thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Trump’s Foreign Policy Is A Growing Point Of Contention In Democratic Primaries

At least five House challengers and one progressive running in a competitive primary for an open Senate seat have used the assassination ― and the questions it ’ s raised about Congress ’ power to authorize war and the United States ’ role in the world ― to distinguish themselves from their more moderate Democratic opponents .
“ On the presidential level and on the congressional level , there is a real fight on the direction of the Democratic Party on foreign policy , especially in the Trump era , ” Shahid said .
“ Trump is being impeached for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So there ’ s a lot of energy in the Democratic electorate to hold him more accountable.
” It was the perfect opening for Cisneros , the challenger , who has made Cuellar ’ s common ground with Trump a key talking point .
For the purposes of this particular argument , she has also underscored Cuellar ’ s reliance over the course of his career on campaign contributions from military contractors .
Instead , many progressive challengers are reduced to casting doubt on incumbents ’ judgment based on their past actions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their opponents voted in 2002 to authorize the Iraq War ; opposed then-President Barack Obama ’ s 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran ; or voted for the final , bipartisan version of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act ― a military spending bill from which lawmakers had stripped provisions reining in the president ’ s authority to wage war with Iran .
Morse , Neal ’ s challenger , blasted Neal for approving the compromise defense spending bill and for failing to lead on the reassertion of congressional authority in matters of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iraq War and supported the Iran nuclear deal , but also voted for the original Authorization for Use of Military Force , which , over 18 years later , remains the sole legal basis for the entire war on terror across multiple countries .
( California Rep. Barbara Lee was the sole member of Congress to vote against the original AUMF in September 2001 . )
Engel , who is liberal on domestic policy , has long been one of his party ’ s more hawkish members on foreign affairs .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War ― a vote for which he has subsequently expressed regret ― and in 2015 , opposed then-President Barack Obama ’ s agreement with the Iranian government restricting its development of nuclear weapons .
In the current majority-Democratic Congress , though , with serious primary challenges against him underway , Engel has made a particular point of aligning with his party ’ s peace camp .
He co-sponsored California Rep. Ro Khanna ’ s amendment to the annual defense spending bill forbidding military hostilities with Iran without congressional authorization .
And along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the final bill because the bipartisan compromise legislation omitted the amendment .
So when Bowman warned Engel on Twitter that the “ grassroots … will be pushing ” for the adoption of the standalone version of Khanna ’ s legislation requiring congressional authorization for war with Iran , Engel had a retort handy .
“ Glad you agree with my bill , ” he wrote , signing the tweet “ Eliot ” to signify that he , rather than his staff , had written it .
( Bowman shot back with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iraq War and opposition to the Iran nuclear deal . )
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California has tapped Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan , a moderate freshman and former intelligence analyst , to lead the introduction of legislation later this week that would force Trump to cease hostilities with Iran within 30 days if Congress does not take additional action .
Even if the legislation is identical to Khanna ’ s , it would effectively deprive Khanna and his ideological allies of credit for the provision and obscure responsibility for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending bill .
Cuellar ’ s campaign would not say how Cuellar , the most hawkish of the embattled incumbents , plans to cast his vote on such a bill .
But he may benefit from Texas ’ open primary system , which allows independents and Republicans to register as Democrats to cast a vote in the March 3 primary .
“ Siding with President Trump on an issue that could bring the nation to the brink of war is not something you want to be associated with at all in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @

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Progressive candidates challenging Democratic members of Congress in primaries are increasingly making foreign policy a central theme of their campaigns in the wake of President Donald Trump’s killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
At least five House challengers and one progressive running in a competitive primary for an open Senate seat have used the assassination ― and the questions it’s raised about Congress’ power to authorize war and the United States’ role in the world ― to distinguish themselves from their more moderate Democratic opponents.
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The accusation that sitting Democratic lawmakers have provided insufficient oversight of Trump’s foreign policy has become significant in immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros’ run against Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar; former middle school principal Jamaal Bowman’s run against House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel of New York; law professor Suraj Patel’s rematch against Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York; Holyoke, Massachusetts, Mayor Alex Morse’s effort to unseat House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal of Massachusetts; and nonprofit executive Melanie D’Arrigo’s run against Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi.
Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker, a long-shot candidate for the Democratic Senate nomination in the Bluegrass State, has also sought to distinguish himself from military veteran and establishment favorite Amy McGrath with a firmer stance against Trump’s intervention.
Waleed Shahid, a spokesperson for the left-wing group Justice Democrats, which is backing three out of the five primary challengers, sees Democrats’ foreign policy stances as a potentially fruitful campaign topic.
“On the presidential level and on the congressional level, there is a real fight on the direction of the Democratic Party on foreign policy, especially in the Trump era,” Shahid said. “Trump is being impeached for manipulating foreign policy to benefit himself. So there’s a lot of energy in the Democratic electorate to hold him more accountable.”
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Democrat Jessica Cisneros, an immigration attorney challenging Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, is making an issue out of Cuellar's support for the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Veronica Cardenas / Reuters
For some challengers, though, the case is more straightforward than for others.
Cuellar, who has one of the most conservative records in his party’s caucus, registered no objection to Trump’s move to kill Soleimani, calling it “a necessary step in combating the threat of Iran.”
It was the perfect opening for Cisneros, the challenger, who has made Cuellar’s common ground with Trump a key talking point. For the purposes of this particular argument, she has also underscored Cuellar’s reliance over the course of his career on campaign contributions from military contractors.
“Henry Cuellar is picking corporate special interests over his constituents — and proving once again he’s Trump’s favorite Democrat,” she said in a Monday statement.
But other Democratic incumbents have at least questioned the wisdom of Trump’s actions, raising the possibility that, as with impeachment, their progressive challengers will become victims of their own success.
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The threat of a progressive primary challenge has likely made vulnerable Democrats more eager to criticize Trump’s conduct, which ironically deprives those same progressive primary challengers of a neater attack line against the incumbents they are taking on.
“Trump is being impeached for manipulating foreign policy to benefit himself. So there’s a lot of energy in the Democratic electorate to hold him more accountable.” - Waleed Shahid, Justice Democrats
Instead, many progressive challengers are reduced to casting doubt on incumbents’ judgment based on their past actions. Specifically, challengers are seizing on whether their opponents voted in 2002 to authorize the Iraq War; opposed then-President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran; or voted for the final, bipartisan version of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act ― a military spending bill from which lawmakers had stripped provisions reining in the president’s authority to wage war with Iran.
“What we must demand is not a race to war, but a diplomatic solution,” Patel, the law professor running for a second time to unseat Maloney, said in a Saturday statement. “Rep. Carolyn Maloney has a history of supporting reckless Middle East policy and aligning herself with the foreign policy of this president.”
The reelection campaign of Maloney — who indeed voted for the Iraq War, opposed the Iran nuclear deal and voted for the 2020 defense spending bill — declined HuffPost’s request for a response to Patel’s accusation.
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Morse, Neal’s challenger, blasted Neal for approving the compromise defense spending bill and for failing to lead on the reassertion of congressional authority in matters of war and peace. Neal voted against authorizing the Iraq War and supported the Iran nuclear deal, but also voted for the original Authorization for Use of Military Force, which, over 18 years later, remains the sole legal basis for the entire war on terror across multiple countries. (California Rep. Barbara Lee was the sole member of Congress to vote against the original AUMF in September 2001.)
Neal “has had opportunities throughout his 30 years in Washington to prevent what happened [on Thursday night] and he failed to do so,” Morse told HuffPost.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, a New York Democrat, limited his exposure to progressive attacks with a vote against the 2020 defense spending bill. SAUL LOEB/Getty Images
Neal’s campaign said the influential Massachusetts congressman had supported the NDAA because it included a compromise to save some 200 jobs at a manufacturing facility in Springfield and major funding for military bases in the Western Massachusetts district.
“With Middle East foreign policy, as with many others, Alex Morse appears to be remarkably ill-informed about national and international issues as they relate to Western Mass,” Neal campaign spokeswoman Kate Norton said.
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D’Arrigo has also focused on the 2020 NDAA in her bid to dislodge Suozzi, a business-friendly House sophomore.
In a statement about Soleimani’s killing, Suozzi had urged Trump to work with Congress and U.S. allies.
D’Arrigo quote-tweeted the statement on Twitter with a rebuke against Suozzi’s vote for the 2020 NDAA.
“You can’t both criticize AND enable his actions,” she wrote to Suozzi. “Continually playing both sides will not keep Americans safe, it will only embolden an increasingly rogue GOP and POTUS.”
At least one Democratic incumbent, however ― Engel ― went so far as voting against the annual defense spending bill, making it even harder to pin him down.
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Engel, who is liberal on domestic policy, has long been one of his party’s more hawkish members on foreign affairs. He voted in 2002 to authorize the Iraq War ― a vote for which he has subsequently expressed regret ― and in 2015, opposed then-President Barack Obama’s agreement with the Iranian government restricting its development of nuclear weapons.
“Democratic voters in general do not have well-developed foreign policy views.” - Matt Grossmann, Michigan State University
Engel’s position was nuanced, however, even before Bowman and schoolteacher Andom Ghebreghiorgis announced bids against him in 2019. Essentially from the moment Trump took office in 2017, Engel opposed withdrawing from the Iran nuclear agreement, notwithstanding his opposition to the accord that Obama had passed.
In the current majority-Democratic Congress, though, with serious primary challenges against him underway, Engel has made a particular point of aligning with his party’s peace camp. He co-sponsored California Rep. Ro Khanna’s amendment to the annual defense spending bill forbidding military hostilities with Iran without congressional authorization. And along with just 40 other Democrats, he voted down the final bill because the bipartisan compromise legislation omitted the amendment.
So when Bowman warned Engel on Twitter that the “grassroots … will be pushing” for the adoption of the standalone version of Khanna’s legislation requiring congressional authorization for war with Iran, Engel had a retort handy. “Glad you agree with my bill,” he wrote, signing the tweet “Eliot” to signify that he, rather than his staff, had written it. (Bowman shot back with a recounting of Engel’s support for the Iraq War and opposition to the Iran nuclear deal.)
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Democratic leadership in the House has already taken steps to shore up its moderate members at the expense of both more liberal sitting members and progressive primary challengers.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California has tapped Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a moderate freshman and former intelligence analyst, to lead the introduction of legislation later this week that would force Trump to cease hostilities with Iran within 30 days if Congress does not take additional action. Even if the legislation is identical to Khanna’s, it would effectively deprive Khanna and his ideological allies of credit for the provision and obscure responsibility for his amendment being jettisoned from the final defense spending bill.
Cuellar’s campaign would not say how Cuellar, the most hawkish of the embattled incumbents, plans to cast his vote on such a bill. But he may benefit from Texas’ open primary system, which allows independents and Republicans to register as Democrats to cast a vote in the March 3 primary.
His campaign’s combative responses to Cisneros may be aimed at more conservative primarygoers.
@JCisnerosTX do a little research before you side with a terrorist and #Iran. Stop letting your handlers tell you to support a guy who targeted and harmed Americans. https://t.co/SRsq9VZxMA — Colin Strother (@ColinStrother) January 7, 2020
Cisneros “can put out a press release of word salad, but the bottom line is that our opponent opposes the targeting of a terrorist who directed and sanctioned attacks on U.S. troops,” said Cuellar campaign spokesman Colin Strother, adding that Cisneros is “standing with Iran.”
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Even with a more favorable set of facts for progressives, though, it’s likely that foreign policy would be a challenging issue to run on.
“Democratic voters in general do not have well-developed foreign policy views,” Michigan State political scientist Matt Grossmann told HuffPost last week. “They are only able to interpret events in terms of what political elites say.”
Shahid of Justice Democrats maintains that it’s worth a shot, particularly given Obama’s popularity and the degree to which Trump’s brinksmanship stems from his insistence on jettisoning the Iran deal ― Obama’s signature foreign policy achievement.
“Siding with President Trump on an issue that could bring the nation to the brink of war is not something you want to be associated with at all in the Democratic primary,” he said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Trump Walks Back Threat To Commit War Crimes Against Iran's Cultural Sites

“ We are , according to various laws , supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage .
And you know what , if that ’ s what the law is , I like to obey the law , ” Trump said .
“ But think of it : They kill our people , they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions.
” Trump vowed over the weekend to target 52 locations , including some “ important to Iran & the Iranian culture , ” if Tehran retaliated against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump then defended his stance on Sunday , effectively doubling down on his threat to commit war crimes .
Although Trump appears to have backed off somewhat following the backlash , his remarks were in keeping with a history of flagrant disregard for human rights and international law ― often describing them as a hindrance to his own authority .
During the 2016 presidential election campaign he criticized the Geneva Conventions as a “ problem ” in the fight against ISIS and complained that the U.S. wasn ’ t allowed to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debunked myth about a World War I-era U.S. general in the Philippines killing Muslim prisoners with bullets dipped in pigs ’ blood , which would also constitute a war crime .
Trump continued his disregard for international law and human rights as president , recently pardoning Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher after he was accused of war crimes and convicted of posing for photos with the corpse of a dead ISIS detainee .
( Gallagher was acquitted of other charges that included shooting unarmed civilians . )
Trump has praised some of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his administration broadly deemphasized and undermined human rights as an international issue .
What Trump threatened against Iran is a clear-cut example of a war crime and in violation of international treaties that the U.S. has signed on to , according to Sara Bronin , a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law .
The United States is party to the Hague Convention of 1907 , which dictates that “ all necessary steps must be taken ” to protect sites of cultural , scientific , historic and religious importance .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hague Cultural Property Convention of 1954 which similarly prohibits attacks and which destroying Iran ’ s cultural sites would violate .
Article 53 of the Geneva Convention additionally forbids destruction of historic monuments and places of worship , expressly prohibiting making them the subject of reprisal attacks , while the U.S. Defense Department Law of War Manual bars targeting cultural property .
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in 2017 vowing to protect the world ’ s cultural heritage from conflict .
The U.S. interest in preserving cultural sites and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to at least the Civil War era , when the Lincoln administration produced the Lieber Code ordering that “ classical works of art , libraries , scientific collections , or precious instruments ” should be protected from harm .
U.S. rhetoric on protecting cultural heritage hasn ’ t always matched its actions , which have included bombing Vietcong-occupied historic temples during the Vietnam War and in recent years supporting Saudi Arabia ’ s devastation of Yemen ’ s ancient heritage sites .
But experts say that Trump ’ s threats were unique in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural property , as well as nonsensical from a policy standpoint .
Trump ’ s threats to attack cultural sites are “ not useful strategically , even if what you ’ re trying to do is put American foreign policy interests above all else , ” said Christine Cheng , associate professor in the department of war studies at King ’ s College London .
“ There ’ s nothing that would rally people more than this.
” Destroying Iranian cultural sites would also be similar to abuses that the U.S. has fiercely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s destruction of Afghanistan ’ s Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001 was widely condemned as an atrocity , and the U.S. state department founded special programs to address the Islamic State militant group ’ s targeting of Syrian and Iraqi cultural and religious sites .
It would also weaken international courts ’ attempts to establish stronger norms around forbidding the destruction of cultural sites , which has increased in recent years with the International Criminal Court ’ s prosecution and conviction of an Al Qaeda-linked militant who organized the destruction of Muslim shrines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites which the United Nations cultural body , UNESCO , has labeled as protected on their world heritage list ― some of which have stood for thousands of years and represent world-renowned examples of art , architecture and engineering .
“ A lot of these things are irreplaceable , not just irreplaceable in the physical sense but in terms of a sense of loss of dignity , in the sense of belonging and community , ” Cheng said .
“ You can ’ t really fix that , and all that really does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s the opposite of what the U.S. would want in terms of eventually trying to normalize U.S.-Iran relations , ” she said .

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President Donald Trump reluctantly walked back his threats to commit a war crime by launching airstrikes against Iranian cultural sites, telling reporters on Tuesday that he was “OK with” obeying international law on the matter while also expressing his petulance.
“We are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage. And you know what, if that’s what the law is, I like to obey the law,” Trump said. “But think of it: They kill our people, they blow up our people and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions.”
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Trump vowed over the weekend to target 52 locations, including some “important to Iran & the Iranian culture,” if Tehran retaliated against the U.S. for assassinating Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Trump then defended his stance on Sunday, effectively doubling down on his threat to commit war crimes.
Bombing cultural sites would violate multiple international treaties. Legal experts, world leaders and cultural heritage organizations all harshly condemned Trump’s threats, and top administration officials tried to water down and deflect from the statements.
Although Trump appears to have backed off somewhat following the backlash, his remarks were in keeping with a history of flagrant disregard for human rights and international law ― often describing them as a hindrance to his own authority.
During the 2016 presidential election campaign he criticized the Geneva Conventions as a “problem” in the fight against ISIS and complained that the U.S. wasn’t allowed to use torture. He also repeatedly spread a debunked myth about a World War I-era U.S. general in the Philippines killing Muslim prisoners with bullets dipped in pigs’ blood, which would also constitute a war crime.
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Trump continued his disregard for international law and human rights as president, recently pardoning Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher after he was accused of war crimes and convicted of posing for photos with the corpse of a dead ISIS detainee. (Gallagher was acquitted of other charges that included shooting unarmed civilians.) Trump has praised some of the world’s worst rights abusers, while his administration broadly deemphasized and undermined human rights as an international issue.
What Trump threatened against Iran is a clear-cut example of a war crime and in violation of international treaties that the U.S. has signed on to, according to Sara Bronin, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law. The United States is party to the Hague Convention of 1907, which dictates that “all necessary steps must be taken” to protect sites of cultural, scientific, historic and religious importance.
The Obama administration in 2009 also ratified the Hague Cultural Property Convention of 1954 which similarly prohibits attacks and which destroying Iran’s cultural sites would violate. Article 53 of the Geneva Convention additionally forbids destruction of historic monuments and places of worship, expressly prohibiting making them the subject of reprisal attacks, while the U.S. Defense Department Law of War Manual bars targeting cultural property. The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in 2017 vowing to protect the world’s cultural heritage from conflict.
The U.S. interest in preserving cultural sites and important historical artifacts during war goes back to at least the Civil War era, when the Lincoln administration produced the Lieber Code ordering that “classical works of art, libraries, scientific collections, or precious instruments” should be protected from harm.
“There’s nothing that would rally people more than this.” - Christine Cheng, associate professor, King’s College London
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U.S. rhetoric on protecting cultural heritage hasn’t always matched its actions, which have included bombing Vietcong-occupied historic temples during the Vietnam War and in recent years supporting Saudi Arabia’s devastation of Yemen’s ancient heritage sites. But experts say that Trump’s threats were unique in their explicit contempt for international norms around cultural property, as well as nonsensical from a policy standpoint.
Trump’s threats to attack cultural sites are “not useful strategically, even if what you’re trying to do is put American foreign policy interests above all else,” said Christine Cheng, associate professor in the department of war studies at King’s College London. “There’s nothing that would rally people more than this.”
Destroying Iranian cultural sites would also be similar to abuses that the U.S. has fiercely condemned in past administrations. The Taliban’s destruction of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001 was widely condemned as an atrocity, and the U.S. state department founded special programs to address the Islamic State militant group’s targeting of Syrian and Iraqi cultural and religious sites. It would also weaken international courts’ attempts to establish stronger norms around forbidding the destruction of cultural sites, which has increased in recent years with the International Criminal Court’s prosecution and conviction of an Al Qaeda-linked militant who organized the destruction of Muslim shrines in Mali.
Several Democratic senators including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced an anti-war-crimes resolution condemning Trump’s threats against cultural sites and demanding the president abide by the laws of war.
Iran has 22 cultural sites which the United Nations cultural body, UNESCO, has labeled as protected on their world heritage list ― some of which have stood for thousands of years and represent world-renowned examples of art, architecture and engineering.
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“A lot of these things are irreplaceable, not just irreplaceable in the physical sense but in terms of a sense of loss of dignity, in the sense of belonging and community,” Cheng said.
“You can’t really fix that, and all that really does is cause long-term hatred and resentment. It’s the opposite of what the U.S. would want in terms of eventually trying to normalize U.S.-Iran relations,” she said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Dozens Of Iranian-Americans Claim They Were Delayed, Questioned At The Border

SEATTLE ( AP ) — Civil rights groups and lawmakers demanded information from federal officials Monday following reports that dozens of Iranian-Americans were held up and questioned at the border as they returned to the United States from Canada over the weekend .
The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said more than 60 Iranians and Iranian-Americans were detained and questioned for hours at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine , Washington .
The delays followed security warnings that Iran might retaliate for President Donald Trump ’ s decision to kill a top Iranian general last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning from a concert by an Iranian pop star in Vancouver , British Columbia , on Saturday night , while others had been vacationing or visiting relatives over the holidays .
Unusual delays in clearing travelers of Iranian descent continued until Sunday afternoon but appeared to have ended by Monday , the civil rights groups said .
It was not immediately clear if travelers had been similarly delayed elsewhere .
Border agents typically have discretion to refer a traveler for additional inspection , such as when a traveler ’ s paperwork is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent ’ s suspicion .
But immigrant rights groups and lawmakers said singling out Iranian-Americans absent such factors was wrong and violated their right to equal protection under the law .
Negah Hekmati , 38 , told a news conference at the Seattle office of U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal on Monday that she and her husband were detained , along with their 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter , from midnight to 5 a.m. Sunday as they returned from a ski trip .
They are all U.S. citizens , though she and her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in the NEXUS program — an expedited border-crossing program for low-risk travelers — and visits relatives in Canada about once a month , she said .
They had never previously been detained for so long .
Border guards took their passports , NEXUS cards and car keys , she said .
They questioned her about her parents , her education and her Facebook and email accounts , she said , and asked her husband about the military service he was required to perform in Iran as a young man .
Another family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they said they saw about two dozen other families — all of Iranian descent — in the same waiting area , Hekmati said .
Only one white family passed through the area while they were there , she said , and that family was allowed to leave within minutes .
“ ’ Based on the current threat environment , CBP is operating with an enhanced posture at its ports of entry to safeguard our national security and protect the America people while simultaneously protecting the civil rights and liberties of everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jayapal and others rejected the assertion that low staffing levels had anything to do with the singling out of Iranian or Iranian-American families .
She suggested the Department of Homeland Security , which includes Customs and Border Protection , was lying .
Jorge Baron , executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project , said he went to the border crossing at Blaine on Sunday in response to the reports .
He tweeted that he spoke with one legal permanent resident of the U.S. who was detained for 11 hours overnight in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 other people who had been born in Iran .
“ @ CBP claims that they were not ‘ detaining ’ people but this is only true if you define ‘ detain ’ to mean only to be placed in a locked room , ” Baron tweeted .
“ These individuals were in a waiting area and could walk to the parking lot but were not free to go : They were not being allowed to enter the U.S. ( their only home ) and CBP was holding their passports so they couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had wanted to .
”

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SEATTLE (AP) — Civil rights groups and lawmakers demanded information from federal officials Monday following reports that dozens of Iranian-Americans were held up and questioned at the border as they returned to the United States from Canada over the weekend.
The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said more than 60 Iranians and Iranian-Americans were detained and questioned for hours at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine, Washington. The delays followed security warnings that Iran might retaliate for President Donald Trump’s decision to kill a top Iranian general last week.
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Some of the travelers were returning from a concert by an Iranian pop star in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday night, while others had been vacationing or visiting relatives over the holidays.
Unusual delays in clearing travelers of Iranian descent continued until Sunday afternoon but appeared to have ended by Monday, the civil rights groups said. It was not immediately clear if travelers had been similarly delayed elsewhere.
Border agents typically have discretion to refer a traveler for additional inspection, such as when a traveler’s paperwork is not in order or if something raises the agent’s suspicion. But immigrant rights groups and lawmakers said singling out Iranian-Americans absent such factors was wrong and violated their right to equal protection under the law.
Negah Hekmati, 38, told a news conference at the Seattle office of U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal on Monday that she and her husband were detained, along with their 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, from midnight to 5 a.m. Sunday as they returned from a ski trip. They are all U.S. citizens, though she and her husband were born in Iran.
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The family is in the NEXUS program — an expedited border-crossing program for low-risk travelers — and visits relatives in Canada about once a month, she said. They had never previously been detained for so long.
“My daughter was telling me, ‘Please don’t speak Farsi. Maybe if you don’t speak Farsi they won’t take you,’” said Hekmati. ”This is not OK.”
Border guards took their passports, NEXUS cards and car keys, she said. They questioned her about her parents, her education and her Facebook and email accounts, she said, and asked her husband about the military service he was required to perform in Iran as a young man.
Another family they were traveling with was similarly detained, and they said they saw about two dozen other families — all of Iranian descent — in the same waiting area, Hekmati said. Only one white family passed through the area while they were there, she said, and that family was allowed to leave within minutes.
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Michael Friel, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said reports that Iranian-Americans were detained or refused entry because of where they were born were not true.
“’Based on the current threat environment, CBP is operating with an enhanced posture at its ports of entry to safeguard our national security and protect the America people while simultaneously protecting the civil rights and liberties of everyone,” Friel said in a statement.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., left, looks on as Negah Hekmati speaks about her hours-long delay returning to the U.S. from Canada with her family at a news conference on Jan. 6, 2020, in Seattle. ASSOCIATED PRESS
He said border wait times increased to an average of two hours Saturday evening at Blaine, Washington, because of increased traffic and reduced staffing because of the holiday season.
Jayapal and others rejected the assertion that low staffing levels had anything to do with the singling out of Iranian or Iranian-American families. She suggested the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Customs and Border Protection, was lying.
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“DHS was the same agency that denied family separations were happening” on the southern border, she noted.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, tweeted Sunday that his office was trying to speak with people who experienced problems and was asking federal government officials for more information.
Vehicles line up to enter the United States at a border crossing between Blaine, Washington and White Rock, British Columbia on November 8, 2001 in White Rock, BC. Jeff Vinnick via Getty Images
Jorge Baron, executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, said he went to the border crossing at Blaine on Sunday in response to the reports. He tweeted that he spoke with one legal permanent resident of the U.S. who was detained for 11 hours overnight in “secondary screening” along with about 40 other people who had been born in Iran.
“Bottom-line: despite CBP denials, this was definitely happening,” Baron wrote.
He reported meeting with three families — all U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents — who had been delayed as long as 2 1/2 hours.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Lawmakers Ask Trump For Disaster Declaration To Help Puerto Rico After Earthquakes

Lawmakers urged President Donald Trump to issue a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico after a series of earthquakes ― the largest early Tuesday ― shook the island , killing at least one person , destroying buildings and causing widespread blackouts .
Puerto Rico ’ s congressional representative Jenniffer González-Colón , joined by Florida Sens .
Marco Rubio ( R ) and Rick Scott ( R ) , sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday in which they supported Puerto Rican Gov .
Wanda Vázquez Garced ’ s request for a disaster declaration in order to get additional federal resources and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) released a statement late Tuesday also urging the Trump administration to “ quickly ” issue an emergency declaration , saying : “ The people of Puerto Rico can not afford a repeat of the same failed response ” that followed Hurricane Maria in 2017 .
Rep. Nydia Velázquez ( D-N.Y. ) , who is Puerto Rican , said , “ The federal government must learn from the mistakes of the past and respond compassionately and swiftly.
” The Trump administration was widely criticized for its slow response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria .
Last year , Trump absurdly claimed that he had “ taken better care of Puerto Rico than any man ever.
” The president was informed of Tuesday ’ s earthquake , the White House told El Nuevo Día , and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been in touch with Puerto Rico ’ s governor .
FEMA told reporters the request for a disaster declaration was “ under consideration.
” FEMA told HuffPost that it had teams on the ground but did not say how many personnel or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that FEMA had 2,300 staff on the island “ ready to support.
” The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Puerto Rico Tuesday morning followed weeks of smaller quakes .
Tuesday ’ s earthquake killed at least one person and injured several others in the southern part of the island .
It damaged a major power plant and caused an island-wide blackout .
The electrical authorities said they were gradually restoring power , though several regions remained without it as of midday Tuesday .
Vázquez Garced declared a state of emergency and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 130 million in emergency funds to go toward recovery efforts .
The governor also delayed the opening of schools until Jan. 13 after at least one school collapsed and others were damaged .
Over 300 people took refuge in emergency shelters , the governor said in a press conference early Tuesday .
About 300,000 households were without water .
“ Everything started to shake really , really hard , ” Rebecca García Ortiz , 48 , told HuffPost in Spanish of her experience Tuesday morning at her home in Lajas , near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As objects started to fall off the walls and mirrors shattered on the ground , her 20-year-old son came running to find her .
They stood together in a doorway waiting for the shaking to stop .
After the power went out ( it was still out in her area as of midafternoon Tuesday ) , García Ortiz called her husband , who was driving back from San Juan .
He said lines at gas stations were terrible .
“ There ’ s a lot of anxiety among the people , a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting the island ’ s slow recovery after Hurricane Maria , including the monthslong blackouts .
“ It ’ s very scary .
”

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UPDATE ― 12:29 a.m. ET Jan. 8: President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico late Tuesday, following damaging earthquakes on the island. This will make federal emergency aid available for recovery efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.
PREVIOUSLY:
Lawmakers urged President Donald Trump to issue a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico after a series of earthquakes ― the largest early Tuesday ― shook the island, killing at least one person, destroying buildings and causing widespread blackouts.
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Puerto Rico’s congressional representative Jenniffer González-Colón, joined by Florida Sens. Marco Rubio (R) and Rick Scott (R), sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday in which they supported Puerto Rican Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced’s request for a disaster declaration in order to get additional federal resources and aid to the island quickly.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released a statement late Tuesday also urging the Trump administration to “quickly” issue an emergency declaration, saying: “The people of Puerto Rico cannot afford a repeat of the same failed response” that followed Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), who is Puerto Rican, said, “The federal government must learn from the mistakes of the past and respond compassionately and swiftly.”
The Trump administration was widely criticized for its slow response in providing aid to the island after Maria. Last year, Trump absurdly claimed that he had “taken better care of Puerto Rico than any man ever.”
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The president was informed of Tuesday’s earthquake, the White House told El Nuevo Día, and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been in touch with Puerto Rico’s governor. FEMA told reporters the request for a disaster declaration was “under consideration.”
FEMA told HuffPost that it had teams on the ground but did not say how many personnel or what support they were providing. Scott said that FEMA had 2,300 staff on the island “ready to support.”
The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Puerto Rico Tuesday morning followed weeks of smaller quakes. Tuesday’s earthquake killed at least one person and injured several others in the southern part of the island. It damaged a major power plant and caused an island-wide blackout.
The electrical authorities said they were gradually restoring power, though several regions remained without it as of midday Tuesday.
Vázquez Garced declared a state of emergency and the island’s financial oversight board released $130 million in emergency funds to go toward recovery efforts. The governor also delayed the opening of schools until Jan. 13 after at least one school collapsed and others were damaged.
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Over 300 people took refuge in emergency shelters, the governor said in a press conference early Tuesday. About 300,000 households were without water.
“Everything started to shake really, really hard,” Rebecca García Ortiz, 48, told HuffPost in Spanish of her experience Tuesday morning at her home in Lajas, near Guánica, in southern Puerto Rico.
As objects started to fall off the walls and mirrors shattered on the ground, her 20-year-old son came running to find her. They stood together in a doorway waiting for the shaking to stop.
After the power went out (it was still out in her area as of midafternoon Tuesday), García Ortiz called her husband, who was driving back from San Juan. He said lines at gas stations were terrible.
“There’s a lot of anxiety among the people, a lot of uncertainty,” García Ortiz said, noting the island’s slow recovery after Hurricane Maria, including the monthslong blackouts. “It’s very scary.”
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Here are images of the destruction caused by the recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico:
Just arrived in Guanica, Puerto Rico pic.twitter.com/buldW7JlIe — David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) January 7, 2020
Historic church in southwest town of Guayanilla finished in 1902 is destroyed. Nearby, a nearly mile-long line for gas. pic.twitter.com/mjVEO45bof — Dánica Coto (@danicacoto) January 7, 2020
Vamos a apoyar a los Representantes y Alcaldes en lo que podamos para rehabilitar los daños y buscar alternativas viables para prepararnos mejor con el propósito de enfrentar estos eventos. #TemblorPR pic.twitter.com/ash9jj1t9y — Johnny Méndez (@JohnnyMndez36) January 7, 2020
Homes are damaged after an earthquake struck Guánica, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 7, 2020. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Public school Agripina Seda collapsed in Guánica after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Puerto Rico on Jan. 7, 2020. Eric Rojas via Getty Images
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Iran Attacks U.S. Military Facilities In Iraq

It launched ballistic missiles in its first move against the U.S. since President Donald Trump ordered an American drone strike to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , dramatically escalating tensions between the two countries .
The offensive did not cause any American casualties , CNN and CBS reported late Tuesday .
“ The brave soldiers of IRGC ’ s aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. [ Qassem ] Soleimani , ” read an IRGC statement sent to New York Times reporter Farnaz Fassihi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle damage assessments , ” Hoffman added .
“ As we evaluate the situation and our response , we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel , partners , and allies in the region.
” Tehran launched 15 missiles , four of which failed in flight , a defense official told the Los Angeles Times .
U.S. radar detected those targeted at al-Asad , which meant soldiers there could take cover .
More than 5,000 American troops are in Iraq as part of the effort to fight the self-described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long border with Iran , and Tehran has broad influence there through a network of allied militias and politicians .
Soleimani ’ s killing made an Iranian response inevitable and put U.S. citizens and interests at risk , the Trump administration and analysts said .
U.S. and Iraqi officials said this week that they were preparing for the movement of American forces out of Iraq ― a prospect that achieves one of Iran ’ s top goals and is a boon for ISIS as it attempts to regroup .
“ All is well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military bases located in Iraq .
Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now .
So far , so good !
” Trump tweeted Tuesday evening .
“ We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world , by far !
I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
” Zarif described Tuesday ’ s missile strikes as “ proportionate measures in self-defense.
” Iran does “ not seek escalation of war , but will defend ourselves against any aggression , ” he wrote on Twitter .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be a symbolic way to launch some [ initial ] retaliatory strikes that are easy to execute without that much damage , ” Ilan Goldenberg , a former State and Defense Department official now with the Center for a New American Security , wrote on Twitter .
“ We need to wait and see.
” The IRGC said it intends to retaliate against U.S. allies if they allow further American attacks on Iran to be launched from their countries , Fassihi reported .
That ’ s a worrying prospect for a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United Arab Emirates and even Turkey .
Regional officials , including from Iran ’ s chief rival Saudi Arabia , have loudly been saying they want to see tensions reduced and are not eager for an outright and broad conflict .
Beyond the American forces in Iraq , there are more than 50,000 other U.S. personnel in parts of the Middle East within Iran ’ s reach as well as up to 13,000 in neighboring Afghanistan , where Soleimani ’ s successor in the Iranian military has operated for years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of American diplomats and private citizens .

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Iran attacked at least two bases in Iraq that house American military forces on Wednesday morning local time, Iranian and U.S. officials said.
It launched ballistic missiles in its first move against the U.S. since President Donald Trump ordered an American drone strike to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, dramatically escalating tensions between the two countries. The offensive did not cause any casualties among American or Iraqi forces, AP reported Wednesday.
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — the branch of the country’s military in which Soleimani served — directed the assault, it told Iranian and American media.
“The brave soldiers of IRGC’s aerospace unit have launched a successful attack with tens of ballistic missiles on Al Assad military base in the name of martyr Gen. [Qassem] Soleimani,” read an IRGC statement sent to New York Times reporter Farnaz Fassihi.
The Iranians targeted al-Asad airbase and a base in Erbil in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in an emailed statement to journalists.
“We are working on initial battle damage assessments,” Hoffman added. “As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.”
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Trump monitored the situation, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said.
Tehran launched 15 missiles, four of which failed in flight, a defense official told the Los Angeles Times. U.S. radar detected those targeted at al-Asad, which meant soldiers there could take cover.
More than 5,000 American troops are in Iraq as part of the effort to fight the self-described Islamic State. The country shares a long border with Iran, and Tehran has broad influence there through a network of allied militias and politicians. Soleimani’s killing made an Iranian response inevitable and put U.S. citizens and interests at risk, the Trump administration and analysts said. U.S. and Iraqi officials said this week that they were preparing for the movement of American forces out of Iraq ― a prospect that achieves one of Iran’s top goals and is a boon for ISIS as it attempts to regroup.
How the Wednesday attack affects the chances of further U.S.-Iran confrontation isn’t immediately clear.
Both Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif appeared not to be pushing for immediate escalation.
“All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” Trump tweeted Tuesday evening. “We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”
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Zarif described Tuesday’s missile strikes as “proportionate measures in self-defense.” Iran does “not seek escalation of war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression,” he wrote on Twitter.
“This may be a big deal or it may be a symbolic way to launch some [initial] retaliatory strikes that are easy to execute without that much damage,” Ilan Goldenberg, a former State and Defense Department official now with the Center for a New American Security, wrote on Twitter. “We need to wait and see.”
The IRGC said it intends to retaliate against U.S. allies if they allow further American attacks on Iran to be launched from their countries, Fassihi reported. That’s a worrying prospect for a range of nations, including Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and even Turkey. Regional officials, including from Iran’s chief rival Saudi Arabia, have loudly been saying they want to see tensions reduced and are not eager for an outright and broad conflict.
Lawmakers have also urged restraint and plan to soon consider legislation they hope will limit Trump’s ability to strike Iran.
Beyond the American forces in Iraq, there are more than 50,000 other U.S. personnel in parts of the Middle East within Iran’s reach as well as up to 13,000 in neighboring Afghanistan, where Soleimani’s successor in the Iranian military has operated for years. That’s in addition to tens of thousands of American diplomats and private citizens.
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The facilities hosting Americans house far more members of the Iraqi military working alongside them. Wednesday’s attacks killed some Iraqis, CNN reported.
The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a HuffPost request for comment.
This article has been updated with comments from Trump and Iran’s foreign minister.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Trump: 'All Is Well' After Iran Attacks Iraqi Bases Used By U.S. Military

President Donald Trump praised America ’ s military and said “ all is well ” after Iran fired a string of missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops .
“ Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now , ” Trump tweeted late Tuesday , confirming that Iran had struck two military bases in Iraq .
“ So far , so good !
We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world , by far !
” All is well !
Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place now .
So far , so good !
We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world , by far !
I will be making a statement tomorrow morning .
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) January 8 , 2020 Iran began striking the al-Asad and Erbil bases on Wednesday morning local time .
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , a branch of the Iranian armed forces , claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement to the press , saying it was carried out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was assassinated by the United States in a drone strike last week .
“ The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guard has begun , ” the IRGC said in a statement Wednesday , according to The New York Times .
The Pentagon said it was still evaluating the damage from the strikes , noting the pair of bases had been on high alert after Iran ’ s threats .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper rushed to the White House shortly after the strikes began to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. and its allies not to retaliate further after the base attacks .
“ We are warning all American allies , who gave their bases to its terrorist army , that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted , ” it said in a statement carried by Iran ’ s state-run news agency .
Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will defend ourselves against any aggression .
— Javad Zarif ( @ JZarif ) January 8 , 2020 “ We do not seek escalation or war , but will defend ourselves against any aggression , ” Javad Zarif , Iran ’ s foreign minister , wrote on Twitter .
Tehran had pledged to respond in a “ crushing and powerful manner ” after Trump ordered the killing of Soleimani , one of the most powerful military figures in the Middle East .
Within days of that attack , the nation also ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production as part of the Iran nuclear deal .
Trump had attempted to stave off any retaliation after Soleimani ’ s death , warning that the American military had identified 52 targets in Iran ― including cultural sites ― should Iran attack U.S. assets .
Critics noted that targeting cultural sites would be a war crime in defiance of international law even as the president initially doubled down on his vows .
( He walked back the remarks on Tuesday after the Pentagon said such targets were not on the table . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ air base is a major outpost in Iraq ’ s Anbar province that was first used by U.S. troops after the 2003 invasion of that country to overthrow Saddam Hussein .
American forces have been stationed there during the campaign against the self-described Islamic State .

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President Donald Trump praised America’s military and said “all is well” after Iran fired a string of missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops.
“Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now,” Trump tweeted late Tuesday, confirming that Iran had struck two military bases in Iraq. “So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!”
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The president said he would make a statement about the missile strikes on Wednesday morning.
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
Iran began striking the al-Asad and Erbil bases on Wednesday morning local time. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian armed forces, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement to the press, saying it was carried out in the name of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated by the United States in a drone strike last week.
“The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guard has begun,” the IRGC said in a statement Wednesday, according to The New York Times.
The missiles were fired just hours after Soleimani’s body was returned to his hometown for burial.
The Pentagon said it was still evaluating the damage from the strikes, noting the pair of bases had been on high alert after Iran’s threats. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper rushed to the White House shortly after the strikes began to meet with Trump.
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The IRGC warned the U.S. and its allies not to retaliate further after the base attacks.
“We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,” it said in a statement carried by Iran’s state-run news agency.
Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.
We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020
Iranian officials also said the strikes were meant to be a “proportionate” response to Soleimani’s death.
“We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression,” Javad Zarif, Iran’s foreign minister, wrote on Twitter.
Tehran had pledged to respond in a “crushing and powerful manner” after Trump ordered the killing of Soleimani, one of the most powerful military figures in the Middle East. Within days of that attack, the nation also ended its remaining commitments to limit nuclear fuel production as part of the Iran nuclear deal.
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Trump had attempted to stave off any retaliation after Soleimani’s death, warning that the American military had identified 52 targets in Iran ― including cultural sites ― should Iran attack U.S. assets. Critics noted that targeting cultural sites would be a war crime in defiance of international law even as the president initially doubled down on his vows. (He walked back the remarks on Tuesday after the Pentagon said such targets were not on the table.)
The Associated Press noted that the al-Asad air base is a major outpost in Iraq’s Anbar province that was first used by U.S. troops after the 2003 invasion of that country to overthrow Saddam Hussein. American forces have been stationed there during the campaign against the self-described Islamic State.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-08--‘Pervert’ Gorka Ripped For ‘Gross’ Joke About Greta Thunberg’s Body

Sebastian Gorka , radio host and former aide to President Donald Trump , is under fire after cracking a joke about young climate activist Greta Thunberg ’ s body .
During an interview on Gorka ’ s radio show , guest Andrew Klavan tripped over the teen ’ s last name .
“ Whatever her name .
What is her name ?
” the crime writer said .
“ Greta Thunberg ?
” Gorka then turned that into a crack about her body .
“ Thunder thighs , Greta Thunberg , ” he replied in a clip posted online by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental activist named Time ’ s Person of the Year , just turned 17 last week .
Critics slammed Gorka for offering up any comment at all about her body : The disgusting Sebastian Gorka follows the toxic Trump playbook , calling Greta Thunberg `` thunder thighs . ''
These assholes love to attack females , especially young ones .
Thunberg turned 17 four days ago .
https : //t.co/0FpdACnziY — Mark Jacob ( @ MarkJacob16 ) January 7 , 2020 Nazi scumbag pervert Sebastian Gorka went from calling teen climate activist Greta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he welcomed Iran ’ s attacks on our troops .
I ’ d love to see this slovenly sack of rancid meat in total ruin , but @ SebGorka blocked me , so I can ’ t tell him that .
— Ricky Davila ( @ TheRickyDavila ) January 8 , 2020 Sebastian Gorka is an ugly mug .
Greta ’ s thigh size is irrelevant .
My question is Why is he critiquing a minor ’ s body ?
Is he some kind of pervert ?
Gorka is a crusty & mentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he is jealous of Greta ’ s thunder .
https : //t.co/QuxNvaXMOw — trina d firey ( @ madorairene ) January 7 , 2020 Gorka is a garbage person .
Also , her last name is pronounced Toonberg , so in addition to being logically nonsensical and gross , it also does n't make sense in an alliterative way .
— You 're With Stupid Now ( @ AdamJWaldorf ) January 7 , 2020 Many on the right have consistently attacked Thunberg , not simply to challenge her views on climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insults .
Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire last year repeatedly called her “ mentally ill ” during an appearance on Fox News .
The network called the statement “ disgraceful ” and apologized .
President Donald Trump last month slammed Time for naming her Person of the Year , claiming she has an “ anger management problem.
” Then his campaign shared an edited image with Trump replacing her on the magazine ’ s cover .

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Sebastian Gorka, radio host and former aide to President Donald Trump, is under fire after cracking a joke about young climate activist Greta Thunberg’s body.
During an interview on Gorka’s radio show, guest Andrew Klavan tripped over the teen’s last name.
“Whatever her name. What is her name?” the crime writer said. “Greta Thunberg?”
Gorka then turned that into a crack about her body.
“Thunder thighs, Greta Thunberg,” he replied in a clip posted online by Media Matters:
Sebastian Gorka calls climate activist Greta Thunberg "thunder thighs" https://t.co/fCv22UOflQ pic.twitter.com/YUzSa4zjrn — Jason Campbell (@JasonSCampbell) January 7, 2020
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Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist named Time’s Person of the Year, just turned 17 last week. Critics slammed Gorka for offering up any comment at all about her body:
She is 17 years old. What the actual fuck. https://t.co/S8ty1IWAZH — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) January 7, 2020
The disgusting Sebastian Gorka follows the toxic Trump playbook, calling Greta Thunberg "thunder thighs." These assholes love to attack females, especially young ones. Thunberg turned 17 four days ago. https://t.co/0FpdACnziY — Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) January 7, 2020
Nazi scumbag pervert Sebastian Gorka went from calling teen climate activist Greta Thunberg “thunder thighs” to saying he welcomed Iran’s attacks on our troops.
I’d love to see this slovenly sack of rancid meat in total ruin, but @SebGorka blocked me, so I can’t tell him that. — Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) January 8, 2020
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Sebastian Gorka is an ugly mug. Greta’s thigh size is irrelevant. My question is Why is he critiquing a minor’s body? Is he some kind of pervert? Gorka is a crusty & mentally warped human. It’s clear that he is jealous of Greta’s thunder. https://t.co/QuxNvaXMOw — trina d firey (@madorairene) January 7, 2020
‘Thunder thighs’: Top Trump ally Sebastian Gorka mocks body of child activist Greta Thunberg
Eeeew. This guy is truly gross https://t.co/D64MD0mDxO — Gary Swergold (@gs314) January 8, 2020
Super-mentally-healthy dude, that Gorka. Hey @SebGorka, stop sexualizing children, you pervy fascist. https://t.co/sQqojRkpB7 — Shower Cap (@CapShower) January 7, 2020
Gorka is a garbage person. Also, her last name is pronounced Toonberg, so in addition to being logically nonsensical and gross, it also doesn't make sense in an alliterative way. — You're With Stupid Now (@AdamJWaldorf) January 7, 2020
Many on the right have consistently attacked Thunberg, not simply to challenge her views on climate change but also to spit out deeply personal insults.
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Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire last year repeatedly called her “mentally ill” during an appearance on Fox News. The network called the statement “disgraceful” and apologized.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Rep. Duncan Hunter Resigns After Pleading Guilty To Stealing Campaign Donations

Rep. Duncan Hunter submitted his resignation Tuesday , about a month after the California Republican pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiring to misuse campaign funds .
In December , Hunter told his constituents in California ’ s 50th District that he was planning to announce his resignation from Congress “ shortly after the holidays.
” His resignation will be effective Jan. 13 .
“ Since the day I joined the Marines in the aftermath of 9/11 , I have had the honor of serving my country , both at home and abroad , ” Hunter wrote in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan , I was elected to the House and brought with me the lessons I learned during my service in the Marine Corps and the values instilled by my father who held this seat before me .
Growing up in East County San Diego , I learned from an early age the importance of liberty , the value of patriotism , and what a strong and secure border can bring to a community .
“ It has been an honor to serve the people of California ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years , ” he added .
Hunter and his wife , Margaret Hunter , were indicted in August 2018 on charges of misappropriating $ 250,000 in campaign donations for personal use , including to pay for luxurious family vacations , their children ’ s private school tuition , expensive meals and airfare for their pet rabbits .
He also allegedly used campaign donations to fund his extramarital affairs .
The indicted Republican was reelected to his seat in the 2018 midterm race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate of Mexican-Palestinian descent whom Hunter attacked with racist campaign ads .
Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty in June to conspiring to misuse campaign funds and had agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the corruption case .
Duncan Hunter eventually changed his plea to guilty on Dec. 3 on a single federal charge of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds .
He faces up to five years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine , though his attorney has previously said that prosecutors agreed to recommend significantly less time .
Sentencing is set for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty plea , Hunter announced his plan to resign after the winter holidays without specifying exactly when that would be .
Hunter ’ s salary as a congressman is $ 174,000 ― more than double his district ’ s average household income ― which breaks down to about $ 477 per calendar day .
With his resignation effective Jan. 13 , that means Hunter will have “ worked ” 41 days after pleading guilty to stealing donations , earning $ 19,557 .

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Rep. Duncan Hunter submitted his resignation Tuesday, about a month after the California Republican pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiring to misuse campaign funds.
In December, Hunter told his constituents in California’s 50th District that he was planning to announce his resignation from Congress “shortly after the holidays.” His resignation will be effective Jan. 13.
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“Since the day I joined the Marines in the aftermath of 9/11, I have had the honor of serving my country, both at home and abroad,” Hunter wrote in his resignation letter. “After three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, I was elected to the House and brought with me the lessons I learned during my service in the Marine Corps and the values instilled by my father who held this seat before me. Growing up in East County San Diego, I learned from an early age the importance of liberty, the value of patriotism, and what a strong and secure border can bring to a community.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of California’s 50th District, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years,” he added.
It’s been my honor to serve, thank you. pic.twitter.com/X8xmw41yBH — Rep. Duncan Hunter (@Rep_Hunter) January 7, 2020
Hunter and his wife, Margaret Hunter, were indicted in August 2018 on charges of misappropriating $250,000 in campaign donations for personal use, including to pay for luxurious family vacations, their children’s private school tuition, expensive meals and airfare for their pet rabbits. He also allegedly used campaign donations to fund his extramarital affairs.
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The indicted Republican was reelected to his seat in the 2018 midterm race against progressive Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar, a candidate of Mexican-Palestinian descent whom Hunter attacked with racist campaign ads.
Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty in June to conspiring to misuse campaign funds and had agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the corruption case.
Duncan Hunter eventually changed his plea to guilty on Dec. 3 on a single federal charge of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, though his attorney has previously said that prosecutors agreed to recommend significantly less time. Sentencing is set for March 17.
Just days after his guilty plea, Hunter announced his plan to resign after the winter holidays without specifying exactly when that would be. Hunter’s salary as a congressman is $174,000 ― more than double his district’s average household income ― which breaks down to about $477 per calendar day. With his resignation effective Jan. 13, that means Hunter will have “worked” 41 days after pleading guilty to stealing donations, earning $19,557.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-08--GOP Lawmaker In DWI Case Reportedly Blames Wife: 'You Know How Women Drive'

The top-ranking Republican in the New York State Assembly who was arrested and accused of DWI after crashing his state-owned SUV last week reportedly tried to blame his wife .
Brian Kolb was arrested on Dec. 31 after he allegedly drove the SUV into a ditch near his home .
He initially told the tow truck driver that his wife was to blame .
“ The male stood up and put his hands up and said , ‘ My wife was driving !
’ ” tow truck driver Michael Scoville told an Ontario County deputy , according to court documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then said , ‘ You know how women drive.
’ ” The tow truck driver said there was no one else near the vehicle .
When police arrived at the scene , Kolb admitted he had been behind the wheel and said he drank four or five cocktails , Syracuse.com reported , citing the police report .
Kolb ’ s eyes were reportedly glassy and bloodshot and his breathalyzer test showed he ’ d consumed twice the legal limit for alcohol .
Kolb ’ s arrest occurred soon after he warned against drunk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no excuse for driving impaired this holiday season , ” he wrote just a week before his own arrest .
“ The events of December 31 are ones I will always regret , ” Kolb said in a statement last week .
“ I have begun the process of seeking professional help in order to heal , learn and fully address the challenges that I , along with my family , currently face.
” While Kolb has stepped down as the Assembly ’ s minority leader , he has not resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health issues ?
In the U.S. , call 800-662-HELP ( 4357 ) for the SAMHSA National Helpline .

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The top-ranking Republican in the New York State Assembly who was arrested and accused of DWI after crashing his state-owned SUV last week reportedly tried to blame his wife.
Brian Kolb was arrested on Dec. 31 after he allegedly drove the SUV into a ditch near his home. He initially told the tow truck driver that his wife was to blame.
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“The male stood up and put his hands up and said, ‘My wife was driving!’” tow truck driver Michael Scoville told an Ontario County deputy, according to court documents obtained by USA Today. “He then said, ‘You know how women drive.’”
The tow truck driver said there was no one else near the vehicle.
When police arrived at the scene, Kolb admitted he had been behind the wheel and said he drank four or five cocktails, Syracuse.com reported, citing the police report. Kolb’s eyes were reportedly glassy and bloodshot and his breathalyzer test showed he’d consumed twice the legal limit for alcohol.
Kolb’s arrest occurred soon after he warned against drunk driving in his newspaper column.
“There is no excuse for driving impaired this holiday season,” he wrote just a week before his own arrest.
“The events of December 31 are ones I will always regret,” Kolb said in a statement last week. “I have begun the process of seeking professional help in order to heal, learn and fully address the challenges that I, along with my family, currently face.”
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While Kolb has stepped down as the Assembly’s minority leader, he has not resigned.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-08--Creepy, It Is: Donald Trump Jr. Shares Meme Of His Dad As Baby Yoda

Donald Trump Jr. ― who describes himself on Instagram as the “ general in the meme wars ” ― shared @ @ @ @ @ his father online Tuesday .
The doctored image depicted President Donald Trump as Baby Yoda @ @ @ @ @ “ Star Wars ” spinoff series “ The Mandalorian.
” The picture itself was titled @ @ @ @ @ a reference to the Trump 2016 campaign slogan “ Make America Great Again.
” Compare @ @ @ @ @ original Baby Yoda here : Trump Jr. last month shared an edited picture of his @ @ @ @ @ his shoulders ― despite the president ’ s reported fear of the animal .
He @ @ @ @ @ of his dad as Superman and a Christmas ornament .

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Donald Trump Jr. ― who describes himself on Instagram as the “general in the meme wars” ― shared yet another weird image of his father online Tuesday.
The doctored image depicted President Donald Trump as Baby Yoda from the new Disney Plus “Star Wars” spinoff series “The Mandalorian.”
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Baby Trumper, maybe?
“Triggered in 3... 2... 1,” Trump Jr. captioned the post.
The picture itself was titled “The Magalorian,” a reference to the Trump 2016 campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.”
Compare the spoof image to the original Baby Yoda here:
Trump Jr. last month shared an edited picture of his dad carrying a shark on his shoulders ― despite the president’s reported fear of sharks.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--FAA Bans U.S. Commercial Flights Over Iran And Iraq

The Federal Aviation Administration announced new flight restrictions in the Middle East late Tuesday following Iran ’ s attack on military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. soldiers .
The administration temporarily prohibited U.S. commercial airlines from flying over Iraq , Iran , the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman .
The FAA said it was “ closely monitoring ” events in the region and “ coordinating with our national security partners.
” # FAA Statement : # NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq , Iran , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Gulf of Oman .
pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 — The FAA ( @ FAANews ) January 8 , 2020 In a notice to U.S. airlines , the FAA said the restrictions were due to “ heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East , which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations due to the potential for miscalculation or misidentification.
” The flight prohibitions came mere hours after Iran attacked at least two bases in Iraq , which were hosting American military forces .
Iran launched over a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No deaths of U.S. military personnel had been reported as of late Tuesday .
The attack was meant as retaliation against the U.S. after President Donald Trump ordered an American drone strike to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week , dramatically escalating tensions between the two countries .

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The Federal Aviation Administration announced new flight restrictions in the Middle East late Tuesday following Iran’s attack on military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. soldiers.
The administration temporarily prohibited U.S. commercial airlines from flying over Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The FAA said it was “closely monitoring” events in the region and “coordinating with our national security partners.”
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#FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 — The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020
In a notice to U.S. airlines, the FAA said the restrictions were due to “heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations due to the potential for miscalculation or misidentification.”
The flight prohibitions came mere hours after Iran attacked at least two bases in Iraq, which were hosting American military forces. Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles, according to the Pentagon. No deaths of U.S. military personnel had been reported as of late Tuesday.
The attack was meant as retaliation against the U.S. after President Donald Trump ordered an American drone strike to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week, dramatically escalating tensions between the two countries.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Congressional Effort To Limit War With Iran Could Be Even Harder This Time

Sen. Tim Kaine ( D-Va. ) last week introduced a resolution to block Trump from further escalating hostilities with Iran after the president ordered a drone strike that killed its top general , Qassem Soleimani .
Top Iranian leaders have vowed to take revenge for the strike ; Trump , meanwhile , threatened to bomb the country if it retaliated .
Kaine ’ s proposal is similar to an amendment he introduced last summer just as tensions between the two countries had begun to flare .
It would have cut off federal funding of military action against Iran that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , four Republicans broke with their party and voted with Democrats : Susan Collins of Maine , Rand Paul of Kentucky , Mike Lee of Utah and Jerry Moran of Kansas .
The Senate ultimately rejected it , however , because it failed to garner the necessary 60 votes for passage .
It ’ s not clear whether a proposal on limiting hostilities with Iran will get the same level of support this time , however .
Unlike last year , it needs only a simple majority of 51 votes to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those four GOP senators ― Paul ― has publicly expressed interest in supporting Kaine ’ s measure .
Lee told reporters on Tuesday that he had concerns about portions of Kaine ’ s resolution laying out the congressional “ findings of fact ” ― introductory language detailing the situation in Iran and the authority delegated by Congress to the executive branch to wage war .
Collins said she planned to look at Kaine ’ s resolution but argued that it was “ important he not infringe on the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an imminent threat.
” Republican senators also expressed concerns about trying to limit the president ’ s war-making capabilities in the middle of a tense standoff with another country that has vowed to retaliate against the U.S. , possibly against military and diplomatic outposts in the Middle East .
“ This is a really bad time to be doing it right now when we have what we have in front of us ... .
at this moment we shouldn ’ t be talking about weakness and pulling things back , ” Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , told reporters on Tuesday .
The Senate also voted in 2018 to end U.S. support for a Saudi Arabian military campaign in Yemen that has been blamed for tens of thousands of deaths and mass starvation .
During that vote , seven Republicans joined Democrats : the four mentioned above , Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Todd Young .
Trump vetoed the measure .
Kaine said Tuesday that he was willing to discuss concerns any senators may have with the resolution and argued that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put members of Congress on record about their role amid the conflict .
“ We owe it to our service members to have a debate and vote about whether or not it ’ s in our national interest to engage in another unnecessary war in the Middle East , ” he said in a statement .
The House is also expected to debate its own resolution trying to limit hostilities with Iran this week .
That measure , which is similar to Kaine ’ s , is expected to pass in the @ @ @

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WASHINGTON ― Congressional efforts to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war unilaterally could prove more difficult than previous attempts despite greater fears of another war breaking out in the Middle East.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) last week introduced a resolution to block Trump from further escalating hostilities with Iran after the president ordered a drone strike that killed its top general, Qassem Soleimani. Top Iranian leaders have vowed to take revenge for the strike; Trump, meanwhile, threatened to bomb the country if it retaliated.
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The resolution does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself from imminent attack.
Kaine’s proposal is similar to an amendment he introduced last summer just as tensions between the two countries had begun to flare. It would have cut off federal funding of military action against Iran that was taken without congressional approval. During that vote, four Republicans broke with their party and voted with Democrats: Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah and Jerry Moran of Kansas. The Senate ultimately rejected it, however, because it failed to garner the necessary 60 votes for passage.
It’s not clear whether a proposal on limiting hostilities with Iran will get the same level of support this time, however. Unlike last year, it needs only a simple majority of 51 votes to pass. But, so far, only one of those four GOP senators ― Paul ― has publicly expressed interest in supporting Kaine’s measure.
Lee told reporters on Tuesday that he had concerns about portions of Kaine’s resolution laying out the congressional “findings of fact” ― introductory language detailing the situation in Iran and the authority delegated by Congress to the executive branch to wage war.
Moran said he wanted to “hear a little bit more” about the proposal before weighing in.
Collins said she planned to look at Kaine’s resolution but argued that it was “important he not infringe on the president’s role as commander in chief to respond to an imminent threat.”
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“This is one where the language really matters,” she added on Monday.
Republican senators also expressed concerns about trying to limit the president’s war-making capabilities in the middle of a tense standoff with another country that has vowed to retaliate against the U.S., possibly against military and diplomatic outposts in the Middle East.
“This is a really bad time to be doing it right now when we have what we have in front of us.... at this moment we shouldn’t be talking about weakness and pulling things back,” Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters on Tuesday.
The Senate also voted in 2018 to end U.S. support for a Saudi Arabian military campaign in Yemen that has been blamed for tens of thousands of deaths and mass starvation. During that vote, seven Republicans joined Democrats: the four mentioned above, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Todd Young. Trump vetoed the measure.
Kaine said Tuesday that he was willing to discuss concerns any senators may have with the resolution and argued that at the very least it offered a chance to put members of Congress on record about their role amid the conflict.
“We owe it to our service members to have a debate and vote about whether or not it’s in our national interest to engage in another unnecessary war in the Middle East,” he said in a statement.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Trump Signs Emergency Declaration For Puerto Rico After Earthquakes

UPDATE ― 12:29 a.m .
ET Jan. 8 : President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico late Tuesday , following damaging earthquakes on the island .
This will make federal emergency aid available for recovery efforts , the Federal Emergency Management Agency said .
Lawmakers urged President Donald Trump to issue a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico after a series of earthquakes ― the largest early Tuesday ― shook the island , killing at least one person , destroying buildings and causing widespread blackouts .
Puerto Rico ’ s congressional representative Jenniffer González-Colón , joined by Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rick Scott ( R ) , sent a letter to Trump on Tuesday in which they supported Puerto Rican Gov .
Wanda Vázquez Garced ’ s request for a disaster declaration in order to get additional federal resources and aid to the island quickly .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) released a statement late Tuesday also urging the Trump administration to “ quickly ” issue an emergency declaration , saying : “ The people of Puerto Rico can not afford a repeat of the same failed response ” that followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Velázquez ( D-N.Y. ) , who is Puerto Rican , said , “ The federal government must learn from the mistakes of the past and respond compassionately and swiftly.
” The Trump administration was widely criticized for its slow response in providing aid to the island after Maria .
Last year , Trump absurdly claimed that he had “ taken better care of Puerto Rico than any man ever.
” The president was informed of Tuesday ’ s earthquake , the White House told El Nuevo Día , and the head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch with Puerto Rico ’ s governor .
FEMA told reporters the request for a disaster declaration was “ under consideration.
” FEMA told HuffPost that it had teams on the ground but did not say how many personnel or what support they were providing .
Scott said that FEMA had 2,300 staff on the island “ ready to support.
” The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Puerto Rico Tuesday morning followed weeks of smaller quakes .
Tuesday ’ s earthquake killed at least one person and injured several others in the southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major power plant and caused an island-wide blackout .
The electrical authorities said they were gradually restoring power , though several regions remained without it as of midday Tuesday .
Vázquez Garced declared a state of emergency and the island ’ s financial oversight board released $ 130 million in emergency funds to go toward recovery efforts .
The governor also delayed the opening of schools until Jan. 13 after at least one school collapsed and others were damaged .
Over 300 people took refuge in emergency shelters , the governor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 300,000 households were without water .
“ Everything started to shake really , really hard , ” Rebecca García Ortiz , 48 , told HuffPost in Spanish of her experience Tuesday morning at her home in Lajas , near Guánica , in southern Puerto Rico .
As objects started to fall off the walls and mirrors shattered on the ground , her 20-year-old son came running to find her .
They stood together in a doorway waiting for the shaking to stop .
After the power went out ( it was still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ) , García Ortiz called her husband , who was driving back from San Juan .
He said lines at gas stations were terrible .
“ There ’ s a lot of anxiety among the people , a lot of uncertainty , ” García Ortiz said , noting the island ’ s slow recovery after Hurricane Maria , including the monthslong blackouts .
“ It ’ s very scary .
”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-08--Ex-GOP Strategist: Can’t Imagine Worse President At This Very Dangerous Moment

Steve Schmidt , a veteran GOP strategist who quit the party in 2018 to protest its capitulation to President Donald Trump , on Tuesday said he can not imagine anyone worse to lead America as tensions escalate with Iran .
“ The president has lied many , many thousands of times to the American people so structurally you can ’ t imagine , I think , a worse possible president , a worst possible leader to stand at the head of America ’ s armed forces at this very dangerous moment , ” the political analyst told MSNBC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly out of the bottle now , ” Schmidt said during a discussion about Iran ’ s ballistic missile strikes in retaliation for last week ’ s U.S. assassination of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
“ We ’ re at the early stages of a hot war , ” he continued .
“ It is a monumental moment that the Iranian military has launched a ballistic missile attack against U.S. military personnel on Iraqi bases in Iraq.
” “ It is almost certain that there will be a response from the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump simply , politically , is not in a position to not be able to escalate from here .
We ’ re at a very dangerous moment now.
” “ We stand at the most dangerous moment in the Middle East that we have lived through in our lifetimes and there ’ s been plenty of dangerous moments , ” he added .

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Steve Schmidt, a veteran GOP strategist who quit the party in 2018 to protest its capitulation to President Donald Trump, on Tuesday said he cannot imagine anyone worse to lead America as tensions escalate with Iran.
“The president has lied many, many thousands of times to the American people so structurally you can’t imagine, I think, a worse possible president, a worst possible leader to stand at the head of America’s armed forces at this very dangerous moment,” the political analyst told MSNBC’s Chris Hayes.
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“The genie is certainly out of the bottle now,” Schmidt said during a discussion about Iran’s ballistic missile strikes in retaliation for last week’s U.S. assassination of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
“We’re at the early stages of a hot war,” he continued. “It is a monumental moment that the Iranian military has launched a ballistic missile attack against U.S. military personnel on Iraqi bases in Iraq.”
“It is almost certain that there will be a response from the United States,” Schmidt predicted. “Donald Trump simply, politically, is not in a position to not be able to escalate from here. We’re at a very dangerous moment now.”
“We stand at the most dangerous moment in the Middle East that we have lived through in our lifetimes and there’s been plenty of dangerous moments,” he added.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-07--Iraq Catholic Leader Begs World Powers Not To Escalate Tensions In Region

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako , who heads Iraq ’ s Chaldean Catholic community , cautioned leaders to think about the human costs of “ emotional and impulsive decisions ” in the wake of a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed an Iranian general .
“ Wisdom is required to avoid the ‘ volcanic eruption ’ we are about to face , ” he said during an Epiphany Mass at Baghdad ’ s Cathedral of St. Joseph on Monday .
Sako ’ s pleas come during a period of heightened tension between the U.S. and Iran following a U.S. drone attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Qassem Soleimani , near the Baghdad airport last week .
The U.S. claims that Soleimani has orchestrated multiple attacks against American troops in Iraq in the past and that he had developed a new scheme to kill a significant number of U.S. diplomats and soldiers .
The airstrike has contributed to rapidly escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran .
Iran ’ s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders have called for a direct attack on American interests in retaliation for Soleimani ’ s death .
The Pentagon reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were struck by Iranian missiles .
Earlier Tuesday , at least 56 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a stampede during a funeral procession for Soleimani , according to The Associated Press .
In response to the general ’ s death , Iraq ’ s parliament has been pushing for the removal of American troops from the country .
American forces have been stationed in Iraq to help fight Islamic State militants .
Iraq ’ s outgoing prime minister said Tuesday that since the Islamic State ’ s territory has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now using Iraqi soil to fight a proxy war with Iran .
“ It is deplorable that our country should be transformed into a place where scores are settled rather than being a sovereign nation , capable of protecting its own land , its own wealth , its own citizens , ” Sako said , according to Vatican News .
“ In the face of this delicate and dangerous situation , we implore all the parties involved to exercise moderation , to demonstrate wisdom , to act reasonably and to sit down at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding so that this country might be spared unimaginable consequences.
” The Chaldean Catholic Church is aligned with the Roman Catholic Church but maintains its own Eastern liturgy and traditions .
Chaldean Catholics are the most prominent Christian denomination in Iraq , according to the AP .
Last year , Sako spoke up in solidarity with a protest movement sweeping Iraq that called for a complete overhaul of that political system and the end of Iran ’ s influence in Iraqi affairs .
Massive anti-government protests broke out in Iraq in October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover from its years-long fight against the Islamic State .
Sako called on Iraqi politicians to listen to protesters ’ demands and find solutions through talks instead of military action , the AP reported .
Iraq ’ s Christian community has dwindled significantly over the years .
As the Islamic State grew in power , Christians fled or were forcibly displaced from their homes after being targeted by the extremists .
Before the U.S. invaded Iraq 16 years ago , Christians were about 6 % of the population .
Today , the Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third of that , the AP reported .

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A top Iraqi Christian cleric is pleading with world leaders to avoid escalating violence in his region, warning that “innocent people will be the fuel for such fire.”
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, who heads Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic community, cautioned leaders to think about the human costs of “emotional and impulsive decisions” in the wake of a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed an Iranian general.
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Sako asked Christians and Muslims to pray for decision-makers to act wisely, according to Catholic News Service.
“Wisdom is required to avoid the ‘volcanic eruption’ we are about to face,” he said during an Epiphany Mass at Baghdad’s Cathedral of St. Joseph on Monday.
Sako’s pleas come during a period of heightened tension between the U.S. and Iran following a U.S. drone attack that killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani, near the Baghdad airport last week. The U.S. claims that Soleimani has orchestrated multiple attacks against American troops in Iraq in the past and that he had developed a new scheme to kill a significant number of U.S. diplomats and soldiers.
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako is the patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq. ZAID AL-OBEIDI via Getty Images
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The airstrike has contributed to rapidly escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders have called for a direct attack on American interests in retaliation for Soleimani’s death. The Pentagon reported Tuesday that U.S. military facilities in Iraq were struck by Iranian missiles. Earlier Tuesday, at least 56 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a stampede during a funeral procession for Soleimani, according to The Associated Press.
In response to the general’s death, Iraq’s parliament has been pushing for the removal of American troops from the country. American forces have been stationed in Iraq to help fight Islamic State militants. Iraq’s outgoing prime minister said Tuesday that since the Islamic State’s territory has largely been recaptured, the U.S. is now using Iraqi soil to fight a proxy war with Iran.
Sako said in a statement on Saturday that Iraqis were “shocked” by the events of the last week.
“It is deplorable that our country should be transformed into a place where scores are settled rather than being a sovereign nation, capable of protecting its own land, its own wealth, its own citizens,” Sako said, according to Vatican News. “In the face of this delicate and dangerous situation, we implore all the parties involved to exercise moderation, to demonstrate wisdom, to act reasonably and to sit down at the negotiating table to dialogue and seek understanding so that this country might be spared unimaginable consequences.”
Iraqi Christians attend a mass at St. Joseph Chaldean Church in Baghdad on July 20, 2014. Ahmed Saad / Reuters
The Chaldean Catholic Church is aligned with the Roman Catholic Church but maintains its own Eastern liturgy and traditions. Chaldean Catholics are the most prominent Christian denomination in Iraq, according to the AP.
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As minorities in Shiite-majority Iraq, the country’s Christians have long been concerned about the sectarian, quota-based political system introduced after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Last year, Sako spoke up in solidarity with a protest movement sweeping Iraq that called for a complete overhaul of that political system and the end of Iran’s influence in Iraqi affairs. Massive anti-government protests broke out in Iraq in October, just as the country was beginning to recover from its years-long fight against the Islamic State. Sako called on Iraqi politicians to listen to protesters’ demands and find solutions through talks instead of military action, the AP reported.
Iraq’s Christian community has dwindled significantly over the years. As the Islamic State grew in power, Christians fled or were forcibly displaced from their homes after being targeted by the extremists.
Before the U.S. invaded Iraq 16 years ago, Christians were about 6% of the population. Today, the Christian population is estimated to be less than a third of that, the AP reported.
On Saturday, Sako said he was praying for stability.
“We lift our prayer to Almighty God so that He might grant Iraq and the region that peaceful, stable, safe ‘normal life’ that we desire,” the cardinal said in his statement.