(2019-12-22). The Real Lesson of Afghanistan Is That Regime Change Does Not Work. commondreams.org Any responsible government Americans elect in 2020 must learn from the well-documented failure and catastrophic human cost of U.S. regime change efforts in Afghanistan. (Photo: US Marine Corps/Sgt. Mark Fayloga) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/afghan_war_0.jpeg …
(2019-12-22). Blood Memory Rising, Book Review of Standing with Standing Rock. indybay.org 'Standing with Standing Rock,' is an encyclopedia of resistance, which chronicles the Water Protector movement from the first run to Washington, and on to the camps, and the surveillance by TigerSwan, to the ultimate international divestment campaign. In its 29 chapters are poetry, essays and discussions of Indigenous rights and Treaties.
(2019-12-22). Muhammad Ali an activist to help MIAs/POWs in Vietnam. indybay.org Cathy A. Lundy was only around 4 years old when she was aboard the Yacht Sequoia as a guest of former disgraced President Richard Nixon (a.k.a. Tricky Dick). Unfortunately, her father was reported killed in action in Laos during the Vietnam War during 1970. The cruise certificate hangs on the wall of my apartment. Photo by Paulo Kesete…
(2019-12-22). Seemingly Coordinated ISIS/al-Qaeda Attacks On Syrian Oil/Gas Fields & US' Russia/Libya Hypocrisy. 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 (12/21/19). 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 …
(2019-12-22). Buffy Sainte Marie Truthtelling Indigenous Genocide. indybay.org Buffy Sainte Marie described the genocide, slavery, murder and rape of Indigenous Peoples, that the kings and queens, military, churches and banks are responsible for, speaking with AIM West's Tony Gonzales, during the 50th Anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz.
(2019-12-22). Climate Strike: SF Bay Area Youth Strike in Oakland. indybay.org Plaza outside Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612…
(2019-12-22). The Madrid Climate Disaster. dissidentvoice.org Does anyone know what COP25 stands for? Probably very few. It's unimportant. As unimportant as the whole roadshow itself. Just for the hell of it, for those who read this article, COP means Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The 25 stands for the 25th year …
(2019-12-22). 2020 Citizens' Climate Lobby Northern California Regional Conference. indybay.org Oakland Technical High School, 4351 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611…
(2019-12-22). Everything You Wanted to Know about Climate Change, but Were Afraid to Ask. indybay.org Half Moon Bay Library, 620 Correas Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019…
(2019-12-22). 2020 Citizens' Climate Lobby Northern CA Regional Conference, Day 2. indybay.org Oakland Technical High School, 4351 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611…
(2019-12-22). President Trump Authorizes Somalia Debt Relief. indybay.org President Trump signed a year-end spending bill which authorizes the first phase of debt relief for Somalia.
(2019-12-22). Morales Announced Party Candidates Until End of Month. telesurenglish.net The former Bolivian president Evo Morales announced Saturday that leaders of his party, the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina on Dec. 29 to debate and call a meeting on the border with Bolivia, where they will elect their candidates for the next elections in 2020. | RELATED: | Bolivia One Month After the Coup: A Recount of Pivotal Events | Morales spoke for the first time with a Bolivian media since on Nov. 10 a coup d'état was carried out against his gover…
(2019-12-22). Michael L. Cantor mocks the artwork of the Yacht Sequoia Cruise Certificates. indybay.org In a shocking email further below, Michael L. Cantor, director of FE Partners LLC, the owner of the former Presidential Yacht Sequoia, mocks the artwork of the Yacht Sequoia Cruise Certificates with condescension and derision towards the much coveted historical Yacht Sequoia Cruise Certificates!
(2019-12-22). Major Missed Opportunity on Clean Energy Incentives to Reduce Carbon Emissions. commondreams.org Runoff from melting permafrost in Alaska flows toward the sea. (Photo: NOAA) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/permafrost.jpg …
(2019-12-22). Throughout South America, Structural Violence Is Showing Up as Street Violence. zcomm.org Ecuador was only the latest indicator of what's possible when indigenous movements exercise their power. It also showed what's at stake…
(2019-12-22). Drop in coal use pushes Germany closer to 2020 climate target. zcomm.org Merkel's Germany dumps 20% of Its Coal Use, CO2 Falls 7%, Renewables at 40%…
(2019-12-22). Grassroots Democracy & the Social Production of Housing. zcomm.org Venezuela's cities have given birth to a powerful social movement aiming at urban reorganization through self-governed assembly processes…
(2019-12-22). The Real Shadow Policy of Trump Admin Is Racist Extremism. zcomm.org While Trump's shadowy conduct toward Ukraine is without a doubt illegal, this shadow policy of white nationalism is even worse. It's not just a crime — it's a crime against humanity…
(2019-12-22). Using Roleplaying To Imagine Life Under a Green New Deal. zcomm.org Instead of wizards and clerics, Iowans are envisioning roles like community planners and memory stewards, in an environmentally and economically just society.
(2019-12-22). Turkey to stand by Libyan government until peace established: DefMin. yenisafak.com Turkey will stand by the internationally recognised government of Libya until peace, stability and security is established in the country, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday, after the two countries signed a military cooperation accord last month.Turkey backs the government of Fayez al-Serraj in Libya, which has been split into rival political and military factions since 2011. Ankara has said it could send troops to Libya if the Serraj government makes such a request. The two countries also signed a maritime boundaries deal that has enraged Greece.Akar was speaking at an event in the northern province of…
(2019-12-22). Turkish protesters march in support of Uighurs after àñzil comments. yenisafak.com Thousands of protesters marched in support of China's Uighurs in Istanbul on Friday and voiced solidarity with Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil after the furore caused by his criticism of China's policies toward the Muslim minority.Last week, soccer star Ozil, a German Muslim of Turkish origin, posted messages on social media calling minority Uighurs "warriors who resist persecution" and criticised both China's crackdown and the silence of Muslims in response.Members of Istanbul crowd held up banners reading "Stop the cruelty" and chanted "Murderer China, get out of East Turkestan" and "East Turkestan is not alone",…
(2019-12-22). Erdogan says Turkey will increase military support to Libya if necessary. yenisafak.com Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and it will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.Turkey backs the government of Fayez al-Serraj in Libya, which has been split into rival political and military factions since 2011. Ankara has said it could send troops to Libya if the Serraj government makes such a request. The two countries also signed a maritime boundaries deal that has enraged Greece.Speaking at an event in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back f…
(2019-12-22). Russia's Lavrov says Nord Stream 2 will be launched despite sanctions. yenisafak.com Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that the Nord Stream 2 and Turk Stream gas pipeline projects would be launched despite U.S. sanctions, adding that Russia planned to respond to the new measures, the Interfax news agency reported.U.S. President Donald Trump signed a bill on Friday that included legislation imposing sanctions on firms laying pipe for Nord Stream 2, which seeks to double gas capacity along the northern Nord Stream pipeline route to Germany. Trump told Putin US will continue looking for arms treaty solutionsRussia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that U.S. Preside…
(2019-12-22). UAE's Brooge Petroleum to start trading on Nasdaq on Monday. yenisafak.com UAE-based Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Co (BPGIC) said it will start trading on New York's Nasdaq stock exchange on Monday, following its merger with U.S. company Twelve Seas Investment Co.Oil storage company BPGIC completed the merger on Friday, it said in a statement on Sunday, and its valuation now exceeds $1 billion.The merger and listing were aimed at establishing a global presence with access to liquid markets that could support the company's expansion plans, BPGIC said.BPGIC, which was set up in 2013, is one of the largest holders of oil storage assets in Fujairah.In September, BPGIC awarded a contr…
(2019-12-22). Muslim scholars urge India to reverse citizenship law. yenisafak.com The International Union for Muslims Scholars (IUMS) on Sunday called on the Indian government to retreat from a controversial citizenship law, warning that the law would fuel hatred against Muslims.In a statement, the IUMS said it was closely following the situation of Muslims in India with great concern following the passage of the citizenship law.It said the legislation would expose Muslims to various forms of restrictions and oppression, going on to call on the UN and the Islamic world to stand up against the law.The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed last week, grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Ch…
(2019-12-22). Trump slams House's impeachment delay as 'so unfair'. yenisafak.com President Donald Trump on Saturday criticized House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi for holding off on sending the articles of impeachment against him to the Senate."It's so unfair," Trump said, days after he was impeached by the House, during a speech to conservative student group Turning Point USA, saying that Pelosi adopted the strategy because she has "no case.""They are violating the Constitution," Trump said, calling Pelosi "crazy Nancy."The Democratic-controlled House voted on Dec. 18 to impeach Trump, setting the stage for a trial in the Senate. Trump is very unlikely to be convicted and removed f…
(2019-12-22). Facts, pen, intellect needed to help Kashmir: Experts. yenisafak.com The Kashmiri community in the diaspora also needs to widen the scope of cooperation with Muslim and non-Muslim groups who believe in humanity to get support for their cause, they added."Pen, intellect, facts, human resources and financial support are the five aspects of lobbying for Kashmir struggle in the western capitals," Ghulam Nabi Fai told the audience at, "Kashmir: Bleeding wound of Ummah."The conference was organized by Human and Civilizational Foundation and Pakistan Solidarity Platform.Fai, who is Secretary General of World Kashmir Awareness Forum, said those who are conscious of Kashmir's fight for rig…
(2019-12-22). Trauma of genocide lives on in Zimbabwe. yenisafak.com Zimbabwe 32 years ago ended a genocidal war that massacred thousands in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.But more than three decades later, Msitheli Ndlovhu from Nkayi districts in Matabeleland North Province still suffer trauma from the atrocities.Msitheli was only 14 years old when the war was halted in the southern African nation in 1987.Yet, he was only 9 years old when eight members of his family were rounded and locked in a thatched hut in their rural home before it was set on fire by government soldiers."It was in 1983 and I was just coming from school when my parents, my brothers and sisters were drive…
(2019-12-22). Huge blaze & plumes of black smoke as fire rips through petrochemical plant in Russia (VIDEOS). rt.com 
A massive inferno erupted in the early hours of the morning at a petrochemical plant in Ufa, prompting the authorities to scramble dozens of firefighters, fire engines and even a special train to put the blaze out. | The incident happened when a flammable liquid caught fire at the Neftekhim plant in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan on Sunday morning. The blaze quickly spread through the three-story building before the fire alarm went off. | A local branch of the Emergencies Ministry dispatched 135 firefighters and 45 engines to deal with the blaze. Soon afterwards, a firefighting train carrying 340 tons of w…
(2019-12-22). Oh, really? US envoy to Germany says Nord Stream 2 sanctions 'EXTREMELY PRO-EUROPEAN' despite Berlin & EU criticism. rt.com 
US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell says the new sanctions aimed at derailing the construction of the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline are beneficial to Europe, while chiding Berlin for not being "pro-Europe" enough. | Grenell, who has courted controversy in Germany with his frequent attempts to meddle in Berlin's sovereign matters, said in an interview with Bild and AP that he was swamped with messages of gratitude from European diplomats after US President Donald Trump signed a defense spending bill envisioning biting sanctions on the companies involved in the construction of the $11 billion pipeli…
(2019-12-22). Ripple is thriving off the failures of antique SWIFT system, market analyst tells Boom Bust. rt.com 
Ripple, the company behind cryptocurrency XRP, has raised US$200 million in its latest investment round – bringing its valuation to $10 billion – as the startup aims to further grow its cross-border payments business. | However, the success of the San Francisco-based firm, with its growing base of consumers sending live payments, did not result in a huge movement in XRP, which has the third-largest cryptocurrency market capitalization behind bitcoin and Ethereum. This can be explained by the fact that the token is a "specific kind of crypto," making it uninteresting for regular investors, according to Jeffrey…
(2019-12-22). 'No more deaths, no more abuse!' Peruvian protesters demand justice after teen workers die during shift at McDonald's. rt.com 
Dozens of people picketed a McDonald's in Lima, Peru, in protest over the deaths of two young employees who died there, purportedly due to unsafe working conditions. | McDonald's employees and relatives of the deceased held signs reading "Work yes, exploitation no. #McDonaldsNeverMore" and "Fed up with surviving, we want to live!" during a rally on Saturday. | | © Ruptly | Two teenagers, Alexandra Porras, 18, and Gabriel Campos, 19, died last week while cleaning the kitchen at the restaurant. According to Peruvian police, Porras was electrocuted while handling the soft drink machine. Campos was killed w…
(2019-12-22). 'It was incredible': Jurgen Klopp hails his players after Liverpool win World Club Cup in Qatar (VIDEO). rt.com 
An extra-time strike from Roberto Firmino proved decisive as Liverpool defeated Brazilian Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo 1-0 to capture the World Club Cup in Qatar on Saturday night. | Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was delighted with his team's performance after a difficult week spent juggling priorities and managing injuries. But the Anfield side came away as world champions as the captured one of the few remaining trophies not previously won by the club thanks to their extra-time victory. | "We are exhausted from a very intense game but in moments of like this, I struggle to find the right words, to expr…
(2019-12-22). Afghan president wins 2nd term — preliminary election results. rt.com 
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has secured 50.64 percent of the vote in the long-delayed preliminary results from September's election, the country's election commission has announced. | Afghanistan's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, polled second with 39.52 percent. The results were originally set to be released in October, but were repeatedly withheld due to technical problems and amid allegations of vote tampering from various candidates. | Now, before the final results are announced, candidates have the right to file complaints. Abdullah's office already said in a statement that he would contest the resu…
(2019-12-22). India could become fastest growing energy market by 2030. rt.com 
India's Energy Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that his country will surpass China and become the world's fastest growing market for energy by 2030. | "We are on our way to become the world's largest energy consumer," the minister said, noting that India plans to use a combination of conventional fuel and sustainable fuels to create a "balanced energy mix." | Read more | | India will reverse economic slowdown to become stronger, as it did before — Modi | India will also explore the use of other sustainable sources of energy, such as hyd…
(2019-12-21). Medical Opinion, Torture, and Julian Assange. dissidentvoice.org 
On November 27 this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer, delivered an address to the German Bundestag outlining his approach to understanding the mental health of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. These comprised two parts, the initial stage covering his diplomatic asylum in the Ecuadorean embassy, the second dealing with his formal detention in …
(2019-12-21). Despite bloodshed, Indians continue to resist discriminatory citizenship law. peoplesdispatch.org 
For over a week, India has been gripped by massive unrest against the far-right government led by prime minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protests that began as a movement against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act or the CAA, has turned into a nation-wide uprising to protect the values of secularism, democracy and socialism. | The CAA opens pathways to citizenship for a specific set of immigrants who have lived in India from before December 31, 2014 and are from India's three Muslim-dominated neighbors, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Critics of the Act have stated that…
(2019-12-21). House Vote Locks in Impeachment as Issue in '20 Hill Races. truthdig.com 
WASHINGTON — The day after nearly every House Democrat voted to impeach President Donald Trump, the chief of the House Republican campaign committee said the political fallout was clear. | "Last night their obsession with impeachment finally came to a head, and they basically ended their majority," Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer said Thursday. "Max Rose is done," he continued, listing him among freshmen Democrats from districts Trump captured in 2016 who he said won't survive next November's elections. | The feisty Rose, a Brooklyn native and Afgha…
(2019-12-21). Trump impeached: What next? — a WW commentary. workers.org 
Dec. 20 — The U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach the president on two counts late on the evening of Dec. 18. All Republicans and one Democratic House member voted against impeachment. As of today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has not yet released the orders of impeachment . . . | Continue reading Trump impeached: What next? — a WW commentary at Workers.org
(2019-12-21). Syria: the War, the Loss, and the Silence. dissidentvoice.org 
On December 12, 2012, on the day, 4 years earlier, Western countries and allies — perversely calling themselves Friends of Syria — carried through a regime change by statement and set up a Syrian National Council of people never elected by anyone in Syria and told the world that it was, from now on, the …
(2019-12-21). Buttigieg Leads 2020 Rivals in Wall Street Contributions. truthdig.com 
WASHINGTON — The financial sector, blamed by progressives for spawning the 2008 economic collapse, is lining up behind Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign. | The mayor of South Bend, Ind., has collected more campaign cash from donors and political action committees tied to the financial, insurance and real estate sector than any other White House hopeful, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. | The $3.06 million in contributions compares to $2.8 million directed toward former Vice President Joe Biden and $2.03 million for Sen. Cory Booker, whose home state of New Jersey has st…
(2019-12-21). Catalog Retailers See Reason for Optimism After Declines. truthdig.com 
PORTLAND, Maine — Catalogs, those glossy paper-and-ink offerings of outdoor apparel, kitchenware and fruit baskets, are not yet headed for the recycling bin of history. | Until recently, the future appeared grim for the mailbox-stuffers. A one-two punch of postal rate increases and the Great Recession had sharply cut their numbers. Common wisdom had everything retail-related moving online. | But a catalog-industry rebound appears in the works, fueled in part by what might seem an unlikely group: younger shoppers who find it's sometimes easier, more satisfying and even nostalgic, flipping pages rather than c…
(2019-12-21). Assange gives evidence in Spanish case against security contractor. wsws.org David Morales, a former Spanish military officer, is accused of spying on Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy and was charged in October with privacy violation, bribery and money laundering.
(2019-12-21). China detaining millions of Uyghurs? Serious problems with claims by US-backed NGO and far-right researcher 'led by God' against Beijing. thegrayzone.com Claims that China has detained millions of Uyghur Muslims are based largely on two studies. A closer look at these…
(2019-12-21). Gender Parity and Indigenous Presence Passed for Constituent. telesurenglish.net In a 180-degree turn that changes the landscape of the constituent process, the Chilean Chamber of Deputies approved gender parity, seats for indigenous peoples and posts for independent candidates. | RELATED: | Anti-Government Protests Reach 2nd Month in Chile | The vote occurred which occurred Thursday night was radically different from the one taken just one day before, where those issues were blocked by right-wing lawmakers | However, in the second attempt, this time introduced as a co…
(2019-12-21). ICC Responds to Mounting Calls for Action, Opens Official Investigation into War Crimes in Palestine. imemc.org "End impunity!" 29 November protest calls for action by ICC. Photo:…
(2019-12-21). Chile: TV Broadcast Live When Two Armored Cars Crushed Citizen. telesurenglish.net During the protests that took place at Dignity Square on Friday, Chile's Military Police deliberately ran over Oscar Perez, a young citizen who was crushed between two armored vehicles. The scenes of the police attack were broadcast live on local television. | RELATED: | Anti-Government Protests Reach 2nd Month in Chile | In the video, it can be seen that while an armored car closes Oscar's way, the other armored car takes a turn, accelerates towards the citizen, attacks him, and runs him o…
(2019-12-21). ICC To Investigate Israeli Government War Crimes & UN Again Contradicts US Claims Of Iran "Proof" 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 (12/20/19). 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 …
(2019-12-21). A magnificent account of Stalin's opponents in the USSR. wsws.org Stalin's rise was neither foreordained nor a natural outgrowth of the October Revolution. The Great Russian chauvinist and bureaucrat secured power in ferocious conflict with the proletariat, peasantry and cadre of the revolutionary socialist movement.
(2019-12-21). Trump signs Pentagon budget imposing new sanctions on Syria. wsws.org The record $738 billion National Defense Authorization Act was passed with the overwhelming support of House and Senate Democrats.