bbc--2020-01-06--Q&A: What can rest of the world do?

Q&A: What can rest of the world do?

The United States killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq on Friday .
One of the most powerful figures in Iran , Soleimani spearheaded operations in the Middle East and his killing marks a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran .
Huge crowds filled the streets of Iran 's capital city for the general 's funeral , while the country 's supreme leader has vowed `` severe revenge '' .
Why did President Trump order Soleimani 's death ?
Will Iran retaliate ?
Can the rest of the world do anything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent Jonathan Marcus answers your questions about what this action means .
What could the rest of the world do to prevent further escalation ?
- Vignesh Subramanian After the initial shock at the US action and its potential repercussions there have been widespread calls , even from many of Washington 's closest allies , for both sides to scale down the tensions .
The Europeans have invited the Iranian Foreign minister for talks , consultations likely to focus as much on the fate of the moribund nuclear agreement with Tehran as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hard to see Iran foregoing any opportunity to strike back and even harder to imagine President Trump not following through with his threats of a massive counter-strike .
Everything depends upon how events unfold over the coming days and weeks .
At a time and place of its own choosing .
Iranian spokesmen have hinted that any target they hit will be military in nature , though that could be broadly defined .
I suppose a key question is might Tehran be dissuaded from taking action ?
Either because it fears a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or because some alternative diplomatic avenue opens up to calm tensions - again probably doubtful .
If Iran launches an assault on US military sites , is Nato obligated to respond under Article Five ?
- Mike No , this is unlikely .
There have been frequent attacks against US military installations in a variety of places over the past decade - none of which have prompted a Nato response .
Indeed , the only time Nato 's Article Five collective defence provision was activated was in the wake of the 9/11 attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this case , the measure was largely symbolic - a demonstration of their profound support at a time of crisis .
Nato countries are very unlikely to want to become embroiled in a direct confrontation between the US and Iran .
Clearly , a number of America 's Nato allies have ships or troops in the region which could potentially be in the line of fire .
But if Washington is to take further action against Iran it is likely to do so alone .
How might be the UK be affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an easier target for retaliation ?
- Shaun Gaisie In the first instance Iran is most likely to want to strike back at a specifically US target .
But if it seeks to broaden its impact by setting the region aflame that could inevitably involve UK forces .
There is a Royal Navy destroyer and frigate in the Gulf along with a supply vessel and mine-hunters .
There are some 400 British troops in Iraq as part of the multinational training effort for the Iraqi military .
It is very unlikely that Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself , but the country has been behind numerous cyber-attacks and Iran and its proxies are widely believed to have been behind violent attacks and bombings overseas , notably in Latin America .
But as I say , in the first instance it is the US that is Iran 's focus .
It believes that it has suffered a grievous wrong and attacking somebody else - other than US interested - hardly fits the dominant Iranian narrative .
A report in The Times newspaper that Iran had threatened attacks against UK troops has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London .
How likely is this to escalate to WW3 ?
- Lewis Alcott While some have described the killing of Soleimani as `` a declaration of war '' by the United States against Iran , it is important both not to overstate nor to understate the significance of the moment .
This will not prompt World War Three .
The key actors who might be involved in such a conflict , for example Russia and China , are not significant players in this drama .
But this could become a defining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington 's role in it .
A significant Iranian retaliation is to be expected , and this could lead to a cycle of action and reaction that could bring the two countries ever closer to an all-out conflict .
Iran 's response might be against US military interests in the region but equally it could be against any US-related target that Iran thinks vulnerable .
Is it legal to kill someone like this under international law ?
- Eamonn Donaghy The US would argue that Soleimani was responsible for unprovoked attacks on American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there at the request of the current Iraqi government .
Soleimani was a man whom Washington believed already had the blood of many US personnel on his hands .
Meanwhile the Quds organisation he headed was seen by the US as a terrorist organisation .
So his killing may follow a US legal narrative .
• How could Iran respond to Soleimani 's death ?
• Iran 's Qasem Soleimani : Why the US had him in its sights But the noted international legal scholar , Notre Dame Law School Prof Mary Ellen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal implications : '' Pre-emptive self defence is never a legal justification for assassination .
Nothing is .
The relevant law is the United Nations Charter , which defines self defence as a right to respond to an actual and significant armed attack , '' she said .
`` The use of a drone to kill Iranian Gen Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad was not in response to an armed attack on the United States .
Iran has not attacked the sovereign territory of the United States , '' she said .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only committed an extrajudicial killing , it has carried out an unlawful attack within Iraq . ''
Where does the UN stand on these killings ?
- Sara Beyond the stated views of individual representatives , it is hard to say what the UN view is , since there really is no such thing .
Does one , for example , mean the considered view of the UN Security Council ?
That is likely to be divided and unable to reach consensus .
Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East .
`` This is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint .
The world can not afford another war in the Gulf , '' his spokesman , Farhan Haq , said in a statement .
Was this ordered to deflect President Trump from the impeachment trial ?
- Martin Gallagher It is easy to make these kind of charges but , while domestic political considerations always matter - particularly during an election year for President Trump - this decision would be a product of two factors : opportunity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now and what happens next ?
The context seems to be the escalating attacks on US facilities in Iraq , along with vague assertions by the Pentagon about future attacks in the making .
And the opportunity presented itself - a further demonstration of the accuracy and reach of US intelligence - which , while far from infallible , is a factor that the Iranians will need to contend with in deciding upon any response .
In an election year , President Trump 's main concern is to avoid the loss of US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike seems in some way out of character for a president who , while talking tough , has been characterised by remarkable caution in terms of actions .
Is there any danger of Iran pursuing a nuclear response ?
Does it have a nuclear capability ?
- Harry Rickman No .
Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme as such , though it retains many of elements that could contribute to such a programme and the know-how to proceed with one .
Iran has always insisted that it does not want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington persuade Iran to throw off all constraints and essentially abandon its nuclear agreement with the international community altogether ?
That is a possibility .
The Trump administration has already abandoned the so-called JCPOA agreement or Iran nuclear deal - many analysts might say recklessly - raising the pressure on Tehran but without any clear diplomatic `` off ramp '' to contain the tension .
What was Gen Soleimani doing in Iraq ?
What does the Iraqi government say about this ?
- Tom It 's not clear what precisely the general 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports a variety of influential Shia militia groups there and the man who was killed alongside him , Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis - was the leader of Kataib Hezbollah ( the group said to be responsible for recent rocket attacks on US bases ) and the deputy commander of a coalition of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq .
The Iraqi government has been put in a very difficult position , especially since the attack came on its soil .
It is an ally both of Iran and of the US , and US troops remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle against the Islamic State ( IS ) group .
The Iraqi authorities were already embarrassed by the militia attacks against bases housing US facilities .
The Iraqi government both condemned recent US reprisals against this militia group while insisting to the Americans that they would do more to protect the bases .
The Iraqi prime minister 's office condemned the killing of Soleimani , and described him and the militia leader killed alongside him as `` martyrs '' behind the `` great victories against IS '' .
The Iraqi government also insists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of the agreements under which it operates in the country .
What is the role of the US and Iran in Iraq ?
- Kakinga Moses Iran is a close ally of the Shia-led government in Iraq .
It is also a significant player in the country in its own right , working through the militia groups mentioned above .
The US has some 5,000 troops in Iraq , training and mentoring the Iraqi military in its effort to defeat remaining IS elements .
Essentially these two outside players - the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other in Iraq .
One big question now is will a moment of crisis come that makes a continued US presence in the country untenable ?
Do you have any questions about the assassination , why it happened or what happens next ?
What do you want to know about the relationship between Iran , Iraq and the US ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terms and conditions .
Use this form to ask your question :

US and Iran escalation questions answered: What can the world do? Published 8 January 2020
Image source, AFP Image caption, Iranians in Tehran demonstrate against Gen Soleimani's killing
Iran has retaliated to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani by attacking air bases housing US forces in Iraq with ballistic missiles.
The United States killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq on Friday.
One of the most powerful figures in Iran, Soleimani spearheaded operations in the Middle East and his killing marks a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Why did US President Donald Trump order Soleimani's death? Will the US be withdrawing troops and US diplomats? What can the rest of the world do? BBC defence and diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus answers readers' questions.
Will the US be withdrawing troops and US diplomats? - Tulia Koroi
The US has already withdrawn some non-essential staff from its embassy in Baghdad but in reality it has actually significantly expanded its military presence in the region, with paratroops, special forces and marines all deployed to Kuwait and elsewhere to be ready should the situation escalate.
In the longer term, President Trump has clearly signalled he wants to reduce America's military footprint in the region.
He pulled some forces out of Syria but then changed his mind and left a smaller presence in the eastern part of the country.
But a lot of the attention now is going to be on the US presence in Iraq.
The Iraqi parliament has voted for US troops to leave but the political chaos in Iraq means any formal decisions to request a US departure could take some time, if it comes at all.
Many analysts believe the US presence there is more tenuous than before this crisis.
How likely is Donald Trump to retaliate with disproportionate aggression as he stated? If not, will he be seen as a coward or a diplomat? - Katrina
We shall see what happens. The signals from Tehran are contradictory - it is not clear if the missile attacks against the two US bases are what Iran thought it could get away with without provoking a devastating US response or just the first instalment of a retaliation over the coming weeks and months.
The scale of this attack - in many ways rather modest compared with the seniority and fame of Soleimani and the passions his death aroused - may give both sides an opportunity to step back from the brink.
If Iran should attack US over the assassination of Soleimani, will the retaliation of the US be seen as an act of self-defence? - Al Bashir
The international legal situation is complex and you will get different answers from different legal experts. But certainly if Iran directly attacked the United States, then the Americans would argue they had a clear and obvious right to self-defence.
What could the rest of the world do to prevent further escalation? - Vignesh Subramanian
After the initial shock at the US action and its potential repercussions there have been widespread calls, even from many of Washington's closest allies, for both sides to scale down the tensions.
The Europeans have invited the Iranian Foreign minister for talks, consultations likely to focus as much on the fate of the moribund nuclear agreement with Tehran as much as the immediate crisis. But it is hard to see Iran foregoing any opportunity to strike back and even harder to imagine President Trump not following through with his threats of a massive counter-strike.
Everything depends upon how events unfold over the coming days and weeks.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Mourners packed the streets in Tehran - and Iran's supreme leader wept as he led prayers
How might the UK be affected by these actions? Would the UK be an easier target for retaliation? - Shaun Gaisie
If Iran seeks to broaden its impact by setting the region aflame that could inevitably involve UK forces.
There is a Royal Navy destroyer and frigate in the Gulf along with a supply vessel and mine-hunters. There are some 400 British troops in Iraq as part of the multinational training effort for the Iraqi military.
It is very unlikely that Iran would seek to act against the UK itself, but the country has been behind numerous cyber-attacks and Iran and its proxies are widely believed to have been behind violent attacks and bombings overseas, notably in Latin America.
It is the US that is Iran's focus. It believes that it has suffered a grievous wrong and attacking somebody else - other than US interested - hardly fits the dominant Iranian narrative.
A report in The Times newspaper that Iran had threatened attacks against UK troops has been strongly denied by the Iranian Ambassador in London.
Is it legal to kill someone like this under international law? - Eamonn Donaghy
The US would argue that Soleimani was responsible for unprovoked attacks on American forces in Iraq. Those forces were there at the request of the current Iraqi government.
Soleimani was a man whom Washington believed already had the blood of many US personnel on his hands. Meanwhile the Quds organisation he headed was seen by the US as a terrorist organisation. So his killing may follow a US legal narrative.
But the noted international legal scholar, Notre Dame Law School Prof Mary Ellen O'Connell, has this view of the legal implications:
"Pre-emptive self defence is never a legal justification for assassination. Nothing is. The relevant law is the United Nations Charter, which defines self defence as a right to respond to an actual and significant armed attack," she said.
"The use of a drone to kill Iranian Gen Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad was not in response to an armed attack on the United States. Iran has not attacked the sovereign territory of the United States," she said.
"In this case, the United States has not only committed an extrajudicial killing, it has carried out an unlawful attack within Iraq."
Where does the UN stand on these killings? - Sara
Beyond the stated views of individual representatives, it is hard to say what the UN view is, since there really is no such thing.
Does one, for example, mean the considered view of the UN Security Council? That is likely to be divided and unable to reach consensus.
Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned by the rise in tensions in the Middle East.
"This is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint. The world cannot afford another war in the Gulf," his spokesman, Farhan Haq, said in a statement.
Was this ordered to deflect President Trump from the impeachment trial? - Martin Gallagher
It is easy to make these kind of charges but, while domestic political considerations always matter - particularly during an election year for President Trump - this decision would be a product of two factors: opportunity and circumstance.
The context seems to be the escalating attacks on US facilities in Iraq, along with vague assertions by the Pentagon about future attacks in the making.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Trump - We took action to stop, not start a war
And the opportunity presented itself - a further demonstration of the accuracy and reach of US intelligence - which, while far from infallible, is a factor that the Iranians will need to contend with in deciding upon any response.
In an election year, President Trump's main concern is to avoid the loss of US lives in the region.
This dramatic strike seems in some way out of character for a president who, while talking tough, has been characterised by remarkable caution in terms of actions.
Is there any danger of Iran pursuing a nuclear response? Does it have a nuclear capability? - Harry Rickman
No. Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme as such, though it retains many of elements that could contribute to such a programme and the know-how to proceed with one.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Qasem Soleimani led the Iranian Quds Force
Iran has always insisted that it does not want the bomb. But could growing frustration with Washington persuade Iran to throw off all constraints and essentially abandon its nuclear agreement with the international community altogether? That is a possibility.
The Trump administration has already abandoned the so-called JCPOA agreement or Iran nuclear deal - many analysts might say recklessly - raising the pressure on Tehran but without any clear diplomatic "off ramp" to contain the tension.
What was Gen Soleimani doing in Iraq? What does the Iraqi government say about this? - Tom
It's not clear what precisely the general's business was in Iraq. But Iran supports a variety of influential Shia militia groups there and the man who was killed alongside him, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis - was the leader of Kataib Hezbollah (the group said to be responsible for recent rocket attacks on US bases) and the deputy commander of a coalition of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
The Iraqi government has been put in a very difficult position, especially since the attack came on its soil. It is an ally both of Iran and of the US, and US troops remain in Iraq to assist in the broader struggle against the Islamic State (IS) group.
The Iraqi authorities were already embarrassed by the militia attacks against bases housing US facilities. The Iraqi government both condemned recent US reprisals against this militia group while insisting to the Americans that they would do more to protect the bases.
The Iraqi prime minister's office condemned the killing of Soleimani, and described him and the militia leader killed alongside him as "martyrs" behind the "great victories against IS". The Iraqi government also insists that the US acted way beyond the terms of the agreements under which it operates in the country.
What is the role of the US and Iran in Iraq? - Kakinga Moses
Iran is a close ally of the Shia-led government in Iraq. It is also a significant player in the country in its own right, working through the militia groups mentioned above. The US has some 5,000 troops in Iraq, training and mentoring the Iraqi military in its effort to defeat remaining IS elements.
Essentially these two outside players - the US and Iran - have been manoeuvring against each other in Iraq.
One big question now is will a moment of crisis come that makes a continued US presence in the country untenable?
Image source, BBC
Do you have any questions about the assassination, why it happened or what happens next? What do you want to know about the relationship between Iran, Iraq and the US?
In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions.
Use this form to ask your question:


bbc--2020-01-06--HISTORY: Seven decades of US-Iran tension

From the CIA-orchestrated overthrow of Iran 's prime minister in 1953 , to tension and confrontation under President Trump , a look back over more than 65 years of tricky relations between Iran and the US .
US and British intelligence agencies orchestrate a coup to oust Iran 's democratically elected Prime Minister , Mohammad Mossadeq .
The secular leader had sought to nationalise Iran 's oil industry .
The US-backed Shah of Iran , Mohammed Reza Pahlevi , is forced to leave the country on 16 January following months of demonstrations and strikes against his rule by secular and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamic religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini returns from exile .
Following a referendum , the Islamic Republic of Iran is proclaimed on 1 April .
The US embassy in Tehran is seized by protesters in November 1979 and American hostages are held inside for 444 days .
The final 52 hostages are freed in January 1981 , the day of US President Ronald Reagan 's inauguration .
Another six Americans who had escaped the embassy are smuggled out of Iran by a team posing as film-makers , in events dramatised in the 2012 Oscar-winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons to Iran , allegedly in exchange for Tehran 's help in freeing US hostages held by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon .
The profits are illegally channelled to rebels in Nicaragua , creating a political crisis for Reagan .
The American warship USS Vincennes shoots down an Iran Air flight in the Gulf on 3 July , killing all 290 people on board .
The US says the Airbus A300 was mistaken for a fighter jet .
Most of the victims are Iranian pilgrims on their way to Mecca .
In his State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bush denounces Iran as part of an `` axis of evil '' with Iraq and North Korea .
The speech causes outrage in Iran .
In 2002 an Iranian opposition group reveals that Iran is developing nuclear facilities including a uranium enrichment plant .
The US accuses Iran of a clandestine nuclear weapons programme , which Iran denies .
A decade of diplomatic activity and intermittent Iranian engagement with the UN 's nuclear watchdog follows .
But several rounds of sanctions are imposed by the UN , the US and the EU against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This causes Iran 's currency to lose two-thirds of its value in two years .
In September 2013 , a month after Iran 's new moderate president Hassan Rouhani takes office , he and US President Barack Obama speak by phone - the first such top-level conversation in more than 30 years .
Then in 2015 , after a flurry of diplomatic activity , Iran agrees a long-term deal on its nuclear programme with a group of world powers known as the P5+1 - the US , UK , France , China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iran agrees to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions .
In May 2018 , US President Donald Trump abandons the nuclear deal , before reinstating economic sanctions against Iran and threatening to do the same to countries and firms that continue buying its oil .
Iran 's economy falls into a deep recession .
Relations between the US and Iran worsen in May 2019 , when the US tightens the sanctions targeting Iran 's oil exports .
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In May and June 2019 , explosions hit six oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman , and the US accuses Iran .
On 20 June , Iranian forces shoot down a US military drone over the Strait of Hormuz .
The US says it was over international waters , but Iran says it is over their territory .
Iran begins rolling back key commitments under the nuclear deal in July .
On 3 January 2020 , Iran 's top military commander , Gen Qasem Soleimani , is killed by a US drone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe revenge '' for his death and pulls back from the 2015 nuclear accord .

But several rounds of sanctions are imposed by the UN, the US and the EU against ultra-conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government. This causes Iran's currency to lose two-thirds of its value in two years.


bbc--2020-01-05--CONTEXT: Iran nuclear crisis in 300 words

A landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers has in effect collapsed , four years after it went into effect .
Here 's how it got to this point .
What did the deal do ?
Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful .
But suspicions it was being used as a cover to develop a nuclear bomb prompted the UN Security Council , US and EU to impose crippling sanctions from 2010 .
In 2015 , Iran reached a deal with six powers - the US , UK , France , China , Russia and Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities in return for sanctions relief .
The deal restricted Iran 's enrichment of uranium , which is used to make reactor fuel but also nuclear weapons .
It was also required to redesign a heavy-water reactor being built , whose spent fuel would contain plutonium suitable for a bomb , and allow international inspections .
What led to its collapse ?
First , US President Donald Trump abandoned the deal in May 2018 and reinstated US sanctions .
He wanted a new deal that would also curb Iran 's ballistic missile programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran refused and saw the value of its currency plummet and its inflation rate soar as the sanctions took effect .
When the sanctions were tightened in May 2019 , Iran stopped abiding by some commitments in the deal .
But it was in January 2020 that the deal completely fell apart .
Iran was expected to announce the latest steps in its gradual retreat from the deal on 5 January , just two days after the US air strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq which killed Iran 's top military general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalating tensions , Iran declared it would no longer abide by any of the restrictions imposed by the deal - including limitations on its enrichment of uranium .
Want to know more ?
• Iran nuclear deal - all you need to know

A focus of concern was Iran's production of enriched uranium, which has civilian uses but can also be used in nuclear weapons. Restrictions were placed on the amount of the material that it could stockpile; the level of purity; and the number and type of centrifuge machines used to carry out enrichment.


bbc--2020-01-06--IRAN VOICES: 'Soleimani did not deserve such a fate'

Iranians have filled the centre of Tehran for the funeral procession of General Qasem Soleimani , who was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq last week .
Soleimani was the commander of the Revolutionary Guards ' clandestine overseas operations arm , the Quds Force , and was one of the most powerful figures in Iran .
Iranians have been sharing their thoughts on the killing with BBC Persian .
I believe Soleimani did not deserve such a fate .
He did a lot for Iran , protecting this country .
He fought Daesh [ the jihadist group Islamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our enemies have been attacking our country for the past four decades and he tried to save the country .
• Why the US had Qasem Soleimani in its sights Sadly , I can say many people in Iran are suffering from a paradox .
They blame this regime and the supreme leader [ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ] for what is happening inside Iran , and they say the leader is a tyrant .
But today they are mourning for Qasem Soleimani , who was the right hand of the same tyrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hero ?
The partner and right hand of a dictator can not be a hero .
I agree that we have some issues in this country .
We have economic difficulties , human rights issues , a lack of freedom of speech , etc .
But these issues are internal and should be dealt with , within the country .
The new situation we are facing is external .
One of us Iranians was killed by foreigners .
Our sense of patriotism would not allow us to side with the foreigners in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against this [ US ] action .
I do not buy this argument that Qasem Soleimani had only been dealing with foreign affairs [ as the commander of the Quds Force ] , or that he had nothing to do with the repression that ordinary Iranians are suffering from .
Soleimani was one of them [ Iran 's leadership ] .
If we are against this repressive regime , we are against every single person who is part of it .
I do not understand those who thank President Trump for this attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Syria and Iraq .
If Iran should not be allowed to interfere in neighbouring countries , why should Americans be allowed to come to our region all the way from the other side of the Earth ?
Qasem Soleimani was not a hero , in my opinion .
He was a basic soldier , overrated by the establishments in Iran and the US .
People are being too emotional about his death .

The new situation we are facing is external. One of us Iranians was killed by foreigners. Our sense of patriotism would not allow us to side with the foreigners in this matter. We should be uniting against this [US] action.


bbc--2020-01-07--CES 2020: Pork made from plants launched by Impossible Foods

A plant-based pork substitute has been launched in Las Vegas by one of the leading `` alternative meat '' producers .
Impossible Foods , the firm behind the Impossible Burger , says it hopes to appeal to a global audience with its latest vegetarian-friendly meal , which it unveiled at the CES tech show .
Pork is currently the most widely consumed meat in the world .
The company hopes the product will help it break into China .
But one expert said it might find that a challenge .
The first product to feature the foodstuff - the Impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 67 Burger King restaurants in the US , in a sandwich-based dish called the Croissan'wich .
Rival firm Beyond Meat has offered a lab-produced sausage product since 2018 , but California-based Impossible Foods is also offering a ground pork substitute that it says can be used in a wide range of traditional recipes .
The new products are designed to comply with kosher and halal rules followed by some observers of the Jewish and Islamic faiths .
The firm 's sausage and plant-based pork products , like its ground beef substitute , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ derived from plants that contains iron and that resembles blood .
Heme is found in real meat but can be produced without farming animals .
• LG OLED TV rolls up into the ceiling The new products also contain no gluten , animal hormones or antibiotics .
`` Now we 're accelerating the expansion of our product portfolio to more of the world 's favourite foods , '' said Patrick Brown , Impossible Foods ' founder and chief executive .
`` We wo n't stop until we eliminate the need for animals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food system sustainable . ''
There was certainly a great deal of excitement at the unveiling of Impossible Pork , in a trendy Las Vegas hotel restaurant .
Music pumped and beverages flowed while we were presented with a beautiful selection of bite-sized food samples - pork katsu , sweet and sour pork meatballs , pork dim sum and pork noodles .
None of which contained a shred of actual pork , of course .
There were , however , mutterings that the strong sauces used cleverly disguised the taste of the plant-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell you how spicy the katsu was but I 'd be pushed to describe the flavour of Impossible Pork on its own .
What I did notice is that it 's got that lighter , dryer texture of traditional meat alternatives like Quorn - it lacks the heaviness , the richness of meat that meat lovers savour .
In the interests of research I ate my way through a selection of the canapes , and felt pretty full - but not for very long .
This is perhaps the idea - apparently Impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sausage meat and is also considerably lower in fat .
Impossible Foods said its synthetic pork product would suit a variety of Asian dishes - from spring rolls to dumplings or wontons .
Pork is in huge demand in Asia .
China alone consumes produces and consumes more of the meat than any other country .
Until recently , China was also home to around half the world 's farmed pigs - but millions of them have died or been culled due to the spread of African Swine Fever , a viral disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known cure .
That said , Chinese consumers are more likely to turn to chicken or fish if pork prices rise to high or when pork shortages occur , said Chenjun Pan , a senior analyst at Rabobank .
`` The major substitution to pork remains poultry , '' she told the BBC .
But in the longer term , US companies that market highly realistic , lab-produced meat substitutes to Chinese consumers may find success , she added .
This is because the technology to make these products is dominated by Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that foreign companies will bring this product to China , '' said Ms Pan .

What I did notice is that it's got that lighter, dryer texture of traditional meat alternatives like Quorn - it lacks the heaviness, the richness of meat that meat lovers savour. In the interests of research I ate my way through a selection of the canapes, and felt pretty full - but not for very long.


bbc--2020-01-07--CES 2020: LG OLED TV rolls up into the ceiling

LG has unveiled a concept television that rolls up into the ceiling when not in use , removing it from @ @ @ @ @ advantage of the fact that the OLED technology on which it is based does not @ @ @ @ @ .
BBC Click 's Spencer Kelly took an early look at the CES tech expo @ @ @ @ @ up with all the BBC 's CES 2020 coverage

LG has unveiled a concept television that rolls up into the ceiling when not in use, removing it from sight.
The screen takes advantage of the fact that the OLED technology on which it is based does not have to be kept rigid.
BBC Click's Spencer Kelly took an early look at the CES tech expo in Las Vegas.
Catch up with all the BBC's CES 2020 coverage


bbc--2020-01-07--CES 2020: Intel shows off foldable computer of the future

Intel has created a foldable computer that resembles a computer monitor when flat and an all-screen laptop when half-closed .
@ @ @ @ @ inspire computer manufacturers to come up with new ways to use flexible-screen tech .
But @ @ @ @ @ device at the CES tech expo in Las Vegas she wondered how robust it would @ @ @ @ @ up with all the BBC 's CES 2020 coverage

Intel has created a foldable computer that resembles a computer monitor when flat and an all-screen laptop when half-closed.
The device is intended to inspire computer manufacturers to come up with new ways to use flexible-screen tech.
But when Zoe Kleinman saw the device at the CES tech expo in Las Vegas she wondered how robust it would be in practice.
Catch up with all the BBC's CES 2020 coverage


bbc--2020-01-07--Surprise electric car concept shown by Sony

Electronics giant Sony has surprised attendees of the CES tech show by unveiling an electric car dubbed the Vision S. The vehicle is a prototype designed to show off the firm 's sensors and in-car entertainment technologies .
The dashboard is flanked by an ultra-wide panoramic screen `` for driving information and entertainment '' .
However , Sony did not indicate that it had any plans to sell the car to the public .
`` We will accelerate our efforts to contribute to the future of mobility , '' said Sony 's chief executive Kenichiro Yoshida as he revealed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research , was at the press event .
`` It was quite a shock to be honest with you , '' he told the BBC .
`` It highlights how the company is reinventing itself . ''
Among the internal features of the car is sensing technology that can detect occupants of the vehicle and recognise them , in order to allow for gesture control of the entertainment systems .
In total , Sony has included 33 sensors in the Vision S prototype .
The Japanese firm is known to have developed powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyse the road in front of a vehicle .
Mr O'Donnell said that such technology could perhaps aid assisted-driving systems in future vehicles , helping judge when to apply the brakes or adjust the steering but still leaving most decisions up to the motorist .
`` Assisted driving could be as useful , in fact , in some ways even more useful than autonomous driving , '' he added .
Also unveiled at CES was a concept car from Mercedes-Benz , which has teamed up with the creators of science-fiction film Avatar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transformation ) .
The car has no steering wheel or engine but features movable reptilian `` scales '' , a wooden floor , transparent doors and an `` infotainment '' system operated by gesture .

Among the internal features of the car is sensing technology that can detect occupants of the vehicle and recognise them, in order to allow for gesture control of the entertainment systems.


bbc--2020-01-07--CES 2020: Samsung shows off Ballie bot that follows you

Samsung has unveiled a tennis ball-like robot called Ballie that beeps and rolls around , following its owner .
The device has a built-in camera so that it can capture and store `` special moments '' , the South Korean tech giant told an audience at the CES tech show in Las Vegas .
`` I love this guy , '' said president and chief executive H S Kim as Ballie chased him about on stage .
One analyst said the bot was a fun idea - though it might struggle with stairs .
As well as shadowing its owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can also help with household chores .
For example , it can activate smart home devices such as robotic vacuums , when it determines that cleaning is required .
On social media , the device has already been compared to robot companions from several movies - including BB-8 from the latest Star Wars trilogy films .
`` It 's fun - it reminded me of a cross between a Sphero toy and R2-D2 with the sounds it was making , '' said Simon Bryant at market research firm Futuresource .
`` How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go up stairs , I 'm not sure . ''
Mr Bryant said he thought it was strange that Samsung had introduced Ballie , which has voice recognition capabilities , without any mention of the firm 's voice-activated virtual assistant Bixby , which is built in to smartphones and TVs .
`` I can see a lot of people who will be hesitant with security and privacy concerns , '' commented Paul Gagnon , an analyst at IHS Markit .
Samsung said that Ballie would adhere to privacy and data protection standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the device will be available to buy , or what it will cost .
When asked why now was the right time to launch a personal robot like this , Samsung spokesman Benjamin Braun told the BBC : '' There are two technologies that are helping this come to life .
One is artificial intelligence and the other one is 5G .
Those are very much focus areas for Samsung in 2020 . ''
During its keynote presentation , Samsung also discussed other technologies including a mini-exoskeleton worn around the waist and thighs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise or by people with mobility issues .
The device is called Gems , which stands for Gait Enhancing and Motivating System .
It was suggested that a user could don Gems along with a pair of augmented reality glasses in order to experience a workout with a virtual personal trainer , or explore underwater landscapes .
Samsung also said it would seek to develop new technologies for use in smart buildings and cities .
However , Mr Bryant said he was left unimpressed by many of these ideas .
`` I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move on from mobile , '' he told the BBC .

When asked why now was the right time to launch a personal robot like this, Samsung spokesman Benjamin Braun told the BBC:"There are two technologies that are helping this come to life. One is artificial intelligence and the other one is 5G. Those are very much focus areas for Samsung in 2020."


bbc--2020-01-07--Qasem Soleimani: Trump says US killed 'a monster'

President Donald Trump has said the US killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani saved a lot of lives , calling him a `` monster '' .
Mr Trump said Soleimani `` was planning a big attack '' when he was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad last Friday .
But Mr Trump appeared to draw back from a threat to target Iran 's cultural sites should Tehran respond militarily .
Iran was burying Soleimani on Tuesday , but a stampede at the funeral killed 50 people and injured 200 more .
In remarks at the Oval Office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq , saying a US withdrawal of troops would be the worst thing for the country .
• Why huge crowds turned out for commander 's funeral • How did US-Iranian ties get here ?
A basic guide • Does Trump have a strategy for Iran ?
His comments came in the wake of a letter , which the US military said had been sent in error , to Iraq 's prime minister , apparently agreeing to a request by Iraqi MPs to pull troops out .
Soleimani 's killing has raised fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran .
The president strongly defended the US drone strike , saying it was a case of retaliation .
`` He was a monster .
And he 's no longer a monster .
He 's dead , '' Mr Trump said .
`` He was planning a big attack and bad attack for us .
I do n't think anyone can complain about it . ''
The president said Soleimani had been `` travelling with the head of Hezbollah '' and a `` lot of lives had been saved by killing him '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , the head of Iraq 's Kataib Hezbollah militia group , who died alongside Soleimani .
• What does international law say about the assassination ?
• Does this mean war ?
Your questions answered and more • UK puts ships and helicopters on standby in Gulf Mr Trump also discussed the issue of Iran 's cultural sites .
He had earlier vowed to hit them `` very fast and hard '' if Iran carried out revenge attacks .
But the UN and even his own top aides accepted this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed up to , with others describing it as a war crime .
Mr Trump said that `` according to various laws '' the US should not target these cultural sites .
`` You know what , if that 's what the law is , I like to obey the law , '' he said .
On Iraq , Mr Trump said he would like to withdraw troops at some point but `` this is n't the right point '' .
On another of his earlier threats - to hit Iraq with sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - he said he would only do this if the US were not treated with respect .
Nato and the US have said troops are being redeployed in Iraq amid concern for possible revenge attacks .
A funeral procession for the commander began early on Tuesday in his hometown of Kerman in south-eastern Iran and attracted massive crowds .
• Voices from Iran : 'Soleimani did not deserve such a fate' Eyewitnesses told BBC Persian the streets were not wide enough to hold the number of people and , with other roads closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
Video online showed people on the ground , their faces covered by clothing .
The burial was delayed but restarted later in the day , although it was unclear if it had been completed .
Video footage showed the procession of Soleimani 's casket .
People threw items of clothing which officials touched against the casket before returning them .
The burial is the last in a series of funeral events that have brought millions on to the streets in Iran .
As head of the Quds force , Soleimani was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad .
He was hailed as a hero by many in his home country .
What else has the US said ?
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper both held briefings on Tuesday , as the US continued to state its case .
Mr Pompeo referred to media reports that Soleimani had been on a peace mission to Baghdad at the time he was killed , saying : `` We know that was n't true . ''
Mr Esper said : `` I think we should expect that [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shape or form , '' either through proxy groups in the region or `` by their own hand '' .
He said : `` We are not looking to start a war with Iran but we are prepared to finish one . ''
• Is the Iran nuclear deal dead and buried ?
Mr Esper touched on the US intelligence behind the decision to kill Soleimani , saying an attack masterminded by him had been expected within days .
More details would be passed to a select number of congressional figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian comments ?
Leading Iranian officials have renewed their threats of revenge .
`` The martyr Qasem Soleimani is more powerful ... now that he is dead , '' the Revolutionary Guards ' top general , Maj Gen Hossein Salami , told crowds in Kerman .
Foreign Minister Javad Zarif called Soleimani 's killing an `` act of war '' and said Iran 's response would be against `` legitimate targets '' .
Mr Zarif said President Trump had been `` misled '' by Mr Pompeo .
`` [ Pompeo ] believes people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Baghdad ... Now I think that he has seen the sea of humanity in Iraq and Iran yesterday .
Does n't he want to admit that he 's been misdirecting American foreign policy ? ''
Mr Zarif asked .

"[Pompeo] believes people were dancing in the streets of Tehran and Baghdad... Now I think that he has seen the sea of humanity in Iraq and Iran yesterday. Doesn't he want to admit that he's been misdirecting American foreign policy?" Mr Zarif asked.


bbc--2020-01-07--What does the law say about killing of Soleimani?

US President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq but what are the legal grounds for this course of action ?
The US said : `` This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans . ''
So , what are the key issues when considering its legality , according to international law ?
What does the law say ?
The relevant law in the UN Charter allows for a state to act in self-defence `` if an armed attack occurs '' .
But this definition tends to be interpreted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the Soleimani case , the US is claiming it acted in self-defence to prevent imminent attacks , a category of action which , if in fact true , is generally seen as being permissible under the UN Charter , '' says Dapo Akande , professor of public international law at Oxford University and co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics , Law and Armed Conflict ( ELAC ) .
But Agnes Callamard , UN special rapporteur on extra-judicial killings .
has tweeted about the strike saying `` this test is unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report on `` targeted killings '' said there was a weighty body of scholarship that viewed the self-defence argument as having the right to use force `` against a real and imminent threat when the necessity of that self-defence is instant , overwhelming , and leaving no choice of means , and no moment of deliberation . ''
• Will his killing spark war and more of your questions The initial US Department of Defense statement omitted the word `` imminent '' and said the strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani was `` actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region '' .
In later statements , US officials including President Trump said Soleimani had been plotting `` imminent attacks '' .
Elizabeth Warren , a Democratic Party candidate for the US presidency , said : `` The administration can not keep its story straight . ''
So what evidence is there of planned attacks by Iran ?
The legality of the strike under international law may well depend on the US providing evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akande .
The US government has not yet shared details publicly , but the administration has said intelligence has been shared with key figures in the US Congress .
Asked by a journalist on 7 January for more details about imminent threats , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted the incidents leading up to the strike , but did not provide any evidence of impending attacks .
There are other justifications it has used in the past , according to Dr Ralph Wilde , an expert in public international law at University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US has taken a view that self-defence can be justified to prevent more longer-term attacks .
When the attack is being planned , but is not imminent .
The Obama administration used this argument to justify drone strikes . ''
And what about the issue of consent ?
The other issue is whether the US had consent from Iraq to carry out the strike there .
Iraqi MPs reacted angrily and passed a non-binding resolution calling for US troops to leave the country .
The Iraqi government has called it a `` brazen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US forces had been invited into Iraq to fight the Islamic State group and to train Iraqi forces .
The US might argue this invitation constituted some form of consent , giving them a right to protect their interests and personnel inside Iraq .
But Mr Akande argues that , in practice , the terms of the agreement to host US forces would not stretch to carrying out an attack like this .
On Sunday , Mr Trump tweeted , warning the US would target sites that were `` important to Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were hit .
The Iran Foreign Minister , Javad Zarif said an attack on a cultural site would amount to a war crime .
Trump 's threat `` shows callous disregard for the global rule of law '' , said Andrea Prasow of Human Rights Watch .
The US government insisted it would behave lawfully .
But an attack on a cultural site would violate several international treaties .
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property safeguarded cultural sites in the wake of the destruction of cultural heritage sites during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the US .
In 2017 , the UN passed a resolution in response to the Islamic State attacks which condemned `` the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage , including the destruction of religious sites and artefacts '' .
The US was among the harshest critics of the IS destruction of historic site of Palmyra in Syria in 2015 , as well as the Taliban 's demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001 .
In 2016 , the International Criminal Court ( ICC ) convicted someone for the destruction of cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extremist linked to Al-Qaeda destroyed religious artefacts in Mali .
The US is not part of the ICC but it is a signatory of other agreements to protect cultural property and any attack would represent a significant reversal .

Soleimani attack: What does international law say? Published 7 January 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Trump said Soleimani was plotting imminent attacks on American diplomats
US President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq but what are the legal grounds for this course of action?
The US said: "This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans."
So, what are the key issues when considering its legality, according to international law?
What does the law say?
The relevant law in the UN Charter allows for a state to act in self-defence "if an armed attack occurs".
But this definition tends to be interpreted by governments, say legal experts.
"In the Soleimani case, the US is claiming it acted in self-defence to prevent imminent attacks, a category of action which, if in fact true, is generally seen as being permissible under the UN Charter," says Dapo Akande, professor of public international law at Oxford University and co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict (ELAC).
But Agnes Callamard, UN special rapporteur on extra-judicial killings. has tweeted about the strike saying "this test is unlikely to be met".
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Agnes Callamard Allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post by Agnes Callamard
A 2010 UN report on "targeted killings" said there was a weighty body of scholarship that viewed the self-defence argument as having the right to use force "against a real and imminent threat when the necessity of that self-defence is instant, overwhelming, and leaving no choice of means, and no moment of deliberation."
The initial US Department of Defense statement omitted the word "imminent" and said the strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attacks and that Iran's top military leader Soleimani was "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region".
In later statements, US officials including President Trump said Soleimani had been plotting "imminent attacks".
Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic Party candidate for the US presidency, said: "The administration cannot keep its story straight."
So what evidence is there of planned attacks by Iran?
The legality of the strike under international law may well depend on the US providing evidence of those future attacks, according to Mr Akande.
The US government has not yet shared details publicly, but the administration has said intelligence has been shared with key figures in the US Congress.
Asked by a journalist on 7 January for more details about imminent threats, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted the incidents leading up to the strike, but did not provide any evidence of impending attacks.
There are other justifications it has used in the past, according to Dr Ralph Wilde, an expert in public international law at University College London.
"Since 9/11 the US has taken a view that self-defence can be justified to prevent more longer-term attacks. When the attack is being planned, but is not imminent. The Obama administration used this argument to justify drone strikes."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Mourners packed the streets in Tehran - and Iran's supreme leader wept as he led prayers
And what about the issue of consent?
The other issue is whether the US had consent from Iraq to carry out the strike there.
Iraqi MPs reacted angrily and passed a non-binding resolution calling for US troops to leave the country. The Iraqi government has called it a "brazen violation of Iraq's sovereignty".
US forces had been invited into Iraq to fight the Islamic State group and to train Iraqi forces.
The US might argue this invitation constituted some form of consent, giving them a right to protect their interests and personnel inside Iraq.
But Mr Akande argues that, in practice, the terms of the agreement to host US forces would not stretch to carrying out an attack like this.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Persepolis is one of Iran's most famous cultural sites
Can you target cultural sites?
On Sunday, Mr Trump tweeted, warning the US would target sites that were "important to Iran and the Iranian culture" if American assets were hit.
The Iran Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif said an attack on a cultural site would amount to a war crime.
Trump's threat "shows callous disregard for the global rule of law", said Andrea Prasow of Human Rights Watch.
The US government insisted it would behave lawfully.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post 2 by Donald J. Trump Allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post 2 by Donald J. Trump
But an attack on a cultural site would violate several international treaties.
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property safeguarded cultural sites in the wake of the destruction of cultural heritage sites during World War Two, and was signed by the US.
In 2017, the UN passed a resolution in response to the Islamic State attacks which condemned "the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, including the destruction of religious sites and artefacts".
The US was among the harshest critics of the IS destruction of historic site of Palmyra in Syria in 2015, as well as the Taliban's demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001.
In 2016, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted someone for the destruction of cultural heritage for the first time, after an extremist linked to Al-Qaeda destroyed religious artefacts in Mali.


bbc--2020-01-07--US airbase in Iraq hit by rockets - reports

An airbase housing US and coalition troops in Iraq has been hit by rockets , according to US security sources @ @ @ @ @ reportedly hit by multiple rockets .
It is unclear if there have been any casualties @ @ @ @ @ Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike in Baghdad on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump .
The White House is aware of reports of an attack and @ @ @ @ @ '' the situation .
`` We are aware of the reports of attacks on US @ @ @ @ @ president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national @ @ @ @ @ House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in a statement .

Iran attack: US troops targeted with ballistic missiles Published 8 January 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, This footage, reportedly of the missile attack, was shown on Iranian state TV
Iran has carried out a ballistic missile attack on air bases housing US forces in Iraq, in retaliation for the US killing of General Qasem Soleimani.
More than a dozen missiles launched from Iran struck two air bases in Irbil and Al Asad, west of Baghdad.
It is unclear if there have been any casualties.
The initial response from Washington has been muted. President Trump tweeted that all was well and said casualties and damage were being assessed.
Two Iraqi bases housing US and coalition troops were targeted, one at Al Asad and one in Irbil, at about 02:00 local time on Wednesday (22:30 GMT on Tuesday). It came just hours after the burial of Soleimani, who controlled Iran's proxy forces across the Middle East.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said the attack was "a slap in the face" for the US and called for an end to the US presence in the Middle East.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, This is the most direct assault by Iran on the US since 1979
Echoing him, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran's "final answer" to Soleimani's assassination would be to "kick all US forces out of the region".
Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Iran warned him that an attack was imminent and only areas with US troops would be targeted. There were no reports of Iraqi casualties, he said.
Just hours after the missile strikes a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran shortly after take-off. There is no evidence that the two incidents are linked.
Several airlines have announced they are avoiding both Iranian and Iraqi airspace amid the rising tension.
Is this the end of the escalation?
This is the most direct assault by Iran on the US since the seizing of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the attack was in retaliation for the death of Soleimani on Friday - killed in a missile strike outside Baghdad airport on the orders of President Trump - and warned US allies that their bases could also be targeted.
Iran's Defence Minister Amir Hatami said Iran's response to any US retaliation would be proportional to the US action.
But Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the attack was self-defence and denied seeking to escalate the situation into war.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Javad Zarif Allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post by Javad Zarif
The BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen in Baghdad says the tweets appear to suggest that Iran wishes to draw a line under its retaliation for the assassination of Soleimani and is putting the onus on the US as to whether the situation escalates.
Given the significance of General Soleimani and the passions that his killing aroused, Iran's military strike against US bases in Iraq was a modest response.
The attack was clearly timed to cause as few casualties as possible. Both the US and Iran - for all their rhetoric - do not want a wider conflict. So maybe a line can be drawn under this matter for now.
Is this the end of Iran's retaliation? Time will tell.
But it is hard to see Iranian policy changing. It is presumably still going to try to secure its regional goals, not least the departure of US forces from Iraq.
The Soleimani killing has weakened the US position there. But it was rocket attacks from Iran's proxies - local Shia militia - against US bases that formed the prelude to this recent crisis.
Has the US established any measure of deterrence? And if not, will Iranian-inspired attacks resume in due course?
What is the status of US troops in Iraq?
The US has around 5,000 troops in Iraq tasked with preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State group (IS) there.
President Trump said on Tuesday a US withdrawal of troops from Iraq would be the worst thing for the country.
His comments came in the wake of a letter, which the US military said had been sent in error, to Iraq's prime minister, which suggested that the US would be "repositioning" forces in the country.
What other reaction has there been?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would strike back hard against any attack and said President Trump should be congratulated for acting "swiftly, boldly and resolutely" in assassinating Soleimani.
While Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi urged restraint on all sides and warned that the crisis threatened a "devastating all-out war in Iraq, the region and the world".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Iran not to repeat the "reckless and dangerous" attacks. The UK's defence ministry said it was "urgently working to establish the facts on the ground" but said there had been no British casualties.
France, the United Arab Emirates and the Nato defence alliance also called for de-escalation.
How did we get here?
The assassination of Soleimani - head of the Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force and architect of Iranian policy in the region - on 3 January was a major escalation in already deteriorating relations between Iran and the US.
The general was regarded as a terrorist by the US government, which says he was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops and was plotting "imminent" attacks.
Iran vowed "severe revenge" for his death.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Who was Qasem Soleimani?
Mr Trump, meanwhile, warned the US would respond in the event of retaliation "perhaps in a disproportionate manner".
"He was a monster. And he's no longer a monster. He's dead," Mr Trump said, defending his decision. "He was planning a big attack, a bad attack for us. I don't think anyone can complain about it."
Millions of Iranians turned out for the commander's funeral, with mourners chanting "death to America" and "death to Trump".
A stampede at the burial in Soleimani's hometown Kerman killed 50 people and injured 200 more on Tuesday.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Iran says the attack was in retaliation for killing the country's top commander Qasem Soleimani
What is your question about Iran-US relations?
Use the form below to submit your question:


bbc--2020-01-07--Trump and Bloomberg to air duelling Super Bowl ads

US President Donald Trump and his would-be Democratic challenger Michael Bloomberg will air duelling Super Bowl ads , each costing about $ 10m ( £7.6m ) .
The deep-pocketed Bloomberg campaign has secured a 60-second slot next month targeting the president .
The Trump campaign 's Super Bowl purchase is also for a minute .
The game on 2 February is America 's biggest annual sporting event and is expected to be watched by more than 100 million people in the US alone .
It boasts some of the most expensive television commercial slots of the year .
• How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What could you buy for a Super Bowl ad ?
The National Football League final will be staged on the eve of the Iowa caucuses , the first in a series of state-by-state votes to pick the Democratic candidate who will eventually challenge Mr Trump , a Republican , for the White House in November 's election .
Mr Bloomberg is one of 14 candidates vying to be the Democratic standard-bearer .
He has unleashed an onslaught of campaign spending since jumping into the presidential race relatively late , back in November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV advertising than any other candidate so far , almost $ 170m , according to ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics .
It predicts Mr Bloomberg may spend up to $ 400m on ads over the next crucial couple of months .
In March , voters from 13 US states will pick their preferred Democratic White House candidate in an electoral bonanza known as Super Tuesday .
A spokesman for the Bloomberg campaign told the New York Times the `` biggest point '' of the Super Bowl ad `` is getting under Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight to Trump '' , Michael Frazier said , `` the ad is part of Mike 's strategy of running a national campaign that focuses on states where the general election will be decided , parts of the country that are often overlooked '' .
The Trump campaign 's Super Bowl purchase , first reported by Politico , is expected to entail either a single minute-long advert , or two separate 30-second commercials .
`` Super Bowl ad is an indicator that the @ realDonaldTrump campaign is ramping up as 2020 begins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Tim Murtaugh .
`` Also big plans to spend on outreach to women , blacks , Latinos & religious voters . ''
The splurge represents just a fraction of Mr Trump and Mr Bloomberg 's bulging campaign war chests .
Last week , the Trump campaign announced it had raised a combined $ 463m with the Republican National Committee last year .
For Mr Bloomberg , his self-financed campaign 's spending will barely make a dent in his personal fortune .
The former New York City mayor 's net worth is $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times more than Mr Trump .
Last month , Mr Bloomberg denied trying to buy the White House , telling CBS News of his Democratic rivals : `` I 'm doing exactly the same thing they 're doing , except that I am using my own money .
`` Nobody gives you money if they do n't expect something .
And I do n't want to be bought . ''
Announcing his candidacy , the businessman said he was standing to `` defeat Donald Trump '' .
Mr Trump taunted `` little Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tycoon `` does n't have the magic '' to make it to the White House .
Who will take on Trump in 2020 ?
• Find out who else is running and who might join them

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbc--2020-01-07--Should all acting stars stop flying to work?

Before stepping up to collect their Golden Globe Awards on Sunday , Hollywood 's great and good were warned by host Ricky Gervais to reassess their relationship with `` the real world '' .
`` If you win an award tonight , do n't use it as a platform to make a political speech , '' he said .
`` You 're in no position to lecture the public about anything , you know nothing about the real world .
Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg . ''
The UK actor , writer and comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in doing so he touched on an important question : Are the rich and famous doing enough to help the planet that serves them so well ?
On Tuesday , one famous actor vowed to do more - potentially at the expense of her career .
Australian Yael Stone , who played inmate Lorna Morello in US prison drama Orange Is the New Black , has said she 's giving up her green card - which allows her to work in the United States - because regularly travelling between the two continents is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In a video posted online , the 34-year-old detailed the reasons for her `` personal sacrifice '' , saying , `` the carbon emissions alone from that flying - it 's unethical .
It 's not right .
`` So I will be going through the process of giving up my green card , and saying goodbye to a life in America .
I 'm going to be here in Australia doing the work I can to make a difference here .
Because the time is now . ''
Stone 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award for best actor in a limited series , for his role in the The Loudest Voice , but he did not fly out to Los Angeles for the ceremony .
Instead he sent Jennifer Aniston up to collect his award , who said Crowe was `` at home in Australia , protecting his family from the devastating bushfires '' .
Crowe ( via Aniston ) , Cate Blanchett and Joaquin Phoenix all ignored Gervais 's humorous plea , using their winning platform to raise the alarm about climate change , particularly with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In November , Coldplay went a step further , revealing to the BBC 's Colin Paterson they had shelved plans to tour their new album due to climate change concerns .
Then , in December , Massive Attack announced plans to tour Europe by train to reduce their carbon emissions .
• How to travel by train - and ditch the plane Many other artists have been left wondering how they can realistically adapt the way they work in 2020 to help save the planet .
`` I think we 're all part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and of course , that does n't absolve any of us in any way , '' says Chiara Badiali , from Julie 's Bicycle - a service set up to support creative types working in a more environmentally friendly way .
`` And it means stepping back and thinking , 'How do I shift this ?
How can I try and move that dial to making a positive impact ?
What can I control and influence from from my position ?
`` There are definite things that we can do to reduce our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exciting to see at the moment - and what really should be applauded - is a growing recognition , particularly from artists and people in the public eye , that they can really use that position to move the dial . ''
While Badiali applauds Stone 's decision to stay grounded , she is aware not every artist is able to stop travelling by air for work right away and would prefer to encourage `` radical '' systematic change .
`` I mean , personally , I can only applaud it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not judge artists who do n't feel in a position to make that choice at the moment .
It is in many ways a very personal response and decision as well .
`` And it 's the complex way that individual decisions that are very visible like this can inspire much broader shifts , but sometimes they 're also just individual decisions , '' she adds .
`` So , does one person giving up something actually change the system as a whole ?
And what power do we have to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both - you have to have people who make what are seen as much bigger sacrifices to move the idea of what is possible . ''
Carbon offsetting allows passengers with money to pay extra to help compensate for the carbon emissions produced from their flights , but Badiali stresses it `` should always be the last resort '' and `` the absolute bare minimum '' that artists in `` the global north '' can do to help .
Some activists have criticised carbon offsetting as an excuse to continue polluting , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Perhaps no-one embodies the Hollywood dream more than Leonardo DiCaprio .
His Quentin Tarantino-directed love letter to the town , Once Upon a Time ...
In Hollywood , won best original screenplay at the Golden Globes on Sunday .
He 's used his profile to raise awareness of global issues and , in 1998 , launched the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation - a charity devoted to environmental causes .
At the 2016 Oscars , he made a speech declaring climate change to be `` the most urgent threat facing our entire species '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an article published on Forbes website declared the actor 's jet-set decadent lifestyle meant his `` carbon footprint is much higher than he thinks '' .
Something the actor - who was recently photographed using a regular commercial online - the actor , himself expressed concern about in his 2016 documentary for National Geographic , Before the Flood .
Last year , actress Emma Thompson lent her support to the Extinction Rebellion protests .
While she was praised by some , others criticised her for having flown into the UK to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planted a lot of trees and did not fly as much as she used to .
Badiali believes it 's not particularly helpful to criticise big names , who may not be perfect but are generally using their profile to `` challenge cultural norms '' , at a time when there are `` no easy solutions '' .
`` We tend to focus on what the stars are doing because they 're very much in the public eye and it 's the easiest thing in the world to try and undermine what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them and calling them 'hypocrites ' .
`` But ultimately , the problem does n't just start and end with them and we should n't be shutting down conversation in that way . ''
Aside from changing travel plans , shifting diets and spending habits are other ways artists can lower their emissions .
The Golden Globes this year selected an entirely plant-based meal for everyone to enjoy/endure ( delete as applicable ) .
The menu shift was made in order to `` send a signal and draw attention to the issue about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were aghast at the work of Hollywood 's `` vegan extremists '' , while others found that notion entertaining in itself .
( In an even more audacious move back in 2013 , the Screen Actors Guild Awards presented their guests with their own newly planted trees in South America , instead of the usual goodie-bag bling ) .
Terminator , Titanic , and Avatar director James Cameron was an early adopter of the plant-based diet , challenging others to follow suit in a video posted to the Earthlings Facebook page many moons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director said : `` If you 're an environmentalist , my challenge is you ca n't be an environmentalist , you ca n't be an ocean steward , without truly walking the walk , and you ca n't walk the walk in the world of the future , the world ahead of us , the world of our children , not eating a plant-based diet . ''
Eating is cheating for some at award ceremonies anyway , but everybody has to wear something new on the red carpet , right ?
Wrong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ best actor in a drama - was praised by Stella McCartney on Monday for committing to staying in the same tuxedo throughout this year 's awards season .
Just like you or I might do for a gruelling run of weddings , funerals and job interviews .
`` This man is a winner , '' declared the designer , in multiple senses .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"So, does one person giving up something actually change the system as a whole? And what power do we have to do that? The argument is that it takes both - you have to have people who make what are seen as much bigger sacrifices to move the idea of what is possible."


bbc--2020-01-07--'It reminded me of War of the Worlds'

'It reminded me of War of the Worlds'

US Aviation officials are moving up plans to let individuals and businesses use drones for commercial purposes .
They say @ @ @ @ @ within a year , much earlier than earlier forecasts .

Swarms of drones have been flying over homes across several US states at night, and police don't know why. Agencies have formed a task force to investigate who is operating the devices.


bbc--2020-01-07--Reynhard Sinaga: Father of rapist says ‘punishment fits his crimes’

The father of Reynhard Sinaga , the worst rapist in British legal history , has said his son 's punishment `` fits his crimes '' after he was jailed for life .
Sinaga , a 36-year-old PhD student from Indonesia , was found guilty of 159 sexual offences against 48 men .
He picked up his victims outside clubs in Manchester and lured them to his flat , where he drugged and assaulted them while filming the attacks .
On Monday , a judge jailed Sinaga for life , with a minimum term of 30 years .
As Sinaga 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fate , they have painted a picture of his life in Indonesia before he became a serial sexual predator .
Speaking for the first time , his father Saibun Sinaga told BBC Indonesia over the phone : `` We accept the verdict .
His punishment fits his crimes .
I do n't want to discuss the case any further . ''
• How the Manchester rapist found his victims Sinaga 's friends at the University of Indonesia say he was a flamboyant and popular student .
`` He was very social , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fun to work on projects with , '' one friend , who wished not to be named , said .
She lost contact with him when he went abroad to continue his studies in the UK in 2007 .
Sinaga is said to have fallen in love with the city of Manchester and told his family that he wanted to live in Britain forever .
Living close to Manchester 's Gay Village , he was able to express his sexuality openly in a way that was impossible to do back in Indonesia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinaga was born in 1983 into a conservative Christian family , part of the Batak tribe from the island of Sumatra .
His father is a wealthy businessman , who owns several branches of a private bank .
It was his father 's money that allowed Sinaga to be a perpetual fee-paying international student for more than 10 years , up until his arrest on 2 June 2017 .
Sinaga 's father also financed his flat on Princess Street , in the heart of Manchester 's city centre .
His mother was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Sinaga 's trials .
She came to the first pre-trial hearing , but was not present for any of the four trials her son insisted on putting his victims through by pleading not guilty .
She did , however , write a character witness statement , which was presented in his defence .
Are you affected by this ?
BBC Action Line has support and more information on emotional distress Greater Manchester Police say anyone who believes they may have been attacked by Sinaga can report information online or call their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the UK or 0207 158 0124 from abroad .
The force says anyone in need of support from specialist agencies can call 0800 056 0154 from within the UK or 0207 158 0011 from abroad .
`` His family describe him as a good , very bright , religious boy who was a regular churchgoer , '' said Gulfan Afero , a consular official at the Indonesian embassy in London .
When sentencing him to life in prison , Judge Suzanne Goddard QC noted the reference and said directly to Sinaga that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true nature '' .
Police say they have evidence Sinaga targeted at least 190 victims in total .
Further potential victims have come forward following his sentencing by contacting a dedicated helpline .
In Indonesia , news of Sinaga 's crimes has elicited shock and anger .
The story has gone viral , and on Monday , Sinaga became a trending topic when news of his sentencing broke .
His family home has been swamped by the media .
Many Indonesians took to social media to say Sinaga had brought shame on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some called for him to face the death penalty ( abolished in Britain in 1965 ) .
Others in Indonesia questioned his mental state on social media .
But Mr Afero , who met Sinaga during the trial , said he was in a sound state of mind .
`` I met him three times in prison and he looked happy , healthy and calm , '' Mr Afero said .
`` He understands what he 's facing and he showed no remorse because he insists he is not guilty .
Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The judge dismissed Sinaga 's defence that his victims had consented to sex with him , calling it `` ludicrous '' and `` nonsense '' .
Indonesians have also taken note of the processes in place in the UK to protect rape victims , such as psychological counselling and anonymity in media reports .
`` Take note of the way in England the victims are given counselling and trauma healing , while in Indonesia rape victims are always blamed and shamed ! ''
wrote one person on social media .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not saying the victims were wearing 'too-sexy clothes ' . ''
For Indonesia 's LGBT community , Sinaga 's case could not come at a worse time .
While homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia , in recent years there has been a wave of rising intolerance and hatred directed towards the community .
On social media , some people have been accused of posting homophobic slurs in response to news articles about Sinaga 's case .
Gay rights activist Hartoyo told the BBC he feared the case `` may be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or further attacks on the gay community '' .
`` Even though it 's clear that this is a criminal case that has nothing to do with the perpetrator 's sexuality .
This is about an evil person and I hope the local media makes that clear , '' he said .
• No place to hide for LGBT people in Indonesia 's Aceh province Like many people in Indonesia and Britain , Hartoyo said he was struggling to `` understand why [ Sinaga ] did it '' , adding he was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Indonesian officials say they have no evidence that Sinaga committed sexual assault or rape before moving to the UK .

His mother was the only member of the family to attend one of Sinaga's trials. She came to the first pre-trial hearing, but was not present for any of the four trials her son insisted on putting his victims through by pleading not guilty.


bbc--2020-01-07--Australia fires: How the world has responded to the crisis

The world has watched with horror as bushfires have torn across Australia , leaving a trail of destruction in their wake .
The blazes have razed almost 2,000 homes , and killed at least 25 people and hundreds of millions of animals since they began in September .
People in Australia and abroad , including politicians and celebrities , have been eager to find ways to offer assistance and support .
But authorities have warned that some kinds of help can actually be a hindrance and overwhelm fire-affected communities .
Here are some of the ways that the world has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what help those responding to the crisis say is needed .
Many people have made financial donations to help with the response to the crisis .
One fundraiser for fire services in New South Wales ( NSW ) , launched by Australian comedian Celeste Barber , raised more than A $ 20m ( £10.6m ; $ 13m ) in just 48 hours .
It 's now topped A $ 30m , with donations from more than 1.1 million people .
Big business in Australia has also pledged significant contributions .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts have come from celebrities .
US singer Pink , Australian pop star Kylie Minogue , Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman , British singer Elton John and Australian actor Chris Hemsworth are among those to make major donations .
Others have taken a more unusual approach .
Australian cricket great Shane Warne was set to raise more than A $ 300,000 for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund by auctioning off his prized `` baggy green '' Test cap .
British actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge , meanwhile , said she would auction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golden Globes to raise money for relief efforts .
• The 16-year-old who lost his home in Australia 's fires Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios , known for his powerful serve , said he would donate A $ 200 for every ace he hit at every tournament he entered in January .
He was n't the only tennis player to chip in .
Ashleigh Barty , the Australian world number one , said she would donate all her prize money from the Brisbane International - which offers a pot of nearly A $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would donate A $ 25,000 , and Novak Djokovic later matched the pledge .
And then there 's the California-based Instagram model Kaylen Ward , who claimed to have raised more than half a million dollars by offering nude photos of herself in exchange for proof of charitable donations .
Fire-ravaged communities have also been inundated with donations of toys , food , clothes and furniture .
But officials have warned that such generosity can sometimes cause problems .
A spokesman for the state of New South Wales ' Office of Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of goods could potentially spark a `` second disaster '' .
`` Unfortunately , what usually happens is local communities become overwhelmed very quickly with donated goods , '' Jeremy Hillman told broadcaster ABC , adding that donations can clog up halls used for recovery meetings .
Officials said communities in Victoria had the same problem - and that those wanting to help should do so financially , whether through donations or direct spending in affected towns .
`` We do not need any more food , we do not need any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and the communities , '' the state 's Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville was reported as saying .
Thousands of social media users have called on people to travel to fire-affected areas once the blazes are over .
Using the hashtag # GoWithEmptyEskies , referring to portable coolers , they are urging people to spend money on hotels , food , fuel , drink and other supplies to help rebuild local economies in the wake of the crisis .
`` Go with empty eskies , empty cars and low fuel… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long term support to get back on their feet and your empty esky makes more of a difference than you could ever imagine , '' said a Facebook post , which has been shared more than 36,000 times .
Actors Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett used their Golden Globes speeches to highlight Australia 's bushfire crisis and climate change .
`` When one country is facing a climate disaster , we are all facing a climate disaster , '' Blanchett said .
Many celebrities have posted statements on social media , urging their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Margot Robbie posted an emotional appeal on Instagram , sharing pictures of her childhood to show `` how beautiful our country is '' .
World leaders have also offered their support .
French President Emmanuel Macron , US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were among those to call Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to express solidarity .
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said he had written to Mr Morrison offer assistance `` in any way we can '' .
Members of the Royal Family said their `` thoughts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the massive fires .
Most of those battling Australia 's fires are unpaid volunteers , thousands of people who have given up their time and risked their lives to help deal with the crisis .
`` We 're doing it because it 's a passion , it 's a brotherhood , '' one volunteer firefighter told the BBC .
Many countries have offered assistance , including firefighters , helicopters , troops and money .
In a tweet , Mr Morrison thanked the US , New Zealand , Canada and Singapore for their support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island nation of Vanuatu pledged almost A $ 250,000 to `` assist bushfire victims '' .
Acting Prime Minister Jotham Napat described Australia as a `` Pacific neighbour and friend '' and said Vanuatu would `` offer whatever assistance we can in this time of need , as Australia has always done in ours '' .
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said about 1,000 soldiers and firefighters `` stand ready to be deployed '' at Mr Morrison 's invitation .
People around the world have also been knitting blankets and protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes in the crisis .
The Animal Rescue Craft Guild told Reuters news agency it had been inundated with offers to make items including bat wraps , koala mitten and animal beds .
On the guild 's Facebook page , people from countries including Canada , the US and UK posted messages about their efforts .


bbc--2020-01-07--Harvey Weinstein rebuked by judge for using phone in court

A judge has angrily threatened to lock up Harvey Weinstein for using his phone in a New York City court where a jury is being picked for his rape trial .
`` Is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life , by texting and violating a court order ? ''
asked Judge James Burke .
The Manhattan judge instructed the former Hollywood producer , who is out on bail , not to answer the question .
Mr Weinstein faces five charges and possibly life in jail if convicted .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know • What has # MeToo actually changed ?
The allegations include rape and predatory sexual assault relating to two unnamed accusers .
He is charged with raping one woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 , and performing a forcible sex act on the second woman in 2006 .
On Monday , Mr Weinstein was charged with an additional two counts in Los Angeles : rape and sexual assault .
The 67-year-old has denied all charges and insists any sexual encounters were consensual .
Mr Weinstein was caught using two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local media .
He had already been admonished by Judge Burke at previous court appearances for using a handset .
`` What did I say would happen if he so much has a cellphone or electronic device since there have been repeated violations of this , including some on the record ? ''
Judge Burke said .
`` I believe you said remand , '' Mr Weinstein 's lawyer replied after a heated exchange , meaning to put his client in jail .
Lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi urged Judge Burke to jail Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5m ( £3.8m ) bail .
He is required to wear an electronic tracking device .
`` There is a grave risk that this defendant at some point will realise that the evidence against him is imposing and overwhelming '' and he will try to escape , Ms Illuzzi said .
Judge Burke ultimately declined to revoke Mr Weinstein 's bail , but told the former movie mogul he would not get any further warning .
`` I 'm not looking for apologies , '' Judge Burke said , `` I 'm looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Weinstein 's lawyer , Arthur Aidala , asked Judge Burke to delay jury selection , arguing that the jury pool had been tarnished by the extensive press coverage of the Los Angeles charges filed on Monday .
`` For a prosecutor , this is Christmas morning , '' Mr Aidala said , holding a stack of Monday 's newspapers .
`` What better present than the morning of jury selection to have him smeared everywhere ? ''
After jury selection , Mr Weinstein 's New York trial is expected to begin in @ @ @ @

"What did I say would happen if he so much has a cellphone or electronic device since there have been repeated violations of this, including some on the record?" Judge Burke said.


bbc--2020-01-07--Venezuela crisis: Juan Guaidó forces his way into National Assembly

In dramatic scenes , Venezuela 's opposition leader Juan Guaidó has forced his way into the National Assembly building after @ @ @ @ @ The incident occurred as his rival for the position of parliamentary speaker held a session @ @ @ @ @ sit down in the Speaker 's chair .
He and his supporters sang the national @ @ @ @ @ in as Speaker during a power cut .

In dramatic scenes, Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó has forced his way into the National Assembly building after being stopped by troops. The incident occurred as his rival for the position of parliamentary speaker held a session inside.
Guaidó went on sit down in the Speaker's chair. He and his supporters sang the national anthem before he was sworn in as Speaker during a power cut.
Read more: What's behind Venezuela's political crisis?


bbc--2020-01-07--Vast 'star nursery' region found in our galaxy

Astronomers have discovered a vast structure in our galaxy , made up of many interconnected `` nurseries '' where stars are born .
The long , thin filament of gas is a whopping 9,000 light-years long and 400 light-years wide .
It lies around 500 light-years from our Sun , which is relatively close by in astronomical distances .
The discovery , outlined in the journal Nature , came from work to assemble a new map of the Milky Way .
An international team analysed data from the European Gaia space telescope , which was launched in 2013 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wave , in honour of Harvard University 's Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study in Cambridge , Massachusetts .
`` What we 've observed is the largest coherent gas structure we know of in the galaxy , organized not in a ring but in a massive , undulating filament , '' said co-author Joao Alves , from the University of Vienna , Austria , and Harvard .
It is in the spiral arm ( the long thin extensions of spiral galaxies that give them their name ) located closest to our Solar System .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ precisely measuring the position , distance and motion of stars in our galaxy .
Team members used data from the European Space Agency telescope , along with other measurements , to construct a detailed , 3D map of interstellar matter in the Milky Way .
The results correct a previous view of this region of the Milky Way .
Many of the star-forming regions found in the Radcliffe Wave were previously thought to be part of a structure called Gould 's Belt that was around 3,000 light-years ( 20 quadrillion km ) wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First described in 1879 , Gould 's Belt was thought to be comprised of star-forming regions , believed to be oriented around the Sun in a ring .
The new study in Nature transforms that picture into one of a 90 quadrillion-kilometre-long , four quadrillion-kilometre-wide star-forming filament .
Co-author Prof Alyssa Goodman , from Harvard , commented : `` We were completely shocked when we first realised how long and straight the Radcliffe Wave is , looking down on it from above in 3D . ''
She added : `` The wave 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our understanding of the Milky Way 's 3D structure . ''
All of the stars in the Universe , including our Sun , are formed when clouds of gas and dust undergo a gravitational collapse .
But working out how much mass the clouds have and how large they are has been difficult , because these things depend on how far away the clouds are .
Co-author Douglas Finkbeiner said : `` Studying stellar births is complicated by imperfect data .
We risk getting the details wrong , because if you 're confused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size . ''
The results are being presented at the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu , Hawaii .

But working out how much mass the clouds have and how large they are has been difficult, because these things depend on how far away the clouds are.


bbc--2020-01-07--Elizabeth Wurtzel: Prozac Nation author dies aged 52

Elizabeth Wurtzel , author of the best-selling 1994 memoir Prozac Nation which detailed her struggles with depression and addiction , has died aged 52 .
Her husband , Jim Freed , told US media she died at a New York hospital after a long battle with cancer .
Published when she was in her 20s , Prozac Nation divided critics .
Some praised Ms Wurtzel for her candor while others said she was self-absorbed .
She told the BBC in 2012 it was a book about `` growing up '' .
It included details of her self-harm , drug use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an influential voice of Generation X .
The memoir has been credited with helping to spark a boom in confessional writing .
• ' I got rid of my boobs aged 27 to save my life' Her other books included Bitch : In Praise of Difficult Women and More , Now , Again : A Memoir of Addiction , while her essays were featured in publications including The New York Times .
In a 2015 piece for the newspaper , Ms Wurtzel wrote about being diagnosed with breast cancer and having chemotherapy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her death on Tuesday , tributes were paid on social media .
`` It 's impossible to convey the impact Elizabeth Wurtzel had in the '90s .
She was unapologetic , raw , honest .
She stood for a very specific form of GenX femininity , confession , rage , '' journalist Erin Blakemore wrote .
Actress Mia Farrow described the author as `` brilliant , complex , fascinating , fun and kind '' .
You might be interested in watching :

Her other books included Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women and More, Now, Again: A Memoir of Addiction, while her essays were featured in publications including The New York Times.