Daily Archives: April 14, 2021

2021-04-14: News Headlines

Vijay Prashad (2021-04-14). Zambia is the Tip of the Tail of the Global Dog. orinocotribune.com By Vijay Prashad — Apr 8, 2021 | On 12 August 2021, the people of Zambia will vote to elect a new president, who will be the seventh person elected to the office since Zambia won its independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 if the incumbent loses. The incumbent, President Edgar Lungu, is facing a strong challenge from Fred M'membe, the presidential candidate of the Socialist Party Zambia. | M'membe knows the importance of a challenge. As the editor of…

Ken Bank (2021-04-14). The 150th Anniversary of the Paris Commune. zcomm.org Although there were previous uprisings in France going back to the French Revolution of 1789, this was the first time that a grassroots, populist government based on socialist and even anarchic principles was firmly established in control of the city…

Ramzy Baroud (2021-04-14). The Clandestine War on Africa: France's Endgame in Mali. counterpunch.org In a recent report, the United Nations Mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, concluded that, on January 3, French warplanes had struck a crowd attending a wedding in the remote village of Bounti, killing 22 of the guests. According to the findings, based on a thorough investigation and interviews with hundreds of eyewitnesses, 19 of

Editor2 (2021-04-14). Bonaire: BOPEC Bankrupt due to Dutch Inspectorate and Taxation. orinocotribune.com By Handsoffvenezuela.nl — Mar 26, 2021 | The sad story for the employees of Bonaire Petroleum Corporation (BOPEC) on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaàßao ends badly because of Dutch interference. BOPEC, owned by Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), has been severely harmed by illegal sanctions by US and Dutch institutions, and finally was taken over by the Netherlands, after a claim for bankruptcy by the Dutch tax authority. The hawks in Washington and The Hague can be satisfied, but their interference has been disastrous for many of our overseas compatriots. | Curaàßao | When Shell turne…

Keri Rautenkranz (2021-04-14). Right wing policy continues to destroy Ukraine. peoplesworld.org You may have heard about the situation in Ukraine and "Russian Aggression" and how it must be stopped. I have been following this situation since 2014 in both English and Russian languages and have drawn some conclusions. The situation in Ukraine is not a result of Russian aggression, but rather the result of USA-led NATO …

M. K. Bhadrakumar (2021-04-14). What are Turkey and the US Up to in Afghanistan? counterpunch.org The zeal with which Washington is soliciting Turkey's services to plot a way to normalize Afghanistan's Taliban raises some troubling questions. Acting on Washington's request, Turkey will be hosting high-level talks on the Afghanistan peace process this April to bring together the Afghan government and the Taliban. Turkey has appointed a special envoy to assume

MEE staff (2021-04-14). Italy's senate votes to give citizenship to jailed Egyptian activist Patrick Zaki. middleeasteye.net Italy's senate votes to give citizenship to jailed Egyptian activist Patrick Zaki | Zaki is a human rights advocate who has campaigned for the truth about the 2016 Cairo murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni | Wed, 04/14/2021 – 15: 41 | Egyptian authorities arrested Zaki on 7 February 2020 upon his return from Italy, where he had been living and studying (Twitter) | The Italian senate on Wednesday voted to a…

Kenneth Surin (2021-04-14). The UK's Northern Irish Brexit Blues. counterpunch.org Northern Ireland has now become the focal point of the UK's post-Brexit crisis. While the connection between the more than a week of rioting by Protestant "Loyalists" and Brexit may not seem obvious, some, such as the Northern Ireland justice minister, Naomi Long, say the UK prime minister Boris "BoJo" Johnson's "dishonesty" over the still-to-be-decided

Anonymous007 (2021-04-14). Military Situation In Donetsk People's Republic On April 14, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org Click to see full-size image | DPR forces targeted UAF positions near the villages of Pivdenne and Zaitseve and Katerinovka | DPR forces opened fire near the village of Pervomaiskoe, using grenade launchers and smaller arms | 1 Ukrainian soldier was reportedly killed near the village of Majorsk | DPR forces opened fire near the village of Svitlodarsk, using grenade launchers and machine guns. | DPR forces opened mortar fire near the village of Majorsk | UAF targeted DPR positio…

Anonymous007 (2021-04-14). Ukraine's Armed Forces Carry Out Military Exercise Near Crimea. southfront.org Click to see full-size image | The Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting large-scale exercises near the territory of Crimea, the press service of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports on Facebook. | According to the scenario of the exercises, a mock enemy tank unit, supported by infantry, tried to break through the Ukrainian defense line. | Artillery and tank reserves carrying out combat missions along the border with the temporarily occup…

Anonymous669 (2021-04-14). Russian Forces Return To Syria's Tell Rifaat After Temporary Withdraw (Video, Photos). southfront.org Sergei Novikov/TASS | Russian forces have returned to the northern Syrian town of Tell Rifaat and its surroundings, which are controlled by Kurdish forces, after a widely-reported withdrawal. | On April 13, the withdrawal of Russian Military Police units was reported by the Hawar News Agency. According to the agency, the units withdrew from Tell Rifaat as well as from the nearby areas of Sherawa and Ksht'ar. | Later, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Syrian Arab Army and Iranian-backed…

Anonymous007 (2021-04-14). Military Situation In Syria On April 14, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org Click to see full-size image | On April 14, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 17 times: 10 — in Idlib province, 5 — in Latakia province, 1 — in Hama province, 1 in Aleppo province | On April 13, US forces conducted a military patrol near the town of al-Malikiyah | On April 13, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions near Ras al-Ayn | On April 13, an explosion were reported in the town of al-Bab. No casualties were rep…

Anonymous669 (2021-04-14). Escalation In Greater Idlib: Militant Attacks Leave Casualties On Two Fronts. southfront.org Illustrative image | Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies continue to violate the ceasefire in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib, which was brokered by Russia and Turkey more than a year ago. | On April 13, militants of the HTS-led al-Fateh al-Mubeen Operations room attacked Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops near the town of al-Hakorh in northwestern Hama. A vehicle was destroyed with an anti-tank guided missile. | According to opposition sources, three officers were killed in…

Anonymous007 (2021-04-14). U.S. To Permanently Deploy 500 More Troops To Germany. southfront.org Ramstein Air Base. Click to see full-size image | On April 13th, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that 500 additional troops would be sent to Germany. | This will be a permanent deployment. | The US will permanently station "approximately 500 additional US personnel in the Wiesbaden area" of Germany and will be on the ground "as early as fall," Austin said during a news conference in Berlin."This planned increase in US personnel…

M. K. Bhadrakumar (2021-04-14). Whither India-Russia Ties? asia-pacificresearch.com

Paul Goble (2021-04-14). Russia In Midst Of Worst Demographic Decline Since World War II — OpEd. eurasiareview.com The horrific increase in mortality rates among Russians, only part of which is the product of the coronavirus pandemic, pushed Russia in 2020 into the worst demographic decline since World War II and figures for the first months of this year suggest that that decline is continuing, Aleksandr Zhelenin says. | Indeed, if the rates registered since the start of this year continue, Russia will stand to suffer one million more deaths than births, a figure that there is little or no chance the return of migrant workers will compensate for and that could further accelerate the decline as it will produce a smaller coh…

South Front (2021-04-14). Video: Saudi Arabia's War on Yemen is Failing. Houthi Counter-Attacks. globalresearch.ca Yemen's Ansar Allah give the impression that it has an endless …

Staff (2021-04-14). Headlines for April 14, 2021. democracynow.org Biden Announces U.S. Will Withdraw Its Troops from Afghanistan by September 11, Protests Continue After Police Killing of Daunte Wright as His Family Demands Justice, Derek Chauvin Murder Trial Continues with Defense Calling Its First Witnesses, Iran Ramps Up Uranium Enrichment Following Natanz Attack and Amid Talks on 2015 Nuclear Deal, White House Moves Forward with $23 Billion Weapons Sale to UAE, Russian Troops Amass on Eastern Border as U.S. and NATO Pledge Support for Ukraine, U.S. Sends Unofficial Delegation to Taiwan as China Warns Against Foreign Intervention, Burkina Faso to Try Ex-President Blaise Comp…

Rick Rozoff (2021-04-14). Top Belarus commander warns of NATO build-up near Belarusian, Russian borders. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Top Belarus commander warns of NATO build-up near Belarusian, Russian bordersRick Rozoff The Belarusian Telegraph Agency reported today on a statement by the nation's top commander concerning the build-up of NATO military infrastructure on the borders of both his nation and Russia. Speaking at a meeting of the six-nation Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) Military …

Rick Rozoff (2021-04-14). Top U.S./NATO commander on Russia and China: We're prepared to respond to aggression with the full weight of the transatlantic alliance. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Top U.S./NATO commander on Russia and China: We're prepared to respond to aggression with the full weight of the transatlantic allianceRick Rozoff General Tod Wolters, the dual-hatted top commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 13 as part of a review of …

ecns.cn (2021-04-14). Xi'an sees 1,000 China-Europe freight train trips this year. ecns.cn Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, on Tuesday saw the 1,000th China-Europe freight train trip this year.

Staff (2021-04-14). 'Stop violating rights of Iranian people'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 14 (MNA) — In a letter to the Secretary General of Council of European Union, Secretary General of Iran's Human Rights Office lashed out at irresponsibility in violation of rights of Iranian people by member states of the Council.

IDN (2021-04-14). Solving The Riddle Of Who Won The Second World War — OpEd. eurasiareview.com By Jonathan Power* | Who won the Second World War? If you go to the United Kingdom people will answer, we did, led by Winston Churchill. If you visit the USA people will say, we did, led by Franklin Roosevelt. If you go to Russia, people will say the Soviet Union did, led by Stalin. | They can't all be right. All three did to an extent, in as much as all three went flat out to defeat Hitler's Germany. | But it's fair to say that most historians in all three countries will say that the Red Army was the toppling force. The Soviet Union was also the one that by far suffered the most casualties, both military and…

Rick Rozoff (2021-04-14). Russia Deploys Two Armies, Three Airborne Units to Counter Threat from 40,000 NATO Troops on Its Border. globalresearch.ca Major Russian officials today have warned of military threats posed by …

ecns.cn (2021-04-14). Russia says NATO purposely aggravates tensions in Ukraine. ecns.cn Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday accused the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of turning Ukraine "into a powder keg" by increasing military support.

IDN (2021-04-14). Did US Spies Read Russian Lips In UN Security Council Chamber? — OpEd. eurasiareview.com By Thalif Deen* | The United Nations, along with the 193 diplomatic missions located in New York, have long been veritable battlegrounds for spying, wire-tapping and electronic surveillance. | When the UN Correspondents Association (UNCA) held its annual award ceremony in December 2013, one of the video highlights was a hilarious skit on the clumsy attempts at spying going on inside the highest levels of the Secretariat—and right up to the 38th-floor offices of then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. | When I took the floor, as one of the winners of the UNCA gold medals, I gave the Secretary-General, standin…

ecns.cn (2021-04-14). Turkish Restaurant installs plastic domes to encourage social distancing. ecns.cn Plastic domes were installed to incorporate social distancing measures at a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey, April 12, 2021.

ecns.cn (2021-04-14). Vaccinations with China's CoronaVac vaccine start in Ukraine. ecns.cn Vaccinations with the CoronaVac vaccine produced by Chinese company Sinovac Biotech started in Ukraine on Tuesday, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said.

Dave DeCamp (2021-04-13). Western Media Eager to See Ukraine Use US-Supplied Weapons Against Russia. news.antiwar.com With tensions simmering in eastern Ukraine, US media outlets are happy to push the narrative that Russia is the aggressor and is preparing to invade its neighbor. These reports ignore the fact that the Donetsk and Lugansk republics in the eastern Donbas region declared independence from Ukraine back in 2014 in response to a US-backed coup. | Since 2014, the US has provided Ukraine with about $2 billion in military equipment and supported its fight against the Donetsk and Lugansk separatists. Supporting a war on Russia's border is an incredible provocation, but these facts are lost on the Western press, and som…

Patrick Cockburn (2021-04-13). The Return of Northern Ireland as the Most Dangerous Open Wound in British Political Life. counterpunch.org On the night of 15 August 1969, a Protestant mob burst into the Catholic part of west Belfast and burned down houses in and around Bombay Street, forcing the Catholic population to flee. The pogrom had a traumatic impact on Catholics in Northern Ireland, delegitimising the authorities for tolerating or assisting the mob, and playing a key role in the creation of the Provisional IRA.

Thomas Klikauer — Norman Simms (2021-04-13). Right-Wing Attacks on Germany's Press. counterpunch.org In recent months attacks on press freedom have been on the rise throughout Germany. There has also been a sharp increase in violence against journalists. Assaults on the media in general have intensified massively in recent years, months and even weeks. This is especially true since the rise of the right-wing AfD and its street

Rayhan Uddin (2021-04-13). Saudi Arabia: Salvator Mundi 'endangered' on MBS superyacht, says report. middleeasteye.net Saudi Arabia: Salvator Mundi 'endangered' on MBS superyacht, says report | World's most expensive painting at risk of damage on crown prince's boat, as France-Saudi fallout over Da Vinci work continues | Tue, 04/13/2021 – 13: 19 | A visitor takes a picture of the Salvator Mundi at Christie's New York auction house in November 2017 (AFP/File photo) | The world's most expensive painting has been endange…

Francesca Ebel (2021-04-13). Lebanon: Half of families could struggle to afford iftar meal. middleeasteye.net Lebanon: Half of families could struggle to afford iftar meal | A new study has revealed an astronomical increase in price of basic Ramadan meals in Lebanon | Tue, 04/13/2021 – 16: 10 | A man checks a traditional Ramadan lantern at the start of the Muslim holy fasting month, in Lebanon's southern city of Sidon (AFP) | As the holy month of Ramadan begins, many families in Lebanon could struggle t…

RT (2021-04-13). 'Looking the other way?' Expensive Rolex watch mysteriously 'disappears' on its way to customer, Swiss Post denies theft. rt.com A Rolex watch worth 8,000 francs ($8,676) has mysteriously disappeared in Switzerland on its way to a customer by mail. The "watch fan" who bought it accuses…

RT (2021-04-13). Russian troops on Ukraine border 'ready to defend country' in event of war says Defense Minister Shoigu, warning of NATO buildup. rt.com Two detachments of the Russian Army, along with three airborne units, are ready to act in the event tensions with the West escalate into full-blown fighting, Moscow announced on Tuesday following a surprise inspection of troops. | After paying a visit to the soldiers, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu told journalists that the personnel met the standards required for the situation. "The troops have shown full readiness and ability to fulfill the tasks of ensuring the country's military security," he said. "Currently, these associations and formations are engaged in drills and exercises." | Shoigu said that the re…

RT (2021-04-13). US should stay clear of Crimea & Black Sea 'for its own good,' says Moscow's deputy FM, as American warships move closer to Russia. rt.com Any US presence in the Black Sea is a provocation, and Washington should keep away from the area. That's according to a senior Russian diplomat, speaking after Turkey revealed that two US warships would soon arrive in the region. | Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told journalists that there is "absolutely nothing" that requires the Americans' presence near his country's Black Sea shore, accusing the White House of trying to provoke Moscow. | "Provocative in the literal sense of the word: they are testing our strength, playing on our nerves. They won't succeed," he said, noting that Washington wo…

RT (2021-04-13). Biden invites Putin to crunch summit amid deteriorating ties between Russia & US, as American warships chart course for Black Sea. rt.com Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, have discussed tensions in Ukraine, security issues, and the need for nuclear arms control, with the White House proposing a formal meeting in "a third country." | In a statement published on Tuesday, American officials confirmed that the two leaders had spoken about "a number of regional and global issues." As part of the talks, Biden was said to have "voiced concerns over the sudden Russia military build-up" on the Crimean Peninsula and along the border with Ukraine, calling upon Moscow "to de-escalate tensions." | The exchange comes amid wi…

Al Neal (2021-04-13). Brexit problems, paramilitary gangs contribute to violence in Northern Ireland. peoplesworld.org BELFAST, Northern Ireland—The smell of petrol, burning rubber, and the dull thuds of brick against police riot shield walls have marred the streets across five cities and towns in Northern Ireland for over a week. Union loyalists and Irish Republicans have clashed with police, and the rioting has often involved children as young as 12, …

Global Research News (2021-04-13). Selected Articles: "The Free World" Died of COVID-19. globalresearch.ca By On Sunday 11 Apri…

RT (2021-04-13). French health chiefs recommend 3rd dose of Moderna, Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines for people with weakened immune systems. rt.com People with weakened immune systems should receive three doses of the two main Covid-19 vaccines being used in France made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, the country's top health officials have recommended. | "The injection of a third dose of mRNA vaccine is necessary for severely immunocompromised people," the Directorate General of Health (DGS) said in a note sent out to health professionals on Sunday. | This includes people who have undergone organ transplants or recent bone marrow transplants, as well as dialysis patients and those with autoimmune diseases who are under strong immunosuppressive treatments…

RT (2021-04-13). WHO 'awaiting' J&J Covid vaccine reviews as US suspension prompts drug maker to delay Europe rollout amid blood clot fears. rt.com The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is awaiting regulatory reviews of the Janssen Covid-19 vaccine after US health authorities said the jab should be suspended due to rare blood clotting among some recipients. | "We're watching closely, waiting for EMA (European Medicines Agency) and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) reviews and monitoring the global database of adverse event reports to see if there have been cases anywhere else," the WHO said in a statement to Reuters. | On Tuesday, the FDA announced the suspension of the Johnson & Johnson's Janssen jab after it reported six cases of cerebra…

Anonymous103 (2021-04-13). Two Ukrainian, One LPR Soldiers Reportedly Killed in Donbass (Map Update). southfront.org Illustrative Image. Servicemen attend the funeral of a serviceman in Lviv | Since the beginning of this week, the situation in the Donbass region has significantly worsened. | According to the DPR National Militia, the Ukrainian forces committed 8 fire provocations, while the Ukrainian command claimed that DLPR forces violated ceasefire 17 times. | On April 13, the both sides of the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine reported deaths of their soldiers. | In it's daily update on the si…

Anonymous103 (2021-04-13). Two Ukrainian, One LNR Soldiers Reportedly Killed in Donbass (Map Update). southfront.org Illustrative Image. Servicemen attend the funeral of a serviceman in Lviv | Since the beginning of this week, the situation in the Donbass region has significantly worsened. | According to the DPR National Militia, the Ukrainian forces committed 8 fire provocations, while the Ukrainian command claimed that DLPR forces violated ceasefire 17 times. | On April 13, the both sides of the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine reported deaths of their soldiers. | In it's daily update on the si…

Anonymous007 (2021-04-13). Positions Of Forces Around And In Lugansk People's Republic In Eastern Ukraine (Map Update). southfront.org Click to see full-size image | MORE ON THE TOPIC: |

Anonymous103 (2021-04-13). Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu Responded To NATO Accusations. southfront.org Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu inspects the Hmeymim airbase in Syria, June 2016. Vadim Savitsky/TASS | Amid the on-going military escalation in Ukraine, there are more claims and demands from all sides involved in the conflict. While the Kiev's "Team" constantly accuses Russia in deploying its troops near the Ukrainian border, Moscow continues its large-scale exercises all over the country's territory. On April 13, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu spoke out in response to all the threats and accusati…

Anonymous007 (2021-04-13). Crimean MPs Call On The West To Explain Military Presence Along Russia's Borders. southfront.org Illustrative image. Click to see full-size image | On April 12th, Russian member of parliament from the Crimean region Mikhail Sheremet asked the collective West to explain its military presence at the borders of Russia. | He also said that the movements of Russian forces within Russia's borders are an entirely internal matter. | Earlier, the Foreign Ministers of the G7 countries and the High Representative of the EU said that the Russian military is active along the borders with Ukraine and in Crimea and called on…

Anonymous007 (2021-04-13). Military Situation In Syria On April 13, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org Click to see full-size image | On April 12th, the Russian Reconciliation Center recorded 23 breaches of the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib, of which in the Idlib province — 10 attacks, in the Latakia province — 9 attacks, in the province of Aleppo — 2 attacks, in the province of Hama — 2 attacks. | On April 12, a car bomb exploded near a camp belonging to Turkish-backed forces south of Afrin | On April 12, a car bomb exploded south of the town Raas al-Ain. No casualties were…

Anonymous103 (2021-04-13). Biden To Meet "Killer" Putin On Neutral Ground. southfront.org Illustrative image | During a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, US President Joe Biden invited his Russian counterpart to meet in the coming months in a "third country" to discuss the full range of issues in relations between the two states."They discussed a number of regional and global issues, including the intent of the United States and Russia to pursue a strategic stability dialogue on a range of arms control and emerging security issues, building on the extension of the New START Treaty. Pr…

Anonymous765 (2021-04-13). Take Your Chance To Shape History! Join Our Ranks! southfront.org | | | Anonymous007 (2021-04-13). If Armenians Want Revenge, Azerbaijan Will Destroy Them: President Ilham Aliyev. southfront.org Click to see full-size image | On April 13th, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave a speech at the "New vision for South Caucasus: Post-conflict development and cooperation" international conference held at ADA University. | The speech could be viewed and listened to on Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh, but "does not see" readiness for similar steps in the st…

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