(2019-10-18). You didn't really think all Russian assets & Kremlin puppets in the US have already been exposed, did you? rt.com 
The 2020 presidential election is still more than a year away, but you wouldn't know that to look at all the Russian plots to subvert it breathlessly discussed in US media. Who are these recently exposed Kremlin agents? | READ MORE: Russian assets in America. A field guide | Ever since the election of Donald Trump as president in 2016, the US media has been ferreting out the Russian meddlers within the country, as it's their patriotic duty to do. Not even the disappointment of the Mueller report finding no Russian collusion could stop them –…
(2019-10-18). Russophobia at Democratic Party Debate. counterpunch.org 
Russophobia was on full display during Tuesday night's Democratic Party debate, with ominous repercussions for the future of American foreign policy. When asked what he would do to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Beto O'Rourke stated that we "must hold Russia accountable for invading the world's greatest democracy and being able to do More
(2019-10-18). Trump as the "Anti-War" President: on Misinformation in American Political Discourse. counterpunch.org 
It is a great propaganda victory for Donald Trump that he has managed to sell himself as "anti-war." Broadly speaking, Trump has no anti-war bona fides to draw upon. He's torn up the Iran agreement, while threatening war in its place. He's threatened to "totally destroy" North Korea. Trump has presided over consistent increases in spending for the American warfare state. And he's engaged in more drone strikes than Obama up to this point in both presidencies. Trump has put forward no timetable for the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. He's continued for more than two years the U.S. military presenc…
(2019-10-18). LeBron 'scandal' over Hong Kong comments shows depth of anti-China psychosis. peoplesworld.org 
A measured answer to a loaded question. We don't get enough of them these days. LeBron James of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers demonstrated tact and thoughtfulness when he broke his silence on Houston Rockets manager Daryl Morey's tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests, lodging no opinion on the protests themselves and calling …
(2019-10-18). Khury Petersen-Smith on Turkey & the Kurds, Alex Vitale on the Purpose of Policing. fair.org 
Media…
(2019-10-18). Pressing Done Here: Syria, Iraq and "Informed Discussion" counterpunch.org Yes, Iraq too again. Innocent Iraqis, most of them young, are being shot and killed now by the hundreds as they protest the corruption and incompetence of the current government. The title of Patrick Cockburn's last article about Iraq is "Iraq is in Revolt" (CounterPunch, October 7, 2019). The US "liberation" of Iraq in 2003 More
(2019-10-18). Trump's Fake Withdrawal From Endless War. commondreams.org Kurdish Syrian civilians flee the town of Kobane on the Turkish border on October 16, 2019 as Turkey and its allies continue their assault on Kurdish-held border towns in northeastern Syria. – Turkey rebuffed international pressure to curb its military offensive against Kurdish militants in Syria today as US President Donald Trump dispatched his deputy Mike Pence to Ankara to demand a ceasefire. (Photo: Bakr Alkasem/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trump_endless_war_syria_kurds.jpg …
(2019-10-18). Activists Mount "Sick-In" To Highlight Pollution in Chile. telesurenglish.net Greenpeace activists and residents of communities suffering from industrial pollution created a mock hospital ward outside the Chilean presidential palace on Thursday to demand that the government commit to shutting down coal-fired power plants by 2030. | RELATED: | Greenpeace: Indonesian Firms Involved in Fires Have Not Been Punished | About 20 people were lying in hospital beds, hooked up to oxygen tanks and covered by sheets "stained" with pollution. | The aim of the…
(2019-10-18). Sharon Tennison's Closer Look at Russia. indybay.org Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo | 300 E. Santa Inez Avenue | San Mateo, CA 94401…
(2019-10-18). Tulsi Gabbard, the Only Anti-War Progressive US Presidential Aspirant. globalresearch.ca Gabbard deserves praise for being anti-war and on the right side of other major issues. | Her "vision for America" includes world peace over endless US wars, no longer "supporting allies and partners of al-Qaeda, ISIL, Jabhat Fateh al Sham and …
(2019-10-18). Hong Kong! Discussion on the mass protests & 70th anniversary of the Chinese Revolution. indybay.org REVOLUTION BOOKS | 2444 Durant Ave. | Berkeley, CA 94704…
(2019-10-18). Lebanese PM Gives Gov't 72 Hours to Find Solution to Crisis. telesurenglish.net Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri gave a 72-hour deadline on Friday to his "partners in government" to stop obstructing reforms and threatened to take a different approach otherwise, but stopped short of resigning. | RELATED: | One Dead, 18 Hospitalized in Lebanon's Massive Wildfire | Hariri, addressing massive protests across the country, said Lebanon was going through an "unprecedented, difficult time". | He added that his efforts to enact reforms have been blocked by others i…
(2019-10-18). Contradictory US/Turkey Ceasefire in Northern Syria. Turkey is Playing the US and Russia Cards Simultaneously. globalresearch.ca On Thursday in Ankara, Turkish President Erdogan met with Mike Pence and Pompeo, a joint statement by both sides issued following talks. See below. | Trump regime hardliners want their imperial agenda in Syria continued, notably aiming to undermine Russian efforts …
(2019-10-18). Death, Bloodshed, and Misery in Yemen. globalresearch.ca Writing about his visit to the world's largest weapons bazaar, held in London in October, journalist Arron Merat describes reading the slogan emblazoned above Raytheon's stall: "Strike With Creativity." Raytheon manufactures Paveway laser-guided bombs—produced in factories in the United States …
(2019-10-18). It's Curtains for US in Syria. Russia, Iran Owe Big Thanks to Erdogan. globalresearch.ca The scenario agreed on behind the curtains through months of confidential exchanges, often one-on-one, between the Russian and Turkish leaders regarding north-eastern Syria is entering a critical phase of implementation on the ground with the agreement between the Kurds and …
(2019-10-18). Winners and Losers in the Turkish Attack on Syria. Russia is the Most Successful Player. globalresearch.ca The United States of America emerged victorious from the Second World War, and came out stronger than any other country in the world. The allies- notably the Soviet Union- won the war but emerged much weaker. They needed to reconstruct …
(2019-10-18). US-Greece-US: Lines Being Drawn by the U.S. in the Eastern Mediterranean, against Turkey and Russia? globalresearch.ca Greek-U.S. relations have entered "a new era" with U.S. Secretary of State stating earlier this month that he has "come to Greece to expand the partnership that's already at the best level it has ever been." He followed up this …
(2019-10-18). The Russian Masterpiece in Syria: Everyone Wins. globalresearch.ca "Moscow and Damascus have always maintained they are against any form of partition or illegal foreign presence in Syria." | Moscow has managed to maintain contacts with all parties in the conflict, even in spite of its stance against partition and …
(2019-10-18). US and China "Trade" War? dissidentvoice.org It is very popular these days to talk and write about the "trade war" between the United States and China. But is there really one raging? Or is what we are witnessing simply a clash of political and ideological systems: one being extremely successful and optimistic, the other depressing, full of dark cynicism and nihilism? …
(2019-10-18). US-China "Trade" War? No Way. Only the Defeat of Turbo-Capitalism! globalresearch.ca It is very popular these days to talk and write about the "trade war" between the United States and China. But is there really one raging? Or is it, what we are witnessing, simply a clash of political and ideological …
(2019-10-18). Where is "Line Worker Barbie"? counterpunch.org Mattel executives say they're worried about girls developing "self-limiting beliefs," resulting in a "dream gap" with boys. So the giant toymaker rolled out an extensive line of "Career Dolls," including Barbie pilots, firefighters, and robotic engineers, to inspire its young patrons. But there's one career you won't find in this line: the typical working woman More
(2019-10-18). What is the Difference between Capitalism and Socialism? globalresearch.ca Some aspects of the American style of competition become more clear when placed in a broader context, in this case the underlying socio-economic system, so let's take a quick look at the difference between capitalism and socialism. For at least …
(2019-10-18). Amid ongoing fighting in northeast Syria, hundreds cross Iraqi border in search of safety. un.org Shelling and clashes in northern Syria on the border with Turkey continue to cause hundreds of people to flee, the UN said on Friday, despite a cessation of hostilities deal between Turkish forces and Syrian-backed Kurdish military.
(2019-10-18). Kurds Say Turkey Used Chem Weapons & US Announces Syria Ceasefire That Turkey Says Isn't A Ceasefire. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (10/17/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
(2019-10-18). US claims "ceasefire" deal in Turkey's invasion of Syria. wsws.org After US Vice President Pence and Turkish President Erdogan met Thursday, Turkish officials bragged that Ankara got everything it wanted.
(2019-10-18). Syrian Army Entered Ayn al-Arab at the Borders with Turkey. globalresearch.ca The Syrian Arab Army is deploying at Ayn Al-Arab, the tip of the Syrian northern borders with Turkey, its vanguards arriving in Raqqa, the city which US forces obliterated quite deliberately and claimed it had been liberated it from its …
(2019-10-18). Is Trump More Concerned With Erdoƒüan Relationship Than With Kurdish Lives? truthout.org After meeting with Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara on Thursday, Turkish officials agreed to temporarily pause Turkey's invasion of the Rojava autonomous region in northeast Syria in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions. While the agreement may prevent further bloodshed and blunt a growing humanitarian crisis, it represents a victory for Turkey's authoritarian president and a setback for Syrian Kurdish militias that allied with the United States in the fight against ISIS. | The Syrian D…
(2019-10-18). The United States Air Force at Incirlik, Our National "Black Eye" commondreams.org U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle sits after shortly landing Nov. 12, 2015, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/22878048600_c10ab24117_c.jpg …
(2019-10-18). "Meltdown": Trump defends Syria withdrawal as house votes 354 to 60 to condemn his actions. nationofchange.org As the displacement of 300,000 civilians over Turkey's assault on Kurdish-controlled areas continues in northern Syria, the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to condemn President Trump's actions. Turkey invaded the region on October 9, shortly after Trump virtually greenlit the Turkey assault by abruptly withdrawing a small number of U.S. troops who were protecting Kurdish …
(2019-10-18). The Syrian Debacle Is Actually Well Planned Chaos. globalresearch.ca For many years now I have focused a considerable amount of analysis on the subject of Syria, with an emphasis on the country's importance to the global elites as a kind of geopolitical detonator; the first domino in a …
(2019-10-18). US Military Unlikely to Withdraw from Eastern Syria and Its Oil Fields. globalresearch.ca The U.S. Armed Forces are not withdrawing from the eastern Euphrates River Valley region of Deir Ezzor or its plethora of oil fields, a military source in Damascus told Al-Masdar News. | According to the source, the U.S. Armed Forces won't …
(2019-10-18). 3rd i's San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival 2019. indybay.org New People Cinema, Castro Theater and Palo Alto Art Center…
(2019-10-18). Massive Blast Kills 62 People in Eastern Afghanistan. telesurenglish.net Blasts in a mosque in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers killed at least 62 men who had gathered for worship, local officials said. | RELATED: | Afghanistan Election-Related Violence Left 85 Dead: UN Report | Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for Nangarhar province's governor, said there were multiple blasts from explosives placed inside the mosque in the Jawdara area of Haska Mena district. | The roof of the mosque had completely fallen in. | Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the…
(2019-10-18). Yearning to Breathe Free. counterpunch.org On October 8 there were two appalling reports about the plight of the Afghan people. One was that in September the US Air Force dropped more bombs and fired more missiles in Afghanistan than in any other month for ten years. The other concerned an investigation by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan which concluded that the massive More
(2019-10-18). Contrary to Israeli Military Statement: 9 Year Old Child Abd a-Rahman Was Shot in the Head with Live Ammunition. globalresearch.ca This article was originally published in July 2019. | B'Tselem investigation published today proves a soldier fired live ammunition, hitting 'Abd a-Rahman a-Shteiwi, 9, in the head. A-Shteiwi was injured last week while playing in the entrance to a …
(2019-10-18). Jill Stein Challenges Hillary Clinton to Debate After 'Russian Asset' Smear. commondreams.org "It's past time to give the American people the real debate they deserved in 2016." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/hillary_conspiracy_theory.jpg …
(2019-10-18). As Trump Downplays Attack on Kurds, Amnesty Details Turkish War Crimes and 'Utterly Callous Disregard for Civilian Life'. commondreams.org "Killing defenseless people in cold blood is utterly reprehensible and a blatant war crime," said Amnesty International secretary general Kumi Naidoo | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/syria_kurds_turkey.jpg …
(2019-10-18). Blasts in Afghan Mosque Kill 62 as UN Says Violence Across Country Causing 'Unprecedented' Level of Civilian Casualties. commondreams.org "Civilian casualties are totally unacceptable, especially in the context of the widespread recognition that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/mosque-blast-unama-unprecedented-civilian-casualties.jpg …
(2019-10-18). While Supreme Court waffles, cities stand up for LGBT workers' rights. nationofchange.org On Tuesday, October 8, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in what has been dubbed "the LGBT employment cases," where two gay men, Donald Zarda and Gerald Bostock, and one transgender woman, Aimee Stephens, were fired from their jobs because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, respectively. These cases were before the court to …
(2019-10-18). Headlines for October 18, 2019. democracynow.org Under U.S. Deal, Turkish Occupation of Northern Syria Continues; Ethnic Cleansing Feared, "We Do That All the Time": Mulvaney Admits to Quid Pro Quo over Ukraine, Ambassador Sondland Confirms Giuliani Pushed Ukraine Policy, Energy Secretary Rick Perry to Resign, U.S. to Host G7 at Trump Resort in Possible Violation of Constitution, Civilian Casualties Reach New High in Afghanistan, Corbyn Urges Labour Party Members to Reject New Brexit Deal, Chicago Teacher Strike Enters Second Day, NYC City Council Backs Plan to Close Rikers as Activists Call for No New Jails, Cuban Asylum Seeker Dies in Solitary Confinement in…
(2019-10-18). Asia-Pacific Trade Deal: Trading Away Indian Agriculture? counterpunch.org On the back of Brexit, there are fears in the UK that a trade deal will be struck with Washington which will effectively lower food and environmental standards to those of the US. At the same time, it seems that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is being resurrected and could have a similar impact More
(2019-10-18). Asia-Pacific Trade Deal: Trading Away Indian Agriculture? dissidentvoice.org On the back of Brexit, there are fears in the UK that a trade deal will be struck with Washington which will effectively lower food and environmental standards to those of the US. At the same time, it seems that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is being resurrected and could have a similar impact …
(2019-10-18). Ocasio-Cortez nails why Trump's latest pact is so utterly disturbing. thecanary.co 
On 17 October, the US announced a highly controversial deal with Turkey that would supposedly see Turkish-led invaders suspend their attacks on northern Syria (aka Rojava). The condition was essentially that the largely-Kurdish communities of Rojava would have to stop resisting and leave their homes behind. Turkey would then move other people into the area to replace them (as it previousl…
(2019-10-18). US Democrats Cultivated the Barbarism of Isis. dissidentvoice.org 
There is something profoundly deceitful in the Democratic Party and corporate media's framing of Donald Trump's decision to pull troops out of Syria. One does not need to like Trump or ignore the dangers posed to the Kurds, at least in the short term, by the sudden departure of US forces from northern Syria to …
(2019-10-17). Stuck in a Russiagate-collusion rut: Putin 'owns Doral' & other #Resistance pearls after G7 location announced. rt.com 
Critics of US President Donald Trump went into full-on meltdown mode after the White House announced that the US will host next year's G7 summit at the Trump-owned Miami resort. | White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told reporters on Thursday that the gathering of international leaders will be held at the Trump National Doral resort on June 10-12, which he said was "far and away the best place" to host the event. | Even before his press conference was done, Democrats waxed outraged about a potential conflict of interest, even calling for other countries to boycott the G7 if Trump went ahead with his venue…
(2019-10-17). It's Curtains for US in Syria: Russia, Iran Owe Big Thanks to Erdogan. dissidentvoice.org 
The scenario agreed on behind the curtains through months of confidential exchanges, often one-on-one, between the Russian and Turkish leaders regarding north-eastern Syria is entering a critical phase of implementation on the ground with the agreement between the Kurds and the Assad regime. We have a complex scenario where on the one hand the Turkish …
(2019-10-17). U.S., Turkey Agree on Turkish Cease-Fire with Syrian Kurds. truthdig.com 
ANKARA, Turkey — The U.S. and Turkey agreed Thursday to a cease-fire in the Turks' deadly attacks on Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, requiring the Kurds to vacate the area in an arrangement that largely solidifies Turkey's position and aims in the weeklong conflict. The deal includes a conditional halt to American economic sanctions. | After negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence hailed the five-day cease-fire as the way to end the bloodshed caused by Turkey's invasion of Syria. He remained silent on whether it amounted to a second abandonment of America…
(2019-10-17). Agreement to pause Turkey's campaign in Syria destroys US credibility, top Democrats say, despite demanding it. rt.com 
Can Trump do anything right? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer don't seem to think so, calling his agreement to pause Turkey's military campaign in northeastern Syria a "sham." | The US-Turkey agreement to pause Ankara's operation "seriously undermines the credibility of America's foreign policy and sends a dangerous message to our allies and adversaries alike that our word cannot be trusted," Pelosi and Schumer said in a statement on Thursday. | President Erdogan has given up nothing, and President Trump has given him everything. | Just last week, however, the pair were teari…
(2019-10-17). Nobody Has a Plan for Thousands of ISIS Fighters Detained by Kurds in Syria. theintercept.com 
The abrupt U.S. withdrawal from Syria means nobody knows who will eventually control the 10,000 ISIS fighters there or where they will wind up.
(2019-10-17). Sorting Facts From Fiction About the US Withdrawal From Syria. mintpressnews.com 
If one believes in the restoration of international law and the tenets of the UN Charter, then the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from northern Syria is a good thing. Here are some facts and history that explain why.