Daily Archives: August 25, 2019

2019-08-25: News Headlines

Stephen Lendman (2019-08-26). US Sanctions: A Weapon of War by Other Means. globalresearch.ca The US under both extremist wings of its war party imposes illegal sanctions on nations targeted for regime change — part of its war on these countries by other means. | European and most other nations go along even when harming …

Telesur (2019-08-25). France: 'G7 and Its Summit Are Illegitimate', Aurelie Trouve. globalresearch.ca Environmental activists, human rights defenders, gender activists and social leaders began on Wednesday a "counter-summit" to protest the Group of Seven (G7) meeting which will be held in Biarritz, in the Basque Country, in France, from August 24 to 26….

Stephen Lendman (2019-08-25). US Missile Test, UN Security Council Face Off: China-Russia v. US. globalresearch.ca At the request of Russia and China, a Thursday Security Council session was held on the Trump regime's development of short-and-intermediate-range missiles prohibited by the landmark 1987 INF Treaty. | The key pillar of arms control (and earlier ones) are gone …

Andrew Korybko (2019-08-25). Black Sea-Caspian Sea Connectivity Is the Future of Eurasian Integration. globalresearch.ca This week's first-ever Caspian Economic Forum in Turkmenistan resulted in the unveiling of an exciting new vision of Eurasian integration through Russian Prime Minister Medvedev's proposal to prioritize Black Sea-Caspian Sea connectivity. | *** | Most of the international media didn't report …

Dr. Paul Craig Roberts (2019-08-25). The "Irresponsibility" of Small Nations. US Missile Tests. globalresearch.ca After falsely accusing Russia of violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), Washington unilaterally repudiated the treaty. Thus did the US military/security complex rid itself of the landmark agreement achieved by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that defused the Cold …

Staff (2019-08-25). States With Fracking Bans Are Still Building Fracking Infrastructure. truthout.org | | Fracking bans have begun to sweep across the world, with Ireland, France, Germany and Bulgaria declaring a moratorium on the deadly fossil fuel process. While the U.S. is lagging behind in the effort to stop the ill effects of global climate crisis, states like Vermont, Washington, Maryland and New York have passed bans. Both Georgia and Florida have attempted these bans as well. | Banning fracking isn't enough, though. Fracking infrastructure is being built in states with bans and is continui…

RT (2019-08-24). Plan B? US to open consulate in Greenland after Denmark rejects Trump's offer to buy territory. rt.com Washington is reportedly preparing to open a consulate in Greenland for the first time in over half a century, after Donald Trump's offer to purchase the territory was rebuffed by Denmark. If you can't buy them, join them? | In a letter obtained by the Associated Press, the US State Department informed Congress that it hopes to re-establish a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, as part of a foreign policy initiative to increase Washington's presence in the Arctic. | The US must…

Ben Norton (2019-08-24). Twitter relying on US/European gov-funded regime-change groups to crack down on foreign states. thegrayzone.com Twitter is relying on organizations funded by the US government and European allies, such as right-wing lobby group Freedom House,…

Staff (2019-08-24). 68 Protesters Detained as Leaders Gather at G-7 Summit. truthdig.com BIARRITZ, France—The Latest on the Group of Seven summit (all times local): | 11: 05 p.m. | French authorities have detained 68 people taking part in a tense protest near the G-7 summit. | The regional administration says those detained are accused of throwing projectiles, concealing their faces or possessing objects that could be used as weapons. | Police fired tear gas, water cannon and dispersion grenades at a crowd of about 400 mostly peaceful anti-capitalism demonstrators Saturday in the town of Bayonne. The regional administration says n…

Staff (2019-08-24). Brazilian Troops Deploy to Fight Amazon Fires. truthdig.com RIO DE JANEIRO— Backed by military aircraft, Brazilian troops on Saturday were deploying in the Amazon to fight fires that have swept the region and prompted anti-government protests as well as an international outcry. | President Jair Bolsonaro also tried to temper global concern, saying previously deforested areas had burned and that intact rainforest was spared. Even so, the fires were likely to be urgently discussed at a summit of the Group of Seven leaders in France this weekend. | Some 44,000 troops will be available for "unprecedented" operations to put out the fires, and forces are heading to six Br…

teleSUR (2019-08-24). G7 Summit Starts Amid Discontent with Amazon Fires, Trade Wars. telesurenglish.net The European Council (EC) President Donald Tusk said on Saturday that it is difficult to imagine the European Union (EU) approving a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mercosur as long as Brazil does not stop the Amazonian fires. | RELATED: | 'Counter-G7 Summit' Rejects Cynicism of Developed Nations | "The burning Amazon rainforest has become another depressing sign of our times. Of course we stand by the EU-Mercosur agreement … but it is hard to imagine a harmonious process of ratific…

Alexandra Jacobo (2019-08-24). Air pollution now linked to degenerative eye disease and mental health problems in children. nationofchange.org It seems like nearly every week a new study is coming out to warn us of a new link between air pollution and various health problems. This week two new studies have revealed a link between air pollution from cars, general air pollution, and serious health problems. | A new study conducted by researchers in the United States and Denmark showed a connection between air pollution and an increased risk of mental health problems in people that spend their childhood in areas with high levels of air pollution. | When looking at the insurance data for 151 million individuals collected between 2003 and 2013 in the Unit…

WSWS (2019-08-24). Merkel and Orbán: A sordid deal at the expense of refugees and democracy. wsws.org On the 30th anniversary of the opening up of the Hungarian-Austrian border, Merkel and Orbán sang the praises of "freedom" while agreeing to closer military collaboration.

WSWS (2019-08-24). Massive police mobilization in Biarritz, France as G7 summit opens. wsws.org In preparation for this weekend's G7 summit in Biarritz, the French authorities are carrying out a massive police mobilization to prepare to suppress any opposition.

WSWS (2019-08-24). UK Prime Minister Johnson fails to secure Brexit concessions from Germany and France. wsws.org Corbyn's meeting with Remain-supporting parties and MPs is his latest capitulation to the agenda of sections of big business opposed to leaving the EU.

RT (2019-08-23). More Russiagate unraveling? Ex-CEO says FBI instructed him to have relationship with Maria Butina. rt.com Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne has told media that he was ordered by the FBI to initiate a romantic relationship with imprisoned Russian gun activist Maria Butina, seemingly confirming claims made by her lawyer. | Byrne, who resigned from the online retail company on Thursday, explained to CNN's Chris Cuomo that he had been asked by the FBI — on the orders of then-director James Comey — to "rekindle a romantic relationship" with Butina. | Taken aback by the claim, Cuomo interjected: "You believe that Jim Comey knew that you were being asked to do these things in the name of the United States gove…

RT (2019-08-23). 'Crime does pay': CNN hires disgraced ex-FBI director Andrew McCabe. rt.com What does one get for leaking to the media, lying to federal investigators about it, and allegedly participating in a plot to derail an American election? If you answered jail time, too bad. The correct answer is a job at CNN.

Staff (2019-08-23). Putin Orders Russia to Respond After U.S. Missile Test. truthdig.com MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military on Friday to work out a quid pro quo response after the test of a new U.S. missile banned under a now-defunct arms treaty. | In Sunday's test, a modified ground-launched version of a U.S. Navy Tomahawk cruise missile accurately struck its target more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) away. The test came after Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. | Speaking at a meeting of his Security Council, Putin charged that the U.S. waged a "propaganda campaign" alleging Russian breaches of the pact to "

RT (2019-08-23). 'Provocative' post-INF missile test serves US neocon goal to stop détente with Russia. rt.com The decision by the United States to test a cruise missile banned under the now-expired INF treaty was a provocative move that delights neocons who oppose rapprochement between the US and Russia, analysts told RT. | Less than a month after pulling out of the INF arms control treaty, the US military tested a ground-launched Tomahawk cruise missile previously prohibited under the agreement. | Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow would "take exhaustive measures to prepare a symmetrical response" to the test, while stressing that it is not aiming to ignite a new arms race. | Also on rt.com

RT (2019-08-23). WATCH: Plane cabin fills with smoke moments before emergency landing. rt.com Horrified passengers of Hawaiian Airlines were lucky to escape disaster after their cabin filled with smoke during a flight to Honolulu on Thursday. Their plane made an emergency landing before the crew evacuated all on board. | Seven passengers, five adults and two children, were hospitalized after suffering "smoke-related symptoms," the airline said in a statement. | Also on rt.com | | Watch Swiss fighter jets shadow Russian GOVERNMENT PLANE as 'act of hospitality' | Smoke began filling the cabin 20 minutes before the flight from Oakland, California lan…

RT (2019-08-23). 'Winning is for capitalists'? Socialist Monopoly takes a whack at America's favorite bogeyman. rt.com A new "socialist" Monopoly reboot has won over conservatives and triggered eye-rolls from liberals — and mysteriously disappeared from store shelves faster than you can say "a spectre is haunting Europe." | Monopoly: Socialism — subtitled "winning is for capitalists" and "what's yours is ours" — has joined Hasbro's increasingly bizarre stable of Monopoly spinoffs that now includes Monopoly Game of Thrones, Monopoly for Millennials, Monopoly Star Wars, and Monopoly Gamer. Or has it? As of Thursday night, the game is no longer listed on Target's website, where it was sold for $19.99, and only a h…

Staff (2019-08-23). Bolsonaro May Send Army to Fight Massive Amazon Fires. truthdig.com France accuses the Brazilian leader of lying over his commitment to save the rainforest, which is seen as crucial to slowing global warming.

Mark Gruenberg (2019-08-23). Climate change, Amazon fires come to France with G7 protests. peoplesworld.org BIARRITZ, France—The continuing controversy over international action — or lack of it — to deal with climate change, and the latest big threat to the environment, the massive Brazilian Amazonian wildfires, will descend on the G7 summit here this weekend. The object: To force the leaders of the world's top industrialized nations to do something …

teleSUR (2019-08-23). Six European Countries to Receive 356 Migrants Rescued at Sea. telesurenglish.net The Government of Malta confirmed Friday that Germany, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Romania will host 356 migrants on board the Ocean Viking, a Norwegian-flagged rescue vessel chartered by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Méditerranée. | RELATED: | Italy: Officials Finally Allow 'Open Arms' Migrants to Land | " [We] welcome [the fact] t…

teleSUR (2019-08-23). 'Counter-G7 Summit' Rejects Cynicism of Developed Nations. telesurenglish.net Less than 24 hours before the Group of Seven (G7) Summit begins, over 15,000 police and military have been drafted into Biarritz to prevent environmental, gender and social activists from reaching this French elegant town. | RELATED: | 'G7 Summit Should Address Crisis at the Amazon', Germany Says | "I know there's 15,000 police and it doesn't scare me," activist Genevieve Legay said, adding that the "desperate" French government might use its security forces to hit "us who are aski…

M. K. Bhadrakumar (2019-08-23). Trump Fine-tunes Peace Deal with Taliban. globalresearch.ca The US President Donald Trump's remarks at the Oval Office in the White House on August 20 regarding the Afghan peace talks and related issues exuded an overall sense of satisfaction that the "endless war" is finally ending —although …

Philip Giraldi (2019-08-23). Why a Defense Agreement with Israel Would be a Disaster for Americans. Lindsey Graham's Blank Check. globalresearch.ca Two world wars began because of unconditional pledges made by one country to come to assistance of another. On July 5, 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledged his country's complete support for whatever response Austria-Hungary would choose to make …

Andrew Korybko (2019-08-23). Kashmir and the US-Russia Power Play in South Asia. globalresearch.ca Russia is reluctant to jeopardize its ultra-profitable arms relationship with India by strategically "balancing" South Asia, which is why the US decided to play this irreplaceable role instead by actively seeking to cut deals in both Afghanistan and Kashmir since …

WSWS (2019-08-23). US escalates preparations for nuclear war with Russia and China. wsws.org After withdrawing from the INF treaty, the US is accelerating its preparations to fight a nuclear war with China or Russia by testing and stockpiling dangerous new weapons in a nuclear arms race.

Andrew Korybko (2019-08-23). "New Detente" Between Russia and The West? Impacts on the Russia-China Strategic Partnership. globalresearch.ca Macron's Mediation | The dynamics of the New Cold War might undergo a dramatic transformation if the geopolitical game-changer of a "New Detente" between Russia and the West succeeds, which is becoming increasingly possible as proven by recent events. | President Putin's …

Hans Stehling (2019-08-23). Boris Johnson Government's High Speed 2 (HS2) Rail Link Evaluation Fatally Flawed by Incompetent Ministers. globalresearch.ca It is inappropriate that the cost benefit analysis of the largest civil construction project in Europe, worth between £56 billion and £100 billion, is essentially in the hands of a newly appointed, inexperienced transport minister with a less than savoury …

teleSUR -EF (2019-08-23). Mercosur-EFTA Sign Trade Accord After 20 Years of Negotiations. telesurenglish.net In a historic signing, countries within Mercosur and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) came to a free trade agreement Friday after 23 years of negotiations. | RELATED: | 'Brazil to Leave Mercosur if Cristina Wins', Minister Guedes | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro called the document, "another great victory for our commercial opening and diplomacy," who currently presides over the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The head of state,…

WSWS (2019-08-23). Macron-Putin meeting before G7 summit highlights global geopolitical conflicts. wsws.org The meeting took place in the context of increasing calls centered in Paris and Berlin for the European Union to develop its capabilities to wage wars independently of the United States.

Staff (2019-08-23). Sen. Merkley on the Dangers of a New Nuclear Arms Race & Why He Backs the Green New Deal. democracynow.org Fallout from the Trump administration's decision to pull out of the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is mounting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to prepare for what he called a "symmetrical response" after the U.S. tested what it said was a nonnuclear cruise missile earlier this week. The U.S. launch was the first test of its kind since the Trump administration withdrew from the INF. We speak to Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon about U.S. nuclear policy, as well as the Green New Deal, President Trump's wish to buy Greenland and more.

Robert Scheer (2019-08-23). The Latest Victim in the Crucifixion of Julian Assange. truthdig.com The case of Ola Bini, a Swedish data privacy activist and associate of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, has been shrouded in mystery since his arrest in Quito, Ecuador, on April 11. He was detained on the same day Assange was forcibly removed from the Ecuadorian Embassy in the United Kingdom, inevitably raising questions about whether Bini was being held because of his connection with Assange and whether the United States was involved in the case in some form. | Bini, who initially…

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2019-08-23). Despite Massive Police Lockdown, Protesters Vow to Offer 'Radical Solutions' to Counter G7 Failures. commondreams.org "If they were really interested in building a fairer world, surely the G7 would not need to put the whole region of France into lockdown, with thousands of police and 'unprecedented' levels of security." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/g7-inequality-police-unprecedented.jpg

Kenneth Good (2019-08-23). Congo's Patrice Lumumba: The Winds of Reaction in Africa. counterpunch.org The Congo won independence from Belgium in June 1960 with Patrice Lumumba, age 35, as Prime Minister. Immediately it began to fall apart, under revanchist Belgian assault, Cold War pressures, adjacent settler colonial reaction and collaborationist Congolese elites like Moise Tshombe and Joseph Desire Mobutu. On 12 July Lumumba and President Kasavubu asked UN Secretary More

Staff (2019-08-22). Italy's Right-Wing Government Collapses — Will the Next One Be Better? therealnews.com Matteo Salvini of the right-wing League party tried to maneuver for new elections, but failed. Now coalition talks are happening to see if the anti-corruption 5-Star Movement and the center-left Democratic Party can form a government. Luciana Castellina assess the situation…

susan_p (2019-08-22). Italy: Conte resigns, coalition with Salvini 'ended'. greenleft.org.au Daniele FulviIssue 1234 Italy rise of the far right League Five Star Movement (M5S)August 22, 2019Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on August 20, effectively ending the c…

Naomi Klein (2019-08-21). Why the Democratic National Committee Must Change the Rules and Hold a Climate Debate. theintercept.com A girl holds a sign that reads "pull the emergency brake" at a ceremony to commemorate the Okjà∂kull glacier in Iceland, on Aug. 18, 2019. | recorded in human history. You are meeting on the same week that smoke from a record number of wildfires in the Amazon rainforest turned day into night in the Brazilian megapolis of Sà£o Paulo. And you are meeting just days after Iceland's prime minister led her country in its first unitedEditor (2019-08-21). Italian Prime Minister Conte resigns, but what comes next? uwidata.com On Tuesday, Giuseppe Conte, the Chairman of the Italian Council of Ministers, announced his resignation. In a speech before the Senate, he declared his intention to ask President Mattarella for permission to leave his office early. Conte was all but forced into the decision by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who was about to initiate …

Jan Oberg (2019-08-21). OMG Trump Cancels Denmark! dissidentvoice.org This morning the Danes could wake up to a Twitter message from US President Trump that he was anyhow not going to Denmark on September 2-3 — in spite of the fact that it had been confirmed and that, formally at least, he had been invited by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II herself. Here is …

Emily Apple (2019-08-21). In one tweet, Jeremy Corbyn shows exactly why he's the leader the world needs. thecanary.co As The Canary reported, a coup is currently underway in Turkey against democratically elected mayors in three predominately Kurdish cities. But while there's been a deafening silence from the Conservative Party over the actions of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoƒüan, Jeremy Corbyn has spoken out: | The arrest of political leaders and act…

John Nichols (2019-08-21). Trump's Greenland Grab Is a Throwback to the Foulest Imperialism. thenation.com Trump's Greenland Grab Is a Throwback to the Foulest Imperialism…

The Canary (2019-08-21). Trump pulls out of planned Denmark visit after PM shuts door on Greenland sale. thecanary.co US president Donald Trump said he is postponing an upcoming meeting with Denmark's prime minister because she is not interested in discussing a proposed sale of Greenland. | Trump recently floated the idea of purchasing the island — owned by Denmark — but said as recently as Sunday that such a transaction was not a top priority. | Denmark had scoffed at the idea, saying Greenland was not for sale. | Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postpo…

Gary Leupp (2019-08-21). "Based on the Fact She Won't Sell Me Greenland, I'm Staying Home" dissidentvoice.org Denmark, by all reports one of the happiest, most affluent societies on earth, retains a symbolic monarchy for patriotic purposes. One of the Queen's duties is to invite foreign leaders for state visits. So Margrethe II did the politically normal, correct thing and invited the U.S. president. She knew, of course, from her briefings that …

Staff (2019-08-21). Headlines for August 21, 2019. democracynow.org Amazon Wildfires Spark Fears of Environmental Disaster as Sà£o Paulo Goes Dark from Smoke, Trump Expected to End Flores Agreement, Slashing Protections for Child Migrants, CBP Will Not Vaccinate Jailed Migrants as Doctors Say At Least 3 Detained Children Died from Flu, Lawsuits Allege "Torture" in Migrant Jails and Child Abuse in Foster Care, Italy in Turmoil as Prime Minister Resigns, Migrants Disembark from Rescue Ship in Italy After Being Stranded at Sea for 3 Weeks, Trump Cancels Denmark Visit over Refusal to Discuss Selling Greenland, Trump Attacks Tlaib & Omar, Says Jews Are "Disloyal" If They Vote De…

susan_p (2019-08-21). Turkey: HDP calls for mobilisations against AKP attacks — 'We will not be silenced, we will not be stopped…'. greenleft.org.au Kurdish struggle Susan PriceIssue 1234 Turkey Turkish arrests Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)August 21, 2019Human rights organisations, solidarity groups and the European Unio…

The Canary (2019-08-21). Johnson told EU is united over Brexit stance as he prepares for Merkel meeting. thecanary.co The European Union has restated its "single united position" over Brexit as Boris Johnson prepares for talks with the leaders of its most influential nations.The prime minister is set to meet German chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday and French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday in his first overseas trip since entering Number 10.On Saturday, Johnson will be at the G7 summit, where he will meet other world leaders including US president Donald Trump. | But Brussels insisted Johnson would not be able to undermine the EU's unity by holding bilateral meetings with the German and French leade…

unitedEditor (2019-08-20). Turkey and China One Road One Belt Project. uwidata.com In recent years, thanks to the development of Turkey's transit fleet and the emergence of a vibrant and active private sector in this sector, Turkey has been able to take a fair share of the road transport market with the countries of the region by creating competitive advantages. Turkey and the Modern Silk Road Project …

2019-08-25: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

US Sanctions: A Weapon of War by Other Means
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-26
The US under both extremist wings of its war party imposes illegal sanctions on nations targeted for regime change — part of its war on these countries by other means. | European and most other nations go along even when harming …
globalresearch.ca/us-sanctions-weapon-war-other-means/5687105

France: 'G7 and Its Summit Are Illegitimate', Aurelie Trouve
Telesur | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-25
Environmental activists, human rights defenders, gender activists and social leaders began on Wednesday a "counter-summit" to protest the Group of Seven (G7) meeting which will be held in Biarritz, in the Basque Country, in France, from August 24 to 26….
globalresearch.ca/france-g7-summit-illegitimate/5687085

US Missile Test, UN Security Council Face Off: China-Russia v. US
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-25
At the request of Russia and China, a Thursday Security Council session was held on the Trump regime's development of short-and-intermediate-range missiles prohibited by the landmark 1987 INF Treaty. | The key pillar of arms control (and earlier ones) are gone …
globalresearch.ca/us-missile-test-un-security-council-face-off-china-russia-v-us/5687073

Black Sea-Caspian Sea Connectivity Is the Future of Eurasian Integration
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-25
This week's first-ever Caspian Economic Forum in Turkmenistan resulted in the unveiling of an exciting new vision of Eurasian integration through Russian Prime Minister Medvedev's proposal to prioritize Black Sea-Caspian Sea connectivity. | *** | Most of the international media didn't report | …
globalresearch.ca/black-sea-caspian-sea-connectivity/5687057

The "Irresponsibility" of Small Nations. US Missile Tests
Dr. Paul Craig Roberts | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-25
After falsely accusing Russia of violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), Washington unilaterally repudiated the treaty. Thus did the US military/security complex rid itself of the landmark agreement achieved by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that defused the Cold …
globalresearch.ca/irresponsibility-small-nations/5687081

States With Fracking Bans Are Still Building Fracking Infrastructure
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-08-25
| Fracking bans have begun to sweep across the world, with Ireland, France, Germany and Bulgaria declaring a moratorium on the deadly fossil fuel process. While the U.S. is lagging behind in the effort to stop the ill effects of global climate crisis, states like Vermont, Washington, Maryland and New York have passed bans. Both Georgia and Florida have attempted these bans as well. | Banning fracking isn't enough, though. Fracking infrastructure is being built in states with bans and is continui…
truthout.org/articles/states-with-fracking-bans-are-still-building-fracking-infrastructure/

Twitter relying on US/European gov-funded regime-change groups to crack down on foreign states
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-08-24
Twitter is relying on organizations funded by the US government and European allies, such as right-wing lobby group Freedom House,…
thegrayzone.com/2019/08/24/twitter-relying-on-us-european-gov-funded-regime-change-groups-to-crack-down-on-foreign-states/

68 Protesters Detained as Leaders Gather at G-7 Summit
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-08-24
BIARRITZ, France–The Latest on the Group of Seven summit (all times local): | 11: 05 p.m. | French authorities have detained 68 people taking part in a tense protest near the G-7 summit. | The regional administration says those detained are accused of throwing projectiles, concealing their faces or possessing objects that could be used as weapons. | Police fired tear gas, water cannon and dispersion grenades at a crowd of about 400 mostly peaceful anti-capitalism demonstrators Saturday in the town of Bayonne. The regional administration says n…
truthdig.com/articles/68-protesters-detained-as-leaders-gather-at-g-7-summit/

Brazilian Troops Deploy to Fight Amazon Fires
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-08-24
RIO DE JANEIRO– Backed by military aircraft, Brazilian troops on Saturday were deploying in the Amazon to fight fires that have swept the region and prompted anti-government protests as well as an international outcry. | President Jair Bolsonaro also tried to temper global concern, saying previously deforested areas had burned and that intact rainforest was spared. Even so, the fires were likely to be urgently discussed at a summit of the Group of Seven leaders in France this weekend. | Some 44,000 troops will be available for "unprecedented" operations to put out the fires, and forces are heading to six Br…
truthdig.com/articles/brazilian-troops-deploy-to-fight-amazon-fires/

G7 Summit Starts Amid Discontent with Amazon Fires, Trade Wars
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-24
The European Council (EC) President Donald Tusk said on Saturday that it is difficult to imagine the European Union (EU) approving a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mercosur as long as Brazil does not stop the Amazonian fires. | RELATED: | 'Counter-G7 Summit' Rejects Cynicism of Developed Nations | "The burning Amazon rainforest has become another depressing sign of our times. Of course we stand by the EU-Mercosur agreement … but it is hard to imagine a harmonious process of ratific…
telesurenglish.net/news/G7-Summit-Starts-Amid-Discontent-with-Amazon-Fires-Trade-Wars-20190824-0002.html

Plan B? US to open consulate in Greenland after Denmark rejects Trump's offer to buy territory
rt.com | 2019-08-24
Washington is reportedly preparing to open a consulate in Greenland for the first time in over half a century, after Donald Trump's offer to purchase the territory was rebuffed by Denmark. If you can't buy them, join them? | In a letter obtained by the Associated Press, the US State Department informed Congress that it hopes to re-establish a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, as part of a foreign policy initiative to increase Washington's presence in the Arctic. | The US must…
rt.com/usa/467213-denmark-us-consulate-trump-greenland/

Air pollution now linked to degenerative eye disease and mental health problems in children
Alexandra Jacobo | nationofchange.org | 2019-08-24
It seems like nearly every week a new study is coming out to warn us of a new link between air pollution and various health problems. This week two new studies have revealed a link between air pollution from cars, general air pollution, and serious health problems. | A new study conducted by researchers in the United States and Denmark showed a connection between air pollution and an increased risk of mental health problems in people that spend their childhood in areas with high levels of air pollution. | When looking at the insurance data for 151 million individuals collected between 2003 and 2013 in the Unit…
nationofchange.org/2019/08/24/air-pollution-now-linked-to-degenerative-eye-disease-and-mental-health-problems-in-children/

Merkel and Orbán: A sordid deal at the expense of refugees and democracy
wsws.org | 2019-08-24
On the 30th anniversary of the opening up of the Hungarian-Austrian border, Merkel and Orbán sang the praises of "freedom" while agreeing to closer military collaboration.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/08/24/merk-a24.html

Massive police mobilization in Biarritz, France as G7 summit opens
wsws.org | 2019-08-24
In preparation for this weekend's G7 summit in Biarritz, the French authorities are carrying out a massive police mobilization to prepare to suppress any opposition.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/08/24/biar-a24.html

UK Prime Minister Johnson fails to secure Brexit concessions from Germany and France
wsws.org | 2019-08-24
Corbyn's meeting with Remain-supporting parties and MPs is his latest capitulation to the agenda of sections of big business opposed to leaving the EU.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/08/24/brex-a24.html

The Latest Victim in the Crucifixion of Julian Assange
Robert Scheer | truthdig.com | 2019-08-23
The case of Ola Bini, a Swedish data privacy activist and associate of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, has been shrouded in mystery since his arrest in Quito, Ecuador, on April 11. He was detained on the same day Assange was forcibly removed from the Ecuadorian Embassy in the United Kingdom, inevitably raising questions about whether Bini was being held because of his connection with Assange and whether the United States was involved in the case in some form. | Bini, who initially…
truthdig.com/articles/the-latest-victim-in-the-persecution-of-julian-assange/

Six European Countries to Receive 356 Migrants Rescued at Sea
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-23
The Government of Malta confirmed Friday that Germany, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Romania will host 356 migrants on board the Ocean Viking, a Norwegian-flagged rescue vessel chartered by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Méditerranée. | RELATED: | Italy: Officials Finally Allow 'Open Arms' Migrants to Land | " [We] welcome [the fact] t…
telesurenglish.net/news/Six-European-Countries-to-Receive-356-Migrants-Rescued-at-Sea-20190823-0010.html

More Russiagate unraveling? Ex-CEO says FBI instructed him to have relationship with Maria Butina
rt.com | 2019-08-23
Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne has told media that he was ordered by the FBI to initiate a romantic relationship with imprisoned Russian gun activist Maria Butina, seemingly confirming claims made by her lawyer. | Byrne, who resigned from the online retail company on Thursday, explained to CNN's Chris Cuomo that he had been asked by the FBI — on the orders of then-director James Comey — to "rekindle a romantic relationship" with Butina. | Taken aback by the claim, Cuomo interjected: "You believe that Jim Comey knew that you were being asked to do these things in the name of the United States gove…
rt.com/usa/467136-butina-byrne-fbi-informant-russia/

'Counter-G7 Summit' Rejects Cynicism of Developed Nations
telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-23
Less than 24 hours before the Group of Seven (G7) Summit begins, over 15,000 police and military have been drafted into Biarritz to prevent environmental, gender and social activists from reaching this French elegant town. | RELATED: | 'G7 Summit Should Address Crisis at the Amazon', Germany Says | "I know there's 15,000 police and it doesn't scare me," activist Genevieve Legay said, adding that the "desperate" French government might use its security forces to hit "us who are aski…
telesurenglish.net/news/Counter-G7-Summit-Rejects-Cynicism-of-Developed-Nations-20190823-0006.html

Climate change, Amazon fires come to France with G7 protests
Mark Gruenberg | peoplesworld.org | 2019-08-23
BIARRITZ, France–The continuing controversy over international action — or lack of it — to deal with climate change, and the latest big threat to the environment, the massive Brazilian Amazonian wildfires, will descend on the G7 summit here this weekend. The object: To force the leaders of the world's top industrialized nations to do something …
peoplesworld.org/article/climate-change-and-amazon-fires-come-to-france-with-protests-against-g7/

Why a Defense Agreement with Israel Would be a Disaster for Americans. Lindsey Graham's Blank Check
Philip Giraldi | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-23
Two world wars began because of unconditional pledges made by one country to come to assistance of another. On July 5, 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledged his country's complete support for whatever response Austria-Hungary would choose to make …
globalresearch.ca/lindsey-graham-defense-agreement-israel-disaster-americans/5686996

US escalates preparations for nuclear war with Russia and China
wsws.org | 2019-08-23
After withdrawing from the INF treaty, the US is accelerating its preparations to fight a nuclear war with China or Russia by testing and stockpiling dangerous new weapons in a nuclear arms race.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/08/23/nucl-a23.html

Kashmir and the US-Russia Power Play in South Asia
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-23
Russia is reluctant to jeopardize its ultra-profitable arms relationship with India by strategically "balancing" South Asia, which is why the US decided to play this irreplaceable role instead by actively seeking to cut deals in both Afghanistan and Kashmir since …
globalresearch.ca/trump-south-asian-balancer/5686954

"New Detente" Between Russia and The West? Impacts on the Russia-China Strategic Partnership
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-23
Macron's Mediation | The dynamics of the New Cold War might undergo a dramatic transformation if the geopolitical game-changer of a "New Detente" between Russia and the West succeeds, which is becoming increasingly possible as proven by recent events. | President Putin's …
globalresearch.ca/new-detente-proceeding-apace-china-should-very-concerned/5686937

'Crime does pay': CNN hires disgraced ex-FBI director Andrew McCabe
rt.com | 2019-08-23
What does one get for leaking to the media, lying to federal investigators about it, and allegedly participating in a plot to derail an American election? If you answered jail time, too bad. The correct answer is a job at CNN. | …
rt.com/usa/467172-mccabe-cnn-russiagate-hoax/

'Provocative' post-INF missile test serves US neocon goal to stop détente with Russia
rt.com | 2019-08-23
The decision by the United States to test a cruise missile banned under the now-expired INF treaty was a provocative move that delights neocons who oppose rapprochement between the US and Russia, analysts told RT. | Less than a month after pulling out of the INF arms control treaty, the US military tested a ground-launched Tomahawk cruise missile previously prohibited under the agreement. | Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow would "take exhaustive measures to prepare a symmetrical response" to the test, while stressing that it is not aiming to ignite a new arms race. | Also on rt.com
rt.com/usa/467147-us-provocation-inf-missile-tests/

WATCH: Plane cabin fills with smoke moments before emergency landing
rt.com | 2019-08-23
Horrified passengers of Hawaiian Airlines were lucky to escape disaster after their cabin filled with smoke during a flight to Honolulu on Thursday. Their plane made an emergency landing before the crew evacuated all on board. | Seven passengers, five adults and two children, were hospitalized after suffering "smoke-related symptoms," the airline said in a statement. | Also on rt.com | | Watch Swiss fighter jets shadow Russian GOVERNMENT PLANE as 'act of hospitality' | Smoke began filling the cabin 20 minutes before the flight from Oakland, California lan…
rt.com/usa/467124-hawaiian-airlines-smoke-evacuation/

Putin Orders Russia to Respond After U.S. Missile Test
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-08-23
MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military on Friday to work out a quid pro quo response after the test of a new U.S. missile banned under a now-defunct arms treaty. | In Sunday's test, a modified ground-launched version of a U.S. Navy Tomahawk cruise missile accurately struck its target more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) away. The test came after Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. | Speaking at a meeting of his Security Council, Putin charged that the U.S. waged a "propaganda campaign" alleging Russian breaches of the pact to "
truthdig.com/articles/putin-orders-russia-to-respond-after-u-s-missile-test/

Mercosur-EFTA Sign Trade Accord After 20 Years of Negotiations
teleSUR -EF | telesurenglish.net | 2019-08-23
In a historic signing, countries within Mercosur and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) came to a free trade agreement Friday after 23 years of negotiations. | RELATED: | 'Brazil to Leave Mercosur if Cristina Wins', Minister Guedes | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro called the document, "another great victory for our commercial opening and diplomacy," who currently presides over the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The head of state,…
telesurenglish.net/news/Mercosur-EFTA-Sign-Trade-Accord-After-20-Years-of-Negotiations-20190823-0015.html

'Winning is for capitalists'? Socialist Monopoly takes a whack at America's favorite bogeyman
rt.com | 2019-08-23
A new "socialist" Monopoly reboot has won over conservatives and triggered eye-rolls from liberals — and mysteriously disappeared from store shelves faster than you can say "a spectre is haunting Europe." | Monopoly: Socialism — subtitled "winning is for capitalists" and "what's yours is ours" — has joined Hasbro's increasingly bizarre stable of Monopoly spinoffs that now includes Monopoly Game of Thrones, Monopoly for Millennials, Monopoly Star Wars, and Monopoly Gamer. Or has it? As of Thursday night, the game is no longer listed on Target's website, where it was sold for $19.99, and only a h…
rt.com/usa/467106-monopoly-socialism-game-cruz/

Boris Johnson Government's High Speed 2 (HS2) Rail Link Evaluation Fatally Flawed by Incompetent Ministers
Hans Stehling | globalresearch.ca | 2019-08-23
It is inappropriate that the cost benefit analysis of the largest civil construction project in Europe, worth between £56 billion and £100 billion, is essentially in the hands of a newly appointed, inexperienced transport minister with a less than savoury …
globalresearch.ca/johnson-government-hs2-rail-link/5686886

Macron-Putin meeting before G7 summit highlights global geopolitical conflicts
wsws.org | 2019-08-23
The meeting took place in the context of increasing calls centered in Paris and Berlin for the European Union to develop its capabilities to wage wars independently of the United States.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/08/23/frru-a23.html

Congo's Patrice Lumumba: The Winds of Reaction in Africa
Kenneth Good | counterpunch.org | 2019-08-23
The Congo won independence from Belgium in June 1960 with Patrice Lumumba, age 35, as Prime Minister. Immediately it began to fall apart, under revanchist Belgian assault, Cold War pressures, adjacent settler colonial reaction and collaborationist Congolese elites like Moise Tshombe and Joseph Desire Mobutu. On 12 July Lumumba and President Kasavubu asked UN Secretary…
counterpunch.org/2019/08/23/congos-patrice-lumumba-the-winds-of-reaction-in-africa/

Bolsonaro May Send Army to Fight Massive Amazon Fires
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-08-23
France accuses the Brazilian leader of lying over his commitment to save the rainforest, which is seen as crucial to slowing global warming.
truthdig.com/articles/bolsonaro-may-send-army-to-fight-massive-amazon-fires/

Sen. Merkley on the Dangers of a New Nuclear Arms Race & Why He Backs the Green New Deal
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-08-23
Fallout from the Trump administration's decision to pull out of the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is mounting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to prepare for what he called a "symmetrical response" after the U.S. tested what it said was a nonnuclear cruise missile earlier this week. The U.S. launch was the first test of its kind since the Trump administration withdrew from the INF. We speak to Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon about U.S. nuclear policy, as well as the Green New Deal, President Trump's wish to buy Greenland and…
www.democracynow.org/2019/8/23/amazon_fires_brazil_andrew_miller

Despite Massive Police Lockdown, Protesters Vow to Offer 'Radical Solutions' to Counter G7 Failures
Andrea Germanos, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-08-23
"If they were really interested in building a fairer world, surely the G7 would not need to put the whole region of France into lockdown, with thousands of police and 'unprecedented' levels of security." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/g7-inequality-police-unprecedented.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/08/23/despite-massive-police-lockdown-protesters-vow-offer-radical-solutions-counter-g7?cd-origin=rss

Italy's Right-Wing Government Collapses — Will the Next One Be Better?
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-08-22
Matteo Salvini of the right-wing League party tried to maneuver for new elections, but failed. Now coalition talks are happening to see if the anti-corruption 5-Star Movement and the center-left Democratic Party can form a government. Luciana Castellina assess the situation…
therealnews.com/stories/italys-right-wing-government-collapses-will-the-next-one-be-better

Italy: Conte resigns, coalition with Salvini 'ended'
susan_p | greenleft.org.au | 2019-08-22
Daniele FulviIssue 1234 Italy rise of the far right League Five Star Movement (M5S)August 22, 2019Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on August 20, effectively ending the c…
greenleft.org.au/content/italy-conte-resigns-coalition-salvini-ended

In one tweet, Jeremy Corbyn shows exactly why he's the leader the world needs
Emily Apple | thecanary.co | 2019-08-21
As The Canary reported, a coup is currently underway in Turkey against democratically elected mayors in three predominately Kurdish cities. But while there's been a deafening silence from the Conservative Party over the actions of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoƒüan, Jeremy Corbyn has spoken out: | The arrest of political leaders and act…
thecanary.co/trending/2019/08/21/in-one-tweet-jeremy-corbyn-shows-exactly-why-hes-the-leader-the-world-needs/

Trump pulls out of planned Denmark visit after PM shuts door on Greenland sale
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-21
US president Donald Trump said he is postponing an upcoming meeting with Denmark's prime minister because she is not interested in discussing a proposed sale of Greenland. | Trump recently floated the idea of purchasing the island — owned by Denmark — but said as recently as Sunday that such a transaction was not a top priority. | Denmark had scoffed at the idea, saying Greenland was not for sale. | Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postpo…
thecanary.co/us/us-news-us/2019/08/21/trump-pulls-out-of-planned-denmark-visit-after-pm-shuts-door-on-greenland-sale/

Trump's Greenland Grab Is a Throwback to the Foulest Imperialism
John Nichols | thenation.com | 2019-08-21
Trump's Greenland Grab Is a Throwback to the Foulest Imperialism…
thenation.com/article/trump-greenland-denmark/

OMG Trump Cancels Denmark!
Jan Oberg | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-08-21
This morning the Danes could wake up to a Twitter message from US President Trump that he was anyhow not going to Denmark on September 2-3 — in spite of the fact that it had been confirmed and that, formally at least, he had been invited by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II herself. Here is …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/08/omg-trump-cancels-denmark/

"Based on the Fact She Won't Sell Me Greenland, I'm Staying Home"
Gary Leupp | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-08-21
Denmark, by all reports one of the happiest, most affluent societies on earth, retains a symbolic monarchy for patriotic purposes. One of the Queen's duties is to invite foreign leaders for state visits. So Margrethe II did the politically normal, correct thing and invited the U.S. president. She knew, of course, from her briefings that …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/08/based-on-the-fact-she-wont-sell-me-greenland-im-staying-home/

Turkey: HDP calls for mobilisations against AKP attacks — 'We will not be silenced, we will not be stopped…'
susan_p | greenleft.org.au | 2019-08-21
Kurdish struggle Susan PriceIssue 1234 Turkey Turkish arrests Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)August 21, 2019Human rights organisations, solidarity groups and the European Unio…
greenleft.org.au/content/turkey-hdp-mobilise-against-akp-attacks-we-will-not-be-silenced

Johnson told EU is united over Brexit stance as he prepares for Merkel meeting
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-21
The European Union has restated its "single united position" over Brexit as Boris Johnson prepares for talks with the leaders of its most influential nations.The prime minister is set to meet German chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday and French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday in his first overseas trip since entering Number 10.On Saturday, Johnson will be at the G7 summit, where he will meet other world leaders including US president Donald Trump. | But Brussels insisted Johnson would not be able to undermine the EU's unity by holding bilateral meetings with the German and French leade…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/08/21/johnson-told-eu-is-united-over-brexit-stance-as-he-prepares-for-merkel-meeting/

Turkey and China One Road One Belt Project
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-20
In recent years, thanks to the development of Turkey's transit fleet and the emergence of a vibrant and active private sector in this sector, Turkey has been able to take a fair share of the road transport market with the countries of the region by creating competitive advantages. Turkey and the Modern Silk Road Project …
uwidata.com/4983-turkey-and-china-one-road-one-belt-project/

Stormont leaders clash over PM's backstop demand
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-20
Political leaders in the north of Ireland have clashed over Boris Johnson's claim that the backstop will damage the peace process.Sinn Féin accused the prime minister of "rank hypocrisy", insisting a no-deal Brexit is what could endanger the peace, while the DUP said the EU had to accept that political unionism in the region would not accept the contentious measure.The Alliance Party accused Johnson of being "reckless and disingenuous".The prime minister outlined a number of reasons for his demand for the EU to ditch the backstop in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk.One of them was the ass…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/08/20/stormont-leaders-clash-over-pms-backstop-demand/

Key questions about Boris Johnson's Brexit letter to Donald Tusk
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-20
With Brexit due on October 31, Boris Johnson has set out in writing his demands for changes to the UK's divorce deal from the European Union.– What has the Prime Minister said?In his letter to European Council president Donald Tusk, Johnson confirmed his aim of removing the backstop — the contingency plan to keep a soft border with Ireland in all circumstances — from the legally binding Withdrawal Agreement. | I have written to @eucopresident about key aspects of the UK's…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/08/20/key-questions-about-boris-johnsons-brexit-letter-to-donald-tusk/

Brussels rejects Boris Johnson's call for Irish backstop to be scrapped
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-08-20
Boris Johnson has been rebuffed by Brussels after demanding major changes in a new Brexit deal. | The prime minister set out his call for the backstop — the contingency plan to avoid a hard border with Ireland — to be scrapped from the divorce deal ahead of the October 31 Brexit deadline. | But European Council president Donald Tusk defended the measure and warned that those seeking to replace it would risk a return to a hard border on the island of Ireland. | The backstop is an insurance to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland unless and until an alternative is found. Those against the backst…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/08/20/brussels-rejects-boris-johnsons-call-for-irish-backstop-to-be-scrapped/

Multipolar World: a new axis of resistance
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-08-19
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin, who recovered Russia which was politically, economically and socially dispersed, once again succeeded in making Moscow one of the center of the world in foreign policy. Through the period we have been passing in which the relations between Turkey and Russia are deepening and the paths of …
uwidata.com/4958-multipolar-world-a-new-axis-of-resistance/