(2019-08-29). Trump's Other Wall. counterpunch.org 
Trump brags about the 'wall of money' now flowing into the US from abroad—from Europe, Asia, emerging market economies—as the global economy slides into recession there faster than in the US. He thinks that is great news for the US economy. But it's quite the opposite. More
(2019-08-29). Do ratings trump accountability in journalism? Latest retracted MSNBC 'bombshell' suggests 'yes'. rt.com 
Lawrence O'Donnell's walkback of a supposed "bombshell" story involving a claim that Donald Trump received loans co-signed by Russian billionaires is the latest sign that journalism has become accountability-free. | Indicating that MSNBC deliberately chose to prioritize hype over facts, O'Donnell admitted on air that the claim needed "a lot more verification before [it] can be a confirmable fact" — but he reported it anyway. | Typically, when a journalist does not have enough information to verify a claim, they wait until such time that they do. When that basic tenet of journalism is lost, the news becom…
(2019-08-29). A safe zone in Syria: a renewed military crisis or a diplomatic solution? uwidata.com 
The establishment of safe zones in war-torn countries is supposed to entail a reduction in violence. However, in the present situation in Syria, US involvement in the establishment of a safe zone will lead to the direct military entrenchment of Washington, Turkey, Russia, and Syria, and will only cause the situation to deteriorate further. WHY …
(2019-08-29). 'Apologies are not enough': Eric Trump threatens to sue MSNBC & host over Russian loan 'smear'. rt.com 
Eric Trump says he's taking legal action against MSNBC and its host Lawrence O'Donnell for slandering and smearing the Trump family and company, while President Donald Trump took to Twitter to slam the host. | Trump responded to O'Donnell's tweet apologizing for "en error in judgement" on his Last Word show on Tuesday night in which he claimed that the president took out bank loans with the help of Russian billionaires. The MSNBC host walked back his report after the president's attorney complained to the network. | "Apologies are not enough," Eric Trump later tweeted, claiming O'Donnell's "true intent" was to…
(2019-08-29). Trump reviews Ukraine aid to ensure it's being used in US' interests — report. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump is reviewing military aid to Ukraine to ensure American interests are being "prioritized," according to a senior administration official, putting the funding on hold and enraging Russiagate truthers. | Around $250 million in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, earmarked for weapons, training, equipment and intelligence support, has been frozen while administration officials review whether the money is being used "in the best interest of the United States," the official told Politico on Wednesday. Trump reportedly wants to ensure that other nations are "paying their…
(2019-08-29). The Death of Arms Control. truthdig.com 
A deadly accident in northern Russia earlier this month caused the U.S. arms control community to stand up and take notice. The Russians claim they were testing "isotopic sources of fuel on a liquid propulsion unit," and that only after the test was completed did the engine explode. There was a spike in radiation levels detected in the city of Severodvinsk, roughly 18 miles away, shortly after the accident. Seven people were killed as a result of the explosion, including at least two who died of acu…
(2019-08-29). Putin and Russia, the World's "Heartland" dissidentvoice.org 
Russia has always fascinated me—the mystical orthodox faith brought to Kievan Rus in the ninth century, the stern heroes who defended Muscovy against the Golden Horde in the 13—15th centuries, the vast spaces, the remarkable literature of Pushkin and Tolstoy, the Bolshevik Revolution against imperialism … The West has always been a bit jealous of …
(2019-08-29). Belfast workers fight layoffs, climate change. workers.org 
Workers have occupied the Harland and Wolff shipyard in the north of Ireland since July 29. They are fighting to save the last 132 jobs at the 166-year-old Belfast company, which at its peak during World War I employed 35,000 and is most famous for building the Titanic. The workers . . . | Continue reading Belfast workers fight layoffs, climate change at Workers.org
(2019-08-29). Greta Thunberg, Frances Crowe and a Passing of the Torch. truthdig.com 
Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, sailed into New York Harbor Wednesday after an occasionally harrowing, two-week trans-Atlantic voyage. Greta walks the walk, living her life with as small a carbon footprint as she can. She decided to forgo flying as part of that commitment, so, in order to make it from Europe to North America, she sailed on a zero-emissions racing yacht. The day before Greta's arrival, on Tuesday, another activist ended a remarkable voyage. Frances Crowe, a lifelong peace activist, died at home in Western Massachusetts, surrounded by her family, at the age of 100. Frances w…
(2019-08-29). Ruth Davidson poised to quit as Scottish Tory leader. thecanary.co 
Ruth Davidson is poised to quit as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.The former journalist, who took over the top job in the party almost eight years ago, will "make her position clear in due course", a spokesman said.But it is expected she will step down on Thursday — with her resignation coming in the aftermath of Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing plans to temporarily suspend parliament.Davidson, who campaigned for Remain in the 2016 European referendum, had clashed with Johnson over the issue of the UK's future membership of the EU. | The Scottish Tory — who was touted as a future leader of…
(2019-08-29). Channel patrols continue as UK and French ministers hold refugee crisis talks. thecanary.co 
The Home Secretary is set to travel to Paris for talks with France's Interior Minister in a bid to tackle the refugee crisis.Priti Patel and Christophe Castaner are expected to meet on Thursday afternoon to discuss the latest wave of attempts by asylum seekers to cross the English Channel.Border Force cutters continued patrols along the south coast on Thursday morning in the wake of small boats crossing from France to the UK on an almost daily basis over the last week.More than 220 asylum seekers — including at least 40 children — have been intercepted by UK and French authorities since Thursday last we…
(2019-08-29). Italy's President Allows 5-Star's Conte to Form New Gov't With PD. telesurenglish.net Italy's President asked Giuseppe Conte to head up a coalition of the 5-Star Movement and opposition Democratic Party (PD) Thursday, a move could that could improve Italy's fractious relations with the European Union. | RELATED: | Italy: 'Mare Jonio' Vessel Rescues a Hundred African Migrants | Markets welcomed the prospect of a quick end to a three-week-l…
(2019-08-29). Italy Allows the 'Mare Jonio' Vessel to Dock Women and Children. telesurenglish.net Italy's acting Interior Minister Matteo Salvini authorized Thursday the landing of women, children and sick people aboard the Mare Jonio, an Italian humanitarian ship which rescued on Wednesday African migrants at the Mediterranean Sea. | RELATED: | Italy: Center-Left PD, 5-Star Form New Coalition Led by Conte | "The Mare Jonio may descend women, child…
(2019-08-29). Maduro Confirms New Dialogue With Venezuelan Opposition. telesurenglish.net The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, confirmed on Wednesday that his Government resumed contacts with Norway to engage in dialogue with the opposition, after the freezing of the negotiating table in protest against the executive order imposed by the U.S. against the South American nation. | RELATED: | Cuba, Canada Meet to Discuss US Intervention in Venezuela | "I can report that contacts with the Norwegian government have resumed, there have been several meetings, contacts wit…
(2019-08-29). The Power to Oversee the Education System, A Historical Timeline from the Prussian Empire to the Rockefeller Dynasty. globalresearch.ca Throughout history, the idea of those in power to oversee the education system started in the 16th Century. The history is complex and is rarely mentioned. | The formation of the American public education system began in the Kingdom of Prussia …
(2019-08-29). In the "New Arms Race", Washington Can't Get Its Story Straight. globalresearch.ca As of August 18th, when the United States test-fired a cruise-missile from San Nicolas Island, California, it would not be an exaggeration to say that we have entered an exceptionally dangerous phase in Russia-US relations, perhaps more so than at …
(2019-08-29). Lawrence O'Donnell Retracts Trump-Russia Story. truthdig.com NEW YORK — MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Wednesday retracted his story about supposed Russian ties to President Donald Trump's finances and apologized for reporting it — just as Trump's lawyer demanded. | O'Donnell said, however, he still doesn't know whether or not the story is true. | His public pull-back unfolded quickly in the opening minute of "The Last Word," where 24 hours earlier the cable news host said that a source had told him that Deutsche Bank documents showed that Russian oligarchs had co-signed a loan application for Trump. | O'Donnell reported the story, based on a single source he di…
(2019-08-29). Belarus Wants to Reset Diplomatic Ties With US: Lukashenko. telesurenglish.net The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, met with the U.S. National Security Official, John Bolton, in the capital city of Minsk Thursday as the two nations seek to strengthen their diplomatic ties. | RELATED: | Bolton Bemoans Venezuela's Upcoming Democratic Elections | During Bolton's visit, Lukashenko expressed Belarus' desire to 'reset' relations with the United States, despite Minsk's close ties with Russia. | "Despite all the noise around your visit, there is a lot of pos…
(2019-08-29). "Israel" Will Never Let Iran Build a Pipeline to Syria Unless Russia Is Involved. globalresearch.ca It's impossible to imagine any realistic scenario where "Israel" would sit back and let its number one enemy strengthen its influence in the region unless Russia was involved as a stakeholder for keeping Iran in check. | *** | Iran is reportedly…
(2019-08-29). PM hit with another legal action as resistance to his plan soars in all corners of the kingdom. thecanary.co Boris Johnson is facing legal action aimed at stopping his prorogation of parliament. The case against the PM in the north of Ireland isn't the only one either. Two other legal challenges, one in England and another in Scotland, are also on Johnson's horizon. | On this issue, much of the United Kingdom is clearly uniting against the PM. | Not for "the good of the country": | Raymond McCord, a victims' rights campaigner, has brought legal action from the north of Ireland. During a hearing on 29 August, McCord's lawyer Ciar…
(2019-08-29). UN health experts warn 'dramatic resurgence' of measles continues to threaten the European region. un.org Europe has lost ground in eliminating measles, as the number of countries having achieved or sustained elimination of the disease has declined, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) warned on Thursday.
(2019-08-29). Ukraine's Orthodox Church "Autocephalous Bloc": How Poroshenko Will Wage War Against Zelensky. globalresearch.ca In spring, Ukraine witnessed an event that will surely be written down in the country's history — the presidential elections were won by Volodymyr Zelensky, a showman who had never been involved in politics before. And as Zelensky's victory …
(2019-08-29). The Open Amazon and Its Enemies: A Call for Action and Optimism. globalresearch.ca The Amazon, now on fire, has become the central political and geopolitical hot spot for humanity's right to its own future. Optimism is the gasoline that must feed the fight. | *** | June and July have been the hottest months on …
(2019-08-29). Mary Frances Whitfield Bears Witness. thenation.com Mary Frances Whitfield Bears Witness…
(2019-08-29). Italy's Five Star populists and social democrats try to form shaky coalition government. wsws.org The alliance is an attempt to prevent early elections and clear the way for an austerity budget to impose deeper cuts on the working class.
(2019-08-29). 'Ground Zero': Report from the former Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. un.org Every year on August 29, at the initiative of Kazakhstan, the UN and its Member States mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests. This year, the Day coincides with the 70th anniversary of the first atomic bomb test at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan. UN News travelled to the remote, eerily beautiful region, for this report.
(2019-08-29). Leaked UN Draft Report Warns Rising, Warming Oceans 'Poised to Unleash Misery' Worldwide. commondreams.org A draft United Nations report warns "the same oceans that nourished human evolution are poised to unleash misery on a global scale unless the carbon pollution destabilizing Earth's marine environment is brought to heel," according to Agence France-Presse, which exclusively reported on the 900-page scientific assessment Thursday. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/crop-gettyimages-158329949_1.jpg …
(2019-08-29). Boris Johnson Suspends Parliament Ahead of Brexit in "Shameless and Brazen Attack" on U.K. Democracy. democracynow.org 
The United Kingdom is in uproar after Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked the queen to prorogue, or suspend, Parliament from mid-September to mid-October, leaving little time for lawmakers to avoid a disastrous no-deal Brexit when the country exits the European Union on October 31. Thousands took to the streets in London and across the country Wednesday to protest the move. We speak with Ash Sarkar, senior editor at Novara Media, who describes Johnson's latest move as unprecedented, calling it "the most shameless and brazen attack on the British democratic process" in decades. "The unspoken rule of the British con…
(2019-08-29). Headlines for August 29, 2019. democracynow.org EPA to Roll Back Methane Regulations in Blow to Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Trump Moves to Allow Logging in World's Largest Intact Temperate Rainforest, Hurricane Dorian Gains Strength, Threatens Bahamas & Florida, Swedish Youth Climate Justice Activist Greta Thunberg Arrives in NYC After 15-Day Boat Trip, Gillibrand Drops Out of 2020 Race as Just 10 Dems Qualify for Sept. Debate, Thousands Protest "Coup" in U.K. as Boris Johnson Suspends Parliament Ahead of Brexit, New Coalition Government May Be Formed in Italy, Italian Humanitarian Ship Rescues 100 Migrants Off Coast of Libya, Separatists & Government-B…
(2019-08-29). Boris Johnson Suspends Parliament Ahead of Brexit in Attack on UK Democracy. truthout.org | | The United Kingdom is in uproar after Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked the queen to prorogue, or suspend, Parliament from mid-September to mid-October, leaving little time for lawmakers to avoid a disastrous no-deal Brexit when the country exits the European Union on October 31. Thousands took to the streets in London and across the country Wednesday to protest the move. We speak with Ash Sarkar, senior editor at Novara Media, who describes Johnson's latest move as unprecedented, calling…
(2019-08-29). Johnson Faces Huge Backlash in UK After Suspending Parliament. telesurenglish.net The opposition Labour Party said Thursday it would trigger an emergency debate in Parliament next week to try to stop Prime Minister Boris Johnson from taking Britain out of the European Union without a withdrawal deal. | RELATED: | Uproar in the UK After Queen Suspends Parliament at PM's Request | The British Queen approved Prime Minister Boris Johnso…
(2019-08-29). Remembering Legendary Peace Activist Frances Crowe, Who Died at 100 After Decades of Resisting War. democracynow.org 
The legendary peace activist Frances Crowe died this week at the age of 100 in Northampton, Massachusetts. Over the past seven decades, Frances had been arrested countless times while protesting war, nuclear weapons, nuclear power and the construction of new pipelines. She is survived by her two sons, a daughter and an international community of peace activists. We revisit a 2005 interview of Francis Crowe by Amy Goodman, and recognize her lifetime of advocacy.
(2019-08-29). The next European country as a strategic target of the far-right. mronline.org 
Nationalism has always been, to some degree, a feature across Europe's political spectrum, but in recent years, fostered by the likes of Donald Trump and funded by American religious 'conservatives' there has been an explosion in voter support for right-wing and populist parties. | Source
(2019-08-28). G7 Summit: Critical Outcomes. uwidata.com 
In the French city of Biarritz, a three-day summit featuring the heads of state from 7 of the world's largest economies (Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Canada, the USA, France and Japan) has come to a close. The hottest topics of discussion were trade relations, a nuclear deal with Iran, the protests in Hong Kong, the …
(2019-08-28). After making millions, mining companies leave a trail of destruction in their wake. thecanary.co An investigation by Corporate Watch into Dalradian Gold Ltd's proposed gold mine in the north of Ireland has further exposed the corrupt and dangerous side of mining. | These revelations about the environmental and finan…
(2019-08-28). Russiagate skeptics are vindicated, but conspiracy theorists are rewarded (w/ Glenn Greenwald). thegrayzone.com Glenn Greenwald on Robert Mueller's disappearance; how Andrew McCabe has become the latest former U.S. intelligence official to join either…
(2019-08-28). Johnson disregards history as British forces readied to combat unrest in north of Ireland. thecanary.co As Boris Johnson tries to shut down parliament to push through Brexit, he continues to maintain there'll be no Irish backstop. And at least one British mainland police force is being readied to patrol…
(2019-08-28). "We're in a Crisis of Deaths": Migrant Death Toll Tops 900 in Mediterranean as 40 Die Off Libya. democracynow.org 
At least 40 refugees and migrants are feared dead off of the coast of Libya after a boat carrying dozens of people en route to Europe capsized Tuesday morning in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Libyan coast guard, some 65 migrants and refugees, mostly from Sudan, were rescued with the help of local fishermen. With Tuesday's tragedy, the number of migrants and refugees who have lost their lives this year in the Mediterranean en route to Europe is up to 900. Meanwhile, far-right European leaders like Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini continue to criminalize refugees and migrants, as well as humanitar…
(2019-08-27). Amazonia in Flames. dissidentvoice.org On 28 October 2018, Jair Bolsonaro was elected President of Brazil with 55.1% of the vote and with a gigantic help from Cambridge Analytica. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2019 in Davos Switzerland, Bolsonaro made a sumptuous presentation, "We Are Building a New Brazil". He outlined a program that put literally Brazil up …
(2019-08-26). Monday's Daily Brief: UN chief talks climate action at G7, WFP official visits camp in Central African Republic, Deadly violence at Lesvos migrant centre, Security Council meets on AU-UN Darfur mission. un.org A recap of Monday's stories: UN chief urges more action from G7 leaders to tackle 'climate emergency'; WFP official visits camp for displaced in Central African Republic, UN refugee agency calls on Greece to keep young migrants safe after deadly incident at Lesvos reception centre; and Security Council considers work of AU-UN Mission in Sudan's Darfur region.
(2019-08-26). An anti-fascist spy who defied Hitler's Nazis and was betrayed by Stalin. greenleft.org.au 
books Phil ShannonIssue 1235 Russia GermanyAugust 26, 2019In Impeccable Spy: Richard Sorge, Stalin's Master Agent
| Owen Matthews
| Bloomsbury, 2019
| 435 pages | Dr Richard Sorge, a German communist who penetrated the innermost political and military circles…
(2019-08-26). Unreported Deaths, Child Cancer & Radioactive Meat: The Untold Story of Chernobyl. democracynow.org 
Following a mysterious nuclear accident in Russia that left seven dead, we look back at the 1986 nuclear disaster in Chernobyl. It sent a cloud of radioactive fallout into Russia, Belarus and over a large portion of Europe, but the death toll from Chernobyl remains unknown. Chernobyl is considered the worst nuclear accident in history, but Kate Brown, an MIT professor of science, technology and society, says much of what we understand about the disaster is inaccurate. Her new book, "Manual for Survival: A Chernobyl Guide to the Future," chronicles the devastating and underreported impact of radiation on tens of t…
(2019-08-26). Mysterious Russian Nuclear Missile Accident Sparks Fears of Cover-Up & "Chernobyl Redux" democracynow.org 
Questions are swirling over a mysterious nuclear accident in northern Russia on August 8. Seven people, including five nuclear scientists, died in an explosion, which caused a radiation spike in the surrounding area — and possibly as far as Scandinavia. U.S. experts suspect the explosion was caused during a test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile. Russia initially denied a radiation leak, but earlier today its state weather agency confirmed radioactive isotopes have been found in test samples in the city of Severodvinsk near the military test range. Norway's nuclear test ban monitor now believes two explos…
(2019-08-26). Headlines for August 26, 2019. democracynow.org World Leaders Pledge Amazon Help as Trump Sends Mixed Signals About China at G7 Summit, Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif Makes Surprise Appearance at G7 to Hold Talks with European Officials, Protesters Call Out G7 Leaders over Corporate Ties, Climate Inaction and Inequality, Wildfires Continue to Consume Amazon as Public Outrage Grows, Police Deploy Water Cannons, Fire a Live Warning Shot at Hong Kong Protesters, Attacks in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq Add to Mounting Tensions in Middle East, EU Countries Say They Will Relocate Migrants Stranded on Ship After 2-Week Standoff, 200,000 Rohingya Refugees March for "Genocid…
(2019-08-25). Qatar pulls its Turkish investments. uwidata.com Erdoƒüan Toprak, the chief adviser to the chairman of the People's Republican Party (CHP) and the parliamentary deputy from the province of Istanbul, prepared a report on the issue of Qatari investments, which, in recent years, have been increasingly discussed throughout Turkey. According to the Turkish Ministry of Economy, from 2002 to March 2017, Qatar …
(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,…
(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.
(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…
(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 (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 …