World News Hits on Friday

Sada El Balad English (See) news website presents Friday’s dominating headlines of the world news

Democrats struggle to figure out a move against Trump

Several Democrats wondered whether they erred in having Robert S. Mueller III to testify in public, and his appearance aggravated pisions in the party over impeachment. (The Washington Post)

More than one third of Israel's Arab citizens feel unsafe in their communities

More than one third (35.8%) of Arab citizens of Israel say they feel they lack personal safety in their own communities, according to a study conducted by the Abraham Initiatives, a non-profit organization that advances coexistence between Israel's Jewish and Arab citizens. ( Ynet)

Brussels repels Boris Johnson's quest for new Brexit deal

Brussels has roundly rebuffed Boris Johnson after he laid down tough conditions for the new Brexit deal he hopes to strike over the summer.

Speaking to the House of Commons for the first time as prime minister on Thursday, Johnson reiterated his campaign pledge of ditching the Irish backstop and promised to ramp up preparations for a no-deal Brexit immediately. ( the Guardian)

Abandoned Siberian Factory, Russia, Could Cause Chernobyl-Style Disaster, Official Warns

A Russian state official warned on Wednesday that an abandoned chemicals factory in Siberia could cause an environmental disaster akin to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident unless urgent action is taken to tackle it. ( The Moscow Times)

China-US trade talks to resume in Shanghai

Top negotiators from China and the United States will meet in Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time since President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump agreed in June to resume economic and trade consultations. ( The China Daily)

Trump administration to bring back death penalty for federal crimes

The United States will resume capital punishment for the first time in nearly two decades, after attorney general William Barr directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions of five death-row inmates.( The Independent )

North Korea's economy contracts by most in 21 years

International sanctions and drought shrunk North Korea’s economy the most in 21 years, South Korea’s central bank said Friday, according to a report.

North Korea’s GDP in 2018 fell by 4.1 percent last year - the most since 1997. In 2017, its GDP contracted 3.7 percent. ( Fox News)

At least four dead in Los Angeles shooting spree

At least four people were shot dead and two others were wounded Thursday in Los Angeles before the gunman was captured, authorities said.

Gerry Dean Zaragoza, 26, killed his father and brother at their home, fatally wounded a woman he knew at a gas station and shot a man on a bus who died, police said. (CNN)