newsweek--2020-11-17--Twitter Introduces Fleets—Tweets That Disappear After 24 Hours

This morning , Twitter users awoke to a brand new option : Fleets .
These `` fleeting tweets '' disappear forever after 24 hours , making it the perfect option for users who always second-guess themselves -- tweeting and then deleting -- or feel remorse about something they posted from days ago ( or longer ) .
If you have n't checked your account yet , go ahead and open it -- Fleets will already be there waiting .
The company reports that since 2018 , there have been more than 1.3 million tweets about `` tweet drafts . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people to go into the drafts of their notes , word processors , journals , etc.
, and release those thoughts for the world to see rather than continuing to hold them back .
The thinking behind that notion is that there are too many people not sharing their thoughts to avoid the repercussions they may receive in their social media replies .
The hesitancy about tweeting every thought is real .
Twitter is all about encouraging people to speak their minds , but doing so in such a public forum can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly everyone sometimes .
That where Fleets comes in—those fleeting thoughts that you do n't want forever shared will be gone within a day .
The Fleets service is n't solely designed for the timid , though .
Let 's say you 're rooting for your favorite football team while watching a live game and want to share your enthusiasm with fellow fans on Twitter ; those updated scores you keep posting will no longer clog up your Twitter profile page .
If you 're not a sports fan , the same logic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your many thoughts about Tyra Banks ' outfit this week on Dancing With the Stars .
A company spokesperson told Newsweek that through through `` tests in Brazil , Italy , India , and South Korea , we learned Fleets helped people feel more comfortable joining the conversation – we saw people with Fleets talk more on Twitter .
Those new to Twitter found Fleets to be an easier way to share what 's on their mind .
Because they disappear from view after a day , Fleets helped people feel more comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and feelings . ''
Also , another appealing aspect of fleets are they do n't have `` likes , '' `` retweets , '' or public `` replies . ''
The only want to respond to a fleet is privately via Direct Message .
Therefore , you need to worry about public scrutiny even for the duration of 24 hours .
Using it is meant to be really user-friendly , as well .
You have the option of creating a fleet on your homepage , or grabbing an existing tweet and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just for text , you can also fleet photos and videos .
And to keep current with the fleets of people you follow , their fleets will appear at the top of your timeline in circles with the users ' profile pic ( not unlike Stories on Instagram/Facebook ) .
Since it 's still brand-new , expect Fleets to develop more over time with other features , updates , and tools .
Another thing to expect is Twitter will continue to remain committed to preventing the spread of misinformation and harassing messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quickly-disappearing fleets .
Twitter 's spokesperson told Newsweek that `` like tweets , fleets must follow the Twitter Rules .
Fleets will be labeled as tweets are , per our guidelines People should report fleets that they think violate our rules directly to us .
Our teams and systems will also be proactively monitoring for rule violations in Fleets , and we 'll take enforcement action against rule violations in Fleets . ''

This morning, Twitter users awoke to a brand new option: Fleets. These "fleeting tweets" disappear forever after 24 hours, making it the perfect option for users who always second-guess themselves--tweeting and then deleting--or feel remorse about something they posted from days ago (or longer). If you haven't checked your account yet, go ahead and open it--Fleets will already be there waiting.
A Twitter logo displayed on a mobile phone. OLIVIER DOULIERY/Getty
The company reports that since 2018, there have been more than 1.3 million tweets about "tweet drafts." These message are from Twitter users encouraging other people to go into the drafts of their notes, word processors, journals, etc., and release those thoughts for the world to see rather than continuing to hold them back. The thinking behind that notion is that there are too many people not sharing their thoughts to avoid the repercussions they may receive in their social media replies.
The hesitancy about tweeting every thought is real. Twitter is all about encouraging people to speak their minds, but doing so in such a public forum can feel like a lot of pressure for nearly everyone sometimes. That where Fleets comes in—those fleeting thoughts that you don't want forever shared will be gone within a day.
The Fleets service isn't solely designed for the timid, though. Let's say you're rooting for your favorite football team while watching a live game and want to share your enthusiasm with fellow fans on Twitter; those updated scores you keep posting will no longer clog up your Twitter profile page. If you're not a sports fan, the same logic applies to anything, like say tweeting your many thoughts about Tyra Banks' outfit this week on Dancing With the Stars.
A company spokesperson told Newsweek that through through "tests in Brazil, Italy, India, and South Korea, we learned Fleets helped people feel more comfortable joining the conversation – we saw people with Fleets talk more on Twitter. Those new to Twitter found Fleets to be an easier way to share what's on their mind. Because they disappear from view after a day, Fleets helped people feel more comfortable sharing personal and casual thoughts, opinions, and feelings."
Also, another appealing aspect of fleets are they don't have "likes," "retweets," or public "replies." The only want to respond to a fleet is privately via Direct Message. Therefore, you need to worry about public scrutiny even for the duration of 24 hours.
Using it is meant to be really user-friendly, as well. You have the option of creating a fleet on your homepage, or grabbing an existing tweet and "fleeting" it. And it's not just for text, you can also fleet photos and videos. And to keep current with the fleets of people you follow, their fleets will appear at the top of your timeline in circles with the users' profile pic (not unlike Stories on Instagram/Facebook).
Since it's still brand-new, expect Fleets to develop more over time with other features, updates, and tools. Another thing to expect is Twitter will continue to remain committed to preventing the spread of misinformation and harassing messages as much as possible, even with the quickly-disappearing fleets. Twitter's spokesperson told Newsweek that "like tweets, fleets must follow the Twitter Rules. Fleets will be labeled as tweets are, per our guidelines People should report fleets that they think violate our rules directly to us. Our teams and systems will also be proactively monitoring for rule violations in Fleets, and we'll take enforcement action against rule violations in Fleets."


newsweek--2020-11-17--Chinese Soldiers Storm Beach in Military Landing Drill Amid Taiwan War Tension

The Chinese Navy released footage of a simulated beach assault on Tuesday as state media says President Xi Jinping is preparing for wars on multiple fronts .
Chinese Communist Party newspaper Global Times also voiced its support for the release of a so-called `` Taiwan secessionists '' blacklist , just two weeks after a former Taiwanese intelligence officer warned that such an announcement would be a precursor of a cross-strait armed conflict .
The official People 's Liberation Army video was captured off the coast of China 's southern province of Guangdong , where joint armed forces exercises are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state-run tabloid said .
In the footage , large amphibious landing craft can be seen offloading armored vehicles and soldiers as the combined arms forces storm the unidentified beach .
Citing a military expert , Global Times said Saturday that the Central Military Commission , of which Xi is the chair , had requested improvements to the PLA 's joint combat capabilities .
The exercises were in response to the `` intensifying situation and increasing risk of military conflicts '' in sensitive regions including the Taiwan Strait , South China Sea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sees a continuing stalemate following this summer 's bloody clashes in Ladakh .
The Chinese leadership has never ruled out the possibility of resorting to military force in its efforts to reunify the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan , which in recent years has been emboldened by the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump .
Increased talk of war from both official and unofficial sources in China , coupled with an unprecedented number of Chinese warplane incursions into Taiwanese airspace since September , has left observers uncertain about the transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The People 's Liberation Army conducted intensive military exercises in the Taiwan Straits [ sic ] region recently , '' the hawkish Beijing-controlled newspaper said in a recent editorial .
`` One of the purposes was to deal with challenges during the U.S. government transition .
Once the U.S. and Taiwan island touch the bottom line , the mainland will fight a war that it is fully prepared for , '' it said .
After Hong Kong 's pro-China newspaper Ta Kung Pao reported Sunday that Beijing was mulling the release of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Global Times lent its support to the idea .
In the mold of the new national security law for Hong Kong , those deemed to be separatists , and those found to be funding related activities , would be arrested and charged under China 's Anti-Secession Law of 2005 , National Security Law of 2015 , and Criminal Law of 1997 .
While leaders such as Taiwan 's President Tsai Ing-wen , who was elected to a second term in January , are all but certain to appear on such a list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Su Tseng-cang , as `` very likely '' to be included .
`` Su is a typical extreme , die-hard Taiwan secessionist ideologue who holds strong hatred against the Chinese mainland , '' the state-owned publication said of Tsai 's chief minister , who belongs to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party .
The newspaper likened the mooted `` wanted list '' to classing pro-independence thinkers as `` war criminals '' who have become a `` blatant challenge to the mainland 's bottom line of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to combat and contain Taiwan secessionist forces , '' the newspaper said .
`` Those on the list will be punished in accordance with the laws and may face criminal prosecution . ''
`` That means they will no longer be able to set foot in Hong Kong , Macao and the Chinese mainland , and it will also be very dangerous for them to travel to other countries and regions , '' it explained .
`` China will never allow its island of Taiwan to be separated from the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and people will pay the price , sooner or later . ''
Last month , Lee Tien-tuo , a retired army colonel and former intelligence officer with Taiwan 's National Security Bureau , warned of the implications of a hypothetical separatists blacklist .
In an interview with Hong Kong 's China Review News Agency on October 30 , Lee said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be preceded by two actions : the release of a list of `` Taiwan separatist '' war criminals ; and the ripping up of the Economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Tsai 's predecessor , Ma Ying-jeou , in 2010 .
Uncertainty over the United States ' continued support for Taipei while under new leadership may be another motivating factor , although thought leaders and national security experts in Taiwan expect similar reassurances from Washington under President-elect Biden .

The Chinese Navy released footage of a simulated beach assault on Tuesday as state media says President Xi Jinping is preparing for wars on multiple fronts.
Chinese Communist Party newspaper Global Times also voiced its support for the release of a so-called "Taiwan secessionists" blacklist, just two weeks after a former Taiwanese intelligence officer warned that such an announcement would be a precursor of a cross-strait armed conflict.
The official People's Liberation Army video was captured off the coast of China's southern province of Guangdong, where joint armed forces exercises are being held between November 17 and 30, the state-run tabloid said.
Watch: #PLA Navy recently conducted amphibious assault drills offshore of South China's Guangdong Province, setting up multiple records including "fastest speed" and "longest combat range." pic.twitter.com/m8bxtBn9D4 — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 17, 2020
In the footage, large amphibious landing craft can be seen offloading armored vehicles and soldiers as the combined arms forces storm the unidentified beach.
Citing a military expert, Global Times said Saturday that the Central Military Commission, of which Xi is the chair, had requested improvements to the PLA's joint combat capabilities.
The exercises were in response to the "intensifying situation and increasing risk of military conflicts" in sensitive regions including the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and China-India border, the last of which sees a continuing stalemate following this summer's bloody clashes in Ladakh.
The Chinese leadership has never ruled out the possibility of resorting to military force in its efforts to reunify the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan, which in recent years has been emboldened by the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump.
Increased talk of war from both official and unofficial sources in China, coupled with an unprecedented number of Chinese warplane incursions into Taiwanese airspace since September, has left observers uncertain about the transition period before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
"The People's Liberation Army conducted intensive military exercises in the Taiwan Straits [sic] region recently," the hawkish Beijing-controlled newspaper said in a recent editorial.
"One of the purposes was to deal with challenges during the U.S. government transition. Once the U.S. and Taiwan island touch the bottom line, the mainland will fight a war that it is fully prepared for," it said.
Naming names
After Hong Kong's pro-China newspaper Ta Kung Pao reported Sunday that Beijing was mulling the release of a so-called "Taiwan secessionist" blacklist, Global Times lent its support to the idea.
In the mold of the new national security law for Hong Kong, those deemed to be separatists, and those found to be funding related activities, would be arrested and charged under China's Anti-Secession Law of 2005, National Security Law of 2015, and Criminal Law of 1997.
While leaders such as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who was elected to a second term in January, are all but certain to appear on such a list, the newspaper singled out her premier, Su Tseng-cang, as "very likely" to be included.
"Su is a typical extreme, die-hard Taiwan secessionist ideologue who holds strong hatred against the Chinese mainland," the state-owned publication said of Tsai's chief minister, who belongs to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
The newspaper likened the mooted "wanted list" to classing pro-independence thinkers as "war criminals" who have become a "blatant challenge to the mainland's bottom line of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"Formulating the blacklist is an important move to combat and contain Taiwan secessionist forces," the newspaper said. "Those on the list will be punished in accordance with the laws and may face criminal prosecution."
"That means they will no longer be able to set foot in Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland, and it will also be very dangerous for them to travel to other countries and regions," it explained. "China will never allow its island of Taiwan to be separated from the country. Those extremists who commit crimes to their country and people will pay the price, sooner or later."
Forewarned
Last month, Lee Tien-tuo, a retired army colonel and former intelligence officer with Taiwan's National Security Bureau, warned of the implications of a hypothetical separatists blacklist.
Read more Ex-General Says Taiwan Soldiers Lack Weapons: 'Fight With Brooms?' Ex-General Says Taiwan Soldiers Lack Weapons: 'Fight With Brooms?'
In an interview with Hong Kong's China Review News Agency on October 30, Lee said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be preceded by two actions: the release of a list of "Taiwan separatist" war criminals; and the ripping up of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, which Beijing signed with Tsai's predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, in 2010.
Uncertainty over the United States' continued support for Taipei while under new leadership may be another motivating factor, although thought leaders and national security experts in Taiwan expect similar reassurances from Washington under President-elect Biden.


newsweek--2020-11-17--'The Crown': Queen Mother Star Says She Wears Bra Full of Birdseed for Role

Season 4 of The Crown is now airing on Netflix , and sees actor Marion Bailey return as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother .
In the lead-up to the show streaming , however , a bizarre trade secret was revealed about how the actor transforms her body into that of the 80-something Royal Family matriarch .
The wardrobe secret was first revealed to many via a tweet from Vulture writer Kathryn VanArendonk , who wrote : `` I think it 's important everyone know that at the virtual premiere event [ for The Crown ] this week , helena bonham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays the queen mum wears a body suit where her breasts are filled with birdseed . ''
[ sic ] This is also something that has been confirmed by Bailey herself , who told the Daily Mail : `` I have this marvelous bra which is padded with lentils and birdseed , I have no idea why but I dare n't get too close to any bird tables in it ! ''
Padding bras with birdseed to replicate an older woman 's breasts may seem strange , but it is a costumier 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far as the Victorian stage .
Other recent TV actors who have found themselves transforming into a character thanks to a birdseed bra include Sarah Paulson .
In a 2014 Comic-Con panel , Paulson described playing an 80-year-old woman in the finale of American Horror Story : Coven .
She said : `` It 's really hard to play an 80-year-old woman ...
It was the scariest thing I 'd ever done , and I remember Ryan Murphy being very concerned about the old lady make up what it was going to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandmother..
I had these birdseed boobs they gave me .
`` They 're just sacks of birdseed that feel like big old tits that have fallen down .
It was really amazing .
I was like , This is awesome .
This is coming for me if I 'm lucky .
One day I 'll have a sack of birdseed . ''
In May 2015 , meanwhile , a theatrical costumier wrote of what are known in the business as `` birdseed boobs '' on their blog .
`` When we wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breasts , without a complete bodysuit , we used to make a pocket in each large bra cup and fill them—but not tightly—with flaxseed , which simulates the weight and movement of breasts . ''
They added , `` One thing I learned from a friend : never , never put birdseed boobs into storage without removing all the birdseed .
.
.
.
Unless you want mice nesting in your costume storage area . ''
Bailey is not the only person who has shared secrets about how they turn into their Crown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of Instagram shots of her turning into British Prime Minister .
Last year , meanwhile , Netflix shared a video that revealed the make up process that turns Olivia Colman into the Queen .
The Crown Seasons 1 to 4 are streaming now on Netflix .

Season 4 of The Crown is now airing on Netflix, and sees actor Marion Bailey return as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. In the lead-up to the show streaming, however, a bizarre trade secret was revealed about how the actor transforms her body into that of the 80-something Royal Family matriarch.
The wardrobe secret was first revealed to many via a tweet from Vulture writer Kathryn VanArendonk, who wrote: "I think it's important everyone know that at the virtual premiere event [for The Crown] this week, helena bonham carter cheerfully announced that marion bailey who plays the queen mum wears a body suit where her breasts are filled with birdseed." [sic]
This is also something that has been confirmed by Bailey herself, who told the Daily Mail: "I have this marvelous bra which is padded with lentils and birdseed, I have no idea why but I daren't get too close to any bird tables in it!"
Padding bras with birdseed to replicate an older woman's breasts may seem strange, but it is a costumier's secret that dates back at least as far as the Victorian stage.
Other recent TV actors who have found themselves transforming into a character thanks to a birdseed bra include Sarah Paulson. In a 2014 Comic-Con panel, Paulson described playing an 80-year-old woman in the finale of American Horror Story: Coven.
Marion Bailey as the Queen Mother on 'The Crown' – possibly with bags full of birdseed in her bra. Netflix
She said: "It's really hard to play an 80-year-old woman...It was the scariest thing I'd ever done, and I remember Ryan Murphy being very concerned about the old lady make up what it was going to look like... I looked exactly like my grandmother.. I had these birdseed boobs they gave me.
"They're just sacks of birdseed that feel like big old tits that have fallen down. It was really amazing. I was like, This is awesome. This is coming for me if I'm lucky. One day I'll have a sack of birdseed."
In May 2015, meanwhile, a theatrical costumier wrote of what are known in the business as "birdseed boobs" on their blog. "When we wanted to give a female character large and/or sagging breasts, without a complete bodysuit, we used to make a pocket in each large bra cup and fill them—but not tightly—with flaxseed, which simulates the weight and movement of breasts."
They added, "One thing I learned from a friend: never, never put birdseed boobs into storage without removing all the birdseed . . . . Unless you want mice nesting in your costume storage area."
Bailey is not the only person who has shared secrets about how they turn into their Crown character. Gillian Anderson recently shared a series of Instagram shots of her turning into British Prime Minister.
Last year, meanwhile, Netflix shared a video that revealed the make up process that turns Olivia Colman into the Queen.
The Crown Seasons 1 to 4 are streaming now on Netflix.


newsweek--2020-11-17--Meghan Markle Wrote Letter Accusing Father of Lies With Palace Help: Court Filing

Meghan Markle wrote a private letter accusing her father of betrayal with the help of palace press officers , according to a newspaper she is suing .
The Duchess of Sussex sent Thomas Markle a handwritten note accusing him of lying to the press about her in the August after her 2018 royal wedding .
However , he passed the note to U.K. tabloid The Mail on Sunday , which published substantial extracts .
Meghan is suing the newspaper for breach of privacy and copyright but its lawyers claim in court papers that she intended her father to leak the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the story to come out without it looking like she had spoken publicly about a private matter .
Now , in recently submitted court papers , the Mail on Sunday 's legal team claim former press secretary Jason Knauf `` and/or others in the Kensington Palace communications team contributed to the writing of the letter . ''
The filing , quoted in the Daily Mail , owned by the same publisher as The Mail on Sunday , refers to the former spokesman for Prince Harry , Meghan , Prince William and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed the newspaper has an agenda against her and is using the case to generate clickbait .
She has asked the court to grant her victory without going to trial , which would mean she was spared being questioned by the Mail on Sunday 's lawyer .
Judges can issue what is known as `` summary judgement '' if one side 's argument is so overwhelming they would win even if the other was able to prove its factual claims in court .
That application will be heard in early January while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the autumn on Meghan 's request for a reason kept confidential by the High Court , in London .
The lawsuit has seen both sides accused of fighting a `` tit-for-tat '' PR war alongside the hearings in court .
In August , Judge Sir Mark Warby told the two sets of lawyers : `` It is however tolerably clear that neither side has , so far , been willing to confine the presentation of its case to the courtroom .
`` Both sides have demonstrated an eagerness to play out the merits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courtroom , and primarily in media reports . ''
A source close to Meghan previously told Newsweek : `` The Duchess of Sussex is suing Associated Newspapers for invasion of privacy , infringement of data protection rights and copyright infringement after it published selected contents of a private letter she sent to her father .
`` The Duchess is not on trial here , The Mail on Sunday is .
The newspaper took the illegal step to print a private letter , and the claimant is taking action . ''
Meghan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to submit its own court filing answering the Mail on Sunday 's claims this week .

Meghan Markle wrote a private letter accusing her father of betrayal with the help of palace press officers, according to a newspaper she is suing.
The Duchess of Sussex sent Thomas Markle a handwritten note accusing him of lying to the press about her in the August after her 2018 royal wedding.
However, he passed the note to U.K. tabloid The Mail on Sunday, which published substantial extracts.
Meghan is suing the newspaper for breach of privacy and copyright but its lawyers claim in court papers that she intended her father to leak the message.
They argue she wanted her side of the story to come out without it looking like she had spoken publicly about a private matter.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend The Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House on March 05, 2020 in London, England. Meghan is suing the Mail on Sunday for breach of copyright and privacy over a letter she sent her father Thomas Markle. Samir Hussein/Getty
Now, in recently submitted court papers, the Mail on Sunday's legal team claim former press secretary Jason Knauf "and/or others in the Kensington Palace communications team contributed to the writing of the letter."
The filing, quoted in the Daily Mail, owned by the same publisher as The Mail on Sunday, refers to the former spokesman for Prince Harry, Meghan, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The Duchess has previously claimed the newspaper has an agenda against her and is using the case to generate clickbait.
She has asked the court to grant her victory without going to trial, which would mean she was spared being questioned by the Mail on Sunday's lawyer.
Judges can issue what is known as "summary judgement" if one side's argument is so overwhelming they would win even if the other was able to prove its factual claims in court.
That application will be heard in early January while the trial date has been put off until the autumn on Meghan's request for a reason kept confidential by the High Court, in London.
The lawsuit has seen both sides accused of fighting a "tit-for-tat" PR war alongside the hearings in court.
In August, Judge Sir Mark Warby told the two sets of lawyers: "It is however tolerably clear that neither side has, so far, been willing to confine the presentation of its case to the courtroom.
Read more What The Queen Told Crying Princess Diana About Prince Charles' Affair What The Queen Told Crying Princess Diana About Prince Charles' Affair
"Both sides have demonstrated an eagerness to play out the merits of their dispute in public, outside the courtroom, and primarily in media reports."
A source close to Meghan previously told Newsweek: "The Duchess of Sussex is suing Associated Newspapers for invasion of privacy, infringement of data protection rights and copyright infringement after it published selected contents of a private letter she sent to her father.
"The Duchess is not on trial here, The Mail on Sunday is. The newspaper took the illegal step to print a private letter, and the claimant is taking action."
Meghan's legal team, Schillings, is expected to submit its own court filing answering the Mail on Sunday's claims this week.


newsweek--2020-11-17--California Ponzi Scheme Suspect Drives Underwater Scooter Into Lake While Fleeing FBI Agents

A man suspected of being behind a $ 35 million Ponzi scheme has been detained after trying to flee the FBI with an underwater vehicle beneath the depths of Lake Shasta , California .
Matthew Piercy , who is accused of wire fraud , mail fraud , money laundering and witness tampering , attempted to evade capture by hiding beneath the surface of the water in Shasta County , with the help of a Yamaha submarine .
A helicopter spotted the suspect enter the lake with the underwater device , after he abandoned his truck at the shore of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , this make of sea scooter can propel the user to 100 feet below the water 's surface , and is designed for recreational divers .
It allows the user to move through the water quickly so they can conserve more energy , cover greater distances and see more .
According to court documents , when submerged , Piercey was completely hidden from view .
However , the air bubbles coming from his regulator gave his location away .
After 25 minutes in the cold water , Piercey emerged at the surface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement .
Piercey is accused of running a fraudulent investment scam through his company Family Wealth Legacy , using investor money to buy properties .
Attorney Joshua Kons is representing the victims in the case against Piercey : `` You know , you never know what is going through someone 's mind when they 're being pursued by the FBI , '' he said .
`` And we kept investigating , and all of a sudden today , here he is trying to escape into a lake , using a submersible device .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .
The FBI has been investigating the case for over a year .
Piercey is being held at Sacramento County Jail without bail .
Lawyers consider the defendant a flight risk .
Diver propulsion devices are commonly used by militaries around the world to help tow soldiers on missions .
A submersible vehicle was also used by James Bond in the movie Thunderball .
The Yamaha sea scooters have a battery life of around two hours , but divers could face grave danger if they are submerged underwater for too long .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ water .
Divers can stay at 100 feet for 20 minutes safely .
Taking in too much nitrogen can cause a coma and even death .
At deep depths , air consumption is also faster and water temperature is a lot colder .

A man suspected of being behind a $35 million Ponzi scheme has been detained after trying to flee the FBI with an underwater vehicle beneath the depths of Lake Shasta, California.
Matthew Piercy, who is accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and witness tampering, attempted to evade capture by hiding beneath the surface of the water in Shasta County, with the help of a Yamaha submarine.
A helicopter spotted the suspect enter the lake with the underwater device, after he abandoned his truck at the shore of the water.
According to a Yamaha instructional video, this make of sea scooter can propel the user to 100 feet below the water's surface, and is designed for recreational divers. It allows the user to move through the water quickly so they can conserve more energy, cover greater distances and see more.
According to court documents, when submerged, Piercey was completely hidden from view. However, the air bubbles coming from his regulator gave his location away. After 25 minutes in the cold water, Piercey emerged at the surface and was taken into custody by law enforcement.
Piercey is accused of running a fraudulent investment scam through his company Family Wealth Legacy, using investor money to buy properties.
Attorney Joshua Kons, representing the victims in the case against Piercey, told Newsweek: "I have worked on hundreds of financial fraud cases, and I have never seen a more brazen attempt to escape authorities. Even Jordan Belfort, who is famous as the Wolf of Wall Street, did not try something so bold. It appears that Piercey not only tried to evade the FBI, but also is accused of witness tampering—which is somewhat rare for those being investigated for financial crimes. We are continuing to explore the investment loss recovery options that victims of this Ponzi scheme may have."
The FBI has been investigating the case for over a year. Piercey is being held at Sacramento County Jail without bail. Lawyers consider the defendant a flight risk.
Example of an underwater scooter in use on a dive. A man recently tried to evade capture by the FBI in California by using a sea scooter. naturepics_li/IStock / Getty Images
Diver propulsion devices are commonly used by militaries around the world to help tow soldiers on missions. A submersible vehicle was also used by James Bond in the movie Thunderball. The Yamaha sea scooters have a battery life of around two hours, but divers could face grave danger if they are submerged underwater for too long.
Nitrogen is absorbed more easily in deep water. Divers can stay at 100 feet for 20 minutes safely. Taking in too much nitrogen can cause a coma and even death. At deep depths, air consumption is also faster and water temperature is a lot colder.
Update 11/11/20, 3:25 a.m. ET: This report was updated with comment from Joshua Kons.


newsweek--2020-11-17--Sacha Baron Cohen Takes Aim at Mark Zuckerberg For Not Banning Steve Bannon From Facebook

Sacha Baron Cohen 's campaign against Facebook continues as the Borat actor has once again lashed out at Mark Zuckerberg—this time it 's because Steven Bannon was n't banned from the platform after he called for Dr. Anthony Fauci to be beheaded .
Facebook faced backlash in recent weeks after it had ruled that a video of Bannon calling for the infectious disease expert , Dr. Fauci 's head to be put on a spike outside the White House , had not violated enough rules to warrant a suspension .
Zuckerberg last week said that the former White House Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since he did not directly violate any of the social network 's policies .
`` We have specific rules around how many times you need to violate certain policies before we will deactivate your account completely , '' Zuckerberg said in a statement .
`` While the offenses here , I think , came close to crossing that line , they clearly did not cross the line . ''
Facebook removed numerous pages connected to Bannon while Twitter actually banned him from the platform .
Baron Cohen , a fervent critic of Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bannon , and took to Twitter to quote the platform 's own rules back to them .
`` A good question for Mark Zuckerberg when he appears before Congress on Tuesday : Facebook says it does not allow a person who 'advocates ... acts of violence , ' '' Baron Cohen wrote .
`` Yet you 've granted an exception to Steven Bannon , who advocates for the murder and beheading of Dr. Fauci .
WHY ?
! ''
Zuckerberg is due to appear before Congress alongside Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey today ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virtual hearing on how the companies moderate content .
The hearing was announced after Twitter and Facebook suppressed the reach of the New York Post story about Joe Biden 's son , Hunter , that claimed he was working with Ukrainian officials .
Republican lawmakers are expected to question officials about censorship of right-leaning content .
Last week , Baron Cohen delivered another ultimatum to Zuckerberg—as Donald Trump refuses to concede defeat to Joe Biden and pushes claims of voter fraud , the actor warned the Facebook CEO that the `` world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baron Cohen launched a campaign against Facebook , deeming it , and Twitter : `` The greatest propaganda machine in history .
`` The algorithms these platforms depend on deliberately amplify the type of content that keeps users engaged—stories that appeal to our baser instincts and that trigger outrage and fear , '' Baron Cohen said of Facebook in a keynote speech while accepting the ADL International Leadership Award .
`` It 's time for a fundamental rethink of social media and how it spreads hate , conspiracies , and lies . ''

Sacha Baron Cohen's campaign against Facebook continues as the Borat actor has once again lashed out at Mark Zuckerberg—this time it's because Steven Bannon wasn't banned from the platform after he called for Dr. Anthony Fauci to be beheaded.
Facebook faced backlash in recent weeks after it had ruled that a video of Bannon calling for the infectious disease expert, Dr. Fauci's head to be put on a spike outside the White House, had not violated enough rules to warrant a suspension.
Zuckerberg last week said that the former White House Chief Strategist's account will not be suspended since he did not directly violate any of the social network's policies.
"We have specific rules around how many times you need to violate certain policies before we will deactivate your account completely," Zuckerberg said in a statement. "While the offenses here, I think, came close to crossing that line, they clearly did not cross the line."
Facebook removed numerous pages connected to Bannon while Twitter actually banned him from the platform.
Baron Cohen, a fervent critic of Facebook, noted Facebook's refusal to ban Bannon, and took to Twitter to quote the platform's own rules back to them.
"A good question for Mark Zuckerberg when he appears before Congress on Tuesday: Facebook says it does not allow a person who 'advocates...acts of violence,'" Baron Cohen wrote. "Yet you've granted an exception to Steven Bannon, who advocates for the murder and beheading of Dr. Fauci. WHY?!"
A good question for Mark Zuckerberg when he appears before Congress on Tuesday:
Facebook says it does not allow a person who "advocates...acts of violence.”
Yet you’ve granted an exception to Steven Bannon, who advocates for the murder and beheading of Dr. Fauci.
WHY?! pic.twitter.com/Vv1rhn2VaT — Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) November 16, 2020
Zuckerberg is due to appear before Congress alongside Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey today (November 17) to be questioned in a virtual hearing on how the companies moderate content.
The hearing was announced after Twitter and Facebook suppressed the reach of the New York Post story about Joe Biden's son, Hunter, that claimed he was working with Ukrainian officials.
Republican lawmakers are expected to question officials about censorship of right-leaning content.
Last week, Baron Cohen delivered another ultimatum to Zuckerberg—as Donald Trump refuses to concede defeat to Joe Biden and pushes claims of voter fraud, the actor warned the Facebook CEO that the "world is watching."
Sacha Baron Cohen attends the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Annual Grants Banquet at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on July 31, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty/FilmMagic
In 2019, Baron Cohen launched a campaign against Facebook, deeming it, and Twitter: "The greatest propaganda machine in history.
"The algorithms these platforms depend on deliberately amplify the type of content that keeps users engaged—stories that appeal to our baser instincts and that trigger outrage and fear," Baron Cohen said of Facebook in a keynote speech while accepting the ADL International Leadership Award.
"It's time for a fundamental rethink of social media and how it spreads hate, conspiracies, and lies."


newsweek--2020-11-17--Cardinals Fans Join Fundraising Effort in Memory of Josh Allen's Grandmother

Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills fans found themselves at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum on Sunday , after the Cardinals pulled off a dramatic win in the final seconds of their game as DeAndre Hopkins hauled in Kyler Murray 's Hail Mary .
Off the field , however , the two sets of fans joined forces for charity , raising funds to help the John R. Oishei Children 's Hospital in Buffalo .
The hospital has received more than $ 500,000 in donations from Bills fans since Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen revealed that his grandmother , Patricia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seahawks in Week 9 of the NFL season .
Allen , who threw for 415 yards and three touchdown passes in the win against the Seahawks , explained after the game that he had been told of his grandmother 's death less than a day before taking the field in Seattle , prompting Bills fans to donate to the hospital to honor her memory .
Fans made donations to the hospital—which Allen has supported throughout his career in Buffalo—in $ 17 increments because he wears No 17 .
Last week , the third-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself to bring the amount raised over $ 500,000 .
Following Arizona 's win on Sunday , Cardinals fans joined the fundraising effort after a plea posted on social network Reddit .
`` On our subreddit and on theirs , in the game thread and post-game thread , they [ Bills fans ] have been a class act , '' Reddit user shaken_bake wrote in the AZCardinals forum .
`` Between that , how they 've responded to Josh Allen losing his grandmother , and their donations to Andy Dalton 's charity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contribute to a great cause . ''
On its Twitter account , the hospital thanked fans for their contributions .
`` Thank you Cardinals fans for joining in our support of Josh Allen honoring Patricia Allen through donations to our hospital , '' the tweet read .
As the Reddit post noted , Bills fans are n't new to fundraising efforts .
In 2018 , they donated over $ 400,000 to the Andy and JJ Dalton Foundation , which supports families who have seriously ill and physically challenged children in Cincinnati , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Dalton has never played for Buffalo , he earned a spot in the hearts of Bills fans in December 2017 when he led the Cincinnati Bengals to a dramatic win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 of the season .
The Bengals were trailing 27-24 against the Ravens and facing a fourth-and-12 scenario with 53 seconds left in the game , when Dalton threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd , sealing a 31-27 win for the Bengals .
This allowed the Bills to sneak into the playoffs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait for postseason football .
After an absence in 2018 , the Bills were back in the playoffs last season and are well placed to return this year .
Despite the loss to Arizona on Sunday , Buffalo remain top of the AFC East with a 7-3 record , currently the third-best record in the conference behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs .

Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills fans found themselves at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum on Sunday, after the Cardinals pulled off a dramatic win in the final seconds of their game as DeAndre Hopkins hauled in Kyler Murray's Hail Mary.
Off the field, however, the two sets of fans joined forces for charity, raising funds to help the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo.
The hospital has received more than $500,000 in donations from Bills fans since Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen revealed that his grandmother, Patricia, died before the Bills played the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9 of the NFL season.
Allen, who threw for 415 yards and three touchdown passes in the win against the Seahawks, explained after the game that he had been told of his grandmother's death less than a day before taking the field in Seattle, prompting Bills fans to donate to the hospital to honor her memory.
Fans made donations to the hospital—which Allen has supported throughout his career in Buffalo—in $17 increments because he wears No 17. Last week, the third-year quarterback donated $17,000 to the cause himself to bring the amount raised over $500,000.
Unreal. Count me in for $17,000 to make it $500,000 ❤ https://t.co/8oyTGK29rY — Josh Allen (@JoshAllenQB) November 14, 2020
Following Arizona's win on Sunday, Cardinals fans joined the fundraising effort after a plea posted on social network Reddit.
"On our subreddit and on theirs, in the game thread and post-game thread, they [Bills fans] have been a class act," Reddit user shaken_bake wrote in the AZCardinals forum.
"Between that, how they've responded to Josh Allen losing his grandmother, and their donations to Andy Dalton's charity, I think we should recognize their fanbase and contribute to a great cause."
On its Twitter account, the hospital thanked fans for their contributions.
Wow, thank you Cardinals fans for joining in our support of @JoshAllenQB honoring Patricia Allen through donations to our hospital! https://t.co/nswbbYxA20 — Oishei Children's Hospital (@OCHBuffalo) November 16, 2020
"Thank you Cardinals fans for joining in our support of Josh Allen honoring Patricia Allen through donations to our hospital," the tweet read.
As the Reddit post noted, Bills fans aren't new to fundraising efforts.
In 2018, they donated over $400,000 to the Andy and JJ Dalton Foundation, which supports families who have seriously ill and physically challenged children in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Forth Worth, Texas.
While Dalton has never played for Buffalo, he earned a spot in the hearts of Bills fans in December 2017 when he led the Cincinnati Bengals to a dramatic win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 of the season.
The Bengals were trailing 27-24 against the Ravens and facing a fourth-and-12 scenario with 53 seconds left in the game, when Dalton threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd, sealing a 31-27 win for the Bengals. This allowed the Bills to sneak into the playoffs at Baltimore's expense, ending a 17-year wait for postseason football.
After an absence in 2018, the Bills were back in the playoffs last season and are well placed to return this year. Despite the loss to Arizona on Sunday, Buffalo remain top of the AFC East with a 7-3 record, currently the third-best record in the conference behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs.


newsweek--2020-11-17--After Trump Claims COVID Will 'Disappear,' Fauci Says Virus 'Not Going to Spontaneously Go Away'

Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has said COVID-19 will not `` spontaneously go away . ''
His comments stand in contrast to those made by President Donald Trump , who has repeatedly suggested over the course of the pandemic that the virus will `` disappear . ''
Fauci , a top immunologist and member of the Trump administration 's coronavirus task force , made the remarks on a podcast hosted by Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and Parks and Recreation actor and activist Rashida Jones , which aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important day in the COVID pandemic , as Moderna claimed its vaccine was almost 95 percent effective in preventing the disease , a week after Pfizer made a similar announcement .
China and Russia have also reported positive vaccine news in the past few days .
Meanwhile , the U.S. has reached its own COVID milestones in recent days , smashing records for coronavirus infections , including a new daily high of 177,224 cases on Friday , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Jones asked Fauci for his take-home message for listeners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fauci said : `` It 's not going to spontaneously go away , I think that 's what we need to understand . ''
His words differed to those of Trump , who has admitted to downplaying the threat of COVID in order to prevent people from panicking .
Most recently , he told a campaign rally in Florida in October that `` even without the vaccine , the pandemic 's going to end .
It 's gon na run its course .
It 's gon na end . ''
In early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House COVID was `` going to disappear .
It is disappearing . ''
Trump told Fox News in July : `` it 's going to disappear .
Before it disappears , I think we can knock it out before it disappears . ''
In the interview with Jones and Gates , Fauci said he has repeated the same health advice so many times that he fears people may be growing bored , but said people should wear masks , keep their distance from others and avoid crowds , be outdoors as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have seen what happens when you do n't do that by the very unfortunate experiences that have become very public now in the United States , '' he said .
Fauci said people are tired of the pandemic , describing the experience as `` almost like a distortion of time . ''
He went on : `` I want to tell people , do n't give up , this is going to end , science is going to help us with a vaccine and therapy and if we pay attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of it .
`` The thing you do n't want to happen is that people say ' I 've done this so long , I 'm tired of it , to heck with it , I 'm just going to go out there and do what I want to do . '
That would only make this be more prolonged . ''
In a separate interview on Monday , Fauci said it may be possible for vaccines to be distributed to a small portion of the U.S. population in December .

Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said COVID-19 will not "spontaneously go away." His comments stand in contrast to those made by President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested over the course of the pandemic that the virus will "disappear."
Fauci, a top immunologist and member of the Trump administration's coronavirus task force, made the remarks on a podcast hosted by Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and Parks and Recreation actor and activist Rashida Jones, which aired Monday.
The episode was published on an important day in the COVID pandemic, as Moderna claimed its vaccine was almost 95 percent effective in preventing the disease, a week after Pfizer made a similar announcement. China and Russia have also reported positive vaccine news in the past few days.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies at a Senate hearing on September 23, 2020. Fauci has urged people to stick with safety measures that prevent the spread of COVID. GRAEME JENNINGS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the U.S. has reached its own COVID milestones in recent days, smashing records for coronavirus infections, including a new daily high of 177,224 cases on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Jones asked Fauci for his take-home message for listeners as they awaited the roll-out of vaccines.
Fauci said: "It's not going to spontaneously go away, I think that's what we need to understand."
His words differed to those of Trump, who has admitted to downplaying the threat of COVID in order to prevent people from panicking. Most recently, he told a campaign rally in Florida in October that "even without the vaccine, the pandemic's going to end. It's gonna run its course. It's gonna end."
In early October, he told supporters at the White House COVID was "going to disappear. It is disappearing."
Trump told Fox News in July: "it's going to disappear. Before it disappears, I think we can knock it out before it disappears."
Read more 'Are We Heroes? No, We Are Not'—Healthcare Workers on Fighting COVID 'Are We Heroes? No, We Are Not'—Healthcare Workers on Fighting COVID
In the interview with Jones and Gates, Fauci said he has repeated the same health advice so many times that he fears people may be growing bored, but said people should wear masks, keep their distance from others and avoid crowds, be outdoors as much as possible, and wash their hands.
"We have seen what happens when you don't do that by the very unfortunate experiences that have become very public now in the United States," he said.
Fauci said people are tired of the pandemic, describing the experience as "almost like a distortion of time."
He went on: "I want to tell people, don't give up, this is going to end, science is going to help us with a vaccine and therapy and if we pay attention to public health measures we can gain control of it.
"The thing you don't want to happen is that people say 'I've done this so long, I'm tired of it, to heck with it, I'm just going to go out there and do what I want to do.' That would only make this be more prolonged."
In a separate interview on Monday, Fauci said it may be possible for vaccines to be distributed to a small portion of the U.S. population in December.


newsweek--2020-11-17--Ted Cruz Calls Senator Sherrod Brown 'Complete A**' Over Face Masks Complaint

Republican Senator Ted Cruz called Senator Sherrod Brown a `` complete a** '' after the Democratic lawmaker complained about GOP colleagues not wearing face masks while speaking during a Senate hearing on Monday .
Reacting to a viral clip of the exchange , Cruz said his Democratic counterpart was being `` idiotic '' and only wearing a face mask as he spoke to signal `` fake virtue '' as he railed against Republican senators in the upper chamber .
The GOP senator of Texas added that his colleague Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska ( R ) —who presided over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 feet away from Brown in adherence with social distancing guidelines .
Posting a clip of Brown 's complaint on social media , Cruz said : `` This is idiotic .
Sherrod Brown is being a complete ass .
He wears a mask to speak—when nobody is remotely near him—as an ostentatious sign of fake virtue .
Dan Sullivan was over 50 feet away , presiding .
Last I checked 50 feet is more than 6 feet . ''
Newsweek has contacted Sen. Brown 's office for comment .
This article will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tense exchange between Brown and Sullivan went viral on Monday night , and had been viewed more than 250,000 times by the early hours of Tuesday morning .
After being called on by Sullivan as the presiding officer , Brown said : `` I 'd start by asking the presiding officer to please wear a mask as he speaks .
And people below him are , I ca n't tell you what to do , but I know that , uh , behaviors— '' '' I do n't wear a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Sullivan interrupted .
`` I do n't need your instruction . ''
`` I know you do n't need my instruction , but there clearly is n't much interest in this body in public health , '' Sen. Brown replied .
He then complained that people working in the upper chamber who `` ca n't say anything '' were being exposed to the virus .
`` We have a majority leader who calls us back here to vote on an unqualified nominee , and at the same time to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Ohio senator added .
`` Exposing all the people who ca n't say anything , I understand .
The people in front of you and the presiding officer , and expose all the staff here , and the majority leader just does n't seem to care . ''
Under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) social distancing guidelines , Americans are told to keep at least 6 feet between themselves and others who are not from their household to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks in the Senate erupted as recorded COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continued to climb this week , with the CDC reporting that more than one million new cases have been reported in the last seven days .

Republican Senator Ted Cruz called Senator Sherrod Brown a "complete a**" after the Democratic lawmaker complained about GOP colleagues not wearing face masks while speaking during a Senate hearing on Monday.
Reacting to a viral clip of the exchange, Cruz said his Democratic counterpart was being "idiotic" and only wearing a face mask as he spoke to signal "fake virtue" as he railed against Republican senators in the upper chamber.
The GOP senator of Texas added that his colleague Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska (R)—who presided over the Senate floor yesterday evening—was far more than 6 feet away from Brown in adherence with social distancing guidelines.
Posting a clip of Brown's complaint on social media, Cruz said: "This is idiotic. Sherrod Brown is being a complete ass. He wears a mask to speak—when nobody is remotely near him—as an ostentatious sign of fake virtue. Dan Sullivan was over 50 feet away, presiding. Last I checked 50 feet is more than 6 feet."
Sen. Ted Cruz speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on November 10, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Susan Walsh-Pool/Getty Images
Newsweek has contacted Sen. Brown's office for comment. This article will be updated with any response.
A video of the tense exchange between Brown and Sullivan went viral on Monday night, and had been viewed more than 250,000 times by the early hours of Tuesday morning.
After being called on by Sullivan as the presiding officer, Brown said: "I'd start by asking the presiding officer to please wear a mask as he speaks. And people below him are, I can't tell you what to do, but I know that, uh, behaviors—"
"I don't wear a mask while I'm speaking like most senators," Sullivan interrupted. "I don't need your instruction."
"I know you don't need my instruction, but there clearly isn't much interest in this body in public health," Sen. Brown replied. He then complained that people working in the upper chamber who "can't say anything" were being exposed to the virus.
"We have a majority leader who calls us back here to vote on an unqualified nominee, and at the same time to vote for judge, after judge, after judge," the Ohio senator added. "Exposing all the people who can't say anything, I understand. The people in front of you and the presiding officer, and expose all the staff here, and the majority leader just doesn't seem to care."
Under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing guidelines, Americans are told to keep at least 6 feet between themselves and others who are not from their household to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The latest row over the use of face masks in the Senate erupted as recorded COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continued to climb this week, with the CDC reporting that more than one million new cases have been reported in the last seven days.


newsweek--2020-11-17--Deliver for the Heartland, Help Close the Divide | Opinion

Again in the 2020 election , like 2016 , the voters of several Midwestern swing states were the agents directing political change .
The `` Blue Wall '' of Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin flipped thanks to a massive turnout for Joe Biden , particularly among African Americans .
But Donald Trump maintained strong support in rural areas and from voters in former industrial communities experiencing long-term population loss and economic decline .
Contrast this result with the support Biden got from communities where residents are better educated and sporting vital new economies .
The election revealed underlining asymmetries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among Trump and Biden voters .
Residents of many Heartland communities were struggling , even before the pandemic knocked them about further .
The new Biden administration and Congress must listen closely to their needs and act quickly to deliver , or in future elections they will continue to turn on the political establishment .
What are Congress and the next administration to do ?
Delivering for the Heartland can reduce our political polarization and help restore the national harmony we all crave .
This year 's Chicago Council of Global Affairs report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Prosperity included several possible steps for revitalizing the region .
They include : A real infrastructure agenda focused on the needs of the Heartland , home to some of the nation 's oldest , most battered and costly to repair infrastructures , as well as the greatest concentration of industrial relics like brownfields .
New , good jobs could be developed if Congress were to pass a national infrastructure package that repairs aging water and sewer systems , roads and highways ; modernizes airports and public transportation systems for post-pandemic safety ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that extends high-speed internet access to every community , and every student—essential in an economic landscape shaped by COVID-19 .
A national place-focused economic development strategy : We 've written previously about making accelerating growth and enhancing innovation in the Heartland a national priority .
And while many former industrial communities have turned an economic corner , others remain adrift .
The next administration can package existing federal economic development assistance programs ( the Economic Development Administration , the Department of Agriculture , small business supports ) and focus them on newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while expanding their focus to support worker adjustment to dislocations brought by artificial intelligence , accelerated automation and COVID-19 .
Build emerging-sector innovation hubs : The Heartland has an impressive innovation infrastructure in the form of numerous top colleges and universities , that generate a big share of the nation 's talent .
To create good-paying jobs and businesses in emerging sectors , the next administration should focus federal R & D investment through an expanded network of university institutes in emerging sectors like energy , water , agriculture/food systems , mobility , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heartland can certainly compete for this investment .
The federal government can also catalyze creation of state and local investment funds to expand venture and early-stage capital investment that commercializes new technologies and grows new businesses in the Heartland .
Green economic leadership : The next president , joined by state and local , public and private sector leaders can set goals and enact policies that support carbon reduction , water conservation , regenerative and sustainable food systems and new mobility options , such as autonomous delivery .
The Heartland can be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure , and new sustainability technologies , in energy , agriculture , manufacturing , housing and community design .
We can also leverage our abundant natural assets with enhanced federal support for restoring waters and waterfronts , preserving parks , woodlands , forests and farms .
These actions also serve as a deliberate talent attraction strategy .
Leadership in new ag / food systems : The Heartland faces the challenge of continuing to meet the increasing demand for high-quality and safe food in a hungry world , all while increasing the opportunities for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is home to the most productive farmland in the world , leading agricultural and food companies and respected academic and research institutions .
Those strengths , combined with targeted investments , can extend COVID-19 recovery to `` left-behind '' people and places .
The U.S. has historically supported agriculture with the Farm Bill ( annually about $ 21 billion ) , and with the recent trade relief and pandemic support , the total approaches $ 70 billion .
This level is not sustainable , nor can farmers be successful when such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal support .
Reexamining and repurposing a portion of these federal dollars towards agtech startups , carbon capture markets , tuition programs for ag / food students , regenerative practices and attracting new farmers can all support a rural renaissance .
A GI Bill for workers : The Heartland has higher than national shares of adult workers with just a high school education , and those workers are increasingly being displaced due to technology and automation .
They need a guarantee of an advanced education , as Michigan and Tennessee have proven can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land a good job in growing fields that demand greater technical education ( health care , advanced manufacturing , broadband installation , communications software to support remote work and education ) .
A new GI Bill for Workers can be forged by breaking down federal funding silos , packaging current workforce , trade adjustment , aid to needy families ( TANF ) , education and other resources to help states deliver a financial guarantee for adult worker credentialing—and catalyzed by a very modest federal investment of pandemic relief funding .
Portable pensions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The pandemic has revealed our worker safety net and support system—meant to help workers transition from dying jobs to new ones—was in tatters .
Workers need federal policies that create incentives for states to develop public-private portable pension , savings and health care programs , modernize unemployment insurance systems and extend coverage permanently to contract , part-time and so-called gig workers—to maintain worker security and support mobility in a changing labor market .
The nation needs to grow .
It is imperative we pull together and advance policies that will accelerate our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy to more people and places .
In doing so , we will help residents find economic opportunity , security and a newfound optimism about the future .
It would go a long way toward a nationwide recovery .
Paul Schickler , former President , DuPont Pioneer ( now Corteva ) and founder of III Ag which provides consulting services to ag tech .
John Austin Directs the Michigan Economic Center and is Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Brookings Institution .
@ John_C_Austin .
The views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' own .

Again in the 2020 election, like 2016, the voters of several Midwestern swing states were the agents directing political change. The "Blue Wall" of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin flipped thanks to a massive turnout for Joe Biden, particularly among African Americans. But Donald Trump maintained strong support in rural areas and from voters in former industrial communities experiencing long-term population loss and economic decline. Contrast this result with the support Biden got from communities where residents are better educated and sporting vital new economies.
The election revealed underlining asymmetries in economic opportunities and optimism about the future among Trump and Biden voters. Residents of many Heartland communities were struggling, even before the pandemic knocked them about further. The new Biden administration and Congress must listen closely to their needs and act quickly to deliver, or in future elections they will continue to turn on the political establishment.
What are Congress and the next administration to do? Delivering for the Heartland can reduce our political polarization and help restore the national harmony we all crave. This year's Chicago Council of Global Affairs report A Vital Midwest: The Path to New Prosperity included several possible steps for revitalizing the region. They include:
A real infrastructure agenda focused on the needs of the Heartland, home to some of the nation's oldest, most battered and costly to repair infrastructures, as well as the greatest concentration of industrial relics like brownfields. New, good jobs could be developed if Congress were to pass a national infrastructure package that repairs aging water and sewer systems, roads and highways; modernizes airports and public transportation systems for post-pandemic safety; supports communities to build climate change-resilient infrastructure and that extends high-speed internet access to every community, and every student—essential in an economic landscape shaped by COVID-19.
A national place-focused economic development strategy: We've written previously about making accelerating growth and enhancing innovation in the Heartland a national priority. And while many former industrial communities have turned an economic corner, others remain adrift. The next administration can package existing federal economic development assistance programs (the Economic Development Administration, the Department of Agriculture, small business supports) and focus them on newly designated communities and regions in transition, while expanding their focus to support worker adjustment to dislocations brought by artificial intelligence, accelerated automation and COVID-19.
A U.S. Flag is shown at the General Motors Flint Assembly plant on October 13, 2019 in Flint, Michigan. Bill Pugliano/Getty
Build emerging-sector innovation hubs: The Heartland has an impressive innovation infrastructure in the form of numerous top colleges and universities, that generate a big share of the nation's talent. To create good-paying jobs and businesses in emerging sectors, the next administration should focus federal R&D investment through an expanded network of university institutes in emerging sectors like energy, water, agriculture/food systems, mobility, health care and information technology. The Heartland can certainly compete for this investment. The federal government can also catalyze creation of state and local investment funds to expand venture and early-stage capital investment that commercializes new technologies and grows new businesses in the Heartland.
Green economic leadership: The next president, joined by state and local, public and private sector leaders can set goals and enact policies that support carbon reduction, water conservation, regenerative and sustainable food systems and new mobility options, such as autonomous delivery. The Heartland can be the region that develops and deploys cutting-edge resilient infrastructure, and new sustainability technologies, in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, housing and community design. We can also leverage our abundant natural assets with enhanced federal support for restoring waters and waterfronts, preserving parks, woodlands, forests and farms. These actions also serve as a deliberate talent attraction strategy.
Leadership in new ag / food systems: The Heartland faces the challenge of continuing to meet the increasing demand for high-quality and safe food in a hungry world, all while increasing the opportunities for rural communities and doing so sustainably. It is home to the most productive farmland in the world, leading agricultural and food companies and respected academic and research institutions. Those strengths, combined with targeted investments, can extend COVID-19 recovery to "left-behind" people and places. The U.S. has historically supported agriculture with the Farm Bill (annually about $21 billion), and with the recent trade relief and pandemic support, the total approaches $70 billion. This level is not sustainable, nor can farmers be successful when such a high percentage of their revenue depends on federal support. Reexamining and repurposing a portion of these federal dollars towards agtech startups, carbon capture markets, tuition programs for ag / food students, regenerative practices and attracting new farmers can all support a rural renaissance.
A GI Bill for workers: The Heartland has higher than national shares of adult workers with just a high school education, and those workers are increasingly being displaced due to technology and automation. They need a guarantee of an advanced education, as Michigan and Tennessee have proven can be effective, affording the skills to land a good job in growing fields that demand greater technical education (health care, advanced manufacturing, broadband installation, communications software to support remote work and education). A new GI Bill for Workers can be forged by breaking down federal funding silos, packaging current workforce, trade adjustment, aid to needy families (TANF), education and other resources to help states deliver a financial guarantee for adult worker credentialing—and catalyzed by a very modest federal investment of pandemic relief funding.
Portable pensions, health care and rewired employment security system: The pandemic has revealed our worker safety net and support system—meant to help workers transition from dying jobs to new ones—was in tatters. Workers need federal policies that create incentives for states to develop public-private portable pension, savings and health care programs, modernize unemployment insurance systems and extend coverage permanently to contract, part-time and so-called gig workers—to maintain worker security and support mobility in a changing labor market.
The nation needs to grow. It is imperative we pull together and advance policies that will accelerate our economic rebound and spread the emerging new economy to more people and places. In doing so, we will help residents find economic opportunity, security and a newfound optimism about the future. It would go a long way toward a nationwide recovery.
Paul Schickler, former President, DuPont Pioneer (now Corteva) and founder of III Ag which provides consulting services to ag tech. John Austin Directs the Michigan Economic Center and is Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Brookings Institution. @John_C_Austin.
The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.


newsweek--2020-11-17--California Gov. Gavin Newsom Says Attending Birthday Dinner 'Bad Mistake,' Must Practice What He Pre

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Says Attending Birthday Dinner 'Bad Mistake,' Must Practice What He Preaches

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has said he made a `` bad mistake '' attending a birthday dinner , adding that it contradicted the spirit of the coronavirus rules he has been preaching for months .
Newsom has faced a backlash since it was revealed last week that he and his wife dined with at least a dozen people from multiple households at The French Laundry , a Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa County , on November 6 .
The dinner was to celebrate the 50th birthday of Jason Kinney , a political adviser Newsom has known for almost 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his coronavirus news briefing on Monday , several days after issuing an apology .
Newsom said he realized as soon as he sat down at the outdoor table that the group was larger than he had anticipated .
`` I made a bad mistake , '' he said .
`` Instead of sitting down , I should have stood up and walked back , got in my car and drove back to my house .
Instead , I chose to sit there with my wife and a number of other couples that were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You can quibble about the guidelines , et cetera , et cetera , but the spirit of what I 'm preaching all the time was contradicted and I got to own that .
And so I want to apologize to you , because I need to preach and practice , not just preach and not practice , and I 've done my best to do that .
We 're all human .
We all fall short sometimes . ''
California 's coronavirus guidelines , which were updated last week , say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households are permitted in a park or other outdoor space .
Guidance for restaurants says they should `` limit the number of patrons at a single table to a household unit or patrons who have asked to be seated together , '' without imposing a clear limit on the number of households that can sit at a table .
But officials including Newsom have been urging California residents not to gather with their families at Thanksgiving amid a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases .
Newsom said the dinner had been the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than just his wife since February .
He said he had dined out with her twice since then .
`` This has not been a practice I 've indulged in in the past , '' Newsom said .
`` I take very seriously what we 're promoting . ''
But he also expressed concern that his failure to follow his own guidelines may have undermined the message he is trying to send to Californians as the holiday season approaches .
`` That 's why you have to own it , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forthright .
I 'm doing my best every single day in trying to model better behavior . ''
He vowed that such a lapse would not occur again .
`` I should n't have been there .
I should have turned back around , '' he said .
`` And so when that happens , you pay the price , but you also own the mistake and you do n't ever make it again .
You have my word on that . ''
On Monday , Newsom announced that the vast majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest tier of restrictions .
`` We are sounding the alarm , '' Newsom said .
`` California is experiencing the fastest increase in cases we have seen yet—faster than what we experienced at the outset of the pandemic or even this summer .
The spread of COVID-19 , if left unchecked , could quickly overwhelm our health care system and lead to catastrophic outcomes . ''
California has more than 1 million COVID cases and over 18,000 deaths , according to the state 's health department .

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he made a "bad mistake" attending a birthday dinner, adding that it contradicted the spirit of the coronavirus rules he has been preaching for months.
Newsom has faced a backlash since it was revealed last week that he and his wife dined with at least a dozen people from multiple households at The French Laundry, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa County, on November 6.
The dinner was to celebrate the 50th birthday of Jason Kinney, a political adviser Newsom has known for almost 20 years.
The governor discussed the dinner during his coronavirus news briefing on Monday, several days after issuing an apology.
Newsom said he realized as soon as he sat down at the outdoor table that the group was larger than he had anticipated.
"I made a bad mistake," he said. "Instead of sitting down, I should have stood up and walked back, got in my car and drove back to my house. Instead, I chose to sit there with my wife and a number of other couples that were outside the household."
He added: "You can quibble about the guidelines, et cetera, et cetera, but the spirit of what I'm preaching all the time was contradicted and I got to own that. And so I want to apologize to you, because I need to preach and practice, not just preach and not practice, and I've done my best to do that. We're all human. We all fall short sometimes."
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to the press after a Democratic primary debate at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles on December 19, 2019. He has apologized for attending a birthday dinner. Agustin Paullier/AFP via Getty Images
California's coronavirus guidelines, which were updated last week, say private gatherings of no more than three households are permitted in a park or other outdoor space.
Guidance for restaurants says they should "limit the number of patrons at a single table to a household unit or patrons who have asked to be seated together," without imposing a clear limit on the number of households that can sit at a table.
But officials including Newsom have been urging California residents not to gather with their families at Thanksgiving amid a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases.
Newsom said the dinner had been the first time he has been out to eat with more than just his wife since February. He said he had dined out with her twice since then.
"This has not been a practice I've indulged in in the past," Newsom said. "I take very seriously what we're promoting."
But he also expressed concern that his failure to follow his own guidelines may have undermined the message he is trying to send to Californians as the holiday season approaches.
"That's why you have to own it," he said. "And you have to be forthright. I'm doing my best every single day in trying to model better behavior."
He vowed that such a lapse would not occur again.
"I shouldn't have been there. I should have turned back around," he said. "And so when that happens, you pay the price, but you also own the mistake and you don't ever make it again. You have my word on that."
On Monday, Newsom announced that the vast majority of the state would move into the highest tier of restrictions.
"We are sounding the alarm," Newsom said. "California is experiencing the fastest increase in cases we have seen yet—faster than what we experienced at the outset of the pandemic or even this summer. The spread of COVID-19, if left unchecked, could quickly overwhelm our health care system and lead to catastrophic outcomes."
California has more than 1 million COVID cases and over 18,000 deaths, according to the state's health department.


newsweek--2020-11-17--Lindsey Graham Criticized Donald Trump's 'Rigged' Election Claims in Resurfaced 2016 Tweet

Senator Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) criticized President Donald Trump for claiming the presidential election would be rigged in 2016 , a newly resurfaced tweet from the Republican has shown .
Graham , who is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee , has faced calls to resign his chairmanship following a report claiming he asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger if he could throw out legally cast ballots in some of the state 's counties .
Raffensperger made the claim in an interview with the Washington Post , although Graham has denied pressuring him to toss votes .
Raffensperger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by the question .
On October 19 , 2016 , Graham tweeted a message clearly criticizing then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for remarks he 'd made in the final presidential debate .
Debating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , Trump had refused to commit to accepting the results of the election .
`` Like most Americans I have confidence in our democracy and election system , '' the statement said .
`` During this debate , Mr. Trump is doing the party and the country a great disservice by continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of his hands and 'rigged ' against him .
`` If he loses , it will not be because the system is 'rigged ' but because he failed as a candidate . ''
Graham was initially a critic of Trump and opposed his nomination , but after the 2016 election the South Carolina senator gradually changed his position and became a staunch ally of the president .
The Trump campaign has made unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and other irregularities as it pursues lawsuits in several crucial states .
The suits have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press and major cable news networks have called the election for former Vice President Joe Biden , while Graham has said he will use the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate alleged voter fraud .
`` It is imperative that all credible allegations of voting irregularities and misconduct be investigated to ensure the integrity of the 2020 elections , '' Graham said in a statement on November 8 .
`` The presidential election remains close in multiple states , and as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , all credible allegations of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I will not allow credible allegations of voting irregularities or misconduct to be swept under the rug . ''
There has been no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election so far , with federal and state officials dismissing allegations that the election was compromised .

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) criticized President Donald Trump for claiming the presidential election would be rigged in 2016, a newly resurfaced tweet from the Republican has shown.
Graham, who is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has faced calls to resign his chairmanship following a report claiming he asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger if he could throw out legally cast ballots in some of the state's counties.
Raffensperger made the claim in an interview with the Washington Post, although Graham has denied pressuring him to toss votes. Raffensperger, a Republican, was "stunned" by the question.
Read more Graham Critics Want Probes, Judiciary Resignation for Georgia Ballot Claims Graham Critics Want Probes, Judiciary Resignation for Georgia Ballot Claims
On October 19, 2016, Graham tweeted a message clearly criticizing then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for remarks he'd made in the final presidential debate.
Debating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Trump had refused to commit to accepting the results of the election.
"My thoughts on a 'rigged' presidential election," Graham tweeted, adding a written statement.
My thoughts on a 'rigged' presidential election. pic.twitter.com/075n83NXMH — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 20, 2016
"Like most Americans I have confidence in our democracy and election system," the statement said. "During this debate, Mr. Trump is doing the party and the country a great disservice by continuing to suggest the outcome of this election is out of his hands and 'rigged' against him.
"If he loses, it will not be because the system is 'rigged' but because he failed as a candidate."
Graham was initially a critic of Trump and opposed his nomination, but after the 2016 election the South Carolina senator gradually changed his position and became a staunch ally of the president.
The Trump campaign has made unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and other irregularities as it pursues lawsuits in several crucial states. The suits have so far proven largely unsuccessful.
The Associated Press and major cable news networks have called the election for former Vice President Joe Biden, while Graham has said he will use the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate alleged voter fraud.
"It is imperative that all credible allegations of voting irregularities and misconduct be investigated to ensure the integrity of the 2020 elections," Graham said in a statement on November 8.
"The presidential election remains close in multiple states, and as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, all credible allegations of voting irregularities and misconduct will be taken seriously. I will not allow credible allegations of voting irregularities or misconduct to be swept under the rug."
There has been no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election so far, with federal and state officials dismissing allegations that the election was compromised.


newsweek--2020-11-17--A Watershed Moment for the Middle East | Opinion

Israel 's new agreements with the United Arab Emirates , Bahrain and Sudan , new agreements for airline overflights of countries with which Israel has no new peace or economic pacts , a new aviation agreement with Jordan and general Saudi and Egyptian approval have brought what many are calling a `` watershed moment . ''
That `` watershed '' is the potential splitting of the Arab consensus on `` Palestine , '' as Arab countries weigh continued rejection of the state of Israel against the realities of life in the Middle East .
The `` moment '' began with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disastrous `` Arab Spring '' of 2011 and the Obama administration 's determination to `` win '' Iran back into the regional community while giving its regime access to Iraqi territory and fighters .
The Arab Spring did not go as the Obama administration hoped it would ; it turned ugly .
It removed the government of Hosni Mubarak ( with American help ) and created the terror of a Muslim Brotherhood state that was itself ousted in 2013 .
Libya ( under American military assault ) crashed in 2011 and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrecked industry , fueled the migrant crisis and provided weapons for ISIS and al Qaeda in Syria .
And , of course , in Syria , the promise of the Spring encouraged the uprising that led to the civil war ( in which the U.S. supported and armed militias that it did not understand ) that killed more than 600,000 people , displaced more than half of the Syrian population and included the use of poison gas .
Much of this was funded by Iran 's largesse ( which was partially American largesse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
The Gulf States , Saudi Arabia , Sudan , Tunisia , Morocco , Iraq , Lebanon and Jordan do n't want to be like Syria , if they have a choice .
They do , and American changes of leadership wo n't change that .
For countries around the region , the allure of war and the ideological principle of the demise of Israel pales in comparison with figuring out how to stay in power and determine the role of the people under their systems of government .
Technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ export of radical ideology—both Shiite and Sunni—are other priorities , and Arab states are beginning to see Israel as a potential partner in their pursuit .
The change can be seen in Jordan , starting with the unexpected Jordan-Israel aviation accord .
The Jordanian cabinet recently put out a press release on its priorities .
COVID-19 , not surprisingly , is first , followed by bolstering growth , streamlining the public sector and reducing debt , combatting tax evasion and administrative corruption , developing a social safety net and restructuring the energy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been produced by any Western country—and many non-Western ones .
But where are the Palestinians ?
Where is Jerusalem ?
Where is war ?
At the tail end you find : This commitment is not to Palestinian leadership and there is no pledge of resources .
There is no `` right of return '' or destruction of the state of Israel .
And `` Hashemite Custodianship '' of holy sites is a flat rejection of Palestinian control .
`` Joint Arab action '' these days has a lot to do with self-preservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia is not entering peace talks with Israel thus far , but has displayed enthusiasm for the arrangements reached and maintains a quiet conversation with the Israeli government .
Prince Bandar bin Sultan , who has served as ambassador to the U.S. , director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency , and head of the National Security Council , gave a startling interview in Al Arabiya : We are at a stage in which rather than being concerned with how to face the Israeli challenges in order to serve the Palestinian cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our national security and interests .
New players came into the picture , claiming that they are serving the Palestinian cause and that the Palestinian cause is their priority , and that Jerusalem is their first goal .
These are countries such as Iran and Turkey , and the Palestinian leaders have come to regard Tehran and Ankara higher than they regard Riyadh , Kuwait , Abu Dhabi , Dubai , Manama , Oman , Muscat , and Cairo ... .
We live in this challenging era , and the duty of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the security , economic , welfare , and social interests of our peoples .
We are surrounded by a stormy sea all around us , and we ... owe it to our peoples to maintain this situation that we live in .
If you listen closely , the neighbors are whispering , `` Inshallah . ''
Shoshana Bryen is senior director of The Jewish Policy Center and editor of inFOCUS Quarterly .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

Israel's new agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan, new agreements for airline overflights of countries with which Israel has no new peace or economic pacts, a new aviation agreement with Jordan and general Saudi and Egyptian approval have brought what many are calling a "watershed moment."
That "watershed" is the potential splitting of the Arab consensus on "Palestine," as Arab countries weigh continued rejection of the state of Israel against the realities of life in the Middle East.
The "moment" began with President Obama's 2009 Cairo speech, the disastrous "Arab Spring" of 2011 and the Obama administration's determination to "win" Iran back into the regional community while giving its regime access to Iraqi territory and fighters.
The Arab Spring did not go as the Obama administration hoped it would; it turned ugly. It removed the government of Hosni Mubarak (with American help) and created the terror of a Muslim Brotherhood state that was itself ousted in 2013. Libya (under American military assault) crashed in 2011 and the wars since then have killed thousands, wrecked industry, fueled the migrant crisis and provided weapons for ISIS and al Qaeda in Syria. And, of course, in Syria, the promise of the Spring encouraged the uprising that led to the civil war (in which the U.S. supported and armed militias that it did not understand) that killed more than 600,000 people, displaced more than half of the Syrian population and included the use of poison gas. Much of this was funded by Iran's largesse (which was partially American largesse).
American policy frightened governments around the region. The Gulf States, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan don't want to be like Syria, if they have a choice. They do, and American changes of leadership won't change that.
For countries around the region, the allure of war and the ideological principle of the demise of Israel pales in comparison with figuring out how to stay in power and determine the role of the people under their systems of government. Technology, water and the fight against Iran's export of radical ideology—both Shiite and Sunni—are other priorities, and Arab states are beginning to see Israel as a potential partner in their pursuit.
The change can be seen in Jordan, starting with the unexpected Jordan-Israel aviation accord. The Jordanian cabinet recently put out a press release on its priorities. COVID-19, not surprisingly, is first, followed by bolstering growth, streamlining the public sector and reducing debt, combatting tax evasion and administrative corruption, developing a social safety net and restructuring the energy and public transportation sectors.
That list could have been produced by any Western country—and many non-Western ones. But where are the Palestinians? Where is Jerusalem? Where is war?
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (L) and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi are pictured in the Jordanian capital Amman during an international meeting to discuss the Israel-Palestinian peace process, on September 24, 2020. Khalil MAZRAAWI / POOL / AFP/Getty
At the tail end you find:
Reaffirming commitment to the Palestinian cause and the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian holy sites, the prime minister said the government will continue to focus on joint Arab action.
This commitment is not to Palestinian leadership and there is no pledge of resources. There is no "right of return" or destruction of the state of Israel. And "Hashemite Custodianship" of holy sites is a flat rejection of Palestinian control. "Joint Arab action" these days has a lot to do with self-preservation and not much with Palestinian statehood.
Saudi Arabia is not entering peace talks with Israel thus far, but has displayed enthusiasm for the arrangements reached and maintains a quiet conversation with the Israeli government. Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who has served as ambassador to the U.S., director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency, and head of the National Security Council, gave a startling interview in Al Arabiya:
We are at a stage in which rather than being concerned with how to face the Israeli challenges in order to serve the Palestinian cause, we have to pay attention to our national security and interests. New players came into the picture, claiming that they are serving the Palestinian cause and that the Palestinian cause is their priority, and that Jerusalem is their first goal. These are countries such as Iran and Turkey, and the Palestinian leaders have come to regard Tehran and Ankara higher than they regard Riyadh, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Oman, Muscat, and Cairo.... We live in this challenging era, and the duty of our leaders is to preserve our national security and the security, economic, welfare, and social interests of our peoples. We are surrounded by a stormy sea all around us, and we... owe it to our peoples to maintain this situation that we live in.
If you listen closely, the neighbors are whispering, "Inshallah."
Shoshana Bryen is senior director of The Jewish Policy Center and editor of inFOCUS Quarterly.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.