US president-elect Joe Biden said his team was facing "road blocks" in obtaining important national security information as part of the transition of power, blaming members of the Trump administration.
"We just aren't getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas," Mr Biden said in a short briefing from Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday.
He said there was a lack of information and procedural difficulties from leadership of the US Defence Department and the Office of Management and Budget.
"It's nothing short, in my view, of irresponsibility," Mr Biden said.
He held a virtual briefing with his national security team earlier on Monday.
"We need to make sure that nothing is lost in the handoff between administrations," Mr Biden said.
"My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world and of our operations to deter our enemies."
He said his national security goals on top of his mind were Covid-19, improved global diplomacy, climate change, and relations with China.
Mr Biden also referred to recent incidents of the SolarWinds hack and the Nashville bombing on Christmas day as important events to prepare for national security as the next commander-in-chief.
The government delayed the presidential transition as the General Services Administration, whose leader was appointed by President Donald Trump, did not start the process for weeks after the election.
Mr Trump has still not conceded to Mr Biden.
The president-elect, formerly vice president under president Barack Obama, said that national security agencies had been "hollowed out", making it new challenge for his administration.
"The truth is, many of the agencies that are critical to our security have incurred enormous damage," Mr Biden said.
"All of it makes it harder for our government to protect the American people and to defend our vital interests in a world where threats are constantly evolving and our adversaries are constantly adapting."
Mr Biden is slated to hold a briefing about the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday.
Difference between fractional ownership and timeshare
Although similar in its appearance, the concept of a fractional title deed is unlike that of a timeshare, which usually involves multiple investors buying “time” in a property whereby the owner has the right to occupation for a specified period of time in any year, as opposed to the actual real estate, said John Peacock, Head of Indirect Tax and Conveyancing, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, a law firm.
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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