Saudi Arabia is bracing itself for a potentially more strained relationship with the United States in the wake of Democrats gaining control of the House of Representatives in this week's mid-term elections and mounting Turkish efforts to corner the kingdom in the Khashoggi crisis.

To counter possible US pressure, the kingdom is exploring opportunities to diversify its arms suppliers and build a domestic defense industry. It is also rallying the wagons at home with financial handouts and new development projects in a bid to bolster domestic support for crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Democrats' election victory has strengthened Saudi concerns that the Trump administration may pressure the kingdom to back down on key issues like the Yemen war that has sparked the world's worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two and the 17-month old Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar.

US officials have argued that Saudi policies complicate their efforts to isolate and economically cripple Iran.

The officials assert that the boycott of Qatar and the fallout of the October 2 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul constitute obstacles to the creation of a Sunni Muslim alliance against the Islamic republic, dubbed an Arab NATO, as well as the achievement of other US goals in the Middle East, including countering political violence and ensuring the free flow of oil.

Going a step further, senior Israelis say they have given up on the notion of a Sunni Muslim alliance whose interests would be aligned with those of the Jewish state and see their budding relations with Gulf states increasingly in transactional terms.

The Trump administration signalled its concerns even before the killing of Khashoggi.

"Our regional partners are increasingly competing and, in the case of the Qatar rift, entering into outright competition to the detriment of American interests and to the benefit of Iran, Russia and China," National Security Adviser John Bolton wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in a letter late summer, according to Reuters.

With the House expected to be tougher on arms sales to the kingdom and possibly go as far as imposing an arms embargo because of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen caused by Saudi and UAE military operations, Saudi Arabia has wasted no time in casting around for alternative weapons suppliers.

In apparent recognition that the Saudi military, reliant on US and European arms acquisitions, would find it difficult to quickly shift to Russian or Chinese systems, Saudi Arabia appears for now to be focussing on alternative Western suppliers.

That could prove to be risky with anti-Saudi sentiment because of the Yemen war also running high in European parliaments and countries like Spain and Germany either teetering on the brink of sanctions or having toyed with restrictions on weapons sales to the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia, nonetheless, has in recent days contracted Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to jointly build five corvettes for the Saudi navy and offered South African state-owned defense group Denel $1 billion to help the kingdom build a domestic defense industry.

The partnership with Denel would involve Saudi Arabia taking a minority stake in German defense contractor Rheinmetall, which designs armoured fighting vehicles and howitzers.

With sale of the US-made precision-guided munitions bogged down in Congress, Spain has stepped in to address Saudi Arabia's immediate need. The question is however whether Spain can fully meet Saudi demand.

A US refusal already before the Gulf crisis and the Khashoggi incident to share with Saudi Arabia its most advanced drone technology, paved the way for Chinese agreement to open its first overseas defense production facility in the kingdom.

State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) will manufacture its CH-4 Caihong, or Rainbow drone, as well as associated equipment in Saudi Arabia. The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone.

Saudi Arabia also fears that Democratic control of the House could strengthen opposition to a nuclear energy agreement with the kingdom. Five Republican senators called on President Donald J. Trump days before the mid-term election to suspend talks with Saudi Arabia.

Development of a defense industry would over time serve Prince Mohammed's efforts to diversify the Saudi economy and create jobs.

So would &nbsp;King Salman's inauguration this week of 259 development projects worth US$6.13 billion ranging from tourism, electricity, environment, water, agriculture, housing, and transport to energy. &nbsp;King Salman launched the projects during a curtailed visit to Saudi provinces designed to bolster support for his regime as well as his son, Prince Mohammed

On the other hand, the government's most recent decision to restore annual bonuses and allowances for civil servants and military personnel without linking them to performance constitutes an attempt to curry public favour that runs contrary to Prince Mohammed's intention to streamline the bureaucracy and stimulate competition.

Bonuses were cut in 2016 as part of austerity measures. They were restored last year and linked in May to job performance.

In a further populist move, King Salman also pardoned prisoners serving time on financial charges and promised to pay the debts up to US$267,000 of each one of them.

King Salman's moves appear designed to lessen Saudi dependence on US arms sales and project a united front against any attempt to implicate Prince Mohammed in the death of Khashoggi.

The moves come as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists that the order to kill the journalist came "from the highest levels of the Saudi government" and the Trump administration demands Saudi action against the perpetrators and those responsible for the murder.

Failure to be seen to be taking credible action may not undermine King Salman's rallying of the wagons at home but will do little to weaken calls in Washington as well as European capitals for tougher action in a bid to force Saudi Arabia to come clean on the Khashoggi case and adopt a more conciliatory approach towards ending the Yemen war and resolving the Gulf crisis.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Saudi Arabia is bracing itself for a potentially more strained relationship with the United States in the wake of Democrats gaining control of the House of Representatives in this week's mid-term elections and mounting Turkish efforts to corner the kingdom in the Khashoggi crisis.

Saudi Arabia is bracing itself for a potentially more strained relationship with the United States in the wake of Democrats gaining control of the House of Representatives in this week's mid-term elections and mounting Turkish efforts to corner the kingdom in the Khashoggi crisis. To counter possible US pressure, the kingdom is exploring opportunities to diversify its arms suppliers and build a domestic defense industry. It is also rallying the wagons at home with financial handouts and new development projects in a bid to bolster domestic support for crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Democrats' election victory has strengthened Saudi concerns that the Trump administration may pressure the kingdom to back down on key issues like the Yemen war that has sparked the world's worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two and the 17-month old Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar. US officials have argued that Saudi policies complicate their efforts to isolate and economically cripple Iran. The officials assert that the boycott of Qatar and the fallout of the October 2 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul constitute obstacles to the creation of a Sunni Muslim alliance against the Islamic republic, dubbed an Arab NATO, as well as the achievement of other US goals in the Middle East, including countering political violence and ensuring the free flow of oil. Going a step further, senior Israelis say they have given up on the notion of a Sunni Muslim alliance whose interests would be aligned with those of the Jewish state and see their budding relations with Gulf states increasingly in transactional terms. The Trump administration signalled its concerns even before the killing of Khashoggi. "Our regional partners are increasingly competing and, in the case of the Qatar rift, entering into outright competition to the detriment of American interests and to the benefit of Iran, Russia and China," National Security Adviser John Bolton wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in a letter late summer, according to Reuters. With the House expected to be tougher on arms sales to the kingdom and possibly go as far as imposing an arms embargo because of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen caused by Saudi and UAE military operations, Saudi Arabia has wasted no time in casting around for alternative weapons suppliers. In apparent recognition that the Saudi military, reliant on US and European arms acquisitions, would find it difficult to quickly shift to Russian or Chinese systems, Saudi Arabia appears for now to be focussing on alternative Western suppliers. That could prove to be risky with anti-Saudi sentiment because of the Yemen war also running high in European parliaments and countries like Spain and Germany either teetering on the brink of sanctions or having toyed with restrictions on weapons sales to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia, nonetheless, has in recent days contracted Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to jointly build five corvettes for the Saudi navy and offered South African state-owned defense group Denel $1 billion to help the kingdom build a domestic defense industry. The partnership with Denel would involve Saudi Arabia taking a minority stake in German defense contractor Rheinmetall, which designs armoured fighting vehicles and howitzers. With sale of the US-made precision-guided munitions bogged down in Congress, Spain has stepped in to address Saudi Arabia's immediate need. The question is however whether Spain can fully meet Saudi demand. A US refusal already before the Gulf crisis and the Khashoggi incident to share with Saudi Arabia its most advanced drone technology, paved the way for Chinese agreement to open its first overseas defense production facility in the kingdom. State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) will manufacture its CH-4 Caihong, or Rainbow drone, as well as associated equipment in Saudi Arabia. The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone. Saudi Arabia also fears that Democratic control of the House could strengthen opposition to a nuclear energy agreement with the kingdom. Five Republican senators called on President Donald J. Trump days before the mid-term election to suspend talks with Saudi Arabia. Development of a defense industry would over time serve Prince Mohammed's efforts to diversify the Saudi economy and create jobs. So would King Salman's inauguration this week of 259 development projects worth US$6.13 billion ranging from tourism, electricity, environment, water, agriculture, housing, and transport to energy. King Salman launched the projects during a curtailed visit to Saudi provinces designed to bolster support for his regime as well as his son, Prince Mohammed On the other hand, the government's most recent decision to restore annual bonuses and allowances for civil servants and military personnel without linking them to performance constitutes an attempt to curry public favour that runs contrary to Prince Mohammed's intention to streamline the bureaucracy and stimulate competition. Bonuses were cut in 2016 as part of austerity measures. They were restored last year and linked in May to job performance. In a further populist move, King Salman also pardoned prisoners serving time on financial charges and promised to pay the debts up to US$267,000 of each one of them. King Salman's moves appear designed to lessen Saudi dependence on US arms sales and project a united front against any attempt to implicate Prince Mohammed in the death of Khashoggi. The moves come as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists that the order to kill the journalist came "from the highest levels of the Saudi government" and the Trump administration demands Saudi action against the perpetrators and those responsible for the murder. Failure to be seen to be taking credible action may not undermine King Salman's rallying of the wagons at home but will do little to weaken calls in Washington as well as European capitals for tougher action in a bid to force Saudi Arabia to come clean on the Khashoggi case and adopt a more conciliatory approach towards ending the Yemen war and resolving the Gulf crisis. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Khashoggi crisis: Saudi Arabia braces for tougher post-election US attitude

Jordan said on Thursday it was in talks with Washington and Moscow to empty a desert camp used by 50,000 displaced Syrians, a move aimed at defusing security tensions near a potential military flashpoint on its northeast border with Syria.

Jordan`s foreign ministry said the kingdom backed a Russian plan to arrange the voluntary return of the inhabitants of Rukban camp to their home areas in eastern Syria following their recapture by the Syrian government from Islamic State.

"Jordanian-US-Russian talks have begun with the aim of finding a fundamental solution to Rukban by ensuring the right conditions of their voluntary return to their cities and towns," Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al Qatarneh said.

"Jordan supports the Russian plan to create the conditions that allow the emptying of the camp," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

He did not elaborate.

Intelligence sources say the Russian plan entails negotiating with Syrian tribal leaders and former Western-backed rebels sheltering in the camp area to provide safe passage for returnees to go to opposition areas in northern Syria, and to help those who want to go their homes in state-held areas.&nbsp;

Many camp inhabitants are not ready to go back to homes in state-held areas for fear of being drafted for conscription, tribal figures in the camp say.&nbsp;

Developments at Rukban are watched closely around the region because it is near a US garrison in southeastern Syria at Tanf on the Iraq-Syria border.

The camp falls within a so-called deconfliction zone set up by the Pentagon to try to shield the Tanf garrison from attacks by pro-government forces.

Damascus says the US forces are occupying Syrian territory and providing a safe-haven in that area for rebels it deems terrorists.&nbsp;

Jordan officials have repeatedly said they suspect the camp is infiltrated with IS sleeper cells, a security nightmare that has haunted Amman since an IS militant in 2016 drove a car bomb into a Jordanian military border post, killing seven guards.

In the last three years, tens of thousands of Syrians trekked to the camp where the borders of Syria, Jordan and Iraq meet. They fled expanded Russian and US-led coalition air strikes against IS-held areas in central and eastern Syria.

Intelligence sources say a siege of the camp last month by the Syrian army that depleted food stores in the compound and raised the spectre of starvation was aimed at piling pressure on Washington.

Russia`s defence ministry in August repeated an accusation that Washington has been harbouring Islamic State militants within the zone.

Washington, however, responded to growing Russian pressure by conducting rare military exercises in the base last month, and General Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command, made an unannounced visit to Tanf.

Tanf lies on the strategic Damascus-Baghdad highway, once a major supply route for Iranian weapons into Syria. This makes the base a bulwark against Iran and part of a larger campaign against Iranian influence in the Middle East.&nbsp;

Jordan said on Thursday it was in talks with Washington and Moscow to empty a desert camp used by 50,000 displaced Syrians, a move aimed at defusing security tensions near a potential military flashpoint on its northeast border with Syria.

Jordan said on Thursday it was in talks with Washington and Moscow to empty a desert camp used by 50,000 displaced Syrians, a move aimed at defusing security tensions near a potential military flashpoint on its northeast border with Syria. Jordan`s foreign ministry said the kingdom backed a Russian plan to arrange the voluntary return of the inhabitants of Rukban camp to their home areas in eastern Syria following their recapture by the Syrian government from Islamic State. "Jordanian-US-Russian talks have begun with the aim of finding a fundamental solution to Rukban by ensuring the right conditions of their voluntary return to their cities and towns," Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al Qatarneh said. "Jordan supports the Russian plan to create the conditions that allow the emptying of the camp," he said in a statement. He did not elaborate. Intelligence sources say the Russian plan entails negotiating with Syrian tribal leaders and former Western-backed rebels sheltering in the camp area to provide safe passage for returnees to go to opposition areas in northern Syria, and to help those who want to go their homes in state-held areas. Many camp inhabitants are not ready to go back to homes in state-held areas for fear of being drafted for conscription, tribal figures in the camp say. Developments at Rukban are watched closely around the region because it is near a US garrison in southeastern Syria at Tanf on the Iraq-Syria border. The camp falls within a so-called deconfliction zone set up by the Pentagon to try to shield the Tanf garrison from attacks by pro-government forces. Damascus says the US forces are occupying Syrian territory and providing a safe-haven in that area for rebels it deems terrorists. Jordan officials have repeatedly said they suspect the camp is infiltrated with IS sleeper cells, a security nightmare that has haunted Amman since an IS militant in 2016 drove a car bomb into a Jordanian military border post, killing seven guards. In the last three years, tens of thousands of Syrians trekked to the camp where the borders of Syria, Jordan and Iraq meet. They fled expanded Russian and US-led coalition air strikes against IS-held areas in central and eastern Syria. Intelligence sources say a siege of the camp last month by the Syrian army that depleted food stores in the compound and raised the spectre of starvation was aimed at piling pressure on Washington. Russia`s defence ministry in August repeated an accusation that Washington has been harbouring Islamic State militants within the zone. Washington, however, responded to growing Russian pressure by conducting rare military exercises in the base last month, and General Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command, made an unannounced visit to Tanf. Tanf lies on the strategic Damascus-Baghdad highway, once a major supply route for Iranian weapons into Syria. This makes the base a bulwark against Iran and part of a larger campaign against Iranian influence in the Middle East.

Jordan says in talks with US and Russia to dismantle Syria camp

A US appeals court in California ruled on Thursday that President Donald Trump's administration must continue a program begun under former President Barack Obama that protects hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who were brought into the country as children.

The decision by the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals preserves the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program introduced in 2012 that has shielded from deportation a group of immigrants dubbed "Dreamers" and has given them work permits, though not a path to citizenship.&nbsp;

Trump has taken a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-moves-to-curb-migrants-asylum-claims-176298">stern stance against illegal immigration</a>. His administration announced plans in September 2017 to phase out DACA, arguing that Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he bypassed Congress and created the program. DACA currently protects roughly 700,000 young adults, mostly Hispanics, with the number previously as high as about 800,000 people.

The three-judge panel unanimously upheld a federal judge`s January injunction maintaining the program, rejecting the administration`s claim that the decision to end DACA was not reviewable by the courts.

The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by the University of California, the states of California, Maine, Maryland and Minnesota and others challenging Trump`s move to end DACA.

The judges said the plaintiffs made a plausible case that the Republican president`s plan violates the US Constitution`s guarantee of equal protection under the law. The plaintiffs provided evidence of "discriminatory motivation, including the rescission order`s disparate impact on Latinos and persons of Mexican heritage," Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw write in the opinion.&nbsp;

Wardlaw was appointed by Democratic former President Bill Clinton. The other two judges, John Owens and Jacqueline Nguyen, were appointed by Obama, a Democrat. Wardlaw and Nguyen also said the plaintiffs would likely win on their claim that rescinding DACA would violate federal administrative law.&nbsp;

The ruling represented another legal defeat for Trump concerning DACA, although he has won court victories on other parts of his tough immigration policies.

"Another federal court has said what we`ve always known: that Trump`s decision to kill DACA was wrong and that his sole motivation was to deport 800,000 people of color," said Sanaa Abrar of the group United We Dream, which advocates for DACA recipients.

On Monday, the administration took the unusual step of asking the US Supreme Court to review the case even though the appeals court had yet to rule.

Trump said on Wednesday he saw a potential to work with Democrats, who won control of the House of Representatives this week, but would have to see how the Supreme Court rules on the issue.

The ruling was the first by a federal appellate court to review the merits of the decision to rescind DACA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-2000-migrants-drown-in-mediterranean-this-year-un-175892">More than 2,000 migrants drown in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-2000-migrants-drown-in-mediterranean-this-year-un-175892">Mediterranean</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-2000-migrants-drown-in-mediterranean-this-year-un-175892"> this year: UN</a>

"Far from over"

"In California and across our nation, Dreamers significantly enrich our communities as scholars, entrepreneurs, first responders and much more," said Xavier Becerra, California`s Democratic attorney general. "This fight, of course, is far from over. We will continue to defend Dreamers and DACA all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary."

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

San Francisco-based US District Judge William Alsup decided in January the government must continue processing renewals of existing DACA applications while litigation over the legality of Trump`s action is resolved. The administration in February unsuccessfully appealed Alsup`s ruling to the Supreme Court.

Trump`s move last year had called for DACA to begin winding down this past March. Trump`s action sparked an outcry from immigration advocates, business groups, colleges and some religious leaders. There are about 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.&nbsp;

Lawsuits both challenging and supporting Trump`s decision to end DACA have been working their way through the courts, making it likely the issue will wind up in front of the Supreme Court.

The 9th Circuit ruling does not impact a nationwide injunction to preserve DACA issued by US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn in February, which also has been appealed.

A federal judge in Washington in August ordered the administration to fully restore DACA, including taking new applications. That decision was stayed pending appeal.

Legislation to extend protections for DACA recipients and provide them a path to citizenship failed in Congress this year.&nbsp;

A US appeals court in California ruled on Thursday that President Donald Trump's administration must continue a program begun under former President Barack Obama that protects hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who were brought into the country as children.

A US appeals court in California ruled on Thursday that President Donald Trump's administration must continue a program begun under former President Barack Obama that protects hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who were brought into the country as children. The decision by the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals preserves the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program introduced in 2012 that has shielded from deportation a group of immigrants dubbed "Dreamers" and has given them work permits, though not a path to citizenship. Trump has taken a stern stance against illegal immigration. His administration announced plans in September 2017 to phase out DACA, arguing that Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he bypassed Congress and created the program. DACA currently protects roughly 700,000 young adults, mostly Hispanics, with the number previously as high as about 800,000 people. The three-judge panel unanimously upheld a federal judge`s January injunction maintaining the program, rejecting the administration`s claim that the decision to end DACA was not reviewable by the courts. The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by the University of California, the states of California, Maine, Maryland and Minnesota and others challenging Trump`s move to end DACA. The judges said the plaintiffs made a plausible case that the Republican president`s plan violates the US Constitution`s guarantee of equal protection under the law. The plaintiffs provided evidence of "discriminatory motivation, including the rescission order`s disparate impact on Latinos and persons of Mexican heritage," Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw write in the opinion. Wardlaw was appointed by Democratic former President Bill Clinton. The other two judges, John Owens and Jacqueline Nguyen, were appointed by Obama, a Democrat. Wardlaw and Nguyen also said the plaintiffs would likely win on their claim that rescinding DACA would violate federal administrative law. The ruling represented another legal defeat for Trump concerning DACA, although he has won court victories on other parts of his tough immigration policies. "Another federal court has said what we`ve always known: that Trump`s decision to kill DACA was wrong and that his sole motivation was to deport 800,000 people of color," said Sanaa Abrar of the group United We Dream, which advocates for DACA recipients. On Monday, the administration took the unusual step of asking the US Supreme Court to review the case even though the appeals court had yet to rule. Trump said on Wednesday he saw a potential to work with Democrats, who won control of the House of Representatives this week, but would have to see how the Supreme Court rules on the issue. The ruling was the first by a federal appellate court to review the merits of the decision to rescind DACA. Also read: More than 2,000 migrants drown in Mediterranean this year: UN "Far from over" "In California and across our nation, Dreamers significantly enrich our communities as scholars, entrepreneurs, first responders and much more," said Xavier Becerra, California`s Democratic attorney general. "This fight, of course, is far from over. We will continue to defend Dreamers and DACA all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary." The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. San Francisco-based US District Judge William Alsup decided in January the government must continue processing renewals of existing DACA applications while litigation over the legality of Trump`s action is resolved. The administration in February unsuccessfully appealed Alsup`s ruling to the Supreme Court. Trump`s move last year had called for DACA to begin winding down this past March. Trump`s action sparked an outcry from immigration advocates, business groups, colleges and some religious leaders. There are about 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. Lawsuits both challenging and supporting Trump`s decision to end DACA have been working their way through the courts, making it likely the issue will wind up in front of the Supreme Court. The 9th Circuit ruling does not impact a nationwide injunction to preserve DACA issued by US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn in February, which also has been appealed. A federal judge in Washington in August ordered the administration to fully restore DACA, including taking new applications. That decision was stayed pending appeal. Legislation to extend protections for DACA recipients and provide them a path to citizenship failed in Congress this year.

US appeals court rules against Trump on DACA immigration program

US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20 to push for peace negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, the State Department said on Thursday.

Khalilzad met Taliban leaders in Qatar last month as part of efforts to find a way to end the 17-year-long war in Afghanistan, according to the Islamist group that was ousted from power by US-led forces in 2001.

"On his last trip to the region in October, Special Representative Khalilzad called on the Afghan Government and the Taliban to organise authoritative negotiating teams, and has been encouraged to see that both parties are taking steps in that direction," the State Department said in a statement.

"The United States remains committed to a political settlement that results in an end to the war and to the terrorist threat posed to the United States and the world."

The Taliban are fighting the US-backed Kabul government to re-impose strict Islamic law and have stepped up attacks in strategic provinces.

A senior Taliban official said after last month`s talks that Khalilzad had asked the Taliban leadership, based in the Qatari capital Doha, to declare a ceasefire in Afghanistan for six months.&nbsp;

In exchange, the Taliban want the Afghan government to release fighters from jails and the swift removal of foreign forces fighting alongside Afghan troops. 
A statement by the US embassy in Kabul about Khalilzad`s diplomatic tour in October did not confirm his meeting with the Taliban.

US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20 to push for peace negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, the State Department said on Thursday.

US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20 to push for peace negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, the State Department said on Thursday. Khalilzad met Taliban leaders in Qatar last month as part of efforts to find a way to end the 17-year-long war in Afghanistan, according to the Islamist group that was ousted from power by US-led forces in 2001. "On his last trip to the region in October, Special Representative Khalilzad called on the Afghan Government and the Taliban to organise authoritative negotiating teams, and has been encouraged to see that both parties are taking steps in that direction," the State Department said in a statement. "The United States remains committed to a political settlement that results in an end to the war and to the terrorist threat posed to the United States and the world." The Taliban are fighting the US-backed Kabul government to re-impose strict Islamic law and have stepped up attacks in strategic provinces. A senior Taliban official said after last month`s talks that Khalilzad had asked the Taliban leadership, based in the Qatari capital Doha, to declare a ceasefire in Afghanistan for six months. In exchange, the Taliban want the Afghan government to release fighters from jails and the swift removal of foreign forces fighting alongside Afghan troops. A statement by the US embassy in Kabul about Khalilzad`s diplomatic tour in October did not confirm his meeting with the Taliban.

US peace envoy to visit Afghanistan, Qatar, Pakistan, UAE

A "frank" exchange of views can be expected in top-level diplomatic and security talks between the United States and China on Friday, including on issues such as human rights and the South China Sea, the US ambassador to China said.

Terry Branstad told reporters at the State Department on Thursday that the United States would seek progress on priority issues, including North Korea, and that there would also be discussions on strategic security and how "to avoid mistakes or accidents that can happen in the military arena."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will take part in the talks in Washington, with Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. They were supposed to have been held in Beijing in October but were delayed amid rising tension over trade, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

While the focus will be on diplomacy and security, moves to try to resolve a damaging trade war between the two countries are expected to be touched upon ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Argentina at the end of November.&nbsp;

"We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China," Branstad said. "The US is not trying to contain China but we want fairness and reciprocity."

China and the United States have put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other`s goods and Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China`s $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the dispute cannot be resolved.

A resumption of high-level dialogue, marked by a phone call last week between the presidents, has raised some hopes, but the Trump administration has also accused China of interfering in US politics, charges China strongly denies. The two have also sparred over the disputed South China Sea and self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims.&nbsp;

Washington has also been increasingly critical of Chinese treatment of religious minorities, including Uighur Muslims in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang.

"The diplomatic and security dialogue is a forum for a frank, open exchange of views on a full range of issues from the South China Sea, to human rights," Branstad.

He noted Beijing`s cooperation on a range of international issues, calling it a "very key player" in getting North Korea back to negotiations.

Discussion is also expected on Friday of US plans to quit the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, which has sparked Chinese worries that it could lead to the stationing of US land-based missiles in Asia.

Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China wants to resolve problems through talks, but Washington must respect Beijing`s choice of development path and interests.

China`s Foreign Ministry said Yang Jiechi met US national security adviser John Bolton on Wednesday and said the two sides should "properly manage differences and carefully prepare to ensure positive results in the Argentina meeting."

"China is committed to working with the US to achieve a no-confrontational, conflict-free, mutually respectful co-operation in which both sides win," it quoted Yang as saying.

A "frank" exchange of views can be expected in top-level diplomatic and security talks between the United States and China on Friday, including on issues such as human rights and the South China Sea, the US ambassador to China said.

A "frank" exchange of views can be expected in top-level diplomatic and security talks between the United States and China on Friday, including on issues such as human rights and the South China Sea, the US ambassador to China said. Terry Branstad told reporters at the State Department on Thursday that the United States would seek progress on priority issues, including North Korea, and that there would also be discussions on strategic security and how "to avoid mistakes or accidents that can happen in the military arena." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will take part in the talks in Washington, with Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. They were supposed to have been held in Beijing in October but were delayed amid rising tension over trade, Taiwan and the South China Sea. While the focus will be on diplomacy and security, moves to try to resolve a damaging trade war between the two countries are expected to be touched upon ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Argentina at the end of November. "We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China," Branstad said. "The US is not trying to contain China but we want fairness and reciprocity." China and the United States have put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other`s goods and Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China`s $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the dispute cannot be resolved. A resumption of high-level dialogue, marked by a phone call last week between the presidents, has raised some hopes, but the Trump administration has also accused China of interfering in US politics, charges China strongly denies. The two have also sparred over the disputed South China Sea and self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims. Washington has also been increasingly critical of Chinese treatment of religious minorities, including Uighur Muslims in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang. "The diplomatic and security dialogue is a forum for a frank, open exchange of views on a full range of issues from the South China Sea, to human rights," Branstad. He noted Beijing`s cooperation on a range of international issues, calling it a "very key player" in getting North Korea back to negotiations. Discussion is also expected on Friday of US plans to quit the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, which has sparked Chinese worries that it could lead to the stationing of US land-based missiles in Asia. Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China wants to resolve problems through talks, but Washington must respect Beijing`s choice of development path and interests. China`s Foreign Ministry said Yang Jiechi met US national security adviser John Bolton on Wednesday and said the two sides should "properly manage differences and carefully prepare to ensure positive results in the Argentina meeting." "China is committed to working with the US to achieve a no-confrontational, conflict-free, mutually respectful co-operation in which both sides win," it quoted Yang as saying.

US ambassador expects 'frank' exchanges in China dialogue on Friday

Democrats will use their new majority in the US House of Representatives to reverse what they see as a hands-off approach by Republicans towards President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and push for tougher dealings with Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

Representative Eliot Engel, the Democrat in line to head the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said they may also seek congressional authorisation for the use of military force in places like Iraq and Syria. But on some hot-button areas, like China and Iran, he acknowledged there was little they could do to change the status quo.

As the majority party, Democrats will decide what legislation is considered in the House and have a bigger role in setting spending policy and writing legislation.

"I don`t think we should challenge something just because it`s put forth by the administration, but I do think we have an obligation to review policies and do oversight," Engel told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Since they must still work with a Republican-controlled Senate to pass any bills, the Democratic majority`s greatest influence will be oversight, the ability to call hearings and, if necessary, subpoena witnesses, as they lead committees like Foreign Affairs as well as Armed Services and Intelligence.

How do the Democrats see Russia?

Democrats plan Russia-related investigations, such as a probe of possible business ties and conflicts of interest between Trump and Russia.&nbsp;

From a policy perspective, a Democratic-led House will push to punish Russia for interference in US elections and activities including its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war.

The House could push for more sanctions, including measures targeting new Russian sovereign debt. It could also try to pressure Trump to enact all of the sanctions in a sweeping bill he reluctantly signed into law in August 2017.

Members of Congress have also vowed to push harder, using subpoenas if necessary, to obtain information about Trump`s summit last summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House has released few details about the meeting.

"It`s ludicrous that there could be such a high-level meeting between the two leaders and Congress should be in the dark about it," Engel said.

He said the issue of Russia`s interference in the 2016 election "hasn`t been at all resolved."

Will Khashoggi's killing influence Saudi ties?

The furore over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has added to lawmakers` frustration with Saudi Arabia over the war in Yemen and human rights.

A Democratic-led House could vote on legislation to block arms deals with Riyadh, make it difficult to win congressional approval of a nuclear energy deal and consider a measure to stop US aircraft refuelling and other support for the campaign in Yemen.

While Engel still views Saudi Arabia as a counterweight to Iran`s influence in the Middle East, he said Washington must demand more. "If the Saudis want our support, then they have to address some of the things that concern us," he said.

Don't Democrats want peace with North Korea?

Democrats say they are determined to obtain more information about meetings by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, worried that Trump is so eager to make a "great deal" that he will give Kim too much.

Engel plans to call administration officials to testify about the status of talks. But Democrats also will walk a fine line, because they do not want to be seen as interfering with diplomacy and efforts to prevent a nuclear war.

"I think it`s good to have some kind of a dialogue with them. But we shouldn`t be deluded in thinking that they`re going to have any major changes," Engel said.

Can Democrats change China policy?

Democratic House control is not expected to yield significant changes in China policy. Democrats will hold more hearings and demand more briefings, but criticism of Beijing has so far crossed party lines and that is not expected to change.

Prominent Democrats, such as Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to chair the House Intelligence Committee, have joined Republicans backing measures to clamp down on China, like legislation treating ZTE Corp&nbsp;and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd technology and phones as major cyber security threats.

But Engel and others acknowledged the need for China as a partner, particularly in dealing with North Korea. "I think we need to be careful not to lash out," Engel said.

Will Democrats challenge Trump trade policy?

Like Republicans, Democrats are divided on Trump`s trade war with China. Some party members see free trade as a generator of jobs, while others back tariffs to protect workers in industries such as steel and manufacturing.

While the president has considerable latitude on trade policy, Democrats have said they want more accountability on Trump`s actions, including sharp tariff hikes on China that have affected farm and manufacturing states, particularly in the Midwest. Even if they do not come down hard on Trump on trade, Democrats will ask him to ensure that any trade deal sets labour and environmental standards.

Can Democrats revive the Iran Nuclear Deal?

Democrats were infuriated by Trump's withdrawal from the international nuclear deal with Iran that Democratic President Barack Obama`s administration reached in 2015. But there is little they can do to change the policy as long as Republicans occupy the White House.

Lawmakers also are wary of seeming too friendly to Iran, especially given hostility to Tehran by the government of Israel. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has worked increasingly closely with US Republicans, strong ties to Israel remain a top priority for both parties.

Engel was among Democrats who opposed the Iran deal, but he said Trump should work with important allies, like the members of the European Union, on that and other issues. "I think what we should do is try to repair the damage with our alliances that has been done," he said.&nbsp;

Democrats will use their new majority in the US House of Representatives to reverse what they see as a hands-off approach by Republicans towards President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and push for tougher dealings with Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

Democrats will use their new majority in the US House of Representatives to reverse what they see as a hands-off approach by Republicans towards President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and push for tougher dealings with Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea. Representative Eliot Engel, the Democrat in line to head the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said they may also seek congressional authorisation for the use of military force in places like Iraq and Syria. But on some hot-button areas, like China and Iran, he acknowledged there was little they could do to change the status quo. As the majority party, Democrats will decide what legislation is considered in the House and have a bigger role in setting spending policy and writing legislation. "I don`t think we should challenge something just because it`s put forth by the administration, but I do think we have an obligation to review policies and do oversight," Engel told Reuters in a telephone interview. Since they must still work with a Republican-controlled Senate to pass any bills, the Democratic majority`s greatest influence will be oversight, the ability to call hearings and, if necessary, subpoena witnesses, as they lead committees like Foreign Affairs as well as Armed Services and Intelligence. How do the Democrats see Russia? Democrats plan Russia-related investigations, such as a probe of possible business ties and conflicts of interest between Trump and Russia. From a policy perspective, a Democratic-led House will push to punish Russia for interference in US elections and activities including its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war. The House could push for more sanctions, including measures targeting new Russian sovereign debt. It could also try to pressure Trump to enact all of the sanctions in a sweeping bill he reluctantly signed into law in August 2017. Members of Congress have also vowed to push harder, using subpoenas if necessary, to obtain information about Trump`s summit last summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House has released few details about the meeting. "It`s ludicrous that there could be such a high-level meeting between the two leaders and Congress should be in the dark about it," Engel said. He said the issue of Russia`s interference in the 2016 election "hasn`t been at all resolved." Will Khashoggi's killing influence Saudi ties? The furore over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has added to lawmakers` frustration with Saudi Arabia over the war in Yemen and human rights. A Democratic-led House could vote on legislation to block arms deals with Riyadh, make it difficult to win congressional approval of a nuclear energy deal and consider a measure to stop US aircraft refuelling and other support for the campaign in Yemen. While Engel still views Saudi Arabia as a counterweight to Iran`s influence in the Middle East, he said Washington must demand more. "If the Saudis want our support, then they have to address some of the things that concern us," he said. Don't Democrats want peace with North Korea? Democrats say they are determined to obtain more information about meetings by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, worried that Trump is so eager to make a "great deal" that he will give Kim too much. Engel plans to call administration officials to testify about the status of talks. But Democrats also will walk a fine line, because they do not want to be seen as interfering with diplomacy and efforts to prevent a nuclear war. "I think it`s good to have some kind of a dialogue with them. But we shouldn`t be deluded in thinking that they`re going to have any major changes," Engel said. Can Democrats change China policy? Democratic House control is not expected to yield significant changes in China policy. Democrats will hold more hearings and demand more briefings, but criticism of Beijing has so far crossed party lines and that is not expected to change. Prominent Democrats, such as Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to chair the House Intelligence Committee, have joined Republicans backing measures to clamp down on China, like legislation treating ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd technology and phones as major cyber security threats. But Engel and others acknowledged the need for China as a partner, particularly in dealing with North Korea. "I think we need to be careful not to lash out," Engel said. Will Democrats challenge Trump trade policy? Like Republicans, Democrats are divided on Trump`s trade war with China. Some party members see free trade as a generator of jobs, while others back tariffs to protect workers in industries such as steel and manufacturing. While the president has considerable latitude on trade policy, Democrats have said they want more accountability on Trump`s actions, including sharp tariff hikes on China that have affected farm and manufacturing states, particularly in the Midwest. Even if they do not come down hard on Trump on trade, Democrats will ask him to ensure that any trade deal sets labour and environmental standards. Can Democrats revive the Iran Nuclear Deal? Democrats were infuriated by Trump's withdrawal from the international nuclear deal with Iran that Democratic President Barack Obama`s administration reached in 2015. But there is little they can do to change the policy as long as Republicans occupy the White House. Lawmakers also are wary of seeming too friendly to Iran, especially given hostility to Tehran by the government of Israel. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has worked increasingly closely with US Republicans, strong ties to Israel remain a top priority for both parties. Engel was among Democrats who opposed the Iran deal, but he said Trump should work with important allies, like the members of the European Union, on that and other issues. "I think what we should do is try to repair the damage with our alliances that has been done," he said.

How a Democratic US House could alter foreign policy

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Watch: WION Dispatch, 8th November, 2018

WION Dispatch: 13 dead; gunman killed in California bar shooting

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We need to defend Europe against China, Russia, US: French president Macron

Democrats will use their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-democrats-take-control-of-house-republicans-keep-senate-175998">new majority</a> in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives to reverse what they see as a hands-off approach by Republicans toward President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and push for tougher dealings with Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

Representative Eliot Engel, the Democrat in line to head the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said they may also push for congressional authorization for the use of military force in places like Iraq and Syria. But on some hot-button areas, like China and Iran, he acknowledged there was little they could do to change the status quo.

Now that they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-loss-of-us-house-leaves-republicans-more-tied-to-trump-than-ever-176001">have taken control</a> of the 435-member House of Representatives for the first time since 2011, Democrats will decide what legislation is considered in the chamber and have a bigger role in setting spending policy and writing legislation.

"I don't think we should challenge something just because it's put forth by the administration, but I do think we have an obligation to review policies and do oversight," Engel told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Since they must still work with a Republican-controlled Senate to pass any bills, the Democratic majority's greatest influence will be oversight, the ability to call hearings and, if necessary, subpoena witnesses, as they lead committees like Foreign Affairs as well as Armed Services and Intelligence.

HOW DO THE DEMOCRATS SEE RUSSIA?

Democrats plan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/meddling-claims-us-baseless-russia-un-168357">Russia-related investigations</a>, such as a probe of possible business ties and conflicts of interest between Trump and Russia.

From a policy perspective, a Democratic-led House would push to punish Russia for interference in US&nbsp;elections and activities including its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war.

The House would push for more sanctions, including measures targeting new Russian sovereign debt. It would also try to pressure Trump to enact all of the sanctions in a sweeping bill he reluctantly signed into law in August 2017.

Members of Congress have also vowed to push harder, using subpoena power if necessary, to obtain information about Trump's summit last summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House has released few details about the meeting.

"It's ludicrous that there could be such a high-level meeting between the two leaders and Congress should be in the dark about it," Engel said.

He said the issue of Russia's interference in the 2016 election "hasn't been at all resolved."

WILL KHASHOGGI'S KILLING INFLUENCE SAUDI TIES?

The furor over the death of journalist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-was-dead-in-twenty-minutes-says-tura-khislakchi-as-he-unfolds-the-incident-to-wion-173771">Jamal Khashoggi</a> at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has added to lawmakers' frustration with Saudi Arabia over the war in Yemen and human rights.

A Democratic-led House would vote on legislation to block arms deals with Riyadh, make it difficult to win congressional approval of a nuclear energy deal and consider a measure to stop US&nbsp;aircraft refueling and other support for the campaign in Yemen.

While Engel still views Saudi Arabia as a counterweight to Iran's influence in the Middle East, he said Washington must demand more from Riyadh. "If the Saudis want our support, then they have to address some of the things that concern us," he said.

DON'T DEMOCRATS WANT PEACE WITH NORTH KOREA?

Democrats say they are determined to obtain more information about meetings by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, worried that Trump is so eager to make a "great deal" that he will give Kim too much.

Engel and other Democrats plan to call administration officials to testify in public, and behind closed doors, about the status of talks. But they also will walk a fine line, because they do not want to be seen as interfering with diplomacy and efforts to prevent a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/working-groups-on-denuclearization-set-up-by-uss-pompeo-and-north-koreans-report-149661">nuclear war</a>.

"I think it's good to have some kind of a dialogue with them. But we shouldn't be deluded in thinking that they're going to have any major changes," Engel said.

CAN DEMOCRATS CHANGE CHINA POLICY?

Democratic House control is not expected to yield significant changes in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-trump-china-trade-war-how-will-it-end-171248">China policy</a>. Democrats will hold more hearings and demand more briefings, but criticism of Beijing has so far crossed party lines and that is not expected to change.

Prominent Democrats, such as Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to chair the House Intelligence Committee, have joined Republicans backing measures to clamp down on China, like legislation treating ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd technology and phones as major cyber security threats.

But Engel and others acknowledged the need for China as a partner, particularly in dealing with North Korea. "I think we need to be careful not to lash out," Engel said.

Like Republicans, Democrats are divided on Trump's trade war with China. Some party members see free trade as a generator of jobs, while others back tariffs to protect workers in industries such as steel and manufacturing.

CAN DEMOCRATS REVIVE THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL?

Democrats were infuriated by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-proudly-bypass-us-sanctions-rouhani-175592">Trump's withdrawal</a> from the international nuclear deal with Iran that Democratic President Barack Obama's administration reached in 2015. But there is little they can do to change the policy as long as Republicans occupy the White House.

Lawmakers also are wary of seeming too friendly to Iran, especially given hostility to Tehran by the government of Israel. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has worked increasingly closely with US&nbsp;Republicans, strong ties to Israel remain a top priority for both parties.

Engel was among Democrats who opposed the Iran deal, but he said Trump should work more closely with important allies, like the members of the European Union, on that and other issues. "I think what we should do is try to repair the damage with our alliances that has been done," he said.

Democrats will use their new majority in the US House of Representatives to reverse what they see as a hands-off approach by Republicans toward President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and push for tougher dealings with Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

Democrats will use their new majority in the US House of Representatives to reverse what they see as a hands-off approach by Republicans toward President Donald Trump's foreign policy, and push for tougher dealings with Russia, Saudi Arabia and North Korea. Representative Eliot Engel, the Democrat in line to head the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said they may also push for congressional authorization for the use of military force in places like Iraq and Syria. But on some hot-button areas, like China and Iran, he acknowledged there was little they could do to change the status quo. Now that they have taken control of the 435-member House of Representatives for the first time since 2011, Democrats will decide what legislation is considered in the chamber and have a bigger role in setting spending policy and writing legislation. "I don't think we should challenge something just because it's put forth by the administration, but I do think we have an obligation to review policies and do oversight," Engel told Reuters in a telephone interview. Since they must still work with a Republican-controlled Senate to pass any bills, the Democratic majority's greatest influence will be oversight, the ability to call hearings and, if necessary, subpoena witnesses, as they lead committees like Foreign Affairs as well as Armed Services and Intelligence. HOW DO THE DEMOCRATS SEE RUSSIA? Democrats plan Russia-related investigations, such as a probe of possible business ties and conflicts of interest between Trump and Russia. From a policy perspective, a Democratic-led House would push to punish Russia for interference in US elections and activities including its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war. The House would push for more sanctions, including measures targeting new Russian sovereign debt. It would also try to pressure Trump to enact all of the sanctions in a sweeping bill he reluctantly signed into law in August 2017. Members of Congress have also vowed to push harder, using subpoena power if necessary, to obtain information about Trump's summit last summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House has released few details about the meeting. "It's ludicrous that there could be such a high-level meeting between the two leaders and Congress should be in the dark about it," Engel said. He said the issue of Russia's interference in the 2016 election "hasn't been at all resolved." WILL KHASHOGGI'S KILLING INFLUENCE SAUDI TIES? The furor over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has added to lawmakers' frustration with Saudi Arabia over the war in Yemen and human rights. A Democratic-led House would vote on legislation to block arms deals with Riyadh, make it difficult to win congressional approval of a nuclear energy deal and consider a measure to stop US aircraft refueling and other support for the campaign in Yemen. While Engel still views Saudi Arabia as a counterweight to Iran's influence in the Middle East, he said Washington must demand more from Riyadh. "If the Saudis want our support, then they have to address some of the things that concern us," he said. DON'T DEMOCRATS WANT PEACE WITH NORTH KOREA? Democrats say they are determined to obtain more information about meetings by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, worried that Trump is so eager to make a "great deal" that he will give Kim too much. Engel and other Democrats plan to call administration officials to testify in public, and behind closed doors, about the status of talks. But they also will walk a fine line, because they do not want to be seen as interfering with diplomacy and efforts to prevent a nuclear war. "I think it's good to have some kind of a dialogue with them. But we shouldn't be deluded in thinking that they're going to have any major changes," Engel said. CAN DEMOCRATS CHANGE CHINA POLICY? Democratic House control is not expected to yield significant changes in China policy. Democrats will hold more hearings and demand more briefings, but criticism of Beijing has so far crossed party lines and that is not expected to change. Prominent Democrats, such as Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to chair the House Intelligence Committee, have joined Republicans backing measures to clamp down on China, like legislation treating ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd technology and phones as major cyber security threats. But Engel and others acknowledged the need for China as a partner, particularly in dealing with North Korea. "I think we need to be careful not to lash out," Engel said. Like Republicans, Democrats are divided on Trump's trade war with China. Some party members see free trade as a generator of jobs, while others back tariffs to protect workers in industries such as steel and manufacturing. CAN DEMOCRATS REVIVE THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL? Democrats were infuriated by Trump's withdrawal from the international nuclear deal with Iran that Democratic President Barack Obama's administration reached in 2015. But there is little they can do to change the policy as long as Republicans occupy the White House. Lawmakers also are wary of seeming too friendly to Iran, especially given hostility to Tehran by the government of Israel. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has worked increasingly closely with US Republicans, strong ties to Israel remain a top priority for both parties. Engel was among Democrats who opposed the Iran deal, but he said Trump should work more closely with important allies, like the members of the European Union, on that and other issues. "I think what we should do is try to repair the damage with our alliances that has been done," he said.

Democrats will use House win to get tougher on Russia, Saudi Arabia & North Korea

There is a notable no-show among the dozens of national pavilions at Shanghai's massive import fair -- the United States -- a metaphor for isolationist Trump policies that attendees say are pushing them closer to China.

The China International Import Expo opened Monday with thousands of foreign companies wooing Chinese buyers with products including Italian helicopters, Canadian fur, Dominican cigars, and Japanese fresh fish.

China touts the first annual event as a milestone marking its economic transition from "the world's factory" to a major consuming nation, and President Xi Jinping opened it with a vow to import US $30 trillion in goods and services over the next 15 years.

But the US has snubbed the gathering amid an increasingly bitter tariffs standoff with China, with Donald Trump accusing it of unfair trade practices.

And foreign businesses and officials at the show said the US president's combative approach to trade has made it imperative for them to turn more toward China.

Sigfrido Reyes, an El Salvadoran trade official, said market turbulence caused by Trump had hurt his country by driving down prices of commodities such as coffee.

It now looks to China to reduce reliance on the United States.

"What really worries us is the uncertainty. In an uncertain environment, everybody loses. So we don’t want to have all our eggs in one basket," Reyes said.

'We want to diversify'&nbsp;

China is expected to remain reliant on US electronics and other high-tech goods that it, and other countries, cannot yet supply.

But tariffs imposed by each side could cut off the flow of a range of other US goods.&nbsp;

While few dispute that China's mercantilist trade policies need to change, the trade spat has started to bite in the United States, where a Chinese shift to non-US suppliers of soybeans and other key import goods has left American farmers without buyers.

Major Chinese meat importers also have told AFP they will simply source from other countries.

Even Canada, which relies heavily on US trade, wants to diversify.

"Of course we are close to the US and we always will be. But we want to diversify our trade, especially including China because it's a huge country," said John McCallum, Canadian ambassador to China.

Canadian officials said Tuesday at the expo that Ottawa plans to double its trade with China by 2025.

China's growing appetite for imports, fuelled by increasing incomes, will benefit many US companies, dozens of which are at the expo including Boeing, Caterpillar, General Motors, Honeywell and Tesla.

But the shocks delivered by Trump's trade policies give opportunities to others.

China is already the world's largest exporter and is catching up to the US on import volumes. The resulting trade relationships that China develops add to its global leverage.

Political risk&nbsp;

Ye Ming, one of thousands of Chinese buyers milling about the show, imports footballs.

China increasingly buys such lower-value products from abroad as it moves up the global production chain, and Ye chose Pakistan because its sound relations with Beijing mean less political risk.

"Right now, if you are doing businesses with America, you'd have that problem," Ye said.

"(The import expo) is also a message that America can buy from around the world, and we can buy from around the world, too."

Attendees said China's emergence as a powerful importing nation depends on whether it removes trade barriers it has used for decades to coddle domestic industries.

Xi opened the expo by declaring China's resolve to tear down hurdles, but his comments were widely seen as repeating earlier unfulfilled promises.

"It is a huge market that is demanding every single product, but it is still very difficult to penetrate," said Reyes.

But that means little right now to foreign delegates like Marcelo Sobrinho, who exports handmade shoes under the 71-year-old Brazilian brand Ferrucci.

Sobrinho said the China-US trade war resulted in both countries making Brazilian imports easier, and Ferrucci sought to take advantage by grabbing its first toehold in China.

"(The trade conflict) helped us. China opened its market and the US reduced import taxes. So two doors have opened for us," he said.

There is a notable no-show among the dozens of national pavilions at Shanghai's massive import fair -- the United States -- a metaphor for isolationist Trump policies that attendees say are pushing them closer to China.

There is a notable no-show among the dozens of national pavilions at Shanghai's massive import fair -- the United States -- a metaphor for isolationist Trump policies that attendees say are pushing them closer to China. The China International Import Expo opened Monday with thousands of foreign companies wooing Chinese buyers with products including Italian helicopters, Canadian fur, Dominican cigars, and Japanese fresh fish. China touts the first annual event as a milestone marking its economic transition from "the world's factory" to a major consuming nation, and President Xi Jinping opened it with a vow to import US $30 trillion in goods and services over the next 15 years. But the US has snubbed the gathering amid an increasingly bitter tariffs standoff with China, with Donald Trump accusing it of unfair trade practices. And foreign businesses and officials at the show said the US president's combative approach to trade has made it imperative for them to turn more toward China. Sigfrido Reyes, an El Salvadoran trade official, said market turbulence caused by Trump had hurt his country by driving down prices of commodities such as coffee. It now looks to China to reduce reliance on the United States. "What really worries us is the uncertainty. In an uncertain environment, everybody loses. So we don’t want to have all our eggs in one basket," Reyes said. 'We want to diversify' China is expected to remain reliant on US electronics and other high-tech goods that it, and other countries, cannot yet supply. But tariffs imposed by each side could cut off the flow of a range of other US goods. While few dispute that China's mercantilist trade policies need to change, the trade spat has started to bite in the United States, where a Chinese shift to non-US suppliers of soybeans and other key import goods has left American farmers without buyers. Major Chinese meat importers also have told AFP they will simply source from other countries. Even Canada, which relies heavily on US trade, wants to diversify. "Of course we are close to the US and we always will be. But we want to diversify our trade, especially including China because it's a huge country," said John McCallum, Canadian ambassador to China. Canadian officials said Tuesday at the expo that Ottawa plans to double its trade with China by 2025. China's growing appetite for imports, fuelled by increasing incomes, will benefit many US companies, dozens of which are at the expo including Boeing, Caterpillar, General Motors, Honeywell and Tesla. But the shocks delivered by Trump's trade policies give opportunities to others. China is already the world's largest exporter and is catching up to the US on import volumes. The resulting trade relationships that China develops add to its global leverage. Political risk Ye Ming, one of thousands of Chinese buyers milling about the show, imports footballs. China increasingly buys such lower-value products from abroad as it moves up the global production chain, and Ye chose Pakistan because its sound relations with Beijing mean less political risk. "Right now, if you are doing businesses with America, you'd have that problem," Ye said. "(The import expo) is also a message that America can buy from around the world, and we can buy from around the world, too." Attendees said China's emergence as a powerful importing nation depends on whether it removes trade barriers it has used for decades to coddle domestic industries. Xi opened the expo by declaring China's resolve to tear down hurdles, but his comments were widely seen as repeating earlier unfulfilled promises. "It is a huge market that is demanding every single product, but it is still very difficult to penetrate," said Reyes. But that means little right now to foreign delegates like Marcelo Sobrinho, who exports handmade shoes under the 71-year-old Brazilian brand Ferrucci. Sobrinho said the China-US trade war resulted in both countries making Brazilian imports easier, and Ferrucci sought to take advantage by grabbing its first toehold in China. "(The trade conflict) helped us. China opened its market and the US reduced import taxes. So two doors have opened for us," he said.

With US absent, world's exporters turn attention to China

US mid-term polls: Democrat Joe Manchin wins in West Virginia Senate race

US mid-term polls: Democrats pick up one house seat

US mid-term polls: Exit polls result hints towards Republican Marsha Blackburn's victory

The United States has that it was preparing fresh sanctions against Moscow over the attempted assassination in Britain of a former spy, after a previous round sowed chaos on Russian markets.

Three months after the United States declared that Russia violated a US law that seeks the elimination of chemical and biological weapons, the State Department told Congress in a legally-mandated follow-up that Moscow had not come into compliance.

"We intend to proceed in accordance with the terms of the (Chemical and Biological Weapons) Act, which directs the implementation of additional sanctions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement on Tuesday.

She said the State Department was in discussions with Congress, which has led the push to punish Russia, to determine the exact measures.

British investigators said Russian operatives on March 4 tried to kill Sergei Skripal, a former intelligence officer and double agent, and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the English city of Salisbury.

The attack involved Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The two Russians survived but a third person died after exposure.

Under the US law, the State Department must slap further sanctions three months after its initial determination unless a country proves it has reversed course on chemical and biological weapons, for example by inviting in international inspectors.

Russia has denied involvement in the Salisbury attacks and has promised reciprocal measures to all US sanctions.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned in August that any imposition of further sanctions would constitute a "declaration of economic war." 
Lawmakers across the political spectrum have urged a strong response to Russia, despite President Donald Trump's avowed affinity for his counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Representative Ed Royce, a Republican and outgoing chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Trump administration needs to act quickly on new sanctions, adding, "Hesitation only encourages more Russian aggression."

"No one should be surprised that Vladimir Putin refuses to swear off future use of weapons-grade nerve agents," Royce said in a statement.

"It is unacceptable that the administration lacks a plan -- or even a timeline -- for action on the second round of mandatory sanctions required by US law," he added.

The first round of sanctions banned exports to Russia of arms and other products with national security applications and froze any US government credit guarantees to Russia.

The sanctions announcement in August sent Russian stocks plunging and the ruble fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly two years.

The drop came even though the direct effects of the initial sanctions were limited, as Russia -- the major rival to the United States as an arms exporter -- does not buy US weapons.

The State Department also made a number of exemptions in the sanctions, such as continuing military trade to allow space cooperation with Russia including commercial launches.

Russia had already been under sanctions since 2014 over its military meddling in Ukraine.

Trump has cited sanctions as proof that he is tough on Russia but has voiced misgivings about punishing Moscow and accused political enemies of waging a "witch hunt" to prove he colluded with Russia in the 2016 election.

Last month, US prosecutors also indicted seven Russian agents over hacking operations after The Netherlands said that spies had obtained access to the world's chemical weapons watchdog, which is based in The Hague.&nbsp;

The United States has that it was preparing fresh sanctions against Moscow over the attempted assassination in Britain of a former spy, after a previous round sowed chaos on Russian markets.

The United States has that it was preparing fresh sanctions against Moscow over the attempted assassination in Britain of a former spy, after a previous round sowed chaos on Russian markets. Three months after the United States declared that Russia violated a US law that seeks the elimination of chemical and biological weapons, the State Department told Congress in a legally-mandated follow-up that Moscow had not come into compliance. "We intend to proceed in accordance with the terms of the (Chemical and Biological Weapons) Act, which directs the implementation of additional sanctions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement on Tuesday. She said the State Department was in discussions with Congress, which has led the push to punish Russia, to determine the exact measures. British investigators said Russian operatives on March 4 tried to kill Sergei Skripal, a former intelligence officer and double agent, and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the English city of Salisbury. The attack involved Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The two Russians survived but a third person died after exposure. Under the US law, the State Department must slap further sanctions three months after its initial determination unless a country proves it has reversed course on chemical and biological weapons, for example by inviting in international inspectors. Russia has denied involvement in the Salisbury attacks and has promised reciprocal measures to all US sanctions. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned in August that any imposition of further sanctions would constitute a "declaration of economic war." Lawmakers across the political spectrum have urged a strong response to Russia, despite President Donald Trump's avowed affinity for his counterpart Vladimir Putin. Representative Ed Royce, a Republican and outgoing chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Trump administration needs to act quickly on new sanctions, adding, "Hesitation only encourages more Russian aggression." "No one should be surprised that Vladimir Putin refuses to swear off future use of weapons-grade nerve agents," Royce said in a statement. "It is unacceptable that the administration lacks a plan -- or even a timeline -- for action on the second round of mandatory sanctions required by US law," he added. The first round of sanctions banned exports to Russia of arms and other products with national security applications and froze any US government credit guarantees to Russia. The sanctions announcement in August sent Russian stocks plunging and the ruble fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly two years. The drop came even though the direct effects of the initial sanctions were limited, as Russia -- the major rival to the United States as an arms exporter -- does not buy US weapons. The State Department also made a number of exemptions in the sanctions, such as continuing military trade to allow space cooperation with Russia including commercial launches. Russia had already been under sanctions since 2014 over its military meddling in Ukraine. Trump has cited sanctions as proof that he is tough on Russia but has voiced misgivings about punishing Moscow and accused political enemies of waging a "witch hunt" to prove he colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. Last month, US prosecutors also indicted seven Russian agents over hacking operations after The Netherlands said that spies had obtained access to the world's chemical weapons watchdog, which is based in The Hague.

US prepares more Russia sanctions over Britain nerve attack

The Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump agreed to be held without bail on

Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York.

Cesar Sayoc was arrested on October&nbsp;26 in Fort Lauderdale and agreed in a Florida court appearance last week to be transferred to New York to face five criminal charges.

Sayoc, a former stripper and pizza delivery driver who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and attacking his critics, was arrested following an intense manhunt.

Dressed in a navy blue prison overalls with his gray hair pulled back and knotted at the back of his head, Sayoc appeared respectful and alert in court.

When US&nbsp;Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger asked him if he understood his rights as explained to him, Sayoc responded: "Yes, sir, a hundred percent."

Prosecutors had argued before the hearing that Sayoc was too dangerous to be released on bail. But Sayoc`s attorney, federal defender Sarah Baumgartel, told the hearing he would not make an application for bail at this point.&nbsp;

A preliminary hearing in the case was set for November&nbsp;12.

The mailed bombs and the separate massacre of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue in late October heightened tensions days ahead of Tuesday`s

elections, which will determine the balance of power in the US&nbsp;Congress currently controlled by Trump`s Republican Party.&nbsp; 
Prosecutors have accused Sayoc of sending 16 improvised explosive devices. None of the devices exploded before being intercepted and no one was

hurt. 
The first bomb discovered was sent to billionaire investor George Soros at his home in New York`s Westchester County, and some of the other high-profile targets also live in New York state, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Other targets of the improvised explosive devices included former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, among others.

Sayoc faces a maximum 48 years in prison if convicted on the five counts he now faces, including for mailing explosives and threatening the Clintons. 
Prosecutors have said Sayoc is likely to face additional charges and penalties from their ongoing investigation.

In a letter to ABC News Sayoc`s mother, Madeline Sayoc, wrote that she had unsuccessfully tried to get him treatment for what she said was long-standing mental illness.

The Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of US President Donald Trump agreed to be held without bail on Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York.

The Florida man accused of mailing bombs to prominent Democrats and other critics of US President Donald Trump agreed to be held without bail on Tuesday during his first appearance in federal court in New York. Cesar Sayoc was arrested on October 26 in Fort Lauderdale and agreed in a Florida court appearance last week to be transferred to New York to face five criminal charges. Sayoc, a former stripper and pizza delivery driver who lived in a white van festooned with right-wing political images supporting Trump and attacking his critics, was arrested following an intense manhunt. Dressed in a navy blue prison overalls with his gray hair pulled back and knotted at the back of his head, Sayoc appeared respectful and alert in court. When US Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger asked him if he understood his rights as explained to him, Sayoc responded: "Yes, sir, a hundred percent." Prosecutors had argued before the hearing that Sayoc was too dangerous to be released on bail. But Sayoc`s attorney, federal defender Sarah Baumgartel, told the hearing he would not make an application for bail at this point. A preliminary hearing in the case was set for November 12. The mailed bombs and the separate massacre of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue in late October heightened tensions days ahead of Tuesday`s elections, which will determine the balance of power in the US Congress currently controlled by Trump`s Republican Party. Prosecutors have accused Sayoc of sending 16 improvised explosive devices. None of the devices exploded before being intercepted and no one was hurt. The first bomb discovered was sent to billionaire investor George Soros at his home in New York`s Westchester County, and some of the other high-profile targets also live in New York state, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Other targets of the improvised explosive devices included former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, among others. Sayoc faces a maximum 48 years in prison if convicted on the five counts he now faces, including for mailing explosives and threatening the Clintons. Prosecutors have said Sayoc is likely to face additional charges and penalties from their ongoing investigation. In a letter to ABC News Sayoc`s mother, Madeline Sayoc, wrote that she had unsuccessfully tried to get him treatment for what she said was long-standing mental illness.

US mail bomb suspect agrees to be held without bail

US mid-term polls: Record voter turnout expected

American voters poured out across their bitterly divided country Tuesday to deliver judgment on Donald Trump in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-midterm-polls-how-they-work-and-what-is-at-stakes-175277">midterm polls</a> where opposition Democrats hope to seize at least partial control of Congress.

From New York to California and from Missouri to Georgia there were long lines from early morning at polling stations as voters finally got their say, following a heated, often tense campaign.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/control-of-congress-and-verdict-on-trump-at-stake-in-us-elections-175905">Control of Congress is at stake</a>, effectively deciding whether Trump will continue to get a free ride from the current Republican-led legislature or be forced to deal with Democrats that he has spent months deriding as extreme leftists bent on bringing chaos to the United States.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate and 36 governorships were up for grabs.

Polls indicated that Democrats have a good chance of winning the 23 seats they need to seize the House, while Republicans were forecast to retain the Senate or even increase their current razor-thin majority of 51-49.

With memories still fresh from 2016, when Trump astonished experts by defeating the heavily favored Hillary Clinton, pollsters are being cautious. Several dozen races where candidates from the two sides are barely separated will decide the day.

Even so, Democrats scented triumph, with Nancy Pelosi, the party's top leader in the House, saying "it's just a question of the size of the victory."

Former vice president Joe Biden, often touted as a possible Democratic candidate to take on Trump in 2020, said he'd be "dumbfounded" not to win the House.

The first polling stations closed at 6:00 pm Eastern time (2300 GMT) in parts of Kentucky and Indiana -- where Democrats are struggling to hold a crucial Senate seat in a state won by Trump two years ago. The last polls were to close seven hours later in Alaska, with results trickling in through the evening.

Big turnout 
Voters often sit out the midterms. This time, they're sitting up.

According to Michael McDonald of the US Elections Project, 38.4 million Americans cast their ballots early ahead of this election, compared with 27.4 million in the 2014 midterm.

And on the streets there was a palpable buzz.

"We have already seen huge turnout, people out and about knocking on doors, making sure everybody gets out there, but I think turnout will be very, very high," Democratic candidate Katie Porter, who is running in Irvine, California, against two-term Republican incumbent Mimi Walters, told AFP.

On the other side of the country, in Atlanta, Georgia, voters waited in line for nearly two hours to cast ballots, according to local media reports.

At a polling station in Arlington, Virginia, head election officer William Harkins said "it's a very good turnout."

Trump himself noted the energy as he wrapped up a punishing schedule of rallies around the country that were intended to boost Republican candidates -- and his own brand heading towards reelection in 2020.

"The midterm elections used to be, like, boring," Trump told a crowd in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday. "Now it's like the hottest thing."

Immigration fears 
Trump was spending the day at the White House, tweeting support for Republicans in the toughest races and preparing to watch the results alongside friends and family, his spokeswoman said.

The president so dominates politics across the country that despite not being on any ballot he has made the election largely about him.

Voting in Chicago, James Gerlock, 27, a Republican, said he wanted to see more of the soaring economic growth that Trump says is the fruit of his business-friendly policies.

"I am extremely happy with the economy," Gerlock said. "I just love the deregulation and I just want to keep everything moving, because I'm loving it."

But Democrats have been fired up by anger at Trump's extraordinary attacks over the last few weeks against immigrants, claiming that his opponents seek to throw open the borders to "drug dealers, predators and bloodthirsty MS-13 killers."

Sensing that his Republican base favors the hardline stand, Trump has sent soldiers to the Mexican border, threatened to have illegal immigrants shot if they throw stones at the border, and vowed to restrict citizenship rights.

At Trump's pre-election rallies, large crowds have consistently cheered his rhetoric about strengthening the southern border, chanting "build the wall!"

But Beto O'Rourke, a charismatic Democrat in a closely watched bid to dethrone Republican Ted Cruz in Texas, told voters that Trump was wrong, describing his state as built from "immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees."

"This is our source of strength," O'Rourke said as he voted in El Paso. "No one from outside can stir paranoia or fear that can change that."

The result in Texas will say much about which way argument has worked best in these polarized times. Other tight Senate races are in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia.

American voters poured out across their bitterly divided country Tuesday to deliver judgment on Donald Trump in midterm polls where opposition Democrats hope to seize at least partial control of Congress.

American voters poured out across their bitterly divided country Tuesday to deliver judgment on Donald Trump in midterm polls where opposition Democrats hope to seize at least partial control of Congress. From New York to California and from Missouri to Georgia there were long lines from early morning at polling stations as voters finally got their say, following a heated, often tense campaign. Control of Congress is at stake, effectively deciding whether Trump will continue to get a free ride from the current Republican-led legislature or be forced to deal with Democrats that he has spent months deriding as extreme leftists bent on bringing chaos to the United States. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate and 36 governorships were up for grabs. Polls indicated that Democrats have a good chance of winning the 23 seats they need to seize the House, while Republicans were forecast to retain the Senate or even increase their current razor-thin majority of 51-49. With memories still fresh from 2016, when Trump astonished experts by defeating the heavily favored Hillary Clinton, pollsters are being cautious. Several dozen races where candidates from the two sides are barely separated will decide the day. Even so, Democrats scented triumph, with Nancy Pelosi, the party's top leader in the House, saying "it's just a question of the size of the victory." Former vice president Joe Biden, often touted as a possible Democratic candidate to take on Trump in 2020, said he'd be "dumbfounded" not to win the House. The first polling stations closed at 6:00 pm Eastern time (2300 GMT) in parts of Kentucky and Indiana -- where Democrats are struggling to hold a crucial Senate seat in a state won by Trump two years ago. The last polls were to close seven hours later in Alaska, with results trickling in through the evening. Big turnout Voters often sit out the midterms. This time, they're sitting up. According to Michael McDonald of the US Elections Project, 38.4 million Americans cast their ballots early ahead of this election, compared with 27.4 million in the 2014 midterm. And on the streets there was a palpable buzz. "We have already seen huge turnout, people out and about knocking on doors, making sure everybody gets out there, but I think turnout will be very, very high," Democratic candidate Katie Porter, who is running in Irvine, California, against two-term Republican incumbent Mimi Walters, told AFP. On the other side of the country, in Atlanta, Georgia, voters waited in line for nearly two hours to cast ballots, according to local media reports. At a polling station in Arlington, Virginia, head election officer William Harkins said "it's a very good turnout." Trump himself noted the energy as he wrapped up a punishing schedule of rallies around the country that were intended to boost Republican candidates -- and his own brand heading towards reelection in 2020. "The midterm elections used to be, like, boring," Trump told a crowd in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday. "Now it's like the hottest thing." Immigration fears Trump was spending the day at the White House, tweeting support for Republicans in the toughest races and preparing to watch the results alongside friends and family, his spokeswoman said. The president so dominates politics across the country that despite not being on any ballot he has made the election largely about him. Voting in Chicago, James Gerlock, 27, a Republican, said he wanted to see more of the soaring economic growth that Trump says is the fruit of his business-friendly policies. "I am extremely happy with the economy," Gerlock said. "I just love the deregulation and I just want to keep everything moving, because I'm loving it." But Democrats have been fired up by anger at Trump's extraordinary attacks over the last few weeks against immigrants, claiming that his opponents seek to throw open the borders to "drug dealers, predators and bloodthirsty MS-13 killers." Sensing that his Republican base favors the hardline stand, Trump has sent soldiers to the Mexican border, threatened to have illegal immigrants shot if they throw stones at the border, and vowed to restrict citizenship rights. At Trump's pre-election rallies, large crowds have consistently cheered his rhetoric about strengthening the southern border, chanting "build the wall!" But Beto O'Rourke, a charismatic Democrat in a closely watched bid to dethrone Republican Ted Cruz in Texas, told voters that Trump was wrong, describing his state as built from "immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees." "This is our source of strength," O'Rourke said as he voted in El Paso. "No one from outside can stir paranoia or fear that can change that." The result in Texas will say much about which way argument has worked best in these polarized times. Other tight Senate races are in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia.

US midterms: Huge turnout as America votes to decide if it is for or against Trump

The United States said Tuesday it would exempt Iran's Indian-backed port of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chabahar-port-developed-by-india-to-be-inaugurated-in-iran-today-25724">Chabahar from new sanctions</a> on Tehran, recognizing the value of the project to Afghanistan.

Iran late last year inaugurated the port on the Indian Ocean which provides a key supply route to landlocked Afghanistan and allows India to bypass its historic enemy Pakistan.

The United States will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-sanctions-on-iran-threaten-vital-afghanistan-trade-project-138341">exempt from sanctions</a> the development of Chabahar along with an attached railway project and Iranian petroleum shipments into Afghanistan, the State Department said.

President Donald Trump's "South Asia strategy underscores our ongoing support of Afghanistan's economic growth and development as well as our close partnership with India," a State Department spokesperson said.

"This exception relates to reconstruction assistance and economic development for Afghanistan. These activities are vital for the ongoing support of Afghanistan's growth and humanitarian relief," the spokesperson said.

The United States, which has been building closer relations with New Delhi since the late 1990s, earlier exempted India from sanctions that took effect on Monday.

The Trump administration has vowed to exert maximum pressure on Iran to end its support for regional proxies, exiting a denuclearization agreement that brought sanctions relief.

Trump's decision has been opposed by European powers as well as other nations including India, which has largely warm relations with Iran and accuses Pakistan of fomenting attacks on its soil.

India has poured US $2 billion into Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led overthrow of the extremist Taliban regime, which was also opposed by Iran.

India has seen Chabahar as a key way both to send supplies to Afghanistan and to step up trade with Central Asia as well as Africa.

Iran has plans to link the port by railway to Zahedan on the Pakistani border up to Mashhad in the northeast.

The United States said Tuesday it would exempt Iran's Indian-backed port of Chabahar from new sanctions on Tehran, recognizing the value of the project to Afghanistan.

The United States said Tuesday it would exempt Iran's Indian-backed port of Chabahar from new sanctions on Tehran, recognizing the value of the project to Afghanistan. Iran late last year inaugurated the port on the Indian Ocean which provides a key supply route to landlocked Afghanistan and allows India to bypass its historic enemy Pakistan. The United States will exempt from sanctions the development of Chabahar along with an attached railway project and Iranian petroleum shipments into Afghanistan, the State Department said. President Donald Trump's "South Asia strategy underscores our ongoing support of Afghanistan's economic growth and development as well as our close partnership with India," a State Department spokesperson said. "This exception relates to reconstruction assistance and economic development for Afghanistan. These activities are vital for the ongoing support of Afghanistan's growth and humanitarian relief," the spokesperson said. The United States, which has been building closer relations with New Delhi since the late 1990s, earlier exempted India from sanctions that took effect on Monday. The Trump administration has vowed to exert maximum pressure on Iran to end its support for regional proxies, exiting a denuclearization agreement that brought sanctions relief. Trump's decision has been opposed by European powers as well as other nations including India, which has largely warm relations with Iran and accuses Pakistan of fomenting attacks on its soil. India has poured US $2 billion into Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led overthrow of the extremist Taliban regime, which was also opposed by Iran. India has seen Chabahar as a key way both to send supplies to Afghanistan and to step up trade with Central Asia as well as Africa. Iran has plans to link the port by railway to Zahedan on the Pakistani border up to Mashhad in the northeast.

US exempts Indian-backed Chabahar port in Iran from sanctions

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said on the eve of crucial US midterm voting they had no indication of efforts to disrupt election infrastructure, but that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news.

The announcement came days after a new study found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump, the eventual winner.

"At this time we have no indication of compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts, or disrupt the ability to tally votes," said a joint statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

"But Americans should be aware that foreign actors -- and Russia in particular -- continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," it continued, without specifying whether Moscow was backing Trump's Republicans or opposition Democrats.

"They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information," it said.

Oxford Internet Institute researchers, in a study published Thursday, said that despite an aggressive crackdown by social media firms, so-called "junk news" is spreading at a greater rate than in 2016 on social media ahead of the US midterm elections.

"We found that the proportion of junk news circulating over social media has increased in the US since 2016, with users sharing higher proportions of junk news than links to professional content over all," the report said.

Twitter meanwhile said Saturday it deleted a "series of accounts" that attempted to share disinformation without giving a number.&nbsp;

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said on the eve of crucial US midterm voting they had no indication of efforts to disrupt election infrastructure, but that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news.

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said on the eve of crucial US midterm voting they had no indication of efforts to disrupt election infrastructure, but that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news. The announcement came days after a new study found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump, the eventual winner. "At this time we have no indication of compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts, or disrupt the ability to tally votes," said a joint statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray. "But Americans should be aware that foreign actors -- and Russia in particular -- continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," it continued, without specifying whether Moscow was backing Trump's Republicans or opposition Democrats. "They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information," it said. Oxford Internet Institute researchers, in a study published Thursday, said that despite an aggressive crackdown by social media firms, so-called "junk news" is spreading at a greater rate than in 2016 on social media ahead of the US midterm elections. "We found that the proportion of junk news circulating over social media has increased in the US since 2016, with users sharing higher proportions of junk news than links to professional content over all," the report said. Twitter meanwhile said Saturday it deleted a "series of accounts" that attempted to share disinformation without giving a number.

Before midterms, US warns voters to be wary of Russian fake news

Single mother wins $190 million

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman goes on trial in New York on Monday, accused of running the world's biggest drug cartel and spending a quarter of a century smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States.

The mammoth trial in Brooklyn, which will cost millions of dollars and is expected to last more than four months, will see one of the world's most notorious criminals face the US justice system.

Prosecutors spent years piecing together a sweeping case against Guzman, who was extradited in 2017 after twice escaping prison in Mexico -- first hidden in a laundry cart, then slipping down a tunnel that reached his prison shower.

Experts say the government has a near water-tight case likely to send Guzman, 61, to a maximum-security US prison for the rest of his life, after jury selection kicks off on Monday. But at what price?

The Sinaloa cartel that Guzman founded in 1989 is still hugely powerful. His co-defendant Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada remains at large, and violent drug trafficking continues unabated in Mexico.

Last year, Mexico witnessed a record 29,000 murders. In the United States, opioid addiction has spiraled into an epidemic. In 2016, an average of 174 Americans died every day from drug overdoses.

Jury selection will be conducted in the tightest security reserved only for the most dangerous defendants. US District Court Judge Brian Cogan will preside over the process behind closed doors.

- 'Most expensive trial in history' -

The 12 jurors, with six alternates, will remain anonymous. US Marshals will escort them to and from the federal court every day.

These ordinary men and women will determine whether Guzman -- the diminutive father of two whose nickname means "shorty" -- is guilty or not of 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges.

According to the indictment, the Sinaloa cartel, which Guzman is accused of leading from 1989 to 2014, became "the largest drug trafficking organization in the world... with thousands of members."

US prosecutors contend that from 1989 to 2014, the cartel smuggled at least 340,892 pounds (154,626 kilograms) of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14 billion.

Guzman pleads not guilty, but the government has presented so much evidence -- more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 audio recordings -- that the defense complains they haven't had enough time to review it all.

"It's probably set up to be the most expensive trial in the history of the US," says Rob Heroy, a North Carolina lawyer who has defended other Mexican drug barons. The price tag includes protection programs for at least some of the several hundred witnesses expected to testify.

Even Guzman's lawyers are in the dark as to all the former associates, hired hands or rivals who have turned informants.

- Informants -

Some of the informants have already been absorbed into the US witness protection program, given new identities. Others are already in jail, housed in special wings to protect them from reprisals.

Guzman has been held in solitary confinement in New York since Mexico extradited him in January 2017, one day before Donald Trump took office. He spends 23 hours a day in his cell.

The only visitors he is allowed are his lawyers and twin, seven-year-old daughters, from whom he is separated by thick glass.

The judge has banned his 29-year-old beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, from visiting. Instead, she has attended almost all his pre-trial hearings, waving and blowing him kisses from the gallery.

Arrested for the first time in Guatemala in 1993, El Chapo spent more than seven years in a Mexican prison before his first escape in 2001.

Re-arrested by Mexican marines in February 2014, he escaped again 14 months later.

Guzman was re-captured in January 2016 after a visit from Hollywood actor Sean Penn and a Mexican actress, who wanted to make a film about his life, allowed Mexican authorities to trace his whereabouts.

This time, Mexico decided to wash their hands and put him on a plane.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman goes on trial in New York on Monday, accused of running the world's biggest drug cartel and spending a quarter of a century smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman goes on trial in New York on Monday, accused of running the world's biggest drug cartel and spending a quarter of a century smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States. The mammoth trial in Brooklyn, which will cost millions of dollars and is expected to last more than four months, will see one of the world's most notorious criminals face the US justice system. Prosecutors spent years piecing together a sweeping case against Guzman, who was extradited in 2017 after twice escaping prison in Mexico -- first hidden in a laundry cart, then slipping down a tunnel that reached his prison shower. Experts say the government has a near water-tight case likely to send Guzman, 61, to a maximum-security US prison for the rest of his life, after jury selection kicks off on Monday. But at what price? The Sinaloa cartel that Guzman founded in 1989 is still hugely powerful. His co-defendant Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada remains at large, and violent drug trafficking continues unabated in Mexico. Last year, Mexico witnessed a record 29,000 murders. In the United States, opioid addiction has spiraled into an epidemic. In 2016, an average of 174 Americans died every day from drug overdoses. Jury selection will be conducted in the tightest security reserved only for the most dangerous defendants. US District Court Judge Brian Cogan will preside over the process behind closed doors. - 'Most expensive trial in history' - The 12 jurors, with six alternates, will remain anonymous. US Marshals will escort them to and from the federal court every day. These ordinary men and women will determine whether Guzman -- the diminutive father of two whose nickname means "shorty" -- is guilty or not of 11 trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges. According to the indictment, the Sinaloa cartel, which Guzman is accused of leading from 1989 to 2014, became "the largest drug trafficking organization in the world... with thousands of members." US prosecutors contend that from 1989 to 2014, the cartel smuggled at least 340,892 pounds (154,626 kilograms) of cocaine into the United States, as well as heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana, raking in $14 billion. Guzman pleads not guilty, but the government has presented so much evidence -- more than 300,000 pages and at least 117,000 audio recordings -- that the defense complains they haven't had enough time to review it all. "It's probably set up to be the most expensive trial in the history of the US," says Rob Heroy, a North Carolina lawyer who has defended other Mexican drug barons. The price tag includes protection programs for at least some of the several hundred witnesses expected to testify. Even Guzman's lawyers are in the dark as to all the former associates, hired hands or rivals who have turned informants. - Informants - Some of the informants have already been absorbed into the US witness protection program, given new identities. Others are already in jail, housed in special wings to protect them from reprisals. Guzman has been held in solitary confinement in New York since Mexico extradited him in January 2017, one day before Donald Trump took office. He spends 23 hours a day in his cell. The only visitors he is allowed are his lawyers and twin, seven-year-old daughters, from whom he is separated by thick glass. The judge has banned his 29-year-old beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, from visiting. Instead, she has attended almost all his pre-trial hearings, waving and blowing him kisses from the gallery. Arrested for the first time in Guatemala in 1993, El Chapo spent more than seven years in a Mexican prison before his first escape in 2001. Re-arrested by Mexican marines in February 2014, he escaped again 14 months later. Guzman was re-captured in January 2016 after a visit from Hollywood actor Sean Penn and a Mexican actress, who wanted to make a film about his life, allowed Mexican authorities to trace his whereabouts. This time, Mexico decided to wash their hands and put him on a plane.

Mexican drug lord El Chapo faces biggest US drugs trial

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country.

Ahead of US&nbsp;congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital.

President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government.

The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend. This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital. President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government. The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Caravan migrants consider staying in Mexico as Trump rachets up criticism

About 500 United States and South Korean marines began small-scale military drills on Monday, just days before US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to hold talks with North Korea on denuclearisation and plans for a second summit of their leaders.

The Korean Marine Exchange Program was among the training drills indefinitely suspended in June after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and promised to end joint, US-South Korea military exercises.

Although larger exercises were suspended, the two countries have continued small-scale drills, the South's Ministry of National Defense said on Monday, adding that the marines were holding a training round near the southern city of Pohang.

Pompeo, interviewed on broadcaster CBS's "Face the Nation," said on Sunday he would be in New York City at the end of this week to meet his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol.

"I expect we’ll make some real progress, including an effort to make sure that the summit between our two leaders can take place, where we can make substantial steps towards denuclearisation," he added.

In Washington last week, South Korea's defence minister said the two countries would decide by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Vigilant Ace, suspended this month, is one of several such exercises halted to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang, which has criticised joint US-South Korea exercises in the past.

The biggest combat-readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan has gone ahead, however, with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan joining Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship in the ocean off Japan, another key player in the effort to pressure North Korea.

This week's exercises follow a warning by North Korea on Friday that it could resume development of its nuclear programme if the United States did not drop its campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions.

"The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," a foreign ministry official said in a statement released through state-run KCNA news agency.

"The US&nbsp;thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' lead to 'denuclearisation.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea."

South Korea hopes the North and the United States will make "big progress" during the talks set for this week, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said on Monday, but declined to comment on the North's Friday statement.

North Korea has not tested a ballistic missile or nuclear weapon for nearly a year, and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities.

In recent weeks, North Korea has pressed harder for what it sees as reciprocal concessions by the United States and other countries.

"As shown, the US&nbsp;is totally to blame for all the problems on the Korean peninsula, including the nuclear issue and therefore, the very one that caused all those must untie the knot it made," it said on Friday.

American officials have remained sceptical of Kim's commitment to give up his nuclear arsenal, however, and Washington says it will not support easing international sanctions until more verified progress is made.

Pompeo, interviewed on television's "Fox News Sunday," said the Trump administration wants a full, verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, adding that Trump insisted on "no economic relief until we have achieved our ultimate objective."

South Korean President Moon Jae-in's continuing efforts to engage with North Korea have fanned US&nbsp;concerns that Seoul could weaken pressure on North Korea to give up nuclear weapons.

About 500 United States and South Korean marines began small-scale military drills on Monday, just days before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to hold talks with North Korea on denuclearisation and plans for a second summit of their leaders.

About 500 United States and South Korean marines began small-scale military drills on Monday, just days before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to hold talks with North Korea on denuclearisation and plans for a second summit of their leaders. The Korean Marine Exchange Program was among the training drills indefinitely suspended in June after US President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and promised to end joint, US-South Korea military exercises. Although larger exercises were suspended, the two countries have continued small-scale drills, the South's Ministry of National Defense said on Monday, adding that the marines were holding a training round near the southern city of Pohang. Pompeo, interviewed on broadcaster CBS's "Face the Nation," said on Sunday he would be in New York City at the end of this week to meet his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol. "I expect we’ll make some real progress, including an effort to make sure that the summit between our two leaders can take place, where we can make substantial steps towards denuclearisation," he added. In Washington last week, South Korea's defence minister said the two countries would decide by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Vigilant Ace, suspended this month, is one of several such exercises halted to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang, which has criticised joint US-South Korea exercises in the past. The biggest combat-readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan has gone ahead, however, with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan joining Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship in the ocean off Japan, another key player in the effort to pressure North Korea. This week's exercises follow a warning by North Korea on Friday that it could resume development of its nuclear programme if the United States did not drop its campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions. "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," a foreign ministry official said in a statement released through state-run KCNA news agency. "The US thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' lead to 'denuclearisation.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea." South Korea hopes the North and the United States will make "big progress" during the talks set for this week, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said on Monday, but declined to comment on the North's Friday statement. North Korea has not tested a ballistic missile or nuclear weapon for nearly a year, and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities. In recent weeks, North Korea has pressed harder for what it sees as reciprocal concessions by the United States and other countries. "As shown, the US is totally to blame for all the problems on the Korean peninsula, including the nuclear issue and therefore, the very one that caused all those must untie the knot it made," it said on Friday. American officials have remained sceptical of Kim's commitment to give up his nuclear arsenal, however, and Washington says it will not support easing international sanctions until more verified progress is made. Pompeo, interviewed on television's "Fox News Sunday," said the Trump administration wants a full, verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, adding that Trump insisted on "no economic relief until we have achieved our ultimate objective." South Korean President Moon Jae-in's continuing efforts to engage with North Korea have fanned US concerns that Seoul could weaken pressure on North Korea to give up nuclear weapons.

US, South Korea marines hold small-scale exercise ahead of North Korea talks

As many as 25 terrorists from the Islamic State (ISIS) group were killed in US-led airstrikes in northern Iraq's Kirkuk province on Sunday.

The US-led coalition forces carried out aerial attacks in the oil-rich province in response to an attack by the terror group that targetted a high-voltage transmission line in Havice region, which occurred on Saturday, senior Iraqi security official Major General Maan al-Saadi told Anadolu News Agency.

Also, the airstrikes destroyed two shelters where the ISIS terrorists had been hiding.

In December last year, Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State (IS), which had seized control of nearly a third of the country in 2014. However, in some parts of the war-torn country, the IS maintains a network of "sleeper cells".

Both the US-led forces and the Iraqi government have been conducting several airstrikes to clear out the terror camps, particularly in the northern parts of Iraq.

As many as 25 terrorists from the Islamic State (ISIS) group were killed in US-led airstrikes in northern Iraq's Kirkuk province on Sunday. The US-led coalition forces carried out aerial attacks in the oil-rich province in response to an attack by the terror group that targetted a high-voltage transmission line in Havice region, which occurred on Saturday, senior Iraqi security official Major General Maan al-Saadi told Anadolu News Agency.

As many as 25 terrorists from the Islamic State (ISIS) group were killed in US-led airstrikes in northern Iraq's Kirkuk province on Sunday. The US-led coalition forces carried out aerial attacks in the oil-rich province in response to an attack by the terror group that targetted a high-voltage transmission line in Havice region, which occurred on Saturday, senior Iraqi security official Major General Maan al-Saadi told Anadolu News Agency. Also, the airstrikes destroyed two shelters where the ISIS terrorists had been hiding. In December last year, Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State (IS), which had seized control of nearly a third of the country in 2014. However, in some parts of the war-torn country, the IS maintains a network of "sleeper cells". Both the US-led forces and the Iraqi government have been conducting several airstrikes to clear out the terror camps, particularly in the northern parts of Iraq.

25 ISIS terrorists killed in US airstrikes in Iraq

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic republic "will proudly bypass sanctions" by the United States that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-on-iran-toughest-ever-take-force-monday-175530">took effect on Monday</a> targeting the country's oil and financial sectors.

"I announce that we will proudly bypass your illegal, unjust sanctions because it's against international regulations," Rouhani said in a televised speech.

"We are in a situation of economic war, confronting a bullying power. I don't think that in the history of America, someone has entered the White House who is so against law and international conventions," he added.

The renewed US sanctions aim to significantly curb Iran's oil exports and cut it off from international finance, and follow US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic republic "will proudly bypass sanctions" by the United States that took effect on Monday targeting the country's oil and financial sectors.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic republic "will proudly bypass sanctions" by the United States that took effect on Monday targeting the country's oil and financial sectors. "I announce that we will proudly bypass your illegal, unjust sanctions because it's against international regulations," Rouhani said in a televised speech. "We are in a situation of economic war, confronting a bullying power. I don't think that in the history of America, someone has entered the White House who is so against law and international conventions," he added. The renewed US sanctions aim to significantly curb Iran's oil exports and cut it off from international finance, and follow US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran.

As US sanctions kick in, Iran says it will 'proudly bypass' them

North Korea has warned the United States it will "seriously" consider returning to a state policy aimed at building <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-against-confidence-destroying-measures-173432">nuclear weapons</a> if Washington does not end tough economic sanctions against the impoverished regime.

For years, the North had pursued a "byungjin" policy of simultaneously developing its nuclear capabilities alongside the economy.

In April, citing a "fresh climate of detente and peace" on the peninsula, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared the nuclear quest complete and said his country would focus on "socialist economic construction".

But a statement issued by the North's foreign ministry said Pyongyang could revert to its former policy if the US did not change its stance over sanctions.

"The word 'byungjin' may appear again and the change of the line could be seriously reconsidered," said the statement carried by the official KCNA news agency late Friday.

At a historic summit in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump and Kim signed a vaguely-worded statement on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-assure-kim-he-took-right-decision-to-denuclearise-south-korean-president-moon-171498">denuclearisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-assure-kim-he-took-right-decision-to-denuclearise-south-korean-president-moon-171498">.</a>

But little progress has been made since then, with Washington pushing to maintain sanctions against the North until its "final, fully verified denuclearisation" and Pyongyang condemning US demands as "gangster-like".

"The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," said the statement, released under the name of the director of the foreign ministry's Institute for American Studies.&nbsp;

"What remains to be done is the US corresponding reply," it added.

The statement is the latest sign of Pyongyang's increasing frustration with Washington.

Last month, the North's state media carried a near 1,700 words long commentary accusing the US of playing a "double game", implicitly criticising Trump for his comments aimed at barring Seoul from lifting sanctions against Pyongyang.

Despite a flurry of diplomacy on and around the peninsula differences are emerging between Seoul and Washington, which stations 28,500 troops in the South to protect it from its nuclear-armed neighbour.

The South's doveish president Moon Jae-in has long favoured engagement with the North, which is subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

He has dangled large investment and joint cross-border projects as incentives for steps towards denuclearisation, while the US has been adamant pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it fully dismantles its weapons programmes.

In an interview with Fox News on Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated that sanctions will remain until Pyongyang carries out it denuclearisation commitments made in Singapore, adding he will meet with his North Korean counterpart next week.

North Korea has warned the United States it will "seriously" consider returning to a state policy aimed at building nuclear weapons if Washington does not end tough economic sanctions against the impoverished regime.

North Korea has warned the United States it will "seriously" consider returning to a state policy aimed at building nuclear weapons if Washington does not end tough economic sanctions against the impoverished regime. For years, the North had pursued a "byungjin" policy of simultaneously developing its nuclear capabilities alongside the economy. In April, citing a "fresh climate of detente and peace" on the peninsula, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared the nuclear quest complete and said his country would focus on "socialist economic construction". But a statement issued by the North's foreign ministry said Pyongyang could revert to its former policy if the US did not change its stance over sanctions. "The word 'byungjin' may appear again and the change of the line could be seriously reconsidered," said the statement carried by the official KCNA news agency late Friday. At a historic summit in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump and Kim signed a vaguely-worded statement on denuclearisation. But little progress has been made since then, with Washington pushing to maintain sanctions against the North until its "final, fully verified denuclearisation" and Pyongyang condemning US demands as "gangster-like". "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," said the statement, released under the name of the director of the foreign ministry's Institute for American Studies. "What remains to be done is the US corresponding reply," it added. The statement is the latest sign of Pyongyang's increasing frustration with Washington. Last month, the North's state media carried a near 1,700 words long commentary accusing the US of playing a "double game", implicitly criticising Trump for his comments aimed at barring Seoul from lifting sanctions against Pyongyang. Despite a flurry of diplomacy on and around the peninsula differences are emerging between Seoul and Washington, which stations 28,500 troops in the South to protect it from its nuclear-armed neighbour. The South's doveish president Moon Jae-in has long favoured engagement with the North, which is subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. He has dangled large investment and joint cross-border projects as incentives for steps towards denuclearisation, while the US has been adamant pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it fully dismantles its weapons programmes. In an interview with Fox News on Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated that sanctions will remain until Pyongyang carries out it denuclearisation commitments made in Singapore, adding he will meet with his North Korean counterpart next week.

Will go back to building nukes if you don't end economic sanctions against us: North Korea to US

A brooding military veteran and former teacher who railed at women and blacks in a series of poorly lit videos shot two women to death and wounded five other people at a Florida yoga studio before killing himself.

The Friday evening shooting at a busy upscale shopping plaza jolted the state capital and police said they were still searching for a motive that led to the deaths of a Florida State University student and a well-known local doctor who was a member of the school faculty.

But details about 40-year-old Scott Paul Beierle began to emerge in the hours after, including that he had once been banned from FSU's campus and had been arrested twice for grabbing women even though the charges were ultimately dropped.

Beierle, who had moved to the central Florida town of Deltona after getting a graduate degree from FSU, also appear to post a series of videos on YouTube in 2014 where he called women "whores" if they dated black men, said many black women were "disgusting" and described himself as a misogynist.

He said promiscuous women deserved to be crucified and he suggested putting up land mines to keep people from crossing into the US from Mexico. The existence of the videos was first reported by BuzzFeed.

Tallahassee police say Beierle shot six people and pistol-whipped another after walking into the yoga studio that sits on the second floor of a shopping centre located near the city's fashionable midtown neighborhoods. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said some in the studio showed courage by trying to stop him.

Witnesses at the shopping centre described how people who had been in the studio ran away, seeking shelter in nearby bars and restaurants as shots rang out.

Police responded within a few minutes, but by then Beirele had fatally shot himself, leaving police to search for a motive and a community to wonder what prompted the violence.

"It's a place that brings me joy and peace, and I think it's ruined," said Katie Bohnett, an instructor at the yoga studio who skipped her normal Friday practice to meet a friend for dinner.

"This monster ruined it." Police said Beierle acted alone but they were still looking into what prompted the shooting. He was originally from New York, had served in the military and once was a teacher in Maryland.

After his military service, he wound up attending FSU.

Kristi Malone, who had a graduate class with Beierle, said in a Facebook message that she did not interact with him outside of the classroom because of "his odd leering, inappropriate comments and general demeanor."

"I know that myself and several of my female colleagues made a point to never be alone with him even at school because of his odd behavior," Malone said.

Mike Orgo, who was friends with Beierle on Facebook, said he met him back in 2011 at comedy night open microphone sessions held at a Tallahassee restaurant. He said that he did not know him well but said he "definitely seemed angry and on edge".

Witnesses told police that Beierle posed as a customer to gain entrance to the studio, then started shooting without warning. Police have not yet said what kind of gun he used. Bohnett said that those at the studio Friday were yoga devotees. She said she did not recognize Beierle.

The two slain Friday were a student and faculty member at Florida State University, according to university officials. The department identified them as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21.

Binkley was a student from Atlanta who was due to graduate in May. Police said two other victims were in stable condition, and three had been released from the hospital.

Van Vessem was an internist who also served as chief medical director for Capital Health Plan, the area's leading health maintenance organisation. Court and FSU records show that Beierle had been previously arrested for grabbing women&nbsp;and had once been banned from FSU's campus.

Beierle was charged by police with battery in 2016 after he slapped and grabbed a woman's buttocks at an apartment complex pool. Records show that the charges were eventually dismissed after Beierle followed the conditions of a deferred prosecution agreement.

Beierle was also charged with battery in 2012 for grabbing women's buttocks in a university campus dining hall. A FSU police report shows that Beierle told police he may have accidentally bumped into someone, but denied grabbing anyone.

In 2014, Beierle was charged with trespassing at FSU. He had been seen following an FSU volleyball coach near the campus gym and was told that he was banned from campus. A month later police found him at a campus restaurant.

It was shortly after his trespassing charges that he posted the series of videos. A Tallahassee police spokesman would not confirm or deny the videos were Beierle.

Biographical details mentioned in the videos, however, match known facts about Beierle, including details about his military service. The videos were taken down by YouTube on Saturday.&nbsp;

A brooding military veteran and former teacher who railed at women and blacks in a series of poorly lit videos shot two women to death and wounded five other people at a Florida yoga studio before killing himself.

A brooding military veteran and former teacher who railed at women and blacks in a series of poorly lit videos shot two women to death and wounded five other people at a Florida yoga studio before killing himself. The Friday evening shooting at a busy upscale shopping plaza jolted the state capital and police said they were still searching for a motive that led to the deaths of a Florida State University student and a well-known local doctor who was a member of the school faculty. But details about 40-year-old Scott Paul Beierle began to emerge in the hours after, including that he had once been banned from FSU's campus and had been arrested twice for grabbing women even though the charges were ultimately dropped. Beierle, who had moved to the central Florida town of Deltona after getting a graduate degree from FSU, also appear to post a series of videos on YouTube in 2014 where he called women "whores" if they dated black men, said many black women were "disgusting" and described himself as a misogynist. He said promiscuous women deserved to be crucified and he suggested putting up land mines to keep people from crossing into the US from Mexico. The existence of the videos was first reported by BuzzFeed. Tallahassee police say Beierle shot six people and pistol-whipped another after walking into the yoga studio that sits on the second floor of a shopping centre located near the city's fashionable midtown neighborhoods. Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said some in the studio showed courage by trying to stop him. Witnesses at the shopping centre described how people who had been in the studio ran away, seeking shelter in nearby bars and restaurants as shots rang out. Police responded within a few minutes, but by then Beirele had fatally shot himself, leaving police to search for a motive and a community to wonder what prompted the violence. "It's a place that brings me joy and peace, and I think it's ruined," said Katie Bohnett, an instructor at the yoga studio who skipped her normal Friday practice to meet a friend for dinner. "This monster ruined it." Police said Beierle acted alone but they were still looking into what prompted the shooting. He was originally from New York, had served in the military and once was a teacher in Maryland. After his military service, he wound up attending FSU. Kristi Malone, who had a graduate class with Beierle, said in a Facebook message that she did not interact with him outside of the classroom because of "his odd leering, inappropriate comments and general demeanor." "I know that myself and several of my female colleagues made a point to never be alone with him even at school because of his odd behavior," Malone said. Mike Orgo, who was friends with Beierle on Facebook, said he met him back in 2011 at comedy night open microphone sessions held at a Tallahassee restaurant. He said that he did not know him well but said he "definitely seemed angry and on edge". Witnesses told police that Beierle posed as a customer to gain entrance to the studio, then started shooting without warning. Police have not yet said what kind of gun he used. Bohnett said that those at the studio Friday were yoga devotees. She said she did not recognize Beierle. The two slain Friday were a student and faculty member at Florida State University, according to university officials. The department identified them as Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21. Binkley was a student from Atlanta who was due to graduate in May. Police said two other victims were in stable condition, and three had been released from the hospital. Van Vessem was an internist who also served as chief medical director for Capital Health Plan, the area's leading health maintenance organisation. Court and FSU records show that Beierle had been previously arrested for grabbing women and had once been banned from FSU's campus. Beierle was charged by police with battery in 2016 after he slapped and grabbed a woman's buttocks at an apartment complex pool. Records show that the charges were eventually dismissed after Beierle followed the conditions of a deferred prosecution agreement. Beierle was also charged with battery in 2012 for grabbing women's buttocks in a university campus dining hall. A FSU police report shows that Beierle told police he may have accidentally bumped into someone, but denied grabbing anyone. In 2014, Beierle was charged with trespassing at FSU. He had been seen following an FSU volleyball coach near the campus gym and was told that he was banned from campus. A month later police found him at a campus restaurant. It was shortly after his trespassing charges that he posted the series of videos. A Tallahassee police spokesman would not confirm or deny the videos were Beierle. Biographical details mentioned in the videos, however, match known facts about Beierle, including details about his military service. The videos were taken down by YouTube on Saturday.

US yoga studio shooter posted racist, misogynistic videos

America's power and hegemony in the world is declining: Ayatollah Khameni

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