Daily Archives: December 15, 2019

2019-12-15: News Headlines

RT (2019-12-16). 'Effective discipline'!?! 8yo boy needs surgery on maimed knees after sadistic stepfather makes him kneel on buckwheat for HOURS. rt.com An 8-year-old boy had to undergo a surgery to remove the sharp grains, virtually ingrown into his knees, after his mother's boyfriend routinely forced him to stand on raw buckwheat as punishment for the tiniest 'misbehavior.' | The photos of the child's knees, looking as if they were mutilated by a mystery disease, sent shockwaves across Russia. Doctors had to use general anesthesia to remove the ingrown seeds, cutting cut off large fragments of skin. | The surgery and weeks of painful rehabilitation, however, were nothing compared to what the starved kid had to endure at home in the Siberian city of Omsk, whe…

James Grundvig (2019-12-15). The Threat 5G Poses to Human Health. globalresearch.ca The crime scene was straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. One hundred and fifty dead birds lay sprawled on the ground, fallen out of trees in a park in The Hague, Netherlands. | The second such occurrence last autumn made …

Steven Sahiounie (2019-12-15). Europe Was the Main Player in Destroying Syria and Creating the Refugee Crisis. globalresearch.ca Monica Maggioni is an Italian journalist and is CEO of Rai.com, which broadcasts 'Rai News 24 TV', among others. She interviewed Syrian President, Bashar al Assad, on November 26, and the interview was to be broadcast on December 2; …

Staff (2019-12-15). Comey: 'Real Sloppiness' in Russia Probe but No Misconduct. truthdig.com WASHINGTON — Former FBI Director James Comey acknowledged Sunday that a Justice Department inspector general report identified "real sloppiness" in the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and said he was wrong to have been "overconfident" about how the Russia investigation was handled. | But Comey also insisted he was right to feel some measure of vindication because the report did not find evidence for the most sensational of President Donald Trump's claims, including that he had been wiretapped and il…

RT (2019-12-15). Greta Thunberg spars with German train company in Twitter spat nobody saw coming. rt.com An overcrowded train ride through Germany shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg was taken by many as a swipe at Deutsche Bahn's service, but the railway company soon shot back, reminding Greta about her seat in first-class. | Returning home from a tour of protests, marches and speeches, the Swedish climate activist traveled as she always does: on public transport and in emissions-free vehicles. However, public transport occasionally brings with it delays and overcrowding, even in uber-efficient Germany, as Thunberg discovered on Saturday. | Tweeting a picture of herself sitting in a passageway beside a mou…

RT (2019-12-15). Extremely rare Nazi Enigma code transmitter tops $100k at auction (VIDEO). rt.com A fabled device used by Nazi Germany to transmit coded messages during the Second World War has been sold at an auction | for more than $100,000. | The cipher device, weighing nearly 30 pounds, was bought by an internet buyer for $106,000, according to the auction house, Heritage Auctions. The machine — which resembles a modified typewriter — comes with operating instructions and a case with an engraved Third Reich emblem. | The device stumped the Allies for years, until British mathematician Alan Turing managed to crack its code. Most of the machines were destroyed by the Germans during the war s…

RT (2019-12-15). Turkey could shut down Incirlik Air Base used by US if necessary — Erdogan on US sanctions. rt.com Ankara retains the option of shutting down the Incirlik Air Base used by US/NATO forces, in retaliation to any additional sanctions against Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said. | As well the air base, which is located in Adana, the Kurecik Radar Station in the Malatya province may also be closed, Erdogan said. The Kurecik base houses an early-warning radar installed by the US Army, which plays a strategic role in NATO's ballistic missile defense network. | "We will close down Incirlik if necessary," Erdogan told A Haber TV. | If they are threatening us with the implementation of these sanctions, of…

RT (2019-12-15). Boris Johnson cannot force Scotland to stay in UK 'against its will': Sturgeon signals independence referendum on horizon. rt.com Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has cautioned British Prime Minister Boris Johnson against trying to block a second independence referendum, asserting that her country cannot be kept in the United Kingdom by force. | Johnson and his Tory government have stated that they will not permit another vote on Scotland leaving the union, but Sturgeon — whose Scottish National Party (SNP) won 48 of Scotland's 59 seats in the UK parliament in the recent snap general election — said that the matter isn't up to the prime minister. | You cannot hold Scotland in the union against its will … If the Uni…

RT (2019-12-15). Russia & Qatar to deepen cooperation in a bid to boost investment and trade. rt.com Russia's Roscongress Foundation and the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency have inked a document during the Doha Forum that sets up a joint working group for coordination of investment activities and business projects. | The agreement was signed on Sunday, when a Russian delegation held a panel session titled 'Developing the High-Tech Sector in Russia: Prospects for Venture Investment' on the sidelines of the forum. | The new body is aimed at identifying promising investment projects in both countries and exchanging information on them, according to CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev. It can al…

RT (2019-12-15). US Treasury chief applauds sanctions as ALTERNATIVE to military conflicts…but it hardly sits well with those sanctioned. rt.com Sanctions imposed on some stubborn countries are a better option than military conflicts, Steve Mnuchin claimed, just as the US rolled out fresh penalties against Iran and EU firms helping build a German-Russian pipeline. | "The reason why we're using sanctions is because they are an important alternative for world military conflicts. And I believe it's worked," Mnuchin told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Saturday. He singled out North Korea and I…

RT (2019-12-15). Russian warship tracks US destroyer as it arrives in Black Sea. rt.com As the US Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Ross entered the Black Sea on Sunday, Russia sent its small missile ship Vyshny Volochek to survey its actions. It's the eighth US Navy vessel to arrive in the region this year. | USS Ross has carried out several missions in the Black Sea since the spike in tensions between Moscow and Washington after Crimea's reunification with Russia and the breakout of the Ukrainian conflict in 2014. | The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer made headlines in 2015 after Russian Su-24 jets were scrambled to warn off the American ship, which was acting "provocatively and…

RT (2019-12-15). 'We've always been on receiving end of US hegemony': Pakistan seeks closer ties with Russia, and has a real chance of success. rt.com Islamabad, which just settled a Soviet-era debt dispute with Moscow, now wishes for "a new phase" in relations with Russia. Geopolitics, coupled with promising new trade opportunities, could help them thrive, analysts explain. | Russia-Pakistan relations returned to a brighter place this week, when Prime Minister Imran Khan voiced his desire to give them a powerful boost. While hosting a sizable Russian delegation led by Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Khan signaled that his country is ready to open its doors to Russian businesses and investors. | And it doesn't look like wishful thinking at all. Under a massiv…

RT (2019-12-15). 'Where's my apology, Jim?' Trump taunts Comey after former FBI chief says sorry for 'sloppy' Russia investigation. rt.com President Donald Trump took to Twitter to demand a personal apology from former FBI Director James Comey, after Comey apologized on TV for his (mis)handling of the 'Russiagate' probe. | "So now Comey's admitting he was wrong," Trump tweeted on Sunday. "Wow, but he's only doing so because he got caught red handed. He was actually caught a long time ago. So what are the consequences for his unlawful conduct. Could it be years in jail? Where are the apologies to me and others, Jim?" | So now Comey's admitting he was wrong. Wow, but he's only doing so because he got caught red handed. He was actually caught a long…

Kevin B. Anderson (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

The Canary (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…

Stephen Lendman (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." …

Staff (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…

WSWS (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.

Caitlin Johnstone (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 …

teleSUR (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…

Brian Wakamo (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.

Staff (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…

teleSUR (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…

Stephen Leas (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

Michael Welton (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

WSWS (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.

John Atcheson (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

Caitlin Johnstone (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.

Staff (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…

Staff (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…

Staff (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…

Melvin Goodman (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…

Julia Conley, staff writer (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

RT (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…

Madeleine Speed (2019-12-12). The Greek Government's Chaotic Plan for Relocating Migrants. thenation.com The Greek Government's Chaotic Plan for Relocating Migrants…

Staff (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."

Staff (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…

The Canary (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…

RT (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…

RT (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…

Aaron Maté (2019-12-11). Jeremy Corbyn faces Russiagate smear campaign before UK vote. thegrayzone.com Jeremy Corbyn, a real progressive, could win UK's elections. Max Blumenthal joins Pushback to discuss how powerful forces are trying…

news.un (2019-12-11). COP25: Italy and Mexico pave the way on climate education. news.un.org A commitment by Italy and Mexico to ramp up climate and environmental education has been welcomed by the UN office which supports global efforts to respond to climate change.

Staff (2019-12-11). Rep. Ro Khanna Urges "Universal Condemnation" of Trump as Democrats File Impeachment Charges. democracynow.org House Democrats have unveiled two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump that formally charge him with high crimes and misdemeanors after more than two months of investigation. On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined chairs of the impeachment inquiry committees to announce the charges of "abuse of power" and "obstruction of Congress." Democrats allege Trump withheld congressionally directed taxpayer funding for Ukraine's military until the Ukrainian president agreed to do what Trump called a "favor" by announcing Ukraine was investigating his potential 2020 political rival Joe Biden. Democra…

Staff (2019-12-11). "Shame!" Indigenous Leaders & Delegates from Global South Stage Dramatic Protest at COP25 in Madrid. democracynow.org Democracy Now! was broadcasting live from the United Nations climate summit in Madrid, Spain, when hundreds of climate advocates and people's movements at the U.N. climate action summit staged a protest inside the conference venue. As the demonstration unfolds, we speak with Tom Goldtooth, executive director of the Indigenous Environmental Network; Karin Nansen, chair of Friends of the Earth International; Nigerian climate activist Nnimmo Bassey with Health of Mother Earth Foundation; and indigenous climate activist Daiara Tukano from Brazil.

Staff (2019-12-11). "The Most Extreme Fires We've Ever Seen": Record Climate-Fueled Wildfires Engulf Australia in Smoke. democracynow.org As world leaders gather to address the climate crisis in Madrid, massive wildfires have engulfed Australia in flames and smoke. More than 100 climate-fueled blazes have killed at least six people and pushed air quality levels in Sydney to 12 times hazardous levels. Thousands braved extreme air pollution Wednesday to protest the government's climate inaction outside Sydney Town Hall. As Democracy Now! broadcasts live from inside the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain, we speak with Australian environmental scientist Bill Hare, director of Climate Analytics and a coordinator of the Climate Ac…

Staff (2019-12-11). Headlines for December 11, 2019. democracynow.org Democrats Charge Trump with Two Articles of Impeachment, Trump Meets with Russian Foreign Minister, Who Denies Russia Meddled in 2016 Election, Democrats Agree with Trump on New NAFTA, Federal Judge Blocks Trump from Diverting Funds to Border Wall, Mass Protests Continue in France Against Macron's Pensions Plan, British Voters Head to the Polls Thursday, Protesters at COP25 Continue Demands for Urgent Action: "You Can't Drink Oil, Keep It in the Soil!", Thousands Protest Australian Government's Inaction as Smoke from Wildfires Blankets Sydney, At Least 6 Dead, 3 Missing, After Volcano Erupts in New Zealand, Ethio…

RT (2019-12-11). US Senate advances bill giving State Department right to call Russia 'sponsor of terrorism'. rt.com The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved a bill asking the State Department to determine whether Russia falls under criteria of a state sponsor of terrorism, potentially opening a way stricter sanctions. | The pretentiously titled 'Stopping Malign Activities from Russian Terrorism (SMART) Act' could potentially bring the already strained relations between Moscow and Washington to a new low. | Introduced by Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) in…

Rick Sterling (2019-12-10). A Beautiful but Deceptive Documentary: "For Sama" dissidentvoice.org The documentary movie "For Sama" has won a host of awards in Europe and North America. Its producers and protagonists, Syrians Waad Kateab and her husband Dr. Hamza Kateab plus English film-maker Edward Watts, have received gushing praise. And the awards will probably keep coming. Unfortunately, behind a human interest story, the movie "For Sama" …

news.un (2019-12-10). Deliver 'significant results now', UN General Assembly President tells COP25 climate conference. news.un.org It is "imperative" that the COP25 climate conference underway in Spain delivers "significant results now", Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the UN General Assembly (PGA), said on Tuesday.

Jason Ditz (2019-12-10). US Army Prepares Biggest Deployment to Europe in 25 Years. theantimedia.com In 2020, the US Army will be carrying out its biggest deployment in 25 years into Europe.

2019-12-15: Social Media Postees

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

'Effective discipline'!?! 8yo boy needs surgery on maimed knees after sadistic stepfather makes him kneel on buckwheat for HOURS
rt.com | 2019-12-16
An 8-year-old boy had to undergo a surgery to remove the sharp grains, virtually ingrown into his knees, after his mother's boyfriend routinely forced him to stand on raw buckwheat as punishment for the tiniest 'misbehavior.' | The photos of the child's knees, looking as if they were mutilated by a mystery disease, sent shockwaves across Russia. Doctors had to use general anesthesia to remove the ingrown seeds, cutting cut off large fragments of skin. | The surgery and weeks of painful rehabilitation, however, were nothing compared to what the starved kid had to endure at home in the Siberian city of Omsk, whe…
rt.com/russia/475964-buckwheat-child-torture-omsk/

The Threat 5G Poses to Human Health
James Grundvig | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-15
The crime scene was straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. One hundred and fifty dead birds lay sprawled on the ground, fallen out of trees in a park in The Hague, Netherlands. | The second such occurrence last autumn made | …
globalresearch.ca/threat-5g-poses-human-health/5697735

The Threat 5G Poses to Human Health
James Grundvig | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-15
The crime scene was straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. One hundred and fifty dead birds lay sprawled on the ground, fallen out of trees in a park in The Hague, Netherlands. | The second such occurrence last autumn made | …
globalresearch.ca/threat-5g-poses-human-health/5697735

Europe Was the Main Player in Destroying Syria and Creating the Refugee Crisis
Steven Sahiounie | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-15
Monica Maggioni is an Italian journalist and is CEO of Rai.com, which broadcasts 'Rai News 24 TV', among others. She interviewed Syrian President, Bashar al Assad, on November 26, and the interview was to be broadcast on December 2; …
globalresearch.ca/europe-main-layer-destroying-syria-creating-refugee-crisis/5697753

Europe Was the Main Player in Destroying Syria and Creating the Refugee Crisis
Steven Sahiounie | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-15
Monica Maggioni is an Italian journalist and is CEO of Rai.com, which broadcasts 'Rai News 24 TV', among others. She interviewed Syrian President, Bashar al Assad, on November 26, and the interview was to be broadcast on December 2; …
globalresearch.ca/europe-main-layer-destroying-syria-creating-refugee-crisis/5697753

Comey: 'Real Sloppiness' in Russia Probe but No Misconduct
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-12-15
WASHINGTON — Former FBI Director James Comey acknowledged Sunday that a Justice Department inspector general report identified "real sloppiness" in the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and said he was wrong to have been "overconfident" about how the Russia investigation was handled. | But Comey also insisted he was right to feel some measure of vindication because the report did not find evidence for the most sensational of President Donald Trump's claims, including that he had been wiretapped and il…
truthdig.com/articles/comey-real-sloppiness-in-russia-probe-but-no-misconduct/

Greta Thunberg spars with German train company in Twitter spat nobody saw coming
rt.com | 2019-12-15
An overcrowded train ride through Germany shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg was taken by many as a swipe at Deutsche Bahn's service, but the railway company soon shot back, reminding Greta about her seat in first-class. | Returning home from a tour of protests, marches and speeches, the Swedish climate activist traveled as she always does: on public transport and in emissions-free vehicles. However, public transport occasionally brings with it delays and overcrowding, even in uber-efficient Germany, as Thunberg discovered on Saturday. | Tweeting a picture of herself sitting in a passageway beside a mou…
rt.com/news/475965-greta-thunberg-train-overcrowded/

Extremely rare Nazi Enigma code transmitter tops $100k at auction (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2019-12-15
A fabled device used by Nazi Germany to transmit coded messages during the Second World War has been sold at an auction | for more than $100,000. | The cipher device, weighing nearly 30 pounds, was bought by an internet buyer for $106,000, according to the auction house, Heritage Auctions. The machine — which resembles a modified typewriter — comes with operating instructions and a case with an engraved Third Reich emblem. | The device stumped the Allies for years, until British mathematician Alan Turing managed to crack its code. Most of the machines were destroyed by the Germans during the war s…
rt.com/news/475946-enigma-auction-nazi-code-machine/

Turkey could shut down Incirlik Air Base used by US if necessary — Erdogan on US sanctions
rt.com | 2019-12-15
Ankara retains the option of shutting down the Incirlik Air Base used by US/NATO forces, in retaliation to any additional sanctions against Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said. | As well the air base, which is located in Adana, the Kurecik Radar Station in the Malatya province may also be closed, Erdogan said. The Kurecik base houses an early-warning radar installed by the US Army, which plays a strategic role in NATO's ballistic missile defense network. | "We will close down Incirlik if necessary," Erdogan told A Haber TV. | If they are threatening us with the implementation of these sanctions, of…
rt.com/news/475962-turkey-shut-down-incirlik-us/

Boris Johnson cannot force Scotland to stay in UK 'against its will': Sturgeon signals independence referendum on horizon
rt.com | 2019-12-15
Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has cautioned British Prime Minister Boris Johnson against trying to block a second independence referendum, asserting that her country cannot be kept in the United Kingdom by force. | Johnson and his Tory government have stated that they will not permit another vote on Scotland leaving the union, but Sturgeon — whose Scottish National Party (SNP) won 48 of Scotland's 59 seats in the UK parliament in the recent snap general election — said that the matter isn't up to the prime minister. | You cannot hold Scotland in the union against its will … If the Uni…
rt.com/uk/475943-scotland-sturgeon-johnson-independence/

Russia & Qatar to deepen cooperation in a bid to boost investment and trade
rt.com | 2019-12-15
Russia's Roscongress Foundation and the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency have inked a document during the Doha Forum that sets up a joint working group for coordination of investment activities and business projects. | The agreement was signed on Sunday, when a Russian delegation held a panel session titled 'Developing the High-Tech Sector in Russia: Prospects for Venture Investment' on the sidelines of the forum. | The new body is aimed at identifying promising investment projects in both countries and exchanging information on them, according to CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev. It can al…
rt.com/business/475942-russia-qatar-investment-cooperation/

Russian warship tracks US destroyer as it arrives in Black Sea
rt.com | 2019-12-15
As the US Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Ross entered the Black Sea on Sunday, Russia sent its small missile ship Vyshny Volochek to survey its actions. It's the eighth US Navy vessel to arrive in the region this year. | USS Ross has carried out several missions in the Black Sea since the spike in tensions between Moscow and Washington after Crimea's reunification with Russia and the breakout of the Ukrainian conflict in 2014. | The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer made headlines in 2015 after Russian Su-24 jets were scrambled to warn off the American ship, which was acting "provocatively and…
rt.com/russia/475963-us-navy-ross-black-sea/

US Treasury chief applauds sanctions as ALTERNATIVE to military conflicts…but it hardly sits well with those sanctioned
rt.com | 2019-12-15
Sanctions imposed on some stubborn countries are a better option than military conflicts, Steve Mnuchin claimed, just as the US rolled out fresh penalties against Iran and EU firms helping build a German-Russian pipeline. | "The reason why we're using sanctions is because they are an important alternative for world military conflicts. And I believe it's worked," Mnuchin told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Saturday. He singled out North Korea and I…
rt.com/news/475929-us-sanctions-military-conflicts/

'We've always been on receiving end of US hegemony': Pakistan seeks closer ties with Russia, and has a real chance of success
rt.com | 2019-12-15
Islamabad, which just settled a Soviet-era debt dispute with Moscow, now wishes for "a new phase" in relations with Russia. Geopolitics, coupled with promising new trade opportunities, could help them thrive, analysts explain. | Russia-Pakistan relations returned to a brighter place this week, when Prime Minister Imran Khan voiced his desire to give them a powerful boost. While hosting a sizable Russian delegation led by Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Khan signaled that his country is ready to open its doors to Russian businesses and investors. | And it doesn't look like wishful thinking at all. Under a massiv…
rt.com/news/475952-russia-pakistan-boost-relations/

'Where's my apology, Jim?' Trump taunts Comey after former FBI chief says sorry for 'sloppy' Russia investigation
rt.com | 2019-12-15
President Donald Trump took to Twitter to demand a personal apology from former FBI Director James Comey, after Comey apologized on TV for his (mis)handling of the 'Russiagate' probe. | "So now Comey's admitting he was wrong," Trump tweeted on Sunday. "Wow, but he's only doing so because he got caught red handed. He was actually caught a long time ago. So what are the consequences for his unlawful conduct. Could it be years in jail? Where are the apologies to me and others, Jim?" | So now Comey's admitting he was wrong. Wow, but he's only doing so because he got caught red handed. He was actually caught a long…
rt.com/usa/475966-trump-comey-apology-russiagate/

NAFTA 2.0: Revising the 1994 Agreement
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-14
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." | …
globalresearch.ca/nafta-2-0-revising-1994-agreement/5697683

NAFTA 2.0: Revising the 1994 Agreement
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-14
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." | …
globalresearch.ca/nafta-2-0-revising-1994-agreement/5697683

Ukrainian Foreign Influence Operation Bankrolled by Secret Donors
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-12-14
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…
truthout.org/articles/ukrainian-foreign-influence-operation-bankrolled-by-secret-donors/

Millions in France strike against austerity
Kevin B. Anderson | mronline.org | 2019-12-14
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…
mronline.org/2019/12/14/millions-in-france-strike-against-austerity/

Recording reveals pseudo-left La France Insoumise collusion with Macron in 2016
wsws.org | 2019-12-14
The manoeuvres of LFI deputy Franàßois Ruffin with the former banker and future president have recently been exposed.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/12/14/ruff-d14.html

Someone Interfered in the UK Election, and It Wasn't Russia
Caitlin Johnstone | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-14
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 …
globalresearch.ca/someone-interfered-uk-election-it-wasnt-russia/5697667

Postal Pay Cuts Provoked a General Strike in Finland. US Postal Workers Deserve the Same Solidarity
Brian Wakamo | commondreams.org | 2019-12-14
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.
commondreams.org/views/2019/12/14/postal-pay-cuts-provoked-general-strike-finland-us-postal-workers-deserve-same?cd-origin=rss

Tens of thousands of anti-populist Sardines fill Roman square
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-12-14
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…
thecanary.co/global/world-news/2019/12/14/tens-of-thousands-of-anti-populist-sardines-fill-roman-square/

Johnson's Win May Deliver Brexit but Could Risk U.K.'s Breakup
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-12-14
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…
truthdig.com/articles/johnsons-win-may-deliver-brexit-but-could-risk-u-k-s-breakup/

U.S. House Committee Approves Charges For Trump Impeachment
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-13
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…
telesurenglish.net/news/us-house-committee-approves-charges-for-trump-impeachment–20191213-0006.html

Hungry for a Livable Planet: Why I Went On Hunger Strike and Occupied Pelosi's Office
Stephen Leas | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-13
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…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/13/hungry-for-a-livable-planet/

US to impose sanctions on companies involved in European Nord Stream 2 pipeline
wsws.org | 2019-12-13
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.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/12/13/nord-d13.html

Seeing the World Without Shadows: the Enlightenment Dream
Michael Welton | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-13
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…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/13/seeing-the-world-without-shadows-the-enlightenment-dream/

The Influence of Liars and the Failure of Corporate Media
John Atcheson | commondreams.org | 2019-12-13
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
commondreams.org/views/2019/12/13/influence-liars-and-failure-corporate-media?cd-origin=rss

Someone Interfered in the UK Election, and It Wasn't Russia
Caitlin Johnstone | theantimedia.com | 2019-12-13
Hardly anyone will care because this election interference has been happening right out in the open, and was perfectly legal.

Someone Interfered in the UK Election, and It Wasn’t Russia

COP25: Developing Countries Charge Ahead with Bold Climate Plans as Rich Countries Drag Their Feet
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-13
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…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/13/cop25_developing_countries_charge_ahead_with

"Dark Day for Everyone Who Believes in Justice": U.K. Tories Defeat Labour in Landslide Election
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-13
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…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/13/uk_election_boris_johnson_jeremy_corbyn

The FBI: Another Worry in the National Security State
Melvin Goodman | counterpunch.org | 2019-12-13
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…
counterpunch.org/2019/12/13/the-fbi-another-worry-in-the-national-security-state/

After Scotland Decisively Rejects Brexit and the Tories in General Election, SNP's Sturgeon Calls for Second Independence Referendum
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-12-13
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
commondreams.org/news/2019/12/13/after-scotland-decisively-rejects-brexit-and-tories-general-election-snps-sturgeon?cd-origin=rss

Dems summon image of Zelensky's 15yo daughter 'DUCT-TAPED in Trump's basement' during increasingly surreal impeachment hearing
rt.com | 2019-12-13
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…
rt.com/usa/475748-democrats-zelensky-daughter-duct-tape/

One killed in 'workplace violence' shooting at Dart Container plant in Conyers, Georgia
rt.com | 2019-12-13
One employee was shot at a food service plant in Conyers, Georgia, and later died. Local schools were placed on lockdown while police hunted for a suspect, who was later caught in the neighboring state of Alabama. | A contract employee identified as Cameron Golden was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with murdering fellow employee Taurus Andrews. | Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett described the shooting as "workplace violence," but said that Golden's motives were still being investigated. | "We don't if Mr. Golden was upset with Dart Container, was he upset with any particular person there? We just don…
rt.com/usa/475838-injured-active-shooter-container-plant/

The Greek Government's Chaotic Plan for Relocating Migrants
Madeleine Speed | thenation.com | 2019-12-12
The Greek Government's Chaotic Plan for Relocating Migrants…
thenation.com/article/greece-migrants-relocation-hotels/

Uganda's First Fridays for Future Climate Striker, Vanessa Nakate, Joins COP25 Protests in Madrid
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-12
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."
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/12/cop25_vanessa_nakate_uganda

Academics say Johnson's Brexit would shrink the economy, even after a trade deal with Trump
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-12-12
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…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/12/12/academics-say-johnsons-brexit-would-shrink-the-economy-even-after-a-trade-deal-with-trump/

US Senate passes resolution recognizing Armenian genocide, ignoring Trump & Turkey's objections
rt.com | 2019-12-12
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…
rt.com/usa/475725-us-senate-armenian-genocide-resolution/

US tests ground-launched ballistic missile that would've been banned by INF treaty (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2019-12-12
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…
rt.com/usa/475724-inf-treaty-banned-missile-test/

Jeremy Corbyn faces Russiagate smear campaign before UK vote
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-11
Jeremy Corbyn, a real progressive, could win UK's elections. Max Blumenthal joins Pushback to discuss how powerful forces are trying…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/11/jeremy-corbyn-faces-russiagate-smear-campaign-before-uk-vote/

COP25: Italy and Mexico pave the way on climate education
news.un.org | 2019-12-11
A commitment by Italy and Mexico to ramp up climate and environmental education has been welcomed by the UN office which supports global efforts to respond to climate change.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053261

"Shame!" Indigenous Leaders & Delegates from Global South Stage Dramatic Protest at COP25 in Madrid
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-11
Democracy Now! was broadcasting live from the United Nations climate summit in Madrid, Spain, when hundreds of climate advocates and people's movements at the U.N. climate action summit staged a protest inside the conference venue. As the demonstration unfolds, we speak with Tom Goldtooth, executive director of the Indigenous Environmental Network; Karin Nansen, chair of Friends of the Earth International; Nigerian climate activist Nnimmo Bassey with Health of Mother Earth Foundation; and indigenous climate activist Daiara Tukano from Brazil.
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/11/cop25_walkout_indigenous_leaders_global_south

"The Most Extreme Fires We've Ever Seen": Record Climate-Fueled Wildfires Engulf Australia in Smoke
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-11
As world leaders gather to address the climate crisis in Madrid, massive wildfires have engulfed Australia in flames and smoke. More than 100 climate-fueled blazes have killed at least six people and pushed air quality levels in Sydney to 12 times hazardous levels. Thousands braved extreme air pollution Wednesday to protest the government's climate inaction outside Sydney Town Hall. As Democracy Now! broadcasts live from inside the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain, we speak with Australian environmental scientist Bill Hare, director of Climate Analytics and a coordinator of the Climate Ac…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/11/australia_wildfires_2019_climate_change

Rep. Ro Khanna Urges "Universal Condemnation" of Trump as Democrats File Impeachment Charges
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-11
House Democrats have unveiled two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump that formally charge him with high crimes and misdemeanors after more than two months of investigation. On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined chairs of the impeachment inquiry committees to announce the charges of "abuse of power" and "obstruction of Congress." Democrats allege Trump withheld congressionally directed taxpayer funding for Ukraine's military until the Ukrainian president agreed to do what Trump called a "favor" by announcing Ukraine was investigating his potential 2020 political rival Joe Biden. Democra…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/11/ro_khanna_trump_articles_of_impeachment

US Senate advances bill giving State Department right to call Russia 'sponsor of terrorism'
rt.com | 2019-12-11
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved a bill asking the State Department to determine whether Russia falls under criteria of a state sponsor of terrorism, potentially opening a way stricter sanctions. | The pretentiously titled 'Stopping Malign Activities from Russian Terrorism (SMART) Act' could potentially bring the already strained relations between Moscow and Washington to a new low. | Introduced by Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) in…
rt.com/usa/475637-us-senate-russia-sponsor-terrorism/

Deliver 'significant results now', UN General Assembly President tells COP25 climate conference
news.un.org | 2019-12-10
It is "imperative" that the COP25 climate conference underway in Spain delivers "significant results now", Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the UN General Assembly (PGA), said on Tuesday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053141

A Beautiful but Deceptive Documentary: "For Sama"
Rick Sterling | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-12-10
The documentary movie "For Sama" has won a host of awards in Europe and North America. Its producers and protagonists, Syrians Waad Kateab and her husband Dr. Hamza Kateab plus English film-maker Edward Watts, have received gushing praise. And the awards will probably keep coming. Unfortunately, behind a human interest story, the movie "For Sama" …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/12/a-beautiful-but-deceptive-documentary-for-sama/

US Army Prepares Biggest Deployment to Europe in 25 Years
Jason Ditz | theantimedia.com | 2019-12-10
In 2020, the US Army will be carrying out its biggest deployment in 25 years into Europe.

US Army Prepares Biggest Deployment to Europe in 25 Years