Cave rescue: The Australian diving doctor who stayed with the boys
11 July 2018
Dr Richard Harris spent three days underground with the young Thais and their coach
It was his rare combination of talents that led Australian doctor Richard Harris deep into the Tham Luang cave in Thailand.
When the Wild Boars football team was located deep inside the cave, after being missing for a week, the Adelaide anaesthetist abandoned his holiday in Thailand and volunteered to help.
He went in to assess the boys' health and stayed with them for three days.
It was under his direction that the weakest boys were first led out with the others successfully following in the complex operation.
Dr Harris, known as Harry, is believed to have been one of the last rescuers out of the cave.
The heroes who saved the Wild Boars'
How the operation unfolded
Seventeen days in darkness
But relief and celebration were suddenly cut short by personal tragedy - on Wednesday it emerged that Dr Harris's father had died shortly after the rescue's finish.
The Adelaide doctor is globally renowned for his cave-diving expertise
His employer, South Australia's ambulance service, said his family's grief had been "magnified" by the physical and emotional demands of the rescue operation.
"It has been a tumultuous week with highs and lows," Dr Andrew Pearce from MedSTAR said, asking for privacy.
"Harry is a quiet and kind man who did not think twice about offering his support on this mission."
'Integral part of the rescue'
Dr Harris was specifically identified by British divers and requested by the "highest levels" of the Thai government to join the rescue, according to the Australian government.
Divers stayed with the boys after they were found deep inside the cave
"He was an integral part of the rescue attempt," said Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop who added that the doctor was internationally renowned for his cave rescue expertise.
"[The Australians] have been a big help, especially the doctor," the leader of the rescue mission, acting Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotanakorn told an Australian Nine News reporter on Wednesday.
"Very good. The very best," he said in reference to Dr Harris.
Media captionWife and father remember 'hero' Thai diver: "He loved helping others"
His friend Sue Crowe told the BBC the doctor was an unassuming and selfless family man, whose calm presence would have comforted the boys in the cave.
"He is brilliant with children, and he would have made sure that they were prepared in the best possible way from a cave-diving perspective," she said.
"He would have been the perfect person to support them."
Joy and relief as Thai cave boys rescued
The heroes who saved the Wild Boars'
On social media, there has been an outpouring of gratitude directed towards him.
Many have called for him to be made Australian of the Year - the nation's highest civic honour - while the government has indicated there will be some formal recognition.
Peter Gleeson
@PeterGleeson63
Adelaide doctor Richard Harris stopped his holiday to help those Thai boys. If ever a bloke deserved to be Australian of the Year it’s this man. He’s what embodies the true spirit of this country
9:33 PM - Jul 10, 2018
Dan Baxter
@dannybaxter27
Dr Richard Harris, who was the last person out of the Thai cave should be awarded Australian of the Year 🇦🇺
1:13 PM - Jul 11, 2018
105
Sophy Symonds
@sophy_symonds
Replying to @deirdreheenan
Thank you Dr. Richard Harris. You're a true hero and so does everyone from the rescue team. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
9:10 PM - Jul 10, 2018
The experienced diver, also an underwater photographer, has completed several cave-diving expeditions in Australia, New Zealand, Christmas Island and China.
One tragic expedition in 2011, involved the retrieval of the body of his friend, Agnes Milowka, who ran out of air during a cave dive in South Australia.
Dr Harris had previously led cave rescue operations
Ms Bishop said the doctor is also known to authorities for his work on medical assistance teams in natural disasters in the Pacific region, and has taken part in Australian aid missions in Vanuatu.
"[He] is an extraordinary Australian and he has certainly made a big difference to the rescue effort here in Thailand," she said.
She also praised his diving partner, Craig Challen, a vet from Perth who accompanied Dr Harris into the caves.
The pair were part of a team of 20 Australians, including police and navy divers, who assisted in the operation.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Donald Trump tweeted about being a 'very stable genius' and everyone is making the same joke - Independent
July 12, 2018
Donald Trump tweeted about being a 'very stable genius' and everyone is making the same joke
Posted 6 months ago by Greg Evans in news
UPVOTE
Donald Trump's latest Twitter rant is rather bizarre.
In the wake of Michael Wolff's damning claims in his latest book and the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian interference in the US election, Mr. Trump decided to set the record straight on a few things.
At around 7:30 am US time the President decided to post three tweets touching on subjects including Russia, so-called 'fake news', Hillary Clinton, mental stability, reality TV and his own intellect.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....
10:19 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....
10:27 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
10:30 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Although it's impressive that he managed to get all of those subjects into just three tweets, the fact that he decided to go on that sort of rant at that time of day has raised some red flags with many people online.
Thankfully, you can always rely on Twitter to break down the situation.
Tony Posnanski
✔
@tonyposnanski
Nothing says “mentally stable” like these dandies at 7:30am on a Saturday from the president.
10:32 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Brian Klaas
✔
@brianklaas
The thing about mentally stable geniuses is that they never have to tell people that they are mentally stable geniuses...
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
10:38 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Well, you’ll show ‘em. Nothing says stable like a midnight tweet about “Sloppy Steve” followed by a 7:00 a.m. tweet calling “hoax” on an investigation that has already led to charges against 4 people. Except maybe maniacal laughter. Try some of that too. https://t.co/X7c8LOhR30
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) January 6, 2018
Brian Klaas
✔
@brianklaas
The President of the United States calling himself a “stable genius” is one for the history books. What a dangerous buffoon.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
10:34 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Gissur Simonarson
✔
@GissiSim
Nothing more stable than tweeting a rant like this as the most powerful man in the world.
10:32 PM - Jan 6, 2018
30
19 people are talking about this
Twitter Ads info and privacy
Jamie Ross
✔
@JamieRoss7
I hope now Trump has assured us that he's mentally stable in an unhinged and furious Twitter rant we can now just lay it to rest.
10:46 PM - Jan 6, 2018
There's always a joke or two to be had in these situations too.
Matt Haig
✔
@matthaig1
After years of feeling mentally unstable I have just looked at Trump's tweets and feel mentally stable.
10:52 PM - Jan 6, 2018
John Schindler
✔
@20committee
Very Stable Genius will be the opening act for Whiskey Steve and the Confederate Elves on their 2018 World Tour.
10:46 PM - Jan 6, 2018
I am also a very stable genius who, like most very stable people, is very comfortable bragging about my very stable genius status.
— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) January 6, 2018
Bec Shaw
✔
@Brocklesnitch
Changing my tinder bio to 'mentally stable genius'
10:44 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Oliver Willis
✔
@owillis
Remember how every Saturday Obama had to tweet that he was smart and definitely not insane?
10:41 PM - Jan 6, 2018
“‘Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius.’ I like the way that rolls out...’Wile E. Coyote, SOOOOPER Genius!’” pic.twitter.com/5kzzJKqcNt
View image on TwitterView image on Twitter
Keith Olbermann
✔
@KeithOlbermann
“‘Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius.’ I like the way that rolls out...’Wile E. Coyote, SOOOOPER Genius!’”
10:46 PM - Jan 6, 2018
James O'Malley
✔
@Psythor
“Then he claimed he was a ‘very stable genius’”.
10:48 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Anyone for some Brain Force?
Matthew Champion
✔
@matthewchampion
stable genius starter kit
10:52 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Still, while it is fun to make jokes about a rather bizarre Twitter rant, we have to remember that this is the reality we live in now...
Mark_Coughlan
✔
@Mark_Coughlan
A Reuters red alert to every newsroom in the world. This is the world we live in, guys.
10:41 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Donald Trump tweeted about being a 'very stable genius' and everyone is making the same joke
Posted 6 months ago by Greg Evans in news
UPVOTE
Donald Trump's latest Twitter rant is rather bizarre.
In the wake of Michael Wolff's damning claims in his latest book and the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian interference in the US election, Mr. Trump decided to set the record straight on a few things.
At around 7:30 am US time the President decided to post three tweets touching on subjects including Russia, so-called 'fake news', Hillary Clinton, mental stability, reality TV and his own intellect.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....
10:19 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....
10:27 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
10:30 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Although it's impressive that he managed to get all of those subjects into just three tweets, the fact that he decided to go on that sort of rant at that time of day has raised some red flags with many people online.
Thankfully, you can always rely on Twitter to break down the situation.
Tony Posnanski
✔
@tonyposnanski
Nothing says “mentally stable” like these dandies at 7:30am on a Saturday from the president.
10:32 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Brian Klaas
✔
@brianklaas
The thing about mentally stable geniuses is that they never have to tell people that they are mentally stable geniuses...
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
10:38 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Well, you’ll show ‘em. Nothing says stable like a midnight tweet about “Sloppy Steve” followed by a 7:00 a.m. tweet calling “hoax” on an investigation that has already led to charges against 4 people. Except maybe maniacal laughter. Try some of that too. https://t.co/X7c8LOhR30
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) January 6, 2018
Brian Klaas
✔
@brianklaas
The President of the United States calling himself a “stable genius” is one for the history books. What a dangerous buffoon.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
10:34 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Gissur Simonarson
✔
@GissiSim
Nothing more stable than tweeting a rant like this as the most powerful man in the world.
10:32 PM - Jan 6, 2018
30
19 people are talking about this
Twitter Ads info and privacy
Jamie Ross
✔
@JamieRoss7
I hope now Trump has assured us that he's mentally stable in an unhinged and furious Twitter rant we can now just lay it to rest.
10:46 PM - Jan 6, 2018
There's always a joke or two to be had in these situations too.
Matt Haig
✔
@matthaig1
After years of feeling mentally unstable I have just looked at Trump's tweets and feel mentally stable.
10:52 PM - Jan 6, 2018
John Schindler
✔
@20committee
Very Stable Genius will be the opening act for Whiskey Steve and the Confederate Elves on their 2018 World Tour.
10:46 PM - Jan 6, 2018
I am also a very stable genius who, like most very stable people, is very comfortable bragging about my very stable genius status.
— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) January 6, 2018
Bec Shaw
✔
@Brocklesnitch
Changing my tinder bio to 'mentally stable genius'
10:44 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Oliver Willis
✔
@owillis
Remember how every Saturday Obama had to tweet that he was smart and definitely not insane?
10:41 PM - Jan 6, 2018
“‘Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius.’ I like the way that rolls out...’Wile E. Coyote, SOOOOPER Genius!’” pic.twitter.com/5kzzJKqcNt
View image on TwitterView image on Twitter
Keith Olbermann
✔
@KeithOlbermann
“‘Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius.’ I like the way that rolls out...’Wile E. Coyote, SOOOOPER Genius!’”
10:46 PM - Jan 6, 2018
James O'Malley
✔
@Psythor
“Then he claimed he was a ‘very stable genius’”.
10:48 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Anyone for some Brain Force?
Matthew Champion
✔
@matthewchampion
stable genius starter kit
10:52 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Still, while it is fun to make jokes about a rather bizarre Twitter rant, we have to remember that this is the reality we live in now...
Mark_Coughlan
✔
@Mark_Coughlan
A Reuters red alert to every newsroom in the world. This is the world we live in, guys.
10:41 PM - Jan 6, 2018
Trump repeats attack on Germany on second day of Nato summit - Financial Times
July 12, 2018
Trump repeats attack on Germany on second day of Nato summit
US ‘pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe’, president writes on Twitter
Donald Trump is approached by British prime minister Theresa May at dinner on Wednesday on the first day of the Nato summit © AP
Demetri Sevastopulo and Michael Peel in Brussels 2 HOURS AGO Print this page13
Donald Trump has launched another stinging attack on Germany on the second day of the Nato summit in Brussels, singling out Berlin for not spending more on defence.
“Presidents have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get Germany and other rich NATO Nations to pay more toward their protection from Russia. They pay only a fraction of their cost. The U.S. pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe, and loses Big on Trade!” Mr Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.
The renewed attack came the day after the US president stunned leaders at the annual Nato summit by saying Germany was “captive” to Moscow because of its Russian gas imports, in televised remarks that Mr Trump would have known would be widely broadcast.
In his early Thursday morning posts on Twitter, Mr Trump repeated his criticism that Nato was protecting its members from Russia while Germany was paying Moscow “billions of dollars” for gas imports. “Not acceptable!” he said.
Mr Trump also repeated calls for Nato members to go beyond a commitment to spend 2 per cent of gross domestic product on defence — a target agreed by the alliance in 2014 — and to boost spending to 4 per cent. Mr Trump made a similar demand at last year’s Nato summit and again in private on Wednesday. The White House said the call for 4 per cent spending, even more than the US spends now, was not a formal proposal.
Nato members had played down tensions on Wednesday but the US president was widely condemned for the way he had attacked Germany in public. At a press conference Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary-general, highlighted some of the issues that the alliance members had agreed in a declaration. “For a quarter of a century, many of our countries have been cutting billions from their [defence] budgets, now they are adding billions,” he said.
John Kerry, the former US secretary of state, described Mr Trump’s comments as “disgraceful [and] destructive”. His criticism echoed the views of many foreign policy experts and officials who agree that Nato needs to spend more but argue that the alliance must demonstrate unity, particularly to avoid playing into the hands of Russia.
“What was on display in Brussels today was not the behaviour of a strong, principled, and wise leader. Enough,” Mr Kerry said on Wednesday.
After lambasting Germany on Wednesday morning, Mr Trump later told reporters who were allowed briefly to attend his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that relations between the two countries were “tremendous”.
The US president also reportedly avoided antagonising the other 28 Nato leaders at the official summit dinner on Wednesday evening. According to one European diplomat, Mr Trump was very polite, although some of the guests had been braced for the US president to erupt at any moment.
Merkel defends Germany's freedoms at Nato meeting
The diplomat said “no one wanted to rock the boat” and the other leaders had “massaged” Mr Trump by focusing on questions about his recent summit with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un.
Mr Trump will hold private meetings with the leaders of Azerbaijan, Romania, Ukraine and Georgia, before leaving Brussels for the UK, where he will spend three days before travelling to Helsinki for his first formal summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Follow Demetri Sevastopulo and Michael Peel on Twitter: @dimi and @mikepeeljourno
Trump repeats attack on Germany on second day of Nato summit
US ‘pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe’, president writes on Twitter
Donald Trump is approached by British prime minister Theresa May at dinner on Wednesday on the first day of the Nato summit © AP
Demetri Sevastopulo and Michael Peel in Brussels 2 HOURS AGO Print this page13
Donald Trump has launched another stinging attack on Germany on the second day of the Nato summit in Brussels, singling out Berlin for not spending more on defence.
“Presidents have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get Germany and other rich NATO Nations to pay more toward their protection from Russia. They pay only a fraction of their cost. The U.S. pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe, and loses Big on Trade!” Mr Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.
The renewed attack came the day after the US president stunned leaders at the annual Nato summit by saying Germany was “captive” to Moscow because of its Russian gas imports, in televised remarks that Mr Trump would have known would be widely broadcast.
In his early Thursday morning posts on Twitter, Mr Trump repeated his criticism that Nato was protecting its members from Russia while Germany was paying Moscow “billions of dollars” for gas imports. “Not acceptable!” he said.
Mr Trump also repeated calls for Nato members to go beyond a commitment to spend 2 per cent of gross domestic product on defence — a target agreed by the alliance in 2014 — and to boost spending to 4 per cent. Mr Trump made a similar demand at last year’s Nato summit and again in private on Wednesday. The White House said the call for 4 per cent spending, even more than the US spends now, was not a formal proposal.
Nato members had played down tensions on Wednesday but the US president was widely condemned for the way he had attacked Germany in public. At a press conference Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary-general, highlighted some of the issues that the alliance members had agreed in a declaration. “For a quarter of a century, many of our countries have been cutting billions from their [defence] budgets, now they are adding billions,” he said.
John Kerry, the former US secretary of state, described Mr Trump’s comments as “disgraceful [and] destructive”. His criticism echoed the views of many foreign policy experts and officials who agree that Nato needs to spend more but argue that the alliance must demonstrate unity, particularly to avoid playing into the hands of Russia.
“What was on display in Brussels today was not the behaviour of a strong, principled, and wise leader. Enough,” Mr Kerry said on Wednesday.
After lambasting Germany on Wednesday morning, Mr Trump later told reporters who were allowed briefly to attend his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that relations between the two countries were “tremendous”.
The US president also reportedly avoided antagonising the other 28 Nato leaders at the official summit dinner on Wednesday evening. According to one European diplomat, Mr Trump was very polite, although some of the guests had been braced for the US president to erupt at any moment.
Merkel defends Germany's freedoms at Nato meeting
The diplomat said “no one wanted to rock the boat” and the other leaders had “massaged” Mr Trump by focusing on questions about his recent summit with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un.
Mr Trump will hold private meetings with the leaders of Azerbaijan, Romania, Ukraine and Georgia, before leaving Brussels for the UK, where he will spend three days before travelling to Helsinki for his first formal summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Follow Demetri Sevastopulo and Michael Peel on Twitter: @dimi and @mikepeeljourno
Trump Nato: Leaders to tackle Afghanistan conflict - BBC News
July 12, 2018
Trump Nato: Leaders to tackle Afghanistan conflict
Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland (C) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (3R) are at the summit
Nato leaders plan to turn their attention to the conflict in Afghanistan, on the second day of a Brussels summit so far dominated by demands from President Donald Trump.
Taliban militants reportedly killed up to 30 soldiers in attacks on Afghan army posts on Thursday.
Mr Trump has urged Nato allies to commit at least 4% of their annual output (GDP) to military spending.
Nato states are currently working towards a target of 2%.
The US leader also singled out Germany for criticism over its defence spending.
Nato leaders are hoping for a more conciliatory tone from Mr Trump on Thursday.
But in early-morning tweets from Brussels, the US president resumed his criticism.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Presidents have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get Germany and other rich NATO Nations to pay more toward their protection from Russia. They pay only a fraction of their cost. The U.S. pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe, and loses Big on Trade!
4:03 PM - Jul 12, 2018
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....On top of it all, Germany just started paying Russia, the country they want protection from, Billions of Dollars for their Energy needs coming out of a new pipeline from Russia. Not acceptable! All NATO Nations must meet their 2% commitment, and that must ultimately go to 4%!
4:12 PM - Jul 12, 2018
He earlier accused Germany of being held prisoner to imported Russian energy, saying it is "totally controlled" by Moscow.
EU figures suggest Russia is responsible for between 50% and 75% of Germany's gas imports but gas makes up less than 20% of Germany's energy mix for power production.
How much of Germany's gas comes from Russia?
What does the US contribute to Nato?
Can Nato survive President Donald Trump?
President Trump's next stop after Belgium is the UK, where he will arrive early afternoon to begin a two-day working visit, which is expected to spark public protests.
Media captionTrump baby blimp ready to take first steps
What's the plan for Afghanistan?
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani will be present for the second day of talks, and Nato's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg hopes the bloc will agree to fund Afghan security forces until 2024.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has already confirmed that the UK will send 440 more troops to serve in non-combat roles in Afghanistan.
The US also committed an extra 3,000 troops to support Afghan forces in September 2017 - bringing its total to 15,000.
Image copyrightEPA
Image caption
The Taliban and Afghan forces held a brief ceasefire during Eid celebrations in June
US officials have said Washington is planning a strategic review, a year after Mr Trump agreed to remain involved in the 17-year conflict.
The US-led invasion drove the hardline Taliban from power in 2001, as part of a crackdown on Islamist militants after the 9/11 attacks in the US.
Thousands of Nato troops were deployed and a long, bloody conflict followed as the ousted militants fought back.
In 2014, Nato formally ended the combat mission, handing over to Afghan forces, whom it had trained.
Since then, the Taliban have made substantial territorial gains across the country. A BBC study from January found the group is openly active in 70% of Afghanistan, and controls or threatens more territory than before the foreign troops left.
Taliban 'threaten 70% of Afghanistan'
The cost of Trump's air war in Afghanistan
On Thursday, officials in Afghanistan said the Taliban had launched an attack on a number of army posts in the northern province of Kunduz.
Earlier, dozens of Islamic religious scholars met in Saudi Arabia to discuss Afghanistan's war and called on the Taliban to renounce violence.
Is Nato still expanding?
Nato leaders will discuss the alliance's ties with Georgia and Ukraine. Both countries want to join Nato, but their bids are not expected to make progress.
Media captionTrump tells Nato chief that Germany is "totally controlled by Russia"
That is because Nato rules prevent countries with a border conflict from joining and both countries have disputes with Russia.
By contrast, a ceremony will be held for Macedonia after it was invited to begin accession talks on Wednesday.
Macedonia: The country waiting for Nato's invitation
What will Trump do in the UK?
He will spend time with the Queen and prime minister, before flying to Scotland to spend the weekend at his golf resort.
Thousands of people are expected to protest against his visit across the UK.
Why Trump's UK visit will be unlike any other
Pomp and protest as Trump visit stokes UK culture war
Mr Trump is due to hold his first summit with Vladimir Putin, in Helsinki, on 16 July.
He shocked some by quipping that the Nato gathering might prove tougher than next Monday's summit with Mr Putin.
Trump Nato: Leaders to tackle Afghanistan conflict
Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland (C) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (3R) are at the summit
Nato leaders plan to turn their attention to the conflict in Afghanistan, on the second day of a Brussels summit so far dominated by demands from President Donald Trump.
Taliban militants reportedly killed up to 30 soldiers in attacks on Afghan army posts on Thursday.
Mr Trump has urged Nato allies to commit at least 4% of their annual output (GDP) to military spending.
Nato states are currently working towards a target of 2%.
The US leader also singled out Germany for criticism over its defence spending.
Nato leaders are hoping for a more conciliatory tone from Mr Trump on Thursday.
But in early-morning tweets from Brussels, the US president resumed his criticism.
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Presidents have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get Germany and other rich NATO Nations to pay more toward their protection from Russia. They pay only a fraction of their cost. The U.S. pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe, and loses Big on Trade!
4:03 PM - Jul 12, 2018
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
....On top of it all, Germany just started paying Russia, the country they want protection from, Billions of Dollars for their Energy needs coming out of a new pipeline from Russia. Not acceptable! All NATO Nations must meet their 2% commitment, and that must ultimately go to 4%!
4:12 PM - Jul 12, 2018
He earlier accused Germany of being held prisoner to imported Russian energy, saying it is "totally controlled" by Moscow.
EU figures suggest Russia is responsible for between 50% and 75% of Germany's gas imports but gas makes up less than 20% of Germany's energy mix for power production.
How much of Germany's gas comes from Russia?
What does the US contribute to Nato?
Can Nato survive President Donald Trump?
President Trump's next stop after Belgium is the UK, where he will arrive early afternoon to begin a two-day working visit, which is expected to spark public protests.
Media captionTrump baby blimp ready to take first steps
What's the plan for Afghanistan?
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani will be present for the second day of talks, and Nato's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg hopes the bloc will agree to fund Afghan security forces until 2024.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has already confirmed that the UK will send 440 more troops to serve in non-combat roles in Afghanistan.
The US also committed an extra 3,000 troops to support Afghan forces in September 2017 - bringing its total to 15,000.
Image copyrightEPA
Image caption
The Taliban and Afghan forces held a brief ceasefire during Eid celebrations in June
US officials have said Washington is planning a strategic review, a year after Mr Trump agreed to remain involved in the 17-year conflict.
The US-led invasion drove the hardline Taliban from power in 2001, as part of a crackdown on Islamist militants after the 9/11 attacks in the US.
Thousands of Nato troops were deployed and a long, bloody conflict followed as the ousted militants fought back.
In 2014, Nato formally ended the combat mission, handing over to Afghan forces, whom it had trained.
Since then, the Taliban have made substantial territorial gains across the country. A BBC study from January found the group is openly active in 70% of Afghanistan, and controls or threatens more territory than before the foreign troops left.
Taliban 'threaten 70% of Afghanistan'
The cost of Trump's air war in Afghanistan
On Thursday, officials in Afghanistan said the Taliban had launched an attack on a number of army posts in the northern province of Kunduz.
Earlier, dozens of Islamic religious scholars met in Saudi Arabia to discuss Afghanistan's war and called on the Taliban to renounce violence.
Is Nato still expanding?
Nato leaders will discuss the alliance's ties with Georgia and Ukraine. Both countries want to join Nato, but their bids are not expected to make progress.
Media captionTrump tells Nato chief that Germany is "totally controlled by Russia"
That is because Nato rules prevent countries with a border conflict from joining and both countries have disputes with Russia.
By contrast, a ceremony will be held for Macedonia after it was invited to begin accession talks on Wednesday.
Macedonia: The country waiting for Nato's invitation
What will Trump do in the UK?
He will spend time with the Queen and prime minister, before flying to Scotland to spend the weekend at his golf resort.
Thousands of people are expected to protest against his visit across the UK.
Why Trump's UK visit will be unlike any other
Pomp and protest as Trump visit stokes UK culture war
Mr Trump is due to hold his first summit with Vladimir Putin, in Helsinki, on 16 July.
He shocked some by quipping that the Nato gathering might prove tougher than next Monday's summit with Mr Putin.
Stormy Daniels arrested in Ohio - lawyer - BBC News
July 11, 2018
Stormy Daniels arrested in Ohio - lawyer
Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, says she had a sexual relationship with President Donald Trump
US porn star Stormy Daniels has been arrested in a strip club in Columbus, Ohio, according to her lawyer.
Ms Daniels was arrested for allegedly letting a customer touch her on stage "in a non sexual manner", lawyer Michael Avenatti tweeted.
Ms Daniels became embroiled in a row with President Donald Trump after saying she slept with him in 2006, an allegation which he denies.
Her lawyer called the arrest "a setup" and "politically motivated".
The president and the porn star: Why this matters
The conflicting statements in the Stormy Daniels saga
A Columbus police spokesperson has yet to respond to requests for confirmation about the arrest at the Sirens club in the north of the city.
Mr Avenatti tweeted that Ms Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, had been performing "the same act she has performed across the nation at nearly a hundred strip clubs".
Michael Avenatti
✔
@MichaelAvenatti
Just rcvd word that my client @StormyDaniels was arrested in Columbus Ohio whole performing the same act she has performed across the nation at nearly a hundred strip clubs. This was a setup & politically motivated. It reeks of desperation. We will fight all bogus charges. #Basta
2:47 PM - Jul 12, 2018
He said he expected her to be released on bail shortly and charged with a misdemeanour and vowed to "vehemently contest all charges".
An Ohio law known as the Community Defense Act proscribes anyone touching a nude or semi-nude dancer, unless they are related.
Sirens tweeted last month to say Ms Daniels would make two "exclusive appearances" at the venue on the nights of 11 and 12 July.
A person who answered the phone at Sirens declined to comment.
Ms Daniels says she was paid $130,000 (£98,000) shortly before the 2016 presidential election to keep quiet about her alleged sexual encounter with Mr Trump.
She is trying to free herself from a non-disclosure agreement signed before the election, and suing over a "defamatory" tweet by the US president earlier this year. Mr Trump denies all allegations.
Stormy Daniels arrested in Ohio - lawyer
Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, says she had a sexual relationship with President Donald Trump
US porn star Stormy Daniels has been arrested in a strip club in Columbus, Ohio, according to her lawyer.
Ms Daniels was arrested for allegedly letting a customer touch her on stage "in a non sexual manner", lawyer Michael Avenatti tweeted.
Ms Daniels became embroiled in a row with President Donald Trump after saying she slept with him in 2006, an allegation which he denies.
Her lawyer called the arrest "a setup" and "politically motivated".
The president and the porn star: Why this matters
The conflicting statements in the Stormy Daniels saga
A Columbus police spokesperson has yet to respond to requests for confirmation about the arrest at the Sirens club in the north of the city.
Mr Avenatti tweeted that Ms Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, had been performing "the same act she has performed across the nation at nearly a hundred strip clubs".
Michael Avenatti
✔
@MichaelAvenatti
Just rcvd word that my client @StormyDaniels was arrested in Columbus Ohio whole performing the same act she has performed across the nation at nearly a hundred strip clubs. This was a setup & politically motivated. It reeks of desperation. We will fight all bogus charges. #Basta
2:47 PM - Jul 12, 2018
He said he expected her to be released on bail shortly and charged with a misdemeanour and vowed to "vehemently contest all charges".
An Ohio law known as the Community Defense Act proscribes anyone touching a nude or semi-nude dancer, unless they are related.
Sirens tweeted last month to say Ms Daniels would make two "exclusive appearances" at the venue on the nights of 11 and 12 July.
A person who answered the phone at Sirens declined to comment.
Ms Daniels says she was paid $130,000 (£98,000) shortly before the 2016 presidential election to keep quiet about her alleged sexual encounter with Mr Trump.
She is trying to free herself from a non-disclosure agreement signed before the election, and suing over a "defamatory" tweet by the US president earlier this year. Mr Trump denies all allegations.
Cave rescue: Key questions answered - BBC News
July 12, 2018
Cave rescue: Key questions answered
Certain details about the rescue are only now coming to light
After 17 days underground, all the Thai boys and their football coach have safely escaped from the Tham Luang cave complex.
A team of Thai and international divers mounted a dangerous and complicated rescue to bring the boys out, and details of the bid are still emerging now.
BBC correspondent Jonathan Head has answered some of the core questions about the boys, the rescue attempt, and what happens next.
Why did the kids go so deep into the cave?
We will not know that until we hear from them and their assistant coach, Ekkapol "Ake" Chantawong.
On that Saturday they were scheduled to play a match, which was cancelled, according to head coach Nopparat Kanthawong. He scheduled a training session instead.
The boys were keen cyclists so on the Facebook chat group through which they communicated with the parents, coach Ake suggested they cycle to the football field.
There was no suggestion there that they would go on to the caves.
A Facebook photo shows the coach with some of the young footballers
Saturday was the 16th birthday of Pheeraphat 'Night' Sompiengjai, and a local shop said the boys spent more than 700 baht (US$22) on food to celebrate, a large sum in this area.
Coach Nop describes Ake as being very kind-hearted and devoted to the boys. He thinks the boys persuaded him to go with them into the caves. The caves are well-known in the area and had been explored by the boys before.
The best guess is they went quite deep, which is easy when they are dry, got caught by rising flood water, and were forced to go even deeper.
What kind of communication have the children had with their parents and why are they not being allowed to see them?
The official explanation is they are weak from their ordeal and potentially vulnerable to infection.
These are now very precious lives in Thailand. A massive effort has been made to get them out alive. The Thai authorities are taking no chances.
The boys give peace signs as they recover in hospital
Perhaps they also wanted to avoid the excitement of seeing their parents again. Thais are generally less physical than westerners. Hugging is unusual.
And the parents are from poor, marginal communities, used to being told what to do by officials, and probably grateful for the lengths the government went to in rescuing them. They would not protest.
They were allowed to see them through windows, and are gradually being allowed in, wearing gloves and facemasks, to stand in the same room.
Will coach Ake face any disciplinary proceedings?
At this stage that seems unlikely. The parents say they have forgiven him, and they are grateful for the efforts he is reported to have made to keep their spirits up in the caves, in particular through meditation, which he learned during 12 years as a monk.
Meet the Thai boys who were trapped in a cave
How did the boys survive underground?
Coach Nop said Ake may be asked to go back to being a monk for a while, something Thais typically do as a kind of penance, or to replenish or cleanse themselves spiritually.
Such a move would make a lot of sense to Thais, and he would likely be allowed to resume life as normal after that.
Also Thailand typically does not have a 'blame culture', where a culprit must be found for any misadventure. There is a more fatalistic acceptance of things going wrong, less public clamour for accountability.
How did they survive so long with so little food, and lose so little weight?
The boys were in the caves nine days before they were found. They may have had a little food from what they bought to celebrate Night's birthday. They are passionate football players, very fit, and with the training they have had a tight-knit team.
This would have helped them ration their food carefully and support each other, perhaps with songs.
Child psychiatrist: "It will be a challenge for these children to go back to normal life"
Coach Ake taught them to meditate, say Thai navy divers, and gave them more food than he ate. He also told them to drink water dripping from the rocks, rather than polluted ground water.
During their last six to eight days they were being fed, initially high-protein gels, but later more normal food, which might have allowed them to start putting on a little weight before coming out.
Were they in the dark the whole time?
Most of the time. They went in with cheap torches, which would not have lasted long. It is likely they were in the dark for most of the first nine days of their ordeal.
Once they were found a Thai army doctor and at least three divers stayed with them, equipped with good torches. Even so they were mostly in the dark, and had to wear sunglasses when they were first brought out.
Rescuers brought them food, light and letters from their parents to help them cope
Were they sedated in any way?
The Thai authorities are being very coy about this.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said they had been lightly sedated. But the BBC has spoken to a number of people involved in the operation who say the boys were heavily sedated, and only semi-conscious.
The logic for this would be the fear their rescuers had that they would panic when wearing diving equipment for the first time in darkness and swirling cave water, endangering the lives of all of them.
The two British cave divers who led the rescue effort, John Volanthen and Richard Stanton, are believed to have asked for Australian Richard Harris, a cave diver and anaesthetician, to assist in preparing the boys.
How the Thai boys were rescued
The heroes who saved the Wild Boars
How they carried semi-conscious or very drowsy boys through the technically challenging early stages of the journey out, with a lot of diving in narrow passages, we do not know.
At times they may have been strapped to a diver's body. Later they were strapped on to a stretcher and suspended from a rope pulley system attached to the cave roof.
The entire operation was complex, innovative and very bold. Nothing like it has been attempted before. Some of those involved described the tasks undertaken by the core divers, who carried the boys out, as superhuman.
Who has paid for this operation?
The Thai government, for most of it.
It is likely that the contribution by other countries, like the 30 US air force personnel who went to help, would have been funded by their own governments as a gesture of good will.
Many Thai businesses supported with transport and food. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offered free flights to some of the foreign divers coming in.
Thailand cave rescue: Meet the volunteer helpers
Could the Thais have done this on their own?
No, and few countries could. Cave diving is a very specialised skill, and expert cave rescuers are even rarer.
Thailand was fortunate that an experienced caver Vern Unsworth has explored the Tham Luang cave complex extensively, and lives nearby.
He was on the scene the day after the boys disappeared, and suggested that the Thai government needed to invite expert divers from other countries to help.
The Brits behind the Thai cave boys search
As it happened - Thai cave rescue
The Thai navy divers who went down initially struggled, because both their experience and equipment were for sea diving, which is very different. They were driven out of the caves by rapidly rising flood water, and finding the boys seemed a hopeless cause.
Once foreign divers arrived, from many different countries, the Thai authorities allowed them to devise first the search, and then the enormously complex rescue. It was a huge logistical operation involving hundreds of people, building guide rope and pulley systems, putting in power and communication cables.
It is to Thailand's credit that it was organised so well, and there was no attempt to diminish the foreign contribution.
Cave rescue: Key questions answered
Certain details about the rescue are only now coming to light
After 17 days underground, all the Thai boys and their football coach have safely escaped from the Tham Luang cave complex.
A team of Thai and international divers mounted a dangerous and complicated rescue to bring the boys out, and details of the bid are still emerging now.
BBC correspondent Jonathan Head has answered some of the core questions about the boys, the rescue attempt, and what happens next.
Why did the kids go so deep into the cave?
We will not know that until we hear from them and their assistant coach, Ekkapol "Ake" Chantawong.
On that Saturday they were scheduled to play a match, which was cancelled, according to head coach Nopparat Kanthawong. He scheduled a training session instead.
The boys were keen cyclists so on the Facebook chat group through which they communicated with the parents, coach Ake suggested they cycle to the football field.
There was no suggestion there that they would go on to the caves.
A Facebook photo shows the coach with some of the young footballers
Saturday was the 16th birthday of Pheeraphat 'Night' Sompiengjai, and a local shop said the boys spent more than 700 baht (US$22) on food to celebrate, a large sum in this area.
Coach Nop describes Ake as being very kind-hearted and devoted to the boys. He thinks the boys persuaded him to go with them into the caves. The caves are well-known in the area and had been explored by the boys before.
The best guess is they went quite deep, which is easy when they are dry, got caught by rising flood water, and were forced to go even deeper.
What kind of communication have the children had with their parents and why are they not being allowed to see them?
The official explanation is they are weak from their ordeal and potentially vulnerable to infection.
These are now very precious lives in Thailand. A massive effort has been made to get them out alive. The Thai authorities are taking no chances.
The boys give peace signs as they recover in hospital
Perhaps they also wanted to avoid the excitement of seeing their parents again. Thais are generally less physical than westerners. Hugging is unusual.
And the parents are from poor, marginal communities, used to being told what to do by officials, and probably grateful for the lengths the government went to in rescuing them. They would not protest.
They were allowed to see them through windows, and are gradually being allowed in, wearing gloves and facemasks, to stand in the same room.
Will coach Ake face any disciplinary proceedings?
At this stage that seems unlikely. The parents say they have forgiven him, and they are grateful for the efforts he is reported to have made to keep their spirits up in the caves, in particular through meditation, which he learned during 12 years as a monk.
Meet the Thai boys who were trapped in a cave
How did the boys survive underground?
Coach Nop said Ake may be asked to go back to being a monk for a while, something Thais typically do as a kind of penance, or to replenish or cleanse themselves spiritually.
Such a move would make a lot of sense to Thais, and he would likely be allowed to resume life as normal after that.
Also Thailand typically does not have a 'blame culture', where a culprit must be found for any misadventure. There is a more fatalistic acceptance of things going wrong, less public clamour for accountability.
How did they survive so long with so little food, and lose so little weight?
The boys were in the caves nine days before they were found. They may have had a little food from what they bought to celebrate Night's birthday. They are passionate football players, very fit, and with the training they have had a tight-knit team.
This would have helped them ration their food carefully and support each other, perhaps with songs.
Child psychiatrist: "It will be a challenge for these children to go back to normal life"
Coach Ake taught them to meditate, say Thai navy divers, and gave them more food than he ate. He also told them to drink water dripping from the rocks, rather than polluted ground water.
During their last six to eight days they were being fed, initially high-protein gels, but later more normal food, which might have allowed them to start putting on a little weight before coming out.
Were they in the dark the whole time?
Most of the time. They went in with cheap torches, which would not have lasted long. It is likely they were in the dark for most of the first nine days of their ordeal.
Once they were found a Thai army doctor and at least three divers stayed with them, equipped with good torches. Even so they were mostly in the dark, and had to wear sunglasses when they were first brought out.
Rescuers brought them food, light and letters from their parents to help them cope
Were they sedated in any way?
The Thai authorities are being very coy about this.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said they had been lightly sedated. But the BBC has spoken to a number of people involved in the operation who say the boys were heavily sedated, and only semi-conscious.
The logic for this would be the fear their rescuers had that they would panic when wearing diving equipment for the first time in darkness and swirling cave water, endangering the lives of all of them.
The two British cave divers who led the rescue effort, John Volanthen and Richard Stanton, are believed to have asked for Australian Richard Harris, a cave diver and anaesthetician, to assist in preparing the boys.
How the Thai boys were rescued
The heroes who saved the Wild Boars
How they carried semi-conscious or very drowsy boys through the technically challenging early stages of the journey out, with a lot of diving in narrow passages, we do not know.
At times they may have been strapped to a diver's body. Later they were strapped on to a stretcher and suspended from a rope pulley system attached to the cave roof.
The entire operation was complex, innovative and very bold. Nothing like it has been attempted before. Some of those involved described the tasks undertaken by the core divers, who carried the boys out, as superhuman.
Who has paid for this operation?
The Thai government, for most of it.
It is likely that the contribution by other countries, like the 30 US air force personnel who went to help, would have been funded by their own governments as a gesture of good will.
Many Thai businesses supported with transport and food. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offered free flights to some of the foreign divers coming in.
Thailand cave rescue: Meet the volunteer helpers
Could the Thais have done this on their own?
No, and few countries could. Cave diving is a very specialised skill, and expert cave rescuers are even rarer.
Thailand was fortunate that an experienced caver Vern Unsworth has explored the Tham Luang cave complex extensively, and lives nearby.
He was on the scene the day after the boys disappeared, and suggested that the Thai government needed to invite expert divers from other countries to help.
The Brits behind the Thai cave boys search
As it happened - Thai cave rescue
The Thai navy divers who went down initially struggled, because both their experience and equipment were for sea diving, which is very different. They were driven out of the caves by rapidly rising flood water, and finding the boys seemed a hopeless cause.
Once foreign divers arrived, from many different countries, the Thai authorities allowed them to devise first the search, and then the enormously complex rescue. It was a huge logistical operation involving hundreds of people, building guide rope and pulley systems, putting in power and communication cables.
It is to Thailand's credit that it was organised so well, and there was no attempt to diminish the foreign contribution.
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