A group of athletes has rowed a boat from San Francisco to Hawaii in record time. The four-man crew was part of the Great Pacific Race, a rowing competition that pits two and four-person teams against one another in identical boats on a solitary journey across the open ocean.

Four-man team break world record, row from San Fran to Hawaii in 30 days

Kevin Durant, a two-time Olympic gold medallist will lead the 12-member U.S. Men`s Basketball Team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo starting from July 23.

The U.S. roster features the return of Olympic gold medalists Durant, Green, and Love. Durant and Green were members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist squad and Durant and Love were 2012 Olympic gold medalists.

Durant and Love were also part of the 2010 USA team that went 9-0 and captured the FIBA World Cup title, and Middleton and Tatum were members of the 2019 USA World Cup Team.

With his selection to the U.S. Olympic Team, Durant becomes just the fourth United States male basketball player selected to three or more Olympic teams. Carmelo Anthony (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) has represented and medaled for a USA men`s record four Olympics, while LeBron James (2004, 2008, 2012) and David Robinson (1988, 1992, 1996) each have three Olympic medals in as many appearances.

The average age of the 12 U.S. players at the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics (August 8, 2021) will be 28.2, the third oldest U.S. Men`s Olympic Team in history, behind the 1996 Atlanta Olympics squad (29.4) and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Team (29.0).

The U.S. men have collected a medal in all 18 Olympics in which they have competed, including 15 gold medals, one silver, and two bronze medals. The American men own an impressive 138-5 (.965 winning percentage) all-time record in Olympic action. Since NBA players began representing the United States in 1992, the USA is 53-3 in seven Olympics, capturing six gold medals and one bronze medal. The USA currently enjoys a 25-game Olympic win streak that dates back to the bronze medal game of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Selected for the U.S. Olympic Team 2020, which is seeking a fourth consecutive Olympic title, were: Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Kevin Durant(Brooklyn Nets), Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).

The USA coaching staff is led by head coach Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) with assistant coaches Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), Lloyd Pierce and Jay Wright (Villanova University), and Jerry Colangelo serving as the USA Men`s National Team managing director.&nbsp;

Kevin Durant, a two-time Olympic gold medallist will lead the 12-member U.S. Men`s Basketball Team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo starting from July 23. The U.S. roster features the return of Olympic gold medalists Durant, Green, and Love.

Kevin Durant, a two-time Olympic gold medallist will lead the 12-member U.S. Men`s Basketball Team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo starting from July 23. The U.S. roster features the return of Olympic gold medalists Durant, Green, and Love. Durant and Green were members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist squad and Durant and Love were 2012 Olympic gold medalists. Durant and Love were also part of the 2010 USA team that went 9-0 and captured the FIBA World Cup title, and Middleton and Tatum were members of the 2019 USA World Cup Team. With his selection to the U.S. Olympic Team, Durant becomes just the fourth United States male basketball player selected to three or more Olympic teams. Carmelo Anthony (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) has represented and medaled for a USA men`s record four Olympics, while LeBron James (2004, 2008, 2012) and David Robinson (1988, 1992, 1996) each have three Olympic medals in as many appearances. The average age of the 12 U.S. players at the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics (August 8, 2021) will be 28.2, the third oldest U.S. Men`s Olympic Team in history, behind the 1996 Atlanta Olympics squad (29.4) and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Team (29.0). The U.S. men have collected a medal in all 18 Olympics in which they have competed, including 15 gold medals, one silver, and two bronze medals. The American men own an impressive 138-5 (.965 winning percentage) all-time record in Olympic action. Since NBA players began representing the United States in 1992, the USA is 53-3 in seven Olympics, capturing six gold medals and one bronze medal. The USA currently enjoys a 25-game Olympic win streak that dates back to the bronze medal game of the 2004 Athens Olympics. Selected for the U.S. Olympic Team 2020, which is seeking a fourth consecutive Olympic title, were: Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Kevin Durant(Brooklyn Nets), Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics). The USA coaching staff is led by head coach Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) with assistant coaches Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), Lloyd Pierce and Jay Wright (Villanova University), and Jerry Colangelo serving as the USA Men`s National Team managing director.

Tokyo Olympics: Kevin Durant to lead USA men's basketball team

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

The agreement allowed Johnson &amp; Johnson to resolve litigation over its role in the epidemic which has killed more than half a million people since 1999, according to a statement from New York attorney general Letitia James. The agreement was announced on Saturday (US time).

For its part, in a separate statement J&amp;J said the settlement allowed it to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday, and said the group had "made the business decision in 2020 to discontinue all of its prescription pain medications in the United States."

The settlement "is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company," it said, noting that other nationwide legal proceedings are underway, including a trial in California.

The prosecutor's statement said the company would spread the payments over nine years.

J&amp;J could also pay an additional $30 million in the first year if the state enacts new legislation creating an opioid settlement fund.&nbsp;

"The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on countless communities across New York state and the rest of the nation, leaving millions still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids," James said in the statement.&nbsp;

"Johnson &amp; Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they're committing to leaving the opioid business -- not only in New York, but across the entire country," she added.&nbsp;

That includes both manufacturing and selling opioids, James' statement said. Johnson &amp; Johnson stressed it had made the decision before the settlement was reached.&nbsp;

The $230 million will be aimed at prevention, treatment and education efforts on the dangers of the substances in New York state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US. The agreement allowed Johnson & Johnson to resolve litigation over its role in the epidemic which has killed more than half a million people since 1999, according to a statement from New York attorney general Letitia James. The agreement was announced on Saturday (US time). For its part, in a separate statement J&J said the settlement allowed it to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin Monday, and said the group had "made the business decision in 2020 to discontinue all of its prescription pain medications in the United States." The settlement "is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company," it said, noting that other nationwide legal proceedings are underway, including a trial in California. The prosecutor's statement said the company would spread the payments over nine years. J&J could also pay an additional $30 million in the first year if the state enacts new legislation creating an opioid settlement fund. "The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on countless communities across New York state and the rest of the nation, leaving millions still addicted to dangerous and deadly opioids," James said in the statement. "Johnson & Johnson helped fuel this fire, but today they're committing to leaving the opioid business -- not only in New York, but across the entire country," she added. That includes both manufacturing and selling opioids, James' statement said. Johnson & Johnson stressed it had made the decision before the settlement was reached. The $230 million will be aimed at prevention, treatment and education efforts on the dangers of the substances in New York state. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J to stop selling opioids in US, reaches USD 230 mn settlement

British government said on Sunday that it was investigating how secret UK defence documents were found at a bus stop in England. The documents outlined the movement of the British warship that had led to Russia firing warning shots from the Crimean coast.&nbsp;

British Ministry of Defence said that an employee told it last week that the documents had been lost.

"It shouldn't be able to happen," Brandon Lewis, minister for Northern Ireland, told Sky News on Sunday.

"It was properly reported at the time... there's an internal investigation into that situation."

Anonymous member of the public told the BBC that they found 50 per cent of classified information behind a bus stop in Kent. The papers discuss the possible Russian reaction to Britain's HMS Defender travelling through Ukrainian waters off the coast of Crimea on Wednesday, the BBC reported.

Russia accused Britain of violating its territorial waters in the Black Sea and said on Wednesday and that it fired warning shots.

Britain however said it was making "an innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accordance with international law."

According to Moscow, the incident took place off the coast of Cape Fiolent on Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 in a move that the vast majority of the international community has not recognised.&nbsp;

The documents appear to show that the British officials knew the route could lead to a possible reaction from the Russians, but that taking an alternative passage could be considered by Moscow as "the UK being scared/running away".

The route it did take would instead "provide an opportunity to engage with the Ukrainian government... in what the UK recognises as Ukrainian territorial waters," said another document.

Russia's foreign ministry on Thursday summoned the British ambassador to "strongly protest" the incident. 
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described it as a "deliberate and prepared provocation".

Russia's defence ministry said warning shots were fired and bombs dropped along the path of the HMS Defender.

Among the other documents found at the bus stop were those that laid out plans for possible British military presence in Afghanistan after the end of NATO operations there.

(With inputs from agencies)

British government said on Sunday that it was investigating how secret UK defence documents were found at a bus stop in England. The documents outlined the movement of the British warship that had led to Russia firing warning shots from the Crimean coast.

British government said on Sunday that it was investigating how secret UK defence documents were found at a bus stop in England. The documents outlined the movement of the British warship that had led to Russia firing warning shots from the Crimean coast. British Ministry of Defence said that an employee told it last week that the documents had been lost. "It shouldn't be able to happen," Brandon Lewis, minister for Northern Ireland, told Sky News on Sunday. "It was properly reported at the time... there's an internal investigation into that situation." Anonymous member of the public told the BBC that they found 50 per cent of classified information behind a bus stop in Kent. The papers discuss the possible Russian reaction to Britain's HMS Defender travelling through Ukrainian waters off the coast of Crimea on Wednesday, the BBC reported. Russia accused Britain of violating its territorial waters in the Black Sea and said on Wednesday and that it fired warning shots. Britain however said it was making "an innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accordance with international law." According to Moscow, the incident took place off the coast of Cape Fiolent on Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 in a move that the vast majority of the international community has not recognised. The documents appear to show that the British officials knew the route could lead to a possible reaction from the Russians, but that taking an alternative passage could be considered by Moscow as "the UK being scared/running away". The route it did take would instead "provide an opportunity to engage with the Ukrainian government... in what the UK recognises as Ukrainian territorial waters," said another document. Russia's foreign ministry on Thursday summoned the British ambassador to "strongly protest" the incident. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described it as a "deliberate and prepared provocation". Russia's defence ministry said warning shots were fired and bombs dropped along the path of the HMS Defender. Among the other documents found at the bus stop were those that laid out plans for possible British military presence in Afghanistan after the end of NATO operations there. (With inputs from agencies)

Secret UK defence documents found at a bus stop in Kent

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed. The agreement allows IAEA to collect data on Iran's activities.

The matter has become all the more important after USA said not extending the monitoring agreement would hamper the efforts of reviving Iran nuclear deal struck in 2015.

"An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard," the IAEA said in a statement summarising a report by its chief Rafael Grossi to its 35-nation Board of Governors that was also seen by Reuters.

Grossi wrote to Iran last week "to understand Iran`s position regarding the possible continued collection, recording and retention of data", the report said. As of Friday, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement, it said.

Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks are currently adjourned and no date for resumption has been finalised yet.

The United States abandoned the deal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and Iran responded by violating many of its restrictions. President Joe Biden`s administration wants to revive the accord, but Tehran and Washington have yet to agree which side should take what steps, and when.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed.

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed. The agreement allows IAEA to collect data on Iran's activities. The matter has become all the more important after USA said not extending the monitoring agreement would hamper the efforts of reviving Iran nuclear deal struck in 2015. "An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard," the IAEA said in a statement summarising a report by its chief Rafael Grossi to its 35-nation Board of Governors that was also seen by Reuters. Grossi wrote to Iran last week "to understand Iran`s position regarding the possible continued collection, recording and retention of data", the report said. As of Friday, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement, it said. Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks are currently adjourned and no date for resumption has been finalised yet. The United States abandoned the deal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and Iran responded by violating many of its restrictions. President Joe Biden`s administration wants to revive the accord, but Tehran and Washington have yet to agree which side should take what steps, and when. (With inputs from agencies)

IAEA demands answer from Iran on monitoring agreement deal

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden. The meet comes even as the US is in process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. Ghani said that he respects the 'strategic decision' taken by the US and that it was a 'great pleasure' to be in the US

"It's a great pleasure to be here. The decision of President Biden has been a 'Strategic Decision'. We respect that decision. It's dealing with the new chapter of our friendship, our strategic relationship and our people-to-people relationship and government to government relationship that we are focused. Our discussions have been productive and we look very much forward to the culminating decision in meeting with the president today," said Ghani.

Violence in Afghanistan is on the rise ever since the announcement and commencement of US withdrawal. Taliban has been reported to be in control of dozens of districts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-actions-inconsistent-with-establishing-peace-in-afghanistan-blinken-393956">Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken</a>

Taliban recently captured the border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The northern city of Kunduz is expecting an encirclement and siege by the Taliban.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that actions of Taliban were<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-actions-inconsistent-with-establishing-peace-in-afghanistan-blinken-393956"> 'inconsistent' with aim of establishing peace</a> in Afghanistan.

"We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a news conference in Paris.

"Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in USA on Friday. He is accompanied by Abdullah Abdullah who leads the High Council for National Reconciliation. Ghani is slated to meet US President Joe Biden. The meet comes even as the US is in process of withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan. Ghani said that he respects the 'strategic decision' taken by the US and that it was a 'great pleasure' to be in the US "It's a great pleasure to be here. The decision of President Biden has been a 'Strategic Decision'. We respect that decision. It's dealing with the new chapter of our friendship, our strategic relationship and our people-to-people relationship and government to government relationship that we are focused. Our discussions have been productive and we look very much forward to the culminating decision in meeting with the president today," said Ghani. Violence in Afghanistan is on the rise ever since the announcement and commencement of US withdrawal. Taliban has been reported to be in control of dozens of districts. Also Read | Taliban's actions 'inconsistent' with establishing peace in Afghanistan: Blinken Taliban recently captured the border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The northern city of Kunduz is expecting an encirclement and siege by the Taliban. On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that actions of Taliban were 'inconsistent' with aim of establishing peace in Afghanistan. "We`re looking very carefully at the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and were also looking very hard whether the Taliban is at all serious about peaceful resolution of the conflict," Blinken told a news conference in Paris. "Actions that try to take the country by force, of course, are totally inconsistent with finding a peaceful resolution," Blinken added.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reaches US, to meet Biden soon 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that it would be 'very hard' for US to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks dragged on.

The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by world powers in 2015. But the deal faced uncertainties as former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew US from the agreement.

"There will come a point, yes, where it will be very hard to return back to the standards set by the JCPOA," Blinken told reporters in Paris,&nbsp;

Talks were on in Vienna till just a few days ago to revive the deal but they have now been adjourned. Another factor that has been added to the mix is election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as President of Iran. Though he hasn't put out a definitive statement making clear his position on reviving the nuclear deal, he categorically said that he would not be meeting US President Joe Biden.

No date has been decided for resumption of Vienna talks.

Ebrahim Raisi said earlier this week that he would not allow negotiations for negotiation's sake.

"Any negotiations that guarantee national interests will certainly be supported, but... we will not allow negotiations to be for negotiation's sake," he said in his first press conference on Monday (June 25).

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that it would be 'very hard' for US to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks dragged on. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by world powers in 2015.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Friday that it would be 'very hard' for US to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks dragged on. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by world powers in 2015. But the deal faced uncertainties as former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew US from the agreement. "There will come a point, yes, where it will be very hard to return back to the standards set by the JCPOA," Blinken told reporters in Paris, Talks were on in Vienna till just a few days ago to revive the deal but they have now been adjourned. Another factor that has been added to the mix is election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as President of Iran. Though he hasn't put out a definitive statement making clear his position on reviving the nuclear deal, he categorically said that he would not be meeting US President Joe Biden. No date has been decided for resumption of Vienna talks. Ebrahim Raisi said earlier this week that he would not allow negotiations for negotiation's sake. "Any negotiations that guarantee national interests will certainly be supported, but... we will not allow negotiations to be for negotiation's sake," he said in his first press conference on Monday (June 25). (With inputs from agencies)

'Very hard' to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks drag on: Blinken

China lashed out at "bandit-like" US government on Friday after the US banned import of solar panel materials from a Chinese company and placed trade restrictions on four others for alleged use of forced labour in Xinjiang.

On Thursday, the White House said that the use of forced labour was part of Chinese efforts to repress millions of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang.

Washington said that Hoshine Silicon Industry would not be able to sell its products in the United States due to "reasonable indications" of forced labour in its manufacturing process.

The Commerce Department also announced that Hoshine and four other Xinjiang firms would be subject to tight restrictions on their ability to acquire US commodities, software and technology.

"The United States believes that state-sponsored forced labour in Xinjiang is both an affront to human dignity and an example of the PRC's unfair economic practices," the White House said.

China lashed out at the order, calling it a "bandit-like act no different from pillaging other people's property" that creates "forced poverty and forced unemployment" among Xinjiang's people.

"The US uses human rights as a pretence... to unscrupulously oppress the industrial development of Xinjiang," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing Friday.

Zhao said that the US "politicises normal economic and trade cooperation" and "wantonly oppresses Chinese companies... to hold back China's development".

Xinjiang region supplies close to half of the world's polysilicon. It is used in solar panels.

The four other companies include two producers of polysilicon materials -- Daqo New Energy and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Technology -- plus aluminium processor Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals and state-owned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, already sanctioned for alleged forced labour in cotton processing.

An official from US Customs and Border Protection, which issued the block on Hoshine imports, estimated that the United States imported goods from the company worth $150 million over the past 30 months.

Asked if the US trade actions could conflict with promoting solar energy, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said stopping forced labour comes first.

"Our environmental goals will not be achieved on the backs of human beings in a forced labour environment," Mayorkas told reporters.

The import ban on Hoshine follows similar action against producers and users of cotton and tomato products from the region as well as hair products such as weaves.

The United States also recently placed a ban on imports from a leading Chinese fishing company, Dalian Ocean, for its alleged use of forced labour, unrelated to Xinjiang.

(With inputs from agencies)

China lashed out at "bandit-like" US government on Friday after the US banned import of solar panel materials from a Chinese company and placed trade restrictions on four others for alleged use of forced labour in Xinjiang.

China lashed out at "bandit-like" US government on Friday after the US banned import of solar panel materials from a Chinese company and placed trade restrictions on four others for alleged use of forced labour in Xinjiang. On Thursday, the White House said that the use of forced labour was part of Chinese efforts to repress millions of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. Washington said that Hoshine Silicon Industry would not be able to sell its products in the United States due to "reasonable indications" of forced labour in its manufacturing process. The Commerce Department also announced that Hoshine and four other Xinjiang firms would be subject to tight restrictions on their ability to acquire US commodities, software and technology. "The United States believes that state-sponsored forced labour in Xinjiang is both an affront to human dignity and an example of the PRC's unfair economic practices," the White House said. China lashed out at the order, calling it a "bandit-like act no different from pillaging other people's property" that creates "forced poverty and forced unemployment" among Xinjiang's people. "The US uses human rights as a pretence... to unscrupulously oppress the industrial development of Xinjiang," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing Friday. Zhao said that the US "politicises normal economic and trade cooperation" and "wantonly oppresses Chinese companies... to hold back China's development". Xinjiang region supplies close to half of the world's polysilicon. It is used in solar panels. The four other companies include two producers of polysilicon materials -- Daqo New Energy and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Technology -- plus aluminium processor Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals and state-owned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, already sanctioned for alleged forced labour in cotton processing. An official from US Customs and Border Protection, which issued the block on Hoshine imports, estimated that the United States imported goods from the company worth $150 million over the past 30 months. Asked if the US trade actions could conflict with promoting solar energy, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said stopping forced labour comes first. "Our environmental goals will not be achieved on the backs of human beings in a forced labour environment," Mayorkas told reporters. The import ban on Hoshine follows similar action against producers and users of cotton and tomato products from the region as well as hair products such as weaves. The United States also recently placed a ban on imports from a leading Chinese fishing company, Dalian Ocean, for its alleged use of forced labour, unrelated to Xinjiang. (With inputs from agencies)

China lashes out at US over trade restrictions on Xinjiang firm

The US has ordered ban on imports of solar panel material from China based &nbsp;Hoshine Silicon Industry because of forced labour allegations.

US Commerce Department separately restricted exports to Hoshine, three other Chinese companies and the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), saying they were involved with the forced labor of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China will take "all necessary measures" to protect Chinese companies' rights and interests. China has dismissed accusations of genocide and forced labour in Xinjiang as lies.

Three other companies in the US blacklist include Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co, a unit of Daqo New Energy Corp; Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based manufacturing giant East Hope Group; and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Co, part of GCL New Energy Holdings Ltd.

US Commerce Department said the companies and a paramilitary force, XPCC, "have been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in" Xinjiang.

At least some of the companies listed by the Commerce Department are major manufacturers of monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon that are used in solar panel production.

Hoshine Silicon Industry said on an interactive investor platform that it backed the Chinese foreign ministry's reaction, adding that the firm does not export industrial silicon to the United States directly and the impact on its business would be limited.

Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co responded Reuters' request for comment with an email saying the company has "zero tolerance" towards forced labour, and that it does not sell directly to U.S. companies, or purchase from the United States and there would not be "a significant impact on the company’s business."

The other companies or their parent firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment, or could not immediately be reached. XPCC could not immediately be reached for comment.

The "Withhold Release Order" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection only blocks imports of the material from Hoshine. A source familiar with the order said it does not impact the majority of U.S. imports of polysilicon and other silica-based products.

Dennis Ip, Regional Head of Power, Utilities, Renewables &amp; Environment (PURE) Research at Daiwa said in a note to clients the immediate effect of the restrictions would be limited as the companies named do not have "vast contracts" with U.S. based wafer companies, but foresaw more action to come.

"However, we see possibility for the ban to gradually extend to include restrictions on all solar modules which contain Xinjiang-produced polysilicon," he said.

Chinese module producers could still use polysilicon from Inner Mongolia and Yunnan for their U.S.-bound module shipments, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has ordered ban on imports of solar panel material from China based Hoshine Silicon Industry because of forced labour allegations. US Commerce Department separately restricted exports to Hoshine, three other Chinese companies and the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), saying they were involved with the forced labor of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.

The US has ordered ban on imports of solar panel material from China based Hoshine Silicon Industry because of forced labour allegations. US Commerce Department separately restricted exports to Hoshine, three other Chinese companies and the paramilitary Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), saying they were involved with the forced labor of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China will take "all necessary measures" to protect Chinese companies' rights and interests. China has dismissed accusations of genocide and forced labour in Xinjiang as lies. Three other companies in the US blacklist include Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co, a unit of Daqo New Energy Corp; Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based manufacturing giant East Hope Group; and Xinjiang GCL New Energy Material Co, part of GCL New Energy Holdings Ltd. US Commerce Department said the companies and a paramilitary force, XPCC, "have been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in" Xinjiang. At least some of the companies listed by the Commerce Department are major manufacturers of monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon that are used in solar panel production. Hoshine Silicon Industry said on an interactive investor platform that it backed the Chinese foreign ministry's reaction, adding that the firm does not export industrial silicon to the United States directly and the impact on its business would be limited. Xinjiang Daqo New Energy Co responded Reuters' request for comment with an email saying the company has "zero tolerance" towards forced labour, and that it does not sell directly to U.S. companies, or purchase from the United States and there would not be "a significant impact on the company’s business." The other companies or their parent firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment, or could not immediately be reached. XPCC could not immediately be reached for comment. The "Withhold Release Order" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection only blocks imports of the material from Hoshine. A source familiar with the order said it does not impact the majority of U.S. imports of polysilicon and other silica-based products. Dennis Ip, Regional Head of Power, Utilities, Renewables & Environment (PURE) Research at Daiwa said in a note to clients the immediate effect of the restrictions would be limited as the companies named do not have "vast contracts" with U.S. based wafer companies, but foresaw more action to come. "However, we see possibility for the ban to gradually extend to include restrictions on all solar modules which contain Xinjiang-produced polysilicon," he said. Chinese module producers could still use polysilicon from Inner Mongolia and Yunnan for their U.S.-bound module shipments, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Forced labour: US bans imports of solar panel material from Chinese company

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.&nbsp;

"Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties".&nbsp;

Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries."

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva.

In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer".

Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats.

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks.

In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic.

(With agency inputs)

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions. "Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties". Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries." Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva. In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer". Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks. In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic. (With agency inputs)

US envoy to Russia returns to Moscow

China condemned the United States on Wednesday as the region's greatest security "risk creator" after a US&nbsp;warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China.

The US&nbsp;Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday in accordance with international law.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US&nbsp;commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said their forces monitored the vessel throughout its passage and warned it.

"The US&nbsp;side is intentionally playing the same old tricks and creating trouble and disrupting things in the Taiwan Strait," it said.

This "fully shows that the United States is the greatest creator of risks for regional security, and we are resolutely opposed to this".

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the ship had sailed in a northerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal".

The same ship transited the strait a month ago, prompting China to accuse&nbsp;the United States of threatening peace and stability.

The latest mission comes around a week after Taiwan said 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the largest reported incursion to date.

That incident followed the Group of Seven leaders issuing a joint statement scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as "slander".

The US&nbsp;Navy has been conducting such operations in the Taiwan Strait every month or so.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with democratic Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms.

Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan's air defence zone.

China condemned the United States on Wednesday as the region's greatest security "risk creator" after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China.

China condemned the United States on Wednesday as the region's greatest security "risk creator" after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China. The US Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday in accordance with international law. "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said their forces monitored the vessel throughout its passage and warned it. "The US side is intentionally playing the same old tricks and creating trouble and disrupting things in the Taiwan Strait," it said. This "fully shows that the United States is the greatest creator of risks for regional security, and we are resolutely opposed to this". Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the ship had sailed in a northerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal". The same ship transited the strait a month ago, prompting China to accuse the United States of threatening peace and stability. The latest mission comes around a week after Taiwan said 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the largest reported incursion to date. That incident followed the Group of Seven leaders issuing a joint statement scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as "slander". The US Navy has been conducting such operations in the Taiwan Strait every month or so. The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with democratic Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms. Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan's air defence zone.

China condemns latest US warship transit of Taiwan Strait

Migrant children sent to emergency shelters within the United States reported crowded living conditions, spoiled food, lack of clean clothes and struggles with depression, according to 17 testimonials filed in a court case on Monday. 
 
The children, aged nine to 17 and largely from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, in some cases spoke of waiting for months inside emergency shelters overseen by the U.S. government while struggling with the conditions, including trouble sleeping under bright lights and an inability to connect with family members. 
 
The testimonials offer a detailed look into the conditions within a network of emergency shelters hastily erected by the administration of US&nbsp;President Joe Biden to deal with a sharp rise in the number of unaccompanied migrant children arriving at the US-Mexico border. 
 
In recent months, the children have been moved more quickly out of crowded Border Patrol stations and into the emergency shelters as part of efforts to connect them with family members or other sponsors in the United States. 
 
About 14,500 unaccompanied children are currently in the care of the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services, down from 22,000 in late April. 
 
In one testimonial, a 13-year-old girl from Honduras said she had been placed on a suicide watch list while at an emergency shelter at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. 
 
The girl, who had spent nearly two months at the facility as on June 4, said she was separated from her father when crossing a river into the United States. 
 
"The food here is horrible," she wrote. "Yesterday we were given hamburgers but I couldn’t eat it because there was a foul odor coming from the bread ... I really only eat popsicles and juice because that is the only food that I can trust." 
 
A 17-year-old girl from Guatemala also detained at Fort Bliss described sleeping in a large white tent with about three hundred girls, on cots stacked on top of each other. 
 
She said it was hard to sleep due to the rattling noise the tent’s metal beams made at night, according to a declaration dated April 28. She said it was cold and that dirt came into the tent. 
 
The girl said she had not been able to get information on her case and that she had struggled to get an appointment with a counsellor to talk about her depression. 
 
"A lot of the girls here cry a lot," she said. "A lot of them end up having to talk to someone because they have thoughts of cutting themselves."

Migrant children sent to emergency shelters within the United States reported crowded living conditions, spoiled food, lack of clean clothes and struggles with depression, according to 17 testimonials filed in a court case on Monday.

Migrant children sent to emergency shelters within the United States reported crowded living conditions, spoiled food, lack of clean clothes and struggles with depression, according to 17 testimonials filed in a court case on Monday. The children, aged nine to 17 and largely from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, in some cases spoke of waiting for months inside emergency shelters overseen by the U.S. government while struggling with the conditions, including trouble sleeping under bright lights and an inability to connect with family members. The testimonials offer a detailed look into the conditions within a network of emergency shelters hastily erected by the administration of US President Joe Biden to deal with a sharp rise in the number of unaccompanied migrant children arriving at the US-Mexico border. In recent months, the children have been moved more quickly out of crowded Border Patrol stations and into the emergency shelters as part of efforts to connect them with family members or other sponsors in the United States. About 14,500 unaccompanied children are currently in the care of the US Department of Health and Human Services, down from 22,000 in late April. In one testimonial, a 13-year-old girl from Honduras said she had been placed on a suicide watch list while at an emergency shelter at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The girl, who had spent nearly two months at the facility as on June 4, said she was separated from her father when crossing a river into the United States. "The food here is horrible," she wrote. "Yesterday we were given hamburgers but I couldn’t eat it because there was a foul odor coming from the bread ... I really only eat popsicles and juice because that is the only food that I can trust." A 17-year-old girl from Guatemala also detained at Fort Bliss described sleeping in a large white tent with about three hundred girls, on cots stacked on top of each other. She said it was hard to sleep due to the rattling noise the tent’s metal beams made at night, according to a declaration dated April 28. She said it was cold and that dirt came into the tent. The girl said she had not been able to get information on her case and that she had struggled to get an appointment with a counsellor to talk about her depression. "A lot of the girls here cry a lot," she said. "A lot of them end up having to talk to someone because they have thoughts of cutting themselves."

Migrant children report overcrowding, spoiled food, depression in US shelters

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday that there were still disagreements between Iran and world powers over reviving 2015 nuclear deal talks. He added that that the final decision on this issue was up to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"There is still a fair distance to travel on some of the key issues, including on sanctions and on the nuclear commitments that Iran has to make, Sullivan told "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on ABC television.

The nuclear deal was struck with Iran buy P5+1 powers in 2015. However former US President Donald Trump pulled US out of the deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018. Talks were on in Vienna from April this year to revive the nuclear deal, but they were adjourned on Sunday (June 20).

Tehran's delegation chief said negotiators with return to respective capitals for consultations. No date has been made public for resumption of talks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-nuclear-talks-to-be-adjourned-for-consultations-in-capital-392761">Iran says nuclear talks to be adjourned for consultations in respective capitals</a>

"We will see if the Iranian negotiators come to the next round of talks prepared to make hard choices that they have to make," Sullivan said.

On Friday, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner won Iran's presidential election. He will take office in early August.

Asked if Raisi's election increased the chances of a deal, Sullivan said the ultimate decision was with the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

"He was the same person before this election as he is after the election, so ultimately it lies with him and his decision," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday that there were still disagreements between Iran and world powers over reviving 2015 nuclear deal talks.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday that there were still disagreements between Iran and world powers over reviving 2015 nuclear deal talks. He added that that the final decision on this issue was up to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "There is still a fair distance to travel on some of the key issues, including on sanctions and on the nuclear commitments that Iran has to make, Sullivan told "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on ABC television. The nuclear deal was struck with Iran buy P5+1 powers in 2015. However former US President Donald Trump pulled US out of the deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018. Talks were on in Vienna from April this year to revive the nuclear deal, but they were adjourned on Sunday (June 20). Tehran's delegation chief said negotiators with return to respective capitals for consultations. No date has been made public for resumption of talks. Also Read | Iran says nuclear talks to be adjourned for consultations in respective capitals "We will see if the Iranian negotiators come to the next round of talks prepared to make hard choices that they have to make," Sullivan said. On Friday, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner won Iran's presidential election. He will take office in early August. Asked if Raisi's election increased the chances of a deal, Sullivan said the ultimate decision was with the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "He was the same person before this election as he is after the election, so ultimately it lies with him and his decision," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Disagreements remain in Iran nuclear talks, says US

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran.

The assault on the Ain Al-Assad base came as pro-Tehran groups hailed the election of Iranian ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as the new president of the Islamic republic, with some saying it reflected the "failure" of America's "pawns" in the region.

The latest attack has come just 10 days after the US offered upto USD 3 million rewards for information on strikes against American citizens in Iraq.

Since October 2019, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly targetted including with rockets. The attacks have routinely been targetted by Washington on Iran-backed factions.

Since the beginning of the year, a total of 43 attacks have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi bases housing US troops or Iraqi convoys carrying logistical support.

Pro-Iran groups in Iraq are campaigning for departure of remaining US troops. There are still 2500 US troops deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition to fight Islamic State group. The Iraqi government declared that fight won in late 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran.

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran. The assault on the Ain Al-Assad base came as pro-Tehran groups hailed the election of Iranian ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as the new president of the Islamic republic, with some saying it reflected the "failure" of America's "pawns" in the region. The latest attack has come just 10 days after the US offered upto USD 3 million rewards for information on strikes against American citizens in Iraq. Since October 2019, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly targetted including with rockets. The attacks have routinely been targetted by Washington on Iran-backed factions. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 43 attacks have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi bases housing US troops or Iraqi convoys carrying logistical support. Pro-Iran groups in Iraq are campaigning for departure of remaining US troops. There are still 2500 US troops deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition to fight Islamic State group. The Iraqi government declared that fight won in late 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Rocket fired at Iraqi base hosting US troops: Report

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule. Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving premier of Israel.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call.

"Israel has no better friend than the United States."

Bennett expressed his thanks on Twitter as well

"Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations," he tweeted.

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— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/naftalibennett/status/1404150231923572736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the telephone talks, Biden "highlighted his decades of steadfast support for the US-Israel relationship and his unwavering commitment to Israel's security," the White House said.

"The president also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians," it added.

"The leaders agreed that they and their teams would consult closely on all matters related to regional security, including Iran," the White House noted.

Bennett said he considers Biden "a great friend of the State of Israel," according to a readout from his team.&nbsp;

A right-wing Jewish nationalist and former tech millionaire, Bennett is taking over at the helm of an Israeli government pieced together by an eight-party coalition, united only by their shared disdain for the hawkish right-wing Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule. Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving premier of Israel. "I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call. "Israel has no better friend than the United States." Bennett expressed his thanks on Twitter as well "Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations," he tweeted. Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations 🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RNYPX4amGE — Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) June 13, 2021 × In the telephone talks, Biden "highlighted his decades of steadfast support for the US-Israel relationship and his unwavering commitment to Israel's security," the White House said. "The president also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians," it added. "The leaders agreed that they and their teams would consult closely on all matters related to regional security, including Iran," the White House noted. Bennett said he considers Biden "a great friend of the State of Israel," according to a readout from his team. A right-wing Jewish nationalist and former tech millionaire, Bennett is taking over at the helm of an Israeli government pieced together by an eight-party coalition, united only by their shared disdain for the hawkish right-wing Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden calls incoming Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to congratulate

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally.

Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times

"America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels.&nbsp;

The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban.

Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers.

Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details.&nbsp;

They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said.&nbsp; 
Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear.

A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met."

"If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous.

The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport.

But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified."

On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally. Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times "America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels. The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban. Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers. Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details. They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said. Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear. A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met." "If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous. The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport. But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified." On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan: US can count on Turkey after Afghanistan troop pullout

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, said that he and US President Joe Biden should use NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, including a dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles.

Before travelling to Brussels for the NATO Summit Erdogan told reporters that he would raise the issue of Biden's decision to declare 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide. This decision by the White House had angered Turkey earlier this year. Turkey, the modern-day state with a legacy of Ottoman Empire insists that the both sides had to face the brunt of the violence.

Erdogan and Biden will also address the issue of F-35 jet programme from which Turkey was removed by the USA after the former made purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia.

(With inputs from agecies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, said that he and US President Joe Biden should use NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, including a dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, said that he and US President Joe Biden should use NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, including a dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles. Before travelling to Brussels for the NATO Summit Erdogan told reporters that he would raise the issue of Biden's decision to declare 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide. This decision by the White House had angered Turkey earlier this year. Turkey, the modern-day state with a legacy of Ottoman Empire insists that the both sides had to face the brunt of the violence. Erdogan and Biden will also address the issue of F-35 jet programme from which Turkey was removed by the USA after the former made purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia. (With inputs from agecies)

Turkey and USA should keep troubles behind, says Erdogan

A Los Angeles-Atlanta flight was diverted for emergency landing after a passenger attacked two flight attendants and threatened to bring the plane down. The incident took place late Friday (local time)

A frightening commotion broke out in the front of Delta Flight 1730, according to the airline and media reports.

As a man grappled with flight attendants -- and said repeatedly that he was "going to take the plane down" -- the pilot called over the public address system for "all able-bodied men" to assist.

Several, including an off-duty pilot, rushed forward and, after several moments of violent struggle partly captured on video, were able to overpower the man, police said.

The plane, which had been well on its way from the West Coast to Atlanta in the southeast, was diverted instead to Oklahoma City.&nbsp;

Police there took the suspect, identified as an off-duty Delta employee in his late 20s, into custody, reports said. His precise motive was unknown.

After complaining of chest pains and showing signs of what police said were mental issues, the man was hospitalized.

No other injuries were reported.

In a statement, Delta thanked the passengers and crew who "assisted in detaining an unruly passenger."

Police searched the plane before allowing the flight to continue on. The FBI is investigating.

The incident took place the same day the US Transportation Security Administration said its agents had screened more than two million passengers at airports -- the most since before the Covid-19 crisis erupted.

Meantime, data from the Federal Aviation Authority show that "unruly passenger" incidents on commercial flights have shot up this year amid high stress levels and as mask-wearing has taken on a political edge.

The agency has launched 394 formal enforcement actions in "unruly passenger" cases through May 25 of this year, a far higher pace than the 183 for all of 2020, according to its website.

Many more cases have not led to formal action.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Los Angeles-Atlanta flight was diverted for emergency landing after a passenger attacked two flight attendants and threatened to bring the plane down. The incident took place late Friday (local time) A frightening commotion broke out in the front of Delta Flight 1730, according to the airline and media reports.

A Los Angeles-Atlanta flight was diverted for emergency landing after a passenger attacked two flight attendants and threatened to bring the plane down. The incident took place late Friday (local time) A frightening commotion broke out in the front of Delta Flight 1730, according to the airline and media reports. As a man grappled with flight attendants -- and said repeatedly that he was "going to take the plane down" -- the pilot called over the public address system for "all able-bodied men" to assist. Several, including an off-duty pilot, rushed forward and, after several moments of violent struggle partly captured on video, were able to overpower the man, police said. The plane, which had been well on its way from the West Coast to Atlanta in the southeast, was diverted instead to Oklahoma City. Police there took the suspect, identified as an off-duty Delta employee in his late 20s, into custody, reports said. His precise motive was unknown. After complaining of chest pains and showing signs of what police said were mental issues, the man was hospitalized. No other injuries were reported. In a statement, Delta thanked the passengers and crew who "assisted in detaining an unruly passenger." Police searched the plane before allowing the flight to continue on. The FBI is investigating. The incident took place the same day the US Transportation Security Administration said its agents had screened more than two million passengers at airports -- the most since before the Covid-19 crisis erupted. Meantime, data from the Federal Aviation Authority show that "unruly passenger" incidents on commercial flights have shot up this year amid high stress levels and as mask-wearing has taken on a political edge. The agency has launched 394 formal enforcement actions in "unruly passenger" cases through May 25 of this year, a far higher pace than the 183 for all of 2020, according to its website. Many more cases have not led to formal action. (With inputs from agencies)

Flight diverted after man threatens to 'take plane down' in US

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin.

A US official said the meeting in Geneva on Wednesday is expected to be "candid and straightforward".

But they added: "A solo press conference is the appropriate format to clearly communicate with the free press the topics that were raised in the meeting, both in terms of areas where we may agree and in areas where we have significant concerns."

The White House said the meeting would involve "a working session and a smaller session", without giving further details.

Many issues are on the table as the two presidents meet. These include US concerns about Russian Sabre-rattling on Ukrainian border, imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Putin's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harbouring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-booed-on-plane-tells-critics-to-take-a-donkey-391010">Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey'</a>

Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more "stable and predictable".&nbsp;

The joint press conference that followed the meeting between Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 is still fresh in the memory in the United States.

Trump caused an outcry in his own camp by indicating he accepted the word of Putin above the conclusions of his own intelligence agencies that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 US presidential election campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin.

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin. A US official said the meeting in Geneva on Wednesday is expected to be "candid and straightforward". But they added: "A solo press conference is the appropriate format to clearly communicate with the free press the topics that were raised in the meeting, both in terms of areas where we may agree and in areas where we have significant concerns." The White House said the meeting would involve "a working session and a smaller session", without giving further details. Many issues are on the table as the two presidents meet. These include US concerns about Russian Sabre-rattling on Ukrainian border, imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Putin's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harbouring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks. Also Read | Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey' Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more "stable and predictable". The joint press conference that followed the meeting between Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 is still fresh in the memory in the United States. Trump caused an outcry in his own camp by indicating he accepted the word of Putin above the conclusions of his own intelligence agencies that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 US presidential election campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

No joint press conference after Biden-Putin meet, says White House

The United States has repatriated 27 antiquities to&nbsp;Cambodia, including Hindu and Buddhist statues, after years of work by New York investigators to recover the smuggled artefacts.

Valued at about $3.8 million, the items included several Hindu and Angkorian Buddhist statues, such as a bronze meditating Buddha on a Naga, a statue of Shiva, and a Buddhist sandstone sculpture of Prajnaparamita.

"The repatriation of these 27 stunning relics to the people of&nbsp;Cambodia&nbsp;restores an important link between the nation's classical Angkor era and its modern customs and beliefs that, for far too long, was disrupted by the greed of stolen antiquities traffickers," Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deputy-secretary-of-state-visits-cambodia-amid-worsening-rights-record-388735">US deputy secretary of state visits Cambodia amid worsening rights record</a>

Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona said the antiquities were the "missing souls" of the country's ancestors

The&nbsp;Cambodian items were among nearly 400 being returned to 10 countries after investigations by Manhattan's Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Homeland Security Investigations.

US&nbsp;authorities last week returned to Thailand&nbsp;two 680 kg (1,500 lb) stone carvings stolen decades ago, which had been on display at a San Francisco museum.

The United States has repatriated 27 antiquities to Cambodia, including Hindu and Buddhist statues, after years of work by New York investigators to recover the smuggled artefacts.

The United States has repatriated 27 antiquities to Cambodia, including Hindu and Buddhist statues, after years of work by New York investigators to recover the smuggled artefacts. Valued at about $3.8 million, the items included several Hindu and Angkorian Buddhist statues, such as a bronze meditating Buddha on a Naga, a statue of Shiva, and a Buddhist sandstone sculpture of Prajnaparamita. "The repatriation of these 27 stunning relics to the people of Cambodia restores an important link between the nation's classical Angkor era and its modern customs and beliefs that, for far too long, was disrupted by the greed of stolen antiquities traffickers," Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr said in a statement. Also read | US deputy secretary of state visits Cambodia amid worsening rights record Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona said the antiquities were the "missing souls" of the country's ancestors The Cambodian items were among nearly 400 being returned to 10 countries after investigations by Manhattan's Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. US authorities last week returned to Thailand two 680 kg (1,500 lb) stone carvings stolen decades ago, which had been on display at a San Francisco museum.

United States returns 27 stolen antiquities to Cambodia

Former US President Donald Trump slammed Joe Biden for being the “most radical left-wing administration in the country”.

While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”. “We don't put America second. As we gather tonight, our country is being destroyed before our own eyes. Crime is exploding, police departments are being ripped apart and defunded... Is that good politics, defund our police?”, he said.

He also accused the Biden administration of “bowing down to China” and claimed that illegal immigration is “skyrocketing”.

“Gas prices are soaring. Our industries are being pillaged by foreign cyber attacks. That's a lack of respect for our country and for our leaders. And speaking of our leaders, they are bowing down to China, America is being demeaned and humiliated on the world stage. Our freedom is being overtaken by left-wing cancel culture. And the Biden administration is pushing toxic critical race theory and illegal discrimination into our children's race theory," Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-order-bans-investment-in-dozens-of-chinese-defence-tech-firms-389439" hreflang="en">Biden order bans investment in dozens of Chinese defence, tech firms</a>

Trump further termed Biden and Democrats as the most “radical left-wing administration in history”, adding that the survival of US is dependent on the election of Republicans at every level in the country.

"...We're not going to let it go any longer. We have to stand up for our values. And we're going to take back our country and take it back at a level that is very, very good for our country. And it's good for our citizens because we can't allow bad things to happen to our country," Trump added.

Trump is eyeing a return to politics by planning a 2024 presidential bid, while urging North Carolina to reject Biden and the “radical Democrats”. This marked Trump’s first public speech after leaving the White House in January, when Biden took over the presidential duties.

Trump is also facing a boycott by social media companies for his role in the January 7 insurrection of the US Capitol.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-to-review-donald-trumps-china-investment-blacklist-report-389225" hreflang="en">Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report</a>

Former US President Donald Trump slammed Joe Biden for being the “most radical left-wing administration in the country”. While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”.

Former US President Donald Trump slammed Joe Biden for being the “most radical left-wing administration in the country”. While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”. “We don't put America second. As we gather tonight, our country is being destroyed before our own eyes. Crime is exploding, police departments are being ripped apart and defunded... Is that good politics, defund our police?”, he said. He also accused the Biden administration of “bowing down to China” and claimed that illegal immigration is “skyrocketing”. “Gas prices are soaring. Our industries are being pillaged by foreign cyber attacks. That's a lack of respect for our country and for our leaders. And speaking of our leaders, they are bowing down to China, America is being demeaned and humiliated on the world stage. Our freedom is being overtaken by left-wing cancel culture. And the Biden administration is pushing toxic critical race theory and illegal discrimination into our children's race theory," Trump said. Also read: Biden order bans investment in dozens of Chinese defence, tech firms Trump further termed Biden and Democrats as the most “radical left-wing administration in history”, adding that the survival of US is dependent on the election of Republicans at every level in the country. "...We're not going to let it go any longer. We have to stand up for our values. And we're going to take back our country and take it back at a level that is very, very good for our country. And it's good for our citizens because we can't allow bad things to happen to our country," Trump added. Trump is eyeing a return to politics by planning a 2024 presidential bid, while urging North Carolina to reject Biden and the “radical Democrats”. This marked Trump’s first public speech after leaving the White House in January, when Biden took over the presidential duties. Trump is also facing a boycott by social media companies for his role in the January 7 insurrection of the US Capitol. Also read: Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report

Trump hits out at Biden for 'bowing down' to China, urges him to 'put America first'

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation.

For some of these critics, it’s the reason so many young people — adopting the view of Black Lives Matter activists — believe police violence is a problem. For others, it explains why the quality of academic research is in decline, as fanciful ideas concocted on American college campuses like intersectionality and post-colonialism supposedly flourish. To others still, it’s why people can’t speak their mind anymore, suffocated by the threats of “cancel culture.”

Perhaps the most common gripe is that ideas and practices imported from the United States are making the French obsessed with ethnic, religious and sexual difference at the expense of their shared identity as citizens of the universal Republic.

They’re not wrong: French politics are, in fact, becoming Americanized. But the problem is not left-wing theories or censorious scolds. It is instead the rise of an insular, nationalistic, right-wing discourse driven by a belligerent style of press coverage. Distinctively French in content, the form this discourse takes — grievance-wallowing hosts conjuring embittered conversations about national decline, immigration and religion — follows America’s lead. As in the United States, the result is a degraded political landscape that empowers the far right, dragging mainstream politicians into its orbit.

Culture wars are America’s true gift to France.

Leading the charge is CNews, often called the French Fox News for its mimicry of the codes and conventions of American cable news. Launched in 2017 by a conservative billionaire, Vincent Bolloré, the network has attracted viewers by offering polemical debate marked by a hard-right bent — hitting an important milestone last month when it recorded the highest ratings of any 24-hour news network in France. The network’s star panelist is the nationalist essayist Éric Zemmour, a man convicted several times of hate speech against racial minorities and Muslims, while its star host, Pascal Praud, plays the role of objective moderator. Much like Tucker Carlson, he has a penchant for incendiary stories that allow him to speak in the name of the country’s victimized silent majority.

Instead of devoting time to the day’s top news stories, hosts tend to prefer dissecting micro-scandals that are more or less indecipherable to audiences outside the country, with chyrons capturing guests’ provocations seconds after they’re uttered. As on Fox News, the themes covered often reflect conservative anxieties about a changing nation: the size of the foreign-born population, the supposed excesses of political correctness, the place of Islam and a wounded sense of national pride.

And as with the Fox network, CNews often sets the country’s agenda. Many of the news items obsessively covered by the channel have evolved into full-blown national debates. Among them are the bullying of a teenager on social media after she called Islam a “religion of hate” on Instagram; a push from the Green Party mayor of Lyon to serve meat-free meals at school cafeterias; support from the country’s oldest student union for meetings reserved for women and nonwhite people; and the acceptance by the president’s party, En Marche, of a candidate who wears the Islamic veil onto its list for the regional elections later this month. (The party eventually withdrew the nomination under pressure.)

Such concerns, however animating for those perennially anxious about France’s secular identity, would not ordinarily dominate a country’s attention. But they’ve been elevated into national issues because leading politicians have chosen to play along — and not just those from the right-wing opposition. High-ranking members of En Marche have joined these skirmishes and, in some cases, actively opened new fronts in the culture wars themselves.

Earlier this year, Frédérique Vidal, the minister of higher education, complained of the supposed scourge of “Islamo-leftism,” a term once limited to the extreme right that refers to an imaginary political alliance between conservative Muslims and anticapitalists. Ms. Vidal even called for an investigation into the problem to examine how certain professors allegedly blur the lines between research and activism — a move rightfully condemned by the state’s top research institute as an attack on academic freedom.

Not to be outdone by his colleague, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, recently oversaw a formal ban in schools of one aspect of what’s known as “inclusive writing” — the use of both feminine and masculine word endings, separated by a middle dot, when they refer to groups of people. Though the move is unlikely to have much effect, because the practice wasn’t widely taught, it was nevertheless welcomed in some circles as a defense of the French language against creeping political correctness.

Although they claim to be protecting academic freedom, Ms. Vidal and Mr. Blanquer would be right at home in today’s Republican Party, where blasting teachers for peddling radical theories, corrupting the youth and damaging the national interest is standard fare.

What’s in it for Mr. Macron? As many have noted, the president’s advisers believe these battles bring political benefits. Most important, they’re meant to woo right-wing voters ahead of a potential rematch against Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally, in next year’s presidential election. But they’re also designed to inflict damage on the left, whose badly divided parties, struggling to talk about the problems of racial and religious discrimination within France’s secular and colorblind legal framework, regularly disagree on these very same topics.

Whether or not the strategy pays off in 2022, the culture wars are fueling support for the far right today. Polls ahead of this month’s regional elections, where 17 regional presidencies are up for grabs, show the National Rally with a solid shot of capturing majority control of a region for the first time ever — while Ms. Le Pen is within striking distance of Mr. Macron in the presidential election. That makes sense when the news cycle revolves around issues like the Islamic veil, the left’s supposed sense of moral superiority and a vastly exaggerated uptick in violence against police officers. When National Rally leaders claim their party’s longstanding grievances and preoccupations are being legitimized by the government, it’s hard to disagree.

It’s also striking to see the depths to which political discourse has sunk in a country that prides itself on its capacity for highbrow public debate and the spotlight it reserves for intellectuals. In the middle of a pandemic and after the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, the French news cycle isn’t led by discussion over truly universal issues like wealth inequality, the health system or climate change. Instead it’s focused on navel-gazing debates about identity, fueled by television personalities.

What’s more American than that?

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation.

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation. For some of these critics, it’s the reason so many young people — adopting the view of Black Lives Matter activists — believe police violence is a problem. For others, it explains why the quality of academic research is in decline, as fanciful ideas concocted on American college campuses like intersectionality and post-colonialism supposedly flourish. To others still, it’s why people can’t speak their mind anymore, suffocated by the threats of “cancel culture.” Perhaps the most common gripe is that ideas and practices imported from the United States are making the French obsessed with ethnic, religious and sexual difference at the expense of their shared identity as citizens of the universal Republic. They’re not wrong: French politics are, in fact, becoming Americanized. But the problem is not left-wing theories or censorious scolds. It is instead the rise of an insular, nationalistic, right-wing discourse driven by a belligerent style of press coverage. Distinctively French in content, the form this discourse takes — grievance-wallowing hosts conjuring embittered conversations about national decline, immigration and religion — follows America’s lead. As in the United States, the result is a degraded political landscape that empowers the far right, dragging mainstream politicians into its orbit. Culture wars are America’s true gift to France. Leading the charge is CNews, often called the French Fox News for its mimicry of the codes and conventions of American cable news. Launched in 2017 by a conservative billionaire, Vincent Bolloré, the network has attracted viewers by offering polemical debate marked by a hard-right bent — hitting an important milestone last month when it recorded the highest ratings of any 24-hour news network in France. The network’s star panelist is the nationalist essayist Éric Zemmour, a man convicted several times of hate speech against racial minorities and Muslims, while its star host, Pascal Praud, plays the role of objective moderator. Much like Tucker Carlson, he has a penchant for incendiary stories that allow him to speak in the name of the country’s victimized silent majority. Instead of devoting time to the day’s top news stories, hosts tend to prefer dissecting micro-scandals that are more or less indecipherable to audiences outside the country, with chyrons capturing guests’ provocations seconds after they’re uttered. As on Fox News, the themes covered often reflect conservative anxieties about a changing nation: the size of the foreign-born population, the supposed excesses of political correctness, the place of Islam and a wounded sense of national pride. And as with the Fox network, CNews often sets the country’s agenda. Many of the news items obsessively covered by the channel have evolved into full-blown national debates. Among them are the bullying of a teenager on social media after she called Islam a “religion of hate” on Instagram; a push from the Green Party mayor of Lyon to serve meat-free meals at school cafeterias; support from the country’s oldest student union for meetings reserved for women and nonwhite people; and the acceptance by the president’s party, En Marche, of a candidate who wears the Islamic veil onto its list for the regional elections later this month. (The party eventually withdrew the nomination under pressure.) Such concerns, however animating for those perennially anxious about France’s secular identity, would not ordinarily dominate a country’s attention. But they’ve been elevated into national issues because leading politicians have chosen to play along — and not just those from the right-wing opposition. High-ranking members of En Marche have joined these skirmishes and, in some cases, actively opened new fronts in the culture wars themselves. Earlier this year, Frédérique Vidal, the minister of higher education, complained of the supposed scourge of “Islamo-leftism,” a term once limited to the extreme right that refers to an imaginary political alliance between conservative Muslims and anticapitalists. Ms. Vidal even called for an investigation into the problem to examine how certain professors allegedly blur the lines between research and activism — a move rightfully condemned by the state’s top research institute as an attack on academic freedom. Not to be outdone by his colleague, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, recently oversaw a formal ban in schools of one aspect of what’s known as “inclusive writing” — the use of both feminine and masculine word endings, separated by a middle dot, when they refer to groups of people. Though the move is unlikely to have much effect, because the practice wasn’t widely taught, it was nevertheless welcomed in some circles as a defense of the French language against creeping political correctness. Although they claim to be protecting academic freedom, Ms. Vidal and Mr. Blanquer would be right at home in today’s Republican Party, where blasting teachers for peddling radical theories, corrupting the youth and damaging the national interest is standard fare. What’s in it for Mr. Macron? As many have noted, the president’s advisers believe these battles bring political benefits. Most important, they’re meant to woo right-wing voters ahead of a potential rematch against Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally, in next year’s presidential election. But they’re also designed to inflict damage on the left, whose badly divided parties, struggling to talk about the problems of racial and religious discrimination within France’s secular and colorblind legal framework, regularly disagree on these very same topics. Whether or not the strategy pays off in 2022, the culture wars are fueling support for the far right today. Polls ahead of this month’s regional elections, where 17 regional presidencies are up for grabs, show the National Rally with a solid shot of capturing majority control of a region for the first time ever — while Ms. Le Pen is within striking distance of Mr. Macron in the presidential election. That makes sense when the news cycle revolves around issues like the Islamic veil, the left’s supposed sense of moral superiority and a vastly exaggerated uptick in violence against police officers. When National Rally leaders claim their party’s longstanding grievances and preoccupations are being legitimized by the government, it’s hard to disagree. It’s also striking to see the depths to which political discourse has sunk in a country that prides itself on its capacity for highbrow public debate and the spotlight it reserves for intellectuals. In the middle of a pandemic and after the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, the French news cycle isn’t led by discussion over truly universal issues like wealth inequality, the health system or climate change. Instead it’s focused on navel-gazing debates about identity, fueled by television personalities. What’s more American than that?

France is becoming more like America. It’s terrible.

There is no evidence that unexplained aerial phenomena spotted in recent years by US military personnel are aliens, an upcoming government report quoted by The New York Times Thursday said, but officials still can't explain the mysterious aircraft.

The newspaper, which cited senior administration officials briefed on the findings of the highly anticipated report, said they were able to confirm the unusual vessels were not the product of secret Pentagon technology.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/occams-razor-harvard-astronomer-says-that-alien-vessel-paid-us-a-visit-362060">'Occam's razor': Harvard astronomer says that alien vessel paid us a visit</a>

But the review of more than 120 incidents over the past two decades was unable to explain the mysterious movements of the craft, which include unusual acceleration, direction changes and the ability to rapidly submerge.

And while senior officials told the Times the lack of clear findings means that while there's no evidence of&nbsp;alien&nbsp;technology behind the phenomena, it's also impossible to rule out.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-invasion-spectacular-display-of-lights-across-us-sparks-conspiracy-theories-373462">'Alien invasion': Spectacular display of lights across US sparks conspiracy theories</a>

One senior official briefed on the report said intelligence and military officials increasingly worry the phenomena could be China or Russia experimenting with hypersonic technology.

The upcoming report,&nbsp;expected to be released to Congress by June 25, will have a classified annex, officials told the Times, which will likely fuel speculation that aliens are actually behind the encounters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a>

The Pentagon&nbsp;last year released videos taken by US Navy pilots showing in-flight encounters with the unusual aircraft.

And the mystery was further drummed up by former officials with access to classified intelligence.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chain-of-resonance-six-alien-planets-with-rhythmic-movement-are-locked-in-a-rare-orbital-dance-362329">'Chain of resonance': Six alien planets with rhythmic movement are locked in a rare orbital dance</a>

"What is true, and I'm actually being serious here, is that there's footage and records of objects in the skies that we don't know exactly what they are," former president Barack Obama told "The Late Late Show" last month.

The US military no longer describes them as unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, instead using the term "unidentified aerial phenomena."

There is no evidence that unexplained aerial phenomena spotted in recent years by US military personnel are aliens, an upcoming government report quoted by The New York Times Thursday said, but officials still can't explain the mysterious aircraft.

There is no evidence that unexplained aerial phenomena spotted in recent years by US military personnel are aliens, an upcoming government report quoted by The New York Times Thursday said, but officials still can't explain the mysterious aircraft. The newspaper, which cited senior administration officials briefed on the findings of the highly anticipated report, said they were able to confirm the unusual vessels were not the product of secret Pentagon technology. Also Read | 'Occam's razor': Harvard astronomer says that alien vessel paid us a visit But the review of more than 120 incidents over the past two decades was unable to explain the mysterious movements of the craft, which include unusual acceleration, direction changes and the ability to rapidly submerge. And while senior officials told the Times the lack of clear findings means that while there's no evidence of alien technology behind the phenomena, it's also impossible to rule out. Also Read | 'Alien invasion': Spectacular display of lights across US sparks conspiracy theories One senior official briefed on the report said intelligence and military officials increasingly worry the phenomena could be China or Russia experimenting with hypersonic technology. The upcoming report, expected to be released to Congress by June 25, will have a classified annex, officials told the Times, which will likely fuel speculation that aliens are actually behind the encounters. Also Read | Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? The Pentagon last year released videos taken by US Navy pilots showing in-flight encounters with the unusual aircraft. And the mystery was further drummed up by former officials with access to classified intelligence. Also Read | 'Chain of resonance': Six alien planets with rhythmic movement are locked in a rare orbital dance "What is true, and I'm actually being serious here, is that there's footage and records of objects in the skies that we don't know exactly what they are," former president Barack Obama told "The Late Late Show" last month. The US military no longer describes them as unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, instead using the term "unidentified aerial phenomena."

No evidence mystery UFOs seen by US Navy are alien spacecraft: Report

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Tuesday she had asked the United States for further sanctions on individuals and companies supporting the Belarus government. 
 
The Biden administration said on Friday it was drawing up a list of targeted sanctions against key members of the Belarusian government following the former Soviet republic`s forced landing of a passenger jet and arrest of a journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega on board. 
 
Speaking in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius where she is based, Tsikhanouskaya said she welcomed a decision by the United States to introduce sanctions against Belarusian state-owned oil companies starting from June 3rd. 
 
"But we also ask for futher measures in targeted sanctions against enterprises and individuals supporting the regime", Tsikhanouskaya said after a meeting with Democratic and Republican senators from the US&nbsp;Foreign Relations Committee. 
 
"Sanctions should help to stop the violence and help release of all political prisoners", she added. 
 
Senator Jeanne Shaheen told reporters Belarus President Alexander Lukashenka should release Protasevich and Sapega immediately, and unharmed, and Lukashenka would be held accountable for their wellbeing. 
 
The United States would do everything it could to support the efforts of the Belarusian people efforts towards democracy, Shaheen added. 
 
"To Lukashenko, I say, it`s time for you to go. Make room for a democratically elected leader, more deserving of your people", Shaheen said.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Tuesday she had asked the United States for further sanctions on individuals and companies supporting the Belarus government.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Tuesday she had asked the United States for further sanctions on individuals and companies supporting the Belarus government. The Biden administration said on Friday it was drawing up a list of targeted sanctions against key members of the Belarusian government following the former Soviet republic`s forced landing of a passenger jet and arrest of a journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega on board. Speaking in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius where she is based, Tsikhanouskaya said she welcomed a decision by the United States to introduce sanctions against Belarusian state-owned oil companies starting from June 3rd. "But we also ask for futher measures in targeted sanctions against enterprises and individuals supporting the regime", Tsikhanouskaya said after a meeting with Democratic and Republican senators from the US Foreign Relations Committee. "Sanctions should help to stop the violence and help release of all political prisoners", she added. Senator Jeanne Shaheen told reporters Belarus President Alexander Lukashenka should release Protasevich and Sapega immediately, and unharmed, and Lukashenka would be held accountable for their wellbeing. The United States would do everything it could to support the efforts of the Belarusian people efforts towards democracy, Shaheen added. "To Lukashenko, I say, it`s time for you to go. Make room for a democratically elected leader, more deserving of your people", Shaheen said.

Belarus opposition leader calls for more US sanctions

100+ people are killed from guns every day in USA Gun deaths worldwide total about 250,000 yearly Why are Americans obsessed with guns? Why is SecondAmendment so controversial? How do other countries deal with GunControl? Watch Gun Violence: The Hidden War on WION Wideangle.

WION Wideangle | Gun Violence: The Hidden War

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was confirming a report by the Associated Press.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

US&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed the decision to her Russian counterpart the official said, saying US&nbsp;allies in the NATO Western security alliance and other partners had been informed.

The United States left the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control and verification treaty in November, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliaments-lower-house-votes-to-exit-from-open-skies-treaty-386020">Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty</a>

The Russian government, which in January announced plans to leave the pact, on May 11 submitted legislation to parliament to formalize its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-pulls-out-from-open-skies-treaty-from-russia-300289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002, permits nations to carry out short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of the other parties.

The purpose of the treaty, which allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces, is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said.

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was confirming a report by the Associated Press. Also Read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed the decision to her Russian counterpart the official said, saying US allies in the NATO Western security alliance and other partners had been informed. The United States left the Open Skies arms control and verification treaty in November, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied. Also Read | Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty The Russian government, which in January announced plans to leave the pact, on May 11 submitted legislation to parliament to formalize its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies. The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002, permits nations to carry out short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of the other parties. The purpose of the treaty, which allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces, is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

US tells Russia it will not rejoin Open Skies arms control pact

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents.

The original US decision to quit the pact was taken last year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, but Moscow had hoped his successor Joe Biden would reverse it.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-pulls-out-from-open-skies-treaty-from-russia-300289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, however, the Biden administration informed Moscow that it would not re-enter the pact, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Friday that Washington's move was a missed opportunity to bolster security in Europe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

"The US has made another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system," TASS quoted him as saying. "We gave them a good chance, which they did not take. They continue circulating fabrications about Russia's violations of this agreement, which is completely absurd."

Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regretted the US decision, saying the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;accord would lose much of its utility without the participation of Russia and the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden are due to hold a summit in Geneva next month and Ryabkov was cited as saying that the US refusal to rejoin&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;did not create an atmosphere conducive to arms control discussions at the summit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliaments-lower-house-votes-to-exit-from-open-skies-treaty-386020">Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty</a>

In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the pact, and the government submitted legislation to parliament this month to formalise its departure.

At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-to-discuss-open-skies-treaty-after-us-announces-withdrawal-300411">NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal</a>

US officials have said Russia has violated the pact's terms by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbour Georgia and the Russian enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast. Russia denies committing any violations.

The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002, allows countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of other parties and collect information on one another's military forces.

Its objective is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents.

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents. The original US decision to quit the pact was taken last year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, but Moscow had hoped his successor Joe Biden would reverse it. On Thursday, however, the Biden administration informed Moscow that it would not re-enter the pact, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied. Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Friday that Washington's move was a missed opportunity to bolster security in Europe. Also Read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members "The US has made another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system," TASS quoted him as saying. "We gave them a good chance, which they did not take. They continue circulating fabrications about Russia's violations of this agreement, which is completely absurd." Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regretted the US decision, saying the Open Skies accord would lose much of its utility without the participation of Russia and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden are due to hold a summit in Geneva next month and Ryabkov was cited as saying that the US refusal to rejoin Open Skies did not create an atmosphere conducive to arms control discussions at the summit. Also Read | Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the pact, and the government submitted legislation to parliament this month to formalise its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies. Also Read | NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal US officials have said Russia has violated the pact's terms by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbour Georgia and the Russian enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast. Russia denies committing any violations. The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002, allows countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of other parties and collect information on one another's military forces. Its objective is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

Russia says US decision not to rejoin Open Skies arms pact is 'political mistake'

Police and federal&nbsp;investigators&nbsp;on Thursday sought to determine why a Northern&nbsp;California&nbsp;transit employee opened fire on his co-workers a day earlier, killing&nbsp;nine&nbsp;people, in the latest mass shooting in the United States.

Local authorities have declined to speculate on a&nbsp;motive&nbsp;for the shooting&nbsp;rampage, saying their work at the scene could take several days, assisted by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-rail-yard-shooting-employee-opens-fire-kills-eight-suspect-dead-387668">California rail yard shooting: Employee opens fire, kills eight, suspect dead</a>

The gunfire erupted at about 6:30 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday as the workday was beginning at a light-rail&nbsp;maintenance&nbsp;yard&nbsp;in the heart of Silicon Valley. The accused gunman shot himself as police closed in on him minutes after he started firing, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith.

The attack was the latest of at least&nbsp;nine&nbsp;deadly U.S. mass shootings in the past three months, including a string of attacks at Atlanta-area day spas in mid-March and a&nbsp;rampage&nbsp;days later that&nbsp;killed&nbsp;10 at a Colorado supermarket.

California&nbsp;Governor Gavin Newsom said at a Wednesday news conference the massacre was a symptom of a larger American problem.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rinse-and-repeat-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-us-asks-california-governor-after-yet-another-mass-shooting-387807">Rinse and repeat, what the hell is wrong with us, asks California governor after yet another mass shooting</a>

"It begs the damn question, What the hell is going on in the United States of America? What the hell is wrong with us and when are we going to come to grips with this?" Newsom said.

A White House spokeswoman told reporters the shooting was further evidence that the United States was in the grip of an "epidemic of gun violence."

The gunman was found with two semi-automatic handguns and 11 ammunition magazines, although&nbsp;investigators&nbsp;are still trying to determine if the magazines were full, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cian Jackson.

Victims Identified

More than 24 hours after the shooting, officials had not publicly disclosed the name of the gunman. The San Jose Mercury News and other news media identified him as Samuel Cassidy, 57, a maintenance worker at the&nbsp;yard.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/california-mass-shooting-rail-yard-employees-shot-dead-by-co-worker-no-motive-found-for-attack-yet-387659/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Firefighters responded to a fire at a home where the suspect lived at about the same time that the shooting was first reported. A police bomb squad searched the&nbsp;rail&nbsp;yard&nbsp;in San Jose and adjacent buildings after an explosive device was found.

The gunman and the&nbsp;nine&nbsp;victims shot dead were all employees of the transit agency situated near the city's airport. The victims were found in two buildings on the site.

The County of Santa Clara medical examiner-coroner's office identified victims late on Wednesday. All of them appeared to be male, ranging in age between 29 and 63.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-fatalities-reported-in-california-shooting-suspect-killed-387597">Multiple fatalities reported in California shooting, suspect killed</a>

Eight of the victims died at the scene:&nbsp;Paul Delacruz Megia, Taptejdeep Singh, Adrian Balleza, Jose Dejesus Hernandez III, Timothy Michael Romo, Michael Joseph Rudometkin, Abdolvahab Alaghmandan and Lars Kepler Lane. A ninth, Alex Ward Fritch, 49, died late Wednesday after he was taken to the hospital in critical condition, the medical examiner's office said, according to NBC Bay Area.

The city will hold a vigil in their memory on Thursday evening, Mayor Sam Liccardo said.

He said the death toll could have been worse if not for the quick response by law enforcement.

"What we see in active shooter cases throughout the country is high propensity for these shooters to actually turn the gun on themselves as soon as law enforcement arrive," he told CNN.

The suspected gunman had worked for the transit authority since at least 2012, when he was listed as an "electro-mechanic," and was promoted to "substation maintainer" in 2015, according to records posted by the nonprofit website Transportation&nbsp;California.

His ex-wife, Cecilia Nelms, told the Mercury News on Wednesday that he would rant about his co-workers and bosses and would sometimes lash out at her. He complained about what he saw as unfair work assignments at VTA, she told the paper.

"When he was in a good mood, he was a great guy. When he was mad, he was mad," said Nelms, who was married to Cassidy until 2005.

In a March 2009 court filing posted online by the San Francisco Chronicle, a woman who said she had dated Cassidy for about a year described an abusive, volatile relationship in which he forced himself upon her sexually and "played mind games."

Cassidy, the woman said in a sworn statement, "exhibited major mood swings as a result of bipolar disorder" that worsened when he consumed large amounts of alcohol.

Court records show the case was resolved in April 2009.

Police and federal investigators on Thursday sought to determine why a Northern California transit employee opened fire on his co-workers a day earlier, killing nine people, in the latest mass shooting in the United States.

Police and federal investigators on Thursday sought to determine why a Northern California transit employee opened fire on his co-workers a day earlier, killing nine people, in the latest mass shooting in the United States. Local authorities have declined to speculate on a motive for the shooting rampage, saying their work at the scene could take several days, assisted by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Also Read | California rail yard shooting: Employee opens fire, kills eight, suspect dead The gunfire erupted at about 6:30 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday as the workday was beginning at a light-rail maintenance yard in the heart of Silicon Valley. The accused gunman shot himself as police closed in on him minutes after he started firing, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. The attack was the latest of at least nine deadly U.S. mass shootings in the past three months, including a string of attacks at Atlanta-area day spas in mid-March and a rampage days later that killed 10 at a Colorado supermarket. California Governor Gavin Newsom said at a Wednesday news conference the massacre was a symptom of a larger American problem. Also Read | Rinse and repeat, what the hell is wrong with us, asks California governor after yet another mass shooting "It begs the damn question, What the hell is going on in the United States of America? What the hell is wrong with us and when are we going to come to grips with this?" Newsom said. A White House spokeswoman told reporters the shooting was further evidence that the United States was in the grip of an "epidemic of gun violence." The gunman was found with two semi-automatic handguns and 11 ammunition magazines, although investigators are still trying to determine if the magazines were full, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cian Jackson. Victims Identified More than 24 hours after the shooting, officials had not publicly disclosed the name of the gunman. The San Jose Mercury News and other news media identified him as Samuel Cassidy, 57, a maintenance worker at the yard. Firefighters responded to a fire at a home where the suspect lived at about the same time that the shooting was first reported. A police bomb squad searched the rail yard in San Jose and adjacent buildings after an explosive device was found. The gunman and the nine victims shot dead were all employees of the transit agency situated near the city's airport. The victims were found in two buildings on the site. The County of Santa Clara medical examiner-coroner's office identified victims late on Wednesday. All of them appeared to be male, ranging in age between 29 and 63. Also Read | Multiple fatalities reported in California shooting, suspect killed Eight of the victims died at the scene: Paul Delacruz Megia, Taptejdeep Singh, Adrian Balleza, Jose Dejesus Hernandez III, Timothy Michael Romo, Michael Joseph Rudometkin, Abdolvahab Alaghmandan and Lars Kepler Lane. A ninth, Alex Ward Fritch, 49, died late Wednesday after he was taken to the hospital in critical condition, the medical examiner's office said, according to NBC Bay Area. The city will hold a vigil in their memory on Thursday evening, Mayor Sam Liccardo said. He said the death toll could have been worse if not for the quick response by law enforcement. "What we see in active shooter cases throughout the country is high propensity for these shooters to actually turn the gun on themselves as soon as law enforcement arrive," he told CNN. The suspected gunman had worked for the transit authority since at least 2012, when he was listed as an "electro-mechanic," and was promoted to "substation maintainer" in 2015, according to records posted by the nonprofit website Transportation California. His ex-wife, Cecilia Nelms, told the Mercury News on Wednesday that he would rant about his co-workers and bosses and would sometimes lash out at her. He complained about what he saw as unfair work assignments at VTA, she told the paper. "When he was in a good mood, he was a great guy. When he was mad, he was mad," said Nelms, who was married to Cassidy until 2005. In a March 2009 court filing posted online by the San Francisco Chronicle, a woman who said she had dated Cassidy for about a year described an abusive, volatile relationship in which he forced himself upon her sexually and "played mind games." Cassidy, the woman said in a sworn statement, "exhibited major mood swings as a result of bipolar disorder" that worsened when he consumed large amounts of alcohol. Court records show the case was resolved in April 2009.

Investigators seek motive in California rail yard rampage that killed nine

'Blood Moon' rising: Harbinger of Doom or a beautiful celestial event?

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken met top officials in Cairo on Wednesday during a Middle East tour aimed at shoring up a ceasefire that ended the worst fighting in years between Israel and Palestinian militants. 
 
Egypt has longstanding relations with both sides in the conflict and played a key role in brokering the ceasefire after 11 days of violence, in coordination with the United States. 
 
In a brief visit, Blinken met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and general intelligence head Abbas Kamel at the presidential palace in Cairo. He made no comments to media ahead of the meeting. 
 
Blinken arrived in Egypt after stops in Jerusalem and Ramallah and is also due to visit Jordan. On Tuesday, he pledged that the United States would provide new aid to help rebuild the Gaza Strip, including $5.5 million in immediate disaster relief and nearly $33 million for the UN&nbsp;Palestinian aid agency based there. 
 
He also said the United States intended to ensure that Hamas, which controls Gaza and is listed by Washington as a terrorist organisation, did not benefit from the humanitarian aid. 
 
Yehya Al-Sinwar, the Hamas chief in Gaza, said on Wednesday that the group welcomed Arab and international efforts to rebuild the enclave. 
 
"We will ease and facilitate the task for everyone and we will make sure that the process will be transparent and fair and we will make sure that no penny goes to Hamas or Qassam (Hamas armed wing)," Sinwar told a press conference. 
 
"We have satisfactory sources of money for Hamas and Qassam. A major part of it from Iran and part in donations from Arab, Muslims and liberals of the world who are sympathetic to our people and their rights," he added. 
 
Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza and has security contacts with Hamas, is likely to have a role in channeling aid, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said ahead of Blinken`s regional tour. 
 
During the fighting, Egypt opened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and its Sinai Peninsula in order to provide medical aid and evacuate wounded people. 
 
It also deployed a security delegation that shuttled between Israel and Gaza to reinforce the ceasefire after it came into effect early on Friday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met top officials in Cairo on Wednesday during a Middle East tour aimed at shoring up a ceasefire that ended the worst fighting in years between Israel and Palestinian militants.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met top officials in Cairo on Wednesday during a Middle East tour aimed at shoring up a ceasefire that ended the worst fighting in years between Israel and Palestinian militants. Egypt has longstanding relations with both sides in the conflict and played a key role in brokering the ceasefire after 11 days of violence, in coordination with the United States. In a brief visit, Blinken met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and general intelligence head Abbas Kamel at the presidential palace in Cairo. He made no comments to media ahead of the meeting. Blinken arrived in Egypt after stops in Jerusalem and Ramallah and is also due to visit Jordan. On Tuesday, he pledged that the United States would provide new aid to help rebuild the Gaza Strip, including $5.5 million in immediate disaster relief and nearly $33 million for the UN Palestinian aid agency based there. He also said the United States intended to ensure that Hamas, which controls Gaza and is listed by Washington as a terrorist organisation, did not benefit from the humanitarian aid. Yehya Al-Sinwar, the Hamas chief in Gaza, said on Wednesday that the group welcomed Arab and international efforts to rebuild the enclave. "We will ease and facilitate the task for everyone and we will make sure that the process will be transparent and fair and we will make sure that no penny goes to Hamas or Qassam (Hamas armed wing)," Sinwar told a press conference. "We have satisfactory sources of money for Hamas and Qassam. A major part of it from Iran and part in donations from Arab, Muslims and liberals of the world who are sympathetic to our people and their rights," he added. Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza and has security contacts with Hamas, is likely to have a role in channeling aid, a senior US State Department official said ahead of Blinken`s regional tour. During the fighting, Egypt opened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and its Sinai Peninsula in order to provide medical aid and evacuate wounded people. It also deployed a security delegation that shuttled between Israel and Gaza to reinforce the ceasefire after it came into effect early on Friday.

Blinken meets Egypt's Sisi as US seeks to secure Gaza ceasefire

The United States topped a list of the countries most frequently targeted by deceptive foreign influence operations using Facebook between 2017 and 2020, the social media company said in a new report released on Wednesday. 
 
It also came second on a list of countries targeted by domestic influence operations in that same time period. Facebook Inc said one of the top sources of coordinated inauthentic behaviour networks targeting the United States in the year leading up to the 2020 presidential election was domestic campaigns originating in the United States itself, as well as foreign operations from Russia and Iran. 
 
The tallies were based on the number of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" networks removed by Facebook, a term it uses for a type of influence operations that relies on fake accounts to mislead users and manipulate the public debate for strategic ends. 
 
Facebook began cracking down on these influence operations after 2016, when US&nbsp;intelligence concluded that Russia used the platform as part of a cyber-influence campaign that aimed to help former President Donald Trump win the White House, a claim Moscow has denied. 
 
The company said Russia, followed by Iran, topped the list for sources of coordinated inauthentic behaviour and that this was mostly rooted in foreign interference. Top targets of foreign operations included Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Libya and Sudan. 
 
But the company also said that about half of the influence operations it has removed since 2017 around the world were conducted by domestic, not foreign, networks. 
 
"IO [influence operations] really started out as an elite sport. We had a small group of nation states in particular that were using these techniques. But more and more we`re seeing more people getting into the game," Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook`s head of security policy, told reporters on a conference call. 
 
Facebook said the domestic influence operations that targeted the United States were operated by conspiratorial or fringe political actors, PR or consulting firms and media websites. 
 
Myanmar was the country targeted by the most domestic inauthentic networks, according to Facebook`s count, though these networks were relatively small in size. 
 
Gleicher said threat actors had pivoted from large, high-volume campaigns to smaller and more targeted ones, and that the platform was also seeing a rise in commercial influence operations. 
 
"I actually think the majority of what we`re seeing here, these aren`t actors that are motivated by politics. In terms of volume, a lot of this is actors that are motivated by money," he said. "They`re scammers, they`re fraudsters, they`re PR or marketing firms that are looking to make a business around deception." 
 
Facebook investigators also said they expected it would get harder to discern what was part of a deceptive influence campaign as threat actors increasingly use "witting and unwitting people to blur the lines between authentic domestic discourse and manipulation." 
 
The report included more than 150 coordinated inauthentic networks identified and removed by Facebook since 2017.

The United States topped a list of the countries most frequently targeted by deceptive foreign influence operations using Facebook between 2017 and 2020, the social media company said in a new report released on Wednesday.

The United States topped a list of the countries most frequently targeted by deceptive foreign influence operations using Facebook between 2017 and 2020, the social media company said in a new report released on Wednesday. It also came second on a list of countries targeted by domestic influence operations in that same time period. Facebook Inc said one of the top sources of coordinated inauthentic behaviour networks targeting the United States in the year leading up to the 2020 presidential election was domestic campaigns originating in the United States itself, as well as foreign operations from Russia and Iran. The tallies were based on the number of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" networks removed by Facebook, a term it uses for a type of influence operations that relies on fake accounts to mislead users and manipulate the public debate for strategic ends. Facebook began cracking down on these influence operations after 2016, when US intelligence concluded that Russia used the platform as part of a cyber-influence campaign that aimed to help former President Donald Trump win the White House, a claim Moscow has denied. The company said Russia, followed by Iran, topped the list for sources of coordinated inauthentic behaviour and that this was mostly rooted in foreign interference. Top targets of foreign operations included Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Libya and Sudan. But the company also said that about half of the influence operations it has removed since 2017 around the world were conducted by domestic, not foreign, networks. "IO [influence operations] really started out as an elite sport. We had a small group of nation states in particular that were using these techniques. But more and more we`re seeing more people getting into the game," Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook`s head of security policy, told reporters on a conference call. Facebook said the domestic influence operations that targeted the United States were operated by conspiratorial or fringe political actors, PR or consulting firms and media websites. Myanmar was the country targeted by the most domestic inauthentic networks, according to Facebook`s count, though these networks were relatively small in size. Gleicher said threat actors had pivoted from large, high-volume campaigns to smaller and more targeted ones, and that the platform was also seeing a rise in commercial influence operations. "I actually think the majority of what we`re seeing here, these aren`t actors that are motivated by politics. In terms of volume, a lot of this is actors that are motivated by money," he said. "They`re scammers, they`re fraudsters, they`re PR or marketing firms that are looking to make a business around deception." Facebook investigators also said they expected it would get harder to discern what was part of a deceptive influence campaign as threat actors increasingly use "witting and unwitting people to blur the lines between authentic domestic discourse and manipulation." The report included more than 150 coordinated inauthentic networks identified and removed by Facebook since 2017.

US a top target for foreign and domestic influence operations, says new Facebook report

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