(2021-02-08). Global heating from CO2 breaks Himalayan Glacier, floods sweep away Scores, destroy Hydroelectric Plant. juancole.com 
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — A huge chunk of the Nanda Devi glacier in the Himalayas broke off Sunday morning, melting and crashing down on villages around Joshimath in India's Uttarakhand state, leaving nine dead and 140 unaccounted for. The turbulent grey deluge of water, ice and rocks slammed into two hydro-electric plants, destroying one …
(2021-02-08). The Black Antiwar Movement Demands Biden Take Concrete Steps To End The Wars At Home And Abroad. popularresistance.org President Biden declared early in his presidency that he wants to advance racial equity. The new Secretary of Defense, General Lloyd Austin, the first Black person to serve in that role, announced his intentions to root out racism in the Pentagon. The Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) recently launched two new campaigns calling for specific actions the Biden administration can take to end militarization of black and brown communities and to end the 'forever war' on Afghanistan. Clearing the FOG speaks with Ajamu Baraka, the national organizer for BAP, about these initiatives and the imperative to build the antiwar,…
(2021-02-08). ICC's "Landmark Decision" Could Open Door to Prosecuting Israel for War Crimes in Palestine. democracynow.org 
In a landmark decision, judges at the International Criminal Court say the body has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, opening the door to possible criminal charges against Israel and militant groups like Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the international tribunal's decision "pure anti-Semitism" and rejected its claim of jurisdiction, as did the United States, while Palestinian officials and human rights groups welcome the news. Human rights lawyer Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights in Gaza, says the decision restores "the i…
(2021-02-08). Raji Sourani: Gaza Faces COVID Crisis as Israel Withholds Vaccines While Imposing Inhumane Blockade. democracynow.org 
The World Health Organization estimates there have been 51,312 confirmed cases and 522 deaths from COVID-19 in Gaza since reporting began in July 2020, and the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees warns the Gaza Strip's health system could collapse if the number of cases continues to rise. We get an update from Raji Sourani, human rights lawyer and director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights in Gaza, on how Gaza has been impacted by COVID-19 as an ongoing blockade has destroyed its health infrastructure. "Our equipment is unable to deal with the emerging situation," Sourani says.
(2021-02-08). Israeli Colonists Attack Palestine TV Crew Near Salfit. imemc.org 
Several Israeli colonists attacked, Monday, a crew of Palestine TV near the entrance of Ariel colony, which was built on stolen Palestinian lands, near Salfit, in central West Bank. Palestine TV said the colonists attacked its crew members while filming a documentary about the escalating illegal Israeli colonialist activities and the dangerously increasing assaults by …
(2021-02-08). "Freedom is Never Voluntarily Given": Palestinian Boycott of Israel is Not Racist, It is Anti-Racist. dissidentvoice.org 
Claims made by Democratic New York City mayoral candidate, Andrew Yang, in a recent op-ed in the Jewish weekly, 'The Forward', point to the prevailing ignorance that continues to dominate the US discourse on Palestine and Israel. Yang, a former Democratic Presidential candidate, is vying for the Jewish vote in New York City. According to …
(2021-02-08). Conspiracy to Malign Farmers' Movement in India. counterpunch.org 
Why was Red Fort Left Unguarded When Delhi was on "High Alert"? For over two months now, hundreds of thousands of farmers have been waging an unprecedented struggle at five locations around the National Capital Region of Delhi against three farm laws, which essentially seek to hand over control of India's agricultural sector to large
(2021-02-08). No Beach Dompas: an Illegal Dip in the Indian Ocean During South Africa's Covid-19 Restrictions. counterpunch.org 
Tucked away down a residential road near the beach house we were staying at for the weekend is a path that cuts through thick sub-tropical vegetation to the Indian Ocean. As we arrive, we see, right there at the turnoff to the path, an idling police car. It looks like our chances of going for
(2021-02-08). Biden's Iran Policy Is Just Trump's Iran Policy With A Rainbow Flag Emoji. thealtworld.com 
In a new interview with CBS Evening News, President Biden "Will the U.S. lift sanctions first in order to get Iran back to the negotiating table?" Biden was asked by CBS's Norah O'Donnell. | "No," the president replied. | "They have to stop enriching uranium first," asked O'Donnell. | Biden nodded…
(2021-02-08). Soldiers Demolish Well, Two Sheds, Near Ramallah And Tubas. imemc.org 
Israeli soldiers demolished, Monday, an irrigation well near Ramallah, in central West Bank, and two residential sheds near Tubas, in northeastern West Bank. Media sources said the soldiers invaded the al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, and demolished an irrigation well. Marzouk Abu Na'im, the head of the -Mughayyir village council, said the well is owned …
(2021-02-08). Landmark ICC Decision Could Open the Door for Prosecuting Israel on War Crimes. truthout.org 
In a landmark decision, judges at the International Criminal Court say the body has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, opening the door to possible criminal charges against Israel and militant groups like Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the international tribunal's decision "pure anti-Semitism" and rejected its claim of jurisdiction, as did the United States, while Palestinian officials and human rights groups welcome the news. Human…
(2021-02-08). Soldiers Abduct Eight Palestinians In Ramallah. imemc.org 
Israeli soldiers abducted, on Monday at dawn, eight Palestinians, including five who were kidnapped by undercover forces, in the Ramallah governorate, in central West Bank. Media sources said several army jeeps invaded the al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah city, before the soldiers stormed and ransacked many homes. They added that the soldiers abducted a …
(2021-02-08). WAFA: "African leaders: Israeli settlements on occupied territories are illegal" imemc.org 
ADDIS ABABA, Sunday, February 07, 2021 (WAFA) — African leaders reaffirmed today that all Israeli settlements erected on the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan, are illegal. In the final statement of the two-day virtual 34th African Union Summit, African leaders stressed that Israel's settlements constitute serious violations of international humanitarian …
(2021-02-08). Israeli Soldiers Abduct Four Palestinians, Including One Who Was Shot In Chest, In Jenin. imemc.org 
Several Israeli army vehicles invaded, on Monday at dawn, Jenin refugee camp, and Qabatia town, in the northern West Bank governorate of Jenin, before the soldiers stormed homes and abducted four Palestinians, including one who was shot in the chest in his home. Media sources said dozens of soldiers invaded Jenin refugee camp, before the …
(2021-02-08). Arabic press review: Palestinians step up efforts to sue Israel at ICC. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Palestinians step up efforts to sue Israel at ICC | Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly split on decision to participate in elections, and Egypt and the UAE feel alienated after results of UN-sponsored Libyan elections | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 14: 25 | The Bakr family in their house in the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City on 7 February, with posters of four children from their exten…
(2021-02-08). Israel's Netanyahu pleads not guilty to corruption weeks before election. middleeasteye.net 
Israel's Netanyahu pleads not guilty to corruption weeks before election | The premier is the first to be indicted in office after he was charged last year over graft allegations
| Mon, 02/08/2021 – 07: 48 | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to a hearing of his corruption trial at the Jerusalem district court, on 8 February 2021 (AFP) | Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin…
(2021-02-08). UAE spies intercepted emails between Qatar's Sheikha Moza, Michelle Obama: Report. middleeasteye.net 
UAE spies intercepted emails between Qatar's Sheikha Moza, Michelle Obama: Report | New York Times reports email communications between Qatari royal and former US first lady were surveilled | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 18: 42 | Former US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) meets with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, on 3 November 2015 (AFP/File photo) | Spies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ha…
(2021-02-08). The US Is Sending Bomber Crews and Destroyer Captains North to Learn How to Fight in the Arctic. anti-empire.com 
The US military is getting more active in the Arctic, working with allies amid tensions with Russia. | US Air Force bombers and Navy surface ships have been an increasingly visible presence there. | The region remains one of low tension, but Russia and NATO are both wary of the other's activity. | The US military's renewed focus on the Arctic means more operations in a uniquely challenging environment, and its personnel a…
(2021-02-08). Russia: A New Start? counterpunch.org 
It's winter in Russia, which is not a season for the faint-hearted. The pandemic is still hitting the country hard, with the number of new COVID cases hovering around 20,000 a day, which has cumulatively put the country in the global top five in terms of infections. Under these inauspicious conditions, if you are brave
(2021-02-08). India Needs Course Correction on Myanmar. asia-pacificresearch.com …
(2021-02-08). Palestinian Authority will use its own postal codes from April. peoplesdispatch.org The services, set to start from April 2021, will soon be extended to the blockaded Gaza strip. The move is expected to provide relief to Palestinians who have seen over 7,000 postal violations by Israel in 2020…
(2021-02-08). Headlines for February 8, 2021. democracynow.org Dems to Introduce $3,000 Benefit for Children as They Push Ahead with $1.9 Trillion Stimulus, Pentagon to Deploy Troops for Vaccination Effort as Fans Defy Warnings Around Super Bowl Parties, South Africa Halts Rollout of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine, Wyoming GOP Censures Rep. Liz Cheney for Backing Trump's Impeachment, Judge Rules NY Republican Claudia Tenney Won Last Open House Race, Mass Protests Continue in Burma Opposing Military Coup, Removal of Aung San Suu Kyi, Indian Farmworkers Blockade Roads as Mass Protests Show No Sign of Slowing Down, Scores of People Missing and Feared Dead After Himalayan Glacier Co…
(2021-02-08). Washington ready to rejoin UN Human Rights Council… to shift its attention from Israel's violations. rt.com 
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced America will "re-engage" with the UNHRC as an "observer" in a bid to pressure the international body to dispense with what he called its "disproportionate" focus on Israel. | Touting the Biden administration's supposed return toward "a foreign policy centered on democracy, human rights, and equality," the newly-appointed diplomat tore into the council over its efforts to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international law. | "We recognize that the Human Rights Council is a flawed body, in need of reform to its agenda, membership, and focus,…
(2021-02-08). Khaled al-Asaad: Possible remains of Syrian archaeologist found at Palmyra. middleeasteye.net 
Khaled al-Asaad: Possible remains of Syrian archaeologist found at Palmyra | Asaad was beheaded by militants at the ancient site after refusing to reveal the location of priceless artefacts | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 12: 27 | Khaled al-Assad had been in charge of the site at ancient Palmyra for decades (social media) | Remains thought to belong to Khaled al-Asaad, the distinguished archaeologist who was killed by Isl…
(2021-02-08). 'Wise diplomacy': How will Biden tackle US foreign policy towards Syria? middleeasteye.net 
'Wise diplomacy': How will Biden tackle US foreign policy towards Syria? | Turning back the clock to past US policy in Syria – widely seen as a series of failed strategies – will not be an option for Biden team | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 15: 03 | Syrians hold placards against President Bashar al-Assad during demonstration in Idlib city on 11 September 2020 (AFP/File photo) | As the tenth anniversary of th…
(2021-02-08). Aboutrika: The unlikely reunion of an exiled Egyptian icon and his former team. middleeasteye.net 
Aboutrika: The unlikely reunion of an exiled Egyptian icon and his former team | Al Ahly's trip to Qatar brings dissident football star into spotlight, just weeks after Doha and Cairo restore ties | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 08: 12 | Mohamed Aboutrika scored over 150 goals for Al Ahly, helping them win seven domestic titles and five African Champions League titles (AFP/File photo) | "After four years of depri…
(2021-02-08). Yemen's Houthis renew offensive to capture government stronghold Marib. middleeasteye.net 
Yemen's Houthis renew offensive to capture government stronghold Marib | The push comes as UN special envoy to Yemen is in Iran to discuss the crisis in a sign of renewed diplomatic efforts with new US administration | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 16: 08 | A pro-government tribal fighter sits in a position where he fights against the Houthis in Marib, Yemen October 2 2020 (Reuters) | Houthi fighters…
(2021-02-08). Iran: How a Marxist guerilla band birthed a struggle in Siakhal. middleeasteye.net 
Iran: How a Marxist guerilla band birthed a struggle in Siakhal | An unsuccessful attack in a small Iranian mountain town under the Shah continues to resonate half a century later | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 10: 59 | Fifty years later, the Siahkal incident remains a symbol of uncompromising resistance against dictatorship in Iran (MEE/Illustration by Mohamad Elaasar) | As the sun set behind the…
(2021-02-08). Uighur speaks out against husband's 'deportation' from UAE. middleeasteye.net 
Uighur speaks out against husband's 'deportation' from UAE | Amanissa Talip said she has not seen her husband since 2018, after he was detained while obtaining paperwork in Dubai | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 18: 11 | Ahmad Talip's wife said he was detained by Emirati officials and deported to China despite committing no crime in UAE (AFP) | The wife of a Uighur man suspected of being deported to China from the Un…
(2021-02-08). Iran: How a Marxist guerilla band sparked a struggle in Siakhal. middleeasteye.net Iran: How a Marxist guerilla band sparked a struggle in Siakhal | An unsuccessful attack in a small Iranian mountain town under the Shah continues to resonate half a century later | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 10: 59 | Fifty years later, the Siahkal incident remains a symbol of uncompromising resistance against dictatorship in Iran (MEE/Illustration by Mohamad Elaasar) | As the sun set behind the…
(2021-02-08). US rejoins UN rights council, but voices concern over 'focus on Israel'. middleeasteye.net 
US rejoins UN rights council, but voices concern over 'focus on Israel' | The move reverses the Trump administration's decision to pull Washington from council over its criticism of Israel | Mon, 02/08/2021 – 15: 31 | The empty seat of United States during an urgent debate on 'systemic racism' at Human Rights Council in Geneva, 17 June 12020 | The United States has rejoined the UN Human Rights Council, Secreta…
(2021-02-08). Iran to start COVID-19 vaccination tomorrow: Pres. Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 08 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that COVID-19 vaccination will kick in the country on Tue. Feb. 09 and will continue quickly within framework of document approved by the National Coronavirus Combat and Prevention HQ.
(2021-02-08). VIDEO: Russian Covid-19 Vaccine Vindicated Despite Western 'Pandemic' of Russophobia. strategic-culture.org One would think that the mainstream media would want to help to save lives by highlighting some of Russia's legitimate successes against the coronavirus. But pushing an endless stream of Russophobia is clearly far more important to them.
(2021-02-08). Dems Deride MTG for Supporting Conspiracies While Claiming Russia Was Behind Capitol Riots. strategic-culture.org By Alan MACLEOD | The House of Representatives has stripped new Georgia official Marjorie Taylor Greene from two committees over her history of promoting conspiracy theories. Congress took the highly unusual step today in voting 230 to 199 in favor of removing her from the education and budget committees, limiting her abilities and powers. In response, the 46-year-old freshman congresswoman Greene was a noted proponent of the QAnon conspiracy…
(2021-02-08). Western sanctions against Iran unacceptable. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 08 (MNA) — The Chairman of Russia's State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin named the western anti-Iranian sanctions as unacceptable.
(2021-02-08). US military column enters Syria from illegal border crossing. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 08 (MNA) — News sources reported the arrival of a US military column from Iraq to Syria, stating that the military column entered Syria through an illegal border crossing.
(2021-02-08). Iran made great progress in UAV, smart ammunition. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 08 (MNA) — The Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) said that Iran has made significant progress in the field of UAV technology and smart ammunition.
(2021-02-08). Iran's judiciary chief arrives in Baghdad for bilateral talks. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 08 (MNA) — Iranian Judiciary Chief Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi arrived in Iraqi capital Baghdad on Monday at the head of a high-ranking judicial delegation to discuss bilateral ties.
(2021-02-08). Removal of all sanctions only way to prove goodwill. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 09 (MNA) — Iranian Ambassador to Paris Bahram Ghasemi said the only way for the new US administration to prove its goodwill to Iran is to lift all the sanctions.
(2021-02-08). Indoor rock climbing competitions in W. Azarbaijan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 08 (MNA) — Indoor rock climbing competitions were held in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province.
(2021-02-08). China puts US electric carmaker Tesla on notice. yenisafak.com China on Monday put US electric carmaker Tesla on notice, urging it to comply with local laws, according to Chinese media.China's market regulator and other government departments have summoned Tesla and raised questions over quality issues, CGTN reported."China urges Tesla to strictly abide by China's laws and regulations to protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers," the news channel cited the country's State Administration for Market Regulation as saying in a statement.Other government bodies, including the Industry and Information Technology Ministry, Cyberspace Administration, Transport Minist…
(2021-02-08). Iran's Zarif meets UN envoy for talks on Yemen conflict. yenisafak.com Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met in Tehran on Monday with Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy to Yemen, according to local media.Talks between the two sides focused on the Yemeni civil war and regional developments, the official IRNA news agency reported.Griffiths arrived in the Iranian capital on Sunday for talks with officials there on a resolution of the seven-year Yemeni conflict."The visit is part of the Special Envoy's diplomatic efforts to support a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people," a statement released by Griffiths' office said.On Sa…
(2021-02-08). 'Turkish defense exports more than commercial moves'. yenisafak.com The head of Turkey's Defense Industries Presidency on Monday said his country's defense industry exports were not solely based on a commercial approach as Ankara attached greater importance to cooperation with friendly and allied nations.Taking part at the ADFVisitorsCorner session held as part of Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), Ismail Demir delivered remarks on the development of an independent and efficient Turkish defense industry.Demir welcomed that Turkish exports in the defense industry field have drastically increased in the recent period, adding Turkey was geographically located in the middle of conflict z…
(2021-02-08). Participation finance department established under Turkish presidency. yenisafak.com The department within the Presidential Finance Office will focus on raising awareness of participation finance and developing strategies in the field, said a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette.It also aims to boost cooperation among public institutions, the private sector, universities, and NGOs so that Islamic finance can be improved.While introducing new financial instruments to the system in the field of participation finance and developing financial products, Turkey is eager to strengthen its position in international financial markets.Last year Turkey completed a legal infrastructure on pa…
(2021-02-08). Afghanistan recorded more than 350 polio cases in 2020. laprensalatina.com Kabul, Feb 8 (efe-epa).- Afghanistan recorded more than 350 cases of polio, mostly of the type 2 variant, last year marking a dramatic increase in the number of cases that authorities attribute to insecurity and restrictions due to the novel coronavirus, according to the government on Monday. "The problem we are currently faced with is …
(2021-02-08). Israel PM pleads not guilty as corruption trial resumes. laprensalatina.com (Update 1: Adds plea, alters lede and headline.) Jerusalem, Feb 8 (efe-epa).- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday formally pleaded not guilty before judges at Jerusalem's District Court as the corruption trial against him resumed. A three-judge panel heard the defendants' response to the indictment and set the date for the next evidentiary stage …
(2021-02-08). Rescuers search for 200 missing after Himalayan disaster kills 19 in India. laprensalatina.com New Delhi, Feb 8 (efe-epa).- A massive search operation continued on Monday for more than 200 missing people who were feared trapped in the debris of mud and rocks after part of a Himalayan glacier broke off a day ago in a disaster that has claimed at least 19 lives in northern India. The disaster …
(2021-02-08). Armed raids, strip searches and torture: this is life for Turkey's students. thecanary.co Turkey's disgusting human rights record has come under the spotlight yet again as students continue to protest in Istanbul and other major Turkish cities. Since early January,
(2021-02-08). Experts Say Burst India Glacier Shows 'Catastrophic' and Deadly Cost of Inaction on Climate Crisis. commondreams.org "These events will occur more frequently and will become overall more destructive if measures are not taken to mitigate these risks," said one researcher. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/india_1.jpg …
(2021-02-08). Iran Foreign Minister Tells Biden US 'Violated' Nuclear Deal, So It Is US 'That Has to Return'. commondreams.org "If the United States and its partners return to the deal," said the nation's top diplomat, "Iran will reverse its actions. All the actions we are taking are reversible." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/javad_zarif_0.jpg …
