
The wetland wonder on the edge of the desert
CNN
On the northeastern fringe of Qatar's vast sandy deserts, a delicate mangrove ecosystem provides sanctuary for rare plant and animal species and an outdoors adventure on water for visitors.
Al Thakira, Qatar (CNN) — On the northeastern edge of the vast Qatari desert, rocky and beige flatlands give way to a large stretch of rich vegetation and snaking waterways. Along the tidal estuary, pencil-like roots poke out of the muddy ground to provide oxygen to the dense shrubs as countless crabs zip in and out of protruding burrows. Al Thakira's mangrove reserves are among the Gulf's country's most treasured natural sites -- and one of the most popular destinations for urban residents looking to unwind from city life, as well as for tourists seeking a green respite.
Federal investigators normally tasked with uncovering narcotic and financial crimes were told to prioritize the arrest of a university student with no criminal record, and not tell her that her visa was revoked, a Homeland Security Investigation agent testified Tuesday, a marked shift for the agency under President Donald Trump.

It remains to be seen just how lasting and severe President Donald Trump’s turn against Vladimir Putin will be. Trump has criticized the Russian president in unprecedented terms in recent days and signaled he’ll send vital weapons to Ukraine. But he’s also given Putin plenty more time – 50 days – before really dropping the hammer with economic punishment.

Half of Americans say they are dissatisfied with the amount of information the federal government has released about the Jeffrey Epstein case, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS in the days after the Justice Department released a memo saying there is no evidence the convicted sex offender kept a so-called client list or was murdered.

As President Donald Trump hardens his position toward Moscow and seeks new ways to bring the conflict to an end, he is leaving open the prospect of allowing shipments of longer-range missiles to the country that would allow it to strike deeper into Russia, according to officials familiar with the matter.