(2021-12-05). Fauci assesses Omicron strain's 'degree of severity'. rt.com 
Even as President Joe Biden's administration has banned travel from eight African nations because of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci has apparently downplayed the new strain's virulence. | "Though it's too early to really make any definitive statements about it thus far, it does not look like there's a great degree of severity to it," Fauci said on Sunday in a CNN interview. He added that more review is needed to confirm that Omicron causes less illness than other variants, such as Delta, "but thus far, the signals are a bit encouraging." | Dr. Anthony Fauci cautions…
(2021-12-05). Ukraine's military attache in Belarus receives protest note over border violation. tass.com The Belarusian side conveyed to the military attache that "the Ukrainian side avoids dialogue to resolve controversial issues both along the lines of international military cooperation and of arms control which is very alarming"
(2021-12-05). Camila Saab Speaks Out: Wife of Venezuelan Diplomat "Kidnapped" by US Gov't Talks to MintPress. orinocotribune.com While Washington cannot choose the president of Venezuela, it can make life impossible for officials, such as Alex Saab, who attempt to defy its sanctions regime. | On Wednesday, November 24, MintPress News Editor in Chief Mnar Adley sat down to speak with Camila Saab, the wife of imprisoned Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab. | Saab was on a diplomatic mission to Iran in June 2020, where he was tasked with securing deals for food, medicine and personal protective equipment. His plane stopped off in Cabo Verde — a group of islands off the west coast of Africa — for a routine refueling. | He would never fin…
(2021-12-05). Major economy falls short of banning crypto. rt.com 
India wants to regulate the cryptocurrencies rather than ban them outright, NDTV has reported. Last month, New Delhi sent the domestic digital market plummeting as it announced plans to ban private virtual currencies. | India's television network NDTV says the government circulated a note on the proposed bill, which says private cryptocurrencies will be regulated and will not be recognized as legal currency in India. The legislation is also reported to describe cryptocurrencies as crypto assets that will be overseen by the country's market watchdog, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). | Citizens…
(2021-12-05). Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after the Vitality Women's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. morningstaronline.co.uk 
(2021-12-05). Apple strikes back, taking Russia's market regulator to court. rt.com 
US technology giant Apple has brought legal action against Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) in an effort to challenge the request to "stop abuse in the market" submitted by that body earlier this year. | Apple is seeking a judicial review of a warning, which is forcing the iPhone maker to allow app developers to tell customers about alternative payment options when using its App Store platform. | The warning, delivered by the government body in August, gave Apple a September 30 deadline to resolve the issue. Back then, the regulator warned that the Cupertino-based multinational could face a fine tha…
(2021-12-05). Five die after officers ram SUV into crowd (VIDEOS). rt.com 
Five people have been killed after security forces in Myanmar rammed an SUV into a crowd of anti-coup protesters in the Southeast Asian country's largest city Yangon, local media have reported. | Dozens took part in the march early on Sunday, with people chanting slogans, carrying portraits of Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a large red banner that read: "Freedom from fear." | The crowd occupied a road, blocking traffic on it, and security forces then used the harshest means to disperse the unsanctioned rally.Shocking videos uploaded to social media have shown a speeding car ramming into the demo…
(2021-12-05). Anti-vaxxers are society's grumbling 'appendix', German comedian claims. rt.com 
A comedian has landed in hot water after joking that right-wingers and anti-vaxxers are the "appendix" of society, so can be removed without issue. However, she's been accused of rhetoric straight out of the "Nazi playbook." | Sarah Bosetti, who hosts a satirical podcast on German public broadcast network ZDF, made the controversial remarks in the latest episode on Friday, before doubling down on them on her Twitter. In the clip, she
(2021-12-05). WATCH: Water cannon, tear gas deployed amid chaotic Covid-19 protests in Brussels. rt.com 
Thousands of people marched through the streets of Belgium's capital Brussels on Sunday, protesting new Covid-19 restrictions. A group of demonstrators clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon. | Some 8,000 people took park in the street protests in Brussels on Sunday, according to police estimates. The participants condemned the government's Covid-19 policies, including vaccination and the rollout of a coronavirus health pass, which they claim infringes on human rights and freedoms. | üáßüá™ The Brussels firefighter and care worker p…
(2021-12-05). Who is fighting who in Ukraine? rt.com 
Fierce battles and political tensions have been swirling around Eastern Ukraine in recent weeks. But at times, it's not even clear who is party to the conflict, and the confusion is at the heart of a growing information war. | A lack of clarity is understandable, given Ukraine is a divided country in a divided Europe. Is this a conflict between Kiev and Donbass, between Ukraine and Russia, between Ukraine and NATO, or between NATO and Russia? The UN-approved Minsk agreement for settling the conflict only identifies the two domestic conflicting parties — Kiev and the two self-proclaimed breakaway Donbass R…
(2021-12-05). Ukraine warns EU about 5 million refugees. rt.com 
Ukraine's defense minister has decided to raise the specter of one of the European Union's major concerns — large scale migration — amid American-driven claims that Russia is planning an invasion of his country. | Alexey Reznikov, who took charge of Kiev's Defense Ministry in November, warns that up to five million of his country men and women could flee to the EU in the event of a full-scale war. A similar number are believed to have already left since 2014, about two million to Russia, and the rest to other European countries. | Writing for pro-NATO lobby group the Atlantic Council, Reznikov said…
(2021-12-05). Covid-free Dana White thanks 'Dr. Joe Rogan' (VIDEO). rt.com 
Dana White says that he has tested negative for Covid-19 just days after revealing his diagnosis, and has thanked controversial podcast host Joe Rogan for recommending a cocktail of drugs which he says aided his recovery. | White revealed last week that he and his family had been struck down by the virus after visiting Maine for Thanksgiving, but speaking to
(2021-12-05). Chaos as runaway echidna somehow avoids getting squashed by racecars (VIDEO). rt.com 
An uncooperative echidna was nearly responsible for an accident at Sunday's Bathurst 1000, the annual 1,000km touring car race held in Australia, after the critter wandered on the track and was almost hit by several cars. | The animal, which to an untrained eye closely resembles a hedgehog, was responsible for "madness" on the circuit after it was spotted crossing the track. | The race was promptly yellow flagged and a safety car was rushed out but not before it came close to be squashed by more than a few cars, amid concerns that it could potentially lead to a serious accident if one of the various racers swe…
(2021-12-05). Rangnick's first game at Man Utd: What's the verdict? rt.com 
(2021-12-05). Chess champ Carlsen inches closer to retaining title after Russian rival's 'blunder'. rt.com 
Norway's Magnus Carlsen moved closer to winning another chess world championship after he capitalized on an error from Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi to extend his lead in the eighth game of their ‚Ǩ2 million clash in Dubai. | A middlegame mistake from Nepomniachtchi saw him lose a pawn to the Norwegian Grandmaster on Sunday, allowing the 31-year-old reigning champion an advantage which he made the most of in the game which extended past four hours and which only ended with the Russian's resignation. | The error affords Carlsen a telling 5-3 advantage in the best-of-14 series, something which ex…
(2021-12-05). White supremacists left out in the cold in DC, literally. rt.com 
A hundred-strong group of white supremacists has stomped through downtown Washington, DC, with unexpected logistical issues ultimately raining on their parade. | Donning uniform of white neck gaiters, sunglasses and khaki pants, and holding plastic shields, members of the 'Patriot Front' marched in the US capital on Saturday evening, under the motto "reclaim America." The demonstrators were carrying American flags and banners, with drummers setting the rhythm to the procession. Some social media users have also claimed the group set off a smoke bomb at one point, with photos appearing to show the aftermath. A…
(2021-12-05). Covid outbreak on cruise ship with over 3,000 passengers. rt.com 
Ten people have tested positive for Covid on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship bound for New Orleans, despite the strict rules in place that required that all passengers and crew be vaccinated. | The vessel had departed the same city on November 28, and was scheduled to return there this weekend. On its route, the Norwegian Breakaway called at a number of ports in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. More than 3,200 people are believed to be on board. Officials said in a statement that the cruise line "has been adhering to appropriate quarantine and isolation protocol…
(2021-12-05). Is this one of the most suspicious goals ever scored? (VIDEO). rt.com 
Colombian legend Juan Cuadrado has called into question two suspicious late goals which secured promotion for Union Magdalena in what is being called "an embarrassment for Colombian football". | The Colombian soccer players' association are crying foul and calling for an investigation after late goals scored in the 95th and 96th minute in Union Magdalena's fixture with Llaneros FC meant that El Union, who are based in the Santa Marta region of Magdalena in Colombia, confirmed their promotion to next season's Dimayor league. Llaneros were leading 1-0 deep into injury time before the dramatic late twist. | Foota…
(2021-12-05). Tattooed Italian MMA wildman shuns glove-touch to KO rival in 7 seconds (VIDEO). rt.com 
Italian brawler Walter Pugliesi, a former drug dealer-turned-MMA fighter, certainly didn't waste any time in at Saturday's 'Golden Cage' event in Italy, dispatching his opponent early with a stunning flying knee KO. | Heavily tattooed Italian MMA stalwart Pugliesi, known to some as 'Kraken', took a page from UFC star Jorge Masvidal's book to launch the 'super necessary' technique in the fight's opening seconds, turning down opponent Konstantin Linnik's request to touch gloves and instead launching his knee directly into the Ukrainian fighter's dome. | The knee landed squarely to the left side of Linnik's skull…
(2021-12-05). Why speaker wants sniffer dogs in UK Parliament. rt.com 
The Speaker of the House of Commons is said to be considering bringing in sniffer dogs, amid reports there's an allegedly rampant drug problem on Parliament grounds, including the use of cocaine. | Read more | | Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has reportedly vowed to call in the police after traces of cocaine and other drugs were detected in Westminster, the Sunday Times said on Sunday. The problem is said to be so serious, it will be discussed by the House of Commons Commission next week. | "It may b…
(2021-12-05). Maskless LeBron triggers debate after saying high school policy makes 'zero sense'. rt.com 
LeBron James has courted further controversy after he opted not to wear a mask while watching his son play in a basketball tournament – days after commenting on high school players wearing face masks under their chins. | Los Angeles Lakers star James was accused of disregarding Los Angeles County Covid-19 rules which state that people are obliged to wear the protective gear in all indoor public areas and regardless of their vaccination status while watching his son Bronny playing for his high school team in the Staples Center. | However, the same guidelines state that people are given permission to remove thei…
(2021-12-05). Republican icon and former Clinton opponent dies. rt.com 
Bob Dole, a former US Senate majority leader and the GOP presidential nominee who failed to block Bill Clinton's re-election in 1996, has died aged 98. | The Kansas native and former World War II hero died in his sleep on Sunday morning, according to an announcement by the charitable foundation of his wife, Elizabeth Dole. "At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America for 79 years," the foundation said. | #RememberingBobDole pic.twitter.com/57NtGfqtmL— Elizabeth Dole Foundation (@DoleFoundation) (2021-12-05). Marxism, Ecology and the Climate Crisis—John Bellamy Foster. mronline.org 
In the week before the COP26 international summit, John Bellamy Foster analyzed the climate emergency and how we can achieve climate justice.
(2021-12-05). Cooperation with IMF to be deepened. ecns.cn China attaches great importance to its ties with the International Monetary Fund, and hopes to further deepen bilateral cooperation over issues including debt and climate change, Premier Li Keqiang said when meeting with IMF head Kristalina Georgieva via video link in Beijing on Friday.
(2021-12-05). UNSAFE: A member of the Afghan national boxing team trains during a session at a gym in Serbia. morningstaronline.co.uk 
(2021-12-05). We do it to Ourselves: 30 Gun Homicides in England in 2020 (167 US Equiv.), vs. 13,620 in US. juancole.com 
Revised The murders by a high school student in Oxford, Michigan, who was given a gun by his parents even though he was making death threats and the school called them to conferences out of concern, have shaken the state and become national news. That is because the parents are being charged with criminal negligence …
(2021-12-05). UAE national security advisor to visit Tehran Monday. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 05 (MNA) — The National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to visit Iran on Monday.
(2021-12-05). Sniffer Dogs Could Be Deployed in UK Parliament as Cocaine Found Near PM's Office, Report Says. sputniknews.com The news comes amid reports that the government will unveil a new strategy to combat drug crime, which has drastically increased in recent years. Last year's report by the Office of National Statistics said three million people used illicit drugs in the UK, including cocaine.
(2021-12-05). Call for works in Mashhad International Urban Arts Festival. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 5 (MNA) — In the 14th year of the "Mashhad International Urban Arts Festival" in addition to domestic works of art, it has also hosted international works of art.
(2021-12-05). SF Rally: Mobilizing for Bodily Autonomy. indybay.org On December 1 members of the San Francisco chapter of National Mobilization for Reproductive Justice and allies spoke out to oppose draconian moves threatening the right to bodily autonomy.
(2021-12-05). Tuesday 1/18: Justice at Our Border: Addressing the Hazards of Living as Undocumented Women. indybay.org Online via Zoom…
(2021-12-05). BLM and Partners Break Ground on Cotoni-coast Dairies Recreational Trails. indybay.org SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central Coast Field Office and the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) have begun developing the initial 19 miles of multiple-use trails in the Cotoni-Coast Dairies unit of the California Coastal National Monument north of Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County.
(2021-12-05). Gaddafi Can Run For Libya's Presidency. Coup De Theatre In Tripoli. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | Written by Pierro Messina | Coup de theatre in Tripoli. The judiciary changes the decisions of the electoral commission. Thus, Saif Al Islam Gaddafi will be able to participate in the December 24 elections for the presidency of Libya. The incumbent prime minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah will also be able to compete. Nothing to do, however, for General Haftar. Three weeks after the vote in Libya, the courts of the courts partially overturned the decisions of the High National electi…
(2021-12-05). International Day of Disabled Persons marked in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 05 (MNA) — International Day of Disabled Persons was marked in a ceremony in the presence of Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani on Saturday evening.
(2021-12-05). Watsonville Community Hospital nurses to hold press conference to demand hospital remain open. indybay.org Nurses who work at Watsonville Community Hospital will hold a press conference on Friday, Dec. 3, to demand that the hospital remain open, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) today. The event is being held in response to a recent letter from the hospital to employees citing plans to sell the facility as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization process.
(2021-12-05). Drone crashed in central Iran (+VIDEO). en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Dec. 05 (MNA) — Hours ago, a drone crashed in Kuhrang County, in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in central Iran.
(2021-12-04). Russian Foreign Ministry Statement on the Planned US 'Summit for Democracy'. orinocotribune.com In connection with the so called summit for democracy to be held on December 9-10 at the initiative of the US administration, we consider it necessary to make the following statement. | The organisers and enthusiasts behind this strange event claim to lead the world in advancing the cause of democracy and human rights. However, the track record and reputation of the United States, Great Britain, and the EU member states in terms of respecting democratic rights and freedoms at home, as well as in the international arena, are, to put it mildly, far from ideal. | The evidence suggests that the United States and its…
(2021-12-04). White supremacy, Nazism and fascism R U.S. mronline.org 
Despite many criticisms, white supremacy remains not only well and strong, but is also recognized and hailed by the United States on the world stage as an acceptable and legitimate ideology.
(2021-12-04). Bitcoin drops nearly $10,000 in an hour. rt.com 
The world's crypto pioneer, bitcoin, saw a sharp decline of nearly $10,000 in roughly an hour to as low as $42,000 before bouncing back to $45,000, extending the latest downtrend amid the emergence of the Omicron Covid-19 strain. | The price of bitcoin has dropped around $15,000 over the past 24 hours. It was trading at nearly $47,580 as of 08: 16 GMT, down 16.14% day over day, having dropped by 31.6% from the year's high of $69,000, which it reached on November 10. | Read more | | Meanwhile, ether, the sec…
(2021-12-04). Video: Workers must oppose Australian ruling elite's homicidal response to Omicron variant. wsws.org SEP Assistant National Secretary Max Boddy warns: "There is no viable way to stop the pandemic and save lives, other than a strategy of global elimination."
(2021-12-04). [World Report] Calls for international solutions to EU—Belarus border crisis. thelancet.com Humanitarian organisations warn that thousands of migrants are stuck, with many unable to access medical care, food, and water. Sharmila Devi reports.
(2021-12-04). The Supreme Council of Libyan Tribes Calls for Continued Protests in Sebha. libya360.wordpress.com The head of the Supreme Council of Tribes and Cities of Fezzan in Libya, Abu Sbeiha, called on the people of the south to demonstrate tomorrow, Sunday, in front of the headquarters of the High Electoral Commission in Sebha. In his Facebook post, Abu Sbeiha urged citizens to demonstrate to demand "the impartiality of the…
(2021-12-04). Fidel Castro: How Cuban working people made a socialist revolution. themilitant.com U.S. imperialism will never forgive working people in Cuba for overthrowing the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, replacing capitalist rule with a government of workers and farmers, nationalizing U.S. and Cuban companies and opening the first socialist revolution in the Americas. | That revolution was a product of the operations of capitalism, but it could not have charted a path to victory without the political leadership of Fidel Castro. The U.S. rulers hoped when he died Nov. 25, 2016, the revolution would die with him. But five years later, his ideas and example are looked to by millions in Cuba…
(2021-12-04). How To Picket Stores That Sell Your Employer's Products. popularresistance.org Picketing stores that sell an employer's products can publicize a strike and hurt earnings. It is also a good way to generate community support. Although the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) usually bars unions from picketing secondary (i.e., "neutral") employers, a narrow legal exception applies to retail stores and distributors—provided the union does not interfere with operations, only asks the public not to buy struck products, does not ask customers to stop doing all business with the retailer (unless the store only sells struck products), and does not demand that the store stop buying products from…
(2021-12-04). Backed by AFRICOM, Corporations Plunder DR Congo for "Climate-Friendly" Materials and Blame China. orinocotribune.com 
By T.J. Coles — Nov 30, 2021 | Cobalt, a key metallic element used in lithium batteries and other "green" technology, is sourced from slave labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the West points the finger at China, the US Africa Command is indirectly policing mining operations that profit US corporations. | Ever since Belgium's King Leopold II (1835-1909) established the Congo Free State in 1885, international powers have exploited the region's vast resources. Leading a regime that went on to kill an
(2021-12-04). Australian government in "chaos" as pandemic intensifies political disarray. wsws.org The Liberal-National government is in tatters, yet there is low popular support for the Labor Party and rising distrust in the entire parliamentary establishment.
(2021-12-04). Xiomara Castro and the Rebirth of Honduras. orinocotribune.com By Ilka Oliva Corado — Nov 29, 2021 | The humiliations suffered by undocumented Central American migrants who try to cross Mexico to reach the United States, seeking to save themselves from the institutional violence of the narco-state, in the case of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, have hurt a lot. The famous northern triangle that is so much present here and there in discourses of politicians, in the discourse of transnational corporations that in exchange for a crumb that they throw from the rocking chair where they rock, placid and pompous; they take the entrails of the land that they are drying, be…
(2021-12-04). Indian courts continue to sanction open-ended imprisonment without trial. wsws.org The 15 surviving victims of the Indian state's Elgar Parishad terrorism frame-up case are being subjected to cruel and life-threatening punishment. They have been imprisoned for years without trial.
(2021-12-04). Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and New Zealand. wsws.org India: State transport workers' still on strike in Maharashtra; Doctors walk out in Karnataka and Gujarat; Australia: Sydney bus drivers hold three days of strike action; New Zealand port workers vote to strike…
(2021-12-04). China wants its casino paradise to become tech Mecca. rt.com 
The Chinese government plans to transform its largest casino den, Macau, into a regional technology hub, the South China Morning Post reported, citing technology industry executives and officials. | This comes as the Venetian Macao Convention and Exhibition Centre this week hosted a big technology-themed trade fair, which is expected to give rise to new industries and revitalize the regional economy. | The event's website portrayed Macau as "the new centre of international technologies" to connect the Asia Pacific tech ecosystem with the rest of the world. | "The Guangdong-Macau in-depth cooperation zone in He…