(2021-11-08). EU poised to pull China's GSP trade privileges. asiatimes.com 
Chinese exporters will no longer enjoy preferential tariff treatment in most European countries when they remove its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) privileges on December 1. The removal is expected to accelerate the trend of labor-intensive manufacturers including apparel makers moving out of China and to cheaper destination countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, economists and …
(2021-11-08). Diplomatic clash between Australia and France highlights implications of militarist AUKUS pact. wsws.org Canberra's cancellation of a French submarine contract is only the sharpest aspect of the tensions ignited by the announcement in September of a new US-British-Australian alliance aimed at preparing for war against China.
(2021-11-08). The French Dispatch: Filmmaker's Wes Anderson's latest confection. wsws.org Scripted by Anderson, from a story by the director, Roman Coppola, Hugo Guinness and Jason Schwartzman, the movie pays tribute to an imaginary publication put out by American expatriates in France.
(2021-11-08). Diamonds, gold & drugs: UN peacekeepers investigated for contraband from missions. rt.com 
Portugal's Judiciary Police have arrested ten suspects, including military personnel, suspected of secretly airlifting and then selling diamonds, gold and drugs while on UN peacekeeping missions. | On Monday, Portuguese authorities conducted massive searches at a hundred locations, which reportedly included a military compound and banks, all across the country as part of a probe into a gemstone and drug-smuggling ring within the country's military. | Among the suspects are personnel from the Republican National Guard and the Public Security Police who are suspected of having used military airplanes to airlift…
(2021-11-08). Snap elections called in Portugal after government falls amid mass strikes. wsws.org The calling of elections is a desperate ploy, aimed at helping the union bureaucracy and pseudo-left parties as they try to control a mounting eruption of strikes.
(2021-11-08). Fresh outbreaks of highly contagious bird flu confirmed in Europe. rt.com 
Several outbreaks of the highly contagious H5N1 avian flu have cropped up across Poland's poultry farms, affecting over half a million birds, animal health officials have said. An outbreak was also confirmed in England on Monday. | The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) revealed the Polish outbreaks on Monday, saying that five were documented in the eastern part of the country alone. Four of the instances were at turkey-fattening facilities, and one at a chicken broiler farm. Meanwhile in western Poland, another outbreak was discovered at a turkey and geese farm. | Nearly 650,000 fowl at the country's…
(2021-11-08). Turkey's Soylu hands Greece four demands as he sets up new dialogue channel. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey's Soylu hands Greece four demands as he sets up new dialogue channel | Greek and Turkish sources say interior minister told Greece's Mitarachi that pushbacks in the Aegean must end | Mon, 11/08/2021 – 09: 23 | Police officers patrol the delta of Evros river, near Alexandroupoli, along the Greek-Turkish border. Soylu has sought an end to Greece's pushbacks of refugees and migrants (AFP) | In an att…
(2021-11-08). Turkey releases Syrian journalist who posted 'provocative' banana video. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey releases Syrian journalist who posted 'provocative' banana video | Majed Shamaa was detained and threatened with deportation after posting a video protesting against discrimination | Mon, 11/08/2021 – 15: 02 | In a video posted by Syrian journalist Majed Shamaa, Syrian refugees are seen eating bananas to protest against discrimination in Turkey (Screencapture/TikTok) | Turkey has re…
(2021-11-08). Unable to breach Belarus-Poland border, migrants set up camp (VIDEO). rt.com 
Hundreds of migrants attempting to seek asylum in the EU have set up tents and campfires in the no-man's-land along the border between Belarus and Poland, with Warsaw deploying guards to stop them from crossing. | Aerial footage from the frontier showed smoke rising from dozens of campfires and tents popping up in the forest, as lines of Polish police and what looked like the military gathered on the other side. | Polish Defense Minister Mariusz B≈Çaszczak said more than 12,000 soldiers had been deployed to the border. | After Brussels imposed sanctions on Belarus in June, citing "human rights" vi…
(2021-11-08). Belarusian Red Cross is ready to help migrants on Belarusian-Polish border. tass.com The organization added that the representatives of the Belarusian Red Cross were in constant contact with state bodies, public organizations, as well as international partners…
(2021-11-08). Poland increases troop numbers on Belarus border to 12,000 — Defense Ministry. tass.com It was previously reported that the Territorial Defense Force troops were put on full alert in order to bolster the Polish Border Guard…
(2021-11-08). Most refugees at Belarus-Poland border want to go to Germany — agency. tass.com Since the beginning of 2021, more than 30,000 migrants have sought to cross the Polish-Belarusian border…
(2021-11-08). Russia claims West using energy to influence geopolitics, but wrongly blaming Moscow. rt.com 
Contrary to Western claims, Russia isn't looking to pressure foreign nations into doing its bidding as part of new energy deals struck to meet a growing shortfall in supplies across Central and Western Europe, Moscow has insisted. | In a fiery interview on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that her country wasn't looking to trade gas in exchange for political influence. "Look at what our Western partners are doing," she said. "They are reshaping the global energy landscape by force to satisfy their interests if they're unable to stand up to competition." | "But," she went on, "look a…
(2021-11-08). Western Media Demonization of Africa. dissidentvoice.org 
It is important that progressive people of all colors and cultures, including people of European ancestry, learn about the violent, pernicious history of European colonization of Africa and its peoples. Milton Allimadi's recently-published book, Manufacturing Hate: How Africa Was Demonized in Western Media, is an excellent, well-written, concise and accessible source to learn about some …
(2021-11-08). Europe is offered backup plan to curb gas shortage. rt.com 
Europe could have a way out of a natural gas shortage if the winter is colder than usual. | The very tight European gas market may find relief from the supply crunch if it taps part of the so-called cushion gas, which keeps supply pressure at storage facilities, energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac) Tapping this cushion gas, however, may not be easy because of technical issues and regulations. Under normal circumstances, cushion gas canno…
(2021-11-08). US and EU economies hang on Chinese imports. asiatimes.com 
China's exports to the United States and the European Union now amount to nearly 30% of manufacturing GDP, after an unprecedented surge in shipments this year. US imports from China are 30% higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, and Europe's imports are 50% higher. These margins of increase have an important macroeconomic impact. The chart …
(2021-11-08). European leaders display eco-cynicism at COP26. asiatimes.com 
It looks as though polarization has become the new normal. From simple encounters in a shopping mall to (international) politics, we no longer have the time or patience for other human beings, as we are so self-centered that the "me syndrome" appears to be the only pattern that our egos are willing to follow. Gains …
(2021-11-08). Massive COVID-19 outbreaks in Germany's elderly care homes. wsws.org Once again, it is residents, who are often in poor health or have pre-existing conditions, and the nursing staff who are suffering the most due to the criminal policy of the government.
(2021-11-08). Volkswagen factory meeting in Wolfsburg heralds fierce disputes with workforce. wsws.org Germany' s largest auto manufacturer is planning to cut 30,000 jobs in the move to electrification.
(2021-11-08). Nord Stream 2 ready for launch, Gazprom top manager tells investors. rt.com 
The natural gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany "is complete and ready for launch," a senior manager of Russian gas giant Gazprom told investors. | The status report was given by Alexey Finikov, one of Gazprom's officials authorized to speak on its behalf with third parties, in a closed phone conference with investors, TASS reported on Monday. | The construction of the underwater pipeline, which is set to expand Russia's capacity to deliver the fuel directly to Germany, was completed in September. In mid-October, Gazprom said the pipeline was filled with gas. | The company said deliveries may start as s…
(2021-11-08). German Left Party politician Sahra Wagenknecht denounces COVID-19 protection measures. wsws.org Wagenknecht has emerged as the most prominent mouthpiece for vaccination opponents in Germany.
(2021-11-08). Pegasus spyware linked to Israel branding Palestinian rights NGOs as terrorists — report. rt.com 
Phones of six members of Palestinian human rights organizations were hacked with the notorious spyware Pegasus, a new report said. The Israeli government designated the organizations as terrorists. | The designation was likely meant to give a post-factum justification for the use of the spyware, which the producer says is restricted to law enforcement operations against terrorism and crime, the Ireland-based NGO that identified the intrusions said. | The
(2021-11-08). Italian old lady to travel to China on foot as Marco Polo did. ecns.cn Vienna Cammarota, a 72-year-old Italian, announces her plan on social media that she will follow Marco Polo's traces by walking from Italy to Beijing from late April of 2022. She will arrive in Beijing in December of 2023, and if she makes it, she will be the first female ever to walk from Italy to Beijing.
(2021-11-08). Mafia 'mega-trial' convicts 70 members of Italy's most powerful clan. rt.com 
An Italian judge has convicted 70 people connected to the country's most powerful mafia clan — the 'Ndrangheta, with some receiving maximum-length sentences. | The marathon Mafia trial was held over the weekend and saw 91 defendants tried in a specially converted court room in the Calabrian city of Lamezia Terme. | A total of 70 mobsters were convicted in the trial, one of the country's largest ever. The charges against those on trial included drugs trafficking, murder, extortion, theft and abuse of office. | Anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri — who has lived under police protection for more than…
(2021-11-08). Russia to keep supporting Venezuela in settling internal political differences — Lavrov. tass.com Russian foreign minister said Moscow took note of the "active and open position of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro and his government" as part of the consultations that started in Mexico City with assistance from Norway and some other countries including Russia…
(2021-11-08). Russian volleyball team denies Covid claimed life of budding 21-year-old women's star. rt.com 
Russian sport has been mourning the loss of 21-year-old volleyball player Aliya Khambikova, whose death was confirmed by her team on Monday. Officials rejected suggestions that coronavirus may have been the cause. | Khambikova was a middle blocker for Russian second-division team Ufimochka-UGNTU from the city of Ufa, which lies around 1,165km east of Moscow. | Her team confirmed the tragic news on Monday that she had died, sharing an image on social media of Khambikova and writing: "It great tragedy has occurred. | "Aliya Khambikova has passed away. We express our condolences to family and friends. | "She was…
(2021-11-08). Russia satisfied with security level of its embassy in Kabul — ambassador. tass.com Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov said he met with a Taliban representative on August 16 and received "all necessary assurances"
(2021-11-08). COVID cases among children in Russia up dramatically amid Delta strain spread — expert. tass.com According to the expert, children are now one of the main ways the infection spreads…
(2021-11-08). Russian diplomat points to Warsaw's role in invasion of Iraq amid crisis with its migrants. tass.com "It is time that the Polish politicians, cursing Lukashenko and accusing Minsk of problems with Iraqi migrants, recalled how Iraq was destroyed with the most active participation of Warsaw," Maria Zakharova stressed…
(2021-11-08). Wolves 'invade' remote Russian village. rt.com 
Worried families in a remote part of Russia have written to teachers requesting their children be allowed to dial into classes from the safety of their homes, after warnings wild wolf attacks had turned the area into a bloodbath. | Footage from a CCTV camera in the village of Zelenoborsk, in the Khanty-Mansi region of Central Russia, shared by a local residents group on Monday, shows several of the large canines stalking its snow-covered roads. | According to Moscow's Lenta news site, the "wolf invasion" has sparked fears for schoolchildren, with parents asking teachers to let their kids move to distance learn…
(2021-11-08). Russian model apologizes after lesbian kiss in front of Moscow's sacred Eternal Flame. rt.com 
A Russian model has publicly apologized for filming a kiss in front of Moscow's Eternal Flame, a sacred war memorial to the Soviet Union's casualties in World War II, located near the Kremlin in the center of the capital. | Writing on Instagram, model Alyona Efremova claimed that the video was old and was not made with the intent of insulting anyone. She is currently under investigation for breaking the law around "desecrating symbols of Russian military glory," which carries a potential punishment of five years behind bars. | "Please accept my sincere apologies for the video filmed three years ago. It was not…
(2021-11-08). Kremlin reveals Putin spoke to head of CIA. rt.com 
As well as meeting the secretary of the Russian Security Council and the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, the director of America's CIA has also had a phone call with President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin has revealed. | Speaking to the press on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that CIA boss William Burns talked directly with Putin. This is unusual for the Russian leader, who typically delegates discussions with other foreign officials, generally preferring only to speak directly to heads of state. | "They discussed bilateral relations and the current crisis in bilateral diplomatic rel…
(2021-11-07). Women's Struggle In Nicaragua: From Liberation Fighters To Building An Alternative Society. popularresistance.org According to the Global Gender Gap Index, the Central American country of Nicaragua currently places twelfth in the world for gender parity, above the likes of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since the 1979 Sandinista revolution, the living conditions for women have drastically improved, successes which even the period of neoliberal rule from 1990 to 2006 couldn't completely overturn. Throughout the second Sandinista period—from 2007 until today—the material and social position of women has continued to strengthen. Recently, new laws protecting the political and economic rights of w…
(2021-11-07). Russia, Turkey try to transpose their Mideast rivalry to Caucasus. asiatimes.com 
When Turkey first proposed its "3+3" format — the three South Caucasus states of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan plus Russia, Turkey and Iran — last December, few thought anything of it. After all, since the Soviet collapse 30 years ago, the region had been largely Russia's back yard, with little space for other actors to …
(2021-11-07). Turkey to extend troop deployment in the Caucasus under Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance Agreement with Baku. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com The Turkish government is threatening the Republican People's Party and Peoples' Democratic Party for opposing the extension og the Turkish military deployment to Azerbaijan and part of cpnquered Nagorno-Karabakh. 'Azerbaijan troop mandate must be beyond political polemics' The Azerbaijan troop mandate that is expected to be submitted to Parliament must be held out of political …
(2021-11-07). Baku: Turkish DM leads "large military delegation" to celebrate war against Nagorno-Karabakh. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Turkish National Defense Minister has arrived in Baku On November 7, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, and the leadership of the Ministry welcomed a large military delegation led by the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey, Hulusi Akar, who arrived in Baku. The Turkish delegation …
(2021-11-07). Rocket Attack Hit Large Turkish Military Base In Northern Iraq. southfront.org 
Source: Republic of Turkey Directorate of Communications. | Late on November 7, a rocket attack targeted a Turkish military base near the town of Zaylkan in Bashiqa district in the northern Iraqi province of Nineveh. | At least seven Grad 122 mm rockets targeted the base which is located 20 kilometers to the northeast of Mosul city and more than 60 km to the northwest of Erbil city, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. | The rockets were fired from an improvised launcher that was uncovered by Iraqi security forces a few m…
(2021-11-07). Turkish press condemns "Russian attacks on Syria's Idlib" antibellum679354512.wordpress.com From today's Daily Sabah. The Kremlin's strategic partner and "special and good" friend Turkey is poised to launch a major military offensive in the area even as it arms the regime in Kiev with combat drones to replicate last year's slaughter in Nagorno-Karabakh in the Donbass and incite a Kosovo-style "humanitarian" war in Crimea. Russian …
(2021-11-07). Six systems: Turkey tests long-range missile to replace Russian S-400s. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Turkey test-fires air defense missile Siper Turkey successfully test-fired long-range indigenous air defense missile Siper, a top defense official said on Nov. 6. Different tests of the air defense system, which is planned to enter the army's inventory in 2023, will continue, ƒ∞smail Demir, the head of Turkey's Defense Industries Presidency, tweeted. He said Turkey …
(2021-11-07). Turkey, South Korea to jointly produce combat drones, missiles, armored vehicles, helicopters. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Turkey, S Korea to boost cooperation in defense industry: Envoy Turkey and South Korea will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, Turkey's ambassador in Seoul said. Referring to the agreements signed during Foreign Minister Mevlàºt àáavu≈üoƒülu's visit to South Korea last month…. The minister…proposed that the two countries can work together on several projects …
(2021-11-07). Minister Plasencia Responds to Borrell's Latest Comments. orinocotribune.com Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Felix Plasencia categorically repudiated the latest interventionist comments issued by the high representative of the European Union (EU), Josep Borrell, regarding the internal affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. | Through his social media accounts, the Venezuelan foreign affairs minister confirmed that Venezuela has its doors open for the EU to observe the electoral process, just as the country has opened its doors to many other movements, governments and international organizations. | "On his tour of neighboring countries, he insists on dedicating his rhetoric ag…
(2021-11-07). When Conservation Means Fencing Out Black Farmers. popularresistance.org The Sweet Fern Savanna Land and Water Reserve, in the heart of Pembroke Township, Illinois, offers a glimpse into what much of the area looked like before European settlers drained swamps and cleared forests to grow corn and soybeans. | At least 18 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, including the ornate box turtle and regal fritillary butterfly, have been sighted here. Mature oaks tower over verdant fields of clustered sedge and Carolina whipgrass. Warbling songbirds and buzzing cicadas add a mellow soundtrack to the tranquil scene. | Sixty miles south of Chicago, this wildlife reserve is among ne…
(2021-11-07). El gas y las ataduras europeas a Washington. globalizacion.ca Tras finalizar la II Guerra Mundial, las naciones europeas occidentales y posteriormente la denominada Unión Europea quedó atada a las directrices y decisiones que le ha impuesto a lo largo de estos años Estados Unidos. | Se ha convertido en una…
(2021-11-07). Old friends reunited: Germany, Japan expand military ties, NATO Quad off China's shore. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Japan, Germany expand military ties as German warship sails through region ==== Axis redux: Italy to train Japanese and German fighter pilots at NATO base ==== Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Friday the country will step up military cooperation with Germany in the Indo-Pacific region as he welcomed a port call by the first …
(2021-11-07). Lenin talks about the October revolution. fightbacknews.org To mark the anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, Fight Back! is circulating the following article by the outstanding Russian revolutionary V. I. Lenin. At the time of the 1917 revolution, the Julian calendar was in use. When the modern calendar was adopted, the revolution of October 25 was celebrated on November 7. | Fourth Anniversary of the October Revolution | The fourth anniversary of October 25 (November 7) is approaching. | The farther that great day recedes from us, the more clearly we see the significance of the proletarian revolution in Russia, and the more deeply we reflect upon the p…
(2021-11-07). Pentagon "consult(s) with allies and partners" on alleged Russian troops movements. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com USA watches Russian troop movements on border with Ukraine — Pentagon representative USA watches Russian troop movements on border with Ukraine — Pentagon representativeWashington continues to monitor Russian troop movements near the country's border with Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby briefed reporters on Friday. "We continue to watch and monitor unusual Russian military activity …
(2021-11-07). Inter-confessional Relations in India and Bangladesh Aggravate amid Taliban's Victory in Afghanistan. journal-neo.org 
It is no exaggeration to say that the rise of the Taliban (banned in Russia) to power in Afghanistan is one of those events whose significance goes far beyond the borders of this particular country. In particular, it played, perhaps against the wishes of the Taliban themselves, the role of leaven thrown into the dough …
(2021-11-07). An Open Letter to Strobe Talbott About RussiaGate. scheerpost.com 
By Tom Couser / I met Strobe Talbott in 1968 when he and I were graduate students at Magdalen College, Oxford. I liked him and respected him, and after we lost touch as friends, I followed his career at Time, the State Department, and the Brookings Institution with admiration. In recent years, however, I've become disillusioned with the foreign policy he advocated with regard to Russia and was disturbed to learn of his involvement in the genesis of the Russiagate narrative. | August 3, 2020 | Dear Strobe, | It has been a…