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Americans Held Overseas in Iran and Lebanon Are Freed Americans Held Overseas in Iran and Lebanon Are Freed
(about 4 hours later)
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Thursday announced the release of two Americans imprisoned overseas and said it had intensified demands for a third, amid global fears that the coronavirus could quickly spread among detainees and result in deaths.WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Thursday announced the release of two Americans imprisoned overseas and said it had intensified demands for a third, amid global fears that the coronavirus could quickly spread among detainees and result in deaths.
Amer Fakhoury, a Lebanese-born naturalized American citizen, was headed to his home state, New Hampshire, from Beirut, where he had been detained for months on decades-old charges of torturing Lebanese prisoners.Amer Fakhoury, a Lebanese-born naturalized American citizen, was headed to his home state, New Hampshire, from Beirut, where he had been detained for months on decades-old charges of torturing Lebanese prisoners.
“Any time a U.S. citizen is wrongfully detained by a foreign government, we must use every tool at our disposal to free them,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, as Mr. Fakhoury flew back to the United States on a military aircraft. “No family should have to go through what the Fakhoury family has gone through.”“Any time a U.S. citizen is wrongfully detained by a foreign government, we must use every tool at our disposal to free them,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, as Mr. Fakhoury flew back to the United States on a military aircraft. “No family should have to go through what the Fakhoury family has gone through.”
Separately, Michael R. White, a U.S. Navy veteran and cancer patient, was released from an Iranian prison, where he had been held since July 2018, the State Department announced. Mr. White, of Imperial Beach, Calif., was freed on a medical furlough.Separately, Michael R. White, a U.S. Navy veteran and cancer patient, was released from an Iranian prison, where he had been held since July 2018, the State Department announced. Mr. White, of Imperial Beach, Calif., was freed on a medical furlough.
For now, he must remain in Iran, undergoing medical testing and evaluation at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which has acted as a diplomatic intermediary between the United States and Iran.For now, he must remain in Iran, undergoing medical testing and evaluation at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which has acted as a diplomatic intermediary between the United States and Iran.
“The United States will continue to work for Michael’s full release as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. He said Mr. White was serving a 13-year sentence; the charges included insulting Iran’s supreme leader and posting private photographs on social media.“The United States will continue to work for Michael’s full release as well as the release of all wrongfully detained Americans in Iran,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. He said Mr. White was serving a 13-year sentence; the charges included insulting Iran’s supreme leader and posting private photographs on social media.
Mr. White was arrested in the northeastern city of Mashhad while visiting an Iranian friend.Mr. White was arrested in the northeastern city of Mashhad while visiting an Iranian friend.
And at the White House, President Trump said he was working to free Austin Tice, a journalist and former Marine who was abducted in Syria in August 2012. The Trump administration has made repeated efforts to try and secure his release, with no success.And at the White House, President Trump said he was working to free Austin Tice, a journalist and former Marine who was abducted in Syria in August 2012. The Trump administration has made repeated efforts to try and secure his release, with no success.
“We’re working very hard with Syria to get him out,” Mr. Trump said. “We hope the Syrian government will do that. We are counting on them to do that. We’ve written a letter just recently.” It was not immediately clear what letter the president was referring to.“We’re working very hard with Syria to get him out,” Mr. Trump said. “We hope the Syrian government will do that. We are counting on them to do that. We’ve written a letter just recently.” It was not immediately clear what letter the president was referring to.
“At this very disturbing time for our nation and the world, it is more important than ever to get Austin safely home,” Mr. Tice’s family said in a statement.“At this very disturbing time for our nation and the world, it is more important than ever to get Austin safely home,” Mr. Tice’s family said in a statement.
The coronavirus pandemic has given the Trump administration new leverage in a longtime goal of freeing hostages and political prisoners across the world. Given their proximity in confinement, prisoners face a heightened risk to the deadly virus, which can be easily and quickly spread.The coronavirus pandemic has given the Trump administration new leverage in a longtime goal of freeing hostages and political prisoners across the world. Given their proximity in confinement, prisoners face a heightened risk to the deadly virus, which can be easily and quickly spread.
Earlier this week, Mr. Pompeo said U.S. diplomats had intensified demands for the release of Americans who were being held in Iran, which has one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks. Iran has furloughed about 85,000 prisoners to stem the spread of the virus. But until Mr. White’s release on Thursday, at least five Americans believed to be detained by Tehran were not among them.Earlier this week, Mr. Pompeo said U.S. diplomats had intensified demands for the release of Americans who were being held in Iran, which has one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks. Iran has furloughed about 85,000 prisoners to stem the spread of the virus. But until Mr. White’s release on Thursday, at least five Americans believed to be detained by Tehran were not among them.
“We’re aware of what Iran has been doing with some of the prisoners given the outbreak of the Wuhan virus there,” Mr. Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday at a State Department briefing, referring to the coronavirus. “We’re aware that they are thinking about whether to release them or not. Everyone should know that we’re working it.”“We’re aware of what Iran has been doing with some of the prisoners given the outbreak of the Wuhan virus there,” Mr. Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday at a State Department briefing, referring to the coronavirus. “We’re aware that they are thinking about whether to release them or not. Everyone should know that we’re working it.”
On Thursday, Mr. Pompeo again called for the freeing of the so-called Citgo 6 — five American citizens and one U.S. legal resident — from a prison in Venezuela. They have been detained since November 2017, when President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela moved to consolidate power in part by targeting a U.S. subsidiary of his country’s state-owned oil company.On Thursday, Mr. Pompeo again called for the freeing of the so-called Citgo 6 — five American citizens and one U.S. legal resident — from a prison in Venezuela. They have been detained since November 2017, when President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela moved to consolidate power in part by targeting a U.S. subsidiary of his country’s state-owned oil company.
Mr. Pompeo said the six men all have weakened immune systems and “face a grave health risk if they become infected.”Mr. Pompeo said the six men all have weakened immune systems and “face a grave health risk if they become infected.”
“With the Maduro regime now acknowledging that Covid-19 cases are appearing in Venezuela, we are extremely concerned about the risk,” Mr. Pompeo said in a statement.“With the Maduro regime now acknowledging that Covid-19 cases are appearing in Venezuela, we are extremely concerned about the risk,” Mr. Pompeo said in a statement.
A day earlier, the State Department’s special envoy to Afghan reconciliation invoked the coronavirus to pressure the Kabul government to release Taliban prisoners whose continued detention has halted U.S.-brokered peace talks.A day earlier, the State Department’s special envoy to Afghan reconciliation invoked the coronavirus to pressure the Kabul government to release Taliban prisoners whose continued detention has halted U.S.-brokered peace talks.
“Coronavirus makes prisoner releases urgent; time is of the essence,” the American envoy, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.“Coronavirus makes prisoner releases urgent; time is of the essence,” the American envoy, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
“The Taliban commit that released prisoners will abide by the commitments made in the peace agreement and not return to the battlefield. A violation will undermine the peace process­,” Mr. Khalilzad said. “The time has come to move forward on prisoner releases.”“The Taliban commit that released prisoners will abide by the commitments made in the peace agreement and not return to the battlefield. A violation will undermine the peace process­,” Mr. Khalilzad said. “The time has come to move forward on prisoner releases.”
Freeing American hostages and prisoners abroad is a high priority for Mr. Trump and his national security adviser, Robert C. O’Brien, who had previously been the government’s designated hostage negotiator.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Freeing American hostages and prisoners abroad is a high priority for Mr. Trump and his national security adviser, Robert C. O’Brien, who had previously been the government’s designated hostage negotiator.
In Beirut, Mr. Fakhoury’s rescue was the finale to weeks of U.S. government efforts to win his freedom after his arrest on Sept. 12, a day after he returned to Lebanon for the first time in 20 years.In Beirut, Mr. Fakhoury’s rescue was the finale to weeks of U.S. government efforts to win his freedom after his arrest on Sept. 12, a day after he returned to Lebanon for the first time in 20 years.
A widely reviled figure in Lebanon, Mr. Fakhoury, 56, is accused of collaborating with Israeli forces during their 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon. As a member of a Christian-dominated militia, he was charged with having overseen the torture of fellow Lebanese at a prison that remains notorious for its brutality.A widely reviled figure in Lebanon, Mr. Fakhoury, 56, is accused of collaborating with Israeli forces during their 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon. As a member of a Christian-dominated militia, he was charged with having overseen the torture of fellow Lebanese at a prison that remains notorious for its brutality.
Mr. Fakhoury, who has Stage 4 lymphoma, was released from jail earlier this week after a judge ruled that the statute of limitations to prosecute him had expired. But after an outcry from some Lebanese, a military judge quickly intervened to appeal the decision, complicating his planned departure from the country.Mr. Fakhoury, who has Stage 4 lymphoma, was released from jail earlier this week after a judge ruled that the statute of limitations to prosecute him had expired. But after an outcry from some Lebanese, a military judge quickly intervened to appeal the decision, complicating his planned departure from the country.
Mr. Fakhoury’s case drew the attention of senior United States senators, as well as coverage by a Fox News program watched regularly by Mr. Trump. Senior Trump administration diplomats pressured the Lebanese government, warning that the case risked rupturing its relationship with Washington, which sent the country more than $2.29 billion in military assistance between 2005 and 2019.Mr. Fakhoury’s case drew the attention of senior United States senators, as well as coverage by a Fox News program watched regularly by Mr. Trump. Senior Trump administration diplomats pressured the Lebanese government, warning that the case risked rupturing its relationship with Washington, which sent the country more than $2.29 billion in military assistance between 2005 and 2019.
Trump administration officials said they believed that Mr. Fakhoury’s arrest was directed by Hezbollah, which plays a major role in the country’s multisectarian government. The United States has recently applied intense pressure on Hezbollah as part of its campaign against Iran and its regional proxies; some Trump officials have proposed formally designating it a terrorist group.Trump administration officials said they believed that Mr. Fakhoury’s arrest was directed by Hezbollah, which plays a major role in the country’s multisectarian government. The United States has recently applied intense pressure on Hezbollah as part of its campaign against Iran and its regional proxies; some Trump officials have proposed formally designating it a terrorist group.
“Since Day 1 of arresting the criminal agent and killer Amer Fakhoury, American pressures and threats were made, secretly and openly, to force Lebanon to release him,” Hezbollah officials said in a statement after Mr. Fakhoury’s release. The group condemned what it called his “bloody and black history.”“Since Day 1 of arresting the criminal agent and killer Amer Fakhoury, American pressures and threats were made, secretly and openly, to force Lebanon to release him,” Hezbollah officials said in a statement after Mr. Fakhoury’s release. The group condemned what it called his “bloody and black history.”
“It is a sad day for Lebanon and justice,” the statement added.“It is a sad day for Lebanon and justice,” the statement added.
Hezbollah in Lebanon is also allied — and supported — by Iran. Mr. White was arrested two months after the Trump administration withdrew the United States from a deal brokered by world powers to limit Iran’s nuclear program, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.Hezbollah in Lebanon is also allied — and supported — by Iran. Mr. White was arrested two months after the Trump administration withdrew the United States from a deal brokered by world powers to limit Iran’s nuclear program, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Relatives said Mr. White had in recent days reported having a fever and a cough — two key symptoms of the coronavirus. His throat cancer appeared to have come out of remission in July.Relatives said Mr. White had in recent days reported having a fever and a cough — two key symptoms of the coronavirus. His throat cancer appeared to have come out of remission in July.
“We are grateful that the Iranian government took this interim humanitarian step,” said Jonathan Franks, a spokesman for Mr. White’s family. “We continue to urge them to release Michael unconditionally so that he can return to the United States to receive the advanced medical care he needs.”“We are grateful that the Iranian government took this interim humanitarian step,” said Jonathan Franks, a spokesman for Mr. White’s family. “We continue to urge them to release Michael unconditionally so that he can return to the United States to receive the advanced medical care he needs.”
Michael Crowley and Lara Jakes reported from Washington, and Vivian Yee from Beirut, Lebanon. Adam Goldman contributed reporting from Washington, and Rick Gladstone and Farnaz Fassihi from New York.Michael Crowley and Lara Jakes reported from Washington, and Vivian Yee from Beirut, Lebanon. Adam Goldman contributed reporting from Washington, and Rick Gladstone and Farnaz Fassihi from New York.