(2021-02-12). American Tech Giants Are Partnering with India's Strongman Leader to Crackdown on Dissent. mintpressnews.com Twitter's actions are quite a departure from 2019 when it delayed a network upgrade in Iran at the behest of the US government for fear that it could interfere with anti-government demonstrations.
(2021-02-12). Venezuela: an Example of Struggle for Food Sovereignty and Food Security. counterpunch.org In our daily political struggle we demand our independence from the invader, from the occupier, from imperialism. All of those demands are in essence struggles to assert our sovereignty as a nation and as a people. A nation is truly sovereign when its people are protagonists in shaping their own destiny, when they are the
(2021-02-12). This Is Yemen After Biden Declared an End To American Support for the War. mintpressnews.com The Biden administration sparked a sense of hope around the world that the war on Yemen could finally be over. For those on the ground though, the bombs keep falling, food is scarce and hope is in short supply.
(2021-02-12). Ending the Other War in Yemen. counterpunch.org 
On February 4, in his first major foreign policy address, President Joe Biden announced, "we are ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arms sales." Speaking of the Saudi-led coalition that has been at war in Yemen since 2015, creating what he called "a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe," Biden declared "This war has to end."
(2021-02-12). The Real Story: Blood on the Tracks — A Vietnam Veteran's Battle Against Empire. liberationnews.org 
On this episode TSP is joined by Brian Willson, a Vietnam veteran, writer, lawyer and a peace activist.
(2021-02-12). Yemen: UN expects over two million children to go hungry or starve in 2021. middleeasteye.net 
Yemen: UN expects over two million children to go hungry or starve in 2021 | Over a million pregnant or breastfeeding women also expected to suffer from extreme malnutrition this year | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 10: 30 | millions of Yemenis are on the brink of famine with the economy destroyed, schools and hospitals barely functioning, and tens of thousands killed (AFP) | About 400,000 children un…
(2021-02-12). 'An anti-Turkey alliance': Ankara slams Greece for hosting 'hostile' meeting with regional countries. middleeasteye.net 
'An anti-Turkey alliance': Ankara slams Greece for hosting 'hostile' meeting with regional countries | Turkey brands Athens meeting between Greece and six other nations an attempt to form an alliance against it | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 10: 28 | Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (L), speaks with Emirati minister Reem Ebrahim Al-Hashimy (R) and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud (C) on 21 F…
(2021-02-12). 'We want real justice': Loujain al-Hathloul's family slams conditions of release. middleeasteye.net 
'We want real justice': Loujain al-Hathloul's family slams conditions of release | Since Loujain's sentence was only suspended, not pardoned, Saudi Arabia retains right to return her to prison for any perceived criminal activity | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 16: 27 | A woman viewing a tweet posted by sister of Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul, Lina, in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on 10 February (AFP/File photo) | Af…
(2021-02-12). Oman content with current Israel relationship, foreign minister says. middleeasteye.net 
Oman content with current Israel relationship, foreign minister says | Badr al-Busaidi also says Muscat is ready to help with rescuing Iran's 2015 nuclear deal | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 08: 24 | Busaidi was appointed as foreign minister in August after Oman's new Sultan Haitham delegated the position away from his own portfolio (AFP) | Oman is satisfied with its current relationship with Israel,…
(2021-02-12). US lawmakers urge Biden to press Iran on human rights, state-sponsored 'terrorism'. middleeasteye.net 
US lawmakers urge Biden to press Iran on human rights, state-sponsored 'terrorism' | More than 100 lawmakers call on President Joe Biden to 'remain firm' and hold Iranian government accountable for rights violations and regional destabilisation | Fri, 02/12/2021 – 19: 59 | A bipartisan group of US legislators has urged US President Joe Biden to pressure Iran on its human rights violations while working to nego…
(2021-02-12). At least 12 Iran-backed terrorists killed in airstrike in Syria. yenisafak.com At least 12 Iranian-backed terrorists fighting with the Bashar al-Assad regime were killed in an airstrike conducted by US-led anti-Daesh coalition forces in eastern Syria, sources said Thursday.Warplanes targeted a convoy of terrorist groups in Deir ez-Zor province.Pipelines and trade routes from Iraq and Jordan pass through the province.The terrorists are under the command of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.With the help of Russia and Iranian-backed militias, the central and the western areas of Deir ez-Zor fell to the regime after Daesh terrorists retreated from the region.The majority of Iranian-back…
(2021-02-12). Djokovic battles injury, Thiem prevails in Aussie Open marathon. laprensalatina.com By Lobsang DS Subirana Bangkok Desk, Feb 12 (efe-epa).-Serbia's Novak Djokovic battled through an injury to his oblique muscle Friday to beat American Taylor Fritz 7-6(1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of the Australian Open but there will be doubts as to how long he will last in the competition. "This is …
(2021-02-12). Headlines for February 12, 2021. democracynow.org House Managers Rest Their Case in Donald Trump's Senate Impeachment Trial, Biden Blasts Trump's Failures to Prepare for Vaccinations as U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Tops 475,000, As U.S. Secures 200 Million More Doses, Concern Grows Over Vaccine Inequity, NYTimes: Trump Was Far Sicker from COVID-19 Than Previously Reported, Five Killed in Attack on U.S. Convoy in Afghanistan's Capital, Lawmakers Plead With President Biden to End "Catastrophic Impact" of U.S. Sanctions, U.S. Has Sold Over a Million Barrels of Iranian Oil Seized As Part of Sanctions, China Bans BBC's World News Channel, Trump's "Remain in Mexico" Progr…
(2021-02-12). Thiem prevails in Aussie Open marathon, Zverev cruises to 4th round. laprensalatina.com By Lobsang DS Subirana Bangkok Desk, Feb 12 (efe-epa).- Austria's Dominic Thiem produced a plethora of box office tennis to beat home crowd favorite Nick Kyrgios in an enthralling match Friday night at the Australian Open. The No. 3 seed prevailed 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and marched onto the tournament's fourth round before an …
(2021-02-12). Independent UN rights expert calls for unilateral sanctions to be dropped against Venezuela. news.un.org At the end of a two-week visit to Venezuela, an independent UN human rights expert noted on Friday that unilateral sanctions imposed on the country have exacerbated pre-existing crises, calling for them to be dropped.
(2021-02-12). Where Are the Witnesses? Ralph Nader Says Democrats' Impeachment Case Is "Prescription for Defeat" democracynow.org 
As the historic Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump continues, we speak with longtime consumer advocate, corporate critic and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who says Democrats have set themselves up for defeat by rushing proceedings and failing to call witnesses — including Trump himself. "The narrow approach of the articles of impeachment keep the Democrats from having a full hand," says Nader. "They have like 10 arrows in their quiver and they're using one or two."
(2021-02-12). Ralph Nader on Corporate Crime, Holding Boeing Accountable for 737 MAX Deaths & Biden's First Weeks. democracynow.org 
Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and hold Boeing fully accountable. "This is just another example of giant companies getting away with their corporate criminal…
(2021-02-12). Biden Should Stop Payment on U.S. Funds to Sisi's Egypt. counterpunch.org 
Under Donald Trump's presidency, Egypt, as well as Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, and other repressive regimes, had virtually free reign to commit unchecked human rights abuses without worry that they might be chastised or lose U.S. diplomatic and financial support. But when Joe Biden won the 2020 election, President Sisi of Egypt started to
(2021-02-12). Ralph Nader: Biden Must Hold Boeing Accountable for Deaths Due to Faulty Planes. truthout.org 
Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and…
(2021-02-12). EU Parliament calls for ban on arms sale to Saudi, UAE. yenisafak.com The European Parliament on Thursday called on EU member states to ban arms sale to Saudi Arabia and the UAE over violations of human rights in Yemen.A joint motion adopted by the European Parliament recalled Germany's arms sale ban to Saudi Arabia and Italy's ban to UAE and Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers said some EU countries are also planning to join the ban while others continue arms sale to these countries and violate the common stance of the EU Council.The European Parliament also welcomed the US decision to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia and to suspend the transfer of F-35 jets to the UAE.Lawmakers also called on…
(2021-02-12). Study Finds Increase In Anti-Zionism At US Universities. popularresistance.org The past few years have witnessed a significant rise in anti-Zionism across colleges and universities in the United States, a new study has found. | Professor of Political Science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Miriam Elman, said in a study published by the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University that a majority of universities in the United States have turned into incubators of anti-Zionism, which contributes to creating a negative atmosphere against Jews on campus. | Elman claimed that university and college officials respond to this by vie…
(2021-02-12). Saudi Arabia releases Women's Rights Activist Loujain al-Hathloul but Bans her Travel. juancole.com (Beirut) — Saudi authorities released from prison the prominent women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul on February 10, 2021, Human Rights Watch said today. However, she is banned from travel and has a suspended sentence, which allows the authorities to return her to prison at any time for any perceived criminal activity. In late December 2020, …
(2021-02-12). Yemen: 'Toxic mix' imperils lives of under-fives with acute malnutrition. news.un.org Since the escalation of conflict in 2015, severe acute malnutrition is among its highest levels in Yemen, threating the lives of half of the country's children under the age of five, four UN agencies warned on Friday.
(2021-02-12). Renewed global pressure to stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE. peoplesdispatch.org More than 90 human rights and anti-war organizations wrote a letter to the US president demanding cancellation of billions of dollars of arms sales to the two countries on the day that the European Parliament adopted a resolution asking member countries to do the same…
(2021-02-12). The U.S. War Machine: Now Under New Management. progressive.org Electing Joe Biden is not enough to ensure a saner and less belligerent foreign policy.
(2021-02-12). Biden's Half Measures to End the War in Yemen are Not Enough. counterpunch.org The Saudis decided to enter an ongoing civil war in Yemen in 2015 for several reasons. The two countries share a long border at the southern end of their peninsula. This length of this border is matched by Yemen's coastline on the Arabian Sea, an access to ocean waters that Saudi Arabia does not have.
(2021-02-11). Raisi asks KRG authorities to hand over fugitive criminals. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 11 (MNA) — In a meeting with the KRG's special envoy in Iraq, the Iranian Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi advised the Iraqi Kurdistan authorities to hand over criminals at large to the Iranian authorities.
(2021-02-11). Russia hopes for compromise before Iran deadline. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 11 (MNA) — Russia hopes that there may be a compromise on JCPOA before February 21, when Tehran is expected to further ease restrictions on its nuclear program, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday.
(2021-02-11). Iran, Iraq stress expanding judicial, parliamentary coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 11 (MNA) — The Iranian Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi has met with Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi in Baghdad Thursday during which they stressed expanding judicial and parliamentary cooperation.
(2021-02-11). Iranians win 3 medals at Fazza Int'l Athletics C'ships. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 12 (MNA) — The Iranian para-athletes won three gold, silver, and bronze medals on the first day of the Fazza Athletics Championships in Dubai, the UAE.
(2021-02-11). Historian Joseph Scalice to deliver public lecture on 50th anniversary of Plaza Miranda bombing. wsws.org The bombing marked a critical step toward the imposition of martial law in the Philippines by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972 and remains one of the most controversial events in the country's history.
(2021-02-11). Egypt pledges support for Libya's interim government. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 11 (MNA) — Egypt has dramatically changed its position on the Libyan crisis.
(2021-02-11). Venezuela Oil Production Rebounds as Members of Congress Call for Sanctions Relief. venezuelanalysis.com Ilhan Omar, Jesus "Chuy" García and Elizabeth Warren urged to Biden administration to review its sanctions policy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
(2021-02-11). Headlines for February 11, 2021. democracynow.org "The Inciter-in-Chief": Democrats Accuse Trump of Being "Singularly Responsible" for Insurrection, Trump Attacked Pence on Twitter Minutes After Learning VP Was Evacuated from Capitol, Georgia Prosecutor Opens Criminal Probe of Trump over Election Interference, U.S. COVID Death Toll Tops 471,000; Half of All Deaths Occurred Since Nov. 1, WHO Backs Use of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine, Saudi Women's Rights Activist Loujain al-Hathloul Released After 1,001 Days in Prison, Biden & Xi Jinping Speak on Phone as U.S. Forms Military Task Force on China, U.S. Sanctions Military Junta as Anti-Coup Protests Continue in Burma,…
(2021-02-11). Covid-19: Migrant workers stranded in Dubai after Saudi and Kuwait travel ban. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19: Migrant workers stranded in Dubai after Saudi and Kuwait travel ban | Thousands of mainly poorer workers are in a desperate situation, unable to reach their jobs before visas expire | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 10: 44 | 'Dubai packages' covered the airfares from the worker's home country to the UAE and then to Saudi Arabia/Kuwait, a 14-day hotel stay, food, visa charges and a mandatory…
(2021-02-11). Covid-19: Migrant workers stuck in Dubai after Saudi and Kuwait travel ban. middleeasteye.net Covid-19: Migrant workers stuck in Dubai after Saudi and Kuwait travel ban | Thousands of mainly poorer workers are in a desperate situation, unable to reach their jobs before visas expire | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 10: 44 | 'Dubai packages' covered the airfares from the worker's home country to the UAE and then to Saudi Arabia/Kuwait, a 14-day hotel stay, food, visa charges and a mandatory Co…
(2021-02-11). UN human rights expert demands release of rights activists imprisoned in the UAE. peoplesdispatch.org 
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, asked the UAE government on Wednesday, February 10, to release three human rights defenders serving 10 year jail terms. She claimed that their mistreatment and harassment in prison amounts to torture. | In a press release, Lawlor claimed that, "not only have Mohamed Al-Roken, Ahmed Mansoor and Nasser Bin Ghaith been criminalized and imprisoned for their non-violent and legitimate calls for respect for human rights in the UAE, they have been subjected to ill-treatment in prison." | #AhmedMansoor (2021-02-11). Attacks on tenants' rights intensify in Indianapolis, activists resist. liberationnews.org 
Dozens of activists convened on the steps of the Indiana State Capitol building at 9 am on Feb. 8, bearing freezing temperatures to protest the Indiana General Assembly's attacks on the limited rights that tenants have in Indiana. The protest, called for by Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis and supported by the Indianapolis branch of …
(2021-02-11). Biden's first directive to the war machine. liberationnews.org 
In his first presidential visit to the Pentagon yesterday, Joe Biden announced the creation of an anti-China task force. This team will review the Pentagon's policy towards the country in areas such as strategy, technology, military and diplomacy with neighboring countries. During the visit Biden pledged to "meet the China challenge … and win the …
(2021-02-11). US Congressman hails Biden's shift on Yemen war but urges vigilance. middleeasteye.net 
US Congressman hails Biden's shift on Yemen war but urges vigilance | Yemen war critic Ro Khanna welcomes decision to end American support for Saudi offensive operations but warns against 'twisted definition' of 'defensive' | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 22: 18 | Ro Khanna, a prominent legislator in the progressive movement, called for lifting the blockade on Yemen (AFP/File photo) | US Congressman Ro Khanna, a leading crit…
(2021-02-11). Yemen: "Mission Accomplished"… For Now? counterpunch.org 
Since 2015, the US has been giving crucial assistance to Saudi Arabia's military coalition in its war against Yemen's Houthi rebels. US assistance takes the form of intelligence sharing, logistics and targeting assistance, arms sales, and transfer of spare parts for coalition warplanes.
(2021-02-11). US envoy to Yemen meets with President Hadi ahead of proposed peace talks. middleeasteye.net 
US envoy to Yemen meets with President Hadi ahead of proposed peace talks | US envoy Tim Lenderking stressed the Biden administration's goal of ending the war and 'suffering of the Yemeni people' via UN-led negotiations | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 16: 46 | A Yemeni waves the country's national flag atop a billboard showing President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi during a rally commemorating the 10th anniversary of Arab Spri…
(2021-02-11). Yemen conflict: Will Biden's approach finally end the war? middleeasteye.net 
Yemen conflict: Will Biden's approach finally end the war? | Analysts say ending offensive support for Saudi-led coalition is important step, but questions linger over specifics of new US policy | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 16: 48 | The conflict in Yemen has killed more than 100,000 people and brought the impoverished country to the brink of famine (AFP/File photo) | Following last week's announcement by US President Joe…
(2021-02-11). Saudi dissident files lawsuit against McKinsey for outing him as MBS opponent. middleeasteye.net 
Saudi dissident files lawsuit against McKinsey for outing him as MBS opponent | Omar Abdulaziz claims consultancy firm McKinsey outed him as a critic to the Saudi government and MBS in 2016 | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 16: 36 | Omar Abdulaziz has told MEE that Saudi agents had attempted to lure him to the kingdom's consulate in Canada months before the killing of Jamal Khashoggi (MEE/Jillian Kestler-D'Amour…
(2021-02-11). Iranian press review: Tehran says Macron can't be trusted over US-Iran talks. middleeasteye.net 
Iranian press review: Tehran says Macron can't be trusted over US-Iran talks | Meanwhile, Iran is to produce shoulder-fired missiles, and former minister says the country's unofficial economy is worth more than $20bn per year | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 14: 42 | This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies on 8 January 2020 shows an overview of Iran's Arak Heavy Water Reactor Fac…
(2021-02-11). Iran accounts for 6% nanotechnology production share in world. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 11 (MNA) — Secretary of Nanotechnology Development Headquarters said that Iran accounted for six percent of nanotechnology production share worldwide.
(2021-02-11). Top Iranian nuclear scientist 'killed by one-tonne Mossad gun'. middleeasteye.net 
Top Iranian nuclear scientist 'killed by one-tonne Mossad gun' | Intelligence sources tell the Jewish Chronicle Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed in a solo Israeli operation with a deconstructed weapon | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 15: 54 | The damaged car of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh after it was attacked near the capital Tehran (AFP) | Israel's Mossad intelligence service killed a top Iranian nuclear sc…
(2021-02-11). Citing 'Moral and Public Health Imperative,' Progressive Lawmakers Press Biden on Sanctions Relief. commondreams.org The 27 Democrats called for "much-needed and overdue changes to the way we use sanctions as a foreign policy tool." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-02-11). Biden's policies are the same as Trump, Iran's sole presidential candidate says. middleeasteye.net 
Biden's policies are the same as Trump, Iran's sole presidential candidate says | Hossein Dehghan says Biden's foreign policy continues 'Trumpism' and calls for guarantees that the US would not leave the nuclear agreement again | Thu, 02/11/2021 – 19: 21 | Hossein Dehghan is a former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander who is also under sanctions levied by Washington (AFP) | The only declared candidat…
(2021-02-11). Iran's Zarif says 'window closing' for US. yenisafak.com Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif warned Wednesday that the "window of opportunity" for the United States was "fast closing", calling on Washington to end its "fruitless hostility" with Tehran. | Speaking on the sidelines of the 42nd anniversary of the 1979 Iranian revolution, Zarif expressed hope that the new US administration would take a "new approach" towards Iran. | "The existing window is closing," Zarif said, referring to the Iranian parliament's deadline of Feb. 21 for Washington to return to the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA), also known as Iran nuclear deal. | He said Tehran would be force…