Threatening Military Intervention in Venezuela During a Pandemic?
Medea Benjamin, Leonardo Flores | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
Unbeknownst to most Americans, as we are grappling with this terrifying pandemic, the Trump administration is currently carrying out the largest military operation in Latin America in 30 years, and has made it clear that alleged Venezuelan "narco-terrorism" is the target. It's worth noting that the last deployment of a similar size took place at…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/threatening-military-intervention-in-venezuela-during-a-pandemic/
Towards A New World Order, The Global Debt Crisis and the Privatization of the State
Prof Michel Chossudovsky | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
There is a serious health crisis which must be duly resolved. And this is a number one priority. | But there is another important dimension which has to be addressed. | Millions of people have lost their jobs, and their lifelong savings. …
globalresearch.ca/towards-a-new-world-order-the-global-debt-crisis-and-the-privatization-of-the-state/5709755
Pentagon Escalates Tensions with Iran in Persian Gulf
Bill Van Auken | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
The US Navy charged Wednesday that 11 Iranian vessels had "repeatedly conducted dangerous and harassing approaches against multiple US naval ships operating in international waters." | The protest, issued by the command of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, represented a further …
globalresearch.ca/pentagon-escalates-tensions-iran-persian-gulf/5709955
Frontline Medical Workers Protest New NYC Policy Demanding Doctor's Notes When They Are Sick
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-04-17
A new policy at New York City's public hospitals requires medical workers who call in sick to produce a doctor's note. "We know that people just need a mental health day," says Sean Petty, a registered nurse at a public hospital in the Bronx who is organizing a protest against the policy. "Thousands of us have been exposed. Health workers are the least tested group of people in this city." Petty is a member of the board of directors of the New York State Nurses Association.
www.democracynow.org/2020/4/17/nyc_nurse_sean_petty_doctors_notes
#ClimateStrike: Virtual Protest Against Chase Bank to #Stop The Money Pipeline
350.org Bay Area & many others | indybay.org | 2020-04-17
Online protest actions…
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/16/18832428.php
New Indonesian Capital in Borneo: From Rural Misery to Grody Dreams of Urban Glory
Andre Vltchek | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
An old road between Balikpapan and Samarinda passes through the poor villages, through rural slums, as well as stalls selling second-rate local fruits. The cheap, unhygienic eateries, are now half-empty. While the traffic is still heavy here, the 'real action' …
globalresearch.ca/indonesian-borneo-rural-misery-urban-glory/5709933
Are COVID-19 Outbreaks Peaking or Heading Higher Ahead?
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
The short answer is it's unknown
Spreading the Virus of Occupation: Spitting as a Weapon in the Hand of Colonial Israel
Ramzy Baroud | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
Spitting at someone is a universal insult. In Israel, however, spitting at Palestinians is an entirely different story. Now that we know that the deadly coronavirus can be transmitted through saliva droplets, Israeli soldiers and illegal Jewish settlers are working extra hard to spit at as many Palestinians, their cars, doorknobs, and so on, as…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/spreading-the-virus-of-occupation-spitting-as-a-weapon-in-the-hand-of-colonial-israel/
Bernie's Political Funeral
Kathleen Wallace | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
The end of the Bernie Sanders campaign always had a destination that was not the White House. I'll admit that I anticipated it playing out in a slightly different manner. The wildcard in all of this was COVID-19, but like all good disaster capitalists, the DNC, with the help of the Obama faction, used it…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/bernies-political-funeral-2/
The Great Gray Hope: Bernie Sanders Tests the Limits of US Political Systems
Roger D. Harris | mintpressnews.com | 2020-04-17
For all his remarkable accomplishments, Sanders' legacy in 2020 will likely be that of 2016, which was to be the sheepdog that herded progressives into the Democratic Party and got nothing in return.
mintpressnews.com/great-gray-hope-bernie-sanders-tests-limits-us-political-systems/266724/
Bernie Sanders Tests the Limits of the US Political System
Roger Harris | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
The Great Gray Hope has bowed out of the presidential primary race, leaving tottering Joe Biden as the last Democrat standing. What Bernie Sanders accomplished electorally was remarkable, revealing both how far a progressive can venture and the limits proscribing further advancement to the left within the Democratic Party. Sanders pushes the limits of the…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/bernie-sanders-tests-the-limits-of-the-us-political-system/
"Gangster in the White House": Noam Chomsky on COVID-19, WHO, China, Gaza and Global Capitalism
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-04-17
We continue our conversation with world-renowned political dissident, linguist and author Noam Chomsky. He responds to President Trump's cuts to U.S. support for the World Health Organization and the surge in deaths in the United States to another record high, and discusses conditions in Gaza, the rise of authoritarianism around the world, and the progressive response. "This is typical behavior of autocrats and dictators. When you make colossal errors which are killing thousands of people, find somebody else to blame," say Chomsky. "In the United States, it's unfortunately the case, for well over a century, centu…
www.democracynow.org/2020/4/17/noam_chomsky_coronavirus_trump_gaza_palestine
Sanders and Palestine: a Post Mortem
Steven Salaita | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
Let me start with a story about the Democratic primary. Now, I'm no operative, so this story has nothing to do with voting choices or electability. It's about how Palestine disappears in US electoral discourses, even when people who identify as Palestinian purport to make it visible. Sometime ago, I was added to an online…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/sanders-and-palestine-a-post-mortem/
Roaming Charges: Bernt Offerings
Jeffrey St. Clair | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
+ You'd better stock up on those Marvin Gaye stamps while you can because the stamps for Trump's privatized mail service will feature Jim Fisk, Jay Gould, PT Barnum, JP Morgan, Andrew Mellon, Charles Ponzi, old man Rockefeller, Roy Cohn, Michael Milkin, Ken Lay, Bernie Madoff and, of course, Trump himself… + So does Trump…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/roaming-charges-bernt-offerings/
Video: US-trained Militants Surrender to Syrian Army. Israel Tries to Assassinate Hezbollah Commanders
South Front | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
On April 15th, 27 members of Maghawir al-Thawra, a militant group in the Al-Tanf zone, which is both funded and trained by the US-led coalition, surrendered to the Syrian Army with all of their weapons and equipment. These …
globalresearch.ca/video-us-trained-militants-surrender-syrian-army-israel-tries-assassinate-hezbollah-commanders/5709915
As US Shale Oil Plunges, Trump Admin Takes Aim at Venezuela
Whitney Webb | mintpressnews.com | 2020-04-17
WASHINGTON DC ( The Last American Vagabond)
Danger Clown and the Return to American Normalcy
Paul Street | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
Recently in an online urban studies discussion, a young white man expressed his desire for his fellow Chicagoans and Americans more generally to get over all this COVID-19 trauma and "return to normal life in my great city and country." I was a little surprised and disappointed he didn't use Warren Harding's made-up word "normalcy."
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/danger-clown-and-the-return-to-american-normalcy/
We Can't Save the Economy Without Universal Child Care
Bryce Covert | thenation.com | 2020-04-17
We Can't Save the Economy Without Universal Child Care…
thenation.com/article/economy/child-care-economy-coronavirus/
Cutting the Funding: The WHO, Trump and the Coronavirus Wars
Dr. Binoy Kampmark | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
The US president is in a warring mood. Having declared himself a president at war, a meaningless gesture given that the US is always, somewhere in the world, at war, finding necessary enemies in distraction was always going to be …
globalresearch.ca/cutting-funding-who-trump-coronavirus-wars/5709912
Japan's Abe tells G7 he backs WHO on coronavirus response, in contrast with Trump
rt.com | 2020-04-17
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed support on Friday for the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the campaign against the coronavirus, in contrast with President Donald Trump who has vowed to cut US funding to the agency. | Abe said at a news conference he had told fellow Group of Seven leaders on Thursday that "the international community, centering on the WHO, must cooperate to fight this infectious disease, which is having a global impact" and Japan would "firmly" support it. | "There's only the WHO that can serve as an international institution" to address the pandemic, Abe said. He di…
rt.com/newsline/486116-japan-abe-who-trump/
Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic
newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org | 2020-04-17
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Because SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus, researchers are still learning how the virus affects the body. And this raises questions for pregnant women. Can COVID-19 affect pregnancy? Is breastfeeding safe? How can a pregnant woman protect herself from the disease? On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, …
newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-qa-podcast-pregnancy-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Nigeria: Police Brutality Is More Lethal Than COVID-19
telesurenglish.net | 2020-04-17
Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) denounced that the victims of police brutality outnumber those killed by COVID-19 on its territory as the Nigerian police are suspected of having carried out 18 extra-judicial killings between March 30 and April 13. | RELATED: | Africa: COVID Positive Cases Exceed 16,500 | "While the new coronavirus has killed eleven patients, security forces have extrajudicially executed 18 people to enforce orders," the NHRC head Tony Ojukwu said and added that h…
telesurenglish.net/news/nigeria-police-brutality-is-more-lethal-than-covid19-20200417-0001.html
UK could have the highest death rate in Europe because government was 'too slow', doctor warns
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-04-17
Britain will face "further waves" of coronavirus and will probably have the highest death rate in Europe because the government was "too slow" to act, a leading physician has warned.Professor Anthony Costello, of University College London's Institute for Global Health, told a committee of MPs that the "harsh reality" is that "we were too slow with a number of things"."If we're going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic so far
Iran confirms 1,599 new cases of COVID-19 infection
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
Sadiq Khan's call for compulsory face masks on London transport provokes both fury and praise
rt.com | 2020-04-17
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the UK government to make wearing face masks on public transport in the capital compulsory during the Covid-19 crisis, putting him at odds with UK health advisers and dividing public opinion. | During an interview with Sky News on Friday, the mayor of London claimed that "the evidence around the world is that this [face masks] is effective." He referenced countries such as the USA, Canada, Germany and South Korea, all of whom are currently advising their citizens to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic. | What I'm lobbying for is for when it comes to those circumsta…
rt.com/uk/486102-khan-london-face-masks/
If Coronavirus Overwhelms Gaza, Israel Alone is to Blame
Jonathan Cook | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
The Palestinians of Gaza know all about lockdowns. For the past 13 years, some two million of them have endured a closure by Israel more extreme than anything experienced by almost any other society
German health minister says coronavirus outbreak is now 'manageable again'
rt.com | 2020-04-17
The coronavirus outbreak in Germany has become manageable again, Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Friday. The number of patients who have made a recovery has been higher than the number of new infections every day this week, the minister noted. | "The outbreak has
Talks underway to return stranded Iranians from Italy: FM spox
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
Theories on origins of COVID-19 disease
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
G20 Suspends Debt Payments for Poor Countries As the Coronavirus Spreads
Kate Zeller | indybay.org | 2020-04-17
The G20 announced a suspension of debt payments and interest for the world's 76 poorest countries in order to bolster health services to confront the coronavirus.
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/15/18832398.php
Russia stresses formation of anti-sanctions campaign
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
Medicine not missiles: Iran celebrates Army Day with unique parade to promote healing amid coronavirus crisis (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-04-17
Iranian authorities opted to forego the usual display of military might befitting the country's national Army Day, opting instead to pay tribute to the men and women fighting on the frontlines of the country's coronavirus crisis. | Missiles, armored vehicles and fighter jet flyovers were swapped out for disinfection trucks, mobile hospitals and soldiers dressed as doctors and nurses in hazmat suits displaying lifesaving medical equipment during Friday's demure 'Defenders of the Homeland, Helpers of Health' army parade. | The normally massive crowds were nowhere to be seen, as the more restrained affair was…
rt.com/news/486124-medicine-not-missiles-iran-parade/
Bay Area Refuse Fascism Members Bang Pots, Call for Removal of Trump/Pence
On 2nd "OUTNOW! Tuesday" | indybay.org | 2020-04-17
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Refuse Fascism updated their 2020 Statement of Conscience/Call To Act. Included here are photos and a 4 second video of members displaying signage, wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing and banging pots on an "Out Now Tuesday" April 14. At the same time, 7pm, at other locations in the Bay Area, members shouted "Trump Pence Out Now!" for neighbors to hear.
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/15/18832371.php
How the Military-Industrial Complex Is Using the Coronavirus
William D. Hartung, Ben Freeman | thenation.com | 2020-04-17
How the Military-Industrial Complex Is Using the Coronavirus…
thenation.com/article/world/coronavirus-defense-budget-spending/
Almost HALF of French Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier group tested positive for Covid-19
rt.com | 2020-04-17
Some 1,081 servicemen of the 2,300-strong Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier group have tested positive for Covid-19, the French defense minister said. France's only carrier was forced to return to port after the outbreak. | The Charles de Gaulle coronavirus tally surged by over 300 confirmed cases on Friday when the country's military revealed new official figures. | Speaking to the country's National Assembly via video link, Defense Minister Florence Parly said that 2,010 tests had been carried out within the carrier group and 1,081 sailors tested positive. Some 545 of them have shown symptoms and 24 remain…
rt.com/news/486132-half-charles-de-gaulle-covid-19/
COVID-19 Was a Trigger, But Capitalism Caused the Economic Crash
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-04-17
After the dot-com crash in 2000, economic policy aimed to "get us back to normal." It sought to recreate or re-establish the U.S. economy as it was before the crisis hit. After the subprime mortgage crisis, economic policy likewise proceeded to "recovery." That meant returning to how the economy was before 2008-2009. Now, as we sink into an economic depression by reacting so poorly to the coronavirus, Federal Reserve and Trump Treasury policies seek to return us to that "great economy" Trump boasted about…
truthout.org/articles/covid-19-was-a-trigger-but-capitalism-caused-the-economic-crash/
India and the Coronavirus
Conn Hallinan | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
While the corona virus has focused much of the world on Europe and the United States, India promises to be the greatest victim of the disease. But other than a slick public relations campaign, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done little to confront the crisis. Indeed, a number of policy moves by…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/india-and-the-coronavirus/
Army's "Service Parade" in Tehran
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
'Devastated': England World Cup-winner Norman Hunter dies from COVID-19 at the age of 76
rt.com | 2020-04-17
Norman Hunter, the defender who won the World Cup with England and was instrumental in Leeds becoming champions of England twice during a 14-year spell at the club, has died from COVID-19 at the age of 76. | Issuing a statement confirming Hunter's death on Friday morning, the club said his passing would leave a "huge hole" at Elland Road, where the former England regular had a lounge named after him and was a familiar presence, attending the Championship clash with Huddersfield last month. | Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76– Leeds United (@…
rt.com/sport/486106-norman-hunter-dead-coronavirus/
Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller tests positive for COVID-19
rt.com | 2020-04-17
One of the biggest defensive stars of the NFL has been struck down by the coronavirus with the news that Denver Broncos' star outside linebacker Von Miller has tested positive for COVID-19. | Miller told Denver news station 9News on Thursday that he had picked up symptoms linked to the global virus, which has left the sporting world at a virtual standstill throughout the past month. | Read more | | 'There's a way of doing that': Infectious disease expert outlines how US sports can resume this summer (VIDEO) | "I've just been here in the…
rt.com/sport/486108-denver-broncos-star-linebacker-von-miller-test-positive-coronavirus/
Trump's Sports Advisers Represent the Worst of the Sports World
Dave Zirin | thenation.com | 2020-04-17
Trump's Sports Advisers Represent the Worst of the Sports World…
thenation.com/article/society/trump-sports-advisory-coronavirus/
China dismisses any cover-up on coronavirus outbreak
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
Putin & Macron discuss minimizing negative economic consequences of pandemic in telephone conversation
rt.com | 2020-04-17
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have discussed by telephone measures aimed at minimizing the negative socio-economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the Kremlin's press service said on Friday. | During the conversation, which was initiated by the French side, the two leaders spoke about measures which are being taken in Russia and France. Macron thanked Putin for "helping France with the return of French citizens to their homeland and ensuring conditions for shipments of medical supplies and equipment through Russia to France," the press service said. | Int…
rt.com/newsline/486135-putin-macron-discuss-economic/
Austria to let museums, some cultural spaces reopen from mid-May
rt.com | 2020-04-17
Austrian museums and some other cultural spaces will be allowed to reopen from mid-May as part of the step-by-step loosening of its coronavirus lockdown, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler said on Friday. A specific date has not yet been set, Kogler told reporters, adding that large events involving many people close together, such as festivals, would remain banned until August 31. | On Tuesday, the Alpine republic started loosening its lockdown, letting DIY stores, garden centers and smaller shops reopen. Larger shops and hairdressers are due to follow from May 1. | The country will be on the lookout for any accel…
rt.com/newsline/486111-austria-museums-cultural-open/
What does Trump's Celebration of the Resurgent Dollar Tell us about the International Monetary System?
Emrah Yildiz | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-17
On April 7, the U.S. President Donald Trump took the stage for the White House Coronavirus Task Force press briefing. In his speech, he targeted the World Health Organization (WHO) for mismanaging the Coronavirus pandemic. Trump criticized the organization for focusing too much on China, and accused its leadership of not being proactive enough in…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/what-does-trumps-celebration-of-the-resurgent-dollar-tell-us-about-the-international-monetary-system/
Economic Crisis Could Get Much Worse Says IMF
Kate Zeller | indybay.org | 2020-04-17
The International Monetary and Financial Committee, the leadership of the IMF, released their Spring Meetings communiqué calling coronavirus economic impacts, "unprecedented" and that "the global economic outlook is subject to high uncertainty."
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/16/18832437.php
Health service parade in Rasht on National Army Day
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
RASHT, Apr. 17 (MNA)
Worst three months in decades: China's economy plunges almost 7% amid coronavirus battle
rt.com | 2020-04-17
The world's second largest economy, China, took a huge hit due to the Covid-19 outbreak, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. It showed a 6.8 percent drop in the first quarter of 2020 from a year earlier. | That is the first such contraction since Beijing began reporting its quarterly gross domestic product in 1992. | Data showed that industrial production declined 8.4 percent in Q1, though March only saw a drop of 1.1 percent. Retail sales crashed 19 percent in the first quarter. Sales of consumer goods dipped by 15.8 percent in March, while online sales of physical goods rose almost six…
rt.com/business/486091-china-economic-fallout-coronavirus/
Iran Army holds health service parade on National Day
en.mehrnews.com | 2020-04-17
TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA)
Treatments for COVID-19: Drugs Being Tested Against the Coronavirus. Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine
Live Science | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-17
The world is now desperate to find ways to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and to find effective treatments. As of April 6, more than 200 clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments or vaccines that are either ongoing or …
globalresearch.ca/treatments-covid-19-drugs-being-tested-against-coronavirus/5709922