Hackers leak emails from UAE ambassador to US

Hackers have released the first series of emails taken from the inbox of the UAE's ambassador to the United States, Yousef al-Otaiba.

The Intercept reported on Saturday that the emails, released by a group called "Global Leaks", show a close relationship between al-Otaiba and a pro-Israel, neoconservative think-tank - the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).

The hacked emails, some of which date back to 2014, reveal a high level of backchannel cooperation between the FDD, which is funded by pro-Israel billionaire Sheldon Adelson, and the UAE.

They also appear to show clear collaboration between the FDD and the UAE on a campaign to downgrade the image and importance of Qatar as a regional and global power, including collusion with journalists who have published articles accusing Qatar and Kuwait of supporting "terrorism".

Zaid Jilani, one of the authors of The Intercept report, told Al Jazeera the emails support previous allegations "that there is a growing axis between some of the Gulf countries, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and Israel".

READ MORE: Hackers 'to leak' emails of UAE ambassador to US

David Hearst, the Editor in Chief of Middle East Eye, told Al Jazeera the emails laid bare the "mechanism" behind "a very high stakes campaign that is being launched against Qatar".

Otaiba is a well-known figure in US national security circles - he has been called "the most charming man in Washington" - and has participated in Pentagon strategy meetings at the invitation of defence officials.

The release of the leaked emails comes a week after a cyberattack on Qatar's official news agency, during which fake remarks critical of US foreign policy were posted and attributed to the Qatari Emir.

Saturday's email leak includes an exchange in which FDD senior counsellor John Hannah - a former deputy national security advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney - complains to Otaiba that Qatar is hosting a meeting of Hamas at an Emirati-owned hotel.

Otaiba responds that the UAE is not at fault and that the real problem lies with the US military base in Qatar.

He writes: "How's this, you move the base then we'll move the hotel :-)"

The leak also includes a proposed agenda for an upcoming meeting between the FDD and the UAE government scheduled for June 11-14.

The agenda includes in-depth discussions specifically on Qatar, including Qatar-based Al Jazeera, and its links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

One item on the agenda is: "Al Jazeera as an instrument of regional instability".

"They actually discussed recasting Al Jazeera as a disruptive network, a network that is causing instability and chaos, rather than recognised good journalism," The Intercept's Jilani told Al Jazeera.

Attendees set to take part in the June meeting include former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Mark Dubowitz, CEO of FDD.

Other FDD emails ask for meetings with high-ranking figures including Mohammed bin Zayed - the crown prince who runs the UAE's armed forces - as well as Mohammed Dahlan, a former strongman of the Palestinian Fatah group who now lives in Abu Dhabi.

A large portion of the emails focus on "U.S./UAE policies to positively impact Iranian internal situation" and to "contain and defeat Iranian aggression".

Another email in the leak shows the FDD and the UAE looking to pressure businesses to pull out of Iran.

In early March, Dubowitz emailed Otaiba a list of non-US businesses operating in Saudi Arabia or the UAE "looking to invest in Iran".

"This is a target list for putting these companies to a choice, as we have discussed," Dubowitz wrote.

Hearst, of the Middle East Eye, told Al Jazeera he believed the leaked emails showed a clear "agenda" by ruling figures in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.

They have "seized" on Donald Trump's presidency in the US, "and now they're using him as a way of getting the job done, which includes getting rid of Al Jazeera... and also muffling Qatar".

London attacks: Mayor Sadiq Khan dismisses Trump criticism

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has dismissed criticism from US President Donald Trump over his response to Saturday's terror attack.

The attack in London Bridge and Borough Market killed seven and injured 48.

Mr Trump accused Mr Khan of downplaying the attack by telling Londoners there was "no reason to be alarmed".

Mr Khan's team said he had "more important things to do than respond to Mr Trump", who had "deliberately" taken his remarks "out of context".

"The Mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to co-ordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city," Mr Khan's spokesperson added.

On Saturday night, following the attack, Mr Trump tweeted a message of support to the UK, but also sparked controversy after he called for his travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries to be upheld by US courts.

On Sunday, he criticised Mr Khan, writing: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"

His tweet angered many in the UK, who pointed out Mr Khan had been referring to increased police numbers on the streets.

During an interview earlier on Sunday, Mr Khan had said: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed."

Mr Khan had also said: "One of the things the police and all of us need to do is ensure that we're as safe as we possibly can be.

"I'm reassured that we are one of the safest global cities in the world, if not the safest global city in the world, but we always evolve and review ways to make sure we're as safe as we possibly can."

Following the attack, Mr Trump also tweeted that "we must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people", and that there was no gun debate after the attack "because they used knives and a truck".

Later on Sunday, Mr Trump visited the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia for the second time over the weekend.

Mr Trump and Mr Khan have clashed several times in the past.

During the US presidential campaign last year, Mr Trump first proposed the ban on Muslims entering the US, but suggested he could make an exception for Mr Khan, who is London's first Muslim mayor.

Mr Khan also accused Mr Trump of being "ignorant" about Islam and making both the US and UK "less safe".

Mr Trump responded by challenging Mr Khan to an IQ test, and said he was offended by Mr Khan, adding: "He doesn't know me, never met me... I will remember those statements."

Mr Khan rejected the offer, saying: "It's not about me, it's about my friends, family and others from all around the world."

London Bridge victims 'stabbed in the throat' by attackers

Names of the 48 people injured in the London Bridge terror attack have begun to emerge, with foreign citizens among those hurt

Oliver Dowling, from New Zealand, was left in a coma after he was stabbed in the face, neck and stomach on Saturday night.

The 32-year-old is said to have undergone four hours of surgery for his injuries - and his girlfriend Marie Bondeville was also hurt.

:: LIVE - Police raids after London attack

Image:Oliver Dowling and Marie Bondeville. Pic: Facebook

Two Australians are also feared to have been injured - including Candice Hedge, who needed an emergency operation after being stabbed in the throat as she ate dinner with her boyfriend.

Ms Hedge, who is originally from Brisbane but now lives in London, is believed to have survived because the knife missed her main artery.

The 31-year-old, who is being treated at St Thomas' Hospital, posted on Facebook: "I'm doing OK. Still in hospital, but all in the clear. I really can't talk. The f----- stabbed me in the neck. Don't worry too much. I love you all."

Her mother told Fairfax Media: "She couldn't speak, but I got to see her and she gave me the thumbs up, so I knew she was ok."

:: NHS says 21 people in critical condition

Image:Candice Hedge. Pic: Facebook

Sunday Express business editor Geoff Ho was also slashed in the throat after stepping in to help a lone bouncer being targeted by the attackers.

Videos emerged online of Mr Ho being escorted topless by police after "jumping in" when the guard was attacked.

"Don't know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight," he posted on Facebook moments after the incident.

"But two a******** trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn't happening on my watch."

:: 'Hero' tried to distract attackers from victim

Image:Geoff Ho. Pic: Facebook

The Sunday Express called Mr Ho "our hero" - telling the tale of how the "martial arts expert selflessly intervened".

Editor Martin Townsend said: "Geoff Ho is an absolutely first class reporter and a fine and decent man and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time."

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" as he confirmed that one Canadian citizen is among those who died in the attack.

France's foreign minister also confirmed that a French man was killed - and of the seven French citizens who are injured, four are in a critical condition.

President Emmanuel Macron has denounced the "abominable and cowardly" attack.

:: The moment police took down terrorists

Spain's foreign ministry says that one Spaniard is among the wounded, and said the victims was being treated for wounds described as not serious.

Four police officers who tried to stop the attack were among those injured - including a policeman who tackled one of the terrorists while armed only with his baton.

Of the 48 people injured, 36 remain in hospital - and 21 of them are in a critical condition.

:: Anyone concerned about friends or relatives who may have been caught up in the attacks can call the police casualty bureau on 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197.

London terror attack: Panic as families evacuated by police

On the floor of a packed pub, parents were wondering how their early night in a nearby Premier Inn ended up like this.

"We were just settling down after Britain's Got Talent and we heard the fire alarm," said Paul Cochran, who had brought his wife and young twins from Ireland to see the sights of London.

"Once we got downstairs, it was clear from the amount of police that it wasn't a fire and we were just ushered out of the building and into the street."

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The Royal Oak Pub opened their doors to the families whose hotel was inside the police cordon as Saturday night's tragedy unfolded.

David Dickson was having dinner in Borough market when a woman ran in to the restaurant shouting that she'd seen a man with a machete. "It was panic. We all tried to get out of there and we didn't know where was safe".

The safety and warmth of the pub prompted young children - past their bedtimes - to fall asleep in their confused parents' arms.

It was more than an hour before Premier Inn workers in hi-vis jackets arrived in cars to take the most vulnerable to another nearby hotel. One man had a heart murmur and another was cradling an ice pack on his hand.

:: Witnesses tell of gunfire and stabbings

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The rest of the evacuees were led out on foot, but as families woke up their sleeping loved ones, no-one was sure how far they'd be going.

The police cordon of blue-and-white tape had stretched from the edge of the adjacent road around almost every conceivable way out of the area.

One man I spoke to lived just inside the cordon - as he tried to get back to his flat, pedestrians looking for answers were being forcibly removed if they didn't comply with the constant shouts of officers ordering people back.

The police went from door-to-door at blocks of flats, urging people who had made it back to stay inside and to lock their doors.

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It made getting out of the area an incredible task for even those familiar with London Bridge and Borough's winding backstreets.

People were asking for directions to places across the capital, proving how popular a destination the area is.

After walking for two hours, with policemen escorting us away when we arrived at another of police cordon, our zigzag journey ended at the Sky News satellite truck as the sun came up.

There is more tape, decorated with red stripes labelled 'inner cordon' and the streets are emptied of the Saturday night revellers.

The sirens and flashing lights are joined by the last of the minicabs ferrying people home. But for the families shuttled from hotel bedroom to pub floor and on to another venue, their sleepless night continues.

:: Anyone concerned about friends or relatives who may have been caught up in the attacks can call the police casualty bureau on 0800 096 1233 or 020 7158 0197.

One Love Manchester: Stars to sing 'with greater purpose' after London attack

Ariana Grande's Manchester concert will go ahead "loudly" and "with greater purpose" after Saturday's terror attack in London.

In a statement released on Sunday, Grande and Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun said the tribute concert will be to "honour those lost" in both the Manchester and London's attack.

"After the events last night in London, and those in Manchester just two weeks ago, we feel a sense of responsibility to honour those lost, injured, and affected," he said.

"We plan to honour them with courage, bravery, and defiance in the face of fear," he added.

"Today's One Love Manchester benefit concert will not only continue, but will do so with greater purpose."

Sunday night's show will raise money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, and will feature A-list acts such as Coldplay, Katy Perry, Usher, Take That and Miley Cyrus.

"We must not be afraid and in tribute to all those affected here and around the world, we will bring our voices together and sing loudly," Braun said.

Image:The tribute show will also feature British band Coldplay

The manager said artists "have the full support of Greater Manchester Police and the government and are assured the safety of all those attending is the highest priority".

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Garry Shewan also issued a statement following Saturday's attack, which left 7 dead and many injured.

"We're deeply saddened to hear about last night's horrific attacks in London and our thoughts are with everyone affected," he said.

"There are two large-scale events taking place in Greater Manchester today and we would like to assure people that these will still take place, but with additional security in place to ensure the safety of everyone," he added.

Shewan guaranteed fans will see "a significant number of officers from both GMP and colleagues from other forces, some of which will be armed".

There will also be "additional security checks taking place and everyone will be searched".

Greater Manchester Police is asking attendees "not to bring bags if they can", in order to speed up entry.

Grande was one of many stars tweeting messages of support for victims of the London attack, writing: "Praying for London".

Supermodel Cara Delevingne also wrote a statement, reminding Londonders to "stay safe" and "not let this break us".

The attack came less than two weeks after the harrowing attack at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on 22 May, which saw 22 people killed and 116 injured.

UN extends North Korea sanctions in 'clear message' to Pyongyang

The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to expand sanctions against North Korea to include 14 more people and four organisations.

The US-drafted resolution has imposed a global travel ban and asset freeze on those added to the blacklist, which previously contained 39 individuals and 42 North Korean entities.

Among the new names targeted are the Koryo Bank and Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army, as well as the head of Pyongyang's overseas spying operations.

It was the first time since President Donald Trump took office that America and China - Pyongyang's only major ally - agreed to adopt such a resolution.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the council was sending a "clear message to North Korea today - stop firing ballistic missiles or face the consequences".

Image:North Korea fired a 'scud missile' into Sea of Japan

While she said the US would "continue to seek a peaceful, diplomatic resolution", she made clear they were "prepared to counteract North Korean aggression through other means, if necessary".

The public vote has been seen as a clear message to Pyongyang that the council is unhappy with their repeated defiance of the UN ban on ballistic missile launches.

Pyongyang has carried out 12 ballistic missile tests this year, as it attempts to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

As tensions have increased between Pyongyang and Washington, the US has been pressing China to rein in Kim Jong Un's nuclear programme.

Previously it was thought that China would only consider new sanctions on Pyongyang if North Korea conducted a long-range missile launch or another nuclear test.

US defence secretary James Mattis said the US was encouraged by China's efforts to restrain North Korea, and that the threat from North Korea was "clear and present".

Image:The USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan take part in the exercises

The Chinese ambassador described the situation as "complex and sensitive" but said there was "a critical window of opportunity" to seek a resolution.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has voiced support for the unanimous UN decision and called on North Korea to refrain from repeated nuclear tests and missile launches.

The Japanese defence minister said the threat had "entered a new stage" and urged the North to "abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs" and "cease its provocative actions".

Last week, North Korea fired what appeared to have been a short-range Scud missile off its east coast, with the rocket flying about 280 miles into the Sea of Japan.

Four days later, the US and Japan staged military training exercises in the Sea of Japan - the first exercise of its kind in 20 years.

Cybercrime agreement to be signed by global leaders

Global leaders are preparing to agree how police access digital evidence which may physically be located in another jurisdiction.

The amendment to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime will allow signature states' police forces to receive digital evidence in criminal investigations in a timely manner - something those forces complain is currently a major problem.

Since the opening of the convention in 2001, the importance of internet media to criminal investigations has grown significantly.

While data can traverse borders effortlessly over the internet, police have complained about struggling to follow it due to conflicting laws about whether they can access data which may physically reside in data centres outside of their jurisdiction.

The head of the Council of Europe's cybercrime division, which led the development of the treaty, Alexander Seger spoke to Sky News to explain the need for the protocol.

He said: "The problem is, when you're looking for evidence on a computer system, that evidence could be held on a single server in another country, or it could move between servers, or the data itself could be fragmented and held in different jurisdictions."

This makes it very difficult for the police to address a single judicial authority with the legal ability to demand that this evidence be handed over.

Mr Seger also said: "Let's assume that law enforcement in the UK arrests a drug trafficker in London, and at the time of the arrest, the suspect's smartphone is open - can you access that data?

"Assume they use Gmail, can you access that, or any of their cloud accounts, or are you intruding on the territory of another party? Are you seizing data in another territory?"

"This isn't clear, and while some law enforcement agencies will do this, others have received judicial criticism for it," said Mr Seger, and police do not want to risk evidence being found to be inadmissible in court.

At the moment, when police forces around the globe need to work with those in another jurisdiction, they use Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, or MLATs.

However, the MLAT process, which allows evidence and information in criminal investigations to be shared, has been criticised for being extremely slow.

Mr Seger said that even something as simple as receiving subscriber data - finding out which individual was using a particular communication service - was difficult when it should be routine.

The protocol to the Budapest Convention would specifically address subscriber information and allow police to pursue suspects with more haste.

"We (also) need emergency procedures for full access to data in the face of threat to life," Mr Seger added.

At the time of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in France, the French authorities were able to access information on the suspects from the Americans very quickly, as the US has adequate emergency procedures in place, he said.

"Only the US has these in law," he went on.