(2021-03-06). Women in Afghanistan worry peace accord with Taliban extremists could cost them hard-won rights. juancole.com 
Mona Tajali and Homa Hoodfar | — Three Afghan women who worked at a media company were gunned down in Jalalabad in early March. In January, unidentified gunmen killed two female Supreme Court judges in Kabul. These are the latest victims on a long list of assassinations and attempted assassinations of female politicians and women's …
(2021-03-06). Lebanon's caretaker prime minister threatens to resign his duties over economic crisis. middleeasteye.net 
Lebanon's caretaker prime minister threatens to resign his duties over economic crisis | Hassan Diab said he would stop performing his duties in order to pressure the formation of a new government | Sat, 03/06/2021 – 15: 03 | Lebanon's caretaker premier Hassan Diab (3rd R) watches as actor Salah Tizani (aka Abu Salim al-Tabl) receives a dose of the Covid-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the R…
(2021-03-06). 'No new directives, period': New York lawmakers vote to strip Governor Cuomo of emergency Covid powers with veto-proof majority. rt.com 
Legislators in New York have sent a bill to Governor Andrew Cuomo's desk seeking to eliminate his "temporary" emergency pandemic powers, securing a veto-proof majority to impose stricter limits on the state government. | Both chambers of the state legislature approved the bill on Friday in a largely party-line vote, with most Republicans opposing the measure on the grounds that it does not go far enough in curbing Cuomo's authorities. With sizable Democrat majorities in the State Assembly and Senate, however, the law passed with ease. | "Today, under this new legislation the governor will no longer be able to…
(2021-03-06). Tough night shift: Senate passes an amendment to Covid bill… just to vote on an almost identical one later. rt.com 
As Senators pulled an all-nighter to pass Joe Biden's Covid-19 relief bill, they apparently didn't care about time, as they voted on an amendment to extend unemployment pay, an hour after voting on an almost identical amendment. | The Senate voted on Friday night against adjourning business until Saturday morning, ensuring that senators would stay on Capitol Hill overnight voting on a flood of amendments to President Biden's long-anticipated Covid-19 relief bill, a $1.9 trillion package that includes $1,400 stimulus checks for eligible Americans and bailouts for state and local governments. | Some of these ame…
(2021-03-06). Covid vaccine-induced swelling can lead to false cancer diagnosis, doctors warn. rt.com 
Cancer experts and radiologists in the US are warning Covid-19 vaccine recipients that an otherwise normal immune response can be mistaken for cancer if it appears on a mammogram or other cancer screening. | Prior to major offensives against infections and unwanted intruders, some of the body's defense forces, the white blood cells, gather in lymph nodes. However, lymph nodes, especially in the armpit, can swell up following Covid-19 vaccinations. | As cancer screenings continue parallel to vaccination drives across the world, a scan conducted soon after vaccination may yield a false positive and cause unneces…
(2021-03-06). California gives green light for Disneyland reopening after Covid restrictions shutter theme park for 1 year. rt.com 
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is preparing to welcome visitors for the first time in over a year after the iconic theme park was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. | California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly announced on Friday that the state's amusement parks will be permitted to reopen with limited capacity starting on April 1. | Read more | | "We feel like now is the appropriate time to begin t…
(2021-03-06). Anti-Communist Political Science: Propaganda for the Yankee Capitalist State. dissidentvoice.org 
Orientation I returned to college 20 years after dropping out in the late 1960s. After a couple of weeks in the political science class I was taking, I challenged the instructor by asking: "Where are the Marxists and anarchists in your presentation of political science?" Here is what I was told. "Marxists and anarchists are …
(2021-03-06). U.S. to continue using Guaido to rob Venezuelan assets abroad. mronline.org 
The continuation of the Trump administration's aggressive policies toward Venezuela by the Biden administration is reflected in the recent meeting between the new U.S. Secretary of State and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó.
(2021-03-06). Who signed the pro-testing appeals? mronline.org 
Education Trust, led by former Secretary of Education John King, sent two letters to the Biden administration, urging the administration not to allow states to receive waivers from the mandated federal testing.
(2021-03-06). Rosa Luxemburg at 150: a revolutionary legacy. mronline.org 
Rosa Luxemburg, one of the great leaders in the history of the socialist movement, was born in Poland (then a province of the Russian empire) 150 years ago this month, on 5 March 1871.
(2021-03-06). Government accused of 'snatching away' promised NHS pay rise as the outrage grows. thecanary.co 
The organisation representing NHS Trusts in England is challenging the government over its defence of a controversial 1% pay offer to health workers. | Growing controversy: | NHS Providers said the NHS has conducted detailed work around implementing a long-term plan. It claimed that in this plan the government assumed an NHS pay rise in 2021/22 of 2.1%, not 1%. | It comes amid growing anger at the pay offer, with the main nurses' union setting up a £35m industrial action fund. And another union is urging the public to support a slow hand clap next week as protest against the proposals. | Deputy chie…
(2021-03-06). Tunisians protest for LGBT rights activist's release. middleeasteye.net 
Tunisians protest for LGBT rights activist's release | Rania Amdouni had been repeatedly targeted since protests began against police repression | Sat, 03/06/2021 – 15: 59 | Tunisian activist Rania Amdouni at a protest in January (AFP) | Hundreds of Tunisians demanded the release of an activist sentenced to six months in prison for allegedly insulting a police officer. | The incident for…
(2021-03-06). Broadbent Institute Head smears Ashton, Robinson and Internationalism. dissidentvoice.org 
Broadbent Institute head Rick Smith should just be frank and say he hates Palestinians and doesn't care about internationalism. On Tuesday Smith tweeted that it was disturbing that NDP MP Niki Ashton was doing an upcoming fundraiser for the Progressive International with former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. In response to former NDP MP …
(2021-03-06). 'At least hold the pictures up': House GOP leader receives poor reviews for Dr. Seuss reading amid censorship controversy. rt.com 
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has been accused of playing childish political games after he shared a video of himself reading Dr. Seuss, apparently as a protest against the 'cancelation' of the late author's books. | Days after Dr. Seuss' estate announced that six of the author's books would no longer be published due to racially insensitive imagery, McCarthy took to Twitter to show solidarity with the late children's author. | "I still like Dr. Seuss, so I decided to read Green Eggs and Ham," he wrote, adding: "RT if you still like him too!" | I still like Dr. Seuss, so I decided to read Green E…
(2021-03-06). Pentagon 'assessing systems' after TENS OF THOUSANDS of servers compromised in global Microsoft hack… blamed on 'Chinese hackers'. rt.com 
The US military is reviewing its networks following a hacking spree linked to a vulnerability that gave backdoor access to tens of thousands of Microsoft Exchange servers, in a massive attack the company has blamed on China. | "We are aware of the Microsoft threat intelligence center's report. We are currently assessing our networks right now for any evidence of impact," Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters at a Friday presser. "We're also taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to the situation." | Joint Force headquarters… is coordinating with the Nationa…
(2021-03-06). BLM backfire? US public opinion shifts on George Floyd's death, law & order, as racial divide widens after summer of riots — poll. rt.com 
US public opinion on the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody has shifted since the early days of last year's Black Lives Matter protests, with trust in law enforcement growing after violent unrest in the streets. | Just 36 percent of respondents in a USA Today/Ipsos
(2021-03-06). Texas high school cancels 'Rules of Chivalry Day' assignment after outrage over girls being told to OBEY male classmates. rt.com 
A Lubbock, Texas high school has apparently taken a lesson from unwoke history too far, causing public outrage by instructing girls to "obey any reasonable request" by male classmates to learn about medieval "rules for chivalry." | The 'Rules of Chivalry Day' assignment at Shallowater High School has been cancelled after a review determined that, despite its historical context, "it does not reflect our district and community values," superintendent Anita Herbert said in a statement. The matter has been addressed with the offending teacher, who wasn't identified. | According to copies of the assignment that wer…
(2021-03-06). ICE to allow detainees to appeal arrest if they feel their detention does not 'align' with Biden's immigration policy. rt.com 
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has created an appeals process that will permit migrants to challenge arrests and deportations if they feel their treatment does not reflect the Biden administration's own policies. | Overseen by a senior official in Washington, DC, the ICE Case Review Process is part of the White House's wide-ranging immigration reforms. | In a statement, the agency said that the appeals process could be used by individuals who believe that their case does not "align with ICE's enforcement, detention, and removal priorities." | Shifting away from Donald Trump's strict enforceme…
(2021-03-06). Scores killed in Yemen's Marib over 24 hours. middleeasteye.net 
Scores killed in Yemen's Marib over 24 hours | The UN warned of a humanitarian crisis as thousands are displaced by Houthi offensive | Sat, 03/06/2021 – 09: 47 | Armed Houthis at the funeral of another fighter killed during recent fighting in Marib (Reuters) | At least 90 combatants have been killed in fighting around Yemen's Marib governorate over a single day, government sources said.
(2021-03-06). Pope Francis meets Iraq's top cleric Ali Sistani in 'historic' meeting. middleeasteye.net 
Pope Francis meets Iraq's top cleric Ali Sistani in 'historic' meeting | Leaders of Catholic Church and Shia Islam call for religious tolerance in unprecedented meeting | Sat, 03/06/2021 – 09: 25 | A handout picture provided by the Vatican media office shows Pope Francis meeting top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in the Iraqi shrine city of Najaf (AFP) | Iraqis have hailed a "
(2021-03-06). Egypt's President Sisi in Sudan with Ethiopia's dam on agenda. middleeasteye.net 
Egypt's President Sisi in Sudan with Ethiopia's dam on agenda | Egyptian leader's visit continues diplomatic push for support and renewed talks on controversial mega-project | Sat, 03/06/2021 – 11: 14 | Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi meets with the head of Sudan's Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah Burhan, in Egypt in October (FILE/AFP) | Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has arrived in S…
(2021-03-06). Turkey: Erdogan's human rights initiative raises eyebrows of beleaguered activists. middleeasteye.net 
Turkey: Erdogan's human rights initiative raises eyebrows of beleaguered activists | Despite Ankara announcing the new initiative, the co-chair of Turkey's Human Rights Association says the situation is worse than ever | Sat, 03/06/2021 – 10: 00 | President of the Human Right Association (IHD) Eren Keskin speaks to journalists during a demonstration in front of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on…
(2021-03-06). Todo el mundo está mirando. workers.org 
"Un ataque contra uno es un ataque contra todxs." Este famoso lema laboral, popularizado por los Trabajadores Industriales del Mundo hace más de un siglo, es más significativo hoy que nunca. Pero tiene un doble significado para los trabajadores de Amazon, donde la tasa de lesiones en el lugar de . . . |
(2021-03-06). Vaccine imperialism: China vs. the Western world. workers.org 
Vaccine Racism: How wealthy nations stockpile life-saving vaccines while poor countries and poor people within these countries are ignored. How Western countries criticize China, despite China's success in containing the virus and providing vaccines to the world. Feb. 23 China and Russia are among the first countries in the world . . . |
(2021-03-06). Ready to Work with Netanyahu: Mansour Abbas Splinters Arab Vote in Israel. dissidentvoice.org 
At a glance, it may appear that the split of Arab political parties in Israel is consistent with a typical pattern of political and ideological divisions which have afflicted the Arab body politic for many years. This time, however, the reasons behind the split are quite different. As Israel readies for its fourth general elections …
(2021-03-05). The right to live in peace. mronline.org 
On a warm late February day in Santiago, I went to the grave of Victor Jara to pay homage to the man who was brutally killed on 16 September 1973.
(2021-03-05). Victor Jara's song returns as an anthem of our time. peoplesworld.org 
On a warm late February day in Santiago, I went to the grave of Victor Jara to pay homage to the man who was brutally killed on Sept. 16, 1973. A theatre director, songwriter, and communist, Jara was arrested after the coup d'état against the socialist government of Salvador Allende. He was tortured and then …
(2021-03-05). Israel: Orthodox Religious Parties Shaken by Supreme Court Ruling on Law of Return. mintpressnews.com 
The Israeli Supreme Court ruling on the application of the Law of Return threatens ultimate dilution of the political power of Israel's Orthodox religious parties, and thus has the potential to shake up the upcoming election's dynamics.
(2021-03-05). Arkansas abortion ban aims to force Supreme Court Roe v. Wade fight. peoplesworld.org 
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)—Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation banning nearly all abortions, sending the bill to a Republican governor who has expressed reservations about the move. Abortion rights groups have said they're prepared to challenge the outright ban if it's enacted. The majority-Republican House voted 75-18 for the bill, which bans all abortions except …
(2021-03-05). Rep. Mondaire Jones: Voting Rights Bill H.R. 1 Is of "Foundational Importance" to U.S. Democracy. democracynow.org 
The House of Representatives has approved sweeping legislation protecting the right to vote with the For the People Act, which has been described as the most sweeping pro-democracy bill in decades. The legislation is aimed at improving voter registration and access to voting, ending partisan and racial gerrymandering, forcing the disclosure of dark money donors, increasing public funding for candidates, and imposing strict ethical and reporting standards on members of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill, which comes amid a nationwide attack on voting rights in courthouses and statehouses, is heading to…
(2021-03-05). European Union agrees member states can purchase Russian & Chinese Covid-19 vaccines outside of bloc's collective purchase program. rt.com 
European Union member states have the right to acquire Covid-19 vaccines independently if the jabs concerned aren't part of the bloc's under-fire centralized procurement strategy, a European Commission spokesman said on Friday. | Amid shortages of EU-approved Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines against the coronavirus, some countries in the 27-member collective have started looking for other ways to inoculate their populations. Hungary and Slovakia have already approved Russia's Sputnik V jab on their own, while Poland is discussing the possibility of purchasing Sinovac immunization from China. | When ask…
(2021-03-05). Republican senator forces clerks to read Biden's Covid bill for TEN HOURS, in last-ditch effort to block. rt.com 
Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) has infuriated Democrats by demanding that Senate clerks read each and every page of Joe Biden's $2 trillion Covid-19 relief bill aloud. To some Dems, bills are better passed with no debate. | President Joe Biden's Covid-19 relief bill, which passed the House of Representatives last week, weighs in at a whopping 628 pages. It offers relief checks of $1,400 to eligible Americans, though more than three quarters of its $1.9 trillion
(2021-03-05). Democrats crush Bernie Sanders' push for $15 minimum wage insert into Covid relief bill, despite most Americans supporting it. rt.com 
Senator Sanders (I-Vermont) has failed to insert a minimum wage hike into a mammoth $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. The attempt was a long shot, and members of his own party decisively voted against it. | As the US Senate debated amendments to President Joe Biden's long-anticipated Covid-19 relief bill, Sanders stuck to his progressive guns on Friday and attempted to insert an amendment to raise the federal minimum wage to $15. The amendment was already ruled out by the Senate parliamentarian — an official who functions as a sort of referee in the chamber — last week, as inserting it would bre…
(2021-03-05). Covid-19 has been 'really good' for CNN's ratings, WarnerMedia CEO says at Morgan Stanley conference. rt.com 
While Covid-19 has claimed more than 2.5 million lives worldwide, the chief executive at CNN's parent firm is looking on the bright side, telling a virtual audience the pandemic has been "really good" for the outlet's ratings. | Jason Kilar — the CEO of WarnerMedia, which owns the cable network — appeared at Morgan Stanley's 'Technology, Media and Telecom' virtual conference on Thursday, where he was asked about CNN and whether it could keep up its current momentum. | "I'd say that it turns out that pandemic is a pretty big part of the news cycle, and that's not going away anytime soon," he replied,…
(2021-03-05). Americans more upbeat about end of Covid-19 than ever, poll finds…but others not so sure. rt.com 
A record 60 percent of Americans believe the coronavirus situation is improving, a recent poll found, with people more confident than ever that they can get PPE or be tested if they need it. But the fun police aren't happy. | More Americans feel optimistic about the Covid-19 epidemic than at any point since the beginning of the pandemic, a Gallup poll published on Friday has revealed. | With 60 percent of Americans confident the epidemic was on the mend, the March poll was the first time since the pollster began checking for Covid-19 concerns in April that the overall outlook had improved. Faith in being able…
(2021-03-05). Mumia has COVID-19 — the only treatment is his freedom! workers.org 
Word has come that Pennsylvania political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal has tested positive for COVID-19. Supporters learned of the diagnosis March 3, as they were gathered in front of the office of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to call for Abu-Jamal's release and that of all incarcerated people over 50, who . . . |
(2021-03-05). #LettersToBessemer: Black Workers Matter. workers.org 
From People's Power Assembly NYC and Workers Assembly Against Racism: Since early February 2021, a Black women-led unionizing struggle has been happening in a Bessemer, Ala., Amazon warehouse. They've organized in response to dangerous working conditions including: 1) dangerously inadequate COVID-19 protocols; 2) no hazard pay, even as essential workers . . . |
(2021-03-05). New York Congressmember Mondaire Jones: Israel Should Ensure Palestinians Have Access to COVID Vaccine. democracynow.org 
Israel has failed to make COVID-19 vaccines available to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, despite its responsibility under the Geneva Conventions. Critics in the United States say this "vaccine apartheid" is another example of Israeli human rights abuses going unpunished, even as the country receives billions in U.S. aid each year. Congressmember Mondaire Jones of New York says Israel must ensure that Palestinians are vaccinated. "There's no question about that," he says. "I don't think that anyone can argue otherwise in good conscience."
(2021-03-05). One dose of Sputnik V is enough for strong immune response in people previously infected with Covid-19, Argentina study claims. rt.com 
People who already had the coronavirus show rapid immune response to Sputnik V and may require just one shot of the Russian jab during vaccination, a study in Buenos Aires found. | Participants developed Covid-19 antibodies in 100 percent of the cases after both doses of Sputnik V were administered to them, a The research, which was supported…
(2021-03-05). Big Pharma slows vaccine rollout to protect corporate profits. therealnews.com 
This week, President Biden announced that, by utilizing the Defense Production Act, the federal government has created an historic agreement between drugmakers Johnson & Johnson and Merck to produce enough COVID-19 vaccines for the entire U.S. adult population by May (months quicker than initially expected). This underscores the ability of the U.S. government to facilitate faster vaccine production, argues Peter Maybarduk of Public Citizen, but that production doesn't have to be driven by the hunt for profit.
(2021-03-05). 'I don't know what prime minister meant': Israel's virus czar shoots down Netanyahu's suggestion country is through pandemic. rt.com 
Israeli coronavirus response chief, Nachman Ash, doesn't share PM Benjamin Netanyahu's optimism regarding the Covid situation in the country, warning that it could well go into a fourth lockdown due to a rising transmission rate. | Israel is "the first country in the world to emerge from corona," Netanyahu insisted in an interview with Fox News on Thursday. "Look, I don't think we're coming out completely. We're going to have to wear a mask for some time. But we're behind it." | When asked on Friday to comment on Netanyahu's remarks, Ash responded: "I don't know what the prime minister meant." | Israel has bee…
(2021-03-05). 200,000 Russians have died of Covid-19 since start of pandemic, state agency confirms, as caseload falls & restrictions dropped. rt.com 
Another grim milestone has been reached in Russia's fight against Covid-19, with Moscow officials confirming that more than 200,000 deaths linked to the virus have been recorded since the first fatality just under a year ago. | Rosstat, the country's statistical authority, announced on Friday that 37,107 people had died while infected with the coronavirus in January, putting the overall official number of dead at 200,432 and potentially giving the country the third-highest total death toll in the world after the US and Brazil. However, when measured on a per capita basis, the world's largest country has seen l…
(2021-03-05). The fight for free speech in Selah, Wash. liberationnews.org 
In a small, conservative town in central Washington, sidewalk chalk has become a highly contentious issue between residents and the City Council.
(2021-03-05). NATO Video Talks 'Diversity, Respect, Embrace' But Critics See Through the Wash Job. mintpressnews.com 
BRUSSELS — Earlier this week, NATO put out a "At NATO, diversity is our strength. We speak many languages. We have different skills, our own unique personalities. We come from all over the world, from every walk of life. No two of us are the same. We work together. Respect our needs. Embrace our differences. Because we all have one th…
(2021-03-05). Abbott forces Texas "OPEN 100%" just weeks after deadly storm. liberationnews.org 
Abbott has billed the new order as a victory for "freedom," even as he undermines cities' freedom to protect their own populations with mask mandates and protective measures.
(2021-03-05). Atlanta DA refuses to prosecute killer cops in Rayshard Brooks' murder. liberationnews.org 
Despite nearing a year since the murder of Rayshard Brooks, Fulton County officials have yet to prosecute the two killer cops of the Atlanta Police Department. Brooks was killed by officers Garret Rolfe and Devin Brosnan on the night of June 12, 2020, outside a Wendy's restaurant near Atlanta's Pittsburgh neighborhood. Brooks was shot twice …
(2021-03-05). Abbott forces Texas to 'OPEN 100%' just weeks after deadly storm. liberationnews.org Abbott has billed the new order as a victory for "freedom," even as he undermines cities' freedom to protect their own populations with mask mandates and protective measures.
(2021-03-05). US, Allies Drop 46 Bombs Per Day for 20 Years, New CODEPINK Research Reveals. mintpressnews.com 
The United States has been at war for nearly every year of its existence as an independent nation, fighting in 227 years of its 244-year history.
(2021-03-05). The Odyssey of An Wei, the Forest Gump of China. counterpunch.org 
The story of An Wei overlaps almost perfectly with the story of Communist China. Born in a small village some distance from the northwestern city of Xian, An Wei was seven years old when Mao took control of the country in 1949. As the son of peasants, he was part of the first generation of
(2021-03-05). Michigan high school students fight attacks on BLM mural. liberationnews.org 
"It can be scary to be Black in America. [Our kids] shouldn't have to be scared at school."
(2021-03-05). Economic Growth is the Cause of Climate Change, Not the Solution to It. counterpunch.org 
Through 2019, the last year for which data is available, greenhouse gas emissions and global GDP growth remained as highly correlated as they have been for the last half century. What this means is that despite the rhetorical back-and-forth over technological innovation and government policies as potential solutions to climate change, the role of economic
(2021-03-05). Houston demonstration demands, "Fix our broken pipes, no more airstrikes!" liberationnews.org 
Texans were told to drink pool water while Biden prioritized bombing Syria.
(2021-03-05). Atlanta DA refuses to prosecute killer cop in Rayshard Brooks' murder. liberationnews.org Although nearing a year since the murder of Rayshard Brooks, Fulton County officials have yet to prosecute the two killer cops of the Atlanta Police Department. Brooks was killed by officers Garret Rolfe and Devin Brosnan on the night of June 12, 2020, outside a Wendy's restaurant near Atlanta's Pittsburgh neighborhood. Brooks was shot twice …
(2021-03-05). Top Pentagon commander requests astronomical sum of money to prepare for war with China. liberationnews.org 
The funding increase that Davidson is seeking for his command — not the total allocation — is greater than the entire budget of the whole armed forces of Brazil.
(2021-03-05). The Real Story: A Socialist Look at Syria and US Intervention. liberationnews.org 
Brian Becker dissects the reasons for the US military occupation in Syria and analyzes the objectives and strategies of U.S. imperialism in Syria, and its wars against Iraq and Libya.
(2021-03-05). On May Day: Karl Marx on India, colonialism and religion. mronline.org 
Marx, argues the author, is often misunderstood and even more often, misrepresented even as the world observes his bicentenary.
(2021-03-05). Social Media Microtargeting and the Evolving Ministry of Truth. mintpressnews.com 
As social media replaces actual social interactions, our thoughts and opinions are increasingly coming under the purview of the cybersecurity industry and national security interests that want to regulate what and who can see, talk to and hear in the U.S. cognitive space.
(2021-03-05). Houston demonstration demands, 'Fix our broken pipes, no more airstrikes!'. liberationnews.org Texans were told to drink pool water while Biden prioritized bombing Syria.
(2021-03-05). Failing Upward: Pentagon's more and more Expensive Boondoggles (that don't even work). juancole.com 
( Tomdispatch.com) — Cancel culture is a common, almost viral, term in political and social discourse these days. Basically, somebody expresses views considered to be outrageous or vile or racist or otherwise insensitive and inappropriate. In response, that person is "canceled," perhaps losing a job or otherwise sidelined and silenced. In being deplatformed by Twitter, …
(2021-03-05). Video: Cancel the Rents caravan in Oakland, California. liberationnews.org 
On Feb 27, people from around the San Francisco Bay Area gathered for a rally and caravan in Berkeley and Oakland to demand cancellation of rents and mortgages, an end to evictions, and housing for the homeless. Over 20 organizations were represented, including the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United, Do No Harm Coalition, AFSCME 3299, …
(2021-03-05). A fight for free speech in Selah, Wash. liberationnews.org In a small, conservative town in central Washington, sidewalk chalk has become a highly contentious issue between residents and the City Council.
(2021-03-05). Why was the National Guard not at the Capitol when the mob attacked? liberationnews.org 
Washington, D.C. National Guard commander William Walker, along with other top officials, testified before Congress this week regarding the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol building by a fascist-led mob. The testimony involved critical information about the timeline of events between the first request by Capitol Police for National Guard assistance and the Pentagon's eventual …
(2021-03-05). What the Ecuadoran Elections Mean for the U.S. counterpunch.org 
The pink tide is coming back in — much to the chagrin of many in the U.S. government. With leftist governments in Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina, Nicaragua, Mexico and Cuba, the prospect of yet another, this time in Ecuador, doubtless keeps regime changers, right-wing think tankers and other assorted Washington imperialists up at night. All those leftists the U.S. had murdered over the years, all the death squads the U.S. gave the nod to, all those dictators the North American empire supported — for what? After generations of slaughter, the victims' heirs keep taking over. The U.S. sponsored the exterm…
(2021-03-05). What's really behind Republican obstructionism? peoplesworld.org 
Later Thursday, before senators could even begin debate on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion rescue plan, they had to sit through a nearly 11-hour reading by the clerks of the entire 620-page bill. It was only the first step in Republican moves to delay a vote on an economic package that millions of Americans so …
(2021-03-05). From the Murder of Berta Cáceres to the Dam Disaster in Uttarakhand. counterpunch.org 
March 2, 2021 was the five year anniversary of the murder of Berta Cáceres, who opposed the Agua Zarca dam in Honduras. That date was less than one month after the deaths of dozens of people from Tehri Dam disaster in Uttarakhand, India. The two stories together tell us far more about consequences of the insatiable greed of capitalism for more energy than either narrative does by itself.
(2021-03-05). The Private Health Insurance Industry: Should It Be Eliminated? counterpunch.org 
Many Americans assume that the private health insurance industry is an unmovable fixture in the U. S. health care system, but there is a growing need to re-examine that premise. Over recent decades, its performance has been increasingly profit-driven to the point of now becoming unaffordable for patients, their families, employers and taxpayers. The time
(2021-03-05). From the Murder of Berta Cáceres to Dam Disaster in Uttarakhand. dissidentvoice.org 
March 2, 2021 was the five year anniversary of the murder of Berta Cáceres, who opposed the Agua Zarca dam in Honduras. That date was less than one month after the deaths of dozens of people from Tehri Dam disaster in Uttarakhand, India. The two stories together tell us far more about consequences of the …
(2021-03-05). The case for abolition, for skeptics. mronline.org 
In the final piece of the series, NLG Anti-Racism Committee Co-Chair and one of the proponents of the 2020 policing resolution Kira Kelley makes the case for the abolition of policing and offers examples of individuals and projects taking power and resources away from police and prisons to create non-carceral, non-punitive alternatives.
(2021-03-05). Montana defeats 'right to work'; W. Va. governor admits it's failed his state. peoplesworld.org 
HELENA, Mont., and CHARLESTON, W. VA. (PAI)—The continuing drive by the corporate class and their right-wing GOP puppets to impose "right to work" around the U.S. took hits in Republican-run Montana and West Virginia on consecutive days in early March. The bigger triumph for workers and their allies came in Montana. For its 50,000-member labor …
(2021-03-05). ArcelorMittal is 'slowly becoming a burial site'. peoplesdispatch.org 
Three ArcelorMittal workers were trapped in a control room in the early hours of Wednesday 17 February when the room collapsed after a stack structure fell on it, following an explosion. Workers who witnessed the scene at the company's plant in Vanderbijlpark in south Gauteng paint a grim picture. But the company denies an explosion occurred, despite no managers being there at the time. | The workers say the flames from the batteries were unusual that day, resembling an explosion, with large flames in the ovens. Gas escaped to the stack structure adjacent to the control room, where Thami Molefe, 53, Lesenyeho Mof…
(2021-03-05). Killer Kim Reynolds and the Fascist State of Iowa. counterpunch.org 
The affluent and older white male "leftists" who minimize the threat posed by the ever more fascistic Republican Party tend to live in big "blue" cities where the Amerikaner Republivolk are a distinct minority. Some of these privileged urbanites might want to spend some time in a pandemo-fascist white-supremacist state like Iowa, which sent Steve
(2021-03-05). Michigan high school students fight racism. liberationnews.org "It can be scary to be Black in America. [Our kids] shouldn't have to be scared at school."
(2021-03-05). Trump and Biden's Secret Bombing Wars. dissidentvoice.org 
Credit: The Intercept: U.S.-led coalition airstrike — Mosul, Iraq on November 7, 2016 On February 25th, President Biden ordered U.S. air forces to drop seven 500-pound bombs on Iraqi forces in Syria, reportedly killing 22 people. The U.S. airstrike has predictably failed to halt rocket attacks on deeply unpopular U.S. bases in Iraq, which the …
(2021-03-05). Trump and Biden's Secret Bombing Wars. counterpunch.org 
On February 25, President Biden ordered U.S. air forces to drop seven 500-pound bombs on Iraqi forces in Syria, reportedly killing 22 people. The U.S. airstrike has predictably failed to halt rocket attacks on deeply unpopular U.S. bases in Iraq, which the Iraqi National Assembly passed a resolution to close over a year ago. The
(2021-03-05). GOP, Senate filibuster in way of 'next great Civil Rights bill'. peoplesworld.org 
The Democratic-led House of Representatives is responding to the largest assault on voting rights since Reconstruction with the For the People Act (H.R. 1). The measure passed in the lower chamber on March 3. The fight to win final adoption of the bill now passes to the nearly evenly divided Senate. But passage in the …
(2021-03-05). PRO Act, biggest labor law reform in decades, headed for House vote. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—The narrowly Democratic U.S. House will vote during the week of March 8 on the nation's most wide-ranging, pro-worker labor law reform in decades, the PRO (Protecting the Right to Organize). Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced the scheduled vote on March 3. His schedule statement comes as unions, led by the AFL-CIO, are stepping …
(2021-03-05). Selected Articles: Why the Biden Administration Is Dead Wrong to Oppose ICC Inquiry in Occupied Palestine. globalresearch.ca 
By Since Palestine…
(2021-03-05). Roaming Charges: No Neanderthal Ever Bombed Syria. counterpunch.org 
+ There were many reasons to vote against Trump, starting with the fact that he was the incumbent running for reelection. All incumbent presidents should be voted against as matter of principle, because they almost certainly started committing war crimes within weeks of taking office, a truism Biden has now reconfirmed with his bombing of
(2021-03-05). Egypt: Toddler traumatised after two years in detention with mother. middleeasteye.net 
Egypt: Toddler traumatised after two years in detention with mother | Amnesty International says a 27-year-old woman and her baby were 'forcibly disappeared' by Egyptian security services | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 15: 40 | Manar Adel Abu el-Naga and her husband Omar Abdelhamid Abu el-Naga (Supplied) | Egyptian authorities have been urged to fully investigate the two-year-long "enforced disapp…
(2021-03-05). Marching Through Georgia. thenation.com 
…
(2021-03-05). Unemployment Drops to 6.2 Percent — But Long-Term Unemployment Continues Soaring. truthout.org 
The establishment survey showed the economy added 379,000 jobs in February. In addition, the figures from December and January were revised up by 38,000. This brings the average job gain over the last three months to 79,700. Employment in the survey stands at 9,475,000 below its year-ago level. | The household survey showed the unemployment edging down to 6.2 percent, while the employment-to-population ratio (EPOP) also ticked up 0.1 percentage point to 57.6 percent. That is down 3.5 percen…
(2021-03-05). Detroit Will Use $200,000 in Taxpayer Money to Fund Claim Against BLM Group. truthout.org 
Detroit Will Breathe was formed days after the mass uprising following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Despite the hyper-militarized tools and tactics used by Detroit Police on anti-racist protesters in an attempt to stop the movement, activists kept mobilizing against police brutality. Instead of trying to meet the demands that Detroit Will Breathe developed with the community, DPD continued to use excessive force and brutality. Following a summer of state violen…
(2021-03-05). Cornel West: The Whiteness of Harvard and Wall Street Is "Jim Crow, New Style" truthout.org 
Cornel West is a preeminent public intellectual, a brilliant philosopher-gadfly and a towering thinker whose critically engaging voice and fearless speech have proven indispensable for calling out injustice wherever it exists. He is a force grounded within a prophetic tradition that refuses idols, even if that idol is democracy itself. He is a bluesman who grapples with the funk of life through a cruciform of love within a crucible of catastrophe, where despair never has the last word. | West i…
(2021-03-05). Former Impeachment Manager Sues Trump Over January 6 Capitol Breach. truthout.org 
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California), who also served as a House manager in the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump earlier this year, Swalwell also named Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and former…
(2021-03-05). FBI Arrests Former Trump Appointee for Role in January 6 Capitol Breach. truthout.org 
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) arrested Federico Klein, a former State Department official who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, on Thursday evening, alleging that he was involved in the January 6 attack of the U.S. Capitol building. | Klein's arrest
(2021-03-05). "Moderate" Democrats May Obstruct Fundamentally Essential Electoral Reform. truthout.org 
One of the more revealing political moments of recent times was when the Republican Party decided they weren't going to bother
(2021-03-05). GOP Goes All In to Obstruct Relief Bill Nine Days Before Jobless Benefits Expire. truthout.org 
Republican lawmakers, led by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, are attempting to grind the Senate to a halt to delay passage of a sprawling $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package as Democrats race to get the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk before March 14, when millions of jobless Americans will begin losing their unemployment lifelines. | After the Senate on Thursday afternoon approved a procedural motion to begin consideration of the aid bill — with all 50 Republicans vot…
(2021-03-05). Rev. William Barber to Democrats: "Stick Together" and Pass the $15 Minimum Wage. truthout.org 
Image Credit: Facebook: Fightfor15LA | The Senate has voted to open debate on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The legislation has widespread support from voters, with one new poll showing 77% of Americans support the bill, including nearly 60% of Republicans. But the Senate bill has some key differences from the package approved by the House, including a reduction in the number of people eligible for direct stimulus checks and no provision to raise the federal mini…
(2021-03-05). European Union agrees that member states can purchase Russian & Chinese vaccines outside of bloc's collective purchase program. rt.com EU countries have the right to acquire vaccines independently if the jabs concerned aren't part of the bloc's centralized procurement strategy, a European Commission spokesman said when asked about Russian and Chinese formulas. | Amid shortages of EU-approved Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines against the coronavirus, some countries in the 27-member collective have started looking for other ways to inoculate their populations. Hungary and Slovakia have already approved Russia's Sputnik V jab on their own, while Poland is discussing the possibility of purchasing Sinovac immunization from China. | When ask…
(2021-03-05). European Union says member states are allowed to purchase Russian & Chinese vaccines on their own. rt.com EU countries have the right to acquire vaccines independently if jabs aren't part of the bloc's centralized procurement strategy, a European Commission spokesman said when asked about the Russian and Chinese shots. | Amid shortages of EU-approved Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines against the coronavirus, some countries in the bloc have started looking for other ways to inoculate their populations. Hungary and Slovakia have already approved Russia's Sputnik V jab on their own, while Poland is discussing the possibility of purchasing Sinovac immunization with China. | When asked about those developments,…
(2021-03-05). Arabic press review: Palestine slams Washington's 'lack of understanding' of ICC jurisdiction. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Palestine slams Washington's 'lack of understanding' of ICC jurisdiction | Meanwhile, British ambassador in Jordan says her country is committed to the two-state solution, and Iraq imposes curfew during Pope's visit | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 17: 07 | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks about priorities for administration of President Joe Biden in the Ben Franklin…
(2021-03-05). Police hijack helicopter ambulance for surveillance. therealnews.com 
Documents obtained by PAR reveal how an air ambulance service has been used repeatedly to fly surveillance missions over the city of Baltimore, raising troubling questions about the consequences of law enforcement's growing civic influence.
(2021-03-05). Harris reaffirms US opposition to ICC probe of Israel in call to Netanyahu. middleeasteye.net 
Harris reaffirms US opposition to ICC probe of Israel in call to Netanyahu | US vice president also 'emphasized the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security' | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 08: 26 | The call was the first between Harris and Netanyahu since she became US vice president in January (AFP) | US Vice President Kamala Harris, in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne…
(2021-03-05). What is Ur, the 'birthplace' of Abraham? middleeasteye.net 
What is Ur, the 'birthplace' of Abraham? | Pope Francis is due to lead an interfaith service at the ancient Iraqi city where the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is thought to have lived | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 13: 14 | The ziggurat at Ur was a temple to the moon god Nannar, and has been dated to the second millennium BC (Reuters) | On Saturday, Pope Francis will hold an inter-faith s…
(2021-03-05). Police hijack helicopter ambulance for aerial surveillance. therealnews.com Documents obtained by PAR reveal how an air ambulance service has been used repeatedly to fly surveillance missions over the city of Baltimore, raising troubling questions about the consequences of law enforcement's growing civic influence.
(2021-03-05). No-show Joe? VP Harris continues high-level talks without Biden, speaks to Israeli PM Netanyahu. rt.com 
Vice President Kamala Harris has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without President Joe Biden being present, the latest in a series of calls to world leaders usually conducted by the president. | Harris spoke to Netanyahu on Thursday, with a White House readout of the call saying she "underscored the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to the US-Israel partnership," and affirmed her opposition to the International Criminal Court prosecuting Israeli soldiers for alleged
(2021-03-05). US announces sanctions on top Ukrainian oligarch & Zelensky ally Kolomoisky for 'undermining democratic processes' in country. rt.com 
Washington has introduced a package of measures against a billionaire Ukrainian businessman and long-time supporter of the country's president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The US claims he has used his political links for personal gain. | On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken designated Igor Kolomoisky under rules that will allow the US to target him and his family with punitive measures, including a travel ban. He
(2021-03-05). Democratic congressman Swalwell sues Trump for EMOTIONAL DAMAGE over Capitol riot, says he was ready for COMBAT with mob. rt.com 
Rep. Eric Swalwell has sued Donald Trump and his allies over "emotional distress" sustained at the Capitol Hill riot. The suit also claims that Swalwell stripped down and prepared for "hand-to-hand combat" with the rioters. | In a civil
(2021-03-05). Obama said Buttigieg can't become president because he's 'GAY' and 'SHORT,' new book on 2020 campaign reveals. rt.com 
Former President Barack Obama sized up the top Democrat 2020 presidential contenders and concluded that Pete Buttigieg couldn't win because of his sexual orientation, shortness and youth, according to a new book on the race. | "He's 38, but he looks 30," Obama told a group of wealthy black political donors in New York in October 2019, two mainstream journalists wrote in a He's the mayor of a small town. He's gay, and he's short. | Obama gave his br…
(2021-03-05). 'It's the Cuomo way': MORE aides describe 'cult' workplace as top NY Democrat says governor should quit if new accusers speak out. rt.com 
Numerous former staffers for Andrew Cuomo have described the toxic and cult-like work environment they worked under amidst the governor's multiple worsening scandals, including three accusations of sexual harassment. | "There's no right or wrong way. It's the Cuomo way," one staffer told the Gothamist about a warning she received when interviewing for a job in the Cuomo administration. "He wants people who are literally going to fall on the sword for him, and they all will." | Another described being told to wear stiletto heels because she was blonde and the governor "likes blondes" in stiletto heels. Her desk…
(2021-03-05). MSNBC's Joy Reid sparks outrage by claiming conservatives would trade tax cuts to be allowed 'openly say the n-word'. rt.com 
Joy Reid has triggered everyone from Ben Shapiro to Glenn Greenwald by implying Republicans are racists wishing they could "openly say the n-word" and floating new meritless "Moscow" conspiracy theories. | "I'll say it again: people on the right would trade all the tax cuts for the ability to openly say the n-word like in 'the good old days,'" Reid tweeted this week. "To them, not being able to be openly racist and discriminatory without consequence is oppression. Trump is the avatar for this 'freedom.'" | I'll say it again: people on the right would trade all the tax cuts for the ability to openly say the n-w…
(2021-03-05). California's Newsom doubles down (literally) on mask-wearing as he says Texas made 'terrible mistake' in lifting mandate. rt.com 
California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged state residents to double up on their mask-wearing, issuing new guidelines calling for two face coverings in public after condemning Texas and other states for easing their restrictions. | Asking Californians to "get the most out of masking," the state's
(2021-03-05). Boeing 737 MAX makes emergency landing after one engine shut down over suspected mechanical issue, American Airlines says. rt.com 
A Boeing 737 MAX headed to New Jersey was forced to make an emergency touch-down after its captain cut one of its engines due to a suspected malfunction with the troublesome plane, which was ungrounded only two months ago. | American Airlines said the plane's captain declared an emergency as it approached New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport from Miami on Friday, successfully reaching the airport and landing with just one engine online. | The issue was not linked to the MCAS flight control system behind two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that prompted the plane's 20-month grounding, but rather rel…
(2021-03-05). Trump accuses Biden of creating 'spiraling tsunami' at US-Mexico border as migrant situation spins 'totally out of control'. rt.com 
Donald Trump has released a statement accusing President Joe Biden of letting the situation at the US/Mexico border get "totally out of control" as officials prepare for unprecedented numbers of migrant children this year. | "A mass incursion into the country by people who should not be here is happening on an hourly basis, getting worse by the minute," Trump said in a Friday statement. He blasted Biden for creating a "spiraling tsunami" at the border. | "When I left office, we had achieved the most secure border in our country's history. Under Biden, it will soon be worse, more dangerous, and more out of cont…
(2021-03-05). Germany-Morocco tensions: Why is Rabat so upset with Berlin? middleeasteye.net 
Germany-Morocco tensions: Why is Rabat so upset with Berlin? | Western Sahara, Libya negotiations, German organisations… the suspension of contact between Rabat and the German embassy in Morocco has been attributed to 'an accumulation of grudges'
| Fri, 03/05/2021 – 13: 17 | German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Berlin in November 2019 (AFP) | A d…
(2021-03-05). Princess Latifa: UN 'still waiting' for evidence from UAE that she is alive. middleeasteye.net 
Princess Latifa: UN 'still waiting' for evidence from UAE that she is alive | Recent footage showed the daughter of Dubai's ruler saying she was being held captive by her father | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 11: 27 | Friends of Princess Latifa say she has had little medical care and went over a year without a toothbrush (Screengrab/Sky News) | The United Nations has said it is still waiting for proo…
(2021-03-05). 'Baba al-Vatican': Pope Francis arrives in Iraq for historic visit. middleeasteye.net 
'Baba al-Vatican': Pope Francis arrives in Iraq for historic visit | Head of Catholic Church greeted by dancing and dignitaries for Iraq's first ever papal visit | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 13: 21 | Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi welcomed Pope Francis at Baghdad International Airport (Reuters) | Pope Francis said he was "happy" to land in Iraq for the first ever papal visit to the country…
(2021-03-05). Algeria: Bill to revoke citizenship met with anger and fear among activists. middleeasteye.net 
Algeria: Bill to revoke citizenship met with anger and fear among activists | The proposed law would target people deemed detrimental to the state, in a move condemned as dangerous and vague | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 14: 22 | Demonstrators carry the national flag on a march in Algiers to demand political change (Reuters) | A new bill being considered by the Algerian government, which could see people have thei…
(2021-03-05). Sahel countries negotiate with armed groups despite French opposition. middleeasteye.net 
Sahel countries negotiate with armed groups despite French opposition | France has failed to defeat militants in the Sahel. Now, regional governments are turning to talks to resolve the conflict | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 15: 01 | A soldier poses for a portrait during Operation Barkhane in Burkina Faso, on 13 November 2019 (Michele Cattani/AFP) | On 16 February, during a two-day summit of leaders from we…
(2021-03-05). Biden open to repealing US laws that enable 'forever wars'. middleeasteye.net 
Biden open to repealing US laws that enable 'forever wars' | US president will work with Congress to revoke decades-old measures that allow military action without congressional approval, White House says | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 17: 38 | American soldiers taking position around the US embassy in Baghdad, on 31 December 2019 (AFP/US embassy handout) | US President Joe Biden has signalled willingness to repeal laws…
(2021-03-05). Tens of thousands of Palestinians protest against Israeli police violence and inaction. middleeasteye.net 
Tens of thousands of Palestinians protest against Israeli police violence and inaction | Demonstration held on eighth Friday in a row and said to be the largest in 20 years | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 11: 04 | Palestinians take part in a protest against a wave of crime and violence in their communities, amid tensions with Israeli police who the protesters say are unwilling to deal with th…
(2021-03-05). Biden open to repealing US laws that enable 'forever wars'. middleeasteye.net Biden open to repealing US laws that enable 'forever wars' | US president will work with Congress to revoke decades old measures that allow military action without congressional approval, White House says | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 17: 38 | American soldiers taking position around the US embassy in Baghdad, on 31 December 2019 (AFP/US embassy handout) | US President Joe Biden has signalled willingness to repeal laws…
(2021-03-05). Iran ready to resume nuclear talks if US lifts sanctions within a year, official says. middleeasteye.net 
Iran ready to resume nuclear talks if US lifts sanctions within a year, official says | Former IRGC chief suggests Tehran willing to re-engage with Washington, but foreign ministry spokesman appears to reject remarks | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 16: 32 | Mohsen Rezaei was a leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps for 16 years (AFP) | Iran would be willing to resume negotiations on the 2015 nuclear deal if the U…
(2021-03-05). Israel has list of Iran-backed targets ready to strike, defence minister warns. middleeasteye.net 
Israel has list of Iran-backed targets ready to strike, defence minister warns | Benny Gantz says Iran's nuclear programme 'must be stalled' and warns Israel is prepared to 'stand independently' against Tehran | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 17: 26 | Israeli Defence Minister and alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz says Israel is dedicated to stalling Iranian nuclear escalation (AFP/File photo) | Israel is updating its co…
(2021-03-05). US Republicans demand arms embargo on Iran after missile strikes in Iraq. middleeasteye.net 
US Republicans demand arms embargo on Iran after missile strikes in Iraq | Two senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying US must prevent 'Iran from selling its weapons abroad' | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 20: 02 | Senators Joni Ernst, left, and Bill Hagerty, right, sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week (AFP) | Two Senate Republicans are calling on the State Depart…
(2021-03-05). UN expert warns counter-terror policies led to 'further stigmatisation' of Muslims. middleeasteye.net 
UN expert warns counter-terror policies led to 'further stigmatisation' of Muslims | UN Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed said Islamophobia has reached 'epidemic proportions' across the world | Fri, 03/05/2021 – 16: 21 | UN expert Ahmed Shaheed said Muslim women face the triple threat of discrimination due to their gender, ethnicity, and religion (AFP) | A United Nations expert has warned that counter-ter…
(2021-03-05). Gulf Coast says: Support #BAmazon Union! workers.org 
By Sean Miller Members of Black Voters Matter, Workers World Party-Central Gulf Coast branch and others hosted a Feb. 20 rally in downtown Pensacola, Fla., in support of the Bessemer, Ala., Amazon workers union drive. Joining over 50 other cities in a Day of Solidarity actions, they spoke out for . . . |
(2021-03-05). "We Do This 'Til We Free Us": Mariame Kaba on Abolishing Police, Prisons & Moving Toward Justice. democracynow.org 
Outrage over police brutality and the mass incarceration of Black and Brown people has generated calls to defund and abolish the police. Longtime organizer Mariame Kaba's new book, titled "We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice," brings together collected essays, interviews and other writings that she and numerous collaborators produced between 2014 — the year of the uprisings in Ferguson, Missouri, over the police killing of Michael Brown — and today. Kaba says the book grapples with "the fact that so many people around the country recognize the complete and utte…
(2021-03-05). Rev. William Barber to Democrats: Overrule the Senate Parliamentarian & Pass the $15 Minimum Wage. democracynow.org 
The Senate has voted to open debate on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The legislation has widespread support from voters, with one new poll showing 77% of Americans support the bill, including nearly 60% of Republicans. But the Senate bill has some key differences from the package approved by the House, including a reduction in the number of people eligible for direct stimulus checks and no provision to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. However, the Fight for 15 continues, with the Senate considering an amendment by Senator Bernie Sanders to raise the minimum wage fro…
(2021-03-05). How to Succeed in School Without Really Trying. strategic-culture.org 
By Rod DREHER | We live in a time when people are losing faith in institutions. Tiffany France thought her son would receive…
(2021-03-05). 'He's two years old': Furious ex-UFC champ Garbrandt 'kicked off US flight because of facemask issue with young son'. rt.com 
Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt has posted angry videos to social media claiming he and his two-year-old son were kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight because of a facemask issue involving the youngster. | Garbrandt shared two clips on Instagram on Thursday showing the incident, in the first of which the fighter accuses a flight attendant of hiding in the airplane bathroom as a row over the facemask unfolds. | "Are you going to hide in there?" Garbrandt is heard saying, before repeating "two years old, two years old" as he is asked to turn his phone off. | "F*ck @southwestair got kicked of…
(2021-03-05). Deal with Russia 'as it is' says Estonian president, arguing in favor of greater cooperation with shared neighbor on Baltic visit. rt.com 
During a trip to neighboring Latvia, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid has urged European diplomats to pursue more constructive relationships with Moscow, insisting that doing so need not be at the expense of their 'values'. | In an interview with the local LTV news channel, reported by Russian media on Thursday, the Estonian politician insisted that when it comes to Russia, "being involved doesn't mean abandoning your principles." | "I am in favor of dialogue," she said, "but in it, you need to be firm and give a clear message. This is our common task — to take on these difficult issues." At the same t…
(2021-03-05). German intelligence blocked from spying on right-wing AfD party after designation as 'suspected' extremists. rt.com 
The BfV, Germany's domestic intelligence service, cannot spy on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party under the authority they have to fight extremism, a court has said in an emergency injunction. | The decision by the Cologne Administrative Court was taken on Friday as it continues looking into a complaint by the AfD. The court agreed with the party that the information about the designation may affect its election outlook. The party was designated a suspected extremist organization by the BfV earlier this week. | The German constitution requires equal treatment of all political parties, so at least for now…
(2021-03-05). Lebanon's central bank chief says he's suing Bloomberg for report claiming US mulling sanctions on him over corruption. rt.com 
Lebanon's central bank governor said he will file legal action against Bloomberg and one of its journalists over a story it published claiming that the US was considering sanctions against him as part of a wider corruption probe. | "The governor of the bank, Riad Salameh, will present a series of legal actions inside and outside Lebanon against the agency Bloomberg [and its] US correspondent in Beirut," a statement from the Banque du Liban carried by local media said on Friday. | It also accused the US-based media outlet of "fabricating news, abuse and attempts to distort the reputation of the governor of the…
(2021-03-05). Practically impossible: Russian NGOs plead for Putin's help as new law demands they declare foreign funding sources of EVERY donor. rt.com 
More than fifty Russian NGOs that help orphans, the homeless and other vulnerable groups have asked President Vladimir Putin to help resolve disputes with the Ministry of Justice over the declaration of foreign funding. | That's according to Moscow daily Kommersant, which explained that the law obliges such organizations to declare any foreign sources of funding in their annual financial reports, including information about international income streams of their Russian donors. | In recent years, the government has increased the reporting requirement of organizations in several fields, with an increased focus o…
(2021-03-05). Duterte Harry: Philippines leader admits 'faults' including 'extrajudicial killings,' but says corruption isn't one of them. rt.com 
While addressing an official anti-communist taskforce on Friday, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte defended himself against claims of corruption — but said he's working on his other faults, including "extrajudicial killings." | "Faults? Me? Plenty. But I don't steal money," Duterte said on Friday as he reviewed his own record as the country's leader. "I just have cases of extrajudicial killings. We will get there," he added. | Duterte conceded that the "government is not perfect" as he addressed members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Eclac), which itself has bee…
(2021-03-05). 20 killed in Somali capital after suicide car bomb detonates outside restaurant. rt.com 
At least 20 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a suicide car bombing in Mogadishu. The incident occured on the same day Somali Islamist militants stormed a jail in the semi-atonomus Puntland state. | The blast struck outside the Luul Yemeni restaurant on Friday evening, with eyewitness footage of the scene showing the scale of devastation as locals and first responders bearing torches searched through the debris in the dark for other victims. | No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, and local medics have warned that the death toll may rise. Local reports say the scale of the blast br…
(2021-03-05). Arrests over clashes in Lyon as locals blame French police for teenager's scooter crash that left him in coma (VIDEOS). rt.com 
Twelve people have been arrested after violence broke out in Lyon, France, where protesters burned cars and launched fireworks in response to the alleged role of police in a local teenager's serious scooter crash on Wednesday. | The Lyon prosecutor's office announced on Friday that it was launching an investigation into the teenager's crash and injuries. The 13-year-old boy is reportedly in a coma after the incident. | Eight juveniles and four adults were arrested in the area after cars were torched and police were attacked with fireworks on Thursday. | One local officer suffered minor injuries and national po…
(2021-03-05). Software guru John McAfee and his top cryptocurrency adviser charged with fraud and money laundering by US federal prosecutors. rt.com 
Antivirus pioneer John McAfee has been charged with fraud and money laundering by prosecutors in New York. The businessman and one-time presidential candidate is accused of fraudulently promoting cryptocurrency on social media. | An indictment against McAfee was unsealed on Friday, and names both him and Jimmy Gale Watson — an adviser to McAfee — as defendants in a fraud and money laundering case. The pair are accused of using McAfee's social media accounts to publicize various cryptocurrencies, inflating their value and allegedly netting McAfee more than $13 million. Another member of the McAfee tea…
(2021-03-05). Lebanon's central bank chief says he's suing Bloomberg for report claiming US mulling sanctions on him over corruption. rt.com Lebanon's central bank governor said he will file legal action against Bloomberg and one of its journalists over a story it published claiming that the US was considering sanctions against him as part of a wider corruption probe. | "The governor of the bank, Riad Salameh, will present a series of legal actions inside and outside Lebanon against the agency Bloomberg [and its] US correspondent in Beirut," a statement from the Banque du Liban carried by local media said on Friday. | It also accused the US-based media outlet of "fabricating news, abuse and attempts to distort the reputation of the governor of the…
(2021-03-04). Right-Wing Supreme Court Justices May Weaken Key Provision of Voting Rights Act. truthout.org 
The partisan battle over voting rights is boiling over this week, as conservative Supreme Court justices are poised to uphold two provisions of an Arizona voting law that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) argues violates the landmark Voting Rights Act, and the House passes the For the People Act, the most sweeping election reform package in decades. | On Tuesday, Supreme Court justices signaled their willingness to weaken another key provision of the historic Voting Rights Act that p…
(2021-03-04). U.S. Agricultural System's Deadly Apartheid. counterpunch.org 
The NY Times of March 1, 2021 cited some chilling facts about agricultural workers and Covid 19: "In some areas, up to 40 percent of the workers tested for the virus had positive results. The Rev. Francisco Gómez at Our Lady of Soledad church in Coachella said his parish had been averaging 10 burials a
(2021-03-04). COVID Deaths Soar in Brazil as Bolsonaro Blasts Lockdowns. truthout.org 
Brazil's COVID-19 death toll has now topped nearly 260,000, the world's second worst after the United States, as hospitals are overwhelmed with new cases. International concern is also growing about the P1 variant of the virus, which overwhelmed the Amazonian city of Manaus and caused its hospitals to run out of oxygen. Less than 4% of Brazil's population has been vaccinated. Marcia Castro, demography professor at Harvard University, says the crisis in Brazil is due to "a combination of inaction and also wrongdoin…
(2021-03-04). AOC Slams Biden Administration Over Lowering COVID Stimulus Income Thresholds. truthout.org 
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) sharply criticized The $1,400 checks, the third round of payments to Americans during the pandemic, will be sent in full to every individual earning $75,000 or l…
(2021-03-04). From hero to zero: Mainstream media throw disgraced Governor Cuomo under the bus after months of fawning Covid-19 coverage. rt.com 
American liberals who unquestioningly embraced New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as their political savior have found themselves holding a potential credibility grenade as the governor's scandal-ridden reputation craters. | First skewered for his office's decision to cover up the massive spike in Covid-19 deaths, which followed his order to house Covid-positive patients with the virus-free, Cuomo was subsequently dragged for sexual harassment allegations coming from three former aides. He's now facing multiple investigations — and legions of his swooning supporters are quietly backing away from — even m…
(2021-03-04). Covid-19: Palestinian Authority criticised for VIP vaccine distribution. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19: Palestinian Authority criticised for VIP vaccine distribution | A significant proportion of the first batch of vaccines have gone to PA government figures and their allies
| Thu, 03/04/2021 – 14: 45 | An UNRWA employee prepares a shot of the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine for medical staff at UNRWA's al-Sheikh Redwan clinic in Gaza City, on 25 February 2021 (AFP) | Political and security…
(2021-03-04). Vaccine Apartheid: Marc Lamont Hill, Mitchell Plitnick on Israel's "Indifference to Palestinian Health" democracynow.org 
Israel has had the fastest vaccination rollout in the entire world, with 40% of Israelis already fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but Palestinians in the Occupied Territories have received almost no doses — a situation critics call "vaccine apartheid." By one count, just 34,000 vaccine doses have been administered to Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, which has a population of over 4.5 million. "What we're seeing right now is a gross injustice," says Marc Lamont Hill, author and professor of media studies and urban education at Temple University. We also speak with Mitchell Plitnick, political anal…
(2021-03-04). COVID Deaths Soar in Brazil as Bolsonaro Blasts Lockdowns. Experts Warn It Will "Get Worse." democracynow.org 
Brazil's COVID-19 death toll has now topped nearly 260,000, the world's second worst after the United States, as hospitals are overwhelmed with new cases. International concern is also growing about the P1 variant of the virus, which overwhelmed the Amazonian city of Manaus and caused its hospitals to run out of oxygen. Less than 4% of Brazil's population has been vaccinated. Marcia Castro, demography professor at Harvard University, says the crisis in Brazil is due to "a combination of inaction and also wrongdoing" by officials, including President Jair Bolsonaro, who has opposed lockdowns, masks and other publi…
(2021-03-04). Mumia Abu-Jamal Tests Positive for COVID, Prompting Urgent Call to Release Elder Political Prisoners. democracynow.org 
Renowned political prisoner and journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal's lawyers confirmed Wednesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 and also has congestive heart disease. Abu-Jamal also suffers from the preexisting conditions of liver disease, which advocates say is directly related to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections' failure to treat his hepatitis C in a timely fashion. Mumia's doctor, Dr. Ricardo Alvarez, says the only appropriate treatment is freedom. Marc Lamont Hill, who co-authored a book with Abu-Jamal titled "The Classroom and the Cell: Conversations on Black Life in America," says this is an opportun…
(2021-03-04). Iraq approves Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. rt.com 
The Iraqi Ministry of Health has given emergency use authorization to Russia's Sputnik V, the world's first vaccine against Covid-19, joining 44 other countries and territories around the world that have done so thus far. | Baghdad's decision was announced on Thursday by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which financed the vaccine's development at Moscow's Gamaleya Research Institute. | "The vaccine is now authorized in 8 countries of the Middle East and we are seeing rising demand for it," said RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev. He added that the total population of the countries and territories that have app…
(2021-03-04). Ukraine bracing for third wave of Covid-19 infections Prime Minister warns, after turning down Russian offers of Sputnik V vaccine. rt.com 
Cases of coronavirus are again on the rise in Ukraine, the country's Prime Minister Denis Shmigal has said, cautioning that another tough lockdown might be on the cards to prevent its beleaguered health system from collapsing. | Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the politician said that a rise in incidence statistics "cannot be hidden or interpreted in any other way." In future, he claimed, "there may be a strict lockdown… if most of the regions become red zones, it will be necessary to return to the model of lockdowns that Ukraine has already gone through." | "If we see that the medical system is becomin…
(2021-03-04). Italy blocks 250,000 doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine from reaching Australia in first for EU — reports. rt.com 
The Italian government has reportedly prevented a shipment of some 250,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University from leaving the country for Australia, in the first such action in the EU. | Rome's ban on exporting AstraZeneca jabs made at Italy's Anagni plant for Canberra was first reported by the Financial Times, citing Italian government sources. | It is the first such move by an EU member state since Brussels brought in new rules allowing governments to halt shipments to other countries of vaccines produced in the bloc in order to protect European interests. | The Ita…
(2021-03-04). Biden should force Big Pharma to share taxpayer-subsidized COVID-19 vaccines. therealnews.com This week, President Biden announced that, by utilizing the Defense Production Act, the federal government has created an historic agreement between drugmakers Johnson & Johnson and Merck to produce enough COVID-19 vaccines for the entire U.S. adult population by May (months quicker than initially expected). This underscores the ability of the U.S. government to facilitate faster vaccine production, argues Peter Maybarduk of Public Citizen, but that production doesn't have to be driven by the hunt for profit.
(2021-03-04). WATCH: People flee to higher ground, boats rush to safer waters after New Zealand says tsunami evacuation 'overrides' Covid alert. rt.com 
Coastal areas of New Zealand were under evacuation orders for several hours after a series of powerful earthquakes, sending residents fleeing to safety as officials said the emergency overrode the country's Covid-19 restrictions. | Residents were instructed to evacuate some coastal areas "immediately" in the wake of a series of Friday morning's quakes — three of them registering at more than 7.0 in m…
(2021-03-04). Activists occupy Paris theater as protesters across France demand cultural venues reopen despite Covid-19 fears (VIDEOS). rt.com 
Dozens of demonstrators have taken over Paris's Odeon Theater as part of national protests against the continued closure of cultural venues as the French government brings in tougher Covid-19 curbs. | Police in the French capital closed off all entrances to the area surrounding the historic building, one of France's national theaters, after as many as 80 people reportedly made their way inside on Thursday. | Banners with anti-government slogans were unfurled above the theater entrance, while more than a dozen activists and entertainment workers could be seen occupying the building in videos posted to social me…
(2021-03-04). Beyond the Sprouts of Capitalism. mronline.org 
The contemporary political economy of the People's Republic of China, the nature of the Chinese system, has been the subject of much discussion and debate in mainstream academic, media, and political circles, as well as on the left. Yet one can only make sense of contemporary China with a clear understanding of the country's economic …
(2021-03-04). Parliament rejects Moreno's privatization of Central Bank. mronline.org 
Parliament's Legislative Administration Council (CAL) reported that the project had 14 unconstitutional aspects. The bill presented 84 reforms to the Organic Monetary and Financial Code that would allow a $400 million loan from the International Monetary Fund.
(2021-03-04). New York politicians push bill to 'kill' rent cancellation movement, organizers fight back. liberationnews.org 
On Feb. 28, tenant organizers in New York City demonstrated outside the home of New York State Senator Brian Kavanaugh in Manhattan to protest his sponsorship of a bill which bails out landlords, not tenants.
(2021-03-04). Pope's upcoming visit brings attention to the dwindling population of Christians in Iraq. juancole.com 
By Ramazan Kƒ±lƒ±nàß | — Pope Francis will arrive in Iraq on Friday in a first-ever papal visit to the country that is expected to raise awareness about the challenges facing Iraqi Christians — a majority of whom are Catholic. In the past two decades, the Christian population in Iraq has fallen by over 80%. …
(2021-03-04). Texas winter storm crisis the fault of state leaders, big oil, protesters say. liberationnews.org 
Natural gas and fossil fuel executives, as well as officials in ERCOT and PUCT, should face criminal charges for their role in the deaths, injuries, and damages suffered during this crisis.
(2021-03-04). Renton, Wash., unions, community come out to support 'Bamazon' union drive. liberationnews.org 
Despite the scattered showers and mid-30 ∞s weather close to 300 people showed up to voice their support.
(2021-03-04). Aurora Police Killed Without Consequence, Now Their Protestors Face 48 Years for "Kidnapping" Cops. mintpressnews.com 
The cops and the district attorneys want people to see what we are going through — the conditions of our arrests, our experiences in jail, and our legal battle — and to think that this is what you risk when you stand up against them. – Lillian House, Aurora Activist and Defendant…
(2021-03-04). Hammer and Hope: Danny Glover on the Amazon union drive in Bessemer, Alabama. therealnews.com 
TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez sits down with world-renowned actor, activist, and TRNN board member Danny Glover to talk about workers' struggles and the historic union vote at the Amazon fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama.
(2021-03-04). Myanmar military coup leaders target trade unions for destruction. peoplesworld.org 
For weeks, hundreds of thousands of people have been participating in peaceful mass demonstrations across Myanmar in the wake of a coup led by the Army. As the peaceful civil disobedience movement continues to protest against the military takeover, authorities are resorting to violence and cracking down civilians—including trade unions and their leaders. Police have issued …
(2021-03-04). Ecuador's leftist candidate ratified as first round winner. mronline.org 
Authorities officially confirmed that Andres Arauz and the banker Guillermo Lasso will compete for the presidency in the second round to be held on April 11.
(2021-03-04). Connecticut People's World Black History event: 'Building the Third Reconstruction'. peoplesworld.org 
NEW HAVEN, Conn.—On a Sunday afternoon I logged on my computer to attend the 47th Connecticut People's World African-American History Month Celebration, which was being held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year's theme was perfectly titled, "Georgia On My Mind, The Third Reconstruction," and emceed by Mary Thigpen. Testimonials and experiences were shared …
(2021-03-04). Dr. Beverly Tatum: The ABCs of representation in education. therealnews.com 
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum talks with the professors about the critical importance of having curriculums, educators, and school communities that are dedicated to affirming and embracing Black students and students of color, and explains what she calls the "ABCs": Affirming Identity, Building Community, and Cultivating Leadership.
(2021-03-04). Biden, Team D and the Dimming Prospects of Getting Anything Meaningful Through the Senate. counterpunch.org 
It's kinda touching that Team D imagines it will get anything through the Senate with: 1. A nominal 50-50 split, 2. Joe Manchin and Kysten Sinema enjoying the power that having a line-item veto provides, 3. Que Mala Harris's reluctance to do anything she thinks might jeopardize her chances at the presidency, 4. Crazy Uncle
(2021-03-04). Activists chant: 'No war on Syria or Iran!'. workers.org 
Buffalo, N.Y. Buffalo, N.Y., March 1. WW PHOTO: Ezra Echo Despite frigid temperatures, determined activists here in Buffalo came out late Monday afternoon March 1 at a busy intersection with demands aimed at the Biden administration: U.S. Out of the Middle East! Stop Bombing Syria! U.S. Out of Iraq and . . . |
(2021-03-04). The Decades-Long Struggle Over Big Corporations and Poverty Wages. counterpunch.org 
The Senate Parliamentarian has dealt a strong blow to the Fight for $15 movement by ruling that a federal minimum wage increase cannot be included in the stimulus bill. Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing back with an amendment to take tax deductions away from large, profitable corporations that do not pay at least $15 an
(2021-03-04). Doctors acted unlawfully in deciding on eligibility for drug — Court of Appeal. ukhumanrightsblog.com 
Basma (suing by her mother and litigation friend Sara Basma) v Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Anr [2021] EWCA Civ 278 Sophie Basma ("Sophie") is 10. She suffers from Type 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy ("SMA"). SMA is a rare, genetic, neuromuscular disease which progressively leads to sufferers being unable to walk or sit …
(2021-03-04). Fire Suppression Hyperbole. counterpunch.org 
In almost all media reports about the recent fire seasons, one of the chief explanations given for the larger blazes is "fire suppression" and "fuel build-up." We hear that 100 years of fire suppression has contributed to the "unnatural" accumulation of fuels and is one of the primary reasons for large fires. The solution, we
(2021-03-04). NYS politicians push bill to 'kill' rent cancellation movement, organizers fight back. liberationnews.org On Feb. 28, tenant organizers in New York City demonstrated outside the home of New York State Senator Brian Kavanaugh in Manhattan to protest his sponsorship of a bill which bails out landlords, not tenants.
(2021-03-04). Creating a Safe Space at Work for Discussing Social Justice Topics. dissidentvoice.org 
Image Source: Pexels There's a lot going on in the world at the moment, which means there's a lot we need to talk about. It seems as though every day there is another incident that raises issues related to the socio-economic imbalances in our society, systemic racism, or the political decisions that shape our lives. …
(2021-03-04). After years of propaganda, American views of Russia and China hit historic lows. mronline.org 
Both pro- and anti-war voices have stated that the U.S. is on the cusp of entering a second Cold War, and a new Gallup poll suggests that the groundwork for such a conflict has already been laid.
(2021-03-04). 25 Years of GMOs, and Some New Insights from Argentina. counterpunch.org 
n the winter of 1996, Monsanto and a few other companies first began to sell genetically engineered seeds to commercial growers, and also mounted a massive public relations effort to convince people of their supposed benefits. They hyped their new GMOs as the answer to world hunger, a way to help troubled farmers stay on the land, and as a technology that would bring higher quality, more nutritious food to all. Skeptics in many countries responded swiftly: Greenpeace blockaded shipments and planted symbols in farmers' fields, while decentralized networks of activists organized Global Days of Action. Saboteurs in…
(2021-03-04). In Renton, WA, unions, community come out to support 'Bamazon' union drive. liberationnews.org Despite the scattered showers and mid-30 ∞s weather close to 300 people showed up to voice their support.
(2021-03-04). Electricity vs. Broadband: Does History Repeat Itself? counterpunch.org 
Americans take household electric for granted, but this was not always the case. Millions of U.S. households have access to electricity to power water heating, lighting, refrigeration, TV, telephone and other products. And yet, according to one estimate, about 15,000 families — 60,000 people — are not connected to the electric grid; many are located on Native American reservations. (In addition, about 18,000 families don't have running water in their house.) |
(2021-03-04). Cornel West: Palestine is a "taboo issue among certain circles in high places" mronline.org 
Activist and scholar says he is being denied tenure at Harvard University because of his views on Israeli occupation.
(2021-03-04). Germany's Linke (the Left Party) comes out of its convention united. peoplesworld.org 
BERLIN — Things worked out quite differently than many in the media here said they would at the congress of the LINKE, the country's left-wing party. The pandemic had forced postponements from June 2020 to October 2020 and from last October to last weekend, with most of the 580 delegates at home in front of …
(2021-03-04). Trial of Chauvin, George Floyd's murderer, pivotal to reforming racist policing. peoplesworld.org 
MINNEAPOLIS—The consensus among activists speaking at a recent press conference in Minneapolis is that it will take massive street protests to convict Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Frank Chapman, a spokesperson for the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, which was founded in 1973, pointed to the national significance of the …
(2021-03-04). Biden's Foreign Policy: No Joy in Mudville. counterpunch.org 
Well, at least he hasn't started any NEW wars! | For four years, that was the excuse I got from anti-war Donald Trump supporters every time he escalated one of the several wars he inherited from George W. Bush and Barack Obama. I expect to start hearing it from anti-war Joseph Biden supporters soon.
(2021-03-04). National Guard commander charges Pentagon delayed sending troops to Capitol Jan. 6. peoplesworld.org 
By the day, facts uncovered in the ongoing Senate hearings on the security failings connected to the Trumpite attack on the Capitol are raising concern that there may have been, at the least, advance knowledge and, possibly worse, collaboration involving officials on various levels. Testimony Wednesday added the Pentagon leadership to the list of top …
(2021-03-04). 'We're Not Going Back': New York celebrates Black History Month. peoplesworld.org 
NEW YORK—Last Sunday night after watching Trump's recycled demagogy at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), I thankfully had the uplifting experience of viewing the "We're Not Going Back" celebration of the African American people's long march to freedom. We're Not Going Back is an annual event initiated by the New York Bureau of People's …
(2021-03-04). Not waiting around: Progressive Caucus already working on next stimulus package. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON (PAI)—The almost evenly split Senate is still wrangling over Democratic President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, but the Congressional Progressive Caucus is looking ahead to the next one, its chair says. And while Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., didn't throw out any numbers in her Zoom session with Our Revolution Board Chair Larry …
(2021-03-04). Selected Articles: The Dangers of A "Sino-American Hot War" globalresearch.ca 
By Unbeknownst to many Americans, the U.S. military and its allies are engaged in bombing and killing people in other countries on a …
(2021-03-04). Saudi Arabia 'fears defeat of Netanyahu' in upcoming Israeli election. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi Arabia 'fears defeat of Netanyahu' in upcoming Israeli election | The kingdom sees prime minister as a 'spearhead' against Iran, Saudi sources tell an Israeli TV channel | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 14: 00 | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AFP/file photo)
| Saudi Arabia is concerned about a possible election defeat for Israeli…
(2021-03-04). Advocates target Saudi Arabia's PIF over MBS' role in Khashoggi murder. middleeasteye.net 
Advocates target Saudi Arabia's PIF over MBS' role in Khashoggi murder | Campaign targeting sovereign wealth fund is also expected to pressure US and western investors to pull out from the kingdom | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 21: 16 | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during a virtual session of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh on 28 January (AFP/File photo) | While…
(2021-03-04). Egypt draft law condemned as setback for women's rights. middleeasteye.net 
Egypt draft law condemned as setback for women's rights | Egyptian feminists oppose bill that enshrines male guardianship and sets new rules for polygamy | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 11: 16 | Egyptian protesters hold up placards and shout slogans during a demonstration in Cairo against sexual harassment on 12 February 2013 (AFP) | In Egypt, a woman can be a minister who signs a multi-billion-dol…
(2021-03-04). Iranian press review: Conservative media says pro-Iran fighters were behind Israeli boat attack. middleeasteye.net 
Iranian press review: Conservative media says pro-Iran fighters were behind Israeli boat attack | Meanwhile, Iranian analyst suggests Biden unlikely to reach out to Iran before elections, and school dropout rates increase sharply in Iran's poor regions | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 14: 37 | A view of the Israeli-owned Bahamian-flagged MV Helios Ray cargo ship docked in Dubai's Mina Rashid (Port R…
(2021-03-04). Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah sparks controversy, and it hasn't even aired yet. thecanary.co 
Meghan Markle and Harry duke of Sussex's What's race got to do with it?: | The Times published a story accusing Markle of "
(2021-03-04). Novichok? What Novichok? New US sanctions urge Russia to destroy chemical weapons stockpile, but Kremlin insists it already has. rt.com 
Russian officials are puzzled by demands from Washington to scrap their country's chemical weapons program, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman has said, arguing that the country has already disposed of all such substances. | Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Dmitry Peskov slammed America's warning that Moscow must register and eliminate stores of nerve agents, toxic gases and other poisons, or else face sanctions. "Russia declared and verified the destruction of all chemical weapons on its territory many years ago and fully complied with international conventions," he said. "Russia has no chemical weapons."
(2021-03-04). Senators Move to Repeal Some Presidential War Powers After Airstrikes in Syria. truthout.org 
As frustration is building among federal lawmakers over President Joe Biden's recent Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Todd Young (R…
(2021-03-04). Georgia Bill Would Criminalize Giving Water to Voters Waiting in Long Lines. truthout.org 
Republicans in Georgia are passing restrictive voting laws, ostensibly to "protect" people's votes but which critics have said create unnecessary burdens to voters, particularly within communities of color. | Georgia House Bill 531,
(2021-03-04). Louisiana Hunger Strikers — Already in Solitary — Are Being Brutally Punished. truthout.org 
On February 13, men being held in one of the solitary confinement wards at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola were discussing how to get out from under their miserably austere physical conditions. These included broken lights in their cells, no underwear, a single blanket and inadequate heating in record cold temperatures for northern Louisiana. The men also experienced brutal psychological conditions, including no time outside in the yard at all and only limited time out in the hall whe…
(2021-03-04). The Heat: Cautious optimism in U.S. with vaccine push. america.cgtn.com 
U.S. President Joe Biden announces a breakthrough in vaccine availability amid concerns that some states may be lifting restrictions too soon.
(2021-03-04). Yemen's Houthis claim missile strike on Saudi Aramco plant in Jeddah. middleeasteye.net 
Yemen's Houthis claim missile strike on Saudi Aramco plant in Jeddah | Houthi military spokesman said attack took place at dawn using a winged Quds-2 missile and had struck its target | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 08: 26 | The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, have struck other Saudi energy assets in the past (Reuters) | Yemen's Houthi forces fired a cross-border missile at a Saudi Aramco facilit…
(2021-03-04). Iraq's Nasiriyah calmed by Kadhimi for pope's visit – but violence likely to return. middleeasteye.net 
Iraq's Nasiriyah calmed by Kadhimi for pope's visit – but violence likely to return | With Francis set to lead an interfaith service 17km away at the ancient city of Ur, protests in Dhi Qar's capital threatened to derail visit | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 12: 44 | Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in front of the Dhi Qar Municipal council in Iraq's southern city of Nasiriyah on 27 Febr…
(2021-03-04). Turkish court refuses to admit US report as evidence in Khashoggi murder trial. middleeasteye.net 
Turkish court refuses to admit US report as evidence in Khashoggi murder trial | Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee Hatice Cengiz asked the Istanbul court to add the newly declassified report to the case's evidence file | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 20: 59 | Hatice Cengiz attended the third hearing in the trial (AFP) | A Turkish court trying 26 Saudi suspects in absentia for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi refused on Th…
(2021-03-04). Election reform law passes House and heads to Senate, likely to be killed by filibuster. rt.com 
A sweeping reform of election rules has been re-approved by the House along party lines, with supporters celebrating it. But like its predecessor, the piece of legislation vehemently opposed by the GOP faces a Senate dead end. | The so-called 'For the People Act', also known as 'H.R. 1' after the designation of its House version, was approved in a 220-210 vote on Wednesday. Not a single Republican joined the Democrats in backing the bill, which the two parties see in a diametrically opposing light. | Supporters call the proposed reform the most significant improvement of the US democratic system since the Voti…
(2021-03-04). WATCH: White House abruptly cuts live feed after Biden says 'happy to take questions' at virtual event. rt.com 
US President Joe Biden said he would be "happy" to field live questions at the tail-end of a virtual event, but was swiftly cut off when the White House inexplicably dropped the video feed, leaving some viewers bewildered. | "I'd be happy to take questions if that's what I'm supposed to do, Nance. Whatever you want me to do," Biden said to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the Democratic "Virtual Issues Conference" wrapped up on Wednesday night. But after a brief pause, the feed was brusquely taken offline. | The White House abruptly cuts the live video feed of a virtual event after President Biden said he was "ha…
(2021-03-04). House CANCELS March 4 session after Capitol Police cites 'possible plot' by militia. rt.com 
The US House of Representatives won't be in session on Thursday, after Capitol Police, the FBI, and Homeland Security said extremists were discussing possible threats to Congress. The Senate is not changing its schedule, however. | House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) moved to Wednesday evening the vote on a police reform bill that was scheduled for Thursday. Multiple media outlets reported that the March 4 session of the lower chamber was canceled altogether. | Earlier in the day, US Capitol Police announced it would bolster its security profile due to "intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach t…
(2021-03-04). US Capitol Police call for National Guard to be deployed for another TWO MONTHS, citing threats – media. rt.com 
A 60-day extension to the National Guard's deployment to the US Capitol is being reviewed by the Pentagon, the Associated Press has reported. Over 5,000 troops have been stationed there since January's Capitol riot. | Capitol Police made the request for the 60-day extension to the National Guard's deployment to Washington DC within the last 36 hours, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) told the Associated Press on Thursday. The Guard is reportedly seeking volunteers to fill…
(2021-03-04). 'We don't censor books': New York Public Library says it will keep canceled Dr. Seuss titles on shelves. rt.com Public libraries across the US are pushing back against the cancelation of Dr. Seuss books, with the New York Public Library being the latest to say it will not censor the suddenly-controversial titles. | "As with all public libraries the New York Public Library does not censor books," spokeswoman Angela Montefinise said of the Seuss books in question, the New York Post reported on Wednesday. | Six titles — including 'If I Ran the Zoo,' 'And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street' and 'Scrambled Eggs Super!' — have been blasted as politically incorrect for supposed racial and ethnic stereotypes, a…
(2021-03-04). YouTube CEO says will lift suspension on Trump's channel when 'we determine the risk of violence has decreased'. rt.com 
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki is claiming the suspension on Donald Trump's channel will be lifted, but at the moment the "risk of violence" is too great. | In a Thursday discussion with the NATO-backed Atlantic Council think tank, Wojcicki was directly asked about the details behind Trump's suspension from the video platform. YouTube was one of numerous platforms to suspend the former president following the January 6 Capitol riot, which he was accused by the House of inciting. | Wojcicki claims the ban is not permanent and Trump's channel will be turned back on "when we determine the risk of violence has decreas…
(2021-03-04). 'Where's our restitution?' Ferguson activists & Mike Brown Sr. demand BLM cough up $20 MILLION, a fraction of its global donations. rt.com 
A Ferguson, Missouri activist group and Michael Brown Sr. are demanding that Black Lives Matter shell out $20 million to local organizers, accusing the org of abandoning "freedom fighters" while it basks in the public spotlight. | Tory Russell, who co-founded Ferguson's International Black Freedom Alliance, appeared in a video alongside the father of the late Michael Brown on Tuesday, calling on BLM's national leadership to send a cool $20 million to the IBFA and other community groups. | "Today, we hold Black Lives Matter accountable. The movement that has catapulted into the limelight has forgotten about Fer…
(2021-03-04). Texas power grid operator axes its CEO after deadly blackout caused by winter storm. rt.com 
The entity delivering power to most of Texas has decided to fire its CEO, as it faces criticism for failing to prepare the power grid for last month's winter storm and leaving millions without heat for days. | The board of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has given a 60-day notice to President and CEO Bill Magness, the non-profit company said in a statement after a meeting on Wednesday night. During the transition period, he will "work with state leaders and regulators on potential reforms," while the board looks for his replacement. | Magness has served as the head of ERCOT since 2016. In 201…
(2021-03-04). eBay to remove Dr. Seuss books over 'hate and discrimination' — but you can still buy Mein Kampf there. rt.com 
Six of Dr. Seuss' books recently deemed offensive and pulled from publication will now not even be able to be bought second-hand through online retailer eBay, which is scrubbing listings. | "At eBay, we have a strict policy against hate and discrimination to ensure our platform remains a safe, trusted and inclusive environment for our global community of buyers and sellers," eBay Corporate Communications Specialist Parmita Choudhury told the Washington Examiner on Thursday. The statement came after numerous Twitter users noted that their listings for the six Dr. Seuss books recently pulled from publication wer…
(2021-03-04). Alec Baldwin flees Twitter again, hounded by angry Gillian Anderson fans over his sly dig at her 'switching accents'. rt.com 
Alec Baldwin's attempt to defend his wife from accusations of faking Spanishness by invoking Gillian Anderson's flawless switching between accents backfired badly and forced him to quit Twitter for a second time this year. | In a lengthy 10-minute video posted to Instagram, the 62-year old actor explained that he was off Twitter again, since "you cannot do any irony in the US anymore because the US is such an uptight stressed-out place" and Twitter in particular was full of "a**holes." Baldwin went on to profess his love for his wife and children and say how good and fulfilling his life was now that he works l…
(2021-03-04). 'QAnon Shaman' says he was 'waved' into Capitol by police & stopped rioters from stealing muffins, in bizarre interview from jail. rt.com 
Jacob Chansley, also known as the 'QAnon Shaman', gave his first interview from jail and pushed back against claims that his role in storming the Capitol was an "attack on America." Police "waved" him into the building, he said. | Chansley, who became perhaps the most recognizable face of the Capitol riot on January 6, as images of him shirtless and wearing bull horns quickly went viral, has spoken out ahead of a Friday hearing that will determine whether he will be released from jail ahead of his trial. | In an interview with 60 Minutes Plus reporter Laurie Segall, Chansley claim that police officers "waved"
(2021-03-04). Black teen calls 911 on SELF, claims racial profiling, feared he could be in a 'similar situation as George Floyd'. rt.com 
Seattle police responded to a call claiming a young black man was brandishing a handgun, only to later find out the man in question called 911 himself and later claimed he was racially profiled. | The 911 operator receiving the call believed they were talking to an individual named Stacey Williams who was describing a young black man wearing a hoodie and red bandana, often linked to the Bloods gang, holding a handgun at a bus stop in the metropolitan area of Arlington. | "Well, I'm at the bus stop, and there's a colored young man and I can see a pistol right there," the caller said. "…I saw him fidgeting wit…
(2021-03-04). Mississippi school asks students to 'pretend to be slaves' for class assignment, gets roasted for 'whitewashing' slavery. rt.com 
A middle school in Purvis, Mississippi is under fire after students were asked to pen a letter from the perspective of a plantation slave, with the assignment condemned as "hurtful" and "tone deaf" by local activists. | As part of a class project, eighth graders at Purvis Middle School were told to "pretend like you are a slave working on a Mississippi plantation" and to imagine their day-to-day lives, their journey to the United States and the type of labor they were forced to perform, among other things. But a photo of the assignment making the rounds on Twitter on Wednesday has stoked outrage among some res…
(2021-03-04). US Capitol Police call for National Guard to be deployed for another TWO MONTHS, citing threats — media. rt.com A 60-day extension to the National Guard's deployment to the US Capitol is being reviewed by the Pentagon, the Associated Press has reported. Over 5,000 troops have been stationed there since January's Capitol riot. | Capitol Police made the request for the 60-day extension to the National Guard's deployment to Washington, DC within the last 36 hours, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) told the Associated Press on Thursday. The Guard is reportedly seeking volunteers to fill…
(2021-03-04). Saudi youth take to social media to complain about unemployment. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi youth take to social media to complain about unemployment | Young Twitter users break the silence on lack of opportunities, as under 30s and university grads make up majority of kingdom's jobless | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 14: 50 | Saudi students take exams at a workshop in the Higher Institute for Plastics Fabrication in Riyadh (AFP/File photo) | Saudi youths, including many university graduates, have…
(2021-03-04). 'Sickening': Palestine advocates slam Biden administration for rebuking ICC. middleeasteye.net 
'Sickening': Palestine advocates slam Biden administration for rebuking ICC | The US State Department denounced the International Criminal Court's investigation into alleged Israeli abuses, arguing that Palestine is not a state | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 21: 47 | Israeli forces block Palestinian protesters during a demonstration in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, 26 February (AFP) | After denouncing the Internati…
(2021-03-04). Yemen: Car bomb kills southern separatist fighters in Aden. middleeasteye.net 
Yemen: Car bomb kills southern separatist fighters in Aden | Southern Transitional Council forces said Brigadier General Mohsen al-Wali had survived an attack on a convoy | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 12: 37 | Video footage shared by STC activists on social media showed a white four-wheel-drive vehicle with extensive damage (Twitter) | A car bomb killed and injured a number of fighters travelling in…
(2021-03-04). Palestinian election: Israel 'intimidating Hamas supporters' to stop them running. middleeasteye.net 
Palestinian election: Israel 'intimidating Hamas supporters' to stop them running | Soldiers reportedly deliver Shin Bet message to Palestinian doorsteps, while others asked to report at stations for interrogation | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 16: 16 | An Israeli soldier gestures in front of a Palestinian man following a protest (AFP/file photo) | Israel's internal intelligence agency Shin Bet is in…
(2021-03-04). Libya's Dbeibah made secret visit to Turkey. middleeasteye.net 
Libya's Dbeibah made secret visit to Turkey | Interim prime minister designate met Erdogan in Ankara days after his election in bid to maintain ties with the Turkish leadership | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 14: 00 | Libyan Prime Minister Dbeibah met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on 11 February, 2020. This picture has been circulating on social media since 18 February (Twitter) | Libya's prime minister designate…
(2021-03-04). Houthis call on Yemenis to donate funds for ballistic missile programme. middleeasteye.net 
Houthis call on Yemenis to donate funds for ballistic missile programme | Embassy of Yemen's internationally recognised government in Washington slams crowdfunding campaign as 'brazen' political move | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 16: 20 | A fighter loyal to Yemen's Houthi rebels guards a stack of bills in Sanaa on 24 September 2020 during ceremony to collect cash, food and other donations for fighters (AFP/File photo)…
(2021-03-04). Rights groups urge US to restrict arms sales to Bahrain, promote human rights. middleeasteye.net 
Rights groups urge US to restrict arms sales to Bahrain, promote human rights | In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, 15 organisations say Bahrain's rulers have become 'emboldened' by international silence | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 16: 11 | Bahraini anti-government protesters hold signs calling for freedom and change as they gather at Pearl Square in Manama on 16 February 2011 (AFP) | More than a dozen r…
(2021-03-04). Red Sea cables: How UK and US spy agencies listen to the Middle East. middleeasteye.net 
Red Sea cables: How UK and US spy agencies listen to the Middle East | An expanding network of undersea fibre optic cables from the Mediterranean to the Gulf has made surveillance of regional communications easier than ever | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 23: 23 | A view of the Strait of Tiran from Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh in 2014. The Red Sea is an important route for undersea cables (AFP) | The growth of Midd…
(2021-03-04). Smugglers threw scores of people into the sea en route to Yemen, UN says. middleeasteye.net 
Smugglers threw scores of people into the sea en route to Yemen, UN says | International Organisation of Migration says five bodies have been retrieved from Djibouti's Red Sea coast so far | Thu, 03/04/2021 – 11: 45 | Thousands risk their lives crossing the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to reach Yemen to cross into Saudi Arabia for work. Wrecked ship on a beach in Obock in 2015 (AFP) | Smugglers threw sco…
(2021-03-04). Marc Lamont Hill & Mitchell Plitnick on ICC Probe & the "Palestine Exception" in Progressive Politics. democracynow.org 
Israel and the United States blasted the International Criminal Court's decision to open a probe into Israeli war crimes in the Palestinian territories, as well as crimes committed by Palestinian militant groups. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted that the Biden administration "firmly opposes" an investigation. Mitchell Plitnick and Marc Lamont Hill, co-authors of "Except for Palestine," say it's an illustration of the "Palestine exception" that makes even supposedly progressive people unwilling to criticize Israel's human rights abuses and its ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. "We are at…
(2021-03-04). 'People deserve to have choice': Russia 'open' to supplying Sputnik V to EU but doesn't 'insist' on it — vaccine funder to RT. rt.com 
Russia is ready to supply European nations with its Sputnik V jab as it believes people "deserve" to have a choice of vaccines but it is up to the EU to allow it, said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
(2021-03-04). Sputnik V beats AstraZeneca in popularity: People in Austria, Germany & Switzerland view Russia's jab more favorably, study says. rt.com 
Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, which still hasn't been approved in the EU, has nevertheless seemingly won the favor of people in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, beating the already available AstraZeneca jab, a study shows. | The Russian jab which is still unavailable to most EU nations, except for Hungary, has been rated almost twice as positively as the AstraZeneca vaccine by people living in three German-speaking countries, an extensive
(2021-03-04). Suzanne Vallie — Ocean Cliff Drive. counterpunch.org 
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(2021-03-04). Tuchel makes it 10: Chelsea's run goes on as Premier League champions Liverpool lose five in a row at home for the first time ever. rt.com 
Thomas Tuchel has started his tenure as Chelsea boss by going 10 games unbeaten after his side won at Liverpool on Thursday, condemning the reigning champions to a fifth straight home defeat for the first time in their history. | Owner Roman Abramovich and his board of directors increasingly look to have found the right manager in Tuchel for their gifted and expensively assembled squad, although how much of a masterstroke the move can be considered on their part is debatable given that the 2020 Champions League finalist is thought not to have been their first choice to replace Frank Lampard in January. | Neith…
(2021-03-04). Liverpool vs Chelsea: From Drogba's ghost to Anfield woes, 5 talking points ahead of Tuchel's toughest Premier League test so far. rt.com 
Are Liverpool about to lose a fifth home game in a row? Are Chelsea too defensive to outgun their rivals and bring the best out of the likes of Timo Werner? Here are five factors ahead of the Premier League showdown on Thursday.
(2021-03-04). Academic intolerance on the rise, study finds, highlighting growth of wokeness in younger scholars. rt.com 
Surveying both victims and perpetrators of political discrimination in the US, the UK and Canada, researchers at an academic think tank have found intolerance toward dissent is only just beginning — and things may get much worse. | Purporting to be the first paper of its kind to "investigate authoritarianism and political discrimination in academia," the
(2021-03-04). Flamboyant Spanish drug lord released from prison after raising €200,000 in bail money through crowdfunding. rt.com 
A Spanish drug lord whose high-profile stunts have included appearing in a rap star's video has now been released from jail after he posted ‚Ǩ200,000 ($240,000) in bail money through crowdfunding. | Better known as "El Castana", or "The Chestnut", Francis—Åo Isco Tejon was released late Wednesday night after posting his bail bond, money that authorities said had been collected over three days through a crowdfunding effort that tapped his network of family and friends in the southern port cities of Cadiz and Algeciras. | He has been held since October 2018 when he turned himself in…
(2021-03-04). Nearly a fifth of all food produced around the world ends up in the bin, UN report says. rt.com 
Almost one-fifth of all food that's produced to be eaten by consumers goes to waste, the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) said in a new report, noting that most of the waste (61 percent) is actually produced by households. | The global food waste
(2021-03-04). Ex-Pro Bowl player Kellen Winslow II cops 14yr sentence for horrific attacks on women after defense citing NFL 'head trauma' fails. rt.com 
A judge has sentenced ex-NFL star Kellen Winslow II to 14 years in prison for "brazen" attacks, including multiple rapes, on five women in California, calling the father-of-two a "sexual predator" who preyed on vulnerable victims. | The 37-year-old, who was once the highest-paid tight end in the NFL and was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl during his four-year spell with the Cleveland Browns, said he had been advised not to speak by his lawyers before hearing his conviction for forcible rape, rape of an unconscious person, assault with intent to commit rape, indecent exposure and lewd conduct in public. | The forcib…
(2021-03-04). '98% of men in the world can't beat me': Claressa Shields declares she's the second greatest boxer of all time behind Muhammad Ali. rt.com 
US boxing star Claressa Shields has compared herself to perhaps the greatest fighter of all time, Muhammad Ali — saying she is second only to him and claiming that "98 percent of men in the world" would be unable to beat her.
(2021-03-04). 'Stop murdering and jailing protesters': UN rights chief condemns Myanmar bloodshed amid rising death toll under military coup. rt.com 
The security forces being led by Myanmar's military junta must halt their violent crackdown on peaceful protestors, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Thursday. | "Myanmar's military must stop murdering and jailing protestors," Bachelet said, describing as "abhorrent" the reports that police and the military are firing live rounds at demonstrators and The country has been under a military coup since February 1, when the armed…
(2021-03-03). GOP Lawyer Admits to SCOTUS That Voting Rights Disadvantage Republican Party. truthout.org 
An attorney representing the Arizona Republican Party on Tuesday helpfully admitted outright what has long been obvious to observers of the GOP's decades-long assault on the franchise: Easier voting makes it harder for Republicans to win elections. | Asked by right-wing Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to explain the Arizona GOP's interest in upholding a state law that disqualifies ballots cast in the wrong precinct — a restriction that voting rights advocates say discriminates a…
(2021-03-03). The Bits and Bytes of The Great Reset: COVID-19 and the Scaling Up of Data-Capitalism. mintpressnews.com 
The so-called Great Reset amounts to little more than a campaign to turn humanity into datasets, which the world's most powerful hedge funds and transnational corporations can use to create more profits for themselves and their clients.
(2021-03-03). The devastating, irreparable death of Aruká Juma. peoplesworld.org 
Manaus, Amazonas — The death of the last survivor of the Juma people, the warrior Amoim Aruká, from complications linked to COVID-19, is an incalculable tragedy. The Juma people suffered innumerable massacres throughout their history. There were 15,000 of them at the turn of the 20th century and by 2002 there were only five Jumas …
(2021-03-03). The class character of the expansion of COVID-19: The case of Peru's Capital City Lima. mronline.org 
At the end of December 2019, the world was notified about the existence of a new coronavirus in the city of Wuhan in China. This virus, SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19), rapidly spread and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020.
(2021-03-03). Latinx Farmworkers Risking Their Lives During COVID Struggle to Access Vaccines. truthout.org 
There are about 2.5 million farmworkers around the U.S., many of them undocumented immigrants working under dangerous and exploitive circumstances without sick leave or healthcare. Despite their status as essential workers, however, many farmworkers are facing an uphill battle to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Estella Cisneros, legal director of the Agriculture Worker Program for California Rural Legal Assistance, says an uneven rollout in California as well as technical barriers have left…
(2021-03-03). You're not supposed to say that out loud! Covid-19 vaccines & 'return to normal' might hurt Facebook's bottom line, CFO admits. rt.com 
Facebook's CFO is concerned that as more people get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, they'll be less likely to click on Facebook ads and more likely to seek out travel and non-sedentary pursuits. | CFO David Wehner Speaking at the Morg…
(2021-03-03). Cuomo Must Go: Calls Grow to Remove NY Governor over COVID Nursing Home Cover-up & Sexual Harassment. democracynow.org 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing mounting calls from fellow Democrats and progressive organizations to resign or be impeached over sexual harassment allegations and his cover-up of thousands of COVID-19 deaths in New York nursing homes. New York Attorney General Letitia James has launched an investigation after three women — two former aides and a woman who met Cuomo at a friend's wedding reception — accused Cuomo of sexual harassment. "Credible accusations of sexual harassment made by these courageous women coming forward show a clear pattern of Cuomo's abuse of power," says New York Assembly…
(2021-03-03). Richland, Wash., protesters demand 'no kids in cages'. liberationnews.org 
Facilities used to cage children that were closed under Trump's administration are being reopened under Biden's administration.
(2021-03-03). How Facebook Suppressed Kurdish Site for sake of its Business in Turkey. juancole.com 
By Jack Gillum and Justin Elliott | — ( ProPublica ) — As Turkey launched a military offensive against Kurdish minorities in neighboring Syria in early 2018, Facebook's top executives faced a political dilemma. Turkey was demanding the social media giant block Facebook posts from the People's Protection Units, a mostly Kurdish militia group the …
(2021-03-03). Richland, Washington protesters demand 'No kids in cages'. liberationnews.org Facilities used to cage children that were closed under Trump's administration are being reopened under Biden's administration.
(2021-03-03). Congelación de Texas: los ricos, más ricos mientras obreros sufren. workers.org 
Houston Una tormenta invernal sin precedentes azotó a Texas el 15 de febrero y trajo temperaturas bajo cero. Una semana después, grandes sectores de la población siguen sin electricidad, calefacción y/o agua. El horizonte de Houston brilla, mientras millones sufren sin calefacción ni agua en medio de cortes de energía . . . |
(2021-03-03). Conservation Groups Sue to Stop Massive Logging and Burning Project in Montana's Castle Mountains. counterpunch.org 
The Castle Mountains are a pristine, island mountain range east of White Sulphur Springs, Montana that, despite the small size of the range, provides an important link in the wildlife corridor connecting Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The range gets its name from its "castle turrets," which are 50-foot high igneous rock spires on the
(2021-03-03). Ecuador: Indigenous organizations announce national strike. mronline.org 
Supporters of Indigenous presidential candidate Yaku Perez demand the recount of electoral records due to alleged electoral fraud.
(2021-03-03). Republicans make the FBI look like the good guys. peoplesworld.org 
Not too many years ago, it would have been unthinkable that at a congressional hearing on right-wing terror the FBI would be defending left and progressive demonstrators, saying that it was not them but rather white supremacists that were the real threat to security in the U.S. At the obvious displeasure of Republican senators Tuesday, …
(2021-03-03). 7 lies Amazon tells about the union. liberationnews.org 
In a historic development, 5,800 workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, are right now voting on whether to be represented by the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union.
(2021-03-03). Biden's Quandary: Proxy Wars and Endless Wars. counterpunch.org 
From the end of the Second World War until the administration of Ronald Reagan, there were very few American battlefield deaths in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and Southwest Asia. Since the administration of George H.W. Bush, however, most American battlefield deaths have taken place in those regions. The turning point took place in 1979 with the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
(2021-03-03). 'Back of the Moon': A Noirish apartheid-era South African film. peoplesworld.org 
Director/co-writer and Oscar nominee Angus Gibson's Back of the Moon is another example of why I love PAFF—the Pan African Virtual Film + Arts Festival. If not for this festival film buffs like moi probably would never have heard of, let alone had the opportunity to see, this highly entertaining South African movie. Moon is …
(2021-03-03). Community demands Sanctuary Schools in Philadelphia, a 'sanctuary city'. workers.org 
"Philadelphia has declared itself a 'sanctuary city,' but how can it be a sanctuary city without its schools being sanctuaries for all students?" asked Erika Guadalupe Nuñez of Juntos at a well-attended March 1 press conference outside the School District of Philadelphia headquarters. Erika Guadalupe Nuñez speaking, March 1. A . . . |
(2021-03-03). Biden pick for Secretary of Agriculture no friend of farmworkers or small farmers. workers.org 
President Joe Biden nominated former Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a job he held for the entire Obama administration from 2009 to 2017. Vilsack testified before the Senate on Feb. 2 — Groundhog Day — and was confirmed a few weeks later. Vilsack's . . . |
(2021-03-03). Ruling Class Joe and the Essence of American Politics. counterpunch.org 
It's a damn good thing that the demented pandemo-fascist oligarch Donald Trump no longer sits in the White House and that his Republifascist Party no longer holds the majority in the U.S. Senate. But make no mistake: Americans continue to live under an unelected dictatorship of money and empire. Just because that class dictatorship isn't quite ready for Door #1, open fascist rule, don't look for Door #2, neo-New Deal reformist social democracy, anytime soon. No, we are still getting slammed in the face with Door #3, a neoliberal corporate-imperial authoritarianism that cancels #2 while setting us up for a harsher…
(2021-03-03). Here's the BBC's most insidious bit of Rishi Sunak propaganda yet. thecanary.co 
BBC News couldn't let Budget day go by without an insidious Who is Rishi Sunak?: | On Wedn…
(2021-03-03). UK media coverage of Scottish politics. thecanary.co 
Image description | This cartoon is titled "UK media coverage of Scottish politics". It shows a bar graph, and the first bar is tiny, coloured green, and labelled "Usual". The second bar is massive, coloured like a Scottish flag, and labelled "When a distraction from Westminster is needed". | By
(2021-03-03). With Just 7% of Texans Vaccinated, Gov. Greg Abbott Declares State "OPEN 100%" truthout.org 
Texas' Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday to great fanfare that he would be ending several regulations that were originally put in place to stem the spread of coronavirus — a move that caused great consternation among health officials in the state who see it as being premature. |
(2021-03-03). AOC Opposes New Puerto Rico Statehood Bill, Says Puerto Ricans Should Decide. truthout.org 
Lawmakers announced on Tuesday that they will put forth a bill that will create a path to statehood for Puerto Rico that is similar to how Alaska and Hawaii were incorporated as states. | The bill was introduced by Rep. Darren Soto (D-Florida) and Puerto Rico Del. Jenniffer González-Colón and has 50 co-sponsors and
(2021-03-03). Sanders's Staff Talked to White House Nearly Every Day When Pushing for $15 Wage. truthout.org 
If it seems like President Joe Biden has been surprisingly progressive in the first six weeks of his presidency, it might be because his administration is beginning to recognize the power of progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). | New reporting by Laura Barrón-López for Politico finds that the White House
(2021-03-03). House Dems Renew Subpoena for Trump's Taxes After SCOTUS Ruling. truthout.org 
The United States House of Representatives Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena order to former President Donald Trump's accounting firm, Mazars USA, seeking several years of his tax returns and other financial information, renewing a previous subpoena it had made in 2019 seeking those documents. |
(2021-03-03). Sanders Is Making Excellent Use of His Power as Budget Committee Chair. truthout.org 
After his defeat at the hands of Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in the 2016 presidential primaries, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders went back to work. Sanders's supporters were in agony that November as they watched Clinton lose to the worst candidate ever put forth by the Republican Party: " Wh…
(2021-03-03). Biden inaction on Saudis' Khashoggi assassination angers News Guild. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON (PAI)—Democratic President Joe Biden's decision to take no action, including no sanctions, against Saudi Arabia's de facto supreme ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, for ordering the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is angering The News Guild. A Bin Salman-sent hit squad murdered and dismembered Khashoggi, a contributing writer for The Washington Post, when …
(2021-03-03). WATCH: SpaceX Starship high-altitude test flight aborted at LAST MOMENT on launch pad. rt.com 
The latest high-altitude test flight of a SpaceX Starship prototype has been canceled at the extreme last moment before launch, with the engines' fiery ignition suddenly extinguished just as the countdown clock hit zero. | The test vehicle, Starship serial number 10 (SN10), was set to lift off when the computer aborted the launch. SN10 has been left on the launch pad at Cameron County, Texas, as the SpaceX team evaluates whether it's possible to reset the systems and attempt another launch during the available test window. |
(2021-03-03). Promoting democracy abroad 'by example' at home: Biden administration outlines top foreign policy priorities. rt.com 
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined the urgent priorities of US foreign policy, arguing that American prosperity at home depends on global leadership, promotion of democracy and protecting the world order from China. | In a speech on Wednesday — the first since he took office five weeks ago — Blinken listed the eight most pressing issues the State Department plans to address, noting that they are linked to domestic policy priorities of the Biden administration. | Live Now!
(2021-03-03). Macron admits France tortured and murdered Algerian freedom fighter. middleeasteye.net 
Macron admits France tortured and murdered Algerian freedom fighter | Ali Boumendjel's death in 1957 was disguised as suicide, French president tells nationalist's grandchildren | Wed, 03/03/2021 – 12: 58 | Malika Boumendjel, the late widow of Algerian lawyer Ali Boumendjel, during an interview in May 2001 (AFP) | French President Emmanuel Macron has admitted that France's army "tortured and murdered"
(2021-03-03). 'Digital Suez': How the internet flows through Egypt – and why Google could change the Middle East. middleeasteye.net 
'Digital Suez': How the internet flows through Egypt – and why Google could change the Middle East | Most web traffic between Europe and Asia passes through fibre optic cables crossing Egypt. Could a proposed new route through Israel and Saudi Arabia break the 'Red Sea bottleneck'? | Wed, 03/03/2021 – 14: 55 | Most internet traffic between Europe, the Middle East and Asia passes through Egypt (MEE/…
(2021-03-03). US calls on Saudi Arabia to forgo 'developing' country status at WTO. middleeasteye.net 
US calls on Saudi Arabia to forgo 'developing' country status at WTO | Washington says Riyadh is 'wealthy and influential player' that should not get special treatment by World Trade Organisation | Wed, 03/03/2021 – 19: 02 | Saudi Arabia is a member of the G20, a forum of the world's largest economies (AFP/File photo) | The United States is calling on Saudi Arabia to give up its "developin…
(2021-03-03). Arabic press review: Egypt tries to boost human rights credentials for Biden. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Egypt tries to boost human rights credentials for Biden | Meanwhile, Jordan has reportedly received $1bn from the European Union to fight the pandemic, and Iraq's PM vows to crack down on militias | Wed, 03/03/2021 – 15: 03 | Watchtowers at the notorious Tora prison on the southern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo on 11 February 2020 (AFP) | Egypt concerned by US…
(2021-03-03). Syria: Majority in opposition areas impacted by attacks on medical facilities. middleeasteye.net 
Syria: Majority in opposition areas impacted by attacks on medical facilities | New report documents devastating impact of a decade of assaults on health care in the country's northwest | Wed, 03/03/2021 – 16: 10 | An aerial view of a hospital reportedly hit by an air strike in the Syrian village of Shinan, 30 kilometres south of Idlib (AFP/File photo) | A majority of Syrians living in the country's e…
(2021-03-03). Fracking banned in Delaware River Basin. workers.org 
In a historic ruling, the Delaware River Basin Commission voted Feb. 25 to permanently ban fracking (hydraulic fracturing) for natural gas in the Delaware River Watershed. This ruling formally affirms a drilling moratorium the DRBC imposed in 2010. Protesters call for ban on fracking at Delaware River Basin Commission hearing . . . |
(2021-03-03). Cuban 'Red Rose' wins journalism honor. workers.org 
By Rubén G. Abelenda This slightly edited article was published in Resumen-english.org. Rosa Miriam Elizalde (Photo: Ismael Francisco) Feb. 27 — It was José Martí who said "Honor for those who deserve honor" — but he could never have imagined that the highest distinction awarded to journalists in Cuba would . . . |
(2021-03-03). Global labor federation backs #BAmazon union. workers.org 
The World Federation of Trade Unions issued the following statement on March 3. USA: WFTU in solidarity with Amazon warehouse workers in Alabama The World Federation of Trade Unions, which is the militant voice of 105 million workers from 132 countries around the globe, extends its internationalist solidarity with Amazon . . . |
(2021-03-03). Asian American Communities Organize Against Rise in Hate Crimes, Say More Policing Is Not the Answer. democracynow.org 
Anti-Asian hate crimes have spiked across the U.S. over the past year, fueled in part by Donald Trump's racist rhetoric about the coronavirus. One recent study found a 150% increase in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans in 2020, even though overall hate crimes fell last year. Ron Kim, member of the New York State Assembly representing the 40th District in Queens, New York, says anti-Asian sentiment tends to flare up during times of crisis. "There's a long history of Asian Americans in this country feeling targeted and scapegoated whenever we experience economic downturns," says Kim. We also speak with Kim Tran…
(2021-03-03). Emboldened by Trump and Netanyahu, Jewish Settler Terrorism is Spiking. mintpressnews.com 
"I saw a lot of settlers be proud of attacking Palestinians, be open about annexation and apartheid — all of this behavior came out during the Trump administration." — Issa Amro, Founder Youths Against Settlements…
(2021-03-03). Several people injured in suspected terrorist attack stabbing in Sweden — police. rt.com 
At least eight people have been injured in what Swedish police are treating as a possible terrorist attack. Officers shot and wounded the suspected attacker, who police describe as a man in his 20s. | Police were called to central Vetlanda after receiving reports just before 3pm local time that several people had been attacked with a knife. Officers later confirmed eight people had been injured to varying degrees, some seriously. | While initially being investigated as attempted murder, the incident is now being described as a "possible terrorist crime," though it's unclear what the motives may have been for t…
(2021-03-03). Canadian 'incel' who mowed down dozens on a Toronto street in 2018 found guilty of 10 first-degree murders. rt.com 
A Toronto court has ruled that a Canadian man knew just what he was doing when he plowed a van into terrified people on a crowded city street in 2018, finding him guilty of 10 first-degree murders and 16 attempted murders.
(2021-03-03). Top runner cops 3-year ban for dodging drugs test by claiming her sister had suffered serious car crash and faking hospital papers. rt.com 
Leading 800m runner Nelly Jepkosgei has been banned for three years after a bizarre bid to dodge a drugs sample, telling testers that she had rushed to be with her hospitalized sister before concocting fake signatures and papers. | The 29-year-old's husband told doping officers that she was with her sister in hospital when they visited Jepkosgei's home to carry out a test, adding that she would return within the required one-hour window. | After the middle distance athlete did not return in time, her representative sent an email to the Athletics Integrity Unit enclosing purported confirmation of the accident,…
(2021-03-03). Policing Universities by Neoliberal Governments in the UK And France. counterpunch.org 
The respective motivations, and their specific underlying conditions, are of course different in the UK and France, but both culminate in plans for universities to curb the expression of leftist points of view. In the UK this gives a potential pulpit to "maverick" speakers on the right, such as Steve Bannon, who (facetiously?) approved the delivery of pipe bombs to critics of Trump, and who lost his book deal for having a favourable view of underage sex.
