(2020-09-19). Venezuela: The 2016-2020 National Assembly — Part Of The Plan. popularresistance.org It's hard to decide which of all the actions of the Venezuelan opposition representatives was the most shameful. Was it Ramos Allup giving the legitimate elected President Nicolas Madura a 6-month deadline to leave office while removing the portraits of Simon Bolivar and of Comandante Chavez from the Federal Capitol? Or Julio Borges spreading letters throughout the world in which he called for an increase in the economic blockade against the Venezuelan people while he labeled us a plague in the region?
(2020-09-19). Yemen on Brink of Famine After U.S. Cuts Aid While Fueling War. zcomm.org The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is deepening amid the pandemic and cuts to international aid from the United States and its allies, leaving millions of Yemenis facing famine after years of a brutal U.S.-backed, Saudi-led bombing campaign that has devastated the country…
(2020-09-19). Iran's coronavirus death toll exceeds 24,000, says health ministry. middleeasteye.net 
Iran's coronavirus death toll exceeds 24,000, says health ministry | Health specialist says roughly half of all coronavirus patients being treated in Iran's intensive care units are dying | Sat, 09/19/2020 – 13: 11 | An Iranian woman stands next to a street bin urging people to follow anti-coronavirus health protocols in Tehran (AFP) | Iran's coronavirus death toll has topped 24,000, the h…
(2020-09-19). Campus workers in Georgia defend Black and Brown lives. workers.org 
Atlanta This is a slightly edited version of a talk given at the Workers World Party Sept. 10 webinar, "Workers Defend Black Lives." View webinar at tinyurl.com/y6m9z593. In and around Atlanta, labor unions have been connecting the issues of labor to racial justice. Unions are recognizing that issues of labor . . . |
(2020-09-19). Damascus berates Dutch legal action on human rights record. middleeasteye.net 
Damascus berates Dutch legal action on human rights record | The Netherlands has launched a bid through international bodies to hold the Syrian government to account for abuses | Sat, 09/19/2020 – 13: 36 | The Syrian government stands accused of committing widespread human rights abuses (AFP) | The Syrian government berated the Netherlands on Saturday for launching a new bid through intern…
(2020-09-19). US army announces new deployments in Syria. middleeasteye.net 
US army announces new deployments in Syria | The move follows a collision between Russian and American vehicles which left seven American soldiers injured | Sat, 09/19/2020 – 10: 36 | Armoured vehicles have been sent as part of the reinforcements (AFP) | The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there,…
(2020-09-19). Thai protesters hold rally urging democratic reforms. thecanary.co 
As many as 50,000 people are expected to show up for a march seeking democratic reforms. | By | Protesters have gathered in Bangkok for the most ambitious rally so far in a pro-democracy campaign that has shaken the government and Thailand's conservative establishment.Mobilised support: Organisers predicted as many as 50,000 people will show up and march over two days in an area of the capital historically associated with political protests. An estimated 10,000 people turned out for the last major rally on 16 August. This time, oppositio…
(2020-09-19). Tulsi Gabbard goes OFF MESSAGE from fellow Dems again, introduces bipartisan bill to deter fraud with mail-in ballots. rt.com 
Former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, branded a "Russian asset" by Hillary Clinton for her anti-war views, is again refusing to blindly follow her party's talking points — this time over fears of election fraud. | "Whether in the midst of a pandemic, as we are now, where mail-in voting is likely to drastically increase, or even in a normal election, no one should get in between a voter and the ballot box," the Hawaii congresswoman said Friday on Twitter. | Banning ballot harvesting is not a partisan issue. It's been used & abused in states like North Carolina and California & is ripe fo…
(2020-09-19). 'Like the Vietnam War': Witness describes mass shooting that left 16 shot, 2 dead in Rochester, New York. rt.com 
A gun battle in Rochester, New York has resulted in two fatalities, according to law enforcement. Sixteen people were shot in the incident. | The Rochester Police Department confirmed that one male and one female were killed in the early hours of Saturday. The shooting happened at a backyard party, law enforcement said. The force's mobile command unit is currently at the scene, as well as the New York State Police. Videos show numerous emergency vehicles assembled in the taped-off area. | Multiple RPD technician units leaving the scene.
(2020-09-19). Hasidic Israeli pilgrims trapped at Ukraine-Belarus border on Covid-19 fears. middleeasteye.net 
Hasidic Israeli pilgrims trapped at Ukraine-Belarus border on Covid-19 fears | Thousands of pilgrims enduring grim weather, without shelter, blame Israeli government for abandoning them | Sat, 09/19/2020 – 11: 31 | Hasidic Jews sleep outside on the ground at the Belarus-Ukraine border (supplied) | On the biggest Jewish holiday, proclaiming the start of a new year on the Hebrew calendar, thousands of H…
(2020-09-19). September 21: 'We Are Many' Global Virtual Premiere. popularresistance.org On February 15th, 2003, up to 30 million people, many of whom had never demonstrated before in their lives, came out in nearly 800 cities around the world to protest against the impending Iraq War. | We Are Many is the never-before-told story of the largest demonstration in human history, and how the movement created by a small band of activists changed the world. Eight years in the making, filmed in seven countries, and including interviews with John Le Carre, Damon Albarn, Brian Eno, Phyllis Bennis, Danny Glover, Mark Rylance, Richard Branson, Hans Blix and Ken Loach amongst others…
(2020-09-19). Neoliberal Death Knell for Indian Agriculture. dissidentvoice.org In a 2017 article, I asked what might a future India look like and concluded that, if current neoliberal policies continue, there could be dozens of mega-cities with up to 40 million inhabitants and just two to three hundred million (perhaps 15-20% of the population) left in an emptied-out countryside. And it could also mean hundreds of millions of displaced …
(2020-09-19). Trump trade wars have led to lost US jobs and factories. zcomm.org Trump is making false claims about his record in struggling states like Ohio and Michigan. The jobs haven't come back. They've been offshored to China…
(2020-09-19). Tehran-Istanbul flights to be resumed. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — An Iranian airline revealed that Tehran-Istanbul flights will be resumed on Tue. Sept. 22.
(2020-09-19). Energy ministry delegation to embark for Afghanistan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — A delegation from the Iranian ministry of energy will leave for Afghanistan on Sunday to develop mutual relations and discuss joint ventures in electricity sector.
(2020-09-19). Iranian, Chinese uni. professors to hold literary webinar. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — Iranian and Chinese academic scholars will hold a joint literary webinar in October.
(2020-09-19). IAEA asked for no more access into Iran nuclear activity. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — Iran's nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, says the International Atomic Energy Agency has asked for no further probes except for the two cases agreed between Theran and the Agency last month.
(2020-09-19). 'The Eleventh Step' goes to South Korean festival. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — Iranian animation 'The Eleventh Step', directed by Maryam Kashkulinia, has been accepted into the 16th edition of Indie-AniFest in South Korea.
(2020-09-19). Police dismantles drug-trafficking band in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — The police forces of the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran, have dismantled a drug-trafficking band and seized over 1 ton of illegal drugs in Saravan County.
(2020-09-19). Russia once again rules out activation of snapback. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov questioned the possibility of the United States using snapback to impose new sanctions on Iran and once again blamed Washington.
(2020-09-19). China, Russia next targets if US wins in undermining Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 19 (MNA) — Pointing to US unlawful move to reimpose sanctions against Iran and importance of confronting its unilateralism, Cartalucci said China and Russia are next targets of the US if it will be successful in undermining of Iran.
(2020-09-19). At least nine still missing after Beirut port blast: Lebanon army. yenisafak.com The Lebanese army said on Saturday that nine people were still missing after last month's explosion at the Beirut port.A military statement said that two Syrian nationals were among those still missing after the port blast."This file will not be closed as long as investigations continue," the statement said.On Aug. 4, a huge explosion in the port of Beirut rocked the city, killing 192 people and injuring over 6,000 people.The blast caused damage estimated at $15 billion, according to official figures.The explosion occurred as Lebanon was experiencing its worst economic crisis, including a dramatic drop in the val…
(2020-09-19). Turkey overcoming pandemic's economic effects, says Erdogan. yenisafak.com Turkey's production levels continued to rise in the third quarter as the country has overcome a significant part of the coronavirus pandemic's economic effects, the Turkish president said on Saturday."The number of people employed has been rising since April, when the impact of the pandemic was felt the hardest," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the inauguration of a new section of the North Marmara Motorway.Erdogan, who addressed the ceremony via video link, said Turkey's employment rate will increase further over the coming months, adding that he was hopeful that the third quarter will end with a "growth rate that…
(2020-09-19). Attack foiled as explosives-laden car found in NW Syria. yenisafak.com A potential terrorist attack was thwarted as authorities seized a vehicle rigged with explosives in northwestern Syria on Saturday.A car found in Syria's Afrin region was fitted with 75 kilograms (165 pounds) of explosives connected to mobile phones for remote detonation, according to a statement by the governor's office of Turkey's southern Hatay province.Police in Afrin received intelligence reports that a bomb-laden vehicle prepared in the Tal Rifat region, under the control of the PYD/YPG/PKK terrorist organization, was sent to the Operation Olive Branch area in Afrin for an attack on security forces or civil…
(2020-09-19). Bangladesh, India agree to curb border killings. yenisafak.com Bangladesh and India on Saturday agreed to launch joint border patrols to curb killings and crimes."Both sides have agreed to extend joint border patrolling, mass awareness programs and necessary socio-economic development activities with a view to downing the incidents of murders, injuries and attacks on unarmed civilians of both countries to zero level," said a joint statement issued after a four-day conference attended by border forces of both countries in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka.A Bangladesh-based rights watchdog in a report earlier in July said that at least 25 Bangladeshi civilians were killed by the Ind…
(2020-09-19). Taiwan travellers take sightseeing 'flight to nowhere'. yenisafak.com A Taiwanese airline carried around 120 passengers on a "flight to nowhere" on Saturday to view the South Korean resort island of Jeju, before flying straight back home, the latest gimmick to give people a glimpse of normality during the COVID-19 pandemic.Tough border restrictions to keep the coronavirus under control have led to a 97.5% plunge in international travel in the region, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.Many frequent flyers miss getting on planes and airlines including Taiwan's EVA Airways Corp and Japan's ANA Holdings Inc, desperate for revenue and to keep their pilots' licences c…
(2020-09-19). Belarus warns EU against inviting Lukashenko's rival to meeting. yenisafak.com The foreign ministry in Belarus said on Saturday that it saw the possible participation of opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in an EU ministerial meeting as an interference in domestic affairs, the Belta state news agency reported.Tsikhanouskaya has led the biggest challenge to President Alexander Lukashenko's 26-year rule in Belarus.The foreign ministry said it had informed European diplomats about its view.Russian state news agencies reported earlier that Tsikhanouskaya is expected to take part in a meeting of European foreign ministers next week.
(2020-09-18). Assange's Eighth Day at the Old Bailey: Software Redactions, the Iraq Logs and the Extradition Act. dissidentvoice.org September 17. Central Criminal Court, London. The extradition trial of Julian Assange at the Old Bailey struck similar notes to the previous day's proceedings: the documentary work and practise of WikiLeaks, the method of redactions, and the legacy of exposing war crimes. In the afternoon, the legal teams returned to well combed themes: testimony on …
(2020-09-18). A Cold War Power Play At The Inter-American Development Bank. popularresistance.org Having launched his presidential campaign by labeling migrants from south of the U.S.-Mexico border as "rapists and criminals," Latin America was perhaps one of the last places President Donald Trump expected to rely on as a source of steadfast friends. It thus comes as no surprise that in the new Cold War against China, Trump's tactics in recruiting allies in Latin America have been reminiscent of the many "caudillos" that have plagued the continent in the past. The politicized impeachment of Dilma Roussef, deposing of Evo Morales, and attempted invasion of Venezuela set the backdrop to U.S. efforts to bring Lat…
(2020-09-18). Ethiopia set to bring some migrants home as concern over Saudi camps mounts. middleeasteye.net 
Ethiopia set to bring some migrants home as concern over Saudi camps mounts | Reports say at least 16,000 migrants are being held in one camp within driving distance of the holy city of Mecca | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 09: 55 | Ethiopians are being held in camps, where people are dying of heatstroke, disease and suicide (AFP) | Ethiopia will repatriate nearly 2,000 migrants from Saudi Arabia in t…
(2020-09-18). Saudi Arabia pledges $204m to UN Yemen aid. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi Arabia pledges $204m to UN Yemen aid | UN official slammed kingdom earlier this week for not having delivered on aid promises | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 18: 02 | Yemenis displaced by conflict receive aid from Abs Development Organisation in northern province of Hajjah on 17 September (AFP/File photo) | Saudi Arabia and Kuwait signed a series of new pledges promising immediate aid money to Yemen, fulfilling part…
(2020-09-18). Coups on allies: HTS rids Syria's Idlib of opponents. middleeasteye.net 
Coups on allies: HTS rids Syria's Idlib of opponents | HTS was a magnet for foreign fighters from Europe, but now they are in its prisons as part of the group's efforts to gain international support | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 11: 59 | The car of a Hurras al-Deen second-ranked leader after being targeted in Idlib by the international coalition on 14 September (MEE/Ali Haj Suleiman)
| At the foot of…
(2020-09-18). Turkey withdraws vessel from disputed waters to 'give diplomacy a chance': Erdogan. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey withdraws vessel from disputed waters to 'give diplomacy a chance': Erdogan | Turkey's natural gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean has been at the centre of a row between Ankara and Athens | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 14: 53 | Tensions between Turkey and Greece flared when Ankara sent exploration vessel Oruc Reis to disputed waters on 10 August (AFP) | Turkey has recalled its natura…
(2020-09-18). Movements in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe: Free the Denver anti-racist organizers! liberationnews.org 
Note from the PSL: We are deeply appreciative of the many solidarity statements we have received from around the country and the world. The statement below comes from movements and member organizations of the International Peoples' Assembly, which is active across Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. If your organization would like to offer a …
(2020-09-18). UN calls on Turkey to investigate possible war crimes in northern Syria. middleeasteye.net 
UN calls on Turkey to investigate possible war crimes in northern Syria | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said there was an 'alarming pattern in recent months of grave violations' | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 21: 51 | The UN said increased infighting among the various Turkish-affiliated armed groups was causing civilian casualties (AFP/File photo) | The United Nations on Friday urged Turkey t…
(2020-09-18). Wise People Know That Winning a War Is No Better Than Losing One. dissidentvoice.org 
Liu Bolin (China), Guernica, 2016 Dedicated to Soni Prashad, 1929-2020, who spent her life looking for a better world. US President Donald Trump and his 'war council' — led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo — have amplified their aggression against China. What began as a trade dispute in the 1990s has now escalated into …
(2020-09-18). 'Mugged and robbed': Worried Lebanese turn to buying guns amid soaraway crime. middleeasteye.net 
'Mugged and robbed': Worried Lebanese turn to buying guns amid soaraway crime | As the economy sinks and crime rises, citizens are doing what they say was previously unthinkable, arming themselves | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 09: 26 | A man is seen stealing nappies and some petty cash at a local pharmacy in Beirut (Screengrab) | "Come on you, put them in the bag," a man in a surgical mask and holding…
(2020-09-18). Arabic press review: Egypt cracks down ahead of planned protests. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Egypt cracks down ahead of planned protests | Meanwhile, a senior Kuwaiti official claims the Gulf crisis will be resolved soon
| Fri, 09/18/2020 – 12: 41 | Egyptian security forces have intensified measures near Tahrir Square in Cairo in an efforts to prevent protests planned for 20 September (AFP/file photo) | Security alert in Egypt for fear of popular unrest
(2020-09-18). Be It Trump Or Biden, Iraq is Doomed. counterpunch.org 
It was announced on September 9 that the U.S. Administration would reduce troop numbers in Iraq from 5,200 to 3,000 by the end of the month. The commander Central Command, General McKenzie, said the withdrawal was to take place because of "the great progress the Iraqi forces have made" and that the "ultimate goal" was having local forces who were capable of preventing a resurgence of Islamic State in the country."
(2020-09-18). Islamic State's 'canary caliph' gave intelligence to US in 2008, documents claim. middleeasteye.net 
Islamic State's 'canary caliph' gave intelligence to US in 2008, documents claim | Muhammad Sa'id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla identified dozens of fellow militants as well as the structure of al-Qaeda, US government documents allege | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 19: 26 | Mawla was arrested in 2008 by US forces and interrogated in Umm Qasr, southern Iraq, at Camp Bucca (AFP/File photo) | The current leader of the Islamic State…
(2020-09-18). Iran facing 'third wave' of coronavirus with resurgence in infections. middleeasteye.net 
Iran facing 'third wave' of coronavirus with resurgence in infections | In last 24 hours, Iran has reported 3,041 new cases and 141 deaths | Fri, 09/18/2020 – 17: 27 | Schools and universities have reopened in Iran, but it has been left to parents to decide whether to send their children to class (AFP) | Iran is dealing with a potential third wave of the novel coronavirus, with the number of new daily infectio…
(2020-09-18). Washington deploys armored vehicles to Syria & steps up air patrols after dust-up with Russian forces. rt.com 
The Pentagon has sent a number of armored vehicles, radar systems and additional troops to Syria in a show of force, bolstering the US military presence in the country following a run-in with Russian forces last month. | The deployments, accompanied by increased air patrols over eastern Syria, were announced by US Central Command on Friday. | "The United States has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of US fighter patrols over US forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment US forces in the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA)," CENTCOM spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement,…
(2020-09-18). Pair of Russian military servicemen arrested after viral video shows them washing their shoes with holy water. rt.com 
A criminal case has been opened in the western Russian city of Kaliningrad after two servicemen from the Baltic fleet were filmed washing their shoes with holy water, after a clip of them caught in the act went viral. | According to the Kaliningrad garrison's military investigation department, both suspects are natives of Dagestan, a Caucasian republic on the southern border of Russia. One of the accused is a conscript soldier, and the other is a contract employee, Interfax reported. | They were arrested on charges of insulting the feelings of religious believers, at the city's Christ the Savior Cathedral.
(2020-09-18). Betrayers to Palestinian cause complicit in Zionists' crimes. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep. 18 (MNA) — Emphasizing that the betrayers to the Palestinian cause are complicit in all the crimes of the Zionists, Ghalibaf said that there will be no solution to the Palestine's issue without the participation of the Palestinians.
(2020-09-18). Arctic Tensions Rise as Britain Leads Show of Force Against Russia in the Barents Sea. globalresearch.ca In the first such operation of its kind in 20 years, the British Navy were joined by American, Danish and Norwegian forces to supposedly demonstrate freedom of navigation against "Russian attempts" to control the Barents Sea in the Arctic, the …
(2020-09-18). New US Ambassador to Germany Attracts the Usual Enemies: Doug Macgregor Feels the Wrath of the Pro-Israeli Lobby. globalresearch.ca There is an old saying that allegedly came out of the French Revolution, that revolution, like the god Saturn, devours its own children. It was reportedly uttered by Georges Danton at the trial that preceded his execution and could be …
(2020-09-18). Novichok in Navalny's Water Bottle? globalresearch.ca Alice's "curiouser and curiouser" remark in Lewis Carroll's Adventures in Wonderland applies to dubious twists in the Navalny novichok poisoning hoax. | No evidence or motive links Russia to what happened to him. | Was the August 20 Tomsk, Russia incident made-in-the-USA?…
(2020-09-18). 84 Percent of Canadians Want War Crimes Probe Into Israel. commondreams.org Protesters hold a giant Palestinian flag as they walk across University Avenue in front of the U.S. consulate, during a demonstration against the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital on in Toronto, Canada, December 9, 2017. (Photo: Giordano Ciampini/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/canada_israel_protest_0.jpg …
(2020-09-18). 'Substantive' talks on new constitution bring hope of forging path out of Syria's near decade-long conflict. news.un.org While deep distrust persists among warring parties in Syria, a "faint but real ray of hope" emerged with the convening in Geneva of the Constitutional Committee after a nine-month hiatus, the top UN envoy helping chart a path out of the near decade-long conflict, told the Security Council on Friday.
(2020-09-18). Equal pay essential to build a world of dignity and justice for all, UN says, commemorating first International Equal Pay Day. news.un.org The United Nations is marking the first ever International Equal Pay Day, on Friday, drawing attention to the gender pay gap — the difference between what a woman earns compared to a man, for work of equal value — and the systemic inequalities it is rooted in.