The crowds at election rallies are gaining strength. Doubts are being cast on the fairness of the election process. A fierce debate has ensued over the peaceful transition of power. And Donald Trump has reiterated his offer to mediate in India-China standoff.

Speaking to reporters outside White House earlier today, Trump delved into his nomination for the Nobel Prize and then switched to the ongoing India China face-off.

He said that two countries were having "substantial difficulty" and if America could help, it would love to help. Trump's own endless wars with China notwithstanding, he is convinced that he is the best person to negotiate peace.

The election battle has entered the final six-week stretch. Trump has upped the ante. He campaigned in two states in one day. He travelled to North Carolina and then to Florida. The rally venues were packed.

In his speech, Trump called Kamala Harris the 'furthest left' in the US Senate. And Joe Biden the 'lowest energy individual' he had ever seen.

"Supposing he never campaigns and he wins, you know how badly I'm going to feel. I'm working hard and you got to work hard. And you know what? I said it today. We cannot have a low-energy individual as our president. We can't. And he's the lowest energy individual I've ever seen...," said Trump.

"Kamala, you know, Kamala is further left than Bernie. I didn't know that. She is the furthest left in the U.S. Senate," he added.

Meanwhile, the transition of power after elections has become a subject of debate. Trump has refused a peaceful transition of power casting doubts on election process. but his fellow republicans do not support his stance. They think he is pushing it too far. This includes Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, and Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney.

They all have reaffirmed their faith in the final results. They are promising a peaceful transition. The democrats have found new fodder.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi slammed Trump for disrespecting his oath to office. And she reminded him that he is not in North Korea.

"...I remind him that you are not in North Korea. You are not in Turkey. You are not in Russia, Mr President. And by the way, you are not in Saudi Arabia. You are in the United States of America. It is a democracy. So why don't you just... try for a moment to honour your oath of office," she said.

Speaking of the constitution, Donald Trump went to pay his repects to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the deceased Supreme Court judge. First lady Melania Trump accompanies him. Both of them had their faces covered in masks. As the couple emerged on the steps of the Supreme Court building, something unusual happened. The people who had gathered started shouting "Vote him out!"

The crowds at election rallies are gaining strength. Doubts are being cast on the fairness of the election process. A fierce debate has ensued over the peaceful transition of power.

The crowds at election rallies are gaining strength. Doubts are being cast on the fairness of the election process. A fierce debate has ensued over the peaceful transition of power. And Donald Trump has reiterated his offer to mediate in India-China standoff. Speaking to reporters outside White House earlier today, Trump delved into his nomination for the Nobel Prize and then switched to the ongoing India China face-off. He said that two countries were having "substantial difficulty" and if America could help, it would love to help. Trump's own endless wars with China notwithstanding, he is convinced that he is the best person to negotiate peace. The election battle has entered the final six-week stretch. Trump has upped the ante. He campaigned in two states in one day. He travelled to North Carolina and then to Florida. The rally venues were packed. In his speech, Trump called Kamala Harris the 'furthest left' in the US Senate. And Joe Biden the 'lowest energy individual' he had ever seen. "Supposing he never campaigns and he wins, you know how badly I'm going to feel. I'm working hard and you got to work hard. And you know what? I said it today. We cannot have a low-energy individual as our president. We can't. And he's the lowest energy individual I've ever seen...," said Trump. "Kamala, you know, Kamala is further left than Bernie. I didn't know that. She is the furthest left in the U.S. Senate," he added. Meanwhile, the transition of power after elections has become a subject of debate. Trump has refused a peaceful transition of power casting doubts on election process. but his fellow republicans do not support his stance. They think he is pushing it too far. This includes Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, and Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney. They all have reaffirmed their faith in the final results. They are promising a peaceful transition. The democrats have found new fodder. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi slammed Trump for disrespecting his oath to office. And she reminded him that he is not in North Korea. "...I remind him that you are not in North Korea. You are not in Turkey. You are not in Russia, Mr President. And by the way, you are not in Saudi Arabia. You are in the United States of America. It is a democracy. So why don't you just... try for a moment to honour your oath of office," she said. Speaking of the constitution, Donald Trump went to pay his repects to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the deceased Supreme Court judge. First lady Melania Trump accompanies him. Both of them had their faces covered in masks. As the couple emerged on the steps of the Supreme Court building, something unusual happened. The people who had gathered started shouting "Vote him out!"

US Elections: Fierce debate ensues on transition of power after Trump's statement

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a bicameral resolution in the US Congress, urging the Myanmar government to allow free, fair, transparent, participatory and credible elections in the country scheduled to be held in the month of November.

The lawmakers also called on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, seeking support for Myanmar's ongoing transition to democracy and condemn any action taken by the government, political parties, military, or Union Election Commission to limit civil society participation in the election.

Introduced by Congressman Andy Levin and Steve Chabot, both of whom are members of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee, and other fellow Congressmen, the group also urged the Trump administration to ensure that the US-based social media companies, including Facebook, don't allow their platforms to be used as vehicles for spreading misinformation or advocating violence or voter intimidation to suppress voter participation.

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In the Senate, the resolution was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin and Todd Young, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The resolution also calls for the President to consider sanctioning individuals within the Government of Myanmar, the Tatmadaw, and among military associated businesses and ultranationalist groups, whom the US Government determines undermine free, fair, inclusive, transparent, participatory, and credible elections in Myanmar or the safety of such elections.

"Myanmar has experienced one of the most severe human rights atrocities in modern history. Now there is a concerted attempt to disenfranchise the Rohingya and other minority groups in Myanmar by shutting them out of the democratic process," said Cardin.

The US must stand in support of efforts for a more peaceful and democratic future for Myanmar in which all people's human rights are respected, he said.

Given the horrific human rights abuses that have occurred in Myanmar in recent years, it is critical that the Rohingya Muslim minority be included in the election process this November. The US supports efforts for a free, fair, inclusive, and transparent election said, Senator Young.

"Myanmar's 2015 general elections marked a significant turning point in the country's trajectory. Yet Myanmar's fledgeling democratic experiment, with the military still wielding so much control, has been wracked by tragedy, including the genocide of the Rohingya and ongoing abuses of ethnic minorities. Myanmar's upcoming elections in November are a critical opportunity to take a step toward a democracy where all citizens can be protected and enfranchised," said Engel.

Engel urged the Myanmar Government to do everything in its power to ensure free and fair elections, to enable the participation of all of Myanmar ethnic groups, and to act decisively to combat hate speech and political violence.

Congressman Levin said that the genocide of the Rohingya, the continued oppression of religious and ethnic minorities, the silencing of government critics and more have marred recent years.

"These elections represent a critical juncture. We urge the Myanmar government to hold free, fair, inclusive, transparent, participatory, and credible elections, and we urge our own president and State Department to work with us in support of a real democratic transition in Myanmar," he said.

"As a longtime advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Myanmar, I believe that free and fair elections in Myanmar are a necessary step in the country's democratic transition," said Congressman Chabot.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a bicameral resolution in the US Congress, urging the Myanmar government to allow free, fair, transparent, participatory and credible elections in the country scheduled to be held in the month of November.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a bicameral resolution in the US Congress, urging the Myanmar government to allow free, fair, transparent, participatory and credible elections in the country scheduled to be held in the month of November. The lawmakers also called on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, seeking support for Myanmar's ongoing transition to democracy and condemn any action taken by the government, political parties, military, or Union Election Commission to limit civil society participation in the election. Introduced by Congressman Andy Levin and Steve Chabot, both of whom are members of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee, and other fellow Congressmen, the group also urged the Trump administration to ensure that the US-based social media companies, including Facebook, don't allow their platforms to be used as vehicles for spreading misinformation or advocating violence or voter intimidation to suppress voter participation. × In the Senate, the resolution was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin and Todd Young, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The resolution also calls for the President to consider sanctioning individuals within the Government of Myanmar, the Tatmadaw, and among military associated businesses and ultranationalist groups, whom the US Government determines undermine free, fair, inclusive, transparent, participatory, and credible elections in Myanmar or the safety of such elections. "Myanmar has experienced one of the most severe human rights atrocities in modern history. Now there is a concerted attempt to disenfranchise the Rohingya and other minority groups in Myanmar by shutting them out of the democratic process," said Cardin. The US must stand in support of efforts for a more peaceful and democratic future for Myanmar in which all people's human rights are respected, he said. Given the horrific human rights abuses that have occurred in Myanmar in recent years, it is critical that the Rohingya Muslim minority be included in the election process this November. The US supports efforts for a free, fair, inclusive, and transparent election said, Senator Young. "Myanmar's 2015 general elections marked a significant turning point in the country's trajectory. Yet Myanmar's fledgeling democratic experiment, with the military still wielding so much control, has been wracked by tragedy, including the genocide of the Rohingya and ongoing abuses of ethnic minorities. Myanmar's upcoming elections in November are a critical opportunity to take a step toward a democracy where all citizens can be protected and enfranchised," said Engel. Engel urged the Myanmar Government to do everything in its power to ensure free and fair elections, to enable the participation of all of Myanmar ethnic groups, and to act decisively to combat hate speech and political violence. Congressman Levin said that the genocide of the Rohingya, the continued oppression of religious and ethnic minorities, the silencing of government critics and more have marred recent years. "These elections represent a critical juncture. We urge the Myanmar government to hold free, fair, inclusive, transparent, participatory, and credible elections, and we urge our own president and State Department to work with us in support of a real democratic transition in Myanmar," he said. "As a longtime advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Myanmar, I believe that free and fair elections in Myanmar are a necessary step in the country's democratic transition," said Congressman Chabot.

US lawmakers seek transparent, fair election in Myanmar: Resolution

Facebook, already under fire for its handling of misinformation and fake news, is going to launch its independent Oversight Board in mid to late October. This will put the board in action just before US Presidential elections due to take place on November 3. Facebook had plans to launch the Oversight Board last year but it was delayed due to coronavirus pandemic.

The board will initially have the power to review decisions to take down posts from Facebook and Instagram and recommend policy changes.

Oversight Board member Alan Rusbridger told Reuters in an interview that the board was now aiming for an October launch. A spokesman confirmed that timetable, saying the launch, originally planned for last year, had also been slowed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rusbridger said he did not know whether the board would hear cases about content connected to the U.S. presidential election.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thailand-takes-first-legal-action-against-facebook-twitter-over-content-329917">Thailand takes first legal action against Facebook, Twitter over content</a>

Although this is a step towards improving Facebook's handling of problematic content, some experts have said that that it will not be able to help combat misinformation as the board&nbsp;won't have authority to evaluate posts that the company decides to leave up.

Facebook has been on the receiving end of criticism about the kind of content it allows on its platform, especially political and social.

On Wednesday, Facebook took down pages that were created in China and were aimed at influencing US elections. Facebook said that people behind these activities tried to hide their location and identity using VPNs.

In addition to concerns surrounding content, Facebook is facing flak for privacy issues as well. On September 18, Bloomberg reported that a lawsuit was filed against Facebook for allegedly spying on Instagram users through phone camera. Facebook owns Instagram. Facebook had declined to comment at the time.

Facebook, already under fire for its handling of misinformation and fake news, is going to launch its independent Oversight Board in mid to late October. This will put the board in action just before US Presidential elections due to take place on November 3.

Facebook, already under fire for its handling of misinformation and fake news, is going to launch its independent Oversight Board in mid to late October. This will put the board in action just before US Presidential elections due to take place on November 3. Facebook had plans to launch the Oversight Board last year but it was delayed due to coronavirus pandemic. The board will initially have the power to review decisions to take down posts from Facebook and Instagram and recommend policy changes. Oversight Board member Alan Rusbridger told Reuters in an interview that the board was now aiming for an October launch. A spokesman confirmed that timetable, saying the launch, originally planned for last year, had also been slowed by the coronavirus pandemic. Rusbridger said he did not know whether the board would hear cases about content connected to the U.S. presidential election. Also Read | Thailand takes first legal action against Facebook, Twitter over content Although this is a step towards improving Facebook's handling of problematic content, some experts have said that that it will not be able to help combat misinformation as the board won't have authority to evaluate posts that the company decides to leave up. Facebook has been on the receiving end of criticism about the kind of content it allows on its platform, especially political and social. On Wednesday, Facebook took down pages that were created in China and were aimed at influencing US elections. Facebook said that people behind these activities tried to hide their location and identity using VPNs. In addition to concerns surrounding content, Facebook is facing flak for privacy issues as well. On September 18, Bloomberg reported that a lawsuit was filed against Facebook for allegedly spying on Instagram users through phone camera. Facebook owns Instagram. Facebook had declined to comment at the time.

Facebook to launch Oversight Board to combat misinformation just before US elections

Mourners quietly filed past the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's flag-draped coffin outside the white marble court building on Wednesday as the United States began three days of tributes to the liberal icon.

Hundreds of people lined up outside the court for a chance to pay their respects to the pioneering women's rights advocate, who died on Friday at age 87. Inside the court, Ginsburg's fellow justices celebrated her life in a private ceremony.

"Her voice in court and in our conference room was soft. But when she spoke, people listened," Chief Justice John Roberts said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trump-to-nominate-a-woman-to-replace-ginsburg-stating-he-likes-women-more-328748" hreflang="en">Trump to nominate a woman to replace Ginsburg stating he likes 'women more'</a>

Ginsburg's casket was then moved under the neoclassical court building's massive Corinthian columns for a public viewing due to last two days.

"It's almost like I felt the hand of God on my shoulder saying you have got to come and pay your respects to this person who was a fierce champion of women's voices and women's rights," said Cecelia Ryan, 64, who drove 12 hours from suburban Chicago.

President Donald Trump is moving quickly to nominate Ginsburg's replacement, and his fellow Republicans in the Senate say they could hold a vote before the Nov. 3 election. That would seal a 6-3 conservative majority on the court.

"I'm gay and I feel she has done more for equal rights than anyone else," said Christopher Balma, 47, who waited in line to file past the casket, which was surrounded by flowers.

"I'm terrified" now that Ginsburg is no longer on the court, Balma said.

Ginsburg ruled in favor of LGBT rights in several important cases including the landmark 2015 decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/supreme-court-judge-ruth-bader-ginsburg-dies-at-87-wanted-to-see-trump-lose-in-us-elections-328526" hreflang="en">Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87; wanted to see Trump lose in US elections</a>

Her popularity prompted officials to set aside two days for public viewing, rather than the one day allowed for other justices, said Barbara Perry, the director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center.

"She became a pop icon in the last decade," Perry said.

Ginsburg will on Friday become the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol when her casket is placed in National Statuary Hall.

The Capitol held a similar ceremony for civil-rights pioneer Rosa Parks in 2005, but she lay "in honor" as she did not hold government or military office.

Both historic events for Ginsburg, however, come with modifications due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Capitol ceremony will be limited to invited guests only, and at the courthouse social distancing and face coverings will be required.

Flowers and other offerings are forbidden on the court's plaza or its great flight of steps.

With the courthouse closed to the public, the justices are due to hear oral arguments by teleconference next month. Ginsburg's courtroom chair and the bench in front of it were draped with black wool crepe to mark the occasion, a tradition that dates back at least to 1873. A black drape also hung over the courtroom doors.

Dozens of her former clerks stood at attention when the coffin arrived at the courthouse.

"On a personal level, she was such an amazing person. She had a mind like a steel trap," said Jill Alexander, 59, whose husband served as a clerk for Ginsburg when she was an appeals-court judge.

Ginsburg's coffin rested on the Lincoln catafalque, a pine board platform draped in black cloth that was used to support President Abraham Lincoln's coffin when he lay in state in the Capitol's Rotunda after his assassination in 1865.

Public viewing runs until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and between 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday. A private interment service is planned for next week at Arlington National Cemetery. Ginsburg's husband, Martin Ginsburg, was buried there in 2010.

Mourners quietly filed past the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's flag-draped coffin outside the white marble court building on Wednesday as the United States began three days of tributes to the liberal icon.

Mourners quietly filed past the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's flag-draped coffin outside the white marble court building on Wednesday as the United States began three days of tributes to the liberal icon. Hundreds of people lined up outside the court for a chance to pay their respects to the pioneering women's rights advocate, who died on Friday at age 87. Inside the court, Ginsburg's fellow justices celebrated her life in a private ceremony. "Her voice in court and in our conference room was soft. But when she spoke, people listened," Chief Justice John Roberts said. Also read: Trump to nominate a woman to replace Ginsburg stating he likes 'women more' Ginsburg's casket was then moved under the neoclassical court building's massive Corinthian columns for a public viewing due to last two days. "It's almost like I felt the hand of God on my shoulder saying you have got to come and pay your respects to this person who was a fierce champion of women's voices and women's rights," said Cecelia Ryan, 64, who drove 12 hours from suburban Chicago. President Donald Trump is moving quickly to nominate Ginsburg's replacement, and his fellow Republicans in the Senate say they could hold a vote before the Nov. 3 election. That would seal a 6-3 conservative majority on the court. "I'm gay and I feel she has done more for equal rights than anyone else," said Christopher Balma, 47, who waited in line to file past the casket, which was surrounded by flowers. "I'm terrified" now that Ginsburg is no longer on the court, Balma said. Ginsburg ruled in favor of LGBT rights in several important cases including the landmark 2015 decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. Also read: Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87; wanted to see Trump lose in US elections Her popularity prompted officials to set aside two days for public viewing, rather than the one day allowed for other justices, said Barbara Perry, the director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center. "She became a pop icon in the last decade," Perry said. Ginsburg will on Friday become the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol when her casket is placed in National Statuary Hall. The Capitol held a similar ceremony for civil-rights pioneer Rosa Parks in 2005, but she lay "in honor" as she did not hold government or military office. Both historic events for Ginsburg, however, come with modifications due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Capitol ceremony will be limited to invited guests only, and at the courthouse social distancing and face coverings will be required. Flowers and other offerings are forbidden on the court's plaza or its great flight of steps. With the courthouse closed to the public, the justices are due to hear oral arguments by teleconference next month. Ginsburg's courtroom chair and the bench in front of it were draped with black wool crepe to mark the occasion, a tradition that dates back at least to 1873. A black drape also hung over the courtroom doors. Dozens of her former clerks stood at attention when the coffin arrived at the courthouse. "On a personal level, she was such an amazing person. She had a mind like a steel trap," said Jill Alexander, 59, whose husband served as a clerk for Ginsburg when she was an appeals-court judge. Ginsburg's coffin rested on the Lincoln catafalque, a pine board platform draped in black cloth that was used to support President Abraham Lincoln's coffin when he lay in state in the Capitol's Rotunda after his assassination in 1865. Public viewing runs until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and between 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday. A private interment service is planned for next week at Arlington National Cemetery. Ginsburg's husband, Martin Ginsburg, was buried there in 2010.

Mourners pay respects to Ginsburg at US Supreme Court

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US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro Taiwan tells China to 'back-off' as airspace 'incursions' rise US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-

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Top 10 world news today: US imposes sanctions on Iran, China-Taiwan tensions, and more

Taiwan said on Monday its armed forces have the right to self-defence and counter attack amid "harassment and threats", in an apparent warning to China, which last week sent numerous jets across the mid-line of the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

Tensions have sharply spiked in recent months between Taipei and Beijing, which claims democratically run Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken by force if needed.

Multiple Chinese aircraft flew across the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait and into the island`s air defence identification zone on Friday and Saturday, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets to intercept and President Tsai Ing-wen to call China a threat to the region.

Taiwan`s defence ministry said in a statement it had "clearly defined" procedures for the island`s first response amid "high frequency of harassment and threats from the enemy`s warships and aircraft this year".

It said Taiwan had the right to "self-defence and to counter attack" and that it followed the guideline of "no escalation of conflict and no triggering incidents".

Taiwan would not provoke but is also was "not afraid of the enemy", it added.

The Chinese drills took place last week as Beijing expressed anger at the visit of a senior U.S. official to Taipei.

On Monday, the official China Daily newspaper said in an editorial the United States was trying to use Taiwan to contain China but nobody should underestimate its determination to assert its sovereignty over the island.

"The U.S. administration should not be blinkered in its desperation to contain the peaceful rise of China and indulge in the U.S. addiction to its hegemony," it said.

China has been angered by stepped-up U.S. support for Taiwan, including two visits in as many months by top officials, one in August by Health Secretary Alex Azar and the other last week by Keith Krach, undersecretary for economic affairs.

The United States, which has no official diplomatic ties with the island but is its strongest international backer, is also planning major new arms sales to Taiwan.

China this month held rare large-scale drills near Taiwan, which Taipei called serious provocation. China said the exercise was a necessity to protect its sovereignty.

Taiwan said on Monday its armed forces have the right to self-defence and counter attack amid "harassment and threats", in an apparent warning to China, which last week sent numerous jets across the mid-line of the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan said on Monday its armed forces have the right to self-defence and counter attack amid "harassment and threats", in an apparent warning to China, which last week sent numerous jets across the mid-line of the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Tensions have sharply spiked in recent months between Taipei and Beijing, which claims democratically run Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken by force if needed. Multiple Chinese aircraft flew across the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait and into the island`s air defence identification zone on Friday and Saturday, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets to intercept and President Tsai Ing-wen to call China a threat to the region. Taiwan`s defence ministry said in a statement it had "clearly defined" procedures for the island`s first response amid "high frequency of harassment and threats from the enemy`s warships and aircraft this year". It said Taiwan had the right to "self-defence and to counter attack" and that it followed the guideline of "no escalation of conflict and no triggering incidents". Taiwan would not provoke but is also was "not afraid of the enemy", it added. The Chinese drills took place last week as Beijing expressed anger at the visit of a senior U.S. official to Taipei. On Monday, the official China Daily newspaper said in an editorial the United States was trying to use Taiwan to contain China but nobody should underestimate its determination to assert its sovereignty over the island. "The U.S. administration should not be blinkered in its desperation to contain the peaceful rise of China and indulge in the U.S. addiction to its hegemony," it said. China has been angered by stepped-up U.S. support for Taiwan, including two visits in as many months by top officials, one in August by Health Secretary Alex Azar and the other last week by Keith Krach, undersecretary for economic affairs. The United States, which has no official diplomatic ties with the island but is its strongest international backer, is also planning major new arms sales to Taiwan. China this month held rare large-scale drills near Taiwan, which Taipei called serious provocation. China said the exercise was a necessity to protect its sovereignty.

Taiwan military says it has right to counter attack amid China threats

Lisa Murkowski, Republican Party Senator from Alaska said on Sunday that she will not support US President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a Supreme Court judge before US Presidential Elections due on November 3. Murkowski became second Senator to oppose the efforts after Susan Collins of Maine.

“For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed,” Murkowski said in a statement.

The position at the Supreme Court is vacant after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday. The liberal justice was 87 years old.

Lisa Murkowski said in her statement that she had opposed such a move even in 2016 when a nomination to fill a vacancy was taken up 8 months before Presidential Elections. She said that the window was even smaller this time around.

“I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia,” she added. “We are now even closer to the 2020 election – less than two months out – and I believe the same standard must apply. ”

Murkowski's stand has brought Donald Trump's plans in jeopardy. Trump and Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are trying to fill the position in Supreme Court but the plan may get derailed if more than 3 senators oppose the move. Currently, Republican Party has a majority of 53 in the Senate.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-sanctions-on-over-two-dozen-targets-tied-to-iran-arms-328984">US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms</a>

All eyes are now on Mitt Romney, the Senator who is opposed to Donald Trump. Romney was Republican Party's presidential candidate in the year 2012.

He and Donald Trump are not considered to share good equation and Romney had even voted in support of impeachment against Trump.

Lisa Murkowski, Republican Party Senator from Alaska said on Sunday that she will not support US President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a Supreme Court judge before US Presidential Elections due on November 3.

Lisa Murkowski, Republican Party Senator from Alaska said on Sunday that she will not support US President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a Supreme Court judge before US Presidential Elections due on November 3. Murkowski became second Senator to oppose the efforts after Susan Collins of Maine. “For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed,” Murkowski said in a statement. The position at the Supreme Court is vacant after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday. The liberal justice was 87 years old. Lisa Murkowski said in her statement that she had opposed such a move even in 2016 when a nomination to fill a vacancy was taken up 8 months before Presidential Elections. She said that the window was even smaller this time around. “I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia,” she added. “We are now even closer to the 2020 election – less than two months out – and I believe the same standard must apply. ” Murkowski's stand has brought Donald Trump's plans in jeopardy. Trump and Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are trying to fill the position in Supreme Court but the plan may get derailed if more than 3 senators oppose the move. Currently, Republican Party has a majority of 53 in the Senate. Also Read | US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms All eyes are now on Mitt Romney, the Senator who is opposed to Donald Trump. Romney was Republican Party's presidential candidate in the year 2012. He and Donald Trump are not considered to share good equation and Romney had even voted in support of impeachment against Trump.

Lisa Murkowski 2nd GOP Senator against Trump's efforts to appoint judge before elections

The United States on Monday will sanction more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran`s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs, a senior US official said, putting teeth behind UN sanctions on Tehran that Washington argues have resumed despite the opposition of allies and adversaries.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran could have enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of the year and that Tehran has resumed long-range missile cooperation with nuclear-armed North Korea. He did not provide detailed evidence regarding either assertion.

The new sanctions fit into US President Donald Trump`s effort to limit Iran`s regional influence and come a week after US-brokered deals for the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to normalize ties with Israel, pacts that may coalesce a wider coalition against Iran while appealing to pro-Israel US voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The new sanctions also put European allies, China and Russia on notice that while their inclination may be to ignore the US drive to maintain the UN sanctions on Iran, companies based in their nations would feel the bite for violating them.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-faces-maximum-isolation-as-world-powers-dismiss-sanctions-328980">Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions</a> 
 
A major part of the new US push is an executive order targeting those who buy or sell Iran conventional arms that was previously reported by Reuters and will also be unveiled by the Trump administration on Monday, the official said.

The Trump administration suspects Iran of seeking nuclear weapons - something Tehran denies - and Monday`s punitive steps are the latest in a series seeking to stymie Iran`s atomic program, which US ally Israel views as an existential threat.

"Iran is clearly doing everything it can to keep in existence a virtual turnkey capability to get back into the weaponization business at a moment`s notice should it choose to do so," the US official told Reuters.

The official argued Iran wants a nuclear weapons capability and the means to deliver it despite the 2015 deal that sought to prevent this by restraining Iran`s atomic program in return for access to the world market.

In May 2018, Trump abandoned that agreement to the dismay of the other parties - Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia - and restored US sanctions that have crippled Iran`s economy.

Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium.

"Because of Iran`s provocative nuclear escalation, it could have sufficient fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of this year," the official said without elaborating except to say this was based on "the totality" of information available to the United States, including from the IAEA.

The Vienna-based agency has said Iran only began significantly breaching the 2015 deal`s limits after the US withdrawal and it is still enriching uranium only up to 4.5%, well below the 20% it had achieved before that agreement, let alone the roughly 90% purity that is considered weapons-grade, suitable for an atomic bomb.

"Iran and North Korea have resumed cooperation on a long-range missile project, including the transfer of critical parts," he added, declining to say when such joint work first began, stopped, and then started again. 
Asked to comment on the impending new US sanctions and the US official`s other statements, a spokesman for&nbsp; 
Iran`s mission to the United Nations dismissed them as propaganda and said they would further isolate the United States.

"The US` `maximum pressure` show, which includes new propaganda measures almost every week, has clearly failed miserably, and announcing new measures will not change this fact," the mission`s spokesman, Alireza Miryousefi, told Reuters in an email.

"The entire world understands that these are a part of (the) next US election campaign, and they are ignoring the US` preposterous claims at the UN today. It will only make (the) US more isolated in world affairs," he said.

The White House declined comment in advance of Monday`s announcements.

`Snap&nbsp;back` of&nbsp;UN sanctions?

The US official confirmed Trump will issue an executive order that would allow the United States to punish those who buy or sell conventional arms to Iran with secondary sanctions, depriving them of access to the US market.

The proximate cause for this US action is the impending expiration of a UN arms embargo on Iran and to warn foreign actors - US entities are already barred from such trade - that if they buy or sell arms to Iran they will face US sanctions.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal the UN conventional arms embargo is set to expire on Oct. 18.

The United States says it has triggered a "snap back," or resumption, of virtually all UN sanctions on Iran, including the arms embargo, to come into effect at 8 p.m. on Saturday/0000 GMT on Sunday.

Other parties to the nuclear deal and most UN Security Council members have said they do not believe the United States has the right to reimpose the UN sanctions and that the US move has no legal effect.

On Friday, Britain, France and Germany told the Security Council that UN sanctions relief for Iran - agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal - would continue beyond Sunday, despite Washington`s assertion.

In letters to the Security Council on Saturday, China`s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun and Russia`s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia both described the US move as "illegitimate" and said the UN sanctions relief for Iran would continue.

Also on Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council he cannot act on the US declaration that UN sanctions had been reimposed because it was not clear whether they had snapped back. 
"It is not for the Secretary-General to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he said.

Targets include Iran's nuclear, missile, arms groups

The new executive order will define conventional weapons broadly as any item with a potential military use, meaning it could cover such things as speed boats that Iran retrofits to harass vessels in international waters, the US official told Reuters.

It would also apply to conventional circuit boards that can be used in ballistic missile guidance systems, he added.

The more than two dozen targets to be hit with sanctions on Monday include those involved in Iran`s conventional arms, nuclear and missile programs, the official said, saying some of the targets are already sanctioned under other US programs.

That could prompt criticism that the US move is redundant and designed for public relations purposes to look tough on Iran, a charge critics have made about past US sanctions actions.

Among the targets will be Iran`s "most nefarious arms organizations," about a dozen senior officials, scientists and experts from Iran`s nuclear complex, members of a procurement network that supplies military-grade dual-use goods for Iran`s missile program, and several senior officials involved in Iran`s ballistic missile program, the US official said.

The official declined to name the targets, saying this would be made public on Monday, and stressed that the United States wants to deter foreign companies from dealing with them even if their governments believe this is legally permitted.

"You might have a split in some countries where a foreign government may claim that the UN sanctions don`t snap back but their banks and companies will abide by US sanctions because they want to make sure they are not a future target," he said. 
&nbsp;

The United States on Monday will sanction more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran`s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs, a senior US official said, putting teeth behind UN sanctions on Tehran that Washington argues have resumed despite the opposition of allies and adversaries.

The United States on Monday will sanction more than two dozen people and entities involved in Iran`s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs, a senior US official said, putting teeth behind UN sanctions on Tehran that Washington argues have resumed despite the opposition of allies and adversaries. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran could have enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of the year and that Tehran has resumed long-range missile cooperation with nuclear-armed North Korea. He did not provide detailed evidence regarding either assertion. The new sanctions fit into US President Donald Trump`s effort to limit Iran`s regional influence and come a week after US-brokered deals for the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to normalize ties with Israel, pacts that may coalesce a wider coalition against Iran while appealing to pro-Israel US voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The new sanctions also put European allies, China and Russia on notice that while their inclination may be to ignore the US drive to maintain the UN sanctions on Iran, companies based in their nations would feel the bite for violating them. Also Read | Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions A major part of the new US push is an executive order targeting those who buy or sell Iran conventional arms that was previously reported by Reuters and will also be unveiled by the Trump administration on Monday, the official said. The Trump administration suspects Iran of seeking nuclear weapons - something Tehran denies - and Monday`s punitive steps are the latest in a series seeking to stymie Iran`s atomic program, which US ally Israel views as an existential threat. "Iran is clearly doing everything it can to keep in existence a virtual turnkey capability to get back into the weaponization business at a moment`s notice should it choose to do so," the US official told Reuters. The official argued Iran wants a nuclear weapons capability and the means to deliver it despite the 2015 deal that sought to prevent this by restraining Iran`s atomic program in return for access to the world market. In May 2018, Trump abandoned that agreement to the dismay of the other parties - Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia - and restored US sanctions that have crippled Iran`s economy. Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium. "Because of Iran`s provocative nuclear escalation, it could have sufficient fissile material for a nuclear weapon by the end of this year," the official said without elaborating except to say this was based on "the totality" of information available to the United States, including from the IAEA. The Vienna-based agency has said Iran only began significantly breaching the 2015 deal`s limits after the US withdrawal and it is still enriching uranium only up to 4.5%, well below the 20% it had achieved before that agreement, let alone the roughly 90% purity that is considered weapons-grade, suitable for an atomic bomb. "Iran and North Korea have resumed cooperation on a long-range missile project, including the transfer of critical parts," he added, declining to say when such joint work first began, stopped, and then started again. Asked to comment on the impending new US sanctions and the US official`s other statements, a spokesman for Iran`s mission to the United Nations dismissed them as propaganda and said they would further isolate the United States. "The US` `maximum pressure` show, which includes new propaganda measures almost every week, has clearly failed miserably, and announcing new measures will not change this fact," the mission`s spokesman, Alireza Miryousefi, told Reuters in an email. "The entire world understands that these are a part of (the) next US election campaign, and they are ignoring the US` preposterous claims at the UN today. It will only make (the) US more isolated in world affairs," he said. The White House declined comment in advance of Monday`s announcements. `Snap back` of UN sanctions? The US official confirmed Trump will issue an executive order that would allow the United States to punish those who buy or sell conventional arms to Iran with secondary sanctions, depriving them of access to the US market. The proximate cause for this US action is the impending expiration of a UN arms embargo on Iran and to warn foreign actors - US entities are already barred from such trade - that if they buy or sell arms to Iran they will face US sanctions. Under the 2015 nuclear deal the UN conventional arms embargo is set to expire on Oct. 18. The United States says it has triggered a "snap back," or resumption, of virtually all UN sanctions on Iran, including the arms embargo, to come into effect at 8 p.m. on Saturday/0000 GMT on Sunday. Other parties to the nuclear deal and most UN Security Council members have said they do not believe the United States has the right to reimpose the UN sanctions and that the US move has no legal effect. On Friday, Britain, France and Germany told the Security Council that UN sanctions relief for Iran - agreed under the 2015 nuclear deal - would continue beyond Sunday, despite Washington`s assertion. In letters to the Security Council on Saturday, China`s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun and Russia`s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia both described the US move as "illegitimate" and said the UN sanctions relief for Iran would continue. Also on Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council he cannot act on the US declaration that UN sanctions had been reimposed because it was not clear whether they had snapped back. "It is not for the Secretary-General to proceed as if no such uncertainty exists," he said. Targets include Iran's nuclear, missile, arms groups The new executive order will define conventional weapons broadly as any item with a potential military use, meaning it could cover such things as speed boats that Iran retrofits to harass vessels in international waters, the US official told Reuters. It would also apply to conventional circuit boards that can be used in ballistic missile guidance systems, he added. The more than two dozen targets to be hit with sanctions on Monday include those involved in Iran`s conventional arms, nuclear and missile programs, the official said, saying some of the targets are already sanctioned under other US programs. That could prompt criticism that the US move is redundant and designed for public relations purposes to look tough on Iran, a charge critics have made about past US sanctions actions. Among the targets will be Iran`s "most nefarious arms organizations," about a dozen senior officials, scientists and experts from Iran`s nuclear complex, members of a procurement network that supplies military-grade dual-use goods for Iran`s missile program, and several senior officials involved in Iran`s ballistic missile program, the US official said. The official declined to name the targets, saying this would be made public on Monday, and stressed that the United States wants to deter foreign companies from dealing with them even if their governments believe this is legally permitted. "You might have a split in some countries where a foreign government may claim that the UN sanctions don`t snap back but their banks and companies will abide by US sanctions because they want to make sure they are not a future target," he said.

US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms

Iran said Sunday its arch-foe the United States is facing "maximum isolation" after major powers dismissed a unilateral US declaration that UN sanctions on Tehran were back in force.

The administration of US President Donald Trump said the sanctions had been re-activated under the "snapback" mechanism in a landmark 2015 nuclear treaty -- despite Washington having withdrawn from the deal.

As other signatories cast doubt on the move having any legal effect, Washington threatened to "impose consequences" on states failing to comply.

But Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said a concerted campaign by Washington to pressure Tehran had backfired.

"We can say that America's 'maximum pressure' against Iran, in its political and legal aspect, has turned into America's maximum isolation," he said in a televised cabinet meeting.

He praised the UN Security Council's approach to the issue as "very valuable" as it ignored "America's request (and) held no session to consider their request".

The Security Council was what "the Americans always thought of as their point of strength," he said.

The sanctions in question had been lifted when Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Britain, China, France, Russia and the US) and Germany signed the 2015 treaty on Iran's nuclear programme, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

But Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018, saying the deal -- negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama -- was insufficient.&nbsp;

He also renewed and strengthened Washington's own sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic republic.

The US insists it is still a participant in the agreement that it stormed out of -- but only so it can activate the snapback option, which it announced on August 20.

Iran said Sunday its arch-foe the United States is facing "maximum isolation" after major powers dismissed a unilateral US declaration that UN sanctions on Tehran were back in force.

Iran said Sunday its arch-foe the United States is facing "maximum isolation" after major powers dismissed a unilateral US declaration that UN sanctions on Tehran were back in force. The administration of US President Donald Trump said the sanctions had been re-activated under the "snapback" mechanism in a landmark 2015 nuclear treaty -- despite Washington having withdrawn from the deal. As other signatories cast doubt on the move having any legal effect, Washington threatened to "impose consequences" on states failing to comply. But Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said a concerted campaign by Washington to pressure Tehran had backfired. "We can say that America's 'maximum pressure' against Iran, in its political and legal aspect, has turned into America's maximum isolation," he said in a televised cabinet meeting. He praised the UN Security Council's approach to the issue as "very valuable" as it ignored "America's request (and) held no session to consider their request". The Security Council was what "the Americans always thought of as their point of strength," he said. The sanctions in question had been lifted when Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Britain, China, France, Russia and the US) and Germany signed the 2015 treaty on Iran's nuclear programme, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. But Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018, saying the deal -- negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama -- was insufficient. He also renewed and strengthened Washington's own sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic republic. The US insists it is still a participant in the agreement that it stormed out of -- but only so it can activate the snapback option, which it announced on August 20.

Iran says US faces 'maximum isolation' as world powers dismiss sanctions

Just more than a month ago, Beirut was struck by a catastrophe. The blasts at Beirut port were a body blow to Lebanon already cursed by violence. Many blamed Hezbollah for the blasts that were caused by huge stock of Ammonium Nitrate, a highly flammable chemical.

A report in the month of August claimed that the ship that got the supply to Beirut port was owned by a man with links to Hezbollah's bank.

The blast unleashed public anger against the Hezbollah. However, another revelation could make it worse

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The United States has accused the Hezbollah of storing caches of weapons and ammonium nitrate across Europe. The Americans say these supplies are being stored to conduct future attacks under the influence of Iran.&nbsp;

US State Department's counter-terrorism co-ordinator is raising an alarm. He says that the Hezbollah weapons caches have been moved through Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. More caches of Ammonium Nitrate were discovered or destroyed in France, Italy and Greece.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-sanctions-lebanese-companies-for-allegedly-funnelling-millions-to-hezbollah-328240">US sanctions Lebanese companies for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah</a> 
 
The US is of the view that Hezbollah hasn't stopped its activities with the blasts in Beirut. The investigation is still on.

Almost 3000 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate was stored at the port for six years. The explosion in the month of August was felt in Turkey, Syria, Israel Palestine and parts of Europe.

It was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. The Hezbollah is said to have a sizeable influence in the running of the port.

After the Beirut blasts, Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his entire cabinet resigned.

But the people are still angry.

A senior Hezbollah leader gave an interview to WION and refused to take any responsibility. However, just making statements will not help the Hezbollah.

The group, that entered politics through militancy seems to have lost the support of the public. Hezbollah may have sizeable political power, but it is now accused of protecting a corrupt political class. With the US now stepping up the heat, Lebanon seems to be slipping out of the hands of Hezbollah.

Just more than a month ago, Beirut was struck by a catastrophe. The blasts at Beirut port were a body blow to Lebanon already cursed by violence. Many blamed Hezbollah for the blasts that were caused by huge stock of Ammonium Nitrate, a highly flammable chemical.

Just more than a month ago, Beirut was struck by a catastrophe. The blasts at Beirut port were a body blow to Lebanon already cursed by violence. Many blamed Hezbollah for the blasts that were caused by huge stock of Ammonium Nitrate, a highly flammable chemical. A report in the month of August claimed that the ship that got the supply to Beirut port was owned by a man with links to Hezbollah's bank. The blast unleashed public anger against the Hezbollah. However, another revelation could make it worse × The United States has accused the Hezbollah of storing caches of weapons and ammonium nitrate across Europe. The Americans say these supplies are being stored to conduct future attacks under the influence of Iran. US State Department's counter-terrorism co-ordinator is raising an alarm. He says that the Hezbollah weapons caches have been moved through Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. More caches of Ammonium Nitrate were discovered or destroyed in France, Italy and Greece. Also Read | US sanctions Lebanese companies for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah The US is of the view that Hezbollah hasn't stopped its activities with the blasts in Beirut. The investigation is still on. Almost 3000 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate was stored at the port for six years. The explosion in the month of August was felt in Turkey, Syria, Israel Palestine and parts of Europe. It was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. The Hezbollah is said to have a sizeable influence in the running of the port. After the Beirut blasts, Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his entire cabinet resigned. But the people are still angry. A senior Hezbollah leader gave an interview to WION and refused to take any responsibility. However, just making statements will not help the Hezbollah. The group, that entered politics through militancy seems to have lost the support of the public. Hezbollah may have sizeable political power, but it is now accused of protecting a corrupt political class. With the US now stepping up the heat, Lebanon seems to be slipping out of the hands of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has stashed Ammonium Nitrate across Europe, says US

Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said that Iran will avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. But Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami maintained that the Guards would do it in an "honourable" retaliation

Soleimani, who headed the Guards elite Qods Force, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad airport in January. He was an influential person and key to Iran's defence apparatus that projected influence in the region beyond its borders.

A US media report, quoting unnamed officials, said Iran plans in retaliation to assassinate the American ambassador to South Africa, Lana Marks, before the presidential election in November.

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran this week with a "thousand times stronger" response in case of any attack on his country, following the report.

South Africa's state security agency said Friday it had found no evidence of such a plot against Marks. 
Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami retorted to the US president.

ALSO Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-unsc-members-struggle-over-snapback-option-as-iran-sanctions-deadline-looms-328637">US, UNSC members struggle over 'snapback' option as Iran sanctions deadline looms</a>

"Mr. Trump, our revenge for the martyrdom of our great commander is certain, serious and real, but we are honourable and take revenge with fairness and justice," he said, quoted by the Guard's official website Sepahnews.

"You think we would strike at a woman ambassador to South Africa for the blood of our martyr brother? We will target those who were directly or indirectly involved in the martyrdom of this great man," he said.

"You should know, that we will target whoever was involved ... and this is a serious message."

Relations between Washington and Tehran have been tense ever since the Islamic revolution of 1979.

In days after Qasem Soleimani's killing, Iran had shot missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops. However, Trump had refrained from any further military response.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said that Iran will avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. But Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami maintained that the Guards would do it in an "honourable" retaliation Soleimani, who headed the Guards elite Qods Force, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad airport in January.

Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said that Iran will avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. But Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami maintained that the Guards would do it in an "honourable" retaliation Soleimani, who headed the Guards elite Qods Force, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad airport in January. He was an influential person and key to Iran's defence apparatus that projected influence in the region beyond its borders. A US media report, quoting unnamed officials, said Iran plans in retaliation to assassinate the American ambassador to South Africa, Lana Marks, before the presidential election in November. US President Donald Trump threatened Iran this week with a "thousand times stronger" response in case of any attack on his country, following the report. South Africa's state security agency said Friday it had found no evidence of such a plot against Marks. Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami retorted to the US president. ALSO Read | US, UNSC members struggle over 'snapback' option as Iran sanctions deadline looms "Mr. Trump, our revenge for the martyrdom of our great commander is certain, serious and real, but we are honourable and take revenge with fairness and justice," he said, quoted by the Guard's official website Sepahnews. "You think we would strike at a woman ambassador to South Africa for the blood of our martyr brother? We will target those who were directly or indirectly involved in the martyrdom of this great man," he said. "You should know, that we will target whoever was involved ... and this is a serious message." Relations between Washington and Tehran have been tense ever since the Islamic revolution of 1979. In days after Qasem Soleimani's killing, Iran had shot missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops. However, Trump had refrained from any further military response. (With AFP inputs)

Iran's Revolutionary Guard vows 'honourable' revenge for Qasem Soleimani killing

A former model has accused US President Donald Trump of groping and forcibly kissing her in 1997 -- the latest allegation made against the Republican incumbent just weeks before he seeks reelection.

Amy Dorris told Britain's The Guardian that Trump sexually assaulted her in his VIP suite at the US Open tennis tournament in New York -- claims he denied via his lawyers.

"He just shoved his tongue down my throat and I was pushing him off. And then that's when his grip became tighter and his hands were very gropey and all over my butt, my breasts, my back, everything," Dorris said in an interview.

"I was in his grip, and I couldn't get out of it," she added.

Trump has faced more than a dozen allegations of sexual misconduct, including a claim by prominent American columnist E. Jean Carroll that he raped her in a department store changing room in the mid-1990s.

But he brushed them aside in his run for the White House.

Shortly before the 2016 election, a tape recording emerged from 2005 in which he was heard boasting about how his fame allowed him to "grab" women by the genitals when he wanted.

Trump dismissed this as "locker room banter" but subsequently apologized.

Dorris was 24 at the time of the alleged incidents. Trump was 51 and married at the time to his second wife, Marla Maples.

The accuser provided The Guardian with several photos showing her in Trump's company, and multiple people corroborated her account, saying she told them at the time.

She says she told Trump to stop but "he didn't care." She added: "I felt violated, obviously."

Asked why she continued to be around Trump in subsequent days, Dorris responded: "That's what happens when something traumatic happens -- you freeze."

But Trump's attorneys told the newspaper that her version of events was unreliable and there would be other witnesses if she had been assaulted.

They suggested in comments to The Guardian that the allegation could be politically motivated, coming weeks before Trump faces Joe Biden in the November 3 election.

Dorris, now 48, said she decided to come forward to be a role model for her teenage twin daughters.&nbsp;

She first told The Guardian her story more than a year ago, but asked the newspaper not to publish it.

"I'm sick of him getting away with this," Dorris said. 
&nbsp;

A former model has accused US President Donald Trump of groping and forcibly kissing her in 1997 -- the latest allegation made against the Republican incumbent just weeks before he seeks reelection.

A former model has accused US President Donald Trump of groping and forcibly kissing her in 1997 -- the latest allegation made against the Republican incumbent just weeks before he seeks reelection. Amy Dorris told Britain's The Guardian that Trump sexually assaulted her in his VIP suite at the US Open tennis tournament in New York -- claims he denied via his lawyers. "He just shoved his tongue down my throat and I was pushing him off. And then that's when his grip became tighter and his hands were very gropey and all over my butt, my breasts, my back, everything," Dorris said in an interview. "I was in his grip, and I couldn't get out of it," she added. Trump has faced more than a dozen allegations of sexual misconduct, including a claim by prominent American columnist E. Jean Carroll that he raped her in a department store changing room in the mid-1990s. But he brushed them aside in his run for the White House. Shortly before the 2016 election, a tape recording emerged from 2005 in which he was heard boasting about how his fame allowed him to "grab" women by the genitals when he wanted. Trump dismissed this as "locker room banter" but subsequently apologized. Dorris was 24 at the time of the alleged incidents. Trump was 51 and married at the time to his second wife, Marla Maples. The accuser provided The Guardian with several photos showing her in Trump's company, and multiple people corroborated her account, saying she told them at the time. She says she told Trump to stop but "he didn't care." She added: "I felt violated, obviously." Asked why she continued to be around Trump in subsequent days, Dorris responded: "That's what happens when something traumatic happens -- you freeze." But Trump's attorneys told the newspaper that her version of events was unreliable and there would be other witnesses if she had been assaulted. They suggested in comments to The Guardian that the allegation could be politically motivated, coming weeks before Trump faces Joe Biden in the November 3 election. Dorris, now 48, said she decided to come forward to be a role model for her teenage twin daughters. She first told The Guardian her story more than a year ago, but asked the newspaper not to publish it. "I'm sick of him getting away with this," Dorris said.

New sex assault allegation made against Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-interfering-in-us-elections-targeting-joe-biden-fbi-328417">Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI</a> 
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<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd3cf895-5010-4de6-a97c-5d55dda8fc65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20final.jpg" />

FBI Director Christopher Wray said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-interfering-in-us-elections-targeting-joe-biden-fbi-328417">Read more..</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-top-30-million-europe-imposes-fresh-curbs-after-who-warning-328420">Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faae3703-2497-4eac-bf45-d633b088e752" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/europe.JPG" />

According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-top-30-million-europe-imposes-fresh-curbs-after-who-warning-328420">Read more...</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">US to ban TikTok and WeChat downloads from September 20</a>

<img alt="US Ban TikTok, WeChat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cac04871-bbe5-4223-a3b8-85f7fbd2cce4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/us%20tiktok.JPG" />

The US plans involves barring citizens from downloading the Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok on September 20. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">Read more...</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-taiwan-scrambles-jets-pompeo-slams-chinas-military-blustering-328454">After Taiwan scrambles jets, Pompeo slams China's 'military blustering'</a>

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fbe488a-6c57-44a0-a804-c9f1763eea46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taiwan_1.JPG" />

Amid the furore, Chinese defence ministry spokesman said that the country was 'holding actual combat exercises near the Taiwan Strait'. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-taiwan-scrambles-jets-pompeo-slams-chinas-military-blustering-328454">Read more...</a> 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-crisis-erdogan-says-turkey-willing-to-meet-greek-prime-minister-328441">Mediterranean crisis: Erdogan says Turkey willing to meet Greek Prime Minister</a>

<img alt="Mediterranean crisis " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a902c354-1c8e-4cbe-8dcd-fc2c0605b514" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/meditarranean.JPG" />

The search for gas and oil in the region has sparked a row that has seen the two NATO neighbours stage rival air and navy drills in strategic waters between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-crisis-erdogan-says-turkey-willing-to-meet-greek-prime-minister-328441">Read more...</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/produce-nawaz-sharif-on-sept-22-top-court-official-to-pakistan-foreign-secretary-328295">Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary</a>

<img alt="Nawaz Sharif" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8877178e-fb2c-4bac-9ee3-272a4e686bda" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nawaz%20sharif.JPG" />

The 70-year-old was given eight weeks to return to Pakistan, but health complications made his visit longer, as per his lawyer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/produce-nawaz-sharif-on-sept-22-top-court-official-to-pakistan-foreign-secretary-328295">Read more...</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-over-50-people-die-in-clashes-with-taliban-as-doha-peace-talks-continue-328280">Afghanistan: Over 50 people die in clashes with Taliban as Doha peace talks continue</a>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8d303f9-0284-4197-9b1a-0c13bf27da20" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/afghan.JPG" />

Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-over-50-people-die-in-clashes-with-taliban-as-doha-peace-talks-continue-328280">Read more...</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-minister-corrects-trumps-forest-city-claim-says-we-dont-have-exploding-trees-328431">Austrian minister corrects Trump’s ‘forest city’ claim, says we don’t have ‘exploding trees’</a>

<img alt="Austria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a32c70e-142f-4768-8aae-23011aa279fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/austria.JPG" />

Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-minister-corrects-trumps-forest-city-claim-says-we-dont-have-exploding-trees-328431">Read more...</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a>

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Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">Read more...</a> 
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Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI FBI Director Christopher Wray said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election.

Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI FBI Director Christopher Wray said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election. Read more.. Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. Read more... US to ban TikTok and WeChat downloads from September 20 The US plans involves barring citizens from downloading the Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok on September 20. Read more... After Taiwan scrambles jets, Pompeo slams China's 'military blustering' Amid the furore, Chinese defence ministry spokesman said that the country was 'holding actual combat exercises near the Taiwan Strait'. Read more... Mediterranean crisis: Erdogan says Turkey willing to meet Greek Prime Minister The search for gas and oil in the region has sparked a row that has seen the two NATO neighbours stage rival air and navy drills in strategic waters between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete. Read more... Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary The 70-year-old was given eight weeks to return to Pakistan, but health complications made his visit longer, as per his lawyer Read more... Afghanistan: Over 50 people die in clashes with Taliban as Doha peace talks continue Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen. Read more... Austrian minister corrects Trump’s ‘forest city’ claim, says we don’t have ‘exploding trees’ Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from. Read more... As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Read more...

Top 10 world news: FBI accuses Russia over interference in US elections, US to ban TikTok and more!

A historic deal was signed between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. The deal was more than 70 years in the making. Abraham Accords, the peace deal signed by Israel, Bahrain and UAE changes West Asian politics completely. The deal was sealed&nbsp;in August and signed yesterday.

US President Donald Trump has pulled off a big foreign policy win just weeks before US Presidential Elections. UAE and Bahrain, two Arab countries are now allies of Israel.

Arabs and Israel have fought for decades. Arabs backed Palestine and insisted that Israel-Palestine issue should be settled. This was their condition to give recognition to Israel as a country. The dispute has not been settled but Abraham Accords have been signed nonetheless.

More Arab countries are expected to normalise relations with Israel soon. Until now only Egypt and Jordan had ties with Israel.

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Trump is calling Abraham Accords 'The dawn of the new Middle East'. This peace deal is the most significant diplomatic achievement of Trump.

The Abraham Accords, named after the common patriarch of Jews, Muslims and Christians, is the beginning of Israel's rapprochement with Arab world.

Palestinians have called this a betrayal. In reality, support to Palestine has long been reduced to political symbolism. Arab countries have had covert dealings with Israel in past. 
&nbsp; 
The Abraham Accords paves the way&nbsp;for Israel and other signatories to set up embassies, open travel routes and sign business deals.

It's a big win for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu too. Israel celebrated the deal by projecting flags of all four countries on the old city walls in Jerusalem. Netanyahu called the deal 'A Path to Peace'

Big Shift in West Asia

US is orchestrating a big shift in West Asia. Both UAE and Bahrain are allies of Saudi Arabia. Both countries will benefit a lot from the deal. UAE, while projecting an image that it has taken care of Palestinian interests while signing the deal, can now access advanced American weaponry like F-35 jets. Similarly, Bahrain can now have access to high tech Israeli weapons.&nbsp;

But here's the real deal.

By signing Abraham Accords, a stronger alliance against Iran is taking shape in West Asia. Trump has even said that five more countries may recognise Israel.

What does this mean?

It means that Israel-Palestine conflict no longer dictates terms of engagement in West Asia. It's not about Jews versus Arab anymore. It's now sectarian, Shia versus Sunni. 
&nbsp; 
Iran is on one side, and Sunni states in the gulf alongside Israel are on the other side.

Iran can count on Turkey for support. Pakistan does not back the deal but it is indebted to the Saudis.

What will happen next?

Israel is now recognised by Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and UAE. Next in line are these countries.

Saudi Arabia:&nbsp;This is a strong possibility. Saudi Arabia is already co-operating with Israel against Iran. It is also said that Bahrain signed the deal only after nod from the Saudis. But Saudi Arabia itself signing the deal would be a major development.

Oman: Oman congratulated Israel and UAE on their agreement. It has often played the role of interlocutor between Israel and Arab world.

Beyond West Asia, names of countries like Sudan and Morocco are also doing rounds.

&nbsp; 
What happens to Palestine?

Palestinians are angry and they are protesting. They say that agreement should not be called a peace deal as it has no representation from Palestine.

A historic deal was signed between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. The deal was more than 70 years in the making. Abraham Accords, the peace deal signed by Israel, Bahrain and UAE changes West Asian politics completely.

A historic deal was signed between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. The deal was more than 70 years in the making. Abraham Accords, the peace deal signed by Israel, Bahrain and UAE changes West Asian politics completely. The deal was sealed in August and signed yesterday. US President Donald Trump has pulled off a big foreign policy win just weeks before US Presidential Elections. UAE and Bahrain, two Arab countries are now allies of Israel. Arabs and Israel have fought for decades. Arabs backed Palestine and insisted that Israel-Palestine issue should be settled. This was their condition to give recognition to Israel as a country. The dispute has not been settled but Abraham Accords have been signed nonetheless. More Arab countries are expected to normalise relations with Israel soon. Until now only Egypt and Jordan had ties with Israel. × Trump is calling Abraham Accords 'The dawn of the new Middle East'. This peace deal is the most significant diplomatic achievement of Trump. The Abraham Accords, named after the common patriarch of Jews, Muslims and Christians, is the beginning of Israel's rapprochement with Arab world. Palestinians have called this a betrayal. In reality, support to Palestine has long been reduced to political symbolism. Arab countries have had covert dealings with Israel in past. The Abraham Accords paves the way for Israel and other signatories to set up embassies, open travel routes and sign business deals. It's a big win for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu too. Israel celebrated the deal by projecting flags of all four countries on the old city walls in Jerusalem. Netanyahu called the deal 'A Path to Peace' Big Shift in West Asia US is orchestrating a big shift in West Asia. Both UAE and Bahrain are allies of Saudi Arabia. Both countries will benefit a lot from the deal. UAE, while projecting an image that it has taken care of Palestinian interests while signing the deal, can now access advanced American weaponry like F-35 jets. Similarly, Bahrain can now have access to high tech Israeli weapons. But here's the real deal. By signing Abraham Accords, a stronger alliance against Iran is taking shape in West Asia. Trump has even said that five more countries may recognise Israel. What does this mean? It means that Israel-Palestine conflict no longer dictates terms of engagement in West Asia. It's not about Jews versus Arab anymore. It's now sectarian, Shia versus Sunni. Iran is on one side, and Sunni states in the gulf alongside Israel are on the other side. Iran can count on Turkey for support. Pakistan does not back the deal but it is indebted to the Saudis. What will happen next? Israel is now recognised by Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and UAE. Next in line are these countries. Saudi Arabia: This is a strong possibility. Saudi Arabia is already co-operating with Israel against Iran. It is also said that Bahrain signed the deal only after nod from the Saudis. But Saudi Arabia itself signing the deal would be a major development. Oman: Oman congratulated Israel and UAE on their agreement. It has often played the role of interlocutor between Israel and Arab world. Beyond West Asia, names of countries like Sudan and Morocco are also doing rounds. What happens to Palestine? Palestinians are angry and they are protesting. They say that agreement should not be called a peace deal as it has no representation from Palestine.

Abraham Accords: USA orchestrates huge change in West Asia

US Presidents have been prone to embarrassing remarks in public in past. But current President Donald Trump is considered by many to be the one to have made more than many. Latest in the series is his assertion that coronavirus pandemic will go away due to 'herd mentality'

"...you'll develop, you'll develop herd like a herd mentality. It's going to be, it's going to be herd developed and that's going to happen. That will all happen," said Trump as he was being interviewed by George Stephanopolous.

Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them.

Does this sound like a strategy to effectively combat coronavirus pandemic? Certainly not.

The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity.

Herd Immunity refers to resistance to a contagious disease (like coronavirus) developed in population. If herd immunity against a particular disease is developed in a population, it is considered to be safe from the disease.

In his interview with George Stephanopoulos, Trump even said that the pandemic would "go away" without a vaccine.

He repeated his claim even as startled Stephanopolous asked,"It will go away without a vaccine?"

Trump then hastily added that coronavirus would go away "quickly" if a vaccine was made available.

Donald Trump has often given extremely conflicting statements about coronavirus pandemic.

President of the US, whose decisions have global ramifications, is expected to be well informed and measured before making public statements.

However, Trump's past statements on coronavirus pandemic in the US have been surprising

He statements include 'It's just a flu', 'It will go away on its own' and many more that were unscientific and even misleading. Trump has even laughed off wearing a mask.

The US has seen 195,000 deaths due to coronavirus so far.

US Presidents have been prone to embarrassing remarks in public in past. But current President Donald Trump is considered by many to be the one to have made more than many.

US Presidents have been prone to embarrassing remarks in public in past. But current President Donald Trump is considered by many to be the one to have made more than many. Latest in the series is his assertion that coronavirus pandemic will go away due to 'herd mentality' "...you'll develop, you'll develop herd like a herd mentality. It's going to be, it's going to be herd developed and that's going to happen. That will all happen," said Trump as he was being interviewed by George Stephanopolous. Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them. Does this sound like a strategy to effectively combat coronavirus pandemic? Certainly not. The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity. Herd Immunity refers to resistance to a contagious disease (like coronavirus) developed in population. If herd immunity against a particular disease is developed in a population, it is considered to be safe from the disease. In his interview with George Stephanopoulos, Trump even said that the pandemic would "go away" without a vaccine. He repeated his claim even as startled Stephanopolous asked,"It will go away without a vaccine?" Trump then hastily added that coronavirus would go away "quickly" if a vaccine was made available. Donald Trump has often given extremely conflicting statements about coronavirus pandemic. President of the US, whose decisions have global ramifications, is expected to be well informed and measured before making public statements. However, Trump's past statements on coronavirus pandemic in the US have been surprising He statements include 'It's just a flu', 'It will go away on its own' and many more that were unscientific and even misleading. Trump has even laughed off wearing a mask. The US has seen 195,000 deaths due to coronavirus so far.

COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump

The United States on Monday imposed additional visa restrictions on Nigerians over election-related activities in the African nation, the State Department said, accusing them of being responsible for undermining the democratic process.

The restrictions were imposed on the individuals, who were not named, "for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections," the State Department said in a statement.

"These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in the statement.

In 2019, the United States imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians it said had undermined elections in February and March of that year.

The State Department said it warned in a statement last year that it would consider consequences, including visa restrictions, on those responsible for organizing election-related violence or undermining the Nigerian democratic process.

The United States on Monday imposed additional visa restrictions on Nigerians over election-related activities in the African nation, the State Department said, accusing them of being responsible for undermining the democratic process.

The United States on Monday imposed additional visa restrictions on Nigerians over election-related activities in the African nation, the State Department said, accusing them of being responsible for undermining the democratic process. The restrictions were imposed on the individuals, who were not named, "for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections," the State Department said in a statement. "These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in the statement. In 2019, the United States imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians it said had undermined elections in February and March of that year. The State Department said it warned in a statement last year that it would consider consequences, including visa restrictions, on those responsible for organizing election-related violence or undermining the Nigerian democratic process.

US slaps more election-related visa restrictions on Nigerians

Hezbollah said on Saturday that it strongly condemned Bahrain's move of normalisation of ties with Israel. On Friday, Bahrain and Isreal said in a joint statement that they were establishing full diplomatic relations with each other.&nbsp;

Both countries issued a joint statement to this effect along with the US. By taking the step, Bahrain joined UAE in establishing diplomatic contact with Israeal.Media reports say that UAE and Bahrain went ahead to normalise ties with Israel out of shared fears of Iran but this could also leave the Palestinians further isolated.

Hezbollah has often spoken of "Israeli expansionist trends" in Palestine. Hezbollah had criticised Israel-UAE deal as well.

Bahrain was widely expected to be among the next Arab countries that would be eager to normalise relations with Israel. After the Arab Spring, Bahrain's monarchy was seen to be swinging away from pan-Islamic and pan-Arabism. Bahrain relies on its good relations with the USA.What's more? Bahrain also hosts US Navy's 5th fleet in the Persian Gulf.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/palestinians-rally-against-bahrain-israel-normalisation-327084">Palestinians rally against Bahrain-Israel normalisation</a> 
&nbsp;

Bahrain had never been directly at war with Israel. It already used Israeli technology and had recognised Israel's "right to exist" two years ago.

Who's next to be friends with Israel?

Oman and Morocco are widely believed to follow UAE and Bahrain to improve relations with Israel although there is no official confirmation as of now.

Morocco is a strong US ally and already has trade and tourism relations with Israel. It does not recognise Israel as a state currently but that picture may change.

Oman is a US ally and depends on it for its external security. Though Oman supports formation of a Palestinian State, it has not had overt or covert conflict with Israel. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu had even visited Oman in the year 2018.

Hezbollah said on Saturday that it strongly condemned Bahrain's move of normalisation of ties with Israel. On Friday, Bahrain and Isreal said in a joint statement that they were establishing full diplomatic relations with each other.

Hezbollah said on Saturday that it strongly condemned Bahrain's move of normalisation of ties with Israel. On Friday, Bahrain and Isreal said in a joint statement that they were establishing full diplomatic relations with each other. Both countries issued a joint statement to this effect along with the US. By taking the step, Bahrain joined UAE in establishing diplomatic contact with Israeal.Media reports say that UAE and Bahrain went ahead to normalise ties with Israel out of shared fears of Iran but this could also leave the Palestinians further isolated. Hezbollah has often spoken of "Israeli expansionist trends" in Palestine. Hezbollah had criticised Israel-UAE deal as well. Bahrain was widely expected to be among the next Arab countries that would be eager to normalise relations with Israel. After the Arab Spring, Bahrain's monarchy was seen to be swinging away from pan-Islamic and pan-Arabism. Bahrain relies on its good relations with the USA.What's more? Bahrain also hosts US Navy's 5th fleet in the Persian Gulf. Also Read | Palestinians rally against Bahrain-Israel normalisation Bahrain had never been directly at war with Israel. It already used Israeli technology and had recognised Israel's "right to exist" two years ago. Who's next to be friends with Israel? Oman and Morocco are widely believed to follow UAE and Bahrain to improve relations with Israel although there is no official confirmation as of now. Morocco is a strong US ally and already has trade and tourism relations with Israel. It does not recognise Israel as a state currently but that picture may change. Oman is a US ally and depends on it for its external security. Though Oman supports formation of a Palestinian State, it has not had overt or covert conflict with Israel. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu had even visited Oman in the year 2018.

Hezbollah condemns Bahrain. But will more Arab countries befriend Israel in near future?

Oil companies began shutting offshore drilling operations on Sunday as part of preparations in the wake of tropical storm Sally. The storm which is predicted to turn into a hurricane in next two days is currently off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;

The landfall of Sally is expected in next two days

Royal Dutch Shell began shutting some of its offshore drilling operations on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Sally is not projected to approach the size or intensity of Hurricane Laura in August, but it will cause up to 12-foot (4.2m) swells offshore, said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist for DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider.

The storm strengthened as it crept up the warm waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, carrying winds that could reach 100 miles per hour (160 kph) ahead of landfall on Tuesday, forecasters said.

Sally was upgraded to an "extremely dangerous" potential Category 2 hurricane. It was about 300 miles (482 km) from the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving at 13 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At 8 a.m. EDT, its sustained winds had increased to 50 mph, the NHC said.

Chevron Corp. and Murphy Oil Corp on Saturday began evacuations from offshore production platforms, spokespeople said. Chevron`s Pascagoula, Mississippi, refinery was implementing storm preparedness procedures, the company said.

Other oil producers with drilling rigs and platforms in the area said they were monitoring the storm and prepared to take action as needed.

Oil companies began shutting offshore drilling operations on Sunday as part of preparations in the wake of tropical storm Sally. The storm which is predicted to turn into a hurricane in next two days is currently off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

Oil companies began shutting offshore drilling operations on Sunday as part of preparations in the wake of tropical storm Sally. The storm which is predicted to turn into a hurricane in next two days is currently off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. The landfall of Sally is expected in next two days Royal Dutch Shell began shutting some of its offshore drilling operations on Sunday. Tropical Storm Sally is not projected to approach the size or intensity of Hurricane Laura in August, but it will cause up to 12-foot (4.2m) swells offshore, said Jim Foerster, chief meteorologist for DTN, an energy, agriculture and weather data provider. The storm strengthened as it crept up the warm waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, carrying winds that could reach 100 miles per hour (160 kph) ahead of landfall on Tuesday, forecasters said. Sally was upgraded to an "extremely dangerous" potential Category 2 hurricane. It was about 300 miles (482 km) from the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving at 13 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At 8 a.m. EDT, its sustained winds had increased to 50 mph, the NHC said. Chevron Corp. and Murphy Oil Corp on Saturday began evacuations from offshore production platforms, spokespeople said. Chevron`s Pascagoula, Mississippi, refinery was implementing storm preparedness procedures, the company said. Other oil producers with drilling rigs and platforms in the area said they were monitoring the storm and prepared to take action as needed.

Oil companies begin halting US offshore drilling as 'Sally' approaches

Wildfires tearing through communities across the US West have killed 33 people, and authorities fear dozens more are missing.

A blitz of wildfires across Oregon, California and Washington has destroyed thousands of homes and a half dozen small towns this summer, scorching a landscape the size of New Jersey and killing more than two dozen people since early August.

Crews were to resume searching for the dead on Sunday among blackened ruins left by massive wildfires raging in the three western US states, where millions of acres have burned in weeks and "mass fatality" incidents are feared in Oregon.

Emergency officials worried that the shifting weather might not bring much relief to southern Oregon, where an apocalyptic scene of charred residential subdivisions and trailer parks stretched for miles along Highway 99 south of Medford through the neighbouring communities of Phoenix and Talent.

At least ten people have been killed in Oregon, according to the office of emergency management. Brown has said that dozens of people remained missing across three counties.

In California, tens of thousands of firefighters were battling 28 major wildfires as of Saturday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Improving weather conditions had helped them gain a measure of containment over most of the blazes.

Meanwhile, the White House said Trump, a Republican, will meet with federal and California officials on Monday. The president has said that western governors bear some of the blame for intense fire seasons in recent years, accusing them of poor forest management.

Trump's Democratic opponent in the November election, Joe Biden, on Saturday linked the conflagrations to climate change, echoing comments made a day earlier by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

More than 4,000 homes and other structures have been incinerated in California alone over the past three weeks. Three million acres of land have been burned in the state, according to the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Also, Facebook said on Saturday it was now removing false claims that the wildfires in Oregon were started by certain groups.

"This is based on confirmation from law enforcement that these rumors are forcing local fire and police agencies to divert resources from fighting the fires and protecting the public," a Facebook spokesman said.

Wildfires tearing through communities across the US West have killed 33 people, and authorities fear dozens more are missing. A blitz of wildfires across Oregon, California and Washington has destroyed thousands of homes and a half dozen small towns this summer, scorching a landscape the size of New Jersey and killing more than two dozen people since early August.

Wildfires tearing through communities across the US West have killed 33 people, and authorities fear dozens more are missing. A blitz of wildfires across Oregon, California and Washington has destroyed thousands of homes and a half dozen small towns this summer, scorching a landscape the size of New Jersey and killing more than two dozen people since early August. Crews were to resume searching for the dead on Sunday among blackened ruins left by massive wildfires raging in the three western US states, where millions of acres have burned in weeks and "mass fatality" incidents are feared in Oregon. Emergency officials worried that the shifting weather might not bring much relief to southern Oregon, where an apocalyptic scene of charred residential subdivisions and trailer parks stretched for miles along Highway 99 south of Medford through the neighbouring communities of Phoenix and Talent. At least ten people have been killed in Oregon, according to the office of emergency management. Brown has said that dozens of people remained missing across three counties. In California, tens of thousands of firefighters were battling 28 major wildfires as of Saturday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Improving weather conditions had helped them gain a measure of containment over most of the blazes. Meanwhile, the White House said Trump, a Republican, will meet with federal and California officials on Monday. The president has said that western governors bear some of the blame for intense fire seasons in recent years, accusing them of poor forest management. Trump's Democratic opponent in the November election, Joe Biden, on Saturday linked the conflagrations to climate change, echoing comments made a day earlier by California Governor Gavin Newsom. More than 4,000 homes and other structures have been incinerated in California alone over the past three weeks. Three million acres of land have been burned in the state, according to the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Also, Facebook said on Saturday it was now removing false claims that the wildfires in Oregon were started by certain groups. "This is based on confirmation from law enforcement that these rumors are forcing local fire and police agencies to divert resources from fighting the fires and protecting the public," a Facebook spokesman said.

Dozens remain missing as wildfires torch millions of acres in US West

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008. And today, gender reveal parties have become commonplace

But there is something really worrying about how these gender reveal parties are shaping out.

A Syrian couple recently spent as much as USD 100,000 on gender reveal party of their baby. What did they do with that kind of money?

Project the child's gender onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai!

The couple are social media influencers with over 7 million followers on Youtube and over 2 million followers on Instagram

And they saw nothing wrong in splurging this much on a grand celebration.

Here's an alternative viewpoint.&nbsp;

Imagine the kind of use this money could have been put to back in the couple's home country Syria. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, Syria is a war-torn country.&nbsp;

According to one estimate, 9.3 million Syrians go to sleep hungry. 
&nbsp; 
2 million others are at risk of meeting a similar fate.

There is nothing wrong to share joy over your yet-to-born child.

But what we are talking about here are limits.

Several netizens have pointed at the sheer waste of money. One Twitter user called it disgusting and shameful. Someone else called the celebrations to be exaggerated. 
&nbsp; 
Another Twitter user from Syria dropped a political bomb. She said that the couple belongs to a political family.

The man's father is the head of US-backed Syrian Opposition. We have not been able to independently verify this claim. But if it is true, then some serious questions need to be posed to political elites in Syria and the US

Speaking of US, you must have heard about the California wildfires. The same one that has gutted 2.2. million acres of land.&nbsp;

Did you know that a gender reveal party is responsible for it? That's where the fire started.

There is nothing wrong in celebrating the gender of an unborn child. Especially if you can afford it economically and socially.

In India, for example, it is not even an option as the gender of the child is not revealed over fears of infanticide.

But if you are in a country where there aren't social taboos and fears, you are well within your rights to celebrate.

The only question is, how far should you take things&nbsp;

 
This woman is said to have come up with the idea of gender reveal parties.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In her post on Facebook, she claims she has mixed feelings about her contribution to this culture.

Check out couple of lines from her post.

'Who cares what gender the baby is? I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now...PLOT TWIST, the world's first gender-reveal party baby is a girl who wears suits!'

Hope this gets you thinking&nbsp;

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008.

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008. And today, gender reveal parties have become commonplace But there is something really worrying about how these gender reveal parties are shaping out. A Syrian couple recently spent as much as USD 100,000 on gender reveal party of their baby. What did they do with that kind of money? Project the child's gender onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai! The couple are social media influencers with over 7 million followers on Youtube and over 2 million followers on Instagram And they saw nothing wrong in splurging this much on a grand celebration. Here's an alternative viewpoint. Imagine the kind of use this money could have been put to back in the couple's home country Syria. Remember, Syria is a war-torn country. According to one estimate, 9.3 million Syrians go to sleep hungry. 2 million others are at risk of meeting a similar fate. There is nothing wrong to share joy over your yet-to-born child. But what we are talking about here are limits. Several netizens have pointed at the sheer waste of money. One Twitter user called it disgusting and shameful. Someone else called the celebrations to be exaggerated. Another Twitter user from Syria dropped a political bomb. She said that the couple belongs to a political family. The man's father is the head of US-backed Syrian Opposition. We have not been able to independently verify this claim. But if it is true, then some serious questions need to be posed to political elites in Syria and the US Speaking of US, you must have heard about the California wildfires. The same one that has gutted 2.2. million acres of land. Did you know that a gender reveal party is responsible for it? That's where the fire started. There is nothing wrong in celebrating the gender of an unborn child. Especially if you can afford it economically and socially. In India, for example, it is not even an option as the gender of the child is not revealed over fears of infanticide. But if you are in a country where there aren't social taboos and fears, you are well within your rights to celebrate. The only question is, how far should you take things This woman is said to have come up with the idea of gender reveal parties. × In her post on Facebook, she claims she has mixed feelings about her contribution to this culture. Check out couple of lines from her post. 'Who cares what gender the baby is? I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now...PLOT TWIST, the world's first gender-reveal party baby is a girl who wears suits!' Hope this gets you thinking

This gender reveal party cost USD 100,000

In the US, another book bomb has struck the Trump campaign. There are new allegations of election interference. And a race to secure Nobel Prize seems to have overshadowed the presidential race.

Bob Woodward, a veteran journalist, has written a tell-all book on the US President. It's titled 'Rage'. It will release next week.

Some excerpts are out.

This one is about the murder of Saudi Arabian dissident Jamal Khashoggi and Donald Trump's role in proving that the Saudi crown prince was innocent.

According to the author, Donald Trump often bragged about the way he protected Mohammed Bin Salman after Khashoggi's assassination.

The book claims that Trump boasted about how he was able to get the US Congress to leave Mohammed Bin Salman alone.

We all remember that CIA had concluded that Mohammed Bin Salman had personally ordered Khashoggi's assassination.

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Woodward's book says that Trump did not think so and that he used executive power to block congressional efforts to cut ties with Riyadh.

We don't know how true these claims are.

But they have provided enough fodder for the democrats to sustain their attacks on Donald Trump.

Then there's talk about election hacking.

Tech-giant Microsoft has warned that hackers with ties to Russia, China and Iran are trying to interfere in the presidential race.

But there are no favorites this time.

According to Microsoft both, Republicans and Democrats are apparently on target. According to Tim Burt, the Vice-President of Microsoft, most of the infiltration attempts in recent months have been halted by the company's secure software.

However, he has refused to comment on who may have been successfully hacked or impacted.

Russia and China have dismissed the allegations like always. Iran has not even cared to respond.

On our third big development for the day. And this is huge.

Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel

A Norwegian lawmaker has nominated Trump for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Name of the lawmaker is Christian Tybring Gjedde

He is the same man who nominated Trump for the same prize in 2019 for restoring ties with North Korea.

What's his reason this time?

"I nominated President Trump because he made a great achievement by facilitating the peace agreement between Israel and the UAE, and he set an example for the development in the Middle East and, hopefully, that will have an effect that other nations will join the peace agreements and be a part of it and to normalise the relationship between Israel and the Middle East and more countries in the Middle East," he said.

Trump is going to town bragging about Israel-UAE peace deal. It is a sort of a big thing.

But he is upset that the American media is not covering the news enough.

"I don't say this out of ego, but I was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Now, I have to tell you, that's sort of a big thing. And the networks and most of the news didn't cover it. Can you imagine when Obama came to office, they said, we're going to give him the Nobel Peace Prize? He actually said, what did I do? I didn't do anything. He didn't do anything for eight years, frankly. But he said, what did I do? They gave it to him in a matter of weeks. Right. Weeks. And with us, we've done so much with, we have done so much on so many different fronts. Remember North Korea? Remember, they were going to be at war with North Korea. Where's the war? Where's the war? Where's the war?" said Donald Trump.

Well, Mr President has a point. But we are not sure which prize does the President want.&nbsp;

The Nobel Prize or the Noble Prize.

In the US, another book bomb has struck the Trump campaign. There are new allegations of election interference. And a race to secure Nobel Prize seems to have overshadowed the presidential race.

In the US, another book bomb has struck the Trump campaign. There are new allegations of election interference. And a race to secure Nobel Prize seems to have overshadowed the presidential race. Bob Woodward, a veteran journalist, has written a tell-all book on the US President. It's titled 'Rage'. It will release next week. Some excerpts are out. This one is about the murder of Saudi Arabian dissident Jamal Khashoggi and Donald Trump's role in proving that the Saudi crown prince was innocent. According to the author, Donald Trump often bragged about the way he protected Mohammed Bin Salman after Khashoggi's assassination. The book claims that Trump boasted about how he was able to get the US Congress to leave Mohammed Bin Salman alone. We all remember that CIA had concluded that Mohammed Bin Salman had personally ordered Khashoggi's assassination. × Woodward's book says that Trump did not think so and that he used executive power to block congressional efforts to cut ties with Riyadh. We don't know how true these claims are. But they have provided enough fodder for the democrats to sustain their attacks on Donald Trump. Then there's talk about election hacking. Tech-giant Microsoft has warned that hackers with ties to Russia, China and Iran are trying to interfere in the presidential race. But there are no favorites this time. According to Microsoft both, Republicans and Democrats are apparently on target. According to Tim Burt, the Vice-President of Microsoft, most of the infiltration attempts in recent months have been halted by the company's secure software. However, he has refused to comment on who may have been successfully hacked or impacted. Russia and China have dismissed the allegations like always. Iran has not even cared to respond. On our third big development for the day. And this is huge. Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel A Norwegian lawmaker has nominated Trump for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Name of the lawmaker is Christian Tybring Gjedde He is the same man who nominated Trump for the same prize in 2019 for restoring ties with North Korea. What's his reason this time? "I nominated President Trump because he made a great achievement by facilitating the peace agreement between Israel and the UAE, and he set an example for the development in the Middle East and, hopefully, that will have an effect that other nations will join the peace agreements and be a part of it and to normalise the relationship between Israel and the Middle East and more countries in the Middle East," he said. Trump is going to town bragging about Israel-UAE peace deal. It is a sort of a big thing. But he is upset that the American media is not covering the news enough. "I don't say this out of ego, but I was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Now, I have to tell you, that's sort of a big thing. And the networks and most of the news didn't cover it. Can you imagine when Obama came to office, they said, we're going to give him the Nobel Peace Prize? He actually said, what did I do? I didn't do anything. He didn't do anything for eight years, frankly. But he said, what did I do? They gave it to him in a matter of weeks. Right. Weeks. And with us, we've done so much with, we have done so much on so many different fronts. Remember North Korea? Remember, they were going to be at war with North Korea. Where's the war? Where's the war? Where's the war?" said Donald Trump. Well, Mr President has a point. But we are not sure which prize does the President want. The Nobel Prize or the Noble Prize.

A book hounds Donald Trump as he hopes for a Nobel Prize

As the US Presidential campaign moves into high gear, what issues dominate the American minds? VOANews-WION Partnership special broadcast on US Election 2020

US Election 2020: Trump encourages supporters to try to vote twice; Critics slam Trump's comments

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong. Beijing has already imposed restrictions on US diplomats.

However, no details have been given as to the nature of these curbs

The diplomatic tussle between the US and China has been going on for months. Even US President Donald Trump has upped the ante on China as US presidential elections 2020 approach.

In July, US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston for what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "stealing" intellectual property.

Soon China ordered closure of US consulate in the city of Chengdu.

Fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff have come as US declared last week that Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

About these restrictions, Pompeo maintained that the US was "simply demanding reciprocity".

The restrictions had drawn a strong reaction from the Chinese side. Chinese Embassy in Washington had termed this as "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side."

US State Department had previously written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong.

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong. Beijing has already imposed restrictions on US diplomats. However, no details have been given as to the nature of these curbs The diplomatic tussle between the US and China has been going on for months. Even US President Donald Trump has upped the ante on China as US presidential elections 2020 approach. In July, US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston for what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "stealing" intellectual property. Soon China ordered closure of US consulate in the city of Chengdu. Fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff have come as US declared last week that Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds. About these restrictions, Pompeo maintained that the US was "simply demanding reciprocity". The restrictions had drawn a strong reaction from the Chinese side. Chinese Embassy in Washington had termed this as "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side." US State Department had previously written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

China imposes fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff

Groups of US armed forces veterans and several lawmakers have expressed displeasure and anger over a decision taken by White House to relocate a flag remembering Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA). In a decision taken earlier this year, the flag was relocated to a place on White House grounds. This spot gives much lesser visibility to the flag than the previous one.

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jack Reed and Margaret Hassan sent a letter to the White House asking it to relocate the flag.

The letter comes amid allegations that US President Donald Trump did not have respect for US military. A report in the Atlantic magazine last week alleged that Trump had called fallen American soldiers "losers" and "suckers". This had caused great controversy.

Although Trump denied the allegations, he has publicly mocked late Senator John Mccain who was captured during the Vietnam war. Trump had mocked him for getting caught. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"It`s bad enough that President Trump publicly ridicules American heroes like Senator McCain and others who were captured on the battlefield. He inexplicably promotes the Confederate flag but fails to fly the POW/MIA flag," said Democratic Senator Jack Reed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-biden-to-try-to-outshine-each-other-at-911-memorials-326819">US election 2020: Trump, Biden to try to outshine each other at 9/11 memorials</a>

The White House decision to remove the flag has also angered war veterans groups.

The American Ex-Prisoners of War group, which represents 10,000 former POWs and their families, said it was outraged last month when it learned of the move, calling it a "slap in the face."

"While he touts his support for the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, actions speak louder than words. And this action speaks of disdain for Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action," the group said.

US law requires the flag to be displayed in a "manner designed to ensure visibility to the public." In its current position, it can be viewed from limited vantage points outside the White House complex. 
&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs)

Groups of US armed forces veterans and several lawmakers have expressed displeasure and anger over a decision taken by White House to relocate a flag remembering Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA).

Groups of US armed forces veterans and several lawmakers have expressed displeasure and anger over a decision taken by White House to relocate a flag remembering Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA). In a decision taken earlier this year, the flag was relocated to a place on White House grounds. This spot gives much lesser visibility to the flag than the previous one. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jack Reed and Margaret Hassan sent a letter to the White House asking it to relocate the flag. The letter comes amid allegations that US President Donald Trump did not have respect for US military. A report in the Atlantic magazine last week alleged that Trump had called fallen American soldiers "losers" and "suckers". This had caused great controversy. Although Trump denied the allegations, he has publicly mocked late Senator John Mccain who was captured during the Vietnam war. Trump had mocked him for getting caught. "It`s bad enough that President Trump publicly ridicules American heroes like Senator McCain and others who were captured on the battlefield. He inexplicably promotes the Confederate flag but fails to fly the POW/MIA flag," said Democratic Senator Jack Reed. Also Read | US election 2020: Trump, Biden to try to outshine each other at 9/11 memorials The White House decision to remove the flag has also angered war veterans groups. The American Ex-Prisoners of War group, which represents 10,000 former POWs and their families, said it was outraged last month when it learned of the move, calling it a "slap in the face." "While he touts his support for the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, actions speak louder than words. And this action speaks of disdain for Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action," the group said. US law requires the flag to be displayed in a "manner designed to ensure visibility to the public." In its current position, it can be viewed from limited vantage points outside the White House complex. (With Reuters inputs)

White House decision to relocate flag remembering POWs sparks anger

Russia is not seeking to interfere in the electoral processes of other countries around the world, nor has it in the past, the Kremlin said on Friday.

This clarification came close on the heels of Microsoft claiming hackers linked to Russia were among those trying to spy on US political figures.

Hackers linked to Russia, China, and Iran are trying to spy on people tied to both US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden, Microsoft Corp said on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has no intention of meddling in other countries' internal affairs and that Russia does not like it when others interfere in its affairs.

Microsoft Corp said on Thursday that hackers linked to Russia, China, and Iran are trying to spy on people tied to both US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

The announcement by Microsoft's vice president for customer security, Tom Burt, said the group accused of breaching Hillary Clinton's campaign emails in 2016 - a Russian military intelligence-linked unit widely known as Fancy Bear - had spent the past year trying to break into accounts belonging to political consultants serving both Republicans and Democrats as well as advocacy organizations and think tanks.

Burt also said Chinese hackers had gone after people "closely associated with US presidential campaigns and candidates" - including an unnamed Biden ally who was targeted through a personal email address and "at least one prominent individual formerly associated with the Trump Administration."

Burt said the Chinese effort to compromise the Biden ally and the Iranian spying against the Trump campaign were unsuccessful, but his blog post provided no detail on the hacking campaign attributed to Russia or the effort to compromise the well-known former Trump associate. 
&nbsp;

Russia is not seeking to interfere in the electoral processes of other countries around the world, nor has it in the past, the Kremlin said on Friday. This clarification came close on the heels of Microsoft claiming hackers linked to Russia were among those trying to spy on US political figures.

Russia is not seeking to interfere in the electoral processes of other countries around the world, nor has it in the past, the Kremlin said on Friday. This clarification came close on the heels of Microsoft claiming hackers linked to Russia were among those trying to spy on US political figures. Hackers linked to Russia, China, and Iran are trying to spy on people tied to both US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden, Microsoft Corp said on Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has no intention of meddling in other countries' internal affairs and that Russia does not like it when others interfere in its affairs. Microsoft Corp said on Thursday that hackers linked to Russia, China, and Iran are trying to spy on people tied to both US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. The announcement by Microsoft's vice president for customer security, Tom Burt, said the group accused of breaching Hillary Clinton's campaign emails in 2016 - a Russian military intelligence-linked unit widely known as Fancy Bear - had spent the past year trying to break into accounts belonging to political consultants serving both Republicans and Democrats as well as advocacy organizations and think tanks. Burt also said Chinese hackers had gone after people "closely associated with US presidential campaigns and candidates" - including an unnamed Biden ally who was targeted through a personal email address and "at least one prominent individual formerly associated with the Trump Administration." Burt said the Chinese effort to compromise the Biden ally and the Iranian spying against the Trump campaign were unsuccessful, but his blog post provided no detail on the hacking campaign attributed to Russia or the effort to compromise the well-known former Trump associate.

Russia says it's not seeking to interfere in other countries' electoral processes

On August 24, after waiting for five months in the violent Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez for a US asylum hearing, Elida, a Guatemalan migrant, decided to send her disabled 12-year-old son Gustavo into the United States alone.

Elida feared for Gustavo's safety in Mexico, after a stranger tried to take him from her, she said. She had been told by other migrants that as an unaccompanied child Gustavo would be detained by US immigration agents and then released to his grandfather who lives in South Carolina.

She took him to a park near the bridge connecting Ciudad Juarez to the Texan city of El Paso, gave him his birth certificate, tucked scraps of papers with family phone numbers into his clothes, hugged him goodbye and then watched him walk into the United States.

The same day, Gustavo's family says his grandfather got a call with what they thought was good news - the boy was in the United States and authorities wanted the family's address.

Then, Gustavo effectively vanished. No further word came about his whereabouts.

Elida, 44, who asked to be identified only by her first name for safety reasons, was already racked by guilt, feeling that she had abandoned her son. Now, she was panic stricken.

She would not learn about his whereabouts for nearly a week, until a Guatemalan news blog posted on Facebook that Gustavo was in Guatemalan government custody and that officials were trying to locate his parents.

The story of how Gustavo disappeared and then reappeared in Guatemala is emblematic of what US immigration rights activists say is an opaque, chaotic new system that President Donald Trump's administration has implemented to expel migrants, including unaccompanied children, during the pandemic.

Under an emergency health order issued in March, which the Trump administration says is necessary to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the United States has expelled thousands of unaccompanied children under the age of 18 without giving them the chance to claim asylum, bypassing long-standing protections under US law.

As of June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) figures indicate some 2,000 minors had been expelled. More recent numbers are not available.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is suing the government over the expulsions, has said the order goes further than anything the Trump administration has done to restrict access to asylum, leaving "almost no avenue open to seek protection."

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency declined to give information about the circumstances of Gustavo's case. ICE requested that Elida sign privacy waivers to allow the agency to talk about her and her son's case. After these were provided, they referred questions to CBP, which declined comment on the specifics of the case.

Matthew Dyman, a CBP spokesman, said the emergency order applies to everyone, "no matter their disability or age."

While US officials do have discretion, exempting groups of people from the order "defeats the whole purpose and puts everyone at risk," Dyman said in response to questions from Reuters. Dyman said providing details about exemptions could be exploited by human smugglers.

As it prepares to fly children to their home countries, the government has been holding them in hotels with unlicensed contractors to look after them, for days or sometimes weeks, according to court documents.

Attorneys say the children's personal information is not recorded in the usual computer systems, making them almost impossible to track.

The nonprofit Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) said it has been able to help about 70 children through a patchwork of private attorneys, family members and advocates.

"A drop in the bucket," said Jennifer Podkul, KIND's Vice President for Policy and Advocacy.

The organisation said it was aware of some Central American children who had been returned across the border to Mexico alone, and others who had been sent to their home countries without their parents' knowledge. They said they have also received frantic phone calls from parents looking for their children.

US law has long held that children need extra protections from trafficking and exploitation.&nbsp;

Before the March order, unaccompanied children would be moved quickly into short-term foster care or shelters overseen by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), until they could be released to vetted sponsors, usually family members.

ORR's network is operating far below its capacity of 13,600 taxpayer-funded beds. As of September 3, it was housing 1,039 children. Some 159 children in ORR custody had tested positive for the coronavirus as of that date, the agency said in a statement to Reuters.

A FRANTIC SEARCH

Four days after Gustavo's grandfather received the call from the US official, the family had still heard no further word on Gustavo's whereabouts.

Lindsay Toczylowski, who runs the Immigrant Defenders Law Center in Los Angeles, said she heard about the case from another lawyer and emailed immigration officials to ask where Gustavo was.

She received an email saying ICE was working on placing Gustavo in a US shelter. But minutes later, that message was recalled and a new one arrived from a different deportation officer. Gustavo had already been expelled to Guatemala, alone.

On Aug. 30, six days after she had said goodbye to her son, Elida saw on Facebook that the Guatemalan government was searching for Gustavo's parents "with great urgency."

Elida was still in Ciudad Juarez, fearful for her safety but also afraid to return home.

'WANTED THE BEST FOR HIM'

Elida and Gustavo left Guatemala after she received death threats following a family dispute, she said. Gustavo, who has deformed limbs and learning difficulties, had also been attacked by a child wielding a machete several years ago.

His foot was cut to the bone and the injury still makes it difficult for him to walk, she said. Apart from the physical deformities he was born with, Gustavo struggles to speak to people outside his immediate family.

"God made my child that way," she said. "I've always accepted him as he is."

Mother and son arrived at the US-Mexico border in February, planning to ask for asylum. They were sent by US authorities to Ciudad Juarez under the Migrant Protection Protocols, a Trump policy which sends some non-Mexican migrants to Mexico to await their US immigration court hearings.

Elida became a fruit seller to earn money to rent a room and buy food. The neighborhood was violent, she said, and she worried about leaving Gustavo during the day. One day when she went to get water, she heard a gunshot and saw a dead body lying in the street.

On Aug. 22, a man tried to grab Gustavo from her in the street, she said. Reuters could not independently verify her account, but advocacy group Human Rights First has documented hundreds of kidnappings and attacks on migrants waiting in Mexico for their US court dates.

Two days later, Elida took Gustavo to the border. "I felt sad because I'd left him," she said.&nbsp; 
"But I told myself it was for his good. I've always wanted the best for him."

It was the first time they had been apart since he was born.

On Sept. 5, almost two weeks after he walked across the border alone, Gustavo was reunited with his father Juan in their remote village in the mountains of northeastern Guatemala. The family reunion was organized by government officials.

He stepped off a bus and looked around, disoriented, Reuters witnesses said. At first he did not appear to recognize his father, who said softly to him, "Come here my son."

Juan hugged him, crying, and said, "Look how they sent him to me, they deported him as if he were grown-up, as if he were a criminal, and he is a child."

Juan called Elida to tell her that Gustavo had arrived. "Talk to your Mom and say hi to her," Juan said to his son, trying to hand him the phone.

Gustavo burst into tears and refused to talk to her.

He has not forgiven her for leaving him, Elida said. Then she, alone in Ciudad Juarez, also began to sob. 
&nbsp;

On August 24, after waiting for five months in the violent Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez for a US asylum hearing, Elida, a Guatemalan migrant, decided to send her disabled 12-year-old son Gustavo into the United States alone.

On August 24, after waiting for five months in the violent Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez for a US asylum hearing, Elida, a Guatemalan migrant, decided to send her disabled 12-year-old son Gustavo into the United States alone. Elida feared for Gustavo's safety in Mexico, after a stranger tried to take him from her, she said. She had been told by other migrants that as an unaccompanied child Gustavo would be detained by US immigration agents and then released to his grandfather who lives in South Carolina. She took him to a park near the bridge connecting Ciudad Juarez to the Texan city of El Paso, gave him his birth certificate, tucked scraps of papers with family phone numbers into his clothes, hugged him goodbye and then watched him walk into the United States. The same day, Gustavo's family says his grandfather got a call with what they thought was good news - the boy was in the United States and authorities wanted the family's address. Then, Gustavo effectively vanished. No further word came about his whereabouts. Elida, 44, who asked to be identified only by her first name for safety reasons, was already racked by guilt, feeling that she had abandoned her son. Now, she was panic stricken. She would not learn about his whereabouts for nearly a week, until a Guatemalan news blog posted on Facebook that Gustavo was in Guatemalan government custody and that officials were trying to locate his parents. The story of how Gustavo disappeared and then reappeared in Guatemala is emblematic of what US immigration rights activists say is an opaque, chaotic new system that President Donald Trump's administration has implemented to expel migrants, including unaccompanied children, during the pandemic. Under an emergency health order issued in March, which the Trump administration says is necessary to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the United States has expelled thousands of unaccompanied children under the age of 18 without giving them the chance to claim asylum, bypassing long-standing protections under US law. As of June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) figures indicate some 2,000 minors had been expelled. More recent numbers are not available. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is suing the government over the expulsions, has said the order goes further than anything the Trump administration has done to restrict access to asylum, leaving "almost no avenue open to seek protection." The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency declined to give information about the circumstances of Gustavo's case. ICE requested that Elida sign privacy waivers to allow the agency to talk about her and her son's case. After these were provided, they referred questions to CBP, which declined comment on the specifics of the case. Matthew Dyman, a CBP spokesman, said the emergency order applies to everyone, "no matter their disability or age." While US officials do have discretion, exempting groups of people from the order "defeats the whole purpose and puts everyone at risk," Dyman said in response to questions from Reuters. Dyman said providing details about exemptions could be exploited by human smugglers. As it prepares to fly children to their home countries, the government has been holding them in hotels with unlicensed contractors to look after them, for days or sometimes weeks, according to court documents. Attorneys say the children's personal information is not recorded in the usual computer systems, making them almost impossible to track. The nonprofit Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) said it has been able to help about 70 children through a patchwork of private attorneys, family members and advocates. "A drop in the bucket," said Jennifer Podkul, KIND's Vice President for Policy and Advocacy. The organisation said it was aware of some Central American children who had been returned across the border to Mexico alone, and others who had been sent to their home countries without their parents' knowledge. They said they have also received frantic phone calls from parents looking for their children. US law has long held that children need extra protections from trafficking and exploitation. Before the March order, unaccompanied children would be moved quickly into short-term foster care or shelters overseen by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), until they could be released to vetted sponsors, usually family members. ORR's network is operating far below its capacity of 13,600 taxpayer-funded beds. As of September 3, it was housing 1,039 children. Some 159 children in ORR custody had tested positive for the coronavirus as of that date, the agency said in a statement to Reuters. A FRANTIC SEARCH Four days after Gustavo's grandfather received the call from the US official, the family had still heard no further word on Gustavo's whereabouts. Lindsay Toczylowski, who runs the Immigrant Defenders Law Center in Los Angeles, said she heard about the case from another lawyer and emailed immigration officials to ask where Gustavo was. She received an email saying ICE was working on placing Gustavo in a US shelter. But minutes later, that message was recalled and a new one arrived from a different deportation officer. Gustavo had already been expelled to Guatemala, alone. On Aug. 30, six days after she had said goodbye to her son, Elida saw on Facebook that the Guatemalan government was searching for Gustavo's parents "with great urgency." Elida was still in Ciudad Juarez, fearful for her safety but also afraid to return home. 'WANTED THE BEST FOR HIM' Elida and Gustavo left Guatemala after she received death threats following a family dispute, she said. Gustavo, who has deformed limbs and learning difficulties, had also been attacked by a child wielding a machete several years ago. His foot was cut to the bone and the injury still makes it difficult for him to walk, she said. Apart from the physical deformities he was born with, Gustavo struggles to speak to people outside his immediate family. "God made my child that way," she said. "I've always accepted him as he is." Mother and son arrived at the US-Mexico border in February, planning to ask for asylum. They were sent by US authorities to Ciudad Juarez under the Migrant Protection Protocols, a Trump policy which sends some non-Mexican migrants to Mexico to await their US immigration court hearings. Elida became a fruit seller to earn money to rent a room and buy food. The neighborhood was violent, she said, and she worried about leaving Gustavo during the day. One day when she went to get water, she heard a gunshot and saw a dead body lying in the street. On Aug. 22, a man tried to grab Gustavo from her in the street, she said. Reuters could not independently verify her account, but advocacy group Human Rights First has documented hundreds of kidnappings and attacks on migrants waiting in Mexico for their US court dates. Two days later, Elida took Gustavo to the border. "I felt sad because I'd left him," she said. "But I told myself it was for his good. I've always wanted the best for him." It was the first time they had been apart since he was born. On Sept. 5, almost two weeks after he walked across the border alone, Gustavo was reunited with his father Juan in their remote village in the mountains of northeastern Guatemala. The family reunion was organized by government officials. He stepped off a bus and looked around, disoriented, Reuters witnesses said. At first he did not appear to recognize his father, who said softly to him, "Come here my son." Juan hugged him, crying, and said, "Look how they sent him to me, they deported him as if he were grown-up, as if he were a criminal, and he is a child." Juan called Elida to tell her that Gustavo had arrived. "Talk to your Mom and say hi to her," Juan said to his son, trying to hand him the phone. Gustavo burst into tears and refused to talk to her. He has not forgiven her for leaving him, Elida said. Then she, alone in Ciudad Juarez, also began to sob.

A migrant mother saw her disabled son walk into the US. Then he disappeared

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien targetted China as he accused the country of taking&nbsp;"active role" in interfering in US presidential elections.

O'Brien warned everyone trying to do such a thing of "extraordinary consequences". He assured that the US was going to everything to protect the "sanctity" of the elections.

When asked about efforts from other countries to meddle in US elections, O'brien acknowledged that there were always going to be such efforts.

"There's always going to be propaganda. There's always going to be efforts to influence us. And again, we know that the Chinese have taken the most active role but the Russians and the Iranians and other countries are involved as well," he said.

Obrien was addressing the media from the White House podium.

Foreign interference in US elections has become a hot topic since 2016 elections which put Donald Trump in the White House.

There were allegations that Russia had made efforts to influence the election process. A comprehensive investigation was also carried out under special counsel Robert Mueller. The investigation revelaed&nbsp;that Trump campaign had not criminally conspired with Russia to influence the election.

NSA Robert O'Brien on Saturday said that he was continuously monitoring the situation to detect any attempts by other countries to influence US Elections 2020.

US Elections are due in on November 3. Donald Trump will take on Democratic Party's Joe Biden. Current ratings show Trump trails Biden.

(With inputs from Reuters)

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien targetted China as he accused the country of taking "active role" in interfering in US presidential elections. O'Brien warned everyone trying to do such a thing of "extraordinary consequences".

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien targetted China as he accused the country of taking "active role" in interfering in US presidential elections. O'Brien warned everyone trying to do such a thing of "extraordinary consequences". He assured that the US was going to everything to protect the "sanctity" of the elections. When asked about efforts from other countries to meddle in US elections, O'brien acknowledged that there were always going to be such efforts. "There's always going to be propaganda. There's always going to be efforts to influence us. And again, we know that the Chinese have taken the most active role but the Russians and the Iranians and other countries are involved as well," he said. Obrien was addressing the media from the White House podium. Foreign interference in US elections has become a hot topic since 2016 elections which put Donald Trump in the White House. There were allegations that Russia had made efforts to influence the election process. A comprehensive investigation was also carried out under special counsel Robert Mueller. The investigation revelaed that Trump campaign had not criminally conspired with Russia to influence the election. NSA Robert O'Brien on Saturday said that he was continuously monitoring the situation to detect any attempts by other countries to influence US Elections 2020. US Elections are due in on November 3. Donald Trump will take on Democratic Party's Joe Biden. Current ratings show Trump trails Biden. (With inputs from Reuters)

US alleges 'active role' by China in election interference

The White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter China`s global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

According to an Aug. 27 White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) document seen by Reuters, the OMB directed U.S. agencies to submit "cross-cutting data on federal funding that aids or supports China, or that directly or indirectly counters China`s unfair competition and malign activities and influence globally."

China denies it engages in unfair competitive practices.

The document, titled "Strategic Competition with China Crosscut," does not say how the information will be used other than that it will "inform policymakers" of the myriad ways U.S. government spending involves China.

The United States and China have grown antagonistic toward each other with disagreements that stretch from a two-year-old trade war, to the Trump administration blaming Beijing for a lack of transparency about the spread of COVID-19.

The sweeping budget data request will be used to help policymakers and notes all funding should "reflect strategic priorities" when responding to China.

Some U.S. programs and spending under review dates back a decade or more. The document directs federal agencies to respond by Sept. 21.

A spokesman for OMB confirmed the agency effort, telling Reuters that "to ensure that the United States remains strong and in a position of strength against rival nations like China, OMB has asked federal agencies for all funding meant to counter China, or which could aid China."

The memo includes instructions on how to submit both classified and unclassified U.S. spending details and seeks details of all U.S. government funding directed for spending inside China.

The White House document asks for data for all U.S. government funding used to "counter malign Chinese influence or behavior incongruent with American interests."

It cites as examples "funding for programming to counter the One Belt One Road (OBOR) or Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); funding for military operations, equipment and infrastructure, the primary purpose of which is to deter aggressive Chinese behavior."

It also seeks details of "secondary" U.S. efforts on China like "marginal contributions which were necessary to maintain a U.S. lead over China in terms of voting power within key international organizations" and funding for other U.S. efforts.

The document also seeks data on U.S. government funding for programs whose primary purpose is to counter Chinese technological prowess in key sectors like 5G and wireless communications, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum computing, cyber and system security, advanced manufacturing and robotics, autonomous and electric vehicles, biotechnology, advanced energy, and space technologies.

The White House sought details of spending on technical assistance from U.S. government experts, bilateral funding for the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research center and any other U.S. bilateral economic assistance programs.

It also seeks data on "HHS (Health and Human Services) funding for CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), NIH (National Institutes of Health) and other programming in China."

The request also seeks details on any spending that "would overall contribute to Chinese GDP or technical capacities, including to Chinese government or military entities, State-owned commercial or industrial entities and entities functionally directed by" Chinese government leadership as well as grants or credit provided by U.S. supported international organizations.

Agencies must submit data on 2019 and 2020 budgets enacted into law, the 2021 Trump budget proposal and 2022 agency budget requests.

The budget review is just the latest effort that could lead to more actions against China.

Last week the United States blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and targeted individuals it said were part of construction and military actions in the South China Sea, the first such U.S. sanctions move against Beijing over the disputed strategic waterway.

The White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter China`s global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The White House has asked U.S. government agencies for extensive details of any funding that seeks to counter China`s global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. According to an Aug. 27 White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) document seen by Reuters, the OMB directed U.S. agencies to submit "cross-cutting data on federal funding that aids or supports China, or that directly or indirectly counters China`s unfair competition and malign activities and influence globally." China denies it engages in unfair competitive practices. The document, titled "Strategic Competition with China Crosscut," does not say how the information will be used other than that it will "inform policymakers" of the myriad ways U.S. government spending involves China. The United States and China have grown antagonistic toward each other with disagreements that stretch from a two-year-old trade war, to the Trump administration blaming Beijing for a lack of transparency about the spread of COVID-19. The sweeping budget data request will be used to help policymakers and notes all funding should "reflect strategic priorities" when responding to China. Some U.S. programs and spending under review dates back a decade or more. The document directs federal agencies to respond by Sept. 21. A spokesman for OMB confirmed the agency effort, telling Reuters that "to ensure that the United States remains strong and in a position of strength against rival nations like China, OMB has asked federal agencies for all funding meant to counter China, or which could aid China." The memo includes instructions on how to submit both classified and unclassified U.S. spending details and seeks details of all U.S. government funding directed for spending inside China. The White House document asks for data for all U.S. government funding used to "counter malign Chinese influence or behavior incongruent with American interests." It cites as examples "funding for programming to counter the One Belt One Road (OBOR) or Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); funding for military operations, equipment and infrastructure, the primary purpose of which is to deter aggressive Chinese behavior." It also seeks details of "secondary" U.S. efforts on China like "marginal contributions which were necessary to maintain a U.S. lead over China in terms of voting power within key international organizations" and funding for other U.S. efforts. The document also seeks data on U.S. government funding for programs whose primary purpose is to counter Chinese technological prowess in key sectors like 5G and wireless communications, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum computing, cyber and system security, advanced manufacturing and robotics, autonomous and electric vehicles, biotechnology, advanced energy, and space technologies. The White House sought details of spending on technical assistance from U.S. government experts, bilateral funding for the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research center and any other U.S. bilateral economic assistance programs. It also seeks data on "HHS (Health and Human Services) funding for CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), NIH (National Institutes of Health) and other programming in China." The request also seeks details on any spending that "would overall contribute to Chinese GDP or technical capacities, including to Chinese government or military entities, State-owned commercial or industrial entities and entities functionally directed by" Chinese government leadership as well as grants or credit provided by U.S. supported international organizations. Agencies must submit data on 2019 and 2020 budgets enacted into law, the 2021 Trump budget proposal and 2022 agency budget requests. The budget review is just the latest effort that could lead to more actions against China. Last week the United States blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and targeted individuals it said were part of construction and military actions in the South China Sea, the first such U.S. sanctions move against Beijing over the disputed strategic waterway.

White House asks US agencies to detail all China-related funding

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is set to assail the incumbent US president's, Donald Trump, stewardship of the coronavirus-ravaged economy on Friday as both campaigns kick into high gear with less than two months to go to the November 3 US election.

The US Labour Department is also slated to release its monthly jobs report, a key indicator of economic health that will provide some insight into the state of the country’s recovery from the downturn sparked by COVID-19.

Trump has seized upon the monthly reports as evidence that the recovery has been a dramatic one. But last month’s report showed some slowdown in employment growth, as the United States added 1.8 million jobs in July after a record-smashing June when the nation posted 4.8 million. The unemployment rate fell to 10.2 per cent.

Economists have said the August report likely will show the labour market faltering further.

Biden will deliver remarks from his home base of Wilmington, Delaware, after his busiest campaign week in months. Trump has no public events planned.

While the Labor Day holiday typically marks the beginning of a more intense phase of the White House race, both Biden and Trump got a head start in the past week with a flurry of activity following their back-to-back party conventions.

Biden traveled to Pittsburgh and Kenosha, Wisconsin, both in battleground states that help decide the election, to address the ongoing and sometimes violent protests over racial injustice and police brutality.

Trump also visited Kenosha -- a flashpoint city where anti-racist demonstrators have clashed with Trump supporters after the police shooting of a Black man -- and made stops in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, another key state.

Both campaigns have launched new ad blitzes in those swing states, with Biden hammering Trump`s handling of the pandemic and Trump hewing to his “law and order” theme criticizing rioters and protesters.

The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that the race has remained relatively stable over the last several weeks, with Biden holding a seven percentage point over Trump nationally.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is set to assail the incumbent US president's, Donald Trump, stewardship of the coronavirus-ravaged economy on Friday as both campaigns kick into high gear with less than two months to go to the November 3 US election.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is set to assail the incumbent US president's, Donald Trump, stewardship of the coronavirus-ravaged economy on Friday as both campaigns kick into high gear with less than two months to go to the November 3 US election. The US Labour Department is also slated to release its monthly jobs report, a key indicator of economic health that will provide some insight into the state of the country’s recovery from the downturn sparked by COVID-19. Trump has seized upon the monthly reports as evidence that the recovery has been a dramatic one. But last month’s report showed some slowdown in employment growth, as the United States added 1.8 million jobs in July after a record-smashing June when the nation posted 4.8 million. The unemployment rate fell to 10.2 per cent. Economists have said the August report likely will show the labour market faltering further. Biden will deliver remarks from his home base of Wilmington, Delaware, after his busiest campaign week in months. Trump has no public events planned. While the Labor Day holiday typically marks the beginning of a more intense phase of the White House race, both Biden and Trump got a head start in the past week with a flurry of activity following their back-to-back party conventions. Biden traveled to Pittsburgh and Kenosha, Wisconsin, both in battleground states that help decide the election, to address the ongoing and sometimes violent protests over racial injustice and police brutality. Trump also visited Kenosha -- a flashpoint city where anti-racist demonstrators have clashed with Trump supporters after the police shooting of a Black man -- and made stops in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, another key state. Both campaigns have launched new ad blitzes in those swing states, with Biden hammering Trump`s handling of the pandemic and Trump hewing to his “law and order” theme criticizing rioters and protesters. The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that the race has remained relatively stable over the last several weeks, with Biden holding a seven percentage point over Trump nationally.

Joe Biden set to criticise Trump on US economy as campaign intensifies

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday granted President Donald Trump's request to delay Manhattan's district attorney from accessing his tax returns in connection with a criminal probe of his business practices.

The unsigned order by a panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan was a victory for the president in his yearlong quest to block District Attorney Cyrus Vance from enforcing a grand jury subpoena for eight years of personal and corporate returns.

Trump has been challenging an Aug. 20 decision by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to let Vance obtain the returns from the president's longtime accounting firm Mazars USA.

The district attorney had wanted access to the returns even during Trump's appeal, but Tuesday's order ends that possibility for now. Oral arguments have been scheduled for Sept. 25.

A spokesman for Vance declined to comment.

Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's lawyers, said they were pleased with the order and looked forward to arguing the merits of the president's appeal.

Vance began his probe after news that Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen paid pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election about claimed sexual encounters with Trump, which the president has denied.

In July, the Supreme Court refused to block the subpoena, rejecting Trump's claim of absolute immunity from criminal probes while in the White House, but said Trump could raise other objections.

Trump is seeking re-election on Nov. 3. Vance has complained that dragging out the litigation has effectively given the Republican president the immunity he wanted.

Grand jury proceedings are held in secret, and if Trump's tax returns were handed over it could take months for the public to learn their contents.

The prior six presidents, both Republican and Democrat, from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, have released their tax returns.

Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump claimed that the subpoena from Vance, a Democrat, was "wildly overbroad" and issued in bad faith.

In seeking a stay, William Consovoy, another lawyer for Trump, told the appeals court that giving Vance a chance even to see the returns would cause the president irreparable harm.

"The status quo can never be restored," he said. "We can't make them forget what they learn."

Carey Dunne, a lawyer for Vance, downplayed that concern. "The toothpaste can be put back into the tube sufficiently to protect people's rights," he said.

Dunne also said each category of documents Vance sought was "directly relevant" to his probe, and Trump offered no specifics to suggest otherwise. 
&nbsp;

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday granted President Donald Trump's request to delay Manhattan's district attorney from accessing his tax returns in connection with a criminal probe of his business practices.

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday granted President Donald Trump's request to delay Manhattan's district attorney from accessing his tax returns in connection with a criminal probe of his business practices. The unsigned order by a panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan was a victory for the president in his yearlong quest to block District Attorney Cyrus Vance from enforcing a grand jury subpoena for eight years of personal and corporate returns. Trump has been challenging an Aug. 20 decision by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to let Vance obtain the returns from the president's longtime accounting firm Mazars USA. The district attorney had wanted access to the returns even during Trump's appeal, but Tuesday's order ends that possibility for now. Oral arguments have been scheduled for Sept. 25. A spokesman for Vance declined to comment. Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's lawyers, said they were pleased with the order and looked forward to arguing the merits of the president's appeal. Vance began his probe after news that Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen paid pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election about claimed sexual encounters with Trump, which the president has denied. In July, the Supreme Court refused to block the subpoena, rejecting Trump's claim of absolute immunity from criminal probes while in the White House, but said Trump could raise other objections. Trump is seeking re-election on Nov. 3. Vance has complained that dragging out the litigation has effectively given the Republican president the immunity he wanted. Grand jury proceedings are held in secret, and if Trump's tax returns were handed over it could take months for the public to learn their contents. The prior six presidents, both Republican and Democrat, from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, have released their tax returns. Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump claimed that the subpoena from Vance, a Democrat, was "wildly overbroad" and issued in bad faith. In seeking a stay, William Consovoy, another lawyer for Trump, told the appeals court that giving Vance a chance even to see the returns would cause the president irreparable harm. "The status quo can never be restored," he said. "We can't make them forget what they learn." Carey Dunne, a lawyer for Vance, downplayed that concern. "The toothpaste can be put back into the tube sufficiently to protect people's rights," he said. Dunne also said each category of documents Vance sought was "directly relevant" to his probe, and Trump offered no specifics to suggest otherwise.

US court grants Donald Trump delay for giving access to his tax returns

Representatives of Iran and the world powers are working to save the nuclear deal with Tehran agreed Tuesday in Vienna to do everything possible to preserve the landmark 2015 agreement in their first meeting since the United States announced a bid to restore United Nations sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

China says United States is sabotaging Iran nuclear deal

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