(2019-12-19). Chemical Weapons Watchdog Is Just an American Lap Dog. truthdig.com 
The once-admired body is now being used by the U.S. and its European NATO allies to support regime-change activities in member states.
(2019-12-19). Queen's Speech takes 'wrecking ball' to Scotland's foundations, SNP claims. thecanary.co The SNP has accused Boris Johnson and the UK Government of "taking a wrecking ball" to Scotland with its plans in the Queen's Speech. | SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford spoke out after a speech that did not mention Scotland by name — although the queen said the "integrity and prosperity" of the United Kingdom was of "the utmost importance" to the UK Government. | Blackford argued the Withdrawal Agreement Bill that ministers will bring forward will hurt Scotland's economy and cost thousands of jobs north of the border. | He was also critical of plans on immigration and said the UK Government was failing…
(2019-12-19). PKK/YPG terrorists kill 5 civilians in Syria. yenisafak.com The terror group PKK/YPG killed five civilians, including three children, with a car bomb attack in Ras al-Ayn, northern Syria near Turkey's border, said Turkey's Defense Ministry on Thursday.In a statement, the ministry said the terror group targeted civilians in the village of Tell Halaf in the Ras al-Ayn province.Ras al-Ayn is within the area of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring, launched on Oct. 9 to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River to secure Turkey's borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria's territorial integrity.Since then, Turkey reache…
(2019-12-19). UN dispatches humanitarian aid to war-weary Syria. yenisafak.com The UN on Thursday dispatched 32 truckloads of humanitarian aid to the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib.The trucks passed through the Cilvegozu border gate in southern Turkey, with aid to be distributed to residents in urban areas of the war-torn province as well as the surrounding countryside.Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests.Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million others displaced, according to UN officials.Idlib falls within a de-escalation zone laid out in a de…
(2019-12-19). Video: Military Intervention in Libya and Turkey's Grand Game in the Eastern Mediterranean. globalresearch.ca During the past week, the situation significantly escalated in Libya, with Turkey expanding its military involvement in the conflict. | In late November, Turkey signed with the Government of National Accord (GNA), which controls only a small part of northern Libya, …
(2019-12-19). Nurses and health workers strike in Northern Ireland. wsws.org Over 15,000 nurses and other health workers struck December 18 in Northern Ireland over pay and staffing.
(2019-12-19). Turkey condemns terrorist attack in Chad. yenisafak.com Turkey Thursday condemned a terrorist attack in Chad which left over dozens of civilians dead."We are saddened to receive the news that many people lost their lives and injured in a terrorist attack against a fishing village on the shores of Lake Chad," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement."We strongly condemn this heinous attack," the statement read, also offering Turkey's condolences Chad.On Wednesday, at least 14 people were killed and five others injured in Boko Haram's armed attack in a fishing village in the western Chad.
(2019-12-19). Turkey's Borsa Istanbul flat at Thursday's close. yenisafak.com Turkey's benchmark stock index ended the day up 0.02% to close at 110,599.43 points on Thursday.Starting the day at 110,835.16 points, Borsa Istanbul's BIST 100 index went up 24.76 points from 110,574.68 points at Wednesday's close.During Thursday's trading, the BIST 100 hovered between 110,584.42 points and 111,274.25 points — 65 stocks on the index rose, 26 fell, and the remaining were flat compared to the previous close.Closing the day with a market value of nearly 753 billion Turkish liras ($127 billion), the benchmark index posted a daily trading volume of 6.8 billion Turkish liras ($1.14 billion).By market…
(2019-12-19). Turkey rejects ex-Israeli envoy's remarks on Hamas ties. yenisafak.com Turkish Foreign Ministry on Thursday rebuffed allegations saying its territory was used for act against Israel or any other country.The statement came after Dore Gold, a former Israeli ambassador to the UN, accused Turkey of permitting senior Hamas figures to "order attacks against Israel from Istanbul.""The majority of the international community considers Hamas not as a terrorist organization but as a political reality which has won the elections in Gaza in 2006," the ministry said on Twitter.It went on saying that the UN General Assembly (UNGA) had rejected calling Palestine's Hamas as a terrorist organization…
(2019-12-19). Turkey is stability factor in Balkans: Int'l envoy. yenisafak.com Turkey is contributing to the stability in the Balkans both politically and culturally, said an international envoy."Turkey is a factor of stability in the Balkans both in the political and cultural area," High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko said told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview.He underlined the aids by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the good relations of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with his Serbian and Croatian counterparts, Alexander Vucic and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, respectively, for its role in the Balkans.Inzko also said that Turkey…
(2019-12-19). Turkey is 7th-best country for expats: Survey. yenisafak.com Among over 150 countries around the world, Turkey is the seventh-best place for expatriates to live and work, according to a new survey.More than 18,000 expats living in 163 countries were surveyed on their adopted countries' cultural, political, economic conditions by HSBC bank's Expat Explorer Report, said a statement by Turkey's Communications Directorate.According to the survey, 62% of expats in Turkey said that quality of life in Turkey is much better than in their home countries.Over half of expats in Turkey have enough time for their hobbies and private lives. Also, 69% said they feel safe in Turkey and th…
(2019-12-19). Russia, Ukraine to resume talks on energy following Paris summit. wsws.org The talks have resumed just after the US announced sanctions against Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany.
(2019-12-19). UK general election result confirms protracted death of the Labour Party. wsws.org Labour haemorrhaged support across the UK and among all sections of workers, young and old, from the north and south, those in favour of leaving the European Union and for remaining.
(2019-12-19). Propaganda in the War on Yugoslavia. globalresearch.ca The war on Yugoslavia in the 1990s was a classic imperial war to reorder South Eastern Europe. To achieve its goals, the US even deployed the "jihadist" mercenaries with which it had previously fought the USSR in Afghanistan and which …
(2019-12-19). Court finds Catalan president guilty of disobedience. yenisafak.com The Catalan president was found guilty of disobedience on Thursday by the Catalan High Court and disqualified from holding public office for a year and a half. Quim Torra will not be ejected from office immediately, as the separatist leader of the northeastern region of Spain can still appeal to the Spanish Supreme Court. The ruling does however stop him from running for office again in the case of fresh regional elections.He was found guilty of disobedience for his refusal to take down yellow ribbons and unofficial Catalan flags from public buildings in the run-up to Catalan elections in March 2019. The ribbons…
(2019-12-19). At least three people killed in shooting in central Moscow. yenisafak.com At least three people were killed by gunfire in Russia Thursday in an attack near the building of the Federal Security Service in central Moscow, local media reported. In a video posted on social media, multiple law enforcement officers can be seen and gunfire can be heard, said Russian state-supported television RT.Though what happened remains unclear, "conflicting reports indicate that one to three individuals, armed with 'assault rifles' attacked the FSB building," said RT.This is a developing story.
(2019-12-19). The Indo-'Israeli' Trans-Arabian Corridor Will Push Russia Closer to Pakistan. globalresearch.ca India's participation in "Israel's" Trans-Arabian Corridor for connecting the Eastern Mediterranean and Afro-Asian ("Indian") Ocean will render New Delhi's North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC) with Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia economically redundant, consequently pushing Russia closer to Pakistan as Moscow seeks to …
(2019-12-19). After British right-wing win, workers need anti-racist unity. workers.org 
Elections held Dec. 12 in England, Scotland, Wales and the occupied north of Ireland were a boost to Trump protégé and Conservative party leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Voters elected 365 Conservative Members of Parliament to the House of Commons, giving Conservatives — the Tories — the majority needed to . . . | Continue reading After British right-wing win, workers need anti-racist unity at Workers.org
(2019-12-19). Brexit Could See the Return of the Falkland Islands to Argentina. globalresearch.ca The Islas Malvinas, or more commonly known as the Falkland Islands, archipelago was invaded by the United Kingdom in 1833 and its occupation has continued to date. Argentina's claim for sovereignty through diplomatic means has been a state policy since …
(2019-12-19). Ukraine, China & 2024 retirement plans: Key takeaways from Putin's 15th annual press chat. rt.com 
At his annual year-end press conference, Vladimir Putin addressed his presumed retirement in 2024, the situation in Ukraine, domestic issues around healthcare and demographics, and relations with China, among many other topics. | Thursday's Moscow event was the 15th in as many years of Putin's presidency, and finished up as one of the longest. The Russian president sat for four hours and 18 minutes, taking around 80 questions from 57 journalists, of which he answered about 77. Some 1,895 reporters representing Russian and foreign media received accreditation for the conference, with many more watching online.
(2019-12-19). EU officially extends economic sanctions against Russia by 6 months over Ukraine conflict. rt.com 
The European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia, which will expire on January 31, 2020, the EU Council said on Thursday. "Today, the Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 July 2020," according to the statement. | The decision was made in connection with "incomplete implementation" of the Minsk agreements on the settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the document says. | French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel "updated" the European Council on 12 December on the state of implementation of the Minsk a…
(2019-12-19). Unions say 'no truce' from French transport strikers over Christmas holidays. rt.com 
French protesters and strikers intend to keep up their fight against President Emmanuel Macron's unpopular pension reform plans over the Christmas period, despite efforts by the government to quell social tensions. | A coalition of unions led by the hardline CGT trade union said Thursday that there will be "no truce" from strikers over the Christmas holidays and announced a new planned day of action for January 9. | The decision to call for more strikes came after the unions met with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to discuss the sweeping plans, which the government claims will simplify a complicated system, b…
(2019-12-19). There should be Hikiwake: Putin describes solution for Russia-Japan island dispute in Judo terms. rt.com 
Absence of a peace treaty after WWII remains the major issue in Russian-Japanese relations. While there's no solution for it, Moscow would prefer a "draw," President Vladimir Putin said using a Judo term for the possible outcome. | "Is there a decision? So far, no. But, what's the most important, we desire to find it," Putin told reporters on Thursday, during his end-of-year press conference. | "And it might come in very different forms. I've said it once — and the Japanese liked it — it should be a 'hikiwake,' a draw, if we can speak in Judo terms." | The Russian president is an avid practitioner of…
(2019-12-19). 'Volleys of automatic fire': Kalashnikov-armed attacker killed 1, injured 5 in shooting on busy Moscow street. rt.com 
A festive December evening turned deadly as a man armed with an assault rifle opened fire in the very heart of Moscow, killing one and injuring five people just across the street from a children's department store. | It is just after 6pm on Thursday, twelve days before the end of the year. The city is all strung up with holiday lights and Muscovites are leaving work to shop for food and gifts for the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays. The Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Square, a few minutes' walk from the Kremlin, is bustling. Nearby streets, cafes and restaurants are filled with people. Then shot…
(2019-12-19). VIDEO reportedly showing last moments of Moscow shooter emerges online. rt.com 
Footage has surfaced on social media that purports to show the final moments of the gunman who opened fire at the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters in central Moscow. | SOME READERS MAY FIND THE CONTENT DISTURBING | The video shows a black-clad person with a backpack, armed with what looks like an assault rifle, hiding behind a column of a building right next to the FSB HQ. The hooded man is visibly engaged in a shootout. | He is shown shooting, supposedly at police or FSB officers, and then apparently getting hit himself. The video shows him crouching and eventually falling to the ground.
(2019-12-19). Russia only seeks to protect itself from foreign meddling — Putin on 'sovereign internet' & 'foreign agents' laws. rt.com 
During his major annual press conference, Putin was asked about two controversial laws regarding 'sovereign internet' and 'foreign agents' — which have been criticized as big steps towards having a closed society. | The legislation, commonly known as the 'Sovereign Internet Bill,' was adopted earlier this year and took effect on November 1. It envisions a system that would ensure the autonomous functioning of the Russian-language segment of the global web in case of a global internet shutdown. Critics of the law, however, expressed concern that the government might use it to impose strict control over th…
(2019-12-19). 'So many shots I could not even count': Witnesses recall horror of deadly shooting near FSB HQ in Moscow. rt.com 
People who happened to be near the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters as a gunman opened fire said they initially thought the loud bangs were fireworks before realizing what really occurred. | Konstantin was at work in an office located just across the square from the FSB HQ and had a clear view of the shooting. He said the shooter hid behind a column belonging to a building located next to the FSB, from where he shot indiscriminately at the wall of the nearby houses. "He was constantly reloading his assault rifle and shooting to the sides." | We also saw a dead police officer lying in the str…
(2019-12-19). First VIDEOS of shooting near FSB building in central Moscow. rt.com 
Videos showing a gun rampage near the Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters in central Moscow have emerged online. People can be seen running for their lives as shots are heard in the background. | A footage taken from a nearby building shows a black-clad person — it is not clear whether the person is a security officer or attacker — running along the emptied street. | –í–∏–¥–µ–æ –∏–∑ —Ü–µ–Ω—Ç—Ä–∞ –ú–æ—Å&ndash…
(2019-12-19). WATCH civilians fleeing intense shooting near FSB HQ in Moscow. rt.com 
Footage showing civilians fleeing the massive gunfight outside Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters has emerged online. The shooting left at least one FSB operative dead and five people injured. | The video was apparently captured by an eyewitness moments after the incident began. Some pedestrians tried to escape the fighting right away, while others appeared tempted to go and take a closer look at the gunfight. | Law enforcement officers at the scene, however, were quick to steer nosy civilians away from the shooting. "Run, I've told you!" one of them is heard shouting. | The shooting occur…
(2019-12-19). FSB shooting: Man opens fire near HQ of Russian intelligence in central Moscow, one FSB staff killed. rt.com 
Gunfire has broken out near central Moscow's Lubyanka Square in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Security Service building. The authorities said the gunman was neutralized and two FSB officers seriously injured. | The shooting occurred around 6pm local time right at the heart of Russia's capital on a street leading to the square and the iconic FSB building and some 10 minutes on foot from the Kremlin. | | Gunfire can be heard in several videos from the scene circulating on social media. The footage also shows multiple law enforcement officers in full gear and ambulances. | –í–∏&n…
(2019-12-19). Trump's order on 'anti-Semitism' aimed at pro-Palestinian movement. workers.org 
Photo credit: BDS Movement President Donald Trump's executive order issued Dec.11 would deny federal funds from schools that allow "anti-Semitism" on their campuses, including some anti-Israel activities. It is intended to squelch defense of — or even discussion about — Palestinian rights, and is the result of intense reactionary efforts . . . | Continue reading Trump's order on 'anti-Semitism' aimed at pro-Palestinian movement at Workers.org
(2019-12-18). Workers' militant resistance in France confronts gov't intransigence. workers.org 
Dec. 16 — The general strike in France has lasted 12 days as of today. Transportation is barely hanging on, with just 10 to 30 percent of scheduled trains running. Cars and buses spend hours in traffic jams. Bicycle lanes are jam-packed. Cafés, restaurants, hotels and stores report losing major . . . | Continue reading Workers' militant resistance in France confronts gov't intransigence at Workers.org
(2019-12-18). 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.
(2019-12-18). A Secret CBP Team is Targeting and Detaining Innocent Travelers. We're Suing. aclu.org U.S. Customs and Border Protection is deploying secret teams that target, detain, and interrogate innocent travelers. We're suing to expose their activities. | In November 2018, three CBP officers detained Andreas | Gal, a former chief | technology officer at Mozilla Corporation and current Apple employee, at San | Francisco International Airport after he landed from a business trip to Sweden. | Andr…
(2019-12-18). Protests against Eurozone bailout fund reform hit Rome. peoplesdispatch.org Adherence to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) by Italy is likely to make way for more austerity measures and policies of structural adjustments, as stipulated by the European Union…
(2019-12-18). Video: Assad Sends Warning to US Forces in Syria. The Looting of Syria's Oilfields. globalresearch.ca The US-led coalition is selling oil looted at oilfields in southern Deir Ezzor to Turkey, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with China's Phoenix Television. Assad said that "the Turkish regime plays a direct part in selling the …
(2019-12-18). Video: Russia Deploys its Uran-9 Combat Robots in Syria. globalresearch.ca In late 2019, photos and footage showing Russia's Uran-9 combat robot deployed in Syria appeared online. They became a rare visual evidence of the Uran-9 combat deployment in the war-torn country, which, according to official sources, took place in 2018….
(2019-12-18). Overlooked Congressional Rebuke of Trump's Position on Israeli Settlements. globalresearch.ca The most stunning rebuke to the Trump Administration's unilateral effort to legitimise Israeli settlements did not come from Arab and European leaders. Over the years, their statements of condemnation have become so predictable that both Israel and the US routinely …
(2019-12-18). "Sweden's Government Skips Answering Questions on Its Aid to the Allies of al-Qaeda in Syria" globalresearch.ca Why has Sweden been very tight-lipped about and shied away from publically talking about its aid to what it prefers to call Syrian 'opposition' during the 8-year terror war on Syria? And has Swedish tax money benefited terrorists? | This topic, …
(2019-12-18). "Not the End of It": If GOP Senate Saves Trump, Rep. Al Green Says He Can Face Impeachment Again. democracynow.org 
President Donald Trump is on the cusp of being impeached by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, with a historic vote set today on whether to formally accuse him of abusing his power in dealing with Ukraine to help himself politically, and then obstructing Congress by blocking their investigation. Trump lashed out directly at the vote on Tuesday, calling the proceedings to remove him from office an "attempted coup." Should the House approve either of the articles of impeachment, the Republican-controlled Senate will hold a trial with all 100 senators acting as jurors, with a two-thirds supermajority…
(2019-12-18). Headlines for December 18, 2019. democracynow.org House to Hold Historic Impeachment Vote Today, Top U.S. Diplomat to Ukraine William Taylor to Step Down, Rick Gates Sentenced to 45 Days in Jail and $20,000 Fine, FISA Court Orders FBI to Change National Security Wiretaps After DOJ Report, Democratic Primary Debate to Go Forward After Labor Dispute Resolved, Senate Approves One of the Most Expensive Military Spending Bills in U.S. History, Trump Meets with Outgoing Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Indian Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Controversial Citizenship Law, Strikes Continue Nationwide in France over Pension Overhaul, Bolivia's Evo Morales Names Two…
(2019-12-17). Around 9,000 nurses to take strike action in the north of Ireland. thecanary.co 
A last-ditch meeting is aiming to prevent around 9,000 nurses from taking the UK's first 12-hour strike action over pay on Wednesday.The unprecedented walkout in the north of Ireland will see them leave wards with the solidarity of thousands of other healthcare workers.Stormont's political parties are expected to meet the head of the civil service at Stormont in an appeal for more cash.Unison union regional secretary Patricia McKeown said: "As we enter this significant period in the industrial struggle the consequences lay firmly on the shoulders of the UK government, our elected politicians and the leadership of…
(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). 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). 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.
(2019-12-13). 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). 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). 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). "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). 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…