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☆ More than 300 Americans got out of Gaza, more remain, White House says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( Doina Chiacu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Toby Melville Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - More than 300 Americans and their family members have left Gaza but U.S. citizens remain in the besieged enclave and difficult negotiations continue on securing release of hostages taken by Hamas, a White House official said on Sunday. Those released included U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and their family members, Jonathan Finer, deputy national security adviser, said on the CBS program "Face the Nation." Finer said a number of Americans who want to get out remain inside Gaza as the Israel-Hamas conflict rages but did not specify how many. There were around 400 American citizens and their family members, totaling around 1,000 people, who wanted to get out, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week. Difficult negotiations continue on how to secure the release of hostages, including some Americans, taken by Hamas in the attack, Finer said.

Persons: Toby Melville, Jonathan, Antony Blinken, Gazans, Israel, Joe Biden, Doina Chiacu, Jarrett Renshaw, Will Dunham, David Goodman, Giles Elgood Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Hamas, White, CBS, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, London, Britain, U.S, Egypt, Rehobeth Beach , Delaware

☆ Alliance of 40 countries to vow not to pay ransom to cybercriminals, US says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Zeba Siddiqui | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

White House Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, Anne Neuberger, addresses cyber security during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S. September 2, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Forty countries in a U.S.-led alliance plan to sign a pledge never to pay ransom to cybercriminals and to work toward eliminating the hackers' funding mechanism, a senior White House official said on Tuesday. The International Counter Ransomware Initiative comes as the number of ransomware attacks grows worldwide. In ransomware attacks, hackers encrypt an organization's systems and demand ransom payments in exchange for unlocking them. Partner countries will share a "black list" through the U.S. Department of Treasury that will include information on digital wallets being used to move ransomware payments, Neuberger said.

Persons: Anne Neuberger, Jonathan Ernst, Biden, Neuberger, Chainalysis, Zeba Siddiqui, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: White, Technology, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, White House, MGM Resorts International, Reuters, U.S . Department of Treasury, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S, United States, Lithuania, Israel, UAE, San Francisco

☆ Biden speech aims to sell US on funding Ukraine, Israel wars
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Trevor Hunnicutt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The White House has said Biden would unveil his additional funding request this week. The administration is considering $60 billion for Ukraine and $10 billion for Israel, according to a source familiar with the matter. The package is also expected to include tens of billions in funding for priorities from Asia to U.S. border security. Republicans in the House are also divided over whether to back more aid, with some far-right conservatives particularly opposed to money for Ukraine. Biden returned overnight from his brief Israel trip aimed at offering U.S. support following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israeli villages and military bases.

Persons: Joe Biden, Ken Cedeno, Biden, Jon, Conservative Jim Jordan, Donald Trump, Republican Patrick McHenry, Biden's, Mount, Trevor Hunnicutt, Susan Heavey, Doina, Idrees Ali, Mike Stone, Jason Lange, Chizu Nomiyama, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Human, Washington Convention Center, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . House, West Bank, U.S, MSNBC, Senate, Conservative, Republican, Reuters, U.S ., U.S . Navy, Department of Defense, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Israel, Ukraine, Gaza, U.S, Asia, Tel Aviv, McHenry, Washington, Jordan

☆ Between 100 and 300 believed killed in Gaza hospital blast, according to preliminary US intelligence assessment
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Jeremy Herb | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“Israel Probably Did Not Bomb Gaza Strip Hospital: We judge that Israel was not responsible for an explosion that killed hundreds of civilians yesterday [17 October] at the Al Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip,” the assessment states. The intelligence community “observed only light structural damage at the hospital,” with no observable damage to the main hospital building and no impact craters, according to the assessment. “We see only light damage to the roofs of two structures near the main hospital building, but both structures remained intact,” the assessment states. “We continue to work to corroborate whether the explosion resulted from a failed PIJ rocket,” the ODNI assessment states. “We are still assessing the likely casualty figures and our assessment may evolve, but this death toll still reflects a staggering loss of life,” the assessment states.

Persons: Israel, “, Joe Biden, ” Biden, Biden, Jon, ”, hasn’t, Israel —, Jordan, ” Sen, Thom Tillis Organizations: CNN, Al, Ahli Baptist Hospital, Capitol, National Intelligence, Hospital, National Security Council, National, Palestine, United, Republican Locations: Ahli, Gaza, ”, “ Israel, Israel, Egypt, North Carolina

The surprise Hamas attack has dealt a blow to U.S. efforts to broker a landmark normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia and complicated Washington's approach toward Iran, Hamas' longtime benefactor. “Quite simply, all efforts at normalization are on hold for the foreseeable future,” said Jon Alterman, head of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, contradicting the official U.S. government line. Khaled Elgindy, a former Palestinian negotiations adviser, accused the Biden administration of leading an Israeli-Saudi normalization process that mostly bypassed the Palestinians and their hopes of ending Israeli occupation. “That sort of neglect is part of why we're seeing what we're seeing,” said Elgindy, now at the Middle East Institute. The immediate challenge is preventing the war from spiraling into a broader conflict, administration officials say, especially preventing the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah from opening a second front on Israel's northern border.

Persons: Joe Biden, Elizabeth Frantz, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Antony Blinken, Israel, ”, Jon Alterman, John Kirby, “, ” Jonathan Panikoff, government’s, Khaled Elgindy, Elgindy, Panikoff, –, Netanyahu, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Matt Spetalnick, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom, Steve Holland, Alexander Cornwell, Parisa, Aziz El Yaakoubi, Heather Timmons, Howard Goller Organizations: Hamas, White, REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Center for Strategic, International, White House National Security Council, Middle East Institute, Saudi, The Atlantic, Hezbollah, West Bank, Reuters, Atlantic Council, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, Saudi, Gaza, Ukraine, U.S, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Hamas, Tehran, Israeli, Riyadh, Washington, Lebanese, IRAN, Dubai

☆ Hamas and Iran are longtime allies. Did Tehran help with its attack on Israel?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

It’s something that we’re going to keep looking at closely.”Yet Iran’s evolving relationship with Hamas and its Palestinian militant partners, the Islamic Jihad, is well documented. Israel says Iran supports Hamas to the tune of some $100 million dollars a year. (Much of the Western world and some Arab countries consider Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad to be terrorist groups.) Therefore Iran is an asset for Hamas and Hamas is an asset for Iran,” Michael said. In April, Hamas’ senior political leader Ismail Haniyeh visited the Lebanese capital for meetings with Nasrallah.

Persons: Jon, ABC’s, Jihad –, Bashar al, Assad, Israel, Hezbollah –, Kobi Michael, ” Michael, Saleh Al, Ziad al, General Hassan Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, Nasrallah, Haniyeh, Marwan Naamani, “ Christian, ”, Khaled Elgindy, ” Elgindy Organizations: CNN, United Nations, –, US State Department, Hezbollah, Palestinian, Islamic, Tel, for National Security Studies, Israel Defense Forces, Hamas, Gaza, ”, United Arab, Revolutionary Guards, East Institute, Palestinian Affairs, Lebanese Locations: Israel, Iran, Tehran, United States, Jihad, Gaza, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Lebanon, Lebanese, Sidon, Jerusalem, Hamas, Islam, Syria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine

U.S. President Joe Biden lholds a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the 78th U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023. As president, Biden has frequently stressed support for independent Israeli and Palestinian states. Having returned to office in late December, Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood anytime soon and has approved thousands of new housing units for West Bank settlers. "If President Biden can stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, I hope President Biden can stand with Israel for as long as it takes," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a foreign policy hawk, on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures." "Biden is not in love with Bibi Netanyahu," he said, using the prime minister's nickname.

Persons: Joe Biden lholds, Benjamin Netanyahu, Kevin Lamarque, Joe Biden, Netanyahu, Biden, Barack Obama’s, Donald Trump, Jonathan Panikoff, government’s, Tom Cotton, BIBI, Israel, Aaron David Miller, Bibi Netanyahu, Steve Holland, Matt Spetalnick, Heather Timmons, Howard Goller Organizations: Israeli, General Assembly, REUTERS, Rights, Israel, Administration, West Bank, Republican, U.S, White, Hezbollah, Hamas, Atlantic Council, Fox News, AIPAC, Biden, General, Carnegie Endowment, International, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Gaza, Israel, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Yom, Gulf, Lebanese, Jerusalem, Ukraine, New York, Saudi Arabia

☆ Oil price spikes on Israel war. Here’s what a wider conflict might mean
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Anna Cooban | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London CNN —Global oil prices climbed 4% Monday over fears that the unprecedented weekend attack on Israel by Hamas could escalate into a regional conflict embroiling oil-producing nations. The [attack] itself has no effect on the oil market directly,” Homayoun Falakshahi, a senior oil analyst at data provider Kpler, told CNN. Tighter oil sanctions? Should Washington decide to tighten the sanctions screw once more, “current flows to the global oil market might be compromised,” he added. “That would be a complete game-changer for the oil market,” Falakshahi said.

Persons: Brent, Israel, ” Homayoun, ”, Jon, “, Benjamin Netanyahu, Oded, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Simone Tagliapietra, Bruegel, —, Tehran —, ” Falakshahi, “ it’s, Tobias Borck, Borck, Artemis Moshtaghian Organizations: London CNN —, Global, CNN, National, United Nations, Hamas, Washington, United Arab, Royal United Services Institute for Defence, Security Locations: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, Washington, United States, Palestine, Gaza, Tel Aviv, Brussels, Ukraine, Hong Kong, China, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Gulf, Hormuz, Lebanese, Tehran, Shebaa Farms, Lebanon, “

REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said part of the motivation for Hamas' latest attack on Israel may have been disrupting a potential normalizing of Israel-Saudi Arabia ties and said Washington will announce new assistance for Israel on Sunday. The United said on Sunday that Saudi-Israel normalization efforts should continue despite the latest attack. The secretary of state said details of new U.S. assistance for Israel will be made public later, as he labeled the attack on Israel as a "terrorist attack by a terrorist organization." I think you're likely to hear more about that later today," Blinken told CNN. He added that there was not yet any evidence seen by the United States of Iran being behind the latest attack in Israel but he noted the long-standing ties between Iran and Hamas, which governs Gaza.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Frantz, Washington, Blinken, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jon, We're, Kanishka Singh, Susan Heavey, Joey Roulette, Heather Timmons, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: Hamas, White, REUTERS, Rights, Israel, Sunday, CNN, U.S, Deputy National, Fox News Sunday, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Yom, East, Saudi, GAZA, United States, Washington, Israeli, Iran

☆ Israel's security forces face questions after Hamas attack
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Emily Rose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"It looks quite similar to what happened at that time," said retired General Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel's National Security Council. "As we can see it, Israel was completely surprised, by a very well coordinated attack," he told a briefing with reporters. "It was a security failure, undermining what was thought to be an aggressive and successful layered approach toward Gaza by Israel," he said. "They've been planning this for a long time," said former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata. "Obviously this is a very coordinated attack, and unfortunately they were able to surprise us tactically and cause devastating damage."

Persons: Israel, Giora Eiland, Gazans, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Ronen, Jonathan Panikoff, government's, They've, Eyal Hulata, Matt Spetalnick, James Mackenzie, Chris Reese Organizations: Israel's National Security Council, West Bank, West, Atlantic Council, National, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, West Bank, Sderot, U.S, Washington

☆ Israel's security forces face questions after Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Emily Rose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"It looks quite similar to what happened at that time," said retired General Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel's National Security Council. "As we can see it, Israel was completely surprised, by a very well coordinated attack," he told a briefing with reporters. "This was an intelligence failure; it could not be otherwise," said Jonathan Panikoff, the U.S. government's former deputy national intelligence officer on the Middle East, who is now at the Atlantic Council think tank. "They've been planning this for a long time," said former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata. "Obviously this is a very coordinated attack, and unfortunately they were able to surprise us tactically and cause devastating damage."

Persons: Israel, Giora Eiland, Gazans, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Amir Cohen, Jonathan Panikoff, government's, They've, Eyal Hulata, Matt Spetalnick, James Mackenzie, Chris Reese Organizations: Israel's National Security Council, West Bank, West, REUTERS, Atlantic Council, National, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, West Bank, Ashkelon, U.S, Sderot, Washington

Israel battered Palestinians with air strikes in Gaza on Sunday, with hundreds reportedly killed on both sides. Austin also added that the United States will provide munitions to Israel, and that its security assistance will begin moving on Sunday. Austin said he ordered moving a carrier strike group closer to Israel, which includes the Ford carrier and ships that support it. The United States on Sunday said that Saudi-Israel normalization efforts should continue despite the latest attack. Blinken labeled the attack on Israel as a "terrorist attack by a terrorist organization."

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Frantz, Lloyd Austin, Israel, Austin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gerald R, Ismail Haniyeh, Jerusalem's Al, Netanyahu, Jon, We're, Blinken, Kanishka Singh, Idrees Ali, Steve Holland, Susan Heavey, Joey Roulette, Heather Timmons, Lisa Shumaker, Mark Porter Organizations: Hamas, White, REUTERS, Rights, Defense, Pentagon, Israeli Defense Forces, Ford, Ford Carrier Strike Group, CNN, Saturday, West Bank, U.S, Deputy National, Fox News Sunday, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, United States, Washington, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Yom, Jerusalem, Aqsa, East, Saudi, GAZA, Israeli, Iran

☆ Sen. Bob Menendez's Democratic allies are silent for now on his latest indictment
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Fellow Democrats have yet to come to Sen. Bob Menendez's side in the wake of a stunning indictment. Months before the 2015 indictment, Booker had deemed himself "the Robin to his Batman." Stories about his 2015 indictment feature accounts of a IStandwithBob.com and an accompanying Twitter account that reposted signs of support. At the time of the 2015 indictment, Schumer's predecessor as top Senate Democrat, Sen. Harry Reid, encouraged people to let Menendez have his day in court. Menendez's 2015 indictment ended in a mistrial and he was easily reelected that same year.

Persons: Sen, Bob Menendez's, Menendez, Democratic Sen, Bob Menendez, Matt Friedman, Friedman, Cory Booker, Booker, Robin, It's, Nadine, Phil Murphy hasn't, Chuck Schumer, Schumer's, Harry Reid, Rob Menendez, White, Karine Jean, Pierre, he's, Chris Christie, Obama, Ben Rhodes Organizations: Service, Democratic, New, New Jersey Democrats, NJ, Twitter, New Jersey Gov, Democrat, Senate Foreign Relations, Republican, Monmouth University Locations: Wall, Silicon, Egypt, New Jersey, Garden, Washington, Iran, Cuba

[1/4] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives U.S. President Joe Biden at Al Salman Palace upon his arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. Biden would also score a foreign policy win as he seeks re-election in November 2024. The focus is on Biden’s fellow Democrats who have condemned Saudi Arabia over human rights but whose support would be needed if any agreement requires congressional approval. Though foreign policy rarely sways U.S. elections, Biden, facing a re-election fight against Republican former president Donald Trump, may be thinking of his legacy. Murphy, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he favors Israeli-Saudi normalization and is open to reviewing any broader agreement but would not be easily convinced.

Persons: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Joe Biden, Biden, Joe Biden’s, Israel, “, ”, Jonathan Panikoff, government’s, Biden’s, Washington, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Aaron David Miller, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jamal Khashoggi, Chris Murphy, Murphy, Jared Kushner, Trump, Abraham, Netanyahu, Matt Spetalnick, Steve Holland, Patricia Zengerle, Dan Williams, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Saudi Crown, Al, Saudi Royal Court, REUTERS, Rights, Atlantic Council, Saudi, Israel, Republicans, Israeli, Republican, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, SAUDI, MbS, NATO, Reuters, Democrat, Senate Foreign Relations, Abraham Accords, Middle, General, Trump, Biden, Thomson Locations: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bandar, Israel, U.S, Riyadh, Iran, Gulf, East, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi, Yemen, “, United States, Washington, Jerusalem

Biden is trying to turbocharge the market for electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent China from solidifying its grip on a growing industry. However, some in the UAW fear the transition will cost jobs because electric vehicles require fewer people to assemble. China is the dominant manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries. Some environmental groups, conscious of how labor remains crucial to securing support for climate programs, have expressed support for the strike. Former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, sees an opportunity to drive a wedge between Biden and workers.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, ”, Erik Gordon, Brittany Eason, Eason, ” Biden, “, Dave Green, ’, Suzanne Clark, Sam Gilchrist, It's, Donald Trump, NBC's “, ” Trump, Shawn Fain, “ That’s, ” Ammar Moussa, Trump, Barack Obama, Fain, Madeline Janis, Joey Cappelletti Organizations: WASHINGTON, United Auto Workers, UAW, University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Ford Assembly Plant, White, ”, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Natural Resources Defense, Presidential, Republican, Press, MSNBC, Energy Department, Ford, South, White House, Associated Locations: Michigan, China, Wayne, Mich, Detroit, Ohio, Indiana, U.S, United States, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Korean, Lansing

☆ South Korea's Yoon heading to New York next week for UN General Assembly
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attends the ASEAN-South Korea Summit at the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 6, 2023. Tatan Syuflana/Pool via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsSEOUL, Sept 14 (Reuters) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit New York next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly, Yoon's office said on Thursday. Yoon is scheduled to depart on Sept. 18 for the five-day trip during which he is expected to give a keynote speech on Sept. 20, Yoon's deputy national security advisor, Kim Tae-hyo, said. The trip would follow North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's rare summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week where they discussed military matters and possible Russian help for the North's satellite programme. Yoon will deliver a message on possible military exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow at the General Assembly, South Korean news agency Newsis said, citing the presidential office.

Persons: Yoon Suk, yeol, Tatan, Yoon, Kim Tae, Antonio Guterres, Kim, Kim Jong, Vladimir Putin, Newsis, Soo, hyang Choi, Hyunsu Yim, Clarence Fernandez, Lincoln Organizations: South, ASEAN, South Korea Summit, Association of, Southeast Asian Nations, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, New, United Nations General Assembly, U.N, North, General Assembly, Thomson Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, Rights SEOUL, New York, Ukraine, North, Pyongyang, Moscow, South Korean

“In the middle of a war zone, Joe Biden showed the world what America is made of. Biden’s current political weaknesses do not go unnoticed by fellow world leaders, most of them politicians themselves who are highly attuned to the electoral landscape. Governments around the world keep close tabs on the American election and the legal dramas currently surrounding the former president. Inside the G20 summit hall in New Delhi, the topic of the forthcoming American election did arise among world leaders, according to US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Amid the near-constant questions about Biden’s age, it was perhaps welcome when Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng offered the president a compliment.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, haven’t, they’re, Biden, darted, Coco Gauff, Sen, John McCain, ”, “, Joe Biden, doesn’t, Karine Jean, Pierre, didn’t, Jon, Donald Trump, Jake Sullivan, Mahatma Gandhi, don’t, Nguyễn Phú Trọng, ” Biden Organizations: Hanoi CNN —, CNN, US, Vietnam, NATO, Sunday, Air Force, White, Communist Party Locations: Delhi, Hanoi, New Delhi, Vietnam, Washington, Morocco, Alaska, Ukraine, Phoenix , Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas , Raleigh, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Kyiv, Bali, Poland, NATO, India, East, Europe

☆ Live updates: Death toll rises near Marrakech, Morocco, after 6.8-magnitude quake
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Heather Chen | Andrew Raine | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

The minaret of a mosque stands behind damaged or destroyed houses following an earthquake in Moulay Brahim, Morocco, on September 9. Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesThe US has made clear to the Moroccan government it is prepared to provide "significant assistance" following the devastating earthquake near Marrakech. "We are also ready to release funds at the right time to help the Moroccans recover and deal with this horrific tragedy that has befallen them." It comes after a statement on Saturday from US President Joe Biden, who said that his administration was in contact with officials in Morocco. We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe, and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people," Biden wrote.

Persons: Fadel Senna, We've, Jon, Joe Biden, Biden, Antony Blinken Organizations: Getty, Air Force Locations: Moulay Brahim, Morocco, AFP, Moroccan, Marrakech

☆ US, Vietnam upgrade ties as Biden visits in hedge against China
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. President Joe Biden attends Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event on the day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2023. U.S. President Joe Biden secured deals with Vietnam on semiconductors and minerals as the strategic Southeast Asian nation elevated Washington to its highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia. Biden noted the strides that had been taken toward improved ties. Vietnam is having to navigate frosty relations between Washington and Beijing as it seeks its own foothold in the international economic competition. That would help Vietnam reduce military reliance on Moscow, "a relationship we think they are increasingly uncomfortable with," Finer said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Xi Jinping, Pham Minh Chinh, Jon Organizations: Global Infrastructure, Communist Party, Reuters, Vietnam's Locations: New Delhi, India, Vietnam, Washington, China, Russia, The U.S, Hanoi, Beijing, Ukraine, Moscow, United States, U.S

☆ Biden in Vietnam Biden Visits Hanoi on Mission to Forge Deeper Ties
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Katie Rogers | Peter Baker | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Mr. Biden’s trip to Hanoi, which includes a news conference scheduled for Sunday, is centered on signing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with the Vietnamese, a symbolic but significant status long coveted by the United States. Since taking office, Mr. Biden has sought to enhance relations with several Southeast Asian nations because of their tactical value as a bulwark against rising Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken accompanied Mr. Biden to the presidential palace, where honor guards marched to martial music before the meeting with Mr. Trong began. Earlier on Sunday, Mr. Biden concluded an eventful trip to New Delhi by joining the Group of 20 leaders at the memorial of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the champion of nonviolent struggle. The G20 summit managed to produce a surprise consensus declaration before the end of its first day.

Persons: Biden, Jon, ”, Nguyen Phu Trong, Antony J, Blinken, Mr, Trong, Narendra Modi, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Lee Wee Organizations: Air Force, U.S ., Communist Party of Vietnam, Group Locations: Vietnam, Russia, Hanoi, United States, New Delhi, U.S, China, India, Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden holds a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023. Biden also said in Hanoi he had talked with Xi’s deputy at the G20, and that the two talked about stability. In recent weeks, Vietnam has engaged in several high-level defence meetings with top Russian officials. CHIPS, RARE EARTHSBiden’s visit comes as bilateral trade and investment ties are growing and a long-simmering territorial dispute between Vietnam and China heats up in the South China Sea. A large part of it could go to Vietnam, officials said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Evelyn Hockstein The, Biden, ”, ” Biden, Xi Jinping, Nguyen Phu Trong, Pham Minh Chinh, Jon, “, Antony Blinken Organizations: Sunday, REUTERS, Communist Party, Communist Party General, Reuters, Vietnam’s, Vietnam Airlines, Boeing, Max, Google, Intel, Marvell, GlobalFoundries, U.S Locations: HANOI, WASHINGTON, Vietnam, Washington, China, Russia, Hanoi, United States, Pacific, Hanoi . Vietnam, Beijing, Ukraine, Moscow, U.S, India, South China, America

☆ US, India, Saudi, EU to unveil rail, ports deal on G20 sidelines -White House official
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Nandita Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. President Joe Biden listens to the opening remarks of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the first session of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Evan Vucci/Pool via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsNEW DELHI, Sept 9 (Reuters) - A multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia will be announced on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, a White House official said. A memorandum of understanding for the deal will be signed by the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and other G20 partners, Finer said. The move comes amid U.S. efforts for a broader diplomatic deal in the Middle East that would have Saudi Arabia recognise Israel. From the U.S. viewpoint, Finer added, the deal helps "turn the temperature down across the region" and "address a conflict where we see it".

Persons: Joe Biden, Narendra Modi, Evan Vucci, Jon, Nandita Bose, Krishn Kaushik, Shivam Patel, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: Indian, REUTERS Acquire, White, Washington, European Union, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: New Delhi, India, DELHI, East, South Asia, U.S, Gulf, Europe, Saudi Arabia, United States, Israel

☆ It is for China to explain Xi's absence from G20 summit, US official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Nandita Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the plenary session of the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 23, 2023. GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/Pool via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsNEW DELHI, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Only China can explain the reason for the absence of President Xi Jinping from the annual G20 summit in New Delhi this weekend, a U.S. official said on Saturday. "Some have speculated China's absence indicates that it is giving up on the G20, building an alternative world order, that it will privilege groupings like the BRICS," Finer said. Also absent from the summit is President Vladimir Putin of Russia, which is being represented instead by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Last Sunday, reacting to news that Xi would not attend the G20 summit, Biden said he was "disappointed" but would "get to see him".

Persons: Xi Jinping, GIANLUIGI, Joe Biden, Jon, Li Qiang, Vladimir Putin of, Sergei Lavrov, Biden, Xi, Sudipto Ganguly, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS Acquire, U.S, Thomson Locations: Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, DELHI, China, New Delhi, U.S, United States, Vladimir Putin of Russia, India, Brazil

☆ G20 summit: President Joe Biden is hoping to convince the world's largest economies to rally behind Ukraine at summit in New Delhi
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New Delhi CNN —President Biden was hoping to convince the world’s largest economies to rally behind Ukraine during Saturday’s Group of 20 summit in India while also pressing his case for American investment in the developing world. And he was unveiling new reforms and investments in the World Bank, which the White House says could unlock hundreds of billions of dollars in grants and loans for the developing world. Biden hopes to use his announcements on new infrastructure and investments as demonstration of US commitment to the developing world, and a better option for partnership than China. Without Xi attending, Biden will have the implicit opportunity to demonstrate sustained American commitment while questioning China’s. American officials said Saturday it wasn’t clear to them why Xi decided to skip the G20 for the first time.

Persons: Biden, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin —, White, Narendra Modi, haven’t, Biden’s, Jon, “, Xi, China’s, “ I’m Organizations: New, New Delhi CNN —, Ukraine, Saturday’s Group, —, World Bank, Diplomats, Indian, East, Ukraine skeptically, United Arab Emirates, European Union Locations: New Delhi, India, Europe, East, Asia, Ukraine, Russia, Delhi, North, West, Moscow, United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Beijing

☆ U.S., India, Saudi, EU unveil a massive rail and ports deal on G20 sidelines
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Global leaders announced a multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. Biden said it was a "real big deal" that would bridge ports across two continents and lead to a "more stable, more prosperous and integrated Middle East." A memorandum of understanding for the deal was set to be signed by the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and other G20 partners. The move comes amid U.S. efforts for a broader diplomatic deal in the Middle East that would have Saudi Arabia recognise Israel. From the U.S. viewpoint, Finer added, the deal helps "turn the temperature down across the region" and "address a conflict where we see it".

Persons: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Joe Biden, Narendra Modi, Biden, Jon Organizations: Saudi, Saudi Arabian Crown, Indian, Global, Washington, European Union, United Arab Emirates Locations: Saudi Arabian, New Delhi, India, East, South Asia, U.S, Gulf, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Israel

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