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Donald Trump to Review Refugee Deal with Australia

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump to Review Refugee Deal with Australia

President Donald Trump says he will review an Obama-era agreement to take up to 1250 refugees from Australian detention camps on Nauru and Manus after a phone conversation with Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull.

The president called the conversation “the worst by far” of his calls with world leaders that day, and cut it short, The Washington Post reported.

Donald Trump later tweeted that he would “study this dumb deal”.

Australia has controversially refused to accept the asylum seekers and instead holds them in offshore detention centers on the Pacific nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

PM Malcolm Turnbull had been seeking clarification on the future of the deal after President Trump on January 27 signed an executive order temporarily barring the entry into the US of refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The phone call between Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull took place on January 28, and was one of four the president had with world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Image source Wikimedia

The Washington Post quotes senior US officials, briefed on the call, as saying that the conversation should have lasted an hour but was abruptly ended after 25 minutes by President Trump.

Malcolm Turnbull was seeking assurances from Donald Trump that the deal would be honored.

Donald Trump reportedly said accepting the refugees would be like the US accepting “the next Boston bombers”, who were from the Caucasus region of Russia.

The official version of the call from the US was brief, but said both leaders had “emphasized the enduring strength and closeness of the US-Australia relationship”.

On January 30, Malcolm Turnbull confirmed he had spoken to Donald Trump and thanked him for agreeing to uphold the deal.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer has since also said President Trump intends to uphold the deal.

However, Donald Trump’s tweet on February 1 – coming after the Washington Post report – has thrown fresh doubt on the arrangement.

Malcolm Turnbull later said he was disappointed that details of the call – which he described as “very frank and forthright” – had been made public.

The prime minister told a Sydney radio station that “the report that the president hung up is not correct”.

Australia announced in November 2016 that the United States had agreed to a one-off deal to resettle refugees currently being held on Nauru and Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, would oversee the deal and the “most vulnerable” would be prioritized, Malcolm Turnbull said.

No numbers were given and Australian Immigration Department Secretary Mike Pezzullo later told a Senate inquiry that, while those who were eligible could express an interest, it was up to the US to decide how many people it wanted to take.

A total of 1,254 people were being held in the two camps, 871 on Manus Island and 383 in Nauru, as of 30 November 2016, according to Australian government statistics.

Donald Trump’s tweet incorrectly labeled refugees as illegal, and recast the number who might be resettled as “thousands”.

Australia refuses to accept refugees who arrive by boat, under a tough deterrent policy. It has already struck resettlement deals with Cambodia and PNG, but only a handful of refugees have been resettled. Critics say the two nations are completely ill-equipped to resettle refugees.

So the US deal was a boon to the Australian government from a close political and military ally.

Australia has faced fierce international criticism for its offshore detention policy and which wants to close the Manus Island camp. Conditions in the offshore camps have been roundly condemned by rights groups, who say the policy is punitive and inflicts harm on refugees.

According to official figures, about 80% of those held on Manus Island and Nauru have been found to be genuine refugees (those found not to be are not eligible for the US deal).

All of the occupants of Manus Island are male. By far the largest number are from Iran, followed by Afghanistan and Iraq. There are also sizeable contingents from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar.

The Nauru camp holds men, women and children. Again the largest number come from Iran, followed by Sri Lanka and those who are stateless.

Some of those being held have spent several years in the camps awaiting a decision on their fate.

Defense Secretary James Mattis Visits South Korea

Roy Siemens
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0
Defense Secretary James Mattis Visits South Korea

Defense secretary James Mattis is visiting South Korea on the first foreign trip by a senior official in the Trump administration.

James Mattis is expected to use the visit to reassure Seoul of continuing US commitment to security deals in the face of threats from North Korea.

While campaigning, Donald Trump accused South Korea and Japan of not paying enough for US military support.

Donald Trump also suggested they could be allowed to arm themselves with nuclear weapons.

Both Japan and South Korea rejected this idea.

Image source Wikimedia

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump also said he was willing to talk to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, contradicting longstanding US, South Korean and Japanese policy.

James Mattis will be in South Korea until February 3, and will hold talks with his Korean counterpart, Han Min-koo, among other officials.

The Pentagon said the visit would “underscore the commitment of the United States to our enduring alliances with Japan and the Republic of Korea, and further strengthen US-Japan-Republic of Korea security cooperation”.

James Mattis told reporters he would discuss the planned deployment of a US missile defence system in South Korea, and North Korea’s nuclear program.

His visit comes amid increasing threats from North Korea that it is ready to test-fire a new intercontinental ballistic missile at any time.

Under the Obama administration, the US and South Korea agreed to the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to defend the South from North Korean missiles.

However, the move has angered China, which says it threatens its own security and goes “far beyond the defense needs of the Korean peninsula”.

There are just under 28,500 US military personnel based in South Korea, as part of a post-war arrangement. South Korea pays about $900 million annually towards the deployment.

On February 3, James Mattis will travel to Japan, for talks with Defense Minister Tomomi Inada.

There are a further 50,000 soldiers plus their dependents and support staff in Japan. The US pays about $5.5 billion for its Japanese bases in 2016, with Japan paying a further $4 billion.

Rex Tillerson Confirmed as Donald Trump’s Secretary of State

Diane A. Wade
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Rex Tillerson Confirmed as Donald Trump’s Secretary of State

Former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson has been confirmed by the Senate to become President Donald Trump’s secretary of state.

Rex Tillerson, 64, was cleared for full Senate approval in a 56-43 vote.

The vote came after Senate Republicans changed the rules in order to approve President Trump’s nominees for health and treasury, despite a Democratic boycott.

Rex Tillerson, who has never held political office, faced intense scrutiny over his ties to Russia.

The former oil chief forged multibillion-dollar deals with Russia’s state oil company, Rosneft, and was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Kremlin in 2013.

Image source Flickr

In his Senate confirmation hearing, the Texan native admitted that the West had reason to be alarmed by Russian aggression, but he refused under questioning to label Vladimir Putin a war criminal.

As America’s top diplomat, Rex Tillerson will handle relations with countries including China and Russia and negotiate matters such as climate change and human rights, on behalf of President Trump.

The Senate voted largely along party lines, despite speculation that some Republicans would not approve his nomination.

Though some critics suggested Rex Tillerson would not be able to give up his corporate interests, supporters contended his background as a global dealmaker would bring fresh perspective to the role.

Rex Tillerson’s confirmation was more contentious than those of his predecessors.

The Senate confirmed President Barack Obama’s selections John Kerry 94-3 and Hillary Clinton 94-2.

President George W. Bush’s secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, was confirmed 85-13 while Colin Powell was approved by a voice vote.

Beyonce Is Pregnant with Twins

Lisa.Felice
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Beyonce Is Pregnant with Twins

Beyonce has revealed she is pregnant with twins.

Using Instagram make the big announcement, the singer and her husband Jay Z said they “have been blessed two times over”.

“We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two,” Beyonce and Jay Z wrote, and “we thank you for your well wishes”.

The post, signed “The Carters”, has a photo of Beyonce with a baby bump.

Beyonce and Jay Z already have a daughter, Blue Ivy, who has just turned five.

The singer has been nominated in nine categories for the 2017 Grammy Awards, extending her lead as the most-nominated woman in Grammys history.

Beyonce, 35, is due to headline the Coachella music festival in southern California in April.

The announcement gave no indication of the babies’ due date.

In 2011, Beyonce revealed her pregnancy to fans during the MTV Awards.

She opened her performance of Love On Top by announcing: “I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me.”

During the closing bars of the song, Beyonce opened her jacket to reveal her baby bump. The camera then cut to Jay Z, who was being congratulated by Kanye West.

Blue Ivy went on to inspire a song on Beyonce’s self-titled album, and appeared several times in last year’s Lemonade.

Jay Z revealed in the lyrics to his track Glory that Beyonce suffered a miscarriage before the birth of Blue Ivy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te43tp1g9L0

Be Top To Toe Polished: Men’s Edition

Dana R
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Be Top To Toe Polished: Men’s Edition

Some folks think being a man is easier than being a woman, especially when it come to fashion. But they don’t really realize all the effort it take to look groomed from head to toe. There are many aspects of your look to get on point if you want to look your best. Read on to find out, just what they are.

Hair

Your hair is like a hat that you never take off, so it is definitely worth investing in it! That means regular trips to the barbers to keep in its style. As well as using products to condition and style it. The power of products should not be underestimated! Remember manageable hair, is hair that does what you want, and looks great.  

haircut

Image

Face

Of course, there is no point spending hours on your hair if you are going to ignore you face. Most fellas draw the line at wearing makeup, but even without piling on the slap there’s plenty you can do look your best.

Firstly stay as hydrated as possible. So drink a lot of water, and ditch the cigarettes too. As these will prematurely age the delicate skin on your face around your eyes and mouth.

It’s also a good idea to exfoliate regularly, as this will reveal the fresher, newer skin underneath. You should also moisturize to protect your skin for as long as possible. You don’t want end up looking like this trucker now do you?

Scent

Along with your face and hair, you should also consider the fragrance that you wear. The most important thing about getting the right sentence is picking one that is age appropriate. If you are 20, don’t wear your grandfather’s aftershave! If you’re 50, spray deodorant in a can is not a valid replacement for a decent scent!

Some folks worry about the cost of a decent aftershave, though. But to get around this problem, look for vouchers on sites like http://www.plusvouchercode.co.uk/offers-discount-code-amazon.html. Then you can wear  classic fragrances without the classic price tag.

Underwear

Before you get onto the outfit, you will be wearing it is important to have the right undergarments as well. Men’s underwear is pretty varied these days, so you want to get something that is comfortable for all day wear, but that is also stylish. Think socks in this season’s shade and boxers, not Y- fronts.

Shirt

Once you have the basic undergarments sorted then you can start to build the outfit you will wear to finish your look. Start with a shirt. Most men tall or short, skinny or big look great in a nice, smart shirt.
shirt

Picture here

Just make sure it fits around the neck and chest and whatever you do tuck it in, please!

Trousers

Tailor your choice of trouser to the occasion. Work trousers usually need to be smart black, or gray. But for informal situations, you can wear chinos or jeans if you choose.

Accessories

Accessories for men are always a great way to enhance your outfit, no matter the formality of the occasion.

If you’re getting ready for work, or for an event like a wedding, then consider choosing an accessory like a lapel pin or a pocket square. They add a little something to extra to a sometimes unexciting shirt and tie combination.

If you’re just heading out with friends then a casual accessory like a bracelet, necklace or a ring works really nicely and is easy to style. Earrings for men are also a great choice if you have your ears pierced.

Shoes

Last, but not least make sure that you have a good pair of shoes on. Stylish footwear is essential. Remember women always look at the date shoes! So be prepared.

Salvează

Salvează

Donald Trump Calls on Pharmaceutical Companies to Lower Drug Prices

Clyde K. Valle
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Donald Trump Calls on Pharmaceutical Companies to Lower Drug Prices

President Donald Trump has called on pharmaceutical companies to lower huge drug prices.

During a White House meeting with senior pharmaceutical executives President Trump told the companies to manufacture more of their drugs in the US.

However, the president also vowed to help the companies by speeding the approval of new medicines and by cutting taxes.

Donald Trump’s pledges helped to send shares in many of the biggest US drugmakers higher on January 31.

Pharmaceutical companies have faced intense criticism from US politicians – including Donald Trump – as well as insurance companies and patients’ groups over the high cost of new medicines and price hikes in some older generic drugs.

Image source Flickr

Among those attending the meeting were executives from Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Amgen and the head of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) lobbying group.

Donald Trump told them in the meeting: “US drug companies have produced extraordinary results for our country but the pricing has been astronomical for our country, we have to do better.

“We have to get even better innovation, and I want you to move your companies back to the United States.”

To help the drugmakers, Donald Trump said his administration was “going to be lowering taxes big league”.

“We’re going to be getting rid of regulations that are unnecessary – big league,” he added.

Donald Trump’s promise to speed up approvals by the FDA for new medicines sparked strong gains in pharmaceutical shares.

Shares in Merck and Amgen rose by about 1% while Novartis was up more than 2% on Wall Street.

The NASDAQ Biotech Index gained nearly 3% after the meeting and the S&P 500 health care index rose 1.4%.

Investors had sold off shares in drugmakers in recent weeks following heavy criticism from Donald Trump – supported by Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders – over drug pricing.

However, senior pharmaceutical executives welcomed Donald Trump’s proposals on January 31 to cut taxes and loosen regulations.

Marine Le Pen Refuses to Repay Misspent EU Funds

Diane A. Wade
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Marine Le Pen Refuses to Repay Misspent EU Funds

France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen missed a European Parliament deadline to return more than 300,000 euros ($321,000) it says she has misspent.

Marine Le Pen had until midnight to repay the money, but said she had no intention of doing so.

According to the European Parliament, the French presidential candidate wrongly used the funds to pay an aide at the National Front’s headquarters in Paris.

Marine Le Pen says she is the victim of a politically motivated vendetta.

If she does not repay the money, the parliament could now respond by withholding as much as half of her salary and allowances, which her opponents say total almost €11,000 a month.

Marine Le Pen is one of the front-runners in the French presidential election to be held in April and May. If she wins, she has promised a Brexit-style referendum on France’s membership of the EU.

Polls suggest that Marine Le Pen will make it to the run-off where she is likely to face conservative candidate Francois Fillon or centrist Emmanuel Macron.

“I will not submit to the persecution, a unilateral decision taken by political opponents… without proof and without waiting for a judgement from the court action I have started,” she told Reuters on January 31.

The money the European Parliament wants returned was used to pay the salary of Catherine Griset, a close friend of Marine Le Pen as well as her cabinet director.

The funds were conditional on Catherine Griset spending most of her working time in Brussels or Strasbourg.

However, the parliament says most of Catherine Griset’s time was instead spent working in the National Front’s headquarters in Paris. The party will face a second demand for 41,554 euros in wages paid to her bodyguard.

Marine Le Pen also tried to distance herself from financial allegations overshadowing Republican candidate Francois Fillon, who has vigorously denied that his wife was paid 834,000 euros for fake jobs.

Asked if she would pay back the money, the far-right leader told AFP: “To pay the money back, I’d have had to have received the funds, but my name isn’t Francois Fillon.”

Quite apart from her refusal to pay back the funds, Marine Le Pen might struggle to find the money. Her party has been unable to raise funds from French banks and has had to seek financing abroad.

In 2014, the FN received a €9 million loan from Russian lender First Czech-Russian Bank, which collapsed in 2016.

Donald Trump Nominates Neil Gorsuch for Supreme Court

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Nominates Neil Gorsuch for Supreme Court

Colorado federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch is President Donald Trump’s nomination for the Supreme Court.

If confirmed by the Senate, Neil Gorsuch, 49, would restore the court’s conservative majority, lost with the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The Senate Democratic leader has said he has “very serious doubts” about Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination.

The court has the final legal word on many of the most sensitive issues, from abortion to gender to gun control.

President Trump said Judge Gorsuch had a “superb intellect, an unparalleled legal education, and a commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to text”.

“Judge Gorsuch has outstanding legal skills, a brilliant mind, tremendous discipline, and has earned bipartisan support,” he said.

Neil Gorsuch was picked from a shortlist of 21 choices, which Donald Trump made public during the election campaign.

Image source Getty Images

Accepting the nomination, Neil Gorsuch said: “It is the role of judges to apply, not alter, the work of the people’s representatives. A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.”

Judge Gorsuch is a so-called originalist, meaning he believes the US Constitution should be followed as the Founding Fathers intended.

If successful, Neil Gorsuch’s nomination will restore the 5-4 conservative majority on the nine-seat high court.

Protests against Donald Trump’s choice were held outside the Supreme Court following the announcement.

Neil Gorsuch’s nomination is expected to spark a political showdown in the Senate.

Former President Barack Obama had put forward Judge Merrick Garland after Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in February 2016.

However, Republicans refused to debate the choice, saying it was too close to an election, which left Democrats embittered.

Even if Judge Neil Gorsuch makes it through the Senate Judiciary Committee, he will still face challenges when the entire chamber convenes for a final vote.

Democrats may seek to prevent that second vote by prolonging or filibustering the debate. In that case, the nomination would need 60 votes rather than a simple majority.

With Republicans only holding 52 Senate seats, they may have to change Senate rules in order to approve Donald Trump’s nominee.

The Supreme Court is often the ultimate arbiter on highly contentious laws, disputes between states and the federal government, and final appeals to stay executions.

The highest court hears fewer than 100 cases a year and the key announcements are made in June.

Each of the nine justices serves a lifetime appointment after being nominated by the president and approved by the Senate.

The Supreme Court already has cases this term on the rights of transgender students, gerrymandered voting districts and on the Texas death penalty determination.

It is also likely the court will hear cases on voter rights, abortion, racial bias in policing and US immigration policy, and possibly on Donald Trump’s controversial executive order banning refugees.

Democrats Boycott Steven Mnuchin and Tom Price’s Hearing

Diane A. Wade
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Democrats Boycott Steven Mnuchin and Tom Price’s Hearing

Democrats have boycotted a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee in which Steven Mnuchin, Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury secretary, and Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), President Trump’s nominee for health and human services secretary, would have likely been approved for consideration by the full Senate.

They said they wanted more information about the financial activities of health nominee Tom Price and treasury pick Steven Mnuchin.

A vote on attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions was also postponed.

On January 30, the acting attorney general was sacked for questioning the legality of Donald Trump’s immigration order.

It imposes a temporary travel ban on seven mainly-Muslim countries.

Acting Attorney General Sally Yates had been appointed by President Barack Obama.

Finance Committee Democrats told reporters outside the hearing that they were seeking more information about Tom Price’s trading in health company stock.

The Georgia Congressman has been nominated for the post of health and human services secretary in the new administration.

The senators said they were also concerned by reports of financier Steven Mnuchin’s behavior involving foreclosures at his former bank OneWest.

However, Senator Orrin Hatch, the Republican committee chair, described the Democrats’ behavior as “posturing and acting like idiots”, AP reported.

A battle also raged in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Jeff Sessions came under heavy criticism.

An early Donald Trump backer, Senator Jeff Sessions has faced racism allegations which overshadowed his confirmation hearings.

Committee chairman Senator Chuck Grassley began January 31 meeting by saying that neither Jeff Sessions nor any of his current staff, “had a role in formulating or drafting the executive orders” – including the controversial travel ban.

Several Democratic Senators spoke in the committee meeting to say that they intended to vote against the 69-year-old Alabama senator.

Senator Diane Feinstein criticized his role in Donald Trump’s election campaign and his closeness to the new president during it.

“It is very difficult to reconcile for me the independence and objectivity necessary for the position of attorney general with the partisanship this nominee has demonstrated,” she said.

The Democrats’ lengthy speeches extended the hearing into the afternoon, eventually forcing Sen. Chuck Grassley to postpone the vote until February 1.

If Jeff Sessions’ nomination is approved by the judiciary committee, the full Senate – where Republicans hold a 52-48 majority – is expected to vote on it by the end of the week.

The Alabama senator faced two days of tough questioning during his confirmation hearings this month.

One of the most conservative members of the Senate, Jeff Sessions was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 after the judiciary committee heard testimony about his remarks on race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkg4YkwwxEw

5 Ways the Internet of Things can Inspire Start-ups

Nancy Clayson
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5 Ways the Internet of Things can Inspire Start-ups

Technology, at its best, enables us to live more efficient, creative, and innovative lives. The next wave of technology is the Internet of Things. It’s often described as a futuristic concept, but in practice, it’s already here. The IoT will be a particular boon to small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs. It allows business owners to make more informed decisions, while streamlining manufacturing and operations to open up time for creativity. Small business will benefit from this agility, and new start-ups can potentially thrive in this highly connected environment. Here are five ways that the IoT will benefit start-ups in particular.

  1. Devices are becoming more intuitive.

At its heart, the Internet of Things revolves around the things themselves. It’s defined by these devices, which are outfitted with sensors and connected to the internet. This allows vast quantities of real-time data to be transmitted and shared, which opens up new doors for intuitive innovation. For those would-be entrepreneurs in search of the next big thing, the influx of data could inspire new ideas.

  1. Free up time with an optimized work environment.

Business great and small will benefit from a streamlined work environment. It’s possible to spend less time on tasks that can now be automated. For example, production equipment can be equipped with sensors to monitor the manufacturing environment. If there are any subtle changes in temperature, humidity, or other factors which could influence the final product, alerts can be sent immediately which allow you to tweak this environment without losing time. Enhanced productivity frees up start-ups, allowing employees to become more productive. You’ll have access to detailed data and analysis at every step of the supply chain.

  1. Become more attuned to the self.

On an individual level, another big benefit of the IoT is that these devices let you improve your own personal mental and physical health. You may already use devices like a smart watch to track your heart rate, sleep schedules, or water consumption. As your personal devices grow smarter and more involved, you can streamline your own life and clear your mind to reach new levels of inspiration. For start-ups, good health is an essential component of success.

  1. Fine tune your niche market.

One of the biggest hurdles for start-up owners to overcome is finding a way to stand out from competitors. Internet of Things innovation from Nokia Networks and other providers is now showcasing new niche markets. Whether you work in tech or are just looking for ways to reach a target audience on a more meaningful level, these connected devices can be used in multiple situations.

  1. Unleash more highly targeted advertising.

With constant feedback from your own products or services, you can gain new insights about consumers. How are your customers interacting with your products? It may not be in the way you’d initially envisioned, and you could devise new marketing campaigns based on this accurate, real-time insight. Businesses will be able to better anticipate consumer needs, and adjust their operations accordingly.

The IoT offers far more than just new products to consume. From a business perspective, it frees start-ups to dream bigger than before, with access to precise data. This could open up new modes of operation for your business in the future.

7 Easy Steps For Productive Thought Organization Guaranteed To Improve Your Writing Skills

Sonia Pantiss
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Do you want to know the secret of successful essay writing? Here we will share basic tips on how to write perfect paper, impress your teacher and earn highest grades.

What can distract from effective work?

Paper assignments are essential for academic success; therefore, students should do their best in order to create an essay of high-quality. Sadly, but it is extremely hard concentrating taking into account availability of numerous sources of distraction: smartphones, tablets, the Internet, and many other. Those, who are interested in writing a quality essay should follow these recommendations:

  • The internet must be turned off;
  • If you are a Mac user – try Whiteroom app;
  • Shut down all the programs you currently don’t need;
  • Turn off your TV, phones, tablets;
  • Clear your desk – this will help keeping your thoughts in order.

Probably obvious for everyone steps that we often forget doing. The easiest way to get everything done if you don’t have enough time is addressing specialists to order essay online and receive outstanding result. Thus, you have time for family, friends and vacation of your dream.

Recommendations on starting a paper assignment.

We all were students and also have written various papers. It is time-consuming and challenging assignment that require a lot of efforts. By many students such assignments are considered as boring and overwhelming whether it is for a class, for a scholarship or a contest. Essay is a large project, therefore, requires responsible attitude and should be divided into smaller and manageable parts. In this way the job can be scheduled and made much faster. Here are recommended steps to take in order to draft and write a successful essay:

  1. In order to start you should pick. If you didn’t have your topic assigned there is a great chance choosing the best one for yourself and decide whether to create a detailed analysis or general overview. After selecting a topic, it is important start providing research.
  2. The next step is organising your thoughts and diagram will be very useful. Jot down all your ideas and thoughts to that ideas doing so you will see connections that help you to build a solid paper.
  3. Following previous step, you should write thesis; it has two parts: first one states the topic of your research and the second – points of the essay.
  4. The most interesting part consists of writing a body of an essay. At this phase your diagram will be useful as here you will be creating structure of your thoughts.
  5. After the body of your essay is completed it will much easier writing the introduction. This part attracts listeners or readers and explains what to expect from your work. Try making it attention-grabbing by adding a quote, dialogue, a story, even appropriate joke will work.
  6. Conclusion part. Now you can sum up your achievements and overall ideas. The final part shouldn’t be long – three to five sentences will be enough. This should be reinforcement of your essay.
  7. Before its done, your essay required double check. Small details are important. What demands additional is checking order and structure of paragraphs, once more review instructions for your essay – make sure formats are correct.

Finally, it is important re-reading own essay. Make sure it makes sense and sentence flow is smooth or add linking phrases to connect idea better. Correcting grammar and spelling mistakes is essential and do your best to eliminate them all.

These easy steps are extremely helpful when don’t know how to organize working process and make it more efficient.

Best Tips For Understanding the Terms of Credit Card Offers

Clyde K. Valle
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Best Tips For Understanding the Terms of Credit Card Offers

If you are looking for any kind of credit card, you best read the terms of the card and make sure you understand the terms in their entirety. Reading the small print is extremely important because you need to know precisely what it is you are getting into when you sign up for card membership.  If you understand the terms, you know the consequences when you do not follow guidelines. Even worse, the card you get can have special benefits or rewards you end up knowing nothing about until it is too late to really benefit.  Thankfully, there are online tools you can use that not only help in selection but better help you when it comes time to weeding throw the various offers and their terms and conditions. 

 

Your One Stop Resource for Credit Cards

Using effectify service, a bank card directory site, is the first place to start in your credit card search. Why waste time surfing all over the Internet when you can find all the best opportunities in one place?  It makes it easy to find the types of cards you desire. You can search for cards based on a variety of credit backgrounds. It makes it simple to discover offers for those with excellent credit or even those who are looking to establish credit for the first time. If bad credit is the issue, there are additional card options to consider.

Examining APRs

Effectify lets you pull up a list that suit your search and the site has powerful search filters to narrow down the selections. You can check out new offers with an APR of zero percent, or you can look at current offers and compare their annual percentage rates side by side at a glance.  Other information provided to you at a glance, as you browse your list include:

  • Annual fee versus no annual fee
  • Cash back options if applicable
  • Rewards or travel points if applicable
  • Transfer fees
  • Balance Transfer APR percentages
  • Estimated savings over a three-year period of usage

Thus, at a cursory glance you can see if considering the fine print of a card is worth your interests or not.  If the initial features don’t appeal to you, then you can move onto the next offer to see if it will suit your needs.

A Wide Range of APR Credit Card Options

The APR or annual percentage rate assigned to your bank card is made known to you immediately.  People with no credit or bad credit will likely face higher APRs simply because the higher interest rate absorbs some risk, but people with great credit ratings can sometimes get an APR between 10 and 20 percent or a new card that comes with a zero APR for a short time.  Effectify allows you to discover the cards that fit your budget and lifestyle all while seeking out the lowest interest rate.

Alexandre Bissonnette: French-Canadian Student Charged over Quebec Mosque Attack

Roy Siemens
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Alexandre Bissonnette: French-Canadian Student Charged over Quebec Mosque Attack

French-Canadian student Alexandre Bissonnette has been charged over the fatal shooting of six Muslim worshippers at a mosque in Quebec.

Alexandre Bissonnette, 27, faces six counts of first-degree murder and five of attempted murder.

He briefly appeared in a Quebec City court over January 29 evening’s attack, during evening prayers at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center.

Vigils have been held across Canada to commemorate those killed and injured.

More than 50 people were at the mosque when the shooting erupted just before 8.00 PM on January 29.

Nineteen people were wounded – all men – and of five people still in hospital, two were in a critical condition.

Quebec provincial police have released the names of all six victims who were killed: Azzeddine Soufiane, 57; Khaled Belkacemi, 60; Abdelkrim Hassane, 41; Aboubaker Thabti, 44; Mamadou Tanou Barry, 42, and Ibrahima Barry, 39.

Alexandre Bissonnette did not enter a plea as he appeared in court on January 30, wearing a white prison-issue jump suit, his hands and feet shackled.

Image source Facebook

He was arrested in his car on a bridge leading from Quebec City to Ile d’Orleans, where he called police to say he wanted to co-operate with the authorities.

According to local media, Alexandre Bissonnette studied political science and anthropology at Laval University, whose campus is about 2 miles away from the mosque.

Francois Deschamps, an official with an advocacy group, Welcome to Refugees, said Alexandre Bissonnette was known for his far-right views.

The suspect was “unfortunately known to many activists in Quebec for taking nationalist, pro-Le Pen and anti-feminist positions at Laval University and on social media”, Francois Deschamps posted on the organization’s Facebook page.

A man of Moroccan heritage who was also arrested after the attack, Mohamed Khadir, is now being treated as a witness.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard both described the shooting as a terrorist attack.

Addressing the more than one million Muslims who live in Canada, Justin Trudeau said: “We are with you.

“Thirty-six million hearts are breaking with yours. Know that we value you.”

The shooting came amid heightened global tensions over Donald Trump’s travel ban on immigration from seven Muslim countries.

On January 31, the US administration pointed to the Quebec attack as further justification for the new president’s policies.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said: “We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms.

“It’s a terrible reminder of why we must remain vigilant and why the president is taking steps to be pro-active, rather than reactive when it comes to our nation’s safety and security.”

The mosque has been a target of hate crimes in the past, including last summer when a pig’s head was left on its doorstep during Ramadan.

Mohamed Labidi, vice-president of the Islamic center, said the victims had been shot in the back.

The predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec has welcomed thousands of immigrants from Arab countries and other nations.

Donald Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Sally Yates for Criticizing Immigration Order

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Sally Yates for Criticizing Immigration Order

President Donald Trump has fired Acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she questioned the legality of his immigration ban.

Sally Yates, who had been appointed under President Barack Obama, earlier ordered justice department lawyers not to enforce the president’s executive order.

Dana J. Boente, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replaced Sally Yates as acting attorney general.

He has directed the department to enforce Donald Trump’s order.

In a statement, the White House said Sally Yates had “betrayed” the department.

Donald Trump’s order temporarily banned nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US, and sparked street protests in the country and abroad.

In a letter, Sally Yates had said she was “not convinced” that the president’s order was lawful.

She said: “As long as I am the acting attorney general, the department of justice will not present arguments in defense of the Executive Order.”

Within hours, the White House announced: “President Trump relieved Ms Yates of her duties.”

Image source Wikipedia

Sally Yates had “betrayed the department of justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States”, a statement from the press secretary said.

The statement also described her as “weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration”.

Sally Yates’ replacement, Dana Boente, was also appointed by Barack Obama, in 2015. He was confirmed by the US Senate – making him eligible for appointment while President Trump waits for his own nominee to be approved.

Senator Jeff Sessions is awaiting a confirmation hearing for the role later this week.

Meanwhile, hundreds of diplomats and foreign servants have been drafting a “dissent cable” to formally criticize Trump’s executive order.

A draft version of the cable said that immigration restrictions will not make the US safer, are un-American and will send the wrong message to the Muslim world.

The ban bars citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

The White House has consistently defended Donald Trump’s executive order despite the controversy, with press secretary Sean Spicer saying diplomats should “get with the program”.

In addition, former President Barack Obama has apparently broken with the convention of former presidents avoiding comment on their successors.

Commenting on the protests about the immigration order, Barack Obama said he was “heartened”.

In a statement, which did not mention Donald Trump by name, Barack Obama said: “Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organise and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake.”

Donald Trump also replaced the acting director of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Daniel Ragsdale, who has been in the post since January 20. He is the former deputy director.

The president appointed Thomas Homan, the executive associate director of enforcement and removal, as the new acting director.

A statement from the Department of Homeland Security announcing the change did not explain the reason for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca5XitWioC0

Mohamed Abrini: Brussels Attack Suspect Investigated over Paris Attacks

Roy Siemens
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0
Mohamed Abrini: Brussels Attack Suspect Investigated over Paris Attacks

Mohamed Abrini, the man suspected of last year’s Brussels airport attack, has been placed under formal investigation in France over the 2015 Paris terror attacks, his lawyers say.

He was handed over to French authorities for a day so he could be charged.

Mohamed Abrini was arrested last April in Brussels.

The gun and bomb attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015, killed 130 people.

Mohamed Abrini was spotted in a car with key Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam when it stopped at a petrol station in Ressons two days before the attacks on the French capital.

His fingerprints and DNA were found in two “safe houses” in Brussels, as well as in a car used during the Paris attacks.

Following his arrest, Mohamed Abrini also admitted picking up Salah Abdeslam after the attacks and driving him back to Belgium.

He was driven to Paris from Belgium in a heavily armed convoy so the case against him could be formally launched, BFMTV reported.

Mohamed Abrini was not asked any questions during his court appearance in front of six judges, his lawyer Emmanuel Pierrat said in a statement.

However, the lawyer said his client was in Belgium when the attacks in Paris were carried out.

Emmanuel Pierrat also said the fact that Mohamed Abrini was being investigated in both France and Belgium over the Paris attacks could lead to legal complications.

Mohamed Abrini is also under investigation in Belgium over the bomb attack on Brussels Zaventem Airport, which along with an attack on a metro station in the city killed 32 people.

Both the Paris and Brussels attacks were claimed by ISIS.

Quebec Mosque Shooting: Six People Killed at Islamic Cultural Center

Roy Siemens
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0
Quebec Mosque Shooting: Six People Killed at Islamic Cultural Center

Six people have been shot dead and another eight wounded in a gun attack at an Islamic center in Quebec City, Canada, police say.

Shots were fired at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center on January 29, where more than 50 people had gathered for evening prayers.

One suspect was arrested at the scene and another was arrested nearby. Police do not believe there are other suspects at large.

The Canadian authorities are treating the shooting as a terror attack.

PM Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge.

“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country.”

Image source Canadian Press

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard also referred to the shooting as a terrorist attack.

According to police spokeswoman Christine Coulombe, the dead were aged between about 35 and 70 years old. Some of those injured were in a serious condition, she said.

Police said the area was secure and the situation was “under control”. Thirty-nine people had left the mosque safely, they said.

Earlier, a witness had told Reuters that up to three gunmen had been involved. The news agency also reported that a “heavily armed police tactical squad” had been seen entering the mosque.

The second suspect fled the scene in a vehicle but was arrested on a bridge leading to Orleans Island, the Journal de Quebec reported. The suspect had called the police himself, the newspaper said.

Police seized automatic weapons and handguns from the alleged attackers, the Journal de Quebec reported.

The president of the mosque, Mohamed Yangui – who was not inside at the time – said the shooting had happened in the men’s section of the mosque.

On its Facebook page the center thanked the public “for the hundreds of messages of compassion”.

In June 2016, the same mosque was the target of an Islamophobic incident when a pig’s head was left in front of the building, with a card saying “bonne appetit”. Eating pork is forbidden in Islam.

VW Becomes World’s Best-Selling Automaker

Clyde K. Valle
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0
VW Becomes World’s Best-Selling Automaker

VW has overtaken Toyota to become the world’s best-selling automaker.

This is the first time the German company has held the position.

Toyota, which had topped sales for the past four years, sold 10.175 million vehicles globally in 2016.

That fell short of the 10.31 million sales which VW reported last week.

The milestone comes despite Volkswagen’s scandal over emissions tests cheating, which sparked a global backlash and multiple lawsuits.

Volkswagen, which makes the Audi, Porsche and Skoda brands, saw a 3.8% increase in sales buoyed by demand in China.

Toyota’s sales grew by 0.2% – though it appears to have suffered from a slowdown in the US car industry.

GM reports its figures next week, but it is expected to lag both Toyota and VW.

General Motors was the world’s third-largest automaker in 2015. It held the number one title in 2011 after Toyota’s production was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami in north-eastern Japan.

France Elections 2017: Benoit Hamon Becomes Socialist Party’s Presidential Candidate

Diane A. Wade
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France Elections 2017: Benoit Hamon Becomes Socialist Party’s Presidential Candidate

Benoit Hamon has become the French Socialist Party’s candidate in this year’s presidential elections, after winning a run-off vote on January 29.

The ex-education minister comfortably beat former PM Manuel Valls, who conceded before the final tally was completed.

However, the Socialists are not expected to do well in the election as the outgoing president, Francois Hollande, has a very low approval rating.

Conservative Francois Fillon, right-wing Marine Le Pen, and centrist Emmanuel Macron lead the polls for April elections.

With 60% votes counted in the Socialist run-off, Benoit Hamon had just over 58% to Manuel Valls’ 41%.

After his win was announced, Benoit Hamon said: “Despite the differences, the forces of the left have never been so close in terms of ideas. Let’s come together.”

Image source Wikipedia

Benoit Hamon, 49, called on the Socialist Party, independent left-winger Jean-Luc Melenchon, and a Green candidate to unite and “construct a government majority”.

He was the most left-leaning of the seven initial candidates in the Socialist race, the first round of which was held last week.

Benoit Hamon has experienced a surge in popularity from a range of progressive plans, including a proposal for a universal monthly income for all citizens.

He also wants to legalize cannabis, and ditch the labor law passed last year that made it easier to hire and fire.

Anyone was allowed to vote in the primary, even those who were not party members.

According to organizers, the turnout was much higher than the previous week, when 1.6 million people cast ballots.

However, there have been reports of mismanagement, with one reporter from news site Buzzfeed saying she had been allowed to vote four times in the second round. She said she voided her ballot so as not to affect the outcome.

Journalists from Le Monde newspaper also claimed they were permitted to vote more than once in the first round.

Manuel Valls had built his campaign on his experience gained as prime minister between 2014 and 2016.

The presidential race has taken a turn in recent days, with the favorite for the post, Francois Fillon, becoming embroiled in a controversy over payments to his wife for political work – which a French publication claimed there was no evidence she carried out.

Francois Fillon denies the allegations, and said he would drop out of the race if there was enough evidence to launch an investigation.

On January 29, Francois Fillon and his wife were side by side at a Paris rally that sought to reinvigorate his candidacy.

In his speech, Francois Fillon said: “Leave my wife out of the political debate!”

Francois Fillon’s scandal could potentially be a boost for Marine Le Pen, the anti-immigration hardliner who has pledged to put “native” French people first.

Trump Immigration Order: President Denies Is A Muslim Ban

Diane A. Wade
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Trump Immigration Order: President Denies Is A Muslim Ban

President Donald Trump is standing firm over his ban on immigration from seven countries despite court rulings and mass protests against it.

In a statement, the president said visas would once again be issued once “the most secure policies” were in place, and denied it was a Muslim ban.

The move has been widely condemned.

Meanwhile, 16 state attorneys general have said the order is unconstitutional. Several federal judges have temporarily halted the deportation of visa holders.

Donald Trump’s executive order, signed on January 27, halted the entire US refugee program for 120 days, indefinitely banned Syrian refugees, and suspended all nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Those who were already mid-flight were detained on arrival – even if they held valid US visas or other immigration permits. It is not known how many others were turned away at airports overseas as they tried to board flights to the US.

Thousands gathered at airports around the country to protest on January 28, including lawyers who offered their services for free to those affected.

Image source Flickr

Further demonstrations were held on January 29, including protests outside the White House and Trump Tower in New York.

As well as the ban on all refugees, travelers who have nationality or dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen are not permitted to enter the United States for 90 days, or be issued an immigrant or non-immigrant visa.

This includes those who share dual nationality with allied countries, although Canada has been told its dual nationals are not affected.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said US green-card holders – legal residents – would also not be affected, but some have been detained since the order came into effect.

President Trump tweeted early on January 29 that the US needed “extreme vetting, NOW” but later, in a statement, tried to offer more reassuring words, saying: “This is not about religion – this is about terror and keeping our country safe.

“We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days.”

Reince Priebus rejected criticism that the implementation of the order had been chaotic, and said only 109 people, out of 325,000 travelling, had been detained and “most of those people were moved out”.

He told reporters on January 29: “We’ve got a couple of dozen more that remain and I would suspect that as long as they’re not awful people that they will move through before another half a day today.”

However, they have failed to allay concern among some in their Republican party. Senator John McCain said the order would “probably, in some areas, give ISIS some more propaganda”, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said it was important to remember that “some of our best sources in the war against radical Islamic terrorism are Muslims”.

Democratic Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer said the US now appeared “less humanitarian, less safe, less American” and said the Democrats would introduce legislation to overturn it.

In a joint statement, 16 attorneys general, from states including California, New York and Pennsylvania, said they would “use all of the tools of our offices to fight this unconstitutional order” and, until it was struck down, would “work to ensure that as few people as possible suffer from the chaotic situation that it has created”.

Yesterday, federal Judge Ann Donnelly, in New York, ruled against the removal from the US of people with approved refugee applications, valid visas, and “other individuals… legally authorized to enter the United States”.

Australian Open 2017: Roger Federer Wins His Fifth Title after Beating Rafael Nadal in Final

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Australian Open 2017: Roger Federer Wins His Fifth Title after Beating Rafael Nadal in Final

Roger Federer has won this year’s Australian Open final after a thrilling five-set victory over Rafael Nadal.

This is his 18th Grand Slam title and first for five years.

Roger Federer, 35, won 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 to claim his fifth Australian Open title and extend his lead at the top of the all-time men’s major winners’ list.

Rafael Nadal, 30, remains tied in second with Pete Sampras on 14 Grand Slams following his first final since 2014.

Roger Federer’s previous major title came at Wimbledon in 2012.

The Swiss said: “I’ve been coming here for almost 20 years now.

“I’ve always enjoyed it and now my family does too.

“Thanks again for everything, to everybody. I hope to see you next year. If not, this was a wonderful run here and I can’t be more happy to win.”

Image source AP

Roger Federer’s achievement in ending his drought is all the more remarkable given this was his first tournament since last year’s Wimbledon, after which he took the second half of the season off to recover from a knee injury.

He becomes the first man in history to win five or more titles at three different Grand Slam events – five Australian Opens, five US Opens and seven Wimbledons.

Rafael Nadal was also on the way back from injuries that curtailed his 2016 season, but the Spaniard could not improve his winning record against Roger Federer – the Swiss has now won 12 of their 35 matches and three of nine major finals.

Steve Bannon Given Regular Seat on National Security Council

Diane A. Wade
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Steve Bannon Given Regular Seat on National Security Council

President Donald Trump has decided to reshuffle the National Security Council (NSC), downgrading the military chiefs of staff and giving a regular seat to his chief strategist Stephen Bannon.

Steve Bannon, formerly the head of the populist right-wing Breitbart News website, will join high-level discussions about national security.

The order was signed on January 28.

The director of national intelligence and the joint chiefs will attend when discussions pertain to their areas.

Under previous administrations, the director and joint chiefs attended all meetings of the NSC’s inner circle, the principals’ committee.

Image source Wikimedia

The NSC is the main group advising the president on national security and foreign affairs.

The group is led by retired lieutenant-general Mike Flynn, who was one of Donald Trump’s closest advisers and most ardent supporters during the campaign.

Donald Trump’s executive order said: “The security threats facing the United States in the 21st century transcend international boundaries.

“Accordingly, the United States Government’s decision-making structures and processes to address these challenges must remain equally adaptive and transformative.”

Last week, Steve Bannon described the US mainstream media as “the opposition party”, saying it should “keep its mouth shut”.

Breitbart News, the site Steve Bannon once managed, serves up an anti-establishment agenda that critics accuse of xenophobia and misogyny. Under Steve Bannon, Breitbart News became one of the most-read conservative news and opinion sites in the US.

PresidentTrump also ordered a restructuring of the Homeland Security Council.

Trump Immigration Order: New York Judge Temporarily Halts Deportations

Roy Siemens
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0
Trump Immigration Order: New York Judge Temporarily Halts Deportations

A New York judge has issued a temporary halt to the deportation of visa holders or refugees stranded at airports following President Donald Trump’s executive order.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a case in response to the order issued on Friday.

The group estimates that between 100 and 200 people are being detained at airports or in transit.

Thousands of people have been protesting at US airports over Donald Trump’s immigration order.

Donald Trump’s executive order halted the entire US refugee program and also instituted a 90-day travel ban for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Those who were already mid-flight were detained on arrival – even if they held valid visas or other immigration permits.

On January 28, President Trump told reporters: “It’s working out very nicely. You see it at the airports, you see it all over.”

The ruling, from District Judge Ann Donnelly in New York, prevented the removal from the US of people with approved refugee applications, valid visas, and “other individuals… legally authorized to enter the United States”.

The emergency ruling also said there was a risk of “substantial and irreparable injury” to those affected.

Judge Donnelly’s ruling is not on the constitutionality of Donald Trump’s executive order. What will happen to those still held at airports remains unclear.

The case was brought on January 28 on behalf of two Iraqi men detained at JFK Airport in New York.

One worked for the US military in Iraq. The other is married to a former US military contract employee.

Both have now been released. Another court hearing is set for February.

Lee Gelernt, deputy legal director of the Immigrants Rights Project, argued the case in court and was greeted by a cheering crowd outside.

He said that some people had been threatened with being “put back on a plane”.

“The judge, in a nutshell, saw through what the government was doing and gave us what we wanted, which was to block the Trump order and not allow the government to remove anybody who has come and is caught up in the order, nationwide,” Lee Gelernt told the crowd.

He also said the judge had ordered the government to provide a list of names of those detained under the order.

“We are going to see each of the people, provide counsel, try and get them out of detention right now – but at minimum, they will not be returned back to danger,” Lee Gelernt said.

In addition to those detained on arrival in the US, some passengers were prevented from boarding US-bound flights after the order was signed.

On January 28, five Iraqi passengers and a Yemeni national were prevented from boarding a flight at Cairo airport bound for New York.

Dutch airline KLM said it had turned away seven people who were booked on US-bound flights because they would no longer have been accepted.

Trump Immigration Order: Justin Trudeau Does Not Agree with Refugee Ban

Diane A. Wade
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0
Trump Immigration Order: Justin Trudeau Does Not Agree with Refugee Ban

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has taken a stand on social media against the temporary US ban on refugees and immigration from designated countries.

In a series of tweets, Justin Trudeau underscored his government’s commitment to bringing in “those fleeing persecution, terror & war”.

Within hours, his tweets had been shared more than 150,000 times.

“Welcome to Canada” also became a trending term in the country.

The prime minister, who gained global attention for granting entry of nearly 40,000 Syrian refugees to Canada over the past 13 months, also sent a pointed tweet that showed him greeting a young refugee at a Canadian airport in 2015.

On January 27, President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending entry to the United States from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen for 90 days.

Photo The Canadian Press

The US’s entire refugee admissions program has also been suspended for 120 days.

Those fleeing Syria as refugees are banned until further notice.

The executive orders created confusion in airports around the world as immigration and customs officials struggled to interpret the new rules.

The Canadian government is also in contact with the US administration “to get more clarity” on how the executive orders will affect Canadians citizens travelling to the US, said federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

According to State Department, all travelers – including those with dual nationality – from one of the seven designated countries will be barred from entering the US.

That includes people with valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas.

Justin Trudeau has refrained from criticizing Donald Trump, despite the fact the two leaders have very divergent political views.

In recent media appearances, Justin Trudeau has focused on the long friendship between Canada and the US and the deep economic ties between the two nations. The US is Canada’s primary trading partner.

Canada plans to allow 300,000 immigrants into the country in 2017, mostly through economic immigration, though that figure includes 40,000 refugees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHl_UzyvLuk

Donald Trump Holds First Phone Call with Vladimir Putin

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Holds First Phone Call with Vladimir Putin

President Donald Trump held a series of phone calls with world leaders, including one with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Kremlin, both sides had agreed to make fighting “international terrorism” – including ISIS and “other terrorist groups” in Syria – a top priority.

And the White House said the call was a “significant start” to improving a relationship “in need of repair”.

President Trump also spoke with leaders from Japan, Germany, France and Australia.

In a statement in English, the Kremlin provided more details of the first official call between the two leaders since Donald Trump took office.

The Kremlin said it was a “positive and constructive” conversation, during which they discussed the fight against terrorism, the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli conflict, strategic stability, non-proliferation and Iran’s nuclear program, North and South Korea, the situation in Ukraine.

The Russian account of the call was also notable for its lack of any mention of economic sanctions against Russia by the US, which have been the subject of much speculation in recent days.

However, the statement did say both parties “stressed the importance of rebuilding mutually beneficial trade”, which, the Kremlin said, could aid the development of relations in other areas.

Russia considers all anti-Assad rebels in Syria as terrorist fighters, though the previous US administration has supported some moderate rebel groups opposed to President Bashar al-Assad.

The White House did not offer additional clarity on the items discussed, but rather issued a short statement saying: “Both President Trump and President Putin are hopeful that after today’s call the two sides can move quickly to tackle terrorism and other important issues of mutual concern.”

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin also agreed to arrange a face-to-face meeting for a later date – and stay in “regular personal contact”.

In his other phone calls on January 28, President Trump invited Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to the White House in a meeting scheduled for February 10, press secretary Sean Spicer said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAkV4SuvQmI

Donald Trump Immigration Order: Two Iraqi Refugees Detained at JFK Airport

Roy Siemens
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0
Donald Trump Immigration Order: Two Iraqi Refugees Detained at JFK Airport

Two Iraqi refugees in transit have been detained at John F. Kennedy airport following President Donald Trump’s immigration order.

Meanwhile, rights groups have filed a lawsuit in a New York court to demand their release.

According to the executive order signed on January 27, entry to the US for nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries has been stopped for 90 days. People fleeing Syria are banned until further notice.

The other countries affected are Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Image source Flickr

The two refugees detained in New York were in transit when the executive order was signed.

One of them, Haneed Khalid Darweesh, who had worked as a US Army interpreter, was released on January 28.

The other man, Haider Sameer Abdulkhaleq Alshawi, remains in detention.

New York Representative Jerry Nadler tweeted that he and fellow Democratic Representative Nydia Velazquez were working to help 11 more refugees still being held.

Several rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), are involved in the lawsuit, filed on January 28.

Other Iraqi passengers and a Yemeni national were prevented from boarding a flight at Cairo airport bound for New York, despite holding valid visas for the US.

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