Informing, engaging & connecting the people of the world. FEBRUARY 6, 2020

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President Donald Trump basked in his impeachment victory on Thursday, waving a banner, all caps newspaper headline pronouncing him “ACQUITTED,” while he lashed out at his critics.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On February 6, 1778, France officially recognizes the United States as an independent nation when officials from both countries meet in Paris to sign two agreements: the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance . The treaties were the very first to be signed by the U.S. government.

Change is rapidly sweeping Saudi Arabia, with many younger people, especially women, embracing newfound freedoms. Others, however, think social reforms have come too quickly, and fear an erosion of public morals and widely held traditions.

VIDEO: The focus of the 2020 presidential election campaign has now moved on to the New Hampshire Democratic primary after confusion over the delayed results from the Iowa caucuses made it difficult for the leading presidential candidates to capitalize on any momentum. New Hampshire’s primary on Tuesday will be the second state contest for the contenders seeking their party’s presidential nomination, but as VOA reports, the race remains very unsettled.

There is increasing anxiety in Hong Kong over the coronavirus outbreak as citizens began camping outside shops overnight this week in the hope of buying surgical masks and other household necessities from rice to toilet rolls.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security adviser said Wednesday that China should join the United States in trilateral arms talks with Russia.