(2021-04-06). Lokman Slim's war: The life and mysterious death of a Western collaborator in Lebanon. thegrayzone.com Memorialized by Western diplomats, Lokman Slim worked for US government cutouts, wished war and suffering on fellow Shias and informed on his community. Did these activities lead to his demise? On February 4, a Lebanese employee of foreign embassies and NGOs was murdered in the southern Lebanese village of Addousiyeh. Few Lebanese people had heard of the 58-year-old socialite who had made his living in recent years by informing on his own community. But the Western diplomatic and NGO community …
(2021-04-06). Scores Killed as Afghan, Taliban Forces Continue Offensives. news.antiwar.com While there are high hopes for peace conferences coming in the next few weeks, fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan. At least 48 combatants were killed over the course of the weekend in southern Afghanistan. | In Kandahar Province, the Afghan military reported on a series of operations that killed at least 37 Taliban and wounded 28 others. They The Taliban appears to have been active in nearby H…
(2021-04-06). Venezuela Appeals to UN for Landmine Clearance as Colombian Border Clashes Ease. orinocotribune.com 
Caracas has also created a special military zone and brigade to deal with the situation in Apure state, where 17 people have died. | Mérida, April 5, 2021 ( On Monday, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez revealed that three letters have been sent to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Security Council President Dang Dinh Quy and the Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). | Caracas is requesting me…
(2021-04-06). Arapahoe County DA withdraws dozens of charges against peaceful protest leaders. liberationnews.org 
The following statement was issued by the National Committee for Justice in Denver On Sunday, April 4, the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office of John Kellner moved to dismiss several major charges against Terrance Roberts, Joel Northam, and Lillian House. All sixteen felony counts in Arapahoe County and several misdemeanor charges against the peaceful protest …
(2021-04-06). Myanmar: PPST Calls For End To Killing Unarmed Civilians, Welcomes CRPH Constitutional Moves. eurasiareview.com 
The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), formed by the 10 ethnic armed organisations that signed Myanmar's Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, on Sunday called on the junta to stop killing unarmed civilians, and to immediately and unconditionally release all those unjustly detained under its rule. | The PPST made its demands in a five-point "common positions" statement released following a video conference meeting held by members on April 3-4. | "We will continue our support towards the Spring Revolution including Public Civil Disobedience Movement," the statement added, while also welcoming a recent declaration by…
(2021-04-06). Review of the Destructive Effects of US Blockade on Venezuela's Orinoco Oil Belt. orinocotribune.com 
By Misión Verdad — Apr 5, 2021 | At Misión Verdad we have kept track of the negative effects of unilateral coercive measures (UCM) [aka US blockade] on Venezuela, and more specifically, their harmful consequences on the main company that provides oil revenues to Venezuela, Petróleos de Venezuela, SA (PDVSA). | All the reports and papers issued by organizations or individuals that are not binding on each other, but have Venezuela in their focus, provide a clear conclusion regarding the effects of the US blockade on the local economy: each aggression against PDVSA, through executive orders issued by the curren…
(2021-04-06). Silencing Black voters, again. mronline.org 
Since the Civil War, voter suppression in America has had a unique cast. | April 6, 2021 | Newswire…
(2021-04-06). Winning the War for Earth: Kim Stanley Robinson's subversive new Novel Rejects Doomism and Imagines a Hopeful Solution to the Climate Emergency. juancole.com 
Chicago (Special to Informed Comment) — In the wake of a killer heat wave that slaughters millions, eco-terrorism spreads across the globe and capitalism ruptures in Kim Stanley Robinson's science fiction novel that envisions a climate crisis scenario of the next thirty years. Despite violence, ecological calamity and a super-depression, The Ministry for the Future …
(2021-04-06). US denounces Saudi court sentencing of aid worker to 20 years in prison. middleeasteye.net 
US denounces Saudi court sentencing of aid worker to 20 years in prison | State Department warns 'freedom of expression should never be a punishable offense' after Red Crescent aid worker jailed for allegedly running anonymous social media account | Tue, 04/06/2021 – 15: 36 | Detained aid worker Abdulrahman al-Sadhan has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in addition to a subsequent two-decade travel ban (Co…
(2021-04-06). Venezuela Requests UN Assistance to Deactivate Colombian Paramilitary Landmines in Apure — "More Displaced People than Population" orinocotribune.com 
This Monday, April 5, it was reported that the Venezuelan government requested United Nations (UN) cooperation to eradicate the antipersonnel mines placed in Apure state, bordering Colombia, by drug trafficking groups from Colombia. | In this regard, Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister, Jorge Arreaza, sent a letter to Ilene Cohn, deputy director of the UN service in charge of this range of issues. Arreaza recalled that on May 27, 2013, Venezuela was declared a landmine-free territory. | In this sense, the Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, stressed that the text of the letter indicated that Venezuela h…
(2021-04-06). Conservancy Beyond the Pale. counterpunch.org 
"Conservancies" in Kenya are presented as an example of conservation by and for local people, but they can be a device to grab the land of traditional herders. Unless this changes, the future for wildlife conservation in Africa looks bleak. Conservationists must recognize pastoralists' stewardship of the land, and must stop treating local people as
(2021-04-06). First US Hypersonic ARRW Booster Flight Test Failed. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | The first booster flight test of the Air Force's AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon failed on April 5. The statement was made by the press service of the US Air Force."The ARRW program has been pushing boundaries since its inception and taking calculated risks to move this important capability forward," said Brig. Gen. Heath A. Collins, Armament Directorate Program executive officer, in a release. "While not launching was disappointing, the recent test provided invaluable information to…
(2021-04-06). Military Situation In Yemen On April 6, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | The Liaison and Coordination Officers' Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 171 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours | On April 5, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Sarwah area | On April 5, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the Jobah area | On April 4, clashes between the UAE-backed forces and the Saudi-led forces were reported in the Ahwar area | On April 5, Ansar Allah allegedly attacked Jed…
(2021-04-06). U.S. To Carry Out Large-Scale "Northern Edge" Exercise Simulating Arctic Warfare. southfront.org 
Illustrative image. Click to see full-size image | Starting on May 3rd, the US will hold the 12-day "Northern Edge" military exercise in Alaska, to simulate Arctic warfare. | The Air Force's team in the Pacific will lead the Army, Navy and Marine Corps."Northern Edge allows [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's] joint force to … put all the pieces of the puzzle together, the big picture, and allow our younger generations within the armed forces to experience what future conflict could feel like, and the complex…
(2021-04-06). Military Situation In Eastern Ukraine On April 6, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On April 5, artillery of the UAF targeted DPR positions in Shirokaya Balka west of Gorlovka | On April 4, the DPR forces repelled an attack by the UAF near the village of Shumy. one UAF member was killed | On April 5, artillery of the DPR forces targeted UAF positions near Vodyane | On April 5, artillery of the DPR forces targeted UAF positions near Avdyivka | On April 5, artillery of the DPR forces targeted UAF positions near Zolote | MORE ON THE TOPIC:…
(2021-04-06). Military Situation In Syria On April 5, 2021 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On April 5, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 26 times: 12 — in Idlib province, 10 — in Latakia province, 2 — in Hama province, 2 Aleppo province | On April 5, clashes between the Turkish-backed forces and SDF were reported near Ain Issa | On April 5, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions north of Tal Tamar | On April 5, SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in Kafr N…
(2021-04-06). Iranian 'spy ship' damaged in 'attack' along major Red Sea shipping route — reports. rt.com 
An Iranian ship that Israel and Saudi Arabia have accused of acting as a base for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces has been damaged, reportedly by a mine, in the Red Sea waters between Yemen and Eritrea. | State-owned Saudi broadcaster Al-Hadath TV reported the attack on Tuesday, citing an unnamed source calling it a "likely" Israeli operation off the coast of Eritrea. The vessel was identified as the Saviz, which Israel and Saudi Arabia have long accused of being a "forward base" for the IRGC in the area. | Al Hadath released pictures of the Iranian spyship SAVIZ, which there are reports of it being a…
(2021-04-06). Two people injured after shooting in Frederick, Maryland, gunman killed. rt.com 
Police in Frederick, Maryland, have responded to a shooting. Two victims were injured, and the suspect was shot dead. | Reports of the shooting came in on Tuesday morning, with multiple sites that monitor police radio stating that officers were dispatched to "several scenes." A SWAT team was soon deployed, and the Frederick County Sheriff's Office told Shortly afterwards, Frederick Police confirmed that t…
(2021-04-06). Application for fresh inquest refused. ukhumanrightsblog.com 
Farrell v HMC for North East Hampshire [2021] EWHC 778 (Admin) Applying for a fresh inquest is not straightforward. First, the bereaved have to get permission from the Attorney General. Only once that authority has been granted will they be allowed to apply to the High Court to reopen the inquest (section 13 of the …
(2021-04-06). Rwanda: Installing a US Protectorate in Central Africa. globalresearch.ca From the outset of the Rwandan civil war in 1990, Washington's hidden agenda consisted in establishing an American sphere of influence in a region historically dominated by France and Belgium. America's design was to displace France by supporting the Rwandan Patriotic Front and by arming and equipping its military arm, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA)…
(2021-04-06). Biden Finally Lifts Sanctions Against ICC As Demanded by World BEYOND War. counterpunch.org After months of demand from World BEYOND War and others, the Biden administration has finally lifted Trump-imposed sanctions on the ICC, stating a preference for a subtler approach to imposing lawlessness in the name of upholding the rule of law. Secretary of State Antony Blinken states: "We continue to disagree strongly with the ICC's actions relating to the
(2021-04-06). Statistics Canada Should Not Promote Problematic Lobby Group Study of Antisemitism. globalresearch.ca Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is …
(2021-04-06). The United States' Obsession with Venezuela: The Ordeal of One Italian Citizen. orinocotribune.com By Geraldina Colotti — Apr 3, 2021 | This news item illustrates very well the nature of the real witch-hunt that the United States engages in while attempting to prosecute everyone who tries to get around the economic and financial blockade imposed on Venezuela by the US. Yesterday the press agencies carried this story, and today a well-known newspaper has an interview with the person involved. | This is what happened: an Italian restaurant owner, with no connection to politics, had all his bank accounts frozen for months on the orders of Washington. It was a case of mistaken identity. They had confused him…
(2021-04-06). Whistleblowing and Misconduct at Large Pharmaceutical Firms—Reply. jamanetwork.com In Reply Data indicate that whistleblower incentives are an important way to reduce the incidence of illegal activities by large pharmaceutical firms. Incentivized whistleblowing in the US includes the False Claims Act's qui tam provision as well as a variety of other forms of whistleblowing. In response to our recent article, Dr Hashimoto and colleagues asked about the extent of whistleblowing activity in relation to financial penalties against large pharmaceutical firms in the US. We have now conducted dual-rater content analysis of all press releases for state and federal settlements between January 2003 and D…
(2021-04-06). The Significance of the NUMSA Appeal to the World for Mumia Abu-Jamal. counterpunch.org On March 10th 2021, Jack Heyman, a retired member of the International Longshoremen and Warehousing Union and longstanding member of theWest Coast Labor Action Committee to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal shared with the Mumia and prison human rights' groups nationally and internationally a press release from the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). The South
(2021-04-06). Ukraine says NATO only way to end Donbass war, 37,000-troop U.S.-NATO war games aim at confrontation with Russia. antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Ukraine says NATO only way to end Donbass war, 37,000-troop U.S.-NATO war games aim at confrontation with RussiaRick Rozoff The Ukrainian government reports two more soldiers killed in ongoing fighting in the Donbass as Kiev withdraws from the Trilateral Contact Group of Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe meetings in …
(2021-04-06). Coal miners begin major strike in Alabama. fightbacknews.org Tuscaloosa, AL – On April 2 around 10 p.m., more than 1100 workers at the Warrior Met Coal mine in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, who are members of the United Mine Workers of America, walked off the job and began an ongoing strike. The strike includes workers from all of the plant's areas of operation, which include the #4 mine, the #5 preparation plant, the #7 mine as well as its central shop. | On April 3, large crowds of miners could be seen picketing in front of the entrances to the mine chanting "No contract, no coal!" | UMWA says that members of management have received bonuses recently that were as large as…
(2021-04-06). Opportunities to Improve Antimicrobial Use in US Nursing Homes. jamanetwork.com Inappropriate use of antibiotic therapy is a major driver of adverse effects related to medications and antibiotic resistance in nursing homes. Despite formal calls for the enhancement of prescribing practices, along with improvements in structure and process, antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes remains suboptimal. Measuring antibiotic use in nursing homes and comparing observed patterns with relevant benchmarks is a core component of antibiotic stewardship. However, to date, nationally representative data to which nursing homes can benchmark have been lacking.
(2021-04-06). A Fresh Voice Debunking Disinformation on Syria with Real Eyewitness Testimonies and a Genuine Anti-Hegemonic Context. globalresearch.ca Carrying all of the attributes of a globalized unconventional war to …
(2021-04-06). Australia Struggles to Find an Independent Voice. dissidentvoice.org Australia has always struggled to present an independent foreign policy to the world. For example, during its early days as a British colony its soldiers fought in the Crimean war in the mid 19th century, although it would be impossible to identify any Australian interest in that conflict. World War One saw a similar eagerness …
(2021-04-06). Winning the War for Earth. zcomm.org Kim Stanley Robinson's subversive new Novel Rejects Doomism and Imagines a Hopeful Solution to the Climate Emergency…
(2021-04-06). Wednesday 4/7: The Danger of Money in Politics: SR1 For the People Act to Enforce Voter & Election Equity. indybay.org Online event…
(2021-04-06). IMF: Indebted Countries Suffer if US Interest Rates Rise. indybay.org The IMF warns that rising US interest rates could impact the ability of developing countries to pay debt, leading to prolonged economic crisis.
(2021-04-06). Afghan Negotiators Review 25 Different Peace Proposals. news.antiwar.com The all-important Istanbul conference in Turkey is expected to be held at some point next week, a multi-national conference centered on trying to pave a pass forward for Afghanistan peace. That doesn't mean that everything is on hold until then. | Meetings are continuing to be held all over among different expected participants in the conference, and Afghanistan is holding its own internal discussions on a 12- to 15-member delegation to be sent to Istanbul. They wil…
(2021-04-06). Vienna Talks Establish Working Groups to Find Path Back to Iran Nuclear Deal. news.antiwar.com Talks in Vienna between Iran and the remaining parties of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, were held on Tuesday. US officials were also in the city and participated indirectly through intermediaries. | The two sides
(2021-04-06). Pentagon Publishes Pictures of Syrian Kurds Training to Call in Airstrikes. news.antiwar.com Last month, US Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)
(2021-04-06). US Sails Warships into South China Sea as Philippine-China Tensions Rise. news.antiwar.com Tensions between the Philippines and China are on the rise over the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Manila has accused Beijing of sending a "maritime militia" near Whitson Reef, a feature about 175 miles west of the Philippine province of Palawan, although Beijing insists the ships in the area are only fishing vessels. …
(2021-04-06). China Warns US Against Acting 'Superior' to Other Nations. news.antiwar.com With the Biden administration taking an aggressive approach to China, US officials are often making demands of Beijing and taking unilateral action through economic sanctions. Responding to this approach, C "China will not accept that there is any nation in the world that [can] put itself superior to the others, and that any nation will have a final say on world affairs," Wang said in comments to Chinese state media on Monday. "If the US continues to confront, China will take it calmly…
(2021-04-06). Japan Sends Destroyer to Monitor Chinese Vessels That Sailed Near Okinawa. news.antiwar.com A Chinese aircraft carrier and several other warships were spotted on Saturday passing through the waterway between Okinawa and Miyako Island on their way to the Pacific Ocean. On Sunday, According to The South China Morning Post, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning last passed through…
(2021-04-06). Ukraine, Georgia Offer Control of the Black Sea in Exchange for NATO Membership. news.antiwar.com Georgian English-language media reported on April 5 that their nation's head of government, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, took the occasion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's 72 anniversary to offer the military alliance an intriguing quid pro quo. In exchange for being inducted into NATO as a full member ("The pursuit of NATO membership [is] …
(2021-04-06). Application for fresh inquest refused. ukhumanrightsblog.com Farrell v HMC for North East Hampshire [2021] EWHC 778 (Admin) Applying for a fresh inquest is not straightforward. First, the bereaved have to get permission from the Attorney General. Only once that authority has been granted will they be allowed to apply to the High Court to reopen the inquest (section 13 of the …
(2021-04-06). The Capitol Raid and Pandemic Can Help US Empathize With Venezuelans. commondreams.org For Venezuelans, there is no one "January 6." There are at least half a dozen. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/vene_2.jpeg …
(2021-04-05). Defense Minister Alert on Colombia's Plots Against Venezuela. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino on Monday warned that Colombia seeks to promote the deployment of drug trafficking networks and violent armed groups in the Bolivarian territory to provoke a civil war. | RELATED: | "Colombia is sending paramilitary groups to our borders to penetrate our territory and reach the center of Venezuela," Padrino said and rejected the violent events taking place in the frontier st…
(2021-04-05). Venezuela's Army Remains on High Alert Near Border with Colombia. orinocotribune.com The Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces announced that it remains on high alert on the border between Venezuela and Colombia. | Due to the clashes registered in recent days between the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and Colombian criminal groups, the Venezuelan Strategic Operational Command on Saturday reported that it maintains control of the towns of La Victoria and El Ripial, the primary theaters of the conflict. | "The armed groups who, with their intention of spreading terror among the people, flee with cowardice from Venezuelan justice, will not go far," read a…
(2021-04-05). Venezuela calls for debt restructuring in response to Covid pandemic. peoplesworld.org 
Venezuela is calling for a comprehensive restructuring of international debt in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Addressing the UN heads of state meeting on international debt, President Nicolas Maduro said that more than 130 million people had been plunged into poverty during the pandemic. A "profound revision of debt conditions" was needed to prevent …
(2021-04-05). Venezuela Hardens Restrictions on its Colombia, Brazil Borders. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday announced that his country will reinforce restrictions at border crossings with Colombia and Brazil due to the increase in COVID-19 infections in those neighboring nations. | RELATED: | "We will redouble the epidemiological controls in 2,200 kilometers of common borders," Maduro said and highlighted that Colombia faces a crisis due to President Ivan Duque's mishandling of the pandemic…
(2021-04-05). Epidemiologist warns that the fourth COVID-19 surge is under way in United States. wsws.org Dr. Michael Osterholm provided sobering remarks regarding the state of the pandemic and the present surge of more dangerous variants.
(2021-04-05). COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania rise as schools and businesses reopen. wsws.org COVID-19 infections in Pennsylvania are rising again as studies estimate that one-third of infections are now more contagious variants of the virus. Despite these warning signs, the state government has moved to reopen schools and ease restrictions on businesses.
(2021-04-05). Peru: New COVID Deaths Record Just Before Elections. telesurenglish.net Peru just registered a record single-day death toll, while the country is heading towards an election next weekend to determine a new president and Congress. 294 deaths were recorded on Saturday, up from a previous record of 277 deaths reported in August, said the Peruvian health minister. | RELATED: | New Covid-19 cases reached 5,600 putting Peru among several Latin American countries, struggling to contain a rece…
(2021-04-05). Mexico Braces for a Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. telesurenglish.net Mexico could face a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Social Security Institute (IMSS) on Monday warned that the country had seen an upsurge in the recent weeks amid the Easter holidays. | RELATED: | The IMSS reported that it is arranging more beds to expand general and intensive care units' capacity. This as the virus is spreading alarmingly fast. On Monday, the Ministry of Health reported a rate of virus incidence of 174…