Daily Archives: October 9, 2019

2019-10-09: News Headlines

Dean Baker (2019-10-09). Trump's Trade War: a Report From the Front. counterpunch.org Donald Trump is bravely carrying on a trade war, not just with the bad guys with China, but with longtime allies like Canada and the European Union. Incredibly, the media just don't seem that interested in reporting on the ongoing progress. Last week the Commerce Department released trade data for August, and it got almost More

Vijay Prashad (2019-10-09). What to expect from Turkey's coming invasion of Syria. mronline.org Erdogan's government is preparing to enter Syria for a major military operation against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is made up largely of Kurdish factions who set up this armed force to defend the mainly Kurdish enclave in northern Syria. | Source

Staff (2019-10-09). Trump's Withdrawal From Syria: Betrayal of Kurds or End to Endless War? therealnews.com President Trump's intention to withdraw from Syria was met with outrage on many sides, with people calling it a betrayal of a key ally in the Syrian conflict. Kurdish expert Edmund Ghareeb says there is probably a deal between Trump and Erdogan.

Steve Sweeney (2019-10-09). Turkey invades Syria to wipe out Kurds after Trump gives green light. peoplesworld.org Kurds are fearing ethnic cleansing today as Turkish forces launch a ground invasion following yesterday's bombing of Kurdish areas in northern Syria. Turkey's aggression comes after U.S. troops withdrew from the region earlier this week. President Donald Trump announced the pullback of U.S. forces suddenly and without warning late on Sunday night. Late Tuesday, Commander …

Eds. (2019-10-09). A green Earth with peace and room for us all. mronline.org Draft Globalization programme submitted by the National Board of the Red-Green Alliance/Enhedslisten, Denmark, to the party's next Annual Congress on 5 — 6 October. It is a programmatic text about global development. | Source

RT (2019-10-09). 'Time to deliver' Elon Musk? NASA nervous as spaceship delays threaten to cut off astronauts from ISS. rt.com With NASA's contract with Russia about to run out without a replacement spaceship ready, the US space agency is leaning on SpaceX to hurry up and deliver. CEO Elon Musk says everything is on schedule — but is it? | Since the Space Shuttle program was scrapped in 2011, NASA has had no crewed spaceship capability, having to pay Roscosmos $80 million a seat to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. SpaceX and Boeing were both contracted to develop a domestic alternative, but both the Crew Dragon and the Starliner have yet to get beyond the testing stage. | This is a problem for the US space ag…

Eds. (2019-10-09). Speech on 'Environmental Protections' by Karl Liebknecht. mronline.org This speech was delivered in 1912 to the Prussian House of Deputies in response to a proposal by the Free People's Party. Environmental destruction was not as far-reaching then as it is now, yet Liebknecht was keenly aware of the disappearance of butterflies and insects, of the small changes that bode ill. | Source

Eva Bartlett (2019-10-09). Return to Russia: Crimeans Tell the Real Story of the 2014 Referendum and Their Lives Since. mintpressnews.com Eva Bartlett traveled to Crimea to see firsthand out how Crimeans have fared since 2014 when their country reunited with Russia, and what the referendum was really like.

teleSUR (2019-10-09). U.S: Eyes on Cuba and Russia for Supporting Venezuela. telesurenglish.net U.S. special envoy on Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, told Reuters exclusively Washington ¥s new sanctions on Cuba for its support for Nicolas Maduro as well as the "closer look" at Russia's role in helping him remain in power. | RELATED: | Almost One Million Migrants Arrested at US Border | President Donald Trump's frustration over the failure of his "maximum pressure" campaign to overthrow Maduro has spurred foreign policy aides to ready further U.S. actions and press for tougher sanct…

Juan Cole (2019-10-09). Trump's Syria Policy Could Be a Gift to ISIS. truthdig.com As a result of the turmoil the U.S. and Turkey are causing in the region, 12,000 Islamic State fighters in containment camps could escape.

Staff (2019-10-09). The U.S. Arming of Ukraine Is a Scandal on Its Own. truthdig.com What follows is a conversation between journalist Aaron Maté and Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone. Read a transcript of their conversation below and watch part one of their interview below. | There is growing evidence that President Donald Trump briefly froze U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for political goals. Max Blumenthal explores how the Ukrainegate scandal overlooks the dangers of those weapons sales to Ukraine and the corrupt interests behind it. | Under Trump, U.S. military assistance has prolonged a bloody proxy war with Russia, killing thousands in Ukraine and enabling far-right Ukrainian forces [mdas…

teleSUR (2019-10-09). Turkey Begins Operation Against Kurdish Forces in Syria. telesurenglish.net Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that the Turkish Army and its Syrian rebel allies have launched their military operation into northeastern Syria. | RELATED: | Turkey Pledge to Pursue Military Plans in Syria Despite US Threats | Erdogan said the offensive, dubbed "Operation Peace Spring", would aim to eliminate threats from the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia and the Islamic State militants, and enable the return of Syrian refugees in Turkey after th…

Andrei Ilyashenko (2019-10-09). Russia and China Reach New Level of Military Cooperation. China's Missile Early Warning System. globalresearch.ca The government of Japan intends to intensify negotiations with Russia to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once again reminded about this in his keynote speech at the parliament opening session. | "By solving …

Jon Queally (2019-10-09). In European First, Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Sweden Would Enshrine Rights of Nature. globalresearch.ca "When we're in the beginning of an ecological and climate collapse," said the lawmaker who introduced the measure, "I hope we can re-think our relationship with Nature." | *** | Heralded as the first of its kind in Europe, a proposed constitutional …

South Front (2019-10-09). Video: US Troop Withdrawals? Washington Green-light to Turkish Incursion into Northeastern Syria. globalresearch.ca On October 7, US forces started withdrawing from their positons along the border with Turkey, in northern Syria. The US military had permanent garrisons in Tel Abyad, Tel Musa, Tel Hinzir and Tel Arqam. They were abandoned. | On October …

Staff (2019-10-09). Julián Castro Backs Impeachment Effort, Condemns Trump's "Betrayal" of Kurds. truthout.org | | Turkey's government says its troops are prepared for an imminent assault on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to fall back from their positions on the Turkish-Syrian border. Kurdish fighters said they're bracing for a "humanitarian catastrophe." This follows warnings that former Kurdish allies of the U.S. who feel betrayed by President Trump will abandon thousands of prisoners captured during the U.S.-backed war against ISIS over the past two years.

Lev Golinkin (2019-10-09). Ukraine's Corruption Is a Mirror of Our Own. thenation.com Ukraine's Corruption Is a Mirror of Our Own…

Staff (2019-10-09). Trump-Linked Attorney Funded Ukraine President's DC Lobbying Efforts. truthout.org | | A little known U.S.-based attorney quietly poured six figures into foreign influence operations for President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, hoping to be rewarded with a job in his administration, foreign agent records identified by OpenSecrets show. | The new Foreign Agent Registration Act records reveal previously unreported meeti…

Aaron Maté (2019-10-09). Russian social media debate: clickbait or information warfare? thegrayzone.com What is the Internet Research Agency, and are the claims of a Russian influence campaign against the U.S. well-founded? Aaron…

Staff (2019-10-09). Julián Castro Backs Impeachment Effort & Condemns Trump's "Betrayal" of Kurds in Northern Syria. democracynow.org Turkey's government says its troops are prepared for an imminent assault on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to fall back from their positions on the Turkish-Syrian border. Kurdish fighters said they're bracing for a "humanitarian catastrophe." This follows warnings that former Kurdish allies of the U.S. who feel betrayed by President Trump will abandon thousands of prisoners captured during the U.S.-backed war against ISIS over the past two years. We speak to former housing secretary and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro, who says Trump's move is a…

pip.hinman (2019-10-09). Reaction to Jock Palfreeman's illegal detention continues to grow. greenleft.org.au civil rights Pip HinmanIssue 1240 Bulgaria political prisoner paroleOctober 9, 2019On October 7, three Bulgarian judges from the Supreme Court of Cassation decided they would need up to two months to review…

Kenneth Surin (2019-10-09). Bojo Goes Bonkers: Two Borders Will Divide Ireland From Northern Ireland. counterpunch.org Brexit would have (the non-EU) UK share a border with (the EU-member) Ireland, and the EU does not countenance a flexible border (tariff-free, free movement of peoples, etc.) between itself and non-EU countries– unless the UK strikes an agreement with the EU similar to the one Norway has. But that would amount to a soft Brexit, which of course is absolutely unacceptable to hardline Brexiters. More

Al Neal (2019-10-09). Possible Brexit concessions in the works on Northern Ireland. peoplesworld.org

Ed Sykes (2019-10-09). Urgent UK protests called as Turkey begins 'illegal invasion' of northern Syria. thecanary.co Turkey has invaded north-eastern Syria, attacking largely-Kurdish fighters who were key in defeating Daesh (Isis/Isil). | NATO member Turkey targeting "civilian areas" in Syria invasion: | Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the start of the invasion, which followed an announcement on Sunday by Donald Trump that US troops supporting the fight against Daesh would step aside. Erdoğan called the attack 'Operation Peace Spring'.

Tom Coburg (2019-10-09). Boris Johnson to agree to Brexit extension or the court will intervene directly. thecanary.co UK prime minister Boris Johnson is obliged to seek an extension to Article 50 if a Brexit deal fails, as stipulated by the Benn Act. And a Scottish court was asked to examine ways to enforce that obligation further. The court decided to defer a ruling until after the EU summit, to see if Johnson compl…

RT (2019-10-08). 'Gift to Putin!' Meltdown as House Democrat claims Trump plans to ditch Open Skies treaty. rt.com The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair has sent a letter to the White House expressing concern over "reports" that President Donald Trump wants to abandon the Open Skies Treaty. Yet the only such report is his own. | Congressman Eliot Engel (D-New York) denounced on Monday "potential plans" to withdraw from the treaty, saying it would be "a blow to United States national security interests, endangering Ukraine and other key European allies."

Eds. (2019-10-08). When Ukraine's Prosecutor came after his son's sponsor Joe Biden sprang into action. mronline.org There are some serious questions around the Biden family involvement in the Ukraine that the media have not picked up on. | Source

The Canary (2019-10-08). Longest UK parliamentary session comes to an end — for good. thecanary.co The longest parliamentary session in the history of the United Kingdom ends on Tuesday night — and this time for good.The session initially came to an end in the early hours of 10 September, when parliament was thought to have been prorogued — or suspended — until 14 October.But the supreme court then ruled the prorogation was unlawful, meaning the session had not technically ended at all.Instead, MPs returned to the house of commons on 25 September to resume parliamentary business.The current session formally began on 21 June 2017 with the State Opening of Parliament, including the Queen's Speech.

RT (2019-10-08). Get your popcorn? Trump & Comey to face off…in TV drama series. rt.com Russiagate may have fizzled out, but efforts to cash in on the ensuing hysteria have only just begun. CBS Studios will make a TV show based on the debunked conspiracy theory, with some already joking it will surely not be biased.

Associated Press (2019-10-08). Swedish teen climate activist rallies crowd in South Dakota. peoplesworld.org RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A 16-year-old environmental activist from Sweden urged politicians Monday at a South Dakota appearance to listen to indigenous people on climate change. Greta Thunberg spoke at a rally in Rapid City that attracted hundreds of people. She spoke out against the proposed path of the Keystone XL pipeline through South …

Aaron Maté (2019-10-08). US arming of Ukraine is a scandal on its own. thegrayzone.com There is growing evidence that President Donald Trump briefly froze U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for political goals. Max Blumenthal…

teleSUR (2019-10-08). Mass Arrests of Climate Change Protestors In World Capitals. telesurenglish.net London police on Tuesday arrested over 500 Extinction Rebellion (XR) peaceful environmental activists who were performing civil disobedience to push for more to be done to protect the environment. | GALLERY: | Over 500 Extinction Rebellion Activists Arrested in London | Dutch police stepped in to arrest more than 100 climate activists blocking a street in front of the country's national museum and there were similar protests in Austria, Australia, France, Spain and New Zealan…

teleSUR (2019-10-08). Ecuador Lenin Moreno Called 'Pitiable Character' in France. telesurenglish.net The France-Latin America Unsubmissive Group said Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno falsely blamed his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, and his predecessor Rafael Correa for the anti-government protests currently happening for the 6th day in the South American country. | RELATED: | Ecuador: Public Radio Pulled Off Air For Reporting on Anti-Gov't Protests | "Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno, who imposes pro-IMF reforms on his people after betraying them, now accuses Correa, M…

Staff (2019-10-08). State Department Blocks EU Ambassador's Deposition in Impeachment Inquiry. truthout.org | | The State Department directed U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland not to appear Tuesday morning for a scheduled hearing about President Donald Trump's communications with Ukraine. | Sondland, a key figure in the burgeoning scandal at the heart of the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry, had previously agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees behind closed-doors. | The decision to block the top diplomat from speaki…

teleSUR (2019-10-08). France Not To Sign Mercosur Agreement Due to Amazon Destruction. telesurenglish.net France will not sign the EU-Mercosur farming deal struck between the European Union and the Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay under current conditions, France's environment minister said on Tuesday. | RELATED: | France, First Country in EU With Facial Recognition ID System | "We can't sign a trade treaty with a country that doesn't respect the Amazon forest, that doesn't respect the Paris (climate) treaty. France will not sign the Mercosur deal under t…

Ed Sykes (2019-10-08). Corbyn congratulates Portugal's Socialist-led government for increasing its anti-austerity mandate in election. thecanary.co Portugal's centre-left government has increased its votes in Portugal's general election, and is poised to continue in government for another four years. | UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn congratulated the Socialist Party-led government on its victory, saying: | @antoniocostapm and the Portuguese Socialist Party on today's election success. | Your government, supported by the wider left, shows there is an alternative to austerity in Europe. #Portugal2019

The Canary (2019-10-08). Delayed electoral reform left some unable to vote in EU elections, report claims. thecanary.co Some EU citizens living in the UK were left unable to vote during the European elections because of government delays in implementing recommended electoral changes, a new report has claimed. | The Electoral Commission's report found some British expats and citizens of other EU member states living in the UK faced "difficulties" when trying to vote in the European parliamentary elections on 23 May 2019. | In its report, published on Tuesday, the commission said the problems were caused by the government's delay in implementing electoral changes it had first recommended in 2014. | Bob Posner, the commission's chief…

teleSUR (2019-10-08). One Billion People Suffer From Preventable Eye Conditions: WHO. telesurenglish.net More than 2.2 billion people globally live with vision impairment or blindness and at least one billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented by simple eye care, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) published Tuesday. | RELATED: | Cuban-Venezuelan Program Returns Eyesight to 700,000 Bolivians | This worldwide research was produced after several governments requested it during the 2017 World Health Assembly held in Switzerland,…

teleSUR (2019-10-08). Turkey Pledge to Pursue Military Plans in Syria Despite US Threats. telesurenglish.net Turkey announced Tuesday it will carry out its military plans in the north of Syria without paying much attention to the United States menaces, apparently referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if the country goes too far. | RELATED: | UN's Guterres Announces Syria Constitutional Committee

Middle East Eye (2019-10-08). As Turkey Readies for Invasion of Northern Syria, Russia and Iran Object. theantimedia.com Turkey has readied its forces for an offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, prompting negative reactions from Iran and Russia.

Juan Cole (2019-10-08). Winners and Losers From Trump Throwing Syrian Kurds Under the Bus. commondreams.org It is difficult to see in what way Russia is benefited by Turkey's incursion into northeast Syria. (Photo: @LevHavryliv/Twitter) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/assad.jpeg

United Nations (2019-10-08). UN chief urges 'maximum restraint' following policy shift over northeastern Syria. un.org The UN chief on Tuesday expressed "great concern" over recent policy statements made regarding northeastern Syria, following the announcement from the United States at the start of the week, that it would withdraw troops from the area close to the border with Turkey.

WSWS (2019-10-08). "Defender 2020": NATO powers threaten war against Russia. wsws.org In the coming year, armed forces from 17 NATO states, including the US and Germany, will carry out the "Defender 2020" manoeuvres.

South Front (2019-10-08). Video: Idlib Militants Retreating to Turkish Border. globalresearch.ca On October 5, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out airstrikes on positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham near the town of Ballisa and Agr Hilltop in southern Idlib. The strikes eliminated at least 9 militants and became a logical continuation of …

Julia Conley, staff writer (2019-10-08). As Democrats Threaten Subpoena for Sondland, Calls Grow for Contempt Order If He Refuses to Comply. commondreams.org Three House committees on Tuesday announced their intention to subpoena Gordon Sondland, President Donald Trump's ambassador to the European Union, hours after the White House blocked Sondland from testifying. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11798006421.jpg

Jon Queally, staff writer (2019-10-08). In European First, Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Sweden Would Enshrine Rights of Nature. commondreams.org "When we're in the beginning of an ecological and climate collapse," said the lawmaker who introduced the measure, "I hope we can re-think our relationship with Nature." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/rights_of_nature_sweden.jpg

Julia Conley, staff writer (2019-10-08). After US Withdrawal, Turkey Announces Troops Are in Place for Planned Offensive Against Kurds in Syria. commondreams.org A day after President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw U.S. troops from northeastern Syria, Turkey announced its plans to move ahead with military operations in the country targeting Kurdish forces. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11746274351.jpg

Al Neal (2019-10-08). U.K. and EU tempers flare as hopes of a Brexit deal disappear. peoplesworld.org A sense of brevity is absent behind the iconic, six-paneled, Georgian style, front door of Number 10 Downing Street: The prime minister's office. With only 23 days left before the U.K. is—once again—scheduled to depart from the European Union, the future of Brexit remains unclear. Voters are divided, political parties seem incapable of setting aside …

The Canary (2019-10-08). Johnson accuses EU of making it impossible to leave with a deal. thecanary.co Downing Street has accused Brussels of making it "impossible" for Britain to leave the European Union with a deal.Following a call between Boris Johnson and Angela Merkel, a Number 10 source said the German chancellor had made it clear that the EU had taken a "new position" following the tabling of the latest UK plan last week."She made clear a deal is overwhelmingly unlikely and she thinks the EU has a veto on us leaving the customs union," the source, quoted by Sky News, said.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is said to have made clear that a Brexit deal is 'overwhelmingly unlikely'(Michael Sohn/AP)Merkel is said…

The Canary (2019-10-08). Boris Johnson out in the cold with no Brexit deal in sight. thecanary.co Boris Johnson's attempts to secure a deal with Brussels continue to be met with frostiness by EU leaders whose objections are beginning to become clearer.The prime minister has said that his blueprint to resolve the issue of the backstop represents a "fair and reasonable compromise".However, EU leaders have so far refused to enter into detailed discussions on the plan, saying it does not represent the basis for a new Brexit settlement.The EU's main concern is an aspect of the Ireland protocol which commits both sides to never introducing checks on the border, according to the BBC.Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Brian Law…

2019-10-09: Social Media Postees

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

U.S: Eyes on Cuba and Russia for Supporting Venezuela
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-09
U.S. special envoy on Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, told Reuters exclusively Washington ¥s new sanctions on Cuba for its support for Nicolas Maduro as well as the "closer look" at Russia's role in helping him remain in power. | RELATED: | Almost One Million Migrants Arrested at US Border | President Donald Trump's frustration over the failure of his "maximum pressure" campaign to overthrow Maduro has spurred foreign policy aides to ready further U.S. actions and press for tougher sanct…
telesurenglish.net/news/U.S-Eyes-on-Cuba-and-Russia-for-Supporting-Venezuela-20191009-0017.html

Trump's Syria Policy Could Be a Gift to ISIS
Juan Cole | truthdig.com | 2019-10-09
As a result of the turmoil the U.S. and Turkey are causing in the region, 12,000 Islamic State fighters in containment camps could escape.
truthdig.com/articles/trumps-syria-policy-could-let-thousands-of-terrorists-escape/

What to expect from Turkey's coming invasion of Syria
Vijay Prashad | mronline.org | 2019-10-09
Erdogan's government is preparing to enter Syria for a major military operation against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is made up largely of Kurdish factions who set up this armed force to defend the mainly Kurdish enclave in northern Syria. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/10/08/what-to-expect-from-turkeys-coming-invasion-of-syria/

The U.S. Arming of Ukraine Is a Scandal on Its Own
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-10-09
What follows is a conversation between journalist Aaron Maté and Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone. Read a transcript of their conversation below and watch part one of their interview below. | There is growing evidence that President Donald Trump briefly froze U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for political goals. Max Blumenthal explores how the Ukrainegate scandal overlooks the dangers of those weapons sales to Ukraine and the corrupt interests behind it. | Under Trump, U.S. military assistance has prolonged a bloody proxy war with Russia, killing thousands in Ukraine and enabling far-right Ukrainian forces [mdas…
truthdig.com/articles/the-u-s-arming-of-ukraine-is-a-scandal-on-its-own/

Turkey Begins Operation Against Kurdish Forces in Syria
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-09
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that the Turkish Army and its Syrian rebel allies have launched their military operation into northeastern Syria. | RELATED: | Turkey Pledge to Pursue Military Plans in Syria Despite US Threats | Erdogan said the offensive, dubbed "Operation Peace Spring", would aim to eliminate threats from the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia and the Islamic State militants, and enable the return of Syrian refugees in Turkey after th…
telesurenglish.net/news/Turkey-Begins-Operation-Against-Kurdish-Forces-in-Syria-20191009-0004.html

Urgent UK protests called as Turkey begins 'illegal invasion' of northern Syria
Ed Sykes | thecanary.co | 2019-10-09
Turkey has invaded north-eastern Syria, attacking largely-Kurdish fighters who were key in defeating Daesh (Isis/Isil). | NATO member Turkey targeting "civilian areas" in Syria invasion: | Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the start of the invasion, which followed an announcement on Sunday by Donald Trump that US troops supporting the fight against Daesh would step aside. Erdoğan called the attack 'Operation Peace Spring'.
thecanary.co/global/world-news/2019/10/09/urgent-uk-protests-called-as-turkey-begins-illegal-invasion-of-northern-syria/

A green Earth with peace and room for us all
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-10-09
Draft Globalization programme submitted by the National Board of the Red-Green Alliance/Enhedslisten, Denmark, to the party's next Annual Congress on 5 — 6 October. It is a programmatic text about global development. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/10/09/a-green-earth-with-peace-and-room-for-us-all/

Russia and China Reach New Level of Military Cooperation. China's Missile Early Warning System
Andrei Ilyashenko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-09
The government of Japan intends to intensify negotiations with Russia to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once again reminded about this in his keynote speech at the parliament opening session. | "By solving | …
globalresearch.ca/russia-prc-new-level-military-cooperation/5691485

Return to Russia: Crimeans Tell the Real Story of the 2014 Referendum and Their Lives Since
Eva Bartlett | mintpressnews.com | 2019-10-09
Eva Bartlett traveled to Crimea to see firsthand out how Crimeans have fared since 2014 when their country reunited with Russia, and what the referendum was really like.
mintpressnews.com/return-russia-crimea-story-referendum-lives-since/262247/

In European First, Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Sweden Would Enshrine Rights of Nature
Jon Queally | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-09
"When we're in the beginning of an ecological and climate collapse," said the lawmaker who introduced the measure, "I hope we can re-think our relationship with Nature." | *** | Heralded as the first of its kind in Europe, a proposed constitutional …
globalresearch.ca/european-first-proposed-constitutional-amendment-sweden-enshrine-rights-nature/5691510

Trump's Trade War: a Report From the Front
Dean Baker | counterpunch.org | 2019-10-09
Donald Trump is bravely carrying on a trade war, not just with the bad guys with China, but with longtime allies like Canada and the European Union. Incredibly, the media just don't seem that interested in reporting on the ongoing progress. Last week the Commerce Department released trade data for August, and it got almost…
counterpunch.org/2019/10/09/trumps-trade-war-a-report-from-the-front/

Julián Castro Backs Impeachment Effort, Condemns Trump's "Betrayal" of Kurds
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-10-09
| Turkey's government says its troops are prepared for an imminent assault on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to fall back from their positions on the Turkish-Syrian border. Kurdish fighters said they're bracing for a "humanitarian catastrophe." This follows warnings that former Kurdish allies of the U.S. who feel betrayed by President Trump will abandon thousands of prisoners captured during the U.S.-backed war against ISIS over the past two years.
truthout.org/video/julian-castro-backs-impeachment-effort-condemns-trumps-betrayal-of-kurds/

Turkey invades Syria to wipe out Kurds after Trump gives green light
Steve Sweeney | peoplesworld.org | 2019-10-09
Kurds are fearing ethnic cleansing today as Turkish forces launch a ground invasion following yesterday's bombing of Kurdish areas in northern Syria. Turkey's aggression comes after U.S. troops withdrew from the region earlier this week. President Donald Trump announced the pullback of U.S. forces suddenly and without warning late on Sunday night. Late Tuesday, Commander …
peoplesworld.org/article/turkey-invades-syria-to-wipe-out-kurds-after-trump-gives-green-light/

Video: US Troop Withdrawals? Washington Green-light to Turkish Incursion into Northeastern Syria
South Front | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-09
On October 7, US forces started withdrawing from their positons along the border with Turkey, in northern Syria. The US military had permanent garrisons in Tel Abyad, Tel Musa, Tel Hinzir and Tel Arqam. They were abandoned. | On October …
globalresearch.ca/video-us-green-lights-turkish-incursion-northeastern-syria/5691439

Trump-Linked Attorney Funded Ukraine President's DC Lobbying Efforts
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-10-09
| A little known U.S.-based attorney quietly poured six figures into foreign influence operations for President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, hoping to be rewarded with a job in his administration, foreign agent records identified by OpenSecrets show. | The new Foreign Agent Registration Act records reveal previously unreported meeti…
truthout.org/articles/trump-linked-attorney-funded-ukraine-presidents-dc-lobbying-efforts/

Ukraine's Corruption Is a Mirror of Our Own
Lev Golinkin | thenation.com | 2019-10-09
Ukraine's Corruption Is a Mirror of Our Own…
thenation.com/article/ukraine-corruption-manafort-volker/

Ukraine's Corruption Is a Mirror of Our Own
Lev Golinkin | thenation.com | 2019-10-09
Ukraine's Corruption Is a Mirror of Our Own…
thenation.com/article/ukraine-corruption-manafort-volker/

'Time to deliver' Elon Musk? NASA nervous as spaceship delays threaten to cut off astronauts from ISS
rt.com | 2019-10-09
With NASA's contract with Russia about to run out without a replacement spaceship ready, the US space agency is leaning on SpaceX to hurry up and deliver. CEO Elon Musk says everything is on schedule — but is it? | Since the Space Shuttle program was scrapped in 2011, NASA has had no crewed spaceship capability, having to pay Roscosmos $80 million a seat to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. SpaceX and Boeing were both contracted to develop a domestic alternative, but both the Crew Dragon and the Starliner have yet to get beyond the testing stage. | This is a problem for the US space ag…
rt.com/usa/470567-nasa-spacex-nervous-deadline/

Russian social media debate: clickbait or information warfare?
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-10-09
What is the Internet Research Agency, and are the claims of a Russian influence campaign against the U.S. well-founded? Aaron…
thegrayzone.com/2019/10/09/russian-social-media-debate-clickbait-or-information-warfare/

Speech on 'Environmental Protections' by Karl Liebknecht
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-10-09
This speech was delivered in 1912 to the Prussian House of Deputies in response to a proposal by the Free People's Party. Environmental destruction was not as far-reaching then as it is now, yet Liebknecht was keenly aware of the disappearance of butterflies and insects, of the small changes that bode ill. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/10/09/speech-on-environmental-protections-by-karl-liebknecht/

Julián Castro Backs Impeachment Effort & Condemns Trump's "Betrayal" of Kurds in Northern Syria
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-10-09
Turkey's government says its troops are prepared for an imminent assault on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to fall back from their positions on the Turkish-Syrian border. Kurdish fighters said they're bracing for a "humanitarian catastrophe." This follows warnings that former Kurdish allies of the U.S. who feel betrayed by President Trump will abandon thousands of prisoners captured during the U.S.-backed war against ISIS over the past two years. We speak to former housing secretary and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro, who says Trump's move is a…
www.democracynow.org/2019/10/9/2020_presidential_candidate_julian_castro_syria

Reaction to Jock Palfreeman's illegal detention continues to grow
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2019-10-09
civil rights Pip HinmanIssue 1240 Bulgaria political prisoner paroleOctober 9, 2019On October 7, three Bulgarian judges from the Supreme Court of Cassation decided they would need up to two months to review…
greenleft.org.au/content/reaction-jock-palfreeman%E2%80%99s-illegal-detention-continues-grow

Bojo Goes Bonkers: Two Borders Will Divide Ireland From Northern Ireland
Kenneth Surin | counterpunch.org | 2019-10-09
Brexit would have (the non-EU) UK share a border with (the EU-member) Ireland, and the EU does not countenance a flexible border (tariff-free, free movement of peoples, etc.) between itself and non-EU countries– unless the UK strikes an agreement with the EU similar to the one Norway has. But that would amount to a soft Brexit, which of course is absolutely unacceptable to hardline Brexiters.
counterpunch.org/2019/10/09/bojo-goes-bonkers-two-borders-will-divide-ireland-from-northern-ireland/

US arming of Ukraine is a scandal on its own
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-10-08
There is growing evidence that President Donald Trump briefly froze U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for political goals. Max Blumenthal…
thegrayzone.com/2019/10/08/us-arming-of-ukraine-is-a-scandal-on-its-own/

Mass Arrests of Climate Change Protestors In World Capitals
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
London police on Tuesday arrested over 500 Extinction Rebellion (XR) peaceful environmental activists who were performing civil disobedience to push for more to be done to protect the environment. | GALLERY: | Over 500 Extinction Rebellion Activists Arrested in London | Dutch police stepped in to arrest more than 100 climate activists blocking a street in front of the country's national museum and there were similar protests in Austria, Australia, France, Spain and New Zealan…
telesurenglish.net/news/Mass-Arrests-of-Climate-Change-Protestors-In-World-Capitals-20191008-0018.html

Swedish teen climate activist rallies crowd in South Dakota
Associated Press | peoplesworld.org | 2019-10-08
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A 16-year-old environmental activist from Sweden urged politicians Monday at a South Dakota appearance to listen to indigenous people on climate change. Greta Thunberg spoke at a rally in Rapid City that attracted hundreds of people. She spoke out against the proposed path of the Keystone XL pipeline through South …
peoplesworld.org/article/swedish-teen-climate-activist-rallies-crowd-in-south-dakota/

Ecuador Lenin Moreno Called 'Pitiable Character' in France
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
The France-Latin America Unsubmissive Group said Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno falsely blamed his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, and his predecessor Rafael Correa for the anti-government protests currently happening for the 6th day in the South American country. | RELATED: | Ecuador: Public Radio Pulled Off Air For Reporting on Anti-Gov't Protests |…
telesurenglish.net/news/lenin-moreno-accused-in-france-for-lying-about-protests-origins-20191008-0016.html

'Gift to Putin!' Meltdown as House Democrat claims Trump plans to ditch Open Skies treaty
rt.com | 2019-10-08
The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair has sent a letter to the White House expressing concern over "reports" that President Donald Trump wants to abandon the Open Skies Treaty. Yet the only such report is his own. | Congressman Eliot Engel (D-New York) denounced on Monday "potential plans" to withdraw from the treaty, saying it would be "a blow to United States national security interests, endangering Ukraine and other key European allies."
rt.com/usa/470407-open-skies-engel-letter/

France Not To Sign Mercosur Agreement Due to Amazon Destruction
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
France will not sign the EU-Mercosur farming deal struck between the European Union and the Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay under current conditions, France's environment minister said on Tuesday. | RELATED: | France, First Country in EU With Facial Recognition ID System | "We can't sign a trade treaty with a country that doesn't respect the Amazon forest, that doesn't respect the Paris (climate) treaty. France will not sign the Mercosur deal under t…
telesurenglish.net/news/France-Not-To-Sign-Mercosur-Agreement-Due-to-Amazon-Destruction-20191008-0011.html

State Department Blocks EU Ambassador's Deposition in Impeachment Inquiry
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-10-08
| The State Department directed U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland not to appear Tuesday morning for a scheduled hearing about President Donald Trump's communications with Ukraine. | Sondland, a key figure in the burgeoning scandal at the heart of the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry, had previously agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees behind closed-doors. | The decision to block the top diplomat from speaki…
truthout.org/articles/state-department-blocks-eu-ambassadors-deposition-in-impeachment-inquiry/

Corbyn congratulates Portugal's Socialist-led government for increasing its anti-austerity mandate in election
Ed Sykes | thecanary.co | 2019-10-08
Portugal's centre-left government has increased its votes in Portugal's general election, and is poised to continue in government for another four years. | UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn congratulated the Socialist Party-led government on its victory, saying: | @antoniocostapm and the Portuguese Socialist Party on today's election success. | Your government, supported by the wider left, shows there is an alternative to austerity in Europe. #Portugal2019
thecanary.co/trending/2019/10/08/corbyn-congratulates-portugals-socialist-led-government-for-increasing-its-anti-austerity-mandate-in-election/

Delayed electoral reform left some unable to vote in EU elections, report claims
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-10-08
Some EU citizens living in the UK were left unable to vote during the European elections because of government delays in implementing recommended electoral changes, a new report has claimed. | The Electoral Commission's report found some British expats and citizens of other EU member states living in the UK faced "difficulties" when trying to vote in the European parliamentary elections on 23 May 2019. | In its report, published on Tuesday, the commission said the problems were caused by the government's delay in implementing electoral changes it had first recommended in 2014. | Bob Posner, the commission's chief…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/10/08/delayed-electoral-reform-left-some-unable-to-vote-in-eu-elections-report-claims/

One Billion People Suffer From Preventable Eye Conditions: WHO
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
More than 2.2 billion people globally live with vision impairment or blindness and at least one billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented by simple eye care, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) published Tuesday. | RELATED: | Cuban-Venezuelan Program Returns Eyesight to 700,000 Bolivians | This worldwide research was produced after several governments requested it during the 2017 World Health Assembly held in Switzerland,…
telesurenglish.net/news/one-billion-people-suffer-from-preventable-eye-conditions-20191008-0023.html

As Turkey Readies for Invasion of Northern Syria, Russia and Iran Object
Middle East Eye | theantimedia.com | 2019-10-08
Turkey has readied its forces for an offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, prompting negative reactions from Iran and Russia.

As Turkey Readies for Invasion of Northern Syria, Russia and Iran Object

Winners and Losers From Trump Throwing Syrian Kurds Under the Bus
Juan Cole | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
It is difficult to see in what way Russia is benefited by Turkey's incursion into northeast Syria. (Photo: @LevHavryliv/Twitter) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/assad.jpeg
commondreams.org/views/2019/10/08/winners-and-losers-trump-throwing-syrian-kurds-under-bus?cd-origin=rss

UN chief urges 'maximum restraint' following policy shift over northeastern Syria
United Nations | un.org | 2019-10-08
The UN chief on Tuesday expressed "great concern" over recent policy statements made regarding northeastern Syria, following the announcement from the United States at the start of the week, that it would withdraw troops from the area close to the border with Turkey.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/10/1048812

Turkey Pledge to Pursue Military Plans in Syria Despite US Threats
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
Turkey announced Tuesday it will carry out its military plans in the north of Syria without paying much attention to the United States menaces, apparently referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if the country goes too far. | RELATED: | UN's Guterres Announces Syria Constitutional Committee…
telesurenglish.net/news/Turkey-Pledge-to-Pursue-Military-Plans-in-Syria-Despite-US-Threats-20191008-0028.html

"Defender 2020": NATO powers threaten war against Russia
wsws.org | 2019-10-08
In the coming year, armed forces from 17 NATO states, including the US and Germany, will carry out the "Defender 2020" manoeuvres.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/10/08/nato-o08.html

When Ukraine's Prosecutor came after his son's sponsor Joe Biden sprang into action
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-10-08
There are some serious questions around the Biden family involvement in the Ukraine that the media have not picked up on. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/10/07/when-ukraines-prosecutor-came-after-his-sons-sponsor-joe-biden-sprang-into-action/

Longest UK parliamentary session comes to an end — for good
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-10-08
The longest parliamentary session in the history of the United Kingdom ends on Tuesday night — and this time for good.The session initially came to an end in the early hours of 10 September, when parliament was thought to have been prorogued — or suspended — until 14 October.But the supreme court then ruled the prorogation was unlawful, meaning the session had not technically ended at all.Instead, MPs returned to the house of commons on 25 September to resume parliamentary business.The current session formally began on 21 June 2017 with the State Opening of Parliament, including the Queen's Speech.
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/10/08/longest-uk-parliamentary-session-comes-to-an-end-for-good/

Get your popcorn? Trump & Comey to face off…in TV drama series
rt.com | 2019-10-08
Russiagate may have fizzled out, but efforts to cash in on the ensuing hysteria have only just begun. CBS Studios will make a TV show based on the debunked conspiracy theory, with some already joking it will surely not be biased. | …
rt.com/usa/470475-comey-cbs-series-daniels/

Video: Idlib Militants Retreating to Turkish Border
South Front | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-08
On October 5, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out airstrikes on positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham near the town of Ballisa and Agr Hilltop in southern Idlib. The strikes eliminated at least 9 militants and became a logical continuation of …
globalresearch.ca/video-idlib-militants-retreating-turkish-border/5691340

'What Is the Trump Administration Trying to Hide?' Asks Sanders After President Blocks Amb. Gordon Sondland Testimony
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
The Trump administration blocked Gordon Sondland, his ambassador to the European Union, from giving a highly-anticipated testimony to three House committees on Tuesday as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump—intensifying speculation that the president is hiding information about his request for foreign intervention in the 2020 presidential election. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1166060401.png
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/what-trump-administration-trying-hide-asks-sanders-after-president-blocks-amb-gordon?cd-origin=rss

As Democrats Threaten Subpoena for Sondland, Calls Grow for Contempt Order If He Refuses to Comply
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
Three House committees on Tuesday announced their intention to subpoena Gordon Sondland, President Donald Trump's ambassador to the European Union, hours after the White House blocked Sondland from testifying. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11798006421.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/democrats-threaten-subpoena-sondland-calls-grow-contempt-order-if-he-refuses-comply?cd-origin=rss

In European First, Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Sweden Would Enshrine Rights of Nature
Jon Queally, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
"When we're in the beginning of an ecological and climate collapse," said the lawmaker who introduced the measure, "I hope we can re-think our relationship with Nature." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/rights_of_nature_sweden.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/european-first-proposed-constitutional-amendment-sweden-would-enshrine-rights-nature?cd-origin=rss

After US Withdrawal, Turkey Announces Troops Are in Place for Planned Offensive Against Kurds in Syria
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
A day after President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw U.S. troops from northeastern Syria, Turkey announced its plans to move ahead with military operations in the country targeting Kurdish forces. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11746274351.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/10/08/after-us-withdrawal-turkey-announces-troops-are-place-planned-offensive-against?cd-origin=rss

Johnson accuses EU of making it impossible to leave with a deal
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-10-08
Downing Street has accused Brussels of making it "impossible" for Britain to leave the European Union with a deal.Following a call between Boris Johnson and Angela Merkel, a Number 10 source said the German chancellor had made it clear that the EU had taken a "new position" following the tabling of the latest UK plan last week."She made clear a deal is overwhelmingly unlikely and she thinks the EU has a veto on us leaving the customs union," the source, quoted by Sky News, said.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is said to have made clear that a Brexit deal is 'overwhelmingly unlikely'(Michael Sohn/AP)Merkel is said…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/10/08/johnson-accuses-eu-of-making-it-impossible-to-leave-with-a-deal/

Johnson accuses EU of making it impossible to leave with a deal
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-10-08
Downing Street has accused Brussels of making it "impossible" for Britain to leave the European Union with a deal.Following a call between Boris Johnson and Angela Merkel, a Number 10 source said the German chancellor had made it clear that the EU had taken a "new position" following the tabling of the latest UK plan last week."She made clear a deal is overwhelmingly unlikely and she thinks the EU has a veto on us leaving the customs union," the source, quoted by Sky News, said.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is said to have made clear that a Brexit deal is 'overwhelmingly unlikely'(Michael Sohn/AP)Merkel is said…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/10/08/johnson-accuses-eu-of-making-it-impossible-to-leave-with-a-deal/

U.K. and EU tempers flare as hopes of a Brexit deal disappear
Al Neal | peoplesworld.org | 2019-10-08
A sense of brevity is absent behind the iconic, six-paneled, Georgian style, front door of Number 10 Downing Street: The prime minister's office. With only 23 days left before the U.K. is–once again–scheduled to depart from the European Union, the future of Brexit remains unclear. Voters are divided, political parties seem incapable of setting aside …
peoplesworld.org/article/u-k-and-eu-tempers-flare-as-hopes-of-a-brexit-deal-disappear/

Brexit Negotiation Collapses as PM Johnson Blames EU
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-08
United Kingdom officials leaked a private conversation Tuesday between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in which she said that the new British proposal for Brexit makes the agreement "basically impossible." | RELATED: | European Parliament to Veto Boris Johnson's Brexit Proposal | "The prime minister appealed to the chancellor to help him unhook the ship, and she refused," a Downing Street spokesman told reporters. | Merkel's demand that Northern I…
telesurenglish.net/news/brexit-negotiation-collapses-johnson-seeks-blame-the-eu-20191008-0027.html