Trump claims Iran planning ‘sneak attack’ on US troops in Iraq
President Trump warned that Iran and its allies are planning to attack American troops “and/or assets” in Iraq.
World News
Dutch Daily: ‘World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis’
With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: “World searching for LEADER.” De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that “Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.” Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: “While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas’ Three Musketeers because “one for all and all for one” has been replaced by “own people first.”
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
North Korea fires more missiles than ever amid coronavirus outbreak
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches that South Korea decried as ‘inappropriate’ amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
US-led coalition pulls out of third Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
Former British PM parrots “One Health” global governance paradigm as necessary response to coronavirus
Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a “temporary” one-world government as a supposed relief effort for economies hit by fear of spreading disease.
‘Iran may well collapse’ under coronavirus strain, warns top EU diplomat
Iran’s theocratic regime could crumble under the pressure of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread through elite ranks and the broader population alike, according to the European Union’s top diplomat.
G20 leaders pledge $5tn in ‘united’ response to coronavirus crisis
G20 nations pledged a ‘united front’ Thursday in the fight against coronavirus, saying they were injecting $5 trillion into the global economy to counter the pandemic amid forecasts of a deep recession.
Mobile phone companies slated to become instruments of state surveillance
National governments across the world are joining with telecom companies to collect private mobile phone user data and erode privacy standards, using the fear of a global pandemic as a justification for tracking citizens.
European Union finance ministers deadlock on coronavirus economic strategy
Finance ministers fell short of agreement Tuesday night on an EU-wide strategy to fight an economic slump caused by the coronavirus.
U.S., Seoul call on North Korea to stop ‘inappropriate’ missile tests
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military, in a move that highlights the country’s continuing military expansion amid a global health pandemic.
Will the Coronavirus bring the end of cash? Could this crisis introduce Central Bank cryptocurrencies?
The ongoing spread of the coronavirus has spurred government agencies to warn its citizenry against the use of paper currency and coins. Meanwhile, Central Banks around the world are considering the use of cryptocurrency in the future.
‘Under control’: Putin seeks referendum vote despite coronavirus outbreak
Even the new coronavirus can’t stop President Vladimir Putin when his power is on the line. As rumors abound that Russia’s capital is about to be locked down to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19, Mr. Putin said this week that an April 22 nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that could keep him in power until 2036 will proceed as planned.
European Central Bank announces €750B coronavirus stimulus
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced an economic stimulus program worth €750 billion Wednesday night.
Coronavirus Ravages Middle East as Iran Warns of ‘Millions’ of Deaths
From Jerusalem’s Western Wall to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, the coronavirus is changing the Middle East and people in the region are adjusting to a new normal.
African locust swarm headed for Middle East
An ‘unprecedented’ locust swarm is forming in the Horn of Africa, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and is expected to cause major food shortages across Africa and the Middle East later this summer.
EU will close borders for 30 days to slow coronavirus outbreak
The European Union announced that member nations will close the EU’s external borders for the next 30 days to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it ‘stands ready’ to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Putin Formally Signs Off on Constitutional Changes That Allow Him to Extend Power
Vladimir Putin has formally signed off on constitutional amendments that would allow the Russian leader to run again for president in 2024, the Interfax news agency reported on March 14.
WHO: Europe Replaces China as Epicenter of Virus Pandemic
The World Health Organization says Europe has replaced China as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.