freebeacon--2020-08-13--War Memorial Blasts Amy McGrath for ‘Prohibited’ Campaign Rally

A war memorial in Kentucky admonished Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath for holding a campaign event at the site , saying , `` political rallies have never been allowed . ''
Staff members at the Greenup County War Memorial immediately rebuked the Kentucky Democrat for exploiting the site for political purposes .
Just hours after McGrath 's Wednesday event , leaders said in a Facebook post the memorial `` is a place to remember and celebrate veterans . ''
`` It is not affiliated [ with ] , nor does it support any political candidates or parties .
Any political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property , '' officials said .
According to the Facebook post , McGrath did not contact the memorial prior to the event , which was held Wednesday afternoon .
`` Political rallies are not allowed , and have never been allowed .
We did not have prior knowledge of her coming or we would have told her prior to arrival that she could not hold a political rally at the memorial , as we have told other political parties , '' the post said .
McGrath did not respond to a request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets in front of the memorial , which commemorates those who died in World War I , World War II , the Korean War , and the Vietnam War .
Joined by roughly a dozen supporters , McGrath repeatedly criticized her opponent , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) , saying he `` has n't invested in our state . ''
The Greenup County War Memorial confirmed that its post was directed at McGrath , calling the event `` some kind of publicity thing , to have the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the first time McGrath has been criticized for involving unwilling participants in her campaign efforts .
In September 2019 a pair of coal miners objected after appearing in a McGrath attack ad against McConnell .
The miners said they were told the footage would appear in a Black Lung Association documentary and were `` shocked and outraged '' to see their images featured in McGrath 's ad .
The campaign later obscured their faces .
`` Randy and Albrow are not partisan political activists for either party , however , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in a political attack ad that does not reflect their personal feelings or beliefs , '' the miners ' attorney wrote in a letter to McGrath .
`` It is simply wrong for the McGrath campaign to use individual miners suffering from black lung disease as political pawns without their permission or consent . ''
McGrath also faced rebukes from Republican governors Mike DeWine ( Ohio ) and Larry Hogan ( Md . )
after using their images in another ad attacking McConnell .
DeWine called McConnell a `` friend '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed '' by the ad before asking McGrath to remove his image .
Hogan also objected , calling the ad `` not constructive . ''
A former Marine fighter pilot and failed congressional candidate , McGrath has received substantial support from liberal super PAC VoteVets .
The group has spent more than $ 118,000 on ads supporting the Democrat , and has also given McGrath $ 10,000 in direct contributions .

A war memorial in Kentucky admonished Democratic Senate candidate Amy McGrath for holding a campaign event at the site, saying, "political rallies have never been allowed."
Staff members at the Greenup County War Memorial immediately rebuked the Kentucky Democrat for exploiting the site for political purposes. Just hours after McGrath's Wednesday event, leaders said in a Facebook post the memorial "is a place to remember and celebrate veterans."
"It is not affiliated [with], nor does it support any political candidates or parties. Any political rallies are prohibited on the War Memorial property," officials said.
According to the Facebook post, McGrath did not contact the memorial prior to the event, which was held Wednesday afternoon.
"Political rallies are not allowed, and have never been allowed. We did not have prior knowledge of her coming or we would have told her prior to arrival that she could not hold a political rally at the memorial, as we have told other political parties," the post said.
McGrath did not respond to a request for comment. The Democrat spoke to news outlets in front of the memorial, which commemorates those who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Joined by roughly a dozen supporters, McGrath repeatedly criticized her opponent, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), saying he "hasn't invested in our state."
The Greenup County War Memorial confirmed that its post was directed at McGrath, calling the event "some kind of publicity thing, to have the news there."
Wednesday's event was not the first time McGrath has been criticized for involving unwilling participants in her campaign efforts.
In September 2019 a pair of coal miners objected after appearing in a McGrath attack ad against McConnell. The miners said they were told the footage would appear in a Black Lung Association documentary and were "shocked and outraged" to see their images featured in McGrath's ad. The campaign later obscured their faces.
"Randy and Albrow are not partisan political activists for either party, however, they are personally offended at seeing their images being used in a political attack ad that does not reflect their personal feelings or beliefs," the miners' attorney wrote in a letter to McGrath. "It is simply wrong for the McGrath campaign to use individual miners suffering from black lung disease as political pawns without their permission or consent."
McGrath also faced rebukes from Republican governors Mike DeWine (Ohio) and Larry Hogan (Md.) after using their images in another ad attacking McConnell. DeWine called McConnell a "friend" in response, saying he was "particularly disappointed" by the ad before asking McGrath to remove his image. Hogan also objected, calling the ad "not constructive."
A former Marine fighter pilot and failed congressional candidate, McGrath has received substantial support from liberal super PAC VoteVets. The group has spent more than $118,000 on ads supporting the Democrat, and has also given McGrath $10,000 in direct contributions.


freebeacon--2020-08-13--As Turkey Pivots Toward Russia, Congress Quietly Halts Arms Sales

The chairmen and ranking members of both the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees have been quietly exercising veto powers to block arms sales to Turkey for more than a year , Defense News reported Wednesday .
The vetoes come in response to Turkey 's acquisition of S-400 missile defense systems from Russia—a move that signifies Ankara 's growing relationship with Moscow .
Following Turkey 's missile defense purchase last year , Washington iced Turkey 's involvement in a U.S. fighter jet program .
Some experts say that Moscow is using the S-400 system as a `` diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lot of people focus on the initial exchange of money , but that 's really not the main value here , '' Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior director Bradley Bowman told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` [ What ] a lot of people do n't really track is that when another country buys a major weapons system , they are going to use it for 20-30 years .
… There are huge diplomatic and national security benefits from that .
When Russia gets those benefits , it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing . ''
The Kremlin is also extending its S-400 diplomacy to India , which is reportedly flirting with fast-tracking the purchase of its own missile defense systems .
Republican lawmakers are now encouraging the White House to take a tougher stand on Turkey 's growing friendship with Moscow .
`` Turkey 's purchase of the Russian S-400 is unacceptable and undermines NATO 's mission to deter Russian aggression , '' Rep. Michael McCaul ( R. , Texas ) , who has helped block arms sales to Turkey as the ranking member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to the Free Beacon .
`` The Administration must impose the sanctions required by law in response to this purchase .
Turkey must reverse course on this destabilizing action to renew the United States ' confidence in our defense relationship , '' he added .
America has traditionally been the largest exporter of arms to Turkey , but experts say the relationship with Ankara is likely to change .
In recent months alone , Turkey has increased operations in the Eastern Mediterranean , designated the historic Hagia Sophia as a mosque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO .
A mediating country between the West and the Middle East , the extent to which Turkey is a reliable ally as it inches toward Moscow is now a question for many policymakers .
`` For a while , there 's been a bipartisan view that Erdogan is not acting like an ally , '' Bowman said .
`` Almost invariably , [ Turkey 's behavior ] is contrary to U.S .
interests . ''
Bowman said that one key way to correct Turkey 's pro-Russia behavior is the 2017 Countering America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , which has not yet been applied to Turkey in earnest .
Rep. Adam Kinzinger ( R. , Ill. ) introduced sanctions on Turkey through CAATSA in July , citing the S-400 as justification .
`` Turkey has continued to make questionable decisions that do not reflect leadership of a NATO nation , '' Kinzinger wrote in a press release .
`` We need to make it very clear that their actions will not be tolerated and will be met with serious consequences .
Our legislation does that and makes the actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

The chairmen and ranking members of both the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees have been quietly exercising veto powers to block arms sales to Turkey for more than a year, Defense News reported Wednesday.
The vetoes come in response to Turkey's acquisition of S-400 missile defense systems from Russia—a move that signifies Ankara's growing relationship with Moscow. Following Turkey's missile defense purchase last year, Washington iced Turkey's involvement in a U.S. fighter jet program.
Some experts say that Moscow is using the S-400 system as a "diplomatic tool."
"With arms sales, a lot of people focus on the initial exchange of money, but that's really not the main value here," Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior director Bradley Bowman told the Washington Free Beacon. "[What] a lot of people don't really track is that when another country buys a major weapons system, they are going to use it for 20-30 years. ... There are huge diplomatic and national security benefits from that. When Russia gets those benefits, it's not just a one-year thing but a decades-long thing."
The Kremlin is also extending its S-400 diplomacy to India, which is reportedly flirting with fast-tracking the purchase of its own missile defense systems.
Republican lawmakers are now encouraging the White House to take a tougher stand on Turkey's growing friendship with Moscow.
"Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 is unacceptable and undermines NATO's mission to deter Russian aggression," Rep. Michael McCaul (R., Texas), who has helped block arms sales to Turkey as the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement to the Free Beacon.
"The Administration must impose the sanctions required by law in response to this purchase. Turkey must reverse course on this destabilizing action to renew the United States' confidence in our defense relationship," he added.
America has traditionally been the largest exporter of arms to Turkey, but experts say the relationship with Ankara is likely to change. In recent months alone, Turkey has increased operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, designated the historic Hagia Sophia as a mosque, and openly questioned its future in NATO. A mediating country between the West and the Middle East, the extent to which Turkey is a reliable ally as it inches toward Moscow is now a question for many policymakers.
"For a while, there's been a bipartisan view that Erdogan is not acting like an ally," Bowman said. "Almost invariably, [Turkey's behavior] is contrary to U.S. interests."
Bowman said that one key way to correct Turkey's pro-Russia behavior is the 2017 Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which has not yet been applied to Turkey in earnest. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R., Ill.) introduced sanctions on Turkey through CAATSA in July, citing the S-400 as justification.
"Turkey has continued to make questionable decisions that do not reflect leadership of a NATO nation," Kinzinger wrote in a press release. "We need to make it very clear that their actions will not be tolerated and will be met with serious consequences. Our legislation does that and makes the actions by Turkey an explicitly sanctionable offense."


freebeacon--2020-08-13--‘Moderate’ Kamala Harris Just Cosponsored Climate Legislation with AOC

Sen. Kamala Harris cosponsored a climate bill with far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) just days before mainstream media outlets labeled the California Democrat a `` moderate . ''
Harris on August 6 unveiled the Climate Equity Act with Ocasio-Cortez , which promises to `` boldly address the climate crisis '' by tackling `` environmental racism . ''
Some far-left groups lauded the legislation as setting the stage to eventually pass the Green New Deal , the freshman Democrat 's $ 94 trillion overhaul of the economy and environmental policies .
Just days after Harris teamed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlets touted her status as a centrist Democrat following her selection as Joe Biden 's running mate .
The New York Times called Harris a `` pragmatic moderate . ''
A Washington Post political columnist labeled her a `` small-c conservative . ''
The Associated Press referred to her `` relatively centrist record , '' and ABC 's George Stephanopoulos said Harris `` comes from the middle of the road , moderate wing of the Democratic party . ''
Harris , who was ranked the `` most liberal '' senator of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise from far-left groups after releasing her bill with Ocasio-Cortez .
Sunrise Movement , a progressive advocacy group that supports decriminalizing illegal border crossings , called the legislation `` foundational to the Green New Deal . ''
Ocasio-Cortez authored the Green New Deal—which calls for the `` economic transformation '' of the United States—in 2019 .
Ocasio-Cortez said the Climate Equity Act would work `` just like the Green New Deal envisioned '' in a press release issued by Harris .
Biden previously chose Ocasio-Cortez to lead his `` climate change task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) praised the decision , saying the task force would lead the Democratic Party in a `` transformational and progressive direction . ''
Biden 's $ 2 trillion climate plan refers to the Green New Deal as a `` crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face . ''

Harris was ranked the 'most liberal' senator of 2019 by congressional watchdog
Sen. Kamala Harris cosponsored a climate bill with far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) just days before mainstream media outlets labeled the California Democrat a "moderate."
Harris on August 6 unveiled the Climate Equity Act with Ocasio-Cortez, which promises to "boldly address the climate crisis" by tackling "environmental racism." Some far-left groups lauded the legislation as setting the stage to eventually pass the Green New Deal, the freshman Democrat's $94 trillion overhaul of the economy and environmental policies.
Just days after Harris teamed up with Ocasio-Cortez, a number of prominent media outlets touted her status as a centrist Democrat following her selection as Joe Biden's running mate. The New York Times called Harris a "pragmatic moderate." A Washington Post political columnist labeled her a "small-c conservative." The Associated Press referred to her "relatively centrist record," and ABC's George Stephanopoulos said Harris "comes from the middle of the road, moderate wing of the Democratic party."
Harris, who was ranked the "most liberal" senator of 2019 by congressional watchdog GovTrack, earned widespread praise from far-left groups after releasing her bill with Ocasio-Cortez. Sunrise Movement, a progressive advocacy group that supports decriminalizing illegal border crossings, called the legislation "foundational to the Green New Deal."
Ocasio-Cortez authored the Green New Deal—which calls for the "economic transformation" of the United States—in 2019. Ocasio-Cortez said the Climate Equity Act would work "just like the Green New Deal envisioned" in a press release issued by Harris.
Biden previously chose Ocasio-Cortez to lead his "climate change task force" in May. Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) praised the decision, saying the task force would lead the Democratic Party in a "transformational and progressive direction." Biden's $2 trillion climate plan refers to the Green New Deal as a "crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face."


freebeacon--2020-08-13--Trump Admin Quiet on Qatar’s Alleged Role in Financing Hezbollah

The Trump administration is silent on reports that Qatar may be funding the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah , an issue that is likely to become a flashpoint as a high-level U.S. delegation travels to Doha to `` thank that nation for its commitment to combating global terrorism , '' according to the State Department .
Following reports last week that Qatar funded weapons shipments to Hezbollah in Lebanon , the Trump administration sent State Department coordinator for counterterrorism ambassador Nathan Sales to Qatar on Wednesday to boost ties between the countries and give it public praise for what the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to combat terrorist groups like Hezbollah .
`` Qatar is one of the United States ’ closest military allies in the region , '' the State Department said in a statement announcing the trip .
Sales will also travel to Lebanon , where it is likely the issue of Hezbollah will be on the agenda .
The administration ’ s silence about Qatar ’ s role in terrorism financing—a pervasive and longstanding issue with the country—is likely to escalate tension between the administration and Republicans in Congress who see Doha as funding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside the United States .
Qatar ’ s terror financing has gone largely unaddressed due to Doha ’ s hosting of the Al Udeid military base , which houses U.S. Central Command ’ s regional headquarters .
Qatar also is accused of being behind a series of cyber espionage operations targeting prominent Americans and members of the U.S. Jewish community .
The Qatar trip comes just days after new allegations arose about the country 's efforts to send illicit weapons shipments to Hezbollah , which has increased its assaults on Israel in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in these arms shipments by offering bribes to those involved in the matter , according to a Fox News report .
A State Department spokesperson , speaking only on background , acknowledged the report but maintained that Qatar remains a primary U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism .
`` The State Department noted recent press allegations of a Qatari role in funding the Lebanese Hezbollah , '' the official told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` We see the allegations as inconsistent with Qatar ’ s strong commitment to combating global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the United States on counterterrorism and security .
Our close ties with Qatar are indispensable for maintaining security in the gulf region , and we will continue to closely work together to stop the financing of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah . ''
The State Department official would not say whether Sales would raise the issue of terror financing during his trip this week .
Regional media reports claim , however , citing unnamed U.S. officials , that the American delegation will be tasked in part with investigating the Hezbollah funding claims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported the United States is seriously concerned about possible funding for Hezbollah and is seeking to address it with Qatari officials .
A Treasury Department spokesperson told the Free Beacon it does not comment on investigations , `` including to confirm whether or not one exists . ''
The Trump administration declined to comment on reports that new sanctions on Hezbollah are being prepared following a massive explosion in Beirut last week that killed and injured more than 7,000 people and prompted the resignation of the country ’ s prime minister and government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country several aid packages , generating concerns that the money will make its way to Hezbollah , which is already filling the power vacuum created by the government-wide resignation .
Even before the blast and resulting fallout , Hezbollah enjoyed near-total control of Lebanon ’ s key government and military posts .
Qatar , through its embassy in Washington , D.C. , called the Hezbollah funding allegations false , alleging that the authors of the Fox News piece are biased against the country .
`` Qatar has some of the strictest domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financing , '' the embassy said .
Qatar ’ s alleged financing of Hezbollah is likely to become entangled in efforts by GOP lawmakers to slash economic aid to Lebanon over concerns it is fueling Hezbollah ’ s arms buildup .
Typical GOP Trump administration allies in both the House and Senate have broken with the White House and State Department over its insistence that U.S. taxpayer funding to the Lebanese Armed Forces serves the U.S. interests—despite evidence Hezbollah is the chief benefactor .
If Qatar is found to be backing Hezbollah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to diplomatically isolate both Doha and Beirut .
Qatar has been in congressional crosshairs for some time given its billion-dollar effort to infiltrate the U.S. academic system and push propaganda that many say is anti-Semitic .
Qatar also has been the subject of multiple congressional hearings on terror financing , including claims the country provided the funding for terror attacks that killed Americans .
Republicans have been vocal about these issues and have pushed multiple administrations to reassess the United States ’ close relationship with the country .
Jonathan Schanzer , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies , said revelations of Qatar ’ s ties to Hezbollah should cause the United States concern .
`` Historically , Qatar ’ s involvement in illicit financial activity has been cause for significant concern , '' he said .
`` In recent years , there have been fewer allegations raised .
This one would be explosive if true .
It will be important for the U.S. to determine the veracity of these charges . ''

The Trump administration is silent on reports that Qatar may be funding the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah, an issue that is likely to become a flashpoint as a high-level U.S. delegation travels to Doha to "thank that nation for its commitment to combating global terrorism," according to the State Department.
Following reports last week that Qatar funded weapons shipments to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Trump administration sent State Department coordinator for counterterrorism ambassador Nathan Sales to Qatar on Wednesday to boost ties between the countries and give it public praise for what the United States says are Doha’s efforts to combat terrorist groups like Hezbollah. "Qatar is one of the United States’ closest military allies in the region," the State Department said in a statement announcing the trip. Sales will also travel to Lebanon, where it is likely the issue of Hezbollah will be on the agenda.
The administration’s silence about Qatar’s role in terrorism financing—a pervasive and longstanding issue with the country—is likely to escalate tension between the administration and Republicans in Congress who see Doha as funding the very terror groups it purports to fight alongside the United States. Qatar’s terror financing has gone largely unaddressed due to Doha’s hosting of the Al Udeid military base, which houses U.S. Central Command’s regional headquarters. Qatar also is accused of being behind a series of cyber espionage operations targeting prominent Americans and members of the U.S. Jewish community.
The Qatar trip comes just days after new allegations arose about the country's efforts to send illicit weapons shipments to Hezbollah, which has increased its assaults on Israel in recent weeks. Qatar tried to hide its role in these arms shipments by offering bribes to those involved in the matter, according to a Fox News report.
A State Department spokesperson, speaking only on background, acknowledged the report but maintained that Qatar remains a primary U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism.
"The State Department noted recent press allegations of a Qatari role in funding the Lebanese Hezbollah," the official told the Washington Free Beacon. "We see the allegations as inconsistent with Qatar’s strong commitment to combating global terrorism and dedication to a robust partnership with the United States on counterterrorism and security. Our close ties with Qatar are indispensable for maintaining security in the gulf region, and we will continue to closely work together to stop the financing of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah."
The State Department official would not say whether Sales would raise the issue of terror financing during his trip this week. Regional media reports claim, however, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that the American delegation will be tasked in part with investigating the Hezbollah funding claims. Al Arabiya, a regional outlet, reported the United States is seriously concerned about possible funding for Hezbollah and is seeking to address it with Qatari officials.
A Treasury Department spokesperson told the Free Beacon it does not comment on investigations, "including to confirm whether or not one exists."
The Trump administration declined to comment on reports that new sanctions on Hezbollah are being prepared following a massive explosion in Beirut last week that killed and injured more than 7,000 people and prompted the resignation of the country’s prime minister and government. The United States has already sent the country several aid packages, generating concerns that the money will make its way to Hezbollah, which is already filling the power vacuum created by the government-wide resignation. Even before the blast and resulting fallout, Hezbollah enjoyed near-total control of Lebanon’s key government and military posts.
Qatar, through its embassy in Washington, D.C., called the Hezbollah funding allegations false, alleging that the authors of the Fox News piece are biased against the country. "Qatar has some of the strictest domestic laws to prosecute those associated with terror financing," the embassy said.
Qatar’s alleged financing of Hezbollah is likely to become entangled in efforts by GOP lawmakers to slash economic aid to Lebanon over concerns it is fueling Hezbollah’s arms buildup. Typical GOP Trump administration allies in both the House and Senate have broken with the White House and State Department over its insistence that U.S. taxpayer funding to the Lebanese Armed Forces serves the U.S. interests—despite evidence Hezbollah is the chief benefactor. If Qatar is found to be backing Hezbollah, lawmakers could view it as a reason to diplomatically isolate both Doha and Beirut.
Qatar has been in congressional crosshairs for some time given its billion-dollar effort to infiltrate the U.S. academic system and push propaganda that many say is anti-Semitic. Qatar also has been the subject of multiple congressional hearings on terror financing, including claims the country provided the funding for terror attacks that killed Americans. Republicans have been vocal about these issues and have pushed multiple administrations to reassess the United States’ close relationship with the country.
Jonathan Schanzer, a former terrorism finance analyst at the Treasury Department and senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said revelations of Qatar’s ties to Hezbollah should cause the United States concern.
"Historically, Qatar’s involvement in illicit financial activity has been cause for significant concern," he said. "In recent years, there have been fewer allegations raised. This one would be explosive if true. It will be important for the U.S. to determine the veracity of these charges."


freebeacon--2020-08-13--BEASTMODE: Trump Says Middle East Easier to Deal With Than Democrats

President Donald Trump said Thursday the Middle East is easier to deal with than Democrats as he praised the opening @ @ @ @ @ and the United Arab Emirates .
`` The Middle East is more reasonable , '' @ @ @ @ @ Office , after asking Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin if he found Democrats or the Middle @ @ @ @ @ in negotiations .
Mnuchin , who is trying to broker an agreement on Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ relief , said he was hopeful he could deal with the Democrats , given the @ @ @ @ @ agreement .
In a deal brokered by the Trump administration , the UAE became the @ @ @ @ @ establish official relations with Israel .
Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads in relief negotiations @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 trillion apart on how much to appropriate for the ongoing crisis .

President Donald Trump said Thursday the Middle East is easier to deal with than Democrats as he praised the opening of diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
"The Middle East is more reasonable," Trump said in the Oval Office, after asking Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin if he found Democrats or the Middle East easier to deal with in negotiations.
Mnuchin, who is trying to broker an agreement on Capitol Hill on another round of coronavirus relief, said he was hopeful he could deal with the Democrats, given the surprising nature of the Israel-UAE agreement.
In a deal brokered by the Trump administration, the UAE became the first Gulf Arab country to establish official relations with Israel.
Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads in relief negotiations, with the two sides $1 trillion apart on how much to appropriate for the ongoing crisis.


freebeacon--2020-08-13--With Trump’s Help, Israel and the United Arab Emirates Reach Historic Deal to Normalize Relations

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) – Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on Thursday that will lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations in an agreement that U.S. President Donald Trump helped broker .
Under the agreement , Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing , senior White House officials told Reuters .
The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel , the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently , White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a phone call on Thursday between Trump , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed , crown prince of Abu Dhabi .
`` HUGE breakthrough today !
Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends , Israel and the United Arab Emirates , '' Trump wrote on Twitter .
The officials described the agreement , to be known as the Abraham Accords , as the first of its kind since Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994 .
It also gives Trump a foreign policy success as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House officials said Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner , U.S .
Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz were deeply involved in negotiating the deal , as well as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien .
A joint statement issued by the three nations said the three leaders had `` agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates . ''
`` This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region , '' the statement said .
Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment , tourism , direct flights , security , telecommunications and other issues , the statement said .
The two countries are expected soon to exchange ambassadors and embassies .
The statement said that as `` a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates , Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty '' over areas of the West Bank that were envisioned in the U.S. peace plan unveiled by Trump in January .
`` Israel for the foreseeable future will be focused on building this relationship and pursuing all the advantages that can come from having this new relationship with this country , and we also ( believe it ) breaks the ice for doing more normalizations and peace agreements with other regional players as well , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The agreement envisions giving Muslims greater access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem by allowing them to fly from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv , White House officials said .
The joint statement said the United Arab Emirates and Israel will immediately expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the novel coronavirus amid the pandemic .

By Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on Thursday that will lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations in an agreement that U.S. President Donald Trump helped broker.
Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials told Reuters.
The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said.
The agreement was sealed in a phone call on Thursday between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi.
"HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates," Trump wrote on Twitter.
The officials described the agreement, to be known as the Abraham Accords, as the first of its kind since Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994. It also gives Trump a foreign policy success as he seeks re-election on Nov. 3.
White House officials said Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz were deeply involved in negotiating the deal, as well as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien.
A joint statement issued by the three nations said the three leaders had "agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates."
"This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region," the statement said.
Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications and other issues, the statement said.
The two countries are expected soon to exchange ambassadors and embassies.
The statement said that as "a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty" over areas of the West Bank that were envisioned in the U.S. peace plan unveiled by Trump in January.
"Israel for the foreseeable future will be focused on building this relationship and pursuing all the advantages that can come from having this new relationship with this country, and we also (believe it) breaks the ice for doing more normalizations and peace agreements with other regional players as well," one White House official told Reuters.
The agreement envisions giving Muslims greater access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem by allowing them to fly from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv, White House officials said.
The joint statement said the United Arab Emirates and Israel will immediately expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the novel coronavirus amid the pandemic.
(Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Will Dunham)


freebeacon--2020-08-13--Harris Ex Willie Brown Concerned She’ll Be ‘Second Banana’

Willie Brown , former San Francisco mayor and ex-boyfriend of Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) , said Wednesday he was concerned about Harris being `` second banana '' to Joe Biden .
`` I was fearful that a talented person like Kamala Harris who has the potential to be president of this nation , if she ever got sidetracked by being the second banana to a president , she may not be able to demonstrate those skills , '' Brown said on Fox Business .
`` That is what I was concerned about . ''
He pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1988 was the only vice president in 70 years who `` moved from the job of vice president to president directly '' by winning a presidential election .
Shortly before Harris became Biden 's running mate , Brown wrote a column warning her not to take the job , although he had predicted last year that the Democratic ticket would be Biden and Harris .
`` Being picked for the vice presidency is obviously a huge honor , and if Biden wins , Harris would make history by being the first woman to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
`` But the glory would be short-lived , and historically , the vice presidency has often ended up being a dead end . ''
He advised Harris , the former attorney general of California , to seek the job of attorney general in a future Biden administration , arguing that position has `` legitimate power . ''
But Brown said Wednesday he was `` pleased '' with Harris 's decision to accept Biden 's offer .
Brown appointed Harris to a lucrative position on a California appeals board while they dated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up when Brown became the mayor of San Francisco .
Biden selected Harris as his running mate Tuesday after months of speculation .
Biden said during a March primary debate he would pick a woman as his running mate , and he soon came under pressure to choose a woman of color .

Willie Brown, former San Francisco mayor and ex-boyfriend of Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.), said Wednesday he was concerned about Harris being "second banana" to Joe Biden.
"I was fearful that a talented person like Kamala Harris who has the potential to be president of this nation, if she ever got sidetracked by being the second banana to a president, she may not be able to demonstrate those skills," Brown said on Fox Business. "That is what I was concerned about."
He pointed out that George H. W. Bush in 1988 was the only vice president in 70 years who "moved from the job of vice president to president directly" by winning a presidential election. Shortly before Harris became Biden's running mate, Brown wrote a column warning her not to take the job, although he had predicted last year that the Democratic ticket would be Biden and Harris.
"Being picked for the vice presidency is obviously a huge honor, and if Biden wins, Harris would make history by being the first woman to hold the job," Brown wrote Saturday. "But the glory would be short-lived, and historically, the vice presidency has often ended up being a dead end."
He advised Harris, the former attorney general of California, to seek the job of attorney general in a future Biden administration, arguing that position has "legitimate power." But Brown said Wednesday he was "pleased" with Harris's decision to accept Biden's offer.
Brown appointed Harris to a lucrative position on a California appeals board while they dated in the 1990s. The pair broke up when Brown became the mayor of San Francisco.
Biden selected Harris as his running mate Tuesday after months of speculation. Biden said during a March primary debate he would pick a woman as his running mate, and he soon came under pressure to choose a woman of color.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Brookings Institution Partnered With Shanghai Policy Center Under Scrutiny for Spying

The Brookings Institution , a prominent Washington , D.C. , think tank , partnered with a Shanghai policy center that the FBI has described as a front for China ’ s intelligence and spy recruitment operations , according to public records and federal court documents .
The Brookings Doha Center , the think tank ’ s hub in Qatar , signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences in January 2018 , the institution said .
The academy is a policy center funded by the Shanghai municipal government that has raised flags within the FBI .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ espionage activities at the think tank , which employs numerous former government officials and nearly two dozen current foreign policy advisers to Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign .
Since the partnership began , the organizations have teamed up to host a 2018 conference in Shanghai and a 2019 joint workshop in Doha .
Both events focused on Middle East cooperation with China ’ s Belt and Road Initiative , Beijing ’ s multinational infrastructure project that the U.S. government has described as a global security threat .
`` We highly value our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sciences , '' Brookings Doha Center director Tarik Yousef said at the joint workshop last December , calling the partnership a `` very productive collaboration that is expanding , deepening , and allowing us all to better understand each other . ''
According to federal court records filed by the FBI , the Shanghai Academy , which describes itself as `` the second biggest academic organization and comprehensive research center in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China , '' is closely aligned with Beijing ’ s top spy agency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been used as a front group for Chinese intelligence collection and overseas spy recruitment , the FBI said .
The court records are part of a criminal case against retired CIA officer Kevin Patrick Mallory , who was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year for selling classified U.S. defense documents to China in 2017 .
Federal investigators said Mallory was recruited by a Chinese national who contacted him on LinkedIn and `` represented himself to Mallory as working for a PRC think tank , the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the FBI believes that senior Chinese officials use Shanghai Academy of Social Science for `` cover identities '' and tap its employees as `` spotters and assessors '' of potential spies .
China ’ s Ministry of State Security , which has close ties to the academy , the affidavit says , is `` focused on identifying and influencing the foreign policy of other countries '' and conducts `` clandestine and overt human source operations , of which the United States is a principal target . ''
Joseph Bosco , who served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of defense Donald Rumsfeld , told the Washington Free Beacon that think tanks such as Brookings are an attractive target for Chinese intelligence because they provide access to well-connected government insiders .
`` A lot of the think tanks are populated by former government officials who have inside information on how the government works , particular policies , '' he said .
`` They have connections to people who are still in the government , so they ’ re a wealth of potential information . ''
A Brookings spokesman told the Free Beacon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Shanghai Academy , and that the partnership was `` a two-year collaboration consisting of two events that explored political and economic relations between the Middle East and China . ''
The spokesman said the two groups did not exchange funds .
Chinese has a long history of spying in the United States and abroad , but its intelligence operations have drawn renewed attention this year due to a string of high-profile spy cases brought by federal prosecutors .
In recent months , the U.S. government has charged multiple university professors and researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University ’ s chemistry department , with defrauding the government while working on behalf of Beijing .
In July , the Trump administration ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston , saying it was used as a base for espionage .
Brookings describes its Doha Center as an `` overseas center of the Brookings Institution in Washington , D.C. , '' and a `` hub for Brookings scholarship in the region . ''
The center has advocated for increased cooperation between Middle Eastern countries and China ’ s Belt and Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region while increasing China ’ s economic and political leverage .
At a 2018 joint conference , Brookings Doha Center director Yousef was photographed shaking hands with Shanghai Academy chancellor Yu Xinhui in front of an orange background reading : `` Academy of Social Sciences and Brookings Doha Center , MOU Signing Ceremony . ''
That event , which took place in Shanghai , included speeches and panels touting the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative to both China and the Arab world .
Speakers included Yousef , Brookings Doha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordanian government official Ibrahim Saif , and numerous Chinese and Middle Eastern policy experts , according to the event schedule .
Beijing ’ s Belt and Road initiative is an ambitious long-term plan to build a Chinese-funded trade route—including ports , roads , high-speed railroads and airports—in countries across Asia , Europe , Africa , South America , and Australia .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has described it as a `` treasury-run empire '' and a `` risk to American interests '' that would massively expand China ’ s sphere of influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leverage over participating countries .
Nearly two dozen scholars at Brookings currently serve as advisers to the Biden campaign , including director of the Brookings China Strategy Initiative Rush Doshi and the director of foreign policy research Michael O ’ Hanlon , according to their biographies on the website .
Other Brookings officials , such as Middle East senior fellow Tamara Cofman Wittes , previously worked under President Obama and could be candidates to serve in a prospective Biden administration .
The most recent joint workshop held by the two groups took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a luxury hotel in Doha , and included `` over 40 experts representing several distinguished international institutions , '' according to a press release .

The Brookings Institution, a prominent Washington, D.C., think tank, partnered with a Shanghai policy center that the FBI has described as a front for China’s intelligence and spy recruitment operations, according to public records and federal court documents.
The Brookings Doha Center, the think tank’s hub in Qatar, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences in January 2018, the institution said. The academy is a policy center funded by the Shanghai municipal government that has raised flags within the FBI.
The partnership raises questions about potential Chinese espionage activities at the think tank, which employs numerous former government officials and nearly two dozen current foreign policy advisers to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.
Since the partnership began, the organizations have teamed up to host a 2018 conference in Shanghai and a 2019 joint workshop in Doha. Both events focused on Middle East cooperation with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s multinational infrastructure project that the U.S. government has described as a global security threat.
"We highly value our partnership with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences," Brookings Doha Center director Tarik Yousef said at the joint workshop last December, calling the partnership a "very productive collaboration that is expanding, deepening, and allowing us all to better understand each other."
According to federal court records filed by the FBI, the Shanghai Academy, which describes itself as "the second biggest academic organization and comprehensive research center in the fields of philosophy and social sciences in China," is closely aligned with Beijing’s top spy agency, the Ministry of State Security. It has been used as a front group for Chinese intelligence collection and overseas spy recruitment, the FBI said.
The court records are part of a criminal case against retired CIA officer Kevin Patrick Mallory, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year for selling classified U.S. defense documents to China in 2017. Federal investigators said Mallory was recruited by a Chinese national who contacted him on LinkedIn and "represented himself to Mallory as working for a PRC think tank, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences."
According to the 2019 affidavit, the FBI believes that senior Chinese officials use Shanghai Academy of Social Science for "cover identities" and tap its employees as "spotters and assessors" of potential spies.
China’s Ministry of State Security, which has close ties to the academy, the affidavit says, is "focused on identifying and influencing the foreign policy of other countries" and conducts "clandestine and overt human source operations, of which the United States is a principal target."
Joseph Bosco, who served as China country director under former secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld, told the Washington Free Beacon that think tanks such as Brookings are an attractive target for Chinese intelligence because they provide access to well-connected government insiders.
"A lot of the think tanks are populated by former government officials who have inside information on how the government works, particular policies," he said. "They have connections to people who are still in the government, so they’re a wealth of potential information."
A Brookings spokesman told the Free Beacon that Brookings is no longer affiliated with the Shanghai Academy, and that the partnership was "a two-year collaboration consisting of two events that explored political and economic relations between the Middle East and China." The spokesman said the two groups did not exchange funds.
Chinese has a long history of spying in the United States and abroad, but its intelligence operations have drawn renewed attention this year due to a string of high-profile spy cases brought by federal prosecutors. In recent months, the U.S. government has charged multiple university professors and researchers, including the former chair of Harvard University’s chemistry department, with defrauding the government while working on behalf of Beijing. In July, the Trump administration ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston, saying it was used as a base for espionage.
Brookings describes its Doha Center as an "overseas center of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.," and a "hub for Brookings scholarship in the region."
The center has advocated for increased cooperation between Middle Eastern countries and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which would temper U.S. influence in the region while increasing China’s economic and political leverage.
At a 2018 joint conference, Brookings Doha Center director Yousef was photographed shaking hands with Shanghai Academy chancellor Yu Xinhui in front of an orange background reading: "Academy of Social Sciences and Brookings Doha Center, MOU Signing Ceremony."
That event, which took place in Shanghai, included speeches and panels touting the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative to both China and the Arab world. Speakers included Yousef, Brookings Doha Center research director Nader Kabbani, former Jordanian government official Ibrahim Saif, and numerous Chinese and Middle Eastern policy experts, according to the event schedule.
Beijing’s Belt and Road initiative is an ambitious long-term plan to build a Chinese-funded trade route—including ports, roads, high-speed railroads and airports—in countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and Australia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has described it as a "treasury-run empire" and a "risk to American interests" that would massively expand China’s sphere of influence, global military presence, and economic leverage over participating countries.
Nearly two dozen scholars at Brookings currently serve as advisers to the Biden campaign, including director of the Brookings China Strategy Initiative Rush Doshi and the director of foreign policy research Michael O’Hanlon, according to their biographies on the website. Other Brookings officials, such as Middle East senior fellow Tamara Cofman Wittes, previously worked under President Obama and could be candidates to serve in a prospective Biden administration.
The most recent joint workshop held by the two groups took place last December at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, a luxury hotel in Doha, and included "over 40 experts representing several distinguished international institutions," according to a press release.


freebeacon--2020-08-15--Iran Touts ‘Axis of Resistance’ in Condemnation of UAE-Israel Agreement

After the historic United Arab Emirates-Israel peace deal announced by the White House Thursday , multiple regional powers expressed their discontent—including Iran , which promised to redouble its efforts within its `` Axis of Resistance . ''
Tehran `` strongly condemned … [ the agreement as ] a strategic stupidity by Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv , which will undoubtedly strengthen the Axis of Resistance in the region , '' an official statement reads .
The `` Axis of Resistance '' comprises countries hostile to Israeli and American regional interests , including Iran , Iraq , and Syria , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Houthi militia groups in Yemen .
The term , which first emerged during the Iraq war , is drawn from former president George W. Bush 's `` Axis of Evil '' —a term he used to describe the United States ' adversarial powers in his 2002 State of the Union address .
At the time , some on the left criticized Bush for including Iran on his `` Axis of Evil . ''
`` It makes little sense to lose what leverage we may have in Tehran , '' a 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Over the long term , improved relations with Iran would be a force for peace in the Middle East . ''
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden criticized the term in a PBS interview at the time .
`` Within a matter of two weeks , there was a—I wo n't call it backpedaling because that 's pejorative—but I think there was a refinement of what they meant by [ the axis of evil ] , '' Biden said .
Bush 's term has found its way back into national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces .
In 2019 , Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R. , Tenn. ) called Russia , China , North Korea , and Iran the `` new axis of evil . ''
`` There is no end to their efforts to try to undermine us , '' she said .

After the historic United Arab Emirates-Israel peace deal announced by the White House Thursday, multiple regional powers expressed their discontent—including Iran, which promised to redouble its efforts within its "Axis of Resistance."
Tehran "strongly condemned … [the agreement as] a strategic stupidity by Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, which will undoubtedly strengthen the Axis of Resistance in the region," an official statement reads.
The "Axis of Resistance" comprises countries hostile to Israeli and American regional interests, including Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and Iran-backed terrorist groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi militia groups in Yemen. The term, which first emerged during the Iraq war, is drawn from former president George W. Bush's "Axis of Evil"—a term he used to describe the United States' adversarial powers in his 2002 State of the Union address.
At the time, some on the left criticized Bush for including Iran on his "Axis of Evil."
"It makes little sense to lose what leverage we may have in Tehran," a 2002 editorial from the New York Times reads. "Over the long term, improved relations with Iran would be a force for peace in the Middle East."
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden criticized the term in a PBS interview at the time.
"Within a matter of two weeks, there was a—I won't call it backpedaling because that's pejorative—but I think there was a refinement of what they meant by [the Axis of Evil]," Biden said.
Bush's term has found its way back into national security parlance to describe the current threats Washington faces. In 2019, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R., Tenn.) called Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran the "new axis of evil."
"There is no end to their efforts to try to undermine us," she said.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Chicago Spent $66 Million on Hospital That Treated 38 Coronavirus Patients

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot 's ( D. ) decision to renovate a local convention center into a makeshift coronavirus hospital cost taxpayers nearly $ 66 million—though only 38 patients received treatment at the facility , the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Friday .
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority , the agency Lightfoot tasked with overseeing the project , overlooked a bid from a construction company that offered to waive fees or donate them to coronavirus pandemic relief organizations .
Instead , officials gave the bid to Walsh Construction , a politically connected contractor , which billed the city $ 65.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center .
The decision cost taxpayers more than $ 1.7 million per patient .
In contrast , the city spent $ 50 million total to equip three other centers in the Chicago area .
Navy Pier CEO Marilyn Kelly Gardner—whose private company has notable connections to former mayor Richard Daley ( D. ) —touted Walsh Construction in an email to Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority CEO Larita Clark the day before the selection .
Walsh previously received contracts from the city under Daley , whose daughter is now a board member of Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that officials `` acted rapidly '' in their decision to renovate the convention center over fear that Chicago hospitals would run out of room to treat patients during the coronavirus pandemic .
The convention center now stores 2,750 beds and other medical equipment , which Samir Mayekar , Lightfoot 's deputy mayor for economic development , said the city could use in an emergency .
Mayekar told the Sun-Times that he was `` incredibly proud '' of the project and that the money `` was not spent in vain . ''
Lightfoot made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City began to fill with coronavirus patients .
Dr. Nick Turkal , the former executive director of the makeshift McCormick hospital , said the city feared its hospitals could become overwhelmed with patients .
In addition to the more than $ 100 million the city spent on creating emergency medical facilities , a CBS 2 Chicago investigation found that the city lost more than $ 176 million in revenue from canceling conventions .

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot's (D.) decision to renovate a local convention center into a makeshift coronavirus hospital cost taxpayers nearly $66 million—though only 38 patients received treatment at the facility, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Friday.
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the agency Lightfoot tasked with overseeing the project, overlooked a bid from a construction company that offered to waive fees or donate them to coronavirus pandemic relief organizations. Instead, officials gave the bid to Walsh Construction, a politically connected contractor, which billed the city $65.9 million to renovate the McCormick Place convention center.
The decision cost taxpayers more than $1.7 million per patient. In contrast, the city spent $50 million total to equip three other centers in the Chicago area.
Navy Pier CEO Marilyn Kelly Gardner—whose private company has notable connections to former mayor Richard Daley (D.)—touted Walsh Construction in an email to Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority CEO Larita Clark the day before the selection. Walsh previously received contracts from the city under Daley, whose daughter is now a board member of Navy Pier.
City officials told the Sun-Times that officials "acted rapidly" in their decision to renovate the convention center over fear that Chicago hospitals would run out of room to treat patients during the coronavirus pandemic. The convention center now stores 2,750 beds and other medical equipment, which Samir Mayekar, Lightfoot's deputy mayor for economic development, said the city could use in an emergency.
Mayekar told the Sun-Times that he was "incredibly proud" of the project and that the money "was not spent in vain." Lightfoot made the decision as hospitals in New York City began to fill with coronavirus patients. Dr. Nick Turkal, the former executive director of the makeshift McCormick hospital, said the city feared its hospitals could become overwhelmed with patients.
In addition to the more than $100 million the city spent on creating emergency medical facilities, a CBS 2 Chicago investigation found that the city lost more than $176 million in revenue from canceling conventions.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Is Kamala Harris a Moderate or a Radical? The Media Can’t Decide

Mainstream and left-leaning media have sought to portray her as a centrist who appeals to middle America in the week @ @ @ @ @ running mate .
Yet during the 2020 presidential primary , figures such as CNN 's @ @ @ @ @ Katy Tur , and others described her as liberal or progressive .
Harris breaks the @ @ @ @ @ last year she was a `` progressive Democrat . ''
Harris supports the Green New @ @ @ @ @ , a mandatory `` assault weapon '' buyback program , and a ban on fracking @

Is Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) a "moderate" or a left-wing "progressive"?
Mainstream and left-leaning media have sought to portray her as a centrist who appeals to middle America in the week she became Joe Biden's running mate. Yet during the 2020 presidential primary, figures such as CNN's Jake Tapper, MSNBC's Katy Tur, and others described her as liberal or progressive.
Harris breaks the tie. She told CNN last year she was a "progressive Democrat."
Harris supports the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, a mandatory "assault weapon" buyback program, and a ban on fracking.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Oregon DA: Office Won’t Prosecute Most Rioting Charges in Portland

Multnomah County district attorney Mike Schmidt released a statement Tuesday saying his office will not prosecute most of Portland 's rioting-related charges .
`` It ’ s important to me that the voices of the protesters be heard , '' Schmidt said at a press conference .
Offenses Schmidt will not prosecute include disorderly conduct as well as interfering with police officers and rioting .
Charges related to resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer `` should be subjected to a high level of scrutiny by the issuing deputy , '' according to a statement released by Schmidt .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as usual .
`` As prosecutors , we acknowledge the depth of emotion that motivates these demonstrations and support those who are civically engaged through peaceful protesting , '' Schmidt said in the statement .
`` We recognize that we will undermine public safety , not promote it , if we leverage the force of our criminal justice system against peaceful protesters who are demanding to be heard . ''
Nightly anti-police protests began in late May after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Since then , rioters have targeted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the building and federal officers that were stationed there—as well as local police departments .
Just last week , rioters set fire to the Portland police union 's headquarters .

Multnomah County district attorney Mike Schmidt released a statement Tuesday saying his office will not prosecute most of Portland's rioting-related charges.
"It’s important to me that the voices of the protesters be heard," Schmidt said at a press conference.
Offenses Schmidt will not prosecute include disorderly conduct as well as interfering with police officers and rioting. Charges related to resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer "should be subjected to a high level of scrutiny by the issuing deputy," according to a statement released by Schmidt. The office will prosecute assault and arson charges as usual.
"As prosecutors, we acknowledge the depth of emotion that motivates these demonstrations and support those who are civically engaged through peaceful protesting," Schmidt said in the statement. "We recognize that we will undermine public safety, not promote it, if we leverage the force of our criminal justice system against peaceful protesters who are demanding to be heard."
Nightly anti-police protests began in late May after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Since then, rioters have targeted the city’s federal courthouse—repeatedly launching fireworks at the building and federal officers that were stationed there—as well as local police departments. Just last week, rioters set fire to the Portland police union's headquarters.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Dem Senate Hopefuls Mum on Historic Israel-U.A.E. Peace Deal

Democratic Senate hopefuls are remaining silent about the Trump administration ’ s Thursday announcement that it had brokered a historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates , an indication of the manner in which the issue has split progressive and mainstream Democrats .
Nearly all of 2020 's top Democratic Senate challengers avoided making public statements about the agreement , which formally normalizes relations between the Arab nation and Israel .
The U.A.E .
is the first Gulf Arab nation to increase its relations with Israel , a move that sent shockwaves through the region and sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , the announcement was met with ambivalence by former Obama administration officials and outright hostility from Israel ’ s top critics in Congress .
Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D. , Mich. ) , a frequent Israel critic who has been accused of spreading anti-Semitic rhetoric , said she `` won ’ t be fooled '' by an agreement that she described as a `` sweetheart business deal . ''
The announcement puts Democrats in a tricky political position : While mainstream Democrats have advocated regional peace with Israel for years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump a win .
Since Trump assumed office , the Democratic Party has argued that he is an irritant to global security .
Yet the historic peace agreement between Israel and the U.A.E .
shows that , behind the scenes , the administration has been working to broker an accord that will ultimately increase stability in the Middle East .
Among candidates for seats in states expected to determine Senate control next year , only Arizona 's Mark Kelly has addressed the agreement , calling it an `` important , positive step forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for lasting peace in the region . ''
Democratic Senate nominees in Colorado , Iowa , Maine , Montana , and North Carolina have yet to acknowledge the deal following President Donald Trump 's Thursday-morning announcement .
None of the candidates responded to requests for comment from the Washington Free Beacon .
Also silent on the announcement is Sen. Gary Peters ( D. , Mich. ) , who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and has called Israel `` one of our strongest allies . ''
Peters did not respond to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Senate nominees in Kentucky , Georgia , and Texas—none of whom have issued public statements on the agreement .
Neil Strauss , spokesman for the Republican Jewish Coalition , said that remaining silent is preferable to `` exposing yourself as clueless . ''
The Israel-UAE peace deal absolutely exposes the Democrats ' foreign policy strategy of appeasement of Iran as a failure , '' Strauss said .
`` President Trump ’ s strategy of maximum pressure and standing shoulder to shoulder with our trusted ally Israel , and the Arab states willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absolute success . ''
While nearly all prominent Democratic Senate hopefuls have publicly ignored the announcement , a number of far-left Jewish groups conceded that the deal is beneficial for the region .
Liberal Middle East advocacy group J Street—which has accused Israel of `` fanning growing flames of anti-Semitism '' and urged the United States to negotiate with terrorist group Hamas—welcomed the deal in a Thursday statement .
`` The agreement between Israel and the U.A.E .
to move toward full normalized ties is also welcome news for all who wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in peace and security alongside all of its regional neighbors , '' the statement said .

Democratic Senate hopefuls are remaining silent about the Trump administration’s Thursday announcement that it had brokered a historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an indication of the manner in which the issue has split progressive and mainstream Democrats.
Nearly all of 2020's top Democratic Senate challengers avoided making public statements about the agreement, which formally normalizes relations between the Arab nation and Israel. The U.A.E. is the first Gulf Arab nation to increase its relations with Israel, a move that sent shockwaves through the region and sparked anger from Palestinian leaders.
In the United States, the announcement was met with ambivalence by former Obama administration officials and outright hostility from Israel’s top critics in Congress. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.), a frequent Israel critic who has been accused of spreading anti-Semitic rhetoric, said she "won’t be fooled" by an agreement that she described as a "sweetheart business deal."
The announcement puts Democrats in a tricky political position: While mainstream Democrats have advocated regional peace with Israel for years, they are hesitant to give President Donald Trump a win. Since Trump assumed office, the Democratic Party has argued that he is an irritant to global security. Yet the historic peace agreement between Israel and the U.A.E. shows that, behind the scenes, the administration has been working to broker an accord that will ultimately increase stability in the Middle East.
Among candidates for seats in states expected to determine Senate control next year, only Arizona's Mark Kelly has addressed the agreement, calling it an "important, positive step forward for our ally, Israel, and for lasting peace in the region." Democratic Senate nominees in Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Montana, and North Carolina have yet to acknowledge the deal following President Donald Trump's Thursday-morning announcement. None of the candidates responded to requests for comment from the Washington Free Beacon.
Also silent on the announcement is Sen. Gary Peters (D., Mich.), who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and has called Israel "one of our strongest allies." Peters did not respond to a request for comment, nor did fellow Democratic Senate nominees in Kentucky, Georgia, and Texas—none of whom have issued public statements on the agreement.
Neil Strauss, spokesman for the Republican Jewish Coalition, said that remaining silent is preferable to "exposing yourself as clueless."
" The Israel-UAE peace deal absolutely exposes the Democrats' foreign policy strategy of appeasement of Iran as a failure," Strauss said. "President Trump’s strategy of maximum pressure and standing shoulder to shoulder with our trusted ally Israel, and the Arab states willing to stand up to Iran, is an absolute success."
While nearly all prominent Democratic Senate hopefuls have publicly ignored the announcement, a number of far-left Jewish groups conceded that the deal is beneficial for the region. Liberal Middle East advocacy group J Street—which has accused Israel of "fanning growing flames of anti-Semitism" and urged the United States to negotiate with terrorist group Hamas—welcomed the deal in a Thursday statement.
"The agreement between Israel and the U.A.E. to move toward full normalized ties is also welcome news for all who wish to see a stable and prosperous Israel living in peace and security alongside all of its regional neighbors," the statement said.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Obama Pod Bro Mocks Media for Describing Kamala Harris as ‘Moderate’

When Joe Biden announced Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) as his running mate , the American media performed the journalistic equivalent of breaking into song .
Harris was resoundingly celebrated as a `` historic '' figure who , despite not winning any votes in the primary , had nevertheless electrified the voting public with her intoxicating charisma and middle-aged dance moves .
Not only was Harris a `` historic '' choice , she was also a pragmatic one .
She was an old rival of Biden 's who , like the former vice president , was indisputably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Describing Harris as a `` moderate '' is somewhat defensible , in the sense that no one really knows what her positions are because she kept changing them during the primary .
Or perhaps in the sense that her policy preferences are somewhat conservative compared with those of the average professional journalist .
Otherwise , it 's a bit ridiculous .
Even Jon Favreau , a central figure in former President Obama 's close-knit posse of white male advisers , thought the media 's insistence on portraying Harris as a moderate politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's liberal record .
`` It was hilarious to me that she ’ s being called in all this coverage a ‘ moderate , ' like Joe Biden has found [ a ] fellow moderate or centrist , '' Favreau said , before listing off some of the leftwing policies Harris supports , such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal .
`` She has one of the most liberal records in the U.S .
Senate . ''
Favreau went on to congratulate the `` progressive activists '' —he was presumably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a difference—for successful moving `` the s— out of [ the Overton ] window '' in terms of what policies are considered mainstream as opposed to ideologically extreme .
`` That supporting the Green New Deal , and basically Medicare For All , is now moderate and centrist .
Fantastic .
I ’ ll take it , '' Favreau said while grinning like a maniac .

When Joe Biden announced Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) as his running mate, the American media performed the journalistic equivalent of breaking into song. Harris was resoundingly celebrated as a "historic" figure who, despite not winning any votes in the primary, had nevertheless electrified the voting public with her intoxicating charisma and middle-aged dance moves.
Not only was Harris a "historic" choice, she was also a pragmatic one. She was an old rival of Biden's who, like the former vice president, was indisputably "moderate" in terms of ideology. Describing Harris as a "moderate" is somewhat defensible, in the sense that no one really knows what her positions are because she kept changing them during the primary. Or perhaps in the sense that her policy preferences are somewhat conservative compared with those of the average professional journalist. Otherwise, it's a bit ridiculous.
Even Jon Favreau, a central figure in former President Obama's close-knit posse of white male advisers, thought the media's insistence on portraying Harris as a moderate politician was "hilarious" given the senator's liberal record.
"It was hilarious to me that she’s being called in all this coverage a 'moderate,' like Joe Biden has found [a] fellow moderate or centrist," Favreau said, before listing off some of the leftwing policies Harris supports, such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. "She has one of the most liberal records in the U.S. Senate."
Favreau went on to congratulate the "progressive activists"—he was presumably referring to journalists, to the extent there is a difference—for successful moving "the s— out of [the Overton] window" in terms of what policies are considered mainstream as opposed to ideologically extreme. "That supporting the Green New Deal, and basically Medicare For All, is now moderate and centrist. Fantastic. I’ll take it," Favreau said while grinning like a maniac.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Turkey Floats Cutting Ties With U.A.E Over Peace Deal with Israel

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankara is actively weighing suspending diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates for its achievement of a historic peace deal with Israel , Haaretz reported Friday .
The deal normalized diplomatic relations between the Gulf State and Israel in what experts in Washington—bar a few prominent Democrats and Obama administration alumni—considered a region-changing brokerage .
`` For once , I am going to agree with President Trump in his use of his favorite adjective : ‘ huge , ' '' one New York Times column read Friday .
Officials in Turkey , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an assessment .
A staunch adversary of Israel , Ankara expressed outrage at the deal .
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that the history and conscience of the region will neither forget nor forgive the U.A.E.
’ s `` hypocritical behavior . ''
Relations between Turkey and Israel have stalled in recent years , and the agreement further hinders cooperative prospects in the near future .
Meanwhile , Turkey has done little in recent months to ingratiate itself with NATO partners or other Western allies .
A report earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foreign relations space have been quietly exercising their veto powers to block weapon sales to Turkey due to its interest in acquiring Russian weapon systems , while some Republican lawmakers have endorsed sanctions on Turkey for its flirtations with Russia .
`` Turkey is a NATO ally and yet is drifting largely because of Erdogan , away from the United States into the orbit of Russia , '' Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power Bradley Bowman told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should behave , that is an ally not acting like an ally . ''

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankara is actively weighing suspending diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates for its achievement of a historic peace deal with Israel, Haaretz reported Friday.
The deal normalized diplomatic relations between the Gulf State and Israel in what experts in Washington—bar a few prominent Democrats and Obama administration alumni—considered a region-changing brokerage.
"For once, I am going to agree with President Trump in his use of his favorite adjective: 'huge,'" one New York Times column read Friday.
Officials in Turkey, however, were not inclined to agree with such an assessment. A staunch adversary of Israel, Ankara expressed outrage at the deal. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that the history and conscience of the region will neither forget nor forgive the U.A.E.’s "hypocritical behavior."
Relations between Turkey and Israel have stalled in recent years, and the agreement further hinders cooperative prospects in the near future.
Meanwhile, Turkey has done little in recent months to ingratiate itself with NATO partners or other Western allies. A report earlier this week revealed top American lawmakers in the foreign relations space have been quietly exercising their veto powers to block weapon sales to Turkey due to its interest in acquiring Russian weapon systems, while some Republican lawmakers have endorsed sanctions on Turkey for its flirtations with Russia.
"Turkey is a NATO ally and yet is drifting largely because of Erdogan, away from the United States into the orbit of Russia," Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power Bradley Bowman told the Washington Free Beacon. "That is not the way an ally should behave, that is an ally not acting like an ally."


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Federal Court Rules California Gun Magazine Ban and Confiscation Scheme Unconstitutional

A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that California 's ban on the possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds violates the Second Amendment .
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez 's 2019 ruling against the ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds .
The 2-1 decision asserted the magazine ban , which made both future sales of affected magazines and the possession of those already legally purchased punishable by up to a year in jail , was incompatible with Supreme Court precedent on gun-rights guarantees in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Judge Connie Callahan , said the ban violated Californians ' right to self-defense .
`` California 's near-categorical ban of [ large-capacity magazines ] strikes at the core of the Second Amendment—the right to armed self-defense , '' Lee wrote in the opinion for the court .
`` Armed self-defense is a fundamental right rooted in tradition and the text of the Second Amendment .
Indeed , from pre-colonial times to today 's post-modern era , the right to defend hearth and home has remained paramount .
California 's law imposes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The majority took issue with the state 's definition of `` large-capacity , '' pointing out that the magazines the state sought to ban and confiscate are standard in the most popular firearms on the market .
It argued the law was too expansive and would make criminals of law-abiding residents who merely possessed a gun magazine in common circulation .
`` The ban makes it criminal for Californians to own magazines that come standard in Glocks , Berettas , and other handguns that are staples of self-defense .
Its scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazines in America are now unlawful to own in California .
Even law-abiding citizens , regardless of their training and track record , must alter or turn over to the state any [ large-capacity magazines ] that they may have legally owned for years—or face up to a year in jail . ''
California attorney general Xavier Becerra ( D. ) has defended the confiscation scheme throughout the case and made the decision to appeal to the Ninth Circuit in the wake of Benitez 's decision .
The attorney general now has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' hearing before an 11-member panel of the Ninth Circuit .
His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new ruling .
Second Amendment activists welcomed the decision .
Chuck Michel , president of the California Rifle & Pistol Association , which brought the suit , said the ruling was a major victory for the Second Amendment , `` both in California and across the country . ''
Judge Barbara Lynn dissented from the ruling , arguing that while the confiscation law burdens Second Amendment conduct , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because residents would still have access to magazines holding less than 10 rounds .
The National Rifle Association , which also supported the case , said that President Donald Trump—whom the group endorsed for reelection—deserved credit for the legal victory .
NRA spokeswoman Amy Hunter praised the White House for appointing Judge Lee to the Ninth Circuit .
`` The Ninth Circuit , which is n't often a favorable court for gun owners , ruled it is unconstitutional to place arbitrary bans on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was appointed by President Trump , '' Hunter said .
`` Everyone who voted pro-gun in 2016 played a role in this significant win . ''
After Benitez initially struck down the ban last year , Californians began purchasing previously banned magazines .
Benitez specifically outlined protections for those Californians who purchased magazines during what gun-rights advocates dubbed `` Freedom Week . ''
The issue has already come up in one case in which a man was charged for possession of a 15-round magazine in June 2020 .

A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that California's ban on the possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds violates the Second Amendment.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez's 2019 ruling against the ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The 2-1 decision asserted the magazine ban, which made both future sales of affected magazines and the possession of those already legally purchased punishable by up to a year in jail, was incompatible with Supreme Court precedent on gun-rights guarantees in the U.S. Constitution. Judge Kenneth Lee, joined by Judge Connie Callahan, said the ban violated Californians' right to self-defense.
"California's near-categorical ban of [large-capacity magazines] strikes at the core of the Second Amendment—the right to armed self-defense," Lee wrote in the opinion for the court. "Armed self-defense is a fundamental right rooted in tradition and the text of the Second Amendment. Indeed, from pre-colonial times to today's post-modern era, the right to defend hearth and home has remained paramount. California's law imposes a substantial burden on this right to self-defense."
The majority took issue with the state's definition of "large-capacity," pointing out that the magazines the state sought to ban and confiscate are standard in the most popular firearms on the market. It argued the law was too expansive and would make criminals of law-abiding residents who merely possessed a gun magazine in common circulation.
"The ban makes it criminal for Californians to own magazines that come standard in Glocks, Berettas, and other handguns that are staples of self-defense. Its scope is so sweeping that half of all magazines in America are now unlawful to own in California. Even law-abiding citizens, regardless of their training and track record, must alter or turn over to the state any [large-capacity magazines] that they may have legally owned for years—or face up to a year in jail."
California attorney general Xavier Becerra (D.) has defended the confiscation scheme throughout the case and made the decision to appeal to the Ninth Circuit in the wake of Benitez's decision. The attorney general now has the option of requesting an "en banc" hearing before an 11-member panel of the Ninth Circuit. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new ruling.
Second Amendment activists welcomed the decision. Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle & Pistol Association, which brought the suit, said the ruling was a major victory for the Second Amendment, "both in California and across the country."
Judge Barbara Lynn dissented from the ruling, arguing that while the confiscation law burdens Second Amendment conduct, it does not "substantially" burden it because residents would still have access to magazines holding less than 10 rounds.
The National Rifle Association, which also supported the case, said that President Donald Trump—whom the group endorsed for reelection—deserved credit for the legal victory. NRA spokeswoman Amy Hunter praised the White House for appointing Judge Lee to the Ninth Circuit.
"The Ninth Circuit, which isn't often a favorable court for gun owners, ruled it is unconstitutional to place arbitrary bans on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The judge who authored the opinion in this case was appointed by President Trump," Hunter said. "Everyone who voted pro-gun in 2016 played a role in this significant win."
After Benitez initially struck down the ban last year, Californians began purchasing previously banned magazines. Benitez specifically outlined protections for those Californians who purchased magazines during what gun-rights advocates dubbed "Freedom Week." The issue has already come up in one case in which a man was charged for possession of a 15-round magazine in June 2020.


freebeacon--2020-08-14--In Unprecedented Move, U.S. Interdicts Iranian Oil Cargo

U.S. naval forces interdicted Iranian oil cargo headed to Venezuela in an unprecedented move , the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday .
Washington announced it seized over one million barrels of oil from four foreign-flagged oil tankers after obtaining a seizure order from a D.C. federal court .
The oil tankers were carrying oil said to have originated from an affiliate of Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , a U.S.-designated terror group .
The seizure tallies Washington 's largest-ever confiscation of oil assets from Iran .
The four tankers were originally part of a fleet of nine ships , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship .
While both Iran 's and Venezuela 's economies suffer from U.S. sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic , the two countries have attempted to move closer together , especially as Venezuelan oil output hits new lows .
`` We are two rebel revolutionary peoples that are never going to kneel before North American imperialism , '' Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said in May .
A series of July sanctions tightened oil export rules on the Maduro regime , moving Caracas 's oil exports—generally 99 percent of the country 's export economy—to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's seizure came the same day an Iranian naval contingent attempted to capture an unrelated tanker in the Strait of Hormuz .
This excursion was unsuccessful , and U.S. Central Command documented the event in real-time .
In recent months , Iran has flailed out against the Trump administration 's `` maximum pressure '' campaign—the Islamic Republic is reportedly resorting to electoral interference in the hopes of securing a more favorable policy toward the regime come November .
In the interim , Washington has moved top U.S. envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the event that the Iranian arms embargo extension fails to pass a vote at the United Nations on Friday .
China and Russia—two of the key sitting members on the U.N. Security Council—are expected to lobby hard to kill the vote .
U.S .
Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft pushed for an extension of the arms embargo in a Wednesday speech .
`` Iran 's actions fuel conflict , chaos , and human suffering on a broad scale , '' Craft said .
`` I call upon all Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implications of allowing this arms embargo to lapse .
The Security Council 's central purpose is to promote global peace and security .
Failure to extend the arms embargo would make a mockery of that sacred responsibility on which the United Nations was created . ''

U.S. naval forces interdicted Iranian oil cargo headed to Venezuela in an unprecedented move, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
Washington announced it seized over one million barrels of oil from four foreign-flagged oil tankers after obtaining a seizure order from a D.C. federal court. The oil tankers were carrying oil said to have originated from an affiliate of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated terror group. The seizure tallies Washington's largest-ever confiscation of oil assets from Iran.
The four tankers were originally part of a fleet of nine ships, which were accompanied by an Iranian intelligence ship.
While both Iran's and Venezuela's economies suffer from U.S. sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic, the two countries have attempted to move closer together, especially as Venezuelan oil output hits new lows.
"We are two rebel revolutionary peoples that are never going to kneel before North American imperialism," Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said in May.
A series of July sanctions tightened oil export rules on the Maduro regime, moving Caracas's oil exports—generally 99 percent of the country's export economy—to the lowest level in 80 years.
Thursday's seizure came the same day an Iranian naval contingent attempted to capture an unrelated tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. This excursion was unsuccessful, and U.S. Central Command documented the event in real-time.
In recent months, Iran has flailed out against the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign—the Islamic Republic is reportedly resorting to electoral interference in the hopes of securing a more favorable policy toward the regime come November. In the interim, Washington has moved top U.S. envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams to the Iran mission and readies snapback sanctions in the event that the Iranian arms embargo extension fails to pass a vote at the United Nations on Friday.
China and Russia—two of the key sitting members on the U.N. Security Council—are expected to lobby hard to kill the vote.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft pushed for an extension of the arms embargo in a Wednesday speech.
"Iran's actions fuel conflict, chaos, and human suffering on a broad scale," Craft said. "I call upon all Security Council members to wake up to the real-world implications of allowing this arms embargo to lapse. The Security Council's central purpose is to promote global peace and security. Failure to extend the arms embargo would make a mockery of that sacred responsibility on which the United Nations was created."


freebeacon--2020-08-14--Pro-Life Democrats Call on Party to Moderate Stance on Abortion

A Democratic pro-life group wrote a letter Friday to the Democratic Party asking it to moderate its position on abortion in advance of next week 's Democratic National Convention .
The letter asks the party to acknowledge `` that Americans have differing and deeply held views on abortion '' and calls upon the party `` to avoid divisive policies , such as passing a law in Congress defining a right to abortion ( ‘ codifying Roe v. Wade ‘ ) and introducing taxpayer-funded abortion ( ‘ repealing the Hyde Amendment ' ) . ''
The group writes that it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party on the issue of abortion , arguing that pro-life Democrats are a vital part of the party .
The letter asks the party to readopt language from the 2000 Democratic platform , which acknowledged a diversity of opinion on abortion within the party .
The letter is signed by Gov .
John Bel Edwards ( La . )
, Rep. Dan Lipinski ( Ill. ) , who lost his primary to a pro-abortion candidate , and Rep. Collin Peterson ( Minn. ) , who is facing an uphill battle to reelection in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fifty-seven Democratic state legislators also signed the letter .
A total of 105 former and current Democratic politicians signed their names .
The organization said more lawmakers wanted to sign onto the letter `` but could not do so because they fear the influence of Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America in the party . ''
Polling has found that two out of three Americans support some form of legalized abortion , although a majority of poll respondents do not support either total legalization or total prohibition of the procedure .
Sixty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of restriction on abortion , while significantly fewer respondents expressed a completely pro-choice or pro-life position .
Both presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris ( Calif. ) have endorsed repealing the Hyde Amendment , which prohibits federal funding of abortion .
They have also said they will end the Mexico City policy , which prohibits federal funding for nongovernmental organizations that provide abortion referrals .
Biden has also promised to codify abortion rights into law as president .

A Democratic pro-life group wrote a letter Friday to the Democratic Party asking it to moderate its position on abortion in advance of next week's Democratic National Convention.
The letter asks the party to acknowledge "that Americans have differing and deeply held views on abortion" and calls upon the party "to avoid divisive policies, such as passing a law in Congress defining a right to abortion ('codifying Roe v. Wade') and introducing taxpayer-funded abortion ('repealing the Hyde Amendment')."
The group writes that it does not want to capitulate to the Republican Party on the issue of abortion, arguing that pro-life Democrats are a vital part of the party. The letter asks the party to readopt language from the 2000 Democratic platform, which acknowledged a diversity of opinion on abortion within the party.
The letter is signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards (La.), Rep. Dan Lipinski (Ill.), who lost his primary to a pro-abortion candidate, and Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.), who is facing an uphill battle to reelection in a deep-red district after winning his primary.
Fifty-seven Democratic state legislators also signed the letter. A total of 105 former and current Democratic politicians signed their names. The organization said more lawmakers wanted to sign onto the letter "but could not do so because they fear the influence of Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America in the party."
Polling has found that two out of three Americans support some form of legalized abortion, although a majority of poll respondents do not support either total legalization or total prohibition of the procedure. Sixty percent of respondents indicated they support some form of restriction on abortion, while significantly fewer respondents expressed a completely pro-choice or pro-life position.
Both presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.) have endorsed repealing the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding of abortion. They have also said they will end the Mexico City policy, which prohibits federal funding for nongovernmental organizations that provide abortion referrals. Biden has also promised to codify abortion rights into law as president.