Daily Archives: January 19, 2020

2020-01-19: News Headlines

RT (2020-01-19). Russian tech giant Yandex wants to expand car-sharing service across Europe. rt.com Russia's Yandex, which runs a popular car-sharing service in the country, is planning to expand across Europe this year, the tech company has revealed. | "We are considering such an opportunity," Dmitry Gorchakov, Yandex's head of geolocation services PR told RT. | It was earlier reported that the firm could make up to 1,000 electric vehicles available to rent. While the exact city where Yandex is going to test launch the project is not clear, Anton Ryazanov, chief of Yandex.Drive, told the Financial Times that the company is eyeing Madrid and Copenhagen, as well as cities in France and Italy. | Also on rt.com

RT (2020-01-19). Berlin peace talks: In war-torn Libya, can intl community help finish what Russia & Turkey started? rt.com Talks in Berlin between warring Libyan factions could finally deliver a lasting ceasefire after a decade of chaos ushered in by NATO regime change there. Could the mediation efforts, kick-started by Moscow and Ankara, bear fruit? | All eyes in Europe and beyond are set on Berlin, as PM Fayez al-Sarraj of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army (LNA) arrive on Sunday for peace talks hosted by Germany and attended by representatives from 11 countries, including Russia's Vladimir Putin. | The GNA has been internationally recognized since 2015, but Hafta…

RT (2020-01-19). Berlin talks 'important step' towards cementing Libya ceasefire, groundwork created with Moscow — Erdogan. rt.com Upcoming talks in Berlin are an "important step" towards finally facilitating a long-lasting ceasefire in civil-war-torn Libya, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said ahead of negotiations on Sunday. | "We see the ceasefire as a particularly important step toward reconciliation and political settlement" in Libya, Erdogan said, reiterating that peace can be achieved only through dialogue. | The Turkish leader stated that a call to end hostilities, which was jointly made by him and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month, has created the groundwork for further negotiations. | On Sunday, Prime Mi…

RT (2020-01-19). 'Where's Putin?' World leaders can't start Berlin conference photo-op without Russian president (VIDEO). rt.com Leaders gathering for Libya peace talks in Berlin attempted to take a group photo as the summit got underway, but the photo-op was momentarily delayed as no one could seem to find Russian President Vladimir Putin. | The awkward 'Where's Putin?' moment was captured on video as other leaders shuffled around trying to locate the Russian president. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel looked particularly perturbed by Putin's absence, turning around to look for him multiple times and pointing toward the empty spot where he should have been standing. | French President Emmanuel Macron then joined the search, looking…

RT (2020-01-19). Putin meets Johnson in Berlin, but UK PM says 'no normalization of relations'. rt.com Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the Libya peace conference in Berlin. Johnson used the opportunity to state it outright to Putin that there will be "no normalization" of bilateral relations between Moscow and London. | The UK PM then demanded Russia end what he called "destabilizing activity" that supposedly threatens the UK, its citizens and allies, though he did not elaborate what exactly he meant by that. Instead, Johnson once again referred to the Salisbury poisoning case, which London has been blaming on Moscow without providing it…

RT (2020-01-19). Putin & Erdogan set stage for Libya peace talks at Berlin meeting (VIDEO). rt.com The Libyan peace talks in Berlin were yet to begin, but Russia's Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan already voiced their positions on the conflict, Erdogan speaking against Haftar and Putin calling for dialogue. | As the two presidents met ahead of the Sunday conference, Erdogan was direct in showing his animosity towards Libya's Khalifa Haftar, whose forces have been closing in on the UN-backed government in Tripoli. | "Haftar has proven himself to be in favor of a military solution [to the conflict]. Here in Berlin, the ceasefire must be confirmed. Haftar's aggressive behavior must be stopped s…

RT (2020-01-19). Iran will review cooperation with IAEA if Europe takes 'unjust measures' over nuclear deal. rt.com Tehran will review its cooperation with the global nuclear watchdog IAEA if the EU introduces "unjust" steps over the 2015 nuclear deal, which was first abandoned by the US, Iran's parliament speaker has warned. | Britain, France and Germany formally launched a process, charging Iran with failing to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on its nuclear program. | Speaker of Iran's parliament, Ali Larijani, called the decision "unfortunate." | "We clearly announce that if Europe, for any reason, uses Article 37 of the nuclear agreement unfairly, then Iran will make a serious decision re…

RT (2020-01-19). German FM blasts US policy on Iran, says Europe wants to prevent 'firestorm' in Middle East without regime change. rt.com German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that, instead of following the US' maximum pressure campaign against Iran, the EU will stick to diplomacy in order to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region. | The US and Europe have a "different approach" to Iran and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for its nuclear program, Maas told Bild am Sonntag newspaper, in an interview published on Saturday. | "While the US unilaterally abandoned the nuclear agreement and imposed maximum pressure [on Tehran], we want to achieve progress through negotiations. France, Britain and Germany want to keep…

sputniknews (2020-01-19). Iran Two Years Away From a Nuclear Bomb, Documents Talk for Themselves – Israeli Analyst. sputniknews.com Israel doesn't believe the Iranian claims that their nuclear programme is peaceful, says an Israeli analyst. Although Israel has the right to defend itself, Ephraim Asculai still believes it would have been better if the two countries sat down for talks.

sputniknews (2020-01-19). Putin on Western Attempts to Rewrite History: We Need to Do Everything Possible to Preserve Truth. sputniknews.com Earlier in January, the Polish parliament adopted a resolution declaring that the Soviet Union carries equal responsibility with Nazi Germany for the beginning of World War II.

sputniknews (2020-01-19). Russians Celebrate Epiphany by Bathing in Icy Waters – Photos. sputniknews.com On 19 January, Eastern Orthodox believers worldwide celebrate Epiphany, marking the baptism of Jesus Christ, which is usually accompanied by bathing in icy cold water. In Russia, however, the holiday often takes place under extreme weather conditions.

sputniknews (2020-01-19). US Director on Russian Affairs at NSC Leaves Post Amid Pending Investigation – Reports. sputniknews.com

Tom Luongo (2020-01-19). Putin's Now Purged the West from the Kremlin. Medvedev Cabinet dissolved. globalresearch.ca It came as the biggest shock of the day on Wednesday. The Russian government resigned. The day before President Vladimir Putin gave his State of the Nation address and outlined a slate of constitutional changes. | That speech prompted an overhaul …

sputniknews (2020-01-19). Former Russian Prime Minister Medvedev Says to Remain Chair of United Russia Ruling Party. sputniknews.com On 15 January, Dmitry Medvedev unexpectedly resigned hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced sweeping changes to the Constitution and a revamped approach to managing the country's economy.

Peter Koenig (2020-01-19). Iran — The EU — The Three Trigger Dispute Mechanism in the Iran Nuclear Deal and Trump's Bluff. globalresearch.ca Why, after so many assurances to the contrary, have the three European Iran's Nuclear Deal Partner's — Germany, France, the UK — decided to go after Iran, to follow the US dictate again? | The short answer is because the cowards. …

sputniknews (2020-01-19). Iran to Review Cooperation with Int'l Nuclear Watchdog In Case of 'Unjust' Steps by EU – Reports. sputniknews.com The European parties to the Iranian nuclear deal earlier launched a dispute resolution mechanism under the agreement, a process that could entail the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran.

sputniknews (2020-01-19). German Foreign Minister Lashes Out at US Over Its Max Pressure Policy Towards Iran. sputniknews.com Tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have been growing since Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, peaked this January following the killing of the Islamic Republic's top commander Qasem Soleimani. Following the assassination, Germany and other European countries reiterated their calls for avoiding escalation.

yenisafak (2020-01-19). Erdogan urges Libya's Haftar to end aggressive stance. yenisafak.com Ahead of Libya conference in Berlin, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that Berlin conference should ensure a cease-fire and political dialogue for Libyan peace."It should be ensured that a cease-fire and return to political process are agreed at the Berlin summit in order for Libya to attain peace and calm," Erdogan said in Berlin during the televised part of the meeting with Putin.Erdogan also said: "[Gen. Khalifa] Haftar's aggressive attitudes must end to implement the phase of political process and solution [in Libya].""Joint efforts on Libya provided relative…

yenisafak (2020-01-19). Erdogan, Putin meet ahead of Berlin conference on Libya. yenisafak.com Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting ahead of the Berlin conference on the Libyan peace.German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will co-host the Berlin conference, which will seek a stronger commitment from the world powers and regional actors to non-interference in Libya to genuinely support the cease-fire and adhere to the UN's arms embargo.Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and the other i…

yenisafak (2020-01-19). Azerbaijan remembers Jan. 20 tragedy with sorrow, pride. yenisafak.com Azerbaijan recalls the tragedy of Jan. 20, also called Black January, with sorrow and pride, the country's ambassador to Turkey said.Regarded as the rebirth of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Black January violent crackdown witnessed the massacre of more than 130 people and wounding of hundreds of civilians by the Soviet army in Baku and surrounding areas Jan. 20, 1990, on the eve of the country's independence. Mass arrests accompanied the illegal deployment of troops and subsequent military intervention.Marking the 30th anniversary of the tragedy and remembering the violence Azerbaijan witnessed prior to the breakup…

yenisafak (2020-01-19). Putin: Don't lose hope that Libya conflict will be solved. yenisafak.com "We don't lose hope that dialogue will continue and the conflict will be solved," Putin said before meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the conference.Putin said that Russia and Turkey had taken a "very good step" by urging Libyan factions to stop fighting, adding that large military actions had been stopped in Libya.

Stephen Lendman (2020-01-18). Nuclear Weapons: Trump Regime Pressured E3 Countries (UK, France, Germany) to Trigger JCPOA Dispute Mechanism. globalresearch.ca Post-WW II, Washington transformed Western European countries into virtual US colonies — their presence status. | Judge them by their actions. Time and again, they subordinate their sovereign rights to US interests, even when harming their own. | It shows by imposing …

Staff (2020-01-17). Turkey Cuts Deal with Russia, Intensifying the War for Gas in Libya. therealnews.com Turkey sent Syrian fighters to Libya to back the government and keep its control of offshore natural gas reserves. Egypt, Russia, ExxonMobil, Israel, and Greece are expanding Libya's civil war in a fight over control of the natural gas that Europe needs.

Ted Rall (2020-01-17). America's Long History of Meddling in Russia. counterpunch.org Russia — OK, not the actual Russian government but a private click-farm company located in Russia — bought $100,000 worth of political ads on Facebook designed to change the outcome of the 2016 election. Except that only a small fraction of those ads were political. Also except that that small fraction was divvied up between More

RT (2020-01-17). DOJ investigating Comey over role in classified leaks during Clinton email drama — report. rt.com The US Department of Justice has opened a probe into whether former FBI director James Comey leaked details about classified intelligence to reporters covering the Hillary Clinton email server scandal. | Led by federal prosecutors, the inquiry is focused on two 2017 news stories for which Comey is suspected to have been a source, divulging the contents of a classified intelligence document, according to a New York Times report on Thursday. | The pair of stories, published in the Times and the Washington Post in 2017, cited an alleged Russian intelligence document obtained by Dutch security services, which earl…

Robert Hunziker (2020-01-17). The Rumbling Methane Enigma. counterpunch.org The northern continental shelves of Russia, inclusive of the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea (ESAS) are some of the least researched yet most controversial subjects in climate science today. It's the one region that has the biggest potential to trigger runaway global warming because of sizeable subsea methane deposits, thereby taking civilization down to its knees. But, that prospect is also extremely controversial within the scientific community. More

The Canary (2020-01-17). Police criticised for the 'chilling effect' of including environmental groups in counter-terror documents. thecanary.co Police have defended their inclusion of environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion in counter-terrorism documents, in the face of criticism it could have a "chilling effect" on people.The Guardian reported that a 24-page policing document it had seen included Greenpeace, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and other non-violent groups, as well as extremist right-wing proscribed groups such as National Action.It said the document was distributed to teachers and medical staff as part of anti-extremism briefings last year.Deputy assistant commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national co-ordinator for the U…

Stephen Lendman (2020-01-17). Trump Calls for New Iran Nuclear Deal that Renders the Country Defenseless. globalresearch.ca Last week, Trump called for a new Iran nuclear deal, claiming: | "(W)e must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place (sic)." | That's precisely the JCPOA's aim — even …

Steven Sahiounie (2020-01-17). Iraq Set to Buy Russian S-400 Air Defense System and Assert Its Sovereignty. globalresearch.ca Iran attacked US forces stationed at two bases in Iraq with 15 missiles on January 8th, but it does not appear missile defense systems were used to counter them. Eric Gomez, a missile defense policy analyst at the Cato …

Robert Hunziker (2020-01-17). The Rumbling ESAS Methane Enigma. dissidentvoice.org The northern continental shelves of Russia, inclusive of the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea (ESAS) are some of the least researched yet most controversial subjects in climate science today. It's the one region that has the biggest potential to trigger runaway global warming because of sizeable subsea methane deposits, thereby …

Prof. David T. Johnson (2020-01-17). The TEPCO Trial: Prosecution and Acquittal after Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown. globalresearch.ca On September 19, 2019, a panel of three professional judges in the Tokyo District Court acquitted three former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The defendants were former chairman Katsumata Tsunehisa (79), and former vice presidents Takekuro Ichiro …

RT (2020-01-16). Who's this guy? Jeopardy contestants fail to recognize impeachment 'hero' Adam Schiff & Twitter ROFLs. rt.com Rep. Adam Schiff might be leading an impeachment drive in the US, but it seems not everybody is familiar with the 'resistance' hero. At least, his photo did not ring any bells for contestants on the latest Jeopardy episode. | Schiff, a prominent Russiagater whose fame among the anti-Trump resistance camp reached new heights amid the ongoing Ukrainegate saga, might be a household name on Capitol Hill, but the question remains: Is the same true for the rest of the country outside of the Washington political swamp? If the classic trivia game show is any indication, it is not. | Just a reminder we live in a bubble…

Staff (2020-01-16). Putin Proposes Sweeping Changes to Russian Constitution, Possibly Prolonging His Grip on Power. democracynow.org In Russia, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned Wednesday along with his entire Cabinet in a move that surprised many in Moscow and abroad. The move came as Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes to expand the power of the parliament and the State Council while weakening the presidency. Critics of Putin say the proposals could help him keep power after his final presidential term ends in 2024. The Russian parliament is expected to vote today to confirm Putin's pick for new prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, a bureaucrat who runs Russia's tax service. The Russian newspaper Kom…

Brendan Oswald (2020-01-16). Prospects for Peace in the Ukraine Conflict. progressive.org The war started as a land grab, with Russia taking advantage of disarray in the Ukrainian state and armed forces in the weeks following the Euromaidan revolution.

Peter Koenig (2020-01-16). Russia: A Groundbreaking Powershift? dissidentvoice.org In groundbreaking news President Putin announced today, 15 January, in his annual address to the Nation, major changes in his government. First, he announced that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his entire cabinet resigned and will eventually be replaced by a new PM and a new cabinet. A timeline was not given. In the meantime, …

Staff (2020-01-16). Headlines for January 16, 2020. democracynow.org House Lawmakers Deliver Articles of Impeachment to Senate, Ex-Giuliani Associate Says Trump Knew of Ukraine Pressure Campaign, U.S. Troops Resume Iraq Operations Despite Parliament's Expulsion Order, Afghan Reconstruction Watchdog Tells Congress of U.S. "Mendacity" and "Lies", Trump Signs "Phase 1" Agreement with China, Easing Trade War, Russian Government Resigns as Vladimir Putin Seeks to Retain Power Beyond 2024, At Least 21 Killed in Idlib Amid Syrian, Russian Airstrikes, Court Blocks Trump Order Allowing Local Leaders to Refuse Refugees, ACLU Sues to End Trump's Policy of Sending Asylum Seekers to Guatemala,…

Andrew Korybko (2020-01-16). The Afro-Eurasia Proposal Would be a Timely Alternative to the US Sponsored "Indo-Pacific" globalresearch.ca Russia's repeated rejection of the US' 'Indo-Pacific' concept that Foreign Minister Lavrov claims is a ruse for "containing China" highlights just how urgently it is that a more inclusive and non-hostile trans-regional integration alternative emerges, which can be embodied by …

Padraig McGrath (2020-01-16). Soleimani Fallout Continues to Produce Diplomatic Dividends for Russia. globalresearch.ca Ahead of this year's Munich Security Conference, due to begin on February 14th, its chairman Wolfgang Ischinger praised what he called President Putin's "method" concerning security-issues in the Middle East. Talking to the ZDF television channel on January 13th, Ischinger …

Tyler Durden (2020-01-15). Iran's Rouhani Demands US, EU Troops Leave the Middle East or Face "Danger" theantimedia.com (ZH) — A day after European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal took took the drastic step of triggering the agreement's dispute resolution mechanism regulating conformity to the deal by formally notifying the EU Iran is in breach, seen as the harshest measure taken thus far given it means EU sanctions are possible, President Hassan Rouhani has responded with …

Staff (2020-01-14). Headlines for January 14, 2020. democracynow.org "It Doesn't Really Matter": Trump Changes Story on Soleimani Killing, Six Democratic Candidates Will Take Stage for Debate in Iowa Tonight, Sanders Refutes Warren's Charge That He Said a Woman Couldn't Win in 2020, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Launching New PAC to Support Progressive Democrats, Trump Plans to Divert Additional $7.2 Billion from Military Budget to Border Wall, Turkey and Russia Broker Ceasefire for Idlib, Syria, France to Send More Troops to West Africa Amid Rising Violence in Sahel, 55 Die in Avalanches in Pakistan, Study: 2019 Was Hottest Year for World's Oceans on Record, AG Barr and Apple Face Off…

Lawrence Wittner (2019-12-22). Americans Are Ready for a Different Approach to Nuclear Weapons. zcomm.org Although today's public protests against nuclear weapons can't compare to the major antinuclear upheavals of past decades, there are clear indications that most Americans reject the Trump administration's nuclear weapons policies. Since entering office in 2017, the Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the nuclear agreement with Iran, scrapped the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Read more…

Ryan Cristián (2019-12-22). Seemingly Coordinated ISIS/al-Qaeda Attacks On Syrian Oil/Gas Fields & US' Russia/Libya Hypocrisy. thelastamericanvagabond.com Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/21/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …

Jon Rainwater (2019-11-07). Take Action — Some actual, SANE legislation. peaceaction.org Trump has plans to spend nearly $2 TRILLION over the next 30 years on unneeded and unnecessary nuclear weapons and delivery systems. This makes no sense. This is insane. That's nearly $100 million wasted every day for thirty years on weapons we are supposed to be getting rid of. To put that amount in perspective, …

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 …

2020-01-19: Social Media Postees

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

Putin meets Johnson in Berlin, but UK PM says 'no normalization of relations'
rt.com | 2020-01-19
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the Libya peace conference in Berlin. Johnson used the opportunity to state it outright to Putin that there will be "no normalization" of bilateral relations between Moscow and London. | The UK PM then demanded Russia end what he called "destabilizing activity" that supposedly threatens the UK, its citizens and allies, though he did not elaborate what exactly he meant by that. Instead, Johnson once again referred to the Salisbury poisoning case, which London has been blaming on Moscow without providing it…
rt.com/newsline/478664-putin-johnson-meet-libya-conference/

Berlin peace talks: In war-torn Libya, can intl community help finish what Russia & Turkey started?
rt.com | 2020-01-19
Talks in Berlin between warring Libyan factions could finally deliver a lasting ceasefire after a decade of chaos ushered in by NATO regime change there. Could the mediation efforts, kick-started by Moscow and Ankara, bear fruit? | All eyes in Europe and beyond are set on Berlin, as PM Fayez al-Sarraj of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army (LNA) arrive on Sunday for peace talks hosted by Germany and attended by representatives from 11 countries, including Russia's Vladimir Putin. | The GNA has been internationally recognized since 2015, but Hafta…
rt.com/news/478573-libya-berlin-conference-ceasefire/

Putin & Erdogan set stage for Libya peace talks at Berlin meeting (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-01-19
The Libyan peace talks in Berlin were yet to begin, but Russia's Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan already voiced their positions on the conflict, Erdogan speaking against Haftar and Putin calling for dialogue. | As the two presidents met ahead of the Sunday conference, Erdogan was direct in showing his animosity towards Libya's Khalifa Haftar, whose forces have been closing in on the UN-backed government in Tripoli. | "Haftar has proven himself to be in favor of a military solution [to the conflict]. Here in Berlin, the ceasefire must be confirmed. Haftar's aggressive behavior must be stopped s…
rt.com/news/478652-putin-erdogan-set-stage-berlin/

'Where's Putin?' World leaders can't start Berlin conference photo-op without Russian president (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-01-19
Leaders gathering for Libya peace talks in Berlin attempted to take a group photo as the summit got underway, but the photo-op was momentarily delayed as no one could seem to find Russian President Vladimir Putin. | The awkward 'Where's Putin?' moment was captured on video as other leaders shuffled around trying to locate the Russian president. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel looked particularly perturbed by Putin's absence, turning around to look for him multiple times and pointing toward the empty spot where he should have been standing. | French President Emmanuel Macron then joined the search, looking…
rt.com/news/478659-putin-berlin-libya-talks-photo/

'Where's Putin?' World leaders can't start Berlin conference photo-op without Russian president (VIDEO)
rt.com | 2020-01-19
Leaders gathering for Libya peace talks in Berlin attempted to take a group photo as the summit got underway, but the photo-op was momentarily delayed as no one could seem to find Russian President Vladimir Putin. | The awkward 'Where's Putin?' moment was captured on video as other leaders shuffled around trying to locate the Russian president. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel looked particularly perturbed by Putin's absence, turning around to look for him multiple times and pointing toward the empty spot where he should have been standing. | French President Emmanuel Macron then joined the search, looking…
rt.com/news/478659-putin-berlin-libya-talks-photo/

Iran Two Years Away From a Nuclear Bomb, Documents Talk for Themselves – Israeli Analyst
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
Israel doesn't believe the Iranian claims that their nuclear programme is peaceful, says an Israeli analyst. Although Israel has the right to defend itself, Ephraim Asculai still believes it would have been better if the two countries sat down for talks.
sputniknews.com/analysis/202001191078075999-iran-two-years-away-from-a-nuclear-bomb-documents-talk-for-themselves/

Putin on Western Attempts to Rewrite History: We Need to Do Everything Possible to Preserve Truth
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
Earlier in January, the Polish parliament adopted a resolution declaring that the Soviet Union carries equal responsibility with Nazi Germany for the beginning of World War II.
sputniknews.com/world/202001191078077464-putin-on-western-attempts-to-rewrite-history/

Former Russian Prime Minister Medvedev Says to Remain Chair of United Russia Ruling Party
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
On 15 January, Dmitry Medvedev unexpectedly resigned hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced sweeping changes to the Constitution and a revamped approach to managing the country's economy.
sputniknews.com/russia/202001191078076191-medvedev-says-to-remain-chair-of-united-russia-ruling-party/

US Director on Russian Affairs at NSC Leaves Post Amid Pending Investigation – Reports
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
sputniknews.com/us/202001191078076043-us-director-on-russian-affairs-at-nsc-leaves-post-amid-pending-investigation-reports/

Russian tech giant Yandex wants to expand car-sharing service across Europe
rt.com | 2020-01-19
Russia's Yandex, which runs a popular car-sharing service in the country, is planning to expand across Europe this year, the tech company has revealed. | "We are considering such an opportunity," Dmitry Gorchakov, Yandex's head of geolocation services PR told RT. | It was earlier reported that the firm could make up to 1,000 electric vehicles available to rent. While the exact city where Yandex is going to test launch the project is not clear, Anton Ryazanov, chief of Yandex.Drive, told the Financial Times that the company is eyeing Madrid and Copenhagen, as well as cities in France and Italy. | Also on rt.com
rt.com/business/478130-russian-yandex-europe-carsharing/

Russians Celebrate Epiphany by Bathing in Icy Waters – Photos
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
On 19 January, Eastern Orthodox believers worldwide celebrate Epiphany, marking the baptism of Jesus Christ, which is usually accompanied by bathing in icy cold water. In Russia, however, the holiday often takes place under extreme weather conditions.
sputniknews.com/russia/202001191078077881-russians-celebrate-epiphany-by-bathing-in-icy-waters-photos/

Putin's Now Purged the West from the Kremlin. Medvedev Cabinet dissolved
Tom Luongo | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-19
It came as the biggest shock of the day on Wednesday. The Russian government resigned. The day before President Vladimir Putin gave his State of the Nation address and outlined a slate of constitutional changes. | That speech prompted an overhaul …
globalresearch.ca/putin-purged-west-kremlin/5700995

Iran to Review Cooperation with Int'l Nuclear Watchdog In Case of 'Unjust' Steps by EU – Reports
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
The European parties to the Iranian nuclear deal earlier launched a dispute resolution mechanism under the agreement, a process that could entail the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran.
sputniknews.com/middleeast/202001191078075865-iran-to-review-its-cooperation-with-intl-nuclear-watchdog-in-case-of-unjust-steps-by-eu—reports/

German FM blasts US policy on Iran, says Europe wants to prevent 'firestorm' in Middle East without regime change
rt.com | 2020-01-19
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that, instead of following the US' maximum pressure campaign against Iran, the EU will stick to diplomacy in order to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region. | The US and Europe have a "different approach" to Iran and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for its nuclear program, Maas told Bild am Sonntag newspaper, in an interview published on Saturday. | "While the US unilaterally abandoned the nuclear agreement and imposed maximum pressure [on Tehran], we want to achieve progress through negotiations. France, Britain and Germany want to keep…
rt.com/news/478646-heiko-maas-iran-policy/

German Foreign Minister Lashes Out at US Over Its Max Pressure Policy Towards Iran
sputniknews.com | 2020-01-19
Tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have been growing since Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, peaked this January following the killing of the Islamic Republic's top commander Qasem Soleimani. Following the assassination, Germany and other European countries reiterated their calls for avoiding escalation.
sputniknews.com/middleeast/202001191078077556-german-foreign-minister-lashes-out-at-us-iran/

Iran will review cooperation with IAEA if Europe takes 'unjust measures' over nuclear deal
rt.com | 2020-01-19
Tehran will review its cooperation with the global nuclear watchdog IAEA if the EU introduces "unjust" steps over the 2015 nuclear deal, which was first abandoned by the US, Iran's parliament speaker has warned. | Britain, France and Germany formally launched a process, charging Iran with failing to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on its nuclear program. | Speaker of Iran's parliament, Ali Larijani, called the decision "unfortunate." | "We clearly announce that if Europe, for any reason, uses Article 37 of the nuclear agreement unfairly, then Iran will make a serious decision re…
rt.com/news/478635-iran-will-review-cooperation-iaea/

Erdogan, Putin meet ahead of Berlin conference on Libya
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-19
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting ahead of the Berlin conference on the Libyan peace.German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will co-host the Berlin conference, which will seek a stronger commitment from the world powers and regional actors to non-interference in Libya to genuinely support the cease-fire and adhere to the UN's arms embargo.Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and the other i…
yenisafak.com/en/world/erdogan-putin-meet-ahead-of-berlin-conference-on-libya-3509976

Erdogan urges Libya's Haftar to end aggressive stance
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-19
Ahead of Libya conference in Berlin, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that Berlin conference should ensure a cease-fire and political dialogue for Libyan peace."It should be ensured that a cease-fire and return to political process are agreed at the Berlin summit in order for Libya to attain peace and calm," Erdogan said in Berlin during the televised part of the meeting with Putin.Erdogan also said: "[Gen. Khalifa] Haftar's aggressive attitudes must end to implement the phase of political process and solution [in Libya].""Joint efforts on Libya provided relative…
yenisafak.com/en/news/erdogan-urges-libyas-haftar-to-end-aggressive-stance-3509977

Azerbaijan remembers Jan. 20 tragedy with sorrow, pride
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-19
Azerbaijan recalls the tragedy of Jan. 20, also called Black January, with sorrow and pride, the country's ambassador to Turkey said.Regarded as the rebirth of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Black January violent crackdown witnessed the massacre of more than 130 people and wounding of hundreds of civilians by the Soviet army in Baku and surrounding areas Jan. 20, 1990, on the eve of the country's independence. Mass arrests accompanied the illegal deployment of troops and subsequent military intervention.Marking the 30th anniversary of the tragedy and remembering the violence Azerbaijan witnessed prior to the breakup…
yenisafak.com/en/news/azerbaijan-remembers-jan-20-tragedy-with-sorrow-pride-3509970

Putin: Don't lose hope that Libya conflict will be solved
yenisafak.com | 2020-01-19
"We don't lose hope that dialogue will continue and the conflict will be solved," Putin said before meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the conference.Putin said that Russia and Turkey had taken a "very good step" by urging Libyan factions to stop fighting, adding that large military actions had been stopped in Libya.
yenisafak.com/en/news/putin-dont-lose-hope-that-libya-conflict-will-be-solved-3509979

Nuclear Weapons: Trump Regime Pressured E3 Countries (UK, France, Germany) to Trigger JCPOA Dispute Mechanism
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-18
Post-WW II, Washington transformed Western European countries into virtual US colonies

Defender and spearheads
Victor Grossman | mronline.org | 2020-01-17
Troop movements today promise anything but peace. Every two years military maneuvers encircle Russian borders; every nine months a new brigade of 4500 U.S. soldiers was flown over to "gain experience". This year it will be a division of 20,000, joined by soldiers from 18 countries, 37,000 in all. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/01/17/defender-and-spearheads/

Police criticised for the 'chilling effect' of including environmental groups in counter-terror documents
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-01-17
Police have defended their inclusion of environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion in counter-terrorism documents, in the face of criticism it could have a "chilling effect" on people.The Guardian reported that a 24-page policing document it had seen included Greenpeace, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and other non-violent groups, as well as extremist right-wing proscribed groups such as National Action.It said the document was distributed to teachers and medical staff as part of anti-extremism briefings last year.Deputy assistant commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national co-ordinator for the U…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2020/01/17/police-criticised-for-the-chilling-effect-of-including-environmental-groups-in-counter-terror-documents/

Trump Calls for New Iran Nuclear Deal that Renders the Country Defenseless
Stephen Lendman | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-17
Last week, Trump called for a new Iran nuclear deal, claiming: | "(W)e must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place (sic)." | That's precisely the JCPOA's aim

America's Long History of Meddling in Russia
Ted Rall | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-17
Russia

The Rumbling Methane Enigma
Robert Hunziker | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-17
The northern continental shelves of Russia, inclusive of the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea (ESAS) are some of the least researched yet most controversial subjects in climate science today. It's the one region that has the biggest potential to trigger runaway global warming because of sizeable subsea methane deposits, thereby taking civilization down to its knees. But, that prospect is also extremely controversial within the scientific community.
counterpunch.org/2020/01/17/the-rumbling-methane-enigma/

Iraq Set to Buy Russian S-400 Air Defense System and Assert Its Sovereignty
Steven Sahiounie | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-17
Iran attacked US forces stationed at two bases in Iraq with 15 missiles on January 8th, but it does not appear missile defense systems were used to counter them. Eric Gomez, a missile defense policy analyst at the Cato …
globalresearch.ca/iraq-buy-russian-s-400-air-defense-system/5700888

The Rumbling Methane Enigma
Robert Hunziker | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-17
The northern continental shelves of Russia, inclusive of the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea (ESAS) are some of the least researched yet most controversial subjects in climate science today. It's the one region that has the biggest potential to trigger runaway global warming because of sizeable subsea methane deposits, thereby taking civilization down to its knees. But, that prospect is also extremely controversial within the scientific community.
counterpunch.org/2020/01/17/the-rumbling-methane-enigma/

The Rumbling ESAS Methane Enigma
Robert Hunziker | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-01-17
The northern continental shelves of Russia, inclusive of the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea (ESAS) are some of the least researched yet most controversial subjects in climate science today. It's the one region that has the biggest potential to trigger runaway global warming because of sizeable subsea methane deposits, thereby …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/01/the-rumbling-esas-methane-enigma/

Turkey Cuts Deal with Russia, Intensifying the War for Gas in Libya
Staff | therealnews.com | 2020-01-17
Turkey sent Syrian fighters to Libya to back the government and keep its control of offshore natural gas reserves. Egypt, Russia, ExxonMobil, Israel, and Greece are expanding Libya's civil war in a fight over control of the natural gas that Europe needs.
therealnews.com/stories/turkey-cuts-deal-with-russia-intensifying-the-war-for-gas-in-libya

The TEPCO Trial: Prosecution and Acquittal after Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown
Prof. David T. Johnson | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-17
On September 19, 2019, a panel of three professional judges in the Tokyo District Court acquitted three former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The defendants were former chairman Katsumata Tsunehisa (79), and former vice presidents Takekuro Ichiro …
globalresearch.ca/reflections-tepco-trial-prosecution-acquittal-japan-nuclear-meltdown/5700906

Washington continues war buildup against Iran
wsws.org | 2020-01-17
Another squadron of F15-E fighter jets has been dispatched to the region, while the threat of a "nuclear option" is on the table.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/17/iran-j17.html

Prospects for Peace in the Ukraine Conflict
Brendan Oswald | progressive.org | 2020-01-16
The war started as a land grab, with Russia taking advantage of disarray in the Ukrainian state and armed forces in the weeks following the Euromaidan revolution.
progressive.org/dispatches/prospects-for-peace-in-the-ukraine-conflict-oswald-200116/

Putin Proposes Sweeping Changes to Russian Constitution, Possibly Prolonging His Grip on Power
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-01-16
In Russia, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned Wednesday along with his entire Cabinet in a move that surprised many in Moscow and abroad. The move came as Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes to expand the power of the parliament and the State Council while weakening the presidency. Critics of Putin say the proposals could help him keep power after his final presidential term ends in 2024. The Russian parliament is expected to vote today to confirm Putin's pick for new prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, a bureaucrat who runs Russia's tax service. The Russian newspaper Kom…
www.democracynow.org/2020/1/16/russia_putin_medvedev_tony_wood

Soleimani Fallout Continues to Produce Diplomatic Dividends for Russia
Padraig McGrath | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-16
Ahead of this year's Munich Security Conference, due to begin on February 14th, its chairman Wolfgang Ischinger praised what he called President Putin's "method" concerning security-issues in the Middle East. Talking to the ZDF television channel on January 13th, Ischinger …
globalresearch.ca/soleimani-fallout-continues-produce-diplomatic-dividends-russia/5700843

Putin Proposes Sweeping Changes to Russian Constitution, Possibly Prolonging His Grip on Power
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-01-16
In Russia, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned Wednesday along with his entire Cabinet in a move that surprised many in Moscow and abroad. The move came as Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes to expand the power of the parliament and the State Council while weakening the presidency. Critics of Putin say the proposals could help him keep power after his final presidential term ends in 2024. The Russian parliament is expected to vote today to confirm Putin's pick for new prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, a bureaucrat who runs Russia's tax service. The Russian newspaper Kom…
www.democracynow.org/2020/1/16/russia_putin_medvedev_tony_wood

Who's this guy? Jeopardy contestants fail to recognize impeachment 'hero' Adam Schiff & Twitter ROFLs
rt.com | 2020-01-16
Rep. Adam Schiff might be leading an impeachment drive in the US, but it seems not everybody is familiar with the 'resistance' hero. At least, his photo did not ring any bells for contestants on the latest Jeopardy episode. | Schiff, a prominent Russiagater whose fame among the anti-Trump resistance camp reached new heights amid the ongoing Ukrainegate saga, might be a household name on Capitol Hill, but the question remains: Is the same true for the rest of the country outside of the Washington political swamp? If the classic trivia game show is any indication, it is not. | Just a reminder we live in a bubble…
rt.com/usa/478389-schiff-jeopardy-impeachment-hero/

Russia: A Groundbreaking Powershift?
Peter Koenig | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-01-16
In groundbreaking news President Putin announced today, 15 January, in his annual address to the Nation, major changes in his government. First, he announced that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his entire cabinet resigned and will eventually be replaced by a new PM and a new cabinet. A timeline was not given. In the meantime, …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/01/russia-a-groundbreaking-powershift/

The Afro-Eurasia Proposal Would be a Timely Alternative to the US Sponsored "Indo-Pacific"
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2020-01-16
Russia's repeated rejection of the US' 'Indo-Pacific' concept that Foreign Minister Lavrov claims is a ruse for "containing China" highlights just how urgently it is that a more inclusive and non-hostile trans-regional integration alternative emerges, which can be embodied by …
globalresearch.ca/afro-eurasia-alternative-indo-pacific/5700807

Iran's Rouhani Demands US, EU Troops Leave the Middle East or Face "Danger"
Tyler Durden | theantimedia.com | 2020-01-15
(ZH)

Americans Are Ready for a Different Approach to Nuclear Weapons
Lawrence Wittner | zcomm.org | 2019-12-22
Although today's public protests against nuclear weapons can't compare to the major antinuclear upheavals of past decades, there are clear indications that most Americans reject the Trump administration's nuclear weapons policies. Since entering office in 2017, the Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from the nuclear agreement with Iran, scrapped the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/americans-are-ready-for-a-different-approach-to-nuclear-weapons/

Seemingly Coordinated ISIS/al-Qaeda Attacks On Syrian Oil/Gas Fields & US' Russia/Libya Hypocrisy
Ryan Cristián | thelastamericanvagabond.com | 2019-12-22
Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, a concise show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (12/21/19). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth …
thelastamericanvagabond.com/daily-wrap-up/seemingly-coordinated-isis-al-qaeda-attacks-on-syrian-oil-gas-fields-us-russia-libya-hypocrisy/