USA WITHDRAWS FROM UNESCO:

The Trump administration announced on Thurs.12 Oct. 2017 that the USA will withdraw from UNESCO, the UN's educational, scientific and cultural body. The Paris-based body is known for designating World Heritage sites like the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria and Grand Canyon National Park, but it has struggled for relevance as it becomes increasingly hobbled by regional rivalries and a lack of money. A fight over who will next run the organization highlighted the Trump administration's concerns: one leading candidate, Qatar’s Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, has been openly accused of anti-Semitism by Jewish and Israeli groups. "This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects USA concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO," the State Department said. "I wish to express profound regret at the decision of the United States of America to withdraw from UNESCO," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, in response to the USA decision. "Universality is critical to UNESCO’s mission to strengthen international peace and security in the face of hatred and violence, to defend human rights and dignity." Bokova did not address Israel or anti-Semitism - part of the reason for the American exit from the organization. In recent months, UNESCO members have pushed the body to recognize Jerusalem as a holy site exclusive to Muslims, without recognizing its Jewish roots. Trump administration officials such as Nikki Haley, its UN ambassador, have warned for weeks that pulling out would be a possibility if the body fails to reform. (Reuters)