Daily Archives: June 17, 2019

2019-06-17: News Headlines

Alexander Rubinstein (2019-06-17). Massive Embezzlement Scandal Threatens Juan Guaido's Political Future. mintpressnews.com The big event that was supposed to be Guaido's watershed moment has instead turned out to be a public-relations failure far worse than his quickly quelled attempted military coup.

plenglish (2019-06-17). Venezuela Reveals Corruption Plots Led by Juan Guaido. plenglish.com 17 de junio de 2019, 15: 57Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Communication and Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez presented new evidence that blames opposition leader Juan Guaido and theVoluntad Popular leadership for stealing money to commit crimes against Venezuela.

Dan Cohen (2019-06-17). From coup leaders to con artistry: Juan Guaidó's gang exposed for massive humanitarian aid fraud. thegrayzone.com An explosive new report reveals how Guaidó representatives in Colombia embezzled $125,000 meant for humanitarian aid, suckering deserting soldiers and…

commondreams (2019-06-17). Saudi Arabia: Decision to Spare Teenager's Life Must Be Followed by Abolition of Death Penalty for All Juveniles. commondreams.org ______________________________…

SIPRI (2019-06-17). Modernization of World Nuclear Forces Continues Despite Overall Decrease in Number of Warheads. globalresearch.ca The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) today launches the findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2019, which assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security. | ‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚ÄãThe modernization of nuclear forces continues | SIPRI Governing Board Chair Ambassador Jan Eliasson, …

Peace Action (2019-06-17). Peace Action Endorses Ayanna Pressley for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, DC — June 17, 2019 — Peace Action, the nation's largest grassroots peace organization, and its affiliate Massachusetts Peace Action, endorsed Ayanna Pressley for Massachusetts' 7th 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 …

Kate Hudson (2019-06-17). Trump and Bolton Are Breaking What Nuclear Order There Is. globalresearch.ca It's 10 years now since US president Barack Obama made his famous Prague speech, committing to a nuclear weapons-free world. I remember hearing his words broadcast, amid the tumultuous cheers of the crowd in Hradƒçany Square, as if it were …

Tyler Durden (2019-06-17). China Takes Responsibility for Explosion Near North Korea; Denies Nuclear Test Rumors. theantimedia.com (ZH) — Update: Chinese authorities are taking responsibility for Monday's blast, claiming it happened on their side of the border. Reporters pointed out that the magnitude of the blast was much smaller than a nuclear test, and Chinese authorities have advised that this was not a nuclear test. Chinese authorities said this is a magnitude 1.3 event …

Whitney Webb (2019-06-17). Israel's Secretive Nuclear Facility Leaking as Watchdog Finds Israel Has Nearly 100 Nukes. mintpressnews.com Israel is one of only five nations in the world that refuse to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, an international treaty aimed at ending the proliferation of nuclear weapons and achieving global nuclear disarmament.

Staff (2019-06-17). Iran Speeds Up Uranium Enrichment as Mideast Tensions Mount. truthdig.com TEHRAN, Iran — Iran will surpass the uranium stockpile limit set by its nuclear deal in the next 10 days, an official said Monday, raising pressure on Europeans trying to save the accord a year after the U.S. withdrawal lit the fuse for the heightened tensions now between Tehran and Washington. | The announcement by Iran's nuclear agency marked yet another deadline set by Tehran. President Hassan Rouhani already has warned Europe that a new deal needs to be in place by July 7 or the Islamic Republic would increase its enrichment of uranium.

The Canary (2019-06-17). Climate protesters force BP oil rig to make second U-turn amid ongoing direct action. thecanary.co An oil rig at the centre of a protest by environmental campaigners has been forced to make a second 'U-turn' on its way to a North Sea field. | The Transocean PBLJ rig was heading to the Vorlich oil field after being occupied by activists in the Cromarty Firth, north of Inverne…

Staff (2019-06-17). How the Upheaval in Khartoum Affects One of Sudan's Longest-Running Crises. truthout.org This article was originally published by The New Humanitarian, a news agency specializing in reporting humanitarian crises.The stand-off in Khartoum between pro-democracy protesters and the ruling Transitional Military Council is being closely watched in troubled Blue Nile — an impoverished Sudanese region cut off from aid and largely forgotten by the world. | Blue Nile has been at war with Khartoum for decades. Hopes for a more peaceful future rest on the TMC being willing to negotiate on rebel demands for greater autonomy, and on the rebel leaders thems…

Jon Rainwater (2019-06-17). Sending More Troops to the Middle East is Adding Fuel to the Fire. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 17, 2019 — In response to the Trump administration's decision to send an additional 1,000 troops to the Middle East amidst escalating tensions with Iran, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "Rather than pursuing diplomatic off ramps to avert conflict with Iran, the Trump administration is …

Ben Norton (2019-06-17). Even Japan, Germany, and EU are doubting Trump admin's claim Iran attacked ships. thegrayzone.com While the Trump administration accuses Iran without evidence of attacking oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, Japanese, German, and…

plenglish (2019-06-17). Venezuela to Repatriate 180 Venezuelans with Return to Homeland Plan. plenglish.com 17 de junio de 2019, 16: 40Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) The Venezuelan government will repatriate 180 Venezuelans from Peru this week through the government"s Plan Vuelta a la Patria (Return to Homeland) program, the Foreign Ministry announced in a press release on Monday.

plenglish (2019-06-17). Venezuelan Migrants Target of Exploitation, Venezuelan FM Denounces. plenglish.com Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza denounced on Monday that Venezuelan migrants are the target of precarious work and exploitation in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

plenglish (2019-06-17). Venezuelan Authorities Closed an Illegal Mining Camp. plenglish.com Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Venezuelan security agencies deactivated an illegal mining camp on the edge of La Paragua river, located in Guayana, Bolivar state, reported on Monday the Operational Strategic Commander, Remigio Ceballos.

plenglish (2019-06-17). Venezuela Creates Banking Mechanisms to Face US Blockade. plenglish.com Caracas, June 17 (Prensa Latina) The Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) has created on Monday mechanisms to deal with the US economic blockade with which they intend to choke the country by calling off accounts and the inability to trade with foreign organizations.

United Nations (2019-06-17). Monday's News Brief: World population, Desertification Day, ocean protection, Nigeria, Yemen and Gaza. un.org To start this week, we cover: food aid diversions in Yemen; 9.7 billion of people on earth by 2050; Law of the Sea Convention; World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought; triple suicide bombing in Nigeria; and a solar power plant for health care in Gaza.

United Nations (2019-06-17). Yemeni children 'dying right now' due to food aid diversions Beasley warns Security Council. un.org Food continues to be taken "from the mouths of hungry little boys and little girls" in many areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, warned the head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday, who said the agency would be forced to suspend some food assistance within days, unless agreements are finally honoured.

plenglish (2019-06-17). A Political Solution Is the Only Way Out in Yemen. plenglish.com United Nations, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) The UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, restated on Monday that the political solution is the only way out in that country and called for the sides ¥greater commitment to advance the talks.

plenglish (2019-06-17). Russia Denies Existence of New Military Contract with Venezuela. plenglish.com Moscow, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Russia has rejected on Monday US versions on a supposed new military contract between this country and Venezuela and denounced Washington"s intentions to create pretexts for a military escalation.

Medea Benjamin, Nicolas J S Davies (2019-06-17). U.S. Sanctions: Economic Sabotage That Is Deadly, Illegal, and Ineffective. commondreams.org On the eve of renewed sanctions by Washington, an Iranian protester holds a burning picture of President Donald Trump outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2018. (Photo: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/donald_trump_sanctions_iran_venezuela.jpg

Yves Engler (2019-06-17). Ottawa hires Hit Man to Overthrow Venezuelan Government. dissidentvoice.org Meet the hired gun Ottawa is using to overthrow the Venezuelan government. The brazenness of Ottawa's intervention in the South American country's affairs is remarkable. Recently Global Affairs Canada tendered a contract for an individual to coordinate its bid to oust President Nicolás Maduro. According to buyandsell.gc.ca, the Special Advisor on Venezuela needs to be …

Staff (2019-06-17). Reuters Must Answer for Burying This Venezuela Story. truthdig.com A new study reveals U.S. sanctions have taken a deadly toll, yet the news agency neglected to report on its findings for an entire month.

David Ochieng Mbewa (2019-06-17). Senegal, Egypt, Algeria secure friendly wins ahead of AFCON 2019. cgtn.com Head coach Aliou Cisse of Senegal gives instructions to his players during a past friendly match. (Photo by Xaume Olleros/Getty Images) | Three of the teams regarded among the pre-tournament favourites for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations secured wins on Sunday in their respective friendlies just five days to the start of the continental showpiece. | Senegal edged fellow African giants Nigeria 1-0, Egypt beat Guinea 3-1 while Algeria overcame Mali 3-2. | At the IsmaàØlia Stadium in IsmaàØlia, Egypt, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye netted the only goal of the game after 18 minutes for Senega…

Joaquin Flores (2019-06-17). Pompeo's False Flag Refuted By Japanese Media: Tanker Hit by Flying Object, Not Mine — Confirms Onsite Worker. globalresearch.ca The Japanese state news agency NHK has revealed that workers on the tanker saw a plane flying toward the tanker before the explosion. United States is pinning the blame for the tanker attacks on Iran. Tehran denies the accusation. | The …

Helen Buyniski (2019-06-17). Our Reality Can Beat Up Your Reality. Spreading False News Stories on Iran. globalresearch.ca Twitter has declared victory over disinformation, deplatforming thousands of pro-Iranian Twitter accounts this week to coincide with US Secretary of State " Rapture Mike" Pompeo's evidence-free declaration that Iran had attacked two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. …

John Feffer (2019-06-17). Democracy Faces a Global Crisis. counterpunch.org If you're a supporter of Donald Trump — or Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil or Matteo Salvini in Italy — you probably think that democracy has never been in better health. Recent elections in these countries didn't just serve to rotate the elite from the conventional parties. Voters went to the polls and elected outsiders who More

Nick Licata (2019-06-17). Did a Coverup of Who Caused Flint Michigan's Contaminated Water Continue During Its Investigation? counterpunch.org For the first time in 16 years, Michigan elected a Democrat as their Attorney General and Dana Nessel's first major decision was to dismiss all pending criminal charges against the state and city officials responsible for Flint Michigan's polluted drinking water this past weekend. Mainstream media commentators were critical of her decision as well as More

Daniel Warner (2019-06-17). Let Us Laugh Together, On Principle. counterpunch.org The New York Times International Edition has decided to no longer publish political cartoons. The decision follows a scandal about a cartoon that appeared last April in which a blind President Donald Trump is holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — depicted as a guide dog — on a leash. Trump is wearing a yarmulke; Netanyahu has More

Stephen Cooper (2019-06-17). "Wheel! Of! Fortune!" (A Vegas Story). counterpunch.org An unnaturally tan woman with metallic blond hair and garish makeup has hit a bonus. Automated applause, bells, whistles, whoops, and all manner of artificial sounds ring out. Flashing in the acrid, recycled air, pixelated explosions of light refract off of the woman's painted face, glistening and oily underneath all that goop. Sighing, smiling with More

Geoff Dutton (2019-06-17). Where the Wild Things Were: Abbey's Road Revisited. counterpunch.org While a healthy number of extreme outdoorists still pride themselves on packing as little gear as possible to escape from civilization, most Americans prefer to bring as many comforts of home as possible (including phones, satellite TV, and internet) when they park their overstuffed vehicles and bodies at campsites. It's yet another depressing symptom of how utterly well-wrapped we are in our thickening technological cocoons. Even atop Mt. Everest, it's quite impossible to get away from it all. More

Patrick Cockburn (2019-06-17). The Dark Side of Brexit: Britain's Ethnic Minorities Are Facing More and More Violence. counterpunch.org Pictures of Daniel Ezzedine show him to be a fresh-faced 17-year-old with a warm cheerful smile. His parents are Lebanese but he was brought up in Germany where he had just left school. His teachers brought him to celebrate his graduation on a trip to Canterbury, where he was assaulted and beaten half to death by a gang of youths in what local people are convinced was a racist attack. More

Brian Cloughley (2019-06-17). Trump Washington Detests the Belt and Road Initiative. counterpunch.org The foreign and domestic policies of the US Administration appear to be guided by a combination of financial greed, the desire to exploit weakness for the sake of doing so, a partiality for malevolence, and determination to be spiteful. In no manner, domestically, has the last been more effectively demonstrated than by Trump's treatment of More

Linn Washington Jr. (2019-06-17). Remember the Vincennes? The US's Long History of Provoking Iran. counterpunch.org Remember the Vincennes?That's the name of the U.S. Navy warship that shot down an Iranian airliner with missiles in 1988, killing all 290 people aboard that airplane.That shootdown, where 60 children perished, was an accident, according to the U.S. Navy's official report. However, many, including military personnel, considered that report a whitewash. More

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2019-06-17). Teens in Cage Protest Trump Immigration Policies Outside UN, Demanding Action From Human Rights Council. commondreams.org While an audio recording of detained migrant children crying played in the background, teenagers in T-shirts that read #ClassroomsNotCages stood in a metal cage outside the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva Monday to protest the Trump administration's "cruel" immigration policies. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/kids_cages.jpg

David Ochieng Mbewa (2019-06-17). Death toll from Tripoli conflict nears 700: WHO. cgtn.com A man walks as he checks his destroyed house after an airstrike launched by Khalifa Haftar forces in the Tajoura area, east of Tripoli, Libya June 15, 2019. REUTERS/Hazem Ahmed | The death toll from the armed conflict in the Libyan capital Tripoli has risen to 691, according to the World Health Organisation. | The WHO says 41 civilians are among those killed in the conflict between forces of the United Nations-backed government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj and those of Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army. | The WHO says a further 4,012 people have been injured, 135 of whom are civilians. | On Saturday…

Staff (2019-06-17). Navy Contaminates Local Groundwater and Sewer System in Maryland. truthout.org The U.S. Navy has contaminated the groundwater at Maryland's Patuxent River Naval Air Station (NAS) with 1,137.8 parts per trillion (ppt) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a report published last July by the engineering firm CH2M Hill. PFAS have been associated with a variety of cancers and are known to jeopardize human reproductive health. The contamination was not reported on the…

plenglish (2019-06-17). Attorney General asked to Investigate Sergio Moro for Illicit Conduct. plenglish.com Brasilia, June 17 (Prensa Latina) The Attorney General of the Republic, Raquel Dodge, received a request to investigate Justice Minister, former Justice Sérgio Moro, for illegal acts revealed by The Intercept site, reports portal Brazil247 today.

Ed Rampell (2019-06-17). 'The Edge of Democracy' sheds light on Brazil teetering on the brink. peoplesworld.org

David Ochieng Mbewa (2019-06-17). 2016 Olympic silver medalist Eunice Kirwa banned for doping. cgtn.com FILE PHOTO: 2016 Rio Olympics — Athletics — Women's Marathon — Sambodromo — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 14/08/2016. Bahrain's Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa celebrates after finishing second at the Women's Marathon during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro on August 14, 2016. REUTERS/Jonannes Eisele/Pool | The Athletics Integrity Unit on Monday announced that Kenyan-born Bahraini runner Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa had been banned for four years after she tested positive for the prohibited substance Erythropoietin (EPO). | The AIU says Kirwa, a silver medalist…

Andrew Korybko (2019-06-17). Poland Just Became America's Most Important NATO Ally. globalresearch.ca The US' decision to dispatch 1,000 additional "rotational" troops and even a squadron of surveillance drones to Poland makes the Central European country its most important NATO ally because of the threat that this poses to Russian strategic interests in …

Prof. Marjorie Cohn (2019-06-17). Citizenship and Partisan Gerrymandering: US Supreme Court Ruling on Census Could Deal Grave Blow to Democracy. globalresearch.ca The Supreme Court is poised to decide two cases that could prove devastating to the right to vote — the very foundation of a democracy. One case will review the Trump administration's attempt to add a citizenship question to the …

Prof Michael Hudson (2019-06-17). Trump's Trade Threats Are Really Cold War 2.0. globalresearch.ca President Trump has threatened China's President Xi that if they don't meet and talk at the upcoming G20 meetings in Japan, June 29-30, the United States will not soften its tariff war and economic sanctions against Chinese exports and technology….

Prof. John McMurtry (2019-06-17). Behind the Scenes and Elections: Koch-Oil Big Lies and Ecocide Writ Large in Canada. globalresearch.ca As we know, big lies can run free across borders with few joining the dots. | For example, no media reports that China's growing dispute with Canada is based on Canada's enforcement of the Trump administration's unilateral and illegal embargo against …

Celine Hagbard (2019-06-17). Israeli Government Establishes 'Trump Heights' Development on Stolen Land in Golan. globalresearch.ca In a move aimed at gaining more support from the already-enthusiastic Donald Trump for their policies of land expropriation and expansion, Israeli authorities on Sunday established a new development they coined "Trump Heights", with Binyamin Netanyahu presiding over the unveiling …

F. William Engdahl (2019-06-17). Will China's Automobile Market Trigger Next Economic Downturn? globalresearch.ca Sales of new cars in China, today the world's largest automobile market, plunged a dramatic 16.4% in May, making the worst month in the history of the relatively new China auto industry. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers …

Richard Becker (2019-06-17). Trump's Middle East 'Deal of the Century' Pushed Back Again. globalresearch.ca There are many false conspiracy theories in current circulation, but there are also very real conspiracies. One of the latter is the so-called "Deal of the Century," a thoroughly reactionary plan cooked up by the Trump administration. | The key conspirators, …

Timothy Alexander Guzman (2019-06-17). False-Flagging the World to War: A Gulf of Tonkin Incident in the Gulf of Oman. globalresearch.ca Washington is playing false flag again, but this time, in the Gulf of Oman as Washington has accused Iran of attacking two commercial tanker ships from Japan and Norway while tensions in the region are at an all-time high. Why …

2019-06-17: Social Media Postees

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

Venezuela Reveals Corruption Plots Led by Juan Guaido
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
17 de junio de 2019, 15: 57Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Communication and Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez presented new evidence that blames opposition leader Juan Guaido and theVoluntad Popular leadership for stealing money to commit crimes against Venezuela.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43370&SEO=venezuela-reveals-corruption-plots-led-by-juan-guaido

From coup leaders to con artistry: Juan Guaidó's gang exposed for massive humanitarian aid fraud
Dan Cohen | thegrayzone.com | 2019-06-17
An explosive new report reveals how Guaidó representatives in Colombia embezzled $125,000 meant for humanitarian aid, suckering deserting soldiers and…
thegrayzone.com/2019/06/17/from-coup-leaders-to-con-artistry-juan-guaidos-gang-exposed-for-massive-humanitarian-aid-fraud/

Massive Embezzlement Scandal Threatens Juan Guaido's Political Future
Alexander Rubinstein | mintpressnews.com | 2019-06-17
The big event that was supposed to be Guaido's watershed moment has instead turned out to be a public-relations failure far worse than his quickly quelled attempted military coup.
mintpressnews.com/popular-will-embezzlement-scandal-threatens-juan-guaido-political-future/259283/

Saudi Arabia: Decision to Spare Teenager's Life Must Be Followed by Abolition of Death Penalty for All Juveniles
commondreams.org | 2019-06-17
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/06/17/saudi-arabia-decision-spare-teenagers-life-must-be-followed-abolition-death?cd-origin=rss

Peace Action Endorses Ayanna Pressley for Congress
Peace Action | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-17
Washington, DC — June 17, 2019 — Peace Action, the nation's largest grassroots peace organization, and its affiliate Massachusetts Peace Action, endorsed Ayanna Pressley for Massachusetts' 7th 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 …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/17/peace-action-endorses-ayanna-pressley-for-congress/

China Takes Responsibility for Explosion Near North Korea; Denies Nuclear Test Rumors
Tyler Durden | theantimedia.com | 2019-06-17
(ZH) — Update: Chinese authorities are taking responsibility for Monday's blast, claiming it happened on their side of the border. Reporters pointed out that the magnitude of the blast was much smaller than a nuclear test, and Chinese authorities have advised that this was not a nuclear test. Chinese authorities said this is a magnitude 1.3 event …
theantimedia.com/china-explosion-near-north-korea/

Modernization of World Nuclear Forces Continues Despite Overall Decrease in Number of Warheads
SIPRI | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) today launches the findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2019, which assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security. | ‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚Äã‚ÄãThe modernization of nuclear forces continues | SIPRI Governing Board Chair Ambassador Jan Eliasson, …
globalresearch.ca/modernization-world-nuclear-forces-continues-despite-overall-decrease-number-warheads/5680859

Iran Speeds Up Uranium Enrichment as Mideast Tensions Mount
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-06-17
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran will surpass the uranium stockpile limit set by its nuclear deal in the next 10 days, an official said Monday, raising pressure on Europeans trying to save the accord a year after the U.S. withdrawal lit the fuse for the heightened tensions now between Tehran and Washington. | The announcement by Iran's nuclear agency marked yet another deadline set by Tehran. President Hassan Rouhani already has warned Europe that a new deal needs to be in place by July 7 or the Islamic Republic would increase its enrichment of uranium.
truthdig.com/articles/iran-speeds-up-uranium-enrichment-as-mideast-tensions-mount/

Israel's Secretive Nuclear Facility Leaking as Watchdog Finds Israel Has Nearly 100 Nukes
Whitney Webb | mintpressnews.com | 2019-06-17
Israel is one of only five nations in the world that refuse to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, an international treaty aimed at ending the proliferation of nuclear weapons and achieving global nuclear disarmament.
mintpressnews.com/international-watchdog-finds-israel-has-nearly-100-nuclear-weapons/259274/

Trump and Bolton Are Breaking What Nuclear Order There Is
Kate Hudson | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
It's 10 years now since US president Barack Obama made his famous Prague speech, committing to a nuclear weapons-free world. I remember hearing his words broadcast, amid the tumultuous cheers of the crowd in Hradƒçany Square, as if it were …
globalresearch.ca/trump-bolton-breaking-what-nuclear-order-there-is/5680875

How the Upheaval in Khartoum Affects One of Sudan's Longest-Running Crises
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-06-17
This article was originally published by The New Humanitarian, a news agency specializing in reporting humanitarian crises.The stand-off in Khartoum between pro-democracy protesters and the ruling Transitional Military Council is being closely watched in troubled Blue Nile — an impoverished Sudanese region cut off from aid and largely forgotten by the world. | Blue Nile has been at war with Khartoum for decades. Hopes for a more peaceful future rest on the TMC being willing to negotiate on rebel demands for greater autonomy, and on the rebel leaders thems…
truthout.org/articles/how-the-upheaval-in-khartoum-affects-one-of-sudans-longest-running-crises/

Sending More Troops to the Middle East is Adding Fuel to the Fire
Jon Rainwater | peaceaction.org | 2019-06-17
Washington, D.C. — June 17, 2019 — In response to the Trump administration's decision to send an additional 1,000 troops to the Middle East amidst escalating tensions with Iran, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "Rather than pursuing diplomatic off ramps to avert conflict with Iran, the Trump administration is …
peaceaction.org/2019/06/17/sending-more-troops-to-the-middle-east-is-adding-fuel-to-the-fire/

Even Japan, Germany, and EU are doubting Trump admin's claim Iran attacked ships
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-06-17
While the Trump administration accuses Iran without evidence of attacking oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, Japanese, German, and…
thegrayzone.com/2019/06/17/japan-germany-eu-doubt-trump-iran-attack/

Venezuela Creates Banking Mechanisms to Face US Blockade
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
Caracas, June 17 (Prensa Latina) The Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) has created on Monday mechanisms to deal with the US economic blockade with which they intend to choke the country by calling off accounts and the inability to trade with foreign organizations.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43355&SEO=venezuela-creates-banking-mechanisms-to-face-us-blockade

Venezuelan Migrants Target of Exploitation, Venezuelan FM Denounces
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza denounced on Monday that Venezuelan migrants are the target of precarious work and exploitation in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43361&SEO=venezuelan-migrants-target-of-exploitation-venezuelan-fm-denounces

Venezuela to Repatriate 180 Venezuelans with Return to Homeland Plan
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
17 de junio de 2019, 16: 40Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) The Venezuelan government will repatriate 180 Venezuelans from Peru this week through the government"s Plan Vuelta a la Patria (Return to Homeland) program, the Foreign Ministry announced in a press release on Monday.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43376&SEO=venezuela-to-repatriate-180-venezuelans-with-return-to-homeland-plan

Venezuelan Authorities Closed an Illegal Mining Camp
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
Caracas, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Venezuelan security agencies deactivated an illegal mining camp on the edge of La Paragua river, located in Guayana, Bolivar state, reported on Monday the Operational Strategic Commander, Remigio Ceballos.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43341&SEO=venezuelan-authorities-closed-an-illegal-mining-camp

Monday's News Brief: World population, Desertification Day, ocean protection, Nigeria, Yemen and Gaza
United Nations | un.org | 2019-06-17
To start this week, we cover: food aid diversions in Yemen; 9.7 billion of people on earth by 2050; Law of the Sea Convention; World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought; triple suicide bombing in Nigeria; and a solar power plant for health care in Gaza.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/06/1040691

Yemeni children 'dying right now' due to food aid diversions Beasley warns Security Council
United Nations | un.org | 2019-06-17
Food continues to be taken "from the mouths of hungry little boys and little girls" in many areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, warned the head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday, who said the agency would be forced to suspend some food assistance within days, unless agreements are finally honoured.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/06/1040651

A Political Solution Is the Only Way Out in Yemen
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
United Nations, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) The UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, restated on Monday that the political solution is the only way out in that country and called for the sides ¥greater commitment to advance the talks.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43360&SEO=a-political-solution-is-the-only-way-out-in-yemen

U.S. Sanctions: Economic Sabotage That Is Deadly, Illegal, and Ineffective
Medea Benjamin, Nicolas J S Davies | commondreams.org | 2019-06-17
On the eve of renewed sanctions by Washington, an Iranian protester holds a burning picture of President Donald Trump outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2018. (Photo: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/donald_trump_sanctions_iran_venezuela.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2019/06/17/us-sanctions-economic-sabotage-deadly-illegal-and-ineffective?cd-origin=rss

Russia Denies Existence of New Military Contract with Venezuela
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
Moscow, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Russia has rejected on Monday US versions on a supposed new military contract between this country and Venezuela and denounced Washington"s intentions to create pretexts for a military escalation.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43329&SEO=russia-denies-existence-of-new-military-contract-with-venezuela

Reuters Must Answer for Burying This Venezuela Story
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-06-17
A new study reveals U.S. sanctions have taken a deadly toll, yet the news agency neglected to report on its findings for an entire month.
truthdig.com/articles/reuters-must-answer-for-burying-this-venezuela-story/

Ottawa hires Hit Man to Overthrow Venezuelan Government
Yves Engler | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-06-17
Meet the hired gun Ottawa is using to overthrow the Venezuelan government. The brazenness of Ottawa's intervention in the South American country's affairs is remarkable. Recently Global Affairs Canada tendered a contract for an individual to coordinate its bid to oust President Nicolás Maduro. According to buyandsell.gc.ca, the Special Advisor on Venezuela needs to be …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/06/ottawa-hires-hit-man-to-overthrow-venezuelan-government/

Russia Denies Existence of New Military Contract with Venezuela
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
Moscow, Jun 17 (Prensa Latina) Russia has rejected on Monday US versions on a supposed new military contract between this country and Venezuela and denounced Washington"s intentions to create pretexts for a military escalation.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43329&SEO=russia-denies-existence-of-new-military-contract-with-venezuela

Senegal, Egypt, Algeria secure friendly wins ahead of AFCON 2019
David Ochieng Mbewa | cgtn.com | 2019-06-17
Head coach Aliou Cisse of Senegal gives instructions to his players during a past friendly match. (Photo by Xaume Olleros/Getty Images) | Three of the teams regarded among the pre-tournament favourites for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations secured wins on Sunday in their respective friendlies just five days to the start of the continental showpiece. | Senegal edged fellow African giants Nigeria 1-0, Egypt beat Guinea 3-1 while Algeria overcame Mali 3-2. | At the IsmaàØlia Stadium in IsmaàØlia, Egypt, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye netted the only goal of the game after 18 minutes for Senega…
africa.cgtn.com/2019/06/17/senegal-egypt-algeria-secure-friendly-wins-ahead-of-afcon-2019/

Pompeo's False Flag Refuted By Japanese Media: Tanker Hit by Flying Object, Not Mine — Confirms Onsite Worker
Joaquin Flores | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
The Japanese state news agency NHK has revealed that workers on the tanker saw a plane flying toward the tanker before the explosion. United States is pinning the blame for the tanker attacks on Iran. Tehran denies the accusation. | The …
globalresearch.ca/pompeos-false-flag-refuted-japanese-media-authority-tanker-hit-flying-object-not-mine-confirms-onsite-worker/5680830

Our Reality Can Beat Up Your Reality. Spreading False News Stories on Iran
Helen Buyniski | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
Twitter has declared victory over disinformation, deplatforming thousands of pro-Iranian Twitter accounts this week to coincide with US Secretary of State " Rapture Mike" Pompeo's evidence-free declaration that Iran had attacked two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. …
globalresearch.ca/our-reality-can-beat-up-your-reality-spreading-false-news-stories-on-iran/5680746

Revamping Grizzly Bear Recovery
Louisa Willcox | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
The enthusiasm expressed for Montana Gov. Steve Bullock's proposed grizzly bear advisory council promises to enhance coexistence efforts at a time when, with each new year, grizzly bear deaths shatter records. But Montana's efforts must be nested within a larger national framework of grizzly bear recovery. The grizzly is an iconic species of global concern.
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/revamping-grizzly-bear-recovery/

Let Us Laugh Together, On Principle
Daniel Warner | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
The New York Times International Edition has decided to no longer publish political cartoons. The decision follows a scandal about a cartoon that appeared last April in which a blind President Donald Trump is holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — depicted as a guide dog — on a leash. Trump is wearing a yarmulke; Netanyahu has…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/let-us-laugh-together-on-principle/

Remember the Vincennes? The US's Long History of Provoking Iran
Linn Washington Jr. | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
Remember the Vincennes?That's the name of the U.S. Navy warship that shot down an Iranian airliner with missiles in 1988, killing all 290 people aboard that airplane.That shootdown, where 60 children perished, was an accident, according to the U.S. Navy's official report. However, many, including military personnel, considered that report a whitewash.
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/remember-the-vincennes-the-uss-long-history-of-provoking-iran/

Julian Assange and the Scales of Justice: Exceptions, Extraditions and Politics
Binoy Kampmark | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
The Home Secretary of the United Kingdom did his thing, which was little in the way of disagreement. The superpower has issued a request; the retainer would comply. This week, the US Department Justice Department formally sought the extradition of Julian Assange. The process was certified by Sajid Javid, a man rather distracted of late.
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/julian-assange-and-the-scales-of-justice-exceptions-extraditions-and-politics/

Where the Wild Things Were: Abbey's Road Revisited
Geoff Dutton | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
While a healthy number of extreme outdoorists still pride themselves on packing as little gear as possible to escape from civilization, most Americans prefer to bring as many comforts of home as possible (including phones, satellite TV, and internet) when they park their overstuffed vehicles and bodies at campsites. It's yet another depressing symptom of how utterly well-wrapped we are in our thickening technological cocoons. Even atop Mt. Everest, it's quite impossible to get away from it all.
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/where-the-wild-things-were-abbeys-road-revisited/

The Dark Side of Brexit: Britain's Ethnic Minorities Are Facing More and More Violence
Patrick Cockburn | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
Pictures of Daniel Ezzedine show him to be a fresh-faced 17-year-old with a warm cheerful smile. His parents are Lebanese but he was brought up in Germany where he had just left school. His teachers brought him to celebrate his graduation on a trip to Canterbury, where he was assaulted and beaten half to death by a gang of youths in what local people are convinced was a racist attack.
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/the-dark-side-of-brexit-britains-ethnic-minorities-are-facing-more-and-more-violence/

"Wheel! Of! Fortune!" (A Vegas Story)
Stephen Cooper | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
An unnaturally tan woman with metallic blond hair and garish makeup has hit a bonus. Automated applause, bells, whistles, whoops, and all manner of artificial sounds ring out. Flashing in the acrid, recycled air, pixelated explosions of light refract off of the woman's painted face, glistening and oily underneath all that goop. Sighing, smiling with…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/wheel-of-fortune-a-vegas-story/

Democracy Faces a Global Crisis
John Feffer | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
If you're a supporter of Donald Trump — or Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil or Matteo Salvini in Italy — you probably think that democracy has never been in better health. Recent elections in these countries didn't just serve to rotate the elite from the conventional parties. Voters went to the polls and elected outsiders who…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/democracy-faces-a-global-crisis/

Arctic Death Spiral — A Short Film
CP Editor | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
counterpunch.org/2019/06/16/arctic-death-spiral-a-short-film/

Arctic Death Spiral — A Short Film
CP Editor | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
counterpunch.org/2019/06/16/arctic-death-spiral-a-short-film/

Trump Washington Detests the Belt and Road Initiative
Brian Cloughley | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
The foreign and domestic policies of the US Administration appear to be guided by a combination of financial greed, the desire to exploit weakness for the sake of doing so, a partiality for malevolence, and determination to be spiteful. In no manner, domestically, has the last been more effectively demonstrated than by Trump's treatment of…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/trump-washington-detests-the-belt-and-road-initiative/

Did a Coverup of Who Caused Flint Michigan's Contaminated Water Continue During Its Investigation?
Nick Licata | counterpunch.org | 2019-06-17
For the first time in 16 years, Michigan elected a Democrat as their Attorney General and Dana Nessel's first major decision was to dismiss all pending criminal charges against the state and city officials responsible for Flint Michigan's polluted drinking water this past weekend. Mainstream media commentators were critical of her decision as well as…
counterpunch.org/2019/06/17/did-a-coverup-of-who-caused-flint-michigans-contaminated-water-continue-during-its-investigation/

Teens in Cage Protest Trump Immigration Policies Outside UN, Demanding Action From Human Rights Council
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-06-17
While an audio recording of detained migrant children crying played in the background, teenagers in T-shirts that read #ClassroomsNotCages stood in a metal cage outside the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva Monday to protest the Trump administration's "cruel" immigration policies. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/kids_cages.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/06/17/teens-cage-protest-trump-immigration-policies-outside-un-demanding-action-human?cd-origin=rss

Death toll from Tripoli conflict nears 700: WHO
David Ochieng Mbewa | cgtn.com | 2019-06-17
A man walks as he checks his destroyed house after an airstrike launched by Khalifa Haftar forces in the Tajoura area, east of Tripoli, Libya June 15, 2019. REUTERS/Hazem Ahmed | The death toll from the armed conflict in the Libyan capital Tripoli has risen to 691, according to the World Health Organisation. | The WHO says 41 civilians are among those killed in the conflict between forces of the United Nations-backed government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj and those of Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army. | The WHO says a further 4,012 people have been injured, 135 of whom are civilians. | On Saturday…
africa.cgtn.com/2019/06/17/death-toll-from-tripoli-conflict-nears-700-who/

Navy Contaminates Local Groundwater and Sewer System in Maryland
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-06-17
The U.S. Navy has contaminated the groundwater at Maryland's Patuxent River Naval Air Station (NAS) with 1,137.8 parts per trillion (ppt) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a report published last July by the engineering firm CH2M Hill. PFAS have been associated with a variety of cancers and are known to jeopardize human reproductive health. The contamination was not reported on the…
truthout.org/articles/navy-contaminates-local-groundwater-and-sewer-system-in-maryland/

2016 Olympic silver medalist Eunice Kirwa banned for doping
David Ochieng Mbewa | cgtn.com | 2019-06-17
FILE PHOTO: 2016 Rio Olympics — Athletics — Women's Marathon — Sambodromo — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 14/08/2016. Bahrain's Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa celebrates after finishing second at the Women's Marathon during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro on August 14, 2016. REUTERS/Jonannes Eisele/Pool | The Athletics Integrity Unit on Monday announced that Kenyan-born Bahraini runner Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa had been banned for four years after she tested positive for the prohibited substance Erythropoietin (EPO). | The AIU says Kirwa, a silver medalist…
africa.cgtn.com/2019/06/17/2016-olympic-silver-medalist-eunice-kirwa-banned-for-doping/

Attorney General asked to Investigate Sergio Moro for Illicit Conduct
plenglish.com | 2019-06-17
Brasilia, June 17 (Prensa Latina) The Attorney General of the Republic, Raquel Dodge, received a request to investigate Justice Minister, former Justice Sérgio Moro, for illegal acts revealed by The Intercept site, reports portal Brazil247 today.
www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=43328&SEO=attorney-general-asked-to-investigate-sergio-moro-for-illicit-conduct

'The Edge of Democracy' sheds light on Brazil teetering on the brink
Ed Rampell | peoplesworld.org | 2019-06-17
peoplesworld.org/article/the-edge-of-democracy-sheds-light-on-brazil-teetering-on-the-brink/

Will China's Automobile Market Trigger Next Economic Downturn?
F. William Engdahl | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
Sales of new cars in China, today the world's largest automobile market, plunged a dramatic 16.4% in May, making the worst month in the history of the relatively new China auto industry. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers …
globalresearch.ca/will-chinas-automobile-market-trigger-next-economic-downturn/5680812

Trump and the Taiwan Gambit
Peter Koenig | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
Taiwan has become a new "eastern pivot" for Donald Trump. Against all international laws and UN charters, he is approaching Taiwan, as indicating to the world that regardless of the established world rules which make Beijing, the Peoples Republic …
globalresearch.ca/trump-taiwan-gambit/5680810

Deadly Gas and Air Pollution: Cutting UK Farm Emissions in Half Could Save 3,000 Lives a Year
Andrew Wasley | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
Thousands of deaths each year could be avoided if air pollution from UK farms was halved, new analysis has revealed, but the government's failure to act means the most damaging sectors are under no obligation to cut their emissions. | The | …
globalresearch.ca/deadly-gas-cutting-farm-emissions-half-could-save-3000-lives-year/5680889

Poland Just Became America's Most Important NATO Ally
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-06-17
The US' decision to dispatch 1,000 additional "rotational" troops and even a squadron of surveillance drones to Poland makes the Central European country its most important NATO ally because of the threat that this poses to Russian strategic interests in …
globalresearch.ca/poland-became-us-most-important-nato-ally/5680858