Trump says ‘not’ giving up on coronavirus fightBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020US President Donald Trump denied Monday that he is giving up on fighting the spread of the coronavirus, insisting, despite a new surge in infections, that the pandemic is in retreat. “I’m not,” Trump said, when asked about his opponent Joe Biden’s charge that he is abandoning attempts to control the pandemic. “We’re absolutely rounding […]
Iran reports COVID-19 death every four minutes, extends curbsBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020Iran extended COVID-19 curbs in Tehran and across the country on Monday as health authorities said they were recording a death from the virus every four minutes. Some hospitals had run out of beds to treat new patients, the head of the national coronavirus task-force told state TV. “Our doctors and nurses are tired. I […]
Third attempt at Karabakh ceasefire quickly collapsesBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020A third attempt at halting weeks of fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh collapsed quickly on Monday with Armenia and Azerbaijan trading accusations of violating the US-brokered ceasefire within minutes. As fighting over the disputed region enters its second month, international mediators are scrambling to bring a stop to frontline clashes and shelling of civilian areas that have […]
Wary of angering public, Iran has few ways to contain virusBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020As coronavirus infections reached new heights in Iran this month, overwhelming its hospitals and driving up its death toll, the country´s health minister gave a rare speech criticizing his own government´s refusal to enforce basic health measures. “We asked for fines to be collected from anyone who doesn´t wear a mask,” Saeed Namaki said last […]
Trump, Biden in final full week of campaigning as virus looms largeBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden on Monday are down to the final full week of campaigning before the Nov. 3 election, as surging coronavirus cases and a COVID-19 outbreak within Vice President Mike Pence’s staff keep the focus of the race on the pandemic. Trump claimed progress in combating the disease even […]
Despite setbacks, Russia still leans towards Trump: analystsBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020Despite failing to realise the Kremlin’s hopes of spearheading a new era in US-Russia ties, President Donald Trump is still Moscow’s preferred candidate in the US election over his rival Joe Biden, analysts say. Russia had high hopes for Trump when he was elected in 2016, at a time its relations with the West were […]
Tanzanians to vote as alarm soars over stifling of democracyBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020Tanzanians head to the polls on Wednesday in an election set to be a litmus test of President John Magufuli’s authoritarian style after a five-year crackdown on the opposition and freedom of speech. Voters on the Tanzanian mainland and semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar will cast their ballots for a president and lawmakers after an energetic […]
Fury after Qatar ‘forcibly examined’ women at airportBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020Female passengers flying from Qatar were subjected to invasive searches after a premature baby was found abandoned in an airport bathroom, in procedures the Australian government on Monday described as “grossly disturbing” and “offensive”. A number of women — including from Australia — were removed from their flight and examined for signs of childbirth after […]
Palestinian teen dies after West Bank chase by Israeli armyBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020An 18-year-old Palestinian died early Sunday after being chased by Israeli troops in the West Bank, but the circumstances of his death remain in dispute. Relatives of Amer Snobar said that Israeli troops had beaten him to death, while the Israeli army said the man fell and hit his head while troops were chasing him. […]
Taliban seek image revamp as Afghan peace talks grind onBy: Agencies on October 27, 2020As Afghan peace talks grind on, the Taliban are trying to portray themselves as a viable government-in-waiting in an image makeover that includes rehabilitating their ultra-violent affiliate, the Haqqani network. Negotiators from both sides in Afghanistan’s 19-year-old war have been meeting in Qatar since September and are attempting to draw up a blueprint for the […]