार पर कयों चुप है? 
 
रोज वहाँ बच्चियों का जबरन धर्म परिवर्तन हो रहा; कभी ननकाना साहिब पर हमले की बात और आज माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर, छाछरो में कुछ गुंडों ने तोड़फोड़ और बेअदबी की <a href="https://t.co/BZv38Mjsvj">pic.twitter.com/BZv38Mjsvj</a>
— Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/mssirsa/status/1221488524966252544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan has been a hub of&nbsp;religious persecution. The shocking incidents of young non-Muslim girls being made to convert to Islam have become a daily occurrence in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam.

Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted.

According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community.

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community. Also read: Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert After the attack on Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, this is the second attack on a temple of any minority community within a month. Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism The miscreants vandalised the Mata Rani Bhatiyani temple, desecrated the scriptures and idols inside the temple. No arrest has been made yet in the incident. This heinous incident attracted critical reaction from social media users slamming Imran Khan-led Pakistan government. Yet another Hindu temple vandalised in Sindh. The statue and holy scriptures desecrated as a mob attacked the temple of Mata Rani Bhatiyani in Chachro, Tharparkar. pic.twitter.com/VrKXpi8btd — Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) January 26, 2020 × हर दूसरे दिन भारत के अल्पसंख्यको पर ट्वीट करने वाले @ImranKhanPTI जी पाक में हिंदू सिखो पर हो रहे अत्याचार पर कयों चुप है? रोज वहाँ बच्चियों का जबरन धर्म परिवर्तन हो रहा; कभी ननकाना साहिब पर हमले की बात और आज माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर, छाछरो में कुछ गुंडों ने तोड़फोड़ और बेअदबी की pic.twitter.com/BZv38Mjsvj — Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) January 26, 2020 × Pakistan has been a hub of religious persecution. The shocking incidents of young non-Muslim girls being made to convert to Islam have become a daily occurrence in Pakistan. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam. Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. (With inputs from agencies)

Another Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan, holy books, idols burnt

Geoffrey Berman, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a> prosecutor in charge of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/royal-mess-all-the-controversies-that-british-monarchy-has-faced-till-date-274729">Jeffrey Epstein </a>sex trafficking case has accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-may-loose-armed-protection-in-major-downgrade-of-security-274825">Prince Andrew</a> of providing ''zero cooperation'' in the probe on Monday.

He said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/british-royals-being-victim-of-media-invasion-275866">British royal </a>is yet to respond to the requests of the investigators and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-fbi-investigates-briton-others-for-epstein-links-sources-270610">FBI</a> for an interview.

''Till date, he has provided zero co-operation,'' said&nbsp;the investigator.

The prince had said that if required, he was ''willing to co-operate with law enforcement agencies with their investigation''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-may-loose-armed-protection-in-major-downgrade-of-security-274825">Prince Andrew may lose armed protection in major 'security downgrade'</a>

Andrew, 59, had met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-fbi-investigates-briton-others-for-epstein-links-sources-270610">Epstein</a> in 1999 and said that he did not regret his friendship with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/morning-news-brief-106-dead-in-china-us-court-supports-trumps-immigration-rule-and-more-276960">US </a>financier who was arrested in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution.

The Duke of York&nbsp;had to step down from his royal duties after being heavily criticized for his friendship with Epstein.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-first-apparent-suicide-video-deleted-273351">Jeffrey Epstein's first apparent suicide video deleted</a>

He had claimed that he did not witness anything suspicious when he visited his home in 2010 after his conviction.

A 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein had said that she was forced to be intimate with Prince Andrew.

However, he had denied accusations and called them ''a false attempt to malign his reputation''.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-next-for-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-276880">Buckingham Palace </a>said that, ''the issue is being dealt by the prince's legal team''.

It refused to respond any further.

Andrew Epstein,66, was a convicted sex offender who killed himself in a jail cell in August during the trail in &nbsp;which sex traffickking and conspiracy charges were being investigated against him.

Geoffrey Berman, the US prosecutor in charge of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case has accused Prince Andrew of providing ''zero cooperation'' in the probe on Monday.

Geoffrey Berman, the US prosecutor in charge of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case has accused Prince Andrew of providing ''zero cooperation'' in the probe on Monday. He said that the British royal is yet to respond to the requests of the investigators and FBI for an interview. ''Till date, he has provided zero co-operation,'' said the investigator. The prince had said that if required, he was ''willing to co-operate with law enforcement agencies with their investigation''. Also read: Prince Andrew may lose armed protection in major 'security downgrade' Andrew, 59, had met Epstein in 1999 and said that he did not regret his friendship with the US financier who was arrested in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution. The Duke of York had to step down from his royal duties after being heavily criticized for his friendship with Epstein. Also read: Jeffrey Epstein's first apparent suicide video deleted He had claimed that he did not witness anything suspicious when he visited his home in 2010 after his conviction. A 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein had said that she was forced to be intimate with Prince Andrew. However, he had denied accusations and called them ''a false attempt to malign his reputation''. The Buckingham Palace said that, ''the issue is being dealt by the prince's legal team''. It refused to respond any further. Andrew Epstein,66, was a convicted sex offender who killed himself in a jail cell in August during the trail in which sex traffickking and conspiracy charges were being investigated against him.

Prince Andrew provided 'zero cooperation' in Epstein probe: US prosecutor

US President Donald Trump's Middle East Plan will take place around noon tomorrow and some bits of information that are trickling through some sources is that the Palestinians will be offered a roadmap to limited statehood for three years if they agree to abide by certain conditions. Watch the video for more information:

Sources: Palestinians will be offered limited statehood for 3 years

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Afghanistan</a> over the weekend, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">UN</a> confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-driver-disguises-skeleton-to-drive-in-car-sharing-lane-276870">US </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Taliban</a> were hammering out a ceasefire.

The UN's findings come days after reports first surfaced that several civilians had been killed in an airstrike in Boka village in northern Balkh province.

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UN gravely concerned as its initial findings indicate at least four children and two women killed Saturday by pro-government forces airstrike in Boka village, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balkh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balkh</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. UNAMA urges victim support and earliest publication of ANA and USFOR-A investigations. <a href="https://t.co/1cmBlCfqyo">pic.twitter.com/1cmBlCfqyo</a>
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/1221772484493697024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The US and Afghan militaries are the only forces in Afghanistan that have the capability to carry out airstrikes in the country.

Balkh governor's spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-11-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-253019">Munir Farhad</a> confirmed that civilians had been killed in Boka, but said officials were still investigating the incident.

The statement comes as Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reduced in the country, amid talks with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-ghazni-province-276876">Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province</a>

Taliban sources told AFP earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party.

The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month.

The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Trump</a> abruptly declared the process "dead", citing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-briefed-by-us-officials-on-peace-talks-with-taliban-276713">Taliban</a> violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-wants-significant-drop-in-taliban-violence-for-afghan-talks-275983">Also read:&nbsp;Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks</a>

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump.

Last month, UNAMA reported that more than 100,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured over the past decade -- a grim milestone after more than 18 years of war since US and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">NATO</a> allies invaded the country following the September 11 attacks in 2001

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, the UN confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the US and Taliban were hammering out a ceasefire.

At least six civilians were killed in an airstrike in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, the UN confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage across the country despite hopes the US and Taliban were hammering out a ceasefire. The UN's findings come days after reports first surfaced that several civilians had been killed in an airstrike in Boka village in northern Balkh province. UN gravely concerned as its initial findings indicate at least four children and two women killed Saturday by pro-government forces airstrike in Boka village, #Balkh, #Afghanistan. UNAMA urges victim support and earliest publication of ANA and USFOR-A investigations. pic.twitter.com/1cmBlCfqyo — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) January 27, 2020 × The US and Afghan militaries are the only forces in Afghanistan that have the capability to carry out airstrikes in the country. Balkh governor's spokesman Munir Farhad confirmed that civilians had been killed in Boka, but said officials were still investigating the incident. The statement comes as Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reduced in the country, amid talks with the Taliban over a possible agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees. Also read: Plane crashes in Afghanistan's Ghazni province Taliban sources told AFP earlier this month they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 10 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party. The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said earlier this month. The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Also read: Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar, but paused again following an attack near the US-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump. Last month, UNAMA reported that more than 100,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured over the past decade -- a grim milestone after more than 18 years of war since US and NATO allies invaded the country following the September 11 attacks in 2001

Six civilians killed in Afghanistan airstrike: United Nations

United States Former national security adviser John Bolton confirms in his new book President Donald Trump in August told him that he wanted to continue holding military aid to Ukraine until the country helped with investigations into Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden. Watch the video for more information.

Trump linked Ukraine aid to Biden inquiry | WION News | World News

Trump had Ukraine aid withheld, Reveals Bolton's new book

The United States is arranging a flight to evacuate personnel and American citizens trapped at the epicentre of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-virus-death-toll-rises-to-56-total-cases-near-2000-276577">deadly virus in central China</a>, the US State Department said on Sunday.

The flight will leave on Tuesday from the city of Wuhan to take consular personnel to San Francisco, the department said in an email to Americans in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488">China</a>, warning that there would be limited space for private citizens.

"This capacity is extremely limited and if there is insufficient ability to transport everyone who expresses interest, priority will be given to individuals at greater risk from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/understanding-novel-coronavirus-ncov-symptoms-and-precautions-276477">coronavirus</a>," the department said.

<img alt="Medical staff attending to patient" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ac83845-fe92-4d28-8544-40cfd85e2b87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Medical staff attending to patient Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-3-cases-in-france-1-in-australia-us-expecting-more-cases-276474">Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 cases in France, 1 in Australia, US expecting more cases</a>

Citing unidentified people familiar with the effort, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that the plane would seat around 230 people. Around 1,000 American citizens are believed to be in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, the newspaper said.

France plans to evacuate its citizens stuck in Hubei by bus. The outbreak, which has killed 56 people and infected nearly 2,000 across China, is believed to have originated in a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan.

The city of 11 million people has been placed under effective quarantine for days, with a car traffic ban going into effect on Sunday. Transport restrictions have been expanded across Hubei, corralling some 56 million people in total.

The United States is arranging a flight to evacuate personnel and American citizens trapped at the epicentre of a deadly virus in central China, the US State Department said on Sunday.

The United States is arranging a flight to evacuate personnel and American citizens trapped at the epicentre of a deadly virus in central China, the US State Department said on Sunday. The flight will leave on Tuesday from the city of Wuhan to take consular personnel to San Francisco, the department said in an email to Americans in China, warning that there would be limited space for private citizens. "This capacity is extremely limited and if there is insufficient ability to transport everyone who expresses interest, priority will be given to individuals at greater risk from coronavirus," the department said. [ Medical staff attending to patient Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 cases in France, 1 in Australia, US expecting more cases Citing unidentified people familiar with the effort, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that the plane would seat around 230 people. Around 1,000 American citizens are believed to be in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, the newspaper said. France plans to evacuate its citizens stuck in Hubei by bus. The outbreak, which has killed 56 people and infected nearly 2,000 across China, is believed to have originated in a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan. The city of 11 million people has been placed under effective quarantine for days, with a car traffic ban going into effect on Sunday. Transport restrictions have been expanded across Hubei, corralling some 56 million people in total.

US to evacuate its citizens from China virus epicentre

US Treasury Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Steven Mnuchin</a> said that he was optimistic the United States and Britain, soon to be out of the European Union, would strike a trade deal this year and that he had discussed it with Britain's finance minister on Saturday.

"I'm quite optimistic. I think the prime minister and the president have a very good relationship," Mnuchin told an audience at the Chatham House think tank in London.

"We're focused on trying to get this done this year because we think it's important to both of us," he added.

After the United States recently concluded the initial phase of a trade agreement with China, deals with Britain and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-imposes-record-75-billion-tariffs-on-european-union-256583">the European Union</a> were now the priority, Mnuchin stated. While the Treasury Secretary conceded that Britain may need to finalise some issues with the EU before it could discuss them with Washington, he didn't see this leading to a delay.

"I think a lot of the issues can be dealt with simultaneously and again we look forward to continuing a great trade relationship, and, if anything, I think there will be significantly more trade between the US and the UK," he said. When asked if Britain's plan to implement a digital services tax on US technology giants such as Facebook and Google could hinder the trade negotiations, Mnuchin said that he discussed the issue on Saturday with Javid.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-approves-uk-governments-brexit-bill-276201">Queen Elizabeth II approves UK government's Brexit bill</a>

<img alt="US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59ffbaed-cc2a-4034-8dc4-fa97bfde2a87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2884%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Washington is threatening to put tariffs on products from the EU's member states if they follow through with a plan to introduce a new tax on US tech giants. "The US feels very strongly that any tax that is designed specifically on digital companies is a discriminatory tax and is not appropriate," Mnuchin said.&nbsp;

Britain has said it intends to implement the tax, while France has put off its plans to wait for broader negotiations within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Mnuchin said he wanted to narrow the US trade deficit with the EU but that differences between the bloc's member states would complicate negotiations.

"When we talk about the EU, one of the challenges is some of these issues are really only a couple of countries, but I think, as you know, because of the EU we can’t negotiate these things on a bilateral basis," he said. "One of the challenges of dealing with the EU is even within the EU they have different views," he added. 
&nbsp;

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that he was optimistic the United States and Britain, soon to be out of the European Union, would strike a trade deal this year and that he had discussed it with Britain's finance minister on Saturday.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that he was optimistic the United States and Britain, soon to be out of the European Union, would strike a trade deal this year and that he had discussed it with Britain's finance minister on Saturday. "I'm quite optimistic. I think the prime minister and the president have a very good relationship," Mnuchin told an audience at the Chatham House think tank in London. "We're focused on trying to get this done this year because we think it's important to both of us," he added. After the United States recently concluded the initial phase of a trade agreement with China, deals with Britain and the European Union were now the priority, Mnuchin stated. While the Treasury Secretary conceded that Britain may need to finalise some issues with the EU before it could discuss them with Washington, he didn't see this leading to a delay. "I think a lot of the issues can be dealt with simultaneously and again we look forward to continuing a great trade relationship, and, if anything, I think there will be significantly more trade between the US and the UK," he said. When asked if Britain's plan to implement a digital services tax on US technology giants such as Facebook and Google could hinder the trade negotiations, Mnuchin said that he discussed the issue on Saturday with Javid. Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II approves UK government's Brexit bill [ US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Washington is threatening to put tariffs on products from the EU's member states if they follow through with a plan to introduce a new tax on US tech giants. "The US feels very strongly that any tax that is designed specifically on digital companies is a discriminatory tax and is not appropriate," Mnuchin said. Britain has said it intends to implement the tax, while France has put off its plans to wait for broader negotiations within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Mnuchin said he wanted to narrow the US trade deficit with the EU but that differences between the bloc's member states would complicate negotiations. "When we talk about the EU, one of the challenges is some of these issues are really only a couple of countries, but I think, as you know, because of the EU we can’t negotiate these things on a bilateral basis," he said. "One of the challenges of dealing with the EU is even within the EU they have different views," he added.

Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

Donald Trump has become the first US president to attend America's largest annual anti-abortion rally. He addressed thousands of protesters at the March for Life near the US Capitol where his impeachment trial is ongoing.

Trump first president to attend anti-abortion rally

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 25, 2020

A top United States diplomat said on Friday that not fulfilling the obligations of the Financial Action Task Force or the FATF would have a disastrous effect on Pakistan's economic reform program.

U.S.' Chief Diplomat: Would Be Devastating For Pak's Economy If Doesn't Meet The FATF Obligations

The United States administration has adopted a controversial and strict visa policy. This new visa restriction aims at restricting what is described as "birth tourism". Watch report:

US acts against Birth Tourism

The Democrats layed out their case against President Trump for abuse of power as the Senate impeachment trial continues. Trump is charged with obstruction of Congress. However, Trump has denied these charges.

Donald Trump's Impeachment: Democrats lay out abuse of power case

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australian-bushfires-cooler-temperature-and-rainfall-ease-conditions-ahead-of-rough-night-273517">Firefighters </a>in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;held a minute's silence on Friday for three <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">US</a>&nbsp;colleagues killed in a plane crash as investigators began scouring the accident site in remote bushland.

The premier of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-bushfires-update-forecasters-fear-mega-blaze-along-new-south-wales-272658">New South Wales</a> (NSW) state, where the C-130 Hercules crashed while on a mission to dump retardant on a huge wildfire, ordered that flags on official buildings be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-bushfires-update-forecasters-fear-mega-blaze-along-new-south-wales-272658">Australia bushfires update: Forecasters fear 'mega blaze' along New South Wales</a>

"We will forever be indebted to the enormous contribution and indeed the ultimate sacrifice that's been paid as a result of these extraordinary individuals doing a remarkable job," NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at a farewell near <a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/the-wiggles-singer-greg-page-suffers-cardiac-arrest-at-sydney-bushfire-relief-concert-275087">Sydney</a> airport for 32 U.S. firefighters who were returning home after weeks on duty on&nbsp;Australia.

Fitzsimmons and air safety officials said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the crash.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-show-no-signs-of-abating-271385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We simply don't know the circumstances pertaining to the accident at this stage," Fitzsimmons said. "Appropriate, formal investigations and inquiries are underway."

The three crew who died were Ian McBeth, 44, Paul Hudson, 42, and Rick DeMorgan Jr., 43, their employer, Canadian firm Coulson Aviation said in a statement. All three had previously worked for the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/usmilitary-puts-china-russia-at-centre-of-new-national-defence-strategy-30113">US&nbsp;military</a>. Two were married and two left behind young children.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/usmilitary-puts-china-russia-at-centre-of-new-national-defence-strategy-30113">US&nbsp;military puts China, Russia at centre of new national defence strategy</a>

"We honor the amazing crews who do incredible things in dangerous circumstances supported by world-class operations," Coulson Aviation said in a statement.

The company had grounded its other air tankers in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;immediately after the crash on Thursday but said they would be returning to work "in the very near future".

Also read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-bushfires-3-americans-killed-as-firefighting-plane-crashes-276159">Australia bushfires: 3 Americans killed as firefighting plane crashes</a>

Fitzsimmons earlier said field reports showed there had been a "pretty significant fireball associated with the plane crash", while a spokesman for&nbsp;Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority told Reuters the aircraft went into a valley to drop the retardant and did not emerge.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it would provide a preliminary report in about 30 days, after analysing available recorded data, reviewing weather information and interviewing any witnesses.

The owner of the aircraft, <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/canadian-air-tanker-crashes-while-battling-australian-bushfires-kills-3-us-citizens-276072">Canadian</a> aerial firefighting company Coulson Aviation, was sending a team to help with the investigation. They are due to arrive in Sydney on Saturday morning, Fitzsimmons said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/canadian-air-tanker-crashes-while-battling-australian-bushfires-kills-3-us-citizens-276072">Canadian air tanker crashes while battling Australian bushfires; kills 3 US citizens</a>

A US&nbsp;National Transportation Safety Board official said the agency plans to have some involvement and will likely send an investigator or two to&nbsp;Australia.

There have been two previous crashes involving C-130 Hercules aircraft while fighting wildfires. In a 2002 accident in California, caught on video tape, the wings of the plane folded upward, breaking off the plane before the fuselage rolled and hit the ground upside down, killing all three crew. In 2012, another C-130 crashed in South Dakota, killing four of the six crew, in an accident that was later determined to be weather-related.

"Unfortunately, aircraft are one of the riskiest parts of wildland firefighting," said Eric Kennedy, a disaster and emergency management expert at York University in Toronto, Canada.

Kennedy said their many possible causes for Thursday's crash but noted that a well-known risk in the C-130 fleet was metal fatigue-induced wing failure.

"Reduced visibility, high turbulence, and low flying can all be contributing risk factors for air tanker crashes," Kennedy said in emailed comments.

Smoke&nbsp;haze returns

The plane crash on Thursday took the death toll for&nbsp;Australia's devastating bushfire season to 32, including eight firefighters. The wildfires have also killed millions of animals, razed thousands of homes and destroyed a land area about one-third the size of Germany since September.

Six local volunteer firefighters were injured later on Thursday when a water tanker vehicle rolled when they were battling a blaze in the south coast region of the state. Three were released from hospital on Thursday night, while the other three would be released on Friday, officials said.

While fire conditions eased in southeastern&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;on Friday, Sydney was choking on a new smoke haze, blown in by a baking hot wind from the fires burning in the south of the state. The harbourside city was also covered in a layer of terracotta-coloured soil brought in from the west by huge dust storms.

In New South Wales, firefighters were tackling 95 blazes, but they were all at the lowest warning levels. In Victoria state, one out of 60 fires was rated at the warning level of "watch and act", meaning there was no immediate danger.

Firefighters in Australia held a minute's silence on Friday for three US colleagues killed in a plane crash as investigators began scouring the accident site in remote bushland.

Firefighters in Australia held a minute's silence on Friday for three US colleagues killed in a plane crash as investigators began scouring the accident site in remote bushland. The premier of New South Wales (NSW) state, where the C-130 Hercules crashed while on a mission to dump retardant on a huge wildfire, ordered that flags on official buildings be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. Also read: Australia bushfires update: Forecasters fear 'mega blaze' along New South Wales "We will forever be indebted to the enormous contribution and indeed the ultimate sacrifice that's been paid as a result of these extraordinary individuals doing a remarkable job," NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at a farewell near Sydney airport for 32 U.S. firefighters who were returning home after weeks on duty on Australia. Fitzsimmons and air safety officials said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the crash. "We simply don't know the circumstances pertaining to the accident at this stage," Fitzsimmons said. "Appropriate, formal investigations and inquiries are underway." The three crew who died were Ian McBeth, 44, Paul Hudson, 42, and Rick DeMorgan Jr., 43, their employer, Canadian firm Coulson Aviation said in a statement. All three had previously worked for the US military. Two were married and two left behind young children. Also read: US military puts China, Russia at centre of new national defence strategy "We honor the amazing crews who do incredible things in dangerous circumstances supported by world-class operations," Coulson Aviation said in a statement. The company had grounded its other air tankers in Australia immediately after the crash on Thursday but said they would be returning to work "in the very near future". Also read: Australia bushfires: 3 Americans killed as firefighting plane crashes Fitzsimmons earlier said field reports showed there had been a "pretty significant fireball associated with the plane crash", while a spokesman for Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority told Reuters the aircraft went into a valley to drop the retardant and did not emerge. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it would provide a preliminary report in about 30 days, after analysing available recorded data, reviewing weather information and interviewing any witnesses. The owner of the aircraft, Canadian aerial firefighting company Coulson Aviation, was sending a team to help with the investigation. They are due to arrive in Sydney on Saturday morning, Fitzsimmons said. Also read: Canadian air tanker crashes while battling Australian bushfires; kills 3 US citizens A US National Transportation Safety Board official said the agency plans to have some involvement and will likely send an investigator or two to Australia. There have been two previous crashes involving C-130 Hercules aircraft while fighting wildfires. In a 2002 accident in California, caught on video tape, the wings of the plane folded upward, breaking off the plane before the fuselage rolled and hit the ground upside down, killing all three crew. In 2012, another C-130 crashed in South Dakota, killing four of the six crew, in an accident that was later determined to be weather-related. "Unfortunately, aircraft are one of the riskiest parts of wildland firefighting," said Eric Kennedy, a disaster and emergency management expert at York University in Toronto, Canada. Kennedy said their many possible causes for Thursday's crash but noted that a well-known risk in the C-130 fleet was metal fatigue-induced wing failure. "Reduced visibility, high turbulence, and low flying can all be contributing risk factors for air tanker crashes," Kennedy said in emailed comments. Smoke haze returns The plane crash on Thursday took the death toll for Australia's devastating bushfire season to 32, including eight firefighters. The wildfires have also killed millions of animals, razed thousands of homes and destroyed a land area about one-third the size of Germany since September. Six local volunteer firefighters were injured later on Thursday when a water tanker vehicle rolled when they were battling a blaze in the south coast region of the state. Three were released from hospital on Thursday night, while the other three would be released on Friday, officials said. While fire conditions eased in southeastern Australia on Friday, Sydney was choking on a new smoke haze, blown in by a baking hot wind from the fires burning in the south of the state. The harbourside city was also covered in a layer of terracotta-coloured soil brought in from the west by huge dust storms. In New South Wales, firefighters were tackling 95 blazes, but they were all at the lowest warning levels. In Victoria state, one out of 60 fires was rated at the warning level of "watch and act", meaning there was no immediate danger.

Australia mourns US firefighters as probe into plane crash begins

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