The bilateral relations between the United States and China seem to have taken a turn for the worse. Washington has designated five Chinese media houses as not practitioners of journalism but as 'Foreign Mission'.

China hits back at US department

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hsbc-ceo-john-flint-resigns-as-it-faces-challenging-geopolitics-240704">HSBC Holdings PLC</a> said on Tuesday it would shed $100 billion in assets, shrink its investment bank and revamp its US&nbsp;and European businesses in a drastic overhaul that will mean 35,000 jobs cut over three years.

The bank, which has struggled to keep pace with leaner and more focused rivals, is seeking to become more competitive as it grapples with slowing growth in its major markets, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">coronavirus </a>epidemic, Britain's European Union exit and lower central bank interest rates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hsbc-ceo-john-flint-resigns-as-it-faces-challenging-geopolitics-240704">HSBC CEO John Flint resigns as bank faces 'challenging' geopolitics</a>

In the latest in a series of overhauls since the 2008 financial crisis, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hsbc-ceo-john-flint-resigns-as-it-faces-challenging-geopolitics-240704">HSBC </a>said it would merge its private banking and wealth businesses, axe European stock trading and cut US&nbsp;retail branches as it seeks to remove $4.5 billion in costs.

"The totality of this program is that our headcount is likely to go from 235,000 to closer to 200,000 over the next three years," Noel Quinn, interim chief executive, told Reuters.

The restructuring, one of the largest undertaken by a blue chip lender for more than a decade, will be partly managed through natural attrition as people leave the bank, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">Coronavirus toll leaps past 1850 with 93 new deaths in China's Hubei province</a>

The UK-based bank, whose huge Asian operations are headquartered in Hong Kong, said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">coronavirus </a>epidemic had significantly impacted staff and customers. In the long run it could reduce revenue and cause bad loans to rise as supply chains are disrupted, Quinn said.

The virus has killed almost 1,900 people, overwhelmingly in mainland China, and infected more than 70,000, while its economic impact is spreading across the globe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-government-fines-hsbc-1924-million-in-tax-evasion-case-267705">HSBC </a>veteran Quinn is auditioning for the permanent role of CEO, which the bank said in August would be announced within six to 12 months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-government-fines-hsbc-1924-million-in-tax-evasion-case-267705">US government fines HSBC $192.4 million in tax evasion case</a>

"In one sense, they are doing the things that were obvious and had been called out by many, so it's good," Hugh Young, managing director at Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, one of HSBC's 20 largest investors said.

"Getting this done will require a fair amount of work, then we need to see how it settles down. Noel is doing a good job in very difficult circumstances," he added.

Europe's biggest bank by assets, which makes the bulk of its revenue in Asia, said profit before tax tumbled by a third to $13.35 billion in 2019, far below the average estimate of $20.03 billion from brokerages compiled by the bank.

That was due to $7.3 billion in write-offs linked to its global banking and markets and commercial banking business units in Europe.

In the United States, where the bank has underperformed for years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hsbc-ceo-john-flint-resigns-as-it-faces-challenging-geopolitics-240704">HSBC </a>said it would close around a third of its 224 branches and target only international and wealthier clients.

The lender's shares were down 3.7 per cent at 568 pence at the London market open.

HSBC Holdings PLC said on Tuesday it would shed $100 billion in assets, shrink its investment bank and revamp its US and European businesses in a drastic overhaul that will mean 35,000 jobs cut over three years.

HSBC Holdings PLC said on Tuesday it would shed $100 billion in assets, shrink its investment bank and revamp its US and European businesses in a drastic overhaul that will mean 35,000 jobs cut over three years. The bank, which has struggled to keep pace with leaner and more focused rivals, is seeking to become more competitive as it grapples with slowing growth in its major markets, the coronavirus epidemic, Britain's European Union exit and lower central bank interest rates. Also read: HSBC CEO John Flint resigns as bank faces 'challenging' geopolitics In the latest in a series of overhauls since the 2008 financial crisis, HSBC said it would merge its private banking and wealth businesses, axe European stock trading and cut US retail branches as it seeks to remove $4.5 billion in costs. "The totality of this program is that our headcount is likely to go from 235,000 to closer to 200,000 over the next three years," Noel Quinn, interim chief executive, told Reuters. The restructuring, one of the largest undertaken by a blue chip lender for more than a decade, will be partly managed through natural attrition as people leave the bank, he said. Also read: Coronavirus toll leaps past 1850 with 93 new deaths in China's Hubei province The UK-based bank, whose huge Asian operations are headquartered in Hong Kong, said the coronavirus epidemic had significantly impacted staff and customers. In the long run it could reduce revenue and cause bad loans to rise as supply chains are disrupted, Quinn said. The virus has killed almost 1,900 people, overwhelmingly in mainland China, and infected more than 70,000, while its economic impact is spreading across the globe. HSBC veteran Quinn is auditioning for the permanent role of CEO, which the bank said in August would be announced within six to 12 months. Also read: US government fines HSBC $192.4 million in tax evasion case "In one sense, they are doing the things that were obvious and had been called out by many, so it's good," Hugh Young, managing director at Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, one of HSBC's 20 largest investors said. "Getting this done will require a fair amount of work, then we need to see how it settles down. Noel is doing a good job in very difficult circumstances," he added. Europe's biggest bank by assets, which makes the bulk of its revenue in Asia, said profit before tax tumbled by a third to $13.35 billion in 2019, far below the average estimate of $20.03 billion from brokerages compiled by the bank. That was due to $7.3 billion in write-offs linked to its global banking and markets and commercial banking business units in Europe. In the United States, where the bank has underperformed for years, HSBC said it would close around a third of its 224 branches and target only international and wealthier clients. The lender's shares were down 3.7 per cent at 568 pence at the London market open.

HSBC to slash investment bank, 35,000 jobs in strategy overhaul

By Tom Smith

The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world.

But Duterte is using it as a pretext to push the Philippines, which is battling an ongoing series of insurgencies, closer to China.

Duterte’s “drug war” has killed over 20,000 people (nobody knows the true extent). In January, the US triggered the Magnitsky Act over the violence. The US then denied a US visa and froze the assets of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is now the National Police Chief and figurehead of the war on drugs.

After a month of procrastinating, Duterte followed through on his threat to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows US military personnel and equipment to move through the Philippines and is the basis of a deeply entrenched military alliance between the two countries. There are some 300 US-Philippines joint exercises each year and the Philippines remains a key strategic ally for the US.

So far so tit-for-tat. But Duterte, a proud America-basher, knows there will be plenty who support withdrawing from the VFA.

The VFA has been a symbol of American imperialism in the Philippines since its inception in 1998. It was one of the few issues that united liberals and nationalists, who argued that it was unconstitutional and point to incidents of US Marines using the VFA to try and avoid Filipino justice – most notoriously in the case of the 2014 murder of Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude.

Liberals have argued forcefully that the country was in an unbalanced, if not abusive, relationship with the US. But it has taken an authoritarian president and a ruthless campaign of extrajudicial killings to enact any re-balance. If that doesn’t quell celebrations in the Philippines and elsewhere at the termination of the VFA, then thinking through the possible fallout and its implications for the country and wider region will.

Territorial disputes and terrorism

The US president, Donald Trump, shrugged off the Philippines’ decision. There are still other Philippine-US military agreements in place: the more comprehensive 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is already being targetted for termination too, according to Duterte’s spokesman.

Besides this, the US still has a separate mutual defence pact with its former colony and assists internally as well as externally in security operations. The US has played a key role in counter-terror and counter-insurgency campaigns in the Philippines since 9/11.

Focusing on Islamist rather than communist groups, US training, intelligence and surveillance has been a constant presence for the past two decades, if not very successful. Violence proliferates from a variety of ever-evolving militant groups and US assistance if not insistence on offensive operations has a patchy record.

When the US helped the army end its five-month siege of Marawi city in 2017, not only did it fail to prevent the destruction of the city. It oversaw what Amnesty International alleged were violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

What value the US is bringing to the battle with Islamist militancy certainly deserves scrutiny. But the prospect of less Western oversight and training for the Philippines in this complex and often exoticised conflict is also concerning.

Externally, the South China Sea dispute between China and a host of nations, including the Philippines, is critical to US interests in the region. The alliance with the Philippines has been a key part of US strategy in countering Chinese expansionism in the region.

The Philippines sought redress at the International Court of Arbitration over territorial claims against the Chinese and won. China was found to be in breach of international law in 2016, but Duterte has since tried to entirely ignore the dispute, which was launched by a predecessor, as he is keen to push back against US influence and inclined to build closer relations with China. He is unwilling to be a pawn in the tussle between Washington and Beijing and openly courted closer Russian and Chinese relations.

Can China fill the US void?

Senior US and Filipino military officials are unhappy with the VFA termination. While the US blames Duterte and insists the US is doing the right thing in terms of human rights, the move pits Duterte against his own military. They think he’s potentially taken away their support and that he’s cow-towing to Beijing.

The prospect of the Philippines surrendering territory to China and potentially involving its military in counter-terror operations should fill few with joy. Chinese counter-terror operations in its own Xinjiang province towards the Uighur are hardly a best-practice guide for a nation already swamped by human rights abuses.

Yet Duterte, who openly admits to the “militarisation of government” has politicised his military. The military is bonded to him through its role in the war on drugs and by numerous political appointments of military figures to government.

The Americans have more options, large bases in stable nations including Japan and South Korea and other allies across Southeast Asia. While Filipinos have already suffered under Duterte, with two years left of his tenure the Americans may take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook by playing the long game and waiting out Duterte in favour of a new administration willing to stand up to China.

(Tom Smith is Principal Lecturer in International Relations, University of Portsmouth)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/rodrigo-duterte-terminated-a-military-agreement-with-us-why-it-could-push-philippines-closer-to-china-131812">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Tom Smith The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world.

By Tom Smith The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world. But Duterte is using it as a pretext to push the Philippines, which is battling an ongoing series of insurgencies, closer to China. Duterte’s “drug war” has killed over 20,000 people (nobody knows the true extent). In January, the US triggered the Magnitsky Act over the violence. The US then denied a US visa and froze the assets of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is now the National Police Chief and figurehead of the war on drugs. After a month of procrastinating, Duterte followed through on his threat to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows US military personnel and equipment to move through the Philippines and is the basis of a deeply entrenched military alliance between the two countries. There are some 300 US-Philippines joint exercises each year and the Philippines remains a key strategic ally for the US. So far so tit-for-tat. But Duterte, a proud America-basher, knows there will be plenty who support withdrawing from the VFA. The VFA has been a symbol of American imperialism in the Philippines since its inception in 1998. It was one of the few issues that united liberals and nationalists, who argued that it was unconstitutional and point to incidents of US Marines using the VFA to try and avoid Filipino justice – most notoriously in the case of the 2014 murder of Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude. Liberals have argued forcefully that the country was in an unbalanced, if not abusive, relationship with the US. But it has taken an authoritarian president and a ruthless campaign of extrajudicial killings to enact any re-balance. If that doesn’t quell celebrations in the Philippines and elsewhere at the termination of the VFA, then thinking through the possible fallout and its implications for the country and wider region will. Territorial disputes and terrorism The US president, Donald Trump, shrugged off the Philippines’ decision. There are still other Philippine-US military agreements in place: the more comprehensive 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is already being targetted for termination too, according to Duterte’s spokesman. Besides this, the US still has a separate mutual defence pact with its former colony and assists internally as well as externally in security operations. The US has played a key role in counter-terror and counter-insurgency campaigns in the Philippines since 9/11. Focusing on Islamist rather than communist groups, US training, intelligence and surveillance has been a constant presence for the past two decades, if not very successful. Violence proliferates from a variety of ever-evolving militant groups and US assistance if not insistence on offensive operations has a patchy record. When the US helped the army end its five-month siege of Marawi city in 2017, not only did it fail to prevent the destruction of the city. It oversaw what Amnesty International alleged were violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. What value the US is bringing to the battle with Islamist militancy certainly deserves scrutiny. But the prospect of less Western oversight and training for the Philippines in this complex and often exoticised conflict is also concerning. Externally, the South China Sea dispute between China and a host of nations, including the Philippines, is critical to US interests in the region. The alliance with the Philippines has been a key part of US strategy in countering Chinese expansionism in the region. The Philippines sought redress at the International Court of Arbitration over territorial claims against the Chinese and won. China was found to be in breach of international law in 2016, but Duterte has since tried to entirely ignore the dispute, which was launched by a predecessor, as he is keen to push back against US influence and inclined to build closer relations with China. He is unwilling to be a pawn in the tussle between Washington and Beijing and openly courted closer Russian and Chinese relations. Can China fill the US void? Senior US and Filipino military officials are unhappy with the VFA termination. While the US blames Duterte and insists the US is doing the right thing in terms of human rights, the move pits Duterte against his own military. They think he’s potentially taken away their support and that he’s cow-towing to Beijing. The prospect of the Philippines surrendering territory to China and potentially involving its military in counter-terror operations should fill few with joy. Chinese counter-terror operations in its own Xinjiang province towards the Uighur are hardly a best-practice guide for a nation already swamped by human rights abuses. Yet Duterte, who openly admits to the “militarisation of government” has politicised his military. The military is bonded to him through its role in the war on drugs and by numerous political appointments of military figures to government. The Americans have more options, large bases in stable nations including Japan and South Korea and other allies across Southeast Asia. While Filipinos have already suffered under Duterte, with two years left of his tenure the Americans may take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook by playing the long game and waiting out Duterte in favour of a new administration willing to stand up to China. (Tom Smith is Principal Lecturer in International Relations, University of Portsmouth) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why a terminated agreement with the US could push the Philippines closer to China

The entire world is dealing with the havoc of the deadly coronavirus outbreak. It has been more than two months and there is little that we know about the nature of the epidemic and a cure still seems some distance away. As of now, at least 13 US citizens are being suspected to have coronavirus and are being treated in Nebraska university medical centre at the moment. Watch report:

13 US citizens under observation in Nebraska due to Coronavirus threat

US President Donald Trump took a loop around the Daytona 500 racetrack on Sunday in the presidential limousine drawing cheers from fans at NASCAR'S most prestigious race.

Trump takes a lap at 'Daytona 500' auto race in presidential limousine

The United States and the Taliban again appear to be taking steps toward peace in Afghanistan after U.S. officials announced a seven-day reduction of violence on Friday at the Munich Security Conference.

South Asia Diary: The First Steps Toward an Afghan Peace Deal

A 14-year-old boy in the United States has been charged by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for stabbing and will be tried as an adult.

According to reports, Rashaun Weaver fatally stabbed a college student called Tessa Majors in December.

Weaver will be tried as an adult for two counts of second-degree murder and several counts of robbery. He has also been charged for a felony.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-promises-sweeping-reform-to-system-after-terror-stabbing-278202">UK promises sweeping reform after terror stabbing</a>

As per reports, Weaver has been held after nearly a couple of months since the crime took place.&nbsp;

On December 11, Weaver stabbed 18-years-old Majors while two other teens stood and watched. Majors was robbed for which another 13-year-old has been held in custody. The teen is believed to have robbed Majors and witnessed Weaver repeatedly plunge&nbsp;the knife into Majors.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mass-stabbing-reported-at-jewish-place-of-worship-in-new-york-270818">Mass stabbing reported at Jewish place of worship in New York&nbsp;</a>

Majors was a freshman at the prestigious Barnard College. On the evening of December 11, she was confronted by three teenagers and was robbed, later stabbed.&nbsp;

A 14-year-old boy in the United States has been charged by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for stabbing and will be tried as an adult. According to reports, Rashaun Weaver fatally stabbed a college student called Tessa Majors in December.

A 14-year-old boy in the United States has been charged by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for stabbing and will be tried as an adult. According to reports, Rashaun Weaver fatally stabbed a college student called Tessa Majors in December. Weaver will be tried as an adult for two counts of second-degree murder and several counts of robbery. He has also been charged for a felony. Also read: UK promises sweeping reform after terror stabbing As per reports, Weaver has been held after nearly a couple of months since the crime took place. On December 11, Weaver stabbed 18-years-old Majors while two other teens stood and watched. Majors was robbed for which another 13-year-old has been held in custody. The teen is believed to have robbed Majors and witnessed Weaver repeatedly plunge the knife into Majors. Also read: Mass stabbing reported at Jewish place of worship in New York Majors was a freshman at the prestigious Barnard College. On the evening of December 11, she was confronted by three teenagers and was robbed, later stabbed.

US teen charged with murder, to be tried as an adult 

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and&nbsp;Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities.

Millions&nbsp;quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-quarantined-in-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-1770-281002">Read more</a>

President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'

In a call with Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan, US President Donald Trump asked Russia to stop backing Syrian atrocities. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">Read more</a>

99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454

Nearly 99 more people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">Read more</a>

Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France

Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from&nbsp;Storm&nbsp;Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-wreaks-havoc-across-united-kingdom-parts-of-france-281173">Read more</a>

UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer

The&nbsp;British government&nbsp;will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-invest-16-billion-in-weather-and-climate-supercomputer-281035">Read more</a>

Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern&nbsp;Burkina Faso. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-four-killed-in-burkina-faso-church-attack-governor-281154">Read more</a>

14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of&nbsp;Cameroon, according to the&nbsp;United Nations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-children-among-up-to-22-dead-in-cameroon-massacre-united-nations-281151">Read more</a>

United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant

The&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-arab-emirates-issues-operating-licence-for-arab-worlds-first-nuclear-plant-281148">Read more</a>

Libya arms embargo has become a joke: United Nations

UN Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie Williams said that arms embargo has become a joke in Libya as the world body called members to "step up".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-libya-arms-embargo-has-become-a-joke-un-281003">Read more</a>

Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week

Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pole-vaulting-wonder-boy-armand-duplantis-breaks-his-world-record-within-a-week-281080">Read more</a>

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities.

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities. Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770 China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Read more President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump asked Russia to stop backing Syrian atrocities. Read more 99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454 Nearly 99 more people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus. Read more Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from Storm Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. Read more UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer The British government will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. Read more Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso. Read more 14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations. Read more United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant The United Arab Emirates has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. Read more Libya arms embargo has become a joke: United Nations UN Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie Williams said that arms embargo has become a joke in Libya as the world body called members to "step up". Read more Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll rises, US and Turkey call out Russia on Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban </a>fighters attacked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Afghan government</a> forces overnight, and militant commanders said on Monday insurgency operations would go-ahead until they receive fresh instructions based on a deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">United States</a> to reduce violence in the country.

Last week, a senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US&nbsp;</a>administration official said negotiations with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban </a>representatives in Qatar had resulted in an agreement in principle for a week-long reduction of violence, but the seven-day period had not commenced.

The official said the agreement covered all Afghan forces and would be closely monitored.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal</a>

“Our leadership hasn’t conveyed any message about a ceasefire to us,” a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban </a>commander in Helmand, a southern province that has seen some of the fiercest fightings.

Commanders in Paktika and Nangarhar - two other provinces regarded as strongholds for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban </a>also said they would continue their attacks as planned.

On Sunday night, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban </a>fighters attacked Afghan government forces manning a checkpoint in the northern province of Kunduz.

According to a statement by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid, they killed 19 security personnel.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Afghan </a>defence ministry confirmed the attack in a statement but put the death toll at five. It also said retaliatory airstrikes were conducted against the militants.

Watch: Afghanistan: Two US&nbsp;service members killed, several injured

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-two-us-service-members-killed-several-injured-279551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A Taliban spokesman also issued a statement on Monday saying an Afghan military helicopter had been shot down in Nimroz province, but an official there said the helicopter made an emergency landing and had not been attacked.

Despite the violence on the ground, a senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban </a>leader in Doha confirmed a deal with the United States is set to be signed by the end of February in a "signing ceremony" in Doha.

Leaders of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-fourth-nation-to-pay-un-dues-on-time-world-body-thanks-new-delhi-273780">United Nations</a>, European Union and Islamic nations and neighbouring countries would be invited to the attending, Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, deputy chief of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Taliban's </a>Doha office, was quoted as saying by Nunn Asia a pro-Taliban website with strong links to the group's leadership.

“Soon after signing the peace accord, the United States will release 5,000 of our prisoners and we will free 1,000 of theirs,” Hanafi said.

Successful implementation of the deal would move the United States closer to a further drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan, meeting an objective for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop the "endless wars" as he seeks re-election in November.

There remains a long way to go to a peace settlement and end to the nearly two-decade-old U.S. military presence that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda. US&nbsp;officials have been clear that the 13,000 US&nbsp;troops will be cut to about 8,600 this year, with or without a withdrawal deal.

Taliban fighters attacked Afghan government forces overnight, and militant commanders said on Monday insurgency operations would go-ahead until they receive fresh instructions based on a deal with the United States to reduce violence in the country.

Taliban fighters attacked Afghan government forces overnight, and militant commanders said on Monday insurgency operations would go-ahead until they receive fresh instructions based on a deal with the United States to reduce violence in the country. Last week, a senior US administration official said negotiations with Taliban representatives in Qatar had resulted in an agreement in principle for a week-long reduction of violence, but the seven-day period had not commenced. The official said the agreement covered all Afghan forces and would be closely monitored. Also read: US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal “Our leadership hasn’t conveyed any message about a ceasefire to us,” a Taliban commander in Helmand, a southern province that has seen some of the fiercest fightings. Commanders in Paktika and Nangarhar - two other provinces regarded as strongholds for the Taliban also said they would continue their attacks as planned. On Sunday night, Taliban fighters attacked Afghan government forces manning a checkpoint in the northern province of Kunduz. According to a statement by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid, they killed 19 security personnel. The Afghan defence ministry confirmed the attack in a statement but put the death toll at five. It also said retaliatory airstrikes were conducted against the militants. Watch: Afghanistan: Two US service members killed, several injured A Taliban spokesman also issued a statement on Monday saying an Afghan military helicopter had been shot down in Nimroz province, but an official there said the helicopter made an emergency landing and had not been attacked. Despite the violence on the ground, a senior Taliban leader in Doha confirmed a deal with the United States is set to be signed by the end of February in a "signing ceremony" in Doha. Leaders of the United Nations, European Union and Islamic nations and neighbouring countries would be invited to the attending, Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, deputy chief of the Taliban's Doha office, was quoted as saying by Nunn Asia a pro-Taliban website with strong links to the group's leadership. “Soon after signing the peace accord, the United States will release 5,000 of our prisoners and we will free 1,000 of theirs,” Hanafi said. Successful implementation of the deal would move the United States closer to a further drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan, meeting an objective for US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop the "endless wars" as he seeks re-election in November. There remains a long way to go to a peace settlement and end to the nearly two-decade-old U.S. military presence that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda. US officials have been clear that the 13,000 US troops will be cut to about 8,600 this year, with or without a withdrawal deal.

No let up in Taliban attacks, fresh orders awaited over deal with United States

Multiple rockets have hit near the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

News Alert: US Embassy in Baghdad attacked

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone.

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone... No casualties" said coalition spokesman Myles Caggins. That base, known as Union III, is the headquarters for the US-led coalition, deployed in Iraq since 2014 to help local troops fight the Islamic State jihadist group. Also Read: Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad, ambassador and staff evacuated Iraq's military said three Katyusha rockets hit inside the Green Zone, the high-security enclave where the US mission and Union III are located, as well as Iraqi government buildings, United Nations offices and other embassies. A fourth rocket hit a logistics base in a different neighbourhood operated by the Hashed al-Shaabi, a military network officially incorporated into the Iraqi state, the Iraqi military said. There was no immediate statement from the Hashed. Strikes on assets of both the US and Hashed at the same time are unusual, as Washington has blamed hardline elements within the military network for repeated rocket attacks on American installations across Iraq. Sunday's was the 19th attack since October to target either the embassy or the roughly 5,200 US troops stationed alongside local forces across Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for any of the incidents. In late December, a rocket attack on the northern Iraqi base of K1 left one US contractor dead and unleashed a dramatic series of events. Watch: US Embassy in Baghdad attacked Washington responded with retaliatory strikes against Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline Hashed faction in western Iraq. Days later, an American drone strike in Baghdad killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his right-hand man, Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Hashed factions have vowed revenge for the pair's death but said they would prioritise a political objective first: the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. But the network includes a broad range of groups and some have appeared more willing to harass US troops militarily. Sunday's attack came just hours after one of the Hashed's Iran-backed factions, Harakat al-Nujaba, announced a "countdown" to ousting American forces from the country. A top leader within Nujaba, Nasr al-Shammary, tweeted a photograph of what he claimed was an American military vehicle, adding: "We are closer than you think." Sunday's assault reportedly sent warning sirens blaring across the diplomatic compound. Multiple strong explosions followed by aircraft circling near the Green Zone were reported.

Multiple rockets hit Iraqi base hosting American troops near US embassy; no casualties

Iran and Saudi Arabia appeared no closer to bridging their differences on Saturday with both sides sticking to their positions and regional facilitator Oman seeing no breakthrough before US elections in November.

Iran and Saudi Arabia appeared no closer to bridging their differences on Saturday with both sides sticking to their positions and regional facilitator Oman seeing no breakthrough before US elections in November. Tensions in the Gulf region stepped up after the killing in early January of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani by the United States in Iraq. European and Arab states have since scrambled to avert a full-fledged conflict between the two sides. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud both attended the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and took part in a session on defusing tensions in the Gulf. Also Read: How Saudi-Iranian oil rivalry has been shaped by American power But the two were kept apart with Zarif even claiming that his Saudi counterpart had asked to reshuffle the schedule so that he wouldn't have to meet him. "I believe our neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia, do not want to (de-escalate)," Zarif said, adding that he believed Riyadh was firmly under the influence of the US campaign to put maximum pressure on Tehran. When asked about possible contacts with Iran, Prince Faisal said there had been neither private messages nor direct contacts. He said the ball was in Iran's court, especially as it had been behind attacks on the kingdom, including drone and missile strikes on its oil facilities in September. "Our message to Iran is to change its behaviour first before anything is to be discussed," he said after Zarif had left the room thirty minutes earlier. "Until we can talk about the real sources of that instability, talk is going to be unproductive." After Washington withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Trump began a policy of "maximum pressure", saying a broader deal should be negotiated on nuclear issues, Iran's missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East. US sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, slashing its oil exports. Iran has long said it will not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place. [ Irani Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (Courtesy: AFP) ] Zarif said French and Japanese efforts to bring Iran and the United States around the negotiating table had "fallen on deaf ears" because Trump believed Iran was on the verge of economic collapse. "He is wrong," Zarif said. "Everything they want is about regime change." Oman often considered as a facilitator for talks between Washington and Tehran appeared downcast on the prospects. "The reality is there are no messages," Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said after meeting Zarif earlier in the day. "I'm not anticipating anything (will happen) in the next six months," he said, referring to upcoming US elections.

No dialogue for now as Saudis, Iranians camp on positions

The US&nbsp;State Department will evacuate some American citizens and their families aboard the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Diamond Princess</a> cruise ship, the biggest cluster of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">coronavirus </a>infections outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

About 380 people will be offered seats on two evacuation flights from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Japan </a>back to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">United States</a>, the Journal said, citing an official of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Japan allows elderly to leave cruise liner after 44 new cases confirmed</a>

The evacuees will arrive in the United States as early as Sunday, the newspaper said, citing Henry Walke, director of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">CDC's </a>Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections.

The CDC was not immediately available for comment. Officials at Japan's foreign ministry and health ministry were also not available for a comment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">Diamond Princess </a>cruise ship, owned by Carnival Corp, has been quarantined since arriving in Yokohama, Japan, on February&nbsp;3, with 3,500 passengers and crew on board, of whom 218 have tested positive for the coronavirus infection.

The liner was quarantined in Yokohama after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus.

Those who have tested positive for the virus have been taken off the ship to hospital.

The US State Department will evacuate some American citizens and their families aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the biggest cluster of coronavirus infections outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The US State Department will evacuate some American citizens and their families aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the biggest cluster of coronavirus infections outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. About 380 people will be offered seats on two evacuation flights from Japan back to the United States, the Journal said, citing an official of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also read: Japan allows elderly to leave cruise liner after 44 new cases confirmed The evacuees will arrive in the United States as early as Sunday, the newspaper said, citing Henry Walke, director of the CDC's Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections. The CDC was not immediately available for comment. Officials at Japan's foreign ministry and health ministry were also not available for a comment. Also read: At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan The Diamond Princess cruise ship, owned by Carnival Corp, has been quarantined since arriving in Yokohama, Japan, on February 3, with 3,500 passengers and crew on board, of whom 218 have tested positive for the coronavirus infection. The liner was quarantined in Yokohama after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus. Those who have tested positive for the virus have been taken off the ship to hospital.

US to evacuate American citizens aboard quarantined cruise ship in Japan

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">United States</a> has reached agreement with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Taliban </a>on a weeklong reduction of violence that could lead to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">US&nbsp;troop</a> withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Afghanistan</a>, a senior administration official said on Friday, while cautioning that the insurgents must honor commitments for the accord to stick.

The deal was struck in protracted negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha and was announced after a meeting between US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mike-pompeo-people-cant-practice-faith-freely-279167">Mike Pompeo</a>, Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-amazon-win-tussle-against-trump-over-major-defence-contract-280612">Mark Esper</a> and Afghan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">Ashraf Ghani</a> on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">US, Taliban have negotiated proposal for 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon chief</a>

The accord if it holds could pave the way for an agreement by the end of the month on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a long-sought objective for US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-amazon-win-tussle-against-trump-over-major-defence-contract-280612">Donald Trump</a>, who has vowed to stop the "endless wars" as he seeks re-election in November.

"It was violence that derailed the signing of the agreement in September. Now we have an agreement on the reduction of violence. And, should the Talibs implement what they've committed to doing, we will move forward with the agreement," the senior administration official told reporters in Munich.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress</a>

The seven-day period has not yet started, but will go into effect soon, the official said.

There were no immediate comments from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">Ghani's </a>government or the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Taliban</a>.

There remains a long way to go to a peace settlement and end to the nearly two-decade-old US&nbsp;military presence that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">al Qaeda</a>.

US&nbsp;officials have been clear that the 13,000 US&nbsp;troops will be cut to about 8,600 this year, with or without a withdrawal deal.

The reduction in violence agreement "is a good step on a very long road," said Ronald Neumann, a former US&nbsp;ambassador to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-have-negotiated-proposal-for-7-day-reduction-in-violence-pentagon-chief-280596">Afghanistan</a>.

The United States has reached agreement with the Taliban on a weeklong reduction of violence that could lead to a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a senior administration official said on Friday, while cautioning that the insurgents must honor commitments for the accord to stick.

The United States has reached agreement with the Taliban on a weeklong reduction of violence that could lead to a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a senior administration official said on Friday, while cautioning that the insurgents must honor commitments for the accord to stick. The deal was struck in protracted negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha and was announced after a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Also read: US, Taliban have negotiated proposal for 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon chief The accord if it holds could pave the way for an agreement by the end of the month on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, a long-sought objective for US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to stop the "endless wars" as he seeks re-election in November. "It was violence that derailed the signing of the agreement in September. Now we have an agreement on the reduction of violence. And, should the Talibs implement what they've committed to doing, we will move forward with the agreement," the senior administration official told reporters in Munich. Also read: US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress The seven-day period has not yet started, but will go into effect soon, the official said. There were no immediate comments from Ghani's government or the Taliban. There remains a long way to go to a peace settlement and end to the nearly two-decade-old US military presence that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda. US officials have been clear that the 13,000 US troops will be cut to about 8,600 this year, with or without a withdrawal deal. The reduction in violence agreement "is a good step on a very long road," said Ronald Neumann, a former US ambassador to Afghanistan.

US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-and-donald-trump-two-men-to-watch-in-us-election-280746">Donald Trump</a> on Friday said he has "the legal right" to interfere in criminal cases, capping a tumultuous week that raised questions about whether he is eroding the independence of the US&nbsp;legal system.

Trump's criticism of the judge, jury and prosecutors in the criminal case of his longtime adviser Roger Stone prompted an unusual rebuke from Attorney General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">William Barr</a>, his top law enforcement official, and spurred new demands for investigation from the Democrats who unsuccessfully tried to remove the Republican president from office.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-and-donald-trump-two-men-to-watch-in-us-election-280746">Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump: Two men to watch in US election</a>

It was the latest in a string of aggressive actions by Trump since the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him of impeachment charges last week.

Trump has transferred or fired government officials who testified about his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a potential political rival in November's presidential election.

He also dropped his nomination of former US&nbsp;Attorney Jessie Liu, who oversaw the Stone case, for another government post in the Treasury Department.

Sources close to the president said Trump has a greater sense of freedom following his Senate acquittal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-takes-impeachment-victory-lap-over-vicious-democrats-279141">Donald Trump takes impeachment victory lap over 'vicious' Democrats</a>

"You have to remember, he's not 'of' government. He gets frustrated when people tell him something can't get done. He's like: 'Just get it done,'" said one administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Barr has privately told Trump for "some time" that his public statements were making it hard for him to run the Justice Department effectively, according to a source familiar with the matter.

He went public on Thursday, telling ABC News that Trump's attacks made it "impossible" for him to do his job. "It's time to stop the tweeting," he said.

Trump "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case," Barr added.

The president responded on Friday morning.&nbsp;

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“The President has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case.” A.G. Barr This doesn’t mean that I do not have, as President, the legal right to do so, I do, but I have so far chosen not to!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1228311415192215553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Administration officials said Barr did not clear his remarks with Trump. They said Trump shrugged them off when told about them by aides.

Trump's insistence that he has the right to interfere in criminal cases runs counter to the practice of previous US&nbsp;presidents, who have generally kept an arms-length distance from the Justice Department since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s that led then-President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-behaviour-worse-than-nixon-head-of-impeachment-probe-263752">Richard Nixon</a> to resign from office.

"Trump goes farther than Nixon, though. He's proud to openly corrupt the justice system and use it to target his enemies and protect his friends," Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said in a prepared statement.

Also read: Trump's behaviour worse than Nixon: Head of impeachment probe

Trump's running commentary on the Stone case calls into question whether Barr can oversee US&nbsp;law enforcement in an independent manner, said Bruce Green, a former federal prosecutor who now teaches at Fordham School of Law.

"Given the sequence of events, it's doubtful that Barr's effort to distance himself from the president's tweets will be enough of a cure," Green told Reuters.

Barr has been an outspoken defender of the president and has aggressively sought to implement his agenda, frequently drawing charges from Democrats and former Justice Department officials that he is politicizing the rule of law.

The Justice Department on Tuesday asked for a lighter sentence for Stone, scaling back prosecutors' initial request that he serve 7 to 9 years after being found guilty of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering. That prompted all four prosecutors to resign from the case in apparent protest.

On Friday, Barr appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case against Michael Flynn, another former Trump adviser who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI.

Barr has also ordered an investigation into the Obama administration's activities in 2016 as it examined possible ties between Moscow and the Trump campaign, and has gone after states and cities that have adopted "sanctuary" policies to protect unauthorized immigrants from deportation.

Barr's Justice Department sought to quash the whistleblower complaint about Trump's effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, which led to the president's impeachment.

He confirmed earlier this week that the department is taking evidence from Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who has been seeking information in Ukraine about Biden.

Democrats who control the House of Representatives called for Barr to testify next month over the matter and asked the department's watchdog to investigate but have little other recourse.

Like Barr, Trump's Republican allies in Congress have said they wish he would be less outspoken on Twitter, even as they have consistently defended his actions.

The Senate on Thursday sought to impose some restrictions on Trump, voting to limit his ability to wage war with Iran and questioning whether one of his nominees is qualified to serve on the board of the Federal Reserve.

Meanwhile, the president has moved to rebuild his staff with those he sees as loyalists, including former communication director Hope Hicks, who worked closely with Trump in his business before serving as his 2016 campaign press secretary.

He also rehired his former personal assistant Johnny McEntee to lead his personnel office, who sources say will be tasked with ensuring that new hires are loyal to the president.

Trump is about to launch a week of re-election activities, starting with a fundraising dinner on Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

On Sunday, he will seek to appeal to blue-collar voters by attending the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, where he will be named the grand marshal, the first president to have that distinction.

On Tuesday he goes on a three-day swing through California, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he has "the legal right" to interfere in criminal cases, capping a tumultuous week that raised questions about whether he is eroding the independence of the US legal system.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he has "the legal right" to interfere in criminal cases, capping a tumultuous week that raised questions about whether he is eroding the independence of the US legal system. Trump's criticism of the judge, jury and prosecutors in the criminal case of his longtime adviser Roger Stone prompted an unusual rebuke from Attorney General William Barr, his top law enforcement official, and spurred new demands for investigation from the Democrats who unsuccessfully tried to remove the Republican president from office. Also read: Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump: Two men to watch in US election It was the latest in a string of aggressive actions by Trump since the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him of impeachment charges last week. Trump has transferred or fired government officials who testified about his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate a potential political rival in November's presidential election. He also dropped his nomination of former US Attorney Jessie Liu, who oversaw the Stone case, for another government post in the Treasury Department. Sources close to the president said Trump has a greater sense of freedom following his Senate acquittal. Also read: Donald Trump takes impeachment victory lap over 'vicious' Democrats "You have to remember, he's not 'of' government. He gets frustrated when people tell him something can't get done. He's like: 'Just get it done,'" said one administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Barr has privately told Trump for "some time" that his public statements were making it hard for him to run the Justice Department effectively, according to a source familiar with the matter. He went public on Thursday, telling ABC News that Trump's attacks made it "impossible" for him to do his job. "It's time to stop the tweeting," he said. Trump "has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case," Barr added. The president responded on Friday morning. “The President has never asked me to do anything in a criminal case.” A.G. Barr This doesn’t mean that I do not have, as President, the legal right to do so, I do, but I have so far chosen not to! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2020 × Administration officials said Barr did not clear his remarks with Trump. They said Trump shrugged them off when told about them by aides. Trump's insistence that he has the right to interfere in criminal cases runs counter to the practice of previous US presidents, who have generally kept an arms-length distance from the Justice Department since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s that led then-President Richard Nixon to resign from office. "Trump goes farther than Nixon, though. He's proud to openly corrupt the justice system and use it to target his enemies and protect his friends," Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said in a prepared statement. Also read: Trump's behaviour worse than Nixon: Head of impeachment probe Trump's running commentary on the Stone case calls into question whether Barr can oversee US law enforcement in an independent manner, said Bruce Green, a former federal prosecutor who now teaches at Fordham School of Law. "Given the sequence of events, it's doubtful that Barr's effort to distance himself from the president's tweets will be enough of a cure," Green told Reuters. Barr has been an outspoken defender of the president and has aggressively sought to implement his agenda, frequently drawing charges from Democrats and former Justice Department officials that he is politicizing the rule of law. The Justice Department on Tuesday asked for a lighter sentence for Stone, scaling back prosecutors' initial request that he serve 7 to 9 years after being found guilty of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering. That prompted all four prosecutors to resign from the case in apparent protest. On Friday, Barr appointed an outside prosecutor to review the criminal case against Michael Flynn, another former Trump adviser who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI. Barr has also ordered an investigation into the Obama administration's activities in 2016 as it examined possible ties between Moscow and the Trump campaign, and has gone after states and cities that have adopted "sanctuary" policies to protect unauthorized immigrants from deportation. Barr's Justice Department sought to quash the whistleblower complaint about Trump's effort to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, which led to the president's impeachment. He confirmed earlier this week that the department is taking evidence from Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who has been seeking information in Ukraine about Biden. Democrats who control the House of Representatives called for Barr to testify next month over the matter and asked the department's watchdog to investigate but have little other recourse. Like Barr, Trump's Republican allies in Congress have said they wish he would be less outspoken on Twitter, even as they have consistently defended his actions. The Senate on Thursday sought to impose some restrictions on Trump, voting to limit his ability to wage war with Iran and questioning whether one of his nominees is qualified to serve on the board of the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, the president has moved to rebuild his staff with those he sees as loyalists, including former communication director Hope Hicks, who worked closely with Trump in his business before serving as his 2016 campaign press secretary. He also rehired his former personal assistant Johnny McEntee to lead his personnel office, who sources say will be tasked with ensuring that new hires are loyal to the president. Trump is about to launch a week of re-election activities, starting with a fundraising dinner on Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. On Sunday, he will seek to appeal to blue-collar voters by attending the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, where he will be named the grand marshal, the first president to have that distinction. On Tuesday he goes on a three-day swing through California, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado.

Emboldened, Donald Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-facebook-and-twitter-decline-pelosis-plea-to-remove-doctored-clip-posted-by-donald-trump-279743">Facebook </a>Inc&nbsp;said on Friday it was allowing US-based political candidates to run branded content on its social networking platforms, but the content would not be catalogued in its advertising library.

Political campaigns and groups can now use the social media company's branded content tool, which allows influencers to more clearly tag in an official sub-header that the post is a paid partnership.

The change came after US&nbsp;Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg this week paid popular meme accounts on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-trade-commission-probes-facebooks-acquisition-practices-report-240072">Facebook</a>-owned Instagram to post content about the billionaire former New York mayor.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-facebook-and-twitter-decline-pelosis-plea-to-remove-doctored-clip-posted-by-donald-trump-279743">Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump</a>

The strategy of paying social media influencers to spread political messages or make content is gathering momentum ahead of the 2020 race, but rules around the practice have been hazy.

"After hearing from multiple campaigns, we agree that there's a place for branded content in political discussion on our platforms," a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-trade-commission-probes-facebooks-acquisition-practices-report-240072">Facebook </a>spokesman said in a statement.

To use Facebook's branded content tool, political campaigns or groups must be authorized as political advertisers through the company's ID verification process.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-stephen-king-leaves-facebook-after-citing-misleading-information-and-of-lack-of-privacy-for-reasons-of-departure-278282">Stephen King leaves Facebook citing misleading information and lack of privacy</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-stephen-king-leaves-facebook-after-citing-misleading-information-and-of-lack-of-privacy-for-reasons-of-departure-278282">Facebook </a>does not make money from branded or sponsored content, for which brands directly pay creators, so they do not count this as advertising. It does, however, ask content creators to comply with regulations to disclose paid partnerships.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-trade-commission-probes-facebooks-acquisition-practices-report-240072">Federal Trade Commission</a> requires social media influencers and content creators to clearly label sponsored posts. This week, the FTC announced it would be seeking public comment on how effective these rules are and whether it should make changes.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-trade-commission-probes-facebooks-acquisition-practices-report-240072">Federal Election Commission</a> says paid public online communications containing "express advocacy" must have a disclaimer, but it does not have explicit rules about social media influencers.

In December 2019, former FEC chair Ellen Weintraub acknowledged in a statement that its 2006 internet disclaimer regulations were written "several eons ago."

Facebook said sponsored content from political advertisers will not be included in its Ad Library, a database maintained to provide transparency around political and other advertising, unless the creator pays to promote the post using the company's advertising tools.

Bloomberg's Democratic rival Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the fact that sponsored posts would not be publicly tracked.

"Refusing to catalogue paid political ads because the Bloomberg campaign found a workaround means there will be less transparency for the content he is paying to promote," Warren said in a tweet. "Mike Bloomberg cannot be allowed to buy an election with zero accountability."

The Bloomberg campaign, which has been waging a huge digital campaign to try and beat Republican President Donald Trump in November, told Reuters this week that it thought its "meme strategy" would be effective.

"The campaign was explicitly clear that these posts were ads and sponsored content," said Sabrina Singh, a spokeswoman for the Bloomberg campaign, in a statement on Friday. "We went above and beyond to follow Instagram's rules and the text of the post clearly shows these are the campaign's paid ads."

A Facebook spokesman told Reuters that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-update-breaking-Bloomberg-is-a-loser-says-Trump-sparking-fight-on-Twitter">Bloomberg </a>campaign was not the only political campaign that had asked about the company's policies regarding sponsored content.

Facebook Inc said on Friday it was allowing US-based political candidates to run branded content on its social networking platforms, but the content would not be catalogued in its advertising library.

Facebook Inc said on Friday it was allowing US-based political candidates to run branded content on its social networking platforms, but the content would not be catalogued in its advertising library. Political campaigns and groups can now use the social media company's branded content tool, which allows influencers to more clearly tag in an official sub-header that the post is a paid partnership. The change came after US Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg this week paid popular meme accounts on Facebook-owned Instagram to post content about the billionaire former New York mayor. Also read: Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump The strategy of paying social media influencers to spread political messages or make content is gathering momentum ahead of the 2020 race, but rules around the practice have been hazy. "After hearing from multiple campaigns, we agree that there's a place for branded content in political discussion on our platforms," a Facebook spokesman said in a statement. To use Facebook's branded content tool, political campaigns or groups must be authorized as political advertisers through the company's ID verification process. Also read: Stephen King leaves Facebook citing misleading information and lack of privacy Facebook does not make money from branded or sponsored content, for which brands directly pay creators, so they do not count this as advertising. It does, however, ask content creators to comply with regulations to disclose paid partnerships. The Federal Trade Commission requires social media influencers and content creators to clearly label sponsored posts. This week, the FTC announced it would be seeking public comment on how effective these rules are and whether it should make changes. The Federal Election Commission says paid public online communications containing "express advocacy" must have a disclaimer, but it does not have explicit rules about social media influencers. In December 2019, former FEC chair Ellen Weintraub acknowledged in a statement that its 2006 internet disclaimer regulations were written "several eons ago." Facebook said sponsored content from political advertisers will not be included in its Ad Library, a database maintained to provide transparency around political and other advertising, unless the creator pays to promote the post using the company's advertising tools. Bloomberg's Democratic rival Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the fact that sponsored posts would not be publicly tracked. "Refusing to catalogue paid political ads because the Bloomberg campaign found a workaround means there will be less transparency for the content he is paying to promote," Warren said in a tweet. "Mike Bloomberg cannot be allowed to buy an election with zero accountability." The Bloomberg campaign, which has been waging a huge digital campaign to try and beat Republican President Donald Trump in November, told Reuters this week that it thought its "meme strategy" would be effective. "The campaign was explicitly clear that these posts were ads and sponsored content," said Sabrina Singh, a spokeswoman for the Bloomberg campaign, in a statement on Friday. "We went above and beyond to follow Instagram's rules and the text of the post clearly shows these are the campaign's paid ads." A Facebook spokesman told Reuters that the Bloomberg campaign was not the only political campaign that had asked about the company's policies regarding sponsored content.

Facebook allows US political candidates to run sponsored content

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-rejects-claims-that-us-has-quit-global-role-280810">Mike Pompeo</a> defended on Saturday his nation's global role despite misgivings in Europe, vowing that Western values would prevail over Russian and Chinese desires for "empire".

Seeking to reassure Europeans troubled by US President Donald Trump's "America first" rhetoric, his ambivalence over the NATO military alliance and tariffs on European goods, Pompeo said there was no crisis in Western leadership.

"I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly exaggerated. The West is winning, and we're winning together," he said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference, listing US steps to protect liberal democracies.

Pompeo was, in part, responding to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who on Friday accused the United States, Russia and China of making the world more dangerous.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-ukraine-receives-support-from-pompeo-in-the-middle-of-the-impeachment-of-president-donald-trump-277795">Also read: US state secretary Pompeo pledges support for Ukraine amid Trump impeachment trial</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron told the conference of international leaders, lawmakers and diplomats he was not surprised by Steinmeier's speech and had liked it.

"We cannot be the United States' junior partner," Macron said, adding that while he supported NATO, Europe needed to be able to tackle threats in its neighbourhood and at times act independently of Washington.

"I'm impatient for European solutions," Macron said.

Trump's decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as well as the Paris climate accord, have undermined European priorities, while moves such as recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital have weakened European diplomacy, envoys say.

Pompeo defended the US strategy, saying Europe, Japan and other American allies were united on China, Iran and Russia, despite "tactical differences."

Pompeo, however, reiterated Washington's opposition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea, a project backed by the government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Citing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, cyber threats in Iran and economic coercion by China, Pompeo said those countries were still "desiring empires" and destabilising the rules-based international system.

'Not mad'

Macron said the West's policy of defiance towards Russia in recent years had failed and, as nobody wanted to confront Moscow directly, the only option was to have a closer dialogue to resolve differences.

"I hear the defiance of all our partners, I'm not mad, but I know that being defiant and weak ... is not a policy, it's a completely inefficient system," Macron told the Munich Security Conference, saying he saw none of his allies willing to confront Russia.

"There is a second choice, which is to be demanding and restart a strategic dialogue because today we talk less and less, conflicts multiply and we aren't able to resolve them, he added.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, speaking immediately after Pompeo, focused his remarks solely on China, accusing Beijing of a "nefarious strategy" through telecommunications firm Huawei.

"It is essential that we as an international community wake up to the challenges presented by Chinese manipulation of the long-standing international rules-based order," Esper said.

He said it was not too late for Britain, which last month said it would allow Huawei a limited role in building its 5G networks, to take "two steps back," but added he still needed to asses London's decision.

"We could have a win-win strategy if we just abide by the international rules that have been set in place for decades ... that respect human rights, that respect sovereignty," he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended on Saturday his nation's global role despite misgivings in Europe, vowing that Western values would prevail over Russian and Chinese desires for "empire".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended on Saturday his nation's global role despite misgivings in Europe, vowing that Western values would prevail over Russian and Chinese desires for "empire". Seeking to reassure Europeans troubled by US President Donald Trump's "America first" rhetoric, his ambivalence over the NATO military alliance and tariffs on European goods, Pompeo said there was no crisis in Western leadership. "I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly exaggerated. The West is winning, and we're winning together," he said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference, listing US steps to protect liberal democracies. Pompeo was, in part, responding to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who on Friday accused the United States, Russia and China of making the world more dangerous. Also read: US state secretary Pompeo pledges support for Ukraine amid Trump impeachment trial French President Emmanuel Macron told the conference of international leaders, lawmakers and diplomats he was not surprised by Steinmeier's speech and had liked it. "We cannot be the United States' junior partner," Macron said, adding that while he supported NATO, Europe needed to be able to tackle threats in its neighbourhood and at times act independently of Washington. "I'm impatient for European solutions," Macron said. Trump's decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as well as the Paris climate accord, have undermined European priorities, while moves such as recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital have weakened European diplomacy, envoys say. Pompeo defended the US strategy, saying Europe, Japan and other American allies were united on China, Iran and Russia, despite "tactical differences." Pompeo, however, reiterated Washington's opposition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea, a project backed by the government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Citing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, cyber threats in Iran and economic coercion by China, Pompeo said those countries were still "desiring empires" and destabilising the rules-based international system. 'Not mad' Macron said the West's policy of defiance towards Russia in recent years had failed and, as nobody wanted to confront Moscow directly, the only option was to have a closer dialogue to resolve differences. "I hear the defiance of all our partners, I'm not mad, but I know that being defiant and weak ... is not a policy, it's a completely inefficient system," Macron told the Munich Security Conference, saying he saw none of his allies willing to confront Russia. "There is a second choice, which is to be demanding and restart a strategic dialogue because today we talk less and less, conflicts multiply and we aren't able to resolve them, he added. US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, speaking immediately after Pompeo, focused his remarks solely on China, accusing Beijing of a "nefarious strategy" through telecommunications firm Huawei. "It is essential that we as an international community wake up to the challenges presented by Chinese manipulation of the long-standing international rules-based order," Esper said. He said it was not too late for Britain, which last month said it would allow Huawei a limited role in building its 5G networks, to take "two steps back," but added he still needed to asses London's decision. "We could have a win-win strategy if we just abide by the international rules that have been set in place for decades ... that respect human rights, that respect sovereignty," he said.

'The West is winning,' US tells China; France wary

US President Donald Trump has said that it is a great honour that Facebook ranked him number one and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social networking site in terms of his popularity before his first visit to India.

Trump tweets about his upcoming visit to India on February 25

The US has expanded lawsuit against Huawei from last year. The United States Department of Justice has now charged the company and four of its subsidiaries with racketeering. The US prosecutors on February 13 accused Huawei of stealing trade secrets and helping Iran track protesters in its latest indictment against the Chinese company.

US expands lawsuit against Huawei

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the UN Human Rights Council a 'biased' body. This comes after the UN Human Rights Office have named the companies that have business ties with US settlements in the west bank. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Netanyahu hits back at UN, Calls it biased

As Donald Trump gears up to visit India - the American President has given the Indian government a major cause for worry. The United States plans to resume military funding and support to Pakistan. WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: US to resume military training for Pakistan

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly&nbsp;killed one civilian.

The incident serves to highlight the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">complex situation in Syria</a>, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes.

TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib</a>

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">contact with hostile forces</a>, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region.

Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of&nbsp;Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian. The incident serves to highlight the complex situation in Syria, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes. TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village. Also Read: Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in contact with hostile forces, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region. Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">United Nations</a> has identified <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">US </a>companies such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbnb-bans-party-houses-after-halloween-shooting-in-california-259567">Airbnb</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/expedia-chief-dara-khosrowshahi-set-to-be-new-uber-ceo-reports-19571">Expedia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-launches-appeal-against-24-billion-euro-eu-fine-20088">TripAdvisor </a>among 112 firms linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">Israeli </a>settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

The UN report comes in response to a 2016 UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a "database for all businesses engaged in specific activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory".

Watch: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN rights office said that listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process".

Among the businesses on the list are a range of large international companies, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbnb-bans-party-houses-after-halloween-shooting-in-california-259567">Airbnb</a>, Alstom, Booking.com and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/motorola-dynatac-meet-the-worlds-first-cellphone-11061">Motorola </a>Solutions.

"I am conscious this issue has been, and will continue to be, highly contentious," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-policy-shift-united-states-backs-israeli-settlements-on-west-bank-263029">In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank</a>

But she added that the findings had been subject to an "extensive and meticulous review process" and the report "reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate".

The move was cheered by the Palestinians but slammed as "shameful" by Israel, where officials fear the list could be used to boycott firms with ties to the settlements.

Israel's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hamas-after-deadly-west-bank-attacks-184607">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> rejected the list and called it a ''contemptible effort."

"Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted," he added.

Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-foreign-minister-israel-katz-postpones-dubai-visit-over-security-reasons-273798">Israel Katz</a> labelled the move "a shameful surrender to pressure from countries and organisations who want to harm Israel."

His Palestinian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-say-us-ambassador-helps-israel-to-annex-part-of-west-bank-226063">Riyad al-Maliki </a>meanwhile described the publication as "a victory for international law and diplomatic efforts."

Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory are considered to violate international law, and have long been seen as a major obstacle to peace, since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

The United Nations has identified US companies such as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor among 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

The United Nations has identified US companies such as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor among 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements which are considered illegal under international law. The UN report comes in response to a 2016 UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a "database for all businesses engaged in specific activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory". Watch: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel The UN rights office said that listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process". Among the businesses on the list are a range of large international companies, including Airbnb, Alstom, Booking.com and Motorola Solutions. "I am conscious this issue has been, and will continue to be, highly contentious," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said. Also read: In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank But she added that the findings had been subject to an "extensive and meticulous review process" and the report "reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate". The move was cheered by the Palestinians but slammed as "shameful" by Israel, where officials fear the list could be used to boycott firms with ties to the settlements. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the list and called it a ''contemptible effort." "Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted," he added. Foreign Minister Israel Katz labelled the move "a shameful surrender to pressure from countries and organisations who want to harm Israel." His Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki meanwhile described the publication as "a victory for international law and diplomatic efforts." Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory are considered to violate international law, and have long been seen as a major obstacle to peace, since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

UN report identifies 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements

Not just US, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka have crashed to historic low in ODIs

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