Qatar says fighter jets deal shows deep U.S. support

A $12 billion deal to buy Boeing F-15 (BA.N) U.S. fighter jets shows Qatar has deep-rooted support from Washington, a Qatari official said on Thursday, adding that its rift with some other Arab states had not hurt the U.S. relationship with Doha.

Qatar is facing a severe economic and diplomatic boycott by Saudi Arabia and its regional allies who cut ties last week, accusing it of funding terrorist groups, a charge Doha denies.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly echoed the accusations against Qatar, even as his Defense and State Departments have tried to remain neutral in the dispute among key allies. Qatar is home to the headquarters for U.S. air forces in the Middle East.

Source: Qatar says fighter jets deal shows deep U.S. support | Reuters

100,000 homes without power in Queensland after devastation of Cyclone Debbie

More than 100,000 Queensland homes and businesses have been left without power in the destructive wake of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie, as airline passengers are left stranded.

According to Energex, just over 100,000 customers across the state have been plunged into darkness thanks to severe weather damage and incapacitated power lines.

‘[The] big issue now is with the extent of wind damage and flooding on top, access is becoming something of an issue,’ an Energex spokesman told 9 News.

‘It’s going to be a lot of work.’

Airline passengers have been left stranded as Virgin Australia cancels domestic flights at Queensland’s Gold Coast and Prosperine airports

Source: Cyclone Debbie leaves Queensland homes without power | Daily Mail Online

Trump says Germany owes US ‘vast sums of money for defence’

President Donald Trump has said Germany owes the US “vast sums of money” for defending it.

He made the statement in a series of tweets on Saturday morning.

Mr Trump, after a video appeared to show him ignoring Ms Merkel’s request to shake hands at a photo opportunity, said: “Despite what you have heard from the FAKE NEWS, I had a GREAT meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“Nevertheless, Germany owes vast sums of money to NATO & the United States must be paid more for the powerful, and very expensive, defense it provides to Germany!”

Source: Donald Trump says Germany owes US and Nato ‘vast sums of money for defence’ | The Independent