(2019-12-27). 'I'm still scared' – Asia remembers tsunami that killed 230,000. telesurenglish.net Communities across Asia commemorated the more than 230,000 victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Thursday, the 15th anniversary of one of the world's most deadly disasters. | On the morning after Christmas Day in 2004, a 9.1 magnitude quake off northern Sumatra island triggered a tsunami with waves as high as 17.4 meters (57 feet) that swept over vulnerable coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and nine other countries. | "It still haunts me … I can remember it all the time," said Suwannee Maliwan, 28, who lost both parents and five other relatives when the tsunami hit the Thai province of…
(2019-12-27). Los Angeles Roars for "Azadi!" Reflections on an Indian Solidarity Action in Southern California. counterpunch.org For two full hours yesterday afternoon, Los Angeles' Grand Park reverberated with the simultaneously furious and joyous roars of "Azadi!" ("Freedom!") and "Inquilab Zindabad!" ("Love Live the Revolution!"). Indians, South Asians, and Americans from various backgrounds came together to demonstrate their opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and More
(2019-12-27). The Right to a Good NIght's Sleep. counterpunch.org I barely slept during the full two years I was homeless. One night, at around 3 a.m., after hours of searching for a spot, I curled up on a portion of soft, thick grass. An hour later, automatic sprinklers drenched me. I sloshed to the edges of a wilderness park in Salt Lake City, where More
(2019-12-27). Indian doctors will not be taught how to deal with ghosts, contrary to BBC headline. rt.com 
From January, one of India's most prominent medical schools will offer courses on a subset of traditional medicine. However, despite a recent BBC claim, doctors will not be taught to deal with claims of ghostly possession. | On Thursday, the Beeb ran a story on the new six-month course from the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The Varanasi-based university "is offering a certificate course to teach doctors how to treat people who claim to see or be possessed by ghosts", the report said. | Bhoot Vidya: India university to teach doctors Ghost Studies t.co/C1CkVmU1jf[m…
(2019-12-27). Facing Immigrants, Facing Ourselves. indybay.org Osher Marin JCC | 200 N. San Pedro Road | San Rafael, CA 94903…
(2019-12-27). The Top 5 Mainstream Media Myths That Perpetuate Income Inequality. therealnews.com 
The Real News takes aim at the top 5 mainstream myths that bolster income inequality and tout the ultra-rich.
(2019-12-27). Christmas Day fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota displaces more than 200. wsws.org The tragedy underscores the Trump administration's vindictive housing policy, which has cut funding for housing programs and strengthened work requirements for obtaining assistance.
(2019-12-27). 'Bombshell' Glosses Over the Horrors of Fox News. truthdig.com "You will be muzzled," the lawyer for Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) warns her at the end of "Bombshell," as the former Fox News anchor signs a $20 million settlement of a sexual harassment suit against her former boss, ex-Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes. The lawyer could have been speaking about the movie. | Carlson sued Ailes in 2016, which led other women, including fellow anchor Megyn Kelly, to reveal that he assaulted them too. "Bombshell" unfolds over late 2015, in the…
(2019-12-27). Turkey suspends 18 judges, prosecutors over FETàñ ties. yenisafak.com At least 18 judges and prosecutors were suspended over links to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETàñ), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup, Turkey's top judiciary council said on Friday.Turkey's Council of Judges and Prosecutors' 2nd Chamber said that the suspects were suspended until an inquiry about their links to FETàñ concluded.FETàñ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.Turkey accuses FETàñ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infi…
(2019-12-27). Israel's Embattled Netanyahu Wins by Landslide in Primary. truthdig.com He could get a third chance to form a government in March election. A win then would give him immunity on the corruption charges he faces.
(2019-12-27). The 2010 — 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part three. news.un.org The final part of our look back over the past decade takes in the launch of the 2030 Agenda, the UN's blueprint for a better future for all; the humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee crisis; the successful end to the mandate of the UN Liberia Mission; and fresh momentum in the fight against the climate crisis, despite disappointment over the COP25 climate conference in Madrid.
(2019-12-27). Norwegian, 71, told to leave India after joining citizenship law protest. yenisafak.com At least 25 people have been killed in protests across the country since the law, seen by critics as discriminatory towards Muslims, was adopted on Dec. 11.A German exchange student was told to leave the country this week after taking part in two rallies against the law."The Norwegian lady has participated in a protest in violation of her visa condition," said Anoop Krishna, the Foreigners' Regional Registration Officer at Kochi airport."She has been asked to leave the country as early as possible. The tourist visa on which she visited the country does not allow participation in any protests."The tourist, Janne-M…
(2019-12-27). Bolsonaro signs law ending disciplinary detention for military police and firefighters. yenisafak.com Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has signed into law a bill that eliminates jail time as a punishment for military police and firefighters convicted of disciplinary offenses, according to the Official Gazette on Friday.All Brazilian states have 12 months to implement the necessary changes to their own legislation.
(2019-12-27). Washington Legislature Report a Strong First Step in Ending Domestic Terrorism. counterpunch.org Last week, the Republican Party of Washington unveiled a detailed investigation finding that state legislator Matt Shea (R-Spokane) "participated in an act of domestic terrorism against the United States" in aiding and abetting the Bundy militants in their takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016. In response, Republican House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox called More
(2019-12-27). Brazilian Workers Party joins Bolsonaro in imposing austerity, repressing strikes. wsws.org Relying on police brutality, Brazilian state governments, led by the PT, are imposing pension "reforms" that all but prevent workers from retiring.
(2019-12-27). World War I battle makes Filipino convert to Islam. yenisafak.com A Filipino teacher has converted to Islam after being affected by the belief of soldiers martyred during World War I Battle of Sarikamis in northeastern Turkey.Battle of Sarikamis claimed the lives of nearly 90,000 Ottoman Turkish soldiers who froze to death in Sarikamis district of Kars province in 1914 due to bitter cold.Abdullah Ramosa, a 37-year-old teacher in Kuwait, was a Christian before, and became a Muslim after last year's traditional Sarikamis Martyrs Memorial Climb in the Allahuekber Mountains, to commemorate the martyrs.The belief of soldiers martyred in Sarikamis town is the main reason behind my ch…
(2019-12-27). I Remember (BàéRA MI' TÀTIN) screening. indybay.org Tamarack | 1501 Harrison St. | Oakland…
(2019-12-27). Strikers call to step up class struggle against French President Macron. wsws.org The ongoing mass transit and public sector strike which is paralyzing much of transport in France to protest Macron's pension cuts entered its fourth week today.
(2019-12-27). Estonia claims 'foreign pressure' won't impact its push against Russian outlet Sputnik amid Moscow's complaints. rt.com 
The Estonian foreign minister said his country will not "yield to foreign pressure" after Russia turned to European authorities with a call to protect the Estonian branch of the Russian network Sputnik from Tallinn's harassment. | The Estonian government has demanded that all Estonian employees of Sputnik resign, saying otherwise they may be prosecuted for violating EU sanctions against Russia. Tallinn claims that individual sanctions against the head of Sputnik's parent organization make any financial ties to the network illegal. | Moscow sees the demand as an obvious attempt to silence Sputnik and a blatant…
(2019-12-27). Avangard, Russia's advanced hypersonic glider, enters military service. rt.com 
The advanced Russian nuclear hypersonic glider entered combat service on Friday with the first regiment of Avangard-armed missiles now operational, the defense minister reported. | Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who reported the development to President Putin on Friday, said Avangard deployment was "a signatory event for the country and the armed forces." | The Russian military armed legacy silo-based UR-100N ICBMs, also known as the Stiletto, with the cutting-edge warheads meant to penetrate heavy anti-ballistic missile defenses. | The glider is one of several weapons systems meant to boost Russian nuclea…
(2019-12-27). The Military and Climate Change/Justice. counterpunch.org The world situation is much worse than generally acknowledged. This last December, the coinciding meetings of NATO and of the climate change Congress of Parties (COP25) were barely reported, much less analyzed, even though the delegates held the fate of humanity in their hands. To some degree, their unelected delegates are not accountable to the More
(2019-12-27). Fast Food Nations and Global Nutrition. counterpunch.org Daniel Maingi works with small farmers in Kenya and belongs to the organisation Growth Partners for Africa. He remembers a time when his family would grow and eat a diversity of crops, such as mung beans, green grams, pigeon peas and a variety of fruits now considered 'wild'. Following the Structural Adjustment Programmes of the More
(2019-12-27). Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Near Nuclear Power Plant in Southwestern Iran. iranian.com The earthquake occurred about 50 kilometres (30 miles) away from the Bushehr nuclear plant. There have been no reports about possible damage or casualties so far. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake has been registered near Bushehr nuclear plant, southwestern Iran, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported on Thursday. twitter.com/LastQuake/status/1210386961741074432 twitter.com/earthquakesApp/status/1210379685676236800 According to the USGS, the epicenter …
(2019-12-27). The People of India Are Taking It to the Streets to Challenge Modi's Bigoted and Dishonest Government. counterpunch.org Every day and in every part of India, hundreds of thousands of people—mainly young people—gather on the streets to express their anger at the government. Their protests, like those of the protests in Chile, emerged out of one particular grievance but then have cascaded outward. They are angry at the government's attempt to define citizenship More
(2019-12-27). The Looming U.S. Water Crisis. zcomm.org The climate is changing. Can our politics change, too?>
(2019-12-27). Monterrey magic! Rogelio Funes Mori scores stunning stoppage-time bicycle kick in Mexican Apertura final (VIDEO). rt.com 
Monterrey striker Rogelio Funes Mori produced a last-gasp moment of magic to give his side the lead at the end of the Mexican league Apertura final against America on Thursday night. | With the match in the third of four minutes of stoppage time, Monterrey tossed the ball into the box in a bid to grab a late winner. | And when the ball fell to Mori, who had his back to goal, the striker chested the ball up, then went airborne as he produced a picture-perfect bicycle kick that fired the ball low into the bottom corner of the net for a spectacular winner. | The goal gives Monterrey — who lost to Liverpool i…
(2019-12-27). In Mountain View, Seasonal and Humorous Signs at Eve of Impeachment Demo on Four Corners. indybay.org Demonstrators leaned in toward passing traffic to show off their creative signs on Impeachment Eve at a major intersection in the heart of Silicon Valley.
(2019-12-27). Space Warriors: Democrats Give Trump His Space Force for Xmas. counterpunch.org President Trump last week signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2020 that establishes a U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of the U.S. armed forces—despite the Outer Space Treaty designating space as a global commons to be used for peaceful purposes. Reported Space News: "Trump signed the NDAA flanked by top defense More
(2019-12-27). 12 killed, dozens injured after Bek Air jet with up to 100 people on board crashes in Kazakhstan. rt.com 
A Fokker 100 passenger jet belonging to Bek Air airline lost altitude and crashed into a two-story building during take-off from Almaty International Airport, local authorities have confirmed. | While there were "multiple survivors," 12 people were killed and dozens injured in the crash, many critically. Medics say 66 people were taken to the hospital after the crash, and a dozen of them are in grave condition. | Rescue personnel and medics continue to work at the scene in search of survivors. | | © Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry Emergency Committee | There are at least eight children among those pulled…
(2019-12-27). Social Ecology: Radicalizing the Climate Movement. zcomm.org The struggle for climate justice cannot limit its focus to environmental issues. It is the hierarchical system as a whole that is threatening our planet and our lives…
(2019-12-27). DC Transit Authority and union approve public workers' contract, isolating striking private transit workers. wsws.org Despite the contract's promise to end privatization at the transit authority, it does nothing to end the attacks on metro workers.
(2019-12-27). Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade. telesurenglish.net In an interview with the international news agency Xinhua, the Venezuelan economist, Jesus Faria said that economic recovery is the number one issue on the country's agenda for 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | The also former Minister of Foreign Trade and International Investment of Venezuela (2016-2017) stated that "there is a perceived activation of trade and some productive activities as well as a stabilization of the oil activi…
(2019-12-27). India shows the door to German student & Norwegian tourist who joined protests against citizenship law. rt.com 
Two Europeans were sent packing by India this week after they took up placards and joined the crowds protesting the new Citizenship Amendment Act. | Janne Mette-Johannson, a 74 year-old Norwegian citizen who arrived in India on a tourist visa in October, was asked by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Friday to leave the country, she reported on her Facebook page. The Indian authorities say her tourist visa does not allow her to take part in organized protests, so she was in violation when she took part on Monday. | "Now pretty soon on my way to the airport. A friend fixing a flight ticket t…
(2019-12-27). "Get Up, Stand Up for Your Rights" at Demo: Justice for Killed Protesters in Iran. indybay.org 13 second video. | Photos and full text at | www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/26/18829250.php…
(2019-12-27). Bolivia's free territory of Chapare has ousted the coup regime and is bracing for a bloody re-invasion. mronline.org Spending time with the union members of Chapare, who run society in a collective fashion, offers special insights into the resistance to the coup. They succeeded in expelling the police, but now fear a bloodbath in retaliation. | Source
(2019-12-27). EU may need to extend deadline for UK trade talks — Commission President von der Leyen. rt.com 
The EU may need to extend the deadline for talks about a new trade relationship with Britain, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said. Both sides need to seriously think about whether there is enough time to negotiate a new trade deal and work out agreements about a series of other issues, she told French daily Les Echos in an interview published on Friday. | "It would be reasonable to evaluate the situation mid-year and then, if necessary, agree on extending the transition period," she noted. | Britain has set a hard deadline of December 2020 for reaching a new trade deal with the EU, bett…
(2019-12-27). Kwanzaa our "California Grown" Global Celebration, "Matunda ya Kwanza" indybay.org Imani (Faith) reminds us of the indispensable foundation of confident, righteous and rewarding belief, calling on us "to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our leaders, our teachers and the righteousness and victory of our struggle." In remembrance of Khalid Al Mansour…
(2019-12-27). Pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. zcomm.org The failure to adopt any pro-union bills contributed to the decline of unions and the growth of inequality, the twin hallmarks of the past four decades in the United States…
(2019-12-27). Climate Disruption, Migration, and the Rise of Walls. indybay.org South Berkeley Senior Center | 2939 Ellis St. | Berkeley (near Ashby BART)…
(2019-12-27). Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf Orders Mass Arrest of Housing Justice Village Protesters. indybay.org An inspirational day of solidarity with unhoused Oaklanders turned into a traumatic night after mayor Libby Schaaf directed a small army of police and DPW workers to smash a housing rights protest held on the doorstep of City Hall. For daring to challenge the Oakland's never ending war against the homeless — the city's encampment demolitions and evictions, the towing of residential vehicles, and a lack of earnestness and urgency in addressing the housing crisis — twenty-two people were arrested and sent to Santa Rita jail, some for over two days.
(2019-12-27). Telangana Road Transport workers face harassment, contract-rollbacks after union surrender. wsws.org Acting at the behest of the state government, TSRTC management is trying to force the workers to join bogus, state-sponsored "Workers' Welfare Committees."
(2019-12-27). January Stand Up San Francisco Monthly Meeting, Noe Valley, SF. indybay.org San Francisco Public Library, Noe Valley Branch, 451 Jersey, San Francisco (turn left immediately inside front door)…
(2019-12-27). Housing Justice Village Arrestees Respond to Jailing by City of Oakland. indybay.org In a political show of force, the city of Oakland directed a small army of police to mass arrest and jail 22 housing rights demonstrators on November 24, for nothing more than setting up tents in front of city hall to protest the city's never ending war against the homeless. Most arrestees spent at least 24 hours in Santa Rita, and some remained jailed for over two days, on what would otherwise be a citable infraction. On December 2, arrestees held a press conference to address the city's attack and why they protested in the first place.
(2019-12-27). Criminal War Monger Pelosi & Demos Appropriate Millions For War On Venezuela. indybay.org Criminal war monger Demo leader Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats joined Trump in supporting tens of millions of dollars to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
(2019-12-27). Killing of two Indonesian journalists points to criminality in palm oil industry. wsws.org According to police, the two men were allegedly murdered by hired killers paid by a plantation owner.
(2019-12-27). Lula To Fight Neoliberalism to Restore Democracy in Brazil. telesurenglish.net The former president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said Thursday that he has the will to fight to restore democracy in his country and to fight against the current situation of people under the government of Jair Bolsonaro. | RELATED: | Brazil's Senate Advances Bill That May Send Lula Back to Prison | In an exclusive interview for teleSUR, the Workers Party leader reiterated that the South American nation has "all the conditions to recover a democratic debate … and co…
(2019-12-27). Montenegro passes law on religious communities. yenisafak.com A fight broke out in Montenegrin Assembly during a session on religious freedoms early Friday.A bill, strongly opposed by the Serbian Orthodox Church and the opposition Democratic Front party, began to be discussed at the General Assembly on Thursday.The opposition lawmakers tried to prevent the vote after midnight. Despite the efforts of the opposition's proposal to amend the bill, their proposals were rejected three times.Afterwards, there was a melee between the opposition MPs and some ruling MPs who threw water bottles at Parliament speaker Ivan Brajovic and some deputies.The deputies from the opposition part…
(2019-12-27). 'Climate tariffs' on fracked 'molecules of freedom': German think tank wants to punish US for sanctions against Nord Stream 2. rt.com 
US sanctions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline have caused widespread anger in Germany, and even critics of the project are now seeking to slap the American 'molecules of freedom' with an eco-tax in reprisal. | The prospect of "crushing sanctions" (included in funding for the US military signed by President Donald Trump last week) has already compelled Swiss-Dutch company Allseas to halt construction on the last remaining portion of the pipeline, which runs under the Baltic Sea, from Russia to Germany. | An economist…
(2019-12-27). Israeli PM Netanyahu wins Likud party vote in boost ahead of new general election. rt.com 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu easily won a vote to keep the Likud party helm, the party said on Friday. The result is seen as a boost ahead of what is likely to be a hard-fought general election in March, Reuters said. | Netanyahu received 72.5 percent of the votes in Thursday's party ballot, against 27.5 percent for challenger Gideon Saar. Netanyahu's rival conceded defeat, tweeting that he would now back the incumbent "for the sake of a Likud victory" in the general election. | The challenge by Saar, a former education and interior minister, added to pressures that have mounted this year on the f…
(2019-12-27). Desperate to stem protests, dozens of governments shut down internet access in 2019. wsws.org Amid a global upsurge of political protests and strikes, governments all over the world are shutting down the internet in desperate bids to stem the tide of popular opposition.