Botswana Newspapers – Internet Newspaper Database

Botswana

Posted on March 16, 2020March 29, 2020 by johnny

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North Korea says no need for talks with US as they’re nothing more than ‘shallow trick’ to make Trump look good

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Germany's seal population on the rise after coronavirus restrictions clear beaches - This spring, as many of Germany's beaches were closed and people were encouraged to stay home, gray seals in the North Sea appear to have thrived. Numbers have tripled since 2008.

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Trump official claims China ‘deliberately’ sent coronavirus to US as cases soar across country

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Jamaica becomes first Caribbean nation to submit tougher climate plan to UN

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Protests break out around the world against Israels plans to annex the west bank with more to come.

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Ghislaine Maxwell will 'never sell out' Prince Andrew for a plea deal, friend claims

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Japanese supercomputer finds 30 existing drugs potentially effective to treat COVID-19

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Russia working with Taliban to force US troops out of Afghanistan, Pentagon says, amid row over Kremlin 'bounties'. US intelligence sources have claimed that Russian agents were paying bounties to Taliban-connected fighters for killing American troops

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England has one of the world's worst Covid death rates. Now many fear it's about to drink itself into chaos

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Private Jet with US tourists rejected at Italy’s borders

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Justin Trudeau says he might skip USMCA summit with Donald Trump, citing coronavirus and US tariff threat

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WHO says it was first alerted to coronavirus by its office, not China

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Donald Trump orders creation of 'national heroes' garden

Angry at the toppling of statues, President Trump wants US heroes honoured in a new national garden.

Coronavirus Australia: Melbourne locks down tower blocks as cases rise

Nine housing estate blocks in the Australian city are locked down amid a “new phase of the pandemic”.

Japan flooding: Many feared dead in flooded care home

Fifteen people are believed dead and nine are missing on the island of Kyushu amid devastating rains.

Coronavirus Spain: Catalonia locks down area of 210,000 people

The Spanish region re-imposes restrictions on an area west of Barcelona after a surge in infections.

Nagaland dog meat: Animal rights groups hail ban as 'major turning point'

Animal rights groups say a ban on the sale of dog meat in Nagaland is a milestone.

'Fourth of July isn't for people who look like me'

What does the Fourth of July mean to black Americans?

Elijah McClain: US officers fired for pictures mocking man's death

Three officers are sacked in Aurora, Colorado after they shared photos re-enacting a chokehold.

Coronavirus: Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica reopens to key workers

Access to the structure is initially given only to those who helped fight coronavirus in the city.

Seattle protest: Two women seriously injured by car

The women are seriously injured as the vehicle careers into protesters on a closed highway.

Australia shark attack: Man killed spearfishing near Fraser Island

The 36-year-old was bitten on the leg in waters near Queensland's popular Fraser Island.

Hachalu Hundessa: 'My friend the hero who was gunned down'

The BBC's Amensisa Ifa was close to Ethiopian protest singer Hachalu Hundessa, who was shot dead on Monday.

Cleveland Indians to review team name in light of protests against racial injustice

Baseball team the Cleveland Indians are to review their name in order to "embrace their responsibility to advance social justice and equality".

Attacks in Somalia Leave at Least 5 Dead

Devastating assaults, occurring almost daily and often in the capital, Mogadishu, have put a strain on the country’s fragile government.

Severe Flooding in Southern Japan Swamps Nursing Home

Officials said that at least 17 people were feared dead as a result of the deluge and mudslides that struck the island of Kyushu overnight.

New Trump Appointee Puts Global Internet Freedom at Risk, Critics Say

A battle involving Michael Pack and a U.S.-funded tech group revolves around software from Falun Gong, the secretive, anti-Beijing spiritual movement with pro-Trump elements.

In North Korea, Coronavirus Hurts Like No Sanctions Could

Closing the border with China crippled the regime’s few remaining methods, legal and otherwise, for bringing in much-needed foreign currency.

Caribbean, Struggling in the Pandemic, Braces for Hurricane Season

Scientists predict this hurricane season will be severe. But countries in the region, with economies burdened by the pandemic and the devastation of past hurricanes, have not been able to fully prepare.

How’s Your Quarantine? If No One’s Banging Gongs, Count Your Blessings

At one South Korean hotel, hundreds of quarantined foreigners are enduring noisy daily protests from local residents, who want them out.

New Administration Memo Seeks to Foster Doubts About Suspected Russian Bounties

Criticized for its inaction, the Trump administration commissioned a new look at a months-old intelligence assessment. It emphasizes gaps.

European Workers Draw Paychecks. American Workers Scrounge for Food.

In the pandemic, the United States has relied on expanded unemployment benefits, while European governments have subsidized wages, avoiding a surge in joblessness.

New French Prime Minister Takes Over in Wake of Coronavirus Crisis

Jean Castex, a low-profile mayor who helped guide France through its coronavirus health crisis, replaced Édouard Philippe as prime minister in a shuffle by President Emmanuel Macron.

Tânio Mendonça, Brazilian Carnaval Samba Composer, Dies at 52

Mr. Mendonça, who wrote music for Rio’s spectacular annual parades, was one of many victims of the novel coronavirus within the world of Carnaval.

How A July 4th 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 July 4th. Some may have even died. A BuzzFeed News investigation exposes the cost of your BBQ.

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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.”

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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.

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

From the distant past to 2020.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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DACA Recipients Are Shocked And Relieved After The Supreme Court Ruled Against Trump

"The rush of relief I felt in that moment is indescribable and all I could do was cry to my parents. We didn’t expect this decision at all."

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There Are 68 World Flags With Stars On Them, But It'll Take A Genius To Figure Out Which Ones

This is your time to shine!

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13 Traditions And Customs You Probably Didn't Know Existed In Other Countries

Birthday rituals, taboo moves, and everything in between.

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The Trump Administration Will Soon Deny Work Permits For Asylum-Seekers Who Enter The US Without Authorization

The policy will also block work permits for asylum-seekers who do not file for protections within one year of arrival in the US.

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Thousands Of Gig Workers Can’t Make A Living Unless They Install A Controversial Contact Tracing App First

Workers say the platforms are exploiting them by making it mandatory to install the Indian government's contact tracing app.

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Spain puts 200,000 under coronavirus lockdown: Live updates

Part of Catalonia closed down as Spain's hospitality sector hopes to salvage what remains of the summer season.

East Jerusalem: Israel accused of ploy to increase control

The municipality says the intention with Silicon Wadi is to improve employment and living standards.

Ecuador hospitals under pressure, on verge of collapse

In the past month, the city has allowed some businesses to reopen after a lockdown, which is partly why new coronavirus cases increased.

England requires no quarantine for travellers from 59 countries

Scotland and Wales will not be pressured into following England's lead for now.

Ugandan dies after setting fire to himself 'over police bribe'

Police say Hussein Walugembe set fire to himself after officers demanded a bribe to release his motorcycle.

Car slams into two protesters on closed Seattle highway

Authorities said it was not immediately clear if the demonstrators, one who was critically wounded, had been targeted.

China rebukes Canada over criticism of Hong Kong security law

Beijing says Ottawa is 'meddling' in Chinese affairs after PM Trudeau suspended extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

At least four killed in Somalia bomb attacks

Blast targets restaurant in Baidoa killing four as suicide bomber injures five in Mogadishu, officials say.

US aircraft carriers conduct military drills in South China Sea

Manoeuvres coincide with ones launched by Beijing near the Paracel Islands, which are claimed by both Vietnam and China.

Turkey says it killed three PKK members in northern Iraq

Defence ministry says two aircraft detected and destroyed 'terror targets' with ties to the PKK.

US officers fired over photos imitating chokehold on Black man

Colorado officers Erica Marrero, Kyle Dittrich and Jaron Jones mocked chokehold used to subdue Elijah McClain last year.

Who is to blame for the collapse of India's healthcare system?

For far too long Indians have done nothing to pressure their politicians into making healthcare a national priority.

Russia develops new radar for tracking hypersonic-speed threats

The ‘Krasnaya Zvezda’ newspaper cited Russia’s Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Sergei Surovikin as saying that Russian specialists are developing a new radar system for tracking hypersonic-speed threats include in near space. “Work is underway to develop a new radar station Nioby for radio-technical troops using the latest components. The radar system’s technical characteristics will […]

U.S. Army requests proposals for Small Arms Ammunition

The U.S. Army Contracting Command released a pre-solicitation notice regarding a contract to produce 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and Caliber .50 ammunition. The Army announced in a Jul. 1 notice posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website that it on behalf of the Office of the Program Manager, Maneuver Ammunition Systems (OPM-MAS) intends to issue Request for […]

U.S. Army gets new compact sniper system

Last month, Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division became the first combat troops to receive a cutting edge compact semi-automatic sniper system, or new Squad Designated Marksman Rifle. The new 7.62x51mm rifle is based on the Heckler and Koch G28E-110 / M110A1 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System, and provides infantry, scout, […]

Smart weapons and their role in the technological transformation of modern defense infrastructure

Accelerating technological advancement, especially in the digital spectrum, has asserted its impact on nearly all realms of life. Having its roots in the commercial sector, recent years have seen rapid democratization of technologies that could potentially even be weaponized. Given this progress, throughout the years, the world of security has changed tremendously, the intensity of […]

Ukrainian Army takes delivery of BTR-4E armoured personnel carriers

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine has taken delivery of another batch of BTR-4E armoured personnel carriers, Ukraine’s state-owned defense conglomerate UkrOboronProm announced on 2 July. UkrOboronProm released a statement on Thursday saying that “SE Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau, a part of UkrOboronProm, handed over to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine another batch […]

Australian Army to receive 251 new Remote Weapon Stations for its protected vehicles

Australia’s Department of Defense and Electro Optic Systems announced on Thursday an agreement for the procurement of 251 new Remote Weapon Stations. “Today’s announcement of the acceleration of the contract signing between Department of Defence and Electro Optic Systems will provide us with 251 new generation Remote Weapons Stations for our protected vehicles,” the Australian […]

Russian fighter jets again intercept U.S. spy plane as it flew close to Crimea

Russian SU-27 fighter aircraft scrambled on Wednesday to intercept U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane flying over the Black Sea. The Russian defense ministry reported that Black Sea Fleet SU-27 fighters were scrambled to intercept a U.S. Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft as it flew close to the Crimean peninsula. “On July […]

U.S. Air Force’s next-generation refueling tanker aircraft perform an elephant walk

Ten U.S. Air Force’s refueling tanker aircraft, includes eight newest KC-46A Pegasus and two KC-135s, were a part of Wednesday’s elephant walk exercise at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. McConnell’s tanker aircrews and maintenance personnel were tested on their ability to rapidly generating multiple sorties during a weather evacuation exercise. On Thursday, the Air Base […]

Russia denies that Washington could buy Turkey’s S-400 systems

The Russian Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation has denied that U.S. would be able to buy Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 air defense system under legislation proposed in the Senate last week. “To export military products, a buyer of our weapons must present an end-user declaration to the Russian side. That is why transfer or re-export […]

General Electric contracted to produce engines for newest U.S. Air Force fighters

The U.S. Department of Defense has contracted General Electric for an unspecific number of F110-GE-129 engines for the newest U.S. Air Force F-15EX fighter jets. The contract, announced Tuesday by the Department of Defense, is worth more than $101.3 million. Work on the contract will be performed at GE’s Cincinnati worksite and has an expected […]

Western Fact Finders: Entering the Soviet Union

This chapter describes the author's travel, stories and experiences on Western fact-finding missions into the Soviet Union and Ukraine during the 1980s.

The State of China’s Soft Power in 2020

China’s culture still has limited appeal, but as long as it is supported by economic assets and growth, its soft power is bound to attract.

The Global South as a Political Project

The Global South is a political project which faces several challenges and is permanently disputed by progressive and regressive forces in the multipolar context.

The Protection Paradox: Why Security’s Focus on the State Is Not Enough

Feminist security studies explore the need to reconceptualize security away from its realist origins and towards a more individual-focused discipline.

The Great Lockdown vs. The Great Depression and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis

Compared to the Great Depression and the 2008 Financial Crisis, the impact of the current economic crisis has been much hastier, more entrenched and very immediate.

The Barriers and Weaknesses of Kofi Annan’s Mediation Efforts in Syria

Despite the failure of the former UN Secretary-General's efforts in Syria, his work acts as a timeless basis for understanding how mediation efforts can fail.

The Maidan Revolution in Ukraine

The reports from Ukraine made International headlines and the actions in Maidan were visible live on social media. Before long, it was hard to discern truth from fiction.

Gender Quotas: Towards an Improved Democracy

Gender quotas improve democracy by improving the quality of representation for everyone and by giving voice to gender-related issues that would otherwise be invisible.

Opinion — Paradiplomacy in Times of Pandemic: The Paths Ahead

Although the Covid-19 pandemic poses challenges for states and international relations, it has already shown that paradiplomacy has an important role to play

Understanding Ukraine and Belarus: A Memoir

No writer really knows whether their experiences are unique or common, whether their insights are in any way original. Still, I convinced myself that there were some unusual things about my own.

Monitoring the Chernobyl Disaster

This chapter describes the author's travel, stories and experiences during the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which garnered Marples international recognition.

Opinion – Impacts and Restrictions to Human Rights During COVID-19

As democracies are the best environment for human rights, weakening them impacts human rights protection.

When Women and Children Cannot Escape their Abusers

BEIRUT, Jul 03 (IPS) - Reports of escalating violence against women and children made the news almost everyday in March and April following the announcement of lockdowns to control the spread of Covid-19. The main concern has been that victims cannot escape their abusers or seek help when they share a confined space and are under constant scrutiny and the threat of violence.

Read the full story, “When Women and Children Cannot Escape their Abusers”, on globalissues.org →

Q&A: Child Marriage, FGM and Harmful Practices on Women’s Bodies to Increase Because of COVID-19

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 03 (IPS) - An additional 5.6 million child marriages can be expected because of the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in a short-term increase in poverty and the shutdown of schools.

The current pandemic is also expected to have a massive impact on the projected growth of harmful practices on women's bodies.

Read the full story, “Q&A: Child Marriage, FGM and Harmful Practices on Women’s Bodies to Increase Because of COVID-19”, on globalissues.org →

Beyond Ending Conflict in Africa, We Must Tackle its Root Causes

Jul 03 (IPS) - Hanna Tetteh is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union.

As head of the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU), she spoke with Africa Renewal's Kingsley Ighobor on, among other issues, the current state of the UN-AU partnership and how women and young people can help resolve conflict.

Read the full story, “Beyond Ending Conflict in Africa, We Must Tackle its Root Causes”, on globalissues.org →

Global Economic Recovery must Prioritise Restructuring of Debt for Developing Countries

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 02 (IPS) - Unless there is a restructuring of debt for developing countries, the servicing for this debt will take away valuable resources from these nations that are needed to prevent the further suffering of people during the coronavirus pandemic -- particularly with regards to safeguarding the health systems, and protecting the "integrity and resilience of economies".

Read the full story, “Global Economic Recovery must Prioritise Restructuring of Debt for Developing Countries”, on globalissues.org →

Rethink Food Security and Nutrition Following Covid-19 Pandemic

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jul 02 (IPS) - The Covid-19 crisis has had several unexpected effects, including renewed attention to food security concerns. Earlier understandings of food security in terms of production self-sufficiency have given way to importing supplies since late 20th century promotion of trade liberalization.

Read the full story, “Rethink Food Security and Nutrition Following Covid-19 Pandemic”, on globalissues.org →

Why Accelerating Implementation of AfCFTA Must Remain a Top Priority

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 02 (IPS) - 1 July 2020 was supposed to be the official date to start trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It was a much-anticipated follow up to the 2019 African Union Summit, that launched the operational phase of the AfCFTA in a colorful ceremony in Niamey – Niger.

Read the full story, “Why Accelerating Implementation of AfCFTA Must Remain a Top Priority”, on globalissues.org →

Nuclear Testing, Never Again

WASHINGTON DC, Jul 01 (IPS) - Seventy-five years ago, on July 16, the United States detonated the world's first nuclear weapons test explosion in the New Mexican desert. Just three weeks later, U.S. Air Force B-29 bombers executed surprise atomic bomb attacks on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing at least 214,000 people by the end of 1945, and injuring untold thousands more who died in the years afterward.

Read the full story, “Nuclear Testing, Never Again”, on globalissues.org →

Cover-up at the UN: You Scratch My Back & I’ll Scratch Yours

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 01 (IPS) - The ongoing battle between China and the United States is threatening to paralyze the most powerful body at the United Nations – the 15-member Security Council (UNSC)—which has virtually gone MIA (missing in action) on some of the key politically-sensitive issues of the day.

Read the full story, “Cover-up at the UN: You Scratch My Back & I’ll Scratch Yours”, on globalissues.org →

Sustainable Tourism and Fisheries Key to Growth in Post-COVID Pacific

BANGKOK, Thailand, Jun 30 (IPS) - Developing countries of Asia and the Pacific are experiencing unbalanced tolls of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grim milestones in infections and deaths have left countless devastated. Yet, we must look at the economic and social impacts in small island developing States (SIDS), where setbacks are likely to undo years of development gains and push many people back into poverty.

Read the full story, “Sustainable Tourism and Fisheries Key to Growth in Post-COVID Pacific”, on globalissues.org →

The Goan Village Women Helping Mitigate Plastic Pollution by Making Eco-friendly Sanitary Pads

PILGAON/GOA, India, Jun 30 (IPS) - Jayashree Parwar has not traveled much outside of her village of Bicholim in the western coastal Indian state of Goa. But the homemaker-turned-social-entrepreneur has been reaching women in dozens of cities across the country with a hygiene product she makes at home along with women from her community.

Called Sakhi (friend in Hindi), the plastic-free sanitary pad is Goa's first menstrual hygiene product made with organic materials.

Read the full story, “The Goan Village Women Helping Mitigate Plastic Pollution by Making Eco-friendly Sanitary Pads”, on globalissues.org →

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 …

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The New Dynamic Cyber Threat Environment

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 …

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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 …

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A Rare Glimpse Inside the Life of a Spy

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

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Where are Ripples from the Oil War Heading?

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

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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 …

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Xi’s Awful Arithmetic

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The Question: Why Would China not Invade Taiwan now?

The Cipher Brief is proud to launch ‘The Question’, designed to make us think forward, consider broader scenarios and challenge each other in constructive ways on the plausibility of future geopolitical events. In our first edition, Cipher Brief Expert Tim Willasey-Wilsey poses the question: Why would China not invade Taiwan now? At the end of …

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Egypt's top court upholds 15-year-sentence for activist

Egypt sets August election dates for restored Senate

Turkey: Fireworks factory employees detained after explosion

Turkey’s official news agency says three people have been detained in connection to a massive explosion at a fireworks factory that left at least four people dead. Anadolu news agency reported Saturday that a manager and two supervisors were detained following Friday’s explosion in northwestern Sakarya province. Television footage on Friday showed a large, mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke rising from the factory amid sounds of explosions.

Russia Denies Paying Bounties, but Some Say the U.S. Had It Coming

MOSCOW -- Three years into a grinding war in eastern Ukraine, the Trump administration, in a sharp break with Obama-era policy, proposed providing the Ukrainian army with potent American weapons, Javelin anti-tank missiles, to aid its struggle with Russian-backed separatists.President Vladimir Putin of Russia responded with an ominous warning, saying weapons in the separatist regions could easily be sent "to other zones of conflict" -- which many took to mean Afghanistan.Russia's grievances against what it sees as American bullying and expansion into its own zones of influence have been stacking up for decades, starting with the CIA's role in arming mujahedeen fighters who, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, delivered a fatal blow not only to the invading Red Army but the entire Soviet Union.A deep well of bitterness created by past and current conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine and more recently Syria, where U.S. forces killed scores of Russian mercenaries in 2018, help explain why Russia, according to U.S. intelligence officials, has become so closely entangled with the Taliban. In Ukraine, the Trump administration did send Javelins but with the stipulation that they not be used in the war.Russian officials and commentators reacted with fury to a report last week in The New York Times that U.S. intelligence officials had concluded that Russia's military intelligence agency had gone so far as to pay bounties to the Taliban and criminal elements linked to it to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.Intercepted electronic data showed large financial transfers from Russia's military intelligence agency, known as the GRU, to a Taliban-linked account, according to U.S. officials. Officials also identified an Afghan contractor as a key middleman between the GRU and militants linked to the Taliban who carried out the attacks.Russian officials have scoffed at the idea they would hire killers from a radical Islamist group that is banned in Russia as a "terrorist" outfit and that shares many views of the Afghan fighters who killed so many Red Army soldiers, and those of Islamic militants who caused Moscow so much pain in Chechnya during two wars there.In remarks to a state news agency Monday, Zamir Kabulov, Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan and a former ambassador in Kabul, dismissed the Taliban bounties report as "outright lies" generated by "forces in the United States who don't want to leave Afghanistan and want to justify their own failures."Amid a torrent of outraged denials, however, there have been pointed reminders that, in Russia's view, the U.S., because of its overreach overseas, deserves to taste some of its own medicine.Speaking during a talk show on state television dominated by conspiracy theories about plots by President Donald Trump's Democratic rivals, Alexei Zhuravlyov, a member of the Russian parliament, reminded viewers that as far as Russia was concerned, the U.S. has long had it coming.Recalling Operation Cyclone, the CIA's secret program to arm Moscow's enemies in Afghanistan during the 1980s, Zhuravlyov said the U.S. had spent billions of dollars on weapons that "killed thousands and thousands" of Russians. "This is a medical fact."While dismissing reports of Russian bounties for American scalps as "fake news," he said, "Let's suppose we paid," the Taliban, and then asked how many Americans had perhaps been killed as a result. "At most 22," he responded.There is no evidence to date that Putin signed off on any program to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, and even independent experts say they strongly doubt he would have done so.Yet, Russia under Putin has for years throbbed with real and imagined pain from hurt inflicted by the U.S., notably the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a desire to make it pay.Andrei Serenko, an expert at the Center for the Study of Contemporary Afghanistan in Moscow, said Russia has no real desire to see the U.S. leave Afghanistan and revels in America's agonies from an endless conflict he described as a "sore blister for the United States."All the same, he said, Russia has been preparing for an eventual pullout by cultivating ties to the Taliban as well as to various Afghan warlords. It has done this with money and other inducements in the hope of shaping future Afghan events and securing a useful instrument to poke Washington.The Taliban, like many other Afghan groups, he added, has a long record of running protection rackets and taking cash from foreigners, including Russians, Americans and Chinese. "This is what they do," he said. "They are Afghanistan's most successful business."Russia, he said, "decided that if we can create lots of problems for Americans in Afghanistan, they will create fewer problems for us in Ukraine and Syria."Moscow has been reaching out to the Taliban for years, starting in 1995 when Kabulov traveled to Kandahar, a Taliban stronghold in the south, to negotiate the release of Russian pilots who had been taken hostage.The pilots eventually got away with their aircraft in what was described at the time as a daring escape. But what really happened is unclear. One thing that seems certain, however, is that this first Russian negotiation with the Taliban revolved around money."Everything was based on money," Vasily Kravtsov, a former KGB officer during the Soviet war and until 2018 a Russian diplomat in Kabul, recalled of the hostage talks.Kravtsov denied Russia had since paid the Taliban bounties for the deaths of coalition soldiers, even as he recalled that Soviet soldiers had been killed in large numbers by American arms supplied to the mujahedeen. He said he himself had been wounded twice by weapons "bought with American funds."Igor Yerin, who fought in Afghanistan as a young Red Army conscript in the 1980s, said he never saw any Americans on the battlefield but "they were everywhere because of their Stingers."Stingers were anti-aircraft missiles provided to mujahedeen fighters by the U.S. as part of a covert CIA program. They enabled the mujahedeen to shoot down hundreds of Soviet planes and helicopters, turning the tide in the decadelong war.Now the curator of a small museum in Moscow commemorating the inglorious Afghan war, Yerin showed off a display of land mines and other weapons sent to kill Russians as part of the CIA program.Putin has for years played on this and other sources of Russian pain.Soon after coming to power two decades ago, he pledged support for President George W. Bush in his "with or against us" war on terrorism in 2001 and cooperated with America's drive to oust the Taliban. But he quickly soured on the idea that Washington could be a reliable partner and began blaming it for most of the world's problems.Bristling with wounded pride, Putin in a fiery speech in Munich in 2007 denounced what he said was a "world of one master, one sovereign" and complained that the "United States has overstepped its national borders, in every area."He has been settling scores ever since, often with help from the GRU, which even before Putin took power had won its spurs putting the U.S. in its place. Since he took office, the military intelligence agency has been accused of involvement in widespread mischief-making, from a bungled 2016 coup attempt in Montenegro aimed at preventing the Balkan nation's entry into NATO, to meddling the same year in the U.S. presidential election.In a rare recent interview, the former head of the GRU, Valentin Korabelnikov, told state television how his officers had in 1999 organized a frantic dash by Russian troops and armor to Kosovo to occupy the airport in the capital, Pristina -- just hours before the arrival of NATO forces. The stunt, he said, was "about the prestige of our state" and showing that Russia could not be ignored.Speaking in his former office at the headquarters of the GRU in Moscow, Korabelnikov said that his agency had organized many other secret operations but that those could not be revealed."The vast majority of operations carried out both by us and our brothers," he said, referring to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service and the Federal Security Service, known as the FSB and headed in the late 1990s by Putin, "are completely closed, and only the small tip of the iceberg sometimes appears."Mark Galeotti, an expert on Russia's security apparatus who wrote a doctorate on Moscow's disastrous Afghan war, said "some old war horses" in the GRU could have hatched a scheme to kill Americans as payback for Russians killed with U.S. weapons in Afghanistan. But he said he doubted that such a plan would have been approved by the Russian leadership or executed without approval as a "maverick operation."Even Yerin, the former conscript who lost friends in Afghanistan, recalled that during his tour there, spent mostly near the northern city of Kunduz, he never believed political commissars in his unit who explained the 1979 Soviet invasion was necessary to keep the U.S. from moving into Russia's backyard."Today, I believe them," said Yerin. "Afghanistan is our next-door neighbor," he said, stabbing with his finger the southern border of the former Soviet Union on a big wall map, "What happens here is our business, not the Americans'."This article originally appeared in The New York Times.(C) 2020 The New York Times Company

Somalia restaurant attack: Six killed by al-Shabab

Militant group al-Shabab said it carried out the bomb explosion in the town of Baidoa.

Trump's `strong wall' to block COVID-19 from China had holes

President Donald Trump has repeatedly credited his February ban on travelers from mainland China as his signature move against the advance of the coronavirus pandemic -- a “strong wall” that allowed only U.S. citizens inside, he boasted in May. Exempted were thousands of residents of the Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Macau. Efforts to track U.S. residents returning from mainland China were riddled with errors and broken communications.

Fire flares at Iranian power plant, latest in series of incidents

As monuments fall, Confederate carving has size on its side

Some statues of figures from America's slave-owning past have been yanked down by protesters, others dismantled by order of governors or city leaders. Stone Mountain's supersized sculpture depicting Gen. Robert E. Lee, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson mounted on horseback has special protection enshrined in Georgia law. An old photo shows a worker on scaffolding just below Lee's chin barely reaching his nose.

'People aren’t stupid': Pence's virus spin tests credibility

Vice President Mike Pence has long played the straight man to Donald Trump, translating the president's bombast into more measured, calming language. As coronavirus cases spike across large parts of the country despite months of lockdown, Pence has spent the past week trying to convince the American public that things are going very well, even though they're not. “Make no mistake about it, what you see today is that America is going back to work and the American people are finding a way every day to put this coronavirus farther in the past," he told CNBC the same day the country reported more than 55,000 new virus cases, a daily record.

In troubled times: Independence Day in a land of confusion

On Independence Day, we Americans — if there is in fact a “we” in American life — celebrate the anniversary of a time when a lot of people, feeling really angry and scared, decided to do something about it that changed the world forever. A national conversation — loud, enraged and anguished — about the place that a history blemished by ugliness should hold in the present. Irritable, overstressed, buffeted by invisible forces and just plain worn out, the United States of America on its 244th birthday is a land of confusion.

Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia return to talks over disputed dam

Three key Nile basin countries will continue on Saturday their latest round of talks to resolve a years-long dispute over the operation and filling of Ethiopia’s giant hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile, Egypt's irrigation ministry said. Officials from Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia resumed their negotiations through video conference Friday, aiming to bridge the gaps and finalize a deal on the contentious mega-project within two to three weeks, Sudan's irrigation ministry said. The current round of talks came after negotiations last month failed to produce a deal, prompting Egypt and Sudan to appeal to the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the dispute.

North Korea dismisses chance of 'face to face' U.S. nuclear talks ahead of election

"The U.S. is mistaken if it thinks things like negotiations would still work on us," said North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

England has one of the world's worst Covid death rates. Now many fear it's about to drink itself into chaos

The thought of a pint of beer in a proper pub is a dream that has sustained many people in the UK through the tough months of coronavirus lockdown, but as the doors to drinking establishments in England finally reopen after four months on Saturday, a potential nightmare looms.

Portugal slams UK decision to leave it off quarantine list as 'absurd'

The Portuguese government has denounced the British government's decision not to lift quarantine for people traveling from mainland Portugal as "absurd" and "senseless," saying the UK has seven times more coronavirus cases than it does.

Saudi consulate staff describe strange events on day of Khashoggi's death

'Towering' musical activist laid to rest after week of anger

At least 81 people are dead in Ethiopia in massive protests that erupted after the killing of singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa, local police commissioner told state media. CNN's Eleni Giokos reports.

The UK is reopening for business. London may never be the same

London has seen more than its share of crises. The 2000-year old metropolis has endured an influenza pandemic, the Blitz and several financial meltdowns over just the past century.

Another Refinery29 leader steps down after allegations of toxic work culture

Amy Emmerich, global president and chief content officer of Refinery29, announced Thursday that she is stepping down from her position immediately.

Jeff Bezos is so rich he just set a new record

The economy might be a shambles, but Jeff Bezos' wallet couldn't tell. He's now worth nearly $172 billion, a new record for the world's richest person, according to Bloomberg Billionaire Index.

China is storing an epic amount of oil at sea. Here's why

China bought so much foreign oil at dirt-cheap prices this spring that a massive traffic jam of tankers has formed at sea waiting to offload crude.

Energy drink? A UK startup is turning coffee into fuel

Coffee chains create a lot of waste, from disposable takeaway cups to the used grounds that are sent to rot in landfills.

It's a scary time to be unemployed. These people still chose to get laid off

Wendell Stinnett had been planning to work for at least another four years, maybe even eight. Instead he agreed this summer to walk away from the job he's had for 31 years.

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

Pakistan will complete CPEC at all costs, says PM Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed on Friday that his government would complete the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at "any cost" as the $60 billion project is a manifestation of the all-weather friendship between the two countries.

Officer shot and killed, suspect found dead in Ohio

Witnesses told police the man shot the officer with a handgun and then went into a wooded area. At some point, officers heard a single gunshot coming from the woods, Kral said. The gunman, only described as a 57-year-old white male, was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound to the head around 3.15am.

China says G4 swine flu virus not new; does not infect humans easily

China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Saturday that the so-called "G4" strain of swine flu virus is not new and does not infect or sicken humans and animals easily, rebuffing a study published earlier this week.

Pubs and restaurants reopen in England as lockdown eased

In addition to the reopening of much of the hospitality sector, couples can tie the knot once again, people can go and see a movie at their local cinema and many of those who have had enough of their lockdown hair can finally get a trim. In all cases, social distancing rules have to be followed.

WHO team to visit China next week to investigate origins of coronavirus

Amid global concerns that China delayed giving information regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak, a team of WHO will visit the country next week to investigate the origins of the virus. The visit will take place more than six months after the WHO's Country Office in China picked up a statement from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission on cases of 'viral pneumonia'.

Donald Trump pushes racial division, flouts virus rules at Rushmore

At the foot of Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day, President Trump zeroed in on the desecration by some protesters of monuments and statues across the country that honour those who have benefited from slavery, including some past presidents. “This movement is openly attacking the legacies of every person on Mount Rushmore," Trump said. He lamented “cancel culture".

At Mount Rushmore, Trump says protesters seek to 'defame' heroes

Speaking to a largely maskless crowd at Mount Rushmore, President Donald Trump said Friday that protesters have waged "a merciless campaign to wipe out our history" amid demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality.

2 US aircraft carriers conduct exercises in South China Sea

"I can confirm that the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) are conducting dual-carrier operations and exercises in the South China Sea to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. High-end integrated exercises build unmatched flexibility, endurance, manoeuvrability and firepower in an all-domain war-fighting environment," Lt Cmdr. Sean Brophy, APR+M, Public Affairs Officer for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, told ANI.

Global coronavirus cases rise to more than 11 million

Latin America, where Brazil has 1.5 million cases, makes up 23% of the global total of people infected. India has become the new epicenter in Asia, rising to 625,000 cases.

Man who crashed gate where Canada Justin Trudeau lives facing 22 charges

A man who allegedly crashed his truck through a gate on the grounds where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lives was charged with 22 crimes on Friday, including weapons offenses and uttering threats. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Duheme said Corey Hurren had several weapons when he was arrested Thursday.

Pakistani foreign minister tests positive for Covid-19

Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday he had tested positive for Covid-19, days after holding high-profile meetings including one with US special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad. In the last few days, Qureshi has had contact with Pakistani PM Khan in parliament and in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

After HK, US & China spar over PLA drills in South China Sea

Coronavirus live news: pubs reopen in England as Catalonia announces new lockdown

Fourth of July holiday weekend in US sees cases still surging; WHO changes timeline of how it was alerted to virus; housing estates in Melbourne locked down after outbreak. Follow all the developments live

What we’re learning about Covid as US states open up How Victoria’s outbreak divided Australia Scotland and Wales attack UK government’s shambolic travel changes

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Portugal on Saturday denounced as “absurd” Britain’s decision to exclude it from the list of countries to which Britons can travel without having to observe quarantine restrictions on their return.

The row comes as both countries record a coronavirus infections rate of 4,000 cases per million inhabitants, according to an AFP tally compiled from national data, although Britain registers a significantly higher death rate.

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Malawi’s new president Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday ordered his inauguration ceremony be scaled down amid a surge of coronavirus cases, dampening excitement around his election win.

Chakwera was sworn in last Sunday for a five-year term, hours after unseating Peter Mutharika in a re-run election, and this Monday the country is holding a formal celebration.

Coronavirus world map: which countries have the most Covid-19 cases and deaths?

Covid-19 has spread around the planet, sending billions of people into lockdown as health services struggle to cope. Find out where the virus has spread, and where it has been most deadly

Coronavirus map of the UK Coronavirus map of the US Coronavirus cases in Australia Continue reading...

UK ponders joining EU's coronavirus vaccine scheme

Ministers said to be weighing benefits against broader desire to cut ties with Brussels

Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage

The UK is assessing whether to join an EU programme to help secure a potential coronavirus vaccine in what could mark a bellwether for post-Brexit cooperation.

In what the Daily Express described as a “Brexit backtrack”, UK officials are thought to be considering the advantages of being part of the EU plan because the bloc would have greater purchasing power to strike deals with multinational drug companies.

One school, 25 bereavements: Essex head fears emotional impact of Covid-19

Vic Goddard is one of many school leaders daunted by the burden of supporting pupils and staff through their grief

Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage

Vic Goddard is trying not to cry. The headteacher of Passmores academy in Harlow and star of the 2011 TV series Educating Essex is thinking about the 23 pupils and two staff at his school who have been bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic.

His greatest fear, a fear that keeps him awake at night and is making his voice tremble, is what could happen to them if he does not manage to support them adequately when they return to school. “I’m going to get upset, I’m really sorry…” he stops. “You feel dreadfully … dreadfully … There is an element of responsibility.”

Trump claims US on way to 'tremendous victory' over Covid-19 as cases surge – live

President made remark in Fourth of July message at White HouseTrump says US under assault from ‘far-left fascism’ in speech US coronavirus deaths near 130,000 Supreme court gives conservatives blues – what’s really going on?Sign up to our First Thing newsletter

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Two country judges in Texas have urged residents to shelter in place and wear face coverings as hospitals in their areas reach capacity.

Please be safe this weekend. pic.twitter.com/DhiH7NEGXJ

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Donald Trump barely mentioned the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the US in his incendiary speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday night. But in an appearance at the White House to wish Americans a happy fourth of July, the president referenced the virus, albeit to tell people how great a job he is doing. Predictably, he also recycled his old tactic of blaming the virus on China.

Happy Fourth of July from President @realDonaldTrump! pic.twitter.com/jhOOEzN0F2

Ghislaine Maxwell will not say anything about Prince Andrew, says friend

Laura Goldman says she expects Maxwell to seek plea deal over charges relating to exploitation of young girls

Ghislaine Maxwell would never say anything about the Duke of York’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, according to one of her friends.

Maxwell appeared in court in the US on Thursday accused of helping disgraced financier Epstein “identify, befriend and groom” multiple girls, including one as young as 14.

'Hidden language': Hongkongers get creative against security law

Residents use wordplay including repurposed Chinese Communist party dogma to express frustration

Hongkongers are finding creative ways to voice dissent after Beijing blanketed the city in a new security law and police began arresting people displaying now forbidden political slogans.

Faced with the sudden threat of prosecution for anything that might promote greater autonomy or independence for the restless city, residents are using wordplay and even subverting Chinese Communist party dogma to express their frustration.

Earl Cameron, 'Britain's first black film star', dies aged 102

Bermudian-born actor rose to prominence in the 1950s in films such as Pool of London and Sapphire, as well as appearing in the 007 film Thunderball

Earl Cameron, who with his debut role in the 1951 film Pool of London, became one of the first significant black actors in British cinema, has died aged 102. His agent confirmed the news to the Guardian, saying “he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family” on Friday in Kenilworth in Warwickshire.

Cameron’s significance to the current generation of black British actors was underlined by tributes on social media. David Harewood described him as “a total legend”, while Paterson Joseph wrote: “His generation’s pioneering shoulders are what my generation of actors stand on. No shoulders were broader than this gentleman with the voice of god and the heart of a kindly prince.” Historian David Olusoga added: “A remarkable and wonderful man. Not just a brilliant actor but a link to a deeper history.”

Japan floods: nursing home residents feared dead

Fourteen victims found in cardio-respiratory arrest in western region after record rainfall

Fourteen people were feared dead at a nursing home in western Japan as record rainfall triggered floods and landslides, forcing authorities to issue evacuation advisories for more than 200,000 residents.

The victims were found in cardio-respiratory arrest on Saturday at the facility for elderly people. It was flooded after a nearby river broke its banks, governor Ikuo Kabashima from the Kumamoto region told reporters.

Magic mushrooms could help ex-soldiers to overcome trauma

As more troops self-medicate with psychedelic drugs to help with PTSD, a group of experts lobby for proper clinical trials

A growing number of soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are turning to “magic mushrooms” and LSD to treat their condition. But drug laws make it almost impossible to establish whether they work.

Now a new body, the Medical Psychedelics Working Group, a consortium of experts, academics, researchers, policy specialists and industry partners, is to begin lobbying for a change in the law so that scientists can conduct clinical trials.

Amber Heard can be in court for Johnny Depp’s evidence, high court rules

Judge says it would be unfair to stop Heard watching Depp give evidence in libel case over domestic abuse claims

Johnny Depp has failed to stop his ex-wife Amber Heard from watching him give evidence in a libel case over allegations of domestic abuse.

The actor is suing the publisher of the Sun, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over a 2018 article which described Depp as a “wife beater”.

Police smash car window of man on way home from C4 interview about police racism

Ryan Colaço had been driving home from interview and was wrongly accused of concealing drugs

When an officer smashed in the window of Ryan Colaço’s car, after he was wrongly accused of concealing drugs, they did not know he was driving home from a TV interview in which he told of institutional racism in the police after being stopped and searched the week before.

In the original incident, in Northumberland Park, north London, at 11am on 23 May, Colaço said he was stopped after being “aggressively tailgated” by the Metropolitan police, with officers then running to his car and banging on his window. They later said they had been able to smell cannabis from his car.

Prospect of vaccine unites anti-vaxxers, conspiracy theorists and hippie moms in Germany

German health experts have warned that even if a coronavirus vaccine is approved, refusals could open the way to a resurgence of the virus.

How has the pandemic affected global poverty? Here’s what’s happening — and what may follow.

The World Food Program says it needs to reach more people than ever before.

Siberia meltdown alarms scientists

The Arctic region is enduring its own summer of discontent, with record-breaking temperatures, raging wildfires, thawing permafrost, crumbling infrastructure and vanishing sea ice.

‘Trim-dependence day’: England’s hair cutters are back and the big chop begins

A day of widespread reopenings in England saw salons and barbers flooded by the shaggy-haired and home-cut DIYers.

Ghana to black Americans: Come home. We’ll help you build a life here.

The West African country is offering discounted land to those who want to escape racism.

Some Canadian businesses want to let Americans back in. Most Canadians don’t.

Surveys show Canadians support border restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus, amid a sense they’ve handled the pandemic better than the United States.

Mexican border states raise new concern about Americans bringing coronavirus south

With rising coronavirus numbers in Southern California, Texas and Arizona, leaders in Sonora and Tamaulipas are seeking tighter border restrictions and pleading for Americans not to cross.

‘We feel absolutely abandoned’: Russia’s economic crisis swallows families that once seemed secure

Charities and aid groups are seeing something new: families never before in financial trouble seeking help, food and even a place to live.

Khashoggi murder trial begins in Turkey, without the accused

The suspects are all Saudi nationals. The Saudi government has refused to extradite them.

New Iraqi leader tries to rein in Iran-backed militias, but task proves daunting

The prime minister’s raid on Kataib Hezbollah was the boldest move yet against the armed groups.

Beijing names hard-liner who crushed protests to head Hong Kong security agency

Zheng Yanxiong is known for putting down an anti-corruption uprising in neighboring Guangdong province.

China strangles its world city

Not long ago, Hong Kong was seen as the city that would prefigure a more liberal, prosperous future for China.

'Your year for Germany': Defense minister wants voluntary Bundeswehr military service as army struggles to fill ranks

Young people in Germany will have an opportunity to apply for one year of free military training as part of Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer's project aimed at addressing a chronic personnel shortage in the army. Read Full Article at RT.com

Breakthrough in dark matter mystery as neutral hydrogen from other galaxies detected for first time

In a development that could finally shed light on dark matter, an international team of scientists have detected neutral hydrogen atoms, from a galaxy other than our own, for the very first time. Read Full Article at RT.com

North Korea says no need for talks with US as they’re nothing more than ‘shallow trick’ to make Trump look good

North Korea does not need to engage in talks with the United States, as a meeting would be nothing more than a “tool for grappling” with Washington’s “political crisis,” a senior Pyongyang diplomat said. Read Full Article at RT.com

Catalan district with 200,000 residents becomes first in Spain to be put under local lockdown after Covid-19 spike

Officials in the northeastern Spanish province of Catalonia have imposed a local lockdown in Segria county, home to more than 200,000 people, after a spike in Covid-19 cases. Read Full Article at RT.com

French homegrown ISIS terrorist sentenced to 30 years for aggravated murder & leading group of jihadists

A senior French ISIS member, who converted to Islam at 21, has been locked up for 30 years. It’s the first time a Paris court has imposed a sentence for jihadist crimes committed in Syria. Read Full Article at RT.com

14 people feared dead at flooded nursing home as unprecedented rain wreaks havoc in southern Japan

The governor of Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan has revealed that 14 people have been found without vital signs at a flooded nursing home. The shocking news comes amid heavy flooding in the region. Read Full Article at RT.com

‘Medium’ to ‘lower’ confidence: US spy agencies express doubts over ‘Russian bounties’ allegations, says new report

A fresh intelligence memo casts doubts on the media-pedaled story that US spy agencies were dead sure that Russia supposedly offered to pay Afghan militants to kill Americans, a new report says. Read Full Article at RT.com

Germany joins tiny host of European nations by making 'upskirting' punishable crime

German MPs have followed their UK and French colleagues, backing legislation that carries a fine or even a prison term for taking unsolicited photos under somebody's clothing. Read Full Article at RT.com

France to probe ex-PM & minister over handling of Covid-19 – prosecutors

France’s former prime minister Edouard Philippe and its health officials will be the targets of a probe into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, prosecutors say. Read Full Article at RT.com

No more slaves and masters: Twitter engineers BAN whole range of terms in fight for 'more inclusive language'

Twitter’s engineering team will systematically purge a list of offensive terms from its source code and internal documents in the name of political correctness. Terms like “master” and “slave” will go, as will gendered pronouns. Read Full Article at RT.com

‘RACIST FISH’: Little Mermaid statue in Denmark vandalized again

Copenhagen’s ‘Little Mermaid’ statue has yet again been vandalized, now with the words “racist fish” sprayed on its base. The fairy tale character’s cancellation comes in spite of Disney casting a black actress for the movie role. Read Full Article at RT.com

Iran says cause of mysterious incident that damaged nuclear facility ‘has been determined’

Iran’s National Security Council has determined the cause of a mysterious incident that damaged the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. The council is keeping quiet on the cause for now, citing “security considerations.” Read Full Article at RT.com

Democracy Books Disappear From Hong Kong Libraries

Books written by prominent Hong Kong democracy activists have started to disappear from the city's libraries, online records show, days after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the...

Diver Bitten By Shark Near Popular Tourist Island In Australia Dies

A man died Saturday after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing off Australia's east coast, police said.

US Officers Sacked After Photo Imitating Chokehold On Black Man Surfaces

Two US police officers have been fired after a photo emerged showing them re-enacting a chokehold used on a black man before he died at a memorial site to his death, Colorado police said in a...

G4 Swine Flu Not New, Does Not Infect Humans Easily, Says China

China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Saturday that the so-called "G4" strain of swine flu virus is not new and does not infect or sicken humans and animals easily, rebuffing a...

4 Of Family Returning From Condolence Meet Among 21 Killed In Pak Accident

Four members of a Sikh family, who had gone to Nankana Sahib to condole the death of a relative, were among 21 Pakistani Sikh pilgrims killed in Friday's tragic accident when a passenger train crashed...

Wear A Mask Or Not? 10 Million Views Already On This Satirical Video

The raging debate over the use of masks to tackle coronavirus pandemic in US received a satirical treatment on Friday when a comic group, Holderness Family, made light of the situation with lyrics...

'Hidden Language': Hong Kongers Get Creative Against Security Law

Hong Kongers are finding creative ways to voice dissent after Beijing blanketed the city in a new security law and police began arresting people displaying now forbidden political slogans.

Paris Louvre Museum Reopens Monday After Crippling Losses

The Louvre in Paris, the world's most visited museum and home to the Mona Lisa, reopens on Monday but with coronavirus restrictions in place and parts of the complex closed to visitors.

US Sends Carriers To South China Sea During Chinese Military Drills

Two US aircraft carriers were conducting exercises in the disputed South China Sea on Saturday, the US navy said, as China also carried out military drills that have been criticised by the Pentagon...

"Asked Me To Light Up" The Oven: Khashoggi Murder Trial Tells Court

A Saudi consulate worker in Istanbul told a Turkish court on Friday he had been asked to light a tandoor oven less than an hour after Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the building where he was...

Donald Trump Jr's Girlfriend Coronavirus Positive

The girlfriend of President Donald Trump's eldest son has tested positive for coronavirus, US media reported Friday.

WHO Team In China Next Week To Investigate Coronavirus Origins

Amid global concerns that China delayed giving information regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak, a team of WHO (World Health Organisation) will visit the country next week to investigate the...

Fitch has downgraded a record number of sovereign ratings due to the coronavirus. It's not done yet

Fitch Ratings has downgraded a record 33 sovereign ratings in the first half of this year — more than in any given year in the past.

Hong Kong officials 'very disappointed' at Canada's move to suspend extradition pact

Senior officials in Hong Kong said on Saturday they were "very disappointed" at Canada's decision to suspend its extradition treaty with the Chinese-ruled city and again slammed Washington for "interfering" in its affairs.

Think tank explains why it's 'pointless' to delist Chinese companies from U.S. stock markets

The move will neither deny those firms access to American capital markets nor hurt China's growth, said Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Canada suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, eyes immigration boost

Canada is suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in the wake of new Chinese national security legislation and could boost immigration from the former British colony, top officials said on Friday.

How Hong Kong beat coronavirus and avoided lockdown

Hong Kong is one of the world's densest cities. Public transit is often packed. There are even direct flights from Wuhan. Yet, the city managed to handle the outbreak with a combination of factors.

Why coronavirus contact-tracing apps aren't yet the 'game changer' authorities hoped they'd be

The apps have faced setbacks, not least because some countries refused to adopt tools created by Apple and Google.

UK looks to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink after winning bid for bankrupt satellite company OneWeb

The U.K. is set to try and take on Elon Musk's Starlink in the race to beam high-speed internet from space after the acquisition of OneWeb.

From stateless to displaced, the Rohingya are still searching for hope years after fleeing Myanmar

The Rohingya are among the world's most persecuted ethnic minorities — haunted by the past and denied a future.

Handicapping the market from here — what history tells us about the odds the comeback continues

Can history help handicap where markets head from here after the extraordinary path stocks have taken so far this year?

The CEO of a major advertising trade group says the Facebook boycott is a turning point

World Federation of Advertisers CEO Stephan Loerke believes the slew of big brands publicly pausing social media advertising aren't likely to come back until real change is made. "We moved from brand safety to, I think, societal safety."

'Cuddle curtains' are going global amid the coronavirus pandemic

One of the hardest parts of the coronavirus pandemic for many people has been that social distancing measures, but there is a solution.

LinkedIn says these are the world's 10 most in-demand jobs that don't need a degree

LinkedIn has said that the U.K. jobs market is currently three times more competitive when compared to the same period last year but has compiled a list of roles most in-demand by employers globally.

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US Intelligence, Which Accuses Russia of Deal With Taliban, Is Involved in Drug Trade, Envoy Says

YAKUTSK (Sputnik) - US intelligence is deeply involved in the Afghan drug trade at the same time as it accuses Russia of conspiring with the Taliban, Special Presidential Envoy on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said on Saturday.

'Giants of Our Past': Which Historical US 'Heroes' Will Make It to Trump's Newly Announced Monument?

The plan to build a monument was devised as a response to a recent trend amid the nationwide BLM protests to topple statues of historically significant American figures who are somehow linked to either slavery or racial issues in the US, such as monuments to generals who fought for the Confederacy.

Football Stars from Bayern and Leverkusen Arrive For German Cup Final - Video

The faceoff for the trophy will be held without an audience because of the restrictions that are in place due to coronavirus-related concerns. In May, the Bundesliga resumed play after the epidemiological situation in Germany started to improve.

Shooting in US' Mississippi State Leaves 1 Person Killed, 3 Others Injured

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A man was shot dead and three other people sustained injuries following a shooting attack at a night club in the Hinds county of the US state of Mississippi in the early hours of Saturday, local sheriff's office said in a press release on Saturday.

Veteran Dem Strategist Predicts ‘Significant Chance’ Trump Will Abandon 2nd Term Presidential Bid

The development comes as Charles Gasparino, a Fox News Business reporter, recently said that “major players” in the Republican Party had begun to debate whether Trump should drop out of the race due to alleged flagging public support.

Moscow Surprised by UK's Response to Russia's Exit From UN Syria Deconfliction Mechanism

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is surprised by the UK Foreign Office's comment that Russia’s withdrawal from the UN deconfliction mechanism in northwest Syria was "unacceptable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, adding that the participation in the mechanism was voluntary.

Moscow Denies US Allegation of Breach of Underground Nuclear Testing Moratorium

US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea on 3 July called Russia’s next-generation Poseidon and Burevestnik, experimental nuclear-powered as well as nuclear-armed submarine and air missile systems, "terrible" and urged for their abolition, while citing allegations of a rise in radiation levels in northern Europe.

UK Armed Forces to Re-Focus Attention on Chinese Threat Post Pandemic, Reports Say

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The heads of the UK army, navy and air force have held consultations with ministers earlier this week to determine the country's security priorities and concluded that the focus in the post-pandemic world is going to be threats coming from China, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Saturday, quoting officials.

Same Old Story? Italian Cops Bust Paedophile Ring Sharing Content Featuring Babies, Report Says

The probe was launched after postal police investigators discovered photos of nude minors and other “horrifying” content, depicting actual sexual violence where the victims were often infants.

Protesters Hold George Floyd Memorial March in Washington, DC - Video

Protests have been rocking the United States since late May, when George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis police custody after a violent arrest. In some cases, the mass rallies have been accompanied by arson, looting, and vandalism.

Narendra Modi Launches Made-in-India App Innovation Challenge Amid Tensions With China

New Delhi (Sputnik): Following the India-China border stand-off, New Delhi banned 59 Chinese apps, including the short video-making app TikTok, which had 20 percent of its user base in India. Experts have predicted that although the move will lead to a revenue loss for India, it will also create opportunities for the country’s start-up community.

Madeleine McCann Suspect Was Twice Extradited to Germany for Child Sex Crimes, Report Says

The latest developments in the Maddy McCann case are all focused on a currently imprisoned German sex offender who stayed in Portugal’s southernmost region, Algarve, on and off for 22 years.

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.

China Suppression Of Uighur Minorities Meets U.N. Definition Of Genocide, Report Says

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with China expert Adrian Zenz about his research uncovering evidence of birth prevention and mass female sterilization of Uighur Muslims in China.

International Flights Are Ramping Up. Slowly. And With Plenty Of Caveats

Many countries shut down international air travel when the pandemic began. Routes are reopening again, but you may need a COVID-19 test before you board.

Khashoggi Murder Trial Begins In Turkey

Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a leading critic of the kingdom's crown prince, was killed in Istanbul in 2018. Twenty Saudis are standing trial in absentia in Khashoggi's death.

Concerns Grow Over App Store's Unfair Treatment Of Developers

Regulators in Europe and the U.S. are investigating growing concerns over the App Store — developers who try to sell their apps say the tech giant treats them unfairly and stifles competition.

A Look At How Europe Is Getting Back To 'Normal' After Coronavirus Lockdowns

NPR's correspondents in Paris, London and Berlin update on how the pandemic is affecting life in Europe.

England To Lift Quarantine Rule For More Than 50 Nations — But Not For The U.S.

Effective July 10, travelers from "reduced risk" countries, including Spain, France, Germany and Italy, won't have to self-Isolate for 14 days. The U.S. is not among the exempt countries.

'Make The Climate A Priority Again,' Says Germany's Student Activist Neubauer

NPR sits down with Germany's prominent youth climate activist to discuss lessons from the coronavirus and next steps for the movement.

U.S. Surpasses Global Record For New COVID-19 Cases Recorded In A Day

The U.S. reported more than 55,000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday — reaching a daily global record for the coronavirus pandemic. The previous record was set last month by Brazil.

Landslide At Myanmar Jade Mine Kills At Least 162

The death toll makes the disaster the worst known in the jade mining industry, surpassing an accident in 2015 that killed 113 people.

Coronavirus FAQs: Is It Safe To Dine Indoors — Or Outdoors?

We look at the risks to consider (and precautions to take) before a restaurant meal. Also: How risky is it to fly on fully booked flights?

Hong Kong Activist Nathan Law Says He Has Fled Abroad Amid Beijing-Backed Crackdown

Law, who spoke to NPR's All Things Considered, announced late Wednesday that he had left the country following the enactment of a draconian new national security law targeting the territory.

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.

What's Wrong With America?: "The Despair Is Smoldering in Society"

Millions of Americans have seen their wages stagnate for decades, even as the wealthiest have grown fantastically rich. The economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton believe the health-care system is partly to blame, and the coronavirus is highlighting the broader dangers American society is facing.

The UK Steers Toward a No-Deal Brexit in the Middle of the Pandemic

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seems to be planning to take his country out of the European Union at the end of the year, even without a deal. The Continent is trying to limit the damage, but it would spell disaster for the British.

Alone on the Adriatic: The Italian Resort of Rimini Opens Carefully to Summer Tourists

Germans are finally able to travel to their favorite holiday destination again: Italy. In the tourist city of Rimini, hosts are setting up lounge chairs and putting out the umbrellas, but even so, this summer won't be the same.

ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos: "We Had to Act"

The European Central Bank's bond-buying program has been heavily criticized in Germany. But ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos says it is a necessity in these times of crisis. He also praises the German response to the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

A Global Scramble for the Coming Coronavirus Vaccine

A vast rivalry is developing between the U.S. and China in the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The health of billions of people depends on the outcome. How can the vaccine be fairly distributed? By DER SPIEGEL Staff

Mohrenstrasse: Berlin metro to change 'racist' station name by end of year

The station has been renamed several times since it was opened over a century ago

Japan floods: 'Unprecedented rainfall' leaves at least 15 dead and houses swept away amid devastating landslides

Government sends 10,000 defence troops to southwest of the country where extreme levels of rain have been recorded

Trump news - live: US president struggles with series of words during Mount Rushmore speech as Pence calls him 'my father' in campaign ad

Follow all the latest developments in US politics

Putin ridicules US embassy for flying LGBT+ pride flag

Russian president's comments follow referendum defining marriage as between a man and a woman

Coronavirus: Catalonian regional government orders 'indefinite' lockdown of Spain's Segria region due to Covid-19

Number of people entering hospital in capital of region has tripled in 10 days

Trump vows to defend statues in dark Independence Day speech after Native American protests

President defends Confederate-era monuments and says his opponents' goal is to 'end America'

Scuba diver killed in Australia shark attack

20-year-old man bitten around legs near Indian Head on eastern side of Fraser Island

Trump struggles to say 'totalitarianism' in dark Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore

'Totallie-tario-tism'?

Elijah McClain: Three police officers sacked over photos of them 're-enacting the chokehold' used on 23-year-old

Aurora's interim police chief described the images as a 'crime against humanity and decency'

Elijah McClain: Three police officers placed on leave after photos emerge of them 're-enacting the chokehold' used on teenager

'All involved officers were immediately placed on administrative leave with pay in non-enforcement capacities'

Shooting in Alabama mall kills eight-year-old boy and leaves three injured

Hoover's mayor described the shooting as a 'senseless tragedy'

Trump re-election T-shirts accused of having Nazi-like symbol

Outrage online as campaign calls accusation 'moronic'

Face-to-face contact banned as Amsterdam’s famous red light district reopens after lockdown

AMSTERDAM’s infamous red-light district has reopened its doors ahead of schedule – but customers are banned from kissing the health-conscious sex workers. Like any other non-essential business, brothels in the Netherlands were shut during the coronavirus lockdown. However, as the infection rate dropped – the country has suffered just over 6,000 deaths – authorities moved […]

Spearfisher, 36, mauled to death by shark off coast of Australia

A SPEARFISHER was mauled to death by a shark off the coast of Australia. The 36-year-old was attacked near tourist hotspot Fraser Island on Saturday 4. The man, who has not been named, had been bitten around the legs. He was seriously injured and lost a severe amount of blood before he died at the […]

‘Explosive’ encounter with ‘BigFoot’ who ‘moved like an ape with human characteristics’ in Oz bush

A RESEARCHER says he had an “explosive encounter” with “Bigfoot” – a beast which “moved like an ape” but had human characteristics. David Taylor, 50, has been collecting evidence about the mythical creatures for the last 12 years across Queensland, Australia. He claims he has spotted the hairy creatures, known locally as yowies, “hundreds of […]

Spain locks down region with 400,000 people after surge in coronavirus cases as Brits prepare to jet off on holiday

SPAIN has locked down an entire region after a spike in coronavirus cases – as Brits prepare to jet off on holiday. It comes a day after England lifted travel restrictions on 73 destinations – including Spain – where Brits won’t need to quarantine on their return on from July 10. The region, near Barcelona, […]

Terrified woman returns home to find mutant potatoes with metre-long ‘tentacles’ invaded her kitchen

A TERRIFIED woman has told how she returned home after three months away to find mutant potatoes had invaded her kitchen. Donna Porée, 22, discovered the alien-like spuds with their metre-long tentacles after spending lockdown with her boyfriend. She bought the £2.25 (€2.50) bag of potatoes from a supermarket in March with the intention of […]

How is 4th July celebrated in the UK? Independence Day 2019 events in Britain

AMERICANS mark the Fourth of July to celebrate their independence from the British Empire. But that doesn’t mean that Brits can’t join in the fun even in lockdown. Here is all you need to know about today’s celebrations. What is Independence Day? Independence Day celebrates America’s independence from the British Empire. It is a federal […]

Vladimir Putin signs law allowing him to stay in power until 2036 as he changes Russia’s constitution

VLADIMIR Putin has signed a law allowing him to stay in power until 2036, in a move which changes Russia’s constitution. The Russian leader, 67, made the executive order on Friday which will bring the changes into force on Saturday. Voters approved the changes during a week-long poll which saw Putin claim victory with 78 […]

Ghislaine Maxwell on suicide watch after swapping life of luxury for cramped jail cell

GHISLAINE Maxwell is on suicide watch tonight — after swapping her extraordinary life of luxury for a cramped jail cell. The British socialite’s every move was being monitored at Merrimack County Jail, in New Hampshire, sources have told The Sun. It is just an hour away from the huge £800,000 home where she was holed […]

Coronavirus impossible to stop ‘until most of world is infected’ and now out of control in many countries, expert warns

CORONAVIRUS is impossible to stop until most of the world has been infected, an expert has warned. The number of people infected globally passed ten million this week, with deaths now at a staggering half a million. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates But experts have warned this is just the […]

Brit, 36, hauled to court in cuffs after ‘stabbing his own dad, 57, to death in a frenzied knife attack’ in Tenerife

A BRIT has appeared in court charged with stabbing his own dad to death in a frenzied knife attack in Tenerife. The expat, named only as 36-year-old Paul C.S was arrested after his dad, 57, was found with around 35 knife wounds. The suspect was led into court today in handcuffs sporting a bandage on […]

Dead K-pop star Goo Hara’s ex boyfriend jailed for ‘revenge porn’ blackmail videos that ‘drove her to suicide’

K-POP star Goo Hara’s ex-boyfriend has been jailed for blackmailing her over “revenge porn” videos that played a part in her suspected suicide. Goo, who was a member of girl group Kara, claimed her hairdresser ex Choi Jong-bum had threatened to end her career by leaking their sex videos. CCTV footage of the couple showed […]

Security guards at coronavirus quarantine hotels ‘slept with infected guests’ causing second Aussie Covid spike

SECURITY guards at coronavirus quarantine hotels slept with infected guests in the run-up to a second wave of coronavirus infections, it’s been claimed. More than 300,000 people living in Northwest Melbourne, in Australia, were placed in lockdown yesterday following a fresh outbreak – which is being linked to the security guards’ behaviour. Members of the […]

Pubs, Restaurants and Museums Open as England Eases Coronavirus Lockdown

Many think the easing comes too soon given still-high levels of coronavirus infections and deaths

North Korea Says It Has No Plans for Talks With U.S.

North Korea on criticized what it describes as “hostile” polices toward Pyongyang

Turkey Convicts 4 Human Rights Activists on Terror Charges

The trial of several human rights activists heightened concerns about Turkey’s treatment of human rights defenders

Iran Declines to Reveal Cause of Mysterious Nuclear Facility Fire

A released photo and video of the site suggested an explosion accompanied the blaze

Vladimir Putin Orders Constitutional Amendments That Would Allow Him to Remain in Power Until 2036

The changes allow Putin to run for two more six-year terms after his current one expires in 2024

Germany Approves Plan to End Coal as an Energy Source by 2038

Environmental groups say the plan isn't ambitious enough and free marketeers criticize the use of taxpayers' money

Two Trains Collided in a Mountain Tunnel in Switzerland

A few people were slightly injured, the railway operator said

Explosion at Fireworks Factory in Turkey Kills 4, Injures at Least 97

There were 186 workers at the factory outside the town of Hendek, in Sakarya province

U.K. Lifts Quarantine Rules for Visitors From ‘Lower Risk’ Countries. The U.S. Isn’t One of Them

For isolation-weary Britons and cash-starved businesses, relief at easing the three-month lockdown is mixed with trepidation

275 Elephants ‘Mysteriously’ Found Dead in Botswana

One conservationist called it "one of the biggest disasters to impact elephants this century"