(2019-12-16). Across the Balkans: Sarajevo. counterpunch.org 
An account of a journey from Croatia to Kosovo, by way of Bosnia-Hercegovina and Serbia, and with a detour into Montenegro. This is part IV of a series. To cover the siege lines that once encircled Sarajevo took most of the afternoon. My driver had been a teenager during the war years, and he well More
(2019-12-16). Fresh bid to restore powersharing at Stormont gets under way. thecanary.co 
A fresh bid to restore Stormont's crisis-hit institutions is under way.Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith has embarked on a round of bilateral meetings with the leaders of the five main parties, in an effort to kick-start a new talks process ahead of a looming deadline in January.If a devolved executive is not resurrected by 13 January, legislation that gives the civil service extra powers to run the region's floundering public services will expire, and Smith will be under a legal duty to call a snap Assembly election.Campaigners for an Irish Language act protest outside Parliament Buildings (Niall Carson/PA…
(2019-12-16). Greenland's ice melting at rate that surpasses scientists' expectations. peoplesworld.org 
The rate that Greenland's ice sheet is melting surpassed scientists' expectations and has raised concerns that their worst-case scenario predictions are coming true, Business Insider reported. A new study published in the journal Nature from a team of scientists at NASA and the European Space Agency looked at satellite imagery from 1992 to 2018 from 26 independent data sets. The images revealed …
(2019-12-16). Democrats push the GOP for a fair Senate impeachment trial. peoplesworld.org 
(2019-12-16). IG report exposes FBI, Congressional, and media deceit in Russia probe. thegrayzone.com A new report from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz confirms that the FBI relied on the Steele dossier — a…
(2019-12-16). COP25 Was a Failure, But Activists' Collective Organizing Was Unprecedented. truthout.org The COP25 United Nations climate summit ended in failure Sunday, after negotiators failed to agree to a deal that would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — a key goal of the Paris Agreement. Scores of civil society groups condemned governments in the European Union, Australia, Canada and the U.S. for a deal that requires far less action than needed to avert catastrophic climate change. Indigenous leaders and environmentalists blasted the United Nations fo…
(2019-12-16). Mass strikes intensify ahead of national protest against French pension cuts. wsws.org Today truckers will take strike action across France, threatening fuel shortages as most of France's eight refineries are already on strike or blockaded by protesters.
(2019-12-16). Malta: Masses take to the streets demanding resignation of Prime Minister Muscat. wsws.org Masses of people have taken to the streets on the island of Malta to demand the resignation of the country's prime minister following the murder of a Maltese journalist.
(2019-12-16). The Armenian Genocide: US Congress' Recognition and Remembrance. Ignores White House and Turkey's Objection. globalresearch.ca Over a century ago, the systematic mass extermination and expulsion of 1.5 million ethnic Armenians from the Ottoman Empire took place between 1914 and 1923 (some accounts state 1915-1922). For decades, Turkish and Israeli lobbies in Washington have successfully prevented …
(2019-12-16). This week in history: December 16-22. wsws.org On December 20, 1994, the Mexican peso was devalued, sending shock waves throughout the structure of world capitalism. Mexico had been touted for a decade as proof that the profit system was capable of developing the oppressed semi-colonial countries and transforming them into modern industrialized societies. Its collapse led to a generalized loss of confidence in "emerging markets" from Brazil to Poland.
(2019-12-16). Democrats Should Go After Trump's Full Corruption, Not Just Ukraine. truthout.org Donald Trump is set to become the third president to be impeached when the Democrat-controlled House votes Wednesday on two charges related to his attempts to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. The vote will send the charges to the Republican-controlled Senate, which will then hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office. Witnesses who could be called to testify include former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Ea…
(2019-12-16). On Rogues and Rogue States. globalresearch.ca I have just finished reading William Shirer's Berlin Diary. (This may not fascinate you, but I am coming to something.) I first encountered it in high school. It is of course Shirer's account as a correspondent in Germany of the …
(2019-12-16). Belgian court delays decision on extraditing ex-Catalan leader Puigdemont till February. rt.com 
A Belgian court on Monday postponed former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont's extradition hearing for at least two months. | The court in Brussels decided that a new hearing on whether to extradite the politician to Spain would take place on February 3, once the European Court of Justice has ruled on whether Puigdemont should be granted immunity after being elected as an EU lawmaker. | "It's now first up to the European court in Luxembourg to clarify all the issues concerning the immunity questions because of the election of the European Parliament," AP quoted his lawyer, Simon Bekaert, as saying after Monday'
(2019-12-16). Malmo gang task force to spread to other cities as criminals become more ruthless, says Swedish police chief. rt.com 
A special task force introduced in Malmo, Sweden to tackle rising gang violence will be expanded into other cities, the police chief has said, warning that gang members are becoming more ruthlessly violent. | Sweden is suffering a jump in gang-related shootings and bombings; bomb attacks reached a new high in 2019 with over 180 incidents to date. An explosion in Linkoping, southern Sweden injured 20 people in June, while almost 30 blasts have been recorded in Malmo alone this year. | The 'Operation Hoarfrost' task force was introduced in Malmo in November after a 15-year-old was shot dead in what police suspec…
(2019-12-16). 'Ordine!': Bercow yells famous 'ORDER!' call in Italian in bizarre TV moment (VIDEOS). rt.com 
Former UK House Speaker John Bercow has gone fully international after an appearance on a talk show in Italy that saw him shouting his catchphrase "Order!" in Italian, to the amusement and horror to those watching online. | Renowned for his eccentric behavior and bellowing tones in the House of Commons, Bercow's cries of "order!" are familiar to many, but delivering it in a foreign language on TV is a notable first. | Appearing on Italian TV show 'Che Tempo Che Fa' on Sunday, the hosts asked Bercow to shout his famous catchphrase in their native language. Bercow checked his pronunciation was correct before del…
(2019-12-16). Germany's migrant-smuggling activist switches to climate cause, calls for civil disobedience and 'eco-socialism'. rt.com 
Sea captain Carola Rackete broke the law to pull migrants out of the Mediterranean and bring them to Italy. However, support for immigration in Europe is falling, and the outlaw activist has embraced a new cause: the environment. | The line between 'activist' and 'criminal' is often a blurry one, and 31-year-old Carola Rackete has one foot to either side of it. A former conservation volunteer and officer on Greenpeace ships, the German activist took over the helm of the 'Sea-Watch 3' in June. A month later, she was arrested in Italy for docking on the island of Lampedusa with 53 migrants in tow. | The Italian…
(2019-12-16). Kamaz races into the future with 'one-of-a-kind' AI-packed hybrid truck (VIDEO). rt.com 
Russia's top truck-maker Kamaz has unveiled its sci-fi-style haulage truck, expected to hit the roads in about five years. It says the vehicle provides unparalleled comfort for its driver, who gets a comfy cabin and AI assistance. | A lot of resources are being pumped by the state into the overhaul of its transport infrastructure and the Kamaz-54901 Continent seems like the fitting ride for Russia's newly-built highways and bridges. | | © YouTube / –ü–ê–û –ö–ê–ú–ê–ó | The 30-ton truck boasts a hybrid power un…
(2019-12-16). Russia keeps strengthening its position among international arms market leaders — Putin. rt.com 
Despite attempts to stall Moscow with sanctions and unfair competition, Russian arms sales to foreign buyers are continuing to grow and reached $13 billion this year, President Vladimir Putin said. | The figure is more than $2 billion higher than in 2018, Putin announced during a meeting of Russia's Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States. | The overall portfolio of orders for Russian arms remains stable and has exceeded $50 billion, he added. | Russian positions in the global arms market are strengthening… despite the tightening of the sanctions regime and unfair competition. | "Unf…
(2019-12-16). US-Turkey relations at critical crossroads: what's behind Erdogan's threat to shutter Incirlik Air Base? rt.com 
When Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to close a vital airbase used by American forces, he wasn't bluffing, and Washington should take his threats at face value, or risk losing a NATO ally, analysts say. | The Turkish leader announced on Sunday that Incirlik Air Base – a vital hub for US and NATO forces stationed in the Middle East – could close its doors if US lawmakers press ahead with sanctioning Turkey for its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. | Incirlik is not a backwater airstrip, the kind the United States utilizes for its drone missions in Africa, for example. I…
(2019-12-16). European Commission to check if Polish bill on judges 'undermines court independence'. rt.com 
The European Commission will closely examine whether a new Polish draft law undermines the independence of the judiciary, a spokesman for the European Union's executive, Christian Wigand, said on Monday. | The EU has accused Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party of politicizing the judiciary since it swept to power in 2015. PiS argues that the reforms are necessary to make Poland's courts more efficient. | Under the legislation PiS submitted to parliament on December 12, judges could be sacked if they question the legitimacy of its judicial reforms. It also says judges must inform their superiors of past…
(2019-12-16). WATCH: Lost dog causes chaos as it goes on the run during Belgian cycling race (VIDEO). rt.com 
Mathieu van der Poel was well-prepared for the challenge of his peers during Sunday's Vlaamse Druivencross race in Belgium but hadn't quite counted on the challenge of a certain four-legged friend. | Van der Poel was leading the race on the first lap when the dog, whose leash was still attached to his collar, raced onto the course and attempted to keep pace with the pacesetters. Video from the event was captured and has since gone viral on social media. | The video shows the canine first following Tom Pidcock and Quinten Hermans but, after appearing to briefly get distracted, soon became fixated on Van Der Poe…
(2019-12-16). Johnson's Brexit deal to be brought before Commons this week. thecanary.co 
MPs will be asked to vote on the prime minister's Brexit deal this week as the government begins its push to take Britain out of the European Union next month.The Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) will be brought before the commons on Friday — and could be debated at first and second reading in one day, if the Speaker agrees to the timetable.Boris Johnson said during the general election campaign that he would kick-start the process of exiting the EU before families tuck into their turkeys on Christmas Day if he was re-elected.The prime minister's official spokesperson told a Westminster briefing: "We plan to…
(2019-12-16). NATO Summit strengthens the 'War Party'. workers.org 
This Dec. 6 article from the Italian web newspaper, Il Manifesto, shows how the Dec. 3-4 London NATO Summit reinforced the belligerent stance of that military alliance. Before 1991, NATO was a U.S.-dominated alliance of European and North American imperialist interests directed at the USSR and the East European socialist . . . | Continue reading NATO Summit strengthens the 'War Party' at Workers.org
(2019-12-16). COP25 Was a Failure, But Activists' Collective Organizing at the Talks Was Unprecedented. democracynow.org 
The COP25 United Nations climate summit ended in failure Sunday, after negotiators failed to agree to a deal that would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — a key goal of the Paris Agreement. Scores of civil society groups condemned governments in the European Union, Australia, Canada and the U.S. for a deal that requires far less action than needed to avert catastrophic climate change. Indigenous leaders and environmentalists blasted the United Nations for marginalizing civil society groups over two weeks of negotiations at the climate summit, while welcoming polluters.
(2019-12-16). Ralph Nader on Impeachment: Democrats Should Go After Trump's Full Corruption, Not Just Ukraine. democracynow.org 
Donald Trump is set to become the third president to be impeached when the Democrat-controlled House votes Wednesday on two charges related to his attempts to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden. The vote will send the charges to the Republican-controlled Senate, which will then hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office. Witnesses who could be called to testify include former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Early Monday, the House Judiciary Committee released its full report on Trump's impeachment that is nearly 700 pag…
(2019-12-16). A Hidden Majority: UK General Election 2019. counterpunch.org 
The threat posed by Jeremy Corbyn to the powerful and privileged in Britain at the 2019 general election was far more severe than the one from Clement Attlee in 1945. While his Labour Party manifesto may have just laid out plans for a return to post-war norms of a "civilized" European social democratic state, Corbyn's More
(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…
(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…
(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…
(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). 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…
(2019-12-13). COP25 Was Moved to Spain to Conceal Chilean Government's Human Rights Violations. therealnews.com 
The concept of "loss and damage" and carbon markets are a sticking point at the UN's climate summit, and protests are continuing in Chile, the original site of the talks. Oxfam's Nafkote Dabi and Gary Hughes of Biofuelwatch discuss the realities of COP25.
(2019-12-13). Cyprus deploys troops in UN buffer zone to stop influx of migrants. peoplesdispatch.org The government of the Republic of Cyprus justified the troop deployment stating that it was a necessary measure to stop the flow of migrants…
(2019-12-13). Bulgarian workers demand increased funding for Food Safety Authority. peoplesdispatch.org On December 4, workers at the Bulgarian Food Safety Authority (BFSA) held a protest under the banner "Decent Wages and Decent Work Conditions in the BFSA" in front of the council of ministers' building in Sofia. The call for the protest was given by the National Federation of Agriculture and Forestry, the trade union affiliated to the Confederation of Labour Podkrepa. | The main demand of the protesters is that the necessary funds for expenditure under the BFSA budget for 2020 should be raised to 105 million Bulgarian Levs (USD 60 million), insisting that these funds be earmarked exclusively for guaranteeing the…
(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). Serbian postal workers' strike ends as unions strike deal with government. peoplesdispatch.org …
(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). One killed in 'workplace violence' shooting at Dart Container plant in Conyers, Georgia. rt.com 
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…
(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). "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). 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). Pope Francis warns on nuclear weapons; official Italy silent. workers.org 
Published in Il Manifesto on Nov. 26. Translation by John Catalinotto. Italy's politicians and corporate media, usually eloquent about any news concerning the Pope, greeted with the silence of the tomb the words pronounced by Francis on Nov. 24 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki: "The use of atomic energy for war . . . | Continue reading Pope Francis warns on nuclear weapons; official Italy silent at Workers.org
(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). 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…