Monthly Archives: January 2021

2021-01-02: News Headlines

Jay Janson (2021-01-02). Suckered into Stupid Wars. dissidentvoice.org "Unknown to most Americans, the US 'totally destroyed' North Korea once before" — Irish Times Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later that someone of high notoriety would blurt out the truth about the American genocide in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and lift for a moment the curtain of imbecility that keeps why-me-worry …

MEE and agencies (2021-01-02). Five women killed in Yemen wedding blast. middleeasteye.net Five women killed in Yemen wedding blast | Government and Houthis blame each other for the deaths, which came a day after attacks in Aden killed 26 people | Sat, 01/02/2021 – 10: 13 | The aftermath of an explosion in Yemen (AFP/FILE) | Five women were killed when a shell hit a wedding venue in Yemen's Hodeidah city on New Year's Day, officials said on Saturday. | The government and the Ho…

MEE staff (2021-01-02). Palestinian news platform QNN banned by TikTok. middleeasteye.net Palestinian news platform QNN banned by TikTok | Quds News Network slammed the move by the social media giant as politically motivated | Sat, 01/02/2021 – 10: 55 | Popular social media app Tik Tok removed Quds News Network without warning (AFP) | A popular Palestinian news platform said that it was removed from popular social media app TikTok without any notice, in a move it claimed to be connected to news con…

The Grayzone (2021-01-02). Top 12 The Grayzone stories of 2020: From Julian Assange persecution to Bolivia coup defeat, corporate war on free speech to OPCW cover-up. thegrayzone.com 2020 was a chaotic year for the planet. While the Covid-19 pandemic dominated global politics, The Grayzone continued shining a light on the machinations of empire, from the persecution of imprisoned journalist Julian Assange to the defeat of a US-backed coup regime in Bolivia, from the growing corporate war on free speech to the OPCW's scandalous Syria cover-up. Throughout the year, The Grayzone's website had more than 5.24 million views and 2.48 million unique visitors. Our small, independently funded team …

Eric van de Beek (2021-01-02). US govt-sponsored website Bellingcat disrupts MH17 trial in Netherlands. thegrayzone.com Bellingcat has attacked defense attorneys and smeared witnesses in the trial over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. Is it being used by Western intelligence services to steer the case in a particular direction? (This report was originally published at Eric van de Beek's personal website.) For six years the British website Bellingcat has promoted Ukraine's narrative that Russia shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). With the start of the MH17 trial in March 2020, the self-proclaimed "collective …

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran COVID-19 update: 6,045 new cases, 101 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 6,045 COVID-19 infections and 101 deaths due to respiratory disease in the past 24 hours.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Rouhani urges Iranians to be careful about UK Covid-19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged Iranian people to be careful about UK Covid-19 variant.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran, Cuba to co-produce COVID-19 vaccine. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iran is cooperating with Cuba in producing a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a senior official at the Iranian Health Ministry.

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). India trials national Covid-19 vaccination program. laprensalatina.com New Delhi, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- India began a nationwide trial of its Covid-19 vaccination program on Saturday, while it awaits approval of the emergency license for the candidate vaccine developed by Oxford University and British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The first national trial is being conducted in 116 districts in the country — home to some …

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). South Korea extends Covid-19 restrictions until Jan 17. laprensalatina.com Seoul, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- South Korea on Saturday extended the current level of coronavirus restrictions, which includes a ban on gatherings of more than four people, until at least Jan.17 to contain the spread of the virus in the country. The government has enforced Level 2.5 distancing measures — the second-highest in the country's five-tier …

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). 50 Taliban members killed in Afghanistan's Helmand. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense announced that Mullah Abdul Salam, a key Taliban commander, was killed along with 50 of his men in Nad-e- Ali in Helmand Province.

Abhijan Choudhury (2021-01-02). Palestine's children bear the brunt of Israeli occupation. peoplesdispatch.org Last month's murder of 15-year-old Ali Ayman Abu Aliya in the village of Al-Mughayyir was yet another instance of the brutality shown by Israeli occupation forces towards the children of Palestine…

Peoples Dispatch (2021-01-02). Progressives denounce Turkey's persecution of Turkish Cypriot publisher Sener Levent. peoplesdispatch.org The Progressive Party of Working People and Members of the European Parliament from Cyprus expressed solidarity with Turkish Cypriot publisher ≈ûener Levent who is being persecuted for defaming Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan…

Anish R (2021-01-02). Indian farmers plan to march into New Delhi if government refuses to heed their demands. peoplesdispatch.org The farmers, who are camped on the outskirts of the capital Delhi, have warned that they will hold a parade in the city on January 26, Republic Day, if the government does not address their key demands…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Front pages of Iran's English-language dailies on Jan. 02. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Here are the front pages of Iran's English-language dailies on Saturday, January 02.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Hezbollah offers condolence over demise of Ayat. Mesbah-Yazdi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Issuing a statement on Saturday, Lebanese Hezbollah expressed condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution over the demise of senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Police seize over 2 tons of illicit drugs in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Police forces of the Sistan and Baluchestan province, southeastern Iran, have confiscated over two tons of narcotics in the province.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). VIDEO: Rouhani unveils commemorative stamp of Gen. Soleimani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — On the occasion of the first martyrdom anniversary of the Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani unveiled the commemorative stamp of the Martyr.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Armenia to import 2,250 goods from Iran instead of Turkey. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — An official from the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization announced that Armenia has announced that it is to replace 2,250 Turkish products with Iranian goods.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Funeral procession of Ayat. Mesbah-Yazdi in Rey. en.mehrnews.com REY, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The funeral procession of prominent Iranian cleric and jurist Ayatollah Mohammad-Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi was held on Saturday in Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Rey.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Gen. Soleimani shattered all US calculations in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Defense in a note on the occasion of 1st martyrdom anniversary of former IRGC Quds Force Commander Lt. Gen. Soleimani wrote that martyr Soleimani was a hero who shattered all US calculations in region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran to start 20% uranium enrichment soon: Salehi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is planning to start 20% uranium enrichment in the near future, says the organization's chief.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Trans-regional powers seeking to weaken Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iran's Minister of Defense said that trans-regional powers are seeking to weaken the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iranian 'Gabriel' to vie at Beirut Shorts Intl. Film fest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The short film "Gabriel" has managed to enter the international competition section of the 14th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival in Lebanon.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iranian President appoints new ambassador to UNESCO. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iranian president appointed Ahmad Pakatchi as the new ambassador and permanent representative of the Islamic Republic to UNESCO.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Vehicle parade on martyr Soleimani's 1st anniv. in Shiraz. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — A vehicle parade went on in Shiraz, Fars province, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the martyrdom of former IRGC Quds Force Commander Lt. Gen. Soleimani and Second-in-Command of Iraq's PMU Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). US withdrawal from region response to Soleimani assassination. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi said Iran considers the complete withdrawal of the US forces from the region as a response to martyr Soleimani's assassination.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran's plan to start 20% uranium enrichment predictable. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna said that Iran's decision to initiate 20% uranium enrichment was predictable.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran to respond any of enemy's actions with reciprocal blow. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — IRGC Chief Commander Major general Hossein Salami warned that Iran will respond to any of the enemy's actions with a reciprocal blow.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Top Iranian, Omani medical universities sign MoU. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Tehran University of Medical Sciences and National University of Science and Technology of Oman have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in different academic fields.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Syrian army launches extensive operations against ISIL. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Syrian army, with support of Russian air force, has launched a large-scale operation in country's deserts against remnants of ISIL.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). US has crucial role in rise of terrorism in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — In a tweet on Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry named the US as one of the main reasons for the rise of terrorism in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran to support anyone confronting Zionist regime: Hajizadeh. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Commander of IRGC Aerospace Force said that Islamic Republic of Iran will throw its weight behind anyone and/or any country that confront the Zionist regime wholeheartedly.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran, Iraq seeking to expand academic cooperation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The cultural advisor of the Iraqi Embassy in Iran said that the Iraqi Ministry of Science seeks to expand academic cooperation with Qom University.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Car bomb blasts in northern Syria (+VIDEO). en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Syrian sources say a car bomb had exploded in northern Syria, killing and injuring several.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Armed militants abduct passenger bus in western Afghanistan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Armed militants abducted a passenger bus in Afghanistan's western province of Herat on Saturday, local official Lal Mohammad Omarzai said.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Zionists plotting attack against Americans: Zarif to Trump. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — In a tweet on Sat. Iranian FM Zarif warned the outgoing US President that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Goods transit via Bashmaq Border hits nearly $3bn in 9 months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Observer of Kordestan Customs Office said that $2,843,416,000 worth of goods was transited via Bashmaq Border Crossing in the first nine months of current Iranian calendar year (from Mar. 21 to Dec. 22).

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Commemrating Gen. Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Syria. en.mehrnews.com DAMASCUS, Jan. 02 (MNA) — A ceremony to commemorate General Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis was held in the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Ruqayya(S.A) in Damascus.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Martyr Soleimani 'hero Cmdr.' of fight against ISIL terrorism. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — A member of Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembly said,"General Soleimani was a heroic commander in the fight against ISIL terrorism whose measures foiled all the dangerous plots of the US, Zionist Regime, and their allies in West Asia."

_____ (2021-01-02). Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop. popularresistance.org The current rationale for Washington's South China Sea policy continues to reference history and law as a justification for reinforcing U.S. military presence in the region. Further, Washington's reliance on a decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, not only circumvents normative interpretations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, but uses this ruling to build cooperation among partner States to overlook the details of both China's claim and the U.S. policy that originally recognized China's maritime boundary. | This article refutes Washington's version of history as well as the legal claims it as…

Maxime Guillaume, Agnes Lahary, Linda Zourdani, Edouard Malandain, Ozlem Ozkul-Wermester (2021-01-02). [Clinical Picture] A painless, sudden loss of vision in sickle cell anaemia: central retinal artery occlusion. thelancet.com A 61-year-old woman attended our hospital reporting a painless, sudden loss of vision in her left eye.

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). Tokyo urges Japan government to declare state of emergency. laprensalatina.com Tokyo, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- The local authorities in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures on Saturday asked Japan's central government to declare a state of emergency due to the record levels of coronavirus infections that these regions have been seeing. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and the Governors of Saitama (Motohiro Ono), Chiba (Kensaku Morita) and Kanagawa …

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). One year after Soleimani's assassination, Iraq remains in cross fire. laprensalatina.com By Nawar Alrikabi and Francesca Cicardi Baghdad/Cairo, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- A year after the assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani by the United States in Baghdad, Iraq remains caught in crossfire between the US and Iran. Similar attacks could still play out, although the arrival of the more moderate Joe Biden in the White …

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). Life returns to normal in Wuhan. laprensalatina.com A year after becoming the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, the Chinese city of Wuhan is returning to normal. | A visual story by EFE/EPA photographer ROMAN PILIPEY…

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). Iran says it will enrich uranium up to 20 percent. laprensalatina.com Vienna, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 percent purity, a level it reached before the historic 2015 nuclear agreement it signed with six world powers. "Iran has informed the agency that in order to comply with a legal act …

Charlotte Dennett (2021-01-01). The Georgia Fraud Story You Haven't Heard: Sec of State Raffensperger Speaks With a Forked Tongue. counterpunch.org In recent weeks, the news filling American living rooms is that Georgia's Republican Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, bravely stood up to President Trump's claim of voter fraud in the November 2020 elections and continues to do so now that Georgians are heading to the polls next week to decide a crucial runoff election that

Alan MacLeod (2021-01-01). Fingers point to U.S.-backed Gov't in Colombia's ninetieth massacre of the Year. mronline.org "The Trump administration waged a full scale campaign to undermine Colombia's peace accords. We must not waste our time hoping the Biden administration might reverse course, we must demand it." — James Jordan, Alliance for Global Justice…

MEE staff (2021-01-01). Qatar tells UN Security Council of repeated Bahraini violations of its territory. middleeasteye.net Qatar tells UN Security Council of repeated Bahraini violations of its territory | Move is the second time in less than a week that Doha has informed the UN about such allegations against Manama | Fri, 01/01/2021 – 12: 31 | Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani, the Qatari permanent representative to the UN, called on top UN officials to put an end 'to the tendentious Bahraini violations' (Social media) | Qatar's Foreign M…

MEE staff (2021-01-01). 'Think of the children': Pope Francis shares worries for Yemen in New Year message. middleeasteye.net 'Think of the children': Pope Francis shares worries for Yemen in New Year message | Catholic pope says six-year conflict, which shows no signs of easing, has 'numerous innocent victims' | Fri, 01/01/2021 – 20: 15 | Pope's blessing was moved indoors to limit spread of Covid-19 (AFP) | Pope Francis delivered an appeal for world peace on Friday and highlighed his worries about Yemen, a country that has been plag…

2021-01-01: News Headlines

RT (2021-01-01). It can't get any worse! Russians say 2021 will be a better year in new poll, although one in four anxious about future. rt.com Pandemics, wars and rampaging wildfires. The news from 2020 read more like a script for a Hollywood disaster film. But, now it's over, the majority of Russians think that things can only get better, according to a new poll. | A study of more than 1,600 people in the world's largest country However, one in four of those surveyed said they were looking to the new year with a…

sputniknews (2021-01-01). From Largest Communal Dispute to an End to Colonial Baggage: Top 10 India Events in 2020. sputniknews.com From a pandemic-induced migration crisis to a Supreme Court judgement in favour of Ram Mandir, 2020 has been an eventful year for India. Here is a recap of 10 major developments in the nation that have made the boldest headlines.

Online News Editor (2021-01-01). Migrant workers, the weak link in Southeast Asia's pandemic response. laprensalatina.com Gaspar Ruiz-Canela Bangkok, Jan 1 (efe-epa).- Pyaw Sone brought in the new year confined to a dormitory — fenced off with barbed wire — along with 4,000 other mostly migrant workers, amidst the largest Covid-19 outbreak in Thailand since the start of the pandemic. Migrant workers have been particularly affected by outbreaks in Southeast Asian …

Online News Editor (2021-01-01). Ford, Mahindra cancel joint venture plan citing pandemic. laprensalatina.com Washington, Dec 31 (efe-epa).- Ford Motor and Indian automaker Mahindra on Thursday said they had canceled joint venture plans to co-develop vehicles, citing economic conditions caused in part by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the companies, the decision "was driven by fundamental changes in global economic and business conditions — caused, in part, by the …

Ramzy Baroud (2021-01-01). The US Money Tree: The Untold Story of American Aid to Israel. counterpunch.org On December 21, the United States Congress passed the COVID-19 Relief Package, as part of a larger $2.3 trillion bill meant to cover spending for the rest of the fiscal year. As usual, US representatives allocated a massive sum of money for Israel. While unemployment, thus poverty, in the US is skyrocketing as a result

RT (2021-01-01). Hundreds of Israelis get infected with Covid-19 after receiving Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine — reports. rt.com With the vaccine not providing immediate immunity to the coronavirus, over two hundred Israeli citizens have been diagnosed with the disease days after getting the Pfizer/BioNTech jabs, local media reported. | The number of those who got Covid-19 despite being vaccinated was at around 240 people, according to data from Channel 13 News. | The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which the Israeli health authorities rely on, doesn't contain the coronavirus and can't infect the recipient. But time is needed for the genetic code in the drug to train the immune system to recognize and attack the disease. | The course of the US…

MEE staff (2021-01-01). 'Think of the children': Pope Francis shares worries for Yemen in New Year message. middleeasteye.net 'Think of the children': Pope Francis shares worries for Yemen in New Year message | Catholic pope says six-year conflict, which shows no signs of easing, has 'numerous innocent victims' | Fri, 01/01/2021 – 20: 15 | Pope's blessing was moved indoors to limit spread of Covid-19 (AFP) | Pope Francis delivered an appeal for world peace on Friday and highlighed his worries about Yemen, a country that has been plag…

_____ (2021-01-01). Equity Is More Than Words. popularresistance.org On behalf of Physician Women SOAR, an antiracist physician group, we wish to respond to the Indiana University Health (IU Health) statement regarding the medical treatment provided to the late Dr. Susan Moore, a Black physician who was admitted to IU Health in early December for COVID-19. | Twelve hours after she was discharged from IU Health, Dr. Moore was readmitted to another hospital in respiratory failure, where she was quickly transferred to the ICU. Dr. Moore remained in critical condition for over two more weeks and died on December 20th. While admitted to IU Health, Dr. Moore was treated so poorly that s…

Online News Editor (2021-01-01). US senator from Georgia enters 14-day quarantine before key runoff race. laprensalatina.com Washington, Dec 31 (efe-epa).- Republican Senator from Georgia David Perdue on Thursday began a 14-day quarantine after having contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19, a situation that complicates his party's campaign to retain his Senate seat five days before key runoff elections in his state. Perdue is one of two GOP senators …

Online News Editor (2021-01-01). 'We have the right to enjoy ourselves': Wuhan celebrates end of 2020. laprensalatina.com Jesus Centeno Wuhan, China, Jan 1 (efe-epa).- A couple walked along a crowded pedestrian street and could not believe their eyes: Wuhan, the city where Covid-19 began to spread and the one that experienced the first lockdown, was celebrating en masse the arrival of the new year, almost as if nothing had happened. From early …

teleSUR (2021-01-01). 1.8 Mln Doses of Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccine Arrive in Indonesia. telesurenglish.net A total of 1.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine made by the Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech on Thursday arrived in Indonesia. | RELATED: | Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said this is the second batch of the Sinovac vaccine delivery for Indonesia, and that the first batch of 1.2 million doses arrived on Dec. 6. | "With this arrival, it means that there are already 3 million doses of Sinovac vaccin…

Alan MacLeod (2021-01-01). Fingers point to U.S.-backed Gov't in Colombia's ninetieth massacre of the Year. mronline.org "The Trump administration waged a full scale campaign to undermine Colombia's peace accords. We must not waste our time hoping the Biden administration might reverse course, we must demand it." — James Jordan, Alliance for Global Justice…

Charlotte Dennett (2021-01-01). The Georgia Fraud Story You Haven't Heard: Sec of State Raffensperger Speaks With a Forked Tongue. counterpunch.org In recent weeks, the news filling American living rooms is that Georgia's Republican Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, bravely stood up to President Trump's claim of voter fraud in the November 2020 elections and continues to do so now that Georgians are heading to the polls next week to decide a crucial runoff election that

RT (2021-01-01). Russia's Asian path may benefit stability in Europe by forcing declining EU to deal with Moscow as it is not as it wants it to be. rt.com After the fall of communism, the NATO powers expected Russia to fall into line and Westernize, but without the prospect of Western integration. But that plan has blown up in their faces. | It has pushed Moscow towards Asia, just as the global balance of power flipped. The historical shift of economic power from the West to the East is a catalyst for a revolutionary change in EU-Russian relations. While Asia continues its rise, economic stagnation and relative decline has seemingly destined Europe to growing irrelevance in the world. | For the first time in its history, Russia does not need to look towards Euro…

RT (2021-01-01). Crimean senator tells Zelensky – return Ukraine to Moscow Time to recall days before it became 'Europe's most backward country'. rt.com As the last few hours of 2020 ticked away, Ukraine's president urged Crimeans to "turn back the clock" and return to rule by Kiev. But one local leader says the troubled country would be better off adopting Russian time instead. | In his address to citizens in the Eastern European country on Thursday, Volodymyr Zelensky bemoaned the fact that those living in the disputed Crimea and Donbass regions would be celebrating the new year an hour earlier than Kiev. | Breaking into Russian, the dominant language of the breakaway former territories, he acknowledged that "Donetsk, Lugansk and Crimea now live in every sen…

RT (2021-01-01). Pentagon sends aircraft carrier USS Nimitz home from Middle East as anniversary of Soleimani killing looms. rt.com The USS Nimitz, the US Navy's only aircraft carrier currently deployed near the Persian Gulf, has been sent home just a day after two B-52 bombers were sent to the area — despite supposed 'chatter' about a coming Iranian attack. | Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller announced the Nimitz would be heading back to its home port of Bremerton, Washington on Thursday, avoiding so much as a mention of Iran in his remarks — even as Washington and Tehran have traded threats and barbs for weeks ahead of the anniversary of Quds Force Major General Qassem Soleimani's killing by US airstrike. | Also on rt.com

MEE staff (2021-01-01). Qatar tells UN Security Council of repeated Bahraini violations of its territory. middleeasteye.net Qatar tells UN Security Council of repeated Bahraini violations of its territory | Move is the second time in less than a week that Doha has informed the UN about such allegations against Manama | Fri, 01/01/2021 – 12: 31 | Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani, the Qatari permanent representative to the UN, called on top UN officials to put an end 'to the tendentious Bahraini violations' (Social media) | Qatar's Foreign M…

Sheren Khalel (2021-01-01). Israeli forces shoot Palestinian in neck as they attempt to confiscate generator. middleeasteye.net Israeli forces shoot Palestinian in neck as they attempt to confiscate generator | Harun Abu Aram, 24, is hospitalised in critical condition after being shot while trying to stop Israeli forces from seizing electric generator | Fri, 01/01/2021 – 19: 26 | Harun Abu Aram is hospitalised and in critical condition (Screenshot) | Israeli forces shot a 24-year-old Palestinian man in the neck on Friday as…

Anand Naidoo (2021-01-01). The Heat: President Xi Jinping's New Year Address. america.cgtn.com China celebrates the New Year. And President Xi Jinping delivers a major address to the nation.

Sam Bahour (2021-01-01). Jews of the World, Disunite…in Israel! counterpunch.org Stop loving Israel to death. If you are Jewish and living outside of Israel, what are you waiting for? Israel awaits you. What's taking you so long? Uncle Bibi wants YOU! As a Palestinian living in Palestine, I anxiously await your arrival. I have spoken directly to thousands of you over decades about Israel and

Richard C. Gross (2021-01-01). The Chaotic Life of Donald Trump. counterpunch.org A woman recently wrote a letter to my city's newspaper lamenting witnessing a driver reaching out his window to give money to a lawful panhandler on a street corner. As the panhandler went for it, the driver snatched it away and drove off. That's a basic Donald Trump move. The difference between him and that

teleSUR (2021-01-01). Russia: Putin Voices Confidence in Overcoming 2020 Challenges. telesurenglish.net Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual New Year speech on Thursday, during which he expressed the belief that his nation will be able to overcome existing challenges and restore normalcy. | RELATED: | "I am convinced that together we will overcome everything, establish and restore normal life and with renewed vigor continue to solve the tasks facing Russia in the coming third decade of the 21st centu…

Kelley Beaucar Vlahos (2021-01-01). Iraq Today Is a Nightmare That Americans Largely Sleep Through. commondreams.org "It is part of the American way of making war, arriving unwanted in a third world country with promises to liberate, and then leaving as our domestic politics (or just losing) turn that war into an unwanted child." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/gettyimages-903732720.jpg

sputniknews (2021-01-01). IRGC Says Iran Has 'No Worries' About Any Foreign Adversary as US Carrier Group Heads Home. sputniknews.com On Thursday, the Pentagon announced that the carrier strike group led by the USS Nimitz, the sole US aircraft carrier in the Middle East, would be heading home following a deployment of nearly 10 months. The drawdown comes despite rising tensions between the US and Iran, and the recent deployment of US bombers and a missile sub to the region.

sputniknews (2021-01-01). 'Real-Life Indiana Jones' Paved Way for Biblical Discovery at Temple Mount, Media Says. sputniknews.com Commenting on the possible significance of Warren's efforts, Professor Tom Meyer asserted that their discovery helps to prove the potential existence of a Jewish temple on the Temple Mount.

sputniknews (2021-01-01). Iranian Foreign Ministry Says Aden Airport Attack Resulted From Yemen's Foreign Occupation. sputniknews.com TEHRAN (Sputnik) — The deadly terrorist attack on the airport of the southern Yemeni city of Aden is a result of the foreign occupation of the country, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.

sputniknews (2021-01-01). Airport of New Zealand's Gisborne Reports About Evacuation Over Bomb Threat. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The airport of New Zealand's northeastern city of Gisborne said that there was mass evacuation in it on Friday over a bomb threat.

sputniknews (2021-01-01). Three Iraqi Servicemen Killed in Blast in Northern Kirkuk Province – Source. sputniknews.com BAGHDAD (Sputnik) -Three Iraqi servicemen were killed by an explosive device in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, a source in the country's security service told Sputnik on Friday.

sputniknews (2021-01-01). Iran Tells IAEA It Plans to Push Uranium Enrichment Up to 20%, the Level Achieved Before JCPOA. sputniknews.com Under the deal reached between Iran with major powers in 2015, it could only enrich uranium up to 3.67 percent.

Roger Sollenberger (2021-01-01). Kelly Loeffler's extensive ties to the energy sector suggest major conflict of interest. salon.com Loeffler was named to Georgia Power board of directors two months before she had to leave for the Senate…

Alex Henderson (2021-01-01). Yet another audit of Georgia's election fails to find evidence of fraud. salon.com Audit of absentee ballot signatures in Georgia finds no evidence of voter fraud…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Armenia suspends import of Turkish goods. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Yerevan government suspended the import of Turkish —made goods to Armenia for six months in response to Turkish military support for the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Gen. Soleimani's School must be clarified for generations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iranian Judiciary Chief Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi said that various aspects of Martyr Lt. Gen. Soleimani must be explained to the present and future generations.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Briefing on Iran's daily developments. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The following are the Islamic Republic of Iran's latest developments in the last 24 hours.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). US recent moves in region 'sign of fear: Badr Org. Chief says. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Head of Iraq's Badr Organization Hadi Al-Amiri said that the recent moves of the United States in the region are a sign of fear.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Terror of Soleimani, testament to US ruinous role in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Norway issued a statement on Thu., stating that assassination of Iran's top commander Martyr Gen. Soleimani is a testament to US destructive role in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Blood of martyr Gen. Soleimani heralds liberation of Al-Quds. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Grand Mufti of Syria Sheikh Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun said that blood of Martyr Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani heralds liberation of Al-Quds.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Martyrdom anniversary of martyrs of resistance held in Syria. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The 1st martyrdom anniversary of former IRGC Quds Forces Commander Qassem Soleimani and Second-in-Command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was held in Syria's Al Bukamal.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). US responsible for consequences of any possible adventurism. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the United States would be held responsible for consequences of any possible adventurism in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Cowardice in killing foreign leaders, 'US-Israeli trademark'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that cowardice in assassinating foreign leaders is a US-Israeli trademark.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). 1st martyrdom anniversary of Gen. Soleimani kicks off. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The first martyrdom anniversary of former Iran's IRGC Quds Force Commander started in Tehran on Fri. in the presence of state and military officials and a great number of families of martyrs at Tehran University.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Senior Iranian cleric 'Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi' passes away. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Senior Iranian cleric 'Ayatollah Mohammad-Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi', Head of Imam Khomeini (RA) Educational and Research Institute and Member of Assembly of Experts passed away at the age of 86 on Friday evening.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). 1st VP felicitates world Christians on New Year. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iran's First Vice President Es'hagh Jahangiri in a message on Wed. congratulated the world nations on the advent of New Christian Year and the followers of Prophet of Peace Jesus Christ (PBUH) especially Christian compatriots.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). IRGC Quds Force achievements led to security in Iran, region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Salient achievements of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Crops (IRGC) Quds Force have led to the lasting and sustainable security both in Iran and the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). 1st martyrdom anniversary of Gen. Soleimani marked in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — The 1st anniversary of martyrdom of former IRGC Quds Force Commander Lt. Gen. Soleimani and Second-in-Command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was held at Tehran University's Campus on Fri.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Iran fully ready to confront any US move in region: IRGC cmdr. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said that Armed Forces of the country is fully prepared to give a crushing response to any US anti-Iran move in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Iraqi army arrests 10 ISIL's Takfiri elements in Nineveh Gov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Iraqi army forces identified and arrested 10 Takfiri elements of ISIL terrorist group during an operation in Nineveh Province.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). US maximum pressure policy against Iran 'failed': Ulyanov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna said that maximum pressure policy exerted by the United States against Iran did not produce any positive result and failed.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Path of Resistance not to change with US mischief: Ghaani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) —Iran's IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmaeil Ghaani said that the path of IRGC Quds Force and Resistance will not change with evils and mischief of the United States.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-01). Gen. Soleimani spirit of martyrdom a model in proving freedom. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 01 (MNA) — Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) in a message said that Lt. Gen. Soleimani's spirit of martyrdom is a convincing model in providing freedom.