(2020-07-15). German anti-Semitism chief must resign, say Jewish and Israeli scholars. zcomm.org As Israel moves towards annexing large parts of the occupied West Bank, the scholars say that "the need for loud international criticism and opposition is only growing," but Klein keeps "chilling the public and political debate in Germany and beyond."
(2020-07-15). Can romance transcend class? Hochschild's 'Rebel Cinderella' in review. peoplesworld.org 
Can romance transcend class? The answer, based on Adam Hochschild's latest book, Rebel Cinderella: From Rags to Riches to Radical, the Epic Journey of Rose Pastor Stokes, seems to be yes—for a while. Hochschild, author of King Leopold's Ghost and Spain in Our Hearts, tells the life story of Rose Pastor Stokes, a Jewish woman born into poverty in …
(2020-07-15). Another day, another statue: Sitka council rules to remove monument to first Russian governor of Alaska. rt.com 
The city council in Sitka, Alaska has decided to remove a statue of Alexander Baranov, the explorer and first governor of Russian Alaska. The resolution lists a number of serious accusations against the man. | Baranov worked for the Russian American Company, which was the vehicle for the Russian government's effort to expand into the Americas. For almost three decades he was the de facto governor of Russian colonies on the continent. Sitka — called Novoarkhangelsk by its Russian founders — served as his capital. | On Tuesday, Sitka's city council decided it no longer wanted a statue of Baranov to gre…
(2020-07-15). Elections signal post-socialist Poland's descent into reaction and repression. fightbacknews.org On July 12, Poland completed its second round of elections to decide who will be president and whether the far-right, chauvinistic, racist PiS would have full powers of the Sejm – Poland's equivalent to the House of Representatives. Sadly, despite being incredibly close and potentially contested, the official reports show Andrzej Duda getting 51% of the vote, while his opponent Rafal Trzaskowski achieved 49% of the vote. Duda is the candidate that represented the Prawo I Sprawiedliwosc (in English, the Law and Justice party). His opponent, Trzaskowski, represented the right-centrist party known as the Civil Platf…
(2020-07-15). French activists protest against Macron's research privatisation bill. peoplesdispatch.org The research community in France led by Faculties and Labs in Struggle is protesting against the controversial LPPR (Pluriannual Research Programming Law) bill and the 'Welcome to France' program introduced by the government…
(2020-07-15). French activists protest against Macron's research privatization bill. peoplesdispatch.org The research community in France led by Faculties and Labs in Struggle is protesting against the controversial LPPR (Pluriannual Research Programming Law) bill and the 'Welcome to France' program introduced by the government…
(2020-07-15). Hagia Sophia and the Catastrophe of Symbolism. counterpunch.org As a Muslim, I find Erdogan's "decree" to change the status of Hagia Sophia (or Ayasofya in Turkish) from a museum to a masjid extremely disturbing. Yes, it is true that Turkey is a sovereign state, so it can do whatever it wants within its borders. But these actions have severe consequences. Hagia Sophia was
(2020-07-15). Apple escapes $15B EU fine. yenisafak.com The European Court of Justice on Wednesday annulled a European Commission decision ordering Apple to pay back ‚Ǩ13 billion ($14.8 billion) plus interest for evading taxes in Ireland. | The European Commission decided in 2016 to impose a record high punishment on the US tech giant. | According to the EU body, Ireland had given Apple "tax sweetheart deals" since 1991, and this "treatment allowed Apple to pay an effective corporate tax rate of 1% on its European profits in 2003 down to 0.005% in 2014." | This practice could be considered state aid which put Apple in an unfairly advantaged position…
(2020-07-15). France: Protesters confront Macron, chant 'Resign!'. yenisafak.com An evening stroll late Tuesday by first couple Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron through Paris's Tuileries Gardens included …
(2020-07-15). Germany's Merkel discusses Ukraine agreement in call with Putin: spox. yenisafak.com German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed implementing the Minsk agreement to peacefully solve the conflict in eastern Ukraine in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said.Merkel and Putin also talked about the arms embargo against Iran and the current situation in Libya, Seibert said.
(2020-07-15). Turkey-Russia air travel resumes Wednesday: Minister. yenisafak.com Air travel between Turkey and Russia will resume today, Turkey's transport and infrastructure minister announced on Wednesday."As of today, we have agreed to resume flights with Russia," Adil Karaismailoglu told Anadolu Agency.He said Turkey has restarted flights with 31 countries since June 11 as part of its post-pandemic normalization process.Negotiations are also ongoing to resume air travel with 20 other countries, according to the ministry.
(2020-07-15). Russia completes 1st phase of COVID-19 vaccine trials. yenisafak.com Two Russian medical research centers completed the first phase of COVID-19 candidate vaccine trials on Wednesday.Two groups of 18 volunteers were discharged from hospitals after separately taking part in 28-day clinical trials in the First Moscow State Medical University and the Main Military Clinical Burdenko Hospital.Before being released, they had a medical checkup and passed a blood test to study the development of an immune response to the novel coronavirus, the officials of both medical establishments told reporters.The preliminary findings show that the vaccines are safe and well-tolerated, no serious comp…
(2020-07-15). Erdogan hails 'heroes emerging on 2016 coup bid night'. yenisafak.com With Turkey marking the fourth anniversary of defeated 2016 coup on Wednesday, the nation's leader acclaimed "the heroes emerging across the country on the night of coup bid" to defend the nation."Sometimes, a single hero changes the fate of the whole nation. On July 15, millions of heroes emerged from all corners of our country and left a mark on the nation's future," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a ceremony at parliamentary complex.Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETàñ) and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.Fighter j…
(2020-07-15). Turkish Foreign Ministry marks 2016 defeated coup. yenisafak.com Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday shared a video to mark the fourth anniversary of the 2016 defeated coup."Four years ago an attempted military coup perpetrated by FETO terrorist organization was stopped by the Turkish nation. Turkish people united against the traitors and protected their democracy. Turkish people's #VictoryofDemocracy," read a tweet by the ministry along with the video.The video revolves around a young Turkish pupil studying abroad, who delivers a powerful response to his professor's remarks on coup attempts around the world.The professor says: "According to an article, there have been 236…
(2020-07-15). Three more migrant bodies recovered from lake in eastern Turkey. yenisafak.com Turkish teams continue efforts to retrieve bodies from Lake Van, where a boat carrying up to 60 people sank on June 28.So far, a total of 36 bodies have been pulled out of the lake.Recovery operations are underway.A total of five suspects have been remanded in custody over the sinking.Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of irregular migrants arriving in Turkey has declined.However, more than 21,000 migrants have reached Van so far this year, according to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu.Of them, 16,000 were denied entry but 4,500 managed to enter illegally, Soylu added.Turkey has been a key tr…
(2020-07-15). Turkey neutralizes over 17,000 terrorists since July 2015. yenisafak.com Turkish security forces have neutralized more than 17,000 terrorists since July 2015, the country's defense minister said on Wednesday."Turkey is determined to end the terrorism and our campaigns against terrorists will continue with the same precision," Hulusi Akar reiterated during a memorial ceremony to honor martyrs of defeated 2016 coup.Since the beginning of 2020, 1,900 terrorists have been neutralized, Akar added.The ceremony was also attended by the chiefs of land, air and naval forces as well as chief of general staff.The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orche…
(2020-07-15). Kenya's memorial forest honors Turkish martyrs. yenisafak.com A special plantation was opened in Kenya on Wednesday to honor the martyrs of Turkey's 2016 defeated coup.The July 15 Martyrs Memorial Forest, located in the Ngong Hills area on the outskirts of Kenya's capital Nairobi, was inaugurated on the fourth anniversary of the July 15, 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.A number of Kenyans and Turks joined Turkish Ambassador Cemil Ahmet Miroglu and other Turkish and Kenyan officials at the ceremony."We are planting these trees to honor the spirits of our martyrs. We are very happy that our Kenyan friends are supporting us today, and this forest will always be a symbol of our fr…
(2020-07-15). Turkey's medical COVID-19 aid arrives in Kyrgyzstan. yenisafak.com Kyrgyzstan received medical supplies sent by Turkey to contribute to the country's fight against the novel coronavirus, Turkey's deputy foreign minister said on Wednesday.A Turkish cargo plane carrying the supplies landed in the capital Bishkek, Yavuz Selim Kiran said in a tweet."The medical aid Turkey sent to Kyrgyzstan as an expression of solidarity on the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reached Bishkek on a Turkish Airlines cargo plane named Ayasofya [Hagia Sophia]," the minister said.Turkey has sent medical aid to nearly 140 countries to help them combat the coronavirus pandemic.Since it origin…
(2020-07-15). VIDEO: Virtual trip to Bozqush mount. in E. Azarbaijan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jul. 15 (MNA) — Mountain Bozqush is a 3,306 meters volcanic mountain 20 km south of Sarab and north of Mianeh, East Azarbaijan Province, Iran, that separates Iranian plateau from the Caucasus. In Azerbaijani language, Bozqush means grey bird.
(2020-07-15). Borrell urges Europe to do more to satisfy Iran with JCPOA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jul. 15 (MNA) — European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell on Wed. called on Europe to do more to win satisfaction of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
(2020-07-15). Report Warns Of Unprecedented Wave Of Land Privatization. popularresistance.org Amidst a worsening climate crisis, the Oakland Institute's new report, Driving Dispossession: The Global Push to "Unlock the Economic Potential of Land," sounds the alarm on the unprecedented wave of privatization of natural resources that is underway around the world. Through six case studies—Ukraine, Zambia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Brazil—the report details the myriad ways by which governments—willingly or under the pressure of financial institutions and Western donor agencies—are putting more land into so-called "productive use" in the name of development. | "The fact…
(2020-07-15). The Quiet Return of Feudalism. strategic-culture.org Silicon Valley oligarchs are ushering in a new age of serfdom, aided by the left. | Jorge GONZàÅLEZ-GALLARZA | Few policy items have more ominously heralded the ongoing realignment of our politics than Universal Basic Income. That its proponents and detractors can't seem to agree on what UBI is intended for in the first place is merely a measure of that omen. | Take Spain. The country's far-left government was an early fan…
(2020-07-14). Reelection of President Duda: Poland's Future Remains Bright, But The Glow Is Dimming. globalresearch.ca The narrow re-election of Polish President Duda saved the country from returning under Brussels' Euro-Liberal yoke, yet the electorate's clear-cut age and locality divides bode ominously for the country's future since they suggest that the opposition might inevitably return to …
(2020-07-14). Headlines for July 14, 2020. democracynow.org California Shuts Down Again as COVID-19 Cases Surge, L.A., San Diego, Atlanta to Hold All Classes Online, "Shame on You!": Protester Disrupts Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Mexican Man Dies of COVID-19 a Month After Being Detained by ICE, Report: 5.4 Million Lose Health Insurance Due to Job Losses During Pandemic, WHO Warns Pandemic Could "Get Worse and Worse and Worse", Amnesty: 3,000 Health Workers Have Died from COVID-19, China: 2 Million Displaced, 141 Missing in Historic Flooding, Federal Government Carries Out First Execution in 17 Years, Judges Block Restrictive Abortion Laws in Tennessee and Georgia, Oreg…
(2020-07-14). Has Saudi Arabia Once More Made a Catastrophic Oil Blunder? globalresearch.ca In March of this year Saudi Arabia launched what was clearly a catastrophic move to regain its role as the world oil superpower. What initially was a move aimed at taking markets away from Russia, after the latter declined to …
(2020-07-14). Gladio Links Remain Unsolved as Sweden Identifies New Olof Palme Assassin. mintpressnews.com 
Swedish authorities declare that they have identified a dead man as Olof Palme's assassin, but questions surrounding the former Prime Minister's death to Operation Gladio linger.
(2020-07-14). Armenia says it shot down Azerbaijani drone as fierce border clashes continue into third day (VIDEO). rt.com 
The Armenian military has claimed it downed an advanced Azerbaijani drone amid ongoing border clashes. The flare-up has already led to casualties on both sides, with the South Caucasus neighbors blaming each other for the spat. | "Armenian air defense units hit a drone of the Azerbaijani armed forces, which is used as a fire control system," Armenia's Defense Ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said on Tuesday, sharing footage of the incident on Facebook. | The drone is said to be an Israeli-made Elbit Hermes 900, a medium-sized multirole UAV. Azerbaijan is believed to have as many as 15 such machines in…
(2020-07-14). Tear gas deployed as anti-govt protesters clash with police on Bastille Day (VIDEO). rt.com 
France's national holiday has been marred by scuffles between police and protesters, as thousands of people took to the streets of Paris to demonstrate against public health support measures they deemed insufficient. | Streets in the center of the French capital once again descended into chaos as police officers in riot gear clashed with groups of angry protesters while France was celebrating Bastille Day. | Videos posted on social media showed officers wearing helmets and body armor using tear gas and pepper-spraying crowds in a tense standoff. The protesters were seen throwing various objects at the police.
(2020-07-14). Hungary's MPs back Orban's stance on EU recovery plan without rule-of-law conditions attached. rt.com 
Hungarian lawmakers passed a resolution on Tuesday calling on PM Viktor Orban's government to ensure that the EU's economic stimulus plan meets certain conditions. They include the fair distribution of funds among richer and poorer countries, and not tying funds to rule-of-law provisions. | The resolution, while not legally binding, is seen as a political resource that Orban can tap this week during an EU leaders' summit in Brussels on the proposed recovery package and the EU's long-term budget. | The parliament also listed "principles" that would exclude from EU funding parties and "organizations which carry…
(2020-07-14). The future is here? Lifelike robot said to resemble 'average Russian woman' takes up civil service role in Urals. rt.com 
A humanoid robot, apparently modeled on a typical Russian woman, has begun providing services to the public at a government office in Perm, a large city approximately 1,100 kilometers east of Moscow. | The 'bionic person' was designed with bureaucracy in mind. Adopting the appearance of a low-grade bank clerk, it could signal yet another example of what humanity faces in a post-Covid world. | According to its creators from Russian robotics startup Promobot, the robot's appearance was generated by artificial intelligence analysis of thousands of females. | The robot, with long blond hair and brown eyes, is capa…
(2020-07-14). Europe Uncensored: An Online Warning Shot. strategic-culture.org 
Being a part of the Strategic Culture Foundation certainly has its benefits, one of them was receiving a personal request from someone in EU politics (who will remain unnamed) to watch and comment on what could turn out to be a very important moment for the direction of the continent. "
(2020-07-14). Cuban doctors land in Azerbaijan to help fight COVID-19. peoplesdispatch.org Over 100 medical professionals from the Henry Reeve Brigade arrived in Azerbaijan on Monday. The brigade, founded by Fidel Castro in 2005, has worked in more than 25 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic…
(2020-07-14). Student group launches survey on education inequality in Belgium. peoplesdispatch.org Student group Comac claims that the shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequality in education and that almost a quarter of the students in Belgium do not have an adequate place to study…
(2020-07-14). Donald Trump's Genocidal Acts Against Humanity. thealtworld.com In 1979, United Nations Committee on Human Rights rapporteur Abdelwahab Bouhdiba cited the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia as an example of "autogenocide," the carrying out or enabling of mass deaths among one's own nation. Previously cited examples of genocide at the time Bouhdiba's coined the word autogenocide, were Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The former's genocide of Eastern European Jews, Romani, Slavs, and other non-Germans also included German Jewish and other citizens, making it a practitioner of both genocide and autogenocide. The genocide of Chinese by Japanese military oc…
(2020-07-14). "Thank You for Calling" Documentary: Unspoken Health Impacts of the Worldwide Mobile Phone Industry. globalresearch.ca Mobile telephony has quickly established itself worldwide as an irreplaceable communication technology. Similar to smoking, however, possible fatal consequences can only become apparent after decades of constantly increased exposure to radiation. | The documentary THANK YOU FOR CALLING by Klaus Scheidsteger …
(2020-07-14). Coronavirus cases, deaths soar in Mexico and across Latin America. wsws.org Mexico has now surpassed Italy in known COVID-19 deaths, making the country's pandemic outbreak the fourth deadliest in the world.
(2020-07-14). Tens of thousands protest in Russia's far east after Kremlin removes governor. wsws.org Governor Frugal of the far-right LDPR was arrested by the FSB and charged with involvement in the murder of multiple businessmen.
(2020-07-14). In Spain, Galician nationalists make strong comeback in regional polls. peoplesdispatch.org The left-wing Galician Nationalist Bloc made a strong comeback in the Galician regional polls held on July 12, increasing its previous tally of 6 seats to 19 seats…
(2020-07-14). The Law, and Origin Story of Istanbul's Iconic Hagia Sophia. globalresearch.ca On Friday July 10, Turkey's highest court has repealed a previous decision that saw the 1934 conversion of the Hagia Sophia from a mosque into a museum, and put restrictions on prayers being performed at the site. | A week earlier, …
(2020-07-14). EU Foreign Ministers Seek Measures to 'Deter' Israel From Expanding Its Sovereignty Over West Bank. sputniknews.com Earlier this month, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Tel Aviv would postpone the 1 July deadline for the beginning of a sovereignty expansion over large parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, arguing that the Defence Ministry is still "weighing the risks in the field of security, as [the move] will have serious repercussions".
(2020-07-14). Russia 'concerned' over Azerbaijani-Armenian clashes. yenisafak.com Russia is deeply concerned over the border clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.He called on the sides to exercise restraint, adding that Russia is ready to serve as a mediator in finding a peace solution."We are deeply concerned about the shootings on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. We call on both sides to exercise restraint and respect their obligations under the cease-fire. Russia, as we have already stated at various levels, is ready to provide its mediation efforts for a settlement, as a co-chair of the Minsk group," Peskov said.The Organization for Securi…
(2020-07-14). Masks to be mandatory in enclosed public spaces in next weeks: Macron. yenisafak.com Wearing masks will be compulsory in all enclosed public spaces in the next weeks in France, where there are signs that COVID-19 is returning somewhat, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.In a television interview on National Day, Macron also said he wished that COVID-19 testing be available for everyone.
(2020-07-14). Russia says joint patrol with Turkey hit by bomb attack in Syria. yenisafak.com A roadside bomb planted by Syrian militants detonated near a joint Russian-Turkish patrol in northern Syria on Tuesday morning, injuring three Russian soldiers, the Russian Defence Ministry said.Russia called off the patrol following the blast near the town of Ariha in Idlib province, which damaged one Russian and one Turkish armoured personnel carrier, the Russian ministry said.The Russian statement said an unspecified number of Turkish troops were also hurt. Two sources said there were no Turkish casualties in the attack.Russia was evacuating its equipment from the area and moving its troops to the Hmeimim air…
(2020-07-14). Turkey-Russia joint patrol in NW Syria hit by explosive. yenisafak.com A terrorist explosive hit a joint patrol of Turkish and Russian troops in northwestern Syria, causing damage but no casualties, Turkey's National Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.Troops carrying out their 21st joint patrol in the Idlib, Syria cease-fire zone had their vehicles targeted by a roadside explosive, said a ministry statement.There was no loss of life but two vehicles in the convoy suffered partial damage, it added.The joint patrols will continue with determination and all necessary measures, it stressed.The terrorist group was not named, but the YPG/PKK has been active in the region.In its more th…
(2020-07-14). Turkey: Frescoes in Hagia Sophia will not hinder prayer. yenisafak.com Turkey's top religious body said Tuesday the frescoes in Hagia Sophia will not hinder prayer.The iconic monument was first built as a church in the Byzantine period. It has Christian mosaics, including one of Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in its main hall. It became a mosque after Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II conquered Istanbul in 1453.On Friday, a Turkish court annulled a 1934 Cabinet decree that had turned the Hagia Sophia into a museum, paving the way for its use again as a mosque after 85 years.The administration of the mosque was given to Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate.In a statement, the directorate said:…
(2020-07-14). Turkey's opposition leader backs Hagia Sophia's mosque reconversion. yenisafak.com Hagia Sophia should be opened for worship — as the government decided last week — but it should be "closed to politics," a Turkish opposition leader said Tuesday."The trust of Sultan Mehmet [the Conqueror] will be completely opened for worship. An expectation of our nation has been met," Meral Aksener told her Good (IYI) Party parliamentary group, referring to the leader who conquered Istanbul in 1453 and made Hagia Sophia a mosque."Hagia Sophia should be opened for worship, but it should be closed to politics," she added.Aksener said that Hagia Sophia is being opened to worship in line with the natio…
(2020-07-14). Turkish parliament to mark anniversary of defeated coup. yenisafak.com Turkey's parliament on Wednesday will mark the fourth anniversary of the 2016 defeated coup by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).The commemorative ceremony will launch with Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop's visit to the July 15 Democracy Martyrdom Monument at 10.00 a.m. (0700GMT) in Ankara.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also attend a commemorative ceremony in parliament at 12.00 noon (0900GMT).Honoring the thousands of members of the public who took to the streets four years ago against the coup bid, athletes coming from all 81 of Turkey's provinces will keep a "Democracy Watch" in front of the Ju…
(2020-07-14). Turkish Air Forces save person who tumbled into canyon. yenisafak.com A civilian in trouble after falling off a cliff in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday was rescued by Turkish Armed Forces search and rescue teams, officials said. The civilian fell off the cliff in Valla Canyon in Pinarbasi district of Kastamonu province and was saved by air force search and rescue teams, said a Defense Ministry statement.The rescued civilian was taken to a nearby hospital, it said, adding that "the Turkish Armed Forces always stand ready to serve the public."
(2020-07-14). Turkey's Karpowership signs 5-year power deal with Sierra Leone. yenisafak.com Karpowership, one of the world's largest operators of floating power plants, has agreed a 5-year deal to provide electricity to Sierra Leone's state power utility, the Turkish company said on Tuesday.Karpowership – part of the Karadeniz Energy Group – already supplies around 80% of the West African nation's electricity via two powerships anchored off the capital Freetown under a contract signed in 2018.The vessels are dual-fuel powered using either heavy fuel oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG).The new agreement will add 5 megawatts (MW) to current production. Karpowership will generate an average of 63 MW during…
(2020-07-14). Zarif holds talks with Azeri, Armenian counterparts. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jul. 15 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held a phone talk with his Azeri and Armenian counterparts following recent clashes between the two countries.
