China Virus Deaths Rise to 170 as Hit to Global Economy Looms
in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday. One rocket hit the embassy cafeteria while two others landed a short distance away, a source told AFP. At least three people were injured, security sources told Reuters. This would be the first time in years that staff have been hurt in such attacks. No group has claimed responsibility but the US has blamed Iran-backed military factions in Iraq in the past. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi condemned the attack, stating that the continuation of such acts could «drag Iraq into becoming a battlefield». The US State Department said: «We call on the Government of Iraq to fulfil its obligations to protect our diplomatic facilities.» Recent attacks have targeted the embassy or Iraqi military bases where American troops are deployed. Iraq has been dragged into a rapid deterioration in relations between Iran and the US in recent months.
White House Objects to Bolton Book; Trump Impeachment Trial Starts New Phase
The White House on Wednesday objected to the publication of a book written by President Donald Trump›s former national security adviser John Bolton that depicts Trump as playing a central role in a pressure campaign on Ukraine,
Hundreds of foreign evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan entered quarantine on Thursday as deaths from a fast-spreading virus rose to 170 and markets shuddered at the impact of an inevitable big hit to the world’s No. 2 economy. All eyes were on the World Health Organization (WHO), which has held off declaring the flu-like coronavirus a global emergency but was to reconsider that later in the day. Such a declaration would trigger tighter containment and information-sharing guidelines, but may disappoint Beijing, which had expressed confidence in defeating the “devil” virus. It could also potentially spook markets further. The day after a state economist forecast the crisis would lop a percentage point off China’s first quarter growth, global stocks tumbled, the yuan hit its lowest this year, oil prices slid again and safe haven assets like gold gained. as the Senate impeachment trial entered a new phase. A letter from the White House National Security Council to Bolton›s attorney said the manuscript based on a preliminary review appeared to contain «significant amounts of classified information» and could not be published without the deletion of this material. Some of the material was considered top secret, according to the letter. Democrats view Bolton as a key figure who could help them solidify their case against the president, and reports about the book›s contents appear to boost their arguments in the trial. Democrats want to call Bolton, a foreign policy hawk in several Republican administrations, and a small number of other officials to testify but many Republican senators have so far resisted the idea of having any witnesses.
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31/01/20
Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash
US basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California. Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames. The LA county sheriff said there were no survivors. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played for the LA Lakers throughout his career and is considered one of the greatest players in the game›s history. Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death. Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US.
