(2020-05-18). Improved Russia-Pakistan Relations. Moscow's "New Bipolarity" globalresearch.ca There's a growing consensus among Russia's leading experts that International Relations are increasingly characterized by what they've termed the "new bipolarity" that's emerging out of World War C, and it's within this global context that the continued improvement of Russian-Pakistani …
(2020-05-18). The Prospects of Russia and India Jointly Leading a New Non-Aligned Movement. globalresearch.ca The ongoing global systemic transition is transforming international relations from its erstwhile unipolarity to what experts agree is either multipolarity or, less popularly, bipolarity. However one chooses to describe the present world order, it's clear that the US and China …
(2020-05-18). Germany's Kosovo Policy Shift. Implications for Serbia and the EU. globalresearch.ca The debate in the German Bundestag on the extension of the mandate of German Kosovo Force (KFOR) soldiers turned into a criticism of long-time Chancellor Angela Merkel and raised speculation that Berlin might adopt a different position on Kosovo. The …
(2020-05-18). The Nakba: 72 years of ongoing catastrophe. workers.org 
May 15 is the day commemorating Youm al-Nakba, the Day of Catastrophe, when white European settlers declared war on the people of Palestine in 1948. In the violence that immediately followed the settlers' so-called "independence" declaration, at least 700,000 Palestinians were forced out of their homes, and hundreds of towns . . . |
(2020-05-18). How Democracy Falls In East Europe And The Balkans. therealnews.com 
Freedom House says Eastern European and Balkans democracies are in danger. COVID-19 has opened the door to surveillance, and threatens democracies from Hungary to India to Israel.
(2020-05-18). War and Power in Classical Greece: Lessons for Superpowers and the World. counterpunch.org 
Prologue Humans have had almost ceaseless difficulties in working and living together. Superstition, religious ideas, race, geography, ownership of land, and language engulf them so much, they often fail to extend a friendly hand to people who don't fit their schizophrenia of who among humans is like them. This culture has been generating a deadly
(2020-05-18). How the international community is helping Colombia confront the coronavirus. colombiareports.com The governments of the United States and Canada have announced financial aid to help Colombia's authorities combat the coronavirus pandemic while European nations plan to do the same. The US…
(2020-05-18). Britain's covert operations to overthrow Syrian government exposed. wsws.org Sarkha is one of many programmes in a vast network of fake news activities carried out by the intelligence arms of the US and European powers.
(2020-05-18). Despite Criticisms, Madagascar Moves Ahead with COVID-Organics. globalresearch.ca While Western and Europeans and Asians race to find vaccines for coronavirus, Africa can no longer wait for that scientific discovery that experts have said it would, most probably, be ready in a year or two. Some experts have argued …
(2020-05-18). Spike in Kawasaki-like disease linked to coronavirus in France and Italy, one child dies. wsws.org This is a damning indictment of capitalist governments internationally which are reopening schools and asserting that the virus does not harm children.
(2020-05-18). Growing resistance in Germany to returning to schools as coronavirus pandemic continues. wsws.org Resistance is growing among German teachers and pupils against this irresponsible policy, which threatens to turn schools into new hotspots of COVID-19.
(2020-05-18). German Defence Ministry plans to wage international drone warfare. wsws.org Germany's ruling elite is responding to the mounting tensions between the major powers triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic by intensifying its drive to war.
(2020-05-18). The last resort of the EU fighting refugees in Greece—armed force and COVID-19. wsws.org Greek soldiers used tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets and live ammunition against refugees stranded in the no-man's-land between Greece and Turkey.
(2020-05-18). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 news briefing. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, covers the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Poland discusses how the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is changing, and how scientists and researchers are rapidly gaining new knowledge about the virus and the disease that it …
(2020-05-18). How Will COVID-19 Change the World? Historian Frank Snowden on Epidemics From the Black Death to Now. democracynow.org 
Pandemics, like revolution, war and economic crises, are key determinants of historic change. We look at the history of epidemics, from Black Death to smallpox to COVID-19, and discuss how the coronavirus will reshape the world with leading medical historian Frank Snowden, author of "Epidemics and Society: From the Black Death to the Present." He is a professor emeritus at Yale University who has been in Italy since the pandemic began, and himself survived a COVID-19 infection.
(2020-05-18). Headlines for May 18, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Coronavirus Deaths on Track to Surpass 100,000 by June with Most States Partially Reopened , House Dems Probe Firing of State Dept. Watchdog, Pass $3 Trillion Stimulus Bill, Trump Names Ex-Pharma Exec and Army General to Lead Coronavirus Vaccine Effort, CDC Hits Back After WH Trade Adviser Criticism: CDC Director Is "Appointed by President Trump", Obama Slams Trump Admin Response to Crisis: "A Lot of Them Aren't Even Pretending to Be in Charge.", Belgian Medical Workers Stage Protests Against Gov't Response to Pandemic, Italy Opens Up Businesses, Starts Holding Public Masses as Part of "Calculated Risk", Ind…
(2020-05-18). Labour brands new immigration legislation a 'threat to national interest'. thecanary.co 
Ministers have been accused of "rank hypocrisy" over their attitude to key workers as Labour claimed new immigration legislation would make it harder to fill NHS roles.The government's measures to replace European Union freedom of movement rules in the UK face their first Commons hurdle on Monday.The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) bill is part of the move towards the government's new points-based immigration system, to be introduced from 2021, although it does not set out the details on this. | These will be fleshed out in the immigration rules, which will explain the future system…
(2020-05-19). 'Rotten from the top': Sexual harassment 'RAMPANT' at McDonald's, international labor group tells OECD in complaint. rt.com 
An international group of labor unions has filed a complaint alleging "systemic" and "rampant" sexual harassment at McDonald's restaurants around the globe, arguing the corporate fast food giant has ignored the problem for years. | The complaint was filed with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Monday by the International Union of Food Workers (IUF), which said McDonald's had allowed a "sexual harassment crisis" to persist in restaurants all over the world, including in the US, Brazil, Australia, France, the UK, Chile and Colombia, among other countries. | "McDonald's workers h…
(2020-05-18). US may deploy intermediate & shorter-range missiles in Europe — Russian deputy FM. rt.com 
The United States may start deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe after their deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Monday. | After the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty ceased to exist, Russia proposed that Moscow and the US, with its allies, exercise restraint to avoid an escalation in tension, he said during an online lecture covering key topics on US foreign policy for students at MGIMO University. | Washington has stated its intention to start deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in th…
(2020-05-18). 'Idiotic & unimplementable': Chief of Europe's largest lowcoster Ryanair slams UK response to Covid-19. rt.com 
Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has blasted the British government for mismanaging the Covid-19 crisis, and hit out at fresh measures for quarantining travelers coming from abroad. | "It's idiotic and it's unimplementable. You don't have enough police in the UK," O'Leary told BBC radio. | "This [is] the same government that has… mismanaged the crisis for many weeks. | Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that all travellers arriving in Britain will be quarantined for 14 days. The measure is expected to take effect in the end of the month. | O'Leary had previously criticized the idea of q…
(2020-05-18). France & Germany suggest €500 BILLION fund to help Europe recover from Covid-19 epidemic. rt.com 
France and Germany have agreed on establishing a joint European recovery fund amounting to ‚Ǩ500 billion (US$543 billion) that will be given out as grants to the economic sectors and regions most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a joint initiative aimed at helping the European Union recover from the devastation the novel coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on its economy. The plan involves allocating a vast sum for the specialized recovery fund within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) — a…
(2020-05-18). UK 'still in talks' with France over quarantine exemption for visitors. rt.com 
Britain is still in talks with France over whether French travelers should be exempt from a requirement for a 14-day quarantine when they arrive in the United Kingdom, according to the culture minister. "Discussions are ongoing with the French on that," Oliver Dowden told Sky News on Monday. | Britain won't impose quarantines on travelers coming from France "at this stage," France and Britain said earlier this month. | The two countries added that any such measure would be reciprocal and would only be imposed after mutual consultation. However, London has still not set out the full details, Reuters said.
(2020-05-18). Hungarian govt to table motion on May 26 to end its emergency powers — Orban aide. rt.com 
Hungary's government will submit a proposal to parliament on May 26 to end its special coronavirus emergency powers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff was quoted by media as saying. Gergely Gulyas put a date on a similar statement by Orban on Friday, Reuters reports. | Parliament would take a few days to pass the bill, which will end the emergency powers by early June, according to Gulyas. | No end date was set when parliament gave the government permission to rule by decree in matters related to the coronavirus.
(2020-05-18). Italian lawmaker demands Bill Gates be ARRESTED for 'crimes against humanity'… But WHY? rt.com 
An Italian lawmaker has managed to bring the conspiracy blame-game to an entirely new level, exercising her parliamentary privilege to blast Bill Gates as a "vaccine criminal" and globalist tool. | Bill Gates and his latest anti-coronavirus efforts have been at the center of the wildest theories that explore possible sinister motives behind the billionaire's activities. In arguably the most high-profile outcry last week, an Italian MP for Rome Sara Cunial delivered a speech rarely (if ever at all) heard in any parliament. | In her passionate address, Cunial called upon fellow lawmakers to defy any plans for…
(2020-05-18). Russia at its finest? BEAR ATTACKS man & chases cars in city streets (VIDEOS). rt.com 
If you still believe Russian cities are full of bears roaming the streets freely and attacking people, well, you're probably not wrong. At least that's exactly what some rare footage from one of Russia's cities would suggest. | The bizarre incident occurred overnight in the central Russian city of Yaroslavl, located some 260km (162 miles) from Moscow. An adolescent bear took to the streets and had a close encounter with an (un)lucky local, CCTV footage shows. | Spotting the bear, the man whipped out his smartphone, trying to film the animal. The ferocious beast, however, was apparently not in the mood for snap…
(2020-05-18). Dump the dollar: Russia has now gotten rid of over 96% of its US debt holdings. rt.com 
Moscow has continued to sell off US Treasury securities, cutting its stockpile by US$8.73 billion in March, according to the latest data from the US Department of the Treasury. | Russia's holdings of US state debt amounted to $3.8 billion in March, compared with $12.5 billion a month earlier. Three years ago, the amount stood at $105 billion. Moscow has liquidated over 96 percent of its holdings in that period. The country's long-term US Treasury securities decreased by $928 million, while short-term securities plunged by $7.8 billion to just $473 million. | Japan remains the biggest holder of US state debt si…
(2020-05-18). 'Equipment on its way': US to send 200 ventilators to Russia after Moscow dispatches a planeload of aid to New York. rt.com 
The US has sent 200 ventilators to Russia, where the number of new coronavirus cases continues to ebb. The assistance comes more than a month after Moscow sent medical supplies to America in a similar move. | The California-manufactured equipment was donated on orders from President Donald Trump, who was responding to the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a US administration official told TASS. The life-saving equipment is being delivered free of charge, the official added. | Although Russia has recently seen a decrease in the number of daily infections – that have dropped below 10,000 for two days…
(2020-05-18). Spain may reopen borders to tourists in late June, transport minister says. rt.com 
Spain aims to reopen borders to visitors around the end of June as its coronavirus lockdown fully winds down, Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos said on Monday. Madrid last week surprised its EU partners by imposing a two-week quarantine on all overseas travelers and effectively keeping borders closed, Reuters said. | Spain then explained that the measures were needed to avoid importing a second wave of the Covid-19 disease. However, the move was meant to be temporary and the transport minister said it would be phased out in parallel with travel being allowed within Spain, whose regions are easing restriction…
(2020-05-18). Erdogan LOCKS DOWN Turkey for Eid holidays over fears Muslim celebrations may turn into Covid-19 disaster. rt.com 
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a strict four-day nationwide lockdown during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The move comes in an effort to prevent a possible spike in coronavirus cases. | The decision was announced by Turkey's leader on Monday. The lockdown will come into effect on May 23, when Muslims worldwide will start celebrating the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. | "I hope that after the holiday we'll be in a situation when such restrictions are not needed," Erdogan stated. | The Eid al-Fitr is a major holiday in Turkey, where Sunni Muslims are a majority, and peo…
(2020-05-18). UN sends 89 trucks carrying aid to Syria's Idlib. yenisafak.com The United Nations sent Monday 89 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Idlib, a northwestern Syrian province where millions are in urgent need of assistance.The trucks loaded with the supplies entered Syria through the Cilvegozu border gate in Turkey's southern Hatay province bordering Idlib.The aid will be distributed to vulnerable people in Idlib and nearby rural areas.Syria has been ravaged by a civil war since early 2011, when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced, according to UN estimates.Idlib falls within…
(2020-05-18). Spring cleaning takes on a new importance during COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released reopening guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes. Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert, suggests taking a practical approach to spring cleaning. If no one in your household has been infected, he says standard spring cleaning practices …
(2020-05-18). EU calls for independent probe of the WHO's pandemic response. thecanary.co The European Union and other countries have called for an independent evaluation of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) response to the coronavirus pandemic "to review experience gained and lessons learned". | The resolution has the support of more than half of the WHO's member countries and will be discussed this week at the decision-making body of the UN health agency, being held virtually this year. | The proposal is intended to initiate "a stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation" of the WHO's efforts to coordinate the international response to Covid-19, including the function…
(2020-05-18). Iran chides EU's impracticality towards US hostile anti-Iranian actions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi criticized Europeans for their impracticality against US anti-Iranian policies including the debate over the extension of Iran's arms embargo.
(2020-05-18). 'The Unseen' to go on screen at Krakow Film Festival. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Iranian Animation Documentary 'The Unseen' by Behzad Nalbandi will take part in the 60th edition of Krakow Film Festival (KFF) in Poland.
(2020-05-18). Russia terms US struggles to retain JCPOA rights 'groundless'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations says the US efforts to retain rights of partnership in the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, are groundless since Washington has already withdrawn from the pact.
(2020-05-18). Russia sends three batches of fabric for face masks to Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) —Russia has delivered to Iran three batches of fabric for manufacturing face masks, a press attache of the Russian diplomatic mission Andrei Ganenko said.
(2020-05-18). US policy on Iran not well-calculated: Ulyanov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — In his latest tweet on Monday, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations named US anti-Iranian policies as 'not well-calculated'.
(2020-05-18). VIDEO: Russian envoy talks of Iran, Russia bilateral relation, regional issues. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — In an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency, Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan talked of Tehran-Moscow bilateral relations, as well as the recent developments in Syria and region.
(2020-05-18). Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia emphasize on holding comprehensive inter-Afghan talks. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 18 (MNA) — In a joint statement issued by Iran, Pakistan, China, and Russia, they said that holding comprehensive inter-Afghan talks is the only way to achieve national reconciliation and a speedy end to the country's long-running conflict.
(2020-05-18). West to pay high price for sanctions during pandemic: Russian FM. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov lashed out at western officials for the sanctions they impose during the coronavirus pandemic noting that they will also pay high price for the sanctions.
(2020-05-18). Italian MP Claims Bill Gates Should Be Tried for 'Crimes Against Humanity' in Jab at COVID Vaccine. sputniknews.com Bill Gates has already injected hundreds of millions of dollars, including $100 million via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, into the development of COVID-19 vaccines and testing, part of an international effort to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
(2020-05-18). Merkel Played Like a Fiddle. sputniknews.com Angela Merkel is a formidable European leader, having served as German Chancellor for 15 years and still going strong. She also no doubt has a formidable intellect, having earned a doctorate in quantum chemistry and previously working as a research scientist before she entered politics.
(2020-05-18). Traditional Beer Gardens in Munich Welcome First Visitors After Lockdown Restrictions Eased – Video. sputniknews.com Since late April, Germany has started scaling back some of the coronavirus-related restrictions imposed on public life amid a declining COVID-19 infection rate.
(2020-05-18). China's Oppo Inks Pact With UK's Vodafone to Push 5G Adoption Worldwide Starting With Spain, Germany. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): In a bid to compete globally, countries around the world are making plans and taking actions to boost their high speed 5G capabilities. South Korea, Turkey, Sweden, Japan, and China are just a few of the countries already deploying and testing the fifth generation of super fast connectivity.
(2020-05-18). Putin, Erdogan Discuss Coronavirus Response, Situation in Syria and Libya. sputniknews.com ANKARA (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed cooperation on the coronavirus fight and the situation in Syria, both the Kremlin and the office of the Turkish president said Monday.
(2020-05-18). Six of Russian State Duma Members Diagnosed With COVID-19 – Speaker's Aide. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Six of 450 members of the State Duma, the Russian parliament's lower house, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Anastasia Kashevarova, an aide to the State Duma Chairman, said on Monday.
(2020-05-18). Easy as Pie: Russian MoD Releases Video Showing Air-to-Air Refuelling of Sukhoi Fighter Jets. sputniknews.com The process itself was carried out by an Ilyushin-78 four-engine tanker, which is capable of refuelling up to ten jets during a single flight. Additionally, more than 20 Su-24M, Su-34, and Su-30 jets practiced air combat manoeuvring.
(2020-05-18). US Attorney General Barr Accuses Apple of Cooperating With Chinese, Russian Governments. sputniknews.com Earlier, Apple refused to help American law enforcement unlock data on its smartphones, namely the one possessed by a Saudi cadet responsible for a mass shooting at a Pensacola military base in 2019. However, there is no evidence that the tech giant ever provided such services to either Moscow or Beijing.
(2020-05-18). Turkey condemns pig's-head vandalism of German mosque. yenisafak.com An Islamophobic incident in which a pig's head was mounted onto the door of mosque in southern Germany drew condemnation from Turkey on Monday."Even during the holy month of Ramadan and the epidemic, racism and hostility against Islam continues in Europe. The ugly attack on our mosque in Germany is the latest example of this," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted on Monday.Denouncing the perpetrators' "sick mentality," he urged that they be caught immediately.The incident took place Saturday at the Fatih Mosque in the city of Vaihingen, run by the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs. The incident too…
(2020-05-18). Fast in, first out: Denmark leads lockdown exit. yenisafak.com Four weeks after Denmark began easing its lockdown, Danes on Monday returned to cafes and restaurants, confident that the coronavirus outbreak is under control.Denmark last month became the first country in Europe to reopen schools, day-care centres and smaller businesses. It did not see a subsequent rise in COVID-19 cases."The quick shutdown and the fact that Danes actually listened to messages from authorities about good hygiene and social distancing are the main reasons we've come this far," said Hans Jorn Kolmos, a professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Southern Denmark.Contrary to the French…