(2020-08-10). Trump Appoints Disgraced Iran-Contra Hawk Elliott Abrams as Iran Envoy. globalresearch.ca Activists, the UN, and even mainstream news outlets expressed dismay at the Trump administration's decision to appoint regime-change champion Elliot Abrahams to the role of Special Representative for Iran. | *** | The Trump administration has appointed disgraced neoconservative hawk Elliott …
(2020-08-10). Western media's favorite Hong Kong 'freedom struggle writer' is American ex-Amnesty staffer in yellowface. mronline.org 
A prominent Hong Kong pundit and anti-China activist named Kong Tsung-gan has become a go-to source for Western media. An investigation by The Grayzone confirms Kong as a fake identity employed by an American teacher who's a ubiquitous figure at local protests.
(2020-08-10). Elliott Abrams' Appointment as the Next U.S. Special Representative for Iran. Spells Disaster. globalresearch.ca The appointment of Elliott Abrams to replace Brian Hook as the next U.S. Special Representative for Iran is another low point for the Trump administration's disastrous policy towards Iran. The dangerous conflict resulting from Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement …
(2020-08-10). Revolutionaries Living in a System of Growing Fascism. counterpunch.org Watching the documentary The Weather Underground (2002) (see Independent Lens review, PBS) is a painful experience. Included with this award-winning documentary about Vietnam-era revolutionaries is the smaller and separate interview with David Gilbert, who remains imprisoned in New York for his part in the 1981 Brinks robbery in which some of those involved in the robbery killed two policemen
(2020-08-10). Guterres pledges continued UN support for Lebanon 'in every possible way'. news.un.org The United Nations and humanitarian partners are working around the clock to support and mobilize emergency assistance in the aftermath of the deadly explosion in Beirut Port last Tuesday.
(2020-08-10). The Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Human Rights Emergency is Not a Photo-Op for Ivanka Trump. counterpunch.org 
We need to be clear about what is needed to address this crisis, and it is not a photo-op where our sacred symbols of high office are degraded by being used as props by Ivanka Trump. Democratic 2020 presidential candidate, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, accurately called MMIWG "an unconscionable human rights emergency," and the response must
(2020-08-10). Brown Berets of Minnesota hold protest honoring Mario Sanchez. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – On August 9, over 100 people gathered on the corner of 35th Street and Chicago Avenue, the site where Mario Sanchez was killed during community violence on July 27. The protest was called by the newly-formed Minnesota chapter of the Brown Berets, the broader immigrant rights and Black liberation movements, and the American Indian Movement. Family and organizers believe the case has remained uninvestigated by the Minneapolis Police Department due to its proximity to the site where George Floyd was murdered Memorial Day weekend and because of Sanchez's immigration status. | In spite of the everch…
(2020-08-10). Worker's death sparks historic oil and gas strike in Iran. peoplesworld.org 
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(2020-08-10). Not Just a Bad President, Trump is a "Holmesian Bad Man." Act Accordingly. aclu.org "If you want to know the law, you must look at it as a bad man does, who cares only for the material consequences," wrote legendary Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, "Not as a good one, who finds his reasons for conduct, whether inside the law or outside of it, in the vaguer sanctions of conscience." , , Donald Trump is a Holmesian bad man, and an even worse president, pushing the bounds of corruption and authoritarianism, unbound by norms, the rule of law, a sense of shame, or even care for others. To deal with such a bad man and bad president — one who truckles to adversaries like Russian P…
(2020-08-10). Afghan government to release remaining 400 Taliban prisoners. peoplesdispatch.org The release is expected to pave the way for the beginning of intra-Afghan talks this week in Qatar. President Ashraf Ghani had earlier refused to release them saying their crimes were to heinous…
(2020-08-10). Cognitive Without Conscience. counterpunch.org President Trump took a cognitive test, and touted his performance as "amazing." The test: he repeated "Person, Woman, Man, Camera and TV" in that order. It is a dementia test that measures memory, not morality, the capacity to recall, not intelligence. Seventy-four-year-old Trump proposed that his 2020 presidential opponent, seventy-seven-year-old Joe Biden take the test
(2020-08-10). Asian Network Mounts Week-long Protest vs Golden Rice. asia-pacificresearch.com …
(2020-08-10). The rise of the Middle Kingdom in the Middle East: China's Belt and Road Initiative. zcomm.org China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) stands as the most prominent example of the pivotal shift in Chinese foreign policy from Deng Xiaoping's "bide and hide" philosophy to the current ambitious endeavors…
(2020-08-10). Georgia teachers and students force temporary closure of North Paulding High School over COVID-19 outbreak. wsws.org The cluster of COVID-19 cases at the school emerged as a direct consequence of the decision to reopen schools for in-person instruction amid a surge in infections.
(2020-08-10). Pushing GMO Crops into India: Experts Debunk High-Level Claims of Bt Cotton Success. globalresearch.ca On 6 July 2020, an article extolling the benefits of genetically modified (GM) crops …
(2020-08-10). Experts Debunk False Claims that GM Bt Cotton in India Has Been a Grand Success. globalresearch.ca "By nearly all measures, hybrid GM Bt cotton in India is a failure." | Three eminent experts have joined forces to debunk claims by a member of two influential think tanks that GM Bt cotton in India has been a resounding …
(2020-08-10). Iranian oil workers mount wave of strikes as COVID-19 rages across the country. wsws.org According to reports, at least 10,000 workers have participated in walkouts at nearly 30 oil and petrochemical facilities, including the Abadan, Parsian and Qeshm refineries.
(2020-08-10). Brent Scowcroft: Could He Have Stopped the 2003 Invasion Of Iraq? globalresearch.ca Brent Scowcroft badly served his friend George H. W. Bush on Iraq by not doing all he could to stop Bush's son from committing a war of aggression, writes Ray McGovern, who used to brief H.W. | *** | Some of the …
(2020-08-10). The Jakarta Method: How the U.S. Used Mass Murder to Beat Communism. globalresearch.ca The so-called Long Peace after 1945 was covered in the blood of innocent people. Americans generally prefer to remember the Cold War as a mostly peaceful triumph punctuated by a handful of debacles, but for many of the people living …
(2020-08-10). Hiroshima: The Lessons We Haven't Learned. zcomm.org 75 years after the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan, we remain perched on the precipice of unparalleled catastrophe…
(2020-08-10). 'You are not alone, we are in this together', declare UN staffers in Lebanon. news.un.org Last Saturday was another scorching August day in Lebanon's shattered capital of Beirut, but UN staff members who had gathered outside UN House — itself damaged during the deadly port explosion – were determined to get straight to work, and stand in solidarity with the country they call home.
(2020-08-10). Macron Takes Advantage of Explosion to "Conquer Lebanon" globalresearch.ca All relevant events on the international stage have some geopolitical effects. Terrorist attacks, natural catastrophes, accidents and other tragedies also have implications for the power game between nations. In fact, any atypical event can completely change the way of relations …
(2020-08-10). Massive protests continue in Lebanon following Beirut blasts. peoplesdispatch.org Protests against the government gained steam after the blasts last week that claimed more than 150 lives and injured 6,000 others. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the government…
(2020-08-10). Rising popular anger over Nepali government's response to COVID-19. wsws.org The Kathmandu government has reacted to youth protests over its failure to contain the coronavirus pandemic by arresting demonstrators.
(2020-08-10). Headlines for August 10, 2020. democracynow.org Lebanon Unrest Mounting as Death Toll from Catastrophic Port Blast Tops 200, Trump Signs Executive Orders After Coronavirus Bill Stalls, Dems Say They Are Unconstitutional , U.S. COVID-19 Cases Top 5 Million, with More Evidence of Infections in Children and Teens, Coronavirus Surging Across India, Brazil as Europe and Cuba Reimpose Containment Measures, Hong Kong Arrests Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Under National Security Law, Protesters Take to Streets of Belarus, Accuse Officials of Fraud After Lukashenko Claims 80% of Vote, Mauritius in State of "Environmental Emergency" as Tanker Leeches Fuel into Protected Areas,…
(2020-08-10). Lebanese Gov't Faces Collapse Amid Rage-Filled Protests over Blast, Economic Crisis & Corruption. democracynow.org 
The Lebanese government may be on the verge of collapse amid protests over the massive port explosion that devastated much of Beirut and killed at least 200 people and injured thousands. At least four ministers and nine members of Parliament have resigned. "The dominoes are falling," says Dion Nissenbaum, a Beirut-based reporter for The Wall Street Journal, who led an investigation into the official neglect that preceded last week's explosion, and says it has intensified public outrage over long-standing government dysfunction, calling it "the straw that's broken the camel's back here."
(2020-08-10). Iran-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan transit corridor operational. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — The pilot project of the Iran-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan transit corridor became operational under the TIR system with two trucks starting transporting goods from Iran to Afghanistan and finally to Uzbekistan on Monday.
(2020-08-10). War Crimes in Afghanistan Covered up by UK Ministry of Defence. globalresearch.ca The government has been caught out lying about evidence on the killing of civilians in Afghanistan by the elite Special Air Service (SAS). | Three years into a civil case in the High Court brought by Saiffulah Yar into the deaths …
(2020-08-10). Migrants still landing in UK as govt takes tougher line. yenisafak.com A small boat carrying 20 Syrian migrants was met by the British Border Force off the coast of Dover, local media reported on Monday.Between Thursday and Sunday, almost 700 migrants landed in the UK via the Channel, according to Sky News.The British government has taken a tougher line on migration via the Channel in recent days.Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his willingness to work with French authorities to stop the channel crossings and ensure that migrants "understand that this isn't a good idea, this is a very bad and stupid and dangerous and criminal thing to do"."But then there's a second thing we've…
(2020-08-10). Lebanon: President Macron Pushes "Neo-expansionism" globalresearch.ca The current geopolitical position of France is shaped by a variety of factors. As one of the key actors in the Mediterranean region, Paris is now primarily a European leader in countering Turkey's expansionist policy. Relations between the two countries …
(2020-08-10). Iran-Eurasia trade reaches $2.6 billion in 9 months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union trades reached $2.6 billion in the nine months since October 27, 2019 — when the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was inked between Islamic Republic of Iran and Eurasian Economic Union.
(2020-08-10). Iran, Azerbaijan set roadmap for development of coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Labor, Cooperatives and Social Welfare announced that Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan have set a roadmap for the development of cooperation between the two countries.
(2020-08-10). Iranian animation 'Crab' competing at Animafest Cyprus. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian short animation 'Crab' directed by Shiva Sadegh Asadi is present at the international competition film program of the 19th Countryside Animafest Cyprus, the official animation event of the country, August 9-12.
(2020-08-10). VIDEO: Mauritius oil spill in Indian Ocean. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — The island of Mauritius is facing an environmental emergency as a wrecked ship is leaking tons of diesel and oil into the Indian Ocean. The island's government has declared an environmental emergency following the incident.
(2020-08-10). Iran to adopt various methods to unblock frozen assets. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will adopt various methods to unblock its frozen assets in other countries.
(2020-08-10). Iran records 2,132 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infected 2,132 people and claimed 189 lives in Iran in the past 24 hours, a senior health official said.
(2020-08-10). Iran not officially notified of ship seizure off Pakistan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — In reaction to reports that an Iranian oil tanker was seized in the port of Karachi, Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad said that the Iranian embassy has not received any official report from Pakistani authorities.
(2020-08-10). Iran' Mahiroud Market exports over 13 million $ goods. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) —The Director-General of South Khorasan Customs administration said, "The definite export from Mahiroud Market in the first quarter of the current year has been 13 million and 112 thousand and 97 dollars."
(2020-08-10). "Hormuz Peace Endeavor" can only be sustained strategically. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies at the London Middle East Institute believes that "The "Hormuz Peace Endeavour" can only be sustained strategically.
(2020-08-10). Anibar Animation Festival to screen 'Eaten' from Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian animation 'Eaten', directed by Mohsen Rezapour, will be screened at the 2020 edition of the Anibar International Animation Festival.
(2020-08-10). Beirut Blast to change political arrangement in Lebanon. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian ex-ambassador to Germany said that It seems when the Beirut tensions end, the political arrangement of the forces in Lebanon will change and some political groups will turn to Hezbollah.
(2020-08-10). Swiss financial channel to facilitate cereals, pharmaceutical. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Chairman of Iran-Switzerland Joint Chamber of Commerce said that Swiss financial channel with the Islamic Republic of Iran will facilitate trade of cereals and pharmaceuticals.
(2020-08-10). Pharmaceutical industry discussed under Covid-19 pandemic. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Mehr news agency, on Monday, hosted the head and members of the Iranian Pharmaceutical Industries Syndicate in a meeting to investigate the condition of the domestic pharmaceutical industry under the coronavirus pandemic.
(2020-08-10). UNSC facing major test to show independence: Vaezi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 10 (MNA) — Iranian President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi said that the members of UN Security Council are facing a major test to show their independence and react negatively to US pressure on Iran.
(2020-08-10). US Crimes Against Humanity At Home And Abroad. popularresistance.org The US crimes against humanity did not begin or end with the dropping of the nuclear bombs on Japan. As militant civil rights leader Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin (formerly H. Rap Brown) pointed out years ago, "Violence is as American as cherry pie." Since its inception, the US has been ingrained with a motor force of violent oppression against everyone and every country that stood in its way of its expansion for control of resources and its entitlement to a limitless accumulation of vast wealth for a few. | The original thirteen colonies that rebelled against England were not motivated solely by being taxed without rep…
(2020-08-10). 'Execute Them': Lebanon Protesters Demand Revenge After Blast. popularresistance.org Mock gallows nooses tied to brooms: Lebanese protesters on Saturday clamored for bloody revenge against a leadership they blame for the massive blast that engulfed their capital. | "There is hatred and there is blood between us and our authorities," said Najib Farah, a 35-year-old protester in central Beirut. "The people want revenge." | On a street leading to parliament, young men lobbed stones at security forces who replied with tear gas, a familiar sight in Lebanon since last October. | Thousands of young men and women earlier revived the main camp of a months-long protest movement, some of them carrying portr…
(2020-08-10). Lebanon Bomb Might Focus the Minds of Regional Powers to Why Lebanon Matters. strategic-culture.org Macron has said he will throw his weight behind a political initiative to help Lebanon rebuild itself after an entirely corrupt government pushed the country towards an abyss. But will he suggest resignations of present leaders as a good start? And will he use his influence in the EU to get Brussels engaged? | The dust has settled in Lebanon now, after what might be described as its largest explosion to date in the troubled country. But while hordes of so-called analysts pour over the scarce details of what we know as fact, many will speculate about whether the explosion was indeed an accident — and, of cou…
(2020-08-10). Southeast Asia reports over 8,800 new coronavirus cases. yenisafak.com With 8,887 new coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia, the tally of cases in the region has crossed 333,300, authorities said Monday.The death toll in the region has hit 8,291, while recoveries are at 212,507.In Phillippines, the worst-hit in the region, total infections climbed to 136,638 after the country's health authority confirmed 6,958 new cases.The archipelago nation reported 24 more virus-related fatalities, raising the nationwide death toll to 2,292, while recoveries jumped by 633 to reach 68,306.Indonesia reported 42 more fatalities from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death t…
(2020-08-10). Eurasia countries report new COVID-19 cases. yenisafak.com Coronavirus cases and fatalities continued to rise across Eurasian and Central Asian countries on Monday.- UkraineHealth Minister Maksym Stepanov said 1,008 more people tested positive for the virus over the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 81,957.He said 25 more fatalities raised the death toll to 1,922 while recoveries increased by 387 to reach 44,359. | Stepanov urged the public to strictly follow the government's COVID-19 restrictions, which have been extended until Aug. 31. | – KazakhstanKazakhstan reported 741 more virus cases, raising the total to 99,442, as recoveries rose by 250 to reach the total of…
(2020-08-10). Oil prices slightly up on optimism over Asian demand. yenisafak.com Oil prices slightly up on Monday backed by Saudi optimism about Asian demand and an Iraqi commitment to speeding up production cuts to offset overproduction in the previous months.International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $44.89 per barrel at 0840 GMT for a 0.05% increase after closing Friday at $44.66 a barrel.American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $41.94 a barrel at the same time for a 0.21% increase after ending the previous session at $41.80 per barrel.Chief Executive of Saudi Aramco, Amin Nasser, said on Sunday that he sees oil demand growing in Asia as economies slowly open up afte…