This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 20th, 2019

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic State </a>group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

"There are places where ISIS is more powerful today than they were three or four years ago," Pompeo said on CBS's "This Morning" show.

"But the caliphate is gone in their capacity to conduct external attacks, it's been made much more difficult," he said.

"We've taken down significant risk. Not all of it, but a significant amount. We're very pleased with the work that we've done."

US President Donald Trump declared early this year that US-led forces in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-killed-as-syria-regime-forces-battle-jihadists-243898"> Syria</a> and Iraq had achieved "100 per cent victory" over the Islamic extremist group after a campaign to eliminate their redoubt in the Euphrates river valley in Syria.

But many fighters are believed to have melded into the population, and the group maintains small strongholds in remote locations in Iraq.

A report by the Pentagon's Inspector General earlier this month said IS is transitioning "from a territory-holding force to an insurgency in Syria," and has firmed up its insurgent capabilities in Iraq.

The US drawdown or reassignment of some security forces in the region has left some room for the group to rebuild, the report said.

The Islamic State has "established 'resurgent cells' in Syria and sought to expand its command and control nodes in Iraq," it said.

IS has also become a potent threat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-123-in-multiple-bomb-blasts-in-afghanistans-jalalabad-244306">Afghanistan</a>, where it acts independently of the Taliban, which is currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States.

On Saturday the IS took credit for a suicide bombing of a wedding in Kabul that killed 63.

The Islamic State group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

The Islamic State group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday. "There are places where ISIS is more powerful today than they were three or four years ago," Pompeo said on CBS's "This Morning" show. "But the caliphate is gone in their capacity to conduct external attacks, it's been made much more difficult," he said. "We've taken down significant risk. Not all of it, but a significant amount. We're very pleased with the work that we've done." US President Donald Trump declared early this year that US-led forces in Syria and Iraq had achieved "100 per cent victory" over the Islamic extremist group after a campaign to eliminate their redoubt in the Euphrates river valley in Syria. But many fighters are believed to have melded into the population, and the group maintains small strongholds in remote locations in Iraq. A report by the Pentagon's Inspector General earlier this month said IS is transitioning "from a territory-holding force to an insurgency in Syria," and has firmed up its insurgent capabilities in Iraq. The US drawdown or reassignment of some security forces in the region has left some room for the group to rebuild, the report said. The Islamic State has "established 'resurgent cells' in Syria and sought to expand its command and control nodes in Iraq," it said. IS has also become a potent threat in Afghanistan, where it acts independently of the Taliban, which is currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States. On Saturday the IS took credit for a suicide bombing of a wedding in Kabul that killed 63.

Islamic State persists despite territory loss: Mike Pompeo

Washington's recent test of a ground-launched cruise missile will result in a new round of arms race and will jeopardise international security, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesman, Geng Shuang, said on Tuesday.

Washington's recent test of a ground-launched cruise missile will result in a new round of arms race and will jeopardise international security, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesman, Geng Shuang, said on Tuesday. On August 2, the Russian-US Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (310 to 3,417 miles), was terminated. The US Department of Defense conducted on Sunday a flight test of a conventional ground-launched cruise missile, which hit its target after flying more than 500 kilometres. "These actions by the United States will result in a new arms race and an escalation of military tensions, and will also seriously damage the structure of regional and international security," Geng said at a briefing. "This amply confirms that the United States indeed aimed at getting rid of restrictions, at developing advanced missiles and at securing unilateral military supremacy when it withdrew from the [INF] treaty," Geng stressed.

US missile test will result in arms race, seriously damage international security, warns China

Huawei on Tuesday dismissed Washington's three-month delay to a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gives-huawei-another-90-days-reprieve-from-ban-amid-economic-blacklist-244165"> ban on US firms selling to the Chinese tech giant</a> and said the decision would not change the fact it had been "treated unjustly".

The US Commerce Department effectively suspended for a second time tough rules stopping the sale of components and services to the telecoms titan and a prohibition on buying equipment from it.

However, it also said it would add 46 more companies to its list of Huawei subsidiaries and affiliates that would be covered by the ban if it is implemented in full taking the total on the list to more than 100.

The original ban was announced earlier this year by US authorities who claim it provides a backdoor for Chinese intelligence services something the firm denies.

"It's clear that this decision, made at this particular time, is politically motivated and has nothing to do with national security," Huawei responded in a statement, adding that the actions "violate the basic principles of free-market competition."

"They are in no one's interests, including US companies. Attempts to suppress Huawei's business won't help the United States achieve technological leadership" Huawei said.

"The extension of the Temporary General License does not change the fact that Huawei has been treated unjustly."

Monday's move means Huawei can continue to buy US-made semiconductors and other materials crucial to its phones and network equipment, and that US telecommunications companies can continue to buy Huawei's networking equipment.

But China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called on the US drop the ban altogether.

"No matter what the US does, it cannot change the erroneous nature of generalising the concept of national security, abusing export control measures, adopting discriminatory unfair practices against specific enterprises in other countries, and even undisguised suppression, without having any evidence," Geng said at a regular briefing Tuesday.

"We urge the US to immediately stop this wrong approach," he said.

Huawei considered the world leader in superfast 5G equipment and the world's number two smartphone producer was in May swept into a deepening trade war between Beijing and Washington, which has seen punitive tariffs slapped on hundreds of billions of dollars of two-way trade.

The suspension of the ban does not signal a change in US concerns that Huawei equipment poses a national security threat or lift a general prohibition on the use of its 5G systems in the United States.

"As we continue to urge consumers to transition away from Huawei's products, we recognise that more time is necessary to prevent any disruption," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Huawei unveiled its own operating system called HarmonyOS, highly anticipated software considered crucial for the tech group's survival as the looming ban could remove its access to Google's Android operating system.

Huawei on Tuesday dismissed Washington's three-month delay to a ban on US firms selling to the Chinese tech giant and said the decision would not change the fact it had been "treated unjustly".

Huawei on Tuesday dismissed Washington's three-month delay to a ban on US firms selling to the Chinese tech giant and said the decision would not change the fact it had been "treated unjustly". The US Commerce Department effectively suspended for a second time tough rules stopping the sale of components and services to the telecoms titan and a prohibition on buying equipment from it. However, it also said it would add 46 more companies to its list of Huawei subsidiaries and affiliates that would be covered by the ban if it is implemented in full taking the total on the list to more than 100. The original ban was announced earlier this year by US authorities who claim it provides a backdoor for Chinese intelligence services something the firm denies. "It's clear that this decision, made at this particular time, is politically motivated and has nothing to do with national security," Huawei responded in a statement, adding that the actions "violate the basic principles of free-market competition." "They are in no one's interests, including US companies. Attempts to suppress Huawei's business won't help the United States achieve technological leadership" Huawei said. "The extension of the Temporary General License does not change the fact that Huawei has been treated unjustly." Monday's move means Huawei can continue to buy US-made semiconductors and other materials crucial to its phones and network equipment, and that US telecommunications companies can continue to buy Huawei's networking equipment. But China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called on the US drop the ban altogether. "No matter what the US does, it cannot change the erroneous nature of generalising the concept of national security, abusing export control measures, adopting discriminatory unfair practices against specific enterprises in other countries, and even undisguised suppression, without having any evidence," Geng said at a regular briefing Tuesday. "We urge the US to immediately stop this wrong approach," he said. Huawei considered the world leader in superfast 5G equipment and the world's number two smartphone producer was in May swept into a deepening trade war between Beijing and Washington, which has seen punitive tariffs slapped on hundreds of billions of dollars of two-way trade. The suspension of the ban does not signal a change in US concerns that Huawei equipment poses a national security threat or lift a general prohibition on the use of its 5G systems in the United States. "As we continue to urge consumers to transition away from Huawei's products, we recognise that more time is necessary to prevent any disruption," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. Earlier this month, Huawei unveiled its own operating system called HarmonyOS, highly anticipated software considered crucial for the tech group's survival as the looming ban could remove its access to Google's Android operating system.

Huawei dismisses new suspension of 'unjust' US ban

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, merchant marine minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship's "reported destination" as the Greek port of Kalamata.

"There is officially no request concerning the arrival of the Iranian tanker in a Greek port," Plakiotakis told Greek media.

"We are following its progress and are working with the Greek foreign minister," he said.

The website Marine Traffic placed the supertanker carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil some 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of the Algerian port of Oran.

The British Royal Marines seized the ship on July 4 off British territory Gibraltar on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.

After a six-week standoff between Iran and Britain,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/grace-1-tanker-raises-iranian-flag-changes-the-name-to-adrian-darya-1-243853"> the Adrian Darya-1, formerly named the Grace 1</a>, finally set sail overnight Sunday after Gibraltar rejected a US demand to seize the vessel.

Gibraltar's government said it could not seek a court order to detain the supertanker because US sanctions against Iran were not applicable in the European Union.

The British territory authorised the tanker to leave on Thursday after Tehran gave assurances that the oil would not be delivered to Syria.

Iran has repeatedly denied any violations.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called Gibraltar's decision "very unfortunate", in an implicit rebuke to ally Britain.

Tehran for its part said it has warned Washington against making another attempt to seize the ship, saying such a move would have "grave consequences".

Port authorities in Kalamata, a port in Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, have not confirmed Marine Traffic's information.&nbsp;

An Iranian port authority said the tanker was in international waters, but its destination remained unclear, as did the fate of its cargo.

The Gibraltar authorities have yet to confirm the ship's departure.

The voyage to Kalamata would take around five days, port authorities there said. 
&nbsp;

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, merchant marine minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship's "reported destination" as the Greek port of Kalamata.

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, merchant marine minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship's "reported destination" as the Greek port of Kalamata. "There is officially no request concerning the arrival of the Iranian tanker in a Greek port," Plakiotakis told Greek media. "We are following its progress and are working with the Greek foreign minister," he said. The website Marine Traffic placed the supertanker carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil some 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of the Algerian port of Oran. The British Royal Marines seized the ship on July 4 off British territory Gibraltar on suspicion it was shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions. After a six-week standoff between Iran and Britain, the Adrian Darya-1, formerly named the Grace 1, finally set sail overnight Sunday after Gibraltar rejected a US demand to seize the vessel. Gibraltar's government said it could not seek a court order to detain the supertanker because US sanctions against Iran were not applicable in the European Union. The British territory authorised the tanker to leave on Thursday after Tehran gave assurances that the oil would not be delivered to Syria. Iran has repeatedly denied any violations. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called Gibraltar's decision "very unfortunate", in an implicit rebuke to ally Britain. Tehran for its part said it has warned Washington against making another attempt to seize the ship, saying such a move would have "grave consequences". Port authorities in Kalamata, a port in Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, have not confirmed Marine Traffic's information. An Iranian port authority said the tanker was in international waters, but its destination remained unclear, as did the fate of its cargo. The Gibraltar authorities have yet to confirm the ship's departure. The voyage to Kalamata would take around five days, port authorities there said.

'No request' from Iran tanker to dock in Greece: Government

US could be thwarted from Asia in a couple of hours as China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) leaves the US army way behind. Watch this video to know more.

Bad news!! US not the dominant power in Asia anymore

Watch WION Speed News, August 19th, 2019

Greenland dismisses the notion that it might be up for sale. Trump has discussed this with his advisers of buying Greenland. But Greenland's foreign minister said, ''We are not for sale.''

Donald Trump confirmed, ''Discussed the possibility to buy world's largest island''

The United States no longer has military primacy in the Pacific and could struggle to defend allies against China, a top Australian think tank has warned.

A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney released on Monday said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is&nbsp;"dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

If correct, the assessment has far-reaching implications for US allies like Australia, Taiwan and Japan who depend on American security guarantees.

Donald Trump's presidency has deepened concerns that Washington would not defend its allies in the face of aggression from China. But this latest report has suggested that the United States may struggle to help even if it wanted to.

Accusing Washington of "strategic insolvency", the authors said decades-long Middle East wars, partisanship and under-investment have left Pacific allies exposed.

China's "growing arsenal of accurate long-range missiles poses a major threat to almost all American, allied and partner bases, airstrips, ports and military installations in the Western Pacific," the report by Australia-based researchers has said.

Under President Xi Jinping, China's official defence budget has increased by around 75 per cent to $178 billion -- although the true figure is believed to be much more.

Crucially, Beijing has invested in precision ballistic missiles and counter-intervention systems that would make it difficult for the US military to reach contested areas quickly.

According to the report, "almost all American, allied and partner bases, airstrips, ports and military installations in the Western Pacific" lack hardened infrastructure and are under major threat.

That advantage could be used to seize territory in Taiwan, Japanese-administered islands or the South China Sea before US forces could get there.

Experts believe that the deployment of US land-based missiles and a changed role for the United States Marine Corps will be vital to countering China, as well as a collective regional defence -- with the likes of Australia and Japan doing more.

In Australia, concerns have been growing about inadequate defences, prompting debate about whether the country should think about developing nuclear weapons.

Similar discussions are have periodically taken place in neighbouring Indonesia.

A separate report released on Sunday by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute recommended Australia boost and harden military capabilities in the thinly-populated north of the country.

"Because of the significantly reduced warning times for future conflict," wrote author John Coyne, it is likely the north of Australia will be used as a forward operating base or a "lily pad" to reach conflict zones. 
The US military has already earmarked around US$210 million to boost a Marine Corps base near Darwin.

During a recent visit to Australia, Defense Secretary Mark Esper suggested the United States wants to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Asia. So far, the Australian government has stressed it has not received a formal request to host those weapons.

The United States no longer has military primacy in the Pacific and could struggle to defend allies against China, a top Australian think tank has warned. A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney released on Monday said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

The United States no longer has military primacy in the Pacific and could struggle to defend allies against China, a top Australian think tank has warned. A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney released on Monday said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China. If correct, the assessment has far-reaching implications for US allies like Australia, Taiwan and Japan who depend on American security guarantees. Donald Trump's presidency has deepened concerns that Washington would not defend its allies in the face of aggression from China. But this latest report has suggested that the United States may struggle to help even if it wanted to. Accusing Washington of "strategic insolvency", the authors said decades-long Middle East wars, partisanship and under-investment have left Pacific allies exposed. China's "growing arsenal of accurate long-range missiles poses a major threat to almost all American, allied and partner bases, airstrips, ports and military installations in the Western Pacific," the report by Australia-based researchers has said. Under President Xi Jinping, China's official defence budget has increased by around 75 per cent to $178 billion -- although the true figure is believed to be much more. Crucially, Beijing has invested in precision ballistic missiles and counter-intervention systems that would make it difficult for the US military to reach contested areas quickly. According to the report, "almost all American, allied and partner bases, airstrips, ports and military installations in the Western Pacific" lack hardened infrastructure and are under major threat. That advantage could be used to seize territory in Taiwan, Japanese-administered islands or the South China Sea before US forces could get there. Experts believe that the deployment of US land-based missiles and a changed role for the United States Marine Corps will be vital to countering China, as well as a collective regional defence -- with the likes of Australia and Japan doing more. In Australia, concerns have been growing about inadequate defences, prompting debate about whether the country should think about developing nuclear weapons. Similar discussions are have periodically taken place in neighbouring Indonesia. A separate report released on Sunday by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute recommended Australia boost and harden military capabilities in the thinly-populated north of the country. "Because of the significantly reduced warning times for future conflict," wrote author John Coyne, it is likely the north of Australia will be used as a forward operating base or a "lily pad" to reach conflict zones. The US military has already earmarked around US$210 million to boost a Marine Corps base near Darwin. During a recent visit to Australia, Defense Secretary Mark Esper suggested the United States wants to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Asia. So far, the Australian government has stressed it has not received a formal request to host those weapons.

US power waning in Pacific, China's missiles can destroy its's bases in hours: Australian think tank

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/easter-bombing-caused-a-huge-loss-to-the-tourism-industry-sri-lankan-minister-243132">Sri Lanka</a>'s President on Monday named war veteran Shavendra Silva as its army chief, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-appeals-for-more-help-to-alleviate-venezuela-refugee-crisis-243966"> United Nations</a> over the appointment of an officer who has been accused of serious human rights violations.

Silva, 55, is credited with successfully leading an army division against dissident Tamil Tigers in the final phases of the island nation's 26-year-long brutal civil wa

His victory, however, was highly controversial.

Thousands of civilians were killed in the last phases of the armed conflict, including in areas declared by the government to be a 'no-fire zone' which came under sustained army shelling, including hospitals.

A United Nations panel has accused Silva's division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war which ended in 2009 and systematic torture of people in custody.

Silva, who joined the army in 1984 and was its chief of staff since January, has denied the accusations.

"I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday.

His promotion "severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting justice and accountability", she said, adding that it also set back security sector reform.

Washington expressed its disapproval of Silva's appointment in a strongly-worded statement.

"The allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible," the US Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.&nbsp;

"This appointment undermines Sri Lanka's international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount."

Silva was named head of the army after the previous chief Mahesh Senanayake's term ended on Sunday.

His appointment demonstrates a disregard for human rights, said civil society groups including the Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The Sri Lankan President's office and the military media unit did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticism.

Sri Lanka's President on Monday named war veteran Shavendra Silva as its army chief, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and the United Nations over the appointment of an officer who has been accused of serious human rights violations.

Sri Lanka's President on Monday named war veteran Shavendra Silva as its army chief, drawing sharp criticism from the United States and the United Nations over the appointment of an officer who has been accused of serious human rights violations. Silva, 55, is credited with successfully leading an army division against dissident Tamil Tigers in the final phases of the island nation's 26-year-long brutal civil wa His victory, however, was highly controversial. Thousands of civilians were killed in the last phases of the armed conflict, including in areas declared by the government to be a 'no-fire zone' which came under sustained army shelling, including hospitals. A United Nations panel has accused Silva's division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war which ended in 2009 and systematic torture of people in custody. Silva, who joined the army in 1984 and was its chief of staff since January, has denied the accusations. "I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday. His promotion "severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting justice and accountability", she said, adding that it also set back security sector reform. Washington expressed its disapproval of Silva's appointment in a strongly-worded statement. "The allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible," the US Embassy in Colombo said in a statement. "This appointment undermines Sri Lanka's international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount." Silva was named head of the army after the previous chief Mahesh Senanayake's term ended on Sunday. His appointment demonstrates a disregard for human rights, said civil society groups including the Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Sri Lankan President's office and the military media unit did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticism.

Sri Lanka names war veteran as army chief; US, UN critical of decision

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 19th, 2019

Why Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland

US intermediate-range&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;will not be deployed in&nbsp;Australia,&nbsp;Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison said on Monday, after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-stand-idly-if-us-deploys-missiles-in-asia-warns-china-240969"> the United States revealed ambitions to site&nbsp;missiles</a>&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region.

Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence.

During the talks,&nbsp;US Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week.

Esper's comments prompted speculation that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had been asked to&nbsp;host&nbsp;the&nbsp;missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;would decline if it was asked in the future.

"It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland.

A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market.

Beijing last week described&nbsp;Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory".

Australia&nbsp;worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean.

Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

US intermediate-range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

US intermediate-range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence. During the talks, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy missiles in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week. Esper's comments prompted speculation that Australia had been asked to host the missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said Australia would decline if it was asked in the future. "It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put Australia in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market. Beijing last week described Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory". Australia worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

Australia won't host US missiles: PM Scott Morrison

Greenland dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

Greenland tells Trump it is open for business but not for sale

Last month after Donald Trump watched Fox News lob what he called "softball questions" at a Democratic lawmaker, the US president delivered a crisp smackdown of his favourite network: "Fox sure ain't what it used to be.

Last month after Donald Trump watched Fox News lob what he called "softball questions" at a Democratic lawmaker, the US president delivered a crisp smackdown of his favourite network: "Fox sure ain't what it used to be." After years of often fawning coverage by Fox, particularly from its pro-Trump anchors like Sean Hannity, the commander in chief appears to be tilting his media gaze toward a younger, more right-wing rival, cable outfit One America News Network (OANN). The small upstart broadcaster was launched only recently, in 2013, by technology millionaire Robert Herring, who sought a more conservative alternative to mainstream media behemoths like CNN. Today it seeks to outfox Fox by drawing extra attention from Trump, who has been voicing his displeasure with the rating leader over everything from presidential polling to its hosting of Democratic candidate town halls. Last week in a tweet to his 63 million followers, the president managed to disparage Fox and his mainstream news foil CNN, while heaping praise on the new object of his media affection. Embracing a newcomer "Watching Fake News CNN is better than watching Shepard Smith, the lowest-rated show on @FoxNews. Actually, whenever possible, I turn to @OANN!" Trump posted. Since March he has tweeted links to OANN stories or shared his appreciation of the network 13 times. The relationship has been years in the making. In 2015 Trump was interviewed by Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, when she guest-hosted OANN's show "On Point." At his first press conference as president-elect, in January 2017, Trump took a question from an OANN reporter. OANN was then called on dozens of times at the daily briefings in Trump's first 100 days in office. During his June 2018 press conference in Singapore, following the summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Trump took a question from OANN White House correspondent Emerald Robinson, but not before gushing about her network. 'It's really beautiful' "Thank you for the nice way you treat us. We appreciate it," he said. "Really, it's very good. It's really beautiful what you do." The San Diego-based operation describes itself as "straight news, no opinion." But the pro-Trump agenda is crystal clear, more than a dozen current and former employees told The Washington Post in 2017. Herring himself, in his pinned tweet, describes OANN as "the president's favourite news outlet." When Fox cut away from broadcasting a Trump rally in New Hampshire on Thursday, Herring tweeted, "We will never cut away!" 'Wasting airtime' OANN has faced accusations of promoting conspiracy theories and peddling Kremlin propaganda. "Yeah, we like Russia here," a staffer assigned to brief new OANN producer Ernest Champell told him, according to The Daily Beast. Champell left, disillusioned, four months later. "The network has a history of race-baiting and presenting anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-abortion reporting," according to Media Matters, a progressive nonprofit group that says its mission is "analyzing and correcting conservative misinformation." While OANN's influence in the White House may far outweigh its position in the news media landscape, Trump clearly retains an affinity for several people in the Fox organization. The show "Fox & Friends" remains his go-to morning program; Trump has phoned in on numerous occasions as president. Perhaps that is why Democratic longshot contender Julian Castro purchased ad time during "Fox & Friends" this week, airing a spot in which he directly addresses Trump and blames him for inspiring the El Paso shooter who massacred 22 people early this month. Polls 'have been terrible' Sean Hannity, the network's popular anchor, campaigned for Trump in 2016. But friction emerged this week when Hannity expressed support for CNN anchor Chris Cuomo after a video of Cuomo in a heated argument at a New York bar went viral. It was a sharp contrast to Trump, who tweeted that Cuomo the brother of New York's Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo was "nuts" and showed a "total loss of control" in the incident. The president expressed frustration when Fox aired multiple town halls in recent months featuring Democrats who are trying to unseat him in 2020, including South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, currently fifth in major polling. "Hard to believe that @FoxNews is wasting airtime on Mayor Pete," Trump tweeted in May. "Fox is moving more and more to the losing (wrong) side in covering the Dems." Fox News presidential polling is also a concern for Trump, whose job approval rating in the network's mid-August poll dipped substantially, to 43 per cent, while his disapproval rating spiked to 56 per cent, its highest since October 2017. In head-to-head matchups, the poll shows Trump losing to major Democratic candidates, including to frontrunner Joe Biden by 12 percentage points and to liberal Bernie Sanders by nine.

Is Trump's love affair with Fox News fading?

A small plane carrying three people crashed into a house in New York, said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-cites-new-flaw-on-grounded-boeing-737-max-230998"> US Federal Aviation Administration</a> (FAA).

The plane crashed into the house located in the state's Dutchess County on Saturday at 4:29 pm&nbsp;(20:29 GMT), Sputnik reported citing local media reports Details regarding the passengers are still unknown, the FAA said.

The FAA said it will initiate an investigation into what caused the crash.

A small plane carrying three people crashed into a house in New York, said US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane crashed into the house located in the state's Dutchess County on Saturday at 4:29 pm (20:29 GMT), Sputnik reported citing local media reports Details regarding the passengers are still unknown, the FAA said.

A small plane carrying three people crashed into a house in New York, said US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane crashed into the house located in the state's Dutchess County on Saturday at 4:29 pm (20:29 GMT), Sputnik reported citing local media reports Details regarding the passengers are still unknown, the FAA said. The FAA said it will initiate an investigation into what caused the crash.

Small plane with 3 on board crashes into a house in New York

Washington and Beijing are working actively to revive negotiations aimed at ending the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-edges-down-on-lower-demand-outlook-us-china-trade-dispute-242428"> trade war that has rattled world markets</a>, Donald Trump's chief economic advisor said Sunday.

If teleconferences between both sides' deputies pan out in the next 10 days "and we can have a substantive renewal of negotiations," Larry Kudlow said on "Fox News Sunday," "then we are planning to have China come to the USA and meet with our principals to continue the negotiations."

That left it uncertain, however, whether a Chinese delegation would be coming to Washington next month, as a White House spokesperson predicted after US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin left a round of trade talks in Shanghai in July.

Watch: Beijing ready to fight US on trade, says China's new UN envoy

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But Kudlow emphasized that phone conversations held last week to follow up on the Shanghai talks -- involving Lighthizer, Mnuchin and two senior Chinese negotiators, Vice Premier Liu He and Commerce Secretary Zhong Shan -- were "a lot more positive than has been reported in the media."

World financial markets have been on edge amid a series of signs pointing to a slowing of the global economy -- notably because of the trade war between the world's two largest economies -- and have been reacting to even the slightest new indicator.

No fear of 'optimism'

But Kudlow insisted that the outlook was far from gloomy. "Let's not be afraid of optimism," he said, adding that "I sure don't see a recession."

The US-China negotiations began in earnest in January and seemed at first to make substantial progress, raising hopes that a trade deal could be rapidly reached. &nbsp;

But during the spring, the US president abruptly called off the talks, saying the Chinese had reneged on earlier commitments.&nbsp;

The discussions resumed again in June at the highest levels in the margins of the G-20 summit meeting in Osaka, Japan between Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

But markets were hit with a fresh surprise when Trump suddenly announced that as of September 1 he was imposing punitive 10-per cent tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods that had so far been spared.&nbsp;

And then came the announcement Tuesday that Trump -- already campaigning for re-election in 2020 -- had decided to delay imposing the tariffs until December 15 so as not to cast a shadow on the Christmas shopping plans of Americans.

The delay was seen as a concession to China and a backhanded admission that the tariffs -- despite Trump's repeated insistence to the contrary -- could in fact have an impact on US consumers.

Impact on US denied

Nonetheless, the president's chief trade advisor, Peter Navarro, firmly rejected that notion in several television appearances on Sunday.

He said Trump had decided on the postponement only after several company heads told him their contracts with Chinese suppliers were denominated in dollars, meaning they got no benefit from the weakening of the Chinese yuan and their orders ahead of the year-end holidays would be hard-hit.&nbsp;

Navarro said the executives also insisted they were increasingly looking to suppliers outside of China.

He vigorously rejected the notion that the tariff war is hurting American consumers, saying no data supported that view -- despite studies to the contrary by the International Monetary Fund, Harvard University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

"We're seeing production investment and supply-chain sourcing move -- hemorrhaging from China," Navarro said, with Southeast Asia and the US benefiting.

Washington and Beijing are working actively to revive negotiations aimed at ending the trade war that has rattled world markets, Donald Trump's chief economic advisor said Sunday.

Washington and Beijing are working actively to revive negotiations aimed at ending the trade war that has rattled world markets, Donald Trump's chief economic advisor said Sunday. If teleconferences between both sides' deputies pan out in the next 10 days "and we can have a substantive renewal of negotiations," Larry Kudlow said on "Fox News Sunday," "then we are planning to have China come to the USA and meet with our principals to continue the negotiations." That left it uncertain, however, whether a Chinese delegation would be coming to Washington next month, as a White House spokesperson predicted after US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin left a round of trade talks in Shanghai in July. Watch: Beijing ready to fight US on trade, says China's new UN envoy × But Kudlow emphasized that phone conversations held last week to follow up on the Shanghai talks -- involving Lighthizer, Mnuchin and two senior Chinese negotiators, Vice Premier Liu He and Commerce Secretary Zhong Shan -- were "a lot more positive than has been reported in the media." World financial markets have been on edge amid a series of signs pointing to a slowing of the global economy -- notably because of the trade war between the world's two largest economies -- and have been reacting to even the slightest new indicator. No fear of 'optimism' But Kudlow insisted that the outlook was far from gloomy. "Let's not be afraid of optimism," he said, adding that "I sure don't see a recession." The US-China negotiations began in earnest in January and seemed at first to make substantial progress, raising hopes that a trade deal could be rapidly reached. But during the spring, the US president abruptly called off the talks, saying the Chinese had reneged on earlier commitments. The discussions resumed again in June at the highest levels in the margins of the G-20 summit meeting in Osaka, Japan between Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. But markets were hit with a fresh surprise when Trump suddenly announced that as of September 1 he was imposing punitive 10-per cent tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods that had so far been spared. And then came the announcement Tuesday that Trump -- already campaigning for re-election in 2020 -- had decided to delay imposing the tariffs until December 15 so as not to cast a shadow on the Christmas shopping plans of Americans. The delay was seen as a concession to China and a backhanded admission that the tariffs -- despite Trump's repeated insistence to the contrary -- could in fact have an impact on US consumers. Impact on US denied Nonetheless, the president's chief trade advisor, Peter Navarro, firmly rejected that notion in several television appearances on Sunday. He said Trump had decided on the postponement only after several company heads told him their contracts with Chinese suppliers were denominated in dollars, meaning they got no benefit from the weakening of the Chinese yuan and their orders ahead of the year-end holidays would be hard-hit. Navarro said the executives also insisted they were increasingly looking to suppliers outside of China. He vigorously rejected the notion that the tariff war is hurting American consumers, saying no data supported that view -- despite studies to the contrary by the International Monetary Fund, Harvard University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. "We're seeing production investment and supply-chain sourcing move -- hemorrhaging from China," Navarro said, with Southeast Asia and the US benefiting.

US and China seeking to revive trade talks: Trump's chief economic advisor

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 18th, 2019

The presence of America and Britain in the Gulf region brings insecurity, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Alireza Tangsiri, was reported as saying by the ILNA news agency.

Tensions have spiked between Iran and the US&nbsp;and Britain in the Gulf after the Islamic Republic shot down an American drone in June and seized a British tanker last month for violating maritime regulations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-documents-show-us-seeks-seizure-of-iranian-tanker-violating-sanctions-243610">Iran seized the tanker</a> two weeks after British Royal Marines detained an Iranian tanker on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran.

"The presence of America and England in this region means insecurity," he said.

Iran can provide security in the Gulf by forming a coalition with other countries in the region, Tangsiri said.

Tangsiri said that Iran wants peace and stability in the Gulf but appeared to issue a veiled threat by saying that if a ship that uses nuclear fuel were to be targeted in the Gulf, the countries in the south of the region will not have drinking water because of contamination, Mehr news agency reported.

The presence of America and Britain in the Gulf region brings insecurity, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Alireza Tangsiri, was reported as saying by the ILNA news agency.

The presence of America and Britain in the Gulf region brings insecurity, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy, Alireza Tangsiri, was reported as saying by the ILNA news agency. Tensions have spiked between Iran and the US and Britain in the Gulf after the Islamic Republic shot down an American drone in June and seized a British tanker last month for violating maritime regulations. Iran seized the tanker two weeks after British Royal Marines detained an Iranian tanker on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran. "The presence of America and England in this region means insecurity," he said. Iran can provide security in the Gulf by forming a coalition with other countries in the region, Tangsiri said. Tangsiri said that Iran wants peace and stability in the Gulf but appeared to issue a veiled threat by saying that if a ship that uses nuclear fuel were to be targeted in the Gulf, the countries in the south of the region will not have drinking water because of contamination, Mehr news agency reported.

Presence of US and UK in Gulf brings insecurity: Iran Revolutionary Guards navy chief

A bad year for Xi Jinping clouds Communist China's 70th birthday celebrations

Thousands&nbsp;of&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;at&nbsp;US airports faced delays late on Friday because of an&nbsp;outage&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-border-chief-john-sanders-quits-amid-outcry-over-child-detainees-230455">US Customs and&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Protection's</a> (CBP) processing systems, officials said.

CBP said in a statement the&nbsp;outage&nbsp;was temporary and "officers continue to process international&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;using alternative procedures until systems are back online.

&nbsp;Travellers&nbsp;at some ports of entry are experiencing longer than usual wait times."

People at various&nbsp;US airports posted videos on social media sites of lengthy lines at processing checkpoints and several airports warned of extensive delays.

&nbsp;Passengers disembarking at Dulles Airport in the Washington, DC area reported delays of two to four hours.

After several hours, CBP issued a statement saying its&nbsp;computers were coming back online.

Thousands of travellers at US airports faced delays late on Friday because of an outage of US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) processing systems, officials said.

Thousands of travellers at US airports faced delays late on Friday because of an outage of US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) processing systems, officials said. CBP said in a statement the outage was temporary and "officers continue to process international travellers using alternative procedures until systems are back online. Travellers at some ports of entry are experiencing longer than usual wait times." People at various US airports posted videos on social media sites of lengthy lines at processing checkpoints and several airports warned of extensive delays. Passengers disembarking at Dulles Airport in the Washington, DC area reported delays of two to four hours. After several hours, CBP issued a statement saying its computers were coming back online.

Thousands of US travellers delayed by Border Protection computer outage

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump

Sitting under an olive tree in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Muftia Tlaib scoffs at the attention she has recently received from the president of the United States.

"May God ruin him," she says.

Tlaib is the grandmother of US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, at the centre of an affair that has drawn<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../donald-trump-urges-israel-to-bar-visit-by-us- congresswomen-ilhan-omar-rashida-tlaib-243211"> Donald Trump</a> and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together against US&nbsp;Democrats.

On Thursday, bowing to pressure from Trump, Israel barred a visit by Rashida Tlaib and fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar that it had initially said it would allow.

The next day, Israel said it would let Tlaib visit her family in the West Bank on humanitarian grounds -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-rep-tlaib-says-she-wont-visit-west-bank- under-israels-oppressive-conditions-243480"> but Tlaib rejected the offe</a>r, saying that Israel had imposed restrictions meant to humiliate her.

On Friday night, Trump tweeted:

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Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1162493654432460801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now!"

Ninety-year-old Muftia Tlaib, sitting in her garden in the village of Beit Ur Al-Fauqa, was not impressed. "

Trump tells me I should be happy Rashida is not coming," she said. "May God ruin him."

Her son, Rashida's uncle Bassam Tlaib, said the women had not seen each other since 2006.

"She was going to slaughter a sheep when Rashida arrived and prepare her favourite food, stuffed vine leaves.

SECOND MOTHER

"Rashida sees her granny as a second mother, she has always supported her. Rashida says she owes her success to her grandmother."

Tlaib did not outline what the conditions imposed on her visit were. Israeli media reported that she had agreed not to promote boycotts against Israel as part of her request to Israel's Foreign Ministry.

Tlaib, like Omar, has voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which opposes the occupation and Israel's policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel by law.

The pair are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and Detroit-born Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of the Democratic party's progressive wing and sharp critics of Trump and Israel.

The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

Israel has annexed East Jerusalem in a move not recognised internationally; maintains a blockade of Gaza, run by the Islamist Hamas movement; and controls most of the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited self-rule.

&nbsp;The prospects of resolving the conflict under the "two-state solution" that had guided peacemaking efforts for years have dimmed significantly since Trump took office, while Israeli settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state have expanded.

&nbsp;The Trump administration, which is particularly close to the Netanyahu government, has touted its own peace plan but details remain vague. It fuelled Palestinian anger by recognising disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017.

Trump has for weeks been attacking Tlaib and Omar, along with lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts - all women of colour known as the "Squad" - accusing them of hostility to Israel in a barrage condemned by critics as racist.

"Trump has told Rashida and Ilhan to go back to their home countries. What a contradiction, yesterday he asked them to leave and today he asks that they aren't let in," said Bassam Tlaib.

Still, the grandmother is hopeful: "My heart tells me that she will come."

<hr tabindex="-1" />

Sitting under an olive tree in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Muftia Tlaib scoffs at the attention she has recently received from the president of the United States.

Sitting under an olive tree in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Muftia Tlaib scoffs at the attention she has recently received from the president of the United States. "May God ruin him," she says. Tlaib is the grandmother of US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, at the centre of an affair that has drawn Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together against US Democrats. On Thursday, bowing to pressure from Trump, Israel barred a visit by Rashida Tlaib and fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar that it had initially said it would allow. The next day, Israel said it would let Tlaib visit her family in the West Bank on humanitarian grounds - but Tlaib rejected the offer, saying that Israel had imposed restrictions meant to humiliate her. On Friday night, Trump tweeted: Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2019 × "Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now!" Ninety-year-old Muftia Tlaib, sitting in her garden in the village of Beit Ur Al-Fauqa, was not impressed. " Trump tells me I should be happy Rashida is not coming," she said. "May God ruin him." Her son, Rashida's uncle Bassam Tlaib, said the women had not seen each other since 2006. "She was going to slaughter a sheep when Rashida arrived and prepare her favourite food, stuffed vine leaves. SECOND MOTHER "Rashida sees her granny as a second mother, she has always supported her. Rashida says she owes her success to her grandmother." Tlaib did not outline what the conditions imposed on her visit were. Israeli media reported that she had agreed not to promote boycotts against Israel as part of her request to Israel's Foreign Ministry. Tlaib, like Omar, has voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which opposes the occupation and Israel's policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel by law. The pair are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and Detroit-born Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of the Democratic party's progressive wing and sharp critics of Trump and Israel. The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. Israel has annexed East Jerusalem in a move not recognised internationally; maintains a blockade of Gaza, run by the Islamist Hamas movement; and controls most of the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited self-rule. The prospects of resolving the conflict under the "two-state solution" that had guided peacemaking efforts for years have dimmed significantly since Trump took office, while Israeli settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state have expanded. The Trump administration, which is particularly close to the Netanyahu government, has touted its own peace plan but details remain vague. It fuelled Palestinian anger by recognising disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017. Trump has for weeks been attacking Tlaib and Omar, along with lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts - all women of colour known as the "Squad" - accusing them of hostility to Israel in a barrage condemned by critics as racist. "Trump has told Rashida and Ilhan to go back to their home countries. What a contradiction, yesterday he asked them to leave and today he asks that they aren't let in," said Bassam Tlaib. Still, the grandmother is hopeful: "My heart tells me that she will come."

'May God ruin Trump', says US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib's grandmother

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 20th, 2019

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Is Trump's love affair with Fox News fading?

Small plane with 3 on board crashes into a house in New York

US and China seeking to revive trade talks: Trump's chief economic advisor

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 18th, 2019

Presence of US and UK in Gulf brings insecurity: Iran Revolutionary Guards navy chief

A bad year for Xi Jinping clouds Communist China's 70th birthday celebrations

Thousands of US travellers delayed by Border Protection computer outage

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump

'May God ruin Trump', says US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib's grandmother