(2021-02-12). The three apartheids of our times (money, medicine, food). mronline.org 
In the early months after the World Health Organisation announced the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian novelist Arundhati Roy wrote of her hope that the pandemic would be a 'portal, a gateway between one world and the next'.
(2021-02-12). U.S. reboots Quad in unseemly hurry. mronline.org 
The Japanese news agency Kyodo reported from Washington Sunday quoting "a source" that the Biden Administration had proposed to New Delhi, Tokyo and Canberra the idea of holding an online summit meeting of the leaders of the "Quad".
(2021-02-12). As COVID drags on, Japanese Communists demand relief to save jobs. peoplesworld.org 
TOKYO—Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira is demanding that the government of Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide provide up-to-date information and stronger financial support in order to alleviate people's anxieties caused by the prolonged pandemic situation. Koike made remarks at a Feb. 2 press conference in the building of the Diet, Japan's parliament, when asked …
(2021-02-12). Arabic press review: Egypt's opposition establishes new coalition. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Egypt's opposition establishes new coalition | Also threats against Hezbollah's opponents in Lebanon have been escalating and a Palestinian man was forced to demolish his own home in Jerusalem | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 11: 33 | A new opposition coalition has been launched 10 years after Egyptians launched their uprising on 25 January 2011 and ousted President Hosni Mubarak (AFP)…
(2021-02-12). 'We want real justice': Loujain al-Hathloul's family slams conditions of release. middleeasteye.net 
'We want real justice': Loujain al-Hathloul's family slams conditions of release | Since Loujain's sentence was only suspended, not pardoned, Saudi Arabia retains right to return her to prison for any perceived criminal activity | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 16: 27 | A woman viewing a tweet posted by sister of Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul, Lina, in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on 10 February (AFP/File photo) | Af…
(2021-02-12). 'An anti-Turkey alliance': Ankara slams Greece for hosting 'hostile' meeting with regional countries. middleeasteye.net 
'An anti-Turkey alliance': Ankara slams Greece for hosting 'hostile' meeting with regional countries | Turkey brands Athens meeting between Greece and six other nations an attempt to form an alliance against it | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 10: 28 | Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (L), speaks with Emirati minister Reem Ebrahim Al-Hashimy (R) and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud (C) on 21 F…
(2021-02-12). The Real Story: Blood on the Tracks — A Vietnam Veteran's Battle Against Empire. liberationnews.org 
On this episode TSP is joined by Brian Willson, a Vietnam veteran, writer, lawyer and a peace activist.
(2021-02-12). Police repress youth demonstration demanding jobs in India. peoplesdispatch.org Leftist youth who were demanding employment were brutally repressed in India's West Bengal on February 11. A state-wide shutdown was organized condemning the crackdown on February 12 by Left parties.
(2021-02-12). Hearings continue against anti-terror law in the Philippines. peoplesdispatch.org On Tuesday, February 9, the second day of the hearings on Philippines' controversial Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), the Supreme Court continued to receive oral arguments from the petitioners. Lawyers representing 37 petitioners against the law focused their attack on the new law's potential to do away with protections that were earlier afforded to prisoners and the accused. | According to
(2021-02-12). Asia celebrates Lunar New Year, among slightly somber celebrations over Covid-19. laprensalatina.com Millions of people celebrated the coming of the Lunar New Year on Friday in Asia, as festivities were underway to welcome the year of the Ox. Celebrations this year were slightly more subdued, but not as muted as 2020, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has also halted the millions of habitual travel …
(2021-02-12). Headlines for February 12, 2021. democracynow.org House Managers Rest Their Case in Donald Trump's Senate Impeachment Trial, Biden Blasts Trump's Failures to Prepare for Vaccinations as U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Tops 475,000, As U.S. Secures 200 Million More Doses, Concern Grows Over Vaccine Inequity, NYTimes: Trump Was Far Sicker from COVID-19 Than Previously Reported, Five Killed in Attack on U.S. Convoy in Afghanistan's Capital, Lawmakers Plead With President Biden to End "Catastrophic Impact" of U.S. Sanctions, U.S. Has Sold Over a Million Barrels of Iranian Oil Seized As Part of Sanctions, China Bans BBC's World News Channel, Trump's "Remain in Mexico" Progr…
(2021-02-12). Is America on a Collision Course with China over Iran? globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). A mobile version is forthcoming. | *** | The visit of Chinese President Xi …
(2021-02-12). The Russian Alternative: How Moscow is Capitalizing on US Retreat in Palestine, Israel. counterpunch.org 
Israeli anxiety was palpable when it was reported that Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was not contacted by the new American President, Joe Biden, for days after the latter's inauguration. While much is being read into Biden's decision, including Washington's lack of enthusiasm to return to the 'peace process', Moscow is generating much attention as
(2021-02-12). Palestinian citizens of Israel protest against police failure to tackle gun violence. middleeasteye.net 
Palestinian citizens of Israel protest against police failure to tackle gun violence | Protests broke out across Israel as Palestinians decried the lack of action on the spread of illegal weapons and gang crime in Arab communities | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 12: 31 | Palestinian citizens of Israel protested in Umm al-Fahm against Israel Police inaction to tackle crime for the fifth consecutive week, 5 February (Social…
(2021-02-12). As Israel decries ICC investigation, Hamas readies its defence. middleeasteye.net 
As Israel decries ICC investigation, Hamas readies its defence | International Criminal Court's prosecutor has warned that Palestinian factions will be probed for war crimes and abuses | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 11: 30 | The Iron Dome anti-missile system fires an interceptor missile as rockets are launched from Gaza towards Israel near the southern city of Sderot (Reuters) | In stark contrast to Israel, the Pal…
(2021-02-12). Over 3.5M people vaccinated against COVID-19 in Turkey. yenisafak.com The number of people in Turkey who were vaccinated against the coronavirus crossed the 3.5 million mark, the country's health minister said on Friday.Vaccination for people over 65 years started as of Friday, Fahrettin Koca added on Twitter.Turkey began its mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Jan. 14, starting with healthcare workers along with top officials to encourage public confidence in the vaccines.Since last December, Turkey has also been implementing curfew on weeknights and a full weekend curfew to curb the spread of the virus.As of Thursday, Turkey registered a total of 27,187 deaths from COVID-19, wh…
(2021-02-12). Ralph Nader: Biden Must Hold Boeing Accountable for Deaths Due to Faulty Planes. truthout.org 
Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and…
(2021-02-12). Where Are the Witnesses? Ralph Nader Says Democrats' Impeachment Case Is "Prescription for Defeat" democracynow.org 
As the historic Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump continues, we speak with longtime consumer advocate, corporate critic and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who says Democrats have set themselves up for defeat by rushing proceedings and failing to call witnesses — including Trump himself. "The narrow approach of the articles of impeachment keep the Democrats from having a full hand," says Nader. "They have like 10 arrows in their quiver and they're using one or two."
(2021-02-12). Ralph Nader on Corporate Crime, Holding Boeing Accountable for 737 MAX Deaths & Biden's First Weeks. democracynow.org 
Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and hold Boeing fully accountable. "This is just another example of giant companies getting away with their corporate criminal…
(2021-02-12). Biden's refusal to call Israeli PM Netanyahu sparks questions over leaders' relationship. middleeasteye.net 
Biden's refusal to call Israeli PM Netanyahu sparks questions over leaders' relationship | In a break from past presidential procedures, Joe Biden has yet to reach out to Israel's prime minister, more than three weeks into his presidency | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 19: 04 | Then-Vice President Joe Biden next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during joint statements in the prime minister's office in Jerusale…
(2021-02-12). Yemen: UN expects over two million children to go hungry or starve in 2021. middleeasteye.net 
Yemen: UN expects over two million children to go hungry or starve in 2021 | Over a million pregnant or breastfeeding women also expected to suffer from extreme malnutrition this year | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 10: 30 | millions of Yemenis are on the brink of famine with the economy destroyed, schools and hospitals barely functioning, and tens of thousands killed (AFP) | About 400,000 children un…
(2021-02-12). Oman content with current Israel relationship, foreign minister says. middleeasteye.net 
Oman content with current Israel relationship, foreign minister says | Badr al-Busaidi also says Muscat is ready to help with rescuing Iran's 2015 nuclear deal | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 08: 24 | Busaidi was appointed as foreign minister in August after Oman's new Sultan Haitham delegated the position away from his own portfolio (AFP) | Oman is satisfied with its current relationship with Israel,…
(2021-02-12). Ending the Other War in Yemen. counterpunch.org 
On February 4, in his first major foreign policy address, President Joe Biden announced, "we are ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arms sales." Speaking of the Saudi-led coalition that has been at war in Yemen since 2015, creating what he called "a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe," Biden declared "This war has to end."
(2021-02-12). The Guardian Revealed Its True Face in Sacking a Columnist for Criticising US Military Aid to Israel. counterpunch.org 
The revelation that a leftwing journalist, Nathan J Robinson, has been sacked as a Guardian US columnist for criticising Israel on Twitter — and that he was pressured to keep quiet about it by Guardian editors — should come as no surprise. He is only the latest in a long line of journalists, myself included,
(2021-02-12). Ending the Forever Wars: Phyllis Bennis on Afghanistan, Hyun Lee on Korea. fair.org 
Wall Street Journal ( This week on CounterSpin: Media are soberly
(2021-02-12). US lawmakers urge Biden to press Iran on human rights, state-sponsored 'terrorism'. middleeasteye.net 
US lawmakers urge Biden to press Iran on human rights, state-sponsored 'terrorism' | More than 100 lawmakers call on President Joe Biden to 'remain firm' and hold Iranian government accountable for rights violations and regional destabilisation | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 19: 59 | A bipartisan group of US legislators has urged US President Joe Biden to pressure Iran on its human rights violations while working to nego…
(2021-02-12). Damascus threatens to seize property from displaced Syrians over conscription fees. middleeasteye.net 
Damascus threatens to seize property from displaced Syrians over conscription fees | Government has introduced legal amendments to seize assets of Syrian refugees who fail to pay large sums for skipping conscription | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 10: 01 | A Syrian army soldier uses a detector to find and clear landmines in a field at a pistachio orchard in the village of Maan, north of Hama (AFP) | The Syr…
(2021-02-12). Syrian militants urged to release US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem. middleeasteye.net 
Syrian militants urged to release US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem | Idlib-based reporter was arrested six months ago after raising concerns about alleged torture of prisoners by HTS | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 15: 55 | Bilal Abdul Kareem has reported from opposition-held Syria since 2014 (Screengrab) | A leading media freedom monitor has called for the release of US journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem, six months aft…
(2021-02-12). America after Trump must Confront MLK's 'Giant Triplets of Racism, Extreme Materialism, and Militarism'. juancole.com 
By Andrew Bacevich | — ( Tomdispatch.com) — When Martin Luther King preached his famous sermon "Beyond Vietnam" at Riverside Church in New York City in April 1967, I don't recall giving his words a second thought. Although at the time I was just up the Hudson River attending West Point, his call for a …
(2021-02-12). When Poisons Curdle: Beyond Donald Trump. counterpunch.org 
When Martin Luther King preached his famous sermon "Beyond Vietnam" at Riverside Church in New York City in April 1967, I don't recall giving his words a second thought. Although at the time I was just up the Hudson River attending West Point, his call for a "radical revolution in values" did not resonate with
(2021-02-12). Biden Should Stop Payment on U.S. Funds to Sisi's Egypt. counterpunch.org 
Under Donald Trump's presidency, Egypt, as well as Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, and other repressive regimes, had virtually free reign to commit unchecked human rights abuses without worry that they might be chastised or lose U.S. diplomatic and financial support. But when Joe Biden won the 2020 election, President Sisi of Egypt started to
(2021-02-12). Modi hardens nationalist stance amid pressure on Twitter over criticism. laprensalatina.com By David Asta Alares New Delhi, Feb 12 (efe-epa).- The recent support offered by celebrities like Rihanna and Greta Thunberg on Twitter to the Indian farmers' months-long protests against liberalization of agriculture has raised the heckles of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which has alleged that there is an international conspiracy to defame the country. …
(2021-02-12). Pakistan approves emergency use of Chinese Covid vaccine CanSino. laprensalatina.com Islamabad,Feb 12 (efe-epa).- Pakistan has authorized the emergency use of the anti-Covid vaccine developed by Chinese pharma company CanSino, an official told EFE on Friday, weeks after authorities began a vaccination campaign using the vaccine produced by another Chinese company Sinopharm. The Prime Minister's special assistant on national health, Faisal Sultan, confirmed to EFE that …
(2021-02-12). Turkey reports over 7,500 new coronavirus cases. yenisafak.com Turkey on Thursday reported 7,590 additional coronavirus cases, including 660 symptomatic patients, according to the Health Ministry.The country's case tally is over 2.5 million, while the nationwide death toll has reached 27,187, with 94 fatalities over the past day.As many as 7,811 more patients in the country won the battle against the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to over 2.45 million.More than 31.1 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in Turkey to date, with 130,313 since Wednesday.The latest figures show that the number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition stands at 1,256.On…
(2021-02-12). American Tech Giants Are Partnering with India's Strongman Leader to Crackdown on Dissent. mintpressnews.com Twitter's actions are quite a departure from 2019 when it delayed a network upgrade in Iran at the behest of the US government for fear that it could interfere with anti-government demonstrations.
(2021-02-12). Turkey's Cappadocia region hotspot for Valentine's Day. yenisafak.com Couples are flocking to Turkey's picturesque Cappadocia region for Valentine's Day getaways, with occupancy rates at local accommodation topping 80% for this weekend, including the big day, Feb. 14.Cappadocia offers guests fabulous holiday opportunities with its unique natural, historical and cultural richness, tailor made for special couples' weekends.Abdullah Inal, a local tourism official, told Anadolu Agency that after quiet months due to the pandemic, the increased bookings for Valentine's Day have been welcome, and stressed the steps taken for guests' safety.Cappadocia uses Turkey's groundbreaking Safe Tour…
(2021-02-12). This Is Yemen After Biden Declared an End To American Support for the War. mintpressnews.com The Biden administration sparked a sense of hope around the world that the war on Yemen could finally be over. For those on the ground though, the bombs keep falling, food is scarce and hope is in short supply.
(2021-02-12). Global Economic Recovery, Debt, Climate, Vaccines Top G7 Finance Agenda. indybay.org Japan Says Accessing Global Reserve Funds Discussed…
(2021-02-12). NATO again goes to war against Kurdistan. greenleft.org.au Turkey has opened a new front in its ongoing war of annihilation against the Kurdish liberation movement, writes Marcel Cartier.
(2021-02-12). Israeli army repeatedly destroys Palestinian Bedouin village. thecanary.co On This was the third time in just one week that soldiers had come to demolish homes in Humsa. The de…
(2021-02-12). Turkish museum exhibits 2,600-year-old perfume bottles. yenisafak.com A collection of 2,600-year-old perfume bottles is on display in Izmir, on the Aegean coast of Turkey, through February.The Izmir Archaeology Museum showcases priceless artifacts being preserved in its warehouse every month as part of a project called You Will See What You Can't See.With a 2,800-year-old princess belt from the Urartian age exhibited in January, February hosts storage vessels known as Attic red-figure squat lekythos.The potteries which were produced by the red-figure technique in the ancient Greece and used as oil and perfume containers, were found to be processed in the Potters Bazaar in Athens 2,…
(2021-02-12). Turkish cemetery in Sofia to be restored. yenisafak.com The Turkish Embassy in Bulgaria and the grand mufti's office in the country will launch a joint initiative to restore a historical Turkish cemetery in the capital Sofia.Turkey's Ambassador in Sofia Aylin Sekizkok and the Grand Mufti of Bulgaria Muslims Mustafa Alis Haci visited the cemetery, also known as "Turkish plot (No. 42)," in the Orlandovtsi district of Sofia.The "Turkish plot (No. 42)" is part of the central cemetery in Sofia, according to the grand mufti's office.Sekizkok and Haci agreed that the cemetery, where Ottoman Sultan Murat V's daughter Fatma Sultan is also buried, need renovation.Speaking to An…
(2021-02-12). EU Parliament calls for ban on arms sale to Saudi, UAE. yenisafak.com The European Parliament on Thursday called on EU member states to ban arms sale to Saudi Arabia and the UAE over violations of human rights in Yemen.A joint motion adopted by the European Parliament recalled Germany's arms sale ban to Saudi Arabia and Italy's ban to UAE and Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers said some EU countries are also planning to join the ban while others continue arms sale to these countries and violate the common stance of the EU Council.The European Parliament also welcomed the US decision to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia and to suspend the transfer of F-35 jets to the UAE.Lawmakers also called on…
(2021-02-12). At least 12 Iran-backed terrorists killed in airstrike in Syria. yenisafak.com At least 12 Iranian-backed terrorists fighting with the Bashar al-Assad regime were killed in an airstrike conducted by US-led anti-Daesh coalition forces in eastern Syria, sources said Thursday.Warplanes targeted a convoy of terrorist groups in Deir ez-Zor province.Pipelines and trade routes from Iraq and Jordan pass through the province.The terrorists are under the command of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.With the help of Russia and Iranian-backed militias, the central and the western areas of Deir ez-Zor fell to the regime after Daesh terrorists retreated from the region.The majority of Iranian-back…
(2021-02-12). Turkey's December industrial output growth beats G20 countries. yenisafak.com With posting the largest rise in industrial production in December 2020, Turkey left behind all G20 countries, the country's industry and technology minister said on Friday."Solid rise in industrial output in the last quarter of 2020 proves that Turkey will be one of the few countries to close out the year with a positive gross domestic product (GDP) growth," Mustafa Varank said on Twitter.His comments came after the Turkish Statistical Institute released figures on the country's industrial output.The industrial production index in December 2020 increased 1.3% on a monthly basis and 9% on an annual basis.The figu…
(2021-02-12). Turkey's specialized free zones to attract investments. yenisafak.com "More RD activities will be carried out, a significant level of intra-sector interaction will be ensured, and there will be a concentration of qualified human resources in those zones," Ruhsar Pekcan told a meeting in the capital Ankara touting the zones.Noting that the share of high-tech products in Turkey's total exports is 3.4% while the figure in free zones is nearly three times that, at 9%, Pekcan said specialized free zones aim to boost those rates. ÔªøThe groundwork for Turkey's next-generation specialized free zone model was laid in a January 2020 presidential decree."With this model, we…
(2021-02-12). At least 38 PKK terror suspects arrested across Turkey. yenisafak.com Turkish security forces arrested 38 people over their alleged links to the PKK terror group, officials said on Friday.Some 13 of the suspects were arrested when police conducted raids at different addresses in the northwestern Kocaeli province.Organizational documents and digital materials related to the terror group were seized in the operation.Also, commando teams of Turkish gendarmerie forces in the southern Osmaniye province seized a cache of ammunition belonging to the PKK terror group in a shelter in Mt. Amanos.Meanwhile, provincial gendarmerie forces in the southeastern Mardin province seized arms, ammunit…
(2021-02-12). Turkish-American group slams US Senate letter on Turkey. yenisafak.com The US-based Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) said Thursday it is "appalled" by a letter by 50 US senators that characterizes the Turkish government as "authoritarian administration and violators of Human Rights.""Turkey's government was determined by a free and fair election by all citizens regardless of their background," senior names of the committee said in a statement. "The Turkish people made it clear that no one can temper with their future when they took to streets and resisted a coup attempt on July 15th, 2016. The Turkish people made it clear to the world that they value their democra…
(2021-02-12). The Guardian revealed its true face in sacking a columnist for criticizing US military aid to Israel. zcomm.org We must fight back. We need to understand that old corporate media like the Guardian are not an ally to the left, they are the enemy…
(2021-02-12). Protests over teenager's rape-murder, travel permit law rock Nepal. laprensalatina.com Kathmandu, Feb 12 (efe-epa).- Hundreds of protesters, most of them women, on Friday took to the streets of Kathmandu to protest the recent rape and murder of an adolescent girl alongside demonstrations against a bill that seeks to make it obligatory for Nepali women under the age of 40 to produce special permits for traveling …