Monthly Archives: August 2020

2020-08-31: News Headlines

Staff (2020-08-31). Remembering Chadwick Boseman: Ibram X. Kendi on Legacy of "Black Panther" Actor, Cancer & Anti-Racism. democracynow.org Tributes continue to pour in for beloved actor Chadwick Boseman after his death at age 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman is best known for his iconic role as King T'Challa in the groundbreaking "Black Panther" — the first mainstream Black superhero movie and a smash hit that earned more than $1 billion at the box office. He is also widely acclaimed for his portrayal of major historical figures such as Thurgood Marshall, James Brown and Jackie Robinson. Boseman's death has highlighted the higher rates of colon cancer among Black men and the links to systemic racism. "Cancer,…

Staff (2020-08-31). Headlines for August 31, 2020. democracynow.org Protests Continue in Kenosha as Officials Plead With Trump To Cancel Visit, One Dead in Portland as Pro-Trump Rally Clashes With Anti-Racist Protesters, U.S. Covid-19 Cases Top 6 Million, Deaths Top 183,000, Under Pressure From Trump, FDA Admits It Might Approve Vaccine Before Trials End, Gaza Extends Lockdown, India Reports Record Daily Numbers as Global Covid-19 Cases Top 25 Million, Chadwick Boseman, Beloved and Ground-Breaking Actor, Dies at 43 After Battle With Cancer, "Get Your Knee Off Our Necks" Rally Held on 57th Anniverary of March on Washington, Mustapha Adib Set to Become New Prime Minister of Lebanon…

Staff (2020-08-31). Remembering Chadwick Boseman: Ibram X Kendi on Legacy of "Black Panther" Actor, Cancer & Anti-Racism. democracynow.org Tributes continue to pour in for beloved actor Chadwick Boseman after his death at age 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman is best known for his iconic role as King T'Challa in the groundbreaking "Black Panther" — the first mainstream Black superhero movie and a smash hit that earned more than $1 billion at the box office. He is also widely acclaimed for his portrayal of major historical figures such as Thurgood Marshall, James Brown and Jackie Robinson. Boseman's death has highlighted the higher rates of colon cancer among Black men and the links to systemic racism. "Cancer,…

Patrick Bond (2020-08-31). Wallerstein expanded the South African independent left's horizons. zcomm.org In establishing a strategic approach to these big-picture problems, which we continue to face in South Africa, no one I know embraced scale-politics better, with more seriousness and historical reach, and with such a long-range, compassionate future viewpoint, than Immanuel Wallerstein…

Mehr News Agency (2020-08-31). Niger to prevent UNSC from abusing US unilateralism: Rouhani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Sep.01 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Niger will prevent abuse of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for US unilateralism.

yenisafak (2020-08-31). At least 100 doctors die of coronavirus in Indonesia. yenisafak.com At least 100 Indonesian doctors have died of the novel coronavirus since the pandemic started in March, a doctors association said on Monday."There have been 100 doctors who died while handling COVID-19. Likewise, the number of other health workers who have died also climbed," Daeng Faqih, chairman of Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), said in a statement.Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Halik Malik, the association spokesman, said the number of doctors who have died increased significantly over the last two months.As of Aug. 4, the doctors association recorded deaths of 74 doctors, and the number climbed by 26 ove…

yenisafak (2020-08-31). Who is the leader of the Muslim world? Egyptians say 'Turkey' all the way. yenisafak.com Despite all the smear campaigns launched against Turkey in Egypt under the administration of putschist Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the people of Egypt continue to stand by Turkey and have deemed Erdogan the leader of the Muslim world.A poll conducted with the participation of 1,047 Egyptians by Turkey-based research company Areda Survey yielded quite the shocking results and shed light on how the people of Egypt really feel towards Turkey.When asked, "Who is the leader of the Muslim world besides your own country?", 31,4 percent of respondents answered "Turkey," with Saudi Arabia lagging far behind with only 10,4 perce…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-08-31). "Is There No End to Big Oil's Evil?" Campaigners Condemn Industry Plan to Pour US Plastics Into Africa. commondreams.org Anti-pollution advocates responded with alarm to the American Chemistry Council's reported efforts to influence a pending U.S.-Kenya trade deal. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12282284701.jpg

Juan Cole (2020-08-30). Chadwick Boseman's Wakanda: Afro-Futurism is in the Present. zcomm.org In one of his many achievements, Boseman (along with the MCU creative team) deployed the tropes of science fiction to create new images of Africa, but African scientific and technological advance is in the present…

Juan Cole (2020-08-30). Chadwick Boseman's Wakanda: Afro-Futurism Is in the Present. commondreams.org Skyline of the business district in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city with a population of over 12 million. (Photo: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/gettyimages-481661017_1.jpg

G. Dunkel (2020-08-30). Masses cheer as protests force out government in Mali. workers.org Bamako, Mali After months of agitation and protests — some going on for days, involving thousands of people and substantial injuries — the Malian Army arrested President Ibrahim Boubacar KeàØta (IBK), Prime Minister Boubou Cissé and the entire cabinet Aug. 18. The June 5 Movement — Rally of Patriotic . . . |

Pavan Kulkarni (2020-08-30). Zimbabwe's left and progressive forces face a quandary. peoplesdispatch.org The government in Zimbabwe is relying on large scale deployment of security forces to quell the protests sweeping the country, which may turn into a mass uprising. Left forces have however warned that the protests could be hijacked…

Mehr News Agency (2020-08-30). Nigerian Police attacks Shiite mourners on Ashura. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 30 (MNA) — Dozens of people were injured and two were arrested after Nigerian police attacked mourners marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH) on Ashura day, Sunday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-08-30). 'Saudi Arabia, UAE leaders of hypocrisy campaign'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 30 (MNA) — Leader of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah Movement Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the leaders of the hypocrisy campaign.

sputniknews (2020-08-30). Black Panther Actor Boseman Had Close Bond with Late NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, He Told HBO Show. sputniknews.com After Kobe Bryant's death in January, Chadwick Boseman recalled how the two had planned a joint project, as the NBA pro had considered dipping his toe into something artistic, albeit also sports-related.

yenisafak (2020-08-30). S.African president Ramaphosa to appear before ruling party's integrity commission. yenisafak.com South African president Cyril Ramaphosa will appear before the governing African National Congress party's integrity commission over controversial campaign donations, the deputy secretary of the ruling party said on Sunday.Ramaphosa has staked his reputation on cleaning up South African politics since he replaced former president Jacob Zuma 2-1/2 years ago, but he has been constrained by factional battles in the ANC, where a section of the party remains loyal to Zuma."He has made contact with the integrity committee and he will be presenting himself there for a discussion on the CR17 funds," said ANC deputy secre…

yenisafak (2020-08-30). Mauritius fishermen battle to save dozens dolphins near oil spill. yenisafak.com Fishermen battled on Sunday to save dozens of injured dolphins washed ashore in Mauritius where in recent days at least 40 of the animals were found dead in a lagoon near the site of an oil spill from a Japanese bulk carrier which struck a coral reef.Yasfeer Heenaye, a fisherman near Pointe aux Feuilles on the island's eastern shore, said he had counted at least 45 dead dolphins since they were first discovered on Wednesday, and said half a dozen more dolphins were in the bay fighting for their lives.He said he believed the animals' vision was impaired by the spilled oil, which is how they ended up on the reef wh…

yenisafak (2020-08-30). Jordan releases cartoonist held over UAE drawing. yenisafak.com Jordan on Sunday decided to release a cartoonist held for drawing a cartoon mocking a recent deal to normalize relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.Emad Hajjaj was arrested by Jordanian police on charges of insulting an Arab country after he drew a caricature that mocks UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as Israel refused to allow the UAE to buy F-35 warplanes from the US despite Abu Dhabi's normalization deal with Tel Aviv."The Judiciary has ordered Hajjaj's release," his lawyer Marwan Salem told Anadolu Agency.The lawyer, however, did not give any further details, and there wa…

Juan Cole (2020-08-29). How Trump brought us 11.1% Unemployment, lost Manufacturing Jobs, worsened Trade Deficits and Kowtowed to China. zcomm.org Trump has the worst job creation record of any modern president and far worse than even the much maligned Jimmy Carter…

RT (2020-08-29). Condolences pour in as 'Black Panther' star & 'Wakanda king' Chadwick Boseman dies after prolonged battle with cancer. rt.com Actor Chadwick Boseman, star of Marvel superhero hit 'Black Panther,' has passed away at the age of 43 after a years-long battle with colon cancer, which had progressed to stage four. | "It is with immeasurable grief that we can confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman," read a statement from the actor's family, shared to his Twitter account. | "A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it…

Ramona Shelburne, Marc J. Spears, Adrian Wojnarowski, Malika Andrews and Zach Lowe (2020-08-29). Inside the hectic hours around a historic NBA boycott. zcomm.org The NBA had reached a point where it just needed to stop. To think, to feel, to plan…

Oye Gureje, John Appiah-Poku, Toyin Bello, Lola Kola, Ricardo Araya, Dan Chisholm, Oluyomi Esan, Benjamin Harris, Victor Makanjuola, Caleb Othieno, LeShawndra Price, Soraya Seedat (2020-08-29). [Articles] Effect of collaborative care between traditional and faith healers and primary health-care workers on psychosis outcomes in Nigeria and Ghana (COSIMPO): a cluster randomised controlled trial. thelancet.com A collaborative shared care delivered by TFH and conventional health-care providers for people with psychosis was effective and cost-effective. The model of care offers the prospect of scaling up improved care to this vulnerable population in settings with low resources.

Sima Barmania (2020-08-29). [World Report] Questions over health response to Mauritius oil spill. thelancet.com The government has denied that symptoms are a direct result of oil exposure and experts have criticised the response. Sima Barmania reports.

Mehr News Agency (2020-08-29). Nigerians hold demonstration to support Sheikh Zakzaky. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, aug. 29 (MNA) — A number of the supporters of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky demanded the release of the Nigerian top Shia cleric in the capital city of Abuja.

yenisafak (2020-08-29). Jordan urged to free cartoonist held over UAE drawing. yenisafak.com Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Jordanian authorities to immediately release a cartoonist for drawing a satirical cartoon about a recent normalization deal between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.Emad Hajjaj was arrested by Jordanian police on charges of insulting an Arab country."Calling a satirical cartoon a terrorism offense only confirms that Jordan intends to muzzle citizens who speak freely," Joe Stork, HRW's deputy Middle East director, said in a statement."This arrest sends the message that Jordanian authorities would rather abuse the rights of their own citizens than risk offending…

yenisafak (2020-08-29). Palestinians appeal for return of martyrs' bodies. yenisafak.com It has been almost 50 years since Palestinian Ali Abu Maliha went missing.His brother, Mahmoud Amr, accused the Israeli occupation of being behind his brother's disappearance during an interview with Anadolu Agency.Amr, a resident of Dura, south of the West Bank, said he was in prison when his brother left home for a "struggle mission" against Israeli occupation in the early 1970s. It was the last time he and his family heard any news about Abu Maliha."The occupation is responsible for the disappearance of my brother," Amr said, adding that his family has communicated with the International Committee of the Red C…

Janine Jackson (2020-08-29). Press Normalizes Trump's Lawlessness as Use of 'Tools of Presidency' to 'Broaden Appeal'. commondreams.org In this screenshot from the RNC's livestream of the 2020 Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump hosts a naturalization ceremony for new citizens in a pre-recorded video broadcasted during the virtual convention on August 25, 2020. (Photo: Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trump_naturalization.jpg

Phyllis Bennis (2020-08-28). The Israel-UAE Deal Isn't About Peace at All. commondreams.org Palestinian demonstrators burn pictures of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest against a US-brokered deal between Israel and the UAE to normalize relations, in the northern Gaza Strip refugee camp of Jabalia, on August 15, 2020. (Photo: Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trumpnetanyahudemonstration.jpg

Vijay Prashad (2020-08-28). Only the struggle of the people will free the country. mronline.org On 18 August, soldiers from the Kati barracks outside Bamako (Mali) left their posts, arrested president Ibrahim Boubacar Kà´ita (IBK) and prime minister Boubou Cissé, and set up the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP).

South Front (2020-08-28). Video: US-Russia "Road War" in Northeastern Syria. globalresearch.ca Four US service members were slightly injured during a standoff with the Russian Military Police near the border-town of Al-Malikiyah in the Syrian province of al-Hasakah. According to reports, the US troops received "mild injures" after their MaxxPro MRAP vehicle …

news.un (2020-08-28). Complex security, environmental crises worsen conditions for over 360,000 in western Chad. news.un.org More than 360,000 internally displaced persons in Chad's Lake province are facing a "double" crisis, exposed to security and environmental risks, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported, highlighting the need to strengthen resilience of affected communities.

Carla Stea (2020-08-28). "Modern Attila the Hun" Ravages Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iran… China and Russia Block The Momentum, Are They the Next Targets? globalresearch.ca In 1991-1992, just prior to, and following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US gloated over its global supremacy which, of course guaranteed its unfettered dominance of United Nations agencies, the most powerful of which is the UN Security …

Peoples Dispatch (2020-08-28). As protests intensify, Sudan's PM and President spar over civilian takeover of economy. peoplesdispatch.org Sudan's president General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has defended military dominance of the country's economy after the civilian PM, Abdalla Hamdok, sought the transfer of proceeds from army-run businesses to the finance ministry…

Carla Stea (2020-08-28). "Modern Attilla the Hun" Ravages Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iran… China and Russia Block The Momentum, Are They the Next Targets? globalresearch.ca In 1991-1992, just prior to, and following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US gloated over its global supremacy which, of course guaranteed its unfettered dominance of United Nations agencies, the most powerful of which is the UN Security …

yenisafak (2020-08-28). Top Turkish, Libyan officials discuss mutual issues. yenisafak.com Turkey's foreign and defense ministers on Friday met separately with Khaled al-Mishri, the head of Libya's High Council of State.Foreign Minister Mevlàºt àáavu≈üoƒülu, in a statement, said the two discussed Turkish cooperation with "brotherly" Libya, which he said grows stronger every day.Saying both countries are determined to speed up joint economic and commercial projects, he added that Turkey will continue to support the political process in Libya.In a separate statement, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said Hulusi Akar discussed the latest developments in Libya with Al-Mis…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). El Al to fly Israel's first flight to UAE by commercial carrier, airport timetable shows. yenisafak.com El Al Airlines on Monday will fly Israel's first flight to the United Arab Emirates by a commercial carrier, a timetable on the Israel Airports Authority's website showed, as the countries forge ahead with a deal to normalise ties.The direct flight between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the UAE's political capital of Abu Dhabi is expected to carry an Israeli delegation and accompanying officials from the United States, which brokered the Aug. 13 accord.El Al and smaller Israeli rival Israir had submitted bids for the flight, an aviation source said. An El Al spokesman did not immediately respond to a request f…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). Turkish, British defense chiefs discuss East Med, Libya. yenisafak.com Turkey's defense chief and his British counterpart spoke over the phone Friday about recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya.Hulusi Akar and Ben Wallace spoke amid escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece.On disputes over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akar on Thursday stressed that Turkey would not usurp anyone's land or sea, but at the same time, would not allow any attack on its territory.Turkey has long opposed efforts of various countries to exclude it from its rightful maritime jurisdiction and deprive it from exploring energy resources…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). Foreign missions condemn rights abuses in Zimbabwe. yenisafak.com In a joint statement issued Friday, the envoys urged Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa to walk the talk, after pledging two years ago to work with all citizens."It is in this spirit that the Heads of Mission express their deep concern with the current political, economic, social, and health crisis that most Zimbabweans are facing today."The Heads of Mission stand by the people of Zimbabwe in their desire for a peaceful and prosperous democracy," the joint statement read.The mission heads noted that the government was criticizing almost everyone including the Catholic Bishops for raising their voices against h…

Vijay Prashad (2020-08-27). Why Cuban Doctors Deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. counterpunch.org Five years ago, I read the story of Dr. Félix Báez, a Cuban doctor who had worked in West Africa to stop the spread of Ebola. Dr. Báez was one of 165 Cuban doctors of the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade who went to Sierra Leone to fight a terrible outbreak in 2014 of a disease first detected in 1976. During his time there, Dr. Báez contracted Ebola.

yenisafak (2020-08-27). Tanzania bans more Kenyan airlines over coronavirus. yenisafak.com Tanzanian aviation authorities on Thursday banned three Kenyan airlines from flying into the country in retaliation for Kenya subjecting passengers from Tanzania to a mandatory 14-day COVID-19 quarantine.Tanzania reported 509 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths in late April, when authorities stopped publishing the pandemic's tally. President John Magufuli has declared victory over the coronavirus pandemic, ordering social and economic activities to resume.Hamza Johari, head of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, said in a statement that Air Kenya Express, Fly540, and Safari Link Aviation will not be allowed to enter…

yenisafak (2020-08-27). US' Pompeo pays surprise visit to Oman. yenisafak.com US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Oman Thursday for an unannounced stopover."Arrived in Oman and will meet with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said," Pompeo wrote on his Twitter account.Before Oman, Pompeo paid a visit Israel, Sudan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his Mideast tour."I look forward to discussing efforts to build unity among the Gulf Cooperation Council and build on the momentum to advance regional peace and prosperity," Pompeo added.Although his visit was not announced by the State Department, some media reports revealed that Pompeo is visiting two countries within…

yenisafak (2020-08-27). Mauritius provides aid to fishers affected by oil spill. yenisafak.com Mauritius announced on Thursday that it had started distributing food supplies to over 400 fishers whose livelihoods were hit when a Japanese ship ran aground on July 25, causing an oil spill.In a statement, the East African island nation announced that food supplies were distributed "among 400 fishermen from the regions of Riviere des Creoles and Deux Freres, who have been affected by the ecological crisis which resulted from the grounding of the MV Wakashio."The food distribution drive organized by the National Insurance company and the State Insurance Company of Mauritius happened at the Bambous Virieux Social…

2020-08-30: News Headlines

G. Dunkel (2020-08-30). Masses cheer as protests force out government in Mali. workers.org Bamako, Mali After months of agitation and protests — some going on for days, involving thousands of people and substantial injuries — the Malian Army arrested President Ibrahim Boubacar KeàØta (IBK), Prime Minister Boubou Cissé and the entire cabinet Aug. 18. The June 5 Movement — Rally of Patriotic . . . |

Juan Cole (2020-08-30). Chadwick Boseman's Wakanda: Afro-Futurism is in the Present. zcomm.org In one of his many achievements, Boseman (along with the MCU creative team) deployed the tropes of science fiction to create new images of Africa, but African scientific and technological advance is in the present…

Pavan Kulkarni (2020-08-30). Zimbabwe's left and progressive forces face a quandary. peoplesdispatch.org The government in Zimbabwe is relying on large scale deployment of security forces to quell the protests sweeping the country, which may turn into a mass uprising. Left forces have however warned that the protests could be hijacked…

sputniknews (2020-08-30). Black Panther Actor Boseman Had Close Bond with Late NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, He Told HBO Show. sputniknews.com After Kobe Bryant's death in January, Chadwick Boseman recalled how the two had planned a joint project, as the NBA pro had considered dipping his toe into something artistic, albeit also sports-related.

yenisafak (2020-08-30). Jordan releases cartoonist held over UAE drawing. yenisafak.com Jordan on Sunday decided to release a cartoonist held for drawing a cartoon mocking a recent deal to normalize relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.Emad Hajjaj was arrested by Jordanian police on charges of insulting an Arab country after he drew a caricature that mocks UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as Israel refused to allow the UAE to buy F-35 warplanes from the US despite Abu Dhabi's normalization deal with Tel Aviv."The Judiciary has ordered Hajjaj's release," his lawyer Marwan Salem told Anadolu Agency.The lawyer, however, did not give any further details, and there wa…

yenisafak (2020-08-30). Mauritius fishermen battle to save dozens dolphins near oil spill. yenisafak.com Fishermen battled on Sunday to save dozens of injured dolphins washed ashore in Mauritius where in recent days at least 40 of the animals were found dead in a lagoon near the site of an oil spill from a Japanese bulk carrier which struck a coral reef.Yasfeer Heenaye, a fisherman near Pointe aux Feuilles on the island's eastern shore, said he had counted at least 45 dead dolphins since they were first discovered on Wednesday, and said half a dozen more dolphins were in the bay fighting for their lives.He said he believed the animals' vision was impaired by the spilled oil, which is how they ended up on the reef wh…

yenisafak (2020-08-30). S.African president Ramaphosa to appear before ruling party's integrity commission. yenisafak.com South African president Cyril Ramaphosa will appear before the governing African National Congress party's integrity commission over controversial campaign donations, the deputy secretary of the ruling party said on Sunday.Ramaphosa has staked his reputation on cleaning up South African politics since he replaced former president Jacob Zuma 2-1/2 years ago, but he has been constrained by factional battles in the ANC, where a section of the party remains loyal to Zuma."He has made contact with the integrity committee and he will be presenting himself there for a discussion on the CR17 funds," said ANC deputy secre…

Juan Cole (2020-08-29). How Trump brought us 11.1% Unemployment, lost Manufacturing Jobs, worsened Trade Deficits and Kowtowed to China. zcomm.org Trump has the worst job creation record of any modern president and far worse than even the much maligned Jimmy Carter…

Ramona Shelburne, Marc J. Spears, Adrian Wojnarowski, Malika Andrews and Zach Lowe (2020-08-29). Inside the hectic hours around a historic NBA boycott. zcomm.org The NBA had reached a point where it just needed to stop. To think, to feel, to plan…

Oye Gureje, John Appiah-Poku, Toyin Bello, Lola Kola, Ricardo Araya, Dan Chisholm, Oluyomi Esan, Benjamin Harris, Victor Makanjuola, Caleb Othieno, LeShawndra Price, Soraya Seedat (2020-08-29). [Articles] Effect of collaborative care between traditional and faith healers and primary health-care workers on psychosis outcomes in Nigeria and Ghana (COSIMPO): a cluster randomised controlled trial. thelancet.com A collaborative shared care delivered by TFH and conventional health-care providers for people with psychosis was effective and cost-effective. The model of care offers the prospect of scaling up improved care to this vulnerable population in settings with low resources.

Sima Barmania (2020-08-29). [World Report] Questions over health response to Mauritius oil spill. thelancet.com The government has denied that symptoms are a direct result of oil exposure and experts have criticised the response. Sima Barmania reports.

Mehr News Agency (2020-08-29). Nigerians hold demonstration to support Sheikh Zakzaky. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, aug. 29 (MNA) — A number of the supporters of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky demanded the release of the Nigerian top Shia cleric in the capital city of Abuja.

yenisafak (2020-08-29). Jordan urged to free cartoonist held over UAE drawing. yenisafak.com Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Jordanian authorities to immediately release a cartoonist for drawing a satirical cartoon about a recent normalization deal between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.Emad Hajjaj was arrested by Jordanian police on charges of insulting an Arab country."Calling a satirical cartoon a terrorism offense only confirms that Jordan intends to muzzle citizens who speak freely," Joe Stork, HRW's deputy Middle East director, said in a statement."This arrest sends the message that Jordanian authorities would rather abuse the rights of their own citizens than risk offending…

yenisafak (2020-08-29). Palestinians appeal for return of martyrs' bodies. yenisafak.com It has been almost 50 years since Palestinian Ali Abu Maliha went missing.His brother, Mahmoud Amr, accused the Israeli occupation of being behind his brother's disappearance during an interview with Anadolu Agency.Amr, a resident of Dura, south of the West Bank, said he was in prison when his brother left home for a "struggle mission" against Israeli occupation in the early 1970s. It was the last time he and his family heard any news about Abu Maliha."The occupation is responsible for the disappearance of my brother," Amr said, adding that his family has communicated with the International Committee of the Red C…

Janine Jackson (2020-08-29). Press Normalizes Trump's Lawlessness as Use of 'Tools of Presidency' to 'Broaden Appeal'. commondreams.org In this screenshot from the RNC's livestream of the 2020 Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump hosts a naturalization ceremony for new citizens in a pre-recorded video broadcasted during the virtual convention on August 25, 2020. (Photo: Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trump_naturalization.jpg

Phyllis Bennis (2020-08-28). The Israel-UAE Deal Isn't About Peace at All. commondreams.org Palestinian demonstrators burn pictures of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest against a US-brokered deal between Israel and the UAE to normalize relations, in the northern Gaza Strip refugee camp of Jabalia, on August 15, 2020. (Photo: Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trumpnetanyahudemonstration.jpg

South Front (2020-08-28). Video: US-Russia "Road War" in Northeastern Syria. globalresearch.ca Four US service members were slightly injured during a standoff with the Russian Military Police near the border-town of Al-Malikiyah in the Syrian province of al-Hasakah. According to reports, the US troops received "mild injures" after their MaxxPro MRAP vehicle …

news.un (2020-08-28). Complex security, environmental crises worsen conditions for over 360,000 in western Chad. news.un.org More than 360,000 internally displaced persons in Chad's Lake province are facing a "double" crisis, exposed to security and environmental risks, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported, highlighting the need to strengthen resilience of affected communities.

Vijay Prashad (2020-08-28). Only the struggle of the people will free the country. mronline.org On 18 August, soldiers from the Kati barracks outside Bamako (Mali) left their posts, arrested president Ibrahim Boubacar Kà´ita (IBK) and prime minister Boubou Cissé, and set up the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP).

Carla Stea (2020-08-28). "Modern Attilla the Hun" Ravages Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iran… China and Russia Block The Momentum, Are They the Next Targets? globalresearch.ca In 1991-1992, just prior to, and following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US gloated over its global supremacy which, of course guaranteed its unfettered dominance of United Nations agencies, the most powerful of which is the UN Security …

Carla Stea (2020-08-28). "Modern Attila the Hun" Ravages Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iran… China and Russia Block The Momentum, Are They the Next Targets? globalresearch.ca In 1991-1992, just prior to, and following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US gloated over its global supremacy which, of course guaranteed its unfettered dominance of United Nations agencies, the most powerful of which is the UN Security …

Peoples Dispatch (2020-08-28). As protests intensify, Sudan's PM and President spar over civilian takeover of economy. peoplesdispatch.org Sudan's president General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has defended military dominance of the country's economy after the civilian PM, Abdalla Hamdok, sought the transfer of proceeds from army-run businesses to the finance ministry…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). Turkish, British defense chiefs discuss East Med, Libya. yenisafak.com Turkey's defense chief and his British counterpart spoke over the phone Friday about recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya.Hulusi Akar and Ben Wallace spoke amid escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece.On disputes over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akar on Thursday stressed that Turkey would not usurp anyone's land or sea, but at the same time, would not allow any attack on its territory.Turkey has long opposed efforts of various countries to exclude it from its rightful maritime jurisdiction and deprive it from exploring energy resources…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). Top Turkish, Libyan officials discuss mutual issues. yenisafak.com Turkey's foreign and defense ministers on Friday met separately with Khaled al-Mishri, the head of Libya's High Council of State.Foreign Minister Mevlàºt àáavu≈üoƒülu, in a statement, said the two discussed Turkish cooperation with "brotherly" Libya, which he said grows stronger every day.Saying both countries are determined to speed up joint economic and commercial projects, he added that Turkey will continue to support the political process in Libya.In a separate statement, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said Hulusi Akar discussed the latest developments in Libya with Al-Mis…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). El Al to fly Israel's first flight to UAE by commercial carrier, airport timetable shows. yenisafak.com El Al Airlines on Monday will fly Israel's first flight to the United Arab Emirates by a commercial carrier, a timetable on the Israel Airports Authority's website showed, as the countries forge ahead with a deal to normalise ties.The direct flight between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the UAE's political capital of Abu Dhabi is expected to carry an Israeli delegation and accompanying officials from the United States, which brokered the Aug. 13 accord.El Al and smaller Israeli rival Israir had submitted bids for the flight, an aviation source said. An El Al spokesman did not immediately respond to a request f…

yenisafak (2020-08-28). Foreign missions condemn rights abuses in Zimbabwe. yenisafak.com In a joint statement issued Friday, the envoys urged Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa to walk the talk, after pledging two years ago to work with all citizens."It is in this spirit that the Heads of Mission express their deep concern with the current political, economic, social, and health crisis that most Zimbabweans are facing today."The Heads of Mission stand by the people of Zimbabwe in their desire for a peaceful and prosperous democracy," the joint statement read.The mission heads noted that the government was criticizing almost everyone including the Catholic Bishops for raising their voices against h…

Archie Henderson (2020-08-28). The Many Faces of the Radical Right and How To Counter Their Threat. commondreams.org "The normalization of rhetoric from an increasingly emboldened radical right in the past decade risks poisoning public discourse, damaging community relations, and weakening liberal democracy itself," concludes the CARR report. (Photo: Getty) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2017-08-17_at_1.44.40_pm_0.png

Vijay Prashad (2020-08-27). Why Cuban Doctors Deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. counterpunch.org Five years ago, I read the story of Dr. Félix Báez, a Cuban doctor who had worked in West Africa to stop the spread of Ebola. Dr. Báez was one of 165 Cuban doctors of the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade who went to Sierra Leone to fight a terrible outbreak in 2014 of a disease first detected in 1976. During his time there, Dr. Báez contracted Ebola.

news.un (2020-08-27). UN rights expert calls for ceasefire, commitment from all stakeholders to ensure free elections in Central African Republic. news.un.org The UN's expert on human rights in the Central African Republic (CAR) issued a series of recommendations on Wednesday to ensure that citizens — after years of civil unrest — can freely decide the future of their country during presidential elections on 27 December.

Abayomi Azikiwe (2020-08-27). Instability in Mali Caused by Imperialist Foreign Policy. globalresearch.ca A mutiny by lower-ranking military officers on August 18 in the West African state of Mali has prompted the condemnation of regional, continental and international organizations. | President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was forced over the national media to resign from office …

news.un (2020-08-27). Togo overcomes 'sleeping sickness' as a public health problem. news.un.org The West African nation of Togo has eliminated human African trypanosomiasis or "sleeping sickness" as a public health problem, becoming the first in the continent to achieve the milestone, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

sputniknews (2020-08-27). Malicious Propaganda: Pakistan Rejects India's Claim Pulwama Attack Executed at Islamabad's Behest. sputniknews.com New Delhi (Sputnik): On 25 August, India's top investigative agency filed its first charge sheet in the deadly February 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing case, naming 19 people for carrying out the attack at "Pakistan's behest".

yenisafak (2020-08-27). Tanzania bans more Kenyan airlines over coronavirus. yenisafak.com Tanzanian aviation authorities on Thursday banned three Kenyan airlines from flying into the country in retaliation for Kenya subjecting passengers from Tanzania to a mandatory 14-day COVID-19 quarantine.Tanzania reported 509 COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths in late April, when authorities stopped publishing the pandemic's tally. President John Magufuli has declared victory over the coronavirus pandemic, ordering social and economic activities to resume.Hamza Johari, head of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, said in a statement that Air Kenya Express, Fly540, and Safari Link Aviation will not be allowed to enter…

yenisafak (2020-08-27). Mauritius provides aid to fishers affected by oil spill. yenisafak.com Mauritius announced on Thursday that it had started distributing food supplies to over 400 fishers whose livelihoods were hit when a Japanese ship ran aground on July 25, causing an oil spill.In a statement, the East African island nation announced that food supplies were distributed "among 400 fishermen from the regions of Riviere des Creoles and Deux Freres, who have been affected by the ecological crisis which resulted from the grounding of the MV Wakashio."The food distribution drive organized by the National Insurance company and the State Insurance Company of Mauritius happened at the Bambous Virieux Social…

yenisafak (2020-08-27). US' Pompeo pays surprise visit to Oman. yenisafak.com US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Oman Thursday for an unannounced stopover."Arrived in Oman and will meet with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said," Pompeo wrote on his Twitter account.Before Oman, Pompeo paid a visit Israel, Sudan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his Mideast tour."I look forward to discussing efforts to build unity among the Gulf Cooperation Council and build on the momentum to advance regional peace and prosperity," Pompeo added.Although his visit was not announced by the State Department, some media reports revealed that Pompeo is visiting two countries within…

WSWS (2020-08-27). Australian media stokes fears over Papua New Guinea-China links. wsws.org The Australian media is working hand-in-hand with the government to undermine China's presence in its former colonial possession.

Anya Parampil (2020-08-26). Israel bombs Gaza every day since UAE normalization announced. thegrayzone.com Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Ali Abunimah, co-founder of the Electronic Intifada, about the recent announcement that Israel and the United Arab Emirates plan to normalize relations. They discuss the conditions which led to the deal as well as what the agreement will mean for Palestinians, particularly those in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Pavan Kulkarni (2020-08-26). Anti-corruption protests, health workers' agitations point to depth of Kenya's COVID-19 crisis. peoplesdispatch.org Very little progress has been made in resolving the issues raised by doctors and nurses in Kenya. Meanwhile, protests have broken out in many cities against alleged misappropriation of funds for COVID-19 equipment…

yenisafak (2020-08-26). Pompeo, Emirati officials discuss ceasefire in Libya and Gulf unity. yenisafak.com U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Emirati officials discussed on Wednesday regional and bilateral issues, including a lasting ceasefire in Libya, Gulf unity and Iran's "malign influence" in the region, a statement from a spokesperson of U.S. State Department said.Pompeo met the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

yenisafak (2020-08-26). Pompeo in UAE says hopeful to build on UAE-Israel accord momentum. yenisafak.com U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a short visit to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday as part of a Middle East tour following a U.S.-brokered deal on normalising relations between Israel and the UAE announced on Aug. 13."Excited to arrive in the United Arab Emirates and congratulate the Emirati people on the historic Abraham Accords— the most significant step toward peace in the Middle East in over 25 years. Hopeful we will‚ÄØ build on this momentum towards regional peace," Pompeo said on Twitter, referring to the UAE-Israel agreement aimed at normalising relations.Pompeo visited…

commondreams (2020-08-26). Heavy Weaponry Used in Libya To Disperse Peaceful Protesters Demanding Economic Rights. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Nanjala Nyabola (2020-08-26). Without Trust, Politics Is Reduced to Spectacle. thenation.com Without Trust, Politics Is Reduced to Spectacle…