(2021-08-04). One year since the Beirut blast: Lebanon's social, economic, and political crisis deepens. wsws.org In recent years, US imperialism, along with Saudi Arabia and France, has piled on pressure as part of its broader campaign to isolate Iran and Syria, widening its sanctions on Hezbollah and Syria, with whose economy Lebanon is closely connected.
(2021-08-04). Syrian Army Shot Down US MQ-4C Triton High-Altitude Drone Over Aleppo — Report. southfront.org 
Illustrative image. | The Syrian military had shot down an American MQ-4C Triton high-altitude long endurance surveillance drone over the countryside of the northern governorate of Aleppo, the U-News reported on August 4. | An informed source told the news agency, which is known to be close to Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Syrian state, that the drone was shot down with a missile fired by a Russian-made Buk-M2E air-defense system of the Syrian Arab Air Defense Forces (SyAADF). | "The American plane took off from Martyr Muwaffa…
(2021-08-04). Cuba's U.S.-Backed Pop-Culture Dissidents. strategic-culture.org 
Over the past decade, Washington has spent millions to cultivate anti-government rappers, rock musicians, artists, and journalists in Cuba, Max Blumenthal reports. | By Max BLUMENTHAL | "My people need Europe, my people need Europe to point out the abuser," Yotuel, a Spain-based Cuban rapper, proclaimed in an EU parliament event convened by right-wing legislators before handing the mic over to Venezuelan coup leader Juan Guaidó. Days later, Yotuel held a Zoom call with State Department officials to discuss "Patria y Vida," the anti-communist rap anthem he helped author. | As the dust clears from a day of protest…
(2021-08-04). Daraa's Former Rebels Blow Up Abandoned Syrian Army Posts As Talks Go On (Videos). southfront.org 
Illustrative image. | Tensions continue in Daraa, despite ongoing talks between Syrian authorities and local leaders to resolve the governorate's crisis. | On August 3, pro-opposition sources in Daraa al-Balad, the southern part of Daraa city, said that local leaders had accepted some of the authorities' demands. | The local leaders informed the authorities that they will allow the deployment of units from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the military intelligence in the area, but only with local fighters from the Russian-backed…
(2021-08-04). Military Situation In Syria On August 4, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On August 3, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 37 times: 19 — in Idlib province, 11 — in Latakia province, 4 — in Hama province, 3 — in Aleppo province | On August 3, SAA artillery shelled positions of former rebels in Daraa al-Balad | On August 3, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions near Ain Issa | On August 4, one person killed and at least three were wounded in an explosion o…
(2021-08-04). 2021 California Admission Day, Equity and Inclusion Conversation. indybay.org The origin of the State of California and transition to US Statehood through the eyes of Indigenous, Pan African, Latino, European, Asian and Pacific Islanders poised this 2021 Admission Day…
(2021-08-04). China fights to contain outbreak of COVID-19 delta variant. wsws.org The contrast between the response of Chinese authorities and the "herd immunity" policies of the imperialist governments of North America and Europe is staggering.
(2021-08-04). Study shows masks offer protection as COVID-19 infections tick up. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended this week that people vaccinated against COVID-19 resume wearing masks in public indoor spaces in areas of the United States where the virus is spreading. "Appropriate masking in addition to vaccination remain the best methods to help protect individuals from the Coronavirus," says Gregory Poland, M.D., an infectious disease expert at Mayo Clinic. In fact, published data from Mayo Clinic researchers have found that…
(2021-08-04). Living in a Political Laboratory: an Interview with Rita Anwari Soltani on the Future of Afghan Women. counterpunch.org For most Afghans, the last 20 years has felt like an eternity. Add the 'Taliban 1.0' years and the civil conflict before that, and the Russian occupation, and it seems somehow more than twice as long. The violent uncertainties of warlordism and invasion have for a long time prevented significant reform of the country's sexual
(2021-08-04). Roscosmos Calls NASA's Excuses Not To Launch Starliner "Ugly" southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | NASA and Boeing postponed the launch of the Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station, and justified the delay with the emergency situation with the Russian module "Nauka". | Roscosmos referred to these excuses as "ugly.""Yesterday [August 3rd] it was postponed to August 4, today it was postponed indefinitely. The company reports that this is a problem with the ship's engines or software for their operation," Vladimir Ustimenko, head of the press service of the state corporati…
(2021-08-04). Selected Articles: Secret Meeting on the Privatization of Nuclear War Held on Hiroshima Day 2003. globalresearch.ca 
By The fact that Switzerland hosts not only annually the WEF Davos Forum, a club of corporate and banking billionaires that has gradually taken …
(2021-08-04). The Politics of France's Yellow Vests. zcomm.org In 2018, the new social movement of the Yellow Vests or Gilets Jaunes emerged in France as a populist grassroots protests…
(2021-08-03). North Macedonian Left party slams govt. for endorsing US aggression against Cuba. peoplesdispatch.org Foreign ministers of 20 nations including North Macedonia have endorsed a document by the US secretary of state towards supporting the ongoing US efforts to destabilize the communist regime in Cuba…
(2021-08-03). Is Russia Recalibrating Its De Facto Alliance with Israel in Syria? globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-03). Military Situation In Syria On August 3, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | — On August 3, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 37 times: 19 — in Idlib province, 11 — in Latakia province, 4 — in Hama province, 3 — in Aleppo province | — On August 2, the rebels central committee in Daraa rejected the demands of the SAA to hand over weapons and enter military checkpoints to Daraa al-Balad | — On August 3, clashes between former rebels and the SAA were reported in…
(2021-08-03). With Friends Like These: Belarusian Activist Found Hanged In Kiev Park. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | A Belarusian activist was reportedly found dead in a park in Kiev, Ukraine. | Vitaly Shishov led Kiev-based non-profit organization Belarusian House (BDU) that helps Belarusians fleeing persecution. | He was reported missing on August 2nd prior to his body being discovered."Belarusian citizen Vitaly Shishov, who disappeared yesterday in Kiev, was found hanged today in one of Kiev's parks, not far from his place of residence," police said. | Police have launched a criminal case for suspecte…
(2021-08-03). Refugees Continue to Face "Extreme Danger" in Mediterranean Sea as Aid Groups Scramble to Respond. democracynow.org 
The number of refugees trying to reach European soil continues to grow due to worsening poverty, violence and the climate crisis, and over 1,100 refugees have perished crossing the Mediterranean so far this year, according to the United Nations. We speak with Laurence Bondard of SOS Méditerranée, a humanitarian group that rescues migrants at sea, who says there is a severe shortage of search-and-rescue resources in the area to address the crisis. "The people that are actually fleeing via the sea that are on tremendously unseaworthy dinghies — most of the time without life jackets, without enough food or wat…
(2021-08-03). Immigrant Detention in Louisiana Is Just Next Chapter of State's Prison Culture. latinorebels.com Louisiana has a long history of being the world's prison capital. This one U.S. southern state once surpassed entire countries with the number of prisons they host. Yes, Louisiana has more prisons than countries like Iran, China, and Germany, to just name a few. For example, one of Louisiana's notorious prisons —Angola State Prison— was …
(2021-08-03). A Fresh Reminder of Russiagate's Failed Integrity. globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-03). Rio Tinto in Serbia: The Jadar Lithium Project. southfront.org 
Illustrative Image | Written by Dr. Binoy Kampmark. | The company has been looking forward to this for some time. For an outfit found wanting in dealing with inhabitants of a land whose culture it eviscerated in a matter of hours in May last year, Rio Tinto could think grandly about another future. The Anglo-Australian mining giant could add its name to a sounder, more environmentally sensitive programme, join the responsible future gazers and stroke the ecological conscien…
(2021-08-03). 20,595 Dead 1.9 Million Injured (50% Serious) Reported in European Union's Database of Adverse Drug Reactions for COVID-19 Shots. globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-03). Pfizer and Moderna Hike EU Vaccine Prices as Rich Countries Oppose Patent Waiver. truthout.org 
With some of the world's wealthiest countries continuing to oppose temporary patent waivers for Covid-19 vaccines in order to more rapidly deploy life-saving shots worldwide, pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Moderna have raised the price for European Union orders. | In its new supply contract with the E.U., Pfizer named a price of more than $23 per dose, up nearly 25% from about $18 on earlier purchases. Moderna said in its latest agreement that its mRNA vaccine will cost one-tenth more t…
(2021-08-03). Switzerland: 730 Years of an Independent Sovereign Nation — Really? globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-03). Russian Ambassador Claims U.S. Expelling 24 Diplomats, State Department Denies. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On August 2nd, the Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, condemned what he called "expulsions" of Moscow's diplomats, saying the United States had become "persistent and creative in this business" by uniquely limiting Russians to three-year visas."We received a list of 24 diplomats who are expected to leave the country before September 3, 2021. Almost all of them will leave without replacements because Washington has abruptly tightened visa-issuing procedures," he told US mon…
(2021-08-03). The 'Stigma' Of Being Russian At The OIympics Is Reminiscent Of 20th Century Anti-Semitism. southfront.org 
We are entering dangerous territory when journalists, sportsmen and politicians are united in their abhorrence of Russia… | Written by Johanna Ross, journalist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. | They say that sport and politics shouldn't mix. Perhaps this is the ideal, for in practice the two seem inherently linked. A perfect example of this is Russia's participation in the Olympics games this year, which has been deliberately tarnished from…
(2021-08-03). Russia Developing New X-95 Air-Launched Long-Range Hypersonic Missile. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | Russia is working hard and developing the latest air-launched X-95 long-range hypersonic missile, Colonel-General Vladimir Zarudnitsky, head of the military academy of the General Staff, said in an article for the Military Thought magazine. | Zarudnitsky said that he considered dominance in the aerospace sphere to be the most important condition for the successful conduct of hostilities, and it can be ensured through the effect…
(2021-08-03). Military Situation In Donetsk People's Republic On August 3, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | 1. UAF in Pivdenne shelled the Gagarin mine in Gorlovka with grenade launchers | 2. UAF in Opytne shelled Veseloe with 82-mm artillery | 3. UAF in Gnutove struck Kominternovo with grenade launchers and a UAV | 4. DPR forces in Veseloe targeted UAF positions in Opytne with 82-mm artillery | 5. DPR in Gorlovka shelled UAF positions in Pivdenne with grenade launchers | 6. DPR in Gorlovka shelled UAF positions in Svetlodarsk with ATGM | A suspected UAF drone strike…
(2021-08-03). European Union Sanctions Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo. orinocotribune.com On Monday, August 2, the Council of the European Union (EU) announced the imposition of sanctions on the Vice President and First Lady of Nicaragua, Rosario Murillo, and seven other individuals for alleged involvement in human rights violations. | "The Council has imposed restrictive measures on eight individuals, including Vice President Rosario Murillo, for being responsible for serious human rights violations or actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Nicaragua," read the official statement of the EU Council. | According to the European Union, the restrictive measures are designed so as not to har…
(2021-08-03). We Are Many: the Oppressors are not. dissidentvoice.org I remember chatting with a man from Iraq in 2016. He was driving a taxi in Germany. I wrote about him in one of my essays: 1 "Last month, I was chatting with an Iraqi taxi driver in Berlin. My 12 year old son and I took a cab from the Museum for Contemporary Art to our …
(2021-08-03). The Russia -U.S. Strategic Dialogue and the Putin-Biden Relationship: Diplomacy, Strategic Stability and Cybersecurity. globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-03). Climate Emergency hits Mideast as Massive Wildfires In Turkey destroy livelihoods. juancole.com By Doga Celik and Arzu Geybullayeva | — ( GlobalVoices.org) — Since July 28, a total of 125 forest fires have raged through 21 provinces of Turkey with 8 still raging as of August 2. The first fire was reported on July 28. So far, the death toll has reached 8 people, including two firefighters. …
(2021-08-03). NATO deploys Polish F-16s to Iceland, Turkish F-16s to Poland. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com From the Polish Press Agency (PAP) via Radio Poland. Global expeditionary NATO: anything but territorial defense. ==== Turkish F-16s deployed to Poland for NATO operations near Russian border NATO provides Turkey training for shooting down more Russian aircraft ==== Poland joins NATO's air-policing mission in Iceland Pawe≈Ç Soloch, head of the presidential National Security Bureau …
(2021-08-03). U.S., NATO ready to contest Arctic with Russia. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Arctic will become 'contested' without US presence and partnerships, 2nd Fleet CO warns "But if we aren't present there, and if we aren't continuing to build those partnerships, it will be a contested space," said [2nd Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Andrew] Lewis, who also heads NATO's Joint Force Command Norfolk. Failure to maintain presence in …
(2021-08-03). U.S., allies should define Ukraine's role in the world with NATO, EU membership: FM. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Kuleba urges to define clear roadmap for Ukraine's accession to NATO, EU "What should the United States and its allies change in their policies to bring them into line with the new realities? In the case of Ukraine, we are talking, first of all, about the institutionalization of the place of our state in the …
(2021-08-03). Omar Unveils Guaranteed Income Bill to Send American Adults $1,200 a Month. zcomm.org Countries like Finland and South Korea have had similar results from guaranteed income programs, which freed up participants to pursue goals like starting a business or attending school…
(2021-08-03). Student representatives at Humboldt University in Germany support disciplinary complaint against president, demand action against Professor Baberowski. wsws.org Students do not accept that right-wing extremist professors, with the active support of the university administration, can once again falsify history and promote fascistic politics at German universities.
(2021-08-03). Germany confirms Meteor missile ready for Eurofighters. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com German air force declares Meteor missile ready for Eurofighter fleet The German air force recently completed flight tests for its newest air-to-air missile, the Meteor, and have deemed the weapon ready for use aboard the nation's Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. **** It was developed under a joint program with NATO member nations Germany, France, Spain, Italy …
(2021-08-03). On Roma Holocaust Memorial Day deportations of Roma from Germany continue. wsws.org The same politicians who claim to oppose anti-Roma prejudice have deported nearly 2,800 people to the Western Balkan states in the last year.
(2021-08-03). Greece warns United Nations it could be next victim of Turkish military aggression. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com The link provides the full text of the letter. Response from Athens to Turkish expansionismLetter sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres refutes Ankara's claims regarding the Aegean islands and its calls for their demilitarization The letter also raises Ankara's declaration of threat of war (casus belli) in 1995 in case Greece "extends its territorial sea …
(2021-08-03). NATO condemns Iran for incident off Oman coast. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Statement by the acting NATO Spokesperson on the Mercer Street vessel attack We join Allies in strongly condemning the recent fatal attack on the MV Mercer Street off the coast of Oman, and express our condolences to Romania and the United Kingdom for the losses they have suffered. **** The United Kingdom, the United States, …
(2021-08-03). Ukraine: U.S., NATO to hold 15-nation military exercise next month. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Rapid Trident — 2021 to start in Ukraine in September15 NATO countries will participate in them According to Head of the planning group of the Rapid Trident — 2021, Colonel Vitaliy Nehodenko, the first drills of the multinational battalion will take place with battle shooting. Besides, joined jumps of Ukrainian and American paratroopers from the …