(2021-04-18). How to Make a Gulf Monarchy All-American. tomdispatch.com Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., was on the hot seat. In early March 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic swept the world, oil prices collapsed and a price war broke out between Saudi Arabia and Russia, leaving American oil and gas companies feeling the pain. As oil prices plummeted, Republican senators from oil-producing states turned their ire directly on Saudi Arabia. Forget that civil war in Yemen — what about fossil-fuel profits here at home? To address their concerns, Ambassador Bandar Al-Saud agreed to speak with a group of them in a March 18th conference call [mda…
(2021-04-18). Minister for Defense: 'Venezuela Has Transformed the Siege into an Opportunity for Innovation'. orinocotribune.com 
The Venezuelan Minister for Defense, Chief General Vladimir Padrino López, said this Saturday, April 17, that Venezuela has transformed the siege into an opportunity to innovate and test its own solutions. | One of the areas in which this stubborn determination not to give up is revealed is the military field. |
(2021-04-18). Minister for Defense: 'Venezuela Has Transformed the Siege into an Opportunity for Innovation'. orinocotribune.com 
The Venezuelan Minister for Defense, Chief General Vladimir Padrino López, said this Saturday, April 17, that Venezuela has transformed the siege into an opportunity to innovate and test its own solutions. | One of the areas in which this stubborn determination not to give up is revealed is the military field. |
(2021-04-18). Earthquake hits Iranian province housing nuclear power plant. middleeasteye.net 
Earthquake hits Iranian province housing nuclear power plant | Five people reported injured in quake centred 100km from the Bushehr nuclear complex located on country's Gulf coast | Sun, 04/18/2021 – 12: 56 | An Iranian government official said there were no reports of damage at the Bushehr nuclear complex (AFP) | A magnitude 5.9 earthquake on Sunday struck Iran's southern province of Bush…
(2021-04-18). Iran and Saudi Arabia held direct talks in Baghdad to repair rivalry: Report. middleeasteye.net 
Iran and Saudi Arabia held direct talks in Baghdad to repair rivalry: Report | Iraq's prime minister acted as a 'bridge' between the two regional powers, according to the Financial Times | Sun, 04/18/2021 – 09: 42 | Iraq's prime minister held talks with Saudi Arabia's crown prince during a visit to Riyadh, just over a week before hosting the Saudi-Iran talks, according to the FT (Reuters)…
(2021-04-18). Breonna Taylor's mother condemns Black Lives Matter chapter as 'FRAUD,' says her family's name has been used to raise money. rt.com 
The mother of Breonna Taylor, one of the leading martyrs of the Black Lives Matter movement, has branded the Louisville, Kentucky BLM chapter as a "fraud" and accused opportunistic activists of exploiting her name for profit. | "I have never personally dealt with BLM Louisville and personally have found them to be fraud," Tamika Palmer said on Wednesday in a since-deleted Facebook post. She added that "I've watched y'all raise money on behalf of Breonna's family who has never done a damn thing for us — nor have we needed it or asked, so talk about fraud." | Breonna Taylor's Mom. She, I fully support. BLM…
(2021-04-18). Estados Unidos y Colombia: Desean más y más narcóticos. globalizacion.ca El conflicto armado, iniciado al menos, desde el 21 de marzo 2021 entre Colombia y Venezuela, más exactamente entre la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana FANB y grupos paramilitares narcotraficantes de Colombia (no el ejército regular colombiano), (llamado por el gobierno…
(2021-04-18). Tallahassee joins statewide protests against repressive law. fightbacknews.org Tallahassee, FL – On April 10, the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC) held a rally at the Leon County Courthouse as part of a statewide day of action coordinated by organizations from the Florida Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression. Activists rallied to call on the Florida Senate to reject HB1/SB484, a repressive bill designed to limit protest and dissent in Florida. Dozens of activists showed up to hear organizers with TCAC, the Dream Defenders, and More Than A Name speak about how the need for continued struggle in the face of state repression. | Trish Brown of the Tally 19 spoke on HB1…
(2021-04-18). Berliners protest striking down of rent cap law by constitutional court. peoplesdispatch.org Housing rights groups and activists took to the streets after Germany's constitutional court struck down a law passed by the Berlin State government freezing rents at June 2019 levels for five years…
(2021-04-18). Climate Activists Put 'All Eyes on BlackRock' With Protests Demanding Shareholder Action. commondreams.org "We're giving notice that we'll be watching to see if BlackRock will actually pour any water on the flames it has started. We're here because we can't fix our planet with promises, only action can do that." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-04-18). Ethiopian Survivors Retell Horrors Of Last Month's 'Houthi Holocaust'. eurasiareview.com By Ephrem Kossaify | When Abdel Karim Ibrahim Mohammed, 23, fled the recent violence consuming Ethiopia's Oromia region, he never imagined he would fall into the hands of Yemen's Houthis. | In fact, like many of his compatriots desperate to escape conflict-ridden Ethiopia, he had not even heard of the Iran-backed militia, which seized control of Yemen's capital Sanaa in 2015. | When he first set out on his dangerous voyage across the Red Sea, Abdel Karim had envisioned an arduous overland crossing to one of the Arab Gulf states where opportunity and prosperity awaited him. | Events had taken a frightening turn…
(2021-04-18). Friday 4/23: Protest in Solidarity With Hunger Strikers for Yemen. indybay.org 6342 Shattuck Ave | Berkeley, CA 94705…
(2021-04-18). Iran's Parl. speaker emphasizes deepening ties with Serbia. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — In his meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakoviƒá in Tehran on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized the need for expanding cooperation between Iran and Serbia in various fields.
(2021-04-18). Source rejects any direct talks between Tehran, Riyadh. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — The news related to the direct talks between Tehran and Riadh is not true, an Iranian source told Al-Mayadin in reaction to a recent claim by the Financial Times.
(2021-04-18). Pakistan urges coop with Iran to set up peace in Afghanistan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — At the threshold of his visit to Iran, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi placed special emphasis on cooperating and collaborating with the Islamic Republic of Iran for establishing peace in Afghanistan.
(2021-04-18). Iran, Russia, Syria set up operational room to help Damascus. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — An operation room has been set up between Iran, Russia and Syria to provide lasting security for Iranian and Russian ships in the Mediterranean to deliver oil and food to Syria.
(2021-04-18). 'Benjamin' wins at Kwetu Intl. FilmFest. in Tanzania. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — Iranian animation 'Benjamin' directed by Mohsen Enayati has won two main awards at Kwetu International Animation Film Festival (KIAFF) in Tanzania.
(2021-04-18). Army Day parade held in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — Army Day parade in the form of a motorcade was held in Tehran in the presence of Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi.
(2021-04-18). Drone power of Iran Army 'winning card' of Armed Forces. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — Today, the drone capability of the Iran Army is the power and winning card of the Armed Forces which be used on the battlefield if needed, said Army Chief Commander Major General Mousavi.
(2021-04-18). US not lift sanction unless ensure Iran adheres to commitment. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) — The US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the White House will not lift sanctions imposed against Iran unless it (US) ensures that Iran has complied with its nuclear obligations.
(2021-04-18). Iran: Army Unveils New Missiles, Artillery Systems In Military Parade. eurasiareview.com The Iranian Army displayed a series of new homegrown equipment in a military parade marking the Army Day. | The vehicle parade, held to mark the Army and the Ground Force Day, saw various units of the Iranian Army showcasing its achievements on Sunday morning. | The latest military products of the Army were carried on trucks in the event in Tehran without parading troops, in compliance with the coronavirus restrictions. | During the parade, attended by Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Army units displayed a number of new products, including missile and artillery systems. | The Army's air de…
(2021-04-18). Iran Says It's Identified Suspect Behind 'Explosion' At Natanz Nuclear Site. eurasiareview.com Iran's intelligence service has named a suspect in the 'explosion' that damaged the Natanz power plant last week. It says the culprit, identified as a man from a town near the nuclear facility, has already fled the country. | "Reza Karimi, the perpetrator of this sabotage… has been identified" by the intelligence ministry, Iranian state television announced on Saturday. | Karimi was described in the report as a 43-year-old male who was born in the town of Kashan, not far from the Natanz facility. | Tehran had earlier blamed the incident on its arch-rival Israel and promised to retaliate. The Jewish state, wh…
(2021-04-18). Cuban Communist Party Elects New Ruling Body. telesurenglish.net Cuban Communist Party's delegates voted Sunday for a new Central Committee, in one of the final stages of the ruling party's 8th Congress due to end its work on Monday. The Congress has seen the retirement of veteran revolutionary Raúl Castro from the party's leadership, marking a generational change coinciding with deep economic and financial reforms in the country.
(2021-04-18). Raul Castro announces retirement as head of Communist Party of Cuba. ecns.cn First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Raul Castro on Friday announced he is retiring as the head of the party.
(2021-04-18). Cuba — Soberana, hoy como hace 60 años, el principio germinal. globalizacion.ca Todavía no amanecía, estaba oscuro, pero en realidad yo no había podido dormir, todos estábamos alertas, habíamos escuchado en la radio lo del bombardeo al aeropuerto y por supuesto el discurso de Fidel en el entierro de las víctimas, sabíamos…
(2021-04-18). Cuba — La terquedad del alma roja y verde olivo. globalizacion.ca Quisiera ser racional, comedido, paciente, ponderado, tolerante, apacible, moderado… ufff, son decenas de sinónimos que resumirían mi anhelo por dar la razón a tanta gente buena y sincera, quienes en estos días, en las redes sociales y en la vida…
(2021-04-18). SOUTHCOM Prepares for New Military Drills in Guyana — New Provocation Against Venezuela. orinocotribune.com A new threat against Venezuela may be brewing at the Final Planning Conference for the Tradewinds military exercise, which is supposedly aimed at improving multinational security in the Caribbean, sponsored by the Southern Command of the United States. The exercise will take place in June at various locations in Guyana, a country with which Venezuela has a dispute over the Essequibo territory. | Information on Tradewinds2021 was released by the US embassy in Guyana through its official website. It stated that "all training venues provide opportunities to develop the capacity of joint partner nations, combined and…
(2021-04-17). Venezuelan Legislature Approves National Communal Parliament Law. venezuelanalysis.com Grassroots organizations will now debate the legislation and suggest changes to the text.
(2021-04-17). The Dirty Campaign Underlying Ecuador's "Free and Fair" Election. dissidentvoice.org 
A spoiled ballot in Ecuador's elections. Photo by @AlinaDuarte Ecuador's April 11 election that led to a 5-point victory by conservative banker Guillermo Lasso over progressive candidate Andrés Arauz was not what it appeared to be. On the surface, it was a surprisingly clean and professional election, as our CODEPINK official observer delegation witnessed. But …
(2021-04-17). Ramsey Clark: An Essential Voice of Dissidence from the Center of US Power. orinocotribune.com 
By William Camacaro — Apr 14, 2021 | "There will be some who will remember Ramsey Clark as an outsider. There are many more who remember him as a friend of justice, the oppressed, the exploited, and the rule of law. Perhaps he himself would like to be remembered merely as someone who used the law to help others." | Curtis Doebbler, International Law Attorney | During the heat of the Gulf War under the George H. W. Bush administration, I had the opportunity in New York to meet an extraordinary human being: Ramsey Clark. It was an event to protest the State Department and Pentagon's arrogantly labeled "Operati…
(2021-04-17). Tehran pushes back after Ukraine's security chief accuses Iran of intentionally shooting down passenger plane. rt.com 
Iran has warned Kiev against making unsubstantiated claims about the downing of a Ukrainian airliner last year, after its security chief suggested Tehran had attacked the plane on purpose. | Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a statement that it was regrettable that Ukrainian officials continue to make "vague political remarks" about the tragic incident. | Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down in January 2020 by an Iranian air defense unit shortly after departing from Tehran, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization concluded last mont…
(2021-04-17). Iran names man accused of Natanz nuclear plant attack. middleeasteye.net 
Iran names man accused of Natanz nuclear plant attack | Intelligence ministry says Reza Karimi fled Iran before the 11 April attack, which it blames on Israel | Sat, 04/17/2021 – 10: 56 | Damage to a warehouse at the Natanz nuclear facility after a previous explosion (AFP) | The man Tehran accuses of being behind the recent explosion at its main Natanz nuclear plant has been named by Irani…
(2021-04-17). Declassified: CIA Plotted Assassination Of Cuba's Raul Castro. southfront.org 
Raul Castro Source: Twitter | According to the declassified documents, the CIA attempted to assassinate Raul Castro, the younger brother of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, in 1960. The top secret documents were published on the The report claims that CIA recruited the pilot, Jose Raul Martinez, in Cuba. On July 21, 196…
(2021-04-17). Meet Reza Karimi, Iran Identified The Natanz Bomber. southfront.org 
File image | On April 16, the Ministry of Intelligence of Iran identified the man behind the recent
(2021-04-17). Russian Navy To Guard Iranian Oil Supplies To Syria Under Strategic Agreement — Report. southfront.org 
A Russian Navy assault team from the Russian Federation ship Severromorsk land by helicopter on the deck of the Italian Ship San Marco, the NATO flag ship to Operation Ocean Shield, during a NATO-Russia counter piracy exercise in the Gulf of Aden. | Russia, Iran and Syria have established a joint operation room that would work to guarantee the security and stability of oil and wheat supplies to Syrian ports through the Mediterranean Sea, Sputnik reported on April 17. | According to the agency, a series of intensive meetings be…
(2021-04-17). Unusual Saudi Silence After Houthi Drone Targeted King Khalid Air Base. southfront.org 
Illustrative image, a Qasef-2K being intercepted by a Saudi fighter jet. | On April 17, the Houthis (Ansar Allah) announced that they had carried out another attack on a military base in Saudi Arabia. | In a statement, Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari, a spokesman for the Yemeni group, said that a "sensitive military target" in King Khalid Air Base in the southern province of 'Asir was struck with a Qasef-2K suicide drone. | The Qasef-2K drone is a copy of the Iranian Ababil-2. The drone has a range of up to 150 km and is armed with a hi…
(2021-04-17). Military Situation In Yemen On April 17, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | The Liaison and Coordination Officers' Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 219 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours | On April 16, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Sarwah area | On April 16, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the Khab and Shaaf area | On April 16, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the Baqim area | On April 16, Ansar Allah reportedly attacked Jizan Airpor…
(2021-04-17). Iran identifies suspect behind 'EXPLOSION' at Natanz nuclear site, says he's fled the country. rt.com 
Iran's intelligence service has named a suspect in the 'explosion' that damaged the Natanz power plant last week. It says the culprit, identified as a man from a town near the nuclear facility, has already fled the country. | "Reza Karimi, the perpetrator of this sabotage… has been identified" by the intelligence ministry, Iranian state television announced on Saturday. | Karimi was described in the report as a 43-year-old male who was born in the town of Kashan, not far from the Natanz facility. | Tehran had earlier blamed the incident on its arch-rival Israel and promised to retaliate. The Jewish state, wh…
(2021-04-17). The Hawks Who Want War with Iran Are Working Overtime. globalresearch.ca Last week's cyberattack on an Iranian nuclear facility, reportedly by Israeli …
(2021-04-17). What's Needed for a More Lasting Peace in Afghanistan. commondreams.org President Biden announced a removal of all U.S. troops by September 11, but he failed to include some important details. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-04-17). Venezuela Expands Operations Against Colombian Paramilitary Gangs. orinocotribune.com Venezuela has expanded military operations in the border state of Apure to capture Colombian narco-paramilitary groups and eliminate foreign aggression. | "We are stepping up operations in Apure state (bordering Colombia) to guarantee internal order and for the capture of armed Colombian drug traffickers and their collaborators in the area," declared the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (CEOFANB) account on Friday, April 16. | In this sense, the command emphasized in a post on its official Twitter account that the military will continue actions aimed at eliminating foreign aggr…
(2021-04-17). Venezuelan Army to Begin Clearing Mines in Apure State near Colombian Border. orinocotribune.com Major General Domingo Hernández Lárez, general commander of the Bolivarian Army, reported on his Twitter account that a military team has already been deployed to begin demining in the state of Apure, suffering from Colombian narco-paramilitary violence that included landmines planted to cause terror among local residents. | The minesweeper, the commander wrote, is an armored unit designed by Army engineers, dubbed the "patrol alligator." | El barremina diseñado por los ingenieros de combate del Ejército Bolivariano está listo para ir al Alto Apure e iniciar el desminado en nuestro territorio nacional del Alto Ap…
(2021-04-17). [World Report] Turkey withdraws from treaty on violence against women. thelancet.com Activists object to Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, amid wider conservative ire over women's rights and attitudes towards gender. Kaya Genàß reports from Istanbul.
(2021-04-17). Sydney protest says 'stop Black deaths in custody'. greenleft.org.au Rachel Evans reports that First Nations activists and supporters rallied to mark the handing down 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
(2021-04-17). Labour disclosure "shows antisemitism was weaponised against Corbyn", activists say. dissidentvoice.org A group of Labour activists fighting through the courts to discover why they and others were investigated or expelled from the UK's Labour Party for antisemitism say they have flushed out proof of bad faith from their accusers. The group, who call themselves Labour Activists for Justice (LA4J), say the new disclosure confirms their claim …
(2021-04-17). How Persistent Student Organizing Forced the University of Michigan to Divest from Fossil Fuels. juancole.com By Jonathan Morris | — ( Waging Nonviolence ) — Last month, the University of Michigan became the latest to accept the obvious — that investing in the destruction of society is fundamentally counter to the mission of higher education. With its endowment of $14.2 billion, Michigan now becomes one of the largest public universities …
(2021-04-17). Yemeni army targets military area at 'King Khalid' Airbase. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) — A spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces announced a drone strike against a sensitive military target in Khamis Mushait, southwest of Saudi Arabia.
(2021-04-17). At Least 96 Killed as Yemen's Houthis Push Toward Maarib. news.antiwar.com Since February, fighting has raged over the northern Yemen city of Maarib, the last government-held possession in the north, as the Houthis and their allies try to contest control over it with a 3-pronged offensive. | In recent weeks, reports are that the Houthis are gaining some ground, and in the last two days they've gone deeper in, with heavy Pro-Saudi forces say that the Houthis now pose a "very real threat" to both f…
(2021-04-17). Iran Identifies Suspect Behind Natanz Nuclear Site Sabotage. telesurenglish.net A recent explosion and power outage at Iran's main Natanz nuclear plant has added a new element of tension, as talks are underway in Vienna to try to save Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with five other world powers. | RELATED: | Iran annouced Saturday that a worker at the facility has been identified as the perpetrator, and added that efforts are underway for his aprehension. | State TV, referring to the Intelligence m…
(2021-04-17). Iran Begins 60% Uranium Enrichment in Response to Natanz Sabotage. news.antiwar.com Iran said on Friday that it has begun "Sixty-percent enrichment is currently underway at the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan nuclear facility" at Natanz, said Ali Akbar Salehi, The move is the latest step Iran has take…