(2020-08-17). Headlines for August 17, 2020. democracynow.org Pelosi Calls House Back from Recess as Outrage Mounts over Turmoil at USPS, AZ Teachers Halt School Reopening; COVID-19 Data Shows Devastating Effect on Latinx, Black People, New Zealand Postpones Election Amid COVID-19 Spike; Virus Compounds Disaster in Lebanon, Mass Protests Continue in Belarus Amid Reports of Torture in Jails, Student Protests in Thailand Swell, Demanding Democratic Reforms, 16 People Killed After Car Bomb Blast at Hotel in Somalia, At Least 6 People Killed as Protests Intensify in Ivory Coast, Trump Vows to Reinstate U.N. Sanctions Against Iran, Lawyers Say Guards at Immigration Jail "Systema…
(2020-08-17). The Decline in Power of the Oil States. counterpunch.org 
President Donald Trump is cock-a-hoop over the United Arab Emirates becoming the first Arab Gulf state to normalise its relations with Israel. He needs all the good news he can get in the months before the US presidential election. "HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!" Trump tweeted.
(2020-08-17). 'Regime Change' in Belarus Looks Like an Objective of Both the Trump Administration and the Biden Campaign. globalresearch.ca It seems that whoever wins the presidency, United States foreign policy will keep chugging away at intervening across the world, including via "regime change" efforts. Over the last couple decades, targets for US-government-supported overthrow have included Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, …
(2020-08-17). Real Life Heroes: building trust, and saving lives. news.un.org Marie-Roseline Bélizaire, a doctor and epidemiologist with the World Health Organization (WHO), is using her passion for community medicine to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the Central African Republic (CAR).
(2020-08-17). Private U.S. Contractors Part of the 'Kill Chain' in East Africa "Anti-Terrorist Operations" globalresearch.ca It was early on a Sunday morning when Al-Shabab militants attacked the small airstrip next to a military base on Kenya's north coast. Plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky as the militants destroyed six aircraft and killed three …
(2020-08-17). The Secret History of the Emirates' Relationship to Israel. zcomm.org The Palestinians have always felt that the UAE has been seeking for years to exploit their suffering and their need for financial and relief aid, to stipulate that they should not issue a position condemning any step to enhance normalisation with Israel.
(2020-08-17). Somalia: UN condemns 'brazen' terrorist attack on beachside hotel. news.un.org The UN in Somalia has strongly condemned a terrorist attack that took place on Sunday at the Elite Hotel in the capital Mogadishu, which reportedly killed at least 16 people and left many others injured.
(2020-08-17). Abnormalize The Status Quo. thealtworld.com We are in the same situation now. We are having a wildly insane status quo thrust upon us by the powerful and for the benefit of the powerful. Only difference is we're not all out in the streets, and instead of thrusting this horrible situation upon us suddenly, they've been doing it this entire time. | Which is precisely why we're not out in the streets. We were born into this mess, so we assume it's normal and that things are supposed to be this way. But it isn't, and they aren't. | What is normal is health. Health is the normal default condition. If you wake up with a fever and stabbing pain in your abdomen yo…
(2020-08-17). Coronavirus, Corruption, and Resistance: Life Under South Africa's Lockdown. unicornriot.ninja Durban, South Africa — Five months ago South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, declared a national state of emergency and announced a "21 day lockdown" in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa. The lockdown's time frame has since been extended multiple…
(2020-08-17). UAE rulers' betrayal not to be erased from Muslims' memories. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 17 (MNA) — Referring to UAE-Israeli tie normalization, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said that the strategic mistake and the brazen betrayal of the UAE rulers will not be erased from the historical memories of the Muslims and freedom seekers.
(2020-08-17). Israeli foreign minister telephones Omani counterpart. yenisafak.com Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Monday telephoned his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi, according to Israel's state broadcaster.The move came days after US President Donald Trump announced a deal between Israel and the UAE to normalize their relations.The UAE is the first Gulf state and third Arab nation to have full diplomatic relations with Israel after Egypt and Jordan.Despite reports that the deal halted Israel's controversial plan to annex parts of the West Bank, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his government's continued commitment to the annexation plan.The Gulf state of Oman…
(2020-08-17). Turkish defense minister, military chief visit Libya. yenisafak.com Turkey's defense minister and chief of general staff on Monday visited Libya to review the activities carried out under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two nations.A military ceremony was held for Hulusi Akar and General Yasar Guler upon their arrival at the Mitiga International Airport in the capital Tripoli.Following the ceremony, Akar and Guler went to the Defense Security Cooperation and Training Assistance Advisory Command, which was created as part of a MoU between Turkey and Libya.On Nov. 27, 2019, Ankara and Tripoli signed two MoUs; one on military cooperation and the other on maritime bou…
(2020-08-17). Putin, Erdogan discuss conflicts in Libya, Syria in phone call. yenisafak.com Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the conflicts in Libya and Syria with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan in a telephone call on Monday, the Kremlin said in a statement.The Kremlin said the call's main focus was on the crisis in Libya, highlighting the need to make real steps towards a sustainable ceasefire.It also said both leaders agreed to step up anti-terrorism efforts in Syria, after reports earlier on Monday of a Turkish-Russian joint patrol being hit by a blast in the Idlib region.
(2020-08-17). Libya belongs to Libyans, says Turkish defense minister. yenisafak.com Turkey on Monday reiterated its support for Libya's legitimate government, with the visiting defense minister saying, "Libya belongs to Libyans"."We believe that we will achieve the wanted results by supporting our Libyan brothers in their just cause," Hulusi Akar said during his visit in the capital Tripoli.Accompanied by Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Yasar Guler, Akar is visiting Libya to review the training and advisory activities carried out under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two nations on security and military cooperation.The duo met with the Turkish training personnel at lunch, foll…
(2020-08-17). Germany asks UAE to use influence over Libya's Haftar. yenisafak.com Germany urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to use its influence over warlord Khalifa Haftar, leader of the illegitimate armed forces in eastern Libya, according to the German Federal Foreign Office. | "In Libya at the moment, we are observing a deceptive calm. Both sides and their international allies are continuing to massively arm the country and holding firm to their preconditions for a ceasefire", German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas issued a statement upon his arrival in Tripoli. | Maas said during his two-day official visit to Libya, he will meet with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, Foreign Minister…
(2020-08-16). Palestinians burn photos of Abu Dhabi crown prince and Netanyahu in protest over Israel-UAE deal (VIDEO). rt.com 
Palestinians have held protest rallies across the West Bank and Gaza, decrying the recent deal to normalize the ties between Israel and the UAE as a betrayal of their cause and a blow to "Arab solidarity." | Protesters carried Palestinian flags and stomped on photos of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, before setting them on fire in central Ramallah in the West Bank. They also burned photos of US President Donald Trump, who brokered the deal, and Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan, who currently resides in the UAE. | Similar demonstrations…
(2020-08-16). At least 5 dead, 28 injured as gunmen explode car bomb & storm hotel in Mogadishu (VIDEOS). rt.com 
A hotel has been attacked by Islamic militants in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, with at least five people killed. Video posted on social media shows a large plume of smoke emerging from the scene that suffered the explosion. | Reports of the attack emerged on local media on Sunday. Several videos circulating online show dust and smoke rising from the location, identified as Mogadishu's Elite Hotel, while gunfire can be heard in the background. | A VBIED was detonated in front of the popular Hotel known as "Hotel Elite" at Liido beach in Mogadishu. Following the explosion, armed gunmen stormed the building and t…
(2020-08-16). Iran will change its approach to UAE over deal with 'child-murdering Israeli regime' — top commander. rt.com 
The freshly inked peace deal with Israel will change Tehran's attitude towards the United Arab Emirates, a top Iranian commander has warned, saying that Abu Dhabi will now be the prime suspect for any troubles in the Persian Gulf. | "Unfortunately, the UAE has reached a deal to normalize ties with the child-murdering Israeli regime," Chief of Staff for the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri said on Sunday. | Tehran's approach to the UAE will change … If something happens in the Persian Gulf region and if our national security is damaged, however small, we will hold the UAE responsible for th…
(2020-08-16). The United Arab Emirates and Israel Join Hands: Great for Trump but More Bad News for the Middle East. globalresearch.ca The decision made this week by the United Arab Emirates and Israel to establish full diplomatic relations as part of a commitment to normalize the interaction between the two countries was characteristically announced by President Donald Trump because he is, …
(2020-08-16). History will record such betrayal to Palestinians: envoy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 16 (MNA) — Referring to UAE-Israeli tie normalization, Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini said that history will record such betrayal to Palestinians.
(2020-08-16). Top General warns UAE against normalizing ties with Israelis. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 16 (MNA) — A top Iranian commander denounced the United Arab Emirates' decision to normalize ties with the Israeli regime, calling on Abu Dhabi to reconsider its move.
(2020-08-16). UAE to suffer severely for normalizing ties with Zionists. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 16 (MNA) — Secretary-General of the International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada said that the United Arab Emirates will sustain severe damage for its normalizing ties and compromise with the Israeli regime.
(2020-08-16). VIDEO: Oil tanker breaks in half off Mauritius coast. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 16 (MNA) — A Japanese bulk carrier that struck a coral reef last month off the Mauritius coast broke apart Saturday afternoon. Spilling 1,000 tons of fuel oil, the ship is feared to create a marine ecological disaster around Mauritius.
(2020-08-16). UAE Deal Brings Israel's 'Ultimate Disintegration Closer' – Advisor to Iran Supreme Leader. sputniknews.com On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced reaching a deal with the United Arab Emirates that would see Abu Dhabi beginning the process to recognize and normalize relations with Tel Aviv, with a formal signing ceremony projected to take place in Washington within a few weeks.
(2020-08-16). Netanyahu Says UAE-Israel Peace Deal Shows Arab Countries Won't be 'Held Hostage by Palestinians'. sputniknews.com The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel on Thursday agreed to sign a treaty to begin the process of normalising relations, in a deal said to have been brokered by US President Donald Trump. The Israeli Prime Minister claims that the new relationship between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv will lead to an agreement with the Palestinians.
(2020-08-16). Virus claims 6 lives in Libya, 2 in Sudan. yenisafak.com Health authorities in Libya and Sudan on Sunday confirmed additional fatalities due to the coronavirus pandemic.In a statement, Libya's National Center for Disease Control said six people had died from COVID-19 and 411 others tested positive.The country's tally now rose to 7,738 confirmed cases, including 145 deaths, and 894 recoveries.In Sudan, the Health Ministry recorded two deaths along with 103 infections and 10 recoveries.The country's total infections now stand at 12,314, including 798 deaths, and 6,350 recoveries.The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed nearly 769,000 lives in at least 188 countries and regions…
(2020-08-16). Screen addiction causes children to lose ability to draw. yenisafak.com The normalization of technology has rendered some children incapable of drawing a simple picture, and the number keeps rising daily, according to a Turkish child development specialist.The new school year in Turkey will begin with remote classes Aug. 31. Aysenur Bekaroglu believes screen addiction in children is much more pronounced when learning is primarily dictated by a device."But this is the best of a bad lot," she said. "Rather than children being left uneducated, online education is the best option."Bekaroglu said schools are not only a center for education but a place to socialize, where children have pee…
(2020-08-16). UAE phone lines to Israel open after accord to normalise relations. yenisafak.com Telephone lines between the United Arab Emirates and Israel were open on Sunday, calls made by Reuters reporters showed, after the two countries moved to normalise diplomatic relations last week.It was not clear when exactly a block on telephone calls made from the UAE to Israel was lifted, but historically calls were not possible.The UAE's Telecoms Regulatory Authority did not immediately respond to a request to comment.More Israeli news websites that were previously blocked in the UAE were also now able to be viewed on UAE internet connections on Sunday.An official in Israel's Communication Ministry told Reuter…
(2020-08-16). India sends team to Mauritius to assist in oil spill. yenisafak.com India has sent technical equipment and a team of specialists to Mauritius to help local authorities deal with an environmental crisis after an oil spill from a Japanese ship, a government official said on Sunday.A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island nation on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency".The carrier split on Saturday, and the oil spill spread over a vast area of endangered corals, fish and other marine life in what some scientists called the country's worst ecological disaster.Scientists say the full impact o…
(2020-08-16). How the Israel-UAE Deal puts the Bogus Peace Industry Back in Business. dissidentvoice.org If there is one conclusion to draw from the agreement this week between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — with Israel temporarily "suspending" its threat to illegally annex parts of the West Bank, in return for "full normalisation" with the Gulf state — it is this: The peace industry is back in business. But this …
(2020-08-15). The Heat: U.S. presidential politics. america.cgtn.com 
The U.S. presidential race heats up as Democrats prepare to formally anoint Joe Biden in the race for the White House. As Democrats take center stage next week to formalize their party's ticket for November's national election, gone will be the mass gathering of party …
(2020-08-15). Open wide, Adolf! Daughter of Kremlin spokesman posts photo of HITLER'S TEETH on Instagram. rt.com 
So Hitler didn't escape to South America to run a bar with Elvis? On Friday, the daughter of the Kremlin press secretary posted a photo of his remains, in storage at the Federal Security Service's (FSB) secret archives in Moscow | On her popular Instagram account, Elizaveta Peskova shared photographs of the dental remains of Adolf Hitler and his wife, Eva Braun. | Peskova, whose father Dmitry Peskov has been the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin since 2012, wrote that her friend and history fan Pierre Malinovsky requested to see the artifact, as not everyone believes that Hitler died in 1945.
(2020-08-15). UAE, Israel deal against democracy in Arab world: Experts. yenisafak.com The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel made a deal earlier this week to forestall Tel Aviv's controversial plans to annex large swathes of the occupied West Bank and start a new era of normalization.Although the deal was supported by the West and regional countries namely, Egypt, Oman and Bahrain, the agreement sparked uproar in Palestine and on Arab streets.The Emirates became the third Arab country to recognize Israel after Jordan and Egypt, in a move touted as doing the Palestinians a favor.Palestinian groups, however, denounced the agreement, saying it does nothing to serve the Palestinian cause and ignore…
(2020-08-15). Uganda looks online for answers to COVID economic crisis. news.un.org From banking, to food delivery, and taxi bookings, Uganda is rapidly becoming accustomed to many of the online tools that are commonplace in developed economies, and which don't rely on face-to-face interactions. The UN is supporting this shift, as a way to help developing economies recover from the global economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2020-08-15). UAE-Israel agreement, clear violation of Palestinians' rights. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 15 (MNA) — The Secretariat of Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution in a statement on Sat. condemned the infamous Emirati-Zionist agreement to normalize relations, calling it a clear example of historic loss for the Emirati government.
(2020-08-15). Morocco Could Become Next Arab Country to Normalise Relations With Israel, Report Suggests. sputniknews.com Since its creation after the Second World War out of the British-controlled Palestinian Mandate, Israel has received little to no recognition from the Arab world, including refusals to recognise international travel.
(2020-08-15). Iran, Hamas discuss UAE-Israel normalization deal. yenisafak.com Iran's foreign minister and the political head of Hamas discussed on Friday a recent deal between the UAE and Israel to normalize relations.In a phone call, Iran's Jawad Zarif said Tehran stood by Palestinians and that the agreement was unacceptable, according to a statement by Hamas."We're confident that the heroic Palestinian people, Arab and Muslim worlds are strong enough to foil this agreement," Zarif said. Ismail Haniyeh, for his part, thanked Iran for defending Palestinians' rights."Palestinian people stand up for their cause and resistance," Haniyeh stressed.The deal to normalize UAE-Israeli ties was anno…
(2020-08-15). 'Israel-UAE deal null and void for Turkey'. yenisafak.com Turkey again lambasted on Friday a recent deal between the UAE and Israel to normalize ties between the two countries, saying the agreement is null and void for Turkey."This step, which ignores the rights of Palestinians, has already been condemned in the conscience of the peoples of the region, especially the Palestinians," Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter.Altun stressed that the agreement had clearly shown "those who are behind the wave of instability that took the region for a long time," as well as those who had been "using the Palestinian people's righteous cause for their own interes…
(2020-08-15). UAE, Israel deal not surprising, but shameful. yenisafak.com The announcement of an agreement to normalize relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Israeli occupation state was not surprising, but it was rude in terms of form and timing.Everyone who follows news of normalization in recent years notices it is no secret the Gulf, especially the Emiratis, is persistent and stubborn to break all taboos, which Arabs believed in for decades, in their relationship to the Palestinian cause. The most important of which is that it is impossible to normalize relations with the occupation state before a just solution to the Palestinian issue is achieved. This is the es…
(2020-08-15). EU calls Israel to abandon West Bank annexation plans. yenisafak.com Welcoming a controversial deal between Israel and the UAE to normalize relations, the EU on Friday called for Tel Aviv to abandon plans to annex areas of the West Bank."I welcome Israel-UAE normalisation; benefits both is important for regional stability," said Josep Borrell on Twitter.Stressing that suspending the annexation was a positive step, he called Israel to abandon the plans altogether."The EU hopes for resumed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations on 2-state solution based on intl' agreed parameters," he added.- Israel-UAE dealThe deal to normalize UAE-Israel ties was announced by US President Donald Trump o…
(2020-08-15). [World Report] COVID-19 worsens Zimbabwe's health crisis. thelancet.com Years of neglect and doctors' strikes have pushed the Zimbabwean health system to the brink. Munyaradzi Makoni reports.
(2020-08-15). Volkswagen South Africa reinstates shop-stewards after pressure from union. peoplesdispatch.org On August 11, Tuesday, Volkswagen South Africa announced that it will reinstate 14 shop-stewards who were suspended for exposing COVID-19 protocol violations at the company's Uitenhage plant. | The German automobile giant agreed to reinstate the shop-stewards in a meeting after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) — which represents close to 2,600 of Volkswagen's roughly 3,900 workers nationwide — threatened to take the company to labor court over the issue. | NUMSA alleges that workers of the Volkswagen plant at Uitenhage, an industrial town in the Eastern Cape Province, were expo…
(2020-08-14). Headlines for August 14, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Records 1,000+ Daily Coronavirus Deaths Again as 2,000+ Quarantined at Schools, Georgia Governor Drops Lawsuit over Atlanta Mask Mandate, CDC Director Warns U.S. Risks Worst Fall in Public Health History, Senate Adjourns Without Deal on New Coronavirus Aid as Millions Face Hunger and Eviction, Coronavirus Cases Surge in India, Peru, Spain, France and Elsewhere, Israel to Normalize Relations with United Arab Emirates Despite Palestinian Protest, Unexploded Missile Found at U.N.-Run School as Israel Attacks Gaza Strip, Trump Admits He's Undermining the U.S. Postal Service to Thwart Mail-in Voting, USPS Confirm…
(2020-08-14). UK must 'stop demonising people and consider its own role' in the refugee crisis, campaigners say. thecanary.co The UK must stop "demonising" refugees and consider its own role in creating the circumstances they are escaping from, campaigners say. | Many refugees have risked their lives to reach the UK this year by crossing the English Channel in everything from kayaks to a paddling pool. | The list of countries they hail from is diverse, but many have left nations wracked by conflicts the UK has played a part in. | Places like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Libya have all seen direct British military involvement. | Meanwhile, a small number of migrants have been seen coming from Yemen. It is suffering the worst humanitarian…
(2020-08-14). The Heat: UAE-Israel agree to normalize relations. america.cgtn.com 
The UAE and Israel announce an historic peace deal establishing diplomatic relations after more than four decades.
(2020-08-14). Don't be Hoodwinked by Trump's UAE-Israel "Peace Deal" dissidentvoice.org 
"HUGE breakthrough today," crowed Donald Trump on twitter as he announced the new peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The deal makes the UAE the first Gulf Arab state and the third Arab nation, after Egypt and Jordan, to have diplomatic ties with Israel. But the new Israel-UAE partnership should fool …
(2020-08-14). YouTube aims to 'protect' elections by CENSORING what it deems to be 'hacked materials'. rt.com 
YouTube will remove videos containing "hacked information" about election candidates if it deems them aimed at election meddling. The censorship is supposedly needed to protect the integrity of democratic institutions in the US. | The Google-owned video platform explained on Thursday how it intends to protect users from malign actors during election campaigns and allow apparently benign actors to better engage with voters. Among other things, YouTube will delete videos that contain "hacked information, the disclosure of which may interfere with democratic processes such as elections and censuses," Leslie Mille…
(2020-08-14). Turkey may suspend ties with UAE, withdraw ambassasdor. yenisafak.com After the United Arab Emirates' controversial deal to normalize ties with Israel, Turkey may downgrade its relations with the UAE, Turkey's president has said."We may take steps to suspend diplomatic ties with the UAE or withdraw our ambassador," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers.On Israel, Erdogan called its recent solidarity with Egypt and Greece and steps towards Palestine unacceptable.In signing a maritime pact last week, Athens and Cairo continued efforts to box in Ankara's territory in the Mediterranean based on small islands near Turkish shores, violating the interests of…
(2020-08-14). The US Renews Travel Ban With Mexico and Canada. telesurenglish.net The United States' land borders with Mexico and Canada will remain close to all non-essential travel for another 30 days, authorities announced on Friday. | RELATED: | U.S. Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf, said that Both Canadian and Mexican partners had agreed to extend the limitation of travel until September 21. Authorities said that the measure could be extended for more time if necessary to tackle…
(2020-08-14). Millions 'on the edge' in DR Congo, now in even greater danger of tipping over: WFP. news.un.org Millions of lives could be lost to hunger in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid escalating conflict and worsening COVID-19 transmission, the UN emergency food relief agency has warned, urging the international community to step up support for the African nation.