(2020-08-20). Headlines for August 20, 2020. democracynow.org Kamala Harris Accepts Democratic Party's Nomination for Vice President, Hundreds of Wildfires Choke California, as Coronavirus Sidelines Prisoner Firefighters, U.S. Records Nearly 1,300 New Coronavirus Deaths as PPE Shortages Persist, NYC Teachers' Union Threatens Strike If Schools Reopen Without Safety Measures, New Zealand Deploys Troops to Enforce Quarantine; Zambian Vice President Positive for Coronavirus, Emails Reveal Swedish Epidemiologist Urged Coronavirus Spread to Attain Herd Immunity, Iran's Official COVID-19 Death Toll Passes 20,000 as Trump Pushes for New Sanctions, European Union Readies Sanctions A…
(2020-08-20). Global South Calls For Sanctions On Apartheid Israel. popularresistance.org Israel's decades-old regime of apartheid and theft of Palestinian land is continuing unabated. Reports that Israel is "suspending" formal annexation are a smokescreen for continued colonisation and piecemeal ethnic cleansing of Indigenous Palestinians. | Around the world, advocates for justice are pushing back.The Global South response, initiated by South African civil society, brings together notable figures, intellectuals, policy makers, civil society leaders and experts from Africa, Latin America and Asia, in a joint effort to promote lawful sanctions on Israel to end its decades-old oppression of the Palestin…
(2020-08-20). Zambian Socialist Party Secretary General Cosmas Musumali released from detention. peoplesdispatch.org Musumali was arrested along with nearly 30 other party workers while conducting a meeting. With the parliamentary elections only a month away, the ruling Patriotic Front has been cracking down on mobilizations and meetings by the opposition…
(2020-08-20). The Hariri Assassination: Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Verdict. Fake Justice on Behalf of Israel. globalresearch.ca In May 2007, Security Council Resolution 1757 established the STL "on the outskirts of the Hague." | Ten SC members voted "yes," none "no," Russia, China, South Africa, Indonesia, and Qatar abstaining. | Five judges were involved in proceedings, Judge David Re…
(2020-08-20). Algerian journalist Abdulkrim Zeghileche faces prison term for "undermining national unity" peoplesdispatch.org Abdulkrim Zeghileche, an active supporter of the Hirak protests, has been in pre-trial detention since June 23 and his trial is expected to begin in a few days. He faces a three-year prison term if convicted…
(2020-08-20). Egyptians stand up against sexual violence. peoplesdispatch.org A case against a rich alleged rapist has sparked outrage across the country, leading to an amendment to legislation to conceal the identities of survivors — but is it enough?
(2020-08-20). 'Efforts to block Turkish energy ships will pay price'. yenisafak.com Anybody who tries to block Turkish energy exploration in its coastal waters will regret it, said the head of a Turkish political party on Thursday."Anyone who dares to confront our navy and research ships in the [Eastern] Mediterranean or the Aegean will pay the heaviest price," Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said in a written statement.Bahceli reiterated that Turkey's rightful actions are in line with international law, adding that they "upended global plans."Greece, France, Egypt, and other countries have moved to deprive Turkey of Mediterranean energy resources and box it in,…
(2020-08-20). Turkey's Central Bank keeps interest rates steady. yenisafak.com The decision was announced in a statement following the bank's eighth Monetary Policy Committee (MCP) meeting of 2020."The gradual normalization of pandemic-specific financial measures and recent tightening steps taken in liquidity management are judged to support macrofinancial stability," said the bank statement.Saying that uncertainties over domestic and external demand conditions remain significant, the bank stressed that it will continue with liquidity measures.In recent weeks the bank has taken several steps to tighten liquidity conditions to support the Turkish lira such as halving the overnight borrowing…
(2020-08-20). Turkey helps South Sudan produce face masks. yenisafak.com Turkey's state-run aid agency TIKA has provided South Sudan sewing machines and cloth rolls for making masks to help it respond better to the coronavirus pandemic.The 30 sewing machines, and 1,000-meter cloth roll will help in the production of about 15,000 face masks, the Turkish ambassador to South Sudan said while handing them over to the Ministry of Labor in the capital Juba on Thursday."We are ready to support South Sudan whenever needed," Tugrul Biltekin said."We are working closely with the South Sudanese government, and have divided our aid into five phases. This is the last phase, to provide masks," he s…
(2020-08-19). Headlines for August 19, 2020. democracynow.org Joe Biden Formally Wins Democratic Presidential Nomination, Postmaster General Promises to Suspend Service Cuts Until After Election, Notre Dame Cancels In-Person Classes Amid COVID-19 Outbreak Linked to Party, Coronavirus Death Toll from U.S. Prisons and Jails Tops 1,000, World Health Organization Says Young People Are Driving Coronavirus Outbreaks, Malian President Deposed in Military Coup Following Weeks of Protests, Senate Intelligence Committee Alleges Trump Campaign Associate Was Russian Agent, Far-Right Activist, Banned from Twitter over Racism, Wins Florida House GOP Primary, RNC to Feature St. Louis Coup…
(2020-08-19). 'The rich should not be given priority' for Covid-19 vaccine, Pope Francis says, urges against return to 'normality' of inequality. rt.com 
Pope Francis has called on rich countries not to hoard any coronavirus vaccine and asked them to only give pandemic-related bailouts to companies committed to protecting the environment and helping the most needy. | "It would be sad if the rich are given priority for the Covid-19 vaccine. It would be sad if the vaccine becomes property of this or that nation, if it is not universal and for everyone," Francis said during his weekly general audience on Wednesday. | The pontiff also said that the world should not return to normality after the pandemic if 'normal' means social injustice and the degradation of the…
(2020-08-19). UAE- Israel 'peace' deal is a dagger aimed at Palestinians. liberationnews.org 
By Joyce Chediac On Aug 13, Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed to end decades of hostility and normalize relations. The agreement was brokered by, and announced by President Trump, who called it, "a significant step towards building a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Middle East." Nothing could be further from the truth. This …
(2020-08-19). President of Mali resigns following military take over. peoplesdispatch.org 
The coup was in response to the protests going on for the last few months in the country demanding the resignation of the president, widespread reforms and the expulsion of French troops from the country…
(2020-08-19). 16-year-old boy found dead on beach after disappearing at sea, says French minister. thecanary.co 
A 16-year-old Sudanese boy who disappeared at sea has been found dead on a beach near Calais, a French minister has said. | Marlene Schiappa, who is in charge of citizenship in France's government, said the teenager was found on the beach of Sangatte on Wednesday morning. | The tragedy comes as a record number of the perilous journeys across the Channel have been attempted during the recent hot weather. | @GDarmanin contre les passeurs qui profitent de la détresse d'êtres humains ! | — MarleneSchiappa (@MarleneSchiappa) (2020-08-19). AOC Slams NBC News for "Malicious and Misleading" Tweet About Her DNC Appearance. truthout.org Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) criticized NBC News on Wednesday morning in response to the network's misleading tweet regarding a nomination statement she had made at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) the night before. |
(2020-08-19). Tearing Down the Idols of Colonialism: Why Tunisia, Africa Must Demand French Apology. zcomm.org Tunisia, and many African countries, must demand a French apology. By doing so, they declare "loudly and intelligibly" that they are finally free from the "white man's (selfish and racist) values," and that they truly see themselves as equal…
(2020-08-19). Stop the Police Surveillance State Too. aclu.org In the wake of George Floyd's murder, protestors throughout America march to demand an end to police abuse. Advocates for the compelling movement to divest from the police and reinvest in communities convincingly argue that significant portions of the tax dollars we spend on policing would be better spent supporting the needs of communities of color and on alternatives to policing itself. Continuing to rely on overfunded police departments, which seem all too happy to continue to enforce laws in a racist manner and unwilling to limit aggressive uses of force, does not advance public safety., , Consider how the…
(2020-08-19). The UAE unites the Palestinians. thealtworld.com Can rival factions set differences aside in the face of the latest Arab betrayal? | The delegation of Egyptian intelligence officials that that was sent to Ramallah on Tuesday to confer with President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of an all-party Palestinian leadership meeting had one specific aim: to tone down Palestinian political and media criticism of the UAE following the announcement of its normalisation agreement with Israel. It failed. The statement issued after the gathering and its sharply critical tone made that clear. | Three important things came out of the leadership meeting held on Tuesday night that the thr…
(2020-08-19). Several injured and 77 detained as police attack protest rally in Sudan. peoplesdispatch.org A rally on the anniversary of the ratification of the Constitutional Declaration in Sudan was attacked by the police on Monday. Protesters asked the govt. to set up the legislative council and and solve the economic crisis…
(2020-08-19). Iran remains main supporter of Resistance against Zionists. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 19 (MNA) — Condemning the UAE' tie normalization with the usurping Zionist Regime, the representative of Islamic Jihad in Lebanon called Iran as the main supporter of Resistance Front in the fight against the Zionists in the region.
(2020-08-19). Libya to Export Only Oil Accumulated in Terminals, LNA Says. sputniknews.com CAIRO (Sputnik) – Libya, following the resumption of the operation of oil facilities, will export only oil accumulated in port terminals, crude produced at deposits will not be exported, Libyan National Army spokesman Major General Ahmad al-Mismari said.
(2020-08-19). Malian Opposition Vows to Cooperate With Coup Leaders on Transition Period — Reports. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Malian opposition has promised to cooperate with the leaders of the coup on organizing the transition period in the country, local media reported.
(2020-08-19). Joe Biden nominated to take on Donald Trump. thecanary.co Democrats have formally nominated Joe Biden as their 2020 presidential nominee, as party officials and activists gave the former vice president their overwhelming support to take on Donald Trump. | The moment marked a political high point for Biden, who had sought the presidency twice before and is now cemented as the embodiment of Democrats' desperate desire to defeat Trump in autumn. | The roll call of convention delegates formalised what has been expected for months since Biden took the lead in the primary elections' chase for the nomination. | It came as he worked to demonstrate the breadth of his coalition f…
(2020-08-19). Mali: Coup leaders pledge 'credible' elections. yenisafak.com Leaders of a military coup in Mali vowed to hold "credible" elections in a statement announced on national television on Wednesday.The coup leaders, who pushed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign, have also announced the creation of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) to oversee a political transition.The committee affirmed its intention to set up a civil political transition that will lead to elections "in a reasonable delay", according to a statement read on national television ORTM by Col.-Maj. Ismael Wague, spokesman for the CNSP.He also announced an intention to respect inter…
(2020-08-18). Rebel soldiers detain Mali president & PM as political crisis boils into mutiny (PHOTOS, VIDEOS). rt.com 
Soldiers who have taken up arms in Mali have arrested the nation's top officials, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, sparking concerns in the UN and the African Union. | Keita's detention came after a period of uncertainty amid reports suggesting that soldiers mutinied at the Kati military base outside of the Malian capital of Bamako and arrested a number of senior military and civil officials, including several ministers. | Both the president and the prime minister are "at the hands" of the rebelling military, according to various sources both within the government and…
(2020-08-18). Oil spill threatens disaster for Mauritius. mronline.org 
The Japanese-owned (Mitsui-operated) MV Wakashio was en route to Brazil from China to fetch iron ore from a port owned by the notorious mining company Vale. Here the ship is seen having run aground near Blue Bay, one of the area's most pristine sites for coral, already threatened by bleaching due to the climate crisis. …
(2020-08-18). 'Palestine Is a Red Line', Morocco-Israel Relations, Netanyahu's "Normalization" Machine? Moroccan Writers Boycott UAE, Israel. globalresearch.ca Five Moroccan authors have announced their decision to boycott an Emirati literary prize in objection to the UAE's "normalization" deal with Israel, Spanish newspaper According to the report, the Moroccan writers all expressed their dismay and disappointment …
(2020-08-18). One million flee escalating violence in Burkina Faso. news.un.org Mounting violence in Burkina Faso has forced more than one million people to flee their homes: 453,000 so far this year alone, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported on Tuesday, citing government figures.
(2020-08-18). United Arab Emirates-Israel agreement cements US-led alliance against Iran. wsws.org The agreement makes the UAE the first Gulf state and the third Arab nation to reach such a deal, after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.
(2020-08-18). Doctors in Kenya strike for better conditions as infection rate among professionals rises. peoplesdispatch.org Over 750 healthcare workers tested positive, at least 14 of whom died, including some of the country's top doctors. The union claims that doctors have not received their salaries since July and don't have health insurance…
(2020-08-18). Mali: UN chief demands 'immediate and unconditional release' of President, cabinet members. news.un.org UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the rule of law in Mali, after mutinying troops arrested the country's leader and other senior officials on Tuesday.
(2020-08-18). Mali: Shootings and Arrests in Bamako Warns of Possible Coup. telesurenglish.net On Tuesday morning, a mutiny in a military camp and the arrest of high-ranking officers raised fears of an attempted coup against Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. | RELATED: | "The embassy received information about the Armed Forces' mutiny. Norwegians must stay at home," Norway's embassy tweeted. | Bamako people are in great turmoil. Government offices, banks, and shops have closed. Local media are not providing any official info…
(2020-08-18). Mali: Military Forces Arrest President and Top Officials. telesurenglish.net Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé, alongside other officials, were arrested on Tuesday by military forces following weeks of widespread protests against the government. | RELATED: | Local media outlets point at Colonel Malick Diaw and General Gen Sadio Camara as the alleged coup leaders. | The chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the coup via Twi…
(2020-08-18). Why did Israel and the UAE strike a deal? peoplesdispatch.org In this video, we look at the various factors behind Israel and the United Arab Emirates signing a deal to normalize relations. The deal is yet another step in the cooperation between the two countries which has been rising for a while.
(2020-08-18). Economic Community of West African States Orders Closing of Regional Borders with Mali. sputniknews.com On 18 August, a group of officers from the armed forces of the landlocked West African nation of Mali began a mutiny, reportedly capturing the country's president and prime minister and taking control of the capital Bamako.
(2020-08-18). Turkey will always stand with Libyan people: DefMin. yenisafak.com Turkey will always help Libya maintain its integrity, security, and ensure the prosperity of its people, the Turkish defense minister said on Tuesday.Hulusi Akar, who arrived in Libya on Monday along with Turkish military chief Gen. Yasar Guler, spoke to reporters about the specifics of his visit."We are here upon the invitation of the Government of National Accord (GNA) that was recognized by the United Nations (UN). We will continue standing with our Libyan brothers and sisters in the future, with whom we share a common history and culture of 500 years," he said."We will do everything that is needed in order fo…
(2020-08-18). Netanyahu says UAE deal does not include sale of F-35 jets. yenisafak.com Israel said Tuesday that a deal to normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not include the US sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Gulf state.In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the agreement did not include "any approval by Israel on any arms deal between the United States and the United Arab Emirates".Netanyahu said he directed Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Drammer on Aug. 3 to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to convey an explicit message of Israel's opposition to selling the F-35 and other advanced weapon systems to any country in the Middle East."The peac…
(2020-08-18). For Israel and the UAE, Peace for Profit Comes with Authoritarian Maneuvering and State-Surveillance. commondreams.org A group of Palestinians gathers in front of the UAE's Embassy in Berlin to protest against the UAE-Israel normalization deal, on August 17, 2020, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/uae-israel.jpg …
(2020-08-18). Egypt: Parliament Passes Bill on Behalf of Sex Crime Victims. telesurenglish.net Egypt Parliament on Tuesday passed a law allowing anonymous complaints from sexual violence victims, to protect them from offenders and social prejudices. | RELATED: | "When we observed that there is a reluctance to report specific crimes… and that some of the victims feared for their reputation from being named in such crimes, the government submitted a bill to encourage citizens to report these crimes," Justice…
(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). 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). 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). 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). Nigeria To Reopen International Airports on August 29. telesurenglish.net Nigeria Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika announced on Monday the reopening of international airports on August 29. | RELATED: | "It is safe to fly if we observe all those protocols in place," Sirika said. | On March 23, Nigeria ceased international flights due to the virus outbreak, remaining only the essential travels. | The Lagos and Abuja international airports would receive four flights daily, keeping precautionary measures as physical distance, hand…
(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). At Least 8 People Killed in Al-Shabaab Attack on Military Base in Somalia – Reports. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – An attack by the Al-Shabaab radical group on a military base in the Goofgudud Burey town of Somalia's southwestern Bay region has left at least eight people killed, local media reported on Monday, citing officials.
(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). 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…