France announces killing of al-Qaida military leader in Mali

21:45, November 13, 2020

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  Post-Brexit UK announces largest military investment since Cold War

  File Photo: Agencies.Britain has announced the biggest investment in its military since the end of the Cold War, despite the coronavirus crisis pummeling the economy, as the government seeks to define its post-Brexit role on the world stage.Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to carve out a role for Britain as a swashbuckling leader of a new era of global cooperation and free trade, backed by cutting-edge modern military and cyber capabilities.In a speech to parliament on Thursday outlining the first conclusions from the biggest review of foreign policy and defense in three decades, Johnson will announce an extra 16.5 billion pounds ($22 billion) for the military over the next four years. The defense budget is currently just under 42 billion pounds a year."I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defense of the realm must come first," Johnson said in a statement."The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this, we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board."At a time of heightened global uncertainty, the continued rise of China and after four years of U.S. President Donald Trumps international diplomacy, Britains 2016 vote to leave the European Union has thrown its own role and global influence into doubt.The government said the increased military spending will cement the United Kingdoms position as the largest defense spender in Europe, the second largest in NATO, and allow increased investment in areas such as cyber and space.The prime minister will announce a new agency dedicated to artificial intelligence, the creation of a National Cyber Force and a new "Space Command," capable of launching Britains first rocket in 2022.The full conclusions of the defense and security review – a study of threats and capabilities – will be announce...

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  World leaders pose for photo ahead of third Paris Peace Forum in France

  French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes European Council President Charles Michel ahead of the third Paris Peace Forum at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Nov. 12, 2020. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua) .

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  'Don’t whitewash terrorism': China condemns US' delisting of ETIM as terrorist organization

  Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry Photo: cnsphoto.China on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US' announcement that it would revoke the designation of the al-Qaeda-affiliated . as a terrorist organization.