(2023-12-21). Headlines for December 21, 2023. democracynow.org Death Toll Tops 20,000 as Northern Gaza's Last Functioning Hospital Fails Under Israeli Onslaught, U.N. Says Israeli Troops Summarily Executed Palestinians in Gaza City, 3-Day-Old Infant Pulled from Rubble of Rafah Home Flattened in Israeli Strike, France Renews Call for Ceasefire, U.S. Continues to Reject It, as UNSC Vote Delayed for 3rd Time, "It Will Lead to Greater Human Suffering": France, EU Impose Harsh New Restrictions on Migrants, Texas Gov. Flies 120 Migrants to Chicago Amid Ongoing Weaponization of Immigration by GOP, NBC News: Xi Jinping Told Biden China Will Force Reunification of T…
(2023-12-21). Immigration bill passes, but crisis looms for Macron. ecns.cn Lawmakers in France's National Assembly have voted to tighten the country's immigration rules, but their support of legislation championed by President Emmanuel Macron has stirred up a political crisis for him.
(2023-12-21). Presidente francés niega que ley de migración sea de ultraderecha. telesurtv.net Para Macron, la ley es "una derrota" para la ultraderecha francesa.
(2023-12-20). France shaping as popular study destination, report says. ecns.cn More Chinese students intend to study business, science and engineering in France, with major events scheduled for 2024 such as the Paris Summer Olympics, according to a report released on Saturday by an overseas education consultancy.
(2023-12-20). The U.S. Navy is Unprepared for a Prolonged war With Yemen. sonar21.com 
Aegis Missile Defense System | It looks like the United States, along with 9 allies — Great Britain, Italy, Bahrain, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain — are on the verge of entangling itself in a new Middle East quagmire as an international armada assembles in the international waters around Yemen. The mission? Stop Yemen from threatening cargo and oil tankers headed to Israel. | Tiny Yemen has surprised the West with its tenacity and ferocity in attacking ships trying to ferry containers and fuel to Israel. Yes, this is a violation of international law and the West is f…
(2023-12-20). Parlamento francés adopta severa ley migratoria. telesurtv.net El texto incluye una distinción entre extranjeros que no sean ciudadanos de la Unión Europea en función de si están o no "en situación de empleo".
(2023-12-20). Europe's military drift and the attack on social services. workers.org 
By Manuel Raposo Lisbon, Portugal Raposo is a Marxist analyst and editor of the Portuguese web periodical found at jornalmudardevida.net, where this article was published on Dec. 16, 2023. Translation: John Catalinotto. Demonstration in Lisbon, February 2023. For a fair life, not a penny more for NATO. Judging by recent . . . |
(2023-12-21). Saturday 12/23: Solidarity Action At Levis World Headquarters For Turkey Levis Workers In Istanbul. indybay.org Levis World Headquarters | 1155 Battery St. | San Francisco…
(2023-12-21). Turkey's Central Bank Hikes Policy Rate to 42.5% Amid Inflation Battle. themedialine.org 
(2023-12-20). Saturday 12/23: Solidarity Action At Levis World Headquarters For Turkey Levis Workers In Istanbul. indybay.org Levis World Headquarters | 1155 Battery St. | San Francisco…
(2023-12-21). Activists Block Several Airports In Belgium — Ground Private Jets. popularresistance.org On Saturday 16 December, supporters of campaign group Code Rouge-Rood from several European countries entered Là¨ege Airport in a peaceful direct action to denounce the injustice and climate impact of aviation and demand a drastic reduction of flights | This happened just after hundreds of activists were arrested around Antwerp, while preparing to block Antwerp International airport, one of the biggest private jet airports in Belgium. Despite police targetting activists, a large group managed to enter Antwerp Airport and achieved success: no private jets took off from Kortrijk or Antwerp today.
(2023-12-21). Boycott of Leather Suppliers over Fears for Uncontacted Indigenous People in Paraguay. dissidentvoice.org 
Guireja, an Ayoreo woman, on the day she was first contacted in 2004. Her relatives are still hiding in the forest. © GAT/Survival Pasubio, one of Europe's leading leather manufacturers, has today announced that it will refuse to buy leather from suppliers whose activities directly or indirectly threaten the forests inhabited by the uncontacted Ayoreo people …
(2023-12-20). The folly of them all. responsiblestatecraft.org 
In 1874, the British magazine "Punch" published a cartoon showing a conversation between a young girl and her mother: "Mamma, shall you allow me to go to the Wilkinsons' ball?""No, darling," the mother responded"You've been to a great many balls, mama?""Yes darling — and I have seen the folly of them all," she said."Mightn't I just be allowed the folly of one, mamma?"This comic, which may have reminded readers of the one-sided settlement of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, would have a lasting resonance. Over the course of the 20th century, European and American leaders imposed harsh terms on their…
(2023-12-20). European Union agrees to support agriculture in Haiti. plenglish.com Port-au-Prince, Dec 20 (Prensa Latina) The European Union agreed today to grant six million euros to boost Haiti's agriculture through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, known as FAO.
(2023-12-20). Hungary rejected European migration pact. plenglish.com Budapest, Dec 20 (Prensa Latina) The Government of Hungary today transmitted its rejection of the Migration and Assylum Pact, agreed this Tuesday by the negotiators of the European Parliament and the Council.
(2023-12-20). EU To 'Permanently Shut Down X' If Musk Doesn't Ban Alternative Media. expose-news.com The European Union has vowed to permanently shut down X if Elon Musk doesn't immediately ban alternative media from the platform. Alex Jones is calling for us to defend Musk and seems …
(2023-12-20). The New Forms of Socialism in the Twenty-First Century. dongshengnews.org 
The world has come a long way since the mid-nineteenth century, when scientific socialism emerged in Europe. Contrary to initial expectations, socialism did not emerge in the developed capitalist countries, but in the underdeveloped colonies and semi-colonies, such as China. Faced with challenges that could not be answered by classical theories of socialism, China had to develop its own solutions. Having attained significant achievements in modernisation, China must now reach a higher level of socialist development and surpass capitalism.
(2023-12-20). Red Sea concerns hit shipping, trade. ecns.cn Global shipping companies' recent reluctance to transit through the Suez Canal will affect China-Europe trade and exert pressure on operational costs of businesses on both sides, said experts and business executives on Tuesday.
(2023-12-20). China hits back at EU resolution on Tibet. ecns.cn China slammed the European Parliament on Tuesday over the latter's resolution on boarding schools in the Tibet autonomous region, and urged the institution to stop undermining mutual trust and cooperation between China and Europe.
(2023-12-20). Offshore wind power can help reduce greenhouse gases. pressenza.com All emerging nations, not just our own, struggle with electricity. And the straightforward explanation that electricity is either not available or not available by demand, etc., is often given. Scientists have taken the initiative to develop a new device that uses the temperature differential between the European deep sea and the surface to create power, to avert this electrical crisis. They have achieved a completely sustainable and continuous electricity supply by addressing climate change. For the benefit of the free market economy, there is a growing demand for and use of alternative fuels, particularly as th…
(2023-12-20). Restrictivo pacto migratorio de la UE crea controversia. telesurtv.net El presidente del Gobierno español, Pedro Sánchez, dijo que este pacto "va a permitir conducir de forma más humana y coordinada flujos migratorios".
(2023-12-21). Ukraine should take a page out of Finland's fight with Stalin. responsiblestatecraft.org 
As public support for Ukraine
(2023-12-21). Germany Summons Iranian Diplomat Over Suspected State-Linked Arson Attack. themedialine.org 
(2023-12-20). Brutal police operation against anti-genocide protest at Berlin's Free University. wsws.org The ruling class in Germany is taking increasingly brutal action against the enormous opposition to Israel's genocide against the Palestinians.
(2023-12-20). Italian workers resist Salvini's strike breaking methods. peoplesdispatch.org Trade unions and left-wing groups in Italy are organizing to resist recent attempts by deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini to break strikes and workers' protests. Workers in the transport sector in the local bus, subway, and tram services joined 24-hour strikes in major cities of the country on December 15. | Trade unions and left-wing groups like the Communist Youth Front (FGC) also organized demonstrations in various cities protesting Salvini's attack on workers' rights. Protesters are also calling out the apathy of the far-right government led by Giorgia Meloni towards workers' demands…
(2023-12-20). Italian workers resist Salvini's strike breaking methods. peoplesdispatch.org Trade unions and left-wing groups in Italy are organizing to resist recent attempts by deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini to break strikes and workers' protests. Workers in the transport sector in the local bus, subway, and tram services joined 24-hour strikes in major cities of the country on December 15. Trade unions …
(2023-12-20). World's largest luxury ro-ro passenger vessel sets sail. ecns.cn The luxury ro-ro passenger ship, Moby Legacy, with a maximum displacement of over 70,000 tonnes, one of the largest in the world, set sail on Tuesday to Italy from the city of Guangzhou in south China. "ÄÄ…
(2023-12-21). oPt: Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen announces extra ‚Ǩ25 million in emergency aid for Gaza during visit to Rafah border crossing. reliefweb.int Countries: Netherlands, occupied Palestinian territory | Source: Government of the Netherlands | The Netherlands is making an extra ‚Ǩ25 million available for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, announced the new funding on Wednesday during his visit to the Rafah crossing, on Egypt's border with Gaza. Minister Van Leeuwen is visiting the crossing together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot. The contribution will be used to supply food, water, medical care and fuel for electricity and heating…
(2023-12-20). Israel should 'level Gaza and make it look like Auschwitz', says official. mronline.org David Azoulay, head of northern Israeli town, calls for besieged enclave to become a museum that 'should resemble' the extermination camp in Poland.
(2023-12-20). Ukraine War Day #665: Romania Wins Water Dispute. awfulavalanche.wordpress.com 
Dear Readers: | The Canalul | Today's post is about Ukrainian-Romanian relations.‚Reporter Kirill We start with a man who has a wonderful…
(2023-12-21). On Speaking Plain 'Putin': Any Retrospective on the Russian-Ukraine Conflict Begins with a Modicum of Interest in How Moscow Defines the Conflict. Scott Ritter. globalresearch.ca
(2023-12-21). Ukraine War Day #666: Russia Thins Out Storm Shadows. awfulavalanche.wordpress.com 
Dear Readers: | Today The Kanatovo aerodrome is located near the Ukrainian city of Kirovograd, which they renamed to Kropivnitsky, in order to de-communize from allusions to popular Soviet lea…
(2023-12-21). Indian Exports Shielded from G7 Ban on Russian Diamonds. infobrics.org The local industry has been worried that the ban—a part of international measures against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine—could have major repercussions for exports of the stones, with the US being India's biggest market…
(2023-12-21). Putin: Russia ready to talk on Ukraine. ecns.cn Russia is prepared to talk to Ukraine and its Western backers about the future of its neighbor if they want to, President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday but stressed that Moscow would defend its interests.
(2023-12-21). Russian official says apartment complex on fire after Ukraine's shelling in Donetsk. presstv.ir An official in Russian-controlled Donetsk says Ukraine fired shells that hit an apartment complex in Donetsk city on Tuesday.
(2023-12-20). Will Israel's Gaza Genocide Reshuffle the Regional & Global Order? thealtworld.com What does the genocide in Gaza mean for the surrounding Arab states? Do their oppositional responses even matter or is it all just symbolic? How will this impact the Abraham Accords and other normalization efforts? Why won't the Gulf states use their oil as leverage to pressure the United States? How does the genocide in Gaza impact countries like Jordan and Syria? How is it affecting America's standing in the world? What does it mean for Russia and China in an emerging multipolar world? | To discuss this and other regional developments, Rania Khalek was joined by Giorgio Cafiero, the CEO of Gulf State Analytics,…
(2023-12-20). Headlines for December 20, 2023. democracynow.org Openings for New Truce as Deadly Israeli Attacks Continue to Target Civilians in Jabaliya, Rafah, U.N. Security Council Again Delays Gaza Resolution Vote as U.S. Stalls over Language, Lloyd Austin Announces Coalition to Combat Houthi Red Sea Attacks, Police Arrest High-Profile Activists as Multifaith Groups from Across the U.S. Protest at Capitol, Colorado Supreme Court Bars Trump from Appearing on Presidential Primary Ballot, Senate Confirms Final Pentagon Nominees as Tuberville Blockade Ends, U.N. Says Russian Forces Have Committed War Crimes in Ukraine, Incl. 142 Civilian Executions, Sudan's Paramilitary…
(2023-12-20). War on Gaza: Why the oil market isn't freaking out about Houthi Red Sea attacks. middleeasteye.net 
War on Gaza: Why the oil market isn't freaking out about Houthi Red Sea attacks | The Houthis have refrained from targeting vessels carrying Saudi, Russian and Qatari energy, potentially keeping oil markets subdued | Wed, 12/20/2023 – 20: 05 | Forces loyal to Yemen's Houthi rebels hold Palestinian flags as they march in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians on 15 October 2023, in Sanaa (Mo…
(2023-12-20). UK about to escalate naval tensions in Black Sea. infobrics.org According to a recent report, London plans to improve Ukrainian Navy's capabilities in the Black Sea, creating high tensions with Russia.
(2023-12-20). "Victory Over Russia is Impossible": Zelensky Can't Eschew Responsibility for Rising Public Anger at Ukraine's Conscription Crisis. globalresearch.ca
(2023-12-20). 95% Of Trade Between China And Russia No Longer Done In US Currency. popularresistance.org On a recent visit to China, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov stated that this year the use of the Russian ruble and Chinese yuan in trade between the two countries has already reached 95%. | At the same time, from January to October, 68% of all Russian trade was carried out in the two countries' currencies, according to Russian Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov. | The yuan has also been used by Russia in commercial transactions with Mongolia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Japan, Tajikistan, and Singapore.
(2023-12-20). Russian official says apartment complex on fire after Ukraine's shelling in Donetsk. presstv.ir An official in Russian-controlled Donetsk says Ukraine fired shells that hit an apartment complex in Donetsk city on Tuesday.
(2023-12-20). Biden policy on Ukraine war a bust on several fronts. peoplesworld.org 
Very few, if any, of the lofty goals laid out by the Biden administration when it began to pour billions of dollars of weapons into Ukraine after the Russian invasion have been met. The sophisticated U.S. arms the public was told would enable Ukraine to win the war have led not to victory but instead …
(2023-12-20). Santa Claus and the Contradictions of Bourgeois Ideology. orinocotribune.com By Carlos L. Garrido — Dec 19, 2023 | A comrade recently pointed my attention to a comedy skit by Foil Arms and Hog called Santa: I think there has been some sort of a mistake. You see I have a very busy night tonight. | Soviet Police 1: He was found attempting to hide in a chimney. | Soviet Police 2: Chimney? What were you doing in Russian airspace? | Santa: I've…
(2023-12-20). Putin to run for top post in 2024 as independent. ecns.cn Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted documents to Russia's Central Election Commission on Monday to register as a self-nominated candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
(2023-12-20). Dec 20, 2023. sitrepworld.info 
Arise Donbass! (–í—Å—Ç–∞–≤–∞–π –î–æ–Ω–±–∞—Å—Å!) Donetsk 'Tis the Season for War, by Bill Astore No Plan B: The Western Elites Didn't Plan for China, Russia and Iran Remaining Independent, by Roger Boyd Yuri Bezmenov: Interview with NS Lyons, author of The Upheaval, about "The China Convergence" The Terror Watchlist Prepared the Way to Tyranny, by Paul Craig Roberts Is neoliberalism really dead? Or does it live on like a zombie? V…
(2023-12-21). Hundreds rally in protest over Serbia's 'illegitimate' vote results. presstv.ir Serbian citizens rally once again in the capital Belgrade to protest against alleged voter fraud following calls by the main opposition camp to protest the weekend's election results…
(2023-12-20). Serbian Progressive Party retains the majority in the general elections. peoplesdispatch.org The elections have been regarded as a referendum on the popularity of the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic who is the leader of the incumbent Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) led coalition.
(2023-12-21). Iran summons Swedish envoy over life sentence for former official. presstv.ir Iran's foreign ministry summons Sweden's charge d'affaires to protest the life sentence handed down to a former Iranian official.
(2023-12-20). Swedish court upholds life sentence given to ex-Iranian official. presstv.ir A Swedish appeals court upholds a controversial life sentence given to a former Iranian official.
(2023-12-21). Democrats Are Prepared to Destroy Immigrant Rights to Fund Israel's War on Gaza. truthout.org President Joe Biden and some Democrats in Congress are trying to make one hell of a bad deal. A recent vote for emergency military funding that would have traded extremist demands from the Republican Party on immigration for billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine failed in the Senate. But now, some Democrats have signaled that they're willing to trade human rights for… |
(2023-12-21). Colorado Supreme Court rules Trump coup attempt disqualifies him as candidate. wsws.org The Democratic Party and the Biden administration, however, will take no serious action against the fascist ex-president. They seek collaboration with the Republicans on a shared agenda of war in Ukraine and Gaza.
(2023-12-21). Ukraine — Turn Out the Lights, The Party is Over. sonar21.com 
Thanks to DL for reminding me of this iconic song and Dandy Don Meredith. Meredith was a star football player (American style) with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s and then played second banana to Howard Cosell as the broadcast team for Monday Night Football. | What does this have to do with Ukraine? Did you see what the Washington Post did to its banner on line? | This is just one more indicator that the Ukrainian fan-boy shop in Washington, DC is shutting down. Clicking on a current link filled with articles about the War in Ukraine is quite a downer if you are one of the Deep State gaggle infesting Wa…
(2023-12-21). Patrick Lawrence: What? Ukraine Is Not Winning the War? scheerpost.com 
(2023-12-20). Ukraine weapons fund will run out on December 30, Pentagon claims. infobrics.org Kiev will hold out for 'a couple of months' without financial support from the West — IMF.
(2023-12-20). Friday 12/29: Peace Vigil — Call for Ceasefire + Diplomacy Not More Weapons for Ukraine or Israel! indybay.org in front of MLK Library | 4th and San Fernando | San Jose, CA…
(2023-12-20). Friday 12/29: San Jose: Peace Vigil — Call for Ceasefire + Diplomacy Not More Weapons for Ukraine or Israel! indybay.org in front of MLK Library | 4th and San Fernando | San Jose, CA…
(2023-12-20). Ukraine Weapons Fund Will Run Out on December 30, Pentagon Claims. What Next? Ukraine is Totally Bankrupt According to the IMF. globalresearch.ca