skynewsus--2020-01-05--Trump warns US may act disproportionately if Iran attacks Americans

Trump warns the US may act 'disproportionately ' if Iran attacks American people or targets Trump warns the US may act 'disproportionately ' if Iran attacks American people or targets Donald Trump has said the US may act `` disproportionately '' if Iran attacks any American `` person or target '' in revenge for the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani .
The US president tweeted after Tehran vowed to the avenge the death of its top general , who died in a US drone strike .
Mr Trump wrote : `` These Media Posts will serve as notification to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike any U.S. person or target , the United States will quickly & fully strike back , & perhaps in a disproportionate manner .
`` Such legal notice is not required , but is given nevertheless ! ''
Meanwhile , Iraq is intending to expel foreign troops following Friday 's deadly airstrike in Baghdad .
The Iraqi parliament also wants the government to ensure foreign troops do not use its land , air and waters for any reason .
It came after Iraq 's foreign ministry denounced the US drone attack as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a breach of the agreement between Iraq and the US-led coalition .
The ministry added Iraqi soil should not be used to attack its neighbouring countries .
Parliament resolutions are non-binding to the government , but Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi had earlier called on MPs to end the presence of foreign troops .
The US has said it is `` disappointed '' by the vote in Iraq 's parliament and urged the country 's leaders to consider the importance of the US-Iraq economic and security relationship , as well as the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Populist Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada al Sadr said the parliamentary resolution does not go far enough and called on local and foreign militia groups to unite .
He said : `` I consider this a weak response insufficient against American violation of Iraqi sovereignty and regional escalation . ''
The cleric also said a security agreement with the US should be cancelled immediately , the US embassy in Baghdad should be closed down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humiliating manner , and communication with the US government should be criminalised .
Sky 's foreign affairs editor Deborah Haynes said : `` British officials are hoping any final decision by Iraq 's government on foreign forces will be caveated to enable troops to stay in Iraq at least for now , with any exit happening over a period of time rather than instantly , according to a diplomatic source . ''
• Two Katyusha rockets have fallen inside Baghdad 's green zone , Iraq 's military has said • The military also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby Jadriya area • Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Iran to walk alongside a coffin carrying the remains of Qassem Soleimani • Tehran has announced new steps to distance itself from a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers - but says this can be reversed if the US lifts sanctions • The US-led coalition in Iraq is pausing operations in support of Iraqi forces in the fight against IS militants • A former leader of Iran 's Revolutionary Guards has said the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of Maj Gen Soleimani • Iraqi President Barham Salih offered his Iranian counterpart his condolences over the death of the general in a phone call • NATO will hold an urgent meeting at ambassador level on the Iraq-Iran crisis on Monday • General David Petraeus , a former director of the CIA , says the killing of Iran 's top general is such a significant escalation that it may prompt Tehran to `` give pause '' • Breaking his silence after returning from holiday in the Caribbean , Boris Johnson has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maj Gen Soleimani 's death Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah , the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon , has said the US military in the Middle East will pay the price for the assassination of the top general .
Mr Nasrallah , speaking in a televised addressed commemorating Soleimani 's death , said responding to the killing was not only Iran 's responsibility but the responsibility of its allies in the region too .
He added that US civilians in the region `` should not be touched '' , saying this would serve US President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Mike Pompeo defended targeting Maj Gen Soleimani in Friday morning 's airstrike outside Baghdad airport , telling ABC News the intelligence assessment on Iran 's effective second-in-command was `` clear '' .
He added that the US will respond with `` lawful strikes '' against any retaliatory attacks on American targets .
In a separate interview with MSNBC , Mr Pompeo said : `` The intelligence community presented us a set of facts that made clear that the risk from doing nothing exceeded the risk of taking the action that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state spoke in the US , Iraq 's foreign ministry summoned the US ambassador due to `` repeated US airstrikes '' , a statement said .
On Saturday , Iran threatened to punish Americans within reach of the country , naming Tel Aviv and ships sailing through the Gulf .
Mr Trump reacted by tweeting the US has targeted 52 Iranian sites that `` will be hit very fast and very hard '' if Iran strikes any Americans or American assets .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned : `` A reminder to those hallucinating about emulating ISIS war crimes by targeting our cultural heritage : Through MILLENNIA of history , barbarians have come and ravaged our cities , razed our monuments and burnt our libraries .
`` Where are they now ?
We 're still here , and standing tall . ''
Speaking after Mr Zarif 's tweet , Mr Pompeo said any target the US military may strike - if Iran retaliates - would be legal under the laws of armed conflict , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites under most circumstances .
He also said Mr Trump has abandoned the previous US administration 's focus on countering Iranian proxy groups across the region and suggested the US airstrike that killed Maj Gen Soleimani was an example of this new strategy .
Iran 's information and telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted : `` Like ISIS , Like Hitler , Like Genghis !
They all hate cultures .
`` Trump is a terrorist in a suit .
He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat . ''

Donald Trump has said the US may act "disproportionately" if Iran attacks any American "person or target" in revenge for the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani.
The US president tweeted after Tehran vowed to the avenge the death of its top general, who died in a US drone strike.
Mr Trump wrote: "These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner.
"Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!"
Meanwhile, Iraq is intending to expel foreign troops following Friday's deadly airstrike in Baghdad.
The Iraqi parliament also wants the government to ensure foreign troops do not use its land, air and waters for any reason.
It came after Iraq's foreign ministry denounced the US drone attack as a "blatant" violation of sovereignty and a breach of the agreement between Iraq and the US-led coalition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Anger and prayers as general's body returns
The ministry added Iraqi soil should not be used to attack its neighbouring countries.
Parliament resolutions are non-binding to the government, but Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi had earlier called on MPs to end the presence of foreign troops.
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The US has said it is "disappointed" by the vote in Iraq's parliament and urged the country's leaders to consider the importance of the US-Iraq economic and security relationship, as well as the role of the US-led coalition in defeating Islamic State.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Populist Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada al Sadr said the parliamentary resolution does not go far enough and called on local and foreign militia groups to unite.
He said: "I consider this a weak response insufficient against American violation of Iraqi sovereignty and regional escalation."
The cleric also said a security agreement with the US should be cancelled immediately, the US embassy in Baghdad should be closed down, American troops must be expelled in a humiliating manner, and communication with the US government should be criminalised.
Sky's foreign affairs editor Deborah Haynes said: "British officials are hoping any final decision by Iraq's government on foreign forces will be caveated to enable troops to stay in Iraq at least for now, with any exit happening over a period of time rather than instantly, according to a diplomatic source."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Iranian MPs chant 'death to America'
In other developments:
Two Katyusha rockets have fallen inside Baghdad's green zone, Iraq's military has said
The military also confirmed a third rocket fell in the nearby Jadriya area
Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Iran to walk alongside a coffin carrying the remains of Qassem Soleimani
Tehran has announced new steps to distance itself from a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers - but says this can be reversed if the US lifts sanctions
The US-led coalition in Iraq is pausing operations in support of Iraqi forces in the fight against IS militants
A former leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has said the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa could be targeted to avenge the death of Maj Gen Soleimani
Iraqi President Barham Salih offered his Iranian counterpart his condolences over the death of the general in a phone call
NATO will hold an urgent meeting at ambassador level on the Iraq-Iran crisis on Monday
General David Petraeus, a former director of the CIA, says the killing of Iran's top general is such a significant escalation that it may prompt Tehran to "give pause"
Breaking his silence after returning from holiday in the Caribbean, Boris Johnson has said the UK "will not lament" Maj Gen Soleimani's death
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, has said the US military in the Middle East will pay the price for the assassination of the top general.
Mr Nasrallah, speaking in a televised addressed commemorating Soleimani's death, said responding to the killing was not only Iran's responsibility but the responsibility of its allies in the region too.
He added that US civilians in the region "should not be touched", saying this would serve US President Donald Trump's agenda.
Image: Major General Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended targeting Maj Gen Soleimani in Friday morning's airstrike outside Baghdad airport, telling ABC News the intelligence assessment on Iran's effective second-in-command was "clear".
He added that the US will respond with "lawful strikes" against any retaliatory attacks on American targets.
In a separate interview with MSNBC, Mr Pompeo said: "The intelligence community presented us a set of facts that made clear that the risk from doing nothing exceeded the risk of taking the action that we took."
As the secretary of state spoke in the US, Iraq's foreign ministry summoned the US ambassador due to "repeated US airstrikes", a statement said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 'The risk of doing nothing exceeded the risk of taking action'
On Saturday, Iran threatened to punish Americans within reach of the country, naming Tel Aviv and ships sailing through the Gulf.
Mr Trump reacted by tweeting the US has targeted 52 Iranian sites that "will be hit very fast and very hard" if Iran strikes any Americans or American assets.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned: "A reminder to those hallucinating about emulating ISIS war crimes by targeting our cultural heritage: Through MILLENNIA of history, barbarians have come and ravaged our cities, razed our monuments and burnt our libraries.
"Where are they now? We're still here, and standing tall."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Thousands accompany General Soleimani's casket
Speaking after Mr Zarif's tweet, Mr Pompeo said any target the US military may strike - if Iran retaliates - would be legal under the laws of armed conflict, which prohibits the deliberate targeting of cultural sites under most circumstances.
He also said Mr Trump has abandoned the previous US administration's focus on countering Iranian proxy groups across the region and suggested the US airstrike that killed Maj Gen Soleimani was an example of this new strategy.
Iran's information and telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted: "Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures.
"Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat."


skynewsus--2020-01-05--Iranian general's killing 'more consequential than Bin Laden's death'

The killing of Iran 's top general is such a significant escalation by the US it may prompt Tehran to `` give pause '' , says one of America 's best-known military commanders .
General David Petraeus , who also served as director of the CIA after retiring from the military in 2011 , recalled how the accidental downing of an Iranian civilian airliner by a US warship over the Strait of Hormuz in 1988 helped end the so-called tanker war between Tehran and Washington .
The targeting of Major General Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may well give pause to Iran in the way that the accidental downing of the aircraft ended the tanker war of the 1980s '' , he said in an interview with Sky News .
But the general - who served as commander of all US-led forces in Iraq from 2007 to 2008 at a time when Iranian-backed forces were killing and maiming British and American troops - noted the Iranian regime also had a lot of potential options for retaliation .
`` They could launch rockets and missiles up and down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , adding there are a number of bases in the region owned by the US and its allies .
`` It seems the US has posted quite a few additional forces in the region to be prepared to defend troops and respond… No one can really predict the outcome . ''
He said the killing of Maj Gen Soleimani , the leader of Iran 's elite Quds Force , was `` more consequential than the killing of Osama bin Laden '' , the leader of al Qaeda .
The Iranian commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces across the Middle East - from Lebanon , through Syria , through Iraq and down to Yemen - that enhanced Iran 's influence in the region .
As a strategist , he effectively led Iran 's foreign policy and military policy for at least the past decade and a half .
But his style was also to be out on the ground , dealing directly with the leaders of the militias and proxy forces he was helping to fund , train and equip .
Gen Petraeus said : `` The question is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what does the US do in response to that ?
Does this in a sense restore deterrence ? ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He noted many had commented the ability of the US and its allies to deter Iran from carrying out hostile acts had been lost by the lack of a robust military response to the downing of a US drone by an Iranian missile last summer .
And also attacks on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the targeting of Saudi oil facilities in September did not trigger a military retaliation .
US-led forces in Iraq , on a mission to counter Islamic State , had also been coming under increased rocket fire blamed on Iranian-backed militia .
It was only when a US contractor was killed in a strike on 27 December that President Donald Trump gave an order to launch airstrikes against the militia in Iraq and across the border in Syria .
He also then authorised the drone strike against Maj Gen Soleimani , who was hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he was being driven out of Baghdad airport .
`` This now shows the US is willing to take very significant steps which were not apparent before , '' General Petraeus said .
He had first-hand experience of Gen Soleimani during his time as the commander of US-led forces in Iraq .
Gen Petraeus recalled how he had conveyed a message to Qassem Soleimani in 2008 to `` pound sand '' after the Iranian general tried to make contact .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian officer had contacted him via Iraq 's then president Jalal Talabani at a time when US forces were fighting Iranian-backed militias for control of the southern city of Basra .
`` The message was : if you want to deal with Iran , do not fool around with those [ Iranian ] diplomats , deal with me , '' General Petraeus said .
`` I told him to pound sand , '' the former commander said .

The killing of Iran's top general is such a significant escalation by the US it may prompt Tehran to "give pause", says one of America's best-known military commanders.
General David Petraeus, who also served as director of the CIA after retiring from the military in 2011, recalled how the accidental downing of an Iranian civilian airliner by a US warship over the Strait of Hormuz in 1988 helped end the so-called tanker war between Tehran and Washington.
The targeting of Major General Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike on Friday "is such a significant escalation that it may well give pause to Iran in the way that the accidental downing of the aircraft ended the tanker war of the 1980s", he said in an interview with Sky News.
Image: In 1988, families attended a funeral for victims of a US attack on an Iranian civilian plane
But the general - who served as commander of all US-led forces in Iraq from 2007 to 2008 at a time when Iranian-backed forces were killing and maiming British and American troops - noted the Iranian regime also had a lot of potential options for retaliation.
"They could launch rockets and missiles up and down the western side of the Gulf," he said, adding there are a number of bases in the region owned by the US and its allies.
"It seems the US has posted quite a few additional forces in the region to be prepared to defend troops and respond… No one can really predict the outcome."
Image: David Petraeus said the Iranian regime had a lot of potential options for retaliation
He said the killing of Maj Gen Soleimani, the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, was "more consequential than the killing of Osama bin Laden", the leader of al Qaeda.
The Iranian commander was instrumental in developing relations with proxy forces across the Middle East - from Lebanon, through Syria, through Iraq and down to Yemen - that enhanced Iran's influence in the region.
Image: General Petraeus served as commander of all US-led forces in Iraq from 2007 to 2008
As a strategist, he effectively led Iran's foreign policy and military policy for at least the past decade and a half.
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But his style was also to be out on the ground, dealing directly with the leaders of the militias and proxy forces he was helping to fund, train and equip.
Gen Petraeus said: "The question is how does Iran respond?
"And what does the US do in response to that? Does this in a sense restore deterrence?"
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He noted many had commented the ability of the US and its allies to deter Iran from carrying out hostile acts had been lost by the lack of a robust military response to the downing of a US drone by an Iranian missile last summer.
And also attacks on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, blamed on Iranian forces.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Huge crowds accompany Gen Soleimani's coffin
Even the targeting of Saudi oil facilities in September did not trigger a military retaliation.
US-led forces in Iraq, on a mission to counter Islamic State, had also been coming under increased rocket fire blamed on Iranian-backed militia.
It was only when a US contractor was killed in a strike on 27 December that President Donald Trump gave an order to launch airstrikes against the militia in Iraq and across the border in Syria.
He also then authorised the drone strike against Maj Gen Soleimani, who was hit along with a senior Iraqi militia leader, as he was being driven out of Baghdad airport.
"This now shows the US is willing to take very significant steps which were not apparent before," General Petraeus said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 Pompeo: 'The risk of doing nothing exceeded the risk of taking action'
He had first-hand experience of Gen Soleimani during his time as the commander of US-led forces in Iraq.
Gen Petraeus recalled how he had conveyed a message to Qassem Soleimani in 2008 to "pound sand" after the Iranian general tried to make contact.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The Iranian officer had contacted him via Iraq's then president Jalal Talabani at a time when US forces were fighting Iranian-backed militias for control of the southern city of Basra.
"The message was: if you want to deal with Iran, do not fool around with those [Iranian] diplomats, deal with me," General Petraeus said.
He sent a message back.
"I told him to pound sand," the former commander said.


skynewsus--2020-01-05--'We will not lament Soleimani's death,' Boris Johnson says

Iran crisis : 'We will not lament Soleimani 's death , ' Boris Johnson says Iran crisis : 'We will not lament Soleimani 's death , ' Boris Johnson says Hundreds of thousands of mourners have attended a funeral procession for Maj Gen Soleimani in Iran Boris Johnson has broken his silence following the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike - saying `` we will not lament his death '' .
Following his return from a holiday in the Caribbean , the UK 's prime minister confirmed he has spoken with France 's Emmanuel Macron , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump .
In a statement , Mr Johnson said : `` General Qassem Soleimani posed a threat to all our interests and was responsible for a pattern of disruptive , destabilising behaviour in the region .
`` Given the leading role he has played in actions that have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and western personnel , we will not lament his death . ''
The PM warned that `` all calls for retaliation or reprisals will simply lead to more violence in the region '' - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact with all sides to encourage de-escalation '' .
Mr Johnson also confirmed that the UK has taken steps to increase the security of British personnel and interests in the region , and said parliament will be updated on Tuesday .
Meanwhile , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday has accused hardliners in Tehran of `` nefarious behaviour '' - describing Maj Gen Soleimani as a `` regional menace '' .
But the prime minister has faced claims that his government has done `` too little , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone attack .
Speaking to Sky News , Labour 's shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry accused Boris Johnson of `` sunning himself drinking vodka martinis somewhere else and not paying attention '' while he was on holiday .
The Foreign Office has issued strengthened travel advice to Britons across the Middle East - including Saudi Arabia and Turkey - while the Navy will accompany UK-flagged ships through the key oil route of the Strait of Hormuz .
Despite international calls for calm following the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani , aggression between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalate .
While Washington is threatening to attack dozens of targets if Iran retaliates by striking American nationals or US assets , officials in Tehran have been describing President Donald Trump as a `` terrorist in a suit '' .
On Sunday , hundreds of thousands of mourners paid tribute to Maj Gen Soleimani during a grand funeral procession across the Islamic Republic .
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly written tweets warning Iran they will be hit `` harder than they have ever been hit before '' if they retaliate .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US is prepared to target 52 sites that are high level and important to Iran and its culture `` very hard and very fast '' .
The president doubled down on this threat on Sunday , when he said the US may act `` disproportionately '' if Iran attacks any American person or target in act of revenge .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , the president 's top diplomat , has insisted that the world is a safer place after the top Iranian general was killed in a US drone strike in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will happen next , Mr Pompeo told NBC : `` It may be that there 's a little noise here in the interim .
That the Iranians make the choice to respond .
I hope that they do n't .
President Trump has made clear what we will do in response if they do .
`` We 're going to take all actions necessary , not only in Iraq but throughout the region , to protect Americans , American citizens as well as my diplomats and service members who are serving overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential candidate and a long-time political rival of Mr Trump , has accused the president of taking the US `` right to the edge of war '' .
She warned : `` That is something that puts us at risk .
It puts the Middle East at risk .
It puts the entire world at risk . ''
Iranian officials have criticised Mr Trump 's threats to target sites important to the country 's culture .
Foreign minister Mohammed Javad Zarif has claimed that the US president is threatening to violate international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing Maj Gen Soleimani on Iraqi soil .
Following in Mr Trump 's footsteps with a message of defiance on Twitter , telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi wrote : `` Like ISIS , Like Hitler , Like Genghis !
They all hate cultures .
Trump is a terrorist in a suit .
He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation & Culture ' . ''
Iraq 's parliament has voted to back a resolution calling on the government to expel foreign troops , including US forces - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's land , air , and waters for any reason .
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi had earlier urged MPs to end the presence of foreign troops as soon as possible .
Meanwhile , the leader of Lebanon 's Iran-backed Hezbollah group has warned America 's military in the Middle East - including US bases , warships and soldiers - are fair targets following Maj Gen Soleimani 's assassination .
In a televised address , Hassan Nasrallah said evicting US military forces from the region is now a priority , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear '' that American people and citizens should not be harmed .
`` The suicide attackers who forced the Americans to leave from our region in the past are still here and their numbers have increased , '' Nasrallah added .

Boris Johnson has broken his silence following the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike - saying "we will not lament his death".
Following his return from a holiday in the Caribbean, the UK's prime minister confirmed he has spoken with France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Angela Merkel, and US President Donald Trump.
In a statement, Mr Johnson said: "General Qassem Soleimani posed a threat to all our interests and was responsible for a pattern of disruptive, destabilising behaviour in the region.
"Given the leading role he has played in actions that have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and western personnel, we will not lament his death."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Mass crowds accompany General Soleimani's coffin
The PM warned that "all calls for retaliation or reprisals will simply lead to more violence in the region" - adding that the UK "is in close contact with all sides to encourage de-escalation".
Mr Johnson also confirmed that the UK has taken steps to increase the security of British personnel and interests in the region, and said parliament will be updated on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday has accused hardliners in Tehran of "nefarious behaviour" - describing Maj Gen Soleimani as a "regional menace".
But the prime minister has faced claims that his government has done "too little, too late" following Friday's deadly drone attack.
Speaking to Sky News, Labour's shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry accused Boris Johnson of "sunning himself drinking vodka martinis somewhere else and not paying attention" while he was on holiday.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:11 Raab: Gen Soleimani was a 'regional menace'
The Foreign Office has issued strengthened travel advice to Britons across the Middle East - including Saudi Arabia and Turkey - while the Navy will accompany UK-flagged ships through the key oil route of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite international calls for calm following the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani, aggression between the US and Iran is continuing to escalate.
While Washington is threatening to attack dozens of targets if Iran retaliates by striking American nationals or US assets, officials in Tehran have been describing President Donald Trump as a "terrorist in a suit".
On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of mourners paid tribute to Maj Gen Soleimani during a grand funeral procession across the Islamic Republic.
Image: Iranian mourners witness Qassem Soleimani's coffin in Ahvaz
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly written tweets warning Iran they will be hit "harder than they have ever been hit before" if they retaliate.
On Saturday night, the president warned the US is prepared to target 52 sites that are high level and important to Iran and its culture "very hard and very fast".
The president doubled down on this threat on Sunday, when he said the US may act "disproportionately" if Iran attacks any American person or target in act of revenge.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the president's top diplomat, has insisted that the world is a safer place after the top Iranian general was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 Pompeo defends deadly US drone strike
Looking ahead to what will happen next, Mr Pompeo told NBC: "It may be that there's a little noise here in the interim. That the Iranians make the choice to respond. I hope that they don't. President Trump has made clear what we will do in response if they do.
"We're going to take all actions necessary, not only in Iraq but throughout the region, to protect Americans, American citizens as well as my diplomats and service members who are serving overseas."
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic presidential candidate and a long-time political rival of Mr Trump, has accused the president of taking the US "right to the edge of war".
She warned: "That is something that puts us at risk. It puts the Middle East at risk. It puts the entire world at risk."
Image: General Soleimani's body has been returned to Iran
Iranian officials have criticised Mr Trump's threats to target sites important to the country's culture.
Foreign minister Mohammed Javad Zarif has claimed that the US president is threatening to violate international law again after committing grave breaches by killing Maj Gen Soleimani on Iraqi soil.
Mr Zarif wrote: "Targeting cultural sites is a WAR CRIME."
Following in Mr Trump's footsteps with a message of defiance on Twitter, telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi wrote: "Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation & Culture'."
Image: Iraq's parliament wants all foreign military personnel to leave the country
Iraq's parliament has voted to back a resolution calling on the government to expel foreign troops, including US forces - and ensure they cannot not use the country's land, air, and waters for any reason.
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi had earlier urged MPs to end the presence of foreign troops as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the leader of Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group has warned America's military in the Middle East - including US bases, warships and soldiers - are fair targets following Maj Gen Soleimani's assassination.
In a televised address, Hassan Nasrallah said evicting US military forces from the region is now a priority, but he told his supporters he is "very clear" that American people and citizens should not be harmed.
"The suicide attackers who forced the Americans to leave from our region in the past are still here and their numbers have increased," Nasrallah added.


skynewsus--2020-01-06--Anti-snore pillows and tiny security systems on show at CES

The smart anti-snore Motion Pillow automatically changes the angle of the user 's head This year 's Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ) in Las Vegas is under way , with some of the world 's weirdest devices on show .
The father of information theory , Claude Shannon , once said he was imagining a time when humans will be to robots what dogs are to humans , and confessed he was rooting for the machines .
It may be some time before robots replace humans , but going off the prevalence of robotic companions and gadgets at CES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And not just dogs - cats are in scope for replacement too .
Yukai Engineering is showing off a smaller and cheaper version of Qoobo , a cat-like robotic pillow with a tail which is designed to react differently depending on how its owners stroke it .
A price has n't been set for the Petit Qoobo , but the larger robotic pillow currently retails for $ 149 ( £113 ) in the US .
The new smaller version will come with a microphone so it can potentially detect its owners ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purr thanks to a haptic feedback device .
Reachy is n't quite as cuddly as Qoobo but a bit more exciting for the hardcore nerds - as an open-source and modular robot , Reachy can be customised by its owners and programmed to perform different tasks .
Technically the Reachy robot itself is just a single arm which is designed like a human limb with seven degrees freedom of movement .
A premium version is available with two arms and a head , but whichever device consumers plump for they will be spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs $ 9,000 while the full package could set you back around $ 17,000 ( £13,000 ) .
The robot comes with its own AI but developers will be able to use the Python programming language to create different applications .
Sample applications displayed by Pollen Robotics include the game tic-tac-toe .
You 'll have to watch this space to see what the community develops for it next year .
Unsurprisingly , another Japanese robotics start-up has come up with the Lovot companion robot - and this one really wants to be loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , but this year one of the furry little bots is roaming around the conference floor begging attendants for love .
Lovot does n't speak , though , and does n't even have a mouth - instead the robot has two big eyes and arms that open wide as a request to be picked up and hugged , much like a real toddler .
But unlike a real toddler , the cost for a Lovot starts at just under ¥300,000 , or over £2,000 , The Motion Pillow for snorers is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you and your loved one ( s ) to get a good night 's kip .
Made by Korean company Tenminds , the pillow comes with a patented sleep pressure monitoring system which senses where a sleeper 's head is positioned on the pillow .
Four airbags inside of the pillow can inflate and deflate and once snoring is detected the pillow will automatically , and gently , turn the user 's head to help them sleep .
According to the company , the pillow works throughout the entire night and comes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
Can you put a price on a good night 's sleep ?
It turns out Tenminds can .
Their Motion Pillow is available for $ 389 ( £295 ) on Amazon .
Mimic Go markets itself as the world 's smallest security system , allowing travellers to secure their areas and valuables anywhere , anytime , with one click .
It is n't simply a location tracking tag , although it is that as well , but also an alarm which will go off is someone moves your laptop or opens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the company behind the device , it uses LoRa network technology to stay connected to the internet , and can detect GPS and other positioning signals .
Available for $ 69 ( £52 ) , the device has a three-month battery life on a single charge , and its alarm sound can be set as high as 120 DB - basically painfully loud - to scare away thieves , and then sends an alert to your phone .
The smart helmet from Tali is a fine example of existing technology being put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although no cost is currently available .
Designed for motorcyclists , the helmet reacts to voice commands to allow riders to make calls and receive navigational instructions .
It comes with road lights including front and tail lights , and turning signals , and connects with the rider 's motorcycle to make sure the right signal is flashing .
It also comes with real-time GPS tracking and ride analysis features .

This year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is under way, with some of the world's weirdest devices on show.
The father of information theory, Claude Shannon, once said he was imagining a time when humans will be to robots what dogs are to humans, and confessed he was rooting for the machines.
It may be some time before robots replace humans, but going off the prevalence of robotic companions and gadgets at CES, robots might perhaps soon replace dogs.
And not just dogs - cats are in scope for replacement too.
Yukai Engineering is showing off a smaller and cheaper version of Qoobo, a cat-like robotic pillow with a tail which is designed to react differently depending on how its owners stroke it.
Image: Saaya Okuda, of Yukai Engineering, holds a Qoobo
A price hasn't been set for the Petit Qoobo, but the larger robotic pillow currently retails for $149 (£113) in the US.
The new smaller version will come with a microphone so it can potentially detect its owners' comments as well as the ability to purr thanks to a haptic feedback device.
Reachy isn't quite as cuddly as Qoobo but a bit more exciting for the hardcore nerds - as an open-source and modular robot, Reachy can be customised by its owners and programmed to perform different tasks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 Love robots and e-bikes: New tech at CES
Technically the Reachy robot itself is just a single arm which is designed like a human limb with seven degrees freedom of movement.
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A premium version is available with two arms and a head, but whichever device consumers plump for they will be spending quite a lot - the single-arm version costs $9,000 while the full package could set you back around $17,000 (£13,000).
The robot comes with its own AI but developers will be able to use the Python programming language to create different applications.
Sample applications displayed by Pollen Robotics include the game tic-tac-toe. You'll have to watch this space to see what the community develops for it next year.
Image: Lovot companion robots by Groove X wander in front their booth
Unsurprisingly, another Japanese robotics start-up has come up with the Lovot companion robot - and this one really wants to be loved.
Groove X first revealed Lovot last year, but this year one of the furry little bots is roaming around the conference floor begging attendants for love.
Lovot doesn't speak, though, and doesn't even have a mouth - instead the robot has two big eyes and arms that open wide as a request to be picked up and hugged, much like a real toddler.
But unlike a real toddler, the cost for a Lovot starts at just under ¥300,000, or over £2,000,
The Motion Pillow for snorers is also on show at CES, allowing both you and your loved one(s) to get a good night's kip.
Image: 'Reachy', an open-source robot by Pollen Robotics
Made by Korean company Tenminds, the pillow comes with a patented sleep pressure monitoring system which senses where a sleeper's head is positioned on the pillow.
Four airbags inside of the pillow can inflate and deflate and once snoring is detected the pillow will automatically, and gently, turn the user's head to help them sleep.
According to the company, the pillow works throughout the entire night and comes with an app which tracks sleeping patterns as well.
Can you put a price on a good night's sleep? It turns out Tenminds can. Their Motion Pillow is available for $389 (£295) on Amazon.
Image: A Mimic Go, a portable security device
Mimic Go markets itself as the world's smallest security system, allowing travellers to secure their areas and valuables anywhere, anytime, with one click.
It isn't simply a location tracking tag, although it is that as well, but also an alarm which will go off is someone moves your laptop or opens a door.
According to Smart Mimic, the company behind the device, it uses LoRa network technology to stay connected to the internet, and can detect GPS and other positioning signals.
Available for $69 (£52), the device has a three-month battery life on a single charge, and its alarm sound can be set as high as 120 DB - basically painfully loud - to scare away thieves, and then sends an alert to your phone.
Image: A Tali fully-connected, smart helmet with navigation, lights and photochomic visor
The smart helmet from Tali is a fine example of existing technology being put together for a stylish new purpose - although no cost is currently available.
Designed for motorcyclists, the helmet reacts to voice commands to allow riders to make calls and receive navigational instructions.
It comes with road lights including front and tail lights, and turning signals, and connects with the rider's motorcycle to make sure the right signal is flashing. It also comes with real-time GPS tracking and ride analysis features.


skynewsus--2020-01-06--Why is Ivanka Trump giving a keynote speech at CES?

Ivanka Trump will take part in a keynote session at CES Ivanka Trump , the daughter of President Donald Trump , will be on stage on Tuesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to talk about the future of work - but her invitation has caused controversy .
Gary Shapiro , the chief executive of the company which runs CES , defended inviting Ms Trump and refused to answer the BBC when it asked whether her appearance had been requested by the White House .
Ms Trump has been appointed co-chair of two governmental advisory boards , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She will share the stage with eight senior business leaders , only two of whom are female , prompting criticism that women who understand how tech will impact the future of work are being under-represented .
The US has enjoyed record levels of jobs growth throughout Mr Trump 's administration , something which the president has credited to his eldest daughter .
Footage released by Emmanuel Macron 's office during the summer revealed Ms Trump unsuccessfully attempting to chip in during a discussion between the French president , the then UK PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also present was the then International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde , now the president of the European Central Bank , who appears to have a pained expression as Ms Trump interjects .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Shapiro told the BBC he did not regret Ms Trump 's invitation , and described her as `` a business leader and entrepreneur [ who ] is an advocate for creating family-sustaining jobs '' .
`` CES has consistently proven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology events in the world , '' Ms Trump said .
`` I am excited to join this year for a substantive discussion on the how the government is working with private sector leaders to ensure American students and workers are equipped to thrive in the modern , digital economy , '' she added .
Last year CES caused controversy by stripping a sex tech business of its innovation award on the grounds its sex toy could be considered `` immoral , obscene , indecent , profane '' .
Lora Haddock , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accused CES of gender bias after they retracted the prize , noting sex dolls marketed to men featured on the exhibition floor , as did a virtual reality pornography company .
CES eventually apologised to Lora DiCarlo and gave the company a $ 2m prize .

Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump, will be on stage on Tuesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to talk about the future of work - but her invitation has caused controversy.
Gary Shapiro, the chief executive of the company which runs CES, defended inviting Ms Trump and refused to answer the BBC when it asked whether her appearance had been requested by the White House.
Ms Trump has been appointed co-chair of two governmental advisory boards, including the national council for the American worker.
She will share the stage with eight senior business leaders, only two of whom are female, prompting criticism that women who understand how tech will impact the future of work are being under-represented.
The US has enjoyed record levels of jobs growth throughout Mr Trump's administration, something which the president has credited to his eldest daughter.
Footage released by Emmanuel Macron's office during the summer revealed Ms Trump unsuccessfully attempting to chip in during a discussion between the French president, the then UK PM Theresa May and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
Also present was the then International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde, now the president of the European Central Bank, who appears to have a pained expression as Ms Trump interjects.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Shapiro told the BBC he did not regret Ms Trump's invitation, and described her as "a business leader and entrepreneur [who] is an advocate for creating family-sustaining jobs".
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"CES has consistently proven to be one of the most influential technology events in the world," Ms Trump said.
"I am excited to join this year for a substantive discussion on the how the government is working with private sector leaders to ensure American students and workers are equipped to thrive in the modern, digital economy," she added.
Image: Lora DiCarlo's award-winning massager
Last year CES caused controversy by stripping a sex tech business of its innovation award on the grounds its sex toy could be considered "immoral, obscene, indecent, profane".
Lora Haddock, the chief executive of the company Lora DiCarlo, accused CES of gender bias after they retracted the prize, noting sex dolls marketed to men featured on the exhibition floor, as did a virtual reality pornography company.
CES eventually apologised to Lora DiCarlo and gave the company a $2m prize.


skynewsus--2020-01-06--'They' is named word of the decade

'They' is named word of the decade

'They ' - used by gender neutral people - is named word of the decade 'They ' - used by gender neutral people - is named word of the decade The singular pronoun `` they '' - often used by people who identify as gender non-binary - has been named word of the decade by US linguists .
It was chosen by a panel of language experts during an annual poll by the American Dialect Society in New Orleans , where voters also selected `` ( my ) pronouns '' - such as she/her , he/him or they/them - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ben Zimmer , chair of its new words committee said : `` When a basic part of speech like the pronoun becomes a vital indicator of social trends , linguists pay attention .
`` The selection of ' ( my ) pronouns ' as Word of the Year speaks to how the personal expression of gender identity has become an increasing part of our shared discourse .
`` That trend is also reflected in singular 'they ' being chosen as word of the decade , with a growing recognition of the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't conform to the binary of he and she '' .
According to the society 's website , their word of the year - a tradition dating back to 1991 - can be any `` vocabulary item '' , word or phrase that has been particularly prominent or notable over the previous 12 months .
In September 2019 , British singer Sam Smith announced they were changing their pronouns to `` they/them '' , saying : `` After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I 've decided to embrace myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out . ''
The 2019 winner beat `` ok boomer '' - described as a `` retort to someone older expressing out-of-touch or condescending views '' - to the title .
Other words or phrases considered for word of the decade included `` meme '' , `` climate '' , `` # BlackLivesMatter '' and `` woke '' .
Amid the Donald Trump impeachment and Ukraine controversy , `` quid pro quo '' was named political word of the year .
`` They '' had previously been named word of the year in @ @

The singular pronoun "they" - often used by people who identify as gender non-binary - has been named word of the decade by US linguists.
It was chosen by a panel of language experts during an annual poll by the American Dialect Society in New Orleans, where voters also selected "(my) pronouns" - such as she/her, he/him or they/them - as their word of the year for 2019.
Image: Sam Smith announced in September 2019 that they wanted to ditch 'he/him'
Ben Zimmer, chair of its new words committee said: "When a basic part of speech like the pronoun becomes a vital indicator of social trends, linguists pay attention.
"The selection of '(my) pronouns' as Word of the Year speaks to how the personal expression of gender identity has become an increasing part of our shared discourse.
"That trend is also reflected in singular 'they' being chosen as word of the decade, with a growing recognition of the use of they for those whose identities don't conform to the binary of he and she".
According to the society's website, their word of the year - a tradition dating back to 1991 - can be any "vocabulary item", word or phrase that has been particularly prominent or notable over the previous 12 months.
In September 2019, British singer Sam Smith announced they were changing their pronouns to "they/them", saying: "After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out."
Image: Sam Smith wants to be referred to as 'they' after a 'lifetime' battle with their gender
The 2019 winner beat "ok boomer" - described as a "retort to someone older expressing out-of-touch or condescending views" - to the title.
Other words or phrases considered for word of the decade included "meme", "climate", "#BlackLivesMatter" and "woke".
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Amid the Donald Trump impeachment and Ukraine controversy, "quid pro quo" was named political word of the year.
"They" had previously been named word of the year in 2015.


skynewsus--2020-01-05--Hackers post bloodied image of Trump on US government website

Hackers post bloodied image of Trump on US government website Hackers post bloodied image of Trump on US government website A US government-operated website has been hacked by a group claiming to be acting in retaliation for the killing of Iran 's top general .
Those who clicked on the American Federal Depository Library Programme ( FDLP ) site on Saturday night were faced with a black page claiming to be from the Islamic Republic of Iran .
It showed a picture of President Donald Trump being hit in the face by a fist with blood dripping from his mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran Cyber Security Group Hackers '' with a claim that the attack was `` only a small part '' of their ability .
Despite this , there is little evidence the defacement was carried out by Iran .
A spokesperson for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , a division of the Department of Homeland Security , said the website was taken offline soon after the image appeared .
`` We are aware the website of the Federal Depository Library Program ( FDLP ) was defaced with pro-Iranian , anti-US messaging .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this was the action of Iranian state-sponsored actors .
`` The website was taken offline and is no longer accessible .
CISA is monitoring the situation with FDLP and our federal partners . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It comes just days after a US airstrike killed Major General Qassem Soleimani - head of the country 's elite Quds force and mastermind of its regional security strategy .
The regime has threatened to retaliate .

A US government-operated website has been hacked by a group claiming to be acting in retaliation for the killing of Iran's top general.
Those who clicked on the American Federal Depository Library Programme (FDLP) site on Saturday night were faced with a black page claiming to be from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It showed a picture of President Donald Trump being hit in the face by a fist with blood dripping from his mouth.
Underneath it said "Hacked by Iran Cyber Security Group Hackers" with a claim that the attack was "only a small part" of their ability.
Despite this, there is little evidence the defacement was carried out by Iran.
A spokesperson for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, said the website was taken offline soon after the image appeared.
"We are aware the website of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was defaced with pro-Iranian, anti-US messaging. At this time, there is no confirmation that this was the action of Iranian state-sponsored actors.
"The website was taken offline and is no longer accessible. CISA is monitoring the situation with FDLP and our federal partners."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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It comes just days after a US airstrike killed Major General Qassem Soleimani - head of the country's elite Quds force and mastermind of its regional security strategy.
The regime has threatened to retaliate.


skynewsus--2020-01-07--'The ball is in their court': US in defiant message to Iran as it braces for response

US tells Iran 'ball is in your court ' as it braces for response to killing of top general US tells Iran 'ball is in your court ' as it braces for response to killing of top general The US is `` open '' to discussions but is `` just as prepared to deliver a forceful response '' if Iran hits back after the killing of General Soleimani , the US defence secretary has said .
Mark Esper has told a news conference : `` We 're seeking a diplomatic solution - but first this will require Iran to de-escalate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to the table with the goal of preventing further bloodshed and it will require them to cease their malign activities throughout the region . ''
He added : `` We are open to having this discussion but we are just as prepared to deliver a forceful response to defend our interests . ''
And he said : `` The American people should know that their safety is in the hands of the strongest , most capable military in the world . ''
`` The ball is in their court , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the subsequent moves , '' he said .
US President Donald Trump insisted his military is `` totally prepared '' to attack in the case of an Iran response and claimed the airstrike at Baghdad airport which killed Gen Soleimani `` did a lot countries a big favour '' .
Appearing to row back on his suggestions that Iranian cultural sites were among a list of targets , he said : `` They 're allowed to kill our people , they 're allowed to maim our people , they 're allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that stops them and we are , according to various laws , supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage .
`` And you know what ?
If that 's what the law is ...
I like to obey the law .
But think of it .
They kill our people , they blow up our people and we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions .
`` I will say this : if Iran does anything that they should n't be doing they 're going to be suffering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` We 're totally prepared and likewise we 're totally prepared to attack if we need to . ''
Speaking about Gen Soleimani , he said : `` He was a monster .
He 's dead and that 's a good thing .
He was planning a very big attack ... and we stopped him . ''
The comments followed the UK taking `` urgent measures '' to protect Britons and its interests in the Gulf after the killing of Iran 's top general .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no friend of the UK or our allies '' and criticised Iran 's record on human rights , including holding dual nationals in jail .
He said its actions had a `` seriously destabilising impact in the region '' .
Mr Wallace said : `` The Department for Transport are reviewing the threat state and advice to Red Ensign shipping on a daily basis .
Supported by the Ministry of Defence , we will issue guidance imminently .
`` At the same time , defence are changing the readiness of our forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships on stand-by to assist if the need arises . ''
Mr Wallace said the UK is working with the other E3 countries - France and Germany - to restore the Iran nuclear deal .
He said : `` Her Majesty 's government urges Iran to return to the normal behaviour of the country it aspires to be and resist the urge to retaliate .
`` None of us wants conflict , none of us wants our citizens , our friends and our allies to be put at risk . ''
Mr Wallace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the implications of the Iraqi parliament 's vote which called for the expulsion of foreign troops .
But he said the government should allow them to remain , reminding them the coalition was there at the request of the Iraqi government to deal with the threat of Islamic State .
He said : `` Our commitment to Iraq 's stability and sovereignty is unwavering and we urge the Iraqi government to ensure the coalition is able to continue our work countering this shared threat . ''
He also said Boris Johnson had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump and Angela Merkel for several days .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the questions he set out to the prime minister on Friday had not been answered and accused Mr Johnson of hiding behind his defence secretary .
He asked if Mr Johnson was scared to stand up to Mr Trump because he `` hitched his wagon to a Trump trade deal '' .
He said : `` This assassination puts British troops and civilians in danger . ''
He called the killing of the Iranian general illegal and asked how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they did .
Mr Corbyn later avoided calling Gen Soleimaini a terrorist , failing three times to answer questions about it with a yes or no .
He said : `` Soleimani is the head of special forces of Iran , they obviously operate in all kinds of places that you and I would not agree with or want .
`` That is not the point .
The point is it 's an illegal act that took place and if we want to end illegal acts by anybody , you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led a meeting of the National Security Council on Tuesday afternoon .
It comes as NATO says it will be moving personnel out of Iraq due to safety concerns .
A NATO official said : `` In everything that we do , the safety of our personnel is paramount .
As such , we have temporarily suspended our training on the ground , and we are taking all precautions necessary to protect our people .
`` This includes the temporary repositioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside of Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And we are prepared to continue our training and capacity-building when the situation permits . ''
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held firm to the American line , saying `` we got it right '' .
He also said he was confident that should Iran `` make another bad choice '' , US President Donald Trump would respond `` in a decisive , strong manner '' .
British ministers including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Mr Wallace , have sought to distance the UK from the US suggesting cultural sites might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Iran .
Mr Pompeo said every target was being reviewed and the US would conduct itself inside the international laws of war .
Ahead of the council meeting , Mr Johnson spoke to Turkey 's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The leaders discussed the situation in Iraq following the death of Qaseem Soleimani .
They agreed on the importance of reducing tensions and finding a diplomatic way through the current crisis , and of continuing to work together in the fight against terror .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and must comply with the terms of the nuclear deal . ''

The US is "open" to discussions but is "just as prepared to deliver a forceful response" if Iran hits back after the killing of General Soleimani, the US defence secretary has said.
Mark Esper has told a news conference: "We're seeking a diplomatic solution - but first this will require Iran to de-escalate.
"It will require the regime to come to the table with the goal of preventing further bloodshed and it will require them to cease their malign activities throughout the region."
Image: Mark Esper said the US did not want to go to war with Iran
He added: "We are open to having this discussion but we are just as prepared to deliver a forceful response to defend our interests."
And he said: "The American people should know that their safety is in the hands of the strongest, most capable military in the world."
Image: F-35A aircraft form up during an exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah
"The ball is in their court, what they do next will determine what happens in the subsequent moves," he said.
US President Donald Trump insisted his military is "totally prepared" to attack in the case of an Iran response and claimed the airstrike at Baghdad airport which killed Gen Soleimani "did a lot countries a big favour".
Appearing to row back on his suggestions that Iranian cultural sites were among a list of targets, he said: "They're allowed to kill our people, they're allowed to maim our people, they're allowed to blow up everything and there's nothing that stops them and we are, according to various laws, supposed to be very careful with their cultural heritage.
Image: President Trump has defended the killing of Qassem Soleimani
"And you know what? If that's what the law is... I like to obey the law. But think of it. They kill our people, they blow up our people and we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions.
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"I will say this: if Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing they're going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly."
He added: "We're totally prepared and likewise we're totally prepared to attack if we need to."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:01 'We urge all parties to de-escalate'
Speaking about Gen Soleimani, he said: "He was a monster. He's dead and that's a good thing. He was planning a very big attack... and we stopped him."
The comments followed the UK taking "urgent measures" to protect Britons and its interests in the Gulf after the killing of Iran's top general.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the House of Commons that Qassem Soleimani was "no friend of the UK or our allies" and criticised Iran's record on human rights, including holding dual nationals in jail.
He said its actions had a "seriously destabilising impact in the region".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:38 Corbyn accuses PM of being too scared to stand up to Trump
Mr Wallace said: "The Department for Transport are reviewing the threat state and advice to Red Ensign shipping on a daily basis. Supported by the Ministry of Defence, we will issue guidance imminently.
"At the same time, defence are changing the readiness of our forces in the region - including helicopters and ships on stand-by to assist if the need arises."
Mr Wallace said the UK is working with the other E3 countries - France and Germany - to restore the Iran nuclear deal.
He said: "Her Majesty's government urges Iran to return to the normal behaviour of the country it aspires to be and resist the urge to retaliate.
"None of us wants conflict, none of us wants our citizens, our friends and our allies to be put at risk."
Mr Wallace said the UK government will look at the implications of the Iraqi parliament's vote which called for the expulsion of foreign troops.
But he said the government should allow them to remain, reminding them the coalition was there at the request of the Iraqi government to deal with the threat of Islamic State.
Image: An aerial view of the Azadi tower in Tehran during the funeral of Qassem Soleimani
He said: "Our commitment to Iraq's stability and sovereignty is unwavering and we urge the Iraqi government to ensure the coalition is able to continue our work countering this shared threat."
He also said Boris Johnson had been speaking to leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump and Angela Merkel for several days.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the questions he set out to the prime minister on Friday had not been answered and accused Mr Johnson of hiding behind his defence secretary.
He asked if Mr Johnson was scared to stand up to Mr Trump because he "hitched his wagon to a Trump trade deal".
He said: "This assassination puts British troops and civilians in danger."
He called the killing of the Iranian general illegal and asked how the government could see it was legal if they did.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Pompeo says 'international law' will be observed
Mr Corbyn later avoided calling Gen Soleimaini a terrorist, failing three times to answer questions about it with a yes or no.
He said: "Soleimani is the head of special forces of Iran, they obviously operate in all kinds of places that you and I would not agree with or want.
"That is not the point. The point is it's an illegal act that took place and if we want to end illegal acts by anybody, you don't commit them yourself."
Mr Johnson led a meeting of the National Security Council on Tuesday afternoon.
It comes as NATO says it will be moving personnel out of Iraq due to safety concerns.
A NATO official said: "In everything that we do, the safety of our personnel is paramount. As such, we have temporarily suspended our training on the ground, and we are taking all precautions necessary to protect our people.
"This includes the temporary repositioning of some personnel to different locations both inside and outside of Iraq. NATO maintains a presence in Iraq. And we are prepared to continue our training and capacity-building when the situation permits."
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held firm to the American line, saying "we got it right".
He also said he was confident that should Iran "make another bad choice", US President Donald Trump would respond "in a decisive, strong manner".
British ministers including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Mr Wallace, have sought to distance the UK from the US suggesting cultural sites might be targeted as part of US strikes on Iran.
Mr Pompeo said every target was being reviewed and the US would conduct itself inside the international laws of war.
Ahead of the council meeting, Mr Johnson spoke to Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The leaders discussed the situation in Iraq following the death of Qaseem Soleimani. They agreed on the importance of reducing tensions and finding a diplomatic way through the current crisis, and of continuing to work together in the fight against terror.
"They agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and must comply with the terms of the nuclear deal."


skynewsus--2020-01-07--Weinstein threatened with jail for using phone in rape trial

Harvey Weinstein threatened with jail for using phone in rape trial Harvey Weinstein threatened with jail for using phone in rape trial Harvey Weinstein has been threatened with jail after a judge caught him using his mobile phone during jury selection for his rape trial in New York .
`` Is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life , by texting and violating a court order ? ''
state Judge James Burke asked the 67-year-old defendant .
Visibly angry , the judge told Weinstein not to answer .
Lead prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail the former Hollywood film producer .
She said there is a `` grave risk '' that Weinstein at some point will realise that the evidence against him is `` imposing and overwhelming '' and will try to flee .
The judge decided not to jail Weinstein but warned he would not get another chance .
`` I 'm not looking for apologies ; I 'm looking for compliance , '' Judge Burke said .
Weinstein is facing five charges including rape and sexual assault involving two women , which he denies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the most serious charge - predatory sexual assault .
Weinstein looked frail as he entered the New York court building using a walking frame , which his lawyers say he needs following back surgery .
He has been released on bail but is required to wear an electronic-tracking device that was visible on his ankle as he exited a sports utility vehicle when he arrived at court on Tuesday .
More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades .
He denies the allegations , claiming any sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection at New York 's Supreme Court began on Tuesday - more than two years since the allegations first came to widespread public attention and gave momentum to the # MeToo movement - with the trial expected to last around two months .
One of Weinstein 's lawyers , Arthur Aidala , asked the judge to delay the trial or at least allow more time for jury selection after he was separately charged in Los Angeles on Monday with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2013 .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one case where the day of jury selection this type of prejudice is being cast against a criminal defendant . ''
Prosecutors in LA have been reviewing eight cases of alleged sexual assault against Weinstein .
However the judge refused to delay the trial , saying the jury would be instructed that an indictment was not evidence of guilt .
Legal experts have said it would be a challenging process to choose a fair jury following the # MeToo movement and Monday 's charges .
Among the questions prospective jurors are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the entertainment industry , and if they have , what position they held and for how many years .
Prosecutors require all 12 jurors to back a conviction , while Weinstein needs just one holdout for a hung jury .
Dozens of women have made allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Weinstein since the publication of revelations in the New York Times in October 2017 .
High-profile actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among those who say the Oscar-winning producer behaved inappropriately towards them .
Rosanna Arquette , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his advances , said she will attend court to support his alleged victims .

Harvey Weinstein has been threatened with jail after a judge caught him using his mobile phone during jury selection for his rape trial in New York.
"Is this really the way you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life, by texting and violating a court order?" state Judge James Burke asked the 67-year-old defendant.
Visibly angry, the judge told Weinstein not to answer.
Lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi urged the Judge Burke to jail the former Hollywood film producer.
She said there is a "grave risk" that Weinstein at some point will realise that the evidence against him is "imposing and overwhelming" and will try to flee.
The judge decided not to jail Weinstein but warned he would not get another chance.
"I'm not looking for apologies; I'm looking for compliance," Judge Burke said.
Weinstein is facing five charges including rape and sexual assault involving two women, which he denies.
He faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge - predatory sexual assault.
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Weinstein looked frail as he entered the New York court building using a walking frame, which his lawyers say he needs following back surgery.
He has been released on bail but is required to wear an electronic-tracking device that was visible on his ankle as he exited a sports utility vehicle when he arrived at court on Tuesday.
More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades. He denies the allegations, claiming any sexual encounters he had were consensual.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 Harvey Weinstein charged with sexual assault
Jury selection at New York's Supreme Court began on Tuesday - more than two years since the allegations first came to widespread public attention and gave momentum to the #MeToo movement - with the trial expected to last around two months.
One of Weinstein's lawyers, Arthur Aidala, asked the judge to delay the trial or at least allow more time for jury selection after he was separately charged in Los Angeles on Monday with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2013.
He said: "I cannot think of one time, one case where the day of jury selection this type of prejudice is being cast against a criminal defendant."
Prosecutors in LA have been reviewing eight cases of alleged sexual assault against Weinstein.
Image: Harvey Weinstein arrived at court using a walking frame
Image: Rosanna Arquette speaks to reporters alongside other accusers outside court
However the judge refused to delay the trial, saying the jury would be instructed that an indictment was not evidence of guilt.
Legal experts have said it would be a challenging process to choose a fair jury following the #MeToo movement and Monday's charges.
Among the questions prospective jurors are being asked is if they have ever worked in the entertainment industry, and if they have, what position they held and for how many years.
Prosecutors require all 12 jurors to back a conviction, while Weinstein needs just one holdout for a hung jury.
Dozens of women have made allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Weinstein since the publication of revelations in the New York Times in October 2017.
High-profile actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among those who say the Oscar-winning producer behaved inappropriately towards them.
Rosanna Arquette, who claims Weinstein derailed her career after resisting his advances, said she will attend court to support his alleged victims.


skynewsus--2020-01-07--Man, 93, shoots apartment worker over flooding in his flat

A 93-year-old man who shot a worker at the apartment complex where he lives because he was unhappy about water damage and flooding in his home has been charged with attempted murder .
Robert Thomas was said to have been upset about the state of his flat when he entered an office at Vista Del Valley apartments in Las Vegas , prompting him to pull out a gun and start making threats .
Footage of the incident shows him firing what appears to be a warning shot at a nearby computer monitor , before allowing a woman working behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He then fired a round at his victim , who fell off his chair before being shot again - this time in the bottom - as he lay on the ground .
Police had been called by the woman at front desk , and an officer fired a shot through the door window after hearing gunshots during their approach to the office .
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Assistant Sheriff Brett Zimmerman said the bullet penetrated the lapel on Thomas ' coat but did not injure him , and he was ordered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the floor .
Thomas appeared to knock his head against the door frame on his way down .
Both he and his victim were then taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries .
Thomas faces charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon , kidnapping with a deadly weapon , discharge of a firearm within a structure , burglary with a firearm , and carrying a concealed weapon .

A 93-year-old man who shot a worker at the apartment complex where he lives because he was unhappy about water damage and flooding in his home has been charged with attempted murder.
Robert Thomas was said to have been upset about the state of his flat when he entered an office at Vista Del Valley apartments in Las Vegas, prompting him to pull out a gun and start making threats.
Footage of the incident shows him firing what appears to be a warning shot at a nearby computer monitor, before allowing a woman working behind the front desk of the office to leave.
Image: Thomas is seen brandishing his gun towards the employee. Pic: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police
He then fired a round at his victim, who fell off his chair before being shot again - this time in the bottom - as he lay on the ground.
Police had been called by the woman at front desk, and an officer fired a shot through the door window after hearing gunshots during their approach to the office.
Image: An officer proceeds to drag the elderly man to the ground. Pic: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Assistant Sheriff Brett Zimmerman said the bullet penetrated the lapel on Thomas' coat but did not injure him, and he was ordered to drop his weapon before being dragged to the floor.
Thomas appeared to knock his head against the door frame on his way down.
Both he and his victim were then taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Thomas faces charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, kidnapping with a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm within a structure, burglary with a firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon.


skynewsus--2020-01-07--Two children shot by driver after throwing snowballs at cars

Two children shot by driver after throwing snowballs at cars Two children shot by driver after throwing snowballs at cars A girl aged 12 and a 13-year-old boy were treated for gunshot wounds .
File pic Two children have been shot and injured by a driver after they threw snowballs at passing cars in the US state of Wisconsin .
One of the snowballs hit the motorist 's vehicle and the person then opened fire .
Authorities said a girl aged 12 and a 13-year-old boy were taken to hospital following the shooting on Saturday night in a neighbourhood north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department tweeted : `` Preliminary investigation indicates both victims were with a group of juveniles throwing snowballs at cars passing by .
`` One of the snowballs struck a white Toyota , no further description , and the driver of the auto fired shots into the group of kids , striking the two victims .
`` Officers immediately applied first aide to both victims .
`` Both are being treated at a local hospital '' .
Their injuries are said to be non-life threatening .
No arrests have been made and police @ @ @ @ @

Two children have been shot and injured by a driver after they threw snowballs at passing cars in the US state of Wisconsin.
One of the snowballs hit the motorist's vehicle and the person then opened fire.
Authorities said a girl aged 12 and a 13-year-old boy were taken to hospital following the shooting on Saturday night in a neighbourhood north of downtown Milwaukee.
The city's police department tweeted: "Preliminary investigation indicates both victims were with a group of juveniles throwing snowballs at cars passing by.
Image: The two children suffered non-life threatening injuries. File pic
"One of the snowballs struck a white Toyota, no further description, and the driver of the auto fired shots into the group of kids, striking the two victims.
"Officers immediately applied first aide to both victims.
"Both are being treated at a local hospital".
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Their injuries are said to be non-life threatening.
No arrests have been made and police are appealing for information.


skynewsus--2020-01-07--New year, new job? Govt advertises for new ambassador to US

New year , new job ?
Government advertises for new ambassador to US New year , new job ?
Government advertises for new ambassador to US If you 've ever fancied trying your hand at diplomacy then 2020 could be your year , as the government is looking for a new UK ambassador based in Washington DC .
Following the resignation of Sir Kim Darroch last year , the hunt is on for the next person to represent Britain in the US .
However , the job has so far only been advertised internally in the civil service .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a political appointment .
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage 's name had been floated .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` The Foreign Office has this afternoon begun the process of recruiting the UK 's ambassador to the United States and has published the job advertisement today on the civil service 's own jobs portal .
`` Ministers believe that the right candidate will be a successful leader with proven experience of working with government on the broad range of issues that our bilateral relationship with the US covers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the civil service . ''
The PM 's spokesman could not say when they hope to have the new ambassador in place .
The job has been vacant since Sir Kim left , but additional staff came in to help .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Kim resigned after his memos were leaked , in which he called the US president `` incompetent '' , `` inept '' and `` insecure '' .
It prompted a row with Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim was `` wacky '' , `` very stupid '' and a `` pompous fool '' .
Sir Kim resigned from the role in July , saying the White House 's refusal to work with him made his position untenable .

If you've ever fancied trying your hand at diplomacy then 2020 could be your year, as the government is looking for a new UK ambassador based in Washington DC.
Following the resignation of Sir Kim Darroch last year, the hunt is on for the next person to represent Britain in the US.
However, the job has so far only been advertised internally in the civil service.
Image: Sir Kim Darroch stepped down last summer
There had been speculation that Boris Johnson might make a political appointment. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage's name had been floated.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "The Foreign Office has this afternoon begun the process of recruiting the UK's ambassador to the United States and has published the job advertisement today on the civil service's own jobs portal.
"Ministers believe that the right candidate will be a successful leader with proven experience of working with government on the broad range of issues that our bilateral relationship with the US covers and therefore can be found from within the civil service."
The PM's spokesman could not say when they hope to have the new ambassador in place.
The job has been vacant since Sir Kim left, but additional staff came in to help.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Sir Kim resigned after his memos were leaked, in which he called the US president "incompetent", "inept" and "insecure".
It prompted a row with Donald Trump, who fired back saying that Sir Kim was "wacky", "very stupid" and a "pompous fool".
Sir Kim resigned from the role in July, saying the White House's refusal to work with him made his position untenable.


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

Author Elizabeth Wurtzel , known for her 1994 memoirs about living with depression , has died aged 52 , it has been reported .
Her childhood friend , writer David Samuels , told the New York Times that the cause of death was metastatic breast cancer .
He said the disease resulted from the BRCA genetic mutation .
Wurtzel announced she had breast cancer in 2015 , writing in Vice that it was `` mostly a pain the ass '' .
She added : `` But compared with being 26 and crazy and waiting for some guy to call , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can handle 39 breakups in 21 days , I can get through cancer . ''
The American writer , who was born in New York , published her best-selling memoir Prozac Nation when she was 26 .
It revealed she suffered with depression from the ages of 10 to 12 and chronicled her eventual treatment with the medication Prozac when she was a college undergraduate .
The paperback became a New York Times bestseller and a film adaptation of the book , starring Christina Ricci , premiered at the Toronto International Film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the literary world have paid tribute to Wurtzel following the news of her death .
Journalist Erin Blakemore wrote on Twitter : `` It 's impossible to convey the impact Elizabeth Wurtzel had in the '90s .
She was unapologetic , raw , honest .
She stood for a very specific form of GenX femininity , confession , rage .
`` We learned from her-and from how intensely she was mocked for writing about her own life . ''
Author Sady Doyle said : `` People spent so many years writing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Something -- female memoir-writers , women who got famous for being themselves , young women generally - and to see her gone so young is a harsh reminder of how cruel that was . ''
Writer Amanda Mull described Wurtzel 's death as `` incredibly sad '' , adding : `` Bitch and Prozac Nation were incredibly formative to me as a young writer .
I remember reading about Elizabeth in a magazine and having my mom take me to the local bookstore to order them when I was like 14 . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Freed in 2015 , but she announced they had separated in 2019 .

Author Elizabeth Wurtzel, known for her 1994 memoirs about living with depression, has died aged 52, it has been reported.
Her childhood friend, writer David Samuels, told the New York Times that the cause of death was metastatic breast cancer.
He said the disease resulted from the BRCA genetic mutation.
Wurtzel announced she had breast cancer in 2015, writing in Vice that it was "mostly a pain the ass".
Image: Wurtzel holds up a locket with the word 'Prozac' on it in front of a window display of a hand holding pills in New York in 1991
She added: "But compared with being 26 and crazy and waiting for some guy to call, it's not so bad. If I can handle 39 breakups in 21 days, I can get through cancer."
The American writer, who was born in New York, published her best-selling memoir Prozac Nation when she was 26.
It revealed she suffered with depression from the ages of 10 to 12 and chronicled her eventual treatment with the medication Prozac when she was a college undergraduate.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The paperback became a New York Times bestseller and a film adaptation of the book, starring Christina Ricci, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2001.
Fans and figures in the literary world have paid tribute to Wurtzel following the news of her death.
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Journalist Erin Blakemore wrote on Twitter: "It's impossible to convey the impact Elizabeth Wurtzel had in the '90s. She was unapologetic, raw, honest. She stood for a very specific form of GenX femininity, confession, rage.
"We learned from her-and from how intensely she was mocked for writing about her own life."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Author Sady Doyle said: "People spent so many years writing about Elizabeth Wurtzel as a Sad Example Of Something -- female memoir-writers, women who got famous for being themselves, young women generally - and to see her gone so young is a harsh reminder of how cruel that was."
Writer Amanda Mull described Wurtzel's death as "incredibly sad", adding: "Bitch and Prozac Nation were incredibly formative to me as a young writer. I remember reading about Elizabeth in a magazine and having my mom take me to the local bookstore to order them when I was like 14."
Wurtzel married photo editor and aspiring novelist James Freed in 2015, but she announced they had separated in 2019.


skynewsus--2020-01-07--Boeing ends simulator training resistance to aid 737 MAX return

Boeing 737 MAX planes are being stored at several locations in the US as the firm prepares to halt production this month Boeing has dropped its resistance to pilot simulator training as it seeks to return its 737 MAX fleet to the skies - almost ten months after all planes were grounded .
The crisis-hit company confirmed on Tuesday that it was to make the recommendation to regulators as they determine whether the planes , hailed for their fuel efficiency , are safe to fly again following two fatal crashes .
All versions of the 737 MAX were grounded worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Ethiopian Airlines plane came down outside Addis Ababa , and five months after a Lion Air flight suffered a similar fate near Indonesia .
Modifications have mainly focused on the software controlling an anti-stall device called the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System ( MCAS ) .
Officials from the US Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA ) are due to meet Boeing this week for a progress report on the documentation they need as part of an audit process .
The time frame to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fly again and for Boeing to commence backlogged deliveries to airlines , has taken its toll on the company financially .
It is reassigning 3,000 staff to work on other projects as it prepares to suspend production of the MAX for an unspecified time .
It was announced just days before Christmas that chief executive Dennis Muilenburg was given his marching orders amid criticism of the firm 's handling of 737 MAX development and the aftermath of the crashes .
A number of carriers , including American Airlines and Turkish Airlines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run into hundreds of millions of dollars as airlines demand redress for grounded planes , missed deliveries and curtailed growth ambitions .
Ryanair is among other airlines known to be pressing Boeing for compensation .
Reuters news agency has reported it could be several months yet before regulators are in a position to clear the planes to fly again .
Updated training is a crucial part of the process .
Boeing had previously insisted that pilots should only need computer-based training on the new flight control software .
It has admitted mistakes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with MCAS blamed for giving pilots contradictory information both in testing and in flight .
The company said of its decision to support full simulator training on the updated software : `` This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results .
`` Final determination will be established by the regulators , '' it said .
The recommendation , if agreed , may mean it takes longer for airlines to resume 737 MAX flights - costing Boeing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is market speculation Boeing could be forced to slash its research and development spending and even go cap-in-hand to investors as it seeks to plug the cash outflow .
It was revealed last month that the MAX crisis had taken such a toll that fierce European rival Airbus had overtaken Boeing as the world 's largest producer of commercial aircraft in 2019 for the first time in eight years .

Boeing has dropped its resistance to pilot simulator training as it seeks to return its 737 MAX fleet to the skies - almost ten months after all planes were grounded.
The crisis-hit company confirmed on Tuesday that it was to make the recommendation to regulators as they determine whether the planes, hailed for their fuel efficiency, are safe to fly again following two fatal crashes.
All versions of the 737 MAX were grounded worldwide in March last year - days after an Ethiopian Airlines plane came down outside Addis Ababa, and five months after a Lion Air flight suffered a similar fate near Indonesia.
A total of 346 people died.
Image: The wreckage of the Boeing-made jet which crashed into a field near Addis Ababa airport
Modifications have mainly focused on the software controlling an anti-stall device called the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).
Officials from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are due to meet Boeing this week for a progress report on the documentation they need as part of an audit process.
The time frame to achieve new safety certificates, allowing the planes to fly again and for Boeing to commence backlogged deliveries to airlines, has taken its toll on the company financially.
It is reassigning 3,000 staff to work on other projects as it prepares to suspend production of the MAX for an unspecified time.
It was announced just days before Christmas that chief executive Dennis Muilenburg was given his marching orders amid criticism of the firm's handling of 737 MAX development and the aftermath of the crashes.
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Image: Dennis Muilenburg was the CEO of Boeing from 2015
A number of carriers, including American Airlines and Turkish Airlines, have secured confidential compensation payments believed to run into hundreds of millions of dollars as airlines demand redress for grounded planes, missed deliveries and curtailed growth ambitions.
Ryanair is among other airlines known to be pressing Boeing for compensation.
Reuters news agency has reported it could be several months yet before regulators are in a position to clear the planes to fly again.
Updated training is a crucial part of the process.
Boeing had previously insisted that pilots should only need computer-based training on the new flight control software.
It has admitted mistakes in the development of the original system - with MCAS blamed for giving pilots contradictory information both in testing and in flight.
The company said of its decision to support full simulator training on the updated software: "This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results.
"Final determination will be established by the regulators," it said.
The recommendation, if agreed, may mean it takes longer for airlines to resume 737 MAX flights - costing Boeing and potentially its customers even more money.
There is market speculation Boeing could be forced to slash its research and development spending and even go cap-in-hand to investors as it seeks to plug the cash outflow.
It was revealed last month that the MAX crisis had taken such a toll that fierce European rival Airbus had overtaken Boeing as the world's largest producer of commercial aircraft in 2019 for the first time in eight years.