(2021-11-09). #saltbae: Facebook unblocks hashtag after Vietnamese minister's golden steak. middleeasteye.net 
#saltbae: Facebook unblocks hashtag after Vietnamese minister's golden steak | High-ranking Vietnamese official visits Nusret Gokce's restaurant amid corruption crackdown
| Tue, 11/09/2021 – 10: 32 | Turkish restaurateur Nusret Gokce, aka Salt Bae, at the Cannes Film Festival, France, on 23 May 2019 (AFP) | Facebook on Tuesday unblocked the hashtag of celebrity chef Nusret Gokce's nick…
(2021-11-09). The Laura Flanders Show: "The Way Forward" with AOC & Noam Chomsky. roarmag.org In this historic, inter-generational meeting of minds, Laura Flanders brings together New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY Representative 14th District) and MIT professor emeritus Noam Chomsky — for the first time ever — to discuss the way forward for people, politics and the planet. From labor strikes to racial uprisings to climate action to the Great Resignation, they reflect on the renewed power of collective organizing and the changing tide in economic thinking and electoral politics. | Their insights demand that we think differently about everything from our nation's history and…
(2021-11-09). A New Memoir Reveals How Brzezinski's Chessboard Led to US Being Checkmated in Afghanistan. dissidentvoice.org 
Nearly as suspenseful as the Taliban's meteoric return to power after the final withdrawal of American armed forces from Afghanistan is the uncertainty over what will come next amid the fallout. Many have predicted that Russia and China will step in to fill the power vacuum and convince the facelift Taliban to negotiate a power-sharing …
(2021-11-09). Kabul Diaries Part 19: Afghan cricketers subtly defy Taliban. greenleft.org.au Afghanistan, a country gripped by misery, tyranny and an uncertain future, is having moments of joy and pride, thanks to the men's national cricket team, reports Yasmeen Afghan.
(2021-11-09). World faces hunger dilemma in Afghanistan. asiatimes.com 
The fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban has presented the world with some stark choices. In recent weeks, the international community has raised alarm about the rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency in the country, calling for an influx of aid to reach millions of Afghans ahead of the winter. In the meantime, the new …
(2021-11-09). Baku renews threats against Armenia over "Azerbaijani lands" antibellum679354512.wordpress.com By the "territories of Azerbaijan" and "Azerbaijani lands" is presumably meant any part of Nagorno-Karabakh not yet attacked and seized by the Azerbaijan-Turkey one nation, two states military bloc. Illegal visit of the Minister of Defense of Armenia to the territory of Azerbaijan — military-political provocation — Ministry of Defense [T]his is stated in the …
(2021-11-09). How the U.S. Lost the "Great Game" in Central Asia. covertactionmagazine.com When the Soviet Union collapsed, the U.S. power elite saw an opportunity to take over the oil-rich region considered key …
(2021-11-09). US nuclear sub accident warns of potential for catastrophe. asiatimes.com 
The US nuclear-sub accident last month demonstrated operator incompetence, government hypocrisy and the environmental threat posed by such operations in the South China Sea. On October 7, the US Navy announced that five days earlier, on October 2, its Seawolf-class nuclear-powered and nuclear-weapons-capable submarine USS Connecticut had hit an unidentified object in the South China Sea. According …
(2021-11-09). Azeri 'hitman' accused of targeting Israelis set to stand trial in Cyprus. middleeasteye.net 
Azeri 'hitman' accused of targeting Israelis set to stand trial in Cyprus | Azerbaijani national is accused of recruiting Pakistani and Lebanese accomplices to assassinate Israeli businesspeople | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 18: 39 | Cypriot police have formally charged an Azeri man on suspicion that he planned to carry out contract killings of Israelis living on the island (AFP/File photo) | Cypriot police have officia…
(2021-11-09). NATO trains Azerbaijani navy to meet NATO standards in Turkish exercise. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com This is an ongoing exercise that includes military observers from Azerbaijan's and Turkey's Three Brothers military axis ally Pakistan as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Nigeria, Oman and Ukraine. Azerbaijani naval sailors took part in NATO assessment exercises As part of the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept at the Eastern Mediterranean-2021 multinational naval exercise in …
(2021-11-09). What Happened In The Buffalo Mayor's Race? How Socialist India Walton Was Stopped By Democratic Party Establishment And Republicans. moguldom.com Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton made history in the Democratic primaries in June when she defeated long-serving incumbent Mayor Byron Brown. For a while, it looked like Walton was on the verge of becoming the first Black person, woman and openly socialist candidate to lead New York's second-most populous city. Those hopes were dashed on …
(2021-11-09). Statement Against Israel Declaring Six Human Rights Organizations as "Terrorist" fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. | The Israeli Defense Minister has tagged six human rights organizations in Palestine as "terrorists." These organizations – Al-Haq, Addameer, Bisan Center, Defense for Children International-Palestine, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, and the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees — are all well known for their courage in aiding the besieged Palestinian people as they continue to resist harsh and illegal occupation. | Labeling them as terrorists means the occupation f…
(2021-11-09). Israeli spyware targeted Palestinian human rights workers. electronicintifada.net Totalitarian population surveillance revealed in occupied West Bank.
(2021-11-09). Meet Blue Wolf, the app Israel uses to spy on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. middleeasteye.net 
Meet Blue Wolf, the app Israel uses to spy on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank | An explosive report in the Washington Post reveals extensive Israeli military surveillance project in West Bank | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 14: 09 | An Israeli technician climbs up a pole to install a surveillance camera in occupied Ras al-Amud, East Jerusalem, on 24 January 2019 (AFP) | Cameras have lo…
(2021-11-09). Itamar Ben-Gvir: With rise of a Jewish supremacist, Israel's Likud is pulled far-right. middleeasteye.net 
Itamar Ben-Gvir: With rise of a Jewish supremacist, Israel's Likud is pulled far-right | Elected only eight months ago, the Kahanist is unifying a chunk of Israeli right-wing supporters who are now openly racist | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 11: 37 | Israeli lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir by Damascus Gate just outside Jerusalem's Old City earlier this year (Reuters)
| For many years, Itamar Ben-Gvir was a p…
(2021-11-09). Syrian Air Defence Systems In Tartus Intercepted Israeli Missiles. But Not All Of Them (Video). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On November 8th, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) carried out an attack on south-western and central Syria. according to the Syrian Defence Ministry, the Israeli Air Force launched a series of missile strikes from Lebanese airspace. | According to the Syrian officials, the air defense systems in Tartus repelled the attack and shot down most of the missiles over the Homs province. However, 2 SAA soldiers were injured and material damage was reported as a result of the attack. | According to…
(2021-11-09). Absent Any Proof, Israel Designates Palestinian Rights Groups "Terrorist" truthout.org 
In an effort to cut off the financial lifelines of six of the most prominent Palestinian human rights groups, the state of Israel has baselessly designated them as "terrorist" organizations. | On October 22, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced that Israel will henceforth officially consider the six groups — Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Al-Haq, Bisan Center for Research and Development, Defense for Children International — Palestine, the Union of Agri…
(2021-11-09). US: Appeals court rules WhatsApp can sue Israeli firm NSO Group. middleeasteye.net 
US: Appeals court rules WhatsApp can sue Israeli firm NSO Group | Federal appeals court rejected NSO's claims that it has foreign sovereign immunity from the civil court case | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 17: 03 | The Israeli firm has sparked outrage after an investigation revealed its Pegasus spyware was used by security forces and governments in several countries (AFP/File photo) | A United States federal appeals cour…
(2021-11-09). Military Situation In Syria On November 9, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On November 8, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 4 times: 2 — in Idlib province, 2 — Aleppo province | On November 8, Israeli warplanes attacked several targets in Homs and Tartus province. Two SAA soldiers were wounded | On November 8, SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in Atarab area | On November 8, infighting erupted between Turkish-backed armed factions in Tal Abyad city | On Nove…
(2021-11-09). Headlines for November 9, 2021. democracynow.org Climate Activists Blast COP26 Draft Statement for Failing to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, Police Raid Glasgow Squat Housing Climate Activists Protesting COP26, Coronavirus Cases Surge to Record Highs Across Some European Nations, As U.S. Opens Borders to Vaccinated Travelers, Asylum Seekers Remain Trapped in Mexico, Poland Mobilizes Thousands of Troops to Belarus Border to Bar Entry to Refugees, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Wins Fourth Term After Arresting Opponents, Crushing Dissent, Israeli Spyware Found on Phones of Six Palestinian Human Rights Activists, Justice Department Brings New Charges Against Ransomwa…
(2021-11-09). On the Outcome of the Lower House Election in Japan. journal-neo.org 
On October 31, lower house election was held in Japan, the primary outcome of which can be summed up as the preservation of the domestic political status quo. With some noteworthy caveats, as discussed below. The final data published on the distribution of the parliamentary seats received by the opponents show that the ruling Liberal Democratic …
(2021-11-09). SpaceX Crew-2 Dragon splashes down after 6 months in orbit. rt.com 
SpaceX completed its second operational manned mission to the International Space Station (ISS), and its four-person crew splashed down off the coast of Florida without issue as NASA prepares for another launch later this week. | The private aerospace firm's Crew Dragon Endeavor touched down off the Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida on Monday night carrying NASA's Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency, and Akihiko Hoshide from Japan's JAXA, completing their Crew-2 mission after a nearly 200-day stay on the ISS. | SpaceX shared footage of the splashdow…
(2021-11-09). 78-Year-Old Woman Says Assisted Living Site Rejected Her for Being Transgender. truthout.org 
Originally published by A 78-year-old woman has filed a
(2021-11-09). Pittsburghers rally to support Pillsbury boycott in solidarity with Palestine. liberationnews.org 
On October 24, the Party for Socialism and Liberation's Pittsburgh branch joined with the Pittsburgh BDS Coalition for a demonstration promoting the boycott of Pillsbury.
(2021-11-09). COP26: Saudi Arabia and China resist climate deal over emissions data. middleeasteye.net 
COP26: Saudi Arabia and China resist climate deal over emissions data | Both countries stall efforts at climate conference over concerns about sharing economic growth data | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 11: 20 | Employees of Aramco oil company work in Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq oil processing plant on 20 September 2019 (AFP) | Saudi Arabia and China have been accused of blocking progress at COP26 in Glasgow after refusing to…
(2021-11-09). Fmr. CIA analyst on the hidden realities of Syria's war and new novel, 'Damascus Station'. thegrayzone.com Former CIA analyst David McCloskey, who covered Syria from 2008 to 2014, on the roots of Syria's war, the US role, and his new novel set during the conflict's early years, "Damascus Station." As a CIA analyst, David McCloskey covered Syria from 2008 to 2014. He draws on his experience for his new spy thriller, "Damascus Station," set during the early years of the Syrian war. David McCloskey joins Aaron Maté to discuss "Damascus Station"; the early years of the …
(2021-11-09). President al-Assad: Syria is keen on developing relations with China. dissidentvoice.org 
President Bashar al-Assad made a telephone call on Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two sides discussed the close bilateral relations and means of expanding mutual cooperation. During the phone call, the two sides affirmed the great importance given to develop bilateral relations as President al-Assad considered the relationship with China as …
(2021-11-09). Civilians Fall Victims To US And ISIS Fire In Syria's Deir Ezzor Countryside. southfront.org 
Illustrative Image | Written by Khaled Iskef | The Deir Ezzor governorate has recently witnessed two separate incidents, which resulted in victims among the local civilians. | The first victims were a result of US forces' raid in one of the villages, while the second incident took place when ISIS militants carried out an attack on a condolence tent and civilian houses in another area. | Abed Nahar al-Majoul | In early hours on Novem…
(2021-11-09). Syria: President Assad receives UAE foreign minister in Damascus. middleeasteye.net 
Syria: President Assad receives UAE foreign minister in Damascus | Emirati delegation arrives in Syria on one of the highest level diplomatic visits to the country in recent years | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 13: 31 | Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, in Damascus Syria on 9 November 2021 (Syrian Presidency/Handout) | Syrian…
(2021-11-09). Syria can re-enter Arab League if certain steps are met, says Egypt's foreign minister. middleeasteye.net 
Syria can re-enter Arab League if certain steps are met, says Egypt's foreign minister | Sameh Shoukry said Syria must 'play its traditional role in support of Arab national security' | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 19: 32 | Egyptian Foreign Minister visited Washington this week for the Egypt Strategic Dialogue with the Biden administration (AFP) |
(2021-11-09). Syria: Senior UAE delegation arrives in Damascus. middleeasteye.net 
Syria: Senior UAE delegation arrives in Damascus | UAE's foreign minister arrives in Damascus on one of the highest level diplomatic visits to Syria in recent years | Tue, 11/09/2021 – 13: 31 | United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed attends a bilateral meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, 13 October 2021 (AFP) | The United Arab Emirates for…
(2021-11-09). America's Eager European Provocateurs Visit Taiwan. journal-neo.org 
In what at first glance looked like the European Union getting onboard with the US-led confrontation with China, a recent delegation led by Raphael Glucksmann sent to Taiwan supposedly representing the EU tells a story less of supposed mainland "interference" within the island territory, and instead, a story about US interference within the EU. Glucksmann …
(2021-11-09). As petition against Thailand's lèse-majesté law receives over 200,000 signatures, pressure on government grows. peoplesdispatch.org As authorities in Thailand have escalated the political crackdown on activists through prosecutions and lawsuits, civil society groups and progressive movements continue demanding legal changes, accountability, and the release of political detainees…
(2021-11-09). Military Situation In Yemen On November 9, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | The Liaison and Coordination Officers' Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 228 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours | On November 8, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 40 airstrikes on the Jubah and Sarwah districts | On November 8, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Khab and Shaaf district | On November 8, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Kitaf district | On November 9, clashes be…
(2021-11-08). Yemen: Houthis sentence model Entisar al-Hammadi to five years in prison. middleeasteye.net 
Yemen: Houthis sentence model Entisar al-Hammadi to five years in prison | Yemeni-Ethiopian model denies accusations of 'drug abuse' and 'prostitution' following February arrest | Mon, 11/08/2021 – 11: 40 | Entisar al-Hammadi, a Yemeni model and actress, has been given a five-year sentence by a Houthi court for 'drug abuse' and 'prostitution' (Screengrab/YouTube) | A high-profile Yemeni mo…
(2021-11-08). Ethiopians rescued by Israel from Tigray may have no Jewish roots: Report. middleeasteye.net 
Ethiopians rescued by Israel from Tigray may have no Jewish roots: Report | Secret operation faces backlash as dozens of Ethiopians are accused of misrepresenting ancestry to enter Israel | Mon, 11/08/2021 – 12: 45 | A member of the Ethiopian Jewish community awaits during the daily food distribution at the building the community in the city of Gondar, Ethiopia, on 27 October, 2020 (AFP) | Dozens of Ethiopians…
(2021-11-08). Headlines for November 8, 2021. democracynow.org 100,000+ People Take to Streets to Call Out Climate Inaction, COP26 Greenwashing, House Passes Bipartisan $1.2 Infrastructure Bill Without Vote on $1.75T Build Back Better Package, Court Blocks Company Vaccine Mandate; U.S. Lifts Travel Restrictions; Pfizer Seeks OK for COVID Pill, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi Survives Assassination Attempt, Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Teenager During West Bank Protest, Ortega Set to Retain Nicaraguan Presidency in Elections Marred by Crackdown on Opposition, U.S. Advises Citizens to Leave Ethiopia as Specter of All-Out War Increases, Sudanese Soldiers Arrest Score…
(2021-11-08). EU poised to pull China's GSP trade privileges. asiatimes.com 
Chinese exporters will no longer enjoy preferential tariff treatment in most European countries when they remove its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) privileges on December 1. The removal is expected to accelerate the trend of labor-intensive manufacturers including apparel makers moving out of China and to cheaper destination countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, economists and …
(2021-11-08). China's going to take over Bagram — Trump. rt.com 
Former US President Donald Trump has warned that China will start using the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. American troops left the base this year as part of their complete withdrawal from the country. | "We would have kept Bagram because it is next to China," Trump told Fox News. "And it is one hour away from their nuclear facility, and we gave that up too." | And now China's going to take over Bagram, in my opinion. | The former president once again criticized the "embarrassing" withdrawal of US forces, which he said was "really a surrender." | Trump has argued in the past that it was a mistake to remove US…
(2021-11-08). Russia satisfied with security level of its embassy in Kabul — ambassador. tass.com Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov said he met with a Taliban representative on August 16 and received "all necessary assurances"
(2021-11-08). Strong opposition to Taliban unlikely to appear just yet in Afghanistan — expert. tass.com According to Grigory Lukyanov, the Taliban remain the dominant military and political force that the opposition is unable to counter with a massive number of opponents at the current stage…
(2021-11-08). IS-K Threat to Afghanistan and the Region. journal-neo.org 
Ever since coming into power after the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban (banned in Russia) has been facing an unprecedented security challenge from the Islamic State in Khorasan (terrorist ogranization, banned in Russia). Ever since August, a series of highly sophisticated attacks in Kabul and other cities have eroded the …
(2021-11-08). China looks to Tajiks to spy Afghan terror risks. asiatimes.com 
When Tajikistan's parliament said on October 28 that China will finance the construction of a "security outpost" near its border with Afghanistan, the announcement lifted the lid on a security relationship that has quietly evolved in recent years with an eye on checking Islamic terror and militant groups.
(2021-11-08). Pakistan reaches 'complete ceasefire' with local Taliban faction. rt.com 
Pakistan's government has agreed a total ceasefire with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, Information Fawad Chaudhry has announced, noting that talks leading to the move were facilitated by authorities in Kabul. | Speaking on Monday, Chaudhry told reporters that "a complete ceasefire" agreement has been reached and further talks were taking place to ensure a lasting peace. "The talks will focus on state sovereignty, national security, peace, social and economic stability in the areas concerned," he said, according to local media. | The minister described the move as a "positive development" an…
(2021-11-08). Baku: Turkish DM gives stern rebuke to Armenia during "Victory Day" visit. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Turkey reiterates solidarity with Azerbaijan on anniversary of Karabakh war Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has called on Armenia to end "hostility," stressing that a future cannot be built in the region based on "grudge and hatred." "Armenia should abandon hostility and look to the future…," Anadolu Agency quoted Defense Minister Hulusi Akar as saying on …
(2021-11-08). Biden and Congress agree: Build Back Bombs Better. asiatimes.com 
Last Friday, the US Congress passed the "Infrastructure" Bill, which will be signed into law post haste, says the White House. The bill, designed to upgrade roads, bridges, transport and broadband, is a bricks-and-mortar affair and will benefit industry and commerce. It is the first of two bills that have been the center of attention in …
(2021-11-08). European leaders display eco-cynicism at COP26. asiatimes.com 
It looks as though polarization has become the new normal. From simple encounters in a shopping mall to (international) politics, we no longer have the time or patience for other human beings, as we are so self-centered that the "me syndrome" appears to be the only pattern that our egos are willing to follow. Gains …
(2021-11-08). South Asia Replaces The Middle East As The Epicentre Of Muslim Religious Ultra-Conservatism. southfront.org 
Illustrative Image | Written by As Middle Eastern states attempt to manage their political and security differences, Muslim-majority countries are regrouping along a fault line that separates proponents of varying concepts of an authoritarian but religiously and socially more tolerant, 'moderate Islam' from those advocating stricter adherence to intolerant, non-pluralistic strands of the faith. | The fault line gains significance as vario…
(2021-11-08). India's Hindu-nationalist policy destabilizing South Asia. asiatimes.com 
India's headlong rush to become a Hindu majoritarian state threatens to destabilize South Asia. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in power since 2014, the Indian government has pursued a series of divisive Hindu-nationalist domestic policies. Not only are these at odds with India's secular constitution, but they increasingly rub up against the country's long-standing …
(2021-11-08). Top-level Turkish defense/military delegation in Azerbaijan to mark "Victory Day" antibellum679354512.wordpress.com President Ilham Aliyev receives delegation led by Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar The delegation includes Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces Yasar Guler, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces Musa Avsever, Commander of the Turkish Air Force Hasan Kucukakyuz, and Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Adnan Ozbal. President …