(2020-08-10). Headlines for August 10, 2020. democracynow.org Lebanon Unrest Mounting as Death Toll from Catastrophic Port Blast Tops 200, Trump Signs Executive Orders After Coronavirus Bill Stalls, Dems Say They Are Unconstitutional , U.S. COVID-19 Cases Top 5 Million, with More Evidence of Infections in Children and Teens, Coronavirus Surging Across India, Brazil as Europe and Cuba Reimpose Containment Measures, Hong Kong Arrests Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Under National Security Law, Protesters Take to Streets of Belarus, Accuse Officials of Fraud After Lukashenko Claims 80% of Vote, Mauritius in State of "Environmental Emergency" as Tanker Leeches Fuel into Protected Areas,…
(2020-08-10). Biden's Ukrainegate Problem. counterpunch.org 
Joe Biden's role in the Ukraine regime change, as Victoria Nuland put it, was to "midwife" the new government into existence and thereby incorporate another eastern European satellite into America's orbit. This is what the neocons call "democracy promotion." His efforts in Ukraine, however, proved disastrous.
(2020-08-10). Lebanon: President Macron Pushes "Neo-expansionism" globalresearch.ca The current geopolitical position of France is shaped by a variety of factors. As one of the key actors in the Mediterranean region, Paris is now primarily a European leader in countering Turkey's expansionist policy. Relations between the two countries …
(2020-08-10). Not Just a Bad President, Trump is a "Holmesian Bad Man." Act Accordingly. aclu.org "If you want to know the law, you must look at it as a bad man does, who cares only for the material consequences," wrote legendary Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, "Not as a good one, who finds his reasons for conduct, whether inside the law or outside of it, in the vaguer sanctions of conscience." , , Donald Trump is a Holmesian bad man, and an even worse president, pushing the bounds of corruption and authoritarianism, unbound by norms, the rule of law, a sense of shame, or even care for others. To deal with such a bad man and bad president — one who truckles to adversaries like Russian P…
(2020-08-10). Belarus: UN chief following post-election developments 'with great concern'. news.un.org The UN Secretary-General has appealed for restraint in Belarus, where ongoing clashes between police and demonstrators continue following disputed elections held on Sunday.
(2020-08-10). Masks Aren't Helpful in Beating COVID-19: Europe's Top Health Officials. globalresearch.ca Denmark boasts one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the world. As of August 4, the Danes have suffered 616 COVID-19 deaths, That's less
(2020-08-10). European radical left makes itself superfluous. zcomm.org If the radical left doesn't want to make itself superfluous, it has to completely resource itself, develop a strategy and stick to it…
(2020-08-10). Video: The NATO Conquest of Eastern Europe. globalresearch.ca General Dwight Eisenhower was the first NATO supreme allied commander. | After assuming that post in 1951, General Eisenhower wrote about NATO's goal: | "If in 10 years, all American troops stationed in Europe for national defense purposes have not been returned …
(2020-08-10). Plans for Redrawing the Middle East: The Project for a "New Middle East" globalresearch.ca Towards the balkanization (division) and finlandization (pacification) of the Middle East…
(2020-08-10). Georgia teachers and students force temporary closure of North Paulding High School over COVID-19 outbreak. wsws.org The cluster of COVID-19 cases at the school emerged as a direct consequence of the decision to reopen schools for in-person instruction amid a surge in infections.
(2020-08-10). German government continues to boost military spending and cover for fascists. wsws.org The billion-euro armament projects are aimed at expanding Germany's ability to make war, including the upgrading of the elite KSK force, which is riddled with fascists.
(2020-08-10). The Fight for Democracy in Wisconsin. progressive.org State Republicans have set out to reverse the state's progressive legacy—by commandeering its mechanisms of governance.
(2020-08-10). Ukraine's Complex Historical Background and The Contemporary Era. globalresearch.ca Ukraine has a complex historical background and most people have little knowledge of this. The western part of Ukraine known as Galicia has an especially complex history. Going back for more than a thousand years, this region had been settled …
(2020-08-10). Iran, Azerbaijan set roadmap for development of coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Labor, Cooperatives and Social Welfare announced that Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan have set a roadmap for the development of cooperation between the two countries.
(2020-08-10). VIDEO: Police, protesters clash in Belarus. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Riot police clashed with protesters in Belarus overnight following a declared 80.23 percent victory for long-time president Alexander Lukashenko in Sunday's elections.
(2020-08-10). Iranian animation 'Crab' competing at Animafest Cyprus. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian short animation 'Crab' directed by Shiva Sadegh Asadi is present at the international competition film program of the 19th Countryside Animafest Cyprus, the official animation event of the country, August 9-12.
(2020-08-10). Beirut Blast to change political arrangement in Lebanon. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian ex-ambassador to Germany said that It seems when the Beirut tensions end, the political arrangement of the forces in Lebanon will change and some political groups will turn to Hezbollah.
(2020-08-10). Swiss financial channel to facilitate cereals, pharmaceutical. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Chairman of Iran-Switzerland Joint Chamber of Commerce said that Swiss financial channel with the Islamic Republic of Iran will facilitate trade of cereals and pharmaceuticals.
(2020-08-10). SunExpress beefing up German flights to Turkish resorts. yenisafak.com With tourists flocking to several popular Turkish coastal resorts again, Turkish-German joint venture SunExpress is adding capacity to ferry German holidaymakers.The Turkish-German carrier is offering a 15% capacity rise in Antalya flights and 20% rise in Izmir flights this month, said a Monday statement by SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, the countries' flag carriers.The move follows last week's decision by Germany to lift travel warnings for the Turkish resort cities of Antalya, Izmir, Mugla (including Fethiye), and Aydin. The move came as Turkish resorts and destinations nationwid…
(2020-08-10). Eurasia countries report new COVID-19 cases. yenisafak.com Coronavirus cases and fatalities continued to rise across Eurasian and Central Asian countries on Monday.- UkraineHealth Minister Maksym Stepanov said 1,008 more people tested positive for the virus over the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 81,957.He said 25 more fatalities raised the death toll to 1,922 while recoveries increased by 387 to reach 44,359. | Stepanov urged the public to strictly follow the government's COVID-19 restrictions, which have been extended until Aug. 31. | – KazakhstanKazakhstan reported 741 more virus cases, raising the total to 99,442, as recoveries rose by 250 to reach the total of…
(2020-08-10). Russian tourists return to sunny Turkish beaches. yenisafak.com After Turkey and Russia negotiated a resumption of flights between the two countries, Russian tourists once again chose the resort city of Antalya for their "safe vacation" amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.Turkey ranked first among countries visited by Russian nationals for tourism last year with nearly 7 million tourists coming to the country. This year, in line with measures taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Turkey once again began to host Russian tourists.After five months of pause, tourists from Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport took off for Turkey's Antalya province where they landed…
(2020-08-10). Turkish expert weighs in on importance of face masks. yenisafak.com The slight discomfort that comes from wearing a mask on a hot summer day is a small price to pay for protecting oneself from the coronavirus, Turkey's pandemic task force member has said. Dr. Afsin Emre Kayipmaz, a member of Turkey's Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board, told Anadolu Agency that a rise in coronavirus cases was witnessed after the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday as people used the opportunity to flock to beaches and attend wedding ceremonies, flouting social distancing rules.Cases have risen 1.3 times compared to May when lockdown was still imposed in many parts of the country, Turkey's Health Minis…
(2020-08-10). Ancient bathhouse, gymnasium unearthed in Izmir, Turkey. yenisafak.com Archeologists have unearthed a Roman bathhouse and gymnasium, as part of excavations in Turkey's western province of Izmir.The excavations were carried out by researchers from the Izmir Katip Celebi University in the ancient Smyrna city's Ikicesmelik area.Experts found the remains of a building from the 2nd century, which was used for physical, social and cultural activities.The structure is believed to be from the era of Roman Emperor Hadrian.Akin Ersoy, head of the excavation team, told Anadolu Agency on Monday that bathhouses and gymnasiums were common in the Roman era.Bathhouses, he said, were used as social…
(2020-08-09). New UK commander to tackle migrant boat 'invasion,' as record numbers reach British shores. rt.com 
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has appointed a former Royal Marine commando to stop migrants crossing the English Channel by boat. As hundreds of migrants land in the UK daily, Patel said her aim is to "make this route unviable." | A former Royal Marine and veteran of combat in Iraq and Kosovo, Dan O'Mahoney will now be tasked with stemming the flow of migrants into Britain from France via the English Channel. O'Mahoney was appointed 'Clandestine Channel Threat Commander' by Home Secretary Priti Patel on Sunday, and is the first official to assume the new role. | "The number of illegal small boat crossings is a…
(2020-08-09). Violent clashes with riot police in Belarus as protesters rally over projected Lukashenko landslide victory (VIDEOS, PHOTOS). rt.com 
Protesters are rallying in Belarus despite ongoing clashes with riot police who have deployed teargas and flash grenades, as they express discontent with incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko's projected re-election. | Lukashenko is forecast to receive well over 70 percent of the vote, according to early official results and exit polls, while the main opposition candidate, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, is expected to get between 6.8 and 10 percent. She refused to acknowledge her defeat saying the results from three polling stations where "there were no falsifications" showed that she was actually winning. | Also…
(2020-08-09). WATCH military vehicles deployed near Minsk on Belarusian presidential election day after authorities warned of 'provocations'. rt.com 
Army jeeps were filmed standing on guard near the Belarusian capital on presidential election day. The country's longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko earlier warned foreign forces may try to incite violence on the day of the vote. | A clip obtained by RT's Ruptly video agency shows several military vehicles parked next to the road outside the country's capital Minsk. The camouflage-painted jeeps were accompanied by police cars. | Local media earlier reported that army vehicles moved across central Minsk on Saturday night. | The election campaign was marked by large-scale anti-government protests, as Preside…
(2020-08-09). Protests in Minsk, other cities after preliminary results of Belarus presidential election show landslide Lukashenko victory. rt.com 
People are rallying in the streets of Belarus cities after preliminary election results showed incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko winning. Riot police were deployed, making arrests and clashing with protesters. | Lukashenko received 81.35 percent of the vote in the election that saw a record turnout, according to the central electoral commision. Main opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received eight percent of the ballots, with four percent of voters choosing the "against all candidates" option, official preliminary results showed. | But the opposition candidate supporters disagree with results,…
(2020-08-09). Lebanese officials 'do not expect' to find survivors in Beirut rubble, Russian rescue team says, as death toll reportedly hits 220. rt.com 
A first-response team from Russia has finished looking for survivors of powerful blasts in Beirut. They say Lebanese officials don't think anyone is still alive under the rubble, while the death toll has jumped from 158 to 220. | "Representatives of Lebanon's Defense Ministry… officially stated that they are no longer expecting to find anyone alive under the rubble," Russia's Emergencies Ministry spokesperson told the media. He added that the Russian team had recovered six bodies during its work in Beirut and treated more than 90 injured. | The Russian team arrived in Lebanon's capital to help with the relie…
(2020-08-09). NYT digs up more unnamed sources for 'Trump-Russia' narrative as media resurrects hysteria ahead of 2020 election. rt.com 
The New York Times has once again broadcast the musings of anonymous officials to insinuate Donald Trump is somehow in cahoots with Russia, amid a growing resurgence in debunked Russiagate theories ahead of the November election. | The paper ran an exclusive report purportedly detailing the US president's battle with intelligence agencies over allegations that Moscow had interfered with the 2016 presidential contest. According to unnamed sources cited by the NYT, Trump was unresponsive and dismissive of an intelligence assessment which claimed that he is Russia's "favored" candidate in the 2020 race. One anony…
(2020-08-09). Iran, Bosnia seeking to expand media coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 09 (MNA) — Iranian Ambassador to Sarajevo Mahmoud Heidari met and held talks with the head of the state broadcasting of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday.
(2020-08-09). Russia says terrorists attacked eight cities in Syria. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — The Head of the Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria announced on Sun. that terrorists of Tahrir al-Sham (Jabhat al-Nusra, Al-Nusra Front) invaded eight cities in Syria's Idlib and Aleppo provinces.
(2020-08-09). The Infinite Greed, Power And Controls Of Giant Corporations. popularresistance.org The combination of greed and power often spin out of control and challenge the enforceable rule of law and the countervailing force of the organized civic community. | When greed and power are exercised by giant multinational corporations that escape the discipline of the nation-state, the potential for evil becomes infinite in nature. Enough is never enough. | Global giant companies, aided and abetted by their corporate attorneys and accountants, can literally decide how little taxes they are going to pay by shifting profits and expenses among different tax haven countries such as Ireland, Luxembourg, and Panama…
(2020-08-09). There Is No Political Solution To The Syrian Conflict. popularresistance.org US Secretary of State, John Kerry, of the Obama administration, created a mantra for the media: "There is no military solution to Syria." He said it so many times, he seemed to convince everyone. However, after 9 years of conflict it appears there is neither a military, nor political solution for Syria. Despite the fact that the Syrian government under President Assad, with help from Russia, has regained 70% of the territory, and all the major cities are calm, still there is no possibility for recovery or reconstruction of hospitals, schools, homes and lives due to the US sanctions.
(2020-08-09). Belarus Police Detaining People Near Victory Square in Minsk. sputniknews.com MINSK (Sputnik) – Belarus police have started to detain people on the Victory Square in central Minsk for participation in an unauthorized rally in protest against the results of Sunday's presidential election in the country, a Sputnik correspondent reported from the scene.
(2020-08-09). Sounds of Powerful Blasts Heard in Protest-Hit Minsk, Cloud of Smoke Is Seen. sputniknews.com Protests erupted in Belarus' capital following the release of exit poll data showing the country's incumbent leader Lukashenko winning the presidential election on Sunday.
(2020-08-09). Netizens Complain About BBC Failing to Cover Minsk Protest. sputniknews.com Protesters hit Belarus' capital on Sunday evening just after exit poll data was released showing incumbent President Lukashenko set to win a sixth term in office.
(2020-08-09). Watch Protesters Clashing With Police in Central Minsk. sputniknews.com Protests erupted in Belarus on Sunday night following preliminary results of the presidential election, according to which the current President Alexander Lukashenko emerged victorious.
(2020-08-09). Police Use Smoke Bombs, Tear Gas, Water Cannons to Disperse Protesters in Minsk. sputniknews.com A large crowd of citizens, dissatisfied with the exit poll on Sunday, have been gathering for an unauthorised rally at Victory Square in Minsk.
(2020-08-09). Belarus holds presidential elections. yenisafak.com Belarusians began casting votes on Sunday in the presidential election.In a statement, the country's central election commission said over 6.84 million people are expected to cast their votes.Five candidates are running for the presidency: Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus since 1994, Andreij Dmitrijev, co-chairman of the Speak the Truth movement, Anna Kanopackaja, a former lawmaker, Sergeij Cherechnia, chairman of Belarus' Social Democratic Party and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. | Lukashenko was re-elected with 83.5% votes in 2015. | *Writing by Fahri Aksut in Ankara…
(2020-08-09). France to host fundraising conference for Beirut. yenisafak.com France's President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday will bring the international community together to raise funds for Beirut in the aftermath of the deadly blast earlier this week.The virtual conference will be held at 1200GMT with Macron hosting the conference from his vacation home in the south of France.The conference is backed by the United Nations and will involve major world leaders, including Lebanon's President Michel Aoun and US President Donald Trump.Leaders from the EU, Britain, China, Russia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE are also expected to participate.Two massive explosions tore through…
(2020-08-09). Eurasian nations report new coronavirus cases, deaths. yenisafak.com Coronavirus cases and fatalities continued to rise across Eurasian and Central Asian countries on Friday.- UkraineHealth Minister Maksym Stepanov said 1,199 more people tested positive for the virus over the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 80,949.He said 18 more fatalities raised the death toll to 1,897 while recoveries increased by 317 to reach 43,972.Stepanov urged the public to strictly follow the government's COVID-19 restrictions, which have been extended until Aug. 31.- KazakhstanKazakhstan registered 872 new COVID-19 cases, raising the tally to 98,701. The number of recoveries rose by 664 to reach 72,…
(2020-08-09). Turkey: 5 die, 25 injured in bus accident. yenisafak.com At least five people died and 25 others got injured in a bus accident in Istanbul on Sunday.A passenger bus crashed into a wall of an overpass at the Istanbul Northern Marmara Motorway.The health condition of 10 among the injured, including three children, is serious, according to local authorities.Police have initiated an investigation, and further details are awaited.*Writing by Fahri Aksut…
(2020-08-09). Turkey: 32 suspects held in anti-drug operations. yenisafak.com At least 32 suspects were held during anti-drug operations in Mersin and Gaziantep provinces of Turkey, security sources said on Sunday.In the southern coastal province of Mersin, police acted on a tip-off and found 25,000 drug pills in a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was detained.Meanwhile, in Gaziantep, the southeastern border province, anti-drug police teams carried out operations to nab drug traffickers.During the operations, police rounded up 31 suspects for possession, use, and selling of drugs.They also seized 13 guns, 11 of which were unlicensed, three unlicensed shotguns, and some cash.*Writing by F…
(2020-08-08). Turkey's IHH aids thousands in Lebanon after blast. yenisafak.com Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) on Saturday provided humanitarian aid for thousands who have been affected by Tuesday's massive explosion at Beirut port.In a statement, the IHH said rescue efforts are still underway for those still missing after the blast, which killed at least 154 people."The grain silos destroyed by the explosion were a vital artery for the supply of food in the country," IHH said, warning of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon in case of failure to supply the country with enough quantities of flour within a short period of time.According to the statement, the IHH has launched a camp…
(2020-08-08). France Will Ask UK to Pay £30 Mln to Police the English Channel Amid Migrants Influx – Report. sputniknews.com Britain earlier vowed to take tougher action on illegal migration together with France, as some 7,500 migrants in total could cross the Channel by Christmas.
(2020-08-08). Red Roja's declaration on King Juan Carlos's flight from Spain. workers.org 
By Red Roja This is the Aug. 5 statement by the Red Roja (Red Network) organization regarding the escape of Spain's former King Juan Carlos I on Aug. 3 from Spanish territory where he faces charges of corruption. Translation and explanatory notes by Workers World Managing Editor John Catalinotto. The . . . |
(2020-08-08). Georgian actions amounted to declaration of war on Russia — former President Medvedev has no regrets about 2008 conflict. rt.com 
Russia had to intervene to protect people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia in 2008, when Georgia shelled civilians and "peacekeepers," former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said, calling the move a 'difficult decision." | At the time, Georgia was led by Mikhail Saakashvili, who later fled to Ukraine and remains wanted on criminal charges back home. Medvedev called the behavior of Saakashvili "criminal," and criticized the "scoundrels" who ordered troops to open fire on the houses of civilians and Russian "peacekeepers." | "I made a difficult, but the only possible decision — to stand in defense of Abkhazi…
(2020-08-08). 'Flagrant example of unfair competition': Russia slams US over 'baseless' ban on China's TikTok. rt.com 
Washington's recent order banning cooperation with the popular TikTok video-sharing service is an attempt to protect the dominance of American web giants, and violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, Moscow has said. | The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that…
(2020-08-08). Narrow escape: Massive rock-fall caught on VIDEO during road construction in Dagestan, Russia. rt.com 
People were seen fleeing to safety as a huge stone fell during road construction in a mountainous area in Russia's southern Republic of Dagestan. While it was a terrifying sight, casualties were thankfully avoided. | An avalanche of rocks crashed down upon the unfinished road from great heights, sending clouds of thick black dust billowing into the air. | Construction workers reacted swiftly and escaped, with one of them finding safety in the cabin of his excavation vehicle. | Even those filming the disaster from dozens of meters away were forced to shut down their phones and retreat. | Nobody was hurt, but…
(2020-08-08). Goodbye, greenback! As they abandon dollar in trade, Russia & China could create 'financial alliance,' leading Russian expert says. rt.com 
Moscow and Beijing's ditching of the US dollar could result in the creation of a "financial alliance," according to a top Russian analyst. Alexey Maslov believes the partnership is approaching a "breakthrough moment." | Maslov, director of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, predicts that Russia-China "de-dollarization" could lead to the two nations forming a de-facto fiscal alliance. | "The collaboration between Russia and China in the financial sphere tells us that they are finally finding the parameters for a new alliance with each other," he said, speaking to Japanese p…