Daily Archives: June 13, 2019

2019-06-13: News Headlines

Vijay Prashad (2019-06-13). Peace is a word that the West has taken from the Afghans. mronline.org The war on Afghanistan has been ugly. Death is one consequence of war—2019 has been the deadliest year for civilians since the United States first began to bomb Afghanistan in 2001. Starvation is another—according to the UN, half of the population will need food assistance over the course of this year. | Source

commondreams (2019-06-13). Congresswoman Barbara Lee Condemns Ongoing Attacks Against Peaceful Protesters in Sudan. commondreams.org ______________________________…

The Canary (2019-06-13). Greenpeace activists continue to occupy oil rig amid police activity. thecanary.co Greenpeace said its activists remain in their position on an oil rig which was being towed out to sea, despite police attempts to remove them.Campaigners from the environmental organisation have been occupying the rig in the Cromarty Firth, near Inverness, since Sunday evening.They are calling on BP to stop drilling for oil and hope to stop the drilling rig from reaching the Vorlich oil field, where it is believed to be trying to extract up to 30 million barrels of oil.Greenpeace said that on Thursday a police helicopter was seen landing…

Laura Gottesdiener (2019-06-13). Two Iraqi Peace Activists Confront a Trumpian World. commondreams.org "In 2003, it was Iraq. In 2019, it's Iran." (Photo: Thiago Santos/cc/flickr) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/notowar.jpeg

Charles P. Pierce (2019-06-13). I Don't Trust This Administration* With a Lemon Zester, Let Alone a War With Iran. commondreams.org U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks from the State Department briefing room on June 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. Pompeo said, "It is the assessment of the U.S. government that Iran is responsible for today's attacks in the Gulf of Oman. These attacks are a threat to international peace and security, a blatant assault on the freedom of navigation, and an unacceptable escalation of tension by Iran." (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/gettyimages-1155727678.jpg

teleSUR (2019-06-13). Nicaragua Honors Police Killed During US-backed Protests. telesurenglish.net The National Police of Nicaragua's Sandinista government held a ceremony Wednesday to honor the 22 police officers killed by right-wing protesters during the failed coup d'etat against President Daniel Ortega one year ago. Activists also paid tribute to two Sandinista supporters who were murdered during the same period. | RELATED: | Nicaragua Approves Amnesty Law To Bring Peace | The ceremony was held in the nation's capital of Managua by senior National Police members and attended by the frie…

MAIL (2019-06-13). Despite Police Crackdown, Historic Hong Kong Protests Against New Extradition Law Continue. democracynow.org Authorities in Hong Kong have shut down government offices and postponed debate in the Legislative Council, one day after riot police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray at tens of thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets to protest a bill that would allow the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China. On Wednesday, demonstrators attempted to storm the Legislative Council Building, where lawmakers are debating the extradition bill. Human Rights Watch criticized Hong Kong authorities for using what it described as "excessive force" to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Protesters de…

Staff (2019-06-13). As Trump Administration Weighs War, Iraqis Plan a Carnival for Peace. truthout.org There's a dark joke going around Baghdad these days. Noof Assi, a 30-year-old Iraqi peace activist and humanitarian worker, told it to me by phone. Our conversation takes place in late May just after the Trump administration has announced that it would add 1,500 additional U.S. troops to its Middle Eastern garrisons. | "Iran wants to fight to get the United States and Saudi Arabia out of Iraq," she began. "And the United States wants to fight to get Iran out of Iraq." She paused dramatically. "So how about all of us Iraqis just leave Iraq so they can fight here on their own?" | Assi is among a generation of yo…

By Global Information Network (2019-06-13). TROUBLE BREWING IN LIBERIA FOR PRESIDENT WEAH. blackstarnews.com June 10, 2019 (GIN) — Liberian President George Weah is having a few bad days. And more may be on their way. | A citizen action group — the Council of Patriots (COP) — has a long list of demands covering governance, human rights and the rule of law, national peace and reconciliation, integrity and accountability, among others. | The group has called on President Weah to part ways with some of his close lieutenants they believe are not up to the task and may cause him more harm politically. | Thousands of Liberians turned out on June 7 to protest corruption and economic decline that many blame on…

WSWS (2019-06-13). UK police seek to prosecute 1,130 Extinction Rebellion climate change protestors. wsws.org The moves against peaceful climate protesters are aimed at criminalizing political dissent.

Laura Gottesdiener (2019-06-13). Two Iraqi peace activists confront a Trumpian world. nationofchange.org There's a dark joke going around Baghdad these days. Noof Assi, a 30-year-old Iraqi peace activist and humanitarian worker, told it to me by phone. Our conversation takes place in late May just after the Trump administration has announced that it would add 1,500 additional U.S. troops to its Middle Eastern garrisons. | "Iran wants to fight to get the United States and Saudi Arabia out of Iraq," she began. "And the United States wants to fight to get Iran out of Iraq." She paused dramatically. "So how about all of us Iraqis just leave Iraq so they can fight here on their own?" | Assi is among a generation of yo…

plenglish (2019-06-13). Trump Dismisses Dialogue with Iran in Current Context. plenglish.com Washington, June 13 (Prensa Latina) US President Donald Trump said today it is too early to dialogue with Iran, amid the current context of growing tensions between the two countries.

Tony Cartalucci (2019-06-13). Convenient "Tanker Attacks" as US Seeks War with Iran. globalresearch.ca "…it would be far more preferable if the United States could cite an Iranian provocation as justification for the airstrikes before launching them. Clearly, the more outrageous, the more deadly, and the more unprovoked the Iranian action, the better off …

plenglish (2019-06-13). Iranian Rescuers Evacuate Tankers at Oman Sea. plenglish.com Tehran, Jun 13 ( Prensa Latina) Iranian aid workers have helped Thursday the crews of two oil tankers damaged by explosions while sailing the Oman Sea.

Tyler Durden (2019-06-13). US Blames Iran for Tanker Attacks, Says Tehran "Trying to Interrupt Flow of Oil" theantimedia.com (ZH) — Update 6: And there it is… The US has officially blamed Iran for Thursday's attacks, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters during a Thursday press briefing. The secretary of state and longtime Iran hawk said the Iranians are working to interrupt the flow of the international oil trade. He also said that Tehran rejected …

teleSUR (2019-06-13). Iranian Women Boycott Taxi App Over Hijab Dispute. telesurenglish.net An Iranian ride-hailing application is facing a major boycott campaign after one of its drivers asked a female passenger to cover her head after her hijab (headscarf) fell off while in the vehicle. | RELATED: | Prominent Anti-Iran 'Writer' Not Real Person, Mouthpiece of Shady Iranian Group | Last week, a Snapp taxi app driver asked the woman he had picked up to cover her head with her hijab after it had fallen off. The request led to an argument between the two, a…

RT (2019-06-13). Neither US nor Iran are ready for making a deal – Trump. rt.com US President Donald Trump has said that he believes it is "too soon to even think about" entering into any deal with Iran after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran..

plenglish (2019-06-13). Iranian President Blames U.S. for Middle East Tensions. plenglish.com Tehran, Jun 13 (Prensa Latina) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani this Thursday blamed the United States for causing all the tensions in the Middle East with its economic war against the Islamic Republic.

Jake Johnson, staff writer (2019-06-13). 'Deja Vu' of Iraq War Lies as Mike Pompeo Blames Iran for Tanker Attack Without Single Shred of Evidence. commondreams.org "Secretary Pompeo gives zero proof but insists that Iran is responsible for ship attacks in Gulf of Oman. Lies, lies, and more lies to make a case for war." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/mike_pompeo_2.jpg

Middle East Eye (2019-06-13). Congress Denounces 'Emergency' $8 Billion Weapons Deal With Saudi Arabia. theantimedia.com (MEE) — The administration of US President Donald Trump declared an emergency last month to enable arms sales to Saudi Arabia without congressional oversight. The State Department has cited alleged Iranian plans to attack US troops and Washington's partners in the Gulf to force through the sales, but many of the weapons included in the deals …

James Carden (2019-06-13). Pete Buttigieg's Comprehensive Foreign-Policy Vision. thenation.com Pete Buttigieg's Comprehensive Foreign-Policy Vision…

Jake Johnson, staff writer (2019-06-13). Warnings of Effort to 'Maneuver the US Into a War' as Trump Officials Rush to Blame Iran for Attacks on Gulf Tankers. commondreams.org "These attacks are yet another warning sign that Trump and his team are leaning into a disastrous war in the Middle East." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/tanker_0.jpg

Kim Petersen (2019-06-13). Why Would China and Huawei Commit Economic Self-Ruin? dissidentvoice.org It could be construed as a badge of professional honor that a news broadcaster is open to presenting a wide range of views. This might especially be considered so when the corporate-state media is parochially aligned to portraying an unskeptical right-wing, warmongering bizzaro worldview where left-wing (defined as socialist, communist, anarchist… not Democrats or Liberals …

MAIL (2019-06-13). No More Deaths: Mistrial Declared After Jury Refuses to Convict Scott Warren for Aiding Migrants. democracynow.org In Tucson, Arizona, a jury has refused to convict humanitarian activist Scott Warren, who faced up to 20 years in prison for providing water, food, clean clothes and beds to two undocumented migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. Warren's trial ended Tuesday in a mistrial after a deadlocked jury was unable to deliver a verdict. Eight jurors thought Warren was not guilty; four thought he was guilty. A status hearing is scheduled for July 2. Prosecutors have declined to comment on whether they would seek a retrial against Warren. We speak with Ryan Devereaux, a staff reporter at The Intercept who…

United Nations (2019-06-13). Thursday's Daily Brief: Albinism, displacement in Central America, family-friendly nations, updates on the Gulf and Darfur. un.org This Thursday, top stories includes: International Albinism Awareness Day; the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, appealing for regional talks on Central America forced displacement; updates on the latest attack on oil tankers in the Gulf and on recent clashes in Darfur; and a new report by UNICEF on the best and worst "family-friendly" nations.

Staff (2019-06-13). Daniel Ellsberg: 'I Wanted to See the War Ended'. truthdig.com On the 48th anniversary of the Pentagon Papers, the whistleblower reflects on his decision to leak classified info to the New York Times.

Special To The Black Star News (2019-06-13). Bipartisan Group Issues Statement On Passage Of Green Light NY Bill By NYS Assembly. blackstarnews.com New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie supported the Green Light NY bill… | FWD.us New York State Immigration Manager Eddie A. Taveras issued the following statement yesterday in response to the State Assembly's passage of the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, or "Green Light NY" bill, which would allow an estimated 265,000 undocumented New Yorkers to apply for a driver's license. | "Creating a process for hardworking New Yorkers to earn a driver's license is a critical step forward in protecting New York's immigrant communities," said Taveras. "We thank Assemblyman Marcos Crespo for sponsoring this leg…

Makia Freeman (2019-06-13). 5G Danger: 13 Reasons 5G Wireless Technology Will Be a Catastrophe for Humanity. globalresearch.ca The 5G danger can't be overstated. | 5G (5th Generation) is now being actively rolled out in many cities around the world. Simultaneously, as awareness over its horrific health and privacy impacts is rising, many places are issuing moratoriums on it …

Elliott Negin (2019-06-13). Our post-carbon future depends on electric vehicles — our Congress controls their economic lifeline. nationofchange.org This article was produced by Earth | Food | Life, a project of the Independent Media Institute. | There are a few competing electric vehicle-related bills kicking around Capitol Hill right now. One, a bipartisan bill aptly titled the Driving America Forward Act, would keep the country moving in the right direction to address the worldwide climate crisis. Another, d…

Tyler Durden (2019-06-13). 9/11 Victims Fund Bill Unanimously Passes After Jon Stewart Publicly Shames Congress. theantimedia.com (ZH) — The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a bill on Wednesday which would permanently reauthorize the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, one day after comedian and activist Jon Stewart tore the committee a new one on Tuesday — calling them "shameful" over the number of empty seats on the panel. "I can't help but think what an incredible metaphor this …

kathy_f (2019-06-13). What do we need to do to avoid hothouse Earth? greenleft.org.au The latest report from Melbourne-based independent think-tank Breakthrough — National Centre for Climate Restoration, Existential climate-related security risk: A scenario approach, provides graphic descriptions of what lies ahead if we do not immediately take action. | It is endorsed by retired admiral and former chief of the Australian Defence Force Chris Barrie who said in its forward, "A doomsday future is not inevitable! But without immediate drastic action our prospects are poor. We must act collectively." | Acco…

Renee Parsons (2019-06-13). Global Warming Morphs Into the Solar Minimum. counterpunch.org Since Climate Change (CC) has been a constant of life on Gaia with the evolution of photosynthesis 3.2 billion years ago and has more complexities than this one essay can address; ergo, this article will explore co2's historic contribution to global warming (GW) as well as explore the relationship of Solar Minimum (SM) to Earth's More

Jason Ditz (2019-06-13). US Wipes Out Entire Afghan Security Forces Unit in Second Major Friendly Fire Incident. theantimedia.com (ANTIWAR.COM) — For the second time in less than a month, US forces carried out airstrikes "in self defense" in Afghanistan, only to discover that they were actually attacking Afghan security forces. The Wednesday strike ended up wiping out an entire unit, though officials have yet to disclose the exact number of deaths, beyond it apparently being everyone …

Eric London (2019-06-13). US to Jail 1,400 Immigrant Children at WWII Japanese Internment Site. globalresearch.ca The Pentagon announced yesterday that the Trump administration will detain 1,400 immigrant children at the site of a World War II-era Japanese internment camp, Fort Sill Army Base in Lawton, Oklahoma. | The decision, announced Tuesday as Trump denounced immigrants and …

Angely Mercado (2019-06-13). The Youth Climate Movement Is Just Getting Started. thenation.com The Youth Climate Movement Is Just Getting Started…

Eds. (2019-06-13). To survive: we need a global awakening much bigger than a "revolution," much deeper than just ending capitalism. mronline.org The climate apocalypse will soon kill all of us (including the plutocrats), if we don't take drastic measures right away. But the plutocrats are blocking those measures, because they don't want anything cutting into their short-term profits. In this video I discuss the crazy culture that has us headed toward extinction. To survive, we need […] | Source

Amy Liu (2019-06-13). Comienza el juicio para Scott Warren, que se enfrenta a 20 años por ayudar a los migrantes que cruzan el desierto. liberationnews.org °Exigimos que se retiren todos los cargos de inmediato!

plenglish (2019-06-13). High Suicide Rate within the Colombian Army. plenglish.com Bogotá, Jun 13 (Prensa Latina) The greatest cause of death within the Colombian Army in recent years has not been fighting in combat, but suicide, the Senator and former presidential Candidate Gustavo Petro warned the eve.

Kevin Gosztola (2019-06-13). New Report Exposes Pentagon as World's Largest Producer of Greenhouse Gases. theantimedia.com (SP) — The United States military has emitted over a billion metric tons of greenhouse gases since the beginning of the global war on terrorism in 2001, according to a report from Brown University's "Costs of War" project. It is equivalent to the annual emissions of 257 million passenger cars, "more than double the current number of …

Staff (2019-06-13). Mistrial Declared After Jury Refuses to Convict Scott Warren for Aiding Migrants. truthout.org In Tucson, Arizona, a jury has refused to convict humanitarian activist Scott Warren, who faced up to 20 years in prison for providing water, food, clean clothes and beds to two undocumented migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. Warren's trial ended Tuesday in a mistrial after a deadlocked jury was unable to deliver a verdict. Eight jurors thought Warren was not guilty; four thought he was guilty. A status hearing is scheduled for July 2. Prosecutors have declined to comment on whether they would seek a retrial against Warren. We speak with Ryan Devereaux, a staff reporter at The Intercept…

plenglish (2019-06-13). Israeli Aviation Bombs Gaza Strip. plenglish.com Ramallah, Jun 13 ( Prensa Latina) Israeli warplanes have bombed agricultural areas in the north and south of the blocked Gaza Strip causing damage, but no human injuries, local authorities said.

Philip Giraldi (2019-06-13). Pence Goes to War: America Will be Fighting Forever. globalresearch.ca On May 25th Vice President Mike Pence was the featured speaker at the United States Military Academy commencement. His speech was predictably an encomium celebrating both the diversity and the success of the newly commissioned officers as well as …

WSWS (2019-06-13). Mistrial in case against "No More Deaths" volunteer charged with aiding immigrants. wsws.org Scott Warren was arrested for providing food, water and shelter to two undocumented immigrants.

WSWS (2019-06-13). New Zealand protest opposes persecution of Julian Assange and Australian journalists. wsws.org Tom Peters of the Socialist Equality Group warned that press freedom and democratic rights are "not compatible with endless war and endless attacks on living standards."

Global Research News (2019-06-13). Selected Articles: Towards "NATO-Exit"? Shift in the Structure of Military Coalitions. globalresearch.ca Our objective at Global Research is to recruit one thousand committed "volunteers" among our more than 50,000 Newsletter subscribers to support the distribution of Global Research articles (email lists, social media, crossposts). | Do not send us money. Under Plan A

Jake Johnson, staff writer (2019-06-13). Warren, Sanders Lead Calls for Immediate Impeachment Hearings After Trump Says He Would Welcome Dirt From Foreign Power in 2020. commondreams.org "We have a president who thinks he is above the law. The House should immediately begin impeachment inquiries," said Sen. Bernie Sanders | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/donald_trump_1.jpg

South Front (2019-06-13). Video: Israeli Military Continues Strikes on Syria. globalresearch.ca During the night of June 12, warplanes of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a barrage of missiles at targets near Tell al-Hara in southern Syria. According to the Syrian state media, the IDF employed electronic warfare measures to suppress …

United Nations (2019-06-13). Recognize, celebrate and 'stand in solidarity' with persons with albinism. un.org International Albinism Awareness Day is a time to "recognize, celebrate and stand in solidarity with persons with albinism around the world", the United Nations urged on Thursday, taking place this year under the banner, "Still Standing Strong".

Robert Fisk (2019-06-13). Robert Fisk: Sudan Protesters Were Right to Fear the Arrival of Saudi and UAE Money. mintpressnews.com The Sudanese democracy demonstrators were the first to protest at Saudi Arabia's interference in their revolution. We all knew that the Saudis and the Emiratis had been funnelling millions of dollars into the regime of Omar al-Bashir, wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court and now chucked out of power by a Sisi-like military cabal. But it was the sit-in protesters who first thought up the slogan: "We do not want Saudi aid even if we have to eat beans and falafel!" | It was shouted, of course, along with the more familiar chants of 'revolution of the people". | Few noticed this little developmen…

Nick Pardee (2019-06-13). California's Democratic supermajority offers a path forward that is safe for landlords. liberationnews.org Given the opportunity to pass basic renter protections in California, Democrats killed or weakened all such legislation.

2019-06-13: Social Media Postees

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

As Trump Administration Weighs War, Iraqis Plan a Carnival for Peace
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-06-13
There's a dark joke going around Baghdad these days. Noof Assi, a 30-year-old Iraqi peace activist and humanitarian worker, told it to me by phone. Our conversation takes place in late May just after the Trump administration has announced that it would add 1,500 additional U.S. troops to its Middle Eastern garrisons. | "Iran wants to fight to get the United States and Saudi Arabia out of Iraq," she began. "And the United States wants to fight to get Iran out of Iraq." She paused dramatically. "So how about all of us Iraqis just leave Iraq so they can fight here on their own?" | Assi is among a generation of yo…
truthout.org/articles/as-trump-administration-weighs-war-iraqis-plan-a-carnival-for-peace/

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Condemns Ongoing Attacks Against Peaceful Protesters in Sudan
commondreams.org | 2019-06-13
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/06/13/congresswoman-barbara-lee-condemns-ongoing-attacks-against-peaceful-protesters?cd-origin=rss

I Don't Trust This Administration* With a Lemon Zester, Let Alone a War With Iran
Charles P. Pierce | commondreams.org | 2019-06-13
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks from the State Department briefing room on June 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. Pompeo said, "It is the assessment of the U.S. government that Iran is responsible for today's attacks in the Gulf of Oman. These attacks are a threat to international peace and security, a blatant assault on the freedom of navigation, and an unacceptable escalation of tension by Iran." (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/gettyimages-1155727678.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2019/06/13/i-dont-trust-administration-lemon-zester-let-alone-war-iran?cd-origin=rss

UK police seek to prosecute 1,130 Extinction Rebellion climate change protestors
wsws.org | 2019-06-13
The moves against peaceful climate protesters are aimed at criminalizing political dissent.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/clim-j13.html

Two Iraqi Peace Activists Confront a Trumpian World
Laura Gottesdiener | commondreams.org | 2019-06-13
"In 2003, it was Iraq. In 2019, it's Iran." (Photo: Thiago Santos/cc/flickr) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/notowar.jpeg
commondreams.org/views/2019/06/13/two-iraqi-peace-activists-confront-trumpian-world?cd-origin=rss

Two Iraqi peace activists confront a Trumpian world
Laura Gottesdiener | nationofchange.org | 2019-06-13
There's a dark joke going around Baghdad these days. Noof Assi, a 30-year-old Iraqi peace activist and humanitarian worker, told it to me by phone. Our conversation takes place in late May just after the Trump administration has announced that it would add 1,500 additional U.S. troops to its Middle Eastern garrisons. | "Iran wants to fight to get the United States and Saudi Arabia out of Iraq," she began. "And the United States wants to fight to get Iran out of Iraq." She paused dramatically. "So how about all of us Iraqis just leave Iraq so they can fight here on their own?" | Assi is among a generation of yo…
nationofchange.org/2019/06/13/two-iraqi-peace-activists-confront-a-trumpian-world/

Despite Police Crackdown, Historic Hong Kong Protests Against New Extradition Law Continue
MAIL | democracynow.org | 2019-06-13
Authorities in Hong Kong have shut down government offices and postponed debate in the Legislative Council, one day after riot police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray at tens of thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets to protest a bill that would allow the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China. On Wednesday, demonstrators attempted to storm the Legislative Council Building, where lawmakers are debating the extradition bill. Human Rights Watch criticized Hong Kong authorities for using what it described as "excessive force" to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Protesters de…
www.democracynow.org/2019/6/13/despite_police_crackdown_historic_hong_kong

TROUBLE BREWING IN LIBERIA FOR PRESIDENT WEAH
By Global Information Network | blackstarnews.com | 2019-06-13
June 10, 2019 (GIN) — Liberian President George Weah is having a few bad days. And more may be on their way. | A citizen action group — the Council of Patriots (COP) — has a long list of demands covering governance, human rights and the rule of law, national peace and reconciliation, integrity and accountability, among others. | The group has called on President Weah to part ways with some of his close lieutenants they believe are not up to the task and may cause him more harm politically. | Thousands of Liberians turned out on June 7 to protest corruption and economic decline that many blame on…
www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/trouble-brewing-in-liberia-for-president-weah.html

Greenpeace activists continue to occupy oil rig amid police activity
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-06-13
Greenpeace said its activists remain in their position on an oil rig which was being towed out to sea, despite police attempts to remove them.Campaigners from the environmental organisation have been occupying the rig in the Cromarty Firth, near Inverness, since Sunday evening.They are calling on BP to stop drilling for oil and hope to stop the drilling rig from reaching the Vorlich oil field, where it is believed to be trying to extract up to 30 million barrels of oil.Greenpeace said that on Thursday a police helicopter was seen landing…
thecanary.co/discovery/news-discovery/2019/06/13/greenpeace-activists-continue-to-occupy-oil-rig-amid-police-activity/

Nicaragua Honors Police Killed During US-backed Protests
telesurenglish.net | 2019-06-13
The National Police of Nicaragua's Sandinista government held a ceremony Wednesday to honor the 22 police officers killed by right-wing protesters during the failed coup d'etat against President Daniel Ortega one year ago. Activists also paid tribute to two Sandinista supporters who were murdered during the same period. | RELATED: | Nicaragua Approves Amnesty Law To Bring Peace | The ceremony was held in the nation's capital of Managua by senior National Police members and attended by the frie…
telesurenglish.net/news/Nicaragua-Honors-Police-Killed-During-US-backed-Protests–20190613-0007.html

Peace is a word that the West has taken from the Afghans
Vijay Prashad | mronline.org | 2019-06-13
The war on Afghanistan has been ugly. Death is one consequence of war–2019 has been the deadliest year for civilians since the United States first began to bomb Afghanistan in 2001. Starvation is another–according to the UN, half of the population will need food assistance over the course of this year. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/06/13/peace-is-a-word-that-the-west-has-taken-from-the-afghans/

TROUBLE BREWING IN LIBERIA FOR PRESIDENT WEAH
By Global Information Network | blackstarnews.com | 2019-06-13
June 10, 2019 (GIN) — Liberian President George Weah is having a few bad days. And more may be on their way. | A citizen action group — the Council of Patriots (COP) — has a long list of demands covering governance, human rights and the rule of law, national peace and reconciliation, integrity and accountability, among others. | The group has called on President Weah to part ways with some of his close lieutenants they believe are not up to the task and may cause him more harm politically. | Thousands of Liberians turned out on June 7 to protest corruption and economic decline that many blame on…
www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/trouble-brewing-in-liberia-for-president-weah.html

UK police seek to prosecute 1,130 Extinction Rebellion climate change protestors
wsws.org | 2019-06-13
The moves against peaceful climate protesters are aimed at criminalizing political dissent.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/clim-j13.html

Warnings of Effort to 'Maneuver the US Into a War' as Trump Officials Rush to Blame Iran for Attacks on Gulf Tankers
Jake Johnson, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-06-13
"These attacks are yet another warning sign that Trump and his team are leaning into a disastrous war in the Middle East." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/tanker_0.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/06/13/warnings-effort-maneuver-us-war-trump-officials-rush-blame-iran-attacks-gulf-tankers?cd-origin=rss

Iranian President Blames U.S. for Middle East Tensions
plenglish.com | 2019-06-13
Tehran, Jun 13 (Prensa Latina) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani this Thursday blamed the United States for causing all the tensions in the Middle East with its economic war against the Islamic Republic.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43192&SEO=iranian-president-blames-u.s.-for-middle-east-tensions

Neither US nor Iran are ready for making a deal – Trump
rt.com | 2019-06-13
US President Donald Trump has said that he believes it is "too soon to even think about" entering into any deal with Iran after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.. | …
rt.com/usa/461809-us-iran-trump-ready-deal/

Iranian President Blames U.S. for Middle East Tensions
plenglish.com | 2019-06-13
Tehran, Jun 13 (Prensa Latina) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani this Thursday blamed the United States for causing all the tensions in the Middle East with its economic war against the Islamic Republic.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43192&SEO=iranian-president-blames-u.s.-for-middle-east-tensions

Congress Denounces 'Emergency' $8 Billion Weapons Deal With Saudi Arabia
Middle East Eye | theantimedia.com | 2019-06-13
(MEE) — The administration of US President Donald Trump declared an emergency last month to enable arms sales to Saudi Arabia without congressional oversight. The State Department has cited alleged Iranian plans to attack US troops and Washington's partners in the Gulf to force through the sales, but many of the weapons included in the deals …

Congress Denounces 'Emergency' $8 Billion Weapons Deal With Saudi Arabia

'Deja Vu' of Iraq War Lies as Mike Pompeo Blames Iran for Tanker Attack Without Single Shred of Evidence
Jake Johnson, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-06-13
"Secretary Pompeo gives zero proof but insists that Iran is responsible for ship attacks in Gulf of Oman. Lies, lies, and more lies to make a case for war." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/mike_pompeo_2.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/06/13/deja-vu-iraq-war-lies-mike-pompeo-blames-iran-tanker-attack-without-single-shred?cd-origin=rss

Iranian Women Boycott Taxi App Over Hijab Dispute
telesurenglish.net | 2019-06-13
An Iranian ride-hailing application is facing a major boycott campaign after one of its drivers asked a female passenger to cover her head after her hijab (headscarf) fell off while in the vehicle. | RELATED: | Prominent Anti-Iran 'Writer' Not Real Person, Mouthpiece of Shady Iranian Group | Last week, a Snapp taxi app driver asked the woman he had picked up to cover her head with her hijab after it had fallen off. The request led to an argument between the two, a…
telesurenglish.net/news/Iranian-Women-Boycott-Taxi-App-Over-Hijab-Dispute-20190613-0008.html

Iranian Rescuers Evacuate Tankers at Oman Sea
plenglish.com | 2019-06-13
Tehran, Jun 13 ( Prensa Latina) Iranian aid workers have helped Thursday the crews of two oil tankers damaged by explosions while sailing the Oman Sea.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43207&SEO=iranian-rescuers-evacuate-tankers-at-oman-sea

Trump Dismisses Dialogue with Iran in Current Context
plenglish.com | 2019-06-13
Washington, June 13 (Prensa Latina) US President Donald Trump said today it is too early to dialogue with Iran, amid the current context of growing tensions between the two countries.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43241&SEO=trump-dismisses-dialogue-with-iran-in-current-context

US Blames Iran for Tanker Attacks, Says Tehran "Trying to Interrupt Flow of Oil"
Tyler Durden | theantimedia.com | 2019-06-13
(ZH) — Update 6: And there it is… The US has officially blamed Iran for Thursday's attacks, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters during a Thursday press briefing. The secretary of state and longtime Iran hawk said the Iranians are working to interrupt the flow of the international oil trade. He also said that Tehran rejected …

Two Tankers Damaged After Torpedo Attack Near Strait of Hormuz

Pete Buttigieg's Comprehensive Foreign-Policy Vision
James Carden | thenation.com | 2019-06-13
Pete Buttigieg's Comprehensive Foreign-Policy Vision…
thenation.com/article/pete-buttigieg-foreign-policy-speech-iran-venezuela/

Convenient "Tanker Attacks" as US Seeks War with Iran
Tony Cartalucci | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-13
globalresearch.ca/convenient-tanker-attacks-as-us-seeks-war-with-iran/5680510

Why Elizabeth Warren is Right on Currency Values
Dean Baker | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-13
Elizabeth Warren's proposal to raise the value of the Chinese yuan and other currencies against the dollar is not getting good reviews in the media from economists. As can be expected, some of the arguments are pretty strange. As the usually astute Noah Smith tells it in his Bloomberg piece, the problem with the trade…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/13/why-elizabeth-warren-is-right-on-currency-values/

US urges Sudan's protesters and army to resume talks
CGTN Africa | cgtn.com | 2019-06-13
The top U.S. diplomat for Africa on Wednesday joined an international effort to press Sudan's military rulers and the opposition toward a deal on a transition to democracy two months after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir. | Tibor Nagy, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Africa, met on Wednesday with the main opposition coalition and held talks with Sudan's acting Deputy Foreign Minister Ilham Ibrahim. | Before the meetings, the State Department said Nagy was going to urge the parties to work toward an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations. The United States also on Wed…
africa.cgtn.com/2019/06/13/us-urges-sudans-protesters-and-army-to-resume-talks/

New Zealand protest opposes persecution of Julian Assange and Australian journalists
wsws.org | 2019-06-13
Tom Peters of the Socialist Equality Group warned that press freedom and democratic rights are "not compatible with endless war and endless attacks on living standards."
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/asnz-j13.html

Bipartisan Group Issues Statement On Passage Of Green Light NY Bill By NYS Assembly
Special To The Black Star News | blackstarnews.com | 2019-06-13
New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie supported the Green Light NY bill… | FWD.us New York State Immigration Manager Eddie A. Taveras issued the following statement yesterday in response to the State Assembly's passage of the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, or "Green Light NY" bill, which would allow an estimated 265,000 undocumented New Yorkers to apply for a driver's license. | "Creating a process for hardworking New Yorkers to earn a driver's license is a critical step forward in protecting New York's immigrant communities," said Taveras. "We thank Assemblyman Marcos Crespo for sponsoring this leg…
www.blackstarnews.com/ny-watch/politics/bipartisan-group-issues-statement-on-passage-of-green-light-ny-bill

Say Goodbye to the First Amendment
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-06-13
"Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech or of the press," reads the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Yet, for the first time ever, a publisher is being prosecuted under the World War I-era Espionage Act. Julian Assange, co-founder of the whistleblower website WikiLeaks, is facing 170 years in prison if he is extradited to the U.S. from the United Kingdom. The case could deal a monumental blow to the free press in the United States. | The U.S. first charged Assange in April with attempting to help a U.S. Army whistleblower break into a military computer system, for which Assange wo…
truthdig.com/articles/the-chilling-crusade-against-julian-assange-and-chelsea-manning/

Brexit Trade Delusions Show Why Britain Needs to Confront Its History of Empire
Rahul Verma | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-13
On 7 December, 2016, nearly six months after the referendum, Prime Minister Theresa May gave a speech to the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain. She said: | "As Britain leaves the European Union so we intend to take a leap forward, | …
globalresearch.ca/brexit-trade-delusions-show-why-britain-needs-confront-history-empire/5680474

Los Angeles schools superintendent warns of "reckoning" after failure of property tax measure
wsws.org | 2019-06-13
In an effort to justify its shutdown of the LA teacher strike in January, the unions told educators to look to the Democratic Party-backed tax measure to increase school funding.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/laus-j13.html

The Youth Climate Movement Is Just Getting Started
Angely Mercado | thenation.com | 2019-06-13
The Youth Climate Movement Is Just Getting Started…
thenation.com/article/the-youth-climate-movement-is-just-getting-started-global-warming-fridays-for-future/

5G Danger: 13 Reasons 5G Wireless Technology Will Be a Catastrophe for Humanity
Makia Freeman | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-13
The 5G danger can't be overstated. | 5G (5th Generation) is now being actively rolled out in many cities around the world. Simultaneously, as awareness over its horrific health and privacy impacts is rising, many places are issuing moratoriums on it …
globalresearch.ca/5g-danger-13-reasons-5g-wireless-technology-will-be-a-catastrophe-for-humanity/5680503

Mistrial in case against "No More Deaths" volunteer charged with aiding immigrants
wsws.org | 2019-06-13
Scott Warren was arrested for providing food, water and shelter to two undocumented immigrants.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/warr-j13.html

Global Warming Morphs Into the Solar Minimum
Renee Parsons | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-13
Since Climate Change (CC) has been a constant of life on Gaia with the evolution of photosynthesis 3.2 billion years ago and has more complexities than this one essay can address; ergo, this article will explore co2's historic contribution to global warming (GW) as well as explore the relationship of Solar Minimum (SM) to Earth's…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/13/global-warming-morphs-into-the-solar-minimum/

California Juneteenth National Freedom Day
Khubaka, Michael Harris | indybay.org | 2019-06-13
West Steps, California State Capitol | California State Capitol Civil War Memorial Grove…
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/06/12/18823913.php

Please Let NATO Disappear. What They Have Done to My Country? Unspoken Cancer Epidemic in Serbia
Prof. Dr. Danica Grujicic | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-13
Please let NATO disappear, is the wish of neurosurgeon and chairman of the Serbian Cancer Society Dr. Danica Grujicic | What have they done to my country? | Who has to decide that I may have to die? | The war itself is …
globalresearch.ca/please-let-nato-disappear-what-they-have-done-to-my-country-unspoken-cancer-epidemic-in-serbia/5680499

Los Angeles schools superintendent warns of "reckoning" after failure of property tax measure
wsws.org | 2019-06-13
In an effort to justify its shutdown of the LA teacher strike in January, the unions told educators to look to the Democratic Party-backed tax measure to increase school funding.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/laus-j13.html

Mistrial Declared After Jury Refuses to Convict Scott Warren for Aiding Migrants
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-06-13
In Tucson, Arizona, a jury has refused to convict humanitarian activist Scott Warren, who faced up to 20 years in prison for providing water, food, clean clothes and beds to two undocumented migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. Warren's trial ended Tuesday in a mistrial after a deadlocked jury was unable to deliver a verdict. Eight jurors thought Warren was not guilty; four thought he was guilty. A status hearing is scheduled for July 2. Prosecutors have declined to comment on whether they would seek a retrial against Warren. We speak with Ryan Devereaux, a staff reporter at The Intercept…
truthout.org/video/mistrial-declared-after-jury-refuses-to-convict-scott-warren-for-aiding-migrants/

Why Would China and Huawei Commit Economic Self-Ruin?
Kim Petersen | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-06-13
It could be construed as a badge of professional honor that a news broadcaster is open to presenting a wide range of views. This might especially be considered so when the corporate-state media is parochially aligned to portraying an unskeptical right-wing, warmongering bizzaro worldview where left-wing (defined as socialist, communist, anarchist… not Democrats or Liberals …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/06/why-would-china-and-huawei-commit-economic-self-ruin/

No More Deaths: Mistrial Declared After Jury Refuses to Convict Scott Warren for Aiding Migrants
MAIL | democracynow.org | 2019-06-13
In Tucson, Arizona, a jury has refused to convict humanitarian activist Scott Warren, who faced up to 20 years in prison for providing water, food, clean clothes and beds to two undocumented migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. Warren's trial ended Tuesday in a mistrial after a deadlocked jury was unable to deliver a verdict. Eight jurors thought Warren was not guilty; four thought he was guilty. A status hearing is scheduled for July 2. Prosecutors have declined to comment on whether they would seek a retrial against Warren. We speak with Ryan Devereaux, a staff reporter at The Intercept who…
www.democracynow.org/2019/6/13/no_more_deaths_mistrial_declared_after

Thursday's Daily Brief: Albinism, displacement in Central America, family-friendly nations, updates on the Gulf and Darfur
United Nations | un.org | 2019-06-13
This Thursday, top stories includes: International Albinism Awareness Day; the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, appealing for regional talks on Central America forced displacement; updates on the latest attack on oil tankers in the Gulf and on recent clashes in Darfur; and a new report by UNICEF on the best and worst "family-friendly" nations.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/06/1040451

Colombian Senator Rejects Rude Imperial Policy Toward Cuba
plenglish.com | 2019-06-13
Bogota, Jun 13 (Prensa Latina) The policy of the US government of Donald Trump with Cuba is marked by rude interventionism and contempt for international law, denounced Colombian Senator Ivan Cepeda on Thursday in this capital.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43237&SEO=colombian-senator-rejects-rude-imperial-policy-toward-cuba

US to Jail 1,400 Immigrant Children at WWII Japanese Internment Site
Eric London | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-13
The Pentagon announced yesterday that the Trump administration will detain 1,400 immigrant children at the site of a World War II-era Japanese internment camp, Fort Sill Army Base in Lawton, Oklahoma. | The decision, announced Tuesday as Trump denounced immigrants and …
globalresearch.ca/us-jail-1400-immigrant-children-wwii-japanese-internment-site/5680478

Comienza el juicio para Scott Warren, que se enfrenta a 20 años por ayudar a los migrantes que cruzan el desierto
Amy Liu | liberationnews.org | 2019-06-13
°Exigimos que se retiren todos los cargos de inmediato!
liberationnews.org/comienza-el-juicio-para-scott-warren-que-se-enfrenta-a-20-anos-por-ayudar-a-los-migrantes-que-cruzan-el-desierto/

Kenyan marathoner Felix Kirwa banned for 9 months for doping
David Ochieng Mbewa | cgtn.com | 2019-06-13
Kenyan marathon runner Felix Kirwa has been suspended from competition for nine months after testing positive for the banned substance strychnine. | The Athletics Integrity Unit on Wednesday suspended Kenyan long-distance runner Felix Kirwa for nine months after testing positive for a banned substance, Strychnine. | The AIU said that the 23-year-old's suspension would begin as from February 14 and all his results from December 9, 2018 to February 14, 2019 have been disqualified. The AIU added that all resulting consequences from the disqualification include the forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, points and…
africa.cgtn.com/2019/06/13/kenyan-marathoner-felix-kirwa-banned-for-9-months-for-doping/

US Wipes Out Entire Afghan Security Forces Unit in Second Major Friendly Fire Incident
Jason Ditz | theantimedia.com | 2019-06-13
(ANTIWAR.COM) — For the second time in less than a month, US forces carried out airstrikes "in self defense" in Afghanistan, only to discover that they were actually attacking Afghan security forces. The Wednesday strike ended up wiping out an entire unit, though officials have yet to disclose the exact number of deaths, beyond it apparently being everyone …

US Wipes Out Entire Afghan Security Forces Unit in Second Major Friendly Fire Incident

Selected Articles: Towards "NATO-Exit"? Shift in the Structure of Military Coalitions
Global Research News | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-13
Our objective at Global Research is to recruit one thousand committed "volunteers" among our more than 50,000 Newsletter subscribers to support the distribution of Global Research articles (email lists, social media, crossposts). | Do not send us money. Under Plan A…
globalresearch.ca/selected-articles-towards-nato-exit-shift-in-the-structure-of-military-coalitions/5680489

California's Democratic supermajority offers a path forward that is safe for landlords
Nick Pardee | liberationnews.org | 2019-06-13
Given the opportunity to pass basic renter protections in California, Democrats killed or weakened all such legislation.
liberationnews.org/californias-democratic-supermajority-offers-a-path-forward-that-is-safe-for-landlords/