(2020-08-31). Is Russia Backtracking on China's "Belt and Road" (BRI)? Moscow's Balancing Act Between China and India. globalresearch.ca The critical assessment of China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) last month by the influential Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Far Eastern Studies coupled with India's eagerness all summer to court the Eurasian Great Power into …
(2020-08-31). US Sanctions Russian Research Institute that Developed COVID-19 Vaccine. globalresearch.ca Russia won the race to develop the first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The United States has responded by slapping sanctions on a Russian research facility involved in creating it. | The US government has blacklisted several Russian scientific institutes, including …
(2020-08-31). India's Communist youth raise $1.4 million for COVID relief with recycling drive. peoplesworld.org 
KERALA STATE, India—Ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, leftist youth organizations around the world have been in the forefront of both providing relief and resisting attempts to attack the rights of people. An instance of this has been the "Recycle Kerala" initiative launched by the communist Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), which …
(2020-08-31). Qatar announces non-discriminatory minimum wage, changes to kafala system. peoplesdispatch.org On Sunday, August 30, Qatar announced a non-discriminatory minimum wage of 1,000 Qatari Rials (around USD 274) for all its migrant workers. Qatar's ministry of administration, development, labor and social affairs (ADLSA) also announced crucial changes in the country's infamous kafala system. | According to the ministry, the employees will no longer need a "no objection certificate" from their employers to change their jobs. According to the rules of kafala or sponsorship system, an employee is not allowed to change jobs during the contract period without the permission of the employer. Now, an employee can chang…
(2020-08-31). Trump at the RNC: Echoes of Saddam. counterpunch.org 
The Republican convention was a nauseating performance even by the cess-pit standards of the Trump administration. In its cult-like obeisance to the supreme leader it reminds me of meetings of the Iraqi Baath Party that periodically endorsed Saddam Hussein as the national saviour. The only speeches acceptable in both cases were dollops of fawning praise. Speakers outdid each other in adulation, pretending that shambolic failures were triumphant successes.
(2020-08-31). TG 45: The rise of China and "American exceptionalism" thealtworld.com Media coverage of China can be very hypocritical. To put the China story into context Peter and George are joined by Philip Giraldi — former CIA counter-terrorism specialist.
(2020-08-31). EU Supports US Coup Plot Against Belarus, Imposes Illegal Sanctions. globalresearch.ca Nearly always, EU countries are subservient to Washington's geopolitical agenda — no matter how unlawful. | Support by Britain, France, Germany (the E3), and Brussels for Iran's right to buy and sell conventional arms once the UN embargo on the practice …
(2020-08-31). Battleground South China Sea? Growing US Hostility toward China. globalresearch.ca US hostility toward China's growing political, economic, technological, and military prominence risks possible direct confrontation between both nations. | China seeks peace and cooperative relations with other countries in stark contrast to Washington's aim for unchallenged dominance by whatever it takes …
(2020-08-31). From Cotton to Brinjal: Fraudulent GMO Project in India Sustained by Deception. globalresearch.ca Insecticidal Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton is the first and only GM (genetically modified) crop that has been approved in India. It has been cultivated in the country for more than 20 years. In a formal statement to the Supreme Court …
(2020-08-31). Who Will Win November's US Presidential Elections? … Israel? globalresearch.ca The US presidential elections coming this November will determine whether the current President Donald Trump or the Democratic nominee Joe Biden (if his mental capabilities are still intact) will run the White house. | But whether Trump or Biden becomes president, …
(2020-08-31). Indian people's organizations stand up to Modi govt. peoplesdispatch.org Under the banner of Hum Agar Uthe Nahi Toh (If We Do Not Rise), over 400 Indian women's groups and human rights organizations are coming together for a joint campaign.
(2020-08-31). Saudi Troops Join U.S. Base in Oil-Rich Northern Syria. globalresearch.ca Twenty Saudi soldiers arrived this week at a U.S. military base close to an oilfield in northeastern Syria, according to At the end of last year, Saudi …
(2020-08-31). KOVID-19: "Virus Terrorism" in Korea? How Powerful Is the "Virus Weapon"? Who Will Win? globalresearch.ca South Korea has been the object of praise and envy of the world for its great success in anti-virus war, off-line presidential election despite the virus crisis and the best performance in GDP growth among the OECD countries. In fact, …
(2020-08-31). Urgent solution needed to address fuel woes in war-torn Yemen. news.un.org The UN Special Envoy for Yemen has called on all parties to urgently work together with his Office, in order to find a solution that ensures people in the country can access basic fuel supplies, amid major shortages in areas controlled by the Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah.
(2020-08-31). Israeli restrictions, policies hinder Palestinians' fight against pandemic. peoplesdispatch.org Shatha Odeh of the Palestinian Health Work Committees talks about the difficulties faced by the people and health care professionals due to the rules and restrictions imposed by Israeli occupation.
(2020-08-31). 'A Perpetual Motion Machine Of Killing': Alleged Cover-Up of Civilians Murdered by UK Special Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. globalresearch.ca On August 1, a rare in-depth investigative
(2020-08-31). Mustapha Adib is Lebanon's new PM. peoplesdispatch.org Mustapha Adib, Lebanon's ambassador to Germany, has won the support of the major political blocs but is part of an establishment whose credibility is at a historic low following the Beirut blasts…
(2020-08-31). The Old Japan's Debt Burden is Reaching Its Limits Story. cepr.net That's a theme we have been hearing for decades. Japan is a huge embarrassment for the deficit hawks. It has a debt to GDP ratio of close to 250 percent, more than twice as high as in the United States, yet it has none of the problems that the deficit hawks tell us will come …
(2020-08-31). China Warns of "Accidental" Military Confrontation with US. globalresearch.ca China's military has warned of an unintentional military confrontation with the US if it does not halt its naval operations in the South China Sea, insisting that recent US activities in the region are instigating such hostilities. | The warning came …
(2020-08-31). Radioactive: The pioneering efforts of physicist and chemist Marie Curie. wsws.org Marie Curie (1867-1934) was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, and the first person and only woman to win it twice. Her life and work are the subject matter of Iranian-born French filmmaker Marjane Satrapi's feature.
(2020-08-31). What Trump's Troop Withdrawal from Iraq Means for Ending America's Endless Wars. globalresearch.ca The
(2020-08-31). Israel's Characteristic Beirut Hypocrisy. globalresearch.ca The massive explosion which devastated Beirut earlier this month was nothing short of a catastrophe. Some 220 people lost their lives and,
(2020-08-31). Reflecting On 12 Years In Palestine. popularresistance.org In Palestine, I have split my time between working on human rights issues for Palestinians and working for the environment. These are not mutually exclusive as there is significant overlap. There are issues of colonizer assaults on the environment and environmental justice. There are issues of human sustainability and food security (dependent on the environment). Of course where and how we act evolves and changes in time. In those 12 years, I learned that our struggle as indigenous people in Palestine is connected to the struggle of indigenous people everywhere. I also learned that since the wealthy elites have n…
(2020-08-31). Ten Days Of Climate Extremes. popularresistance.org Pick almost any slice of time in the recent past and you can find clues to how climate change is jacking up dangerous weather extremes. In the 10 days after the potential global heat record in Death Valley, an unusual lightning storm blasted California with more than 11,000 lightning strikes that sparked hundreds of fires; more heat records were set in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres; unprecedented flooding in Asia washed away villages and threatened China's Three Gorges Dam; and twin hurricanes threatened the Gulf of Mexico, with Hurricane Laura generating a storm surge as high as 11 feet that pushed far i…
(2020-08-31). Headlines for August 31, 2020. democracynow.org Protests Continue in Kenosha as Officials Plead With Trump To Cancel Visit, One Dead in Portland as Pro-Trump Rally Clashes With Anti-Racist Protesters, U.S. Covid-19 Cases Top 6 Million, Deaths Top 183,000, Under Pressure From Trump, FDA Admits It Might Approve Vaccine Before Trials End, Gaza Extends Lockdown, India Reports Record Daily Numbers as Global Covid-19 Cases Top 25 Million, Chadwick Boseman, Beloved and Ground-Breaking Actor, Dies at 43 After Battle With Cancer, "Get Your Knee Off Our Necks" Rally Held on 57th Anniverary of March on Washington, Mustapha Adib Set to Become New Prime Minister of Lebanon…
(2020-08-31). Territorial Disputes of Japan. strategic-culture.org 
During the tenure of outgoing Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe hopes were high that he would be able to resolve some of the territorial disputes between Japan and its neighbors. That did not happen. Let's have a look at the legacy Abe will leave to his successor.
(2020-08-31). In COVID Era, Artists Are Generating Hope and Illustrating Pandemic Inequities. truthout.org Almost immediately after the coronavirus began to spread throughout New York City, art historian Han Hongzheng, an immigrant from China, started seeing anti-Asian slurs on social media. | Then he experienced the hatred at close range. | "One day in early March, my partner, who is white, and I were walking our dog on the Upper West Side of Manhattan," Hongzheng says. "All of a sudden, this guy on skates got very close to us and screamed the word 'traitor' at my partner." | Hongzheng describes…
(2020-08-31). UN sends 16 truckloads of aid to Syria's Idlib. yenisafak.com The UN on Monday sent 16 truckloads of humanitarian aid to northwestern Syria where millions of people are in need of assistance due to internal conflict.The trucks carrying supplies entered Idlib province through the Cilvegozu border gate in Turkey's south.The aid will be distributed among residents of Idlib, and nearby rural areas.Syria has been ravaged by civil war since early 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced, according to UN estimates.Idlib falls within a de-escalation zone forged under an ag…
(2020-08-31). Russiagate without end: US appeals court REVERSES earlier decision to end Flynn criminal case. rt.com 
A full-bench US federal appeals court has reversed an earlier decision to dismiss the 'Russiagate' case against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, returning it to the judge who refused to let the charges be dropped. | In a 8-2 ruling on Monday, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Judge Emmet Sullivan, and sent the case back to him for review. Sullivan had been ordered by a three-judge panel in June to drop the case against Flynn immediately, but hired an attorney and asked for an en banc hearing instead. | Flynn's attorney Sidney Powell said the split was "as expected" based on the tone of…
(2020-08-31). Sri Lanka and Turkey: an Interview with the Turkish Ambassador, R. Demet Şekercioğlu. counterpunch.org 
As a part of my series on talking to the foreign diplomats in Sri Lanka for our newly initiated talk show; The New Normal, I have had an opportunity to sit with newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Sri Lanka. In this exclusive interview she has detailed with me about diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and
(2020-08-31). Obama, Harris And The Ruse Of Racial Representation. popularresistance.org The nomination of Senator Kamala Harris to the position of Vice President of the United States has been widely recognized as a triumph for Black and Asian women in the country. Something similar happened twelve years ago when then-Senator Barack Obama accepted the nomination for President. | There is no doubt that representation in the media, politics, education, corporate leadership, sports, among so many other areas, matters. However, the more crucial questions are how does representation matter as well as for whom and for what does it matter. Without addressing these questions, representation can easily succum…
(2020-08-31). Definitive Eurasian Alliance Is Closer Than You Think. strategic-culture.org Pepe ESCOBAR | We have seen how China is meticulously What you are about to read next comes from a series of private, multilateral discussions among intel analysts, and may helpfully design the contours of the Big Picture. | In China, it's clear the path ahead points to boosting internal demand, and shifting monetary policy towards the c…
(2020-08-31). Iraqi forces capture 12 ISIL terrorists in Al Anbar Province. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep.01 (MNA) — Intelligence forces of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior have arrested 12 ISIL terrorist elements in Al Anbar Province.
(2020-08-31). Shalamcheh border crossing resumes operation after short halt. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Shalamcheh border crossing, which connects Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province to Basra in Iraq, resumed trade operation on Monday morning after a temporary halt last week.
(2020-08-31). Iran, Pakistan emphasize on cooperating in regional forums. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Agu. 31 (MNA) — Iranian and Pakistani Parliament speakers stressed the need to develop and enhance bilateral political, economic, cultural, trade and parliamentary cooperation in regional forums.
(2020-08-31). Iran registers 1,642 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 1,642 COVID-19 infections and 109 deaths due to the disease in the past 24 hours.
(2020-08-31). Iran voices readiness to assist flood-hit Afghan people. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian expressed Iran's readiness to help flood victims in Afghanistan.
(2020-08-31). Air defense providing major security of borders of Iran's sky. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Head of Iran's Passive Defense Organization said that Air Defense Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran is tasked with providing major security of borders of Iranian sky.
(2020-08-31). Police bust over 1.3 tons of drugs in eastern Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Iranian anti-narcotic forces have captured over 1.3 tons of opium in the eastern province of Khorasan Razavi.
(2020-08-31). Iranians for Iranians against pandemic in Muharram. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Iranian society is experiencing new trends under the coronavirus pandemic and in Muharram, the most significant of which is the increasing people's support for each other and their cooperation on improving their livelihood.
(2020-08-31). Pursuing Gen. Soleimani's assassination case high on agenda. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Iran's Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raeisi said that his body considers the case of Lieutenant General Soleimani's assassination as a priority to deal with.
(2020-08-31). Iran's deputy FM holds talks with Austrian FM in Vienna. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Agu. 31 (MNA) —Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met and held talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg on Monday evening.
(2020-08-31). Lebanese president designates new PM. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Lebanon on Monday designated Berlin envoy, Mustafa Adib, as the new premier following consultations with parliamentary blocs at Baabda Presidential Palace.
(2020-08-31). Several injured in Abu Dhabi restaurant blast. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — One person was killed and several people were injured on Monday in two separate explosions in the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi and its tourism hub Dubai, the police and local media said.
(2020-08-31). Witnessing Zionists' airplane landing in UAE painful. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — The Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Mohammad Shtayyeh said it is very painful to see a zionist plane landing in the UAE.
(2020-08-31). Niger to prevent UNSC from abusing US unilateralism: Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep.01 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Niger will prevent abuse of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for US unilateralism.
(2020-08-31). 1st Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi flight leaves occupied lands. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Despite all criticisms, the first-ever commercial flight from occupied lands of Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi took place on Monday, with Israeli regime and US delegations on board.
(2020-08-31). Iran strengthens border security with modern equipment. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) — Commander of the Border Guard of the NAJA said that the forces have been equipped with modern tools to strengthen border security.
(2020-08-31). Iran Invests in Advanced Drone Technology to Strengthen 'Deterrence Power' – State Media. sputniknews.com Iran's Ministry of Defense is investing in its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to ensure it remains one of the top countries in combat drone development, according to state media.
(2020-08-31). Mama Mia! NASA Tracking Asteroid Nearly Double the Diameter of Roman Colosseum Approaching Earth. sputniknews.com The so-called 'Near-Earth Object', classified as such by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was first discovered by astronomers in 2010, and is set to cross Earth's orbit on Sunday.