(2021-01-21). How use of drones to secure borders threatens all our rights. truepublica.org.uk A new report published by Drone Wars UK investigates the increasing use of military-style drones by governments to patrol state borders. The study, which examines the use of drones at the borders of the UK, EU, US, Russia, China, Australia and elsewhere, concludes that drones are contributing to the militarisation of everyday borders as part …
(2021-01-20). Italian Doctors Sanctioned for Raising Questions About COVID Vaccine. anti-empire.com 
An Italian doctors association has warned or disciplined 10 medics for promoting anti-vaccination propaganda and is considering sanctions against three others who are accused of downplaying the gravity of covid-19. | This comes amid growing concern that public scepticism over covid-19 vaccines could undermine Europe's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. | Antonio Magi, president of the Ordine dei Medici di Roma (Rome Doctors Guild), said that inquiries into 10 medics accused of unwarranted criticism of vaccinations had been completed, with punishments ranging from warnings to two month suspensions. The other…
(2021-01-20). Covid-19: Turkey vaccinates more than one million people, says health ministry. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19: Turkey vaccinates more than one million people, says health ministry | Turkey has now given a first shot of the coronavirus vaccine to more than one percent of the population | Wed, 01/20/2021 – 13: 17 | A healthcare worker checks the body temperature of an elderly woman at a nursing home in Ankara, on 19 January 2021, amid the Covid-19 pandemic (AFP) | More than one million peop…
(2021-01-20). U.S. makes aggressive opening move on Russian chessboard. mronline.org 
A regime change project in Russia was launched on Sunday with the return of political activist Alexei Navalny to Moscow. It was a highly symbolic event—except that Navalny was traveling by an airplane from Germany and not in a sealed train.
(2021-01-20). Video: Iran Expands Its Presence in Syria, Deploys Intel Signals System Near Border with Jordan and Israel. globalresearch.ca The situation in Syria's Idlib appears to be, once again, on the brink of escalation, with the US preoccupied with what's happening at home, and Turkey attempting to push towards Ain Issa, while being targeted by its own proxies. | The …
(2021-01-20). . oneworld.press Serbian student Luka Stevanovich studies law and is looking forward to taking up a master's degree programme at St Petersburg State University.
(2021-01-20). . oneworld.press Serbian student Luka Stevanovich studies law and is looking forward to taking up a master's degree programme at St Petersburg State University.
(2021-01-20). Parler Back Online Thanks to Servers in Russia. anti-empire.com 
Parler, the social network popular with The network vanished from the internet after it was
(2021-01-20). Jim Thorpe's 1912 golds still resonate, amaze. peoplesworld.org 
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) — It has been described as the first major international sports scandal, and still resonates more than a century later. Jim Thorpe, a Native American who seemed to excel at every sport he tried, was seen as one of the world's top athletes after winning gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon …
(2021-01-20). Sweden Doesn't Need To Join NATO To Be A Security Threat To Russia. oneworld.press Sweden's growing ties with NATO over the past half-dozen years make many observers wonder whether the Nordic country will soon join the transatlantic bloc, but it actually doesn't even have to do so formally since it's already a de facto member considering its close security cooperation with it, which means that Sweden is still a security threat to Russia despite not crossing Moscow's red line of officially joining NATO.
(2021-01-20). Protesters Hold Back Military Takeover of Balkans' Largest Mountain Pasture. globalresearch.ca Montenegro's military — and maybe NATO — want the Sinjajevina Highlands for maneuvers; traditional herding communities want these biodiverse alpine pasturelands conserved. | *** | Mileva "Gara" Jovanoviƒá's family has been taking cattle up to graze in Montenegro's Sinjajevina Highlands for more …
(2021-01-20). The US has a broken political system & is about to be usurped by China — what Europeans really think about America is telling. thealtworld.com A new survey of citizens of 11 countries suggests that Joe Biden faces an almost impossible task …
(2021-01-20). Sweden Doesn't Need To Join NATO To Be A Security Threat To Russia. oneworld.press Sweden's growing ties with NATO over the past half-dozen years make many observers wonder whether the Nordic country will soon join the transatlantic bloc, but it actually doesn't even have to do so formally since it's already a de facto member considering its close security cooperation with it, which means that Sweden is still a security threat to Russia despite not crossing Moscow's red line of officially joining NATO.
(2021-01-19). With Russia's Help, China Becomes Plastics Making Power in Pandemic. anti-empire.com 
After giving up on recycling — American recycling that is — China is still in love with the plastics biz. In fact, their companies are becoming dominant in all things plastic, one of the most important supply chains in the world. | In other words, it will be yet another segment in global business that the world will need Chinese companies to get supply. | The pandemic has helped the petrochemicals industry make up for losses in oil and gas demand. Plastics are tied to the fossil fuels industry. Stay-at-home orders throughout the U.S. and Europe has led to more take-out food orders and a lot of that is…
(2021-01-19). US Makes Aggressive Opening Move on Russian Chessboard. globalresearch.ca A regime change project in Russia was launched on Sunday with the return of political activist Alexei Navalny to Moscow. It was a highly symbolic event — except that Navalny was travelling by an aeroplane from Germany and not in …
(2021-01-19). Rolling Out The Dystopian Nightmare: World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda. globalresearch.ca Founded in 1971, the Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) meets annually in Davos, Switzerland. | It brings together top business and political leaders, along with likeminded pro-New World Order economists and pseudo-journalists. | Calling itself "an independent international organization committed to improving …
(2021-01-19). Why Did Alexei Navalny Return to the Same Country that He Claimed Tried to Kill Him? globalresearch.ca Russian anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny inexplicably decided to return to the same country that he claimed had unsuccessfully tried to kill him, curiously timing his trip to coincide with the immediate run-up to Biden's inauguration in what some suspect is …
(2021-01-19). China Health Experts Call for Suspension of COVID Vaccines as Norway Investigates 33 Deaths, Germany Probes 10 Deaths. globalresearch.ca Norway upped the number of deaths under investigation, from 23 last week to 33, while in Germany, health officials said they are investigating 10 deaths that occurred among elderly patients who received the COVID vaccine. | *** | China health experts say …
(2021-01-19). Germany extends Covid-19 lockdown, makes masks compulsory amid fears of new virus strains. rt.com 
Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany's 16 state leaders have agreed to extend the country's current lockdown until the middle of February in response to the spread of Covid-19 and the appearance of new variants. | Confirming the extension on Tuesday evening, Merkel said the country's efforts to control Covid-19 were being threatened by a spreading new mutation in the virus, and she called for a common European approach in tackling the strain. | Schools, non-essential retail, restaurants, bars and cafes are all closed under Germany's current restrictions. | Among a raft of new health measures also agreed upon i…
(2021-01-19). Kremlin rejects Navalny allegation that Putin has secret Black Sea palace complete with casino, theater & private striptease bar. rt.com 
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not have an opulent private estate on the country's Black Sea coast, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted on Tuesday, in response to allegations from anti-corruption campaigner Alexey Navalny. | Responding to claims that a luxury pile in the resort town of Gelendzhik belonged to the president, Peskov said that "in reality, this is not true." He added that the Kremlin had not reviewed a new tranche of allegations around Putin's supposed personal wealth, but that he was able to dismiss them in the same way he has in the past. | | © palace.navalny.com | "I can say stra…
(2021-01-19). Turkey hits Twitter and Pinterest with ad ban for resisting new social media law. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey hits Twitter and Pinterest with ad ban for resisting new social media law | Twitter and Pinterest have yet to assign a legal representative in Turkey, leading ministers to warn of 'digital fascism' | Tue, 01/19/2021 – 11: 29 | Twitter risks having its bandwidth reduced in Turkey, under regulations introduced last year (AFP) | Turkey has imposed an advertisement ban on social media giants Twitter a…
(2021-01-19). Russia Withdraws From Open Skies Treaty After US Departure. anti-empire.com 
In what experts fear could lead to growing mistrust between global powers, Russia on Friday announced that it was leaving the Open Skies Treaty (OST), an accord between over 30 countries that allows participants to fly unarmed reconnaissance flights over any part of their fellow member states. | In November, the United States left the OST first after accusing Russia of violating the pact— allegations that Russia denied. Moscow has now blamed Washington for its own decision of leaving the treaty. | What is the Open Skies Treaty?: | First proposed in 1955 by former US President Dwight Eisenhower as a…
(2021-01-19). Israeli Settlement Expansion Condemned by PA, EU and Numerous Countries. imemc.org 
In response to Israel's announcement that they have approved an additional 780 colonial settlement units, a number of countries have issued statements condemning the move. They include the UK, Egypt, Ireland, Jordan, the European Union (EU) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). A spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, stated that it is clear …
(2021-01-19). Ukraine begs Europe for coronavirus vaccine. wsws.org While still providing military backing to the Kiev government in its ongoing civil war with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, US and European imperialism have refused to provide even minimal vaccine assistance to the poorest country in Europe.
(2021-01-19). America's First Revolution Is Happening Now. thealtworld.com Hear me out and you will understand the title. | There is a difference between a rebellion and a revolution. A rebellion is what occurred in the thirteen colonies in the late 18th century. A revolution is what occurred in Russia in 1917. | A rebellion occurred in the colonies, because the subjects of the king in the colonies were treated differently constitutionally and in law from subjects of the king in England. The colonists had no representation in Parliament and no voice in how they were ruled. | The rebellion resulted in political independence but not in a change in the belief system. The colonists held to…
(2021-01-19). Germany to Make Medical Face Masks Mandatory in Stores, Transport, Merkel Says. sputniknews.com BERLIN (Sputnik) – Germany will make medical face masks mandatory in stores and public transport, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
(2021-01-19). US Defense Chief Nominee Claims Russia Should Be Held Accountable for Recent Cyber Attack. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON, January 20 (Sputnik) – US Defense Secretary nominee Gen. Lloyd Austin said during a Senate confirmation hearing that Russia should be held responsible if found to be the culprit behind the recent cyber attack against the IT company SolarWinds.
(2021-01-19). Lloyd Austin Says Will Review US Force Presence in Mideast to Address Russia, China Challenges. sputniknews.com The confirmation hearing for Gen. Lloyd Auston, President-elect Joe Biden's pick to head the Pentagon, took place before the Senate Armed Services Committee on January 19, one day before Biden's inauguration.
(2021-01-19). UN Urged to Take Action Against France over 'Entrenching Islamophobia'. globalresearch.ca A coalition of civil society organisations has written to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to request that it opens formal infringement procedures against France's government for entrenching Islamophobia and structural discrimination against Muslims. | In a 28-page document seen …
(2021-01-18). Meeting Between Moldovan and Ukrainian Leaders Was to Coordinate Actions Against Russia. globalresearch.ca The visit of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Ukraine last week is the first interaction between the two neighboring countries at the highest level in recent years. For Sandu, this trip became her foreign policy premiere since she became president …
(2021-01-18). Massive rise in unemployment in Germany during the pandemic. wsws.org The German employment agency published the official unemployment figures for December 2020, reporting an increase to 2.7 million unemployed, 480,000 more than in the same month last year.
(2021-01-18). Spain Health System on the Brink of Collapse, Workers Warn. telesurenglish.net Spaniard health workers warned on Monday about a sanitary collapse in the coming weeks as the country faces a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. | RELATED: | Authorities reported that the COVID-19 incidence in Spain stands at 492 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with an increasing contagion rate in almost all autonomous communities. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been 2,176,089 cases and 52,87…
(2021-01-18). What 'Democracy' Is Under Attack? Notes From The Edge Of The Narrative Matrix. thealtworld.com To stop the exacerbation of Trumpism the talking heads are recommending internet censorship, regulations on media, new domestic terror laws, literally anything they can possibly think of except changing the conditions which gave rise to Trumpism. | ‚ùñ | The most imminent threat to US democracy is not Russia, nor fascist insurrectionists, but the fact that US democracy is entirely fictional. | Saying US democracy is being threatened is like saying Grinches are a critically endangered species. | ‚ùñ | The previous president intervened in the primary to appoint his right-hand…
(2021-01-18). Argentina Begins To Distribute the Second Dose of Sputnik V. telesurenglish.net Argentina began on Monday the distribution of 300,000 Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines to complete the vaccination of those who received the first dose on December 29. | RELATED: | As of Friday, this South American nation had applied 200,759 out of 300,000 doses of the Russian vaccine it received last year. | The national vaccination campaign's first stage is focused on citizens between the ages of 18 and 59 who work in hospitals,…
(2021-01-18). No Evidence COVID-19 Vaccines Will Block Spread of Coronavirus. globalresearch.ca On Nov. 9, 2020, Pfizer, Inc. announced that the experimental messenger RNA (mRNA) BNT162b2 vaccine for COVID-19 it developed in partnership with Germany's BioNTech SE had an efficacy rate of 90 percent, based on the results of human clinical trials …
(2021-01-18). Ukrainian Railways records losses of up to $500 million after Moscow-Kiev train connection is closed due to Covid-19. rt.com 
The lack of railway connection between Moscow and Kiev has so severely affected the state-owned Ukrainian Railways company that its losses may have reached around 14 billion hryvnia ($500 million) in 2020 alone. | That's according to CEO Vladimir Zhmak, who told the Ukraine 24 TV channel that the Kiev-Moscow route was one of its most profitable. In 2019, four of his companies top five money-making destinations were in Russia, helping to subsidise many uneconomical domestic services. | Rail service between the countries was suspended in March 2020 and has subsequently left a considerable hole in the state budge…
(2021-01-18). United Kingdom COVID-19 variant reaches New Zealand. wsws.org The arrival of the more contagious UK and South African strains underscores the global nature of the virus, which cannot be contained within national borders.
(2021-01-18). As People Die After Vaccinations Comorbidities, Age Suddenly Matter Again. anti-empire.com 
Health authorities in Norway sought to allay safety concerns raised by the death of some elderly patients after they were vaccinated against Covid-19, saying there's no evidence of a direct link. | The
(2021-01-18). Germany considers extended lockdown as new Covid-19 variants emerge, Merkel spokesperson warns of 'risk of mutation'. rt.com 
The German government is considering the extension of the country's lockdown into February following the detection of new variants of Covid-19 and persistently high numbers of infections. | "We still have a big risk… that is the risk of mutation," Steffen Seibert, Angela Merkel's spokesman, said at a news conference, revealing that the chancellor had brought forward a meeting with the leaders of Germany's 16 states to Tuesday. | The country has reported multiple cases of the Covid-19 variant discovered in the UK, and on Monday three people in the southeastern state of Bavaria were found to have tested positi…
(2021-01-18). After COVID-19 kills tram driver in Berlin, transit workers in Germany demand more security. wsws.org Every day, the 15,000 employees of the Berlin transport association BVG and tens of thousands of passengers risk infection with the coronavirus.
(2021-01-18). Spanish hospitals on brink of collapse as COVID-19 cases explode. wsws.org As COVID-19 infections reach new highs, medical professionals in Spain warn that hospitals will soon be overwhelmed by admissions to intensive care units.
(2021-01-18). Spain Reports Weekend Record of 84,287 New Coronavirus Cases. telesurenglish.net The Spanish Ministry of Health said on Monday it had registered 84,287 new COVID-19 cases and 455 deaths in the period between 2 p.m. Jan. 15 and 2 p.m. on Jan. 18. | The cumulative number of coronavirus infections in the country now stands at 2,336,451 and the number of deaths at 53,769. The country's 14-day incidence rate for 100,000 inhabitants has risen to 689 since the year-end holidays. | RELATED: | At his dail…
(2021-01-18). New Japanese PM hints at end to dispute with Russia over Kuril Islands that's kept the two countries technically at war since 1945. rt.com 
Yoshihide Suga, Japan's new prime minister, has told his country's parliament that an end to its long-running territorial row with Russia might soon be in sight, potentially signaling closer ties between the two nations. | Speaking at the opening of the parliamentary session on Monday, Suga said the over half-a-century-long diplomatic tensions over the Kuril Islands, "should not be passed on to future generations." The prime minister added that "there should now be a final resolution to it… We will move forward on the basis of previous agreements between the two countries." Later on that day, Russia's Foreig…
(2021-01-18). Saudi executions at record low as five convicted as minors still on death row. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi executions at record low as five convicted as minors still on death row | Rights groups fear that five people convicted as juveniles could still face the death penalty despite changes in law
| Mon, 01/18/2021 – 12: 06 | Supporters in Greece protesting the execution of prominent Saudi Shiite cleric and activist Nimr al-Nimr during a demonstration near Saudi Arabia's embassy i…
(2021-01-18). UN urged to take action against France over 'entrenching Islamophobia'. middleeasteye.net 
UN urged to take action against France over 'entrenching Islamophobia' | Coalition of 36 organisations submits complaint to UN Human Rights Council, accusing France of violating international law over treatment of Muslims | Mon, 01/18/2021 – 12: 59 | French police outside the Great Mosque in Paris amid a heightened risk of terror attacks on places of worship, October 2020 (AFP/File photo) | A coalitio…
(2021-01-18). Italy on Brink of Civil Disobedience as Public Defies Absurd Virus Decrees. anti-empire.com 
(2021-01-18). Peace in Nagorno-Karabakh Remains Fragile, With Key Issues Unresolved. counterpunch.org 
As Armenia ends its annual two-week holiday period, the mood in the country is sombre. The former Soviet state is continuing to reckon with its losses from the six-week war it waged last year with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh region, or Artsakh to Armenians, lies within Azerbaijan's international border. However, up until last year,
(2021-01-18). Many Overheated Forests May Soon Release More Carbon Than They Absorb. popularresistance.org The last decades have been filled with dire warning signs from forests. Global warming has contributed to thinning canopies in European forests and to sudden die-offs of aspen trees in Colorado, as well as insect outbreaks that are killing trees around the world. In many places, forests are not growing back. | New research shows that Earth's overheated climate will alter forests at a global scale even more fundamentally, by flipping a critical greenhouse gas switch in the next few decades. The study suggests that, by 2040, forests will take up only half as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they do now, i…
(2021-01-18). UN rights office 'deeply troubled' by Russian activist Aleksei Navalny's arrest. news.un.org The UN human rights office (OHCHR) have raised alarm over the arrest of Russian opposition activist Aleksei Navalny and called for his immediate release. The office said in a tweet that they were "deeply troubled" by the arrest and called on the Government to respect his right to legal due process.
(2021-01-18). Trump Issues Proclamation Lifting Travel Restrictions on Schengen Area, UK, Ireland, and Brazil. sputniknews.com This step was taken in coordination with the Ministry of Health and takes into account the order dated January 12, which requires those entering the United States to test negative for the coronavirus, the proclamation says.