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

US navy sends two aircraft carriers to South China Sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump: Jobs report proves US economy 'roaring back'

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

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

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

Fineprint: US economy is doing amazingly well | Donald Trump

The United States and China, world’s mammoth economies are currently fighting on many fronts, including trade and media.

On the one hand is China, known as the pundit of public relations. The country has mastered the use of media to push its propaganda. On the other hand is the United States, fighting this propaganda war. As part of its efforts, the US has designated four Chinese media outlets as foreign missions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-administration-designates-4-more-chinese-media-outlets-as-foreign-missions-307846" hreflang="en">Trump administration designates 4 more Chinese media outlets as 'foreign missions'</a>

According to the US, Beijing has full editorial control over the content, and hence will be treated as embassies. As part of this move, the companies will have to report details of their staff, and also reveal the properties they hold in the US. Currently, at least nine Chinese outlets are under scrutiny.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-new-security-law-hong-kongs-top-editor-on-the-public-mood-310038/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China retaliated by imposing sanctions on US media outlets in China including the Associated Press, the National Public Radio, CBS news, and the United Press International News Agency.

These Americans companies will now need to divulge the same details expected of Chinese media outlets.

China’s brainwash game?

To strengthen its front of optics, China conducted media outreach campaigns in every continent. These include journalism exchange and training schemes.

Journalists are called to china on fully-sponsored trips that sometimes last 10 months, mostly those hailing from developing countries.

For instance, one Latin American nation reported that more than 50 journalists went to China on a two-month trip, and all of them belonged mostly to left-leaning publications.

Free content sharing

Chinese state media content, such as Xinhua and CGTN offer stories and videos for free, as part of their content sharing agreements.

They also run paid content in foreign outlets, stories that assert the superiority of the “Chinese way”. Reports say - China has such agreements with at least 25 to 30 media outlets in Afghanistan alone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/all-about-the-optics-chinese-media-goes-full-throttle-to-make-jinping-look-like-a-messiah-306090" hreflang="en">All about the optics: Chinese media goes full-throttle to make Jinping look like a 'messiah'</a>

In Africa, China sells stories that show how Bejing is helping develop the continent.

Journalists in Kenya say that it's refreshing as western media only focuses on African catastrophes.

Acquisitions

China is buying legacy companies or setting up digital joint ventures overseas in a bid to increase media presence and to strengthen scope of acquisitions.

Chinese media presence is higher in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, compared to Latin America and Europe. China's Star Times in Africa has become a dominating satellite television player. In Hong Kong - the South China Morning Post is owned by the Alibaba group.

China daily’s spending in the US has soared from 500,000 USD in 2009 to more than five million USD in 2019.

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

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

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

The coronavirus pandemic will not end anytime soon. People are learning to live with the pandemic began six months ago.

Governments are still hunting for cures. For now, there is no magic bullet. There are existing medicines -- that can cure patients.

But, they are only available to the highest bidder. This story is about remdesivir.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-cures-vaccines-only-for-the-highest-bidder-310039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Remdesivir a drug produced by an American company Gilead. Some studies show that helps patients recover faster. The world has known about remdesivir for several weeks now.

It has the endorsement of America's top disease researcher, Dr Anthony Fauci. Needless to say --- everyone wants it. Especially, the worst affected countries.

But the United States won't let anyone else have it. It has outbid and outmanoeuvred everyone and secured virtually all the stocks of remdesivir for the next months.

&nbsp;It has left nothing for Europe and most of the rest of the world. Remdesivir was the first drug approved by the American licensing authorities.

Gilead, the company that makes the drug, supplied the first one lakh forty thousand doses. It was sent to drug trials around the world.

Now, that supply has been used up.

According to reports, the Trump administration has bought more than five lakh doses now. That is Gilead's entire stock for July and 90 per cent of the supply for August and September.

&nbsp;Is that how is going to be when we find a drug that works? Will the highest bidder get the entire supply of vaccines when one does become available?

The case of remdesivir has exposed how broken the global health care setup is. The cures that the world needs the most.

Are available to those who can pay for it? And remdesivir is not a cheap drug. In the developed world, six doses of the drug costs around 3,200 dollars, according to the American government.

Donald Trump is bringing his America first brand of politics to this pandemic too. Time and again, it has tired to secure supplies and first access to potential cures.

In May, French manufacturer Sanofi had said the United States would get first access to its COVID vaccine because America was first in line to fund its research. Later, the company had to backtrack. After it faced pressure from the French government.&nbsp;

In April, Trump tried to block the export of masks that were made in America. He invoked a law called the Defense Production Act to secure some medical goods and now with remdesivir, America has shown that it wants to have the monopoly over coronavirus drugs and cures. This didn't happen by accident. It has been done by design.

Gilead owns the patent on remdesivir and, only a few companies in the world have the right to make the drug.

Last month, India had approved remdesivir for emergency use. Gilead has tied up with select companies to produce the drug. This is a voluntary licensing agreement where Gilead is sharing its patent with five companies.

They will produce remdesivir for distribution in 127 countries. This includes India. Fewer companies mean limited supply.

The coronavirus has infected more than one crore people across the world. With the limited supply --- there will never be enough doses to go around. A pandemic is not the time to create hindrances through exclusivity. America's approach towards remdesivir echoes how it will behave --- once a vaccine does become available.

World powers must push for a global patent pool now because drug monopolies are weakening the effort to end this pandemic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘domestic terrorist’ designation won’t stop extremism

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

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

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

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

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

Thousand participates in march for Pride parade in Chicago

The Rolling Stones have teamed with performing rights organization BMI, to stop U.S. President Donald Trump from using their songs in his political campaigning.

'You can't always get what you want,' BMI tells President Donald Trump

Post-coronavirus, everyone is being urged to wear face masks when stepping out in public to avoid spread of the novel coronavirus. Majority shops, cafes and restaurants are also urging customers to wear masks before entering the stores.

A Starbucks barista,&nbsp;Lenin Gutierrez, followed the same protocol during his shift at the Genesee Avenue, San Diego branch. He asked a customer to wear a face mask before purchasing her coffee. The customer,&nbsp;Amber Lynn Gilles, did not take the advice in good spirit and lashed out at him before he could even show her the company guidelines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starbucks-pauses-social-media-ads-to-fight-against-hate-speech-309238">Also read|&nbsp;Starbucks pauses social media ads to fight against 'hate speech'</a>

She further decided to click his picture, without his consent, and posted it on her Facebook page.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10157012081506949&amp;id=601056948" data-show-text="true" data-width=""&gt;
<blockquote cite="https://developers.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10157012081506949&amp;id=601056948" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
Meet lenen from Starbucks who refused to serve me cause I’m not wearing a mask. Next time I will wait for cops and bring a medical exemption.
Posted by <a href="#" role="button">Amber Lynn Gilles</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://developers.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10157012081506949&amp;id=601056948">Monday, June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

This post created a stir on Facebook as people came in support of Lenin. People created memes and sent factual information to Amber&nbsp;to show support with Lenin.

Some people even commented that they wish they could visit the Starbucks branch to appreciate Lenin through tips. This led to a GoFundMe page by a commentor Matt Cowan. The 26-year-old felt Lenin, whom he did not know personally, was being bullied for doing the right thing, and therefore he thought of helping Lenin through whatever way possible.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/lenin.gutierrez.77/posts/3623979667616620" data-show-text="true" data-width="">
<blockquote cite="https://developers.facebook.com/lenin.gutierrez.77/posts/3623979667616620" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
I’ve received numerous messages asking for my side of the story. Since this seems to be the most popular thread I decided to post my personal experience here. Thank you all for the love and support.
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lenin.gutierrez.77">Lenin Gutierrez</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://developers.facebook.com/lenin.gutierrez.77/posts/3623979667616620">Wednesday, June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The GoFundMe page titled&nbsp;"Tips for Lenin Standing Up To A San Diego Karen," became a huge hit in no time as it gave everyone a chance to send online/virtual tips to Lenin and show support. Matt, initially set up the goal amount to&nbsp;$1,000. However, Lenin has now received nearly&nbsp;$80,000 as virtual tip through this page.

Lenin, later, expalined his side of the story in a Facebook video, in which he explained the whole interaction he had with Amber and how she "flipped" him off. He also admitted that he did not intercept that she would post on Facebook and it would become such a big issue.

Lenin now hopes to help those in need and fulfill his passion of becoming a dancer with this donation.

Post-coronavirus, everyone is being urged to wear face masks when stepping out in public to avoid spread of the novel coronavirus. Majority shops, cafes and restaurants are also urging customers to wear masks before entering the stores.

Post-coronavirus, everyone is being urged to wear face masks when stepping out in public to avoid spread of the novel coronavirus. Majority shops, cafes and restaurants are also urging customers to wear masks before entering the stores. A Starbucks barista, Lenin Gutierrez, followed the same protocol during his shift at the Genesee Avenue, San Diego branch. He asked a customer to wear a face mask before purchasing her coffee. The customer, Amber Lynn Gilles, did not take the advice in good spirit and lashed out at him before he could even show her the company guidelines. Also read| Starbucks pauses social media ads to fight against 'hate speech' She further decided to click his picture, without his consent, and posted it on her Facebook page. div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10157012081506949&id=601056948" data-show-text="true" data-width=""> Meet lenen from Starbucks who refused to serve me cause I’m not wearing a mask. Next time I will wait for cops and bring a medical exemption. Posted by Amber Lynn Gilles on Monday, June 22, 2020 × This post created a stir on Facebook as people came in support of Lenin. People created memes and sent factual information to Amber to show support with Lenin. Some people even commented that they wish they could visit the Starbucks branch to appreciate Lenin through tips. This led to a GoFundMe page by a commentor Matt Cowan. The 26-year-old felt Lenin, whom he did not know personally, was being bullied for doing the right thing, and therefore he thought of helping Lenin through whatever way possible. I’ve received numerous messages asking for my side of the story. Since this seems to be the most popular thread I decided to post my personal experience here. Thank you all for the love and support. Posted by Lenin Gutierrez on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 × The GoFundMe page titled "Tips for Lenin Standing Up To A San Diego Karen," became a huge hit in no time as it gave everyone a chance to send online/virtual tips to Lenin and show support. Matt, initially set up the goal amount to $1,000. However, Lenin has now received nearly $80,000 as virtual tip through this page. Lenin, later, expalined his side of the story in a Facebook video, in which he explained the whole interaction he had with Amber and how she "flipped" him off. He also admitted that he did not intercept that she would post on Facebook and it would become such a big issue. Lenin now hopes to help those in need and fulfill his passion of becoming a dancer with this donation.

US: Starbucks barista gets $80,000 tip money for refusing service to customer without mask

Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining President Donald Trump and dozens of others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

WION Dispatch: Iran issues arrest warrant against Donald Trump

The country also recorded 43,121 new infections in 24 hours, concluding a week with the most newly reported cases since the start of the pandemic.

US tops 2.5 million Coronavirus cases, says reports

US House lawmakers made history Friday by voting for Washington to become the nation's 51st state, but the move, a push for equal voting rights for the capital's residents, is doomed in the Senate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-russia-denies-accusation-of-giving-bounties-to-taliban-to-attack-us-forces-308996" hreflang="en">Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces</a>

A small chorus of cheers went up as the measure passed along party lines, with all but one Democrat in support and every voting Republican opposed.

"For more than two&nbsp;centuries, the residents of&nbsp;Washington, DC have been&nbsp;denied their full right to fully&nbsp;participate in our democracy" despite paying taxes, serving in the military and operating businesses, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said before the vote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-to-give-trump-options-to-reduce-troops-in-germany-309059" hreflang="en">Pentagon to give Trump options to reduce troops in Germany</a>

"Today, we will bring&nbsp;our nation closer to the&nbsp;founding ideals that all are&nbsp;created equal and all deserve a&nbsp;say in our democracy."

More than 705,000 Americans live in the District of Columbia, a Democratic stronghold with a population greater than two states, Wyoming and Vermont, and comparable to two others.

Democratic lawmakers frame the DC statehood bill as an overdue remedy to disenfranchisement perpetuated since Congress made Washington the nation's permanent capital in 1790, and a longstanding civil rights issue for a city that's nearly 50 percent black.

The statehood vote is the first in Congress since 1993. Never has such a bill -- appropriately titled HR-51 -- cleared the House or Senate.

"Congress has two choices: it can continue to exercise undemocratic autocratic authority over" Washington, "or Congress can live up to this nation's promise and ideals and pass HR51," said Washington's House delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who does not have floor vote privileges and therefore was unable to cast a vote for DC statehood.

Under the Democratic proposal, Norton said, a small federal district would remain, encompassing government buildings, Congress, monuments, the National Mall area and the White House.

Republicans who oppose the effort say it runs counter to the intent of the framers of the US Constitution who sought to create a unique federal district not influenced by any state.

"Washington DC was set apart as a seat of government, not as a part of the federation of states that the constitution grants us," Republican Jody Hice said.

Washington officials have long bristled at Congress's role in the capital's affairs, as the US Constitution grants Congress the right to exercise control over the city's business "in all cases whatsoever."&nbsp;

Maryland and Virginia ceded land in the 1780s for the creation of a federal capital along the Potomac River.&nbsp;

But unlike other American citizens, Washington residents have never had voting representatives in Congress, leading the city to print the famous, colonial-era battle cry, "Taxation without representation," on its vehicle license plates.

In an example of unwelcome federal intervention, the president this month sent federal forces to clear out protesters near the White House without coordinating with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The new state would be known as Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, taking the names of the nation's first president George Washington and prominent black abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

The movement has some high-profile backers. "DC should be a state. Pass it on," tweeted Democrat Joe Biden, who is challenging Donald Trump in November's presidential election.

But House Republican Mo Brooks likened the statehood effort to a power grab by Democrats seeking "two more guaranteed leftwing senators."

Republicans float a concept known as "retrocession," in which Washington would return its residential land to Maryland, which would allow city residents to vote for senators and have a voice in Congress.

Statehood is highly unlikely to succeed for now. Trump is opposed, and Republicans who control the Senate have said they have no intention to bring it to a vote.

The last time the nation expanded was 1959, when Alaska was admitted as the 49th state on January 3 and Hawaii became the 50th state seven months later.

US House lawmakers made history Friday by voting for Washington to become the nation's 51st state, but the move, a push for equal voting rights for the capital's residents, is doomed in the Senate.

US House lawmakers made history Friday by voting for Washington to become the nation's 51st state, but the move, a push for equal voting rights for the capital's residents, is doomed in the Senate. Also read: Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces A small chorus of cheers went up as the measure passed along party lines, with all but one Democrat in support and every voting Republican opposed. "For more than two centuries, the residents of Washington, DC have been denied their full right to fully participate in our democracy" despite paying taxes, serving in the military and operating businesses, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said before the vote. Also read: Pentagon to give Trump options to reduce troops in Germany "Today, we will bring our nation closer to the founding ideals that all are created equal and all deserve a say in our democracy." More than 705,000 Americans live in the District of Columbia, a Democratic stronghold with a population greater than two states, Wyoming and Vermont, and comparable to two others. Democratic lawmakers frame the DC statehood bill as an overdue remedy to disenfranchisement perpetuated since Congress made Washington the nation's permanent capital in 1790, and a longstanding civil rights issue for a city that's nearly 50 percent black. The statehood vote is the first in Congress since 1993. Never has such a bill -- appropriately titled HR-51 -- cleared the House or Senate. "Congress has two choices: it can continue to exercise undemocratic autocratic authority over" Washington, "or Congress can live up to this nation's promise and ideals and pass HR51," said Washington's House delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who does not have floor vote privileges and therefore was unable to cast a vote for DC statehood. Under the Democratic proposal, Norton said, a small federal district would remain, encompassing government buildings, Congress, monuments, the National Mall area and the White House. Republicans who oppose the effort say it runs counter to the intent of the framers of the US Constitution who sought to create a unique federal district not influenced by any state. "Washington DC was set apart as a seat of government, not as a part of the federation of states that the constitution grants us," Republican Jody Hice said. Washington officials have long bristled at Congress's role in the capital's affairs, as the US Constitution grants Congress the right to exercise control over the city's business "in all cases whatsoever." Maryland and Virginia ceded land in the 1780s for the creation of a federal capital along the Potomac River. But unlike other American citizens, Washington residents have never had voting representatives in Congress, leading the city to print the famous, colonial-era battle cry, "Taxation without representation," on its vehicle license plates. In an example of unwelcome federal intervention, the president this month sent federal forces to clear out protesters near the White House without coordinating with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. The new state would be known as Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, taking the names of the nation's first president George Washington and prominent black abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The movement has some high-profile backers. "DC should be a state. Pass it on," tweeted Democrat Joe Biden, who is challenging Donald Trump in November's presidential election. But House Republican Mo Brooks likened the statehood effort to a power grab by Democrats seeking "two more guaranteed leftwing senators." Republicans float a concept known as "retrocession," in which Washington would return its residential land to Maryland, which would allow city residents to vote for senators and have a voice in Congress. Statehood is highly unlikely to succeed for now. Trump is opposed, and Republicans who control the Senate have said they have no intention to bring it to a vote. The last time the nation expanded was 1959, when Alaska was admitted as the 49th state on January 3 and Hawaii became the 50th state seven months later.

US House passes Washington DC statehood measure in historic vote

Here's a glimpse of post-COVID movie experience as US plans to reopen theatres

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offered-taliban-linked-militants-bounties-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-report-308914" hreflang="en">Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report</a>

On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end &nbsp;America's longest war.

The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Stop producing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakenews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakenews</a> that provoke life threats, <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. 
 
We demand the relevant <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH">https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH</a>
— Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbUSA/status/1276696044399669248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet.&nbsp;

Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington.

But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban.

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

(Inputs from AFP)

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless". Also read: Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end America's longest war. The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter. Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes. We demand the relevant #US authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. @StateDept @FBI @DHSgov ⬇️ https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH — Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) June 27, 2020 × "Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet. Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington. But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. (Inputs from AFP)

'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces

The US Senate on June 25 passed a bill by unanimous consent that would impose sanctions on China for its decision to implement the controversial national security law in Hong Kong. Watch report.

Bipartisan rebuke of China: US Senate's move to protest Hong Kong's autonomy

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in&nbsp;&nbsp;"horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, revealed that, according to the report, China is in Tier-3 category (lowest ranking).

"Our Trafficking in Persons Report calls out a group of nations with a state-sponsored pattern of forced labour. Among them is China, where the CCP and its state-owned enterprises often forcing citizens to work in horrendous conditions on Belt and Road project," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-shift-army-to-face-chinese-threat-to-india-and-southeast-asia-mike-pompeo-308641">Also read|&nbsp;US plans to shift army to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia: Mike Pompeo</a>

However, this is not the first time that China has been retained to Tier-3 category. China has been placed in Tier-3 category since 2017, as the US report believes that China&nbsp;"does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so".

"Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including by prosecuting and convicting some traffickers and by continuing to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in the PRC, a key trafficking vulnerability for foreign women and girls," the report said.

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The report claims that despite these efforts, what is more troublesome is the forced labour that has been undergoing, especially with the help of the mass detention camps where reportedly millions of&nbsp;Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang.

The report has urged China to put an end to the forced labour.&nbsp;"Cease the use of harassment, threats and illegal discriminatory immigration policies as measures to coerce the return to Xinjiang and subsequent forced labor of ethnic and religious minorities living abroad," it stated.

The TIP report is divided into Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-2 watchlist, and Tier-3. Countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA`s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are categorised as Tier-1.

Countries categorised under Tier-3 get access to only limited resources from the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in "horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in "horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, revealed that, according to the report, China is in Tier-3 category (lowest ranking). "Our Trafficking in Persons Report calls out a group of nations with a state-sponsored pattern of forced labour. Among them is China, where the CCP and its state-owned enterprises often forcing citizens to work in horrendous conditions on Belt and Road project," he said. Also read| US plans to shift army to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia: Mike Pompeo However, this is not the first time that China has been retained to Tier-3 category. China has been placed in Tier-3 category since 2017, as the US report believes that China "does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so". "Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including by prosecuting and convicting some traffickers and by continuing to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in the PRC, a key trafficking vulnerability for foreign women and girls," the report said. Also read| Book trouble: Trump's niece ready to release tell-all book about Trump family The report claims that despite these efforts, what is more troublesome is the forced labour that has been undergoing, especially with the help of the mass detention camps where reportedly millions of Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang. The report has urged China to put an end to the forced labour. "Cease the use of harassment, threats and illegal discriminatory immigration policies as measures to coerce the return to Xinjiang and subsequent forced labor of ethnic and religious minorities living abroad," it stated. The TIP report is divided into Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-2 watchlist, and Tier-3. Countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA`s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are categorised as Tier-1. Countries categorised under Tier-3 get access to only limited resources from the US. (With inputs from agencies)

China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report

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