(2021-01-28). Cellebrite: Israel's Good Cyber Cop is Big Tech's Backdoor to Breaching Your Privacy. mintpressnews.com 
Israeli digital forensics company Cellebrite has been quietly providing law enforcement agencies with the tools to retrieve data from any device for years, but they want you to know they're on the right side of the law.
(2021-01-28). Beyond Slogans: Palestinians Need an Urgent, Centralized Strategy to Counter Israel in Africa. dissidentvoice.org 
Arab normalization with Israel is expected to have serious consequences that go well beyond the limited and self-serving agendas of a few Arab countries. Thanks to the Arab normalizers, the doors are now flung wide open for new political actors to extend or cement ties with Israel at the expense of Palestine, without fearing any …
(2021-01-28). Beyond Slogans: Palestinians Need an Urgent, Centralized Strategy to Counter Israel in Africa. counterpunch.org 
Arab normalization with Israel is expected to have serious consequences that go well beyond the limited and self-serving agendas of a few Arab countries. Thanks to the Arab normalizers, the doors are now flung wide open for new political actors to extend or cement ties with Israel at the expense of Palestine, without fearing any
(2021-01-28). Arab Joint List in Israel set to split ahead of March election. middleeasteye.net 
Arab Joint List in Israel set to split ahead of March election | Breakup of Joint List announced following meeting that failed to reconcile differences among the parties | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 14: 33 | Abbas Mansour, left, the head of the United Arab List, sitting with Ayman Odeh, centre, and Ahmad Tibi, right, of the Joint List during a media conference, 22 September 2019 (AFP) | The Joint List political allianc…
(2021-01-28). Jewish Groups Warn of Fallout from Anti-Semitism Label for Criticism of Israel. mintpressnews.com 
As the Israel lobby pushes to erase pro-Palestine activism on college campuses, it not only risks endangering free speech but allowing far-right hatred to spread unchecked.
(2021-01-28). End of Anti-Russian Electioneering; Palestinian Funding Restored. indybay.org One week after the Inauguration, Pres. Biden called Pres. Putin to extend the START nuclear arms control treaty, due to expire 2/5/21. Pres. Biden's administration also announced restoration of relations with Palestine and aid to Palestinians.
(2021-01-28). What Explains COVID's East-West Divide? zcomm.org Asia has done a much better job of containing the pandemic. Do values have anything to do with it?>
(2021-01-28). Russia's population decline accelerated in 2020, losing 500,000 residents amid Covid deaths, falling birth rate & less immigration. rt.com 
Russia has recorded its largest annual population decline in 15 years. According to Rosstat, the official government statistics service, the number of people permanently living in the country dropped by 510,000 in just 12 months. | The national population now totals 146.24 million, a steep drop from 146.75 million at the start of 2020. The last time the country saw such a significant decline was in 2005, when the number of people decreased by 564,500. | Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Moscow was already concerned about the country's falling number of inhabitants. Russia's population peaked at the start of 2018 a…
(2021-01-28). Thousands protest lack of economic aid amid strict COVID-19 lockdown in Lebanon. peoplesdispatch.org At least one person has died after security forces opened fire injuring several of the protesters who were demanding an end to the lockdown and adequate economic support from the government in Tripoli, the second largest city in Lebanon…
(2021-01-28). Covid-19 in Lebanon: Man dies of wounds following Tripoli unrest. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19 in Lebanon: Man dies of wounds following Tripoli unrest | At least 226 people were wounded in a third night of protests against a full lockdown that has left many with no source of income | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 10: 50 | People carry the coffin of Omar Tayba, who was shot dead during a protest against the lockdown and worsening economic conditions in Tripoli, Lebanon 28 January 2021 (…
(2021-01-28). The problem with India's 'love jihad' laws. juancole.com 
By Sumit Ganguly | — Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party government has put forward several anti-Muslim policies. The latest is a clampdown on what it sees as "love jihad," the belief that Muslims are seeking to deceive Hindu women through marriage and convert them to Islam. Over the course of …
(2021-01-28). US charges British national with bribery scheme to obtain Iraq contracts. middleeasteye.net 
US charges British national with bribery scheme to obtain Iraq contracts | Shwan al-Mulla and co-conspirators allegedly paid out more than $1m in bribes to receive edge in USACE bidding process | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 08: 23 | Billions of dollars poured into Iraq after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled President Saddam Hussein (AFP) | An Iraqi-born British national has been charged in New…
(2021-01-28). Iraq reactivates cheap oil export agreement with Jordan. middleeasteye.net 
Iraq reactivates cheap oil export agreement with Jordan | Jordanian and Iraqi officials renewed a 2019 agreement to sell ten thousands barrels of crude oil at preferential prices | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 16: 27 | Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh being welcomed by an Iraqi delegation at the prime minister's office in Baghdad (AFP) | Iraq has agreed to reactivate a memorandum of understa…
(2021-01-28). UK citizen involved in West Bank killing of Palestinian teenager: Report. middleeasteye.net 
UK citizen involved in West Bank killing of Palestinian teenager: Report | Palestinian, 17, is shot dead at Israeli guard post in occupied West Bank after allegedly approaching Israeli soldiers with knife, Jerusalem Post reports | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 16: 17 | Attallah Mohammad Rayyan was shot and killed by Israeli troops on 26 January (DCIP) | An Israeli soldier who was involved in an altercation that led to the…
(2021-01-28). UK citizen involved in West Bank killing of Palestinian teenager: Report. middleeasteye.net UK citizen involved in West Bank killing of Palestinian teenager: Report | A 17-year-old Palestinian was shot dead at an Israeli guard post in the occupied West Bank after allegedly approaching Israeli soldiers with a knife, Jerusalem Post reports | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 16: 17 | Attallah Mohammad Rayyan, 17, was shot and killed by Israeli troops on 26 December (DCIP) | An Israeli soldier that was involved in an a…
(2021-01-28). 'Shameful': Amnesty condemns use of French weapons against protesters in Lebanon. middleeasteye.net 
'Shameful': Amnesty condemns use of French weapons against protesters in Lebanon | Rights group identifies French-made weapons including tear gas, rubber bullets, and grenade launchers used to quell protests | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 19: 56 | "> | Amnesty International urged France to halt weapons sales to Lebanon, saying French-manufactured rubber bullets, tear gas grenades and launcher…
(2021-01-28). US calls on Turkey and Russia to 'immediately' withdraw forces from Libya. middleeasteye.net 
US calls on Turkey and Russia to 'immediately' withdraw forces from Libya | The deadline for withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries passed on Saturday with no movement observed on ground | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 21: 38 | Haftar failed in his bid to wrest control of Tripoli last year, ultimately leading to stalemate with GNA (AFP) | The United States has called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian and Turki…
(2021-01-28). Saudi Arabia to sell more shares in oil giant Aramco, says crown prince. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi Arabia to sell more shares in oil giant Aramco, says crown prince | Mohammed bin Salman said the public offerings would be pumped into the kingdom's Public Investment Fund | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 14: 17 | An employee at the Saudi Aramco oil facility gestures while standing near a damaged silo, at the plant in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city of Jeddah (AFP) | Saudi Arabia is set to sell more…
(2021-01-28). Exiled Emirati dissident launches campaign to lift travel ban on sick son. middleeasteye.net 
Exiled Emirati dissident launches campaign to lift travel ban on sick son | Ahmed Al-Nuaimi demands to be reunited with his son, who suffers from cerebral palsy and needs specialist medical attention | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 12: 55 | The academic has launched a Twitter campaign to be reunited with his son and allow him the medical attention he needs (Screengrab/Twitter) | An Emirati academic and dissident liv…
(2021-01-28). Will Biden End America's Global War on Children? dissidentvoice.org 
The first day of the 2020 school year in Tiaz, Yemen (Ahmad Al-Basha/AFP) Most people regard Trump's treatment of immigrant children as among his most shocking crimes as president. Images of hundreds of children stolen from their families and imprisoned in chain-link cages are an unforgettable disgrace that President Biden must move quickly to remedy …
(2021-01-28). Ilhan Omar: Arms Sale Freeze Is "First Step" to End US Support for War on Yemen. truthout.org 
Peace-loving people around the world and anti-war Democrats in Congress hailed reports Wednesday that the Biden administration is imposing a temporary freeze on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates pending a review of billions of dollars worth of weapons deals with the repressive regimes approved during the presidency of Donald Trump. | The Wall Street Journal
(2021-01-28). 'Stealing millions from users': Squad members Tlaib and AOC call for congressional hearing over Robinhood 'market manipulation'. rt.com 
Democratic congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has called for a House hearing over trading app Robinhood banning the purchase of certain stocks after amateur traders humiliated Wall Street. Fellow 'Squad' member AOC seconded the idea. | The amateur traders united through Reddit and Discord this week, causing hedge funds to lose billions of dollars by purchasing stock in companies such as GameStop, which Wall Street was betting against. | However, the ironically named Robinhood — which acted as one of the main platforms for the traders to purchase through — responded on Thursday by banning the purchase of the…
(2021-01-28). 'Palestinian teen's health in danger in Israeli prison'. yenisafak.com Amal Nahla, 17, was taken into custody by Israeli forces on Jan. 21 and has been placed in administrative detention without any charge for six months, with the possibility of the duration being extended, according to Defense for Children International — Palestine.The teenager is suffering "shortness of breath" and a medical checkup showed that he has "chest and respiratory system" issues, the group said in a statement.Nahla has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a long-term neuromuscular and autoimmune disease, it added.The statement also referred to a report by an Israeli hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical…
(2021-01-28). NY Times' pseudo-expert accusing China of genocide worked for publicity arm of far-right cult Falun Gong. thegrayzone.com The New York Times recycled flimsy claims by a right-wing apocalyptic extremist to accuse China of "genocide," in an op-ed by an American with 1/8th Uighur heritage who worked for Epoch Times, a far-right, pro-Trump outlet backed by cult Falun Gong. The New York Times published a factually challenged op-ed accusing China of committing "genocide" against its Uighur minority. The article sourced its spurious accusations to a right-wing operative who insists his research is part of a divine "mission" against …
(2021-01-28). NY Times' pseudo-expert accusing China of genocide worked for publicity arm of far-right cult Falun Gong. thegrayzone.com The New York Times recycled flimsy claims by a far-right apocalyptic extremist to accuse China of "genocide," in an op-ed by a former staffer for Epoch Times, a far-right, pro-Trump outlet backed by Falun Gong. The New York Times published a factually challenged op-ed accusing China of committing "genocide" against its Uighur minority. The article sourced its spurious accusations to a right-wing operative who insists his research is part of a divine "mission" against Beijing that is "led by God." …
(2021-01-28). AOC throws weight behind GameStop hedge fund massacre, takes a dig at Wall Street's 'long history of treating economy as a casino'. rt.com 
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has heaped mockery on Wall Street hedge funds who've taken a beating after a short-selling scheme on GameStop shares miserably backfired, accusing them of treating markets like a "casino." | The New York congresswoman took to Twitter on Wednesday night to poke fun at the "Wall Streeters" racking up major losses amid a push by online trolls to punish GameStop short-sellers, "Gotta admit it's really something…
(2021-01-28). Israel's threats against Iran will expose Biden's readiness to slap it down. middleeasteye.net 
Israel's threats against Iran will expose Biden's readiness to slap it down | Israeli general Aviv Kochavi's attempt to put military strikes back on the table could have two major consequences | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 11: 20 | Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi (R) chat with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AFP) | After a year-long pause due the Covid-19 pandemic, Israel has renewed its threats…
(2021-01-28). Philippines sees worst recession ever amid COVID-19. yenisafak.com The Philippines' economy contracted a record 9.5% last year as coronavirus measures wrecked the retail and tourism sectors while a series of natural disasters ruined crops, official data said Thursday.The Philippine Statistics Authority that while gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 9.5% year-on-year in 2020, it is showing an easing decline from the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.The number, according to government data, was the worst since records began in 1946.The agency said GDP plunged 8.3% year-on-year in the fourth quarter.The recession last year further hampered the two-decade growth of the countr…
(2021-01-28). Modi highlights India's key role as Covid vaccine producer in Davos speech. laprensalatina.com New Delhi, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underlined India's support to other countries in fighting the coronavirus pandemic by sending vaccines and medical assistance during a virtual speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "By sending Covid vaccines to various countries and setting up infrastructure related to vaccination, India …
(2021-01-28). Pandemic memory chip demand increases Samsung profits by 21.5%. laprensalatina.com Seoul, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- The high demand for memory chips and displays as a result of lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic increased the net profit of Samsung Electronics by 21.48 percent in 2020, the South Korean technology giant reported on Thursday. The Suwon-based company earned 26.4 trillion won (nearly $23.6 billion) over the year …
(2021-01-28). At least 1 dead, hundreds wounded in anti-lockdown unrest in northern Lebanon. laprensalatina.com Beirut, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- A man died in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli on Thursday following overnight clashes between security forces and protesters demonstrating against a lockdown against coronavirus pandemic and the country's economic woes. According to the state-owned news agency NNA, the 30-year-old Lebanese demonstrator succumbed to his wounds at Nini hospital in Tripoli …
(2021-01-28). New Zealand tops global Covid-19 management rankings. laprensalatina.com Sydney, Australia, Jan 29 (efe-epa).- New Zealand has topped the rankings of almost 100 countries and territories that have best managed the Covid-19 pandemic, according to an index published Thursday in Australia. The Oceanian country was followed by Vietnam and Taiwan in second and third place. The Covid Performance Index compares the response of governments …
(2021-01-28). Funeral of prominent footballer Mehrdad Minavand. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 28 (MNA) — A funeral procession was held on Thursday for the prominent Iranian soccer player Mehrdad Minavand who died at the age of 45 after briefly being hospitalized for contracting Covid-19 disease.
(2021-01-28). Japan to locally produce AstraZeneca vaccine. yenisafak.com Japan on Thursday confirmed it will locally produce a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Britain's pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca .Speaking at a news conference in the capital Tokyo, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: "Yesterday, we received a report […] from AstraZeneca, informing us that it will aim to manufacture over 90 million doses within Japan."Japan had signed a deal with AstraZeneca to acquire 120 million doses of the vaccine.According to Kyodo news agency, 75% of all AstraZeneca vaccines will be manufactured in Japan.Japanese JCR Pharmaceuticals based in western Hyogo province is ex…
(2021-01-28). 'Both doses of COVID-19 jab should be from same vendor'. yenisafak.com People should get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the same vendor, a Turkish scientist has said.Taking different types of jabs is not the "right approach", said Dr. Afsin Emre Kayipmaz, a member of Turkey's Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board.Kayipmaz said the vaccination campaign will accelerate as two batches of the Chinese Sinovac have reached the country. A total of 9.5 million doses of the vaccine are expected boost mass immunization against the virus.The doctor said that vaccination will provide at least six months of protection, adding that the respiratory tract infections are expected to rise ag…
(2021-01-28). As the Olympics and Euro 2020 hang in the balance, should elite athletes be fast-tracked for the Covid-19 vaccine? rt.com 
Considerable question marks remain as to the possibility of holding two of this summer's largest sporting events amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, but should athletes be allowed jump the vaccine queue to ensure they go ahead? | The rollout of the various vaccines to combat Covid-19, including Russia's Sputnik V jab, have promised a glimmer of light amid the global Coronavirus chaos which has affected practically every person on the planet in one way or another. | However, the rollout of the various vaccines has brought with it another debate: to whom should they be available, and where should the early applica…
(2021-01-28). S Korean health workers first to receive COVID-19 jabs in February. laprensalatina.com Seoul, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- South Korea intends to begin its COVID-19 vaccination campaign in February, first inoculating frontline workers, followed by hundreds of thousands of elderly and dependent people, according to a plan presented Thursday. The arrival in the country of the first vaccine shipments manufactured by AstraZeneca is scheduled for the end of February …
(2021-01-28). Cambodia pays muted tribute to Buddha for Maek Bochea due to COVID-19. laprensalatina.com Bangkok Desk, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- Cambodia celebrated an annual religious festival Thursday that marks the occasion on which Buddha prophesied his death, drawing crowds of faithful followers to the country's Ponhea Leu province, where the ceremony was held this year. The Buddhist celebration of Meak Bochea, which traditionally takes place during the full moon of …
(2021-01-28). Vietnam finds 82 local Covid-19 cases after almost 2 months at zero. laprensalatina.com (Update 1: Adds details of new cases, minor edits, changes lede and headline) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- Vietnam has detected 82 community Covid-19 infections after 55 days without local transmission, the government announced Thursday. The outbreak comes just 10 days before the start of the lunar new year holidays, when millions …
(2021-01-28). Vietnam detects 1st local Covid-19 cases in almost 2 months. laprensalatina.com Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- Vietnam has detected two community Covid-19 infections after 55 days without local transmission, the health ministry announced Thursday. It comes just 10 days before the start of the lunar new year holidays, when millions of people travel the country to visit their families. The Ministry of Health …
(2021-01-28). Tokyo 2020 team says mass vaccination campaign not pre-requisite for go-ahead. laprensalatina.com Tokyo, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- The organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Thursday said the Games' go-ahead did not hinge on mass Covid-19 vaccinations in Japan. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said the committee was determined to go ahead with the games this summer under any circumstances, even if it means athletes will be unvaccinated. …
(2021-01-28). Pakistan's top court orders release of accused in Daniel Pearl murder case. laprensalatina.com Islamabad, Jan 28 (efe-epa).- The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of the main accused and three other suspects in the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, overturning the authorities' appeal against a lower court's order to commute their sentences. Thursday's decision came in response to appeals filed by the government …
(2021-01-28). Blowback: Trump's Sanctions on Yemen Are Already Backfiring. mintpressnews.com 
Experts warned of the humanitarian toll that designating the Houthis would have and indeed the sanctions that followed are already harming civilians. What they didn't foresee was how the move seems to have galvanized even more support for the group.
(2021-01-28). US freeze on F-35s sale to Abu Dhabi won't hurt normalization between Israel & UAE — PM Netanyahu. rt.com 
The suspension by US President Joe Biden on selling F-35 fighter jets to the UAE won't derail normalization between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, as the process has gone too far already, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted. | "It won't affect them," Netanyahu said, when asked about the possible impact of the announcement by Washington on relations between Israel and the UAE. | The mending of ties between the two former foes has "passed the point of no return," the prime minister insisted during a press conference broadcast on Facebook. | "Everyone understood that this [normalization deal] was a historic step…
(2021-01-28). 'I just wanted to cry': Russian high jump champ Lasitskene backs hurdles king as he vows to contest 'ridiculous' doping violation. rt.com 
Prominent Russian high jumper Maria Lasitskene has voiced her support for fellow athlete Sergey Shubenkov after reports emerged in the Russian press of an alleged doping violation, triggering speculation that he could face a ban. | Multiple Russian sports outlets reported on Thursday that the prohibited substance furosemide – a masking agent that can help to rid the body of traces of doping – had been detected during Shubenkov's doping probe. | The medicine is not a performance enhancing drug and the hurdler has described the news as an "outrageous lie." | "During my entire career, I have never taken prohibite…
(2021-01-28). New Zealand trade minister calls on Australia to 'show respect' to China amid Beijing-Canberra trade war. rt.com 
New Zealand's Minister for Trade Damien O'Connor has called on Australia to follow his country's lead, relax its assertive approach and "show respect" to China in order to make more diplomatic progress with Beijing. | Speaking in an interview with CNBC, O'Connor highlighted New Zealand's recent successful trade negotiations with China, signing a deal that updates their current free-trade agreement and opens up further exports from Wellington to Beijing. | "I can't speak for Australia and the way it runs its diplomatic relationships," O'Connor said, stating that "if they were to follow us and show respect, I gu…
(2021-01-28). Political scientist published by New York Times arrested for acting as secret agent for Iran. rt.com 
A man, who has penned at least one article for the New York Times, has been arrested and accused of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and of getting paid hundreds of thousands to promote pro-Iran policies in the US. | In a federal complaint, prosecutors alleged that political scientist Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi, has collected over $260,000 in payment from the Iranian government and also received health benefits typically reserved for Iranian diplomats deployed to the US. | Assistant Attorney General for national security John C. Demers, accused Afrasiabi of being a "secret employee" of Iran and of…
(2021-01-28). 6 killed, scores injured after chemical leak at factory in Georgia. rt.com 
At least six people have been killed and more than 100 treated by medics after a liquid nitrogen leak at a food processing plant in the US state of Georgia, local officials said on Thursday. | The incident occurred at the Prime Pak Foods plant in Gainesville, Hall County, at around 10am local time Thursday. | A spokesperson for the Northeast Georgia Health System said multiple people are receiving emergency treatment, with at least 10 people hospitalized. | Five people reportedly died at the scene, while a sixth succumbed to injuries after being rushed to hospital. | One eyewitness to the aftermath of the inci…
(2021-01-28). Announce Khabib: Russian champ receives public offer to make professional debut in 'the football UFC' as club bids to sign him up. rt.com 
Khabib Nurmagomedov could officially join a football club for the first time next month if he accepts an offer from FC Kamaz, a Russian Professional Football League team who have made an ambitious public bid for the UFC champion. | Playfully producing an image of football-loving Nurmagomedov in their shirt, promotion-chasing Kamaz gave the unbeaten lightweight king a list of enticements to sign for them following his session at a Spartak Moscow training school in Dubai earlier this week. | Responding to a tantalizing post offering his services to clubs, Kamaz declared that their aim is to score a knockout blow…
(2021-01-28). Iranian press review: Outrage after lawmaker slaps and intimidates traffic officer. middleeasteye.net 
Iranian press review: Outrage after lawmaker slaps and intimidates traffic officer | Meanwhile, Iran's football federation tells a women's football referee to stop researching discrimination, and the true cost of Iran's brain drain | Thu, 01/28/2021 – 13: 50 | Iranian dailies accuse politicians of acting above the law without accountability (AFP) | Outrage after lawmaker slaps and i…