(2021-01-03). Russia's Constitutional Amendments. Domestic Law Takes Precedence over International Law. globalresearch.ca The recent amendments to the Russian Constitution confirm that domestic document's precedence over international law, and while Russia still respects the latter, it won't ever let it be exploited for "lawfare" like in the Yukos case. | The Russian people overwhelmingly …
(2021-01-03). The Marxist Pioneer. counterpunch.org Jules Guesde: The Birth of Socialism and Marxism in France Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2020. 213 pp., $74.99 When the French left looks at its founders, the socialist Jean Jaurès is often fondly remembered as a great orator, historian, and a champion of peace who was murdered for that belief in 1914. By contrast, his Marxist
(2021-01-03). Africa in Review 2020: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Imperatives of the 21st Century. globalresearch.ca Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa does not in any way rival the existing public health situation in Western Europe and the United States, the presence of a new variant in South Africa and other regions of …
(2021-01-03). A commander with ubiquitous influence on the ground. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Five years ago in the midst of the Syria war, when militants were only 400 meters away from the Syrian presidential palace, a top Iranian General held a long, unusual meeting with the Russian president for over 2 hours.
(2021-01-03). Measures to continue in Germany, Belgium; France steps up vaccine rollout. laprensalatina.com Madrid Desk, Jan 3 (efe-epa).- The German health minister has called for current lockdown measures in the country to be extended until the end of the month amid sustained high infection rates, while the Belgian prime minister said he would only consider easing current restrictions before March if the infection rate drops by at least …
(2021-01-03). The Antisemitism Industry: how antisemitism is being politicized and weaponized in Europe to defend Israel. zcomm.org The same European leaders who a few years ago marched in Paris shouting "Je suis Charlie" — upholding the inalienable free speech rights of white Europeans to offend Muslims by insulting and ridiculing their Prophet — are now queuing up to outlaw free speech when it is directed against Israel…
(2021-01-03). Georgia on My Mind. zcomm.org The choice is yours, Georgians. We are counting on you…
(2021-01-03). Search for survivors in Norway landslide continues as 5 confirmed dead. laprensalatina.com Copenhagen, Jan 3 (efe-epa).- Two more bodies were found overnight at a housing complex in Ask, southern Norway, that was buried by a landslide, bringing the death toll to five, while another five people were still missing, Norwegian authorities said Sunday. "We are still looking where we think we can find survivors, this is still …
(2021-01-02). [Correspondence] Germany's new global health strategy: leaving migrants behind. thelancet.com After 3 years of consultation involving various ministries, academia, youth, civil society, private sector organisations, and an international advisory board, the German Federal Government issued its new global health strategy on Oct 7, 2020.1 In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing nationalism, and declining support for WHO by some of its member states, Germany emphasises multilateralism and a global health in all policies approach. This statement is strong and timely, underpinned by unequivocal commitments to health as a human right and universal health coverage free of all forms of discrimination.
(2021-01-02). Masks Aren't Helpful in Beating COVID-19: Europe's Top Health Officials. globalresearch.ca This article was first crossposted in August. | 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
(2021-01-02). Police shut down illegal raves; Dutch, Germans face vaccine issues. laprensalatina.com Madrid Desk, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- Police in France and Spain have shut down large illegal New Year's parties that lasted for days and which flouted regulations in place to fight coronavirus, while authorities in the Netherlands and Germany are facing mounting pressure over delays and issues related to the rollout of their Covid-19 vaccine programs. …
(2021-01-02). Relations between Russia & China at 'historic high' after 'once-in-century epidemic,' says Chinese foreign minister. rt.com 
The relationship between Beijing and Moscow has remained close throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and the two countries have emerged from the crisis as stronger allies, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday. | In recent times, China and Russia have pulled away from the West and grown closer to each other with ever-strengthening economic ties. The new paradigm marks a profound geopolitical shift, given that, until the events of 2014 in Ukraine, Moscow had spent around 25 years pursuing a path to Western integration, which included membership of the G8. | In the Soviet-era, the USSR and Beijing viewed…
(2021-01-02). [Comment] Offline: The age of universal history. thelancet.com At the beginning of 2021, with communities exhausted and shattered, what do we have to look forward to? One scientist, deeply engaged in modelling the pandemic, believes that a vaccine, together with mounting levels of natural immunity, will bring the worst to an end by the summer. I am less confident than him. But I do see an opportunity that is there to be seized. 60 years ago, one of France's leading public intellectuals, Raymond Aron, wrote that "I believe the dawn of universal history is on the point of breaking".
(2021-01-02). Former employee steals excavator, rams gate & destroys 50 vans at Mercedes-Benz factory in Spain. rt.com 
Revenge is a dish best served cold. A former worker went on a wrecking spree in a stolen JCB at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Spain, causing millions of euro in damage, four years after leaving the company. | On Thursday night, an excavator rammed the gates of a car factory in Vitoria — the main city of the Basque Country in northern Spain — and started smashing brand-new Mercedes vans in the parking lot with its massive shovel. | The wrecking spree went on for several minutes and only came to a stop after a security guard fired a warning shot in the air. It left around 50 vehicles damaged beyond repair…
(2021-01-02). Former employee steals industrial loader & destroys 50 vans after ramming gate at Mercedes-Benz factory in Spain. rt.com Revenge is a dish best served cold. A former factory worker went on a wrecking spree in a stolen mechanical digger at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Spain, causing millions of euro in damage, four years after having left the company. | On Thursday night, a giant machine rammed the gates of a car factory in Vitoria — the main city of the Basque Country in northern Spain — and started smashing brand-new Mercedes vans in the parking lot with its massive shovel. | The wrecking spree went on for several minutes and only came to a stop after a security guard fired a warning shot in the air. It left around 50 v…
(2021-01-02). US govt-sponsored website Bellingcat disrupts MH17 trial in Netherlands. thegrayzone.com Bellingcat has attacked defense attorneys and smeared witnesses in the trial over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. Is it being used by Western intelligence services to steer the case in a particular direction? (This report was originally published at Eric van de Beek's personal website.) For six years the British website Bellingcat has promoted Ukraine's narrative that Russia shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). With the start of the MH17 trial in March 2020, the self-proclaimed "collective …
(2021-01-02). Progressives denounce Turkey's persecution of Turkish Cypriot publisher Sener Levent. peoplesdispatch.org The Progressive Party of Working People and Members of the European Parliament from Cyprus expressed solidarity with Turkish Cypriot publisher ≈ûener Levent who is being persecuted for defaming Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan…
(2021-01-02). Iran's plan to start 20% uranium enrichment predictable. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna said that Iran's decision to initiate 20% uranium enrichment was predictable.
(2021-01-02). A mosque attacked twice in 2 weeks in Germany: Report. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Fatih Mosque in Germany's southwestern Baden-Wurttemberg city was attacked for the second time in two weeks on Friday.
(2021-01-02). Armenia to import 2,250 goods from Iran instead of Turkey. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — An official from the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization announced that Armenia has announced that it is to replace 2,250 Turkish products with Iranian goods.
(2021-01-02). Syrian army launches extensive operations against ISIL. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Syrian army, with support of Russian air force, has launched a large-scale operation in country's deserts against remnants of ISIL.
(2021-01-02). Rescue Operation to Find 9 Missing People at Landslide Site in Norway Enters 3rd Day. sputniknews.com MURMANSK, Russia (Sputnik) – Norwegian rescuers continue to search for eight missing people at the site of a giant mudslide about 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Oslo after one body was found, the public NRK broadcaster reported on Saturday.
(2021-01-02). One year after Soleimani's assassination, Iraq remains in cross fire. laprensalatina.com By Nawar Alrikabi and Francesca Cicardi Baghdad/Cairo, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- A year after the assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani by the United States in Baghdad, Iraq remains caught in crossfire between the US and Iran. Similar attacks could still play out, although the arrival of the more moderate Joe Biden in the White …
(2021-01-01). Covid, Brexit and Dreadnought : the UK Slides Into Economic And Social Turmoil. counterpunch.org Covid-19 is familiar to us as the virus causing a worldwide pandemic that has killed millions. Brexit is withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, which, although calamitous for Britain, is not a matter for wide international concern. And thirdly, as the excellent researchers of the House of Commons note, "the Dreadnought program is about the design,
(2021-01-01). Portugal promises 'fair, green & digital' Covid recovery for EU as it assumes European Council presidency. rt.com 
Portugal has taken the reins of the European Council, vowing in its role as president of the group to implement a sustainable economic recovery for the bloc and act as a fair negotiator between the UK and the EU. | Lisbon was handed the rotating presidency by Germany, and will lead the council until June. The leadership role, which is responsible for heading the Council of Ministers, changes hands between EU member states every six months. Portugal's term officially began on January 1, 2021. | A website dedicated to Portugal's new role explained that the country was committed to pursuing "a fair, green and dig…
(2021-01-01). Norway to lift UK travel ban but will keep special quarantine & testing rules amid concerns over new Covid-19 strain. rt.com 
Norway has announced it will end travel restrictions placed on the UK aimed at stopping the spread of a coronavirus mutation. It said that special rules pertaining to travelers from the country will remain in place, however. | The Norweigan government
(2021-01-01). US senator from Georgia enters 14-day quarantine before key runoff race. laprensalatina.com Washington, Dec 31 (efe-epa).- Republican Senator from Georgia David Perdue on Thursday began a 14-day quarantine after having contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19, a situation that complicates his party's campaign to retain his Senate seat five days before key runoff elections in his state. Perdue is one of two GOP senators …
(2021-01-01). It can't get any worse! Russians say 2021 will be a better year in new poll, although one in four anxious about future. rt.com 
Pandemics, wars and rampaging wildfires. The news from 2020 read more like a script for a Hollywood disaster film. But, now it's over, the majority of Russians think that things can only get better, according to a new poll. | A study of more than 1,600 people in the world's largest country However, one in four of those surveyed said they were looking to the new year with a…
(2021-01-01). The Georgia Fraud Story You Haven't Heard: Sec of State Raffensperger Speaks With a Forked Tongue. counterpunch.org 
In recent weeks, the news filling American living rooms is that Georgia's Republican Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, bravely stood up to President Trump's claim of voter fraud in the November 2020 elections and continues to do so now that Georgians are heading to the polls next week to decide a crucial runoff election that
(2021-01-01). UN calls for international monitors to oversee Libya ceasefire. middleeasteye.net 
UN calls for international monitors to oversee Libya ceasefire | Antonio Guterres asks African Union, European Union and Arab League to contribute civilians and retired soldiers | Fri, 01/01/2021 – 17: 01 | Guterres calls on all nations to respect UN arms embargo on Libya (Reuters) | The United Nations called for international monitors to support a fragile ceasefire in Libya, in the hope t…
(2021-01-01). Crimean senator tells Zelensky – return Ukraine to Moscow Time to recall days before it became 'Europe's most backward country'. rt.com 
As the last few hours of 2020 ticked away, Ukraine's president urged Crimeans to "turn back the clock" and return to rule by Kiev. But one local leader says the troubled country would be better off adopting Russian time instead. | In his address to citizens in the Eastern European country on Thursday, Volodymyr Zelensky bemoaned the fact that those living in the disputed Crimea and Donbass regions would be celebrating the new year an hour earlier than Kiev. | Breaking into Russian, the dominant language of the breakaway former territories, he acknowledged that "Donetsk, Lugansk and Crimea now live in every sen…
(2021-01-01). 'Keep the light on' Sturgeon tells EU, suggesting Scotland might SECEDE from post-Brexit UK 'soon'. rt.com 
Within minutes of Brexit taking effect, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted a message to Brussels that Scotland might be rejoining the EU "soon," following up on a recent demand for another independence referendum. | "Scotland will be back soon, Europe. Keep the light on," Sturgeon said as clocks struck midnight in Brussels and the UK's exit from the European Union became official on Friday. | | Scotland will be back soon, Europe. Keep the light on üè¥Û ÅßÛ Å¢&Uci…
(2021-01-01). Independent Britain's first day: Channel traffic smooth on French & UK sides as new post-Brexit era begins. rt.com 
Despite fears of a transport collapse, freight traffic across the Channel continued without major hold-ups and complications in the first hours of Friday after the UK officially quit the EU customs union. | Hundreds of lorries have already travelled between France and Britain in both directions through the Channel Tunnel, while dozens more have been transported by ferries. | "The traffic was strong enough for an exceptional and historic night," a spokesman for Getlink, the Channel Tunnel's operator, told AFP, adding that "everything went well." | Due to Britain no longer being part of the EU customs union, the…
(2021-01-01). Russia's Asian path may benefit stability in Europe by forcing declining EU to deal with Moscow as it is not as it wants it to be. rt.com 
After the fall of communism, the NATO powers expected Russia to fall into line and Westernize, but without the prospect of Western integration. But that plan has blown up in their faces. | It has pushed Moscow towards Asia, just as the global balance of power flipped. The historical shift of economic power from the West to the East is a catalyst for a revolutionary change in EU-Russian relations. While Asia continues its rise, economic stagnation and relative decline has seemingly destined Europe to growing irrelevance in the world. | For the first time in its history, Russia does not need to look towards Euro…
(2021-01-01). What We Learned In Julian Assange's Extradition Hearing. popularresistance.org The prosecution of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange would be a landmark test of the First Amendment right to publish if he were brought to trial in the United States, as press freedom groups, constitutional lawyers, and newsrooms across the board have sounded the alarm about the ways in which the U.S. indictment intends to silence investigative journalism around the world. | But Assange would first have to be extradited from the United Kingdom, where he has been imprisoned in HMP Belmarsh for over a year and a half. At Assange's extradition hearing in London, comprising one week of oral arguments in February an…
(2021-01-01). Court Orders Veterans Affairs Department to Replace Flawed Science in Plutonium Disaster Case. counterpunch.org In a major class action ruling issued December 17, the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington, DC has ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to re-examine how it evaluates disability claims from veterans exposed to deadly alpha radiation during cleanup operations following a disastrous nuclear weapons accident at Palomares, Spain. The
(2021-01-01). Migration and Racism: Lessons From Antonio Gramsci. counterpunch.org Italian political theorist and activist Antonio Gramsci, who died eighty-four years ago, in an Italy that was a far cry from the multiethnic country it is today, provides much grist for the mill when it comes to a complex analysis of migration and racism. He underscores the need to interpret migratory movements through complex analyses.
(2021-01-01). Russia: Putin Voices Confidence in Overcoming 2020 Challenges. telesurenglish.net Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual New Year speech on Thursday, during which he expressed the belief that his nation will be able to overcome existing challenges and restore normalcy. | RELATED: | "I am convinced that together we will overcome everything, establish and restore normal life and with renewed vigor continue to solve the tasks facing Russia in the coming third decade of the 21st centu…
(2021-01-01). Migration and Racism: Lessons From Antonio Gramsci, an interview with Peter Mayo. counterpunch.org Italian political theorist and activist Antonio Gramsci, who died eighty-four years ago, in an Italy that was a far cry from the multiethnic country it is today, provides much grist for the mill when it comes to a complex analysis of migration and racism. He underscores the need to interpret migratory movements through complex analyses.
(2021-01-01). Terror of Soleimani, testament to US ruinous role in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Norway issued a statement on Thu., stating that assassination of Iran's top commander Martyr Gen. Soleimani is a testament to US destructive role in the region.
(2021-01-01). US maximum pressure policy against Iran 'failed': Ulyanov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna said that maximum pressure policy exerted by the United States against Iran did not produce any positive result and failed.
(2021-01-01). Armenia suspends import of Turkish goods. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Yerevan government suspended the import of Turkish —made goods to Armenia for six months in response to Turkish military support for the Republic of Azerbaijan.
(2021-01-01). UK MPs Nominate Cuban Doctors For Nobel Peace Prize. popularresistance.org The Cuba Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom announced Thursday that four more members of the British Parliament have nominated the Cuban doctors for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. | According to a message spread through Twitter, MPs from Liverpool Paula Barker, Ian Byrne, Kim Johnson and Dan Carden joined other MPs and academics from the UK who had previously formally nominated the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade from Cuba for the award. | The online petition, published by the solidarity campaign on its website, had accumulated by November's end, more than 6,400 signatures of legislators, academics,…
(2021-01-01). Some 30 Cars Burnt on New Year's Eve in France's Strasbourg — Reports. sputniknews.com MOSCOW, January 1 (Sputnik) — Hooligans have burnt some 30 cars in the eastern French city of Strasbourg despite the coronavirus-linked curfew, the Figaro newspaper reported on Friday, citing a source in the local authorities.
(2021-01-01). UK Will Remain EU's Friend, Ally After Brexit — Macron. sputniknews.com PARIS (Sputnik) — The United Kingdom will remain the friend and ally of the European Union after completing its withdrawal from the union, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
(2021-01-01). 'Keep the Light On': Scottish FM Sturgeon Tweets to EU 'Scotland Will Be Back Soon'. sputniknews.com The Scottish Parliament rejected UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's post-Brexit trade deal on Wednesday, and last month the Conservative leader smeared Scotland's devolved power as a "disaster" for the country.
(2021-01-01). Man Accidentally Shot Dead During Peaky Blinders Party in Southwestern France – Reports. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – A man was accidentally shot dead by one of the guests during a Peaky Blinders fancy dress party held in the southwestern French commune of Monbazillac. The shooter carried a hunting shotgun and is reported to have unintentionally fired at his associate, the France 3 broadcaster reported on Friday.
(2021-01-01). Scotland To Return To the EU Soon, First Minister Sturgeon Vows. telesurenglish.net The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon asked the European Union (EU) to "keep the light on" because "Scotland will be back soon." | RELATED: | The pro-independence politician tweeted that message after the Brexit transition period expired at 23: 00 GMT on December 31. | From that moment on, Scotland's trade relations and travel regulations with EU countries began to be ruled by the guidelines agreed in the new agreem…
(2021-01-01). Kelly Loeffler's extensive ties to the energy sector suggest major conflict of interest. salon.com Loeffler was named to Georgia Power board of directors two months before she had to leave for the Senate…
(2021-01-01). Yet another audit of Georgia's election fails to find evidence of fraud. salon.com Audit of absentee ballot signatures in Georgia finds no evidence of voter fraud…