(2019-12-14). Millions in France strike against austerity. mronline.org 
France's mass strikes have mobilized millions, persisting into a sixth day, in an attempt to forestall severe cuts to the social gains of the working class. | Source
(2019-12-14). Tens of thousands of anti-populist Sardines fill Roman square. thecanary.co 
Tens of thousands of members of the Italian anti-populist Sardines movement gathered in Rome on Saturday for their first national rally, as people said disillusionment with traditional politics drew them to the fast-growing new group.The movement born last month with a spontaneous rally in Bologna focuses on "inclusive" social laws and pro-migration and pro-environment measures.Its founders say they have no ambitions to become a political party, but the Sardines have become a strong adversary for Matteo Salvini, the right-wing leader of the League, Italy's largest political party.People gather in St John at the L…
(2019-12-14). The US-NATO-Israel Sponsored Al Qaeda Insurgency in Syria. Who Was Behind the 2011 "Protest Movement"? globalresearch.ca It was not a protest movement, it was an armed insurgency integrated by US-Israeli & allied supported "jihadist" death squads. From Day One, the Islamist "freedom fighters" were supported, trained & equipped by NATO & Turkey's High Command.
(2019-12-14). NAFTA 2.0: Revising the 1994 Agreement. globalresearch.ca According to the Wall Street Journal, it's a "template for deals to come," adding: | "The new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (has) implications for agreements beyond North America, including new bilateral deals being contemplated for China, Japan, the European Union, and the UK." …
(2019-12-14). Arms Control. UN General Assembly Adopts Five Russian Resolutions. globalresearch.ca The United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of five draft resolutions addressing arms control, disarmament and international security earlier submitted by Russia at the UN's First Committee, Eurasia Diary reports citing Sputnik. | Three of the documents adopted late Thursday …
(2019-12-14). Someone Interfered in the UK Election, and It Wasn't Russia. globalresearch.ca Ladies and gentlemen I have here at my fingertips indisputable proof that egregious election meddling took place in the United Kingdom on Thursday. | Before you get all excited, no, it wasn't the Russians. It wasn't the Chinese, the Iranians, Cobra …
(2019-12-14). Venezuela: Maduro Attends Anti-Neoliberal ALBA Summit in Cuba. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends the 17th summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of America (ALBA-TCP), which is taking place in Havana, Cuba, on Saturday. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | "At such a complex time for Latin America and the Caribbean, this ALBA summit brings a message of ho…
(2019-12-14). Ukrainian Foreign Influence Operation Bankrolled by Secret Donors. truthout.org Foreign agents peddling influence for a controversial Ukraine politician were part of a coordinated effort bankrolled through a secretive network of shell companies and offshore entities, according to new foreign lobbying records. | The foreign influence operation centered around Ukraine's former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, who ran against now-President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine's 2019 pre…
(2019-12-14). Postal Pay Cuts Provoked a General Strike in Finland. US Postal Workers Deserve the Same Solidarity. commondreams.org Finland now has the youngest prime minister in the world, 34-year-old Sanna Marin. The Social Democrat was catapulted into power when her predecessor, Antti Rinne, was forced to resign after a postal worker dispute escalated into a nationwide general strike.
(2019-12-14). Recording reveals pseudo-left La France Insoumise collusion with Macron in 2016. wsws.org The manoeuvres of LFI deputy Franàßois Ruffin with the former banker and future president have recently been exposed.
(2019-12-14). Johnson's Win May Deliver Brexit but Could Risk U.K.'s Breakup. truthdig.com 
LONDON — Leaving the European Union is not the only split British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has to worry about. | Johnson's commanding election victory this week may let him fulfill his campaign promise to "get Brexit done," but it could also imperil the future of the United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Northern Ireland didn't vote for Brexit, didn't embrace this week's Conservative electoral landslide — and now may be drifting permanently away from London. | In a victory speech Friday, Johnson said the election result proved that leaving the EU is "the irr…
(2019-12-14). Pity that reference to human rights sometimes serves as basis to interfere in other states' domestic issues — Hungarian FM to RT. rt.com 
The EU's policy regarding sanctions and restrictive measures is sometimes marked with double standards, Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto told RT, stressing that even an issue of human rights can be seen differently inside the bloc. | Budapest is committed to upholding human rights, the Hungarian foreign minister said, adding that unfortunately, sometimes a reference to this matter serves as a basis to persecute some political interest. | Sometimes the reference to human rights serves as a basis to interfere into domestic issues of other countries on an ideological basis, on a political basis, without any good reas…
(2019-12-14). Widow of tragic boxer Maxim Dadashev sues Maryland State Athletic Commission seeking compensation. rt.com 
Elizaveta Apushkina, widow of Maxim Dadashev, the Russian boxer who tragically died of injuries following a fight in July, has filed a lawsuit against Maryland State Athletic Commission, which organized the bout. | The woman opened legal proceedings against the commission seeking compensation for alleged violations that might have led to the boxer's death. | READ MORE: Tragic Patrick Day's death demonstrates the deadly lure of boxing cannot be curtailed | Dadashev, known as 'Mad Max', died on July 23 after…
(2019-12-14). 'We must show US that the jokes are over': Top German MP says Berlin shouldn't sit idle as Washington hampers its energy projects. rt.com 
As the US braces to slap sanctions on European firms building the last leg of the Russia-Germany Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a senior MP in Berlin argues that formal protests don't work anymore — but a strong response could. | Germany may follow America's lead in foreign policy and defense expenditures, but it is less submissive when it comes to energy security, which is sacrosanct for Europe's economic powerhouse. This week, US lawmakers introduced a bill tightening the chokehold on Germany's flagship energy project it jointly runs with Russia, targeting European companies laying underwater tubes for the mu…
(2019-12-14). 'Luxury cars & beautiful women': Top Ukrainian athletes pose for men's magazine calendar (PHOTOS). rt.com 
Ukrainian athletes and stars of show business have taken part in an erotic photoshoot for a special 2020 calendar produced by Ukraine's XXL magazine. | The 'Drive Time' calendar features well-known Ukrainian sport figures wearing lingerie with luxury car brands in the background. | READ MORE: Brazilian freestyle queens show off incredible chest control — and one of them is so good she's beaten Neymar (VIDEO) | "Luxurious cars and beautiful women have always made gentlemen feel excited.
(2019-12-14). VIDEO showcases artifacts recovered from Hitler's 'Wolf's Lair' bunker. rt.com 
Dozens of items have been recovered after a weeks-long excavation of Adolf Hitler's Eastern Front headquarters located in Poland. The infamous Nazi compound has remained largely untouched since Hitler left it in 1944. | Ruptly footage shows combs, razors, toothbrushes, plates, signboards and other objects found in the 'Wolf's Lair', an extensive complex tucked away in a remote Polish forest. | The cache of artifacts also includes a still-functioning lighter. Many of the items are stamped with swastikas and other Nazi insignia. Zenon Piotrowicz, managing director of the historic site, said that any new discover…
(2019-12-13). How the Fossil Fuel Industry Is Attempting to Buy the Global Youth Climate Movement. theintercept.com 
The same day that 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg gave a stirring speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September, in which she criticized delegates for "stealing my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," the architects of the climate crisis welcomed select youth participants from the summit to dine. | CEOs from fossil fuel corporations including BP, Royal Dutch Shell, and Norway's Equinor were attending the annual gathering of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative in New York, which includes industry leaders who claim to be committed to taking "practical" action on climate chang…
(2019-12-13). U.S. House Committee Approves Charges For Trump Impeachment. telesurenglish.net Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives took Republican President Donald Trump to the brink of impeachment by approving two charges against him over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden. | RELATED: | "Chill Greta!" Trump Attacks Teen Swedish Climate Activist | The result was 23-17 votes in a divided House Judiciary Committee along party lines to approve articles of impeachment charging Trump with both abusing the power of his of…
(2019-12-13). More Than 70 Global South Countries Charge Ahead With Bold Climate Plans. truthout.org As this year's United Nations climate summit wraps up in Madrid, Spain, many activists, scientists, indigenous and grassroots climate leaders say that rich countries most responsible for the climate emergency have spent the talks dialing back ambition and blocking progress. This comes as deadly droughts, flooding, cyclones and wildfires rage around the world. This week, more than 70 developing countries have announced they will accelerate their climate plans, and 72 countries have signed onto goals…
(2019-12-13). Washington's Proposed New Sanctions Against Turkey also Aimed Against Russia. globalresearch.ca With the world fixated on Turkish actions against Syria, Greece and Libya at the moment, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Senate of the United States Congress approved a bill, "Promoting American National Security and Preventing the Resurgence of …
(2019-12-13). Turkey Boosts Military Presence in Northeast Syria. Al Qaeda Fighters "Protected" by Turkish Forces? globalresearch.ca Members of al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham repelled a Syrian Army attack on the area of al-Katibat al-Mahjura in southern Idlib on December 12. A day earlier militants captured this area and repelled a first Syrian Army attempt to regain it. …
(2019-12-13). Arms Race in Outer Space, Preserving Arms Control Treaties: UN General Assembly Adopts Five Resolutions Sponsored by Russia. globalresearch.ca The United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of five draft resolutions addressing arms control, disarmament and international security earlier submitted by Russia at the UN's First Committee, Eurasia Diary reports citing Sputnik. | Three of the documents adopted late Thursday …
(2019-12-13). Someone Interfered in the UK Election, and It Wasn't Russia. theantimedia.com Hardly anyone will care because this election interference has been happening right out in the open, and was perfectly legal.
(2019-12-13). The Influence of Liars and the Failure of Corporate Media. commondreams.org Sen. Lindsey Graham on Wednesday delivered a fiery attack on the FBI during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing into report produced by the DOJ Inspector General over the probe into 2016 election interference by the Russian government. (Photo: Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/graham_horowitz.jpg …
(2019-12-13). US to impose sanctions on companies involved in European Nord Stream 2 pipeline. wsws.org The sanctions against the joint Russian-Western Europe energy project underscores just how conflict-riven the relations between the members of the world's largest military alliance are.
(2019-12-13). Hungry for a Livable Planet: Why I Went On Hunger Strike and Occupied Pelosi's Office. counterpunch.org I occupied Nancy Pelosi's office and went on hunger strike for 13 days. Still she wouldn't meet us. Instead she flew off to attend the UN Climate Conference in Spain. That's not enough. I went 13 days without food. I lost 22.8 pounds, 10.6% of my weight. I had to stand up slowly because otherwise More
(2019-12-13). UN Counters US Claims Of "Proof" Iran Attacked Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu Impunity & Turkey Sanctions. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/12/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
(2019-12-13). Seeing the World Without Shadows: the Enlightenment Dream. counterpunch.org The scientific revolution of the seventeenth century (c. 1500-1700) in Europe—beginning with Copernicus (1493-1543) and ending with Isaac Newton (1642-1727)—precipitated a momentous transformative learning moment for humankind. What a revolution that was! Sixteenth century intellectuals in the grip of Aristotle still imagined that nature consisted of four qualities (earth, water, fire and air) and the More
(2019-12-13). The Politics of Impeachment. globalresearch.ca The decision by Democrats sitting on the House Judiciary Committee to approve Articles of Impeachment that will be affirmed in a full vote of the House of Representatives just handed Donald Trump a probable victory in the 2020 election barring …
(2019-12-13). After Scotland Decisively Rejects Brexit and the Tories in General Election, SNP's Sturgeon Calls for Second Independence Referendum. commondreams.org Hours after celebrating her party's decisive victory and Scotland's rejection of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom's general election, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Friday said her government would move to put forward a second referendum on Scottish independence. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11882534411.jpg …
(2019-12-13). "Dark Day for Everyone Who Believes in Justice": U.K. Tories Defeat Labour in Landslide Election. democracynow.org 
The British Conservative Party has won a decisive majority in Thursday's general election, winning seats in Labour Party strongholds and paving the way for Britain's exit from the European Union by January 31. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is projected to have 364 seats in the House of Commons compared to Labour's 203 seats. That would give the Conservatives about a 75-seat majority, the largest since Margaret Thatcher's landslide in the 1987 election. Johnson's message throughout the campaign was focused on "getting Brexit done," reflecting public exhaustion with the issue that has paralyzed British politics ever…
(2019-12-13). 'I want my desire to compete back': Champion skater Zagitova 'suspends' career. rt.com 
World champion figure skater Alina Zagitova has decided to put her career on ice, foregoing appearances at the upcoming Russian, European and World championships. | The 17-year-old 2018 Russian, European and Olympic champion and 2019 World champion said she will not seek to participate in the upcoming Russian national championships, or other major competitions. | "I'm not going anywhere," Zagitova told reporters on Friday. "I'm staying on the ice, I will continue to train." She clarified that she wants to learn new things, because she already "has everything." The only thing missing seems to be her desire to c…
(2019-12-13). Neigh-neigh: Man tortures neighbors with horse sounds at night for almost 2 years & now faces prison. rt.com 
A whole residential building was turned into a living hell by one vengeful resident, who played horse neighing through a loudspeaker almost every night. The man thought he'd get away with it, but he was wrong. | A 46-year-old resident of Nizhny Novgorod on the Volga River was arrested earlier this week and charged with the "tormenting of two or more people." The offense may carry a prison term from three to seven years. | Guards at the Guantanamo detention camp used heavy metal tunes to deprive inmates of sleep, but Yury Kondratyev went even further as he tortured his neighbors with non-stop horse neighing.
(2019-12-13). United Ireland? UK election results 'reflect dramatic & historic shift in Northern Ireland'. rt.com 
Historic election results in Northern Ireland which saw pro-Irish nationalists overtake pro-British unionists for the first time indicates the demographics of the region are moving in favor of a united Ireland, analysts told RT. | With the republican Sinn Féin holding onto all of its seven seats and the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) winning two seats — while the hardline unionist Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lost two — parties that believe in advancing the cause of Irish unity are now in the majority. | Given that the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), signed in 1998, incl…
(2019-12-13). Dems summon image of Zelensky's 15yo daughter 'DUCT-TAPED in Trump's basement' during increasingly surreal impeachment hearing. rt.com 
In one of the strangest moments of the ongoing impeachment row in Washington, Democratic Congressman Hank Johnson asked fellow lawmakers to imagine the teenage daughter of Ukraine's president tied up in Trump's basement. | As the long hours of debate wore on during Thursday's impeachment hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, Johnson, a Georgia Democrat, argued there existed an "imbalance of power" between President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, offering a bizarre metaphor. | "They're standing there, President Trump is holding court. And he says, 'Oh, by the way, no pressure.' And you saw President Z…
(2019-12-13). Greater Kurdistan? Just kidding! Esper tells Syrian Kurds US never promised them a state. rt.com 
The US never promised Syria's Kurds that it would help them build an autonomous state, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has insisted, despite years of hints to the contrary. So much for the birth pangs of that New Middle East… | "Nowhere, at no point in time did we tell the Kurds, we will assist you in establishing an autonomous Kurdish state in Syria, nor would we fight against the longstanding ally Turkey on your behalf," Esper told reporters on Friday. | "We live up to our obligations, and our obligation, our agreement, our understanding with the Kurds was this: that we would work together to fight in Syria t…
(2019-12-13). The FBI: Another Worry in the National Security State. counterpunch.org 
The Department of Justice's Inspector General report of the FBI's Russian investigation has fully exposed one more dangerous aspect of the steady abuses of national-security surveillance against U.S. citizens on U.S. soil. Edward Snowden's revelations in 2013 of the national security abuses of the National Security Agency exposed the massive surveillance of U.S. citizens in the expanded campaign against terrorism. Michael Horowitz, the inspector general of the DoJ, has highlighted the abuses of the FBI and the misuse of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court over an extended period. It will require a compreh…
(2019-12-13). The Russian Terrorism (SMART) Act: Who are the State Sponsors of Terrorism? globalresearch.ca According to proposed Senate legislation, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism USA wants leading advocate of global peace and stability Russia labeled with this designation. | The measure also calls for Donbass freedom fighters in Donetsk and Lugansk, unwilling to …
(2019-12-13). The FBI: Another Worry in the National Security State. counterpunch.org The Department of Justice's Inspector General report of the FBI's Russian investigation has fully exposed one more dangerous aspect of the steady abuses of national-security surveillance against U.S. citizens on U.S. soil. Edward Snowden's revelations in 2013 of the national security abuses of the National Security Agency exposed the massive surveillance of U.S. citizens in the expanded campaign against terrorism. Michael Horowitz, the inspector general of the DoJ, has highlighted the abuses of the FBI and the misuse of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court over an extended period. It will require a compreh…
(2019-12-13). COP25: Developing Countries Charge Ahead with Bold Climate Plans as Rich Countries Drag Their Feet. democracynow.org 
As this year's United Nations climate summit wraps up in Madrid, Spain, many activists, scientists, indigenous and grassroots climate leaders say that rich countries most responsible for the climate emergency have spent the talks dialing back ambition and blocking progress. This comes as deadly droughts, flooding, cyclones and wildfires rage around the world. This week, more than 70 developing countries have announced they will accelerate their climate plans, and 72 countries have signed onto goals to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But major emitters Australia, China, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia have…
(2019-12-13). Headlines for December 13, 2019. democracynow.org Conservative Party Wins Landslide Victory in U.K. Elections, House Judiciary Committee to Vote on 2 Articles of Impeachment Today, Algeria: Thousands Protest Thursday's Presidential Election, Aung San Suu Kyi Asks ICJ to Drop Genocide Case Against Burma, India: Police Kill 2 People in Assam Amid Protests over Citizenship Bill, Thousands of Iraqis Gather in Tahrir Sq. to Demand Protest Movement Remain Peaceful, France: Unions Remain on Strike and Vow to Continue During Holiday Season, Thousands Take to Streets in Hong Kong, DHS Memo Reveals How ICE's Inadequate Medical Care Contributed to 4 Deaths, Trump Attacks 1…
(2019-12-12). The Greek Government's Chaotic Plan for Relocating Migrants. thenation.com The Greek Government's Chaotic Plan for Relocating Migrants…
(2019-12-12). Russia Shows Concern for Julian Assange's Health. telesurenglish.net The health situation of Julian Assange, who is being held in London, worsens while he is awaiting extradition to the United States, warned Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zajárova. | RELATED: | Sweden Drops Decade-Long Case Against Julian Assange | Assange is seriously ill because he has no medical assistance or good nutrition, in addition to alleged psychological torture, the Russian official reported. | "The situation created around him testifies to the violation by the We…
(2019-12-12). "Chill Greta!" Trump Attacks Teen Swedish Climate Activist. telesurenglish.net The president of the United States, Donald Trump, criticized the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, the teenage promoter of a large international movement against the climate crisis. | RELATED: | Greta Thunberg Named Time's "Person of the Year" | According to the head of the White House, who decided to withdraw his nation from the Paris Agreement on climate change, Thunberg "must work on her anger management problem and then go to a good old-fashioned movie with a friend." | Last September, Trump said,…
(2019-12-12). Libya Is Likely to Become a Proxy Battlefront Between Greece and Turkey. globalresearch.ca Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoƒüan has certainly opened up pandora's box in Libya that is now difficult for him to close after he made a series of gross miscalculations and aggression against Greece. This has triggered a crisis all across …
(2019-12-12). Academics say Johnson's Brexit would shrink the economy, even after a trade deal with Trump. thecanary.co Boris Johnson's Brexit plan would reduce the UK economy by almost 2%, according to independent trade experts. | The UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) says its analysis of the impact of leaving the European Union and switching from frictionless trade to a free trade agreement indicates an economic downturn of 1.8%. | Even if mitigating trade deals with the US, Australia and New Zealand were agreed at the same time as writing a Brussels deal, the Conservative Party leader's withdrawal plans would still see UK output decline by 1.4%, the academics said. | According to BBC Two's Newsnight, the programme that first…
(2019-12-12). US tests ground-launched ballistic missile that would've been banned by INF treaty (VIDEO). rt.com 
The Pentagon has conducted a second test of a missile that would have been banned under the INF treaty with Russia, which the US abandoned earlier this year. A ground-based ballistic missile flew for over 500 kilometers. | The conventionally configured test missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Thursday, the US Department of Defense confirmed in a statement, giving no further details. | "Data collected and lessons learned from this test will inform the Department of Defense's development of future intermediate-range capabilities," the statement said. | Thursday's test follows…
(2019-12-12). US Senate passes resolution recognizing Armenian genocide, ignoring Trump & Turkey's objections. rt.com 
The US Senate has unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the Ottoman Empire-era massacre of Armenians as genocide. The move is likely to further strain US ties with Ankara, which has opposed such a designation for decades. | The landmark resolution was passed by the Senate on Thursday. It was the fourth attempt to adopt it, as the previous efforts were blocked by three GOP senators. | "We have just passed the Armenian genocide resolution…and it is fitting and appropriate that the Senate stands on the right side of history in doing so. It commemorates the truth of the Armenian genocide," the resolution's…
(2019-12-12). Uganda's First Fridays for Future Climate Striker, Vanessa Nakate, Joins COP25 Protests in Madrid. democracynow.org 
As we broadcast from the U.N. climate summit in Madrid, Spain, we speak with climate activist Vanessa Nakate, who was Uganda's first Fridays for Future climate striker. "I wanted to do something that would cause change to the lives of the people in my community and my country," she says. "My country heavily depends on agriculture, therefore most of the people depend on agriculture. If our farms are destroyed by floods, if the farms are destroyed by droughts and crop production is less, that means that the price of food is going to go high. So it will only be the most privileged who will be able to buy food."
(2019-12-12). Headlines for December 12, 2019. democracynow.org European Commission Proposes Sweeping European Green Deal, DOJ Inspector General Testifies to Senate Judiciary Committee, More Than 70 Troops Killed in Attack on Niger Military Camp, Demonstrations Sweep Algeria as Protesters Demand Boycott of Today's Election, Britain: Voters Head to Polls for Defining National Election Today, Aung San Suu Kyi Denies Genocide Against Muslim Rohingya at ICJ, India's Upper House Passes "Anti-Muslim" Citizenship Bill, Israel Dissolves Knesset as Country Heads Toward 3rd Election This Year, French Workers Continue Strike After PM Unveils Details of Pension Overhaul, Hundreds of Acti…