Edith M. Lederer The United States said Thursday that Nigeria’s upcoming national elections will be “a critical test of democracy” in the country and the region, and expressed concern at reports of intimidation and partisanship by government security forces. U.S. deputy ambassador Jonathan Cohen told a U.N. Security Council meeting on West
US AND CANADA
Canada unveils tougher regulations for drone operators
Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau on Wednesday unveiled tougher new regulations for drone operators, including minimum age, required certification and a prohibition on flying under the influence. His announcement comes after reports of drones near Britain’s Gatwick airport caused major travel disruptions over the Christmas holidays, and again on Tuesday at
US-China trade talks begin on positive note, but tech tensions loom
Joe Macdonald China has sounded a positive note ahead of trade talks this week with Washington, but the two sides face potentially lengthy wrangling over technology and the future of their economic relationship. Both sides have expressed an interest in settling their tariff fight over Beijing’s technology ambitions. Yet neither has indicated its stance
First GPS III satellite successfully launched–US Air Force
Jude Johnson The United States Air Force and its mission partners have successfully launched the first Global Positioning Systems III satellite from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite was on December 23, 2018, carried to orbit aboard a Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or SpaceX,
China-US tech war will make or break a world safe for interdependence–Report
Nathan Gardels One of the deeper insights to emerge from the Berggruen Institute’s 21st Century Council gathering in Beijing in December was offered by Pascal Lamy, the former head of the World Trade Organization. When trade relations with China involve information technology, Lamy observed, there is a cultural clash that goes beyond
Five ways US retreated from world stage under Trump this year
Ted Piccone In 2018, the Trump administration made good on its promises to unwind long-standing U.S. commitments to guarantee global security and prosperity. These moves will further weaken U.S. standing and influence in the world and favor China's rise as a rival contender for international supremacy. Since taking office, President Trump
Mattis resignation triggered by phone call between Trump and Erdoğan
US president complied with Turkish leader’s demands and took own advisers by surprise, accounts say Julian Borger The resignation of US defence secretary James Mattis was triggered by a phone conversation between Donald Trump and the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in which Trump abruptly decided to upend previous US policy and withdraw troops from Syria, according
Trump Russia affair: Key questions answered
For nearly two years the Trump-Russia affair has dominated front pages and mired the president's administration in conflict and controversy. But what is it exactly? How did it begin? And where is it going? The inquiry is being led by Robert Mueller, a widely respected former director of the FBI. Holed
US looks to counter China, Russia’s growing power in Africa with new strategy
Beijing has made deep inroads across the continent and now Russia is also trying to plant its flag. Dan De Luce and Courtney Kube The Trump administration plans to unveil a new strategy for Africa this week focusing on countering China's growing influence on the continent, as well as Russia's attempts to gain footholds
US designates Boko Haram, ISIS entities ‘of particular concern’
•Labels Saudi Arabia, Iran, N/Korea countries of concern •Russia placed on special watch list Jude Johnson with Agency report The United States has announced the designation of the Boko Haram terrorist group as an entity “of particular concern”. The US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in a statement revealed the designation of Boko Haram