During China's annual political gathering referred to as the "two sessions," Wang Kuiran, a prominent official from Xinjiang, asserted that the region's textile industry is experiencing substantial growth despite ongoing US sanctions. Wang emphasized the development of a comprehensive medium to long-term plan aimed at bolstering Xinjiang's textile and garment sector, highlighting the government's intent to provide legal support for businesses affected by American trade restrictions. Wang's remarks came during a session of the Xinjiang delegation at this paramount event, where both national legislative and advisory bodies convene to address policy reviews and establish the yearly agenda. The discussion surrounding... [Continue Reading]
A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, has been convicted of plotting to kill former President Donald Trump and other high-profile US politicians. This conviction is tied to a plan initiated two years ago aimed at avenging the death of Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani, who was killed during an airstrike authorized by Trump in 2020. The case, which has significant implications for US-Iran relations and highlights international terrorism issues, was confirmed by the US Department of Justice. Merchant was accused of attempting to recruit operatives within the United States to participate in this assassination scheme. Federal prosecutors detailed that his targets... [Continue Reading]
Asif Merchant accused of trying to recruit people in 2024 plan to target Trump, Biden and other politicians in retaliation for killing of Qassem SuleimaniA Pakistani man has been convicted of planning to kill Donald Trump and other prominent US politicians two years ago at the behest of Iran.Asif Merchant was accused of trying to recruit people in the US in a plan targeting Trump and others in retaliation for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani in 2020, during Trump’s first term as president. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Thousands in Chicago honored civil rights ‘champion’ who ‘stepped forward again and again’, Obama saidAt the longtime civil rights activist’s memorial celebration on Friday, the Rev Jesse Jackson was remembered as a “champion” for the “poor and the dispossessed” – as well as “one of the most effective community and political organizers of our time”.Such tributes came from past Democratic US presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, along with former vice-president Kamala Harris, who received cheers and applause while they joined thousands of others in a Chicago church for a celebration of life for Jackson. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Former US presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to join thousands of mourners at a public memorial service for Jesse Jackson in Chicago that will honour the civil-rights activist and Democratic political leader. [Continue Reading]
The large-scale, public event in Chicago on Friday caps two weeks of memorials for Mr. Jackson, the civil rights leader, who died at 84. [Continue Reading]
Venezuela has officially announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with the United States, signaling a pivotal moment in their historically fraught partnership. This decision comes as part of a commitment by the Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, to enter a “new stage” of bilateral relations focused on mutual respect. The announcement was made on Thursday, following a two-day visit by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Venezuela, part of a broader initiative led by US President Donald Trump to enhance American access to Venezuela’s vast mineral resources. The re-establishment of diplomatic and consular relations between the two... [Continue Reading]
Mr. Parnas, who once tried to help find damaging information on Hunter Biden, said his background had turned him into “an advocate for speaking truth to power.” [Continue Reading]
Robert Malley, former US special envoy for Iran under Joe Biden and a key negotiator of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, told FRANCE 24 that the US-Israeli war against Iran is "not a justified war, not a necessary war and not a lawful war". For Malley, the "cacophony" over the conflict's rationale "reflects the fact that this is a joint Israeli-US decision" and a marriage of what US President Donald Trump "saw as a historic opportunity and a man who is driven by hubris and self-aggrandizement". [Continue Reading]
In the latest developments, Israel has intensified its military operations targeting Iranian assets in Tehran and surrounding areas, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports indicate that neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have reported fresh acts of aggression, while Qatar has taken precautionary measures by evacuating residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha. This latest phase of conflict suggests a significant escalation in Israel's approach to counter perceived threats from Iran. As part of the ongoing conflict, Iranian missile systems have reportedly launched an attack against U.S.-registered oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Iranian news agency... [Continue Reading]
Recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran have led to drastic disruptions in air travel across the Middle East, while also escalating security tensions surrounding US diplomatic missions in the region. Notably, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was struck by drones, resulting in limited fire and minor damage to the compound. Furthermore, over 54 flights connecting Hong Kong to the Middle East have been canceled, as widespread airspace closures continue disrupting travel plans. The recent military strikes on Iran have been described as part of an ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, which escalated dramatically after heightened... [Continue Reading]
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, recent joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian military targets have resulted in significant casualties, transforming the regional security landscape. Iranian officials have reported over 100 fatalities following these attacks, including the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a key figure in Iran's political landscape. These developments have reignited longstanding geopolitical conflicts and raised urgent questions regarding international law and military strategy in the region. The conflict commenced over the weekend when the combined operations reportedly aimed to thwart Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, as stated by US President Donald Trump.... [Continue Reading]
The recent decline in geopolitical stability in the Middle East has escalated following the confirmed death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a series of military actions attributed to the United States and Israel. Reports cite that Khamenei, who has held power since the Iranian Revolution, was killed in an operation designed to neutralize perceived threats from Iran's nuclear and militant aspirations. This unprecedented event has sent shockwaves throughout Iran and prompted immediate regional and international reactions. According to multiple sources, Khamenei died in airstrikes described as coordinated efforts by US and Israeli forces aimed at dismantling key... [Continue Reading]