(2020-02-10). Growing attacks on socialism in Democratic presidential race. wsws.org With polls showing Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders the likely first-place finisher in tomorrow’s Democratic presidential primary in New Hampshire, Sanders’ opponents have focused their attacks on his public identification as a “democratic socialist.”
(2020-02-10). Sanders, Buttigieg Request Partial Recanvass of Iowa Caucus. telesurenglish.net The presidential campaigns of United States Senator RELATED: | The Sanders campaign cited “mathematical errors and inconsistencies” in 25 precincts and t…
(2020-02-10). DNC in Disarray While the Sanders Campaign Gains Momentum. counterpunch.org 
As a center of elite power, the Democratic National Committee is now floundering. Every reform it has implemented since 2016 was the result of progressive grassroots pressure. But there are limits to what DNC Chair Tom Perez is willing to accept without a knock-down, drag-out fight. And in recent weeks, he has begun to do
(2020-02-10). The Truth About Julian Assange. globalresearch.ca A made-up rape allegation and fabricated evidence in Sweden, pressure from the UK not to drop the case, a biased judge, detention in a maximum security prison, psychological torture — and soon extradition to the U.S., where he could face …
(2020-02-10). What Is Happening to Assange Will Happen to the Rest of Us. truthdig.com The global security state, which is not bound by the rule of law, will target all who defy it.
(2020-02-10). Australian pseudo-left seeks to cover up its abandonment of WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange. wsws.org Socialist Alternative’s article, “The betrayal of Julian Assange,” is a crude attempt to cover up its own role in the “betrayal” of the WikiLeaks publisher.
(2020-02-10). “I Will Put an End to Endless Wars:” Is Pete Buttigieg As Antiwar As He Claims? mintpressnews.com 
Pete Buttigieg has promised to “put an end to endless wars,” but there are reasons to suspect a Buttigieg presidency would not be as pacifist as his pronouncement implies.
(2020-02-10). Despite Iowa Caucus Fiasco, Nevada Democrats Plan to Use New Software “Tool” mintpressnews.com Though the fallout from the Iowa Caucus is still fresh, it appears that the technology-driven chaos and corruption seen in Iowa have not served as a warning to the Nevada Democratic Party.
(2020-02-10). Turkey’s Latest Quagmire: Intervention in Libya. counterpunch.org 
By openly declaring for one side in Libya, Turkey has damaged its ability to influence events. The Russians and French are also deeply involved in Libya, backing the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) in Tobruk. Italy backs the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli.
(2020-02-10). Why is Turkey Looking for Quagmires? zcomm.org Once again Turkey is picking sides in a civil war, and this one more than 1,000 miles from the Turkish border…
(2020-02-10). Deported to Death: US Sent 138 Salvadorans Home to be Killed. globalresearch.ca At least 138 people deported from the United States to El Salvador since 2013 have been killed, according to a The 117-page report also says researchers identified at …
(2020-02-10). Journalist Abby Martin Sues State of Georgia Over Law Requiring Pledge of Allegiance to Israel. mintpressnews.com “This censorship of my talk based on forced compliance to anti-BDS laws in Georgia is just one level of a nationwide campaign to protect Israel from grassroots pressure.”
(2020-02-10). It’s No Big Deal that There Are Some Limits to Russia-Israel “Cooperation” in Syria. globalresearch.ca Russia’s condemnation of the “Israeli Air Force’s” recklessness in once again hiding behind a civilian aircraft to deter anti-air fire by the Syrian Arab Army during their latest bombing operation against Damascus isn’t contradictory to the principles of the unofficial …
(2020-02-10). The Vengeful, Lawless, Corporate Toady Trump Explodes. counterpunch.org The day after his acquittal by the Republican Party in a trial that banned witnesses, the unhinged Donald Trump gloated for over an hour on all the television networks. Trump flattered his courtiers, one by one, and fulminated against his Congressional adversaries, Hillary Clinton and ex-FBI chief James Comey. Donald Trump’s speech degraded his office
(2020-02-10). Meet the candidates taking on Bolivia’s U.S.-backed right-wing government. peoplesworld.org 
Bolivia’s presidential elections are scheduled to take place on May 3, 2020. The elections will be organized by the “transitional” government of Jeanine àÅñez, who seized power in a U.S.-backed military coup on November 10, 2019. The coup forced out the democratically elected leftist-Indigenous government of Evo Morales, who presided over an economic boom following …
(2020-02-10). Climate Manipulation and Murdoch’s PR Machine. counterpunch.org 
Western democracies and their respected societies appear to be incapable or unwilling of solving global warming. At least partly, this might be because voters in most countries have been lied to by the corporate media for decades on end. Much of this is due to one very rich and very old man — Rupert Murdoch. The shaping of public opinion takes place in a world in which very rich and very powerful men — they are always men — make their own rules, define their own issues, help getting their people elected, and make sure that global warming remains down the list of voters’ most pressing concerns. <...
(2020-02-10). GOP “Climate Plan” Calls for Planting Trees But No Emissions Reduction. truthout.org When it comes to climate, it’s quite easy for the right to use the media as a spin machine. The media, starving for plans to “counteract” the progressive Green New Deal to fulfill the everlasting need for a false dichotomy, laps up any spurious climate plan that conservatives might come out with. The most recent media grab by the GOP on climate — in which Republicans have been working on a wholly insufficient climate plan since January at least — has turned out exactly as expected. | As D…
(2020-02-10). Climate Change and Rebellion: an interview with John Molyneux. mronline.org 
In an interview with the socialist writer and activist, John Molyneux, ROAPE’s Leo Zeilig asks him about climate change, capitalism and socialist transformation. In an important initiative John has recently founded the Global Ecosocialist Network (GEN) which brings together activists and researchers from across the Global North and South. |
(2020-02-10). Clinging to Normalcy Is Killing Us. How Do We Break Free? truthout.org Truthout is very excited to announce the launch of its first-ever podcast “Movement Memos” hosted by our very own Kelly Hayes. Look out for a new episode every Monday! | An overwhelming political climate has left many Americans frozen in a state of uncertainty. Unable or unwilling to fully process the enormity of climate change or the tragic circus of Trumpism, many are going through the motions of normalcy while the world burns. In this episode, Kelly talks with UndocuBlack organizer Aly Wane about how fear and anx…
(2020-02-10). Chinese Slams “Racist” Reports by German Media over Coronavirus. globalresearch.ca “Epidemic outbreaks must not be used as an excuse for discrimination and xenophobia, and press freedom must not become a reason for creating a racist opinion in German society,” said the Chinese embassy in Germany in a statement. | *** | The …
(2020-02-10). Coronavirus Is Becoming a Western Excuse for Sinophobia and “China-Bashing” globalresearch.ca Coronavirus is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest epidemic tragedies of our times. Hundreds of dead people and thousands of ill ones are the proof of it. For any person with good faith and interested in the well-being of people, it …
(2020-02-10). China: Slow Return To Work As Coronavirus Toll Hits Daily Record. telesurenglish.net Workers restarted their activities in offices and factories in China on Monday, as the government eased some of the work and travel restrictions imposed after the coronavirus outbrake that has already killed more than 900 people, mostly in the Asian continent. | However, Sunday’s death toll…
(2020-02-10). Minister insists forced deportation flight is reasonable despite criticism. thecanary.co A senior minister has defended a plan to push on with a flight deporting 50 people to Jamaica despite widespread calls for the jet to be grounded. | Chief secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak insisted on Monday that those being forcibly removed had committed “very serious offences” and their deportations were “reasonable”. | But more than 150 cross-party MPs have called on the government to halt Tuesday’s flight, which is expected to include a young man who moved to the UK aged five. | And a leaked report commissioned by ministers and seen by the PA news agency warned the government that the policy should be rec…
(2020-02-10). Trump Puts Rejected Budget Cuts Back on the Block. truthdig.com 
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump unveiled a $4.8 trillion election year budget plan on Monday that recycles previously rejected cuts to domestic programs like food stamps and Medicaid to promise a balanced budget in 15 years — all while leaving Social Security and Medicare benefits untouched. | Trump’s fiscal 2021 plan promises the government’s deficit will crest above $1 trillion only for the current budget year before steadily decreasing to more manageable levels, relying on optimistic economic projections, lower interest costs, scaled-back overseas military operations and proposed cuts to agency…
(2020-02-10). Israel Charged with War Crimes and Genocide. Complete 2013 Judgment of the Kuala Lumpur Tribunal. globalresearch.ca The Tribunal deplores the failure of international institutions to punish the State of Israel for its crimes and its total lack of respect of International Law and the institutions of the United Nations.
(2020-02-10). Iowa: Where The Democrats’ DNC Dreams Go to Die. Bernie, The “Trumpian Front Runner” globalresearch.ca After months of the DNC’s daily water boarding of the American public with their manufactured jurisprudence know as The Impeachment, these same political wizards of electioneering have in one day, Monday, galvanized the person they most detest. This week’s political …
(2020-02-10). Could Trump’s Acquittal Flip the Senate? counterpunch.org The Senate’s acquittal of President Donald Trump could flip the Senate to the Democrats. That is because swing voters could be more negatively influenced by the Republican’s Senate trial than the Democrats’ House impeachment. Why is that? Compare each party’s main critique of the other party’s performance. Republicans charge the House Democrats for not proving
(2020-02-10). Failed Prosecutions: Donald Trump Survives the Senate. counterpunch.org Never undertake a prosecution unless you have good grounds, and prospects, for a solid conviction. In the case against President Donald Trump, there was never a serious prospect that the Senate would cool sufficiently to give the Democrats the votes necessary to affirm vote of impeachment in the House. The GOP remains very much in
(2020-02-10). Brazilian Government Wants to Destroy the Culture of Native Peoples. globalresearch.ca Recently, Brazilian government appointed Ricardo Lopes Dias to the position of coordinator of isolated peoples at the National Indian Foundation (Fundaàßà£o Nacional do Ândio — FUNAI). The act was made possible by a small but substantial change in the Foundation’s …
(2020-02-10). Starting a Business is Hard, Discrimination Makes It Harder. counterpunch.org My parents came to the United States from India in 1971 to chase their “American Dream.” They bought a small community grocery, liquor store, and deli called Renno’s Quality Food Market in Shady Side, Maryland. My parents became entrepreneurs out of necessity. They hoped it would create a path towards wealth and security. Forty-six years
(2020-02-10). Pete Buttigieg Has CNN to Thank for His Iowa ‘Victory’. truthdig.com 
To understand the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor’s surge in the polls, look no further than the network’s irresponsible caucus coverage.
(2020-02-10). U.S. Deploys 20,000 Soldiers to Europe for Military Exercise. telesurenglish.net While the President of the United States, Donald Trump, is running his million-dollar reelection campaign, in which he is using more forcefully the slogan, “Make America Great Again”, the U.S. Army is preparing to carry out its largest military drills in Europe in the past 25 years. | RELATED: | With the danger of a potential war between the U.S. and Iran, the U.S. insists on strengthening its military potentia…
(2020-02-10). US Begins Troop Withdrawal From 15 Bases in Iraq. telesurenglish.net The United States has started withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, Al Arabiya TV reported Monday citing Iraqi parliament member from the National Security and Defense Commission Ali al-Ghanimi. | RELATED: | According to the lawmaker, U.S. troops are beginning to leave 15 military bases in the country and will confine their presence to two big bases, the one near the city of Erbil in northern Iraq and Ain al-Asad airbase in t…
(2020-02-10). The Trump administration’s surveillance dragnet. wsws.org The massive breach of the right to privacy, first justified by President Bush in the guise of the “war on terror,” then expanded under President Obama, is now being utilized in Trump’s fascistic war on immigrants.
(2020-02-10). Reps introduce New Way Forward Act to fight criminalization of immigrants. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Dec. 10, 2019, Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Karen Bass (CA-37), and 30 Members of Congress, alongside over 145 advocacy organizations and community representatives, introduced the New Way Forward Act, H.R. 5383, a landmark piece of legislation to restore due process to the immigration system …
(2020-02-10). Gas Wars in the Mediterranean. globalresearch.ca The unexpected alliance between Turkey and Libya is a geopolitical earthquake that changes the balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean and across the Middle East. Turkey’s audacious move has enraged its rivals in the region and cleared the way …
(2020-02-10). Step to Nuclear Doomsday: US Puts Low-yield Nukes on Submarines to Counter Made-up Russian ‘Strategy’. globalresearch.ca The US has deployed “low-yield” nuclear missiles on submarines, saying it’s to discourage nuclear conflict with Russia. The move is based on a “Russian strategy” made up in Washington and will only bring mass annihilation closer. | In a statement released …
(2020-02-10). West Virginia Legislation: The Criminalization of Peaceful Protests against Oil and Gas “Critical Infrastructure”. Anti-protest Bills. globalresearch.ca 2020 Introduced and referred to House Judiciary Committee on January 30, 2020 | Would heighten the penalties for protests near oil and gas pipelines and other infrastructure. Under the bill, knowingly trespassing on property containing a …
(2020-02-10). NATO “Preparations” for Attack on Russia. Operation Barbarossa II: Setting the Stage for War. globalresearch.ca I have written several times about the continuing NATO preparations for an attack on Russia, a second Operation Barbarossa, the code name for the Nazi invasion of the USSR in 1941. Circumstances prompt me to write about it again, for …
(2020-02-10). World War III’s Newest Battlefield: U.S. Troops Head for the Far North. globalresearch.ca In early March, an estimated 7,500 American combat troops will travel to Norway to join thousands of soldiers from other NATO countries in a massive mock battle with imagined invading forces from Russia. In this futuristic simulated engagement — it …
(2020-02-10). China, Russia to Defy US Sanctions Over Support to Venezuela. telesurenglish.net The Russian government rejected on Monday the U.S. threats to impose new sanctions against several Russian companies for their cooperation with Venezuela in the oil sector. | RELATED: | Last week, the United States special representative for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, warned Russia that its support for Venezuela will cost them econmically as Washington is looking to sanction them.
(2020-02-10). World War III Could Be Fought in the Arctic. truthdig.com 
In early March, an estimated 7,500 American combat troops will travel to Norway to join thousands of soldiers from other NATO countries in a massive mock battle with imagined invading forces from Russia. In this futuristic simulated engagement — it goes by the name of Exercise Cold Response 2020 — allied forces will “conduct multinational joint exercises with a high-intensity combat scenario in demanding winter conditions,” or so
(2020-02-10). Turkey Says It Has Retaliated After Deadly Syrian Shelling. truthdig.com 
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey said it retaliated Monday after “intense” shelling by Syrian forces killed five of its soldiers and wounded five others in Syria’s northern Idlib province, a marked escalation a week after a similarly deadly clash between the two sides. | The exchange of fire came as a Russian delegation held a second round of talks in the Turkish capital of Ankara to discuss the fighting in Idlib province, which has uprooted more than a half-million people in the past two months. No statement was issued at the end of the talks. | The fighting led to the collapse of a fragile cease-fire brokered by T…
(2020-02-10). UK: Vigil remembers Errol Graham, pays tribute to family’s fight for justice. wsws.org At the vigil, friends, family and local community members held placards bearing Errol’s photograph and condemning the Department for Work and Pensions welfare sanctions that have claimed hundreds of lives.
(2020-02-10). Syrian Military Kills 5 Turkish Soldiers in Idlib: Turkey. telesurenglish.net The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced Monday that five of their military personnel were killed in a new attack launched by the Syrian armed forces in the northwestern province of Idlib. | RELATED: | In their statement, the Turkish Ministry of Defense said their soldiers came under attack at their observation post near the Taftanaz Base northeast of Idlib city. | Turkish military helicopters were seen arriving at the obs…
(2020-02-10). Libya is Being Torn Apart By Outsiders. counterpunch.org 
Ghassan Salamé is the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. He took over this job in 2017, six years after the catastrophic NATO war on Libya. What Salamé inherited was a country torn into shreds, two governments in place—one in Tripoli and one in Tobruk—and one civil war that had too many
(2020-02-10). Israeli Warplanes Launch Several Airstrikes in Gaza. telesurenglish.net Israeli war jets bombed the Gaza Strip on Monday as an Egyptian security delegation arrived in the Palestinian enclave for its ceasefire with Israel, security sources said. | RELATED: | Israeli war jets struck several sites belonging to the al-Qassam Brigades, armed wing of Hamas, in southern Gaza, said Palestinian security sources. | No injuries were reported. | Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee also sai…
(2020-02-10). The origins of poetry: A Marxist analysis. mronline.org 
Christopher Caudwell, the British Marxist who was killed in 1937 in the Spanish Civil War at age 29, was one of the most important cultural theorists of the past century. |
(2020-02-10). The Trauma of Being a Woman in the Trump Age. truthdig.com 
Last month, as hundreds of thousands of people showed up for the
(2020-02-10). The Trauma of Being a Woman in the Age of Trump. truthdig.com Last month, as hundreds of thousands of people showed up for the
(2020-02-10). Presidential Gender Barrier a Low Priority for Iowa Democrats. truthdig.com 
Voters say it is important for a woman to be president, but many believe a female nominee will have a harder time beating Donald Trump.
(2020-02-10). Three Old White Guys: Bernie, Biden and Bloomberg. counterpunch.org 
Pete Buttigieg’s declaration of victory in Iowa reminded us that neither sex, sexual orientation or skin color is in any way intrinsic to a person’s judgement – the first gay or the first African-American or the first woman to do this or that may still be mired in the mediocrity of their convictions. Distinctions of identity may remain relevant, but it is the authenticity of their narratives that should concern us.
(2020-02-10). Witness for Survival: Existential Choice and Action Constructing Historical Mega Events. counterpunch.org 
Witness or, more particularly, the witness frames the process of social movements for change beyond a generational approach by emphasizing actors, motives, and actions in relation to a specific goals or enterprise. To witness means to know and to provide evidence. This person assembles and communicated facts, presumably for a purpose whether personal or public
(2020-02-10). Germany: Trial in Hamburg for former SS security guard at Stutthof concentration camp. wsws.org In the lawsuit against Bruno D, several of the co-plaintiffs have stressed the significance of the trial, given the current resurgence of far-right extremism and fascism in Germany, Europe and worldwide.
(2020-02-10). Facebook Ads Should Face the Same Libel Law as Media Outlets. truthout.org Will Facebook run ads calling Donald Trump a “money launderer?” This is an interesting question to consider. If an individual or group proposed to run television or newspaper ads describing Trump as a money launderer, the outlet would almost certainly refuse to take it. In spite of the strong probability that the charge is true, these outlets would be afraid of a major lawsuit from Trump. Facebook has no such concerns, and that is a big problem. | Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made a big point…
(2020-02-10). Trump’s Social Security Changes Pose Dire Threat to Rural Disabled People. truthout.org Changes to the Social Security Disability Insurance program proposed in January by That’s particularly true for those in rural communities, <...
(2020-02-10). Brazilians Mobilize to Clean Up Massive Oil Spill and End the Fossil Fuel Era. truthout.org A major oil spill, coming from a mysterious source in the South Atlantic Ocean, has been contaminating Brazil’s coastline since Aug. 30. The oil has already
(2020-02-10). Lindsey Graham Seems Willing to Degrade Every US Institution to Keep Trump Happy. truthout.org Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade last week “When I go to meet God at the pearly gates, I don’t think he’s going to ask me, ‘Why didn’t you convict Trump?'” He may be right about that, but only because he’s likely to first be asked to explain what he did afterward. Graham has become Trump’s instrument of revenge in the Senate, and he isn’t making any bones about it. | Appearing on Judge Jeanine Pirro’s Fox News show on Saturday night, Graham made it clear…
(2020-02-10). Charles Koch’s Political Operation Gears Up to Attack 2020 Democrats. truthout.org Charles Koch’s Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) has AFP Action was launched months before the 2018 midterms as “a new tool to build broad policy coalitions in Congress to help adva…
(2020-02-10). Trump Budget Would Slash Medicare and Social Security While Boosting Pentagon. truthout.org Just two days after The president’s pl…
(2020-02-10). This week in history: February 10-16. wsws.org 25 years ago: US House of Representatives moves to eliminate welfare On February 15, 1995, the human services subcommittee of the Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee approved provisions to a draft Personal Responsibility Act that would abolish the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs and transform them into block grants to the 50 states. The bill would cut as much as $40 billion from welfare spending over five years.
(2020-02-10). The “Low-yield” Nuclear Warhead: A Dangerous Weapon Based on Bad Strategic Thinking. globalresearch.ca In the unintuitive world of nuclear weapons strategy, it’s often difficult to identify which decisions can serve to decrease the risk of a devastating nuclear conflict and which might instead increase it. Such complexity stems from the very foundation of …
(2020-02-10). German Ruling Class Commemorates Liberation of Auschwitz by Planning New Wars and New Crimes. globalresearch.ca On Wednesday, a neo-fascist party helped form a regional government in Germany for the first time since the end of Nazi rule. | Despite the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) receiving just five percent of the vote in the regional election …
(2020-02-10). 9/11 Analysis: Carbon Nanotubes in World Trade Center Dust. globalresearch.ca At the Toronto Hearings in 2011, Professor Niels Harrit described a new discovery related to the World Trade Center (WTC) dust. That new discovery was the presence of carbon nanotubes in the residues of nanothermite ignition. The importance of these …
(2020-02-10). The Geopolitical Deployment of Biological Weapons. globalresearch.ca It should be apparent that the launching of bio-warfare, as with conventional warfare, is considerably eased by locating military bases, offensive weapons and delivery systems as physically close as possible to one’s potential enemies. This is one reason the US …
(2020-02-10). The American Empire Mistakenly Believes the Shale Oil-Gas Revolution Will Continue Until 2050 and Beyond. globalresearch.ca The Trump regime never tires of trumpeting the myth of
(2020-02-10). Being a Democrat—Ugh. globalresearch.ca Notwithstanding the impotent Senate Minority. Not those ill-fated bills championed as victories by House Democrats only to be spurned by the upper chamber; not smug, elitist party fundraisers; not funding strategists and millionaire celebrity donors; not even bumbling Iowa Democratic …
(2020-02-10). Global Research in Troubled Waters: We Need Your Support. globalresearch.ca Dear Readers, | As some of you may recall, around this time last year, Global Research needed your help to “stay afloat”. Our financial situation was in bad shape and we were metaphorically sinking. Happily, many of you have since thrown …
(2020-02-10). From Pétain to Macron, from the Resistance to the Yellow Vests…: 1944-1945, France’s Fake Purge of “The Collaborators” globalresearch.ca In her most recent book, La Non-épuration en France de 1943 aux années 1950 (“France’s Non-Purge from 1943 to the 1950s”), historian Annie Lacroix-Riz challenges a view of the Liberation of the country in 1944-1945 — and its aftermath — …
(2020-02-10). Menace on the Menu in Post-EU Britain. globalresearch.ca Environmentalist Dr Rosemary Mason has just written the report ‘
(2020-02-10). Hassan Diab Files Civil Claim Regarding His Extradition. globalresearch.ca On Friday February 7, Hassan Diab’s civil lawyer filed a statement of claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice regarding Hassan’s extradition in 2014. At a press conference that day, Hassan stated: | “Since my release in 2018, we have …
(2020-02-10). Trump Administration’s EPA’s New Shameful Tactic: Avoid People Poisoned by Coal Ash. globalresearch.ca Imagine you live next to a coal-fired power plant. Near the power plant, you may have seen heavy machinery dumping loads of greyish substance into an open pit or a pond. You learn that the greyish stuff is called
(2020-02-10). Joe Biden jokingly calls a voter ‘a liar’, but his poll ratings show he has nothing to laugh about. thecanary.co At a Democrat primary event in New Hampshire on 9 February, a young student asked former US vice president Joe Biden why voters should believe he could win the national election. But instead of giving her a straight answer, Biden called her a “lying dog-faced pony soldier”. So his response left a lot of people in the room and online quite puzzled: | t.co/yTfLtvvFBP — Reuters (@Reuters)
(2020-02-10). Big Wins for ‘Parasite’ Give Oscar Night an Emotional High. truthdig.com Called up to the stage again and again, Bong Joon Ho kept saying he was ready for a drink — “bloody ready.” | But the Oscars weren’t bloody ready to stop giving him awards. | By the end, the South Korean director and his masterful social thriller “Parasite” had won best original screenplay, best international film, best director, and best picture, the latter a history-shattering win as the first non-English language film to win the top prize in the Oscars’ 92-year history. | Bong’s giddy, increasingly incredulous acceptance speeches — and the warmly raucous reception he received — were emblemati…
(2020-02-10). Ruling Party Retains Majority in Azerbaijan’s Parliament. telesurenglish.net Azerbaijan’s ruling party has retained its parliamentary majority, according to initial election results announced on Monday. | RELATED: | Voter turnout…
(2020-02-10). Left-Wing Sinn Fein Wins Popular Vote in Irish General Election. telesurenglish.net In a historic win, the left-wing Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein obtained the majority of the popular vote in Saturday’s general election, disrupting a 100-year-old duopoly of power between right-wing parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. | RELATED: | “Sinn Fein has won the election. We have won the popular vote,” the party’s leader Mary Lou McDonald said Monday as final counting is underway. | With full results expe…
(2020-02-10). Brazilian Police Kill Suspect in Marielle Franco’s Murder. telesurenglish.net Adriano da Nóbrega, the notorious hitman whose gang of hired killers was allegedly involved in the murder of Brazilian councilor, Marielle Franco, was gunned down by police on Sunday in the northeastern state of Bahia, where the suspect had been hiding from authorities. | RELATED: | The former special forces police captain, who also had close ties to the family of the Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro,…
(2020-02-10). Interview with film historian Joseph McBride: For Kirk Douglas, life was “like a war—you have to fight all the time” wsws.org The WSWS spoke last week to Joseph McBride, film historian and educator, and the author of more than 20 books, including a valuable biography of Kirk Douglas.
(2020-02-10). World War III’s Newest Battlefield. zcomm.org U.S. Troops Head for the Far North…
(2020-02-10). The Anti-Abortion Hit List From a Rhode Island Priest. counterpunch.org The actions of a Catholic priest from my hometown in Rhode Island, Reverend Richard Bucci, made national news. Reverend Bucci targeted a group of Catholic legislators in the state who voted for a pro-choice bill in 2019 that protected abortion rights. Father Bucci, in publishing the list of legislators who were pro-choice, “wanted lawmakers to ‘take responsibility’
(2020-02-10). Sinn Féin general election win reflects leftward shift in Ireland. wsws.org Sinn Féin are the undeserving beneficiaries of a sharp shift to the left among broad sections of working people and youth.
(2020-02-10). International Justice Versus Myanmar. counterpunch.org Let’s cut to the chase — there is no question, no doubt, that the government of Myanmar and the army which controls it have committed the most vile atrocities against the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority that lives in the West of the Buddhist-dominated country. The International Court of Justice (the World Court) which ruled
(2020-02-10). The Left Becomes Center: Financial Transactions Taxes and Beyond. counterpunch.org Last week, Antonio Weiss, along with co-author Laura Kawano, released a paper advocating a financial transactions tax (FTT). I have long been an advocate of FTTs, so I’m always glad to see another paper making the case. However, what made this paper especially noteworthy is Weiss’s background. Weiss had been a top Treasury official under
(2020-02-10). Sanders asks for recanvass of 25 Iowa caucus precincts. rt.com 
Democrat presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has formally requested a partial review of last week’s Iowa caucuses, after getting more votes but fewer delegates than rival Pete Buttigieg. | The recanvass request would apply to 25 precincts and three satellite sites. The Sanders campaign suggested they might ask for a full recount afterward. | “While a recanvass is just the first step in the process and we don’t expect it to change the current calculations, it is a necessary part of making sure Iowans can trust the final results of the caucus,” campaign adviser Jeff Weaver said in a statement on Monday. | Also…
(2020-02-10). Soleimani could have ‘easily’ killed American commanders ANYWHERE in Middle East…but chose stability — Rouhani. rt.com 
Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated by a US drone strike in Iraq, was more than capable of targeting American commanders in the Middle East, but he wanted calm in the region, Iran’s president has claimed. | The leader of the elite Quds Force had pursued “stability and calm in the region,” Hassan Rouhani said on Monday in a speech broadcast live on state TV. | “If commander Soleimani wanted to kill American generals it would have been very, very easy for him, in Afghanistan, Iraq and any other place. He never did that,” stated Rouhani. | The United States justified the assassination by allegi…
(2020-02-10). ‘Greta syndrome’: Brussels forced to apologize TWICE after EU foreign policy chief dares to dismiss youth climate activism. rt.com 
A European Commission spokesperson has flung herself on the public’s mercy days after the EU foreign policy chief had committed (and apologized for) the unpardonable sin of referring to youth climate activism as “Greta syndrome.” | EC spokeswoman Dana Spinant begged for forgiveness during a news conference on Monday, addressing the digital lynch mobs still raging over foreign policy head Josep Borrell’s comment dismissing children’s willingness to protest for “green” reforms during a debate last week. The Spanish politician argued the young activists were not aware of the consequences for their standard of liv…
(2020-02-10). Coronavirus likely to have minimal effect on Russia's economic growth — Alexei Kudrin. rt.com 
Russian economy could feel the impact of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, but it is likely to be less damaging than expected, according to the head of Russia’s Accounts Chamber, Alexei Kudrin. | “It [the coronavirus outbreak] will have an impact on the economic growth rate, but it will be minor,” the former finance minister told reporters on Monday. “It might be within 0.1 – 0.2 [percent of GDP].” | The virus has severely affected the demand for oil, as China is one of the major global importers. This has been driving oil prices down since the beginning of the year and the demand is unlikely to fully rebound,…
(2020-02-10). Sick joke: Blogger arrested after brutal coronavirus prank on Moscow subway (VIDEO). rt.com 
A prankster is facing up to five years in prison for causing panic on the Moscow underground. That’s the high price he may yet paying for an ill-conceived attempt to turn Chinese coronavirus hysteria into online likes. | A young man in a black tracksuit and a face mask was walking along the subway car on one of the busiest lines before suddenly collapsing on the floor and starting to convulse in agony. Several guys rushed to help the poor soul, but then quickly fled, shouting “Coronavirus! Coronavirus!” | The event had a strong effect on other passengers, who started rushing out of the car as soon as the train…
(2020-02-10). Amazon wants to ‘depose’ Trump over losing $10 billion Pentagon contract. rt.com 
Still fuming over the loss of the Pentagon cloud computing deal to Microsoft, Amazon is arguing that President Donald Trump’s personal bias improperly influenced the decision, even invoking his impeachment to make their case. | Court
(2020-02-10). Indian politician calls for burqa ban claiming ‘terrorists’ use them to hide from police. rt.com 
The state of Uttar Pradesh’s labor minister Raghuraj Singh has called for an outright ban on women wearing burqas, suggesting that terrorists have been using them to elude authorities. | In an apparent reference to the recent violent protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which have swept India, Singh claimed that criminals and “terrorists” were using the burqa to conceal their identities. | Also on rt.com | | The poitician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Par…
(2020-02-10). Russia starts training crew for India's 1st manned space mission. rt.com 
Four Indian astronauts that will take part in their country’s first manned space mission have begun tuition at Russia’s famed Cosmonaut Training Center (CTC) after coming through a rigorous selection process at home. | The quartet, sent by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), commenced training on Monday, the center “All candidates served as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. After serious tests,…
(2020-02-10). BBC journalist sparks anger online after ‘populist’ jibe in wake of historic success for Sinn Féin in Irish elections. rt.com 
World-renowned BBC foreign correspondent John Simpson has triggered Twitter after claiming voters had “succumbed to populism” in Ireland’s general election after left-wing nationalist party Sinn Féin made historic gains. | Simpson — who has spent his working life at the BBC reporting from a host of war zones around the world — took to social media on Monday morning to ostensibly voice his dismay at the election results. | He suggested the emergence of Sinn Féin to break up the duopoly of center-right parties was nothing more than a case of the Irish electorate caving in to “populism.” | So Ire…
(2020-02-10). BBC journalist sparks anger online after 'populist' jibe in wake of historic success for Sinn Fein in Irish elections. rt.com World-renowned BBC Foreign correspondent John Simpson has triggered Twitter after claiming voters had “succumbed to populism” in the Irish general election, that saw left-wing nationalist party Sinn Fein make historic gains. | Simpson — who has spent his working life at the BBC reporting from a host of war zones around the world — took to social media on Monday morning to ostensibly voice his dismay at the election results. | He suggested the emergence of Sinn Fein to break up the duopoly of center-right parties in the Republic of Ireland was nothing more than Irish electorate caving in to “populis…
(2020-02-10). Russian 'anarchists' jailed for planning FIFA World Cup and presidential election terrorist attacks. rt.com 
A court in the central Russian city of Penza has handed down prison sentences of between six and 18 years to seven anarchists convicted on terrorism charges. | The men, all members of the group ‘Network (‘Set,’ in Russian), were accused of possession of weapons and drugs, and of planning attacks during the FIFA World Cup and presidential election in 2018. They were arrested in 2017, in Penza and St. Petersburg. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claims that ‘Network’ also operated ‘cells’ in Moscow, Omsk and the capital of Belarus, Minsk. | Investigators asserted that Dmitry Pchelintsev and Ilya Shakursky were…
(2020-02-10). Deathproof? Dagestani construction workers survive 9-story fall, escape with MINOR injuries (VIDEO). rt.com 
A shocking construction site accident was caught on camera in southern Russia. Five workers seemingly fell to their doom as the scaffolds collapsed — only to emerge from the rubble not just alive, but nearly unharmed. | The video of the men tumbling towards the ground from the ninth floor, in a pile of wooden planks and steel pipes, provides for a truly disturbing sight. As the bystanders are seen rushing to the debris, they clearly anticipate the worst. | But it turns out that the mixed martial arts champ Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t the only “unbreakable” man to come from the Republic of Dagestan. | It…
(2020-02-10). Turkey strikes Syrian Army positions after ‘5 troops killed in shelling’. rt.com 
Five Turkish troops were killed in the shelling of an observation post in Syria’s Idlib province, Ankara has said, blaming Damascus for the attack. Turkish forces then fired on Syrian Army positions. | “Five of our troops were killed and five others were injured in the shelling by the Syrian regime,” the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Monday, adding that “return fire was opened.” | It’s not the first shelling incident between Turkish and Syrian forces in Idlib. A week ago, six Turkish troops were killed by Syrian artillery fire in an incident that Russia said was a result of miscommunication. | The casualtie…
(2020-02-10). Russian court extends house arrest of US investor Calvey until May 13. rt.com 
A Moscow court ruled on Monday to extend until May 13 the house arrest of US investor Michael Calvey, an executive at private equity group Baring Vostok, TASS reported. The court also ruled to extend the house arrest of Calvey’s French colleague Phillipe Delpal until the same date. | The executives, who were detained in February 2019, deny any wrongdoing. | They had asked the court to mitigate the preventive measure, to be allowed to take walks or to release them on bail, but th…
(2020-02-10). Spanish govt to ban glorification of Franco dictatorship — Socialist Party. rt.com 
The Spanish government plans to make it illegal to glorify the regime of former dictator General Francisco Franco as part of a reform of the criminal code, the Socialist Party said on Monday. | Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975, ordered the execution or imprisonment of tens of thousands of his enemies, while as many as 500,000 people died in the preceding civil war, Reuters said. His legacy still divides Spain and looms large over its political system. | “In a democracy you don’t pay tribute to dictators or tyrants,” parliamentary spokeswoman Adriana Lastra said. She did not spell out w…
(2020-02-10). At least 8 killed, many reported injured in car bomb blast in Syria's Afrin (PHOTOS, VIDEO). rt.com 
A car bomb that exploded in Afrin, Syria has killed eight people and wounded others, according to media reports. | A video purportedly taken at the scene shows a large fire on a city street, as dark smoke billows from what appears to be the charred remains of a vehicle. | ‚ĺÔ∏èüá∏üáæ‚ĺÔ∏è Afrin’de patlama meydana geldi; ya…
(2020-02-10). From ‘artificially inseminated cows’ to a John Bolton joke: Oscars 2020 Top 5 cringiest ‘woke' moments. rt.com 
The Academy Awards were full to the brim with virtue signaling, including actress Natalie Portman’s dress calling out nominated male directors, and Chris Rock and Steve Martin complaining about missing ‘vaginas.’ | Missing ‘vaginas’ | Despite the Academy Awards going forward with their night without a host, comedians Steve Martin and Chris Rock were still given an opportunity at the top of the evening to throw out some digs at the Oscars, including the lack of female artists nominated. | When talking about directors nominated at this year’s ceremony — all males — the pair called out the show for its…