Monthly Archives: May 2020

2020-05-31: News Headlines

Prabir Purkayastha (2020-05-31). US abandons Open Skies for new age space weapons. peoplesdispatch.org The US walking out of the Open Skies Agreement is a clear signal that it seeks global dominance. As other countries are unlikely to surrender, we are back to hair-trigger nuclear alerts and the Doomsday Clock inching towards midnight…

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-30). In the West: Propaganda, Hysteria and Truly Foul Breath! dissidentvoice.org If it wasn't so tragic, it would be laughable: the political brigands in North America and Europe are fuming, spitting and rolling their eyes upwards towards the ceiling. They are pointing fingers in all directions, shouting incoherently "China!", "Russia!", "Venezuela and Cuba!", "Iran!"; "You, You, YOU!". China and Russia are quietly building a new world, …

Philip Giraldi (2020-05-29). Trump the "Peace Candidate": Contemplating War During Pandemic against Two Global Competitors. Nuclear Weapons "Tests" against China and Russia. globalresearch.ca Let us consider why the Donald Trump White House is currently considering

MBNJSD (2020-05-29). Who Are the Secret Puppet-Masters Behind Trump's War on Iran? dissidentvoice.org On May 6th, President Trump vetoed a war powers bill specifying that he must ask Congress for authorization to use military force against Iran. Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign of deadly sanctions and threats of war against Iran has seen no let-up, even as the U.S., Iran and the whole world desperately need to set aside …

Paul Craig Roberts (2020-05-29). The Fear Is Real, Not Orchestrated. thealtworld.com For years I have been watching what little intelligence the human race ever had slowly evaporate before my eyes as governments built up arsenals of thermonuclear and biowarfare weapons that they cannot use without destroying us all. So many important social needs are forsaken, such as a national health service, in order to acquire useless weapons of mass destruction. My opinion of human intelligence is currently being reinforced by the hysteria over the attempts, however inadequate, to protect us from the consequences of a virus about which little is known. | The precautions of social distancing, masks, and close…

Ricardo Vaz (2020-05-28). Venezuela Cuts Back Oil Production, Mulls Gasoline Price Hike. venezuelanalysis.com Four Iranian tankers carrying fuel and additives have arrived in recent days.

Jeff Jurgens (2020-05-07). Once Again Trump Scoffs Congressional War Powers with Republican Help. peaceaction.org Once Again Trump Scoffs Congressional War Powers with Republican Help Washington, D.C. — May 7, 2020 — In response to the veto by President Trump yesterday of a bill (S.J.Res.68) to reclaim congressional war powers in regards to Iran and the anticipated failure today of the Senate override vote, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for …

Jon Rainwater (2020-04-23). A Myriad of Ways to Wage Peace During These Times. peaceaction.org As we shelter in our homes to protect ourselves from this global pandemic, we wanted to share some of the many ways you can remain active and impactful in the work for a more peaceful world. Peace Action has long been a leader in organizing international conferences, marches, and rallies around the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty …

Lilly Dragnev (2020-03-13). Latest U.S. Military Strikes Are as Reckless as they are Cruel. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 12, 2020 — In response to reports that the U.S. has carried out five airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia sites in Iraq, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "At a time of one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, it is shocking that the Trump …

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-03-11). Congress Sends Bipartisan Bill to Trump Rebuking Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 11, 2020 — In response to the House passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Both chambers and …

Strategic Culture (2020-02-08). US Deploys 'Mini-Nukes' in Deplorable Threat to World Peace. theantimedia.com These so-called "mini-nukes" represent—despite the diminutive-sounding name—an increased risk of nuclear war.

Jason Ditz (2020-02-05). Trump Says War With Iran Was "Closer Than You Thought" Last Month. theantimedia.com Trump told reporters that the U.S. came "closer than you thought" to war with Iran last month.

Staff (2020-05-30). Trump Boosts Nuclear Weapons Spending, Fueling a New Arms Race. truthout.org Spending by the world's nine nuclear nations climbed to nearly $73 billion in 2019, nearly half of it by the United States alone. At the same time, the Trump administration has prioritized nuclear weapons in its defense budget while abandoning nuclear treaties, fumbling negotiations and confounding allies. The administration's lack of coherent goals, strategies or polices have increased nuclear dangers, leaving the U.S. "blundering toward nuclear chaos with potentially disastrous consequences." Those are th…

RT (2020-05-31). 'You hang gays & stone women!' Pompeo awkwardly fights back as Iran's Zarif speaks out against racism amid George Floyd riots. rt.com Mike Pompeo has clashed online with Tehran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif after the latter weighed in on the anti-police-brutality riots across the US. Zarif even used the secretary of state's own words on Iran. | "Some don't think Black Lives Matter," Zarif wrote, telling "those of us who do" that a war waged against racism is "long overdue for the entire world." The top Iranian official was commenting on the mayhem sweeping through the US over the police killing of an African American, George Floyd. | It is "time for #WorldAgainstRacism," Zarif's statement proclaimed. It also featured a re-write of…

en.mehrnews (2020-05-31). Iran gets admission into Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle elite club. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — The unveiling of an Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, while showing off Iran's domestic capabilities, also sent another message to those countries which are trying to keep Iran away from any kind of advancement.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-31). Iran COVID-19 update: 2,516 cases, 63 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — Some 2,516 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been diagnosed in Iran in the past 24 hours, increasing the country's total infections to 151,466.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-31). US should listen to its people, change its bankrupt policies: Foreign Ministry. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its twitter account on Sunday wrote that the US should listen to its people and change its bankrupt policies.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-31). Iran's foreign trade value exceeds $9bn in two months: IRICA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — Iran's foreign trade value in the first two months of the current year [from March 21 to April 20] hit $9.341 billion.

yenisafak (2020-05-31). Iran records 63 new virus deaths, 2,516 more cases. yenisafak.com A further 2,516 people have tested positive for COVID-19, raising the overall count to 151,466, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said.Jahanpour said 112,988 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, while 2,543 patients remain in critical condition.Despite the rising number of cases, government employees went back to work, and mosques resumed daily prayers across the Middle Eastern country on Saturday.Shopping malls are now open beyond the 6 p.m. (13: 30 GMT) closing time imposed as part of the virus restrictions.Iran started loosening the containment measures in April, and cla…

_____ (2020-05-30). Fortress On A Hill: Interview With Gareth Porter. popularresistance.org Gareth Porter has long been one of my favorite foreign policy writers and investigative journalists. | Do check out his recent columns at the GrayZone! | He stopped by the podcast to discuss his long standing work on the Vietnam war, his thoughts on COVID-19 via the USS Theodore Roosevelt along with his previous work on the 1919 flu epidemic, the terrifying connections between Mike Pompeo and Bibi Netanyahu, and Israel's secret long standing nuclear stockpile. | Gareth Porter is an independent investigative journalist who has covered national security policy for decades, really, and was the recipient of the 2012…

2020-05-30: News Headlines

Kathy Kelly (2020-05-30). The Glory and Duty of Beating Swords to Plowshares. commondreams.org On April 4, 2018, Mark Colville, Clare Grady, Martha Hennessy, Elizabeth McAlister, Patrick O'Neill, Carmen Trotta and Fr. Steve Kelly, S.J. prayed, poured blood, spray painted messages against nuclear weapons, hammered on a replica of a nuclear weapon, hung banners and waited to be arrested. (Photo: Kings Bay 7) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/kings_bay_plowshares_0_0.jpeg

Andre Vltchek (2020-05-30). In the West: Propaganda, Hysteria and Truly Foul Breath! dissidentvoice.org If it wasn't so tragic, it would be laughable: the political brigands in North America and Europe are fuming, spitting and rolling their eyes upwards towards the ceiling. They are pointing fingers in all directions, shouting incoherently "China!", "Russia!", "Venezuela and Cuba!", "Iran!"; "You, You, YOU!". China and Russia are quietly building a new world, …

Philip Giraldi (2020-05-29). Trump the "Peace Candidate": Contemplating War During Pandemic against Two Global Competitors. Nuclear Weapons "Tests" against China and Russia. globalresearch.ca Let us consider why the Donald Trump White House is currently considering

Medea Benjamin (2020-05-29). Who Are the Secret Puppet-Masters Behind Trump's War on Iran? zcomm.org The message of these groups dedicated to "countering extremism" is clear and none too subtle: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are always U.S. allies and victims of extremism, never a problem or a source of danger, violence or chaos…

Paul Craig Roberts (2020-05-29). The Fear Is Real, Not Orchestrated. thealtworld.com For years I have been watching what little intelligence the human race ever had slowly evaporate before my eyes as governments built up arsenals of thermonuclear and biowarfare weapons that they cannot use without destroying us all. So many important social needs are forsaken, such as a national health service, in order to acquire useless weapons of mass destruction. My opinion of human intelligence is currently being reinforced by the hysteria over the attempts, however inadequate, to protect us from the consequences of a virus about which little is known. | The precautions of social distancing, masks, and close…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-05-28). US announces end of sanction waivers under nuclear deal to Iran. peoplesdispatch.org US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced the end of exemptions provided under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to some foreign companies to work on certain Iranian nuclear sites. The waiver was renewed every 60 days despite the unilateral US withdrawal from the deal in 2018…

Ricardo Vaz (2020-05-28). Venezuela Cuts Back Oil Production, Mulls Gasoline Price Hike. venezuelanalysis.com Four Iranian tankers carrying fuel and additives have arrived in recent days.

Dean Baker (2020-05-28). Washington Post Tells Readers About Trump's "Existential" Threat to China. cepr.net Thankfully, it is not a nuclear war. Apparently the Washington Post thinks plans considered by Trump to delist Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges and to make it more difficult for the country to trade in dollars will pose an "existential" threat to the country. While these plans, which put into practice, will almost certainly …

Jeff Jurgens (2020-05-07). Once Again Trump Scoffs Congressional War Powers with Republican Help. peaceaction.org Once Again Trump Scoffs Congressional War Powers with Republican Help Washington, D.C. — May 7, 2020 — In response to the veto by President Trump yesterday of a bill (S.J.Res.68) to reclaim congressional war powers in regards to Iran and the anticipated failure today of the Senate override vote, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for …

Jon Rainwater (2020-04-23). A Myriad of Ways to Wage Peace During These Times. peaceaction.org As we shelter in our homes to protect ourselves from this global pandemic, we wanted to share some of the many ways you can remain active and impactful in the work for a more peaceful world. Peace Action has long been a leader in organizing international conferences, marches, and rallies around the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty …

Lilly Dragnev (2020-03-13). Latest U.S. Military Strikes Are as Reckless as they are Cruel. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 12, 2020 — In response to reports that the U.S. has carried out five airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia sites in Iraq, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "At a time of one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, it is shocking that the Trump …

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-03-11). Congress Sends Bipartisan Bill to Trump Rebuking Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 11, 2020 — In response to the House passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Both chambers and …

Strategic Culture (2020-02-08). US Deploys 'Mini-Nukes' in Deplorable Threat to World Peace. theantimedia.com These so-called "mini-nukes" represent—despite the diminutive-sounding name—an increased risk of nuclear war.

Jason Ditz (2020-02-05). Trump Says War With Iran Was "Closer Than You Thought" Last Month. theantimedia.com Trump told reporters that the U.S. came "closer than you thought" to war with Iran last month.

Andrey Areshev (2020-05-29). Trump's Anti-China Hysteria Goes Nuclear. strategic-culture.org The Trump administration's scapegoating of China over its own disastrous mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic has relied on baseless conspiracy theory, unscientific claims and hyperbole. This week the president's National Security Advisor went further by comparing the virus outbreak to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. | In a U.S. media

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). Crossing "Khoda Afarin" bridge. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — The Bakhtiaris are a southwestern Iranian tribe and a subgroup of the Lurs. There are numerus nomadic pathways all over Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province one of which is named "Khoda Afarin" in Gazestan region.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). 'Galena' to go on screen at Sheffield Doc/Fest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 30 (MNA) — Iranian documentary "Galena" by Ezzatollah Parvazeh will take part at Sheffield Doc/Fest in the UK.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). US decline accelerated in intl. arena: Iran's top security official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 30 (MNA) — Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council [SNSC] Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said that the decline of the United States has been accelerated in the international arena.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). US act to end sanctions waiver against Iran violates NPT: Ulyanov. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 30 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said that the US act to end sanctions waiver against Iran means further violations of UN Charter, UNSC Resolution 2231 and NPT.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). Tehran, Caracas prove US sanctions' demise. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 30 (MNA) — Referring to the arrival of Iranian oil tankers to Venezuela this week, in a report on Saturday, an American newspaper admitted that US sanctions on the two countries have so far had little impact on their policies.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). Iran's battle against COVID-19 successful global model: Namaki. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Health and Medical Education Saeed Namaki said on Saturday that the world considers Iran's approach in the fight against Coronavirus as a successful model.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). Jahangiri calls for facilitation of granting residency to foreign investors. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) — In a Saturday meeting, Iranian First Vice President Es'hagh Jahangiri urged facilitation of implementation of a by-law, which grants residency to foreign investors in Iran.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). Iran records 2,282 new COVID-19 on Saturday. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 30 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry announced 2,282 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours, putting the total number of cases in the country at 148,950.

en.mehrnews (2020-05-30). Rouhani congratulates Croatia on national day. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 30 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has extended congratulation to his Croatian counterpart, Zoran Milanovic, on the occasion of the country's national day.

_____ (2020-05-30). Fortress On A Hill: Interview With Gareth Porter. popularresistance.org Gareth Porter has long been one of my favorite foreign policy writers and investigative journalists. | Do check out his recent columns at the GrayZone! | He stopped by the podcast to discuss his long standing work on the Vietnam war, his thoughts on COVID-19 via the USS Theodore Roosevelt along with his previous work on the 1919 flu epidemic, the terrifying connections between Mike Pompeo and Bibi Netanyahu, and Israel's secret long standing nuclear stockpile. | Gareth Porter is an independent investigative journalist who has covered national security policy for decades, really, and was the recipient of the 2012…