The US housing market appears to be straining under the weight of its own pandemic-driven success. Recent data shows the sector is returning from the stratosphere and coming back to pre-COVID levels.

World Business Watch: US housing market straining under pandemic-drives success

Future American investments in Poland could be jeopardised if the country does not renew the licence of 24-hour news channel TVN24, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet said on Thursday, referring to potential new Polish laws against its ownership by American media company Discovery Inc. 
 
The station is in the process of renewing its licence, but the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party is planning changes to the law that could force Discovery to sell a majority stake. 
 
The National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) on Thursday voted on the TVN24 licence, which expires on September&nbsp;26, but the results were inconclusive. 
 
"This is a very significant American investment here in Poland. And there will be knock-on effects perhaps, if the license is not renewed, to future US&nbsp;investments...," Chollet told TVN24 in an interview. 
 
He added he had raised the issue during meetings with Polish officials. 
 
TVN, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, is the biggest American investment in Poland. 
 
In July, PiS lawmakers submitted to parliament amendments to the Broadcasting Act that would restrict companies from outside the European Economic Area from controlling Polish radio and television stations. 
 
The proposed changes have fuelled tension between Poland and the United States and prompted fresh criticism from Polish opposition groups that PiS is seeking to curb media freedom. 
 
PiS argues that foreign companies have too much influence in the media sector, distorting public debate. 
 
"Media freedom is absolutely critical," Chollet said.

Future American investments in Poland could be jeopardised if the country does not renew the licence of 24-hour news channel TVN24, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet said on Thursday, referring to potential new Polish laws against its ownership by American media company Discovery Inc.

Future American investments in Poland could be jeopardised if the country does not renew the licence of 24-hour news channel TVN24, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet said on Thursday, referring to potential new Polish laws against its ownership by American media company Discovery Inc. The station is in the process of renewing its licence, but the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party is planning changes to the law that could force Discovery to sell a majority stake. The National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) on Thursday voted on the TVN24 licence, which expires on September 26, but the results were inconclusive. "This is a very significant American investment here in Poland. And there will be knock-on effects perhaps, if the license is not renewed, to future US investments...," Chollet told TVN24 in an interview. He added he had raised the issue during meetings with Polish officials. TVN, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, is the biggest American investment in Poland. In July, PiS lawmakers submitted to parliament amendments to the Broadcasting Act that would restrict companies from outside the European Economic Area from controlling Polish radio and television stations. The proposed changes have fuelled tension between Poland and the United States and prompted fresh criticism from Polish opposition groups that PiS is seeking to curb media freedom. PiS argues that foreign companies have too much influence in the media sector, distorting public debate. "Media freedom is absolutely critical," Chollet said.

US warns Poland about licence renewal for Discovery-owned news channel

COVID-19 cases nearly tripled in the United States over two weeks amid an onslaught of vaccine misinformation that is straining hospitals, exhausting doctors. Health officials have blamed the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant and also the slow vaccination rates for the rise in cases.

COVID-19 cases nearly triple in US over two weeks amid vaccine misinformation

The United States has reached a deal with Germany to prevent Russia from using its Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The deal aims to invest more than 200 million euros in energy security in Ukraine as well as sustainable energy across Europe.

US and Germany reach a deal over controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline

The Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley has now ruled out the Taliban's victory even as the insurgents have the 'strategic momentum' in their sweeping offenses across Afghanistan.

Gen. Mark Milley: Taliban automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion

US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin. This will make her the first highest-ranking official under Biden administration to visit China.

Senior US official Sherman to meet China Foreign Minister Wang Yi next week

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;appear to have the "strategic&nbsp;momentum" in their sweeping offensives across&nbsp;Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff&nbsp;General&nbsp;Mark Milley said Wednesday.

Nearly 20 years after the US toppled the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and with the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent militants now control about half of&nbsp;Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts.

But they have none of the country's densely populated main cities, Milley told a press conference.

With the militants putting pressure on around half of the country's provincial capitals, Afghan troops are "consolidating their forces" to protect those major urban centres, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

"They're taking an approach to protect the population, and most of the population lives in the provincial capitals and capital city of Kabul," Milley said.

"A&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion."

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;are surging across&nbsp;Afghanistan, snapping up territory, seizing border crossings and encircling cities.&nbsp;

Their success has tested the morale of the Afghan army, already battered by years of shockingly high casualties and, more recently, the decision by international troops to leave.

Though the Afghan army has been trained and equipped by international forces, and estimates show it vastly outnumbers the&nbsp;Taliban's ranks, Milley said numbers are not all it takes to win a war.

"The two most important combat multipliers actually are will and leadership. And this is going to be a test now of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the government of&nbsp;Afghanistan," he said.

US President Joe Biden has also said that a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover is "not inevitable."

But earlier this month he also warned that Afghans must come together against the insurgents, and admitted it was "highly unlikely" that one unified government would end up controlling the entire country.

End game 'not yet written'

The US has insisted it will continue supporting the Afghan army.&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States handed over three Blackhawk helicopter gunships to the Afghan army on Friday and that more equipment would follow.&nbsp;

He added that US units had been positioned in Qatar to keep fighting jihadists in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the withdrawal.&nbsp;

"We remain committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward," he said.

The State Department also said a first group of around 700 Afghans who worked for the US army -- making them targets for the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;-- will arrive in the United States next week with their immediate families.

Another 4,000 workers and their families, totalling some 20,000 people, have been cleared to receive immigrant visas, State Department official Tracey Jacobson said.&nbsp;

Milley said US withdrawal is 95 percent complete, with the evacuation of equipment equivalent to the cargo of 984 C-17 aircraft.

His comments came hours after the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said Wednesday they would fight only to defend themselves over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, but stopped short of declaring a formal ceasefire.&nbsp;

The militants have said they "strenuously favour" a political settlement to end the war with the government in Kabul.

But their push to capitalise on the&nbsp;withdrawal has left many Afghans sceptical.

President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;had proved "they have no will and intention for peace," and more than a dozen diplomatic missions in Kabul this week called for "an urgent end" to the offensive.

Afghan civilians, who have long taken the brunt of the fighting, are also watching the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;advance in fear.

Many -- especially women and minorities -- stand to lose hard-won rights and freedoms if the militants return to any form of power.

Even if Kabul can hold them off, civilians face the possibility of a protracted and bloody civil war or the country fracturing along ethnic lines.

Milley said the chance of a negotiated political settlement is "still out there."

"There's a possibility of a complete&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover or possibility of any number of other scenarios -- breakdowns, warlordism, all kinds of other scenarios out there," he said.

"We're monitoring very closely. I don't think the end game is yet written."

The Taliban appear to have the "strategic momentum" in their sweeping offensives across Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday.

The Taliban appear to have the "strategic momentum" in their sweeping offensives across Afghanistan, but their victory is far from assured, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday. Nearly 20 years after the US toppled the Taliban regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and with the withdrawal of American-led foreign forces all but complete, the resurgent militants now control about half of Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts. But they have none of the country's densely populated main cities, Milley told a press conference. With the militants putting pressure on around half of the country's provincial capitals, Afghan troops are "consolidating their forces" to protect those major urban centres, he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM "They're taking an approach to protect the population, and most of the population lives in the provincial capitals and capital city of Kabul," Milley said. "A Taliban automatic military takeover is not a foregone conclusion." The Taliban are surging across Afghanistan, snapping up territory, seizing border crossings and encircling cities. Their success has tested the morale of the Afghan army, already battered by years of shockingly high casualties and, more recently, the decision by international troops to leave. Though the Afghan army has been trained and equipped by international forces, and estimates show it vastly outnumbers the Taliban's ranks, Milley said numbers are not all it takes to win a war. "The two most important combat multipliers actually are will and leadership. And this is going to be a test now of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the government of Afghanistan," he said. US President Joe Biden has also said that a Taliban takeover is "not inevitable." But earlier this month he also warned that Afghans must come together against the insurgents, and admitted it was "highly unlikely" that one unified government would end up controlling the entire country. End game 'not yet written' The US has insisted it will continue supporting the Afghan army. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States handed over three Blackhawk helicopter gunships to the Afghan army on Friday and that more equipment would follow. He added that US units had been positioned in Qatar to keep fighting jihadists in Afghanistan after the withdrawal. "We remain committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward," he said. The State Department also said a first group of around 700 Afghans who worked for the US army -- making them targets for the Taliban -- will arrive in the United States next week with their immediate families. Another 4,000 workers and their families, totalling some 20,000 people, have been cleared to receive immigrant visas, State Department official Tracey Jacobson said. Milley said US withdrawal is 95 percent complete, with the evacuation of equipment equivalent to the cargo of 984 C-17 aircraft. His comments came hours after the Taliban said Wednesday they would fight only to defend themselves over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, but stopped short of declaring a formal ceasefire. The militants have said they "strenuously favour" a political settlement to end the war with the government in Kabul. But their push to capitalise on the withdrawal has left many Afghans sceptical. President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday the Taliban had proved "they have no will and intention for peace," and more than a dozen diplomatic missions in Kabul this week called for "an urgent end" to the offensive. Afghan civilians, who have long taken the brunt of the fighting, are also watching the Taliban advance in fear. Many -- especially women and minorities -- stand to lose hard-won rights and freedoms if the militants return to any form of power. Even if Kabul can hold them off, civilians face the possibility of a protracted and bloody civil war or the country fracturing along ethnic lines. Milley said the chance of a negotiated political settlement is "still out there." "There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or possibility of any number of other scenarios -- breakdowns, warlordism, all kinds of other scenarios out there," he said. "We're monitoring very closely. I don't think the end game is yet written."

Taliban seem to have 'strategic momentum' in Afghanistan: top US general

Four pharmaceutical companies accused of fueling the United States' opioid epidemic would pay up to $26 billion to resolve thousands of claims in federal and state courts. The proposed settlement is the largest unveiled in the multi-year legal effort to hold the industry accountable for the opioids crisis, which has caused more than 500,000 deaths in the US in the last 20 years.

Four drug firms agree to pay $26bn in proposed US opioid settlement

Intense smoke due to wildfires in the US West Coast caused hazy skies in New York, with the air quality index worsening to 157 in Manhattan.

New York City air quality was among the worst in the world. State officials advised people with asthma and heart disease to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There is still quite a bit of near-surface smoke over NYC this morning from wildfires burning in Western North America. A cold front coming through later today will push the smoke away and clear our skies out. <a href="https://t.co/7b4r7Vdqyf">pic.twitter.com/7b4r7Vdqyf</a>
— New York Metro Weather (@nymetrowx) <a href="https://twitter.com/nymetrowx/status/1417850745223847937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

George Pope, professor of earth and environmental studies at Montclair State University, who added that he could not see Manhattan from his New Jersey office, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "I think it’s unusual to have this kind of haze, I don’t recall seeing this kind of thing".

He added, "You can pretty much always see the skyline, at least a silhouette if it’s a hazy day. This is, like, this is unprecedented".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-residents-flee-as-fires-ravage-western-canada-399580">Also read |&nbsp;More residents flee as fires ravage western Canada</a>

This is the second year in a row that smoke from huge wildfires in the US west has traveled 2,000 miles east.

David Lawrence, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said, "We’re seeing lots of fires producing a tremendous amount of smoke. By the time that smoke gets to the eastern portion of the country where it’s usually thinned out, there’s just so much smoke in the atmosphere from all these fires that it’s still pretty thick".

Intense smoke due to wildfires in the US West Coast caused hazy skies in New York, with the air quality index worsening to 157 in Manhattan. New York City air quality was among the worst in the world.

Intense smoke due to wildfires in the US West Coast caused hazy skies in New York, with the air quality index worsening to 157 in Manhattan. New York City air quality was among the worst in the world. State officials advised people with asthma and heart disease to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. There is still quite a bit of near-surface smoke over NYC this morning from wildfires burning in Western North America. A cold front coming through later today will push the smoke away and clear our skies out. pic.twitter.com/7b4r7Vdqyf — New York Metro Weather (@nymetrowx) July 21, 2021 × George Pope, professor of earth and environmental studies at Montclair State University, who added that he could not see Manhattan from his New Jersey office, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "I think it’s unusual to have this kind of haze, I don’t recall seeing this kind of thing". He added, "You can pretty much always see the skyline, at least a silhouette if it’s a hazy day. This is, like, this is unprecedented". Also read | More residents flee as fires ravage western Canada This is the second year in a row that smoke from huge wildfires in the US west has traveled 2,000 miles east. David Lawrence, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said, "We’re seeing lots of fires producing a tremendous amount of smoke. By the time that smoke gets to the eastern portion of the country where it’s usually thinned out, there’s just so much smoke in the atmosphere from all these fires that it’s still pretty thick".

Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world

In a speech earlier this month, US President Joe Biden slipped a phrase into a major address on infrastructure spending with a bit of a laugh, calling it a "boring speech" but "an important speech."

Boring but important sort of sums up the veteran Democrat's game plan, six months after moving into the White House: focus on substance, not style, to rebuild American prosperity and restore the country to a central role in global politics.

"Biden essentially is trying to get all the emotional energy out of our politics," Robert Rowland, a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, told AFP, contrasting Biden's style to the bombast of predecessor Donald Trump.

"The long-term effect is to say: 'Look, I may be boring but I am actually producing real results'."

On Tuesday, when the 78-year-old Biden brought his cabinet together to mark six months in office, he reiterated some of the key themes of his presidency, which he has been hammering home since January.

He said the United States was in a "defining competition" with countries such as China that "believe autocracy is the future."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-of-mourning-death-toll-from-flooding-in-western-europe-hits-200-399331">Also read |&nbsp;'Day of mourning': Death toll from flooding in western Europe hits 200</a>

"Democracy is more capable," Biden said -- in his view, capable of being innovative, of fighting climate change, of bringing prosperity to the most citizens possible.

The former US senator believes that the road to prosperity comes with spending -- big spending on "hard" infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and broadband internet, but also on health care, education and child care.

On the diplomatic front, being capable and innovative means reviving America's traditional alliances, which were stifled -- or simply ignored -- under Trump, who pushed a stark "America First" agenda.

Biden focuses on big ideas, and big issues -- but none of them are necessarily what voters are most excited about. Biden himself even admits it, as he did in that speech earlier this month.

"I know that's a boring speech, but it's an important speech," he said on July 7 in Crystal Lake, Illinois after telling the audiences about his spending plans, offering streams of numbers. The applause grew weaker and weaker as he went on.

"Anybody under the age of 13 -- this has got to be boring, boring, boring for you," he then said on July 15 in front of a room of parents and children as he detailed a tax credit measure for families.

The Anti-Trump

After a Trump presidency full of diatribes and vicious barbs, Biden and his team are instead maintaining an iron grip on their message -- and that message is straight-up dull, on purpose.

"Biden is making a virtue of something that has been a problem in his rhetoric for a long time -- he is wonky," explained Rowland.

Nearly every time he faces the press, Biden relies on the teleprompter and handwritten notes, and his speeches are typically not very long. His aides often rush reporters out of the room before they can ask him any off-the-cuff questions.

That is in stark contrast to Trump, who favored long, stream-of-consciousness speeches. The Republican former leader also loved using Twitter as his bully pulpit for shock statements, while Biden's social media presence is far more calculated.

Trump loved to shout. Biden sometimes whispers.

Lawrence Jacobs, a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, says listening to a Biden speech can be "painful."&nbsp;

"He loses his place, or he misspeaks, or he goes off on a tangent," Jacobs told AFP, while acknowledging that the Democrat "is more confident with foreign policy or national security speeches" due to his deep international experience while in the Senate.

When he talked this month about the withdrawal of the last US soldiers from Afghanistan -- one of the biggest decision of his presidency to date -- he delivered his message without a hiccup.

"He shows you the rhetorical power of the presidency," Jacobs said. "It's a mistake to say that he lacks the ability to shape conversations."

Indeed, last Friday, before leaving the White House for the weekend, Biden launched a broadside on Facebook and other social media giants, accusing them of "killing people" by allowing misinformation about the coronavirus to spread.

Though he would later walk them back a bit, those comments made the rounds on US television networks all weekend.

Comforter-in-chief

Biden is spontaneous in one circumstance -- when he allows his empathy to shine through.

The Democratic president, whose life has been marked by family tragedy -- including the deaths of his first wife and daughter in a car accident, and his son Beau's fatal battle with cancer -- happily takes on the role of comforter-in-chief.

He recently spent long hours consoling the loved ones of those who died in the collapse of an apartment building in south Florida.

"He has a gift for giving solace to people, a real ability to create a sense of shared identity," Rowland said.

For now, Biden's popularity rating is firmly anchored above 50 percent -- a level Trump was never able to achieve.

In a speech earlier this month, US President Joe Biden slipped a phrase into a major address on infrastructure spending with a bit of a laugh, calling it a "boring speech" but "an important speech.

In a speech earlier this month, US President Joe Biden slipped a phrase into a major address on infrastructure spending with a bit of a laugh, calling it a "boring speech" but "an important speech." Boring but important sort of sums up the veteran Democrat's game plan, six months after moving into the White House: focus on substance, not style, to rebuild American prosperity and restore the country to a central role in global politics. "Biden essentially is trying to get all the emotional energy out of our politics," Robert Rowland, a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, told AFP, contrasting Biden's style to the bombast of predecessor Donald Trump. "The long-term effect is to say: 'Look, I may be boring but I am actually producing real results'." On Tuesday, when the 78-year-old Biden brought his cabinet together to mark six months in office, he reiterated some of the key themes of his presidency, which he has been hammering home since January. He said the United States was in a "defining competition" with countries such as China that "believe autocracy is the future." Also read | 'Day of mourning': Death toll from flooding in western Europe hits 200 "Democracy is more capable," Biden said -- in his view, capable of being innovative, of fighting climate change, of bringing prosperity to the most citizens possible. The former US senator believes that the road to prosperity comes with spending -- big spending on "hard" infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and broadband internet, but also on health care, education and child care. On the diplomatic front, being capable and innovative means reviving America's traditional alliances, which were stifled -- or simply ignored -- under Trump, who pushed a stark "America First" agenda. Biden focuses on big ideas, and big issues -- but none of them are necessarily what voters are most excited about. Biden himself even admits it, as he did in that speech earlier this month. "I know that's a boring speech, but it's an important speech," he said on July 7 in Crystal Lake, Illinois after telling the audiences about his spending plans, offering streams of numbers. The applause grew weaker and weaker as he went on. "Anybody under the age of 13 -- this has got to be boring, boring, boring for you," he then said on July 15 in front of a room of parents and children as he detailed a tax credit measure for families. The Anti-Trump After a Trump presidency full of diatribes and vicious barbs, Biden and his team are instead maintaining an iron grip on their message -- and that message is straight-up dull, on purpose. "Biden is making a virtue of something that has been a problem in his rhetoric for a long time -- he is wonky," explained Rowland. Nearly every time he faces the press, Biden relies on the teleprompter and handwritten notes, and his speeches are typically not very long. His aides often rush reporters out of the room before they can ask him any off-the-cuff questions. That is in stark contrast to Trump, who favored long, stream-of-consciousness speeches. The Republican former leader also loved using Twitter as his bully pulpit for shock statements, while Biden's social media presence is far more calculated. Trump loved to shout. Biden sometimes whispers. Lawrence Jacobs, a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, says listening to a Biden speech can be "painful." "He loses his place, or he misspeaks, or he goes off on a tangent," Jacobs told AFP, while acknowledging that the Democrat "is more confident with foreign policy or national security speeches" due to his deep international experience while in the Senate. When he talked this month about the withdrawal of the last US soldiers from Afghanistan -- one of the biggest decision of his presidency to date -- he delivered his message without a hiccup. "He shows you the rhetorical power of the presidency," Jacobs said. "It's a mistake to say that he lacks the ability to shape conversations." Indeed, last Friday, before leaving the White House for the weekend, Biden launched a broadside on Facebook and other social media giants, accusing them of "killing people" by allowing misinformation about the coronavirus to spread. Though he would later walk them back a bit, those comments made the rounds on US television networks all weekend. Comforter-in-chief Biden is spontaneous in one circumstance -- when he allows his empathy to shine through. The Democratic president, whose life has been marked by family tragedy -- including the deaths of his first wife and daughter in a car accident, and his son Beau's fatal battle with cancer -- happily takes on the role of comforter-in-chief. He recently spent long hours consoling the loved ones of those who died in the collapse of an apartment building in south Florida. "He has a gift for giving solace to people, a real ability to create a sense of shared identity," Rowland said. For now, Biden's popularity rating is firmly anchored above 50 percent -- a level Trump was never able to achieve.

'Boring but important': Biden finishes six months at White House

Thomas&nbsp;Barrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump who chaired the former president's inaugural fund, was arrested on Tuesday&nbsp;and charged with illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

Barrack&nbsp;and two other defendants are accused of failing to register as lobbyists and using their influence to advance the UAE's foreign policy goals in the United States.

"The defendants repeatedly capitalised on&nbsp;Barrack's friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected president, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances," US&nbsp;Department of Justice official Mark Lesko in a press release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-jesuit-priests-to-raise-100-million-for-descendants-of-slaves-370927">Also read |&nbsp;US Jesuit priests to raise $100 million for descendants of slaves&nbsp;</a>

Barrack&nbsp;is also alleged to have repeatedly lied during an FBI interview about his dealings with the UAE.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Barrack, 74, is a longtime Trump ally and founder of the large private equity firm Colony Capital.&nbsp;Barrack&nbsp;stepped down as Colony Capital's chief executive in 2020. In April, he resigned as executive chairman of the firm.

Thomas Barrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump who chaired the former president's inaugural fund, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

Thomas Barrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump who chaired the former president's inaugural fund, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. Barrack and two other defendants are accused of failing to register as lobbyists and using their influence to advance the UAE's foreign policy goals in the United States. "The defendants repeatedly capitalised on Barrack's friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected president, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances," US Department of Justice official Mark Lesko in a press release. Also read | US Jesuit priests to raise $100 million for descendants of slaves Barrack is also alleged to have repeatedly lied during an FBI interview about his dealings with the UAE. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Barrack, 74, is a longtime Trump ally and founder of the large private equity firm Colony Capital. Barrack stepped down as Colony Capital's chief executive in 2020. In April, he resigned as executive chairman of the firm.

Trump ally Thomas Barrack arrested on foreign lobbying charges, says US justice department

The Biden administration on Monday released a Moroccan man who had been held without charge almost since the US built the Guantanamo Bay facility 19 years ago into the custody of his native nation.

The first prisoner freed by the Biden administration Abdul Latif Nasir had feared he wouldn't make it out alive. He was never charged with a crime.&nbsp;

In a statement released by the Department of Defence (DoD) said: "In 2016, the Periodic Review Board (PRB) process determined that law of war detention of Abdul Latif Nasir no longer remained necessary to protect against a continuing significant threat to the national security of the US."

The man's transfer, Abdul Latif Nasser, 56, was the first sign of President Biden's renewed endeavour to whittle down the jail population by sending them to countries that vow to keep the guys under security measures.&nbsp;

Nasser's release from Guantanamo Bay was first approved more than five years ago.

He had been held there for 19 years after being apprehended in Afghanistan, where the US authorities said he was an active Taliban member who later trained with al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

Nasser, who is in his mid-50s, had been recommended for repatriation by a review board in July 2016, but he stayed at Guantánamo under President Donald Trump, who opposes the facility's closure.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration on Monday released a Moroccan man who had been held without charge almost since the US built the Guantanamo Bay facility 19 years ago into the custody of his native nation.

The Biden administration on Monday released a Moroccan man who had been held without charge almost since the US built the Guantanamo Bay facility 19 years ago into the custody of his native nation. The first prisoner freed by the Biden administration Abdul Latif Nasir had feared he wouldn't make it out alive. He was never charged with a crime. In a statement released by the Department of Defence (DoD) said: "In 2016, the Periodic Review Board (PRB) process determined that law of war detention of Abdul Latif Nasir no longer remained necessary to protect against a continuing significant threat to the national security of the US." The man's transfer, Abdul Latif Nasser, 56, was the first sign of President Biden's renewed endeavour to whittle down the jail population by sending them to countries that vow to keep the guys under security measures. Nasser's release from Guantanamo Bay was first approved more than five years ago. He had been held there for 19 years after being apprehended in Afghanistan, where the US authorities said he was an active Taliban member who later trained with al-Qaeda. Nasser, who is in his mid-50s, had been recommended for repatriation by a review board in July 2016, but he stayed at Guantánamo under President Donald Trump, who opposes the facility's closure. (With inputs from agencies)

'19 years in jail without charges': US transfers the first detainee out of Guantanamo

Turkey and Russia are attempting to tame the Taliban in Afghanistan. But the US continues to destabilise the region. This time, by adding Pakistan to the Afghan QUAD.

Gravitas: Another US blunder: Pakistan in Afghan QUAD

Paul questioned Fauci about an NIH-funded study that he claims qualifies as a gain of function research, which entails changing a pathogen to make it more transmissible to better forecast new diseases.

‘If anybody is lying here, it is you’: Fauci and Paul clash on coronavirus origins

The&nbsp;Pentagon's watchdog said on Tuesday it would evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the president's "nuclear football" - containing codes needed for a strike - after one such briefcase nearly came within range of rioters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6.

In a brief notice, the Inspector General's office said it would evaluate the extent to which&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;officials could detect and respond if the Presidential Emergency Satchel were "lost, stolen or compromised."

"We may revise the objective as the evaluation proceeds," it said.

One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said concerns surrounding the Jan. 6 siege helped trigger the evaluation. On that date, Vice President Mike Pence was at the US&nbsp;Capitol, accompanied by a military aide carrying a backup nuclear football when the building was stormed by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

The satchel holds the codes the president would use to authenticate an order to launch nuclear missiles should he or she not be at the White House.

Security footage made public during Trump's subsequent impeachment trial showed Pence and the military aide - who had the satchel - being ushered to safety as protesters got closer to their location.

"At no point was it ever compromised," said a source familiar with the situation.

Even if rioters had taken possession of the satchel, any nuclear strike order would still have needed to be confirmed and processed by the military.

But January&nbsp;6 was just one of several times during Trump's presidency that the security of the nuclear football came into question.

In November 2017, when Trump was in Beijing having lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a Chinese security official got into a tussle in another room with the US&nbsp;military aide carrying the briefcase.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-anybody-is-lying-here-it-is-you-fauci-and-paul-clash-on-coronavirus-origins-399370">Also read |&nbsp;‘If anybody is lying here, it is you’: Fauci and Paul clash on coronavirus origins</a>

Then-White House chief of staff John Kelly, a tall, imposing retired general, intervened and got into a physical altercation with the Chinese official to ensure the nuclear football did not get away from the military aide, a former senior Trump administration official said.

When a senior US&nbsp;official spoke to Chinese officials about the incident at the scene, the Chinese wanted to extend an apology to Kelly over the episode. But Kelly refused to accept the apology, the official said.

"Tell them they can come apologise to me in Washington," Kelly said, according to the official.

On January&nbsp;20 of this year, Trump insisted on leaving Washington before the inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, meaning a live football would have to go with him to be on hand until Biden was sworn in.

Trump was accompanied by a military aide carrying a nuclear football.

The Pentagon's watchdog said on Tuesday it would evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the president's "nuclear football" - containing codes needed for a strike - after one such briefcase nearly came within range of rioters storming the Capitol on Jan.

The Pentagon's watchdog said on Tuesday it would evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the president's "nuclear football" - containing codes needed for a strike - after one such briefcase nearly came within range of rioters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6. In a brief notice, the Inspector General's office said it would evaluate the extent to which Pentagon officials could detect and respond if the Presidential Emergency Satchel were "lost, stolen or compromised." "We may revise the objective as the evaluation proceeds," it said. One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said concerns surrounding the Jan. 6 siege helped trigger the evaluation. On that date, Vice President Mike Pence was at the US Capitol, accompanied by a military aide carrying a backup nuclear football when the building was stormed by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The satchel holds the codes the president would use to authenticate an order to launch nuclear missiles should he or she not be at the White House. Security footage made public during Trump's subsequent impeachment trial showed Pence and the military aide - who had the satchel - being ushered to safety as protesters got closer to their location. "At no point was it ever compromised," said a source familiar with the situation. Even if rioters had taken possession of the satchel, any nuclear strike order would still have needed to be confirmed and processed by the military. But January 6 was just one of several times during Trump's presidency that the security of the nuclear football came into question. In November 2017, when Trump was in Beijing having lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a Chinese security official got into a tussle in another room with the US military aide carrying the briefcase. Also read | ‘If anybody is lying here, it is you’: Fauci and Paul clash on coronavirus origins Then-White House chief of staff John Kelly, a tall, imposing retired general, intervened and got into a physical altercation with the Chinese official to ensure the nuclear football did not get away from the military aide, a former senior Trump administration official said. When a senior US official spoke to Chinese officials about the incident at the scene, the Chinese wanted to extend an apology to Kelly over the episode. But Kelly refused to accept the apology, the official said. "Tell them they can come apologise to me in Washington," Kelly said, according to the official. On January 20 of this year, Trump insisted on leaving Washington before the inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, meaning a live football would have to go with him to be on hand until Biden was sworn in. Trump was accompanied by a military aide carrying a nuclear football.

Pentagon watchdog: Evaluate safety protocols surrounding the president's 'nuclear football'

The United States and Germany are expected to announce in coming days a deal resolving their long-standing dispute over Russia's $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. 
 
President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to settle their differences over the undersea pipeline when they met last week, but agreed Moscow must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon against its neighbours. 
 
A deal is now in sight after discussions among US&nbsp;and German officials about US&nbsp;concerns that the pipeline, which is 98% complete, will increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas, and could rob Ukraine of the transit fees it now collects on gas pumped through an existing pipeline. 
 
An agreement would avert the resumption of currently waived US&nbsp;sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind the pipeline, and its chief executive. 
 
Details were not immediately available, but the sources said the deal would include commitments by both sides to ensure increased investment in Ukraine's energy sector to offset any negative fallout from the new pipeline, which will bring gas from the Arctic to Germany under the Baltic Sea. 
 
"It's looking good," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are still ongoing. "We expect those conversations to reach resolution in coming days." 
 
A second source said the two sides were nearing an agreement that would assuage concerns raised by US&nbsp;lawmakers, as well as those of Ukraine. 
 
Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will meet with senior Ukrainian government officials in Kyiv on Tuesday and Wednesday to reinforce the strategic value of US-Ukrainian ties, the State Department said on Monday. 
 
One of the sources said the United States was eager to ensure that Ukraine supported the expected agreement with Germany. 
 
The Biden administration concluded in May that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO engaged in sanctionable behavior. But Biden waived the sanctions to allow time to work out a deal and keep rebuilding ties with Germany that were badly frayed during former President Donald Trump`s administration. 
 
In addition to assurances by Germany about its willingness to "reverse flow" gas to Ukraine if Russia ever cuts off supplies to Eastern Europe, the sources said the agreement would include a pledge by both countries to invest in Ukraine's energy transformation, energy efficiency and energy security. 
 
It was not immediately clear whether both countries would announce significant government investments, or whether they would seek to leverage private investments in Ukraine.

The United States and Germany are expected to announce in coming days a deal resolving their long-standing dispute over Russia's $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, sources familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The United States and Germany are expected to announce in coming days a deal resolving their long-standing dispute over Russia's $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to settle their differences over the undersea pipeline when they met last week, but agreed Moscow must not be allowed to use energy as a weapon against its neighbours. A deal is now in sight after discussions among US and German officials about US concerns that the pipeline, which is 98% complete, will increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas, and could rob Ukraine of the transit fees it now collects on gas pumped through an existing pipeline. An agreement would avert the resumption of currently waived US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind the pipeline, and its chief executive. Details were not immediately available, but the sources said the deal would include commitments by both sides to ensure increased investment in Ukraine's energy sector to offset any negative fallout from the new pipeline, which will bring gas from the Arctic to Germany under the Baltic Sea. "It's looking good," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are still ongoing. "We expect those conversations to reach resolution in coming days." A second source said the two sides were nearing an agreement that would assuage concerns raised by US lawmakers, as well as those of Ukraine. Derek Chollet, a senior adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will meet with senior Ukrainian government officials in Kyiv on Tuesday and Wednesday to reinforce the strategic value of US-Ukrainian ties, the State Department said on Monday. One of the sources said the United States was eager to ensure that Ukraine supported the expected agreement with Germany. The Biden administration concluded in May that Nord Stream 2 AG and its CEO engaged in sanctionable behavior. But Biden waived the sanctions to allow time to work out a deal and keep rebuilding ties with Germany that were badly frayed during former President Donald Trump`s administration. In addition to assurances by Germany about its willingness to "reverse flow" gas to Ukraine if Russia ever cuts off supplies to Eastern Europe, the sources said the agreement would include a pledge by both countries to invest in Ukraine's energy transformation, energy efficiency and energy security. It was not immediately clear whether both countries would announce significant government investments, or whether they would seek to leverage private investments in Ukraine.

US, Germany to announce deal on Nord Stream 2 pipeline in coming days: Sources

Four Chinese nationals have been charged for targeting dozens of companies, universities and government agencies in the United States and abroad. This action comes right in the heels of the United States and its allies publicly accusing China of a global cyber espionage campaign.

4 Chinese nationals charged for hacking US companies

Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say. 
 
China is mass producing its DF-26, a multipurpose weapon with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, while the United States is developing new weapons aimed at countering Beijing in the Pacific. 
 
Other countries in the region are buying or developing their own new missiles, driven by security concerns over China and a desire to reduce their reliance on the United States. 
 
Before the decade is out, Asia will be bristling with conventional missiles that fly farther and faster, hit harder, and are more sophisticated than ever before - a stark and dangerous change from recent years, analysts, diplomats, and military officials say. 
 
"The missile landscape is changing in Asia, and it’s changing fast," said David Santoro, president of the Pacific Forum. 
 
Such weapons are increasingly affordable and accurate, and as some countries acquire them, their neighbours don't want to be left behind, analysts said. Missiles provide strategic benefits such as deterring enemies and boosting leverage with allies, and can be a lucrative export. 
 
The long-term implications are uncertain, and there is a slim chance that the new weapons could balance tensions and help maintain peace, Santoro said. 
 
"More likely is that missile proliferation will fuel suspicions, trigger arms races, increase tensions, and ultimately cause crises and even wars," he said.

Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say.

Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say. China is mass producing its DF-26, a multipurpose weapon with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, while the United States is developing new weapons aimed at countering Beijing in the Pacific. Other countries in the region are buying or developing their own new missiles, driven by security concerns over China and a desire to reduce their reliance on the United States. Before the decade is out, Asia will be bristling with conventional missiles that fly farther and faster, hit harder, and are more sophisticated than ever before - a stark and dangerous change from recent years, analysts, diplomats, and military officials say. "The missile landscape is changing in Asia, and it’s changing fast," said David Santoro, president of the Pacific Forum. Such weapons are increasingly affordable and accurate, and as some countries acquire them, their neighbours don't want to be left behind, analysts said. Missiles provide strategic benefits such as deterring enemies and boosting leverage with allies, and can be a lucrative export. The long-term implications are uncertain, and there is a slim chance that the new weapons could balance tensions and help maintain peace, Santoro said. "More likely is that missile proliferation will fuel suspicions, trigger arms races, increase tensions, and ultimately cause crises and even wars," he said.

Caught between China and US, Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed on Monday for more help from the United States as she began a visit to Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials this week. 
 
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has kept a tight grip on Belarus since 1994 and has cracked down on street protests that began over a presidential election last August that his opponents say was rigged so that he could retain power. 
 
Tsikhanouskaya, 38, was a candidate in the election instead of her husband, Sergei Tsikhanouskiy, a video blogger who has been jailed since May 2020 on charges such as violating public order, which he denies. Tsikhanouskaya fled to neighboring Lithuania after Lukashenko`s crackdown. 
 
She met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and State Department Counselor Derek Chollet, the State Department said in a statement. 
 
It said they discussed the need for the Lukashenko government's "crackdown to end, along with the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus, and an inclusive political dialogue and new presidential elections under international observation." 
 
Tsikhanouskaya also had meetings planned this week with senior White House officials, a senior administration official said. 
 
She told CNN that more help was needed from the United States and the European Union. 
 
"The USA has a moral obligation to be with us. I ask the USA to help civil society survive," she said. "Stand with Belarus." 
 
The senior administration official said the United States "stands with" Tsikhanouskaya and the people of Belarus and "will continue to support their democratic aspirations."

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed on Monday for more help from the United States as she began a visit to Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials this week.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed on Monday for more help from the United States as she began a visit to Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials this week. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has kept a tight grip on Belarus since 1994 and has cracked down on street protests that began over a presidential election last August that his opponents say was rigged so that he could retain power. Tsikhanouskaya, 38, was a candidate in the election instead of her husband, Sergei Tsikhanouskiy, a video blogger who has been jailed since May 2020 on charges such as violating public order, which he denies. Tsikhanouskaya fled to neighboring Lithuania after Lukashenko`s crackdown. She met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and State Department Counselor Derek Chollet, the State Department said in a statement. It said they discussed the need for the Lukashenko government's "crackdown to end, along with the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus, and an inclusive political dialogue and new presidential elections under international observation." Tsikhanouskaya also had meetings planned this week with senior White House officials, a senior administration official said. She told CNN that more help was needed from the United States and the European Union. "The USA has a moral obligation to be with us. I ask the USA to help civil society survive," she said. "Stand with Belarus." The senior administration official said the United States "stands with" Tsikhanouskaya and the people of Belarus and "will continue to support their democratic aspirations."

On Washington visit, Belarus opposition leader asks US for more help

The Biden administration and Western allies blamed China for a massive hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software and accused Beijing of working with criminal hackers in ransomware attacks and other cyber operations.

US & allies condemn China for malicious cyber activity

A Florida man was sentenced to eight months in prison for his role in the Capitol riots. This is the first sentencing of someone convicted for a felony over the attack.

US Capitol Riots: Man from Florida sentenced to 8 months in prison in first felony sentence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India next week, becoming the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year.&nbsp;United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin visited New Delhi earlier this year and held talks with his counterpart and called on top Indian leadership including PM Modi.&nbsp;

Blinken will hold talks with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Both Blinken, Jaishankar have met each other three&nbsp;times previously - first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign minister meet in London, then during EAM's bilateral visit to the US, and then&nbsp;on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy.&nbsp;

The visit is expected to&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on the current situation in Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, Quad. Biden administration is keen to host Quad (the grouping of&nbsp;India, US, Australia, and Japan) in-person leadership meet later this year. Indian PM Modi, depending on the current Covid situation will visit Washington.&nbsp;

But undoubtedly, the situation in Afghanistan remains a worry as&nbsp;Taliban makes territorial gains. Both sides have been in touch on the issue. In fact, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Spl Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India next week, becoming the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year. United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India next week, becoming the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year. United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin visited New Delhi earlier this year and held talks with his counterpart and called on top Indian leadership including PM Modi. Blinken will hold talks with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Both Blinken, Jaishankar have met each other three times previously - first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign minister meet in London, then during EAM's bilateral visit to the US, and then on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy. The visit is expected to focus on the current situation in Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, Quad. Biden administration is keen to host Quad (the grouping of India, US, Australia, and Japan) in-person leadership meet later this year. Indian PM Modi, depending on the current Covid situation will visit Washington. But undoubtedly, the situation in Afghanistan remains a worry as Taliban makes territorial gains. Both sides have been in touch on the issue. In fact, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Spl Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.

US Secretary of State Blinken to visit India next week

US President Joe Biden welcomed Jordan's King Abdullah II to the White House on Monday. Before the bilateral meeting, Biden called King Abdullah a good, loyal and decent friend.

US President Biden welcomes Jordan's King Abdullah II to White House

Canada is all set to lift non-essential travel restrictions for fully vaccinated US citizens from August 9. The country will then reopen its borders to all vaccinated foreign travelers from September 7.

Canada to open border to fully vaccinated Americans from August 9

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1