Daily Archives: October 9, 2019

2019-10-09: News Headlines

Eva Bartlett (2019-10-09). Return to Russia: Crimeans Tell the Real Story of the 2014 Referendum and Their Lives Since. mintpressnews.com Eva Bartlett traveled to Crimea to see firsthand out how Crimeans have fared since 2014 when their country reunited with Russia, and what the referendum was really like.

Eds. (2019-10-09). Speech on 'Environmental Protections' by Karl Liebknecht. mronline.org This speech was delivered in 1912 to the Prussian House of Deputies in response to a proposal by the Free People's Party. Environmental destruction was not as far-reaching then as it is now, yet Liebknecht was keenly aware of the disappearance of butterflies and insects, of the small changes that bode ill. | Source

RT (2019-10-09). 'Time to deliver' Elon Musk? NASA nervous as spaceship delays threaten to cut off astronauts from ISS. rt.com With NASA's contract with Russia about to run out without a replacement spaceship ready, the US space agency is leaning on SpaceX to hurry up and deliver. CEO Elon Musk says everything is on schedule — but is it? | Since the Space Shuttle program was scrapped in 2011, NASA has had no crewed spaceship capability, having to pay Roscosmos $80 million a seat to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. SpaceX and Boeing were both contracted to develop a domestic alternative, but both the Crew Dragon and the Starliner have yet to get beyond the testing stage. | This is a problem for the US space ag…

teleSUR (2019-10-09). U.S: Eyes on Cuba and Russia for Supporting Venezuela. telesurenglish.net U.S. special envoy on Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, told Reuters exclusively Washington ¥s new sanctions on Cuba for its support for Nicolas Maduro as well as the "closer look" at Russia's role in helping him remain in power. | RELATED: | Almost One Million Migrants Arrested at US Border | President Donald Trump's frustration over the failure of his "maximum pressure" campaign to overthrow Maduro has spurred foreign policy aides to ready further U.S. actions and press for tougher sanct…

Staff (2019-10-09). The U.S. Arming of Ukraine Is a Scandal on Its Own. truthdig.com What follows is a conversation between journalist Aaron Maté and Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone. Read a transcript of their conversation below and watch part one of their interview below. | There is growing evidence that President Donald Trump briefly froze U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for political goals. Max Blumenthal explores how the Ukrainegate scandal overlooks the dangers of those weapons sales to Ukraine and the corrupt interests behind it. | Under Trump, U.S. military assistance has prolonged a bloody proxy war with Russia, killing thousands in Ukraine and enabling far-right Ukrainian forces [mdas…

Andrei Ilyashenko (2019-10-09). Russia and China Reach New Level of Military Cooperation. China's Missile Early Warning System. globalresearch.ca The government of Japan intends to intensify negotiations with Russia to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once again reminded about this in his keynote speech at the parliament opening session. | "By solving …

Aaron Maté (2019-10-09). Russian social media debate: clickbait or information warfare? thegrayzone.com What is the Internet Research Agency, and are the claims of a Russian influence campaign against the U.S. well-founded? Aaron…

RT (2019-10-08). 'Gift to Putin!' Meltdown as House Democrat claims Trump plans to ditch Open Skies treaty. rt.com The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair has sent a letter to the White House expressing concern over "reports" that President Donald Trump wants to abandon the Open Skies Treaty. Yet the only such report is his own. | Congressman Eliot Engel (D-New York) denounced on Monday "potential plans" to withdraw from the treaty, saying it would be "a blow to United States national security interests, endangering Ukraine and other key European allies."

RT (2019-10-08). Get your popcorn? Trump & Comey to face off…in TV drama series. rt.com Russiagate may have fizzled out, but efforts to cash in on the ensuing hysteria have only just begun. CBS Studios will make a TV show based on the debunked conspiracy theory, with some already joking it will surely not be biased.

Scott Ritter (2019-10-08). Donald Trump's Iran Humiliation. truthdig.com Exactly 17 months have passed since President Donald Trump precipitously withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Program of Action, or JCPOA. Two and a half months later, on July 22, 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech to a group of Irani…

Martin McQuillan (2019-10-08). Boris Johnson's Claims on Nuclear Fusion Leave Scientists Baffled. globalresearch.ca Boris Johnson's claims that the UK is 'on the verge of creating commercially viable miniature fusion reactors for sale around the world' has left scientists and industry experts baffled — as it is still decades off. | *** | During his big …

South Front (2019-10-08). Video: Idlib Militants Retreating to Turkish Border. globalresearch.ca On October 5, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out airstrikes on positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham near the town of Ballisa and Agr Hilltop in southern Idlib. The strikes eliminated at least 9 militants and became a logical continuation of …

Middle East Eye (2019-10-08). As Turkey Readies for Invasion of Northern Syria, Russia and Iran Object. theantimedia.com Turkey has readied its forces for an offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, prompting negative reactions from Iran and Russia.

WSWS (2019-10-08). "Defender 2020": NATO powers threaten war against Russia. wsws.org In the coming year, armed forces from 17 NATO states, including the US and Germany, will carry out the "Defender 2020" manoeuvres.

United Nations (2019-10-07). Ramp up nuclear power to beat climate change, says UN nuclear chief. un.org Without significantly increasing the use of nuclear power worldwide, it will be difficult to achieve the goal of reducing harmful emissions and fighting climate change, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-07). Venezuela Arrests Oil Exec for Corruption, Receives $4bn in Russian Investment. venezuelanalysis.com Moscow and Caracas are reportedly working on a long-term cooperation agreement set to last at least until 2030.

Staff (2019-10-07). Headlines for October 7, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Orders U.S. Troops to Step Aside for Turkish Assault on Kurdish Forces, 109 Killed and 6,000 Wounded as Anti-Government Protests Rage in Iraq, Second Whistleblower Has Firsthand Knowledge of Trump-Ukraine Scandal, Secretary of State Pompeo Calls Impeachment Inquiry "Silly Gotcha Game", Trump Calls GOP Senator Mitt Romney "Pompous" over Ukraine Rebuke, North Korea Calls Off Denuclearization Talks with the U.S., U.S. Meets with Taliban for First Time Since Trump Canceled Afghan Peace Talks, Israeli Forces Fire on Gaza Protesters, Killing One and Injuring Dozens, Protesters Call for Kavanaugh's Removal One Yea…

RT (2019-10-06). 'I feel like never before': Russian-born LA 'Subway Soprano' gives tearful INTERVIEW after her 1st big stage performance (VIDEO). rt.com 'Subway Soprano' Emily Zamourka, a homeless singer who became a viral sensation overnight, couldn't hold back tears when talking to Ruptly after her first big stage performance. She said she's starting a full-time music career. | Speaking to RT's video agency Ruptly after her performance at the opening of the New Little Italy district in Los Angeles, the Russian-born Zamourka said she felt "like never before in her entire life." She sang an aria from Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini. | I feel this is… my chance of teaching people the real me, who I was the whole time. | It all started with a tweet o…

United Nations (2019-10-05). UN chief encouraged by release of Cameroon opposition leader. un.org The UN Secretary-General is encouraged by the release of the leader of the main opposition party in Cameroon. Maurice Kamto had spent the past nine months in jail following peaceful protests disputing the outcome of the October 2018 presidential election in which he was a candidate.

Robert Mackey (2019-10-04). Echoing Trump, Russian TV Casts Joe Biden and Kurt Volker as Villains of Ukraine Saga. theintercept.com Russian television coverage of the unfolding scandal over Ukraine, which has focused on promoting smears against Joe Biden, has been fervently pro-Trump.

Tyler Durden (2019-10-02). Protests Rage as Ukraine's President Zelensky Allows Election in Donbass. theantimedia.com Zelensky's unlikely rise to power in Ukraine was based in large part on convincing voters that he would ease tensions with Russia.

Vanessa Beeley (2019-09-30). The White Helmets, Hala Systems and the Grotesque Militarization of "Humanitarianism" in Syria. mintpressnews.com Syria, August 2019 — reports came in that Russian warplanes had destroyed two terrorist-manned early warning radar posts in the Northern Hama countryside, known as the 20th post and the Eagle post. | According to an article published by South Front, these early warning posts are "tasked with monitoring flights of Russian and Syrian warplanes" and warn armed groups throughout Hama and Idlib of incoming airstrikes on their positions. | South Front informed us that "four militants, inc…

Staff (2019-09-30). Whistleblower Edward Snowden on Trump, Obama & How He Ended Up in Russia to Avoid U.S. Extradition. democracynow.org We conclude our interview with NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has just published his memoir titled "Permanent Record." In 2013, after quitting his job at the NSA, Snowden attempted to fly from Hong Kong to Latin America in order to avoid being extradited to the United States. But the U.S. revoked his passport when he stopped through Russia, effectively stranding him there. Snowden has lived as an exile in Moscow ever since. He tells us his story.

Staff (2019-09-30). Edward Snowden: Private Contractors Play Key Role in U.S. Intelligence's "Creeping Authoritarianism" democracynow.org As a whistleblower complaint against President Trump rocks Washington, Democrats begin an impeachment inquiry and Trump threatens "big consequences" for the person who came forward, we continue our conversation with one of the world's most famous whistleblowers: Edward Snowden, now in exile in Russia. Six years ago, he shocked the world when he leaked a trove of secret documents about how the United States had built a massive surveillance apparatus to collect every single phone call, text message and email, and pry into the private lives of every person on Earth. He has just published a memoir titled "Permanent R…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-09-26). Venezuela: Trump Imposes Travel Ban, Putin Backs Dialogue. venezuelanalysis.com US officials and the Venezuelan opposition have also lobbied the EU to impose harsher sanctions against Caracas.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-09-12). Venezuela Oil Production Continues Decline as China Cancels More Shipments. venezuelanalysis.com Russian oil giant Rosneft blasted threats of US sanctions as "unfair competition."

Peace Action (2019-06-25). Peace Action Endorses Ilhan Omar for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 25, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Ilhan Omar for Congress in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …

Peace Action (2019-06-24). Peace Action Endorses Kara Eastman for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 24, 2019 — Peace Action has announced its endorsement of Kara Eastman for Congress in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. Peace Action is a national grassroots organization working to advance nuclear disarmament, promote government spending priorities that support human needs, encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights, and support nonmilitary …

2019-10-09: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

U.S: Eyes on Cuba and Russia for Supporting Venezuela
telesurenglish.net | 2019-10-09
U.S. special envoy on Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, told Reuters exclusively Washington ¥s new sanctions on Cuba for its support for Nicolas Maduro as well as the "closer look" at Russia's role in helping him remain in power. | RELATED: | Almost One Million Migrants Arrested at US Border | President Donald Trump's frustration over the failure of his "maximum pressure" campaign to overthrow Maduro has spurred foreign policy aides to ready further U.S. actions and press for tougher sanct…
telesurenglish.net/news/U.S-Eyes-on-Cuba-and-Russia-for-Supporting-Venezuela-20191009-0017.html

The U.S. Arming of Ukraine Is a Scandal on Its Own
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-10-09
What follows is a conversation between journalist Aaron Maté and Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone. Read a transcript of their conversation below and watch part one of their interview below. | There is growing evidence that President Donald Trump briefly froze U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for political goals. Max Blumenthal explores how the Ukrainegate scandal overlooks the dangers of those weapons sales to Ukraine and the corrupt interests behind it. | Under Trump, U.S. military assistance has prolonged a bloody proxy war with Russia, killing thousands in Ukraine and enabling far-right Ukrainian forces [mdas…
truthdig.com/articles/the-u-s-arming-of-ukraine-is-a-scandal-on-its-own/

Russia and China Reach New Level of Military Cooperation. China's Missile Early Warning System
Andrei Ilyashenko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-09
The government of Japan intends to intensify negotiations with Russia to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once again reminded about this in his keynote speech at the parliament opening session. | "By solving | …
globalresearch.ca/russia-prc-new-level-military-cooperation/5691485

Return to Russia: Crimeans Tell the Real Story of the 2014 Referendum and Their Lives Since
Eva Bartlett | mintpressnews.com | 2019-10-09
Eva Bartlett traveled to Crimea to see firsthand out how Crimeans have fared since 2014 when their country reunited with Russia, and what the referendum was really like.
mintpressnews.com/return-russia-crimea-story-referendum-lives-since/262247/

'Time to deliver' Elon Musk? NASA nervous as spaceship delays threaten to cut off astronauts from ISS
rt.com | 2019-10-09
With NASA's contract with Russia about to run out without a replacement spaceship ready, the US space agency is leaning on SpaceX to hurry up and deliver. CEO Elon Musk says everything is on schedule — but is it? | Since the Space Shuttle program was scrapped in 2011, NASA has had no crewed spaceship capability, having to pay Roscosmos $80 million a seat to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. SpaceX and Boeing were both contracted to develop a domestic alternative, but both the Crew Dragon and the Starliner have yet to get beyond the testing stage. | This is a problem for the US space ag…
rt.com/usa/470567-nasa-spacex-nervous-deadline/

Speech on 'Environmental Protections' by Karl Liebknecht
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-10-09
This speech was delivered in 1912 to the Prussian House of Deputies in response to a proposal by the Free People's Party. Environmental destruction was not as far-reaching then as it is now, yet Liebknecht was keenly aware of the disappearance of butterflies and insects, of the small changes that bode ill. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/10/09/speech-on-environmental-protections-by-karl-liebknecht/

Russian social media debate: clickbait or information warfare?
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-10-09
What is the Internet Research Agency, and are the claims of a Russian influence campaign against the U.S. well-founded? Aaron…
thegrayzone.com/2019/10/09/russian-social-media-debate-clickbait-or-information-warfare/

'Gift to Putin!' Meltdown as House Democrat claims Trump plans to ditch Open Skies treaty
rt.com | 2019-10-08
The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair has sent a letter to the White House expressing concern over "reports" that President Donald Trump wants to abandon the Open Skies Treaty. Yet the only such report is his own. | Congressman Eliot Engel (D-New York) denounced on Monday "potential plans" to withdraw from the treaty, saying it would be "a blow to United States national security interests, endangering Ukraine and other key European allies."
rt.com/usa/470407-open-skies-engel-letter/

Boris Johnson's Claims on Nuclear Fusion Leave Scientists Baffled
Martin McQuillan | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-08
Boris Johnson's claims that the UK is 'on the verge of creating commercially viable miniature fusion reactors for sale around the world' has left scientists and industry experts baffled — as it is still decades off. | *** | During his big …
globalresearch.ca/boris-johnson-claims-nuclear-fusion/5691405

Donald Trump's Iran Humiliation
Scott Ritter | truthdig.com | 2019-10-08
Exactly 17 months have passed since President Donald Trump precipitously withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Program of Action, or JCPOA. Two and a half months later, on July 22, 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech to a group of Irani…
truthdig.com/articles/donald-trumps-iran-humiliation/

"Defender 2020": NATO powers threaten war against Russia
wsws.org | 2019-10-08
In the coming year, armed forces from 17 NATO states, including the US and Germany, will carry out the "Defender 2020" manoeuvres.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/10/08/nato-o08.html

Video: Idlib Militants Retreating to Turkish Border
South Front | globalresearch.ca | 2019-10-08
On October 5, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out airstrikes on positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham near the town of Ballisa and Agr Hilltop in southern Idlib. The strikes eliminated at least 9 militants and became a logical continuation of …
globalresearch.ca/video-idlib-militants-retreating-turkish-border/5691340

As Turkey Readies for Invasion of Northern Syria, Russia and Iran Object
Middle East Eye | theantimedia.com | 2019-10-08
Turkey has readied its forces for an offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, prompting negative reactions from Iran and Russia.

As Turkey Readies for Invasion of Northern Syria, Russia and Iran Object

Winners and Losers From Trump Throwing Syrian Kurds Under the Bus
Juan Cole | commondreams.org | 2019-10-08
It is difficult to see in what way Russia is benefited by Turkey's incursion into northeast Syria. (Photo: @LevHavryliv/Twitter) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/assad.jpeg
commondreams.org/views/2019/10/08/winners-and-losers-trump-throwing-syrian-kurds-under-bus?cd-origin=rss

Get your popcorn? Trump & Comey to face off…in TV drama series
rt.com | 2019-10-08
Russiagate may have fizzled out, but efforts to cash in on the ensuing hysteria have only just begun. CBS Studios will make a TV show based on the debunked conspiracy theory, with some already joking it will surely not be biased. | …
rt.com/usa/470475-comey-cbs-series-daniels/

Ramp up nuclear power to beat climate change, says UN nuclear chief
United Nations | un.org | 2019-10-07
Without significantly increasing the use of nuclear power worldwide, it will be difficult to achieve the goal of reducing harmful emissions and fighting climate change, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/10/1048732

Venezuela Arrests Oil Exec for Corruption, Receives $4bn in Russian Investment
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-10-07
Moscow and Caracas are reportedly working on a long-term cooperation agreement set to last at least until 2030.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14682

'I feel like never before': Russian-born LA 'Subway Soprano' gives tearful INTERVIEW after her 1st big stage performance (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2019-10-06
'Subway Soprano' Emily Zamourka, a homeless singer who became a viral sensation overnight, couldn't hold back tears when talking to Ruptly after her first big stage performance. She said she's starting a full-time music career. | Speaking to RT's video agency Ruptly after her performance at the opening of the New Little Italy district in Los Angeles, the Russian-born Zamourka said she felt "like never before in her entire life." She sang an aria from Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini. | I feel this is… my chance of teaching people the real me, who I was the whole time. | It all started with a tweet o…
rt.com/usa/470328-homeless-opera-singer-la-ruptly/

UN chief encouraged by release of Cameroon opposition leader
United Nations | un.org | 2019-10-05
The UN Secretary-General is encouraged by the release of the leader of the main opposition party in Cameroon. Maurice Kamto had spent the past nine months in jail following peaceful protests disputing the outcome of the October 2018 presidential election in which he was a candidate.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/10/1048642

Echoing Trump, Russian TV Casts Joe Biden and Kurt Volker as Villains of Ukraine Saga
Robert Mackey | theintercept.com | 2019-10-04
Russian television coverage of the unfolding scandal over Ukraine, which has focused on promoting smears against Joe Biden, has been fervently pro-Trump.
theintercept.com/2019/10/04/russian-state-tv-echoing-fox-news-calls-biden-villain-ukraine-giuliani-hero/

Protests Rage as Ukraine's President Zelensky Allows Election in Donbass
Tyler Durden | theantimedia.com | 2019-10-02
Zelensky's unlikely rise to power in Ukraine was based in large part on convincing voters that he would ease tensions with Russia.

Zelensky Donbass

The White Helmets, Hala Systems and the Grotesque Militarization of "Humanitarianism" in Syria
Vanessa Beeley | mintpressnews.com | 2019-09-30
Syria, August 2019 — reports came in that Russian warplanes had destroyed two terrorist-manned early warning radar posts in the Northern Hama countryside, known as the 20th post and the Eagle post. | According to an article published by South Front, these early warning posts are "tasked with monitoring flights of Russian and Syrian warplanes" and warn armed groups throughout Hama and Idlib of incoming airstrikes on their positions. | South Front informed us that "four militants, inc…
mintpressnews.com/white-helmets-hala-systems-militarization-humanitarianism-syria/262115/

Edward Snowden: Private Contractors Play Key Role in U.S. Intelligence's "Creeping Authoritarianism"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-30
As a whistleblower complaint against President Trump rocks Washington, Democrats begin an impeachment inquiry and Trump threatens "big consequences" for the person who came forward, we continue our conversation with one of the world's most famous whistleblowers: Edward Snowden, now in exile in Russia. Six years ago, he shocked the world when he leaked a trove of secret documents about how the United States had built a massive surveillance apparatus to collect every single phone call, text message and email, and pry into the private lives of every person on Earth. He has just published a memoir titled "Permanent R…
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/30/edward_snowden_us_surveillance_corporate_america

Whistleblower Edward Snowden on Trump, Obama & How He Ended Up in Russia to Avoid U.S. Extradition
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-30
We conclude our interview with NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has just published his memoir titled "Permanent Record." In 2013, after quitting his job at the NSA, Snowden attempted to fly from Hong Kong to Latin America in order to avoid being extradited to the United States. But the U.S. revoked his passport when he stopped through Russia, effectively stranding him there. Snowden has lived as an exile in Moscow ever since. He tells us his story.
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/30/how_edward_snowden_avoided_extradition_to

Venezuela: Trump Imposes Travel Ban, Putin Backs Dialogue
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-09-26
US officials and the Venezuelan opposition have also lobbied the EU to impose harsher sanctions against Caracas.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14671

Venezuela Oil Production Continues Decline as China Cancels More Shipments
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-09-12
Russian oil giant Rosneft blasted threats of US sanctions as "unfair competition."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14654