Kate Burrows-Jones, Worldmedia North America Editor
The United States Treasury Department today leveled a New Set of Sanctions against Iran in response to to the Islamic Republic’s new medium-range ballistic missile testing. 
The American Administration says there is no impact on the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA.
Westminster- Adel Darwish
HM government published an official policy document setting out its Brexit plans; known as “ The White Paper” which opposition MPs and the remainers have been urging The Prime Minister to do.
The White Paper, a 77 page document in dark grey rectangle on the front page, lays out the government’s 12 “principles” , previously spelt out by Mrs May in her Lancaster House Speech last month, including migration control and “taking control of our own laws”.
The paper presented by David Davis MP, The Secretary responsible for leaving the European Union who said the country’s “best days are still to come”, outside the EU.
The Opposition labour party Labour criticised the White papeer as “says nothing” and had been produced too late for “meaningful” scrutiny.
The White Paper, officially known as “ The Uniteds Kingom’s Exit from, and new partnership with, the European Union White Paper” sets out the themes of the government’s objectives to reach by negotiations with the EU.
A petition signed by over one million, among whom 800,000 are British, will require MPs to discuss whether US President Donald Trump should be banned from a state visit. Any petition presented to parliament with over 100,000 signatures is automatically debated by MPs. The anti-Trump petition will be debated on Thursday, February 20th at Westminster Hall not in the main Commons Chamber. The MPs will also debate another petition, signed by half a million people and put up on Monday night, welcoming Mr Trump to the UK. The outcome of the debate only carries moral weight but has no effect on Government policy. A Sky News poll said 49% of Britons believe Trump should stay home.
by Kate Burrows-Jones; World Media North America Editor
As first dates go, the first formal get-together between British Prime Minister Theresa May and newly elected US President Donald Trump wasn’t bad. But if Ms. May is to turn this into Thatcher-Reagan redux, and partner with Mr. Trump to produce the legacy-defining accomplishments for her premiership that she seeks, she may need a little dating advice.
By Kate Burrows-Jones, World Media North America Editor
Fake news indeed. There is no Executive order banning Muslims. President Donald Trump’s, perhaps ill-founded, ill-fated 90 day ban is based on President Barack Obama’s restrictions on Seven nations. Nobody cared when he did it, so was it a Muslim ban then? The law was written to address security concerns after the Paris Attacks, passing with overwhelming agreement. Voting was bipartisan, it passed the House 407-19. What Trump did was apply a sharp force, a halt on movement, and cruelly with no notice to let people prepare. Let the people decide if it is wrong, but to call it “Muslim” in nature, is also wrong without reading the full executive order.
Kate Burrows-Jones, North America Editor .
Distinguished as the first world leader to make an official visit to the new American president, Prime Minister Theresa May stood out as something else, 
an articulate and persuasive, Twenty First Century Iron Lady. She reminded her Republican audience of the best of Britain and America’s grand mutual historic past through world war and cold war, “It is the relationship between us that has defined the modern world.” She touched down on the common ground of British conservatism and Republican ideals of liberty, representative government, the dignity of work, the principle of nationhood, fiscal responsibility.
Although most Members of parliament MPs who ( I’d say 90%) asking for a government white paper are a die-hard remainers/remoaners who’s aim is to delay and frustrate plans to trigger Article 50 hoping for a second referendum a handful are genuine in holding gov to account. But parties are standing in different position on the issue, only one Tory MP is with remain for example on triggering the article by end of March as the Prime Minister stated.
In reaction to the Supreme Court Ruling which went against the government, the latter is preparing a bill before parliament within days as secretary of State for Leaving the European Union David Dvis MP told the commons yesterday in a heated debate that helped flush out those who want reverse the result of the EU referendum.
During today’s Prime Minster’s questions the leaders of the opposition and one Tory 
backbenchers repeated the demand for a White paper. The white paper will be more or less the PM Lancaster House announced plan. This speech, unlike a ministerial statement, or a green/white paper, didn’t give MPs the chance to have a debate, the kind of ” dancing on a pinhead” pedantically structured arguments, duel of wits on the floor of the house etc. A white-paper will give this self-indulging chance. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with the different types of command papers, read the details below on the difference between Green and White paper:
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By Kate Burrows-Jones North America Editor
British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with President Donald Trump in the US on Friday. Trade is set to be at the top of their agenda, as his spokesman, Sean Spicer, said in a press briefing on Monday, adding that the American leader was looking forward to a positive and warm meeting. “We always had a close and special relationship, but we can also be closer,” the White House Press Secretary told reporters. The Prime Minister will be the first world leader to meet with the US President indicating a resounding reinforcement of the special bond between the US and UK. The Prime Minister is expected to talk about free trade and NATO.
By Kate Burrows-Jones, North America Editor
Sworn into office, the keys to power transferred, former President Obama thanked and 
acknowledged for a ‘magnificent’ transition, President Donald J. Trump brandished a rhetorical cane and set about delivering a verbal spanking to the Washington, DC establishment — much of which was arrayed on the stage behind him, including four of the five living former presidents.
The United States is in an unusual position having so many living former presidents that the booming smack was louder than it might have been. Powerful presidents and leaders who shaped generations sat behind him. President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush (President George H W Bush was ill and could not attend) Their expressions could not be held back for all the years of practice and became a news topic. Michelle Obama’s shocked look was most prominent.
Adel Darwish
Talks due to start 23 January in the Kazan capital Astana between Syrian government and many opposition, armed and civilian groups, and their backers in a settlement process sponsored by Russia and participation of Turkey, Iran and possible Gulf Arab states raising hopes to end to a five year blood civil war; but there are several dangerous mines on the road The talks were part of a comprehensive plan started with a Russian Turkish imposed ceasefire on December 30.