(2020-01-13). 'I wish I was inside that plane': Iran's IRGC chief expresses sorrow over downing of Ukrainian jet. rt.com 
The top commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Major General Hossein Salami, has expressed his deepest condolences, saying he had never felt more ashamed in his life than after the Ukrainian passenger jet tragedy. | Debriefing the session of Iran's parliament on Sunday, Salami stated that IRGC has no other purpose or wish "but to be torn into pieces for the sake of the security, welfare and peace of [Iranian] people." | I swear on the life of my children… I wish I were inside that plane and fell down and burned along w…
(2020-01-13). Under US pressure, social media companies censor critical content and suspend Venezuelan, Iranian, and Syrian accounts. thegrayzone.com As the US escalates its hybrid wars, Twitter and Facebook are suspending accounts and censoring content that conflicts with Washington's…
(2020-01-12). Dakar Rally tragedy: Portuguese rider Paulo Goncalves dies after crash in Saudi Arabia. rt.com 
Portuguese motorbike rider Paulo Goncalves has tragically died after a crash during Sunday's seventh stage of the 2020 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. | The tragedy took place after 276 kilometers (171 miles) of the day's Riyadh to Wadi Al Dawasir test, which is mostly comprised of sand planes and dunes. | READ MORE: Italian cyclist tragically dies after sustaining head injury right before finish | Race organizers immediately summoned a medical helicopter to the scene after the 40-year-old rider was found unconsci…
(2020-01-12). China's smart supercities powered by 5G to become new growth engine. rt.com 
The next phase of growth in China could come from developing smart supercities through 5G connectivity, smart grids, renewable energy and modern transportation, according to a report by Morgan Stanley. | It expects the country's urbanization ratio to grow from the current 60 percent to 75 percent by 2030, bringing in 220 million new city residents. | Morgan Stanley defines smart tech supercities as regional clusters of giant hubs surrounded by large satellite cities. | "In our view, China is poised to be a global leader in smart city and city cluster development," said Morgan Stanley's Chief China Economist Ro…
(2020-01-12). Four Iraqi Air Force servicemen injured as 8 rockets hit base housing US troops — Iraqi PM's office. rt.com 
At least four Iraqi soldiers have been injured in mortar shelling targeting Al-Balad airbase housing American troops. The facility has become a frequent target of attacks in the wake of the US killing of a top Iranian commander. | At least eight 'Katyusha' rockets hit the base located some 80 kilometers north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the prime minister's office has confirmed. The rockets allegedly struck a runaway located inside the facility, military sources earlier told Reuters. | There have been no reports of any casualties among the US military personnel. | US bases in Iraq were also hit by a balli…
(2020-01-12). 4 Iraqi Air Force servicemen injured as 8 rockets hit base housing US troops. rt.com At least four Iraqi soldiers have been injured in mortar shelling targeting Al-Balad airbase housing American troops. The facility has become a frequent target of attacks in the wake of the US killing of a top Iranian commander. | At least eight 'Katyusha' rockets hit the base located some 80 kilometers north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the prime minister's office has confirmed. The rockets allegedly struck a runaway located inside the facility, military sources earlier told Reuters. | There have been no reports of any casualties among the US military personnel. No groups has so far claimed responsibility…
(2020-01-12). Facebook 'thought police' censors pro-Iran posts 'to comply with US sanctions'… as Trump warns Tehran against censorship. rt.com 
Facebook has admitted to selectively censoring pro-Iranian government Instagram posts about the murdered General Soleimani, as US President Donald Trump hypocritically championed free speech and warned Tehran against censorship. | Instagram has confirmed that they have been removing posts that voice support for Qassem Soleimani, with a Facebook spokesperson claiming that censorship is fully justified in order to comply with US sanctions. Instagram is one of the few social media platforms that is not blocked in Iran, and it is where many within the country went to fuel outrage over the US assassination strike i…
(2020-01-12). US sanctions will delay Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline but WON'T END IT, Polish PM admits. rt.com 
The Polish prime minister has admitted that US sanctions will fail to torpedo the major Baltic Sea pipeline intended to supply Germany with Russian natural gas, and says he wishes the project had "never begun in the first place." | "I believe the US sanctions will delay the project but will not end it," Mateusz Morawiecki told German newspaper Die Welt in an interview. | Swiss-Dutch pipe-laying company Allseas stopped its work on the pipeline in December through fear of getting hit by the sanctions, which were adopted by the US earlier that month. | Morawiecki, whose government argues that the project will mak…
(2020-01-12). Putin & Macron call for Iranian nuclear deal to be saved, urge US & Tehran to show restraint. rt.com 
Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to take further efforts to keep the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JPCOA), in place. On Saturday German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed the same idea on her visit to Moscow. | Putin and Macron also called on all parties involved in the latest escalation of tensions between Iran and the US to show restraint. The two nations found themselves on the brink of military conflict after the US assassinated a top Iranian general, but have still avoided starting a war.
(2020-01-12). US wants to discuss steps for Iran to become 'normal country' without precondition — Esper says amid 'warnings' from Washington. rt.com 
Despite soaring tensions, the US is open to talk with Tehran, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said. But there's a catch: such discussion should revolve around "a series of steps" that would make Iran "a more normal country." | "We're willing to sit down and discuss without precondition a new way forward, a series of steps by which Iran becomes a more normal country," Esper said on Sunday, speaking on CBS's 'Face the Nation'. | On negotiations between U.S. and Iran, @EsperDoD acknowledged that Iran, once deemed "corrupt" is "still the legitimate go…
(2020-01-12). Trump's defense secretary admits he 'didn't see' evidence about Soleimani planning attacks against US embassies. rt.com 
President Donald Trump warned that Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani was planning "imminent" attacks against Americans, but his own defense secretary seems to be unable to back this claim. | Secretary of Defense Mark Esper revealed in a Sunday interview with 'Face the Nation' on CBS that he "didn't see" specific evidence that supported the president's claim that Soleimani was planning attacks on four US embassies, which Trump touted in a Friday interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. | "The president said that he believed that there probably could have been attacks against additional embassies," Espe…
(2020-01-12). Iran made 'important decision' to admit fault for Ukrainian plane crash, now all sides must decrease tensions — Kazakh president. rt.com 
Kazakhstan's leader has said that all sides must avoid further civilian deaths and work towards de-escalation, after Iran acknowledged that it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane amid fears of war with the US. | Qasym-Jomart Toqayev wrote on Twitter that Iran's decision to admit responsibility for the downing of the plane was "an important" one. | Under the current circumstances, all parties must show restraint in order to lower tensions, which also lead to civilian casualties. | Kazakhstani Foreig…
(2020-01-12). Knesset to go forward debating & rejecting Bibi's immunity request as his allies cry it will be a 'jungle'. rt.com 
In a blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Knesset was given the green light to debate his immunity from prosecution. The legislative body is likely to deny it, paving the way for his corruption trial to start. | Netanyahu requested immunity after he was indicted in November on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust saying he needs "to continue to lead Israel to great achievements." | On Sunday Eyal Yinon, the Knesset's legal adviser, issued a ruling that Speaker Yuli Edelstein should allow the formation of a Knesset House Committee that will look into the matter and is expected…
(2020-01-12). 'Impeached for life': Pelosi sets off Twitter fireworks, falsely claims Dems pursuing subpoena-defying witnesses. rt.com 
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made numerous odd claims about Trump impeachment in a new interview, including that Dems are pursuing subpoena-defying witness from the Ukraine investigation. | While speaking on ABC's 'This Week' Pelosi told host George Stephanopoulos that "this president is impeached for life, regardless of any gamesmanship on the part of Mitch McConnell." | While Congress passed articles of impeachment against the president, he still technically needs to go through a trial in the Senate to determine his guilt. One is not "impeached" until a decision is made through a trial. Congress merely conduct…
(2020-01-12). Oops! Canadian nuclear power plant 'incident' alert turns out to be 'error' after 'Chernobyl' Twitter panic. rt.com 
It was 7: 24am Sunday when Ontario residents received a chilling alert about an "incident" at one of the world's oldest nuclear power stations located a few kilometers away from Canada's most populous city of Toronto. | Pickering power plant, located on the shore of Lake Ontario, sent out an alert stating that emergency staff are responding to an incident at the facility, although "there has been no abnormal release of radioactivity from the station." It also said that locals do not need to evacuate or take any other protective measures. | I was just awoken by my phone blaring an emergency alarm. There's been a…
(2020-01-12). The Deadly Myth of the Border. truthdig.com 
"The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America" | Purchase in the Truthdig Bazaar | In my memories, the U.S.-Mexico border is always seen at night. I'm crossing home — how many times in my life? — through San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Mexicali. I'm bored, impatient, sometimes drunk in a rowdy car with more people than seats, other times sleepy after a vacation with my parents, still carrying Ensenada beach sand in my shoes. And suddenly ther…
(2020-01-12). Water polo drubbing: Russian women's team scores WHOPPING 31 GOALS against Slovakia at European Championship (VIDEO). rt.com 
Russia's women's water polo team started their campaign for an Olympic berth in style, destroying their Slovakian rivals 31-2 in the opening game of the 2020 European Championship in Budapest, Hungary. | The Russians netted a total of 14 unanswered goals during the first two quarters to ensure a dominant victory long before the match ended. | READ MORE: WATCH: South Korean water polo players shed tears of joy after scoring in 30-1 demolition by Russia | The Slovakian squad managed to score two consolation…
(2020-01-12). 'Regime change is in the air': US establishment seeks to capitalize on Iranian protests… again. rt.com 
The protests in Iran that followed Tehran's admission of its role in the downing of the Ukrainian passenger jet were met with an outpouring of support from Washington. But is it about Iranians, or regime change? | US officials and establishment figures certainly spared no effort as they went out of their way to show how much they supposedly admire the 'courage' of Iranians who took to the streets to vent their anger at the fact that a Ukrainian passenger jet, with many Iranians on board, was mistakenly shot down by Iran's military — something Tehran admitted of its own volition before the results of the c…
(2020-01-12). Defying Police, Iranians Protest Over Plane Shootdown. truthdig.com (2020-01-12). 'The vulnerable spot': Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would be greatest 'black swan' event in years for oil markets — S&P. rt.com (2020-01-12). 'Turbulent' situation in Middle East is result of US 'corruptive presence' — Iran's supreme leader. rt.com (2020-01-12). Iran summons UK ambassador over his participation in 'illegal rally' following his arrest at anti-govt protest. rt.com (2020-01-12). Iran's Foreign Ministry to provide consular assistance to relatives of Ukrainian jet downing victims. rt.com (2020-01-12). Russian figure skating duo Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov claim gold at 2020 Youth Olympics (VIDEO). rt.com (2020-01-12). Russian figure skating duet Apollinariia Panfilova & Dmitry Rylov claim gold at 2020 Youth Olympics. rt.com (2020-01-12). As Trial Nears, Trump Keeps Discredited Ukraine Theory Alive. truthdig.com (2020-01-12). Lowkey talks about Julian Assange, the media and internet manipulation. thecanary.co At times when the drums of war beat loudest, we need to remember, recognise, and protect the important role played by whistleblowers. In the first of two exclusive interviews (above) Lowkey talks about Julian Assange and the need for media to question and hold power to account. | In part two (below), Lowkey explains how our online data is used by the state and corporations to monitor and manipulate us. He also discusses the importance of supporting whistleblowers who work to expose this. | By Andrew Butler (2020-01-12). London Public rally with speakers on issue of Press freedom and the case of Julia. indybay.org University College London, Logan Hall… (2020-01-12). Twenty-six Things About the Islamic State (ISIS-ISIL-Daesh) that Obama and Trump Do Not Want You to Know About. globalresearch.ca The US led war against the Islamic State is a big lie. Going after "Islamic terrorists" is used to justify a military agenda. The Islamic State is a creation of US intelligence. Washington's "Counter-terrorism Agenda" in Iraq & Syria consists in Supporting the Terrorists. (2020-01-12). The Engineered Destruction and Political Fragmentation of Iraq. globalresearch.ca The objective is to engineer a civil war in Iraq, in which both sides are controlled indirectly by US-NATO. The scenario is to arm and equip them, on both sides, finance them with advanced weapons systems and then "let them fight". (2020-01-12). Ex-US intel officer: Pompeo 'lying through his teeth' on Iran. thegrayzone.com The Trump administration is imposing new sanctions on Iran and defying Iraq's call for a US troop withdrawal. This comes… (2020-01-12). Star War Actor Rejects Advertising Depicting Pinochet as Jedi. telesurenglish.net The U.S. actor Mark Hamill, who is best known for playing Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, Saturday rejected an image in which far-right activists portrait Chile's dictator Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990) as a Jedi. | RELATED: | Chile: College Admissions Test Suspended Due To Student Protest | The story began when Natire Bolledo wrote to Hamill telling him that… (2020-01-12). Activists Demand U.S. Close Guantánamo and End 18 Years of Torture. truthdig.com Human rights advocates marked the 18th anniversary of the opening of the U.S. military prison at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba with a rally outside the White House on Saturday to "demand an end to years of torture and human rights violations" and call for the detention camp's immediate closure. | In January 2018, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep the prison open. The move, which revoked an order from Trump's predecessor that called for the pri… (2020-01-12). All the Times the US allied with Gen. Soleimani against Common Enemies. zcomm.org The prime minister of Iraq says he invited Soleimani to Baghdad for peace negotiations with Saudi Arabia and then Trump just suddenly blew his guest away. Soleimani came openly on a commercial flight and went through passport control with his diplomatic passport… (2020-01-12). Invoking the United Nations' Historic "Uniting for Peace" Resolution 377 Before Trump Embroils Us in War with Iran. globalresearch.ca In the early hours of January 3, 2020, the United States military assassinated Iran's most powerful military commander, General Qasem Soleimani. | Soleimani's killing, accomplished by means of a drone strike in Baghdad, was done without the authorization of the Iraqi … (2020-01-12). Fresno Peace in Iran Vigil Coordinates with Nationwide Protests. indybay.org Over 100 people attended a vigil for peace with Iran in Fresno at 5 p.m. on January 9, in one of around three hundred demonstrations around the United States. The protest was coordinated with others by being held at the same time on the same day with the same message: no war with Iran. (2020-01-12). No Iran War — Golden Gate Bridge Peace Walk. indybay.org Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco | 11: 45 am: Gather on the SF side of the eastern walkway of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking available on southeast and southwest corners, just remember to take the last exit on hwy 101, northbound, as you approach the bridge, or, southbound, take the first exit after you leave the bridge. Arrive very early for best parking, or carpool. Public transportation below. | Noon: Walk begins on the eastern walkway from the southeast/S.F. side. Short, silent vigil in the middle with signs. Then return to the SF side bridge plaza for our rally. All welcome to speak. | 1: 00 pm: Rally on SF… (2020-01-12). S.F. Rep Pelosi Postponed Vote on War Powers Act. indybay.org San Francisco Representative Nancy Pelosi postponed the urgently needed vote on a War Powers Resolution to prevent a US war against Iran. And Top House Democrats want to abandon any vote on a War Powers Resolution. See | www.commondreams.org/news/2020/01/08/kicking-can-next-week-irresponsible-progressives-rebuke-pelosi-delaying-iran-war… (2020-01-12). Sunset Peace Vigil in Foster City. indybay.org In front of Foster City City Hall (610 Foster City Blvd)… (2020-01-12). Iran Summons UK Ambassador Over Role in Anti-Gov't Protest. telesurenglish.net The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that the U.K.'s Ambassador to Tehran was summoned over his participation in the anti-government protests this weekend. | RELATED: | Iran Rejects New Sanctions Imposed by the US | "Today, Rob Macaire was summoned because of his unconventional behaviour of attending an illegal rally on Saturday", the Foreign Ministry's website said. | Prior to his summoning, Macaire was reportedly detained by the Iranian authorities for breaking diplomatic protocol… (2020-01-12). No War With Iran! Redwood City Protest. indybay.org Intersection of Jefferson Avenue and El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063… (2020-01-12). No New War on Iran! Emergency Protest. indybay.org Photos: Leon Kunstenaar | People rush to demonstrate against Trump war on Iran… (2020-01-12). We should be outraged that the police listed Extinction Rebellion as extremists. But we shouldn't be surprised. thecanary.co Environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion (XR) hit the headlines on 10 January after the police included it as an extremist ideology in its guide to "Safeguarding young people and adults from ideological extremism". | But while it's outrageous that a nonviolent group focussed on saving the planet from the climate crisis is listed as an extremist threat, we shouldn't be surprised. Because this is exactly how the police treat pro… (2020-01-12). Iran Reportedly Summons UK Envoy Over His Attendance at Anti-Government Rally. sputniknews.com Earlier on Sunday, UK Ambassador to Iran Rob Macaire denied his taking part in Tehran protests that allegedly called for the prosecution of those responsible for the fatal mistake that led to the recent downing of the Ukrainian Airlines plane in the Iranian capital. (2020-01-12). O Secretário Geral da ONU, António Guterres, nà£o condena os assassínios dos EUA no Iraque. globalresearch.ca A relatora especial da ONU sobre execuàßàµes extra judiciais, sumárias ou arbitrárias, Agnès Callamard, criticou o assassínio perpetrado pelo regime Trump, do General iraniano Soleimani, do Vice Presidente iraquiano da PMU, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis e de outros que … (2020-01-12). US Plans Permanent Occupation of Iraq. globalresearch.ca The US plans permanent occupation of numerous nations worldwide, including Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and other countries it attacked preemptively. | It's up to officials of these countries and mass public opposition to end US occupation through the power of resistance. | Pentagon … (2020-01-12). Polls Show Americans Believe Killing Iranian General Made the US Less Safe. globalresearch.ca The Trump regime's assassination of widely respected Iranian General Qassem Soleimani made things less safe in the region and beyond. | Killing him was an act of war, the highest of high crimes under international law — turning millions of Iranians, … (2020-01-12). Iranian Opposition Group Went From US Terror List to Halls of Congress. theantimedia.com Meet the terrorist organization now lauded by top U.S. officials as an alternative to Iran's government. (2020-01-12). Pentagon Chief Saw No Evidence US Embassies Were Under Threat. theantimedia.com Defense Secretary Mark Esper told CBS that he'd seen no evidence at all to support the idea that US embassies were under threat. (2020-01-12). US Expels More Than a Dozen Saudi Military Trainees Over Extremist Ties and Child Porn. theantimedia.com Over a dozen Saudi servicemen stationed at US military installations will be expelled from the country.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian demonstrators defied a heavy police presence Sunday night to protest their country's days of denials that it shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane carrying 176 people, the latest unrest to roil the capital amid soaring tensions with the United States. | Videos posted online showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans and moving through subway stations and sidewalks, many near Azadi, or Freedom, Square after an earlier call for people to demonstrate there. Other videos suggested similar protests were taking place in other Iranian cities. | Related Articles
The growing hostilities between the United States and Iran have raised concerns about the possibility of disruption to a key shipping route in the Gulf region, and about the consequences for global oil markets. | According to analyst Dave Ernsberger of S&P Global, any disruption to what is probably the most vital chokepoint in the Middle East could become the largest 'black swan' occasion within the oil market. | Ernsberger who is the firm's global head of commodities pricing, told CNBC that "the market is extremely exposed to any disruption to vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz." | Also on rt.com | | <...
The tense situation in the Middle East requires close cooperation between all nations in the region, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said during his meeting with the emir of Qatar, adding that the region should be free from foreign influence. | "The region's unfavorable situation is due to the corruptive presence of the United States and its cohorts; and the only solution for countering that is to rely on cooperation among the countries of the region." | T…
The UK envoy's detention during an anti-government rally in Tehran has sparked a diplomatic scandal. The envoy, summoned on Sunday by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, says he was at a "vigil" for victims of the Ukrainian plane crash. | "Today, Rob Macaire was summoned because of his unconventional behavior of attending an illegal rally on Saturday," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It also demanded that the British government provide clarification on the matter. | The diplomat was briefly detained late on Saturday outside of Amirkabir University in Tehran, as part of a group of people attending a…
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has created a special taskforce that will provide consular support to the relatives of those who perished in the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 downing, spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Sunday. | The jet, which primarily carried Iranian and Canadian nationals, went down outside Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 on board. Tehran acknowledged that it was shot down by the county's armed forces, which erroneously identified the passenger plane as an incoming cruise missile.
Russian junior skaters Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov delivered a win for the national team at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, claiming gold in the pairs event. | Panfilova and Rylov put on a flawless performance on Sunday, perfectly dealing with the technical elements, including two impeccably landed triple throws. | READ MORE: New rival for Zagitova and Medvedeva? Russian gymnast Alexandra Soldatova tries out figure skating elements | The duet received 127.47 points for thei… Russian junior skaters Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov delivered a win for the national team at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, claiming gold in the pairs event. | Panfilova and Rylov put on a flawless performance on Sunday, perfectly dealing with the technical elements, including two impeccably landed triple throws. | READ MORE: New rival for Zagitova and Medvedeva? Russian gymnast Alexandra Soldatova tries out figure skating elements | The duet received 127.47 points for thei…
The theory took root in vague form well before Donald Trump laid claim to the White House in 2016. The candidate's close confidant tweeted about it. His campaign chairman apparently spoke about it with people close to him. | What if, the idea went, it was actually Ukraine — and not Russia — that was interfering in the 2016 election? | Never mind that the notion has since been amplified by the president of Russia, the country that U.S. intelligence agencies unequivocally blame for interfering in that year's presidential race. Or that Trump's hand-picked FBI director and other American officials have sa…