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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011916

The U.S.-led airstrikes targeted the area five times during the operation, said the Observatory, which noted that the target is not clear amid speculation that it was targeting rebels’ leaders.

Atotal of 13 people were killed by a U.S. security operation in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib before daybreak Thursday, a war monitor reported.

Four children and three women were among those killed by the U.S. operation which included an airdrop of forces and aerial targeting by warplanes in the rebel-held province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based watch group said the military operation took place near the town of Atme in the countryside of Idlib, just east of the border with Turkey.

The U.S. operation was confronted by rebels, who fought with the U.S. forces following the airdrop, said the Observatory, adding that the operation and the clashes lasted for three hours.

The U.S.-led airstrikes targeted the area five times during the operation, said the Observatory, which noted that the target is not clear amid speculation that it was targeting rebels’ leaders. The identities of the slain people remain unknown as well.

There was no immediate comment or report by the state news establishment in Syria about the operation.

Published : February 04, 2022

By : Xinhua

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011913

The Biden administration will crack down on illegal flow of guns, help prosecutors bring cases against those using “ghost guns” — unserialized and untraceable firearms — to commit crimes, and pursue unlawful gun sellers, among other things, according to the White House.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday a new set of actions aimed at reducing gun violence across the country.

The Biden administration will crack down on illegal flow of guns, help prosecutors bring cases against those using “ghost guns” — unserialized and untraceable firearms — to commit crimes, and pursue unlawful gun sellers, among other things, according to the White House.

Biden paid a visit to New York City on Thursday afternoon, where he called for more funding for community policing and law enforcement agencies.

“The answer is not to abandon our streets,” said the U.S. president during an event at the headquarters of the City of New York Police Department in Lower Manhattan.

Guns are on display at the Dallas Gun Show in Parker, a suburban city of Dallas, Texas, the United States, Jan. 22, 2022. (Photo by Lin Li/Xinhua)

“The answer is not to defund the police,” he continued. “It’s to give you the tools, the training, the funding to be partners, to be protectors.”

Biden was joined on the visit by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, as well as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

“Gun violence is not just a problem for New York City or New York State,” Hochul tweeted. “It’s a national crisis.”

Gun deaths have also spiked in the United States over the last two years.

The United States reported 20,794 gun violence deaths in 2021, up from 19,490 deaths in 2020 and 15,474 fatalities in pre-pandemic 2019, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

There have been 1,554 gun violence deaths in the United States so far this year, the data showed.

Published : February 04, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011911

Jordan is intensifying its efforts to mobilize political and financial support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Thursday.

Safadi made the remarks during a meeting with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, where they discussed means to provide sustainable support to the agency and enable it to continue its vital services for some 5.7 million Palestinian refugees, Jordanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Safadi renewed Jordan’s unaltered stance that the agency must continue its operations until the Palestinian refugee issue is solved based on the two-state solution, it said.

He also warned about the humanitarian, political and security repercussions that would have huge impact on the region’s security and stability, if the agency is unable to offer its services.

For his part, Lazzarini praised the continuous Jordanian efforts to mobilize international support for UNRWA and help it cover its financial deficit.  

Published : February 04, 2022

By : Xinhua

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011909

“We continue to call on all the parties to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law,” a UN spokesman said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concern over the civilian casualties in a U.S. raid that led to the death of Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.

Asked for the secretary-general’s comment on the U.S. operation in Syria against al-Qurayshi, Farhan Haq, Guterres’ deputy spokesman, said: “We’ve taken note of the announcement by the U.S. president of the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Qurayshi, the leader of Da’esh. We note with concern reports of civilian casualties.”

Da’esh is the Arabic acronym of the IS terrorist group.

“We continue to call on all the parties to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law,” said Haq.

In the case of trying to determine responsibility for casualties from attack, it would be important to have an investigation, he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 1, 2022. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

“Da’esh has committed heinous crimes and brought tragedy and death to thousands of men, women, and children. And we want to take this moment to remember the victims and families of victims of terrorism everywhere in the world. And, of course, as you know, the UN system as a whole has been very united in efforts to act against Da’esh. So any successes against them are to be welcomed,” he said.

Al-Qurayshi reportedly detonated a bomb that killed himself and members of his family during the overnight raid by U.S. special operations forces in the town of Atmeh in the northwestern Idlib governorate of Syria. Thirteen people were reportedly killed, including six children and four women.

Published : February 04, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011868

The United States will deploy additional troops to Europe, the Defense Department announced Wednesday, citing tensions on Ukraine’s borders.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 — The United States will deploy additional troops to Europe, the Defense Department announced Wednesday, citing tensions on Ukraine’s borders. The deployment includes 1,000 troops currently based in Germany to be repositioned to Romania and another 2,000 troops to be sent from the United States to Germany and Poland, John Kirby, the Defense Department’s spokesman, said during a press conference at the Pentagon.

“These are not permanent moves. They are moves designed to respond to the current security environment. Moreover, these forces are not going to fight in Ukraine,” Kirby said.

“These movements are unmistakable signals to the world that we stand ready to reassure our (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies and deter and defend against any aggression,” he added.

The United States has already put some 8,500 troops on “heightened alert,” in preparation for what it claimed to be an “imminent” Russian invasion of Ukraine. The measure will enable the troops to be deployed on short notice if NATO decides to activate its rapid response force known as the NRF.

Kirby said the troops being deployed are separate from those put on high alert. They will operate on a bilateral basis with their host countries and will be under U.S. command — not NATO command – since the alliance has yet to activate the NRF.

Repeatedly declining to say whether the deployment was in response to fears that Russia could attack a NATO country, the spokesman said the U.S. troops could be augmented by additional deployments in the coming days or months, noting that other NATO countries – including Britain, France and Denmark – have also moved to shore up the alliance’s eastern flank.

President Joe Biden said Friday he “will be moving U.S. troops to Eastern Europe and the NATO countries in the near term.” The president has maintained that no U.S. forces will be sent directly to Ukraine, which is not a NATO member. 

Xinhua

Published : February 03, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011844

The Yanchong Expressway in China has been decked up in colourful and bright lights to welcome guests coming for the 2022 Winter Olympics that will be held in Beijing, Xinhua news agency reported.

It is the main road that connects Yanqing district in Beijing and Chongli district in Zhangjiakou, in the Hebei province, northeastern China.

Heping station in Taizicheng village of Chongli district is another resting spot with facilities for visitors.

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Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011833

Catherine Russell of the United States took office on Tuesday as the new executive director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), becoming the fourth woman to lead the organization.

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 1 — “It is an honour and a privilege to join UNICEF and help lead its remarkable work for children at such a crucial moment,” said Russell in a press release. “At a time when millions of children globally are still reeling from the impact of the COVID pandemic and other crises, UNICEF is leading the call to protect their rights and their futures. I look forward to the work ahead.”

Russell succeeds Henrietta Fore of the United States, who resigned in July 2021 to attend to a family health issue but offered to stay on until her successor is appointed.

Before her new position at the United Nations, Russell served in the U.S. government as assistant to the president and director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel under President Joe Biden. From 2013 to 2017, she served as ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues in the U.S. Department of State. Previously, she served as deputy assistant to the president at the White House under President Barack Obama.

Russell holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a Juris Doctor degree from the George Washington University Law School.

Published : February 02, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011830

The milestone of 30 trillion dollars in debt should be “a giant red flag for all of us about America’s future economic health, generational equity, and role in the world,” an expert said.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 — The U.S. national debt has surpassed 30 trillion U.S. dollars for the first time, raising concerns about future fiscal sustainability, as the Federal Reserve prepares to raise interest rates to tame inflation.

The total public debt outstanding exceeded 30 trillion dollars on Monday, which included 23.5 trillion dollars in debt held by the public and 6.5 trillion dollars in intergovernmental holdings, according to the U.S. Treasury Department’s daily treasury statement.

The national debt increased sharply in recent years, in part because of former President Donald Trump’s large tax cuts and massive government spending to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, analysts said.

The milestone of 30 trillion dollars in debt should be “a giant red flag for all of us about America’s future economic health, generational equity, and role in the world,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

“How we got here is a long story of repeated chapters of fiscal irresponsibility on both sides of the aisle. Leaders in Washington have made imprudent decisions over decades, time and again choosing a favourite new tax cut or spending program above our collective future,” Peterson said Tuesday in a statement.

Peterson also warned that on the current trajectory, the interest on the national debt will rise to eat up nearly 50 cents of every tax dollar collected in 2050.

“It’s not only unsustainable, but it also a moral failure that will harm our children and grandchildren,” he said, urging policymakers to put the nation on a strong and sustainable fiscal path.

The rising national debt came after U.S. Congress passed legislation in December to raise the federal government’s debt limit by 2.5 trillion dollars to about 31.4 trillion dollars, averting a looming debt default.

The Fed signalled last week that the central bank is ready to raise interest rates as soon as March to combat surging inflation as it exits from the ultra-loose monetary policy enacted at the start of the pandemic.

Now traders have priced in a total of five quarter-point rate hikes this year, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 1 per cent to 1.25 per cent by the end of the year. The rate hikes will certainly push up U.S. debt service costs.

A growing debt burden could increase the risk of a fiscal crisis and higher inflation as well as undermine confidence in the U.S. dollar, making it more costly to finance public and private activity in international markets, the Congressional Budget Office has warned. 

Xinhua

Published : February 02, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011795

The iconic Azadi Tower in Tehran, Iran’s capital, flashed red on Monday, a colour associated with good luck and happiness in China, to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 1 this year.

TEHRAN, Jan. 31 — With the Chinese and Iranian national anthems playing in the background, the national flags of the two countries were flying on the top of the tower, while the main body of the landmark was illuminated in red.

Slogans in Chinese and Persian, such as “happy Chinese New Year,” “warmly celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-Iran diplomatic ties,” and “ancient civilization Iran welcomes you,” appeared in turn.

Another theme of the light show was to wish the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics a success. The emblems of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics were projected onto the tower, and a promotional video for the Beijing Olympics was played during the event.

Chinese Ambassador to Iran Chang Hua said the light show represents Iran’s good wishes for the Chinese Lunar New Year and the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics.

“It has fully demonstrated the profound friendship and bonds between peoples of both countries,” he said. 

Chinese Ambassador to Iran Chang Hua (5th R) and Iranian representatives pose for a photo in front of the Azadi Tower during a light show to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 31, 2022. The iconic Azadi Tower in Tehran flashed red on Monday, a colour associated with good luck and happiness in China, to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 1 this year. (Chinese Embassy in Iran/Handout via Xinhua)

Xinhua

Published : February 01, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011793

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on Monday that Israel will strengthen its ties with the Palestinian Authority despite no intention to negotiate a peace deal with it.

JERUSALEM, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) — Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on Monday that Israel will strengthen its ties with the Palestinian Authority despite no intention to negotiate a peace deal with it.

The remarks were made at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in response to a no-confidence motion over Gantz’s meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in recent months.

Although the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will not negotiate a peace deal with the Palestinian leadership, Israel “must keep a diplomatic horizon” with the Palestinians and the ties with the Palestinian leadership “will get stronger and deeper,” Gantz told the parliament.

Palestinian protestors clash with Israeli soldiers during a demonstration against Israel

Coordination and frequent talks between Israel and the Palestinians “are critical for our security, for the future of our children and how our state will look,” he said.

“The years-long weakening of the Palestinian Authority … has strengthened Hamas and hurt Israel’s security,” the Israeli minister added. The Palestinian militant group Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority forces from the Gaza Strip in 2007 and has since controlled and ruled the coastal enclave.

In late December of 2021, Gantz and Abbas met at Gantz’s home in the city of Rosh Ha’Ayin in central Israel to discuss economic and security issues. A day later, Israel made a series of gestures to improve relations with the Palestinian Authority, including the transfer of 100 million new shekels’ (31.5 million U.S. dollars) worth of tax payments that Israel has been collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.

Gantz and Abbas first met on Aug. 30, 2021, in the first face-to-face meeting between the Palestinian president and a senior Israeli official since 2010.

Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war and kept its control over the territory despite international criticism. 

Published : February 01, 2022