Azerbaijan Newspapers – Internet Newspaper Database

Azerbaijan

Posted on March 12, 2020March 28, 2020 by johnny

Azadliq Azerbaijan Bakinskiy Rabochiy Birja Bizim Yol Echo Futbol+ Şərq Qapısı

World News
BBC News - World
World News
BuzzFeed News
Al Jazeera English
Defence Blog
E-International Relations
Global Issues News Headlines
The Cipher Brief
Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines
CNN.com - RSS Channel - World
World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India
World news | The Guardian
World
RT World News
NDTV News - World-news
International: Top News And Analysis
Error
Sputnik News - World News, Breaking News & Top Stories
World : NPR
DER SPIEGEL - International
The Independent - World
World News - breaking international headlines and exclusives | The Sun
World – TIME

AMA: We are Distributed Denial of Secrets. We published Blue Leaks, 269 gigabytes of data from police intelligence centres. First our website was banned by Twitter, then our data server in Germany was seized. Ask Us Anything!

Hello Reddit!

We are Lorax Horne u/netlorax and Emma Best u/natsecgeek, here to answer your questions about Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoSecrets), a publishing group of which we are both members. On June 19, we published 269 gigabytes of data gathered from over 200 police departments from the United States released by Anonymous as Blue Leaks. A few days later, Twitter suspended our Twitter account. On July 2, German authorities seized our public data server, an escalation that Emma tweeted as soon as we knew.

Blue Leaks contains evidence of law enforcement tracking recent protests against police brutality and Black Lives Matters, keeping databases of ethnic groups like Roma people, and spreading right-wing propaganda as if it were intelligence via these fusion centers. Other research has uncovered a Panama crypto currency laundromat and U.S. law enforcement monitoring Canadian climate and indigenous activism.

From Wired:

"For roughly the past year and a half, a small group of activists known as DDoSecrets, has quietly but steadily released a stream of hacked and leaked documents, from Russian oligarchs' emails to the stolen communications of Chilean military leaders to shell company databases. Late last week, the group unleashed its most high-profile leak yet: BlueLeaks, a 269-gigabyte collection of more than a million police files provided to DDoSecrets by a source aligned with the hacktivist group Anonymous, spanning emails, audio files, and interagency memos largely pulled from law enforcement "fusion centers," which serve as intelligence-sharing hubs. According to DDoSecrets, it represents the largest-ever release of hacked US police data."

Emma has done AMAs before! Make sure to check them out, related to DDoSecrets' releases like Dark Side of the Kremlin, as well as their FOIA transparency work.

Twitter did not ban us, or even issue any warnings, after any of our previous publications of hacked data, such as the Cayman National Bank release, claimed by hacktivist Phineas Fisher, which was recently used for investigations in The Guardian/OCCRP about Azerbaijan's former national security minister and coronavirus corruption in Armenia.

Leave us questions ahead of time, and we will begin to answer starting Sunday, July 12 @ 9:00 ET (15:00 CEST), continuing until 14:00 ET (20:00 CEST) or until we run out of steam/questions.

Edited to add:

It looks to be winding down, so thanks to everyone for your questions and interest. We'll try to check back for any late-straggling questions later this evening.

submitted by /u/netlorax [link] [comments]

The Russian whistleblower risking it all to expose the scale of an Arctic oil spill catastrophe

submitted by /u/CodeDinosaur [link] [comments]

There is little chance of a 100-percent effective coronavirus vaccine by 2021, a French expert warned Sunday, urging people to take social distancing measures more seriously

submitted by /u/DoremusJessup [link] [comments]

Robert Mueller breaks his silence and condemns Trump for commuting Roger Stone's sentence

submitted by /u/covid19fmd [link] [comments]

After more than 30 years of Islamist rule, Sudan has outlined wide-reaching reforms including allowing non-Muslims to drink alcohol, and scrapping the apostasy law and public flogging. "We [will] drop all the laws violating the human rights in Sudan," Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari said.

submitted by /u/ManiaforBeatles [link] [comments]

Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown, Italian coastguard finds

submitted by /u/ThucydidesOfAthens [link] [comments]

Dalai Lama is welcome to visit Taiwan, says foreign ministry

submitted by /u/astrotyagi [link] [comments]

Bangladesh cops arrest sex trafficking gang-leader who owns four hotels in Dubai

submitted by /u/Basicalibysharier [link] [comments]

Gay topics, intimacy banned in Chinese films, TV dramas

submitted by /u/cito-cy [link] [comments]

Sudan allows alcohol for non-Muslims, decriminalizes apostasy

submitted by /u/nolesfan2011 [link] [comments]

Turkey signed secret agreements with countries to abduct dissidents from abroad: UN

submitted by /u/Artistic_Lab [link] [comments]

Okinawa demands answers from US after 61 marines contract coronovirus

submitted by /u/covid19fmd [link] [comments]

Coronavirus: Florida sets new state daily case record of 15,299

A 24-hour tally of 15,299 new coronavirus cases eclipses the worst rates seen in New York in April.

Coronavirus: South Africa bans alcohol sales again to combat Covid-19

It is one of several restrictions introduced by President Ramaphosa amid rising infection rates.

Poland's Duda holds slim lead in presidential election, exit polls suggest

The conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda leads by a tiny margin, according to exit polls.

Daniel Lewis Lee: First US federal execution to go ahead after 17 years

Relatives of Daniel Lewis Lee's victims had sought to delay the execution due to coronavirus.

Iran plane crash: 'Human error' to blame for downing of Ukrainian jet

Iran says equipment error and poor communication caused civilian plane to be shot down by military.

Sudan scraps apostasy law and alcohol ban for non-Muslims

The ban on alcohol is lifted for non-Muslims, while the apostasy law and public flogging are scrapped.

Central and southern China hit by heavy flooding

The country's flood response alert has been raised to the second highest level.

Coronavirus: Three generations of Bollywood Bachchan family infected

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, her father-in-law, husband and daughter test positive for Covid-19.

Mali opposition rejects President Keïta's concessions amid unrest

Opposition leaders reject President Keïta's "nonsense" concessions as political unrest grows.

Hagia Sophia: Pope 'pained' as Istanbul museum reverts to mosque

The Pope is the latest faith leader to voice concern at the Istanbul museum reverting to a mosque.

Roger Stone: Robert Mueller defends indictment over Russia probe

Ex-US special counsel Robert Mueller intervenes after President Trump commutes an aide's jail term.

Xu Zhangrun: Outspoken professor freed after six days

A friend said constitutional law professor Xu Zhangrun was in good health.

Poland’s Presidential Election Too Close to Call

President Andrzej Duda leads a conservative government that has fought to control courts and the news media while stoking fear of gay people and foreigners. He was challenged by the liberal mayor of Warsaw.

India’s coronavirus cases, Himalayas, K-pop: Your Monday Briefing

Here’s what you need to know.

Rex Robles, Plotter of Philippine Coups, Is Dead at 77

He was seen as the chief theorist and propaganda expert of a group of ambitious military officers who worked to oust two presidents.

Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Aides Undercut Fauci as He Raises Alarm

Florida set a single-day U.S. record with over 15,000 new cases. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos pushes for U.S. schools to reopen.

Outspoken Chinese Professor Is Said to Be Released From Detention

Xu Zhangrun, a law professor in Beijing known for criticizing the Communist Party, was allowed to go home after being detained a week ago, people familiar with him said.

Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu’s Coronavirus Response

Demonstrators filled Rabin Square to demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provide economic relief after the coronavirus pandemic left more than 850,000 Israelis jobless.

‘How Much More Can We Take?’ Protests Erupt in Russia’s Far East

Tens of thousands called for the release of a regional governor, Sergey Furgal, who was arrested on suspicion of multiple murders. The protests are a rare showing of opposition to President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Valentina Sampaio Is the First Transgender Model for Sports Illustrated

The Brazilian model, who is in the magazine’s swimsuit issue, was also the first transgender woman to work for Victoria’s Secret and grace the cover of Vogue magazine.

Scottish Pilot Beats Virus and Leaves Hospital in Vietnam

Stephen Cameron, who spent more than two months on life support for Covid-19 and became the subject of nationwide public interest, was released from a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

Louisiana Orders Bars Closed and Masks for Most

Trump wears a mask publicly for the first time. Disney World reopened, despite a surge in Florida. Thousands of Israelis protested the government’s handling of the economy.

A Takeout Order At KFC At 1:30 A.M. Raised Suspicions. It Led To A $26,000 Coronavirus Fine.

A pair of KFC customers in Melbourne ordered food for 20 people. Authorities immediately suspected they were flouting lockdown rules.

View Entire Post ›

Zoom Is Fighting Rumors In India That It's A Chinese Company

Following the Indian government's ban of 59 apps owned by Chinese companies, the video app company is reminding people it's American.

View Entire Post ›

International Students Are Trying To Cope With Trump's Online Class Rule: "America Is Ready To Kick Me Out"

"This week has been one of the most stressful weeks ever."

View Entire Post ›

Facebook Removed Hundreds Of Fake Accounts Connected To Roger Stone, Proud Boys, And PR Firms

The social media company said four different networks of accounts were removed for inauthentic coordinated behavior.

View Entire Post ›

These Pictures Capture What Frida Kahlo Was Really Like

A look back at the incredible life of one of art history's most recognized and celebrated icons.

View Entire Post ›

How A 4th Of July Meal Exposes The Coronavirus Risk For Thousands Of US Food Workers

Hundreds of workers may have contracted COVID-19 to get you the food on your plate this 4th of July. Some may have even died. A BuzzFeed News investigation exposes the cost of your BBQ.

View Entire Post ›

They Lost Their Loved Ones To COVID-19. Then The Government Lost Their Remains.

“I feel humiliated. We were doubly hit: not given medical attention and not given the body of our father.”

View Entire Post ›

India Just Banned TikTok

The government ordered 59 Chinese-owned apps to be blocked following border clashes with China that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

View Entire Post ›

The Artist Who Showed Us What Historical Figures Would Look Like If They Were Alive Today Is Back

From the distant past to 2020.

View Entire Post ›

25 Of The Most Powerful Photos Of This Week

From the surge in coronavirus cases around the globe to the demand for racial justice and equality in the US, these are the most striking and memorable pictures from this past week.

View Entire Post ›

Trump's Visa Ban Has Sent Foreign Workers And Families In A Panic: "We Don't Know What Else To Do"

“I was devastated. We never imagined this would occur."

View Entire Post ›

A Judge Blocked The Deportation Of A 16-Year-Old Boy Who Claims Trump Is Using The Coronavirus As An Excuse

Attorneys say the Honduran boy is trying to join his father in the US after witnessing a murder and then being threatened by a gang.

View Entire Post ›

US reports 3.3 million coronavirus cases: Live updates

US president presses schools to reopen amid surge in new cases while antiviral drug remdesivir show hope during test.

Poland's Duda in nail biting fight to retain presidency

Late poll gives Duda razor thin lead over challenger Rafal Trzaskowski with official results expected later on Monday.

Explosion, fire on US navy ship at base in San Diego: 21 injured

Origin of explosion on Sunday morning unknown, but Navy says all crew accounted for and situation under control.

US court gives green light to first federal execution in 17 years

Daniel Lee execution was expected on Monday, but family of victims now says will appeal, citing right to view execution.

WHO reports record daily increase in coronavirus cases: Live

US, Brazil, India and South Africa register biggest rises in COVID-19 cases, according to the UN health agency.

Bulgaria rocked by protests amid coronavirus fears

Analysts say powerful business interests and 'state capture' have led to the current political crisis.

Republican senator to allow Robert Mueller testimony

Move comes after former special counsel defended his investigation into collusion between President Trump and Russia.

South Africa again bans alcohol as coronavirus surges

Since alcohol sales were reintroduced in June, hospitals have experienced a spike in emergency ward admissions.

Will Mali's president be forced to step down?

Anti-government protests have left several people dead with the opposition demanding President Keita's resignation.

Libya's NOC accuses UAE of being behind oil blockade

Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar claim they want a fair distribution of the oil revenues managed by Tripoli.

Trump admin resumes school reopening push amid coronavirus surge

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos insists schools need to reopen, while reconfirming Trump's threat to withhold funds.

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha subjected to racist abuse online

Footballer Zaha posted images of racist messages he received online, including one of members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Amphib USS Bonhomme Richard caught fire at Naval Base San Diego

Several sailors are injured after the Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) caught fire at Naval Base San Diego. The San Diego Fire Department said on Twitter that “several sailors” were being treated for “a variety of injuries.” The Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship and light aircraft carrier, was docked for scheduled maintenance between deployments, […]

Chinese People’s Liberation Army receives battalion set of new Type 99A2 tanks

The 81st Group Army of the People’s Liberation Army has recently taken delivery of what appears to be a battalion set of Type 99A2 main battle tanks, defense journalist Sam Cranny-Evans said on Twitter. “It is part of the Central Theatre Command with responsibilities to protect Beijing and act as a reserve for the rest […]

U.S. Air Force deployed MQ-9 Reaper drone to Estonia for first time

For the first time in history, the U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone has been temporarily deployed to Amari Air Base, Estonia. The Scramble Magazine has reported that during mid-June 2020, some 15 months after becoming Fully Operational Capable in Europe, MQ-9 Reapers from USAF’s 52nd Expeditionary Operations Group Detachment 2 at Mirosławiec Air Base […]

Russia reports tracked of 30 foreign planes near borders within a week

Russian fighter jets tracked 30 foreign planes near Russia’s borders within a week, according to the infographics published in the Defense Ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Friday. “Thirty spy planes of foreign states conducted air reconnaissance along the borders of the Russian Federation and were tracked by Russian radar systems,” the infographics says. Moreover, two […]

India receives final Apache and Chinook helicopters from United States

The Indian Air Force has taken delivery of the last five of 22 Boeing AH-64E(I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters and five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook transport helicopters ordered from the United States. The AH-64E(I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station in June. Earlier in March, […]

U.S. Army decided to mount active protection system on Abrams tanks

The U.S. Army has announced on 10 July that it is decided to mount Trophy active protection system on Abrams tanks which will deploy to Poland. According to a press release issued Friday by the U.S. Army Europe, the fielding of Trophy systems provides the U.S. Army’s logistics teams with the opportunity to assess and […]

U.S. Army deploys Abrams tanks to Poland

The U.S. Army has begun deploying Abrams main battle tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles to Poland as part of the final phase of training linked to DEFENDER-Europe 20, July 14 – Aug. 22. The Baltic Security has reported that the equipment, to include approximately 55 Abrams main battle tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles, was originally […]

Russian fighter jets intercept U.S. spy plane over Sea of Japan

Russian Su-35S and MiG-35BM fighter jets intercepted U.S. Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint strategic reconnaissance aircraft over the Sea of Japan on Saturday, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said. The Russian military scrambled fighter planes after it saidRC-135W Rivet Joint strategic reconnaissance aircraft flying approached the state border of the Russian Federation over the neutral waters […]

U.S. Air Force shows off its SRTV vehicle in action during JBER Salutes

As part of an approved training mission, JBER-based U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units are taking part in the JBER Salutes, a two-day event to show appreciation to service members and nearly 100 Anchorage-area “COVID Heroes” and their guests. The service members and COVID Heroes, nominated for their support to the community during […]

Germany to buy new spy planes as a replacement for cancelled Triton project

The German government has approved an $847 million funding for the procurement of three Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft that will be used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), according to Scramble Magazine. The decision to buy new Global 6000 aircraft comes after Berlin canceled plans to buy AmericanTriton high-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial system to […]

Opinion – Bolsonaro’s Foreign Policy is Typically Latin American

The ideas guiding Bolsonaro’s foreign policy are not essentially different from those championed by many others who preceded him.

Regulating AI: A Success Story for the European Union?

Regulation could be the key to providing a level playing field for companies to develop by ensuring legal certainty, and providing a good-practice example to export.

Returning to Chajsy, Belarus: Back to Stalin

The problems faced today seem even more complex than in the late 1980s when, in retrospect, there was more opportunity for open discussion.

Constructing a Narrative: Ontological Security in the Scottish Nation (State)

This autoethnographic essay explores how myth-making in the Scottish education curriculum contributes to a rise in Scottish identity of young people.

The Puzzle of U.S. Foreign Policy Revision Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Program

U.S. foreign policy toward Iran’s nuclear program has evolved to it's current position due to groupthink dynamics between 2017-2019.

Black Lives Matter, Poetry, and Pedagogy: On Gil Scott-Heron and Global Protests

While Gil Scott-Heron’s work contends with the sociopolitical brutalities of racism, it also signals toward the possibilities (and impossibilities) of change.

Interview – Lulama Smuts Ngonyama

Ambassador Ngonyama talks about his career, the economic diplomacy of developing countries, global inequality, and the future of global South diplomatic missions.

Call for Contributors – Asian Territorial and Maritime Disputes: A Critical Introduction

This book will explain the origins of the territorial and maritime disputes in Asia in an accessible way. We are accepting abstracts until 30 September.

Review – Equal Opportunity Peacekeeping: Women, Peace, and Security in Post-Conflict States

A worthwhile read offering an excellent analysis of peacekeeping missions and gendered norms that regulate them.

The Psychological Dimension of COVID-19 Disinformation

Better knowledge of precisely how disinformation erodes trust in states and institutions might point to reinforcing the psychological factor as a useful endeavor in enhancing resilience efforts.

Teaching and Publishing in Cambridge and Moscow

This chapter describes the author's travel, stories and experiences teaching and publishing 20th Century Russian history books in Cambridge and Moscow.

Racism and the Politics of Fear at the US-Mexico Border

Security discourse that constructs migrants as existential threats to the American national identity reinforces racism, abuse of power, and the politics of fear.

Women and Girls with Disabilities: Planning for Periods During a Pandemic

DEHRADUN, India, Jul 10 (IPS) - The Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown has intensified most inequities in society- specifically those that affect vulnerable communities, including persons with disabilities, particularly young girls. As an aftermath of recent media attention, many government organizations, nonprofits and philanthropies have come together to ensure girls and women in remote communities have access to menstrual care products.

Read the full story, “Women and Girls with Disabilities: Planning for Periods During a Pandemic”, on globalissues.org →

Q&A: How Kazakhstan’s Transgender and Lesbian Women are Being Impacted by COVID-19

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 10 (IPS) - The coronavirus lockdown in Kazakhstan, and the resultant limited public oversight and limited publication engagement, has paved the way for the government to introduce amendments to the country's laws around gender that could see the exclusion of the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community

Read the full story, “Q&A: How Kazakhstan’s Transgender and Lesbian Women are Being Impacted by COVID-19 ”, on globalissues.org →

Lebanese Financial Crisis Validates Importance of Abolishing ‘Kafala’

KESERWAN, Lebanon, Jul 10 (IPS) - They were promised the world but ended up in a Lebanese household. This is the story of many domestic workers in Lebanon. With a 70-year-old sponsor system still in place, domestic workers are tied to their employers with little or no basic rights. The ‘Kafala' system is the major problem behind what we have been seeing in Beirut in the last months.

Read the full story, “Lebanese Financial Crisis Validates Importance of Abolishing ‘Kafala’”, on globalissues.org →

World Population Day 2020 - 'The Time is Now to Accelerate the Promise for Women and Girls'

PHNOM PENH, Jul 10 (IPS) - Fulfilling women's and girls' rights through promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is an essential prerequisite for reaching national development goals as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Read the full story, “World Population Day 2020 - 'The Time is Now to Accelerate the Promise for Women and Girls'”, on globalissues.org →

COVID-19 & Why We Care

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 10 (IPS) - Among the many compelling points made by Dr. Anthony Fauci in our "Rethinking Health" webinar this week was the absolute essentiality of global collaboration and transparency to contain the pandemic with which we are faced.

Read the full story, “COVID-19 & Why We Care”, on globalissues.org →

The Return

MIAMI, Jul 10 (IPS) - "As we were saying yesterday." When, after an abnormal interruption of the school calendar, as happened recently with the extension of spring break (which does not coincide with "Easter"), I return to teach a class surprising my students with this phrase: "as we were saying yesterday. "

Read the full story, “The Return”, on globalissues.org →

Teleworking Is Not Working for the Poor, the Young and the Women

Jul 09 (IPS) - The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating labor markets across the world. Tens of millions of workers lost their jobs, millions more out of the labor force altogether, and many occupations face an uncertain future. Social distancing measures threaten jobs requiring physical presence at the workplace or face-to-face interactions.

Those unable to work remotely, unless deemed essential, face a significantly higher risk of reductions in hours or pay, temporary furloughs, or permanent layoffs. What types of jobs and workers are most at risk? Not surprisingly, the costs have fallen most heavily on those who are least able to bear them: the poor and the young in the lowest-paid jobs.

Read the full story, “Teleworking Is Not Working for the Poor, the Young and the Women”, on globalissues.org →

Beware the 'Hunger' to Access Indigenous Peoples' Land and Resources for Post-COVID-19 Recovery

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 09 (IPS) - When governments and states begin their recovery journey from the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there might be a heightened threat to indigenous peoples, their land and resources.

Read the full story, “Beware the 'Hunger' to Access Indigenous Peoples' Land and Resources for Post-COVID-19 Recovery”, on globalissues.org →

Digital Agriculture Linking Indian Farmers to Consumers Can Impact Food Security

NEW DELHI, Jul 09 (IPS) - Digital technologies in agriculture are helping address the twin problems of food security and supply chain disruptions triggered by COVID-19 in India, while augmenting the income of smallholder farmers.

Leveraging technology to match supply and demand of resources and food is key to overcoming the issues of starvation and food supply interruptions, Anshul Sushil, CEO and co-founder at Wizikey, an online platform linking over 500 agriculture-related business, tells IPS.

Read the full story, “Digital Agriculture Linking Indian Farmers to Consumers Can Impact Food Security”, on globalissues.org →

Financialization: Tackling the Other Virus

KUALA LUMPUR and PENANG, Jul 09 (IPS) - The 1971 Bretton Woods (BW) system collapse opened the way for financial globalization and transnational financialization. Before the 1980s, most economies had similar shares of trade and financial openness, but cross-border financial transactions have been increasingly unrelated to trade since then.

Read the full story, “Financialization: Tackling the Other Virus”, on globalissues.org →

Why Should the U.S. Care about a renewed Iran-Venezuela Relationship?

This expert-driven national-security insight can’t be generated for free. We invite you to support quality content by becoming a Cipher Brief Level I Member . Joining this experienced security-focused community is only $10/month (for an annual $120/yr membership). It’s a great and inexpensive way to stay ahead of the national and global security issues that impact …

Continue reading "Why Should the U.S. Care about a renewed Iran-Venezuela Relationship?"

The post Why Should the U.S. Care about a renewed Iran-Venezuela Relationship? appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

Russian Aims in Afghanistan

Bottom Line: Russia is accused of funding Taliban contract killings of US troops in Afghanistan. US military officials made limited accusations of Russian arms support for the Taliban in 2018, a turnaround from the heyday of US-Russian cooperation in Afghanistan 2009-2014. Recent reporting by The New York Times that intelligence indicated Russia may be placing …

Continue reading "Russian Aims in Afghanistan"

The post Russian Aims in Afghanistan appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

The Next American Terrorist

The Growing Irrelevance of Organizational Structure for U.S. Domestic Terrorism Bruce Hoffman, Terrorism Expert, Professor, Georgetown University Bruce Hoffman is a professor at Georgetown University and the Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Visiting Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations. He has served as a commissioner on the …

Continue reading "The Next American Terrorist"

The post The Next American Terrorist appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

The New Dynamic Cyber Threat Environment

Continue reading "The New Dynamic Cyber Threat Environment"

The post The New Dynamic Cyber Threat Environment appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

Are We Ready for Another Shock?

Continue reading "Are We Ready for Another Shock?"

The post Are We Ready for Another Shock? appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

Understanding China’s 2025 Ambitions

China is on a multi-year mission to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and as a result, Beijing is investing heavily in its own technological developments. Premier Li Keqiang announced the Made in China 2025 (MIC 2025) initiative in 2015 as a bid to significantly advance the country’s economy and industrial base with a goal …

Continue reading "Understanding China’s 2025 Ambitions"

The post Understanding China’s 2025 Ambitions appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

A Rare Glimpse Inside the Life of a Spy

Continue reading "A Rare Glimpse Inside the Life of a Spy"

The post A Rare Glimpse Inside the Life of a Spy appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

Cold War Fears May be Driving China’s Belligerence on Kashmir

Continue reading "Cold War Fears May be Driving China’s Belligerence on Kashmir"

The post Cold War Fears May be Driving China’s Belligerence on Kashmir appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

Where are Ripples from the Oil War Heading?

Continue reading "Where are Ripples from the Oil War Heading?"

The post Where are Ripples from the Oil War Heading? appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

COVID Lessons Learned From Tackling Extremist Ideologies

Farah Pandith, Former Special Representative to Muslim Communities, US Department of State Farah Pandith served as a political appointee under Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, and most recently she was the first-ever Special Representative to Muslim Communities, serving both Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. She is the author of …

Continue reading "COVID Lessons Learned From Tackling Extremist Ideologies"

The post COVID Lessons Learned From Tackling Extremist Ideologies appeared first on The Cipher Brief.

Look out, Mars: Here we come with a fleet of spacecraft

Mars is about to be invaded by planet Earth — big time. Three countries — the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates — are sending unmanned spacecraft to the red planet in quick succession beginning this week, in the most sweeping effort yet to seek signs of ancient microscopic life while scouting out the place for future astronauts. The U.S., for its part, is dispatching a six-wheeled rover the size of a car, named Perseverance, to collect rock samples that will be brought back to Earth for analysis in about a decade.

Ready or not: Election costs soar in prep for virus voting

“Election officials don’t have nearly the resources to make the preparations and changes they need to make to run an election in a pandemic,” said Wendy Weiser, head of the democracy program at the Brennan Center for Justice. The pandemic has sent state and local officials scrambling to prepare for an election like few others, an extraordinary endeavor during a presidential contest, as virus cases continue to rise across much of the U.S. There are also costs to ensure in-person voting is safe with personal protective equipment, or PPE, for poll workers, who tend to be older and more at risk of getting sick from the virus, and training for new workers.

Activists seek to decriminalize 'magic' mushrooms in DC

The posters started blanketing light posts just a few weeks after the city entered what would be a monthslong stay-at-home order. Vividly colored and bearing a three-headed mushroom, they asked Washingtonians to “reform laws for plant and fungi medicines” by making natural psychedelics “the lowest level police enforcement priority.” It was the start of an underdog campaign that just managed a truly improbable political feat: a successful grassroots petition drive conducted entirely under pandemic lockdown conditions.

Feds to execute 1st inmate in 17 years for Arkansas murders

The federal government is planning to carry out the first federal execution in nearly two decades on Monday, over the objection of the family of the victims and after a volley of legal proceedings over the coronavirus pandemic. Daniel Lewis Lee, of Yukon, Oklahoma, is scheduled to die by lethal injection at 4 p.m. on Monday at a federal prison in Indiana. The execution, the first of a federal death row inmate since 2003, comes after a federal appeals court lifted an injunction on Sunday that had been put in place last week after the victims’ family argued they would be put at high risk for coronavirus if they had to travel to attend the execution.

Coronavirus: South Africa bans alcohol sales again to combat Covid-19

It is one of several restrictions introduced by President Ramaphosa amid rising infection rates.

China Is Winning the Trillion-Dollar 5G War

'Let's get going': UK tells businesses to prepare for Brexit crunch

Britain is urging businesses and individuals to prepare for the Dec. 31 end of the Brexit transition period with an information campaign titled: "The UK's new start: let's get going." Britain left the European Union on Jan. 31, three and a half years after a referendum, but a transition period has delayed any major change in the relationship. Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said on Sunday progress was being made in talks but there were still divisions.

'Let's get going': UK tells businesses to prepare for Brexit crunch

'Against the refugees': Aid groups condemn U.N. decision to limit Syrian aid crossings

The United Nations Security Council on Saturday adopted a resolution that leaves only one of two border crossings open for aid deliveries from Turkey into Syria. “The veto is against us,” Mustafa Alkaser told NBC News from a refugee camp in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. “It’s against the refugees, against the free Syrians who once stood up against Bashar al-Assad and demanded their freedom and dignity," he said Sunday in a telephone interview.

Appeals court: 1st federal execution in 17 years can proceed

A federal appeals court ruled Sunday that the first federal execution in nearly two decades may proceed as scheduled on Monday. The ruling from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a lower court order that had put the execution of 47-year-old Daniel Lewis Lee on hold. Lee, of Yukon, Oklahoma, had been scheduled to die by lethal injection on Monday at a federal prison in Indiana.

Britons whose passports expire in next year should apply for new one now to prepare for post-Brexit travel

Millions of Britons whose passports are due to expire in the next year are being urged to apply for a new one now, as part of a stepping up of efforts to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period. Holidaymakers travelling to popular European destinations from Jan 1 will be required to have six months validity on their travel documents, which is likely to cause a stampede of renewals at UK passport offices. It’s estimated that some five million UK citizens have passports which are valid for less than a year, meaning they should act now in order to travel in the new year. Those who do not renew in time will “not be able to travel to most EU countries” as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It comes as the Government today (Mon) launches a new £93 million public information campaign “The UK’s new start: let’s get going” to help Britons prepare for life outside the EU. Adverts will be launched across television, radio and online, with key information also relayed by text message. One such change means that those planning to go abroad with pets in January will need to act by September to ensure they are able travel.

21 injured in fire aboard ship at Naval Base San Diego

Twenty-one people suffered minor injuries in an explosion and fire Sunday on board a ship at Naval Base San Diego, military officials said. The blaze was reported shortly before 9 a.m. on USS Bonhomme Richard, said Mike Raney, a spokesman for Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the Navy thinks the fire began somewhere in a lower cargo hold where marine equipment and vehicles are stored.

Duda declares victory in Poland's presidential race, rival says too close to call

Poland's incumbent President Andrzej Duda declared victory in the country's presidential election Sunday, but his opponent refused to accept defeat, saying exit polls show the election is still too close to call.

600,000 vote in Hong Kong opposition primary despite fears of new security law

Braving scorching conditions, a new wave of coronavirus infections and government warnings they could be breaking the law, hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers took part in a primary election for the city's democratic opposition over the weekend.

Why Brits aren't wearing masks

• COVID-19 UPDATES: There are at least 3,286,025 US coronavirus cases • Overtourism was a curse before the pandemic. When visitors return, it has to be different

How Cuba has managed to flatten the curve

More than 121,000 people have died from coronavirus in the Caribbean and South America, but as CNN's Patrick Oppmann reports, the island nation of Cuba has managed to flatten the curve.

Protests erupt in Russia's Far East after arrest of governor over years-old murders

Thousands of Russians protested on the streets in the country's remote Far Eastern territory of Khabarovsk on Saturday after their governor was arrested and flown to Moscow on charges for years-old murders, in a detention criticized as a politically motivated move by President Vladimir Putin's government.

TikTok is a national security threat, US politicians say. Here's what experts think

The short-form video app TikTok has quickly become a key part of popular culture in the US, serving as a platform for viral memes as well as political satire and activism. Facebook, the dominant force in social media, has tried to copy the app, but so far that has not slowed down its rapid rise.

Walmart is about to give Amazon Prime a serious run for its money

Walmart is reportedly close to launching its own membership program that closely resembles Amazon Prime.

Starbucks will require customers to wear masks

Starbucks will start requiring customers to wear facial coverings or masks in all 9,000 of its company-owned American stores beginning July 15.

Americans are rapidly shrinking their credit card debt

Americans' credit card debt is shrinking rapidly during the coronavirus recession. That's a sharp contrast with the last two economic downturns.

This small island chain is leading the way on hydrogen power

Too much clean energy. It's an unusual problem to have, and one that's spurred a group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland to become an unlikely pioneer in hydrogen power.

US cities are losing 36 million trees a year. Here's why it matters

If you're looking for a reason to care about tree loss, the nation's latest heat wave might be it. Trees can lower summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a recent study.

Miami's Little Haiti wasn't a target for developers. Until the seas started to rise

US records another 60,000 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours

The United States, the country hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, on Sunday recorded 59,747 new cases over the last 24-hour period, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

21 injured in fire aboard ship at Naval Base San Diego

Pakistan restores bank accounts of Hafiz Saeed, his four top aides: Report

Pakistan has restored the bank accounts of the outlawed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and his four top aides, a media report said on Sunday.Saeed, a UN designated terrorist whom the US has placed a $10 million bounty on, was arrested on July 17 last year in the terror financing cases.

Pope 'very pained' by decision to turn Hagia Sophia museum into mosque

Pope Francis said on Sunday he was hurt by Turkey's decision to make Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum a mosque, the latest religious leader to condemn the move. "My thoughts go to Istanbul. I think of Santa Sophia and I am very pained," he said during his weekly blessing in St. Peter's Square.

Over 200,000 vote in Hong Kong's pro-democracy primaries

Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff

Covid-19: Russia reports 6,615 new cases of coronavirus

The country's coronavirus crisis response centre said 130 people had died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 11,335.

Australia to offer residence option to 10,000 Hong Kongers

Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government believes China's imposition of a new tough national security law on the semi-autonomous territory means pro-democracy supporters may face political persecution.

China raises flood alert to second highest level

China on Sunday raised its flood response alert to the second highest grade as downpours continued to batter regions along the Yangtze River, with the eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Jiangxi among the worst hit, state media reported. Regional flooding in the Poyang county of Jiangxi has made water levels of China's Lake Poyang, its biggest freshwater lake.

Pakistan's Covid tally reaches 248,872; death toll stands at 5,197

Pakistan's Covid-19 caseload has reached 248,872 with 2,521 new patients in the last 24 hours, while the death toll climbed to 5,197, the health ministry said on Sunday. The Ministry of National Health Services said that the coronavirus recoveries were increasing in the country as about 63 per cent of the total infected patients have recovered so far.

Go back to work, try to lead more normal lives: Boris Johnson

Addressing People's Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on social media, the UK prime minister urged people to start going back to work if they can and feel confident to return to shops and restaurants as they begin opening up by following the social distancing guidance.

5.1 magnitude earthquake jolts China's Hebei province

Florida reports 15,000 new coronavirus cases, a record single-day total in the US

Rise is the biggest in any state since start of the pandemic as its daily average death toll continues to also rise

Florida broke the national record Sunday for the largest single-day increase in positive coronavirus cases in any state since the beginning of the pandemic, adding more than 15,000 cases as its daily average death toll continued to also rise.

According to state Department of Health statistics, 15,299 people tested positive, for a total of 269,811 cases, and 45 deaths were recorded. California had the previous record of daily positive cases 11,694, set on Wednesday. New York had 11,571 on 15 April.

'It takes a toll': researchers struggle with lockdown cull of lab mice

Coronavirus restrictions on research made colonies of rodents surplus to requirements, leading to an ‘emotionally overwhelming’ mass killing

Xiao-Tong Su, a postdoctoral fellow researching hypertension at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) apologizes to mice when she euthanizes them. “I try to think that they’re sacrificed for human health and for science,” she told me over the phone. As the owner of two pet rabbits, she had to switch to working with mice early in her career after repeatedly becoming too attached to rabbits she worked with.

In the world of medical research, mouse and rat euthanasia are par for the course. Once an experiment is complete, mice are typically rendered extraneous since they can no longer be used as a control, and are humanely euthanized. Most universities abide by a reductionist policy, using as few mice as possible – so whenever possible, one mouse can be used for more than one study. Depending on their work, grad students and postdocs will euthanize one animal per day. “It never gets easier,” Sayra Garcia, a second-year PhD student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said.

Coronavirus brings tension and prejudice to Italy's beaches

Tempers fray over social distancing and visitors from Lombardy tell of discrimination

Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage

Tensions are breaking out on beaches and tourists from Lombardy have reported instances of discrimination as Italy’s first holiday season since the coronavirus outbreak gets under way.

Residents of Codogno, in Lodi province, the first town in the country’s badly affected Lombardy region to be quarantined, have claimed attempts to book holidays elsewhere in Italy were rebuffed after they revealed they would be travelling from a former “red zone”.

Polish election goes to wire as exit poll gives Andrzej Duda tiny lead

Latest 2am poll gives incumbent Duda a two-percentage-point lead over Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski

Poland’s tightly fought and intensely polarising presidential election has gone down to the wire, as a late exit poll on Sunday night showed the incumbent, Andrzej Duda, leading his liberal challenger, Rafał Trzaskowski, by just two percentage points on 51.0% to 49.0%. The Ipsos poll’s margin of error is 1%.

The figures, released around 2am in Warsaw, were based on exit poll data combined with official results for 90% of the polling stations that took part in the exit poll. Duda had improved slightly on the results of the exit poll alone, which had given him 50.4%.

Seoul mayor funeral: anger at use of public funds for five-day service

More than 500,000 people sign petition calling for quiet family funeral for Park Won-soon amid sexual harassment allegations

A row has broken out over whether the mayor of Seoul, who was found dead last week in an apparent suicide, should be given a publicly funded funeral amid allegations he sexually harassed a member of his staff.

The South Korean capital’s administrative court dismissed an eleventh-hour injunction to block the use of taxpayer funds for the funeral on Monday morning of Park Won-soon, whose body was found in mountain woods in Seoul on Friday.

Coronavirus live news: WHO reports record global cases as South Africa reinstates alcohol ban

Cases rise by over 230,000 worldwide in 24 hours; Florida cases increase by record total for a US state; Brazil cases near 2m. Follow the latest updates

South Africa reimposes ban on alcohol sales Global report: WHO reveals fresh record rise in cases worldwide Immunity to Covid-19 could be lost in months, UK study suggests 30-year-old dies after attending ‘Covid party’ in Texas See all our coronavirus coverage

6.16am BST

A group of 84 of the world’s richest people have called on governments to permanently increase taxes on them and other members of the wealthy elite to help pay for the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

“As Covid-19 strikes the world, millionaires like us have a critical role to play in healing our world,” the millionaires said in a letter shared with the Guardian. “No, we are not the ones caring for the sick in intensive care wards. We are not driving the ambulances that will bring the ill to hospitals. We are not restocking grocery store shelves or delivering food door to door.

6.03am BST

Here’s the full story on the cases in the Australian state of Victoria:

Victoria recorded 177 new Covid-19 cases overnight as a significant aged care cluster emerged and the state government launched an online mental health program for young people.

30-year-old dies after attending 'Covid party' in Texas

Patient said: ‘I think I made a mistake, I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not’, according to health official

Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage

A 30-year-old patient died after attending a ‘“Covid party”, believing the virus to be a hoax, a Texas medical official has said.

“Just before the patient died, they looked at their nurse and said ‘I think I made a mistake, I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not,’” said Dr Jane Appleby, the chief medical officer at Methodist hospital in San Antonio.

Priti Patel to unveil details of post-Brexit immigration plans

Home secretary will announce the biggest overhaul of the UK system in decades

The home secretary is to unveil further detail on the future of immigration in the UK on Monday in an attempt to prepare businesses and organisations for the biggest overhaul of the system in decades.

The Home Office has previously revealed the core principles behind the forthcoming points-based system, which is meant to be introduced when the transition period from leaving the European Union ends on 1 January. Under the system, UK borders will be closed to so-called non-skilled workers and applicants will be have to show a greater understanding of English.

Robert Mueller breaks his silence and condemns Trump for commuting Roger Stone's sentence

US special counsel defends his investigation into allegations of corruption during 2016 election

The former special counsel Robert Mueller made a rare move on Saturday to publicly defend his two-year investigation into allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 election – and to castigate Donald Trump’s decision to commute Roger Stone’s prison sentence.

Mueller wrote an opinion article for the Washington Post [paywall] published under the headline “Roger Stone remains a convicted felon, and rightly so”.

Xu Zhangrun, prominent critic of Xi Jinping, released from detention

The law professor has been released six days after a police raid at his Beijing home, friends say

A Beijing law professor who has been an outspoken critic of China’s president, Xi Jinping, and the ruling Communist party was released on Sunday after six days of detention, his friends have said.

Xu Zhangrun, a constitutional law professor at the prestigious Tsinghua University, returned home on Sunday morning but remained under surveillance and was not free to speak publicly about what happened, one of his friends, who declined to be identified, told Reuters.

Christchurch mosque attacker to represent himself at sentencing

Australian man who pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder will be sentenced in August

The Australian man who pleaded guilty to killing 51 Muslims in a terrorist attack in Christchurch in March 2019 has chosen to represent himself at his sentencing next month.

Brenton Tarrant pleaded guilty in March to 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and a terrorism charge after dozens of worshippers were gunned down at two mosques in New Zealand last year.

Mont Blanc melting glacier yields India newspapers that could be from 1966 plane crash

Retreating French ice leaves behind newspapers proclaiming Indira Gandhi’s rise to become prime minister

The Mont Blanc glacier in the French Alps is yielding more secrets as it melts – this time a clutch of newspapers with banner headlines from when Indira Gandhi became India’s first, and so far only, female prime minister in 1966.

The copies of Indian newspapers the National Herald and the Economic Times were probably aboard an Air India Boeing 707 that crashed on the mountain on 24 January, 1966, claiming 177 lives.

Images show Brazil’s leader defied health guidelines before testing positive for virus — and after

The Washington Post analyzed hundreds of videos and photos of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to retrace his steps in the two weeks before he first reported symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

Iran blames misaligned radar for downing of Ukraine passenger plane

All 176 passengers were killed in the Jan. 8 incident. Iranian authorities took days to admit its forces had fired an antiaircraft missile at the plane shortly after it took off from Imam Khomeini International Airport.

British police arrest 12-year-old boy after Premier League player shares racist messages

“Racism won’t be tolerated,” British police said, after Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha revealed an attempt by an Aston Villa fan to upset him before a match.

The trouble with making Hagia Sophia a mosque again

"Its conversion into a mosque is an all too appropriate symbol for the rise of right-wing nationalism and religious chauvinism around the world today.”

Polish President Duda and challenger Trzaskowski in tight race amid high turnout

If reelected, Duda could help Poland’s right-wing ruling party to continue its hard-line policies.

Within the Taliban, clashing views of Afghanistan’s future

Taliban commanders and fighters in eastern Afghanistan speak not of peace but of toppling the Afghan government in Kabul, and they boast of a hard-fought “military victory” over American forces in the country.

‘On our own’: Kenyan activists feel alone in the fight against police brutality

Pandemic clampdowns hobble protests seeking greater police accountability.

Lockdowns make the heart grow fonder in Japan as online matchmaking surges

Before covid, Japan’s matchmakers arranged events and meetings for mate seekers. It’s now video chat windows.

They lost the Civil War and fled to Brazil. Their descendants refuse to take down the Confederate flag.

Brazil’s confederados gather in Sao Paulo state each year to celebrate all things Dixie. As in the United States, calls are growing for a reassessment.

The NHL moves north for its restart, shifting to Canada as U.S. struggles with pandemic

“I don’t know what greater indictment you need of the United States’ response to the virus than the NHL picking up its puck and retreating to Canada," one health expert said.

Reopened schools in Europe and Asia have largely avoided coronavirus outbreaks. They have lessons for the U.S.

There is enduring worry about the susceptibility of teens.

Bahrain found evidence of torture behind confession. But death sentences still stand.

One court threw out the sentences after learning of abuse. Another court reimposed them.

WHO reports over 230,000 new infections of Covid-19, marking a new record daily rise

The World Health Organization has registered a record increase in coronavirus cases worldwide. The confirmed-cases number has jumped by nearly a quarter million over the past 24 hours. Read Full Article at RT.com

Covid-19 origin: Ex-Trump adviser Bannon claims West has ‘defectors’ from Wuhan & people will be ‘shocked’ at their revelations

Donald Trump’s ex-adviser Steve Bannon has doubled down on the man-made nature of the coronavirus, claiming that Chinese “virus experts” have defected to the West and are now cooperating with intelligence agencies. Read Full Article at RT.com

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda slightly ahead of his rival in tight runoff – exit polls

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda appears to have just about managed to snatch victory from his opponent, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, in an incredibly tight race, with exit polls showing he’s just one percent ahead. Read Full Article at RT.com

German officials furious after meatpacker behind Covid-19 outbreak that placed 600,000 people on lockdown requests salary refund

A German meat processing factory at the center of a local Covid-19 outbreak that put two neighboring districts on quarantine has requested government support. The move angered German officials, including the agriculture minister. Read Full Article at RT.com

Azerbaijan says 3 of its soldiers killed in border clash with Armenian troops, sparking fears of new escalation

At least three soldiers have been killed in a border clash between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Baku has said. It is the latest flareup in a decades-old conflict between the two states. Read Full Article at RT.com

‘Very distressed’: Pope Francis laments conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque

Pope Francis has added his voice to those objecting to the museum status of Istanbul’s famous Hagia Sophia having been revoked. Originally a Byzantine Christian church, the Turkish government has turned it back into a mosque. Read Full Article at RT.com

Several injured & missing after explosion, massive fire at biofuel plant in China (VIDEOS)

Multiple fire crews have been deployed to tackle a huge blaze raging at a biofuel complex in China. At least two people were injured during the incident. Read Full Article at RT.com

Iran investigators blame misaligned military radar & inept, trigger-happy operator for downing Ukrainian passenger plane

A chain of errors made by the Iranian military resulted in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January, investigators have said. The tragic incident began with an air defense unit misaligning its radar by 107 degrees. Read Full Article at RT.com

Stomach-churning turbulence leaves passengers screaming & praying on flight from Riyadh (VIDEO)

Passengers on an IndiGo flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were terrified when their plane experienced severe turbulence moments before landing in Srinagar, the largest city in Jammu & Kashmir. Read Full Article at RT.com

‘We are hygiene pros!’ Sex workers demand brothels reopen in Hamburg’s red light district (VIDEO)

Sex workers held a protest urging authorities to end the lockdown for brothels in the northern German city of Hamburg. Brothels have remained closed for more than three months due to Covid-19 restrictions. Read Full Article at RT.com

‘US military supply convoy’ attacked & torched in Iraq (VIDEO)

Militants on pickup trucks attacked a logistics supply convoy heading to a US military base in Iraq, forcing it to stop and getting local contractors out of the vehicles before torching the trucks, local media reported. Read Full Article at RT.com

UN Security Council adopts Syria cross-border aid resolution, but refuses to address humanitarian costs of sanctions

The UN Security Council has finally reached a compromise, agreeing to keep one checkpoint in militant-controlled Idlib open for aid deliveries from Turkey. After vetoing two initial drafts, Russia and China abstained from voting. Read Full Article at RT.com

Russian University Claims Successful Trials Of 1st Covid Vaccine: Report

The clinical trials of the world's first coronavirus vaccine on volunteers has been successfully completed, the director of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology told Sputnik news...

Florida Sets 1-Day Record Of New COVID-19 Cases, More Than Most Countries

Florida reported a record increase of more than 15,000 new cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours on Sunday, as the Trump administration renewed its push for schools to reopen and anti-mask protests were...

Mexico Coronavirus Death Count Rises To Fourth-Highest, Overtakes Italy

Deaths in Mexico from the coronavirus pandemic rose above 35,000 on Sunday, with the Latin American country overtaking Italy for the world's fourth-highest death total, according to Reuters data.

US Records 60,000 New Coronavirus Cases, Count Rises To 3,301,820: Report

The United States, the country hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, on Sunday recorded 59,747 new cases over the last 24-hour period, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

More Than 141 Missing Or Dead Due To Floods In China, 38 Million Affected

More than 140 people are either dead or missing due to severe floods in several Chinese regions that have affected nearly 38 million people, authorities in Beijing said on Sunday.

US Man Dies After Attending "COVID-19 Party" Thinking Virus Was A "Hoax"

A 30-year-old man from Texas died from the new coronavirus after attending a "COVID-19" party hosted by an infected person, a doctor has revealed, underlining the risk to younger people.

Major Fire Breaks Out On US Navy Ship In California, 11 Injured: Report

An explosion on a United States amphibious assault ship moored at a naval base in California set off a major fire and injured 11 sailors on Sunday, officials and local media said.

US First Lady Melania Trump Posts Video Of Herself Wearing Mask

A day after US President Donald Trump was spotted donning a face mask, First Lady Melania Trump on Sunday posted a video of herself in a mask during a visit to The Mary Elizabeth House last week.

Sudan To Ban Female Genital Mutilation, Allow Alcohol For Non-Muslims

Sudan will permit non-Muslims to consume alcohol and strengthen women's rights, including banning female genital mutilation (FGM), its justice minister said late on Saturday, in a reversal of almost...

China Releases Professor Who Criticised President Xi Jinping, Say Friends

A Beijing law professor who has been an outspoken critic of China's President Xi Jinping and the ruling Communist Party was released on Sunday after six days of detention, his friends said.

10 More People Killed In Landslides Across Nepal, Total 54 Deaths

At least ten people were killed on Sunday in landslides caused by incessant rains across Nepal, taking the total number of fatalities due to landslips to 54 in last three days.

How The World's Busiest Airport Envisions Travel Amid COVID-19

With COVID-19 ravaging the aviation industry, airlines and airports worldwide are reining in costs and halting new spending, except in one area: reassuring pandemic-wary passengers about travel.

Here's why the Trump administration's threat to hurt Hong Kong's dollar peg won't work

Advisors to President Donald Trump were reportedly considering proposals to strike against the Hong Kong dollar peg, in response to China implementing a national security law on the city.

China is stepping into global leadership vacuum as U.S. struggles with coronavirus, says Kevin Rudd

The global leadership vacuum during the coronavirus crisis is an "open door" for China to walk into, said Kevin Rudd, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Property developers rush to attract Hong Kong residents amid uncertainty over new law

Amid economic recession and uncertainty over China's National Security Law, global real estate firms are trying to get Hong Kong residents to buy abroad.

China's central bank sees little need for more emergency stimulus this year

At a regular briefing with reporters on Friday, representatives of the People's Bank of China indicated there was little need for more emergency measures that had been rolled out as Covid-19 hit business activity earlier this year.

Bill Gates warns against coronavirus vaccine going to highest bidder — 'We'll have a deadlier pandemic'

As countries and companies race to bring a Covid-19 vaccine to the market, concerns have risen about wealthier nations receiving more drugs than developing countries.

White House seeks to discredit Fauci amid coronavirus surge

As coronavirus surges nationwide, the White House aims to discredit health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci. The infectious disease expert said, in January, the coronavirus was "not a major threat" and "not driven by asymptomatic carriers."

Trump says U.S.-China relationship is 'severely damaged,' phase 2 trade deal not a priority

Trump blamed China for not stopping the spread of the coronavirus, according to reporters who were traveling with the president on Air Force One.

Trump wears coronavirus mask publicly for first time during visit to Walter Reed military hospital

Before departing for Walter Reed, Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn that he would "probably have a mask" while visiting the hospital.

Op-ed: Merkel faces a historic test of leadership that will shape Europe's future after coronavirus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel understands the challenges for the EU are of a more existential nature than those facing China, the United States or any other single country.

U.S. coronavirus cases continue record surge as some states consider rolling back re-opening plans

At least 134,000 people in the U.S. have died since the start of the outbreak in March, and more than 3 million cases have been reported across the country.

Luxury brands turn from Hong Kong to mainland Chinese consumers still eager to shop

Luxury brands are turning to mainland China from Hong Kong — even shutting stores in the city — as companies try to recoup lost tourism spending and take advantage of new supportive policies from Beijing.

Nasdaq stocks led by Tesla continue their blistering run while chill envelops rest of the market

It's tough to deny that big chunks of the Nasdaq are in the sway of overheated speculation.

RSS Error: WP HTTP Error: A valid URL was not provided.

'Poll-Driven Plagiarist': WH Adviser Accuses Biden of 'Ripping Off' Trump's 'Buy American' Plan

Last week, Donald Trump blamed Joe Biden for "plagiarising" his economic plan, claiming that even if he is elected president in November, the former US vice president won't be able to bring his plan to life.

India’s Main Opposition Congress Faces Revolt in Rajasthan as State Deputy Chief Threatens to Quit

New Delhi (Sputnik): India’s main opposition party Congress won the state legislative elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in 2018. Two young leaders, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot, raised the banner of revolt to head governments, but the party’s central leadership supported Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot to head the governments.

Norwegian Politicians Believe Their Country Should Take in Dissidents From Hong Kong

As China researchers warned, Norway risks enraging Beijing and must reckon with a strong reaction if it chooses to proceed with proposals by the ruling party to grant asylum to demonstrators from Hong Kong.

US, Japan Share Information About COVID-19 Surge at US Bases in Okinawa

Two US marine bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Camp Hansen, were put on lockdown on Saturday in light of new COVID-10 clusters.

Elvis Presley’s Grandson Benjamin Keough Dies at 27

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Benjamin Keough, the son of actress Lisa Marie Presley and the grandson of Elvis Presley, has died at the age of 27, Lisa Marie Presley's manager Roger Widynowski told USA Today in a statement.

Asia-Pacific Stocks Trade Higher Despite Concerns About Coronavirus Surge

On Sunday, the World Health Organisation reported a global single-day record for new COVID-19 cases as 230,370 positive tests were reported worldwide over the past 24 hours.

US Court Overturns Decision to Halt First Federal Execution in 17 Years

Convicted criminal Daniel Lewis Lee will be put to death by lethal injection at the US Justice Department's execution chamber in the city of Terre Haute, Vigo County, the state of Indiana.

Pregnant Influencer Nicole Thea Dies at 24, Family Says

The cause of Thea's death remains unclear, while prior to the tragic news, she had been posting videos with her boyfriend and brother and said that her pregnancy was proceeding well.

AOC Says Crimes Surge in NYC Because Disadvantaged Citizens Forced to 'Shoplift Some Bread'

New York City has recently witnessed a surge in violent crimes, with more than 80 shootings registered just last week alone, according to the local police.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Graham Says Mueller Will Be Called to Testify About Russia Investigation

The statement comes after former special counsel Robert Mueller published an op-ed supporting the prosecution of Roger Stone, who was convicted following his investigation into alleged US-Russia collusion.

Protests in Belgrade Waning, Coronavirus Can Be Defeated, Serbian President Says

BELGRADE (Sputnik) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic downplayed the Sunday protest against COVID-19 lockdown measures, held in front of the parliament building in Belgrade, saying that less than 500 people participated.

Trump Defends Playing Golf Over the Weekend, Says It Is His 'Tiny Bit of Exercise'

The president pointed out that the media has given too much coverage to his golf outing, noting that former Democratic president Barack Obama's golf plays did not make headlines, whereas whenever he travels to a golf club, newspapers rush to write about it.

Iranian Report Details Chain Of Mistakes In Shooting Down Ukrainian Passenger Plane

A missile operator who didn't properly calibrate his radar system fired on the Ukrainian passenger plane without authorization, Iran says. All 176 people on board were killed on Jan. 8.

Coronavirus World Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak

A map of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world. The respiratory disease has spread rapidly across six continents and has killed thousands of people.

Weddings Put On Hold In Jerusalem As COVID-19 Infections Surge

Israelis and Palestinians have scrambled to hold weddings amid the pandemic lockdown, but a spike in coronavirus infections is shutting them down.

Worshippers Get Surprise Visit From Dean's Cats During Virtual Prayer

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks with Robert Willis, Dean of the Canterbury Cathedral, about his cats' appearances during live-streamed prayers.

How 6 Problem-Solvers Tackled Pandemic Challenges In Their Neighborhoods

From a generous urban farmer to a roving mariachi band, people are using their talents to help others. Read their stories — then nominate a problem-solver in your community.

At The U.N., Russia Forces Reduced Access For Aid To Syrians

Aid groups warn that civilians are in danger, as a humanitarian assistance program that funnels supplies to displaced Syrians in areas outside government control is whittled down yet again.

Coronavirus Around The World: Brazil, Israel, Sweden

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with reporters in Sweden, Brazil and Israel to hear about how those countries are currently experiencing the coronavirus pandemic.

As Kenya Keeps Schools Shut, Teen Pregnancies Are Rising

The country's schools are closed until January as the coronavirus surges. Meanwhile, officials say there's an increase in underage expecting mothers.

France's Macron Faces Backlash Over Appointment Of New Ministers

French President Emmanuel Macron is being criticized after adding a minister accused of rape and another known for his attacks on the #MeToo movement to his new government.

Nearly 6 Years After MH17 Was Shot Down, Dutch Prosecutors Say They Will Sue Russia

Russia has denied any involvement in the 2014 crash of the Malaysian jetliner that killed nearly 300 people. Investigators say it was hit by a Russian-supplied surface-to-air missile.

Lessons On Reopening Schools The U.S. Could Learn From Germany, Israel and Thailand

While the United States debates the reopening of schools, NPR correspondents discuss experiences of Germany, Israel and Thailand as they reopen classrooms during the pandemic.

Seoul Debates How To View Mayor's Death As Sexual Harassment Allegations Emerge

Seoul's mayor was found dead in a park Friday. A fierce debate has erupted in South Korean capital about how to view the mayor and his death after allegations of sexual harassment against him emerged.

Leading German Economist: “The Virus Must Be Contained Before the Economy Can Recover”

In an interview, Clemens Fuest, one of Germany’s top economists, discusses the impact of the coronavirus on governments and business. He says bankruptcies are inevitable and that the effects of the crisis will be with us for a long time to come.

Massive Income Loss: Left Behind By the Coronavirus

Germans could lose as much as 390 billion euros due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some groups have been hit harder than others, and even a big chunk of the middle class is at risk of slipping into poverty.

COVID-19: Many People Stay Sick After Recovering From Coronavirus

One in 10 people infected with the coronavirus suffers from fatigue, muscle aches or neurological disorders for weeks after surviving an infection. What long-term damage does the virus do to the body?

Humiliation and Abuse in Lebanon's Kafala System

Lebanon's kafala system provides citizens with migrant household labor, though its critics say it's more like slavery. Workers have virtually no rights and must often endure hunger, beatings and humiliation. The economic crisis could change this.

The Ischgl Outbreak: Families of COVID-19 Victims Seek Justice

Mismanagement of a coronavirus outbreak in Ischgl, the Austrian resort town known for its après-ski debauchery, helped spread the pathogen across Europe. Now the relatives of those who died want justice.

Evidence Casts New Doubts on Russian Doping Whistleblower

For five years, the sporting world has been gripped by Russian manipulation of the anti-doping system. Now new evidence suggests the whistleblower who went into a witness protection program during the scandal may not have been entirely truthful.

Israeli Annexation Plans: The West Bank Faces a New Reckoning

Beginning July 1, the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, could begin the process of annexing parts of the West Bank, despite this being a violation of international law. For many inhabitants of the region, their future is at stake.

Justice Cooperation: Lack of Deal Between EU and UK Imperils Security

With the growing risk of a hard Brexit, the danger is increasing that European and British collaboration on law enforcement will be discontinued. So far, the back-up plans haven’t been very convincing.

Corona in the Slaughterhouse: The High Price of Cheap Meat

German slaughterhouses have been hit recently with horrifying coronavirus outbreaks, with over 1,000 cases in one facility. The industry, and its biggest players, share the blame. Change could be coming. By DER SPIEGEL Staff

Coronavirus Heaven: Why Meatpacking Plants Are Superspreaders

As the recent outbreak in Germany shows, meat processing facilities offer perfect conditions for the transmission of coronaviruses, with cool temperatures and people cramped in close quarters. Additional changes are needed to protect workers – and theoretically even consumers.

The Curse of Black Gold: Vast Oil Find Puts Guyana on the Verge of Riches - or Failure

Guyana has always been one of South America's poorest countries. But now that ExxonMobil has discovered a new oil field off the coast, the tiny nation could become one of the world's richest. But will it be a blessing or a curse?

China Versus the World: An Emboldened Beijing Tries to Consolidate Its Power

Beijing is ruthlessly expanding its power. But resistance is growing around the world -- and Germany will soon play a key role.

Benjamin Keough death: Son of Lisa Marie Presley and grandson of Elvis dies, aged 27

TMZ reports singer-songwriter's son died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in California

UK selling spyware and wiretaps to 17 repressive regimes including Saudi Arabia and China

Exclusive: Government urged to explain £75m exports to countries rated 'not free'

Poland election: President Andrzej Duda on course for narrow victory, exit poll and early results show

Re-election of conservative could have profound implications for country's relationship with EU

Madeleine McCann: Portuguese police search wells as part of investigation

Sites are reportedly close to where suspect's camper van was pictured in 2007 and 10 miles from resort in Praia da Luz where the three-year-old disappeared

Coronavirus: Wuhan lab that researches Covid-19 will not be visited by WHO investigators looking into origin of virus

Epidemiologists to focus only on idea novel virus naturally jumped species

Coronavirus: Florida has biggest single-day increase in positive cases of any US state since pandemic began

Governor Ron DeSantis has pledged to continue reopening state by returning students to school next month

Explosion and fire on Navy ship in San Diego injures sailors

Fire could burn for days, according to fire chiefs, as there is no safe way to tackle blaze

Trump news – President boasts about playing golf 'very fast' as Florida records biggest single-day increase in coronavirus cases

Sudan to ban FGM and allow non-Muslims to drink alcohol in shift away from hardline Islamist rule

New leaders have vowed to lead country to democracy and end discrimination

UK and France launch joint intelligence unit to crack down on Channel migrant traffickers

Refugee charity appeals for 'a safe and legal way for people to claim asylum so this untenable situation is resolved'

Lindsey Graham vows Mueller will testify after op-ed on Trump's clemency for ally Roger Stone

South Carolina Republican has been one of the president's fiercest defenders on the Russia investigations

White House informed of British ambassador's complaint over Independent journalist's arrest

Protest lodged with State Department after Andrew Buncombe detained while covering protests in Seattle

Ghislaine Maxwell news: Fears four other women helped heiress recruit girls for Epstein – latest updates

FOUR women have been accused of helping Ghislaine Maxwell supply young girls to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Sarah Kellen, Adriana Ross, Lesley Groff, and Nadia Marcinkova are being investigated for their alleged role in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring, according to a report in the Sunday Telegraph. This comes as Ghislaine Maxwell is being moved from “cell to […]

Hilarious pictures of hamster escaping its cage and climbing up a wall go viral

HILARIOUS pictures of a hamster escaping its cage and climbing up a wall have gone viral on social media. Six-month old Kuro was caught scampering up a wall in a desperate bid for freedom in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. His owner, Yuka Hirata, 22, shared the amusing snaps on social media and they have already been […]

Ghislaine Maxwell’s alleged victim block her bail request as Epstein ‘madam’ tries to get out of jail

AN alleged victim of Ghislaine Maxwell is to try to block her bail. Annie Farmer is due to address a judge as the socialite requests to be released from jail. Brit Maxwell, 58, is accused of giving Ms Farmer an unsolicited massage while the girl was topless. The accusations come as part of grooming charges […]

Record rise in coronavirus cases worldwide as 230,370 test positive in 24 hours

CORONAVIRUS cases are spiralling out of control as the World Health Organisation reports a record 230,370 new cases in just 24 hours. The biggest surges were suffered across the US, Brazil, India and South Africa, says WHO’s daily update. Global coronavirus infections were approaching 13 million on Sunday, with deaths steady at about 5,000 a […]

Intergalactic traffic jams as China, America and the UAE all launch missions to Mars over coming weeks

OUTER space is poised for an interplanetary traffic jam as three rival missions leave Earth to explore Mars. The Red Planet is the destination for a trio of scientific explorations after a rare “launch window” opened up. The US, China and the UAE will this month all send probes on a new quest to discover […]

Spanish city of 140,000 people locks down again after spike in coronavirus cases

A SPANISH city of 140,000 people is back in lockdown near Barcelona after a huge spike in coronavirus cases. The move comes as Brit holidaymakes say they’ve been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after arriving at “padlocked” Spanish hotels. The measure affects around 140,000 people in Lleida, just under two hours drive west […]

Forty mourners catch coronavirus after attending large funeral in Spanish holiday town – as 1,000 get emergency tests

FORTY mourners caught coronavirus after attending a large funeral in a Spanish holiday town. Thousands were given emergency tests and an entire region of the country has been put on red alert. Everyone who attended the funeral and wake in Granada is being contacted and tested, together with every member of their family – even […]

Wuhan coronavirus lab may DODGE investigation as WHO team hunting for origin of pandemic won’t bother visiting

WUHAN’s coronavirus lab may dodge an investigation into the pandemic as a World health Organisation team won’t bother visiting, it’s reported. The WHO – which has been accused of “parroting Chinese propaganda” and heaping praise on Beijing – said last week it was sending a mission to China. The organisation said the delegation would seek […]

Ghislaine Maxwell ‘is being moved from cell to cell to stop her being murdered’ in hellhole prison

GHISLAINE Maxwell is being moved from “cell to cell” as authorities fear someone will try and kill her in prison. The 58-year-old arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York, last Monday ahead of a court hearing on child sex abuse charges. The British socialite and ex girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein is being held over […]

Penge shooting – Man in his 30s shot dead in Bromley as cops launch murder probe

A MAN in his 30s was shot dead in Penge today as cops launched murder probe. The victim was gunned down in the early hours of this morning in South London. Police are now hunting the mystery gunman and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. A spokesperson for Met Police told Sun […]

El Chapo’s bloodthirsty sons wage brutal war to seize dad’s narco kingdom from his old business partner

MEXICAN drug lord El Chapo’s sons have hired a brutal hit squad in a bid to take total control of their dad’s cartel, it’s reported. The Sinaloa Cartel is in the grip of a bloody power struggle between the sons of caged kingpin Joaquin Guzman and his old partner Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Jesus Alfredo, […]

Brits back causing chaos in Magaluf with drunks vomiting in the street and yobs causing damage post lockdown

BOOZE-fuelled Brits were at the centre of chaotic scenes as they returned to Magaluf’s newly-reopened bars and clubs. Drunken revellers were seen jumping up and down on cars and vomiting in the street after going on the post-lockdown lash. Coronavirus fears were clearly not on anyone’s minds as hundreds hit the strip without a care […]

Coronavirus Surge in Eastern European Countries Leads to Travel Bans, Face Mask Mandates

Hungary is imposing travel bans or 14-day quarantines on travelers coming from nations with high infection rates

Poland’s Momentous Presidential Runoff Too Close to Call

The result is expected to lead to starkly different paths for the future of Poland

Japan Governor Demands Increased COVID-19 Prevention Measures After 61 U.S. Marines Infected on Okinawa

The disclosure of the exact figures came only after Okinawa island's repeated requests to the U.S. military

Hundreds of Thousands in Hong Kong Cast Their Ballot in Pro-Democracy Primary Elections

The primary was held two weeks after Beijing imposed a new national security law restricting "secessionist" activity

Coronavirus Cases Spike in South Africa and India, Exposing Inequalities in Virus Treatment

Some of the worst-affected countries are among the world’s most unequal

Dozens of U.S. Marines in Japan’s Okinawa Infected in COVID-19 Outbreak

“We now have strong doubts that the US military has taken adequate disease prevention measures,” Okinawa's governor said

Dalai Lama: We Must Act as One to Preserve Our World

This planet is our only home. Environmental experts say that over the next few decades, global warming will reach such a level that many water resources will go dry. So ecology and combatting global warming are very important. For example, my country, Tibet, is the ultimate source of water in Asia. Rivers including Pakistan’s Indus,…

Fears About Transgender People Are a Distraction From the Real Struggles All Women Face

In recent weeks, my DMs have been flooded with messages from well-meaning acquaintances, many asking precisely what was transphobic about J.K. Rowling’s self-published essay, “TERF Wars.” (In summary: a lot.) “TERF Wars” was, coincidentally, the title of a chapter in my memoir, The Gender Games. I wonder if she’s read it? Her piece contained nothing…

How Poetry Societies Are Giving Women in Afghanistan a Voice During Coronavirus Lockdown

On a frosty February morning in Kabul, Lima Aafshid’s face glows in the pale blue light of her smartphone. She is reciting the words of 13th century Afghan poet Jalaluddin Rumi. Speaking in Dari, her voice is soft, yet clear. ‘Let’s get away from all the clever humans who put words in our mouth. Let’s…

Notre Dame Cathedral To Be Rebuilt Without Modern Touches To Maintain Historical Accuracy

The reconstruction plan will replicate original materials “to guarantee the authenticity, harmony and coherence”