Daily Archives: November 22, 2020

2020-11-22: News Headlines

South Front (2020-11-22). Video: Azerbaijani Troops Enter First of Districts that Are Set to be Returned Under Karabakh Deal. globalresearch.ca Late on November 19, Azerbaijani troops started entering the district of Agdam in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Agdam is one of the districts surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic that Azerbaijan lost to Armenian forces after …

MEE and agencies (2020-11-22). Israeli jets strike Gaza after rocket fire hits factory. middleeasteye.net Israeli jets strike Gaza after rocket fire hits factory | Israel and Hamas trade blame for fire exchanged over Gaza just a week after similar strikes | Sun, 11/22/2020 – 10: 30 | Smoke rises over Gaza buildings after an Israeli air strike on 22 November 2020 (Reuters) | Israel carried out air strikes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning after rockets from the blockaded territory hit an Isra…

Rod Driver (2020-11-22). The War Crimes of Bush and Blair — Afghanistan and Iraq. zcomm.org For all practical purposes, Iraq has now been destroyed. It no longer exists as a single country and has disintegrated into regional power bases, with widespread ethnic cleansing in each region…

Andrew Korybko (2020-11-22). The US' Support Of Tibetan Splittism Is Troublesome. thealtworld.com This is a very unfriendly move which hints that the President pays credence to Sangay's claims of leading a so-called "government in exile". In effect, it amounts to tacit support for his political agenda and hints that the US no longer abides by its One China policy. | The White House

Caitlin Johnstone (2020-11-22). MSM Already Helping Next Administration Hide Corruption Under 'Diversity' Banner. thealtworld.com There has never been a better time to be a woman, minority or member of the LGBT community who works in the DC establishment and thinks the poor should be made into pet food. | The New York Times has The article's authors warn against the nonexistent, completely imaginary threat of the next presidential administration…

Mike Walter (2020-11-22). The Heat: APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. america.cgtn.com Leaders from APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group, have pledged to work toward free and open trade to revive economies battered by the coronavirus pandemic. A virtual gathering of APEC economic leaders wrapped up Friday, with member nations calling for economic integration and closer cooperation …

MEE staff (2020-11-22). Imprisoned spy Jonathan Pollard flying to Israel after US parole ends. middleeasteye.net Imprisoned spy Jonathan Pollard flying to Israel after US parole ends | Cold War spy passed on information about American intelligence agencies to Israel | Sun, 11/22/2020 – 09: 30 | Jonathan Pollard spent 30 years in prison for spying for Israel (AFP) | The spy Jonathan Pollard, who was jailed for spying against the United States in the 1980s, has been cleared to fly to Israel, where he will be welcomed by th…

MEE staff (2020-11-22). Outrage at 'normalisation' photo of Egyptian singer with Israeli celebrities in UAE. middleeasteye.net Outrage at 'normalisation' photo of Egyptian singer with Israeli celebrities in UAE | Egypt's Mohammed Ramadan sparks criticism after attendance at event with Israeli public figures in Dubai | Sun, 11/22/2020 – 16: 04 | (L-R) Omer Adam, Mohamed Ramadan and Hamad al-Mazrouie (Twitter) | Egyptian singer and actor Mohamed Ramadan has sparked a social media backlash after his image with two Israeli celebrities in…

Dr. Binoy Kampmark (2020-11-22). The Yemen "Civil War" Arms Bonanza. Mammoth Weapons Sales to UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel. globalresearch.ca "Making billions from arms exports which fuel the conflict while providing a small fraction of that in aid to Yemen is both immoral and incoherent." So

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Veteran voice actor Changiz Jalilvand passes away. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Renowned Iranian voice actor Changiz Jalilvand passed away in Tehran on Sunday at the age of 80.

Press TV (2020-11-22). UN Chief Warns of Worst Famine in Decades in Yemen. dissidentvoice.org United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Saudi begging for role in possible talks with Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Repeating baseless accusations against Iran Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said that Riyadh should be part of any future talks.

_____ (2020-11-22). What If the Whole of Modern American History You Know Is Wrong? And What of COVID-19? strategic-culture.org Bill SARDI | I know Americans young and old haven't the time to listen to the late So, allow me to summarize what Dr. Sutton said a few years ago: US industry was behind the re-arming of Russia — -the "cold war" was contrived; and U.S. companies financially and industrially b…

Al-Thawra (2020-11-22). Poverty in Iraq's Basra rises to record 40%. indybay.org The Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) has warned that the Iraqi city and governorate of Basra is suffering from an increasingly high poverty rate, with almost 40 per cent of residents now living below the poverty line.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Zarif congratulates new Syrian FM on his election. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister congratulated Faisal Mekdad on his election as the new Syrian FM on Sunday.

news.un (2020-11-22). First Person: Four years on, hopes of return still distant for refugee pianist. news.un.org When UN News first interviewed award-winning Palestinian pianist Aeham Ahmad in 2016, he was a recent arrival in Germany, having fled a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria. Four years on, he wants to return home, but accepts that his chances are slim.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Iran's resistance drove US away from its strategic position. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Major says the Islamic Revolution's resistance power has managed to weaken the US' strategic position.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Razavi Khorasan-Afghanistan economic commission to be held. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — An official from Razavi Khorasan Governorate said the province's joint economic coop. commission with Afghanistan is to be held in Mashhad to facilitate mutual economic ties.

Abdul Rahman (2020-11-22). US sanctions on Iran stand as an obstacle to any constructive engagement in West Asia. peoplesdispatch.org The relentless maximum pressure campaign of the Trump administration against Iran which is continuing even after his electoral loss will be tough for a Biden administration to reverse, assuming there is the will to do so…

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). "Glauber, Claro" to be displayed in Iran's "Cinema Verite" en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — César Meneghetti's bio-documentary "Glauber, Claro" will be displayed in the portrait section of the 14th Iran International Documentary Film Festival "Cinema Verite".

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Syrian president appoints new Foreign Minister. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Syrian president appointed Faisal Mekdad as the new foreign minister and Bashar Jaafari as the country's permanent representative to the UN.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Iran ready to transfer medical experience to Iraq. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — The Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Iran and the former Prime Minister of Iraq conferred on the expansion of bilateral cultural and scientific relations on Sunday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Iran's exports to EU hit a 13% growth in nine months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) – Iran's export of non-oil products to the European Union registered a 13 percent hike in the nine months of the current year in 2020 (from Jan. to Sept).

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Iran exports $100,000 worth of sedans to Spain: IRICA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Iran said that $100,000 worth of passenger cars were exported from the country to Spain last year (ended March 20, 2020).

Direct Action Everywhere (2020-11-22). Protest for the 46 Million #NoThanks. indybay.org This November we will take action to elevate the stories of the 46 million turkeys who are killed for Thanksgiving.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Indonesia to study Iran's proposal to build oil refinery. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Indonesia will study a proposal from Iran to build an oil refinery, as it seeks to expand its oil refining capacity by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the next seven years.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Iran to operate 174 IR-M2 centrifuges at Natanz facility. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Iran's Permanent Representative to International Organizations Kazem Gharibabadi says the country will operate 174 advanced IR-M2 centrifuges at Natanz nuclear facility.

Editor (2020-11-22). A New Cold War Could Be Just Around the Corner. scheerpost.com Antonio R. Villaraigosa / CC BY-NC 2.0] By Cassandra Stimpson and Holly Zhang / TomDispatch War: what is it good for? Apparently, in Washington's world of think tanks, the answer is: the bottom line. In fact, as the Biden presidency approaches, an era of great-power competition between the United States and China is already taken for granted inside the Washington Beltway. Much less well known are… |

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Institutionalizing resistance Resistance FilmFest's function. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) —The Cinema Organization of Iran director said institutionalizing the social concept of resistance is one of the functions of 16th Resistance International Film Festival.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Police seize over 1 ton of narcotics in Isfahan province. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — The police forces of Isfahan province in central Iran have seized over 1 ton of illicit drugs in a single operation.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-22). Iranian play 'Labor' to be performed in Red Curtain Intl Fest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) — Iranian play 'Labor' will be performed on 28 and 29 November in the online international Red Curtain Theatre Festival.

sputniknews (2020-11-21). Video: Factory Building in Israel's Ashkelon Damaged After Rocket Launch From Gaza. sputniknews.com Rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip are frequently reported in the area, with the latest incident described by the Israeli military on Sunday, 15 November. According to IDF, two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip toward central and sourthern Israel.

WSWS (2020-11-21). Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia. wsws.org The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Anya Parampil (2020-11-21). Biggest trade deal in history excludes United States. thegrayzone.com Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Beijing-based journalist Ian Goodrum about the recent signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia. The agreement includes countries representing one-third of the global GDP and population, yet excludes the United States. They discuss the implications the deal will have for the world economy.

Mehr News Agency (2020-11-21). West held humanitarian topics of Syria hostage: Khaji. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Nov. 21 (MNA) — The senior assistant to the Iranian foreign minister in special political affairs said that Western countries have held the humanitarian topics of Syria hostage to their political objectives.

_____ (2020-11-21). Shocking New Figures Show How Much US Is Fueling Violence In Yemen. popularresistance.org Despite presenting itself as a force for good and peace in the Middle East, the United States sells at least five times as much weaponry to Saudi Arabia than aid it donates to Yemen. The State Department constantly portrays itself as a humanitarian superpower with the welfare of the Yemeni people as its highest priority, yet figures released from the United Nations and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) show that since the war in Yemen began, the U.S. government has given $2.56 billion in aid to the country, but sold over $13 billion in high-tech weapons to Saudi Arabia, the leader of th…

_____ (2020-11-21). Ten Foreign Policy Fiascos Biden Can Fix On Day One. popularresistance.org Donald Trump loves executive orders as a tool of dictatorial power, avoiding the need to work through Congress. But that works both ways, making it relatively easy for President Biden to reverse many of Trump's most disastrous decisions. Here are ten things Biden can do as soon as he takes office. Each one can set the stage for broader progressive foreign policy initiatives, which we have also outlined. | 1)End the U.S. role in the Saudi-led war on Yemen and restore U.S. humanitarian aid to Yemen.

Gareth Porter (2020-11-21). FBI and DOJ prepared takedown of "Iranian" American Herald Tribune website with years of legal chicanery. thegrayzone.com The new powers claimed by the FBI to seize "Iranian" outlets could have serious implications for the basic American freedom to publish and access news and opinion The US Department of Justice announced on October DATE it had seized the web domain of the American Herald Tribune (AHT), an alternative media outlet that published editorials criticizing US foreign policy. As The Grayzone reported, AHT published articles primarily written by Americans under their own names, often as original content. 128 other …

Gareth Porter (2020-11-21). FBI and DOJ prepared takedown of 'Iranian' American Herald Tribune website with years of legal chicanery. thegrayzone.com The new powers claimed by the FBI to seize "Iranian" outlets could have serious implications for the basic American freedom to publish and access news and opinion. The US Department of Justice announced on November 4 that it had seized the web domain of the American Herald Tribune (AHT), an alternative media outlet that published editorials criticizing US foreign policy. As The Grayzone previously reported, AHT printed articles primarily written by Americans under their own names, often as original content. …

MEE and agencies (2020-11-21). Erdogan says Turkey's future 'together with Europe'. middleeasteye.net Erdogan says Turkey's future 'together with Europe' | Turkish president calls for dialogue ahead of possible further EU sanctions and amid rising tensions with Greece over gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean | Sat, 11/21/2020 – 19: 06 | 'We expect the EU to keep its promises, not to discriminate against us,' Turkey's President Erdogan said on Saturday (AFP) | Turkish President Rec…

RT (2020-11-21). US again threatens sanctions on European companies over Nord Stream 2 as Russian-German pipeline project ploughs ahead. rt.com The US State Department has warned of potential retaliation against a number of European companies involved in the construction of a controversial new gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. | According to Hamburg-based news agency DPA, companies involved in the construction of the infrastructure under the Baltic Sea have been given a final warning from Washington. An American government official is quoted in reports as saying "this pipeline will not take place… The US does not want to impose sanctions on European companies. We are making these calls to caution them and give them time to get out." | The Nord St…

RT (2020-11-21). Covid-19 pandemic could bring economic crisis on scale of 'Great Depression,' Putin tells G20 — warns of poverty & social disorder. rt.com Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a global economic collapse that would have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people across the world. | Speaking at the virtual G20 summit of international leaders on Saturday, Putin warned that, "despite some positive signals, the main risk is still the so-called stagnant mass unemployment with a subsequent increase in poverty and social disorder." | "The coronavirus epidemic, the global lockdown and the freezing of economic activity launched a systemic economic crisis, which the modern world has not known s…

MEE and agencies (2020-11-21). Iraqi security forces killed in Islamic State attack, say police. middleeasteye.net Iraqi security forces killed in Islamic State attack, say police | Six Iraqi security personnel and three civilians dead after ambush north of Baghdad, as US announces further troop withdrawals | Sat, 11/21/2020 – 21: 04 | An Iraqi Hashed al-Shaabi fighter inspects the site of an IS attack on the paramilitary force in Mukaishefah, about 180km north of Baghdad, on 3 May 2020 (AFP) | Six Ira…

MEE and agencies (2020-11-21). Lebanon's president pledges revival of central bank audit in fight on corruption. middleeasteye.net Lebanon's president pledges revival of central bank audit in fight on corruption | Michel Aoun claims 'interest-driven roadblocks' had derailed the audit, a key condition for foreign donors to help Lebanon out of its deep financial crisis | Sat, 11/21/2020 – 21: 45 | President Michel Aoun speaks to Lebanese viewers in a televised address on 21 November 2020. "Our reality today is not promi…

RT (2020-11-21). Russia blacklists 25 British individuals in tit-for-tat move over UK's imposition of 'Magnitsky List' sanctions. rt.com Moscow has imposed sanctions on 25 British individuals, mirroring restrictions rolled out by London earlier this year over the case of Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian tax auditor who died in police custody back in 2009. | The announcement was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Saturday. | "In response to the unfriendly actions of the British authorities and on the basis of the principle of reciprocity, the Russian side made a decision to impose personal sanctions against 25 representatives of Britain who are barred from entering Russia," Zakharova said in a statement, without naming th…

RT (2020-11-21). Anti-LGBT 'arsonist' requests asylum in Russia claiming he is target of 'extremist' Brazilian gay community. rt.com A Brazilian man accused of attacking a movie company over its depiction of Jesus Christ as homosexual has asked Russia for asylum after being arrested in Moscow in September at the request of Interpol. | Eduardo Fauzi is among five suspects in what prosecutors say is an attempted murder and was detained on behalf of international police in Russia after being added to a wanted list. | Fauzi stands accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at the Portados Fundos movie studio in Rio de Janeiro, endangering the life of a security guard who had been inside the building at the time. The production company had been invol…

MEE and agencies (2020-11-21). Lebanon: Five prisoners die as dozens escape in jail break. middleeasteye.net Lebanon: Five prisoners die as dozens escape in jail break | At least 69 prisoners escaped Baabda prison, east of Beirut, on Saturday; only 15 have been arrested, according to state media | Sat, 11/21/2020 – 10: 05 | Lebanese security forces outside the Palace of Justice in Baabda after the prison break on 21 November (Reuters) | Five Lebanese prisoners died when their car crashed into a t…

RT (2020-11-21). Putin urges G20 leaders to 'limit' protectionism & abandon using unilateral sanctions. rt.com Speaking at the G20 summit on Saturday, Russia's President Vladimir Putin called on world leaders to address the piled-up issues facing international trade, urging them to limit protectionism and abandon sanction practices. | "We have to tackle the urgent problems that have accumulated in international trade. In particular, it is necessary to try and curb protectionism, abandon the practice of unilateral sanctions, and resume supply chains," Putin told the virtual G20 summit. | Russia's leader noted that the reinvigoration of international trade was also discussed during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (A…

RT (2020-11-21). 'Moral cost is too high': Legendary war reporter Martin Bell calls on UK to halt Saudi arms sales over civilian bombing in Yemen. rt.com Former British war reporter and lawmaker Martin Bell said the UK must stop selling arms to Saudi Arabia because the desert kingdom's military coalition is indiscriminately bombing civilians in its war with Houthi rebels in Yemen. | "The moral imperative is so great that if there is a cost to the economy, I think it has to be borne," Bell told Afshin Rattansi, host of RT's "Going Underground" program, in an interview on Friday. "We claim to be a civilised people. Why are we arming . . . the gang that can't shoot straight?" | Bell, who is currently UK ambassador to UNICEF, made his comments after the virtual…

Juan Cole (2020-11-21). At G20, Only India Is On Track to Meet Goals for Keeping Global Heating to 3.6 ∞ F. commondreams.org Although most of India's electricity and heating now comes from carbon-intensive coal, the country has big plans to transition to renewables. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/gettyimages-1227824674_1.jpg