mercurynews--2020-01-08--The Latest: Slovenia will evacuate soldiers based in Iraq

TEHRAN , Iran ( AP ) — The latest on U.S.-Iran tensions after the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran ’ s top general ( all times local ) : Slovenia ’ s defense ministry says its six soldiers stationed in northern Iraq with a German-led training mission will be evacuated after their base came under Iran ’ s missile attack in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran ’ s top general .
The Slovenian ministry said Wednesday the soldiers were unhurt in the attack near Irbil as they were in the base ’ s shelter during the strike .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted “ in cooperation with the German partners.
” It did not say where the soldiers will go .
The Syrian government is expressing full solidarity with Iran , saying Tehran has the right to defend itself “ in the face of American threats and attacks.
” The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the “ American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality.
” The statement came after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of Iran ’ s top military commander last week in Baghdad .
Syria is Iran ’ s strongest ally in the Arab world , and Tehran sent thousands of Iran-backed fighters to join President Bashar Assad ’ s forces in the country ’ s civil war .
One analyst says Iran ’ s missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq was “ the smallest attack that Iran could carry out while at the same time being able to say they got revenge.
” Peter Viggo Jakobsen , an associate professor with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Iran has “ done all that is possible to avoid American casualties .
If what we hear is correct , they have warned the Americans in advance.
” He told Denmark ’ s TV2 channel the Iranians are doing all they can to avoid an American military response as harsh as President Donald Trump has promised .
“ I would be deeply surprised if the Americans choose to respond militarily again , ” he said .
Italy has condemned Iran ’ s missile strikes against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq , based in Baghdad and Irbil , that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group .
There has been no report from any member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces .
After a U.S. drone strike killed Iran ’ s top general last week , Italian news reports said Italy had transferred some troops from a Baghdad base to a more secure location .
Italy ’ s Foreign Ministry again urged European allies to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Iraqi prime ministry says Iran notified Iraq shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun , and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the U.S. military is present .
Adel Abdul-Mahdi ’ s office said in a statement Wednesday that Iraq was simultaneously informed by the Americans that military bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attack .
The office says it has received no reports of casualties on the Iraqi side and has not been officially notified of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory , ” the statement said .
It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a “ devastating all-out war.
” Poland ’ s Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Iraq , Beata Peksa , has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran .
The evacuation was at Britain ’ s request because Poland ’ s diplomatic mission is located in the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work .
Poland is one of several European countries that has said their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops .
Chinese media reports say state oil company China National Petroleum Corporation has evacuated about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oil field in Iraq as a result of the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran .
No details were given , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .
The news followed the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops .
The attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran ’ s top commander last week near the Baghdad airport .
The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a security warning to American government personnel to avoid “ non-essential ” movements following the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in neighboring Iraq housing U.S. troops .
In a tweet Wednesday , the embassy says that “ out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children should also be kept home from school .
The embassy in Amman remains open .
Anti-government protesters in Iraq have set fires and closed streets near Baghdad ’ s Tahrir Square during a demonstration against the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops .
The Iranian attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed top Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week near the Baghdad airport .
About 100 protesters took part in Wednesday morning ’ s demonstration near Tahrir , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The protesters carrying Iraqi flags shouted “ Iran out , out !
” before they were dispersed by security forces .
The protesters who rose up against their country ’ s ruling elite in October , accusing them of corruption , have also been revolting against neighboring Iran ’ s military and political involvement .
Finland ’ s defense forces say they received advance warning of the Iranian missile strike against bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops .
They added that Finnish troops at the base in Irbil that was targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were not hurt .
Irbil is the capital of Iraq ’ s self-governing Kurdish region .
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian missile strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action .
The Ministry of Defense said Wednesday there were no British casualties in the attack launched in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran ’ s top Revolutionary Guard commander , Gen. Qassem Soleimani , in Baghdad last week .
U.S. officials have said there are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks , and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation , ” Raab said .
“ A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh ( the Islamic State group ) and other terrorist groups.
” Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists .
Tom Tugendhat , the chairman of the defense committee during the previous Parliament , told the BBC it would be “ extremely welcome ” if Iran ’ s action marked the end of tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talking.
” China ’ s foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the Middle East and says it hopes matters can swiftly “ cool off.
” Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved , including at the United Nations and through China ’ s embassy in Baghdad .
He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces but did not address it directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions .
Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces .
Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government “ rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms.
” She told German public broadcaster ARD that “ it ’ s now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation.
’ None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured .
It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland , Denmark and Finland .
At least one missile from the Iranian strike against U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday landed in a field near Bardarash , about 50 kilometers ( 31 miles ) from Irbil , the capital of Iraq ’ s self-governing Kurdish region .
An Iraqi Kurdish channel , Rudaw TV , showed video of police inspecting the impact site and removing shrapnel .
No casualties were reported but residents said the earth shook upon impact , and one man was seen cleaning up slight damage to his house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region hosts American military forces at its main airport just outside Irbil .
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation says “ we slapped them ( Americans ) on the face last night ” with a missile strike “ but military action is not enough.
” He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces .
The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran ’ s top military commander in Baghdad .
Khamenei added that the “ corrupt presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to an end , ” saying it has caused war , division , and destruction .
Iran ’ s supreme leader also invoked the virtues of the slain commander , Gen. Qassem Soleimani , saying he was a “ great , brave warrior ” and “ dear friend to us.
” Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani ’ s death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad .
A Russian lawmaker warns that a conflict between the U.S. and Iran might lead to a nuclear war .
The comments by Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper house of parliament , on Wednesday followed an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces .
The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing Iran ’ s top military commander in Baghdad .
“ Reciprocal strikes by the U.S. and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region , ” Dzhabarov said .
“ If Washington sees that it can ’ t achieve its goals , there ’ s a danger of a nuclear war.
” The Russian lawmaker said the U.N. Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Middle East .
Iraq ’ s military says it had no troop casualties in the Iranian strike , and President Donald Trump tweeted that “ All is well !
” as casualty and damage assessments are ongoing .
The Iraqi military says there are no casualties among its troops as a result of an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces .
The military said in a statement carried by the state news agency Wednesday that the attack lasted half an hour , starting at 1:45 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles were fired .
Seventeen missiles hit al-Asad air base , including two that did not explode in the Hitan area west of the town of Hit .
Five other missiles hit the northern region of Irbil .
The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates says he sees no immediate shortages in oil supplies , but that OPEC will be called in if there is an issue .
“ The situation is not currently a war situation , ” Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday .
“ We are all hoping for deescalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tension.
” He spoke after an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces .
The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing an Iranian general in Baghdad .
He said even in past times of war , the flow of oil has been maintained .
“ So let ’ s not exaggerate what ’ s happening .
There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil yet , ” Al-Mazrouei said , referring to the narrow waterway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which 20 % of the world ’ s oil passes through .
He spoke reporters in Abu Dhabi at the Gulf Intelligence ’ s UAE Energy Forum .
Brent crude oil has jumped to around $ 70 a barrel amid heightened concerns over tensions between Iran and the United States .
Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces .
The strike came in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general .
Japanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his “ government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region.
” He added : “ Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations.
” He said Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area .
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his country ’ s troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at two military bases there .
Around 300 Australian defense personnel are stationed in Iraq .
Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia .
Sepaking to reporters Wednesday , Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani : “ The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received , which was putting their interests at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump says “ All is well !
” after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq .
Trump tweets that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but adds , “ So far , so good !
” He says he will be making a statement on the strikes Wednesday morning .
Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani , whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s foreign minister is calling Tuesday night ’ s ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops “ proportionate measures in self-defense.
” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also tweeted , “ ’ We do not seek escalation or war , but will defend ourselves against any aggression.
” His tweet follows the missile attack in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike last week in Baghdad .
Iran has buried a top Revolutionary Guard general slain by U.S. airstrike in Baghdad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 and Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing American troops in response .
Officials lowered the shroud-wrapped remains of Qassem Soleimani into the ground in the southeastern city of Kerman just before 6 a.m. Wednesday .
Soleimani ’ s death in the airstrikes has drastically raised tensions between Tehran and Washington .
Iran launched a ballistic missile attack just hours earlier on two Iraqi bases housing American troops .
A U.S. official says there were very few , if any , casualties from Tuesday night ’ s Iranian missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops .
The official spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a Pentagon briefing .
The official says 15 missiles were fired .
Ten struck the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq ’ s western Anbar province .
One struck a base in Irbil in Iraq ’ s semiautonomous Kurdish region .
Four missiles failed to hit their targets .
The official says the bases are still being searched for casualties .
Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying .
The Federal Aviation Administration is barring U.S. pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi , Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace .
The agency is warning of the “ potential for miscalculation or mis-identification ” for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran .
The emergency flight restrictions follow ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops .
Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The FAA says the restrictions are being issued due to “ heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East , which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations.
” Vice President Mike Pence has briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes on installations in Iraq holding U.S. forces .
Aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both confirmed the lawmakers spoke with the vice president by telephone Tuesday .
Justin Goodman , a spokesman for Schumer , says the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is praying for the safety of service members and other personnel .
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill tweeted that the speaker returned a call from the vice president moments after presiding over the House .
Katie Waldman , a spokeswoman for the vice president , says Pence has been in continuous contact with national security officials and made calls to congressional leadership at President Donald Trump ’ s direction .
The Pentagon is confirming that Iran has launched “ more than a dozen ballistic missiles ” at two targets hosting against U.S. military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman says “ It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran.
” He says the attacks “ targeted at least two Iraqi military bases ” at Ain Assad and Irbil .
Hoffman says the U.S. is “ working on initial battle damage assessments.
” Iranian state TV says the attack was in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani , whose funeral Tuesday prompted angry calls to avenge his death .

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The latest on U.S.-Iran tensions after the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran’s top general (all times local):
2:10 a.m.
Iran is informing the United Nations that it took “a measured and proportionate military response” to the U.S. airstrike that killed its top military commander and “does not seek escalation or war.”
But Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi warned that Tehran would “vigorously” respond to “any further military adventurism against it” and “any aggression.”
Ravanchi said in a letter late Wednesday to the U.N. Security Council and to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that in the early morning hours of Jan. 8, Iran “targeted an American air base in Iraq from which the cowardly armed attack against martyr (Qassem) Soleimani was launched.”
He said Iran was exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.
“The operation was precise and targeted military objectives thus leaving no collateral damage to civilians assets in the area,” Ravanchi said.
___ 1:50 a.m.
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says he believes Iran’s missile strikes on two Iraqi bases were intended to kill Americans.
Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters that 11 ballistic missiles that landed at al-Asad air base in western Iraq inflicted moderate damage, such as destroying or damaging tents and a helicopter, but no Americans were killed or injured.
“I believe based on what I saw and what I know is that they were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel,” Milley said.
Milley said the fact that no one was killed was due to the defensive procedures and the effectiveness of U.S. early warning system.
___
0:45 p.m.
A handful of major shippers operating in the Persian Gulf are curtailing operations there.
Several oil tankers operated by major players have diverted away from the Persian Gulf or delayed loading by several days. That’s according to Reid I’Anson, global energy economist at Kpler, a data intelligence company.
I’Anson said a tanker chartered by Brazilian oil giant Petrobras was supposed to load up with oil in Basra on Jan. 5, but instead it left the Persian Gulf empty. He said another tanker operated by a major oil shipper has been idling in the Arabian Sea for about a week.
I’Anson says the disruptions are minor right now. But he said “that’s a lot of money to be out in the sea with no oil going nowhere.”
In 2018, some 21 million barrels per day passed through the Strait, a narrow waterway which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. One-fifth of the oil consumed by the world passes through the narrow waterway, which Iranian officials threatened to close in April in response to U.S. sanctions.
___
8:45 p.m.
Turkey’s national airline has temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq.
The official Anadolu news agency said Wednesday that Turkish Airlines flights would be suspended as a precaution until 1800 GMT Thursday.
Turkish Airlines flights will not use Iraqi and Iranian airspaces during this time and planes would change their routes, the agency said.
Commercial airlines are rerouting flights throughout the Middle East to avoid potential danger during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
Also Wednesday, a Ukrainian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Iran’s capital killing 167 passengers and nine crew members just hours after Iran’s ballistic missile attack. Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue.
___
8:12 p.m.
President Donald Trump says he is going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East.
Trump spoke during an address Wednesday from the White House after Iran struck back at the United States for killing its most powerful military commander.
Trump has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to beef up their military spending.
He cited more reliance on NATO while also seeking to emphasize U.S. military strength. He said American military and economic strength is the best deterrence to war.
Trump also used his address to speak directly to Iran, saying “we want you to have a future and a great future.”
He said the United States is ready to embrace peace and all who seek it.
____
8:10 p.m.
President Donald Trump says the U.S. will immediately impose new sanctions on Iran in response to its missile attacks on military bases in Iraq that house American troops.
In an address to the nation Wednesday, Trump said those new “powerful sanctions” will remain until Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions and ends its support for terrorism.
Trump also said he would ask NATO to become more involved in the Middle East. That seems to indicate continued U.S. involvement in the region despite Trump’s desire to withdraw troops from what he calls “endless wars.”
At the same time, Trump says the United State is “ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”
___
8:05 p.m.
President Donald Trump says the American people should be “extremely grateful and happy” that no Americans were harmed when Iran launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops early Wednesday.
Trump says Iran “appears to be standing down” and is crediting an early warning system “that worked very well” for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed.
The launch was Tehran’s most brazen direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and came days after Trump authorized the targeted killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
Iran had pledged to retaliate, bringing the two countries closer to the brink of war.
Trump added: “We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!”
___
7:55 p.m.
Oxfam says it is restricting its humanitarian work in Iraq due to serious security concerns following Iranian missile attacks on military bases hosting U.S. troops there.
Oxfam’s Iraq country director said in a statement Wednesday that humanitarian work, including cash aid, had been suspended in some areas of the country owing to travel difficulties and checkpoints on in remote areas. It added that some Oxfam staff had been relocated to other areas over fears of more violence.
Andres Gonzalez Rodriguez added that if the organization was forced to continue the suspension of aid for a few weeks, “100,000 of the most vulnerable people will be affected.”
Oxfam runs 26 programs in five Iraqi governorates providing water and sanitation, food, cash and protection assistance, the statement said.
___
7:45 p.m.
The U.N.’s head Antonio Guterres is renewing his “passionate appeal for peace,” stressing that the world cannot afford a war in the Persian Gulf.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated on Wednesday the secretary-general’s appeal to world leaders to “stop escalation” and “re-start dialogue.”
His appeal followed Iran’s ballistic missile launches at two bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are based, that was in response to the U.S. killing of the top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani earlier this week.
The U.N. says Guterres is continuing contacts with key parties, stressing: “It is our common duty to make every effort to avoid a war in the Gulf that the world cannot afford.”
___
7:25 p.m.
Denmark’s prime minister says it will relocate some of its 141 troops in Iraq to neighboring Kuwait.
Mette Frederiksen added Wednesday that Danish forces will “continue” with their mission “to counter the Islamic State” in Iraq, leaving behind “30-40” troops.
Frederiksen told a news conference that the move was temporary, without providing further details.
She added: “We are deeply worried about the situation.”
There are 133 Danish troops at Ain al-Asad air base where they train and advise Iraqi forces. The base was hit early Wednesday by an Iranian missile attack but no Danish forces were wounded, the prime minister said.
On top of that there are 8 Danish soldiers with the NATO mission in Iraq in Baghdad that have already been moved to Kuwait.
___
7:15 p.m.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a joint statement after a closed-door meeting on Mideast security are warning that the further use of force “would lead to a new cycle of instability and would eventually damage everyone’s interests.”
Their statement Wednesday expressed deep concern about the escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.
Iran retaliated after the U.S. killed its top general in a drone strike last week, which Erdogan and Putin called “an act undermining security and stability in the region.”
The Turkish and Russian leaders said they have “always been against foreign interventions, unilateral military actions and sectarian conflicts” and they called for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Erdogan also vowed to work diplomatically to calm soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran, saying that “no one has the right to throw the region, especially Iraq, into a new ring of fire for their personal gain.”
7 p.m.
The United Arab Emirates is seeking to allay concerns it has been impacted or is a target in tensions between its ally the United States and its regional neighbor Iran.
The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said tensions in the region “will not affect citizens, residents or visitors.” It stressed that sectors across the country are operating normally.
Also Wednesday, the financial and tourist hub of Dubai said rumors being circulated regarding security threats targeting the emirate are fake and haven’t been issued from any official Iranian government source.
The UAE, which has supported maximum pressure on Iran, has called for de-escalation.
6:40 p.m.
The White House says President Donald Trump plans to address the nation at 11 a.m. local time Wednesday (1600 GMT).
Trump faces one of the greatest tests of his presidency now that Iran has launched ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. It was Iran’s most brazen assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.
Iran’s missile strikes were in retaliation for last week’s American drone strike that killed Iran’s top general. Trump huddled with his national security advisers to weigh a response.
Top Senate Democrats are citing “deep concern” about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation.
6:25 p.m.
Pakistan’s prime minister has stressed the need to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
In a Twitter post, Imran Khan added that he is sending his foreign minister to Iran, Saudi Arabia and United States to meet with counterparts. Regional tensions remain high after Iran fired missiles at two bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces in retaliation for the U.S. killing of its top military commander.
During a meeting Wednesday with Oman’s minister for religious affairs, the Pakistani leader reiterated that his country will not be part of any conflict in the region.
Also Wednesday, Pakistan’s military said the U.S. defense secretary has discussed the Middle East situation with Pakistan’s army chief, saying Washington does not want to seek a conflict but will respond forcefully if necessary.
5:45 p.m.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned what he called Iran’s “reckless and dangerous” missile attacks on bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops, and he called for “urgent de-escalation” by Tehran and Washington.
Johnson also said Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander killed in a U.S. airstrike last week, “had the blood of British troops on his hands.”
Britain’s main opposition Labour Party has suggested the U.S. may have broken international law by killing Soleimani.
Johnson told British lawmakers on Wednesday that “the strict issue of legality is not for the U.K. to determine since it was not our operation. But I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel.”
The Trump administration alleges that Soleimani had been plotting new attacks just before he was killed.
5:30 p.m.
Iraq’s presidency has condemned Iranian missile strikes on two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops, reiterating its rejection of breaches of Iraq’s sovereignty.
Barham Saleh’s office also said in a statement that the fate of U.S. troops in Iraq is an internal matter based on legal agreements to combat the Islamic State group.
The statement adds that Iraq “has previously declared its refusal to be a starting point for aggression against any country, and also refuses to be a source of threat to any of its neighbors.”
The Iraqi prime minister has publicly said U.S. troops must leave after a drone strike killed Iran’s top military commander in Baghdad, and parliament has passed a non-binding resolution pushing for withdrawal.
5:10 p.m.
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Iran’s missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq, while a NATO official says there were no casualties among the military alliance’s personnel in the country.
The Iraqi mission consists of several hundred staff from allied nations and non-NATO countries.
In a message to The Associated Press, the NATO official who was not authorized to speak publicly said they were “keeping the situation under close review.”
Meanwhile, in a message posted on Twitter, Stoltenberg urged Iran to refrain from further violence.
NATO last week said it had suspended a training mission for Iraqi soldiers after the U.S. killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Stoltenberg said allies remain committed to the training mission in Iraq.
4:50 p.m.
An official says the Cyprus government has approved a U.S. request to temporarily deploy a “rapid reaction” team to help evacuate personnel from U.S. diplomatic missions in nearby countries if needed.
Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushios said Wednesday the team also will be tasked with evacuating U.S. civilians from the region in the event of an emergency. The development comes after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran’s top military commander.
Koushios said the east Mediterranean island nation granted permission as part of its long-standing policy to offer assistance to missions of a humanitarian nature following requests from non-European Union member countries.
He said Cyprus has excellent relations with eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern nations.
4:10 p.m.
Turkey’s foreign minister will visit Iraq on Thursday as part of diplomatic efforts to “alleviate the escalated tension” in the region, a ministry statement said.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Wednesday after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran’s top military commander last week in Baghdad.
Turkey has called for calm and expressed concern about regional security after the U.S. drone strike. Turkey shares a border with Iran and Iraq and is engaged militarily in northern Iraq against Kurdish militants.
3:50 p.m.
Slovenia’s defense ministry says its six soldiers stationed in northern Iraq with a German-led training mission will be evacuated after their base came under Iran’s missile attack in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran’s top general.
The Slovenian ministry said Wednesday the soldiers were unhurt in the attack near Irbil as they were in the base’s shelter during the strike.
The ministry said the evacuation will be conducted “in cooperation with the German partners.” It did not say where the soldiers will go.
3:30 p.m.
The Syrian government is expressing full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself “in the face of American threats and attacks.”
The foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Syria holds the “American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality.”
The statement came after Iran fired more than 20 missiles overnight at bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran’s top military commander last week in Baghdad.
Syria is Iran’s strongest ally in the Arab world, and Tehran sent thousands of Iran-backed fighters to join President Bashar Assad’s forces in the country’s civil war.
3:10 p.m.
One analyst says Iran’s missile strike against U.S. forces in Iraq was “the smallest attack that Iran could carry out while at the same time being able to say they got revenge.”
Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor with the Royal Danish Defense College, added Wednesday that Iran has “done all that is possible to avoid American casualties. If what we hear is correct, they have warned the Americans in advance.”
He told Denmark’s TV2 channel the Iranians are doing all they can to avoid an American military response as harsh as President Donald Trump has promised.
“I would be deeply surprised if the Americans choose to respond militarily again,” he said.
2:30 p.m.
Italy has condemned Iran’s missile strikes against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and repeated its call for de-escalation of tensions.
Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Irbil, that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group.
There has been no report from any member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces.
After a U.S. drone strike killed Iran’s top general last week, Italian news reports said Italy had transferred some troops from a Baghdad base to a more secure location.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry again urged European allies to work for dialogue, according to a statement.
2:15 p.m.
The Iraqi prime ministry says Iran notified Iraq shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun, and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the U.S. military is present.
Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s office said in a statement Wednesday that Iraq was simultaneously informed by the Americans that military bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attack.
The office says it has received no reports of casualties on the Iraqi side and has not been officially notified of any losses among the U.S.-led coalition.
“Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory,” the statement said.
It added that Iraq is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a “devastating all-out war.”
2:05 p.m.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The evacuation was at Britain’s request because Poland’s diplomatic mission is located in the British Embassy.
According to Poland’s Foreign Ministry only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work.
Poland is one of several European countries that has said their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.
1:55 p.m.
Chinese media reports say state oil company China National Petroleum Corporation has evacuated about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oil field in Iraq as a result of the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
No details were given, and company spokespeople could not immediately be reached for comment.
The news followed the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. The attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran’s top commander last week near the Baghdad airport.
1:45 p.m.
The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a security warning to American government personnel to avoid “non-essential” movements following the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in neighboring Iraq housing U.S. troops.
In a tweet Wednesday, the embassy says that “out of an abundance of caution” American children should also be kept home from school. The embassy in Amman remains open.
1:30 p.m.
Anti-government protesters in Iraq have set fires and closed streets near Baghdad’s Tahrir Square during a demonstration against the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.
The Iranian attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed top Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week near the Baghdad airport.
About 100 protesters took part in Wednesday morning’s demonstration near Tahrir, the epicenter of Iraq’s protest movement. The protesters carrying Iraqi flags shouted “Iran out, out!” before they were dispersed by security forces.
The protesters who rose up against their country’s ruling elite in October, accusing them of corruption, have also been revolting against neighboring Iran’s military and political involvement.
1:20 p.m.
Finland’s defense forces say they received advance warning of the Iranian missile strike against bases in Iraq used by U.S. troops.
The defense forces gave no details Wednesday, Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported.
They added that Finnish troops at the base in Irbil that was targeted were were protected in a bomb shelter and were not hurt. Irbil is the capital of Iraq’s self-governing Kurdish region.
12:55 p.m.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian missile strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action.
The Ministry of Defense said Wednesday there were no British casualties in the attack launched in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran’s top Revolutionary Guard commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad last week.
U.S. officials have said there are no immediate reports of U.S. casualties.
“We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation,” Raab said. “A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (the Islamic State group) and other terrorist groups.” Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists.
Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the defense committee during the previous Parliament, told the BBC it would be “extremely welcome” if Iran’s action marked the end of tensions and both sides could “get back to talking.”
12:05 p.m.
China’s foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the Middle East and says it hopes matters can swiftly “cool off.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved, including at the United Nations and through China’s embassy in Baghdad.
He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces but did not address it directly.
Geng also accused the U.S. of abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions.
11:50 a.m.
Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.
Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government “rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms.”
She told German public broadcaster ARD that “it’s now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation.’
None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured.
It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq were not harmed, including France, Poland, Denmark and Finland.
11:35 a.m.
At least one missile from the Iranian strike against U.S. forces in Iraq on Wednesday landed in a field near Bardarash, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s self-governing Kurdish region.
An Iraqi Kurdish channel, Rudaw TV, showed video of police inspecting the impact site and removing shrapnel.
No casualties were reported but residents said the earth shook upon impact, and one man was seen cleaning up slight damage to his house on a nearby street.
The Kurdish region hosts American military forces at its main airport just outside Irbil.
11:15 a.m.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation says “we slapped them (Americans) on the face last night” with a missile strike “but military action is not enough.”
He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iran’s top military commander in Baghdad.
Khamenei added that the “corrupt presence of the U.S. in the region should come to an end,” saying it has caused war, division, and destruction.
Iran’s supreme leader also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a “great, brave warrior” and “dear friend to us.” Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani’s death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad.
10:45 a.m.
A Russian lawmaker warns that a conflict between the U.S. and Iran might lead to a nuclear war.
The comments by Vladimir Dzhabarov, lawmaker with Russia’s upper house of parliament, on Wednesday followed an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing Iran’s top military commander in Baghdad.
“Reciprocal strikes by the U.S. and Iran may lead to an all-out war in the region,” Dzhabarov said. “If Washington sees that it can’t achieve its goals, there’s a danger of a nuclear war.”
The Russian lawmaker said the U.N. Security Council should get involved to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
Iraq’s military says it had no troop casualties in the Iranian strike, and President Donald Trump tweeted that“All is well!” as casualty and damage assessments are ongoing.
10:30 a.m.
The Iraqi military says there are no casualties among its troops as a result of an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.
The military said in a statement carried by the state news agency Wednesday that the attack lasted half an hour, starting at 1:45 a.m. local time.
The statement said 22 missiles were fired. Seventeen missiles hit al-Asad air base, including two that did not explode in the Hitan area west of the town of Hit. Five other missiles hit the northern region of Irbil.
9 a.m.
The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates says he sees no immediate shortages in oil supplies, but that OPEC will be called in if there is an issue.
“The situation is not currently a war situation,” Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday. “We are all hoping for deescalation. I think wisdom will prevail despite the tension.”
He spoke after an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces. The strike was in retaliation for the U.S. killing an Iranian general in Baghdad.
He said even in past times of war, the flow of oil has been maintained.
“So let’s not exaggerate what’s happening. There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil yet,” Al-Mazrouei said, referring to the narrow waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran through which 20% of the world’s oil passes through.
He spoke reporters in Abu Dhabi at the Gulf Intelligence’s UAE Energy Forum.
Brent crude oil has jumped to around $70 a barrel amid heightened concerns over tensions between Iran and the United States.
___
7:40 a.m.
Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by U.S. forces.
The strike came in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general.
Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that his “government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region.”
He added: “Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations.”
He said Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area.
___
7:15 a.m.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his country’s troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe after Iran’s firing of missiles at two military bases there.
Around 300 Australian defense personnel are stationed in Iraq.
Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia.
Sepaking to reporters Wednesday, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: “The United States have taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat.”
___
6:45 a.m.
President Donald Trump says “All is well!” after more than a dozen Iranian missiles were fired at two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq.
Trump tweets that casualty and damage assessments are ongoing but adds, “So far, so good!”
He says he will be making a statement on the strikes Wednesday morning.
Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying.
__
6:05 a.m.
Iran’s foreign minister is calling Tuesday night’s ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops “proportionate measures in self-defense.”
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also tweeted, “’We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”
His tweet follows the missile attack in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike last week in Baghdad.
__
6 a.m.
Iran has buried a top Revolutionary Guard general slain by U.S. airstrike in Baghdad after a stampede at his funeral killed 56 and Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing American troops in response.
Officials lowered the shroud-wrapped remains of Qassem Soleimani into the ground in the southeastern city of Kerman just before 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Mourners at the grave site wailed.
Soleimani’s death in the airstrikes has drastically raised tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran launched a ballistic missile attack just hours earlier on two Iraqi bases housing American troops.
__
5:55 a.m.
A U.S. official says there were very few, if any, casualties from Tuesday night’s Iranian missile attack on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of a Pentagon briefing.
The official says 15 missiles were fired. Ten struck the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq’s western Anbar province. One struck a base in Irbil in Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region. Four missiles failed to hit their targets.
The official says the bases are still being searched for casualties.
Iranian state TV says the missile strikes were retaliation for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week — in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying.
— Lolita C. Baldor
__
5:10 a.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration is barring U.S. pilots and carriers from flying in areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace.
The agency is warning of the “potential for miscalculation or mis-identification” for civilian aircraft amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The emergency flight restrictions follow ballistic missile strikes Tuesday on two Iraqi bases that house U.S. troops.
Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent civilian aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict. The FAA says the restrictions are being issued due to “heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East, which present an inadvertent risk to U.S. civil aviation operations.”
__
4:30 a.m.
Vice President Mike Pence has briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes on installations in Iraq holding U.S. forces.
Aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both confirmed the lawmakers spoke with the vice president by telephone Tuesday.
Justin Goodman, a spokesman for Schumer, says the New York Democrat is closely monitoring the situation and is praying for the safety of service members and other personnel.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill tweeted that the speaker returned a call from the vice president moments after presiding over the House.
Katie Waldman, a spokeswoman for the vice president, says Pence has been in continuous contact with national security officials and made calls to congressional leadership at President Donald Trump’s direction.
__
3:45 a.m.
The Pentagon is confirming that Iran has launched “more than a dozen ballistic missiles” at two targets hosting against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq.
Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman says “It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran.”
He says the attacks “targeted at least two Iraqi military bases” at Ain Assad and Irbil.
Hoffman says the U.S. is “working on initial battle damage assessments.”
Iranian state TV says the attack was in revenge for the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose funeral Tuesday prompted angry calls to avenge his death.


mercurynews--2020-01-08--Letter: Recent court ruling puts future of Affordable Care Act at risk

Once again , the future of the Affordable Care Act is unclear after a recent ruling from a federal appeals court , a decision that has huge implications for job creators .
That ’ s because the ACA has enabled countless entrepreneurs and small business employees to access quality and affordable health care , many for the first time .
Since the law made it easier for the self-employed to obtain their own coverage , many more aspiring entrepreneurs have been able to go out on their own to start new ventures now that their health care isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth in small business health care costs is at its lowest in years .
Creating more chaos and confusion over the future of the ACA will only serve to cause health care costs to rise and create economic instability .
• Letter : I have no desire to shop or eat in Oakland or SF for this reason • Letter : Does the media favor people with ‘ blue-chip degrees ’ ?
• Letter : Leaders just overpaid administrators of the climate status quo The constitutionality of the ACA must be upheld for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business community .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Uphold ACA for small
business, entrepreneurs
Re: “Trump’s Obamacare replacement still elusive” (Page A13, Jan. 5):
Once again, the future of the Affordable Care Act is unclear after a recent ruling from a federal appeals court, a decision that has huge implications for job creators.
That’s because the ACA has enabled countless entrepreneurs and small business employees to access quality and affordable health care, many for the first time.
Since the law made it easier for the self-employed to obtain their own coverage, many more aspiring entrepreneurs have been able to go out on their own to start new ventures now that their health care isn’t tied to an employer.
And the growth in small business health care costs is at its lowest in years. Creating more chaos and confusion over the future of the ACA will only serve to cause health care costs to rise and create economic instability.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps The constitutionality of the ACA must be upheld for the good of our entrepreneurs and small business community.
Mark Herbert
Vice President
California Small Business Majority
Concord
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mercurynews--2020-01-08--Iran strikes back at US with missile attack at bases in Iraq

TEHRAN , Iran ( AP ) — Iran struck back at the United States early on Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander , firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what the Iranian supreme leader said was a “ slap ” against America ’ s military presence in the region .
The retaliatory move is another dangerous escalation that could draw the region deeper into turmoil , despite insistence by Washington and Tehran that neither side wants war .
U.S. and Iraqi officials said there were no casualties among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made clear that Iran ’ s ballistic missile strikes were in revenge for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani , whose death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying and drew crowds of Iranians , said to number in the millions , to the streets to mourn him .
“ Last night they received a slap , ” Khamenei said in a speech after the missile strikes .
“ These military actions are not sufficient ( for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end.
” Despite the heightened rhetoric , there were some indications that there would not be more immediate retaliation on either side .
‘ All is well !
’ President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks , adding , ‘ So far , so good ’ regarding casualties .
Moments earlier , Iran ’ s foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken “ & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense , ” adding that Tehran did “ not seek escalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggression .
Tensions have been rising steadily in the Middle East after Trump ’ s decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran ’ s nuclear deal with world powers .
The killing of Soleimani and the strikes on the Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region .
It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two rivals , who have been at odds since Iran ’ s 1979 Islamic Revolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostage crisis .
Adding to the chaos , a Ukrainian airplane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning , killing all on board , Iranian state TV and Ukrainian officials said .
The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport , bound for the Ukrainian capital , Kyiv , and mechanical issues were suspected .
The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations .
Ukraine ’ s foreign minister , Vadym Prystaiko , said there were 82 Iranians , 63 Canadians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew .
The rest were Swedish , Afghan , German and British nationals .
The U.S. Federation Aviation Administration had earlier warned of a “ potential for miscalculation or mis-identification ” for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf amid in an emergency flight restriction .
The agency has barred U.S. pilots and carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi , Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace .
Wednesday ’ s missile strikes came as the U.S. continues to reinforce its own positions in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipping from Iran in Mideast waterways , which are crucial routes for global energy supplies .
U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe have also issued security alerts for Americans .
U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf that host thousands of American troops are also concerned of an outbreak of direct conflict and retaliation from Iran .
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have called for de-escalation .
“ The situation is not currently a war situation , ” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters Wednesday , stressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last thing the country wants is more tension in the region .
Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq ’ s western Anbar province .
The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran ’ s state-run IRNA news agency .
“ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also threatened Israel .
After the strikes , a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic ’ s flag on Twitter , appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday .
Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein , and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria .
It houses about 1,500 U.S. and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another missile attack targeting a base in Irbil in Iraq ’ s semi-autonomous Kurdish region .
“ 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 , ” said Jonathan Hoffman , an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary .
The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles , two U.S. officials said .
Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one the base in Irbil .
Four failed , said the officials , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military operation .
Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the Ain al-Asad base , igniting a fire .
There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks , according to the officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to talk to journalists .
About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but , again , no injuries were reported , Brynjar Stordal , a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Asad air base , about 100 kilometers ( 60 miles ) west of Baghdad , in December 2018 , making his first presidential visit to troops in the region .
Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base .
As Iran reels from Soleimani ’ s death and the loss of life on the plane crash , it is also contending with aftermath of a deadly stampede that broke out Tuesday at Soleimani ’ s funeral killed 56 people and injured more than 200 , Iranian news reports said .
Shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site in his hometown of Kerman .
There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets , and online videos showed only its aftermath : people lying apparently lifeless , their faces covered by clothing , emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen , and onlookers wailing and crying out to God .
Hossein Salami , who commands the Revolutionary Guard , earlier addressed a crowd of supporters in Kernan and vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about , ” Salami said .
Soleimani was laid to rest between the graves of two former Guard comrades killed in Iran ’ s 1980s war with Iraq .
They died in Operation Dawn 8 , in which Soleimani also took part .
It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three days is an unprecedented honor for Soleimani , seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard ’ s expeditionary Quds Force in the face of U.S. pressure .
The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq .
The Trump administration alleges he ’ d been plotting new attacks just before he was killed .
• Iran launches second attack on US air base in Iraq • Pompeo backs away from claims of ‘ imminent ’ attack Many Sunni Muslims in the region , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanded dangerous and deadly Shiite proxy militias .
Soleimani led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country ’ s civil war .
Soleimani ’ s slaying prompted Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers while in Iraq , pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil .
Elsewhere in the Mideast , Kuwait said Wednesday that its state-run KUNA news agency ’ s Twitter account was hacked and posted a false story on US troops withdrawing from nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ account , drawing widespread attention , Kuwait said .
Tiny , oil-rich Kuwait has over 13,000 U.S. troops in the country , with more on the way amid tensions between the U.S. and Iran .
Gambrell reported from Dubai , United Arab Emirates .
Associated Press writers Aya Batrawy in Dubai , Matthew Lee , Lolita C. Baldor and Zeke Miller in Washington , Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad ; Hussain al-Qatari in Kuwait City and Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed to this report .

By NASSER KARIMI, AMIR VAHDAT and JON GAMBRELL
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops in what the Iranian supreme leader said was a “slap” against the U.S. military presence in the region.
The dramatic blast of more than a dozen missiles caused no casualties, however, and U.S. President Donald Trump said hours later that Iran “appears to be standing down.
It was a signal that both sides were stepping away from an immediate spiral of more direct exchanges that could throw the Middle East into great turmoil.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the U.S. would impose new “punishing economic sanctions” on Iran to force it to stop its nuclear program and what he called its “hostilities” in the region. But he also said Washington was open to a deal with Tehran.
Iran, in turn, appeared to have calibrated its attack to avoid stoking further U.S. retaliation, giving some early warning to its Iraqi allies to avoid casualties.
“Last night they received a slap,” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said of the Americans in a speech after the missile strikes.
He made clear that Iran’s actions were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in a drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets in mourning. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander.
“These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end.”
Satellite imagery showed at least five impact sites on the Ain al-Asad base in Iraq’s western Anbar province, each leaving charred blast marks that damaged or destroyed buildings. One obliterated a structure in a row of buildings next to a line of helicopters, though none of the aircraft appeared damaged, according to the imagery provided by Planet Labs, Inc.
Iran’s foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and “concluded proportionate measures in self-defense,” adding that Tehran did “not seek escalation” but would defend itself against further aggression.
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said he received notification from Iran just after midnight that its retaliation “was starting or would start soon” and would focus only on U.S. positions. The militaries of Finland and Lithuania, which had personnel at one of the targeted bases, said they received information about an imminent attack and had time to move to shelters or leave the base.
Iran’s attacks “appeared designed for maximum domestic effect with minimum escalatory risk,” said Henry Rome, analyst with Eurasia Group.
“For a president who wants to avoid a war in the Middle East during an election year, the Iranians have provided an off-ramp he will likely take,” Rome said.
Tensions have risen steadily in the Middle East since Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers.
The Iranian attacks on the bases marked the first time in recent years that Iran has directly attacked U.S. positions rather than through proxies in the region.
Tehran and Washington have been at odds since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis.
Adding to the chaos, a Ukrainian airplane with 176 people crashed after takeoff just outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, killing all on board, Iranian and Ukrainian officials said. Iran said mechanical issues were suspected, although Ukraine declined to offer a cause while an investigation continues.
The Boeing 737-800 had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport, bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board — the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew. The rest were Swedish, Afghan, German and British nationals.
The U.S. Federation Aviation Administration earlier warned of a “potential for miscalculation or mis-identification” for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf. The agency barred U.S. carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf countries.
The U.S. has been deploying more troops in the region. U.S. Gulf allies that host thousands of American troops are concerned about a direct conflict. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have called for de-escalation.
“The situation is not currently a war situation,” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei said, stressing that Iran is a neighbor and the last thing the country wants is more regional tension.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its allies against retaliating over the missile attack.
“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,” the Guard said in a statement carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. It also threatened Israel.
The Iranians fired 15 missiles Wednesday, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation.
“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,” said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary.
Two Iraqi security officials said a missile appeared to have hit a plane at Ain al-Asad, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have permission to talk to journalists.
Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump went there in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited.
As Iran reels from the loss of life in the plane crash, it is also contending with the aftermath of a deadly stampede Tuesday at Soleimani’s funeral in his hometown of Kerman, killing 56 people and injuring more than 200. Shortly after Wednesday’s missile attack, Soleimani’s shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site.
“We tell our enemies that we will retaliate, but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about,” Hossein Salami, who commands the Revolutionary Guard, told a crowd in Kerman.
The general’s funeral procession in major cities spanning three days was an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard’s expeditionary Quds Force in the face of U.S. pressure.
The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq. The Trump administration alleges he’d been plotting new attacks just before he was killed.
Many Sunni Muslims in the region, however, view him as a destabilizing figure who commanded dangerous and deadly Shiite proxy militias. Soleimani led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country’s civil war.
Since his killing Jan. 3, Tehran has abandoned the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In Iraq, lawmakers and pro-Iranian factions in parliament have voted to oust American troops from Iraqi territory.
Kuwait said Wednesday that its state-run KUNA news agency’s Twitter account was hacked and posted a false story on U.S. troops withdrawing from the nation. The fake alert went out on its account, Kuwait said. More than 13,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Kuwait, with more now on the way.
___
Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Aya Batrawy in Dubai, Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor and Zeke Miller in Washington, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Hussain al-Qatari in Kuwait City and Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed.


mercurynews--2020-01-08--Letter: End the state system of judicial elections, recalls

Your editorial , “ Give state judges the right to speak out on recall issues ” ( Opinion section , Mercurynews.com , Jan. 5 ) , correctly advocates for the proposition that judges under attack either by the threat of judicial recall or election , must have the opportunity to explain their decision that is the subject of the recall or election if they wish to do so .
This same privilege is extended to other judges making comments in support of the judge under recall .
However , the judge commenting must do so in a way that does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be perceived as fair , neutral and impartial .
The better approach is to eliminate judicial elections and recalls .
Adopting the federal constitutional approach gives judicial officers a lifetime appointment subject to removal using the impeachment process .
The present state system potentially subjects judicial decision-making to political pressure where a decision might be made to avoid removal .
The federal approach has worked well for over 225 years .
• Letter : I have no desire to shop or eat in Oakland or SF for this reason • Letter : Does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees ’ ?
• Letter : Leaders just overpaid administrators of the climate status quo • Letter : Taxpayers will leave if Oakland takes over house To continue the current state system lessens confidence by the public that our judges are independent decision-makers .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

End the state system of
judicial elections, recalls
Your editorial, “Give state judges the right to speak out on recall issues” (Opinion section, Mercurynews.com, Jan. 5), correctly advocates for the proposition that judges under attack either by the threat of judicial recall or election, must have the opportunity to explain their decision that is the subject of the recall or election if they wish to do so. This same privilege is extended to other judges making comments in support of the judge under recall.
However, the judge commenting must do so in a way that does not bring into question the ability to be perceived as fair, neutral and impartial.
The better approach is to eliminate judicial elections and recalls. Adopting the federal constitutional approach gives judicial officers a lifetime appointment subject to removal using the impeachment process. The present state system potentially subjects judicial decision-making to political pressure where a decision might be made to avoid removal. The federal approach has worked well for over 225 years.
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Eugene M. Hyman
Santa Clara County
Superior Court Judge, retired
Los Altos
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Bridge: Jan. 8, 2020

Cy the Cynic says that speaking without thinking is like firing a gun without aiming at anything .
When you ’ re a defender , you won ’ t hit your target if you play without thinking .
Today ’ s South had an awkward call at his second turn .
He jumped to three hearts , invitational , though he would have preferred a six-card suit .
West led the jack of diamonds : three , seven , deuce .
Pleased at having struck gold , West continued promptly with the ten .
East overtook with the queen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spade , but South took the ace , led a trump to his hand and ruffed his last diamond in dummy .
He drew trumps , lost a club to the ace and claimed , making three .
West misfired .
He had to pause to count his tricks at Trick Two .
East won ’ t have six good diamonds , not having bid , so West can see three diamonds and a club .
To prevail , West takes his ace of clubs before he leads a second diamond .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third diamond and get a club ruff .
You hold : S K 9 7 6 3 H 8 5 3 2 D J 10 C A 2 .
The dealer , at your left , opens two hearts ( a weak two-bid ) .
Your partner doubles .
The next player passes .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner ’ s double promises at least a bit more than opening values , and he has help for the unbid suits , especially the other major .
( He might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit . )
Your hand is too promising to bid two spades .
Bid four spades or jump to three to invite game .

Cy the Cynic says that speaking without thinking is like firing a gun without aiming at anything. When you’re a defender, you won’t hit your target if you play without thinking.
Today’s South had an awkward call at his second turn. He jumped to three hearts, invitational, though he would have preferred a six-card suit.
West led the jack of diamonds: three, seven, deuce. Pleased at having struck gold, West continued promptly with the ten. East overtook with the queen and cashed the ace.
MAKING THREE
East then led a spade, but South took the ace, led a trump to his hand and ruffed his last diamond in dummy. He drew trumps, lost a club to the ace and claimed, making three.
West misfired. He had to pause to count his tricks at Trick Two. East won’t have six good diamonds, not having bid, so West can see three diamonds and a club. To prevail, West takes his ace of clubs before he leads a second diamond. He can discard his last club on the third diamond and get a club ruff.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 9 7 6 3 H 8 5 3 2 D J 10 C A 2. The dealer, at your left, opens two hearts (a weak two-bid). Your partner doubles. The next player passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner’s double promises at least a bit more than opening values, and he has help for the unbid suits, especially the other major. (He might have a strong hand with a long suit.) Your hand is too promising to bid two spades. Bid four spades or jump to three to invite game.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A J 8
H Q 6 4
D K 5 3
C K 10 9 8
WEST
S K 9 7 6 3
H 8 5 3 2
D J 10
C A 2
EAST
S Q 10 5 4
H 7
D A Q 9 7
C 6 5 4 3
SOUTH
S 2
H A K J 10 9
D 8 6 4 2
C Q J 7
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 H Pass
1 NT Pass 3 H All Pass
Opening lead — D J
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-01-08--Word Game: Jan. 8, 2020

Word Game: Jan. 8, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — PREOCCUPY ( PREOCCUPY : pree-AHK-yuh-pye : To engage the interest or attention of . )
@ @ @ @ @ more words in PREOCCUPY ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — PREOCCUPY (PREOCCUPY: pree-AHK-yuh-pye: To engage the interest or attention of.)
Average mark 24 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 36 or more words in PREOCCUPY? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — ABJURING bang baring barn brag brain bran
brig bring bruin bung burn urban rain rang rani ring ruin ruing rung gain
garb gnar grab grain grin Grub
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-01-08--Horoscopes Jan. 8, 2020: Cynthia Erivo, stay focused on your deadlines.

Happy Birthday : You ’ ll have plenty going for you , and if you keep your emotions out of your decision-making process , everything will move along as planned .
Stay focused on your deadlines , and be persistent about the way you want to see things unfold .
Run the show , and you ’ ll gain respect and the help and support you need to get what you want .
Your numbers are 8 , 17 , 20 , 23 , 34 , 38 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Broaden your scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider how best to make your money work for you .
A diligent approach to how you run your personal affairs will help set the stage for a stable and brighter future .
Romance is featured .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : You ’ ll have plenty of ideas to work with , but if you spread yourself too thin and try to take on too much , you will fall short .
Put energy where it will bring the most in return , and concentrate on detail and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : Lay down some ground rules when it comes to partnerships .
Strive for equality , truth and a shared target .
A personal pick-me-up will improve your emotional state of mind .
Make plans with someone you love , and share your intentions .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t be afraid to do things your way .
It ’ s OK to be different and to try something you ’ ve never done .
Use your ingenuity , creative imagination and intuition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks promising .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Make necessary adjustments .
Taking a minimalist approach to life , how you spend your money and how much you take on will help you avoid getting trapped in a pricey scheme someone is trying to push on you .
Invest in you .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Refuse to let someone anger you .
If something doesn ’ t feel right , make adjustments and move on to something that is a better fit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and knowledge .
A change will do you a world of good .
2 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Personal improvement , a change of plans or doing something with someone you love to spend time with will spark your imagination and push you in a direction that is conducive to putting an end to old habits .
Walk away from manipulative people .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take a look around you , and make adjustments to the situations that are no longer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update your way of thinking and consider where you should be mentally , physically and emotionally to reach your goal .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Consider who is on your side and who isn ’ t .
You will have to be careful who you share information with and how you go about making personal changes .
Don ’ t let anger step in and take over .
Physical activity will ease stress .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Dive into the deep end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fear nothing .
Show everyone what you are capable of doing , and spread your enthusiasm to those who can help you reach your goal .
Embrace change , and strive for personal perfection .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Refuse to let what others do bother you .
Spend time fixing up your surroundings to suit your lifestyle .
Pay more attention to your needs and how to achieve the happiness you desire .
Make home , family and romance your focus .
5 stars PISCES ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts and beliefs to yourself .
The help you offer others will put you in a good position when you want something in return .
A contribution you make will end up leading to an unexpected opportunity .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are engaging , charismatic and enthusiastic .
You are playful and innovative .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Cynthia Erivo, 33; Gaby Hoffmann, 38; Sarah Polley, 41; Shirley Bassey, 83.
Happy Birthday: You’ll have plenty going for you, and if you keep your emotions out of your decision-making process, everything will move along as planned. Stay focused on your deadlines, and be persistent about the way you want to see things unfold. Run the show, and you’ll gain respect and the help and support you need to get what you want. Your numbers are 8, 17, 20, 23, 34, 38, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Broaden your scope, add variety to your life and consider how best to make your money work for you. A diligent approach to how you run your personal affairs will help set the stage for a stable and brighter future. Romance is featured. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll have plenty of ideas to work with, but if you spread yourself too thin and try to take on too much, you will fall short. Put energy where it will bring the most in return, and concentrate on detail and precision. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Lay down some ground rules when it comes to partnerships. Strive for equality, truth and a shared target. A personal pick-me-up will improve your emotional state of mind. Make plans with someone you love, and share your intentions. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t be afraid to do things your way. It’s OK to be different and to try something you’ve never done. Use your ingenuity, creative imagination and intuition to guide you forward. A partnership looks promising. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make necessary adjustments. Taking a minimalist approach to life, how you spend your money and how much you take on will help you avoid getting trapped in a pricey scheme someone is trying to push on you. Invest in you. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Refuse to let someone anger you. If something doesn’t feel right, make adjustments and move on to something that is a better fit for you. Expand your interests, friendships and knowledge. A change will do you a world of good. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Personal improvement, a change of plans or doing something with someone you love to spend time with will spark your imagination and push you in a direction that is conducive to putting an end to old habits. Walk away from manipulative people. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a look around you, and make adjustments to the situations that are no longer to your advantage. Change your direction, update your way of thinking and consider where you should be mentally, physically and emotionally to reach your goal. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Consider who is on your side and who isn’t. You will have to be careful who you share information with and how you go about making personal changes. Don’t let anger step in and take over. Physical activity will ease stress. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dive into the deep end. When it comes to making progress, fear nothing. Show everyone what you are capable of doing, and spread your enthusiasm to those who can help you reach your goal. Embrace change, and strive for personal perfection. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let what others do bother you. Spend time fixing up your surroundings to suit your lifestyle. Pay more attention to your needs and how to achieve the happiness you desire. Make home, family and romance your focus. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep your thoughts and beliefs to yourself. The help you offer others will put you in a good position when you want something in return. A contribution you make will end up leading to an unexpected opportunity. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are engaging, charismatic and enthusiastic. You are playful and innovative.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-01-08--Ask Amy: I was ordered to flirt with my gay client

DEAR AMY : I brought a big client to the bank where I work .
I partnered with a “ relationship representative ” ( a female colleague ) to build the account at the bank .
The rep informed me that she was having issues with the partnership and said she needed my help .
I spoke to the client and we agreed to speak again at a later date .
Sometime after this , the rep and I saw him at a public event .
I was truly shocked when the rep asked me to go “ flirt ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as is the man in question .
I am afraid to say something , as my position is too low , and I may be terminated .
What should I do ?
• Ask Amy : Are these compliments offensive to women ?
• Ask Amy : She dumped her son on us and disappeared • Ask Amy : Her guilt trip has me thinking dark thoughts • Ask Amy : Should I come right out and ask him why he ’ s a jerk ?
• Ask Amy : Our teen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there ’ s a problem DEAR K : You don ’ t say how you responded to this request in the moment , but your colleague ’ s suggestion is totally inappropriate , and you should register your discomfort .
Write down your account of exactly what happened , so you have a record , and take this to HR .
If you were terminated for bringing a very reasonable concern to the administration ’ s attention , then you would surely have a case of wrongful termination that I assume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take .
I understand that banking is a “ go-go ” industry .
Your bank ’ s “ relationship rep ” might skirt all sorts of boundaries in order to keep major clients happy , but if she can ’ t manage this professional relationship without calling upon you to flirt with the client , then she isn ’ t very good at her job .
She could very easily claim that this was a joke .
The word “ flirt ” can have nonsexual connotations .
Regardless of her intent , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or attempt to use you in this way .
You brought this big client to the bank , and your doing so means that you are valuable to the bank .
Don ’ t underestimate your own value , both as an employee and as a person .
DEAR AMY : My sister committed suicide after a complicated life , contentious divorce and child custody battle .
Her horrible ex-husband has always blamed me for her suicide .
I tried to help her and was dedicated to her ( not him ) while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who I am in touch with and see when I am in the U.S. , is getting married , but she did not tell me , which is disappointing .
Her dad forbade her from inviting me .
She accidentally revealed it on Facebook .
Should I get her a present ?
DEAR AUNT : I ’ m very sorry for this loss to your family .
When people die by suicide , their death creates tremendous trauma , heartbreak , and relational challenges for survivors .
After your sister ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one parent , who you describe as “ horrible.
” She is only 21 years old , and she has already been through a lot .
I don ’ t think this question is really about a wedding present .
But to answer your question — yes , you should definitely give her a gift .
Your gift to her could be something as simple as just getting in touch to say how happy you are to learn that she is getting married .
The choice to start a family with a beloved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and this should be celebrated .
Express your desire to meet her significant other at some point in the future , and don ’ t put any pressure on her regarding being invited to the wedding .
Extended family members can be important heroes to their younger family members — especially when there is loss and grief in the picture .
You may never know the extent of your positive influence on your niece , but you should continue to attempt to keep the relationship going .
DEAR AMY : More feedback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how customer service personnel should handle irate clients .
I was in customer service for over 30 years .
The abusive customer is well aware of their demeanor , and might have it well practiced .
The best way to get past the ire is to let the aggrieved customer have their say ( rant ) , apologize , and then ask , “ What would you like me to do ?
” This approach reliably defuses the situation .
The complainer is distracted and taken “ off their script ” in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It All DEAR REALLY : I receive a lot of upset , irate and ( sometimes ) abusive “ feedback ” to my work .
I agree that how you receive this can transform the experience .
People really do need to be heard .
“ What would you like me to do ?
” is the perfect response .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR AMY: I brought a big client to the bank where I work. I partnered with a “relationship representative” (a female colleague) to build the account at the bank.
The rep informed me that she was having issues with the partnership and said she needed my help.
I spoke to the client and we agreed to speak again at a later date.
Sometime after this, the rep and I saw him at a public event. I was truly shocked when the rep asked me to go “flirt” with the client.
I am gay, as is the man in question.
I am afraid to say something, as my position is too low, and I may be terminated.
What should I do?
K
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR K: You don’t say how you responded to this request in the moment, but your colleague’s suggestion is totally inappropriate, and you should register your discomfort.
Write down your account of exactly what happened, so you have a record, and take this to HR.
If you were terminated for bringing a very reasonable concern to the administration’s attention, then you would surely have a case of wrongful termination that I assume any employment lawyer would be happy to take.
I understand that banking is a “go-go” industry. Your bank’s “relationship rep” might skirt all sorts of boundaries in order to keep major clients happy, but if she can’t manage this professional relationship without calling upon you to flirt with the client, then she isn’t very good at her job.
She could very easily claim that this was a joke. The word “flirt” can have nonsexual connotations. Regardless of her intent, she should not make comments like this, or attempt to use you in this way.
You brought this big client to the bank, and your doing so means that you are valuable to the bank. Don’t underestimate your own value, both as an employee and as a person.
DEAR AMY: My sister committed suicide after a complicated life, contentious divorce and child custody battle.
Her horrible ex-husband has always blamed me for her suicide. I tried to help her and was dedicated to her (not him) while living abroad.
Their daughter, 21, who I am in touch with and see when I am in the U.S., is getting married, but she did not tell me, which is disappointing.
Her dad forbade her from inviting me. She accidentally revealed it on Facebook.
Should I get her a present?
Loving Aunt
DEAR AUNT: I’m very sorry for this loss to your family. When people die by suicide, their death creates tremendous trauma, heartbreak, and relational challenges for survivors.
After your sister’s death, your niece was left with one parent, who you describe as “horrible.” She is only 21 years old, and she has already been through a lot.
I don’t think this question is really about a wedding present. But to answer your question — yes, you should definitely give her a gift.
Your gift to her could be something as simple as just getting in touch to say how happy you are to learn that she is getting married. The choice to start a family with a beloved person is a positive one for her, and this should be celebrated.
Express your desire to meet her significant other at some point in the future, and don’t put any pressure on her regarding being invited to the wedding.
Extended family members can be important heroes to their younger family members — especially when there is loss and grief in the picture. You may never know the extent of your positive influence on your niece, but you should continue to attempt to keep the relationship going.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: More feedback to “Seen it All” about how customer service personnel should handle irate clients. I was in customer service for over 30 years.
The abusive customer is well aware of their demeanor, and might have it well practiced.
The best way to get past the ire is to let the aggrieved customer have their say (rant), apologize, and then ask, “What would you like me to do?”
This approach reliably defuses the situation. The complainer is distracted and taken “off their script” in order to reconsider their demand.
Really Seen It All
DEAR REALLY: I receive a lot of upset, irate and (sometimes) abusive “feedback” to my work. I agree that how you receive this can transform the experience. People really do need to be heard. “What would you like me to do?” is the perfect response.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.