(2019-06-19). Record displacement shows 'we're almost unable to make peace', warns UN refugee agency chief. un.org A record 70.8 million people fled war, persecution and conflict in 2018, UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi said on Wednesday, appealing for greater international solidarity to counter the fact that "we have become almost unable to make peace".
(2019-06-19). Becoming the People Our Parents Warned us Against… indybay.org This is an article written for the Community Alliance newspaper in anticipation of the Reuniting for Peace and Justice: 50 Years of Resistance event on June 22 at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist church in Fresno. 2672 E Alluvial Ave.
(2019-06-19). Who Are the Arsonists of the Petrol Tankers in the Gulf? globalresearch.ca While the United States prepares a new escalation of tension in the Middle East by accusing Iran of attacking petrol tankers in the Gulf of Oman, Italian vice-Prime Minister Matteo Salvini met with one of the artisans of this strategy …
(2019-06-19). Boston demonstration shows solidarity with heroic Sudanese uprising. liberationnews.org 
Eyewitness solidarity demonstration in Boston.
(2019-06-19). Iran stays firm as U.S. threatens attack. workers.org 
Are the days over when Washington could shake its big stick and the rest of the imperialist world would immediately fall in line? The Pompeo-Bolton-Trump gang of conspirators in Washington seems to be having a hard time lining up their imperialist partners/rivals behind an attack on Iran. Their attempt to . . . | Continue reading Iran stays firm as U.S. threatens attack at Workers.org
(2019-06-19). Try Not to Look Away. counterpunch.org Anger is both a necessary and destructive emotion and I have been very angry for a very long time. A commentator noted that the election of Trump in 2016 was a monumental slap in the face for the baby boomers of the 1960s and early 1970s, at least for those who protested and continue to protest. Some More
(2019-06-19). The DNC Can't Be Allowed to Ignore the Climate Crisis. counterpunch.org The Democratic National Committee continues to ignore the most pressing issue of our time — the global climate crisis — by refusing to allow presidential candidates to hold a debate focused specifically on the climate. Given that the president has launched a wholesale scorched earth attack on all things environmental, it's far past time for More
(2019-06-19). "I Can't Believe Alcohol Is Stronger Than Love" counterpunch.org She moved away from the curtain for the hundredth time that evening, having checked the driveway to see if my long overdue, undoubtedly drunk father had returned. "I can't believe alcohol is stronger than love," was her resigned, almost-sequitur to my impassioned inquiry as to why she didn't leave him. "I can't believe alcohol is More
(2019-06-19). The Omnipresent Surveillance State. counterpunch.org "You had to live—did live, from habit that became instinct—in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized." —George Orwell, 1984 Tread cautiously: the fiction of George Orwell has become an operation manual for the omnipresent, modern-day surveillance state. It's been 70 years since Orwell—dying, beset by fever More
(2019-06-19). Farting in a Turkish Mosque. counterpunch.org The residents of Istanbul are getting ready to vote again next Sunday. Turks are divided, making Kurds the most critical voting block in the history of Turkish elections. The city supports 15 million souls, 3 million of whom hail from Kurdistan. The Kurds hold the deciding vote, noted Ertugrul Kurkcu in a Father's Day tweet. More
(2019-06-19). What About Venezuela's Hacked Power Grid? counterpunch.org Russia and the US are engaging in tit-for-tat hacking of each others' power grid, the New York Times is reporting, in what is really a kind of cyber "cold war" where the hackers from each country's military and intelligence services load electronic "explosives" in the computer systems of critical infrastructure of the other, that in More
(2019-06-19). New Manufacturing Jobs are Not Union Jobs. counterpunch.org That point would have been worth mentioning in a NYT article on the fact that most new manufacturing jobs have been in prosperous areas of the country rather than in areas that lost numbers of manufacturing jobs in the last decade. While the economy has been added a moderate number of manufacturing jobs since 2011, More
(2019-06-19). Guaidó's Star Fades as His Envoys to Colombia Allegedly Commit Fraud With Humanitarian Funds for Venezuela. counterpunch.org In an investigative report, "Envoys of Guaidó Appropriate Funds for Humanitarian Assistance in Colombia" (June 14, 2019), Editor in Chief of PanAm Post, Orlando Avendaño, details the alleged "diversion of money, embezzlement of funds, inflation of bills, fraud, and threats [by representatives of self proclaimed president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó] in order to surround themselves More
(2019-06-19). Matters of Water: Dubious Approvals and the Adani Carmichael Mine. counterpunch.org "When a company wields such power that it can cause a Minister to rush an approval process, cut corners and make significant errors, it is cause for serious concern." — Kelly O'Shanassy, Australian Conservation Foundation, June 12, 2019 While the proposal is of a diminished monster, the travails over Adani's efforts to open up the More
(2019-06-19). The Battle to Stop the Shoreham Nuclear Plant, Revisited. counterpunch.org "Shoreham Action is One of the Largest Held Worldwide," was the headline in The New York Times about an event which happened 40 years ago this month. The article told of how "more than 600 protesters were arrested" on June 3, 1979 at the site of the then under-construction Shoreham nuclear power plant and "15,000 More
(2019-06-19). In China Again. counterpunch.org It is a commonplace in the western media that China's spectacular economic rise began when it "abandoned" communism in order to espouse capitalism (the Thomas Friedmanite mantra).This line of argument is stupid and simplistic.China's policy throughout the "reform" era has been to deal with the capitalist west in ways that benefit China. If this order in the west is neoliberal, China will engage in trade with the west in its neoliberal context.But what China won't do is "internalize" this neoliberalism. More
(2019-06-19). Abolishing the Death Penalty Requires Morality. counterpunch.org In "How to Convince Americans to Abolish the Death Penalty," Amherst Professor Austin Sarat asserts "important lessons about how abolitionists can be successful around the country" can be learned from New Hampshire — which just last month became the twenty-first state to abolish capital punishment — including: "[T]he moral argument doesn't work." Acknowledging New Hampshire More
(2019-06-19). UN Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer Becomes One of Assange's Most Vocal Advocates. mintpressnews.com 
"Here [in Assange's case] we are not speaking of prosecution but of persecution. That means that judicial power, institutions and proceedings are being deliberately abused for ulterior motives." — Nils Melzer, UN Rapporteur on Torture…
(2019-06-19). Venezuela: Massive Embezzlement Scandal Threatens Juan Guaido's Political Future. globalresearch.ca The political party of Juan Guaido — Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) — was never all that popular to begin with. The sixth largest political party in Venezuela, Popular Will is heavily financed by the United States Agency for International …
(2019-06-19). As Ukrainian oligarch sues lobbyist over Trump inauguration tickets, US media cry 'RUSSIA!'. rt.com 
What does an Ukrainian tycoon suing an Ukrainian-born lobbyist over access to Trump inauguration have to do with Russia? Nothing, unless you're a mainstream US media outlet, in which case it's — everything. |
(2019-06-19). Is Russia Loosening Its Grip on the Press? thenation.com Is Russia Loosening Its Grip on the Press?
(2019-06-19). Why Russia's S-400 Is a More Formidable Threat to US Arms Industry than You Think. globalresearch.ca Generally, when discussing air-defense systems here, we are referring to Russian devices that have become famous in recent years, in particular the S-300 (and its variants) and the S-400. Their deployment in Syria has slowed down the ability of such …
(2019-06-19). Trump Regime Planning War on Iran Based on Big Lies and Deception? globalresearch.ca Fast-moving events suggest that an unthinkable US preemptive war on Iran is possible, a reckless act if launched — like all wars, based on Big Lies and deception. More on this below. | Years earlier, former NATO commander General Wesley Clark…
(2019-06-19). Former Judge Moro to Explain before Senate Messages Scandal. plenglish.com Brasilia, June 19 (Prensa Latina) Questioned ex-judge Sérgio Moro, present Minister of Justice and Public Security, could explain today to the Brazilian Senate the exchange of illegal and compromising messages that came to light and question their impartiality.
(2019-06-19). Unedited Goalless Draw between Venezuela-Brazil in America Cup. plenglish.com Caracas, June 19 (Prensa Latina) Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro highlighted the historic goalless draw against Brazil, which today keeps the national team with options to advance to the quarterfinals of the America Cup soccer competition.
(2019-06-19). Xi Jinping Ratifies Unswerving Friendship between China and DPRK. plenglish.com Beijing, Jun 19 (Prensa Latina) President Xi Jinping noted on Wednesday that regardless of international changes, China will always keep a staunch stance to consolidate relations with the Democratic People"s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and will take bilateral ties to the highest levels.
(2019-06-19). Video: 200 Israeli Nuclear Weapons Targeted against Iran. globalresearch.ca For over 50 years, Israel has been producing nuclear weapons, with the help mainly of France and the US. It is not subject to inspections because Israel, the only nuclear power in the Middle East, does not adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which Iran signed fifty years ago.
(2019-06-19). Renewable Energy Is Not the Answer; Nuclear Is. dissidentvoice.org "It's always a good idea to start by asking about the facts." So advises Noam Chomsky. "Whenever you hear anything said very confidently, the first thing that should come to mind is, 'Wait a minute, is that true?'" De omnibus dubitandum—doubt everything—was Karl Marx's motto and should be the motto of every thinking person. Question …
(2019-06-19). India Grants Niger Aid to Host African Union Summit. plenglish.com New Delhi, June 19 ( Prensa Latina ) India granted 15 million dollars in aid to Niger for the hosting of the African Union (AU) summit, scheduled for July 7-8 in Niamey.
(2019-06-19). For Not Mentioning Climate Crisis or Soaring Inequality, Sanders Calls Trump 'Man Living in Parallel Universe' Who 'Must Be Defeated'. commondreams.org "Our job is to keep our eyes on the prize, which is creating a decent life for all people," Sanders in video response to the president's official 2020 kickoff speech. "Our job is to resist Trump's effort to divide us up." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/bernie_sanders_9.jpg…
(2019-06-19). The 'Eve of Destruction' that Never Ends. From the "Old" and "New Cold War"… to the "Hot War"? globalresearch.ca In 1965 songwriter PF Sloan wrote the lyrics for 'Eve of Destruction'. The most famous recording was by singer Barry McGuire in the summer of that same year. Some of the lyrics obviously address the issue of the Cold War …
(2019-06-19). In Defence of Jeremy Corbyn's Brave and Lonely Stand on Calls for War Against Iran. globalresearch.ca The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is once again in the doghouse with the British media and the political establishment. | His offence? Once again it's for doing his job. | According to the political editor of the Sunday Times, Tim Shipman, …
(2019-06-19). The murder of German politician Walter Làºbcke: a warning. wsws.org The assassination of Làºbcke has exposed the dirty secret of German politics: the systematic promotion of right-wing extremist forces by the state and the ruling elite.
(2019-06-19). Michel Platini Detained Over Qatar World Cup Corruption Probe. telesurenglish.net Michel Platini, former head of European football association UEFA, has been taken Tuesday by French police for questioning over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament to Qatar. | RELATED: | FIFA Women's World Cup Under Way in France | Platini's lawyer, William Bourdon, said his client was innocent of all charges and was simply being questioned on "technical grounds." | France's national financial prosecutor's office, which investigates economic crimes and corruption, has been leadin…
(2019-06-19). Video: Tanker War in Persian Gulf and US-Iranian Conflict. globalresearch.ca The Persian Gulf region has turned into a new hot point in the Middle East. | On May 12, a supposed sabotage attack targeted very large crude carrier Amjad and crude tanker Al Marzoqah (both owned by Saudi shipping firm Bahri). …
(2019-06-19). 'What Is Trump's Motivation to be Provocative with Iran?' Pelosi Asks— and the Answer Is Adelson. globalresearch.ca Yesterday Nancy Pelosi asked a very pointed question on CNN, Why is Trump threatening a war with Iran? | [W]hat is his motivation? What is their motivation to be provocative with the Iranians? Why did the president turn his back …
(2019-06-19). Sri Lankan government moves to criminalise "fake news" wsws.org Colombo's new laws to censor and control the internet and social media are moves towards the establishment of dictatorial forms of rule.
(2019-06-19). The War of Oil Tankers. globalresearch.ca The economic war waged by Trump's administration against Iran seems to have been escalated to involve false flag attacks against oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz. Within a one-month period two …
(2019-06-19). Washington pushes to the brink of war with Iran. wsws.org Behind the backs of the American working class, Washington is preparing a war with catastrophic consequences for the people of Iran, the US and the world.
(2019-06-19). Rocket Hits Foreign Owned Oil Companies in Southeast Iraq. telesurenglish.net A rocket was fired towards the headquarters of several global major oil companies, including U.S. giant ExxonMobil, near Iraq's southern city of Basra early on Wednesday, wounding two Iraqi workers, police said. | RELATED: | Iraq Vows to Resist US Aggression Against Iran | The rocket reportedly hit the Bujesia residential and operations headquarters west of Basra. No group claimed responsibility for the rocket attack. | A security source told Reuters on Wednesday that Exxon was preparing to…
(2019-06-19). "Heightened Tensions With Iran": Provoking the Bear and the Dragon — And Hoping for the Best? globalresearch.ca "We are urging all the sides to show restraint," said President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov, to avoid escalation in the Middle East after the US said it was deploying additional troops due to heightened tensions with Iran" | "We would …
(2019-06-19). Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband insists Johnson's comments impacted on her. thecanary.co 
The husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has insisted that comments made by Boris Johnson when he was foreign secretary "enabled a propaganda campaign" against her by Iran.Richard Ratcliffe directly contradicted claims by Mr Johnson in the Tory leadership TV debate that his remarks as foreign secretary had no bearing on the fate of the mother-of-one, who is in prison in Iran on spying charges.Apology: Mr Johnson was forced to apologise in 2017 after wrongly stating to a House of Commons committee that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been in Iran to teach journalists.Referring to the remarks, Mr Ratcliffe told BB…
(2019-06-19). US Preparing "Assault" Against Iran. globalresearch.ca The Pentagon announced on Monday that the US is sending 1,000 additional troops and other military resources to the Middle East amid belligerent threats against Iran by the Trump administration. The troop movement follows the previous deployment of the USS …
(2019-06-19). Saudi Crown Prince Liable for Murder of Khashoggi: UN Expert. telesurenglish.net U.N. investigators stated on Wednesday that Evidence suggests Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last October. | RELATED: | Saudi Arabia Bows to Pressure, Not to Execute Teen Arrested at 13 over Protests | Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist that was a critic of MBS, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his w…
(2019-06-19). Saudi Crown Prince Liable for Murder of Khashoggi: UN Expert. telesurenglish.net U.N. investigators stated Wednesday that evidence suggests Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last October. | RELATED: | Saudi Arabia Bows to Pressure, Not to Execute Teen Arrested at 13 over Protests | Khashoggi, a Saud…
(2019-06-19). Stacey Abrams to Speak at Clarence Mitchell Luncheon during NAACP's 110th National Convention. naacp.org The Honorable Stacey Abrams will speak on the importance of ending voter suppression during the annual NAACP Convention in Detroit BALTIMORE — The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation's foremost civil rights organization, has announced that politician, lawyer and author Stacey Abrams will be speaking at the prestigious Clarence Mitchell …
(2019-06-19). Trump EPA OKs 'Emergency' Use of Bee-killing Pesticide on 13.9 Million Acres. globalresearch.ca The Environmental Protection Agency announced so-called "emergency" approvals today to spray sulfoxaflor — an insecticide it considers "very highly toxic" to bees — on nearly 14 million acres of crops known to attract bees. | The approval includes 2019 crops of …
(2019-06-19). The Industrialisation of Fake Food. globalresearch.ca Food is not a commodity. It is not 'stuff' put together mechanically and artificially in labs and factories. Food is life. | Food holds the contributions of all beings that make the food web, and it holds the potential for maintaining …
(2019-06-19). Chlorpyrifos: The Most Dangerous Pesticide You've Never Heard of. globalresearch.ca Scientists say there is no acceptable dose to avoid brain damage. Its use is banned in several European countries. Yet its residues are found in fruit baskets, on dinner plates, and in human urine samples from all over Europe. Now …
(2019-06-19). President Nguema arrives in Ethiopia for state visit. cgtn.com 
Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday for an official state visit. | The 77-year-old was received in Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Foreign Minister H.E. Gedu Andargachew and other high-level government officials. | President Nguema and PM Abiy Ahmed later held bilateral talks focusing on strengthening relations between their countries, regional peace and the refugee situation. | The Equatorial Guinea President is also scheduled to meet other high-level government officials for wide ranging talks. | He will also visit the Psori Refugee Camp in B…