world news: 2017-11-05

Saturday, 11 November 2017

AP Interview: Israel planning UN action against Iran

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Following the surprising resignation of Lebanon's prime minister, Israel is planning a diplomatic offensive to step up pressure on Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah at the United Nations, a senior Israeli government minister said Thursday.

Trump to Asia: Unite on North Korea, but Go It Alone on Trade

By MARK LANDLER from NYT World http://ift.tt/2zt4Lfn

South Koreans Conflicted as Trump Tempts War

Richard Engel reports on the protests in South Korea both for and against a war with the north that Donald Trump is inching closer to, and looks at how some Koreans are dealing with the very immediate threat of death in the event of such a war.

Rep. Mike Honda: The California GOP Works for Trump, Not Voters

They have voted with him 97% of the time

Roy Moore Defiant Amid Growing Calls to Drop Out of Senate Race

The Alabama Senate Candidate made his first public comments since the Washington Post’s bombshell report alleging sexual misconduct with a minor on Sean Hannity’s radio show on Friday, calling the claims “completely false” and “politically motivated.”

Trump and Putin share brief handshake in Vietnam

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin briefly shook hands at a gala dinner during an Asia-Pacific summit on Friday after days of frenzied speculation on whether the two would meet. It is still unclear whether the pair plan to hold substantive talks during their visit to Vietnam following days of mixed messages from the Kremlin and the White House. Relations between Moscow and Washington have plummeted as a US probe has accused Trump's former campaign aides of secretly meeting Kremlin-connected officials -- a charge Russia denies.

Cameroon separatist attacks kill four security forces: government

YAOUNDE (Reuters) - Separatists from Cameroon's Anglophone region have killed four security forces in several attacks over the past few days, the government said on Saturday, an unprecedented violent turn to a movement that risks morphing into a full blown insurgency.

from Reuters: World News http://ift.tt/2i5nTWF

Lessons From Hurricane Harvey: Houston’s Struggle Is America’s Tale

By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN from NYT Climate http://ift.tt/2meyu6s

Taylor Swift’s First Mention in The Times Humbly Hinted at What Was to Come

By TALYA MINSBERG from NYT Arts http://ift.tt/2zxBfER

Donald Trump says the US will no longer tolerate 'chronic trade abuses', as he arrives in Vietnam

Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on “chronic trade abuses” on Friday, warning an audience of world leaders at a summit in Vietnam that he will always “put America first”. The US president also resumed his tough talk on North Korea as he sought to rally Asia-Pacific nations into confronting the “twisted fantasies” of Pyongyang’s young leader Kim Jong-un. Mr Trump was speaking to a gathering of CEOs at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the city of Danang after arriving from a three-day visit to Beijing were he had softened his tone on trade and North Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit at the Aryana Convention Center in Danang, Vietnam, Credit: AP But in Vientnam Mr Trump said that America will not "be taken advantage of any longer" with unequal trade policies. “We can no longer tolerate these chronic trade abuses and we will not tolerate them,” he said. He also struck a defiant tone towards Pyongyang, saying the region's future "must not be held hostage to a dictator's twisted fantasies of violent conquest and nuclear blackmail.” Donald Trump's in Asia tour, in pictures During his China trip he called on the North to “make a deal”, but also urged China and Russia to increase their efforts in reining in Pyongyang’s nuclear weapon’s programme. In Vietnam he reverted to the more direct language he used in South Korea earlier in his Asian tour when he spoke of the increasing threat to all nations from Pyongyang’s military build-up. Melania Trump meets the pandas at Beijing Zoo 00:55 “Every single step the North Korea regime takes toward more weapons is a step it takes into greater and greater danger,” he said. Meanwhile, Chinese president Xi Jinping, who is seeking to pitch Beijing as the centre of a new globalist order, told the summit that globalisation is an "irreversible historical trend". Confusion over Putin meeting The APEC meeting is also being attended by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who was expected by some to meet with Mr Trump. But mixed messages from Washington and Moscow continued on Friday on the potential talks. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said as the US president arrived in Vietnam that a “scheduling conflict” meant the leaders would not be able to formally meet. Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing Airport Credit: Reuters Her comments came a day after secretary of state Rex Tillerson said there was no reason for talks to take place when differences between Washington and Moscow exist over Syria and Ukraine. The White House said it was still possible that Mr Trump could hold an unofficial meeting with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the APEC summit, or later when both men will be in the Philippines. And the Kremlin said on Friday that Mr Putin will meet Mr Trump “one way or another”. Mr Trump’s presidency has been dogged by allegations that his election campaign colluded with Russia to help him get into the White House. An investigation into the matter led by Robert Mueller, the special counsel, recently brought criminal charges against three former advisers to Mr Trump. Chinese media upbeat over 'state visit plus' The US president flew to Vietnam from China, where he made a three-day visit which saw him praising Mr Xi. In one of his final Tweets from the Chinese capital he described his trip as being “very productive” and described Mr Xi as “highly respected”. China deploys a soldier to watch Donald Trump’s feet in case he fell on the stairs after talks with Xi Jinping http://pic.twitter.com/5aNOLw1YsA— Neil Connor (@neilaconnor) November 9, 2017 Chinese state media was upbeat on what was billed as a ‘state visit plus’ as Mr Trump flew to Vietnam without his wife, who was stayed in Beijing to visit a zoo and the Great Wall. The Global Times newspaper said Mr Trump was changing his views on China. He had “softening his tone” on trade and had “gradually learned that Beijing is indeed making selfless contributions” towards confronting Pyongyang, it said. Trump all smiles on 'positive' visit to China 01:24 The China Daily said that while differences that had been “pestering bilateral ties” had not “instantly disappeared,” it was positive on “the constructive approach to these issues the two leaders demonstrated.” After his visit to Vietnam, Mr Trump will on Saturday head to Manila for the East Asia Summit and a meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Mr Trump has also visited Japan during his five-nation 11 day tour of Asia.

Donald Trump shakes hands with Vladimir Putin at summit, after confusion about meeting

President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin have shaken hands at a summit in Vietnam, amid conflicting reports from the Kremlin and the White House over whether the pair would meet. The two leaders were spotted on video greeting one another ahead of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit gala dinner in the coastal city of Danang. Both sides previously expressed interest in a meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Da Nang, but an agreement on the details was not forthcoming. As Mr Trump was about to land on Friday, the White House announced no meeting would take place. Mr Trump’s presidency has been dogged by allegations that his election campaign colluded with Russia to help him get into the White House. Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists earlier on Friday that although discussion was continuing between the two retinues, the leaders would be sure to speak. Donald Trump shakes hands with Russia's President Vladimir Putin as they pose for a group photo ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit leaders gala dinner in the central Vietnamese city of Danang on November 10 Credit: AFP “For now there is no clarity. Contradictory information has been coming from our American colleagues,” Mr Peskov said. “The meeting will happen on the sidelines one way or another.” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told journalists on Friday that Mr Trump would not meet formally with his Russian counterpart, but left the door open for a more impromptu chat. “Are they going to bump into each other and say hello? Certainly possible and likely,” Ms Sanders said. Mr Trump's relationship with Russia is under intense scrutiny in Washington, and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation hit three former Trump advisors with charges related to Russia and Ukraine late last month. No formal Trump Putin meeting @PressSec says. Only that they may "bump" into each other http://pic.twitter.com/mMKrSUURii— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 10, 2017 Last weekend, the president said he expected to meet with Mr Putin in Vietnam and wanted his help in raising pressure on North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme. But secretary of state Rex Tillerson appeared to walk that back on Thursday, when he said the meeting was “still under consideration”. Vladimir Putin arrives in Vietnam on Friday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Credit: Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images Also on Thursday, Mr Putin said the United States was attempting to interfere in Russia's presidential election next year through accusations of doping in sport. An aide to Mr Putin said on Thursday that he and Mr Trump could discuss Syria and North Korea at the forum. The two presidents met in July on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

The Excuses Men Are Making For Roy Moore

There were four women on the record saying that the Alabama Senate GOP nominee had pursued them when they were teenagers and he was in his 30s. Moore has vehemently denied the accusations, particularly in the case of Corfman.

China Is Trying to Bribe North Korea into Good Behavior. Here Is What That Means for America.

Understanding this relationship has important implications on how the United States can effectively deter North Korea. China Is Trying to Bribe North Korea into Good Behavior. As President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing this week, not much about the North Korea crisis has changed since their Mar-a-Lago summit in April.

Veterans Day 2017: When is it and how does the US mark it?

It also coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries to mark the end of World War I. The US previously observed Armistice Day, but the holiday was was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11.

Trump, Duterte meet for first time at APEC summit

U.S. President Donald Trump met Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for the first time at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam on Saturday. The meeting was "short but was warm and cordial," Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, told reporters. Trump told Duterte "see you tomorrow," Roque said.

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Trump: 'I really believe' Putin saying he didn't meddle in 2016 election

11/11/17 8:48 AM

The Latest: Church shooter's dad says family is grieving

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — The Latest on the Texas church shooting (all times local):

K-9 Comfort Dogs Report for Duty in Texas: 'They Don't Judge'

The K-9 Comfort Dogs have been dispatched to help soothe the victims of the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Florida woman buys almost $2,000 worth of electronics but only pays $3.70, say police

A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly paying only $3.70(£2.82) for nearly $2,000(£1522.42) worth of electronics at a Walmart self-checkout. A Walmart loss prevention employee told police he saw 25-year-old Cheyenne Amber West walk into his store in Indian River County with another woman, later identified by police as her mother. The employee said the women started taking video game controllers, a computer, and other electronics off the shelves.

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week

Kids may say the darndest things, but parents tweet about them in the funniest ways.

Putin and Trump talk Syria, election meddling at brief meeting

DANANG, Vietnam (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed a statement on Syria during a brief meeting at a summit in Vietnam on Saturday and Putin again dismissed allegations of meddling in last year's U.S. election.

from Reuters: World News http://ift.tt/2AAfLVL

New Details on Robert Mueller's Investigation of Michael Flynn

Sources: Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the allegation that Michael Flynn was offered up to $15 Million to complete a deal with Turkey while working on the presidential transition team.

In the Air Force, Texas Gunman Showed Signs of Depression and Rage

By DAVE PHILIPPS, RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr. and SERGE F. KOVALESKI from NYT U.S. http://ift.tt/2jiMwCP

Trump Sides With Putin Over U.S. Intelligence On Election Meddling

President Donald Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that the Kremlin did not attempt to interfere in the 2016 election, contradicting the conclusions of U.S. intelligence agencies and Congress.

1st trial stemming from Texas biker fight ends in mistrial

WACO, Texas (AP) — A judge declared a mistrial Friday in a case involving a leader of the Bandidos biker gang after jurors said they were hopelessly deadlocked in the first trial stemming from the deadliest shootout between biker groups in U.S. history.

Trump Says Putin ‘Means It’ About Not Meddling

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS from NYT World http://ift.tt/2Ax6Vaq

White House: No formal Trump-Putin meeting on Asia trip

DANANG, Vietnam (AP) — President Donald Trump will not have a formal sit-down with Russian President Vladimir Putin while the two attend a summit, the White House said Friday shortly before Trump landed in Vietnam, the fourth stop on his first official visit to Asia.

Mueller Probing Possible Deal Between Turks, Flynn During Presidential Transition

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is looking into whether ousted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn agreed to an alleged offer of roughly 15 million dollars for a quid-pro-quo with the Turkish government just weeks before Trump’s inauguration.

Angry mob lights baby elephant on fire with flaming tar ball in horrific photo

A horrific photo of a mother and baby elephant fleeing an angry mob in West Bengal, India, has won the top award in a wildlife photography competition.

Trevor Noah Declares The Real Election Winner: 'Karma'

Ralph Northam’s victory over Ed Gillespie for governor in Virginia headlined a triumphant election night for many Democrats.

Republicans Say Roy Moore Should Withdraw From Senate Race If Allegations Are True

Republicans distanced themselves from GOP Alabama Senate nominee Roy Moore on Thursday after a woman alleged that the controversial judge sexually assaulted her when she was 14 years old.

U.S. Enters New Cold War with North Korea

Tom Brokaw looks back at how the threat of mutually assured destruction kept the threat of nuclear war at bay between the United States and the Soviet Union, and whether the same cold war dynamics apply as North Korea joins the nuclear club.

Rex Tillerson warns Iran and Saudi Arabia: don't use Lebanon for 'proxy conflicts'

Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, warned Saudi Arabia and Iran yesterday not to use Lebanon as “a venue for proxy conflicts” amid fears that their power struggle would destabilise the small country and cause fresh chaos in the region. One week after after Saad Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister, abruptly resigned during a trip to Saudi Arabia questions continued to mount over whether he was being effectively held prisoner in Riyadh. The tensions over Mr Hariri’s fate and other issues prompted the United Nations secretary general to appeal for calm and warn that a fresh conflict in Lebanon would have “devastating consequences” for the Middle East. “The United States supports the stability of Lebanon and is opposed to any actions that could threaten that stability,” Mr Tillerson said in a statement. “The United States cautions against any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country.” Without naming specific countries or groups, he said all regional players must “respect the integrity and independence” of the Lebanese government and military and called Mr Hariri “a strong partner of the United States”. Emmanuel Macron spent two hours in Saudi Arabia meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's powerful crown prince His statement came amid concerns that Mr Hariri had been forced to resign by Saudi Arabia as part of its efforts to counter Iranian influence in Lebanon. It also contrasted with tweets from Donald Trump, who said he had “great confidence” in Saudi Arabia and the leadership of its aggressive young crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Mr Hariri has remained in Saudi Arabia since resigning on Saturday, and while he has met with Western diplomats he has not done any interviews nor made contact with some of his closest aides. Many Lebanese suspect he is under house arrest in and Lebanon’s president has said he will not accept his resignation until he returns to the country to deliver it in person. Even Mr Hariri’s own political party, the Future Movement, has indicated he is being held against his will. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, visited Riyadh briefly on Thursday and the French government gave mixed signals over whether it felt Mr Hariri was at liberty or not. Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French foreign minister, said he though the Lebanese politician was “free of his movements” but a spokesman later appeared to walk the comment back and called for him to be able to return to Lebanon. Posters in solidarity with Mr Hariri have gone up in parts of Lebanon Credit: REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir Both the US and Germany said they had seen no evidence that Mr Hariri was being held captive. The leader of Hizbollah, the Shia militant group which plays a major role in Lebanon’s politics, said Mr Hariri was a prisoner in Saudi Arabia and that his detention was an insult to all Lebanese. António Guterres, the UN secretary general, expressed fears that the tensions would lead to a fresh conflict in Lebanon, eleven years after fierce fighting between Israel and Hizbollah left thousands dead. "It is essential that no new conflict erupt in the region,” Mr Guterres said. "It would have devastating consequences." Most analysts expect that neither Hizbollah nor Israel are seeking war and that if Saudi Arabia does lash out against Lebanon it is likely to be in the form of economic sanctions, like those it imposed on Qatar.

Reckoning in Saudi Arabia

Aaron David Miller, Richard Sokolsky

Barack Obama says Democrat election wins are 'what happens when the people vote'

Barack Obama has celebrated victories for Democrats in the first US statewide elections since Donald Trump entered the White House. Congrats Ralph Northam and Phil Murphy,” Mr Obama said in a Twitter post.

Hezbollah media unit: Islamic State leader reported in Syrian town

A Hezbollah-run media unit said on Friday Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was reported to have been in the Syrian town of Albu Kamal during the Syrian army and its allies' operation to clear it. The military unit did not say what had happened to Baghdadi, give further details or identify its sources. The U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State said on Friday it had no "releasable information" on Baghdadi's whereabouts.