(2020-10-13). Trump's new Iran sanctions hurt civilians and threaten war. thealtworld.com Grayzone- Pushback with Aaron Maté | Weeks before the U.S. election, the Trump administration has imposed crushing new sanctions that sever Iran from the global financial system and further threaten the import of humanitarian goods. The Israeli government and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a pro-regime change think tank, reportedly lobbied White House officials for the new move. | Assal Rad of the National Iranian American Council discusses how the sanctions target Iranian civilians, and threaten an outbreak of military conflict. | Guest: Assal Rad, Research Fellow at the National Iranian American Cou…
(2020-10-13). Why did Amnesty UK, Bellingcat and White Helmets sabotage Roger Waters webinar on corporate pollution? thegrayzone.com The Grayzone obtained audio of a call in which Roger Waters confronted Amnesty leadership over efforts by Syria regime-change operatives — including its own staff — to sabotage an Amazon Watch webinar on Chevron's pollution of Ecuador. The campaign manager of Amnesty International UK, Kristyan Benedict, appears to have removed an Amnesty International tweet announcing an Amazon Watch webinar to raise awareness both of Chevron's pollution of an indigenous region of Ecuador and the company's ruthless persecution of environmental lawyer …
(2020-10-13). Headlines for October 13, 2020. democracynow.org Dems Warn of Threat to ACA, Roe v. Wade, as Hearing Begins for Trump SCOTUS Nominee Amy Coney Barrett, Trump Returns to Campaigning as COVID Status Remains Unclear, COVID-19 Cases Soaring in Europe, Russia, as India Becomes Second Country to Hit 7 Million Cases, Johnson & Johnson Halts Vaccine Trials; More Evidence of Reinfection Revealed, GA Early Voters Face Long Lines; CA Officials Warn GOP over Illegal Drop Sites, Pascua Yaqui Tribe Sues in Arizona over Voter Suppression Efforts, WH Moves Forward with Taiwan Weapons Sales as U.S. Officials Tell Taiwan to Ramp Up Defense, Bangladeshi Government Approves Death…
(2020-10-13). A Rigged Judiciary Leads to Rigged Elections: Ari Berman on Barrett Hearings & GOP Voter Suppression. democracynow.org 
Amy Coney Barrett's involvement in the court fight over the 2000 presidential election, when she was a member of George W. Bush's legal team, shows she is willing to bend the law to benefit Republican candidates, says Mother Jones reporter Ari Berman. "That's what's so disturbing about Amy Coney Barrett, because that's exactly what President Trump wants to do right now," says Berman. "He wants a justice who will rule his way on the vote count, no matter what the facts or the law actually says." Berman also looks at challenges voters are facing nationwide as early voting is underway from Georgia to Arizona, where…
(2020-10-13). Video: Azerbaijani Military Destroys Armenian S-300s as Humanitarian Ceasefire Nears Its Collapse. globalresearch.ca The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region does not show signs of nearing its end despite the humanitarian ceasefire launched in the region. The ceasefire started in the Nagorno-Karabakh region at 12: 00 local time on October 10. The ceasefire deal …
(2020-10-13). Waiting for a Vaccine: Killing for Inequality. counterpunch.org 
I have been harping on the fact that it is very likely China will be mass producing and distributing a vaccine at least a month, and quite possibly several months, before the United States. This should make people very angry. Even a month's delay is likely to mean tens of thousands of avoidable deaths and
(2020-10-13). How a Black Evangelical Denomination was Duped into "Blessing" Israel. mintpressnews.com 
"There are more than 40 million Black Americans, they spend more than $1.3 trillion a year, so we're a measurable market, a measurable group of people, easily identified, and we think we can also contribute to the advancement of Israel." – Glenn Plummer, Bishop of Israel…
(2020-10-13). How Azerbaijan Is Lobbying Washington to Sanitize Its War. strategic-culture.org 
Documents reveal a flurry of activity to convince beltway elites that Armenia is the aggressor and the U.S. should favor Azerbaijan. | Barbara BOLAND | As conflict heats up over Nagorno-Karabakh, a tiny Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, a covert battle is taking place on Capitol Hill to win the hearts and minds of lawmakers in Washington. | Since hostilities began on September 27, hundreds of lives have been lost as Azerbaijani drones have flown within 20 miles of Yerevan, Armenia's capital, and an Armenian strike was carried out on a military base in Azerbaijan's second city, Ganja. | "The next targets could be…
(2020-10-13). 'Murder hornet' tagged with tracking device escapes as Washington state struggles to find & destroy nests before 'slaughter phase'. rt.com 
Researchers in Washington State have again failed to live-track a massive "murder hornet," with the fearsome bug going fugitive as local officials attempt to locate and destroy nests before the insect's bee-killing season begins. | The latest tracking attempt saw a public entomologist with the Washington State Department of Agriculture fix a tracking device to a female Asian giant hornet — better known by its more intimidating moniker, 'murder hornet' — but the bug made a break into a forest and the device went dark. | "The team and neighbors tracked the hornet from tree to tree for about an hour bef…
(2020-10-13). US & 7 friendly nations sign Artemis Accords to carve up moon — but satellite is hard to reach without Russia's help. rt.com 
The US has signed a treaty with seven countries governing exploration and exploitation of the Moon and its resources. While many signatories never even landed there, Russia and China were — perhaps unsurprisingly — not invited. | The Artemis Accords, proposed in May to set reasonable boundaries for the growing number of countries eager to stake a claim to Earth's only satellite, have been officially
(2020-10-13). Wars and Pandemics Produce the Same Sort of Lethal Government Bungling. counterpunch.org 
Watching the antics of Trump and the blunders of Boris Johnson in failing to cope with the virus, I have the same feeling I had repeatedly over the last 20 years when reporting on wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Libya. In all cases, arrogant assumptions of competence and strength were brutally exposed by complicated and dangerous realities on the ground.
(2020-10-13). Trump Seeking New START Deal Pre-Election? globalresearch.ca Since taking office in January 2017, Trump has been a deal-breaker, not maker. | Hardliners surrounding him obstructed efforts to extend New START. | The last remaining Russia/US arms control agreement expires on February 5, 2021. | Unacceptable US demands on extending New …
(2020-10-13). The Undeniable Cruelty of Trump's 'Maximum Pressure' on Iran. globalresearch.ca The Trump administration calls its policy towards Iran one of "maximum pressure." By its latest move, it would more properly be called "siege and starve," as the feigned interest in establishing leverage for comprehensive negotiations with Iran has been replaced …
(2020-10-13). Jordan gets a new prime minister before next month's parliamentary elections. peoplesdispatch.org Bisher al-Khasawneh took charge as Jordan's prime minister on Monday, October 12. He was sworn in by King Abdallah II. Al-Khasawneh replaced Omar al-Razzaz who resigned on October 3 after the dissolution of the parliament. | According to the Jordanian constitution, the prime minister has to resign within a week of the dissolution of the parliament. The King had dissolved the parliament in the last week of September after the completion of its four-year term. Fresh elections for the 130-member parliament will be held on November 10 and the new government will have the responsibility to oversee it. | Bisher's prede…
(2020-10-13). Iraqi militias propose ceasefire on the condition that US occupying forces leave the country. peoplesdispatch.org Militias point to the Iraqi parliament's resolution which called for the expulsion of foreign troops from Iraq, adding that the US troops are "not welcome in the country"
(2020-10-13). Israeli Army Orders Closure of 3,000 Dunums of Land on Olive Harvest Season. globalresearch.ca The Israeli occupation army issued 63 military orders to close areas and lands planted with olives in separate parts of the West Bank, coinciding with the start of the olive harvest season in the Palestinian territories. | The olive harvest season, …
(2020-10-13). Braving repression, thousands take to the streets in Indonesia against Omnibus Law. peoplesdispatch.org On Monday, rallies were held across the country at the call of trade unions against the law that overturns labor and environment protection provisions and opens up sectors for private investment…
(2020-10-13). How To Stuff The Middle East With Weaponry. popularresistance.org The United States has the dubious distinction of being the world's leading arms dealer. It dominates the global trade in a historic fashion and nowhere is that domination more complete than in the endlessly war-torn Middle East. There, believe it or not, the U.S. controls nearly half the arms market. From Yemen to Libya to Egypt, sales by this country and its allies are playing a significant role in fueling some of the world's most devastating conflicts. But Donald Trump, even before he was felled by Covid-19 and sent to Walter Reed Medical Center, could not have cared less, as long as he thought such trafficking…
(2020-10-13). Olive Branches and Nuclear Bombs in Israel. strategic-culture.org According to the Christian website
(2020-10-13). Government Spokesman holds press conference on Tuesday. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (MNA) — Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei held a press conference on Tuesday and answered a number of questions raised by reporters.
(2020-10-13). 33rd ICFF Iranian Cinema Competition Jury Board Announced. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (MNA) — The 33rd ICFF Iranian Cinema Competition jury members have been introduced.
(2020-10-13). Iran to host 2021 Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (MNA) — Following an open bidding process and the approval of the FIVB Board of Administration, the international body has confirmed Iran to host the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship.
(2020-10-13). Iranian, Serbian wrestling federations sign MoU. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 14 (MNA) — Iranian Wrestling Federation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Serbian Wrestling Federation on Tuesday.
(2020-10-13). Another survey on subterranean ducts ends in Persepolis. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (MNA) — The fourth season of an archaeological survey, probing into a sophisticated water management system of the time has come to an end beneath the ruins of the UNESCO-registered Persepolis in southern Iran.
(2020-10-13). Health Ministry confirms 4,108 new COVID-19 cases across Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 13 (MNA) — The daily count of coronavirus infections in Iran reached 4,108 on Tuesday, bringing the total cases to 598,389, according to the Health Ministry.
(2020-10-13). Business School establishes new Singapore Green Finance Centre. imperial.ac.uk Imperial has joined forces with Singapore Management University to open a new research centre dedicated to green finance and talent development.
(2020-10-12). The Status Quo Is The Real 'Existential Threat': Notes From The Edge Of The Narrative Matrix. thealtworld.com War is mass murder. Speaking out against it is more important than people's emotional comfort. It's worth disrupting family dinners over. It's worth jeopardizing friendships over. History won't look kindly on those who chose silent complicity over anti-imperialism. | ~ | I still regularly stop and gawk at the fact that a US imperial ally is committing the world's worst mass atrocity in Yemen with America's help and it occupies almost zero public attention. Once you really grasp the significance of this fact, it's impossible to shake. | ~ | A news outlet which does not constantly inform its audience of all their g…
(2020-10-12). In Afghanistan, American Troops Patrol the Same Routes Their Fathers Did. thealtworld.com Thousands of US soldiers continue to pace and patrol exactly the same routes as their predecessors did in 2001, fighting a seemingly endless conflict that both the American and Afghan public have long since soured on. | MPN— Nineteen years ago last week the United States invaded Afghanistan, a country halfway around the world that few in America had heard of and even fewer knew anything about. Today, thousands of U.S. soldiers and many more private military contractors continue to pace and patrol exactly the same routes as their predecessors did in 2001, fighting a seemingly endless and pointless conflict th…
(2020-10-12). A New Wall for a New Cold War? globalresearch.ca The head of the prestigious Munich Security Conference warned late last month against efforts to "build a new 'wall' between Russia and the West" in light of the Navalny incident and the many other disagreements between both sides, and while …
(2020-10-12). The Russia Brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan Ceasefire. globalresearch.ca It was a diplomatic coup for Russia to broker a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan since it restored Moscow's relevance to the conflict, but for as positive of a development as this was, it's uncertain whether it'll last and will …
(2020-10-12). Is Syria's Idlib the Next Gaza Strip? counterpunch.org 
"Many relatives of mine were living in camps near the border with Turkey," says Huda Husein, a 25-year-old teacher living in the rebel-held enclave of Idlib in northwest Syria. "But last month they returned home [to the cities and villages] because they prefer dying under an airstrike to dying in the camps." A cousin told her that "we are just fleeing from danger to danger", explaining that the misery of trying to survive in cramped tents was worse than bombardment by Russia and Syrian government forces.
(2020-10-12). Ismail Haniyeh interview: Full transcript. middleeasteye.net 
Ismail Haniyeh interview: Full transcript | Hamas's leader talks to MEE about Arab normalisation with Israel, the Gaza siege, Palestinian politics and the US elections | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 18: 28 | Ismail Haniyeh, 58, is the chairman of the political bureau of the Palestinian movement Hamas, and the de facto ruler of the besieged Gaza Strip (AFP) | Editor's note: David Hearst, editor-in-chief of Middle…
(2020-10-12). Amid Sanctions, Iran Unlocks Essential Funds Frozen in Iraq. telesurenglish.net Iran's central bank chief announced Monday an agreement with neighboring Iraq to unlock frozen Iranian funds in Iraqi banks to purchase humanitarian goods. | The announcement comes in the context of Washington's move last week to blacklist Iran's entire financial sector, which will further hamper Tehran's ability to purchase essential foods and medicine while facing the worse COVID-19 outbreak in the Middle East. | RELATED: | In a banking and business d…
(2020-10-12). Nagorno-Karabakh: the bigger picture. thealtworld.com A tangled web of alliances and realignments is forming over the latest conflict in the Caucasus | The wars that have afflicted our 'Middle East' region incessantly since the start of the last century have taught us two things: that 'dormant' ethnic and religious conflicts can be reawakened at any moment; and when truces are agreed they prove unreliable and short-lived so long as the underlying causes are not tackled. | The breakdown of the Russian-brokered humanitarian cease-fire between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh — where hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced on both sides in the…
(2020-10-12). COVID-19 devastates Native American reservations in California and across the US. wsws.org The loss of revenue from the closure of Indian casinos and other gambling operations has led to loss of jobs and social funding for indigenous communities, while premature reopening are fueling the virus' spread.
(2020-10-12). Indigenous Children Could Be in Danger With an Amy Coney Barrett Nomination. truthout.org President Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, is raising red flags for supporters of a federal law designed to preserve Native American families and culture. | The Indian Child Welfare Act is not currently before the nation's top court, but there is a very real possibility it could end up there. | The constitutionality of the 1978 law — which aims to keep Native American children from being adopted or placed in foster care outside their families, t…
(2020-10-12). With Crushing Sanctions on 18 Iranian Banks, Is Trump Trying to Leave a War Behind for Biden? globalresearch.ca As the dying Trump administration, literally on a sickbed, contemplates losing power, its hawks are lashing out at Iran in an attempt to ensure that the 2015 international nuclear deal is dead and buried, and that the US and Iran …
(2020-10-12). Trump's True Legacy Is That of a Warmonger. commondreams.org The legacy of Donald Trump remains one of continued U.S. wars and aggression, backed by a bloated military budget. (Photo: Flickr / U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/iraq-soldiers-kick-door-u.s.-air-force-photo-staff-sgt.-stacy-l.-pearsall-pd-flickr-750x543_0.jpg …
(2020-10-12). Unofficial Saudi ban on Turkish exports hits fashion brands. middleeasteye.net 
Unofficial Saudi ban on Turkish exports hits fashion brands | Clothing giant Mango has experienced a ban on 'all imports for made in Turkey products' following months of customs delays and issues | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 17: 09 | Spain's Mango, Sweden's H&M and Britain's Marks and Spencer are among a number of European and US fashion retailers with manufacturing sites in Turkey (AFP/File photo) | An informal Saudi…
(2020-10-12). Protests rage in Indonesia against anti-worker "omnibus law", hundreds arrested. mronline.org 
An alliance of trade unions, environmental groups and students' movements have launched an indefinite protest across against the sweeping changes to labor and environmental laws.
(2020-10-12). Israel-UAE deal: Vast majority of Arabic social media posts on pact negative, says report. middleeasteye.net 
Israel-UAE deal: Vast majority of Arabic social media posts on pact negative, says report | Report says posts were 'part of an organised campaign' by pro-Palestinian groups to denounce the deal | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 11: 40 | Representatives of Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed a normalisation agreement in Washington, DC on 15 September (AFP) | A study of Arabic-language social media conducted b…
(2020-10-12). Armenia and Azerbaijan clash despite ceasefire declaration. peoplesdispatch.org 
A day after the Moscow-mediated truce deal, Armenia and Azerbaijan traded accusations of violations of the ceasefire and of attacks being conducted on the cities of Ganja and Stepanakert…
(2020-10-12). Afghanistan: 19 Years of War. dissidentvoice.org 
Afghan children play in the bombed out rubble of the Darul Aman Palace in Kabul, amidst a photo exhibition marking four decades of Afghans killed in war and oppression (Photo: Maya Evans) The NATO and US backed war on Afghanistan was launched 7th October 2001, just a month after 9/11, in what most thought would …
(2020-10-12). Iran records its highest daily death toll from coronavirus. middleeasteye.net 
Iran records its highest daily death toll from coronavirus | At least 272 deaths and more than 4,200 new cases were reported on Monday, as country grapples with its third wave of infections, health ministry says | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 19: 59 | Masks are now mandated even in outdoor areas of Tehran as the country struggles to contain the virus (AFP/File photo) | For the second day in a row, Iran shattered its sing…
(2020-10-12). Gal Gadot to play Cleopatra – and the backlash has started. middleeasteye.net 
Gal Gadot to play Cleopatra – and the backlash has started | Critics say the role should have been given to a person of colour in order to be historically accurate and representative | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 12: 47 | "> | The film was Gadot's idea and will be directed by Patty Jenkins and scripted by Laeta Kalogridis (AFP) | Israeli actor Gal Gadot's announcement that she will sta…
(2020-10-12). Turkey asked to halt deportation of Turkmen activist. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey asked to halt deportation of Turkmen activist | Dursoltan Taganova is at risk of arbitrary detention and torture if deported, human rights campaigners have warned | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 12: 28 | Social media picture of Dursoltan Taganova (Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights) | Human rights organisations have condemned plans by Turkish authorities to deport an activist to Turkmenistan, where they fear she w…
(2020-10-12). It's all work and no pay for most women in India. mronline.org 
The NSSO's time use survey reveals striking facts about how men and women in India spend their time very differently, with women hugely burdened by unpaid work…
(2020-10-12). Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict raises spectre of 'pan-Turkism' in Iran. middleeasteye.net 
Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict raises spectre of 'pan-Turkism' in Iran | Government appears to shift to pro-Azerbaijan position as Iranian Azeris rally to support the country | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 11: 52 | Iranians viewing skins and other merchandise at the bazaar in the city of Tabriz in Iran's northwestern East Azerbaijan province (AFP) | Fears have grown of unrest among Iran's Azeri minority…
(2020-10-12). Hamas's Haniyeh: 'No mercy' for Arab states who betray Palestinian cause. middleeasteye.net 
Hamas's Haniyeh: 'No mercy' for Arab states who betray Palestinian cause | Speaking to MEE, Ismail Haniyeh decries UAE 'normalisation' deal with Israel, and hails 'positive' talks with Fatah | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 09: 33 | History will show no mercy to the Arab nations that recognise Israel, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, has told Middle East Eye. | Asked about the recent "normalisation"
(2020-10-12). Kuwait deports three Egyptian dissidents to Cairo: Report. middleeasteye.net 
Kuwait deports three Egyptian dissidents to Cairo: Report | The dissidents have reportedly shown support for anti-Sisi protests that erupted across rural Egypt in September | Mon, 10/12/2020 – 13: 30 | Kuwait has reportedly handed over three Egyptian dissidents to Interpol over charges of 'incitement to chaos and calls for protests through social media' (AFP) | Kuwait has deported to Cairo three Egyptians who…