(2020-05-21). Lives Depend on Argentina's Debt Talks. counterpunch.org Argentina is currently engaged in intense negotiations with its creditors over at least $65 billion in government debt. The most important part of that negotiation, which can make or break Argentina's economic recovery, is foreign currency debt. That is mostly in dollars, and mostly owned by foreigners. Argentina's 45 million residents, as well as hundreds
(2020-05-21). Foreign Correspondent: Michael Flynn's Forgotten Turkish Connection. progressive.org Before Russiagate, the former national security advisor was an operative for Turkey, tilting foreign policy against the Kurds.
(2020-05-21). Podcast: Aaron Mate Debunks RussiaGate and Discusses How Liberals Came to Love Bush-Era Neocons. mintpressnews.com Investigative journalist Aaron Mate unpacks four years of Russiagate propaganda and how it was the gift that kept on giving for both the Trump administration and the Democratic Party.
(2020-05-21). "KievGate" and the November Presidential Elections. Biden and Poroshenko Colluded in Ukraine. globalresearch.ca Money-controlled US elections are farcical when held — world's apart from what democracy in action is supposed to. | It's a notion long abhorred by both right wings of the one-party state — the war party, the money party, the anti-peace, …
(2020-05-21). Will Trump Wage More Wars to Distract From COVID-19 and Economic Collapse? globalresearch.ca Trump is the latest in a long line of belligerent US presidents, throughout his tenure waging war on multiple fronts at home and abroad. | His priorities are self-enrichment, serving Wall Street, Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Military, and other corporate …
(2020-05-21). "KievGate" and the November 2020 Presidential Elections. Biden and Poroshenko Colluded in Ukraine. globalresearch.ca Money-controlled US elections are farcical when held — world's apart from what democracy in action is supposed to. | It's a notion long abhorred by both right wings of the one-party state — the war party, the money party, the anti-peace, …
(2020-05-21). How the United States Government Failed to Prepare for the Global Pandemic. counterpunch.org 
There were two immediate reasons for the U.S. to blame China for the novel coronavirus global pandemic. First, it was a convenient way to divert attention from the fact that the U.S. government had done nothing—despite months of notice—to effectively prepare for the arrival of the virus. Second, it was a necessary way to undermine the remarkable way China had been able to tackle the epidemic, with massive infusions of personnel and equipment as well as relief into Wuhan and Hubei province. U.S. President Donald Trump's attack on China is explained not as the rant of an unstable individual, but as part…
(2020-05-21). Why Israel Fears the Nakba: How Memory Became Palestine's Greatest Weapon. mintpressnews.com 
On May 15, thousands of Palestinians in Occupied Palestine and throughout the 'shatat', or diaspora, participated in the commemoration of Nakba Day, the one event that unites all Palestinians, regardless of their political differences or backgrounds. | For years, social media has added a whole new stratum to this process of commemoration. #Nakba72, along with #NakbaDay and #Nakba, have all trended on Twitter for days. Facebook was inundated with countless stories, videos, images, and statements, written by Palestinians, or in global support of the Palestinian people. | The dominant Nakba narrative remains –…
(2020-05-21). How To Understand All This China Stuff. thealtworld.com 
pretending to be offended because a Chinese tabloid published the accusation that our nation is a "giant kangaroo that serves as a dog of the US", even though we all know that's completely true and we should be flattered that at least they said "giant". Before that we were getting indignant over (2020-05-21). Soaring Beyond the Green New Deal with Stan Cox. counterpunch.org 
When Stan Cox was writing his book, The Green New Deal and Beyond: Ending the Climate Emergency While We Still Can, he scripted these prophetic words: "The oft-predicted national decline in use of fossil fuels is nowhere to be seen, and it is unlikely to occur on its own, at least until the next economic meltdown." He became
(2020-05-21). Carrizo Comecrudo Tribunal for Human Rights: 'The Indian Wars are not over'. workers.org 
An important online tribunal — the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribunal for Human Rights — will take place on May 22-23 and should not be missed. The Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas is hosting this event in partnership with the Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy. The tribunal involves "the continued . . . |
(2020-05-21). COVID-19: The Slippery Slope to Despotism is Paved with Lockdowns, Raids and Forced Vaccinations. mintpressnews.com 
Until now, the police state has been more circumspect in its power grabs, but this latest state of emergency has brought the beast out of the shadows.
(2020-05-21). Organizing health care for patients, not profits. workers.org 
This is a slightly edited version of a talk given during the"What Road To Socialism?" webinar held by Workers World Party on May 16. I appreciate being given the chance to speak on such a critical topic as health care in the so-called United States. Many comrades have already spoken . . . |
(2020-05-21). Witness at the prison gates, Karnes Family 'Detention' Center. workers.org 
May 16 car caravan protesting migrant family imprisonment at the Karnes County Residential Center — first immigrant detention facility in Texas to be licensed as a 'child care provider.' By BLS On May 16, I found the Karnes County Family Residential Center tucked away on a secluded road in Karnes . . . |
(2020-05-21). The Proposed Nile Dam Is A Wedge Between Egypt, Ethiopia, And Sudan. therealnews.com 
The plan to build a giant hydroelectric dam on the Nile River is a cornerstone in Ethiopia's economic development strategy, but is fiercely opposed by President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi in Egypt.
(2020-05-21). La Riva designated presumptive Peace & Freedom Party presidential nominee in California. liberationnews.org 
The following statement was originally published by the Peace and Freedom Party.
(2020-05-21). Fundamentalist Pandemics: What Evangelicals Could Learn From The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam. counterpunch.org 
This spring, the novel coronavirus pandemic has raised the issue of the relationship between the blindest kind of religious faith and rational skepticism — this time in two countries that think of themselves as polar opposites and enemies: Supreme Leader Ali Khameini's Iran and Donald Trump's America. On the U.S. side of things, New Orleans
(2020-05-21). From Plague to a Livable World. counterpunch.org 
The 2020 corona virus pandemic is not merely killing countless people. It is also having invisible but deleterious effects: psychological, political, and intellectual. Some people cannot cope with the severe economic effects of the plague, the constant barrage of bad news, and of being alone and isolated. They probably commit suicide. Others enter realms of fantasy and conspiracy. And still others, who know how to oil the wheels of power and influence, are taking advantage of America's corrupt Trump administration.
(2020-05-21). What Impact Has Coronavirus Had On Policing? therealnews.com 
Racial bias in policing has always existed, with tragic results for some. But has the coronavirus had an impact, or has it merely exposed just how deeply biased policing always was?
(2020-05-21). 'Students Have Fallen Off The Face Of The Planet'. therealnews.com 
Remote learning has created huge barriers to learning for low income communities of color, where four in ten families lack high speed internet access.
(2020-05-21). How Germany's Courts Might Destroy the Euro. counterpunch.org 
Germany's highest court issued a ruling that could threaten the existence of the euro with a constitutional court decision that said the European Central Bank's bond-buying operations exceeded the ECB's legal remit, and violated German constitutional law. The U.S. equivalent of this would be a state Supreme Court limiting the ability of the U.S. Federal
(2020-05-21). Too Many Demand Too Much of Renewable Energy. counterpunch.org 
Many have heard talk of coal miners finding new jobs installing rooftop solar panels. It's less often mentioned, but it seems just as likely that at least some coal miners will transition to new jobs in the metals mining basic to building those solar panels. Batteries for storing solar energy are also central to transition
(2020-05-21). Pandemic: How big banks and big AG share blame. mronline.org 
Here in the U.S., agribusiness lines up with pharmaceutical and military contractors in terms of being a political force to be reckoned with and, in effect, help run the country. Their needs are protected so that these pathogens have the best lawyers on the planet.
(2020-05-21). The COVID-19 crisis and the end of the 'low-skilled' worker. mronline.org 
IN A PANDEMIC, "ESSENTIAL" LABORERS ARE WORKING, BUT THE LABOR MARKET ISN'T.
(2020-05-21). The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. mronline.org 
Infections with SARS-CoV-2 are now widespread, and as of 11 March 2020, 121,564 cases have been confirmed in more than 110 countries, with 4,373 deaths.
(2020-05-21). Wallmapu: "The Mapuche political prisoners are not alone" peoplesdispatch.org 
The Mapuche community demands protection for political prisoners in the prisons of the Araucanía region of Chile after being exposed to the risk of COVID-19 due to lack of necessary care…
(2020-05-21). 'Humiliating women': South Korean club slapped with record fine for placing SEX DOLLS in stands. rt.com 
Angry fans have lashed out at FC Seoul and the club has received the largest fine in its history after the top-level South Korean K-League found organizers who unwittingly placed sex dolls in stadium seats guilty of misogyny. | Club officials claimed they did not know they were placing about 25 sex-dolls inside their vast stadium when they introduced the mannequins in an attempt to replicate the presence of fans prohibited from attending matches under public health guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. | One of the dolls carried the name of an adult toy manufacturer as part of a set of banners he…
(2020-05-21). Regime Change Back In Focus: Pompeo Targets Iran, Cuba & Venezuela In Epic Tweet Thread. iranian.com Given the very noticeable rise in threatening rhetoric focused on Iran over the past week, it seems thoughts of regime change in Tehran are once again top of the agenda. Or perhaps simultaneously the administration needs a significant distraction of sorts amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the persistent national reopening question and agenda. On Wednesday, Secretary …
(2020-05-21). Medical professionals: 'COVID-19 in institutions is a significant risk'. greenleft.org.au 
(2020-05-21). Covid-19 may end India's hopes of becoming world leading economic force, Professor Wolff tells Boom Bust. rt.com 
After Goldman Sachs projected the Indian economy to shrink by 45 percent this quarter, Professor Richard Wolff believes that no one can predict the future amid the coronavirus uncertainty. | "We're in uncharted waters, we do not know what the ramification of this crash is and we do not know how long it will last," he told the host of RT's Boom Bust. | He added that while India failed to stockpile the necessary medical supplies and was not prepared for the pandemic as was the case with many other nations, the situation there is aggravated by its enormous population living in very close quarters. | "And like…
(2020-05-21). The Cynical Actors Surrounding Tara Reade. counterpunch.org 
At the outset, let me be absolutely clear that I have a particularly heightened level of sensitivity to matters of gender and violence against women. Almost everyone has either met someone with some kind of #MeToo story or, alternatively, has experienced gender-based violence in some form. But with that said, there's a metric ton of
(2020-05-21). Study Warns 1.1 Million Children Could Die as Pandemic Interrupts Access to Food & Medical Care. democracynow.org 
A new report finds 1.1 million children under 5 could die the next six months from secondary impacts of the pandemic, like disruptions to health services and access to food. Mothers are also imperiled. We speak with Tim Roberton, lead author of the study and assistant scientist in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and with infectious diseases pediatrician Dr. Beate Kampmann.
(2020-05-21). From Syria to U.S.-Mexico Border, Refugees Worldwide Face Hunger & Deprivation as COVID-19 Spreads. democracynow.org 
We look at the coronavirus threat to millions of refugees across the globe, where social distancing is often impossible and healthcare is extremely limited. We're joined by Dr. Miriam Orcutt, executive director of Lancet Migration.
(2020-05-21). Crowded & Desperate: Rohingya in World's Largest Refugee Camp Face Dual Crises of Cyclone & COVID-19. democracynow.org 
A major cyclone hits India and Bangladesh amid the pandemic, displacing 3 million people and unleashing heavy rain on Cox's Bazar, home to 1 million Rohingya refugees, where the first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. We get an update from Steven Corliss, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative in Bangladesh, and speak with Tun Khin, a Rohingya activist, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK.
(2020-05-21). Police watchdog rejects criminal probe into PM over public money and access given to Jennifer Arcuri. thecanary.co 
Boris Johnson will not be the subject of a criminal investigation by the police watchdog over allegations that he used his position while London mayor to benefit and reward US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said on 21 May that it would not be launching a probe into the prime minister following claims of misconduct in public office, which he denies.But the London Assembly said it will resume its own investigation into allegations that Arcuri received thousands of pounds in public money and privileged access to three foreign trade trips led by Johnson when he headed C…
(2020-05-21). Track and trace strategy coming late in the day, NHS leaders warn. thecanary.co 
The government has defended its position on track and trace, after NHS leaders warned that action to control the future spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) is coming late in the day.Security minister James Brokenshire said he remains "confident" that a test, track and trace system will be in place by 1 June — the earliest date by which primary schools in England and some non-essential shops could reopen.However, Brokenshire admitted the NHS app would not be ready in time and suggested "technical issues" were behind its hold-up, just over a week after health secretary Matt Hancock said it would be rolled out acr…
(2020-05-21). The lockdown achieved a 35% reduction in emissions from British power production. thecanary.co 
The lockdown has seen an impact on carbon pollution, with emissions from British power production falling 35% on the same period last year. Meanwhile, renewables generated more than 40% of Britain's power in the first three months of the year — overtaking fossil fuels for the first time, analysis shows.Wind farms were vying for top spot with gas in the electricity mix, generating 30.5% of power, just behind fossil fuels which contributed 30.6% between January and March.Severe winter storms in the wettest and windiest February since records began helped make it the first month on record when more electricity…
(2020-05-21). Number of Covid-19 cases surpasses 5 million worldwide — Johns Hopkins University. rt.com 
The number of people worldwide who have tested positive for coronavirus has passed 5 million, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. Globally, there have been over 328,000 Covid-19 related deaths. | The widely-cited dashboard said that confirmed cases reached 5,000,038 on Thursday. | Although believed to have started in Wuhan, China, the virus spread westward, with the United States becoming the new epicenter of the health crisis. With more than 1.5 million infections, the US currently has the highest number of confirmed cases. | Russia has the second-highest number of cases, at over 308,…
(2020-05-21). Beijing accuses Pompeo of using 'democracy' bill to blackmail Hong Kong govt. rt.com 
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is using self-described human rights legislation to put pressure on the Hong Kong government and threaten China's sovereignty, Beijing has claimed. | Pompeo is "blackmailing" the semi-autonomous city with the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Office of the Commissioner to Hong Kong said on Thursday. He added that China was not intimidated by Washington's political maneuvering and that Beijing would protect its national interests from all foreign threats. | Signed into law in November 2019, the act requires the State Depart…
(2020-05-21). Beijing complains to Washington about planned sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan. rt.com 
China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it had lodged "solemn representations" with the United States to complain about a planned Washington's sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan. | China firmly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan, ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing. | The US government has notified Congress of a possible sale of advanced torpedoes to Taiwan worth around $180 million, further souring already tense ties between Washington and Beijing, Reuters said. | The US State Department has approved a possible sale to Taiwan of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes an…
(2020-05-21). One of Earth's main planetary defense telescopes just spotted a NEW kind of ASTEROID… with a tail. rt.com 
A newly discovered asteroid, unlike any we've seen before, has been reported by scientists at the University of Hawaii. Dubbed 2019 LD2, it is unique not just because of what it is, but where — sharing an orbit with Jupiter. | Asteroids that behave like comets, emitting gas or sublimating, are rare but not unknown, and are called active asteroids. | | (Left) ATLAS image of 2019 LD2 (indicated by two red lines) is almost lost in crowded field of stars. © University of Hawaii at MƒÅnoa | However, 2019 LD2 boasts an asteroidal orbit but a comet-like tail, and is part of an asteroid swarm c…
(2020-05-21). Dutch emergency services battle fire at abandoned NUCLEAR PLANT, urge residents to lock windows and doors (VIDEOS). rt.com 
Dozens of firefighters have been deployed to tackle a blaze at a disused nuclear facility in Dodewaard in the Netherlands. Police have asked the public to stay away and lock all doors and windows to avoid exposure to the fumes. | The fire broke out shortly before noon local time on Thursday in Dodewaard, which is roughly 100 km from Amsterdam. Eyewitness video from the scene shows fire crews battling the blaze on the roof. | De brandweer is met veel menskracht aanwezig in
(2020-05-21). Ankara warns against attacks on its interests in Libya amid anti-Haftar forces' advances. rt.com 
Turkey warned on Thursday that attacks on its interests in Libya by Khalifa Haftar's forces will have "very grave consequences," after advances by the country's Ankara-backed government. Turkey has provided military support to the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been battling to fend off a year-long offensive by Haftar's eastern forces to take control of the capital, Tripoli. | Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) had received warplanes with "foreign support" and that they had vowed to target Turkish positions…
(2020-05-21). Paying for priority? US forks out over $1.2 billion for 300 MILLION doses of University of Oxford's Covid-19 vaccine. rt.com 
The US government has secured nearly one third of the anticipated production of a vaccine for coronavirus under development by AstraZeneca, after pledging more than $1 billion to fund the project. | The US Department of Health will dole out $1.2 billion for 300 million doses of the vaccine, which is being created in conjunction with the University of Oxford. Health Secretary Alex Azar described the deal as a "major milestone" in US President Donald Trump's program to fast-track a Covid-19 vaccine, dubbed Operation Warp Speed. | AstraZeneca, based in Cambridge, England, says it will be able to manufacture aroun…
(2020-05-21). Active shooter 'neutralized' at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas, base on lockdown. rt.com 
A US Navy air base in Corpus Christi, Texas is on lockdown after an active shooter incident at the facility. Soon after the alarm was raised, officials said the shooter had been "neutralized." | The shooting was reported at around 6.15am local time Thursday. As Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigators and local law enforcement responded, airbase officials warned anyone near the north gate of the base to "get out and away to safety." | "Execute lockdown procedures — remain indoors and away from windows," they added in a Facebook post about the unfolding incident. | www.facebook.com…
(2020-05-21). Russia's newest radar can track 1,000+ fast-moving & HYPERSONIC weapons, and is now available to foreign buyers. rt.com 
Russia once claimed gold in the race for hypersonic dominance after rolling out a range of ultra-fast projectiles. Now it's offering unique radar protecting against weapons of the same kind — even if they come in huge numbers. | Having unbeatable offensive weapons — for example hypersonic missiles — could be a game-changer in the age of modern, fast-paced warfare. But it's equally crucial to have something that shields you from those designed or deployed by an adversary. | And Russia's newest radar station is able to fit the bill, Rosoboronexport, the government agency in charge of arms trade,…
(2020-05-21). Civil war among 'Russia disinformation' crowd: How RT watchers fell out over not hating RT enough. rt.com 
Though awash with cash, the Western 'Russian disinformation' racket is at the mercy of the political winds. Thus, its gatekeepers need to ensure the officials who manage the money tree don't realise the emperor has no clothes. | You may remember a report last month from British academics revealing how "
(2020-05-21). 'Selfish' or 'correct'? Twitter's blue checks go to war over New York Post cover story demanding NYC lockdown ends NOW. rt.com 
As the New York Post prepares to run a cover story urging for an immediate end to the Big Apple's lockdown, pundits have raced to their battle stations to fire off a barrage of hot takes and pithy attacks on the hot-button column.
(2020-05-21). Top Russian, Turkish diplomats support Libya ceasefire, discuss Syria in phone call. rt.com 
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu backed an immediate ceasefire in Libya during a phone call, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. | The two diplomats also supported the resumption of the United Nations political process in the North African country, it said. | Lavrov and Cavusoglu spoke a day after the Libyan National Army of eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar said it had pulled back from some Tripoli frontlines amid its year-long offensive aimed at seizing the capital, Reuters reports. | The ministers also discussed Syria and conf…
(2020-05-21). 'R rate falling': Denmark opens museums and zoos weeks ahead of schedule. rt.com 
Denmark began re-opening museums and zoos ahead of schedule on Thursday as virologists said the virus epidemic was slowing despite the lifting of quarantine measures. Museums, zoos, theaters and cinemas were due to stay shut until June 8 but the Danish government has decided to accelerate the end of the lockdown. | The Danish health agency SSI said the coronavirus rate of transmission (R) had fallen to 0.6, down from 0.7 on May 7, meaning that the outbreak is slowing. An R rate of 0.6 means that 100 virus patients typically infect another 60 people, meaning that the number of cases falls over time. | Danish au…