Fireworks Instead of Mortar Shells: Syrian Christians Flood the Streets in Spiritual Unity of Christmas Celebrations
Mark Taliano | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Mainstream media perpetrates huge deceptions and promulgates criminal war propaganda as policy. Often the omission is worse than the direct lie. Regularly, mainstream messaging omits context and ROOT CAUSES of events that it claims to be describing. The root cause …
globalresearch.ca/fireworks-instead-mort…
Brazil: Comedians Attacked by Militia After Film on 'Gay Jesus'
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Brazil's far-right militia "Command of the People's Nationalist Insurgency" launched Molotov cocktails to the headquarters of the comedy group Porta dos Fundos in Rio de Janeiro on Christmas Eve, an action which represents a retaliation to a Netflix film depicting Jesus as gay. | RELATED: | UN Accuses Brazil's Bolsonaro of Violating Anti-Torture Pact | "The Command of the People's Nationalist Insurgency attacked the headquarters of Porta dos Fundos‚Äã‚Äã…
telesurenglish.net/news/Brazil-Comedians…
Americans are Ready for a Different Approach to Nuclear Weapons
Lawrence Wittner | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
Although today's public protests against nuclear weapons can't compare to the major antinuclear upheavals of past decades, there are clear indications that most Americans reject the Trump administration's nuclear weapons policies. Since entering office in 2017, the Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the nuclear agreement with Iran, scrapped the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, and…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/americans-ar…
WaPo's Afghan Papers Propagate Colonial Narrative of Noble Intentions Gone Awry
Joshua Cho | fair.org | 2019-12-26
by Joshua Cho Washington Post ( 12/9/19) | In an earlier article (FAIR.org, 12/18/19) regarding the Washington Post's Afghanistan Papers ( 12/9/19), I discussed how…
fair.org/home/wapos-afghan-papers-propag…
The Afghanistan Papers Are a Case Study in Colonial Propaganda
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-12-26
In an earlier article (FAIR.org, 12/18/19) regarding the Washington Post's Afghanistan Papers ( 12/9/19), I discussed how…
truthdig.com/articles/the-afghanistan-pa…
Colombia: Farmer Leader Shot to Death in Front of His Family
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The National Association of Farmer Users (ANUC) activist Reinaldo Carrillo was killed at dawn on Wednesday by hitmen who entered his house and shot him in front of his family in Pitalito town, Department of Huila, Colombia. | RELATED: | Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated | "We reject the murder of Reinaldo Carrillo. He was a member of a group of people which expected the government to grant them the ownership title of a vacant land called La Conaca," sai…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Farmer-…
Global War on Humanity: America's Unceasing Pursuit of Hegemony
Prof Michel Chossudovsky | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Essentially what we're looking at is a broader historical perspective on how the US de facto supported Nazi Germany with a view to destroying the Soviet Union as well as weakening the British Empire and competing empires including of course France, Belgium, Holland, etc. And those countries today are no longer colonial powers.
globalresearch.ca/global-war-on-humanity…
Sanders Polling Surge Forces Democratic Establishment to Take Him Seriously
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
Sen. Bernie Sanders' recent surge in national and early-state polls, enthusiastic progressive base, and resilience in the aftermath of his heart attack have reportedly forced some within the Democratic establishment who were previously dismissive of the Vermont senator to concede — both in private and in public — that he could ultimately run away with the party's presidentia…
truthout.org/articles/sanders-polling-su…
Mexico Reiterates Demand that Bolivia End Siege on Embassy
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The Mexican government, under the leadership of Andrés López Obrador (AMLO), reiterated its complaint about the " harassment " and "intimidation" of its embassy staf at the official mission's residence in La Paz, Bolivia. Since the coup d'etat in Bolivia, at least nine people have taken refuge at the embassy in La, Paz. | RELATED: | Mexico Under Alert for Popocatépetl Volcano Eruption | In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the "intimidation" by Bolivian…
telesurenglish.net/news/Mexico-Reiterate…
Argentina: Evo Morales to Join the Plaza de Mayo Mothers' March
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Bolivia's President in exile Evo Morales will join the traditional march that the Plaza de Mayo Mothers perform every Thursday to remember those who were disappeared, tortured and killed by the military dictatorship (1976-1983) in Argentina. | RELATED: | Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo Identify 130th Missing Grandchild | This will be the 2,176th march t…
telesurenglish.net/news/Argentina-Evo-Mo…
Chile: 245 Houses Destroyed by Forest Fires
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The number of houses burned down in the high zone of Valparaiso, Chile totaled 245 on Thursday. | RELATED: | Chile: Massive Forest Fire Hits Valparaiso, 80 Homes Affected | Valparaiso Governor Jorge Martinez noted that more than 1,000 people were victims of the fire, and the final results of the disaster will be disclosed on Sunday. | The official explained that the fire has not yet been controlled, although it no longer prese…
telesurenglish.net/news/Chile-245-Houses…
Year in Climate Crisis: Fossil Fuels Expansion, Scary Science and Global Activism
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-26
The Real News Network's Steve Horn and Dimitri Lascaris talk about the 2019's biggest climate stories.
therealnews.com/stories/year-in-climate-…
The Key to Solving the Climate Crisis Is Beneath Our Feet
Ellen Brown | truthdig.com | 2019-12-26
The Green New Deal resolution that was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives in February hit a wall in the Senate, where it was called unrealistic and unaffordable. In a Washington Post article titled " The Green New Deal Sets Us Up for Failure. We Need a Better Approach," former Colorado governor and Democratic presidential candidate John…
truthdig.com/articles/the-key-to-solving…
Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The Colombian attorney general, Fernando Carrillo, urged the government of Colombia led by Iván Duque to stop the systematic murder of social leaders in that country. | RELATED: | Colombia: Farmers Leader Shot to Deat in Front of His Family | The official urged the Government, through his Twitter account, to convene the National Security Guarantees Commission "immediately and ensure its operation." | He added that the threat against social leaders in Colombia "is latent and must…
telesurenglish.net/news/colombian-attorn…
Michael Moore: Republicans Who Oppose Impeachment Are "Dying Dinosaurs," But Trump Could Win in 2020
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-26
As the Senate attempts to set rules for President Trump's impeachment trial, at least one Republican is expressing concern about the proceedings. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said in an interview Tuesday that she was disturbed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's promise of "total coordination" with the White House. Murkowski's comments mark a rare instance of dissent for the Republican Party, which has been unified behind President Trump until now. McConnell needs 51 votes to set the rules for the hearing. Republicans have a thin majority of 53 seats in the Senate. Last week, Oscar-winning…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/26/michael_…
Impeachment Is a Distraction: Heavily Scripted Vote Demonstrates that Democracy Really Is Dead
Philip Giraldi | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Watching the impeachment "vote" was hard work. With only a few exceptions, each Congressman rose for roughly 90 seconds and provided a prearranged, almost completely scripted-along-party-lines explanation of how he or she was casting one's ballot. After four grueling hours …
globalresearch.ca/impeachment-distractio…
Michael Moore on Republicans Opposing Impeachment, Possible Trump 2020 Win
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
As the Senate attempts to set rules for President Trump's impeachment trial, at least one Republican is expressing concern about the proceedings. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said in an interview Tuesday that she was disturbed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's promise of "total coordination" with the White House. Murkowski's comments mark a rare instance of dissent for the Republican Party, which has been unified behind President Trump until now. McConnell needs 51 votes to…
truthout.org/video/michael-moore-on-repu…
China, Russia, Iran Hold Drills at The 'Maritime Safety Belt'
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Starting on Friday, China, Iran and Russia will conduct joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, amid heightened tensions between the United States and the Persian nation. | RELATED: | China Accuses US of Interfering in Internal Affairs | China will send its guided-missile destroyer Xining to the drills, which will last until Monday, the Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian announced and added that the exercises are part of normal military cooperation that is online w…
telesurenglish.net/news/China-Russia-Ira…
Trump Warns Syria, Russia, Iran Over Idlib Campaign
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
U.S. President Donald Trump took a shot at the governments of Syria, Iran, and Russia on Thursday, warning them against renewing their assault on the Idlib province. | RELATED: | Syria: Trump Administration Builds Military Base in Oil Field | Trump, who praised Turkey in the tweet, was relatively silent during Ankara's "Operation Peace Spring" in northeastern Syria, despite the fact it displaced thousands and killed and wounded many civilians. | "Russia, Syria, and Iran are kill…
telesurenglish.net/news/Trump-Warns-Syri…
Iraq President Offers to Quit After Rejecting PM Nominee
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-12-26
BAGHDAD — Iraq's president refused on Thursday to designate a prime minister candidate nominated by the Iran-backed parliamentary bloc and offered to resign, plunging the country into further political uncertainty amid nearly three months of unprecedented mass protests. | President Barham Salih said in a statement issued by his office that he would not name the governor of the southern Basra province, Asaad al-Eidani, as the country's next prime minister "to avoid more bloodshed and in order to safeguard civil peace." | Al-Eidani's name was proposed on Wednesday by the Fatah bloc, which includes leaders ass…
truthdig.com/articles/iraq-president-off…
Israel Preparing for War on Iran?
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Israel's longtime goal is unchallenged Middle East dominance partnered with Washington. | Achieving it depends on transforming independent regional nations into US/Israeli vassal states by war or other hostile means, Iran most of all. | Along with Turkey, it's the only regional …
globalresearch.ca/israel-preparing-war-i…
A Feminist Alternative to Trump's Chest-Pounding on Iran
Kristin Henderson | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
President Trump's foreign policy has led the U.S. on a perilous course with Iran, resulting in a dangerous moment for U.S.-Iran relations. Yet rather than threatening obliteration — or sympathizing with Iranian protesters only when it is politically expedient — the U.S. should pursue a civilian focused, diplomatic strategy informed by feminist foreign policy principles…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/a-feminist-a…
A Feminist Alternative to Trump's Chest-Pounding on Iran
Kristin Henderson | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
President Trump's foreign policy has led the U.S. on a perilous course with Iran, resulting in a dangerous moment for U.S.-Iran relations. Yet rather than threatening obliteration — or sympathizing with Iranian protesters only when it is politically expedient — the U.S. should pursue a civilian focused, diplomatic strategy informed by feminist foreign policy principles…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/a-feminist-a…
'Blinding the Truth': Israeli Snipers Target Gaza Protesters in the Eyes
The New Arab | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Media coverage and social media posts went wild when Palestinian photojournalist Muath Amarneh was blinded in his left eye after he was hit by a rubber bullet while covering a protest in the West Bank. | However, Amarneh was far from …
globalresearch.ca/blinding-truth-israeli…
Trump's EPA Goes to Bat for Bayer as Company Fights $25 Million Verdict in Roundup Cancer Case
Andrea Germanos | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
President Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency–already accused of being "pesticide cheerleader"–threw its weight behind chemical company Bayer AG on Friday when the agency asked a federal appeals court to reverse a lower court's ruling in favor of a man …
globalresearch.ca/trump-epa-goes-bat-bay…
Erdogan's Adventurism in Syria and Libya Has Left Turkey Weaker and Isolated
Paul Antonopoulos | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Still featured on the Turkish Ministry of Affairs website is the "Zero Problems With Our Neighbors" policy that was launched in 2010 with the aim of diffusing Turkey's many issues with all of its neighbors. However, less than a year …
globalresearch.ca/erdogan-adventurism-sy…
All the Political Revolts America Ignored in 2019
Juan Cole | truthdig.com | 2019-12-26
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In 2019, the Middle East was shaken by a new round of street revolts. As the year began, Abdelaziz Bouteflika had announced a fifth run for the presidency of Algeria. Then the peaceful "revolution of Smiles" broke out and by April he had resigned. A small elite has for decades monopolized Algeria's oil resources and has rewarded its supporters while marginalizing everyone else. On December 12, Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected president, amid continued massive demonstrations in major cities and a protester boycott of the election itself. The crowds are clearly unconvinced that switching ou…
truthdig.com/articles/all-the-political-…
A Brief Introduction to Tibet
Larry Romanoff | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Westerners appear to have a willful blindness about Tibet, with strong opinions often held by those who haven't been there. The Western media have imposed on our imaginations an image of a fabled theocracy where a reincarnated god rules over a peaceful people spinning prayer wheels in a pastoral idyll.
globalresearch.ca/brief-introduction-tib…
Nord Stream 2, US Sanctions and Trump's "Economic Suicide"?
Peter Koenig | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Does Mr. Trump really not grasp that his sanctions left and right — and now on the Russian-German gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 — is committing economic suicide, not for himself, of course, but for the United States? He attempts …
globalresearch.ca/nord-stream-2-us-sanct…
What the NYT Doesn't Understand About Russia's Economy Under Putin
Dean Baker | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
That is the inevitable conclusion for readers of a NYT article on Putin and Russia that had the headline, "Russia is a mess. Why is Putin such a formidable enemy." While the article notes the recent economic stagnation in Russia, it misses the extraordinary turnaround that took place under Putin. According to I.M.F. data, Russia's…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/what-the-nyt…
After Democrats Push Bill to Send Fracked Gas to EU, Trump Includes in Budget
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-26
The European Energy Security and Diversification Act, legislation offering $1B to promote sending U.S. fracked gas to EU countries, was inserted into the federal budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. Democrats invoked "Russiagate" in their PR push for the bill.
therealnews.com/stories/after-democrats-…
The Trump-Biden and the Russia-Ukraine Saga: The Game is About Eurasia
Padraig McGrath | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
On December 23rd, the Washington Post ran a piece exploring the possible motivations behind US president Donald Trump's decision to pause US military aid to Ukraine on July 12th last year. On September 28th 2018 and February 16th respectively, …
globalresearch.ca/trump-biden-russia-ukr…
Who Is Winning the Arms Race? Russia's "Super-Weapons"
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Russia's defense budget is a small fraction of what the US spends for militarism and warmaking. Yet Russia's super-weapons exceed the best in the West because of efficient and effective use of its resources. | Meeting with Russia's Defense Ministry Board …
globalresearch.ca/russia-world-dominant-…
You Say You Want a (Russian) Revolution?
Pepe Escobar | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Once in a blue moon an indispensable book comes out making a clear case for sanity in what is now a post-MAD world. That's the responsibility carried by " The (Real) Revolution in Military Affairs," by Andrei Martyanov (Clarity …
globalresearch.ca/you-say-you-want-russi…
Boris Johnson Has Changed His Mind on 'Reset' with Russia
Johanna Ross | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Recently Boris Johnson was quoted as saying he had 'changed his mind' on whether there could be a 'reset' in relations between Britain and Russia. Interviewed when on a visit to Estonia, he said that despite remaining an optimist and …
globalresearch.ca/boris-johnson-changed-…
What the NYT Doesn't Understand About Russia's Economy Under Putin
Dean Baker | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
That is the inevitable conclusion for readers of a NYT article on Putin and Russia that had the headline, "Russia is a mess. Why is Putin such a formidable enemy." While the article notes the recent economic stagnation in Russia, it misses the extraordinary turnaround that took place under Putin. According to I.M.F. data, Russia's…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/what-the-nyt…
China's Huawei Continues to Move Around US Sanctions
Ulson Gunnar | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
By establishing facilities in Europe to produce components, Chinese telecom giant Huawei is continuing the process of circumventing US sanctions amid a wider US-led trade war aimed at artificially quelling the growing trend of foreign companies outcompeting long-entrenched US monopolies….
globalresearch.ca/china-huawei-continues…
Video: Turkish-based 'Syrian Government' Threatens Damascus with Military Action
South Front | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Late on December 23, the Turkish-based "Syrian Interim Government" (an entity funded by Turkey in an attempt to legalize its actions in Syria) threatened the real Syrian government with a military action. | In a released statement, it claimed that forces …
globalresearch.ca/video-turkish-based-sy…
Syria: Trump Administration Builds Military Base in Oil Field
Telesur | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
The United States is building a large military base within the al-Omar oil field, in the province of Deir Ezzor, in Syria, local media reported. | "The U.S. is equipping the base to serve as the command headquarters for the international | …
globalresearch.ca/syria-trump-administra…
Daily Life in Syria. The Eyes of the Syrian People
Rawan R. Mahmasa | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Life in Aleppo is quite far from calling it "safe". Concerning the western part of Aleppo, everyday we get missiles originally from Aleppo countryside which is under the terrorists control. | It is not easy to live under their mercy! Personally …
globalresearch.ca/daily-life-syria/56987…
Turkey Will Send Troops to Libya If Requested: Erdogan
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Turkey will send troops to Libya at the request of Tripoli as soon as next month, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, putting the North African country's conflict at the center of wider regional frictions. | RELATED: | Turkish Congress Readying Bill To Allow Sending Troops to Libya | Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) has been struggling to fend off General Khalifa Haftar's forces from eastern Libya, which have been supported by Russi…
telesurenglish.net/news/Turkey-Will-Send…
German Politician: "Ami Go Home!"… The US is waging bloody economic wars against the entire world
InfoBrics | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Oskar Lafontaine is a German politician, candidate for Chancellor in the German federal election of 1990, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party from 1995 to 1999, Minister of Finance from 1998 to 1999, leader of The Left in Saarland since …
globalresearch.ca/german-politician-ami-…
Greatness Comes to Those Who Want It
Scott Owen | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
We know there are always; at the very least three sides to every object. Our world can be seen as an object and we must understand, we live in a multi-dimensional world. Our conversations however sometimes seem to lack this understanding as we push one point of view or another forward to promote a certain…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/greatness-co…
Michael Moore: Americans Pay More for Healthcare Than Others, But "We Don't Call It a Tax"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-26
We continue our interview with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore about election 2020 and some of the major issues for voters. Long before Medicare for All became a rallying cry in the Democratic Party, Moore's 2007 film "Sicko" diagnosed the shortcomings of the for-profit American healthcare system and called for a system of universal healthcare. "The real question never gets asked. They always want to pin them on how much is it going to cost in taxes," Moore says of debate moderators who ask whether Democratic presidential candidates will raise taxes to pay for Medicare for All.
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/26/michael_…
West Coast Fishery Rebounds in Rare Conservation 'Home Run'
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-12-26
WARRENTON, Ore. — A rare environmental success story is unfolding in waters off the U.S. West Coast. | After years of fear and uncertainty, bottom trawler fishermen — those who use nets to scoop up rockfish, bocaccio, sole, Pacific Ocean perch and other deep-dwelling fish — are making a comeback here, reinventing themselves as a sustainable industry less than two decades after authorities closed huge stretches of the Pacific Ocean because of the species' depletion. | The ban devastated fishermen, but on Jan. 1, regulators will reopen…
truthdig.com/articles/west-coast-fishery…
Michael Moore: US Pays More for Health Care, Doesn't Call It a Tax
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
We continue our interview with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore about election 2020 and some of the major issues for voters. Long before Medicare for All became a rallying cry in the Democratic Party, Moore's 2007 film "Sicko" diagnosed the shortcomings of the for-profit American healthcare system and called for a system of universal healthcare. "The real question never gets asked. They always want to pin them on how much is it going to cost in taxes," Moore says of debate moderators who ask whe…
truthout.org/video/michael-moore-us-pays…
McDonald's Franchise Violated Safety Laws: Peruvian Watchdog
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Peru ¥s labor watchdog has found McDonald's Corp ¥s Latin America franchisee Arcos Dorados guilty of six "very serious" violations of local safety and health laws following the deaths of two employees in a restaurant kitchen. | RELATED: | Peru: McDonald's Shuts for Inspection After Employee Deaths | The Labor Ministry's regulating body (Sunafil) prop…
telesurenglish.net/news/McDonalds-Franch…
We Can't Obtain Immigration Justice in a World of Borders and Nations
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
We can't reckon with the extreme inequalities and inherent injustices of immigration policy without an analysis of how borders, the state and capitalism function to create them. | Current liberal immigration news is often centered on reducing current harm — resisting Trump's "border wall" and expansion of concentration camps, advocating for immigration reform and countering attacks on the asylum process. All of these efforts are critical to preventing more unnecessary death and suffering and sh…
truthout.org/articles/we-cant-obtain-imm…
Bolsonaro Says He Had Partial Memory Loss From Bathroom Fall
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday night that he briefly lost his memory after falling at his presidential residence in Brasilia, the capital, earlier this week. | RELATED: | Brazil: Comedians Attacked by Militia After Film on 'Gay Jesus' | The president's office disclosed on Monday that Bolsonaro, 64, had suffered a fall and was taken to a hospital Monday night for a brain scan, which detected no abnormalities. Bolsonaro spent the night in the hospital a…
telesurenglish.net/news/Bolsonaro-Says-H…
'Ring of Fire' Eclipse Thrills Africa, Asia
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
Thousands of skywatchers gathered across parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania on Thursday to glimpse the sun forming a ring of fire around the moon in a rare annular solar eclipse. | RELATED: | Mexico Under Alert for Popocatépetl Volcano Eruption | In this case, the Moon covers the center of the Sun, which makes it look just like a bright ring. Usually, there are two solar eclipses on Earth every year. They occur when the Earth is completely or partially in the shadow of th…
telesurenglish.net/news/ring-of-fire-ecl…
As Cities Subsidize Billions for Developers, Teachers Ask, "What About Us?"
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
CHICAGO — When Hilario Dominguez looks around his school, he sees dilapidated bathrooms, students taking recess in the parking lot, and sick kids going through the day without care because there's a nurse on staff just one day a week. But, beyond the school's walls, Dominguez, a case manager and special education teacher at Peter Cooper Elementary Dual Language Academy, sees money flowing. | Not far from his school building on Chicago's Southwest Side, construction crews recently broke ground…
truthout.org/articles/as-cities-subsidiz…
Lennon in Havana
Susan Babbitt | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
The anniversary of John Lennon's death (December 8) was marked in Cuba. Criticism followed on social media: Cuba repressed Beatles music forcing kids under the covers. Abel Prieto and Guille Vilar, youth in Cuba at the time, say it's not true. [1] But that's not the point. More useful, Prieto argues, is what happened to…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/lennon-in-ha…
The Yiddish Art of Suicide
Martin Billheimer | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
If today's Incels had a sense of humor and a real flair for decadence like Zalman Schneour, they might be able to tell us something about how paranoia can dance. But contemporary Underground Man rarely goes out; content in his chat rooms, squinty-eyed, immobile and listless. The solitary's terror now consists of a mania for…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/the-yiddish-…
China vs the West: The Geopolitical Game that Played Out in Namibia to Influence Elections
Abednego Katuushii Ekandjo | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Leading up to the 2019 general elections, the ordinary Namibian citizen did not, and even some of those with some level of sophistication did not seem to fully grasp and understand what was happening in the country and why it …
globalresearch.ca/china-west-geopolitica…
China vs the West: Relations with Africa. The Geopolitical Game that Played Out in Namibia to Influence Elections
Abednego Katuushii Ekandjo | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Leading up to the 2019 general elections, the ordinary Namibian citizen did not, and even some of those with some level of sophistication did not seem to fully grasp and understand what was happening in the country and why it …
globalresearch.ca/china-west-geopolitica…
Congressional Oversight Claimed Important Victories in 2019. Here Are the Top 5
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
New avenues for accountability and oversight became possible in Washington, D.C., in 2019, following the election of a new Democratic Party majority in the House (and the most diverse Congress ever) in the 2018 midterms. As a result, Democrats took hold of the subpoena power that rests in the House of Representatives, along with the po…
truthout.org/articles/congressional-over…
Yes, Food Is Grown in Sewage Waste. That's a Problem
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
You may not realize it but some foods you eat may have been grown in soil containing toxic sewage wastes. Labeling is not required. | In 2019, about 60 percent of sewage sludge from 16,000 wastewater processing facilities in more than 160 U.S. cities has been spread on our soils — farmland and gardens, as well as schoolyards and lawns. | The U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) allows…
truthout.org/articles/yes-food-is-grown-…
When It Comes to Bereavement Leave, the US Is Unspeakably Cruel
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
On March 19, 2018, Cindy Christensen took her husband, who had suddenly fallen ill, to the emergency room. Within one or two days, Christensen estimates, her husband was diagnosed with lymphoma. He was promptly transferred to a hospital that could provide more specialized treatment. | At the time, Christensen had been a unionized production worker at a Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies plant in Necedah, Wisconsin, for over 30 years. Before the diagnosis, she knew she'd have to be available during her hu…
truthout.org/articles/when-it-comes-to-b…
Reports That Bloomberg's Campaign Exploited Women's Prison Labor Spark Outrage
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's presidential campaign relied on women incarcerated at an Oklahoma prison to make campaign calls to California, The Intercept reports. | The Bloomberg campaign confirmed the arrangement to the outlet but said it had canceled its contract with a third-party vendor after The Intercept's John Washington began asking questions. | The vendor, ProCo…
truthout.org/articles/reports-that-bloom…
Leadership PACs Pay for Luxury Hotel Stays, Private Flights, New Nonprofits
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-26
Designed primarily to provide funding for other candidates running for office, leadership PACs are an important instrument for Washington politicos seeking leadership positions to raise money and build connections. | But for some, only a fraction of the money raised goes to support other candidates. In fact, many are instead funneling leadership PAC cash to closely-linked firms and nonprofits. | Ahead of 2020, lead…
truthout.org/articles/leadership-pacs-pa…
Remembering The Invasion Of Panama
Daniel Larison | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Panama marked the 30th anniversary of the U.S. invasion with an official day of mourning for the first time this year: | Panama declared a day of national mourning for Friday, the 30th anniversary of the U.S. invasion that ousted dictator | …
globalresearch.ca/remembering-invasion-p…
The Case for Free Public Transit in Toronto
Saron Gebresellassi | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Free public transit is a growing movement around the world. | According to the book Free Public Transit: And Why We Don't Pay To Ride Elevators, there are 200 cities around the world with some form of fare-free transit, and 97 …
globalresearch.ca/free-public-transit-to…
Fast Food Nations and Global Nutrition
Colin Todhunter | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Daniel Maingi works with small farmers in Kenya and belongs to the organisation Growth Partners for Africa. He remembers a time when his family would grow and eat a diversity of crops, such as mung beans, green grams, pigeon peas …
globalresearch.ca/fast-food-nations-glob…
Chemical Weapons Watchdog Is Just an American Lap Dog
Scott Ritter | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
A spate of leaks from within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW), the international inspectorate created for the purpose of implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention, has raised serious questions about the institution's integrity, objectivity and …
globalresearch.ca/chemical-weapons-watch…
Selected Articles: Trump's Multibillion Dollar Military Budget
Global Research News | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Lying is a money making activity and lies are commodities. There is a profitable global market for media and public figures committed to spreading disinformation. | Needless to say, "Telling the Truth", on the other hand, Is Not a Money-Making Proposition. …
globalresearch.ca/selected-articles-188-…
Nancy Pelosi's Scripted Impeachment Failure. Or, …Leading the Dems from Blue… to Yellow!
Brett Redmayne-Titley | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
For the voter, the Democratic Party no longer has any interest in performing its function as an opposition party. The charade of purported constitutional jurisprudence seen in the US House impeachment hearings should forever confirm this. This degradation of political …
globalresearch.ca/nancy-pelosi-scripted-…
Criminal War Monger Pelosi & Demos Appropriate Millions For War On Venezuela
repost | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
Criminal war monger Demo leader Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats joined Trump in supporting tens of millions of dollars to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/24/1882916…
Climate Disruption, Migration, and the Rise of Walls
Speak Out Now | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
South Berkeley Senior Center | 2939 Ellis St. | Berkeley (near Ashby BART)…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/25/1882917…
In Mountain View, Seasonal and Humorous Signs at Eve of Impeachment Demo on Four Corners
Text: RR Photos: Jack Owicki, Pro Bono Photo | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
Demonstrators leaned in toward passing traffic to show off their creative signs on Impeachment Eve at a major intersection in the heart of Silicon Valley.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/23/1882909…
In SF, Music Punctuates Enthusiastic Chanting at Rally and March on Eve of Historic Impeachment Vote
Text: RR Photos: Terry Scussel, Pro Bono Photo | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
In San Francisco, lyrics were rewritten to rock classics calling for impeachment and a crowd of thousands chanted for "Trump Pence Out Now!"
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/22/1882906…
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf Orders Mass Arrest of Housing Justice Village Protesters
Dave Id | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
An inspirational day of solidarity with unhoused Oaklanders turned into a traumatic night after mayor Libby Schaaf directed a small army of police and DPW workers to smash a housing rights protest held on the doorstep of City Hall. For daring to challenge the Oakland's never ending war against the homeless — the city's encampment demolitions and evictions, the towing of residential vehicles, and a lack of earnestness and urgency in addressing the housing crisis — twenty-two people were arrested and sent to Santa Rita jail, some for over two days.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/23/1882911…
Housing Justice Village Arrestees Respond to Jailing by City of Oakland
Dave Id | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
In a political show of force, the city of Oakland directed a small army of police to mass arrest and jail 22 housing rights demonstrators on November 24, for nothing more than setting up tents in front of city hall to protest the city's never ending war against the homeless. Most arrestees spent at least 24 hours in Santa Rita, and some remained jailed for over two days, on what would otherwise be a citable infraction. On December 2, arrestees held a press conference to address the city's attack and why they protested in the first place.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/26/1882917…
Tenant screening companies wage war on tenants with blacklists
Lynda Carson | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
Tenant screening companies and landlords depend on Experian, Equinox, and TransUnion to get the information they depend on to be able to blacklist tenants all across the nation, resulting in tenants becoming homeless and living in tent cities!
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/25/1882917…
Kwanzaa our "California Grown" Global Celebration, "Matunda ya Kwanza"
2019 Dr. Maulana Karenga Message | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
Imani (Faith) reminds us of the indispensable foundation of confident, righteous and rewarding belief, calling on us "to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our leaders, our teachers and the righteousness and victory of our struggle." In remembrance of Khalid Al Mansour…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/24/1882915…
Michael L. Cantor mocks the artwork of the Yacht Sequoia Cruise Certificates
Lynda Carson | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
In a shocking email further below, Michael L. Cantor, director of FE Partners LLC, the owner of the former Presidential Yacht Sequoia, mocks the artwork of the Yacht Sequoia Cruise Certificates with condescension and derision towards the much coveted historical Yacht Sequoia Cruise Certificates!
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/22/1882906…
Burning States, Secret Travels and Scott Morrison
Binoy Kampmark | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
The bush fire situation in Australia is now deemed catastrophic. And it started early, with a relentless ferocity that has seen thousands of volunteers stretched across the states and a slow but assured rise in the number of deaths. Currently, there are fires raging at emergency level across New South Wales, and major incendiary activity…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/burning-stat…
Burning States, Secret Travels and Scott Morrison
Binoy Kampmark | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-26
The bush fire situation in Australia is now deemed catastrophic. And it started early, with a relentless ferocity that has seen thousands of volunteers stretched across the states and a slow but assured rise in the number of deaths. Currently, there are fires raging at emergency level across New South Wales, and major incendiary activity…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/26/burning-stat…
A Star Is Always Born
Edward Curtin | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
It is no different now. | The yearning still gnaws. | The night dark, utterly silent, | Sky stretched endlessly back | Into an infinity beyond reach. | And the fears, the tears | Are they any different? | It is no different now. | Joy sometimes, hope | …
globalresearch.ca/star-always-born/56987…
The Left Case for Fertility Awareness
Megan Magray | thenation.com | 2019-12-26
No pill, intrauterine device, or ultra-ribbed piece of rubber could provide the sexual liberation I experience practicing a method associated with anti-choice religious zealots: the fertility awareness method of birth control.
thenation.com/article/birth-control-fert…
The Left Case for Fertility Awareness
Megan Magray | thenation.com | 2019-12-26
No pill, intrauterine device, or ultra-ribbed piece of rubber could provide the sexual liberation I experience practicing a method associated with anti-choice religious zealots: the fertility awareness method of birth control.
thenation.com/article/birth-control-fert…
A reading from Mao for Mao's birthday
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-12-26
To mark the 126th anniversary of the birth of Chinese revolutionary Mao Zedong, Dec. 26, Fight Back News Service is circulating his oft-quoted 1945 speech to the 7th Congress of the Communist Party of China, "The Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains." | We have had a very successful congress. We have done three things. First, we have decided on the line of our Party, which is boldly to mobilize the masses and expand the people's forces so that, under the leadership of our Party, they will defeat the Japanese aggressors, liberate the whole people and build a new-democratic China. Second, we have adapted…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/12/25/reading…
The Crimean Rail Bridge Will Contribute to the Peninsula's Economic Rejuvenation
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
The opening of the Crimean rail bridge completes Russia's physical connectivity initiative with the peninsula and will greatly contribute to rejuvenating its economy after the region languished in neglect for nearly two and a half decades under Ukrainian rule. | President | …
globalresearch.ca/crimean-rail-bridge-co…
What's Really Behind Estonia's 'Border Dispute' with Russia?
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
The tiny Baltic nation of Estonia is attempting to revive a so-called "border dispute" with Russia in order to position itself as one of NATO's "frontline states" against the Eurasian Great Power, which Tallinn expects will result in more military …
globalresearch.ca/behind-estonia-border-…
The Russia-Ukraine Gas Deal Took the World by Surprise. New Detente?
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-26
Few could have predicted several years ago that Russia and Ukraine would reconcile with one another to the point of agreeing to ensure the reliable delivery of gas to the EU for the next 5-15 years, but that's exactly what …
globalresearch.ca/last-week-russian-ukra…
Israel to reinstitute 'assassinations policy'
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
In statements he made to Israel's army radio, Yisrael Katz indicated that there was "an intelligence effort to identify the rockets' launchers and work to eliminate them."He stressed: "Intelligence efforts are currently focused on determining who is responsible for ordering missile launch instructions in order to work to eliminate him."On Wednesday evening, Israel's iron dome anti-missile system intercepted a missile reportedly fired from the Gaza Strip towards the country's south while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was attending an election rally in Ashkelon province.According to Israeli media, security forc…
yenisafak.com/en/news/israel-to-reinstit…
Turkey to own patent rights to upcoming auto
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
Turkey will own the intellectual and industrial property rights of its first indigenous car, the Turkish industry and technology minister said on Thursday.The car prototype will be unveiled on Friday in the industrial province of Kocaeli, Mustafa Varank noted."With this ceremony, we will also open officially the Gebze Information IT Valley, which will be the technology base of our country," the minister said.He said that with the prototype, Turkey will achieve its two targets — owning a global brand and creating a billion-dollar enterprise.In June 2018, five Turkish industry giants; Anadolu Group, BMC, Kok Group…
yenisafak.com/en/economy/turkey-to-own-p…
Turkish police arrest 8 Daesh/ISIS suspects
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
Turkish police arrested eight suspects allegedly linked to the Daesh/ISIS terror group in the central province of Konya, said security sources on Thursday.The provincial prosecutor's office said in its probe that the suspects were in correspondence with Daesh/ISIS members in conflict zones, said the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.After their interrogation, arrest warrants were issued for nine suspects. Police is on the lookout for one suspect who remains at large.Turkey recognized Daesh/ISIS as a terrorist organization in 2013.Since then, the country has b…
yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-police-arr…
Turkish soldiers offer hot drinks at Syria checkpoints
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
Turkey's Defense Ministry released a video on Thursday showing Turkish soldiers in northern Syria offering hot drinks to people during road controls.In the video, soldiers at the checkpoints can be seen distributing hot drinks to people in the area cleared by Turkey's latest anti-terror operation."Our soldiers continue their search activities at the checkpoints in Operation Peace Spring area for the safety of life and property of our Syrian brothers," the ministry said on Twitter.Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring on Oct. 9 to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in or…
yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-soldiers-o…
French arms killed dozens of Yemenis, say Houthi rebels
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
Yemen's Houthis accused France on Wednesday of providing arms and logistics to the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia fighting the rebel group in the war-ravaged country. "France has killed and injured more than 38 Yemenis by artillery shelling in Al-Raqou market in Manbeh border district in Saada governorate," Mohamed Al-Houthi, a top Houthi rebel tweeted.He added that the the French legal system was turning a blind eye to these attacks.No comments have been made by the Arab Coalition or the French government on these accusations, so far.On Monday, the group accused the Saudi army of bombing Al-Raqou market whic…
yenisafak.com/en/news/french-arms-killed…
ANALYSIS: Turkey-TRNC natural gas pipeline to change geopolitical balance in E.Med
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
The Eastern Mediterranean has been a critical and strategically important region throughout the history of Mediterranean trade control. Due to this feature, Cyprus especially has been under the dominance of different actors in history but has never lost its strategic importance. Cyprus in particular and the Eastern Mediterranean in general have gained more importance and become more complex since the 2000s with the involvement of energy resources. Considering that the total estimated natural gas reserves in the world is 196 trillion cubic meters, it can be said that approximately 5% of this amount, roughly 9.8 tr…
yenisafak.com/en/news/analysis-turkey-tr…
Libyan interior minister says will ask for Turkish support if Tripoli war escalates
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
Libya's internationally recognised government will officially request military support from Turkey if the war over the capital escalates, the Tripoli-based interior minister said on Thursday.Eastern forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar have been trying to take Tripoli since April. Earlier on Thursday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would send troops to Libya as soon as next month as it had received a request from Tripoli."If the situation escalates then we have the right to defend Tripoli and its residents," Fathi Bashagha told reporters in Tunis.
yenisafak.com/en/world/libyan-interior-m…
Turkey, Azerbaijan trade deal ready, says trade minister
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
A preferential trade agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan will be signed shortly, the Turkish trade minister said Thursday."The deal will be signed during the Strategic Cooperation Council meeting in the presence of both presidents," Ruhsar Pekcan said during her visit to Baku.The scope of the agreement will be widened to pave the way for businesspeople, she added.Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev expressed the desire to boost Azerbaijani investments in Turkey in a meeting, Pekcan said.She reiterated that both sides will work on eliminating the roadblocks to increase investments and trade."At a time when tra…
yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-azerbaijan-…
Erdogan delights Turkish watchmaker by making good on his promise
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the day of a Turkish watchmaker by presenting him with his own armwatch bearing the presidential insignia.Hilmi Uysal had presented Erdogan with a custom-made table clock and wrist watch, which had been made from a souvenir coin of the failed July 15 coup attempt, two years ago. "At the time, I asked the president for the watch on his arm for my collection. He didn't forget and sent the watch to me as he had promised 2 years ago.""Erdogan liked my July 15 commemorative watch very much and showed me their July 15 watch, saying: "Look! We had this watch made. What do you think?
yenisafak.com/en/news/erdogan-delights-t…
Sinicizing religion: China to | 're-write Quran' in accordance with Communism
yenisafak.com | 2019-12-26
The Chinese government's crackdown on religion is increasing at an alarming scale, as the administration attempts to "imprint" socialist and communist values in society.One of the latest step taken to guide faith in the direction of sinicization is "rewriting the holy books of major religions" to eliminate contents that contradict "the core values of socialism" and adjust them to "the requirements of the era."The sacred books will be either modified or re-translated by officials assigned by the state, according to reports.The Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs, which is responsible for all religious matte…
yenisafak.com/en/world/sinicizing-religi…
Hellish ride: Unique bootleg 'Tesla Cybertruck' goes on SALE in Russia for 666,666 rubles
rt.com | 2019-12-26
The elusive handmade 'copy' of Tesla Cybertruck that has been spotted outside Moscow is now up for sale in Russia. Unlike the fancy original, it has a very modest price tag of $10,000 — but is it actually worth it? | The vehicle, somewhat resembling Elon Musk's latest contraption, was put up for sale by its creators after the car was first spotted driving outside Russia's capital last week, causing enormous stir on Russian social media. | The unique vehicle already propelled Tesla stocks to over $420, and its futuristic forms, 1-door hatchback design, custom wheels and fully tinted panoramic plastic wind…
rt.com/russia/476832-tesla-cybertruck-fa…
'Christmas shopping brings happiness': WATCH Christians enjoy holiday spirit in Iran
rt.com | 2019-12-26
Iran's Christian community decorated neighborhoods with happy Christmas lights and roamed the streets dressed as Santa Claus celebrating their main holiday with festive cheer. | Christians set up Christmas trees at their homes, and a mass was held in St. Joseph Cathedral in Tehran on Christmas Eve. | The streets were illuminated with bright lights in Christian neighborhoods in Isfahan and other cities. | Christmas in #Iran , in my beautiful city #Esfahan…
rt.com/news/476845-iran-christians-celeb…
Over 16,000 complaints filed in Afghanistan's presidential election
rt.com | 2019-12-26
More than 16,000 complaints have been filed to Afghan election authorities over the handling of this year's presidential polls, officials said on Thursday. Preliminary results published earlier this week put President Ashraf Ghani in place to secure a second term. | Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced that Ghani had won a slim 50.64 percent majority in the September 28 poll. The final results are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, after the complaints have been reviewed. | Officials have 15 days to finalize their investigation into the complaints, said Zuhra Bayan Shinwari,…
rt.com/newsline/476891-complaints-afghan…
Embassy row: Mexico to appeal to International Court of Justice over Bolivia's coup govt 'harassing' its diplomats in La Paz
rt.com | 2019-12-26
Mexico has vowed to take Bolivia to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its "harassment" of the country's diplomats. The spat follows Mexico's decision to grant asylum to the ousted Bolivian President Evo Morales. | The intent to appeal to the ICJ was announced by the country's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard during his regular news conference on Thursday. Mexico is appealing to The Hague-based court to ensure that its diplomatic facilities in Bolivia are "respected" and the "police and military siege" on them is brought to an end. | The international community is likely to rally behind Mexico, Ebrar…
rt.com/news/476888-mexico-bolivia-embass…
MSM's expert of choice on 'Uighur persecution' topic is an anti-communist crusader who sees spanking as 'discipline'
rt.com | 2019-12-26
A man who played a major role in promoting a claim that China is keeping over a million Uighurs in prison camps has a dubious record that makes him an unreliable expert, an exposé in Grayzone has revealed. | Adrian Zenz has been the go-to contact for comments for many Western mainstream media reporting on the Chinese policy towards its Muslim population in the Xinjiang province. He is among those accusing Beijing of persecuting the Uighur minority by keeping them under all-pervasive surveillance and sending those deemed problematic to "re-education camps." The Chinese government denies the allegations. | Zenz'…
rt.com/news/476862-china-expert-grayzone…
'A saboteur of international order': Beijing rebukes US over anti-China defense-spending law
rt.com | 2019-12-26
Washington's own track record exposes it as a destructive force on the international stage, China's defense ministry has said, after the US adopted a law that addresses Chinese issues such as the Hong Kong protests and Huawei. | The defense ministry's spokesperson Wu Qian said that America's 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), recently adopted by the US, violates the 'One-China Policy' and is an open attempt to meddle in Chinese domestic affairs. | "The United States pursues unilateralism and protectionism," Wu stated, offering also a reminder of how the US under President Donald Trump has abandone…
rt.com/news/476871-china-us-internationa…