World
Biden’s early policy ‘smacks of Trumpism': China state media
The official China Daily said in an editorial Thursday that the Biden administration’s approach so far “affords little optimism.” Many of the new US leader’s policies seem similar to those of former President Donald Trump, according to the English-language newspaper, whose opinion pages are often used to send messages to foreign audiences.
US bombs facilities in Syria used by Iran-backed militia
The airstrike was the first military action undertaken by the Biden administration, which in its first weeks has emphasized its intent to put more focus on the challenges posed by China, even as Mideast threats persist.
Biden, Saudi king speak ahead of Khashoggi murder report
In their phone call, Biden and the 85-year-old king discussed "the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups," according to a statement from the White House.
U.S. airstrikes target facilities in Syria
News/World: The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups. The Pentagon said the strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier this month.
International community should 'banish' Saudi prince over Khashoggi's killing: UN rapporteur
News/Politics: A leading UN expert says the international community needs to take steps against Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, who is reported to be implemented in an impending United States intelligence report on the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
US strikes 'Iranian-backed militant infrastructure' in Syria
Mena|Americas|: Washington: The US military launched a strike on facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran-backed militia Thursday, in retaliation for recent rocket attacks on US troop locations in Iraq, the Pentagon said. “At President Biden’s direction, US military forces earlier this evening conducted airstrikes against infrastructure utilized by Iranian-backed militant groups in eastern Syria,” said spokesman John Kirby in a statement. “These strikes were authorized in response to recent attacks against American and Coalition personnel in Iraq, and to ongoing threats to those personnel,” he said.
Biden admin says no 'final decision' on boycotting Beijing Olympics as momentum grows in Congress
White House press secretary Jen Psaki left the door open to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as pressure grows in Congress to punish China over its oppression of Uighur Muslims in the country's Xinjiang region.
More than a dozen slum residents in an Indian city say they thought they were being vaccinated. They were part of clinical trials
The white van arrived in slum areas of Bhopal, a city in central India, blasting a message over the speaker system that seemed too good to refuse: "Come and take the coronavirus vaccine and get 750 rupees ($10)."
COVID-19: US approves Pfizer vaccine storage at normal freezer temperature
Americas|: Washington: Frozen vials of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine may be stored at temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers for a period of up to two weeks, the US Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. The move loosens a previous requirement that the vaccine be stored at ultra-low temperatures, between -112 degrees Fahrenheit and -76 degrees Fahrenheit (-80 degrees Celsius and -60 degrees Celsius).
Saudi Arabia: King Salman in first call with US President Biden
Saudi|Americas|: London: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman spoke with US President Joe Biden on the phone early Friday morning, SPA reported. “The King stressed in the call with President Biden the deep ties between the two countries and the importance of boosting partnership to serve mutual interests and achieve regional and international security and stability,” SPA said in a statement. Biden commended the Kingdom's support for United Nations efforts to reach a truce and ceasefire in Yemen. King Salman affirmed the Kingdom's keenness to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen and achieve security and development for the Yemeni people.
U.S. welcomes India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire
International: This is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia which is in our shared interest and we encourage both countries to keep building upon this progress, says White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki