China's Four-Prolonged Strategy To Curb Hong Kong Protests Dismiss, Distract, Threaten, Discredit - China has been employing this four-pronged approach to tackle the protests in Hong Kong. Beijing first dismissed protests as 'illegal', then tried distraction-tactics. China's representatives have provoked violence. What's more? Now Beijing blames the U.S. Palki summarises

Gravitas: Deciphering China's strategy in Hong Kong

What is next in US-China trade talks?

The United States on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-hit-iran-to-cut-zeros-and-rename-plunging-currency-239766">imposed sanctions</a> on Iranian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries.

Zarif, a critical figure in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, dismissed the action and said it would not affect him.

US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal last year and ramped up sanctions to put pressure on Iran's economy. The move dismantled part of President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were a party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief.

Strains between Washington and Tehran have risen more in recent months after attacks on tankers in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran and Iran's downing of a US drone that prompted preparations for a US retaliatory airstrike that Trump called off at the last minute.

"Javad Zarif implements the reckless agenda of Iran’s Supreme Leader, and is the regime’s primary spokesperson around the world. The United States is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime that its recent behavior is completely unacceptable," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The sanctions against Zarif would block any property or interests he has in the United States, but the Iranian Foreign Minister said he had none.

"The US` reason for designating me is that I am Iran's 'primary spokesperson around the world'," Zarif said on Twitter. "Is the truth really that painful? It has no effect on me or my family, as I have no property or interests outside of Iran. Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda."

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The US' reason for designating me is that I am Iran's "primary spokesperson around the world" 
Is the truth really that painful? 
It has no effect on me or my family, as I have no property or interests outside of Iran. 
Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1156664257020334081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Zarif lived in the United States, from the age of 17 as a student of international relations in San Francisco and Denver, and subsequently as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York, where he was Iranian ambassador from 2002 to 2007.

The Trump administration said it would make decisions on whether to grant Zarif travel visas, including for trips to the United Nations, on a case by case basis, holding open the possibility that he might attend the annual UN&nbsp;General Assembly in September.

If Zarif received such a visa, that would allow direct or indirect US&nbsp;contacts with him during that gathering, which brings most of the world`s leaders to New York and has been the venue for previous US-Iranian contacts.

Negotiator

A senior US official reiterated that Trump was open to talks with Iran, but said the administration would want to deal with a key decision-maker, which it did not consider Zarif to be.

Zarif, who has said a so-called B-team including Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, an ardent Iran hawk, and conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could goad Trump into a conflict with Tehran, said in a later tweet,&nbsp;"We know that calling for dialog &amp; peace is an existential threat to #B_Team."

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We know that calling for dialog &amp; peace is an existential threat to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/B_Team?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#B_Team</a>. 
And since reason for designating me is my words, would "US persons" need OFAC license to "engage" with me by reading my writings or listening to interviews? 
 
cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stevenmnuchin1</a> 
cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> 
cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/jack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jack</a>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1156707044814204928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Senator Chris Murphy, a Democratic member of the Foreign Relations Committee, questioned the administration`s move.

"If our position is really that we want to negotiate with Iran than maybe we shouldn’t sanction their chief negotiator," Murphy posted on Twitter. 
Wendy Sherman, who was the lead US negotiator for the Iran nuclear deal under Obama, echoed that view and said placing sanctions on Zarif "risks dangerous escalation."&nbsp;

She linked the action to what Bolton said was a US decision to renew sanctions waivers for Iranian nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue their civilian nuclear cooperation with Tehran.

"One assumes sanctioning Zarif is the price for those waivers. The internal administration battle of war or diplomacy apparently wages on," said Sherman, who is director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School.

On June 24 Trump targeted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials with sanctions.

Mnuchin said then that Zarif would be blacklisted that week, but the designation did not happen quickly. Reuters reported in mid-July that the administration had decided to hold off on sanctions against him for the time being.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the Trump administration still sought a diplomatic solution but said Zarif`s foreign ministry was advancing the Iranian Supreme Leader`s "destabilizing" policies.

"The only path forward is a comprehensive deal that addresses the full range of its threats. Until then, our campaign of diplomatic isolation and maximum economic pressure will continue," Pompeo said.

Mnuchin said Zarif used social media to spread Iranian "propaganda and disinformation" while the government did not allow its citizens to use such mediums themselves.

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, targeting the country's top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries. Zarif, a critical figure in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, dismissed the action and said it would not affect him. US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal last year and ramped up sanctions to put pressure on Iran's economy. The move dismantled part of President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were a party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief. Strains between Washington and Tehran have risen more in recent months after attacks on tankers in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran and Iran's downing of a US drone that prompted preparations for a US retaliatory airstrike that Trump called off at the last minute. "Javad Zarif implements the reckless agenda of Iran’s Supreme Leader, and is the regime’s primary spokesperson around the world. The United States is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime that its recent behavior is completely unacceptable," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. The sanctions against Zarif would block any property or interests he has in the United States, but the Iranian Foreign Minister said he had none. "The US` reason for designating me is that I am Iran's 'primary spokesperson around the world'," Zarif said on Twitter. "Is the truth really that painful? It has no effect on me or my family, as I have no property or interests outside of Iran. Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda." The US' reason for designating me is that I am Iran's "primary spokesperson around the world" Is the truth really that painful? It has no effect on me or my family, as I have no property or interests outside of Iran. Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 31, 2019 × Zarif lived in the United States, from the age of 17 as a student of international relations in San Francisco and Denver, and subsequently as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York, where he was Iranian ambassador from 2002 to 2007. The Trump administration said it would make decisions on whether to grant Zarif travel visas, including for trips to the United Nations, on a case by case basis, holding open the possibility that he might attend the annual UN General Assembly in September. If Zarif received such a visa, that would allow direct or indirect US contacts with him during that gathering, which brings most of the world`s leaders to New York and has been the venue for previous US-Iranian contacts. Negotiator A senior US official reiterated that Trump was open to talks with Iran, but said the administration would want to deal with a key decision-maker, which it did not consider Zarif to be. Zarif, who has said a so-called B-team including Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, an ardent Iran hawk, and conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could goad Trump into a conflict with Tehran, said in a later tweet, "We know that calling for dialog & peace is an existential threat to #B_Team." We know that calling for dialog & peace is an existential threat to #B_Team. And since reason for designating me is my words, would "US persons" need OFAC license to "engage" with me by reading my writings or listening to interviews? cc: @stevenmnuchin1 cc: @SecPompeo cc: @jack — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 31, 2019 × Senator Chris Murphy, a Democratic member of the Foreign Relations Committee, questioned the administration`s move. "If our position is really that we want to negotiate with Iran than maybe we shouldn’t sanction their chief negotiator," Murphy posted on Twitter. Wendy Sherman, who was the lead US negotiator for the Iran nuclear deal under Obama, echoed that view and said placing sanctions on Zarif "risks dangerous escalation." She linked the action to what Bolton said was a US decision to renew sanctions waivers for Iranian nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue their civilian nuclear cooperation with Tehran. "One assumes sanctioning Zarif is the price for those waivers. The internal administration battle of war or diplomacy apparently wages on," said Sherman, who is director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. On June 24 Trump targeted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials with sanctions. Mnuchin said then that Zarif would be blacklisted that week, but the designation did not happen quickly. Reuters reported in mid-July that the administration had decided to hold off on sanctions against him for the time being. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the Trump administration still sought a diplomatic solution but said Zarif`s foreign ministry was advancing the Iranian Supreme Leader`s "destabilizing" policies. "The only path forward is a comprehensive deal that addresses the full range of its threats. Until then, our campaign of diplomatic isolation and maximum economic pressure will continue," Pompeo said. Mnuchin said Zarif used social media to spread Iranian "propaganda and disinformation" while the government did not allow its citizens to use such mediums themselves.

US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

Taliban put forwards new condition to the US for peace talks. Taliban sources have told WION that the group would declare ceasefire only in areas where US troops have left. Watch this video to know more.

Taliban's new condition to the US for peace talks

Former Hong Kong Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa believes that foreign forces might be behind recent protests in Hong Kong. He accused China's Taiwan and the US being behind the attacks. Watch this video to know more.

Former Hong Kong Chief Executive reacts to protests

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/see-saw-border-unique-way-of-protest-at-us-mexico-border-239422">US-Mexico border</a>, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year. &nbsp;

In June 2018, the government said it would end its "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting those who<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-honduras-agree-to-create-20000-jobs-and-stem-migration-238995"> illegally cross the border</a> and separating them from their children after a public outcry and a legal challenge by the ACLU.&nbsp;

US District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the reunification of more than 2,800 migrant children in a court supervised process.

On Tuesday, the ACLU went back to court claiming that the government was still separating families, making exceptions to its pledge to end the practise.

“The government is systematically separating large numbers of families based on minor criminal history, highly dubious allegations of unfitness, and errors in identifying bona fide 
parent-child relationships."

The Trump administration has tried to deter record numbers of migrant families arriving at the US-Mexico border seeking refuge from poverty and violence in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

The government has said it separates families when it suspects the parent has a criminal record or questions the relationship between the adult and the migrant child.

In a more than 200-page motion, the rights group said the administration is “separating young children based on such offences as traffic violations, misdemeanour property damage, and disorderly conduct violations.”&nbsp;

Sometimes separations have occurred based on “the assertion that the parent does not appear to be doing a proper job parenting,” the motion said.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ACLU motion. But the administration has said the practice is aimed at protecting children who may be in danger.

Given the potential harm to children of being taken from caregivers, the ACLU is seeking to block the government from separating children from parents, regardless of their criminal history.

"The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order,” said Lee Gelernt, lead ACLU attorney in the family lawsuit, in a statement, referring to the original ruling from the judge last year, when both sides agreed to enforce it.

The filing said 911 children were separated from their parents &nbsp;- including babies and toddlers - from June 28, 2018 to June 29, 2019.

Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned separations.&nbsp;

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the US-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year.

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the US-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year. In June 2018, the government said it would end its "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting those who illegally cross the border and separating them from their children after a public outcry and a legal challenge by the ACLU. US District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the reunification of more than 2,800 migrant children in a court supervised process. On Tuesday, the ACLU went back to court claiming that the government was still separating families, making exceptions to its pledge to end the practise. “The government is systematically separating large numbers of families based on minor criminal history, highly dubious allegations of unfitness, and errors in identifying bona fide parent-child relationships." The Trump administration has tried to deter record numbers of migrant families arriving at the US-Mexico border seeking refuge from poverty and violence in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. The government has said it separates families when it suspects the parent has a criminal record or questions the relationship between the adult and the migrant child. In a more than 200-page motion, the rights group said the administration is “separating young children based on such offences as traffic violations, misdemeanour property damage, and disorderly conduct violations.” Sometimes separations have occurred based on “the assertion that the parent does not appear to be doing a proper job parenting,” the motion said. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ACLU motion. But the administration has said the practice is aimed at protecting children who may be in danger. Given the potential harm to children of being taken from caregivers, the ACLU is seeking to block the government from separating children from parents, regardless of their criminal history. "The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order,” said Lee Gelernt, lead ACLU attorney in the family lawsuit, in a statement, referring to the original ruling from the judge last year, when both sides agreed to enforce it. The filing said 911 children were separated from their parents - including babies and toddlers - from June 28, 2018 to June 29, 2019. Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned separations.

Over 900 children separated at US border since policy halted: American Civil Liberties Union

WION Fineprint: Intra-Afghan meet after US-Taliban talks. Watch video to know more.

WION Fineprint: Intra-Afghan meet after US-Taliban talks

President Donald Trump said he will watch the first Democratic debate on television on Wednesday night, even though he will be flying to Japan and considers the event "boring." Trump, a Republican, also suggested he might offer some tweeted responses to what he hears from the 10 Democratic presidential candidates on the stage in the first of back-to-back debate nights in Miami.

Highlights From Democratic Debate

The United States is set to announce this week it will renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump, in an Oval Office meeting last week, sided with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who argued for renewing the waivers over objections by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, the Post said.

Mnuchin "argued to Trump that if the sanctions were not again waived as required by law by August&nbsp;1, the United States would have to sanction Russian, Chinese and European firms that are involved in projects inside Iran that were established as part of the 2015 nuclear deal," the Post said, citing six unnamed officials.

A State Department spokesman declined to comment to Reuters.

Pompeo in May extended five of seven sanctions waivers for 90 days. The waivers allow work at Iran`s Bushehr nuclear plant, the Fordow enrichment facility, the Arak nuclear complex and the Tehran Research Reactor.

Trump abandoned the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and six world powers last year, arguing that he wanted a bigger deal that not only limited Iran`s atomic work but also reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, and curbed its ballistic missile programme. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to choke off its oil exports.&nbsp;

The Post said the Treasury Department asked for more time to consider the effects of possible sanctions on Russian, Chinese and European companies, and quoted a senior administration official as saying the goal of ending the waivers remained.

"These waivers can be revoked at any time, as developments with Iran warrant. But because of the Treasury Department`s legitimate concerns, we`ve decided to extend them for now," the official said, according to the Post.

Fears of a direct US-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran`s downing of a U.S. surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute. 
&nbsp;

The United States is set to announce this week it will renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

The United States is set to announce this week it will renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. President Donald Trump, in an Oval Office meeting last week, sided with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who argued for renewing the waivers over objections by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, the Post said. Mnuchin "argued to Trump that if the sanctions were not again waived as required by law by August 1, the United States would have to sanction Russian, Chinese and European firms that are involved in projects inside Iran that were established as part of the 2015 nuclear deal," the Post said, citing six unnamed officials. A State Department spokesman declined to comment to Reuters. Pompeo in May extended five of seven sanctions waivers for 90 days. The waivers allow work at Iran`s Bushehr nuclear plant, the Fordow enrichment facility, the Arak nuclear complex and the Tehran Research Reactor. Trump abandoned the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and six world powers last year, arguing that he wanted a bigger deal that not only limited Iran`s atomic work but also reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, and curbed its ballistic missile programme. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to choke off its oil exports. The Post said the Treasury Department asked for more time to consider the effects of possible sanctions on Russian, Chinese and European companies, and quoted a senior administration official as saying the goal of ending the waivers remained. "These waivers can be revoked at any time, as developments with Iran warrant. But because of the Treasury Department`s legitimate concerns, we`ve decided to extend them for now," the official said, according to the Post. Fears of a direct US-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran`s downing of a U.S. surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute.

US to renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs: Report

Asylum seekers have installed see-saw across U.S-Mexico border. Immigrants playful yet serious protests against divide. $2.5 Bn being redirected for the wall at U.S-Mexico border. Over 20,000 immigrants sent back to Mexico this year.

See-Saw Border: Unique way of protest at U.S-Mexico border

China and Russia are as much allies as they are rivals.

A joint Tajik-Chinese military exercise in a Tajik region bordering on China’s troubled north-western region of Xinjiang suggests that increased Chinese-Russian military cooperation has not eroded gradually mounting rivalry in Central Asia, long viewed by Moscow as its backyard.

The exercise, the second in three years, coupled with the building by China of border guard posts and a training centre as well as the creation of a Chinese security facility along the 1,300 kilometre long Tajik Afghan Border, Chinese dominance of the Tajik economy, and the hand over of &nbsp;Tajik territory almost two decades ago, challenges Russian-Chinese arrangements in the region.

The informal arrangement involved a division of labour under which China would expand economically in Central Asia while Russia would guarantee the region’s security.

The exercise comes days after China and Russia operated their first joint air patrol and months after Tajik and Russian forces exercised jointly.

The “exercise represents a next step in China’s overall encroachment upon Russia’s self-proclaimed ‘sphere of influence’ in Central Asia,” said Russia expert Stephen Blank.

“Moscow has given remarkably little consideration to the possibility that China will build on its soft power in Central Asia to establish security relationships or even bases and thus accelerate the decline of Russian influence there,” added Eurasia scholar Paul Goble.

The perceived encroachment is but the latest sign that Russia is seeking to balance its determination to ally itself with China in trying to limit US power with the fact the Chinese and Russian interests may be diverging.

The limitations of Russian-Chinese cooperation have long been evident.

China, for example, has refrained from recognising Russian-inspired declarations of independence in 2008 of two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia that recently sparked anti-government protests in Tbilisi.

China similarly abstained in a 2014 United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution that condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Meanwhile, Chinese dependence on Russian military technology is diminishing, potentially threatening a key Russian export market. China in 2017 rolled out its fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 fighter that is believed to be technologically superior to Russia SU-57E.

Perhaps most fundamentally, Chinese president Xi Jinping opted in 2013 to unveil his Belt and Road initiative in the Kazakh capital of Astana rather than Moscow.

By doing so and by so far refusing to invest in railroads and roads that would turn Russia into a transportation hub, Xi effectively relegated Russia to the status of second fiddle, at least as far as the Belt and Road’s core transportation infrastructure pillar is concerned.

China’s recently published latest defence white paper nonetheless praised the continued development of a “high level” military relationship with Russia that is “enriching the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and playing a significant role in maintaining global strategic stability.”

In a bid to ensure Russia remains a key player on the international stage and exploit mounting tension in the Gulf, Russian deputy foreign minister and special representative to the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov this week proposed a collective security concept that would replace the Gulf’s US defence umbrella and position Russia as a power broker alongside the United States.

The concept would entail the creation of a “counter-terrorism coalition of all stakeholders” that would be the motor for resolution of conflicts across the region and promote mutual security guarantees. It would involve the removal of the “permanent deployment of troops of extra-regional states in the territories of states of the Gulf,” a reference to US, British and French forces and bases.

Bogdanov’s proposal called for a “universal and comprehensive” security system that would take into account “the interests of all regional and other parties involved, in all spheres of security, including its military, economic and energy dimensions” and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance.

The coalition to include the Gulf states, Russia, China, the US, the European Union and India as well as other stakeholders, a likely reference to Iran, would be launched at an international conference on security and cooperation in the Gulf.

It was not clear how feuding Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arb Emirates and Iran would be persuaded to sit at one table. The proposal suggested that Russia’s advantage was that it maintained good relations with all parties.

“Russia’s contributions to the fight against &nbsp;Islamic terrorist networks and the liberation of parts of Syria and Iraq can be regarded as a kind of test for the role of sheriff in a Greater Eurasia” that would include the Middle East, said political scientist Dmitry Yefremenko.

Putin this week asserted himself as sheriff by signalling his support for embattled former Kyrgyz president Almazbek Atambayev, a Putin crony who has been charged with corruption. Following a meeting in Moscow, Putin urged Atembayev’s nemesis. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, not to press charges.

At the same time, Putin, building on his visit to Kyrgyzstan in March, offered &nbsp;Jeenbekov a carrot.

Kyrgyzstan “needs political stability. Everybody needs to unite around the current president and to help him develop the state. We have many plans for cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and we are absolutely determined to work together with the current leadership to fulfill these plans,” Putin said.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement during the visit to expand by 60 hectares the Kant Air Base 20 kilometres east of the capital Bishkek that is used by the Russian Air Force and increase the rent Russia pays.

Putin further lavished his Kyrgyz hosts with $6 billion in deals ranging from power, mineral resources and hydrocarbons to industry and agriculture.

Putin also allocated $200 million for the upgrading of customs infrastructure and border equipment to put an end to the back-up of dozens of trucks on the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border because Kyrgyzstan has so far been unable to comply with the technical requirements of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyaev last month gave the EEU, that groups Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Belarus, and Armenia, &nbsp;a boost by declaring that Uzbekistan would need to join the trade bloc to ensure access to its export markets.

EEU members account for 70 percent of Uzbek exports.

Said Russia and Eurasia scholar Paul Stronski: “China’s deft diplomacy towards Russia — along with both states’ desires to keep the West out of their common backyard — has kept tensions behind closed doors. But with China now recognising it may need to strengthen its security posture in the region, it is unclear how long this stability will last.” 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

China and Russia are as much allies as they are rivals. A joint Tajik-Chinese military exercise in a Tajik region bordering on China’s troubled north-western region of Xinjiang suggests that increased Chinese-Russian military cooperation has not eroded gradually mounting rivalry in Central Asia, long viewed by Moscow as its backyard.

China and Russia are as much allies as they are rivals. A joint Tajik-Chinese military exercise in a Tajik region bordering on China’s troubled north-western region of Xinjiang suggests that increased Chinese-Russian military cooperation has not eroded gradually mounting rivalry in Central Asia, long viewed by Moscow as its backyard. The exercise, the second in three years, coupled with the building by China of border guard posts and a training centre as well as the creation of a Chinese security facility along the 1,300 kilometre long Tajik Afghan Border, Chinese dominance of the Tajik economy, and the hand over of Tajik territory almost two decades ago, challenges Russian-Chinese arrangements in the region. The informal arrangement involved a division of labour under which China would expand economically in Central Asia while Russia would guarantee the region’s security. The exercise comes days after China and Russia operated their first joint air patrol and months after Tajik and Russian forces exercised jointly. The “exercise represents a next step in China’s overall encroachment upon Russia’s self-proclaimed ‘sphere of influence’ in Central Asia,” said Russia expert Stephen Blank. “Moscow has given remarkably little consideration to the possibility that China will build on its soft power in Central Asia to establish security relationships or even bases and thus accelerate the decline of Russian influence there,” added Eurasia scholar Paul Goble. The perceived encroachment is but the latest sign that Russia is seeking to balance its determination to ally itself with China in trying to limit US power with the fact the Chinese and Russian interests may be diverging. The limitations of Russian-Chinese cooperation have long been evident. China, for example, has refrained from recognising Russian-inspired declarations of independence in 2008 of two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia that recently sparked anti-government protests in Tbilisi. China similarly abstained in a 2014 United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution that condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Meanwhile, Chinese dependence on Russian military technology is diminishing, potentially threatening a key Russian export market. China in 2017 rolled out its fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 fighter that is believed to be technologically superior to Russia SU-57E. Perhaps most fundamentally, Chinese president Xi Jinping opted in 2013 to unveil his Belt and Road initiative in the Kazakh capital of Astana rather than Moscow. By doing so and by so far refusing to invest in railroads and roads that would turn Russia into a transportation hub, Xi effectively relegated Russia to the status of second fiddle, at least as far as the Belt and Road’s core transportation infrastructure pillar is concerned. China’s recently published latest defence white paper nonetheless praised the continued development of a “high level” military relationship with Russia that is “enriching the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and playing a significant role in maintaining global strategic stability.” In a bid to ensure Russia remains a key player on the international stage and exploit mounting tension in the Gulf, Russian deputy foreign minister and special representative to the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov this week proposed a collective security concept that would replace the Gulf’s US defence umbrella and position Russia as a power broker alongside the United States. The concept would entail the creation of a “counter-terrorism coalition of all stakeholders” that would be the motor for resolution of conflicts across the region and promote mutual security guarantees. It would involve the removal of the “permanent deployment of troops of extra-regional states in the territories of states of the Gulf,” a reference to US, British and French forces and bases. Bogdanov’s proposal called for a “universal and comprehensive” security system that would take into account “the interests of all regional and other parties involved, in all spheres of security, including its military, economic and energy dimensions” and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance. The coalition to include the Gulf states, Russia, China, the US, the European Union and India as well as other stakeholders, a likely reference to Iran, would be launched at an international conference on security and cooperation in the Gulf. It was not clear how feuding Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arb Emirates and Iran would be persuaded to sit at one table. The proposal suggested that Russia’s advantage was that it maintained good relations with all parties. “Russia’s contributions to the fight against Islamic terrorist networks and the liberation of parts of Syria and Iraq can be regarded as a kind of test for the role of sheriff in a Greater Eurasia” that would include the Middle East, said political scientist Dmitry Yefremenko. Putin this week asserted himself as sheriff by signalling his support for embattled former Kyrgyz president Almazbek Atambayev, a Putin crony who has been charged with corruption. Following a meeting in Moscow, Putin urged Atembayev’s nemesis. President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, not to press charges. At the same time, Putin, building on his visit to Kyrgyzstan in March, offered Jeenbekov a carrot. Kyrgyzstan “needs political stability. Everybody needs to unite around the current president and to help him develop the state. We have many plans for cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and we are absolutely determined to work together with the current leadership to fulfill these plans,” Putin said. Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement during the visit to expand by 60 hectares the Kant Air Base 20 kilometres east of the capital Bishkek that is used by the Russian Air Force and increase the rent Russia pays. Putin further lavished his Kyrgyz hosts with $6 billion in deals ranging from power, mineral resources and hydrocarbons to industry and agriculture. Putin also allocated $200 million for the upgrading of customs infrastructure and border equipment to put an end to the back-up of dozens of trucks on the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border because Kyrgyzstan has so far been unable to comply with the technical requirements of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyaev last month gave the EEU, that groups Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Belarus, and Armenia, a boost by declaring that Uzbekistan would need to join the trade bloc to ensure access to its export markets. EEU members account for 70 percent of Uzbek exports. Said Russia and Eurasia scholar Paul Stronski: “China’s deft diplomacy towards Russia — along with both states’ desires to keep the West out of their common backyard — has kept tensions behind closed doors. But with China now recognising it may need to strengthen its security posture in the region, it is unclear how long this stability will last.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Shifting Sands: Chinese encroachment in Central Asia and challenges to US supremacy in Gulf

President Donald Trump's choice of a lawmaker with limited experience to oversee the massive US intelligence community has sparked concerns over the possible politicisation of crucial national security decisions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../outrage-as-donald-trump-brands-mostly-black- baltimore-infested-mess-238913">Trump</a> declared Tuesday that John Ratcliffe is "strong" and "talented", two days after announcing the Republican congressman as his pick to replace Dan Coats as Director of National Intelligence, the person who coordinates the 17 agencies that make up the US intelligence community.

But strong criticism of the choice from Democrats and a tepid response from key Republicans -- some say they had never met him -- &nbsp;put a question mark over whether Ratcliffe can gain Senate confirmation.

"I'm gravely concerned when it appears that the president is trying to look for someone who will be a political loyalist rather than that independent voice standing up for the intelligence community," said Democratic Senator John Warner.

"I don't know John, but I look forward to getting to know him," said Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which must approve the nomination.

&nbsp;Fox News commentator&nbsp;

Coats, previously a longtime legislator on the Senate Intelligence Committee and US ambassador to Germany, spent 24 months as DNI quietly advancing and defending the intelligence community's global threats assessments.

Occasionally Coats publicly challenged Trump's rejection of those views, especially on Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Ratcliffe, by comparison, has made his name over four years in the House of Representatives as a staunch defender of the president.

Like many Trump appointees, he frequently appears on Fox News repeating conservative conspiracy theories, like alleging that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference was a political hit-job by Democrats working with US intelligence.

"So was the Trump investigation really about our national security -- or was it politically motivated?" he said last year.

"John Ratcliffe is a good man," Trump said Tuesday. "He's a very talented guy. Strong man. It's what we need in that position."

&nbsp;Former small-town mayor&nbsp;

Ratcliffe, 53, would take over a crucial job that involves collating and distilling intelligence from the CIA, the National Security Agency, the FBI, the Pentagon and other bodies, to prioritize for the president the threats the country faces.&nbsp;

All previous directors have been former diplomats steeped in security and military issues, senior Pentagon officials, and intelligence agency chiefs.

Ratcliffe's resume is thin: before arriving in Congress in 2015, he was mayor of a small, wealthy lakeside suburb of Dallas, Texas for eight years, a staff lawyer for the local federal district attorney, and then interim district attorney for just one year in 2007.

His office in Congress has claimed that during that time he investigated and prosecuted major terror cases, but there is no evidence of that in available court records.

In Congress, he has served on the House Intelligence Committee only since January, where he has made a mark attacking the Mueller investigation and insinuating that the intelligence community itself threatens the president.

"Ratcliffe would be the first DNI without significant intelligence or ambassadorial experience," said John McLaughlin, former CIA deputy director.

'Hyper-political time'&nbsp;

Ratcliffe's nomination -- which has not yet been formalized by the White House -- comes as the intelligence community has struggled with Trump's determination to see the world his way and use intelligence for his own political goals.

Earlier this month, Sue Gordon, the deputy director of national intelligence, said Coats' independence has been important in the current political environment.

"The intelligence community has been able to keep its eyes in the boat, because he plays it down the middle, even when it's unpopular," she told CBS News' "Intelligence Matters" program.&nbsp;

"There is something great about people who understand the world in the way intelligence officers understand the world," she added.&nbsp;

"Where it has gotten difficult in this time is, this is a hyper-political time. And it's difficult because we are all serious people who are just trying to solve some really serious issues."

Democrats have made clear they will fight against his nomination.

"Congressman Ratcliffe is the most partisan and least qualified individual ever nominated to serve as Director of National Intelligence," said Senator Ron Wyden, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

"Confirming this individual would amount to an endorsement of this administration's drive to politicize our intelligence agencies."

President Donald Trump's choice of a lawmaker with limited experience to oversee the massive US intelligence community has sparked concerns over the possible politicisation of crucial national security decisions.

President Donald Trump's choice of a lawmaker with limited experience to oversee the massive US intelligence community has sparked concerns over the possible politicisation of crucial national security decisions. Trump declared Tuesday that John Ratcliffe is "strong" and "talented", two days after announcing the Republican congressman as his pick to replace Dan Coats as Director of National Intelligence, the person who coordinates the 17 agencies that make up the US intelligence community. But strong criticism of the choice from Democrats and a tepid response from key Republicans -- some say they had never met him -- put a question mark over whether Ratcliffe can gain Senate confirmation. "I'm gravely concerned when it appears that the president is trying to look for someone who will be a political loyalist rather than that independent voice standing up for the intelligence community," said Democratic Senator John Warner. "I don't know John, but I look forward to getting to know him," said Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which must approve the nomination. Fox News commentator Coats, previously a longtime legislator on the Senate Intelligence Committee and US ambassador to Germany, spent 24 months as DNI quietly advancing and defending the intelligence community's global threats assessments. Occasionally Coats publicly challenged Trump's rejection of those views, especially on Russia, Iran and North Korea. Ratcliffe, by comparison, has made his name over four years in the House of Representatives as a staunch defender of the president. Like many Trump appointees, he frequently appears on Fox News repeating conservative conspiracy theories, like alleging that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference was a political hit-job by Democrats working with US intelligence. "So was the Trump investigation really about our national security -- or was it politically motivated?" he said last year. "John Ratcliffe is a good man," Trump said Tuesday. "He's a very talented guy. Strong man. It's what we need in that position." Former small-town mayor Ratcliffe, 53, would take over a crucial job that involves collating and distilling intelligence from the CIA, the National Security Agency, the FBI, the Pentagon and other bodies, to prioritize for the president the threats the country faces. All previous directors have been former diplomats steeped in security and military issues, senior Pentagon officials, and intelligence agency chiefs. Ratcliffe's resume is thin: before arriving in Congress in 2015, he was mayor of a small, wealthy lakeside suburb of Dallas, Texas for eight years, a staff lawyer for the local federal district attorney, and then interim district attorney for just one year in 2007. His office in Congress has claimed that during that time he investigated and prosecuted major terror cases, but there is no evidence of that in available court records. In Congress, he has served on the House Intelligence Committee only since January, where he has made a mark attacking the Mueller investigation and insinuating that the intelligence community itself threatens the president. "Ratcliffe would be the first DNI without significant intelligence or ambassadorial experience," said John McLaughlin, former CIA deputy director. 'Hyper-political time' Ratcliffe's nomination -- which has not yet been formalized by the White House -- comes as the intelligence community has struggled with Trump's determination to see the world his way and use intelligence for his own political goals. Earlier this month, Sue Gordon, the deputy director of national intelligence, said Coats' independence has been important in the current political environment. "The intelligence community has been able to keep its eyes in the boat, because he plays it down the middle, even when it's unpopular," she told CBS News' "Intelligence Matters" program. "There is something great about people who understand the world in the way intelligence officers understand the world," she added. "Where it has gotten difficult in this time is, this is a hyper-political time. And it's difficult because we are all serious people who are just trying to solve some really serious issues." Democrats have made clear they will fight against his nomination. "Congressman Ratcliffe is the most partisan and least qualified individual ever nominated to serve as Director of National Intelligence," said Senator Ron Wyden, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee. "Confirming this individual would amount to an endorsement of this administration's drive to politicize our intelligence agencies."

Donald Trump nominee sparks worries of intelligence politicisation

American consumer optimism rebounded unexpectedly this month among American consumers, recovering from a trade-war fright in June, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Consumers again say jobs are plentiful, business conditions are good and incomes are likely to rise in the near future, according to Conference Board's monthly report.

The gains in consumer confidence overshot economists' expectations and should support consumption in the coming months while the economy slows.

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose more than 10 points to 135.7 in July.&nbsp;

"After a sharp decline in June, driven by an escalation in trade and tariff tensions, Consumer Confidence rebounded in July to its highest level this year," Lynn Franco, the Conference Board's head of economic indicators, said in a statement.

The report coincided with Commerce Department data showing a fifth consecutive monthly increase in personal income, suggesting retail spending should be healthy in the summer.

The Conference Board data showed views about the present and expectations for the near future rose sharply.&nbsp;

Confidence dimmed in June after trade talks with Beijing collapsed in May, prompting Trump to jack up duties on hundreds of billions in Chinese imports. He also threatened Mexico with steep tariffs in a border policy dispute.&nbsp;

But the US leader agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping late last month to resume negotiations and cease further hostilities.

The share of survey respondents who say business conditions are good rose to the highest level since February while those saying jobs are plentiful hit its highest point since April.

Most survey respondents expected business conditions, employment and incomes to remain about the same over the next six months -- but the share of those expecting improvements in each rose modestly.

RDQ Economics said Tuesday the confidence data weakened the case for cutting interest rates, as the Federal Reserve is widely expected to do on Wednesday.

The survey "points to strength that is inconsistent with the need for an insurance cut and the case for one-and-done for now has grown," RDQ said in a note to clients.

American consumer optimism rebounded unexpectedly this month among American consumers, recovering from a trade-war fright in June, according to a survey released Tuesday.

American consumer optimism rebounded unexpectedly this month among American consumers, recovering from a trade-war fright in June, according to a survey released Tuesday. Consumers again say jobs are plentiful, business conditions are good and incomes are likely to rise in the near future, according to Conference Board's monthly report. The gains in consumer confidence overshot economists' expectations and should support consumption in the coming months while the economy slows. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose more than 10 points to 135.7 in July. "After a sharp decline in June, driven by an escalation in trade and tariff tensions, Consumer Confidence rebounded in July to its highest level this year," Lynn Franco, the Conference Board's head of economic indicators, said in a statement. The report coincided with Commerce Department data showing a fifth consecutive monthly increase in personal income, suggesting retail spending should be healthy in the summer. The Conference Board data showed views about the present and expectations for the near future rose sharply. Confidence dimmed in June after trade talks with Beijing collapsed in May, prompting Trump to jack up duties on hundreds of billions in Chinese imports. He also threatened Mexico with steep tariffs in a border policy dispute. But the US leader agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping late last month to resume negotiations and cease further hostilities. The share of survey respondents who say business conditions are good rose to the highest level since February while those saying jobs are plentiful hit its highest point since April. Most survey respondents expected business conditions, employment and incomes to remain about the same over the next six months -- but the share of those expecting improvements in each rose modestly. RDQ Economics said Tuesday the confidence data weakened the case for cutting interest rates, as the Federal Reserve is widely expected to do on Wednesday. The survey "points to strength that is inconsistent with the need for an insurance cut and the case for one-and-done for now has grown," RDQ said in a note to clients.

US consumer confidence highest of 2019 as tariff shock abates

Cambodia fined a company more than $250,000 for shipping 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste from the US and Canada, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian countries hit back against an influx of rubbish.&nbsp;

China's decision to ban foreign plastic waste imports last year threw global recycling into chaos as shipping containers filled with trash were rerouted to ports in the region.

The discovery of 83 plastic-filled containers at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port this month fueled outrage among officials, who said the country was not a rubbish bin.&nbsp;

It gave the firm responsible - Chungyuen Plastic Manufacture - until August 24 to send the shipment back to the US and Canada and fined it $254,000.&nbsp;

The company "will face further action through the courts" if it does not comply with the order and pay, Kun Nhim, director-general of Cambodia's customs department, told reporters.&nbsp;

Seventy of the containers are from the US while the remainder came from Canada, he said.&nbsp;

He did not provide details on how they ended up in Sihanoukville.

"It could be that they shipped it to Cambodia temporarily when they could not find a country to accept the waste," he added.&nbsp;

Cambodia is the latest country in Southeast Asia to push back against a growing rubbish crisis. &nbsp;

Indonesia announced earlier this month it was sending back dozens of containers full of waste to France and other developed nations while neighbouring Malaysia said in May it was shipping 450 tonnes of imported plastic waste back to its source.&nbsp;

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and much of it ends up in landfills or polluting the seas.

Cambodia fined a company more than $250,000 for shipping 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste from the US and Canada, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian countries hit back against an influx of rubbish.

Cambodia fined a company more than $250,000 for shipping 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste from the US and Canada, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian countries hit back against an influx of rubbish. China's decision to ban foreign plastic waste imports last year threw global recycling into chaos as shipping containers filled with trash were rerouted to ports in the region. The discovery of 83 plastic-filled containers at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port this month fueled outrage among officials, who said the country was not a rubbish bin. It gave the firm responsible - Chungyuen Plastic Manufacture - until August 24 to send the shipment back to the US and Canada and fined it $254,000. The company "will face further action through the courts" if it does not comply with the order and pay, Kun Nhim, director-general of Cambodia's customs department, told reporters. Seventy of the containers are from the US while the remainder came from Canada, he said. He did not provide details on how they ended up in Sihanoukville. "It could be that they shipped it to Cambodia temporarily when they could not find a country to accept the waste," he added. Cambodia is the latest country in Southeast Asia to push back against a growing rubbish crisis. Indonesia announced earlier this month it was sending back dozens of containers full of waste to France and other developed nations while neighbouring Malaysia said in May it was shipping 450 tonnes of imported plastic waste back to its source. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and much of it ends up in landfills or polluting the seas.

Company fined $254,000 for shipping plastic waste to Cambodia

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that President Donald Trump directed him to reduce US combat troop numbers in Afghanistan by the next presidential election in 2020.

US to reduce Afghanistan forces by 2020

The US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-rapper-aap-rocky-goes-on-trial-in-stockholm-239323">rapper A$AP Rocky</a> pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of assault on the first day of a trial in Sweden that has drawn international attention and prompted President Donald Trump to intervene on the artist's behalf.

The 30-year-old performer, producer and model, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained on July 3 in connection with a street brawl in Stockholm on June 30, and later charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Mayers' lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, told the judge his client, sitting next to him in prison clothes of a green t-shirt and trousers, pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault and had acted in self-defence.

Outlining his case using videos from security cameras and witnesses' mobile phones, prosecutor Daniel Suneson said that following an altercation, Mayers threw the plaintiff on the ground, after which he and two of his entourage kicked and punched him while he was lying on the ground.

The prosecutor also said a bottle was used to hit the 19-year-old man.

Mayers has said the plaintiff provoked him and his two companions, who are also charged with assault. If convicted at the Stockholm district court, they could face up to two years in jail.

The case has drawn huge media attention, forcing the trial to be moved to a secure courtroom where more than 50 journalists, as well as Mayers' mother, watched proceedings.

Both Mayers and the plaintiff will face cross-examination later on Tuesday.

Mayers' detention before his trial has prompted angry responses from fans as well as from several artists and other celebrities ranging from Kim Kardashian to rocker Rod Stewart.

Trump had asked Swedish Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/i-would-personally-vouch-for-mayers-bail-says-trump-238654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy-bub2tzjAhWj73MBHQN-CSIQFjAEegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw02yc0WYLbMhIv0KOy3ztCC">Stefan Lofven</a> to help free Mayers, and later tweeted messages saying he was "very disappointed" in Lofven and demanding: "Treat Americans fairly!"

Trump had said he would personally vouch for Mayers' bail. Sweden does not have a bail system.

Lofven has said he will not influence the rapper's case. Sweden's judiciary is independent of the political system.

Present at the courthouse was US diplomat Robert C. O'Brien.

"Special Envoy Ambassador O’Brien travelled to Sweden at the request of the White House. One of the most important tasks of the Department of State and US embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to US citizens who are detained abroad. We engage on these cases at all levels to fulfil our mission to US citizens," a spokeswoman at the US Embassy in Stockholm said in an email.

Swedish fan Ivan Waliullah said "I'm here to show support," adding he thought the three were being charged unfairly.

Mayers, best known for his song "Praise the Lord", was in Stockholm for a concert. He has had to cancel several scheduled shows across Europe due to his detention.

Before his arrest, Mayers uploaded videos on Instagram of the moments before the alleged assault, saying two men were following his team and that he did not want any trouble.

Mayers shot to fame with his 2011 debut "Live.Love.A$AP". His latest album, "Testing", reached the No. 4 spot on the Billboard 200 charts on its release last year.

The US rapper A$AP Rocky pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of assault on the first day of a trial in Sweden that has drawn international attention and prompted President Donald Trump to intervene on the artist's behalf.

The US rapper A$AP Rocky pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of assault on the first day of a trial in Sweden that has drawn international attention and prompted President Donald Trump to intervene on the artist's behalf. The 30-year-old performer, producer and model, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained on July 3 in connection with a street brawl in Stockholm on June 30, and later charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. Mayers' lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, told the judge his client, sitting next to him in prison clothes of a green t-shirt and trousers, pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault and had acted in self-defence. Outlining his case using videos from security cameras and witnesses' mobile phones, prosecutor Daniel Suneson said that following an altercation, Mayers threw the plaintiff on the ground, after which he and two of his entourage kicked and punched him while he was lying on the ground. The prosecutor also said a bottle was used to hit the 19-year-old man. Mayers has said the plaintiff provoked him and his two companions, who are also charged with assault. If convicted at the Stockholm district court, they could face up to two years in jail. The case has drawn huge media attention, forcing the trial to be moved to a secure courtroom where more than 50 journalists, as well as Mayers' mother, watched proceedings. Both Mayers and the plaintiff will face cross-examination later on Tuesday. Mayers' detention before his trial has prompted angry responses from fans as well as from several artists and other celebrities ranging from Kim Kardashian to rocker Rod Stewart. Trump had asked Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to help free Mayers, and later tweeted messages saying he was "very disappointed" in Lofven and demanding: "Treat Americans fairly!" Trump had said he would personally vouch for Mayers' bail. Sweden does not have a bail system. Lofven has said he will not influence the rapper's case. Sweden's judiciary is independent of the political system. Present at the courthouse was US diplomat Robert C. O'Brien. "Special Envoy Ambassador O’Brien travelled to Sweden at the request of the White House. One of the most important tasks of the Department of State and US embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to US citizens who are detained abroad. We engage on these cases at all levels to fulfil our mission to US citizens," a spokeswoman at the US Embassy in Stockholm said in an email. Swedish fan Ivan Waliullah said "I'm here to show support," adding he thought the three were being charged unfairly. Mayers, best known for his song "Praise the Lord", was in Stockholm for a concert. He has had to cancel several scheduled shows across Europe due to his detention. Before his arrest, Mayers uploaded videos on Instagram of the moments before the alleged assault, saying two men were following his team and that he did not want any trouble. Mayers shot to fame with his 2011 debut "Live.Love.A$AP". His latest album, "Testing", reached the No. 4 spot on the Billboard 200 charts on its release last year.

US rapper A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty in Stockholm assault case

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-presidential-candidate-kamala-harris-releases-15-years-of-tax-returns-210325">US Senator Kamala Harris </a>on Monday released a "Medicare for All" proposal ahead of a second debate for Democratic presidential candidates, when their differing approaches to healthcare insurance policy are expected to feature prominently.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-americas-only-indian-american-senator-bolsters-democrats-midterm-prospects-eyes-2020-ticket-175453">Harris</a>` plan would allow Americans to buy into the Medicare government health insurance programme, establishing a 10-year phase-in period during which newly born children would be automatically enrolled and healthcare providers can transition.

The plan would allow private health insurers to offer Medicare plans if they meet requirements on costs and benefits.

"Essentially, we would allow private insurance to offer a plan in the Medicare system, but they will be subject to strict requirements to ensure it lowers costs and expands services. If they want to play by our rules, they can be in the system. If not, they have to get out," Harris wrote in a post on the online publishing platform Medium.&nbsp;

The campaigns of two rivals, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former vice president Joe Biden, quickly criticised the Harris proposal.

The divisions over how best to provide Americans access to affordable healthcare is one of the early defining issues in the Democratic Party nominating contest for the 2020 election to take on Republican President Donald Trump. The second debate for 20 candidates is on Tuesday and Wednesday in Detroit.

Harris, a 54-year-old senator from California, has struggled to clarify how she would craft a "Medicare for All" plan. At times she has wavered as to whether such a plan would preserve a role for private health insurers.

At the first debate in June, Harris raised her hand when the candidates were asked whether they would abolish private health insurance in favour of a government-run plan. She later said she had misunderstood the question.

Harris, in explaining her "Medicare for All" proposal, was deliberate in differentiating it from a Medicare for All bill in the US Senate offered by Sanders. Harris has co-sponsored the legislation.

While the Sanders legislation would phase in a "Medicare for All" plan over four years, Harris would extend that phase to 10 years. Unlike the Sanders proposal, it preserves a role for private insurers.

The Sanders bill proposes several options for financing the Medicare expansion, including a 7.5% income-based tax paid by employers, a 4% income-based premium, exempting the first $29,000 in income for a family of four, and eliminating some tax deductions.

"Call it anything you want, but you can`t call this plan Medicare for All. Folding to the interests of the health insurance industry is both bad policy and bad politics," Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir said in a statement.

Harris` proposal would raise to $100,000 the threshold after which families would pay a related tax, and establish a tax on Wall Street trading.

"To pay for this specific change, I would tax Wall Street stock trades at 0.2%, bond trades at 0.1%, and derivative transactions at 0.002%. Think of it like this: that`s a $2 fee on a $1,000 trade by investors and big banks," Harris wrote on Medium.

Harris and Sanders will not share a debate stage this week. Sanders will appear on Tuesday and Harris on Wednesday. Biden, the current front-runner in opinion polls, will share the stage with Harris and seems likely to challenge her plan.

"Senator Kamala Harris just released a health care plan that both backtracks on her long-promised – but then-hedged – support of Bernie Sanders` Medicare for All legislation while at the same time committing to still unraveling the hard-won Affordable Care Act that the Trump Administration is trying to undo," Biden spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said in a statement.

But Kathleen Sebelius, who was chief of the US Department of Health and Human Services under Democratic President Barack Obama, said in a statement that Harris` plan would be a "sensible expansion" of the Medicare system that would build on the Affordable Care Act, Obama`s signature healthcare law.

"To get all Americans covered by health insurance, where cost is not a barrier, we need innovative ideas like this," Sebelius said.

US Senator Kamala Harris on Monday released a "Medicare for All" proposal ahead of a second debate for Democratic presidential candidates, when their differing approaches to healthcare insurance policy are expected to feature prominently.

US Senator Kamala Harris on Monday released a "Medicare for All" proposal ahead of a second debate for Democratic presidential candidates, when their differing approaches to healthcare insurance policy are expected to feature prominently. Harris` plan would allow Americans to buy into the Medicare government health insurance programme, establishing a 10-year phase-in period during which newly born children would be automatically enrolled and healthcare providers can transition. The plan would allow private health insurers to offer Medicare plans if they meet requirements on costs and benefits. "Essentially, we would allow private insurance to offer a plan in the Medicare system, but they will be subject to strict requirements to ensure it lowers costs and expands services. If they want to play by our rules, they can be in the system. If not, they have to get out," Harris wrote in a post on the online publishing platform Medium. The campaigns of two rivals, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former vice president Joe Biden, quickly criticised the Harris proposal. The divisions over how best to provide Americans access to affordable healthcare is one of the early defining issues in the Democratic Party nominating contest for the 2020 election to take on Republican President Donald Trump. The second debate for 20 candidates is on Tuesday and Wednesday in Detroit. Harris, a 54-year-old senator from California, has struggled to clarify how she would craft a "Medicare for All" plan. At times she has wavered as to whether such a plan would preserve a role for private health insurers. At the first debate in June, Harris raised her hand when the candidates were asked whether they would abolish private health insurance in favour of a government-run plan. She later said she had misunderstood the question. Harris, in explaining her "Medicare for All" proposal, was deliberate in differentiating it from a Medicare for All bill in the US Senate offered by Sanders. Harris has co-sponsored the legislation. While the Sanders legislation would phase in a "Medicare for All" plan over four years, Harris would extend that phase to 10 years. Unlike the Sanders proposal, it preserves a role for private insurers. The Sanders bill proposes several options for financing the Medicare expansion, including a 7.5% income-based tax paid by employers, a 4% income-based premium, exempting the first $29,000 in income for a family of four, and eliminating some tax deductions. "Call it anything you want, but you can`t call this plan Medicare for All. Folding to the interests of the health insurance industry is both bad policy and bad politics," Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir said in a statement. Harris` proposal would raise to $100,000 the threshold after which families would pay a related tax, and establish a tax on Wall Street trading. "To pay for this specific change, I would tax Wall Street stock trades at 0.2%, bond trades at 0.1%, and derivative transactions at 0.002%. Think of it like this: that`s a $2 fee on a $1,000 trade by investors and big banks," Harris wrote on Medium. Harris and Sanders will not share a debate stage this week. Sanders will appear on Tuesday and Harris on Wednesday. Biden, the current front-runner in opinion polls, will share the stage with Harris and seems likely to challenge her plan. "Senator Kamala Harris just released a health care plan that both backtracks on her long-promised – but then-hedged – support of Bernie Sanders` Medicare for All legislation while at the same time committing to still unraveling the hard-won Affordable Care Act that the Trump Administration is trying to undo," Biden spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said in a statement. But Kathleen Sebelius, who was chief of the US Department of Health and Human Services under Democratic President Barack Obama, said in a statement that Harris` plan would be a "sensible expansion" of the Medicare system that would build on the Affordable Care Act, Obama`s signature healthcare law. "To get all Americans covered by health insurance, where cost is not a barrier, we need innovative ideas like this," Sebelius said.

Kamala Harris releases healthcare policy plan days before Democratic debate

United States President Donald Trump nominates John Ratcliffe to replace Dan Coats as the next Director of National Intelligence.

WION Dispatch: Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for intelligence chief

Global shares steadied on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month high against a basket of currencies as markets counted down to a likely cut in US interest rates this week, with much riding on whether the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-drift-into-trade-talks-fed-test-239118&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiskeK2ktrjAhVFsY8KHaKRDH0QFjABegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw007h4SGYlL7z1dT2b0Kwqf">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;signals more cuts will follow.

After opening lower, European shares began to gain. Deal-making and a rally in defensive sectors pushed the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3%.

The dollar index - which measures it against a basket of peers - was higher by 0.1% and at its highest since May 31.

A stronger-than-expected US gross domestic product report on Friday gave the dollar wings, leading some investors to doubt whether the Fed will continue easing this year after its Wednesday meeting.

Interest rate futures are fully priced for a quarter-point rate cut from the Fed on Wednesday, with only a small chance of a half-point move.

More important will be what the central bank flags for the future, given the market implies 100 basis points of easing over the next year or so.

MSCI's All-Country World Index of stocks, down by as much as 0.2% on the day, erased some losses to trade 0.02% lower. Wall Street futures were flat.

"Central banks are very much the focus of attention for markets at the moment," said Rupert Thompson, head of research at Kingswood.

Investors were also keeping an eye on US-China trade talks. US and Chinese negotiators meet in Shanghai this week for their first in-person talks since a G20 truce last month, but expectations for a breakthrough are low.

Data on the weekend showed profits earned by China's industrial firms contracted in June, fuelling concerns that the trade war will drag on economic growth.

"Both parties know they are running out of time to prevent a sharper slowdown in the global economy. However, given the past experiences, investor sentiment isn’t too high," said Hussein Sayed, chief market strategist at FXTM.

"While resolving their core issues seems far from reach at this stage, especially when it comes to China's subsidies and technology transfers, markets need at least a sign of goodwill to prevent a sharp, volatile reaction..."

In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares was half a per cent lower. Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.2% and Shanghai blue chips 0.1%.

In bonds, eurozone bond yields dipped as jittery investors eyed the trade talks and waited for the likely Fed rate cut after the European Central Bank's dovish signalling last week disappointed some.

The benchmark German 10-year Bund yield fell more than 1 basis point to -0.3920%, not far from last week's record low of -0.422%.

Elsewhere in currencies, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">sterling fell</a> over half a per cent to a 28-month low of $1.2301 amid reports the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson was preparing the ground for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Global shares steadied on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month high against a basket of currencies as markets counted down to a likely cut in US interest rates this week, with much riding on whether the Federal Reserve signals more cuts will follow.

Global shares steadied on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month high against a basket of currencies as markets counted down to a likely cut in US interest rates this week, with much riding on whether the Federal Reserve signals more cuts will follow. After opening lower, European shares began to gain. Deal-making and a rally in defensive sectors pushed the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3%. The dollar index - which measures it against a basket of peers - was higher by 0.1% and at its highest since May 31. A stronger-than-expected US gross domestic product report on Friday gave the dollar wings, leading some investors to doubt whether the Fed will continue easing this year after its Wednesday meeting. Interest rate futures are fully priced for a quarter-point rate cut from the Fed on Wednesday, with only a small chance of a half-point move. More important will be what the central bank flags for the future, given the market implies 100 basis points of easing over the next year or so. MSCI's All-Country World Index of stocks, down by as much as 0.2% on the day, erased some losses to trade 0.02% lower. Wall Street futures were flat. "Central banks are very much the focus of attention for markets at the moment," said Rupert Thompson, head of research at Kingswood. Investors were also keeping an eye on US-China trade talks. US and Chinese negotiators meet in Shanghai this week for their first in-person talks since a G20 truce last month, but expectations for a breakthrough are low. Data on the weekend showed profits earned by China's industrial firms contracted in June, fuelling concerns that the trade war will drag on economic growth. "Both parties know they are running out of time to prevent a sharper slowdown in the global economy. However, given the past experiences, investor sentiment isn’t too high," said Hussein Sayed, chief market strategist at FXTM. "While resolving their core issues seems far from reach at this stage, especially when it comes to China's subsidies and technology transfers, markets need at least a sign of goodwill to prevent a sharp, volatile reaction..." In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares was half a per cent lower. Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.2% and Shanghai blue chips 0.1%. In bonds, eurozone bond yields dipped as jittery investors eyed the trade talks and waited for the likely Fed rate cut after the European Central Bank's dovish signalling last week disappointed some. The benchmark German 10-year Bund yield fell more than 1 basis point to -0.3920%, not far from last week's record low of -0.422%. Elsewhere in currencies, sterling fell over half a per cent to a 28-month low of $1.2301 amid reports the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson was preparing the ground for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Shares steady as Fed comes into focus; dollar at two-month high

US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority-black city of Baltimore an "infested mess."

Trump's outburst came in a series of sharply worded tweets aimed at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of Baltimore.

"Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess," the president wrote, calling it "the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States."

"No human being would want to live there," he said -&nbsp;in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings' criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border.

The morning diatribe ignited a storm of criticism, less than two weeks after the House of Representatives condemned Trump for "racist" comments targeting four first-term Democratic congresswomen who are ethnic minorities.

The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi, accused Trump of a "racist" attack on a "champion... of civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague."&nbsp;

"We all reject racist attacks against him," wrote Pelosi -- who was born in Baltimore and whose father served as mayor of the city.&nbsp;

Former vice president Joe Biden -- the Democratic frontrunner to challenge Trump in 2020 -- called out the president directly on Twitter.

"It is despicable for you to attack him and the people of Baltimore this way," Biden wrote. "Once again you have proved yourself unfit to hold the office. A President is supposed to lift this nation up. Not tear it down."

There was similar condemnation from half a dozen White House candidates including Cory Booker, who tweeted footage of a black CNN anchor and Baltimore native who broke down on air while reacting to the attack on his hometown.

"This is painful. This is a moral, defining moment in America," wrote Booker. "Silence is toxic complicity."

Democratic 2020 contender Kamala Harris, who like Booker is black, said she was "proud" to have her campaign headquarters in Cummings' district and called Trump's attack "disgraceful."

The city's Democratic Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young&nbsp; -- also black -- rejected Trump's rhetoric, calling it "hurtful and dangerous."

"It was a total insult," he told reporters. "We're not going to ignore anyone degrading Baltimore city and its effective leadership, no one."

The editorial board of the city's newspaper, The Baltimore Sun, took a direct swipe at Trump in a scathing column which concluded that it is "better to have a few rats than to be one."

A historic port city of 600,000 people, Baltimore presents a mixed picture, with both handsome and affluent neighbourhoods and poverty-stricken districts. It has one of the country's highest murder rates.&nbsp;

Cummings' district is more than 50 per cent black -- and the city of Baltimore as a whole, more than 60 per cent.

Cummings himself tweeted: "Mr President, I go home to my district daily. Each morning, I wake up, and I go and fight for my neighbours. It is my constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. But it is my moral duty to fight for my constituents."

As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Cummings -- one of the most prominent African Americans in Congress -- has launched investigations into Trump administration policies, including reports of poor treatment at migrant detention centres.

"Rep. Elijah Cummings has been a brutal bully, shouting and screaming at the great men &amp; women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border, when actually his Baltimore district is FAR WORSE and more dangerous," Trump charged.

He attacked Cummings again Saturday evening after spending the day at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington.

"Elijah Cummings spends all of his time trying to hurt innocent people through 'Oversight.' He does NOTHING for his very poor, very dangerous and very badly run district!," the president tweeted, adding the hashtag #BlacksForTrump2020.

The broadside was reminiscent of Trump's recent, racially charged onslaught against four young Democratic women lawmakers, who he said should "go back" to the "crime infested" places they came from. In fact, three were born in the US and all are American citizens.

Trump denies accusations of racism -- and has made a point of pushing for the release of US rapper A$AP Rocky, held in Sweden on assault charges, in an apparent effort to curb his unpopularity with black voters.

But his calculated targeting of the "Squad" -- as the four are known -- was widely seen as a bid to galvanize his mostly white electoral base as he gears up for next year's re-election battle.

US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority-black city of Baltimore an "infested mess.

US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority-black city of Baltimore an "infested mess." Trump's outburst came in a series of sharply worded tweets aimed at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings -- a high-profile critic of Trump's administration whose district covers much of Baltimore. "Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess," the president wrote, calling it "the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States." "No human being would want to live there," he said - in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings' criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. The morning diatribe ignited a storm of criticism, less than two weeks after the House of Representatives condemned Trump for "racist" comments targeting four first-term Democratic congresswomen who are ethnic minorities. The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi, accused Trump of a "racist" attack on a "champion... of civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague." "We all reject racist attacks against him," wrote Pelosi -- who was born in Baltimore and whose father served as mayor of the city. Former vice president Joe Biden -- the Democratic frontrunner to challenge Trump in 2020 -- called out the president directly on Twitter. "It is despicable for you to attack him and the people of Baltimore this way," Biden wrote. "Once again you have proved yourself unfit to hold the office. A President is supposed to lift this nation up. Not tear it down." There was similar condemnation from half a dozen White House candidates including Cory Booker, who tweeted footage of a black CNN anchor and Baltimore native who broke down on air while reacting to the attack on his hometown. "This is painful. This is a moral, defining moment in America," wrote Booker. "Silence is toxic complicity." Democratic 2020 contender Kamala Harris, who like Booker is black, said she was "proud" to have her campaign headquarters in Cummings' district and called Trump's attack "disgraceful." The city's Democratic Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young -- also black -- rejected Trump's rhetoric, calling it "hurtful and dangerous." "It was a total insult," he told reporters. "We're not going to ignore anyone degrading Baltimore city and its effective leadership, no one." The editorial board of the city's newspaper, The Baltimore Sun, took a direct swipe at Trump in a scathing column which concluded that it is "better to have a few rats than to be one." A historic port city of 600,000 people, Baltimore presents a mixed picture, with both handsome and affluent neighbourhoods and poverty-stricken districts. It has one of the country's highest murder rates. Cummings' district is more than 50 per cent black -- and the city of Baltimore as a whole, more than 60 per cent. Cummings himself tweeted: "Mr President, I go home to my district daily. Each morning, I wake up, and I go and fight for my neighbours. It is my constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. But it is my moral duty to fight for my constituents." As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Cummings -- one of the most prominent African Americans in Congress -- has launched investigations into Trump administration policies, including reports of poor treatment at migrant detention centres. "Rep. Elijah Cummings has been a brutal bully, shouting and screaming at the great men & women of Border Patrol about conditions at the Southern Border, when actually his Baltimore district is FAR WORSE and more dangerous," Trump charged. He attacked Cummings again Saturday evening after spending the day at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington. "Elijah Cummings spends all of his time trying to hurt innocent people through 'Oversight.' He does NOTHING for his very poor, very dangerous and very badly run district!," the president tweeted, adding the hashtag #BlacksForTrump2020. The broadside was reminiscent of Trump's recent, racially charged onslaught against four young Democratic women lawmakers, who he said should "go back" to the "crime infested" places they came from. In fact, three were born in the US and all are American citizens. Trump denies accusations of racism -- and has made a point of pushing for the release of US rapper A$AP Rocky, held in Sweden on assault charges, in an apparent effort to curb his unpopularity with black voters. But his calculated targeting of the "Squad" -- as the four are known -- was widely seen as a bid to galvanize his mostly white electoral base as he gears up for next year's re-election battle.

Outrage as Trump brands mostly-black Baltimore 'infested mess'

From 'Crooked Hillary to lock her up' comments. Trump's vilification of women candidates. Trump called Elizabeth Warren 'Pocahontas'. Trump called Meghan Markle 'Nasty'. Democrats accused Trump of misogyny. Watch this video to know more.

Trump vs Women In 2020 Campaign

The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday.

The quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia and Simone Manuel helped the US&nbsp;better their own world record of 3:51.55 en route to the 2017 world title in Budapest.

In the lead-off leg, Smith set a backstroke world record of 57.57 seconds.

Australia (3:53.42) took silver, while Canada (3:53.58) took bronze.

The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday. The quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia and Simone Manuel helped the US better their own world record of 3:51.

The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday. The quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia and Simone Manuel helped the US better their own world record of 3:51.55 en route to the 2017 world title in Budapest. In the lead-off leg, Smith set a backstroke world record of 57.57 seconds. Australia (3:53.42) took silver, while Canada (3:53.58) took bronze.

US set world record, claim women's 4x100m medley relay gold

A 30-year-old American held captive in Syria for two months was attempting to visit every country in the world, US media reported Friday after he had been freed.

Sam Goodwin was released by Syrian officials following the mediation of Abbas Ibrahim, the head of Lebanon's internal security, Goodwin's family told The New York Times and The Washington Post.

His disappearance had not been previously reported and the exact date of his release remained unclear.

"We are grateful to be reunited with our son Sam," Goodwin's parents, Thomas and Ann Goodwin, said in a statement. "Sam is healthy and with his family."

"We are forever indebted to Lebanese General Abbas Ibrahim and to all others who helped secure the release of our son," they said. "We will have more to say at a later date. Right now, we appreciate our privacy as we reconnect with Sam."

According to the Post, Goodwin was last seen on May 25 in the city of Qamishli in northeast Syria after crossing from Turkey as part of his bid to visit every country in the world.

Several other Americans have gone missing in Syria including Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who vanished in 2012.

A 30-year-old American held captive in Syria for two months was attempting to visit every country in the world, US media reported Friday after he had been freed.

A 30-year-old American held captive in Syria for two months was attempting to visit every country in the world, US media reported Friday after he had been freed. Sam Goodwin was released by Syrian officials following the mediation of Abbas Ibrahim, the head of Lebanon's internal security, Goodwin's family told The New York Times and The Washington Post. His disappearance had not been previously reported and the exact date of his release remained unclear. "We are grateful to be reunited with our son Sam," Goodwin's parents, Thomas and Ann Goodwin, said in a statement. "Sam is healthy and with his family." "We are forever indebted to Lebanese General Abbas Ibrahim and to all others who helped secure the release of our son," they said. "We will have more to say at a later date. Right now, we appreciate our privacy as we reconnect with Sam." According to the Post, Goodwin was last seen on May 25 in the city of Qamishli in northeast Syria after crossing from Turkey as part of his bid to visit every country in the world. Several other Americans have gone missing in Syria including Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who vanished in 2012.

American held in Syria freed after two months: US media

France's Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;discussed the need for an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-macron-over-digital-tax-on-us-tech-giants-threatens-reciprocal-action-against-french-wine-238733">international agreement on taxing digital</a> service companies with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a call on Friday, the French president's office said.

The exchange - which partly centred on Iran and the upcoming summit of the G7 group of rich nations in August - came after Trump earlier said he would hit France with "substantial reciprocal action" after Paris announced a tax that will affect US&nbsp;technology companies.

"The president also underlined that the G7 summit would be an important opportunity to move towards universal taxation of digital activities, which is in our common interest, and which we need to keep working on in order to obtain a broad international agreement,"&nbsp;Macron's office said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Friday accused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron of "foolishness" over a move to tax global tech giants, promising substantial retaliation which he hinted could target French wine.

"France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies," Trump tweeted about the law passed this month that is set to affect US giants Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon.

France's Emmanuel Macron discussed the need for an international agreement on taxing digital service companies with US President Donald Trump in a call on Friday, the French president's office said.

France's Emmanuel Macron discussed the need for an international agreement on taxing digital service companies with US President Donald Trump in a call on Friday, the French president's office said. The exchange - which partly centred on Iran and the upcoming summit of the G7 group of rich nations in August - came after Trump earlier said he would hit France with "substantial reciprocal action" after Paris announced a tax that will affect US technology companies. "The president also underlined that the G7 summit would be an important opportunity to move towards universal taxation of digital activities, which is in our common interest, and which we need to keep working on in order to obtain a broad international agreement," Macron's office said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Friday accused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron of "foolishness" over a move to tax global tech giants, promising substantial retaliation which he hinted could target French wine. "France just put a digital tax on our great American technology companies," Trump tweeted about the law passed this month that is set to affect US giants Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon.

France's Macron discussed need for broad digital tax deal with Trump: Elysee Palace

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