Daily Archives: January 1, 2020

2020-01-01: News Headlines

Staff (2020-01-01). In 2020, Let's Recognize Immigration as a Reproductive Justice Issue. truthout.org Nearly one year ago, in February 2019, a 24-year-old Honduran woman in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody went into premature labor while 27 weeks pregnant. The federal immigration agency failed to transport the woman to a hospital in a timely manner, and she gave birth to a stillborn at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Texas. Days after the news of this tragic story broke, I spoke to Nancy Cárdenas Peña…

Thomas Knapp (2020-01-01). Iraq: America's Other "Longest War" counterpunch.org As the calendar prepared to flip from 2019 to 2020, protesters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad. As I write this, the action — a response to US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria which killed at least 25 and wounded more than 50 — hasn't yet become a reprise of the Iran hostage crisis of 40 years ago, but it's eerily reminiscent. More

Ryan Cristián (2020-01-01). US Gov Blames Iraqi Protests On Iran With No Evidence, Despite The US Bombing Of The Iraqi Military. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/31/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …

teleSUR, JGN (2020-01-01). Miles de chilenos reciben el Año Nuevo con protestas. wp.telesurtv.net Miles de chilenos volvieron a colmar la Plaza Dignidad, en Santiago de Chile, para recibir el Año Nuevo con una cena masiva y enfrentando la represión de la militarizada policía de Carabineros, en el marco de las protestas antigubernamentales que se prolongan por más de dos meses. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Cientos de personas despiden a manifestante fallecido en Chile | Los manifestantes recibieron el 2020 con una cena masiva en la Plaza Italia, rebautizada como Dignidad, bajo la consigna "Año Nuevo…

Moms 4 Housing (2020-01-01). Emergency Eviction Support: Hold Down the House / Pack the Courtroom. indybay.org Courtroom: | Hayward Hall of Justice | 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544 | Moms' House: | 2928 Magnolia Street, Oakland, CA 94608…

Staff (2020-01-01). We Are the Majority. We Must Turn That Into Power. truthout.org Over the last decade, a national consensus has developed for a progressive left agenda on the economy, social services, the climate crisis and ending wars but the movement has not yet built the power to make that a reality. The next decade will be ripe with opportunities for transformational change due to a combination of expanding popular movements as well as escalating crisis situations. | Positive change will only occur if these movements evolve into an organized popular movement that truly represents the people's in…

John Grant (2020-01-01). Metaphor, the Holy Bible and the Western Hero: Corrupting Jesus to Trump the Constitution. counterpunch.org Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. — Matthew 7: 15 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. — Matthew 7: 18 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Matthew 22: 39 (For Thompson Bradley) Over this More

news.un (2020-01-01). Year of the Nurse and the Midwife highlights 'backbone' of health systems. news.un.org The world will need an additional nine million nurses and midwives to achieve the commitment of providing all people with access to health care by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

Nyla Ali Khan (2020-01-01). The Project of Erasing the Indigenous History of Kashmir. counterpunch.org Furthering its project of erasing the indigenous history of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi's BJP government has dropped Martyr's Day, July 13, and my maternal grandfather's birth anniversary, December 5, from the list of public holidays. I have always been amazed to see how much the BJP and the Sangh continue to invest in More

teleSUR, lsl, JGN (2020-01-01). Reportan 27 casos de neumonía viral en el centro de China. wp.telesurtv.net Autoridades sanitarias chinas informaron el martes que los 27 casos de neumonía reportados en días pasados en Wuhan, capital de la provincia central de Hubei, fueron identificados como neumonía viral. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Presidente de China desea un Hong Kong estable y próspero en 2020 | "En relación a la detección continua de casos de inflamación de pulmones de origen desconocido, pedimos a todas las instituciones médicas que mantengan estadísticas y controlen la situación de los pacientes e infor…

David Rosen (2020-01-01). "3 Strikes, You're Out!" Strike 2: Impeachment. counterpunch.org The notion of "3 strikes" is based on the old baseball slogan, "3 strikes, you're out!" In 1994, the federal government, along with other law-enforcement entities, rechristened 3-strikes to cover habitual-offender laws, drastically increasing prison sentences — including mandatory life sentences — for people convicted of a third serious crime. In the age of Trump, "3 strikes" is More

teleSUR, JGN (2020-01-01). Corea del norte reanudará sus pruebas nucleares. wp.telesurtv.net El líder de Corea del Norte, Kim Jong-un, informó este miércoles el fin de la moratoria en sus pruebas nucleares y anunció que en fecha próxima presentará una "nueva arma estratégica". | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Se reúne Comité Central de Trabajadores de Corea del Norte | Kim explicó que esta decisión es en respuesta a lo que llamó "estancamiento" de las negociaciones con Estados Unidos (EE.UU.) sobre la desnuclearización de la península coreana. | El dirigente del país asiático adelantó que en…

No Nukes Action (2020-01-01). Stop The 2020 Olympics In Japan, End Nuclear Power & Nuclear Weapons. indybay.org San Francisco Japanese Consulate | 275 Battery St/near California | San Francisco…

Humanist Community in Silicon Valley (2020-01-01). U.S. Sanctions: The Weaponization of the Global Financial System. indybay.org Mountain View Community Center | 201 South Rengstorff Avenue | Mountain View CA 94040…

teleSUR, JGN (2020-01-01). Riña en cárcel mexicana deja un saldo de 16 muertos y cinco heridos. wp.telesurtv.net Una pelea entre grupos de reos en una cárcel del estado de Zacatecas, en el norte de México, dejó un saldo de 16 personas muertas y cinco heridas, informó una fuente oficial. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Destacan crecimiento económico durante 2019 en México | La Vocería de Seguridad Pública de Zacatecas informó en la red social de Twitter que "la tarde de este martes se registró una riña al interior del Centro Regional de Reinserción Social (Cerereso) Varonil, que dejó como saldo el fallecimiento de 16 Personas Privada…

teleSUR, pha, JCM (2020-01-01). Papa Francisco condena violencia contra las mujeres. wp.telesurtv.net Este 1 ∞ de enero el Papa Francisco denunció el abuso contra la mujer en las sociedades modernas, como parte de su primer mensaje del año, y pidió el fin de la explotación femenina por su cuerpo, coincidiendo con la celebración del día de la Solemnidad de María Santísima Madre de Dios. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Papa Francisco celebra su 83 ∞ cumpleaños | "Toda violencia infligida a la mujer es una profanación de Dios", dijo el pontífice en su primer sermón del año. | "Cuántas veces el cuerpo de la mu…

teleSUR, JCM (2020-01-01). Polémicas del primer año de Jair Bolsonaro en Brasil. wp.telesurtv.net "Año terrible" vivieron los brasileños, tras 12 meses de la gestión del presidente derechista Jair Bolsonaro, que ha estado marcado por la controversia y la polémica en una variedad de temas, pero también su popularidad apunta a la baja, luego de haber llegado con un alto índice de apoyo de la ciudadanía. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Aumenta sensación de inseguridad en la población brasileña | Bolsonaro arrancó su gestión el pasado 1 de enero de 2019 con una popularidad del 49 por ciento, mientras ahora solo…

teleSUR, JGN (2020-01-01). Gobierno de facto de Bolivia desmiente que prepare ingreso a embajada mexicana. wp.telesurtv.net El Gobierno de facto de Bolivia desmintió la noche del martes que estuviera preparando el inminente ingreso de las fuerzas del orden a la embajada y la residencia oficial de México en La Paz, con el presunto fin de cumplimentar varios órdenes de aprehensión. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Tribunal Electoral de Bolivia ratifica habilitación del MAS para comicios | "ESTA NOTA ES FALSA. El contenido de la misma es un absurdo jurídico y fue elaborado para crear conflicto y debilitar el proceso democráti…

teleSUR (2020-01-01). 61 Years Strong: Cuba's Revolution Lives On Despite Blockade. telesurenglish.net A day that will forever live in the hearts and minds of free men and women around the world, Jan. 1, 1959 marked the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, as the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista ended under the leadership of Fidel Castro, Ernesto Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, and Raul Castro, among others. | RELATED: | UN Overwhelmingly Votes in Favor of Resolution Ending US Blockade Against Cuba | And on its 61st anniversary, the ideals of socialist soci…

teleSUR, JGN (2020-01-01). Presidente cubano Díaz-Canel celebra 61 años de la Revolución. wp.telesurtv.net El presidente de Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, felicitó al pueblo cubano por el 61 aniversario del triunfo de la Revolución, que se celebra este primero de enero. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Felicitan a Cuba por aniversario del triunfo de la Revolución | "Hay todas las razones para festejar. En el año 61 de la revolución nos tiraron a matar y estamos vivos. Vivos celebrando y empeñados en seguir ganando °Patria o muerte! °Socialismo o muerte! °Venceremos!", afirmó el mandatario de la mayor de las Antill…

Staff (2020-01-01). In 2019, the Far Right Suffered Big Losses. But They Are Far From Defeated. truthout.org The U.S. far right continued to be very active in 2019. The good news is that, surveying their actions for the year, those far rightists outside of the GOP have had less growth and street presence than in 2018. Doxxing, lawsuits, a loss in interest from conservatives and state repression have all taken their toll. The far right's boom years of 2016 and 2017 are starting to fade away, but it remains an energized movement. The white nationalist wing was still far more active in 2019 than it was for…

Desiree Hellegers (2020-01-01). Of Scrooges, and Sweeps, Body Snatching and Death on the Street: A Christmas Carol in Portlandia. counterpunch.org In the midst of the Christmas, Hannukah crush, even for Wiccans and Pagans, it's easy to overlook a relatively recent national ritual that coincides with the solstice: Since 1990, the National Coalition for the Homeless designated December 21st, the darkest day of the year, National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Personally, around this time of year, More

David Schultz (2020-01-01). Trump, Democrats and the Lumpenproletariat Problem. counterpunch.org The American Democratic Party has a problem with white working-class America—they lost them, or at least large segments of them to Donald Trump's Republican Party. Policy reasons may explain part of this. But a better explanation may be that these voters fit the description of what Karl Marx used to call the Lumpenproletariat—reactionary working class opposed to revolution or at least progressive politics. Understanding who these individuals are may be critical to Democrats winning in 2020. More

Geoff Beckman (2020-01-01). Interesting Work: Willie Mays, Lee Mendelson and Charlie Brown. counterpunch.org I don't believe in the "Do what you love and the money will follow" argot. A lot of times, it won't. I learned this from both my parents (who were therapists). You can be miserable at a high-paying job, leave it for one you like— but pays squat. Often you end up miserable because you More

Gary Lindorff (2020-01-01). When the Power of Pove Overcomes the Love of Power (Hendrix). counterpunch.org We will unsubscribe to hate Change our password and pray for the dead All the dead Ooooh oooooh oooooh Pink Floyd: Mother should have run for president This isn't just upsetting. What's been happening is a waste of time All I want right now is a pine-scented candle That is really all I want I'll tell you More

Julian Rose (2020-01-01). The 2020 Imperative Cease Being Mesmerised By Demons. counterpunch.org We have a vast global communication network at our fingertips, a significant part of which has long since been hijacked by the purveyors of 'the daily matrix'. But another part of which still manages to operate within a spectrum that gives a possibility for what we refer to as 'freedom of speech'. Used intelligently, this More

Staff (2020-01-01). UN Expert Describes Detention of Chelsea Manning as "Amounting to Torture" truthout.org United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer shared on social media Tuesday a letter he sent to the United States government last month expressing concerns that the continued detention of whistleblower Chelsea Manning amounts to torture. | The Geneva-based expert tweeted in the early hours of Tuesday: | #USGovt of 1 Nov 2019 explaining why continued detention of Staff (2020-01-01). The Town That Refuses to Drown. truthout.org It'S 9 A.M. and a grey cloud that had been shrouding one of four mountains surrounding Temacapulín, in the highlands of western Mexico, has begun to lift. "SINCE THE SIXTH CENTURY, TEMACAPULÂN WELCOMES YOU." The bold white letters emblazoned on the side of one of the mountains, Cerro de la Cruz, emerge through the mist, Hollywood-style, as the town's inhabitants scurry to live up to the promise. It's the first day of the Tenth Annual Chile de Arból Fair and a steady rain has been threatening to flood the town's two-day festival of resist…

RT (2020-01-01). Trump says he 'does not see war with Iran happening,' hours after issuing 'threat' to Tehran. rt.com US President Donald Trump has said that the US is not gearing up for war with Iran, adding that he prefers peace to war. It comes just hours after the US leader upped the ante, making a pointed threat against Tehran on Twitter.

RT (2020-01-01). Pope Francis repeatedly SLAPS woman's hand after she YANKS him toward her (VIDEO). rt.com The world saw a different side of Pope Francis on New Year's Eve after the pontiff tore himself free from a woman who had grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her. | A woman seeking the Pope's blessing on New Year's Eve instead ended up enraging the pontiff after grabbing his arm to get his attention. A video of the altercation shows Francis walking through Vatican City as he greeted pilgrims. After reaching out to touch a child, a nearby woman seized his hand, jerking the religious leader around — a yank that appeared to cause him pain. | This evening after visiting the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Sq…

RT (2020-01-01). 'Reckless escalation' or 'No more Benghazis'? Dems jeer & GOP cheers as Trump points finger at Tehran after Baghdad embassy attack. rt.com A major partisan divide has formed around President Trump's handling of the situation in Iraq, with several Democrats blasting recent US airstrikes and troop deployments, and some in the GOP lining up to voice support. | Massachusetts senator and Democratic 2020 hopeful Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday took aim at the president for a US bombing raid ordered on an Iraqi militia over the weekend. American officials accused the group — Kataib Hezbollah — of carrying out a rocket attack on a US base with Iranian backing, which killed one American contractor, though they have yet to offer any evidence for the…

RT (2020-01-01). US troops fire tear gas as protesters throw stones at embassy in Baghdad — reports. rt.com Tear gas has been used to disperse angry crowds outside the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a day after thousands of protesters attempted to storm the diplomatic compound, according to reports. | Dozens of protesters who'd camped overnight outside the gates of the embassy were attacked with tear gas by security personnel, reportedly after the demonstrators drew closer to the building. | Purported footage of Wednesday's clashes shows protesters shouting and throwing objects toward the compound walls, as thick smoke fills the air. Several bright flashes — likely from tear gas canisters being fired — can a…

RT (2020-01-01). Australia deploys military aircraft & navy ships to help fire-ravaged communities. rt.com Australia has sent military aircraft and ships to relieve towns that have been caught in the violent infernos sweeping the country's southeast coast. Thousands of people have been forced to camp on beaches as they await rescue. | Wednesday's deployment used military helicopters and naval vessels to deliver water, food and fuel to areas that have been completely cut off by the fires in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. | An estimated 4,000 people in the Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota fled to the seashore on Tuesday, after winds pushed wildfires toward their homes. | At 3am on 1 January 202…

RT (2020-01-01). Iran's Supreme Leader hits back at Trump's 'big price' threat, says US 'took revenge' for defeating ISIS. rt.com Giving a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump's threat to make Iran pay for an attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said tirades like this usually end up nowhere. | On the heels of the Tuesday siege of the US diplomatic mission in Baghdad, President Trump fired off a series of inflammatory tweets, vowing to hold Iran "fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities." Shortly thereafter, he took a different tone, saying he doesn't see a war with Iran coming. | But…

RT (2020-01-01). Not the bees! Pentagon wants to use swarms of AI-powered drones for 'rescue' missions. rt.com The Pentagon is combing the AI developer community to try to build a self-starting swarm of AI-enabled drones capable of recognizing and tracking a target — ostensibly for search and rescue, but potentially for search and destroy. | The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) issued a request (RFI) late in December seeking the latest and greatest in AI and drone swarm tech — and looking for clever ideas on how to combine th…

RT (2020-01-01). US sending 750 troops to Middle East after Baghdad embassy siege — Pentagon. rt.com Some 750 paratroopers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division are already on their way to Kuwait, and more may soon follow, after the US Embassy in Baghdad was stormed and nearly taken by angry Iraqi militiamen. | The 82nd's alert brigade was ordered to deploy on Tuesday evening, Fox News reported, citing multiple Pentagon officials, shortly before Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirmed the move. | "The United States will protect our people and interests anywhere they are found around the world," Esper said, announcing the deployment. | The initial force has already departed Fort Bragg, North Carolina on boa…

RT (2020-01-01). Iraqi protesters withdraw from US Embassy in Baghdad, some defy orders (VIDEOS). rt.com Paramilitary leaders have ordered their supporters to leave the heavily fortified US Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, as American troops reinforced the besieged facility. However, some protesters stayed put. | Live footage from RT's video agency Ruptly showed protesters with Hezbollah flags withdrawing en masse in their vehicles. It was not immediately clear from the video how many have remained at the scene of clashes, where tear gas and stun grenades were reportedly fired again on Wednesday. | Hordes of protesters descended on Baghdad's American embassy — located inside the heavily fortified 'Green…

RT (2020-01-01). From dream to reality: Russia's 'Silicon Valley' to mark 10-year anniversary with new projects. rt.com Russia's Skolkovo innovation center, which is marking 10 years since its founding, has ambitious plans for 2020 and beyond to continue promoting technology and helping small innovative startups grow into profitable companies. | Skolkovo Technopark was built from scratch almost a decade ago to create a platform for research and innovation in key spheres such as energy, IT, space, biomedicine, and nuclear technology. Now the complex has facilities spread around 800,000 square meters and hosts around 500 startups, while there are an additional 1,500 enterprises beyond its campus. Skolkovo hosts around 50 research…

RT (2020-01-01). China drops tariffs on hundreds of Pakistani products as wide-ranging trade agreement takes effect. rt.com A newly implemented deal between Beijing and Islamabad will eliminate tariffs on hundreds of products, a move which is expected to provide a billion-dollar boost to bilateral trade. | The Free Trade Agreement (FTA)—II, which started on Wednesday, will waive or ease 75 percent of tariffs imposed by each country, over a period of 15 years. Beijing will immediately drop tariffs on more than 300 Pakistani exports, including textiles and garments, seafood and leather. | In exchange, Islamabad has provided greater market access to Chinese raw materials and heavy machinery. | The deal, inked in April 2019, will…

RT (2020-01-01). Dance, chant, sing: WATCH Indian soldiers send army-style New Year greetings. rt.com Taking a break from the hard work of soldiering, Indian service members have been filmed sending a flurry of artistic New Year greetings to the nation, garnering applause on social media. | Deployed in the snowy Himalayan ridges of Kashmir, a bunch of soldiers try their best to show off their team spirit. Standing atop a mountain, their squad chanted some slogans before "wishing everybody a happy and a prosperous New Year." | Their brother-in-arms —serving tours of duty in the same region— staged a more sophisticated performance, singing a patriotic song while also dancing in unison. | Message to the…

teleSUR, pha, JCM (2020-01-01). Al-Assad insiste como prioritario eliminar terrorismo en Siria. wp.telesurtv.net El presidente de Siria, Bashar al-Assad, recibió en Damasco al principal asistente del ministro del ministro de Exteriores para Asuntos Políticos Especiales de Irán, Ali Asghar Khaji, quien explicó al mandatario los últimos adelantos en la reunión de Astaná. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Irán denuncia a EE.UU por ataques en Siria e Irak | El funcionario iraní comentó que las discusiones tuvieron lugar sobre varios temas, especialmente sobre el Comité de Discusión de la Constitución y los desarrollos en la región s…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). Iraqi paramilitary groups tell supporters to withdraw from US Embassy perimeter. yenisafak.com Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against U.S. air strikes in Iraq told their supporters to withdraw from the perimeter of the U.S. Embassy in Baghadad on Wednesday.The crowd did not actually begin withdrawing, according to a Reuters witness.The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) umbrella group made the call in response to the Iraqi government's call for the protesters to disperse, it said in a statement.

yenisafak (2020-01-01). Indonesia rejects China's claims over South China Sea. yenisafak.com Indonesia said on Wednesday it rejected China's claims over a disputed part of the South China Sea as "having no legal basis", after two days earlier protesting to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters.The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, leading Indonesians officials to issue a "strong protest" and summon the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta.Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang had said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). Pope apologises for 'bad example' of slapping arm of pilgrim who tugged him. yenisafak.com Pope Francis apologised on Wednesday for having angrily slapped a woman's arm when she had grabbed hold of his hand and yanked him towards her, saying he had lost his patience and set a "bad example".His unusual apology came after he used his first homily of the new year to denounce violence against women, which he compared to profaning God.Pope Francis, 83, had a sharp encounter with a woman on Tuesday evening during a walkabout in St. Peters Square.The pilgrim, who has not been identified, unexpectedly seized his hand and pulled him towards her, causing him evident alarm. A clearly disgruntled Francis wrenched…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). 'Iranian children have death risk under US sanctions'. yenisafak.com Hundreds of Iranian children face death as a result of lack of medications due to U.S. sanctions, said Iran's health minister on Wednesday.In a letter to World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom, Saeed Namaki said the unilateral U.S. sanctions block shipments of medication and medical equipment.Contrary to U.S. claims that sanctions do not hinder medication and food trade, he said global firms don't sell medication or medical equipment to Iran as a result of the the unilateral sanctions."As you know, Iran became a victim of economic war carried out by the U.S. Washington's sanctions made it impossible to sup…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). OPINION: Status of US-China economic relationship: Complicated. yenisafak.com By Vakkas Dogantekin- The writer is acting main chief correspondent for the Americas desk at Anadolu Agency's English service.ANKARA (AA) – World's biggest two economies, the U.S. and China have been mired in a trade and tariff war ignited by U.S. President Donald Trump who accuses the Asian country of stealing intellectual property from American companies and growing exponentially at the expense of American national interests.Trump and his former advisors — including Steve Bannon, a former senior ally who is seen as a major factor in the president's 2016 election win — designated China as the country's main ri…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). Terrorist YPG/PKK kills 2 civilians in northern Syria. yenisafak.com The YPG/PKK terror group killed at least two civilians and wounded four in a car bomb attack in northern Syria, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Monday.The ministry said on Twitter that YPG/PKK terrorists had targeted the town of Tal Abyad but a Turkish military checkpoint blocked them from entering the town, and it exploded on the outskirts.The terrorist suspected of being responsible for the attack was arrested.The YPG/PKK terror group is targeting settlement areas under control of the Syrian National Army (SNA), which fought alongside the Turkish forces in Turkish-led anti-terror operations in northe…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). Somali forces kill 20 terrorists, liberate 7 villages. yenisafak.com Somali forces on Wednesday carried out an operation against the al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group al-Shabaab in southern Somali, killing 20 al-Shabaab terrorists and liberating seven villages, said an army commander.Osman Abdimalik Malim, a special forces (Danab) commander, told local media that Somali forces liberated the villages in the lower Shabelle province after a military operation in the region.During the operation, in addition to killing 20 terrorists, the Somali forces wounded several others, he added.He said that the operation will continue until the group is wiped out the region.This operation comes fo…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). 'Plans excluding Turkey in the region are doomed to fail'. yenisafak.com No plan in the region which excludes Turkey has any chance of success, said Turkey's vice president on Wednesday."Turkey's economy was balanced and disciplined in 2019, and now 2020 will see the start of new revival," Fuat Oktay told Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk.On Turkey's pact with Libya last November demarcating maritime boundaries, he said it had foiled a plot to confine Turkey to land."No matter who is involved, no plan in the region which excludes Turkey has any chance of success," he stressed.Saying that Turkey is very active in the area designated in the deal with Libya, he said the deal is also benefic…

yenisafak (2020-01-01). India, Pakistan exchange lists of prisoners. yenisafak.com In a gesture of normalcy amid tensions between the two countries, Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners in their custody.Despite tensions over the divided Kashmir region and other issues, the lists were exchanged simultaneously in Islamabad and New Delhi under a 2008 pact between the two countries.Pakistan handed over a list of 282 Indian prisoners (55 civilians and 227 fishermen) languishing in Pakistani jails to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, said a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.India, for its part, handed over a list of 267 Pakistan civilian prisoners and…

2020-01-01: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

In 2020, Let's Recognize Immigration as a Reproductive Justice Issue
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-01-01
Nearly one year ago, in February 2019, a 24-year-old Honduran woman in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody went into premature labor while 27 weeks pregnant. The federal immigration agency failed to transport the woman to a hospital in a timely manner, and she gave birth to a stillborn at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Texas. Days after the news of this tragic story broke, I spoke to Nancy Cárdenas Peña…
truthout.org/articles/in-2020-lets-recognize-immigration-as-a-reproductive-justice-issue/

Iraq: America's Other "Longest War"
Thomas Knapp | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
As the calendar prepared to flip from 2019 to 2020, protesters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad. As I write this, the action — a response to US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria which killed at least 25 and wounded more than 50 — hasn't yet become a reprise of the Iran hostage crisis of 40 years ago, but it's eerily reminiscent.
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/iraq-americas-other-longest-war/

Iraq: America's Other "Longest War"
Thomas Knapp | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
As the calendar prepared to flip from 2019 to 2020, protesters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad. As I write this, the action — a response to US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria which killed at least 25 and wounded more than 50 — hasn't yet become a reprise of the Iran hostage crisis of 40 years ago, but it's eerily reminiscent.
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/iraq-americas-other-longest-war/

US Gov Blames Iraqi Protests On Iran With No Evidence, Despite The US Bombing Of The Iraqi Military
Ryan Cristián | thelastamericanvagabond.com | 2020-01-01
Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/31/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
thelastamericanvagabond.com/conspiracy/us-gov-blames-iraqi-protests-on-iran-with-no-evidence-despite-the-us-bombing-of-the-iraqi-military/

Miles de chilenos reciben el Año Nuevo con protestas
teleSUR, JGN | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
Miles de chilenos volvieron a colmar la Plaza Dignidad, en Santiago de Chile, para recibir el Año Nuevo con una cena masiva y enfrentando la represión de la militarizada policía de Carabineros, en el marco de las protestas antigubernamentales que se prolongan por más de dos meses. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Cientos de personas despiden a manifestante fallecido en Chile | Los manifestantes recibieron el 2020 con una cena masiva en la Plaza Italia, rebautizada como Dignidad, bajo la consigna "Año Nuevo…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/chile-protestas-ano-nuevo-plaza-dignidad-represion-20200101-0002.html

Year of the Nurse and the Midwife highlights 'backbone' of health systems
news.un.org | 2020-01-01
The world will need an additional nine million nurses and midwives to achieve the commitment of providing all people with access to health care by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/01/1054531

Emergency Eviction Support: Hold Down the House / Pack the Courtroom
Moms 4 Housing | indybay.org | 2020-01-01
Courtroom: | Hayward Hall of Justice | 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544 | Moms' House: | 2928 Magnolia Street, Oakland, CA 94608…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/29/18829312.php

We Are the Majority. We Must Turn That Into Power
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-01-01
Over the last decade, a national consensus has developed for a progressive left agenda on the economy, social services, the climate crisis and ending wars but the movement has not yet built the power to make that a reality. The next decade will be ripe with opportunities for transformational change due to a combination of expanding popular movements as well as escalating crisis situations. | Positive change will only occur if these movements evolve into an organized popular movement that truly represents the people's in…
truthout.org/articles/we-are-the-majority-we-must-turn-that-into-power/

Metaphor, the Holy Bible and the Western Hero: Corrupting Jesus to Trump the Constitution
John Grant | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. — Matthew 7: 15 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. — Matthew 7: 18 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Matthew 22: 39 (For Thompson Bradley) Over this…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/metaphor-the-holy-bible-and-the-western-hero-corrupting-jesus-to-trump-the-constitution/

Metaphor, the Holy Bible and the Western Hero: Corrupting Jesus to Trump the Constitution
John Grant | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. — Matthew 7: 15 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. — Matthew 7: 18 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. — Matthew 22: 39 (For Thompson Bradley) Over this…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/metaphor-the-holy-bible-and-the-western-hero-corrupting-jesus-to-trump-the-constitution/

The Project of Erasing the Indigenous History of Kashmir
Nyla Ali Khan | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
Furthering its project of erasing the indigenous history of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi's BJP government has dropped Martyr's Day, July 13, and my maternal grandfather's birth anniversary, December 5, from the list of public holidays. I have always been amazed to see how much the BJP and the Sangh continue to invest in…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/the-project-of-erasing-the-indigenous-history-of-kashmir/

Reportan 27 casos de neumonía viral en el centro de China
teleSUR, lsl, JGN | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
Autoridades sanitarias chinas informaron el martes que los 27 casos de neumonía reportados en días pasados en Wuhan, capital de la provincia central de Hubei, fueron identificados como neumonía viral. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Presidente de China desea un Hong Kong estable y próspero en 2020 | "En relación a la detección continua de casos de inflamación de pulmones de origen desconocido, pedimos a todas las instituciones médicas que mantengan estadísticas y controlen la situación de los pacientes e infor…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/reportan-casos-neumonia-viral-centro-china-20191231-0024.html

Happy New Year, Riyadh!
Charles Pierson | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
'Tis the season for giving. Accordingly, the US has given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a gift in the form of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which President Donald Trump signed into law on December 21. The NDAA is not only a gift to the Saudis. The $738 billion in new defense spending the NDAA authorizes means a very Merry Christmas for the Pentagon and for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and the like.
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/happy-new-year-riyadh/

"3 Strikes, You're Out!" Strike 2: Impeachment
David Rosen | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
The notion of "3 strikes" is based on the old baseball slogan, "3 strikes, you're out!" In 1994, the federal government, along with other law-enforcement entities, rechristened 3-strikes to cover habitual-offender laws, drastically increasing prison sentences — including mandatory life sentences — for people convicted of a third serious crime. In the age of Trump, "3 strikes" is…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/3-strikes-youre-out-strike-2-impeachment/

Stop The 2020 Olympics In Japan, End Nuclear Power & Nuclear Weapons
No Nukes Action | indybay.org | 2020-01-01
San Francisco Japanese Consulate | 275 Battery St/near California | San Francisco…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/31/18829368.php

Corea del norte reanudará sus pruebas nucleares
teleSUR, JGN | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
El líder de Corea del Norte, Kim Jong-un, informó este miércoles el fin de la moratoria en sus pruebas nucleares y anunció que en fecha próxima presentará una "nueva arma estratégica". | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Se reúne Comité Central de Trabajadores de Corea del Norte | Kim explicó que esta decisión es en respuesta a lo que llamó "estancamiento" de las negociaciones con Estados Unidos (EE.UU.) sobre la desnuclearización de la península coreana. | El dirigente del país asiático adelantó que en…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/corea-del-norte-kim-jong-un-fin-moratoria-pruebas-nucleares-20200101-0003.html

U.S. Sanctions: The Weaponization of the Global Financial System
Humanist Community in Silicon Valley | indybay.org | 2020-01-01
Mountain View Community Center | 201 South Rengstorff Avenue | Mountain View CA 94040…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/31/18829374.php

Gobierno de facto de Bolivia desmiente que prepare ingreso a embajada mexicana
teleSUR, JGN | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
El Gobierno de facto de Bolivia desmintió la noche del martes que estuviera preparando el inminente ingreso de las fuerzas del orden a la embajada y la residencia oficial de México en La Paz, con el presunto fin de cumplimentar varios órdenes de aprehensión. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Tribunal Electoral de Bolivia ratifica habilitación del MAS para comicios | "ESTA NOTA ES FALSA. El contenido de la misma es un absurdo jurídico y fue elaborado para crear conflicto y debilitar el proceso democráti…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/bolivia-desmentido-comunicado-ingreso-embajada-mexico-20200101-0001.html

Papa Francisco condena violencia contra las mujeres
teleSUR, pha, JCM | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
Este 1 ∞ de enero el Papa Francisco denunció el abuso contra la mujer en las sociedades modernas, como parte de su primer mensaje del año, y pidió el fin de la explotación femenina por su cuerpo, coincidiendo con la celebración del día de la Solemnidad de María Santísima Madre de Dios. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Papa Francisco celebra su 83 ∞ cumpleaños | "Toda violencia infligida a la mujer es una profanación de Dios", dijo el pontífice en su primer sermón del año. | "Cuántas veces el cuerpo de la mu…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/papa-francisco-defiende-derechos-mujer-primera-misa-2020-20200101-0007.html

Presidente cubano Díaz-Canel celebra 61 años de la Revolución
teleSUR, JGN | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
El presidente de Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, felicitó al pueblo cubano por el 61 aniversario del triunfo de la Revolución, que se celebra este primero de enero. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Felicitan a Cuba por aniversario del triunfo de la Revolución | "Hay todas las razones para festejar. En el año 61 de la revolución nos tiraron a matar y estamos vivos. Vivos celebrando y empeñados en seguir ganando °Patria o muerte! °Socialismo o muerte! °Venceremos!", afirmó el mandatario de la mayor de las Antill…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/cuba-presidente-felicitacion-aniversario-triunfo-revolucion-20200101-0004.html

Polémicas del primer año de Jair Bolsonaro en Brasil
teleSUR, JCM | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
"Año terrible" vivieron los brasileños, tras 12 meses de la gestión del presidente derechista Jair Bolsonaro, que ha estado marcado por la controversia y la polémica en una variedad de temas, pero también su popularidad apunta a la baja, luego de haber llegado con un alto índice de apoyo de la ciudadanía. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Aumenta sensación de inseguridad en la población brasileña | Bolsonaro arrancó su gestión el pasado 1 de enero de 2019 con una popularidad del 49 por ciento, mientras ahora solo…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/brasil-presidente-jair-bolsonario-primer-aniversario-gobierno-20200101-0009.html

61 Years Strong: Cuba's Revolution Lives On Despite Blockade
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-01
A day that will forever live in the hearts and minds of free men and women around the world, Jan. 1, 1959 marked the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, as the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista ended under the leadership of Fidel Castro, Ernesto Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, and Raul Castro, among others. | RELATED: | UN Overwhelmingly Votes in Favor of Resolution Ending US Blockade Against Cuba | And on its 61st anniversary, the ideals of socialist soci…
telesurenglish.net/news/61-Years-Strong-Cubas-Revolution-Lives-On-Despite-Blockade-20191231-0018.html

Riña en cárcel mexicana deja un saldo de 16 muertos y cinco heridos
teleSUR, JGN | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
Una pelea entre grupos de reos en una cárcel del estado de Zacatecas, en el norte de México, dejó un saldo de 16 personas muertas y cinco heridas, informó una fuente oficial. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Destacan crecimiento económico durante 2019 en México | La Vocería de Seguridad Pública de Zacatecas informó en la red social de Twitter que "la tarde de este martes se registró una riña al interior del Centro Regional de Reinserción Social (Cerereso) Varonil, que dejó como saldo el fallecimiento de 16 Personas Privada…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/mexico-carcel-zacatecas-pelea-grupos-rivales-muertos-20200101-0005.html

In 2019, the Far Right Suffered Big Losses. But They Are Far From Defeated
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-01-01
The U.S. far right continued to be very active in 2019. The good news is that, surveying their actions for the year, those far rightists outside of the GOP have had less growth and street presence than in 2018. Doxxing, lawsuits, a loss in interest from conservatives and state repression have all taken their toll. The far right's boom years of 2016 and 2017 are starting to fade away, but it remains an energized movement. The white nationalist wing was still far more active in 2019 than it was for…
truthout.org/articles/in-2019-the-far-right-suffered-big-losses-but-they-are-far-from-defeated/

The 2020 Imperative Cease Being Mesmerised By Demons
Julian Rose | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
We have a vast global communication network at our fingertips, a significant part of which has long since been hijacked by the purveyors of 'the daily matrix'. But another part of which still manages to operate within a spectrum that gives a possibility for what we refer to as 'freedom of speech'. Used intelligently, this…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/the-2020-imperative-cease-being-mesmerised-by-demons/

Interesting Work: Willie Mays, Lee Mendelson and Charlie Brown
Geoff Beckman | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
I don't believe in the "Do what you love and the money will follow" argot. A lot of times, it won't. I learned this from both my parents (who were therapists). You can be miserable at a high-paying job, leave it for one you like– but pays squat. Often you end up miserable because you…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/interesting-work-willie-mays-lee-mendelson-and-charlie-brown/

When the Power of Pove Overcomes the Love of Power (Hendrix)
Gary Lindorff | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
We will unsubscribe to hate Change our password and pray for the dead All the dead Ooooh oooooh oooooh Pink Floyd: Mother should have run for president This isn't just upsetting. What's been happening is a waste of time All I want right now is a pine-scented candle That is really all I want I'll tell you…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/when-the-power-of-pove-overcomes-the-love-of-power-hendrix/

#GoBonobos in 2020
Susan Block | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
There it goes, Brothers and Sisters, Lovers and Sinners, another year, along with another whole decade, down the hatch, into the archives and off the table. Now the future unfurls at our feet, its composition too hazy to make out. Will it be a carpet of soft grass that puts a spring in our step?
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/gobonobos-in-2020/

Trump, Democrats and the Lumpenproletariat Problem
David Schultz | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
The American Democratic Party has a problem with white working-class America–they lost them, or at least large segments of them to Donald Trump's Republican Party. Policy reasons may explain part of this. But a better explanation may be that these voters fit the description of what Karl Marx used to call the Lumpenproletariat–reactionary working class opposed to revolution or at least progressive politics. Understanding who these individuals are may be critical to Democrats winning in 2020.
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/trump-democrats-and-the-lumpenproletariat-problem/

Of Scrooges, and Sweeps, Body Snatching and Death on the Street: A Christmas Carol in Portlandia
Desiree Hellegers | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
In the midst of the Christmas, Hannukah crush, even for Wiccans and Pagans, it's easy to overlook a relatively recent national ritual that coincides with the solstice: Since 1990, the National Coalition for the Homeless designated December 21st, the darkest day of the year, National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Personally, around this time of year,…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/of-scrooges-and-sweeps-body-snatching-and-death-on-the-street-a-christmas-carol-in-portlandia/

Of Scrooges, and Sweeps, Body Snatching and Death on the Street: A Christmas Carol in Portlandia
Desiree Hellegers | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-01
In the midst of the Christmas, Hannukah crush, even for Wiccans and Pagans, it's easy to overlook a relatively recent national ritual that coincides with the solstice: Since 1990, the National Coalition for the Homeless designated December 21st, the darkest day of the year, National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Personally, around this time of year,…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/01/of-scrooges-and-sweeps-body-snatching-and-death-on-the-street-a-christmas-carol-in-portlandia/

The Town That Refuses to Drown
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-01-01
It'S 9 A.M. and a grey cloud that had been shrouding one of four mountains surrounding Temacapulín, in the highlands of western Mexico, has begun to lift. "SINCE THE SIXTH CENTURY, TEMACAPULÂN WELCOMES YOU." The bold white letters emblazoned on the side of one of the mountains, Cerro de la Cruz, emerge through the mist, Hollywood-style, as the town's inhabitants scurry to live up to the promise. It's the first day of the Tenth Annual Chile de Arból Fair and a steady rain has been threatening to flood the town's two-day festival of resist…
truthout.org/articles/the-town-that-refuses-to-drown/

The Lost Decade
John Vidal | zcomm.org | 2020-01-01
How We Awoke To Climate Change Only To Squander Every Chance To Act…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/the-lost-decade/

Trump says he 'does not see war with Iran happening,' hours after issuing 'threat' to Tehran
rt.com | 2020-01-01
US President Donald Trump has said that the US is not gearing up for war with Iran, adding that he prefers peace to war. It comes just hours after the US leader upped the ante, making a pointed threat against Tehran on Twitter. | …
rt.com/news/477243-iran-war-trump-not-happening/

US troops fire tear gas as protesters throw stones at embassy in Baghdad — reports
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Tear gas has been used to disperse angry crowds outside the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a day after thousands of protesters attempted to storm the diplomatic compound, according to reports. | Dozens of protesters who'd camped overnight outside the gates of the embassy were attacked with tear gas by security personnel, reportedly after the demonstrators drew closer to the building. | Purported footage of Wednesday's clashes shows protesters shouting and throwing objects toward the compound walls, as thick smoke fills the air. Several bright flashes — likely from tear gas canisters being fired — can a…
rt.com/news/477250-us-troops-fire-tear-gas/

Iraqi protesters withdraw from US Embassy in Baghdad, some defy orders (VIDEOS)
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Paramilitary leaders have ordered their supporters to leave the heavily fortified US Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, as American troops reinforced the besieged facility. However, some protesters stayed put. | Live footage from RT's video agency Ruptly showed protesters with Hezbollah flags withdrawing en masse in their vehicles. It was not immediately clear from the video how many have remained at the scene of clashes, where tear gas and stun grenades were reportedly fired again on Wednesday. | Hordes of protesters descended on Baghdad's American embassy — located inside the heavily fortified 'Green…
rt.com/news/477276-protesters-leave-baghdad-embassy/

Iran's Supreme Leader hits back at Trump's 'big price' threat, says US 'took revenge' for defeating ISIS
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Giving a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump's threat to make Iran pay for an attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said tirades like this usually end up nowhere. | On the heels of the Tuesday siege of the US diplomatic mission in Baghdad, President Trump fired off a series of inflammatory tweets, vowing to hold Iran "fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities." Shortly thereafter, he took a different tone, saying he doesn't see a war with Iran coming. | But…
rt.com/news/477260-ayatollah-trump-threat-baghdad/

Pope Francis repeatedly SLAPS woman's hand after she YANKS him toward her (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-01-01
The world saw a different side of Pope Francis on New Year's Eve after the pontiff tore himself free from a woman who had grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her. | A woman seeking the Pope's blessing on New Year's Eve instead ended up enraging the pontiff after grabbing his arm to get his attention. A video of the altercation shows Francis walking through Vatican City as he greeted pilgrims. After reaching out to touch a child, a nearby woman seized his hand, jerking the religious leader around — a yank that appeared to cause him pain. | This evening after visiting the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Sq…
rt.com/news/477247-pope-francis-woman-slap-hand/

Australia deploys military aircraft & navy ships to help fire-ravaged communities
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Australia has sent military aircraft and ships to relieve towns that have been caught in the violent infernos sweeping the country's southeast coast. Thousands of people have been forced to camp on beaches as they await rescue. | Wednesday's deployment used military helicopters and naval vessels to deliver water, food and fuel to areas that have been completely cut off by the fires in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. | An estimated 4,000 people in the Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota fled to the seashore on Tuesday, after winds pushed wildfires toward their homes. | At 3am on 1 January 202…
rt.com/news/477249-australian-wildfires-military-rescue/

'Reckless escalation' or 'No more Benghazis'? Dems jeer & GOP cheers as Trump points finger at Tehran after Baghdad embassy attack
rt.com | 2020-01-01
A major partisan divide has formed around President Trump's handling of the situation in Iraq, with several Democrats blasting recent US airstrikes and troop deployments, and some in the GOP lining up to voice support. | Massachusetts senator and Democratic 2020 hopeful Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday took aim at the president for a US bombing raid ordered on an Iraqi militia over the weekend. American officials accused the group — Kataib Hezbollah — of carrying out a rocket attack on a US base with Iranian backing, which killed one American contractor, though they have yet to offer any evidence for the…
rt.com/news/477244-lawmakers-trump-iraq-embassy/

Not the bees! Pentagon wants to use swarms of AI-powered drones for 'rescue' missions
rt.com | 2020-01-01
The Pentagon is combing the AI developer community to try to build a self-starting swarm of AI-enabled drones capable of recognizing and tracking a target — ostensibly for search and rescue, but potentially for search and destroy. | The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) issued a request (RFI) late in December seeking the latest and greatest in AI and drone swarm tech — and looking for clever ideas on how to combine th…
rt.com/usa/477239-pentagon-ai-drone-swarms-bees/

Pope Francis repeatedly SLAPS woman's hand after she YANKS him toward her (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-01-01
The world saw a different side of Pope Francis on New Year's Eve after the pontiff tore himself free from a woman who had grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her. | A woman seeking the Pope's blessing on New Year's Eve instead ended up enraging the pontiff after grabbing his arm to get his attention. A video of the altercation shows Francis walking through Vatican City as he greeted pilgrims. After reaching out to touch a child, a nearby woman seized his hand, jerking the religious leader around — a yank that appeared to cause him pain. | This evening after visiting the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Sq…
rt.com/news/477247-pope-francis-woman-slap-hand/

US sending 750 troops to Middle East after Baghdad embassy siege — Pentagon
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Some 750 paratroopers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division are already on their way to Kuwait, and more may soon follow, after the US Embassy in Baghdad was stormed and nearly taken by angry Iraqi militiamen. | The 82nd's alert brigade was ordered to deploy on Tuesday evening, Fox News reported, citing multiple Pentagon officials, shortly before Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirmed the move. | "The United States will protect our people and interests anywhere they are found around the world," Esper said, announcing the deployment. | The initial force has already departed Fort Bragg, North Carolina on boa…
rt.com/usa/477240-iraq-troops-kuwait-embassy/

US sending 750 troops to Middle East after Baghdad embassy siege — Pentagon
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Some 750 paratroopers from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division are already on their way to Kuwait, and more may soon follow, after the US Embassy in Baghdad was stormed and nearly taken by angry Iraqi militiamen. | The 82nd's alert brigade was ordered to deploy on Tuesday evening, Fox News reported, citing multiple Pentagon officials, shortly before Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirmed the move. | "The United States will protect our people and interests anywhere they are found around the world," Esper said, announcing the deployment. | The initial force has already departed Fort Bragg, North Carolina on boa…
rt.com/usa/477240-iraq-troops-kuwait-embassy/

From dream to reality: Russia's 'Silicon Valley' to mark 10-year anniversary with new projects
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Russia's Skolkovo innovation center, which is marking 10 years since its founding, has ambitious plans for 2020 and beyond to continue promoting technology and helping small innovative startups grow into profitable companies. | Skolkovo Technopark was built from scratch almost a decade ago to create a platform for research and innovation in key spheres such as energy, IT, space, biomedicine, and nuclear technology. Now the complex has facilities spread around 800,000 square meters and hosts around 500 startups, while there are an additional 1,500 enterprises beyond its campus. Skolkovo hosts around 50 research…
rt.com/business/477013-russia-skolkovo-2020-anniversary/

From dream to reality: Russia's 'Silicon Valley' to mark 10-year anniversary with new projects
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Russia's Skolkovo innovation center, which is marking 10 years since its founding, has ambitious plans for 2020 and beyond to continue promoting technology and helping small innovative startups grow into profitable companies. | Skolkovo Technopark was built from scratch almost a decade ago to create a platform for research and innovation in key spheres such as energy, IT, space, biomedicine, and nuclear technology. Now the complex has facilities spread around 800,000 square meters and hosts around 500 startups, while there are an additional 1,500 enterprises beyond its campus. Skolkovo hosts around 50 research…
rt.com/business/477013-russia-skolkovo-2020-anniversary/

China drops tariffs on hundreds of Pakistani products as wide-ranging trade agreement takes effect
rt.com | 2020-01-01
A newly implemented deal between Beijing and Islamabad will eliminate tariffs on hundreds of products, a move which is expected to provide a billion-dollar boost to bilateral trade. | The Free Trade Agreement (FTA)–II, which started on Wednesday, will waive or ease 75 percent of tariffs imposed by each country, over a period of 15 years. Beijing will immediately drop tariffs on more than 300 Pakistani exports, including textiles and garments, seafood and leather. | In exchange, Islamabad has provided greater market access to Chinese raw materials and heavy machinery. | The deal, inked in April 2019, will…
rt.com/business/477245-pakistan-china-trade-deal-fta/

China drops tariffs on hundreds of Pakistani products as wide-ranging trade agreement takes effect
rt.com | 2020-01-01
A newly implemented deal between Beijing and Islamabad will eliminate tariffs on hundreds of products, a move which is expected to provide a billion-dollar boost to bilateral trade. | The Free Trade Agreement (FTA)–II, which started on Wednesday, will waive or ease 75 percent of tariffs imposed by each country, over a period of 15 years. Beijing will immediately drop tariffs on more than 300 Pakistani exports, including textiles and garments, seafood and leather. | In exchange, Islamabad has provided greater market access to Chinese raw materials and heavy machinery. | The deal, inked in April 2019, will…
rt.com/business/477245-pakistan-china-trade-deal-fta/

Dance, chant, sing: WATCH Indian soldiers send army-style New Year greetings
rt.com | 2020-01-01
Taking a break from the hard work of soldiering, Indian service members have been filmed sending a flurry of artistic New Year greetings to the nation, garnering applause on social media. | Deployed in the snowy Himalayan ridges of Kashmir, a bunch of soldiers try their best to show off their team spirit. Standing atop a mountain, their squad chanted some slogans before "wishing everybody a happy and a prosperous New Year." | Their brother-in-arms –serving tours of duty in the same region– staged a more sophisticated performance, singing a patriotic song while also dancing in unison. | Message to the…
rt.com/news/477270-indian-soldiers-new-year-greetings/

Al-Assad insiste como prioritario eliminar terrorismo en Siria
teleSUR, pha, JCM | wp.telesurtv.net | 2020-01-01
El presidente de Siria, Bashar al-Assad, recibió en Damasco al principal asistente del ministro del ministro de Exteriores para Asuntos Políticos Especiales de Irán, Ali Asghar Khaji, quien explicó al mandatario los últimos adelantos en la reunión de Astaná. | LEA TAMBIÉN: | Irán denuncia a EE.UU por ataques en Siria e Irak | El funcionario iraní comentó que las discusiones tuvieron lugar sobre varios temas, especialmente sobre el Comité de Discusión de la Constitución y los desarrollos en la región s…
wp.telesurtv.net/news/presidente-sirio-insiste-prioridad-eliminar-terrorismo–20200101-0006.html