Reflections from news and commentary of the day
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Monday, November 30, 2020
Israel Behind Assassination of Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist? - Global ResearchGlobal Research - Centre for Research on Globalization
Israel Behind Assassination of Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist? - Global ResearchGlobal Research - Centre for Research on Globalization: Israel’s Mossad operates like a global Mafia hit squad. On the phony pretext of protecting national security, it has a long history of assassinating Palestinians and others it wants eliminated. Former IDF chief of staff General Dan Haluts once said “(t)argeted killing is the most important method in the fight against ‘terrorism (sic).’ ” Like …
History reminds us that vaccines alone don’t end pandemics - The Washington Post
History reminds us that vaccines alone don’t end pandemics - The Washington Post: Mask wearing and social distancing will be essential, even after a vaccine is deployed.
World should thank us for killing Iran's top nuclear scientist, senior Israeli official tells NYT - Israel News - Haaretz.com
World should thank us for killing Iran's top nuclear scientist, senior Israeli official tells NYT - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Israel will keep acting against Iran's nuclear program 'as needed,' an Israeli official who was reportedly involved for years in tracking Mohsen Fakhrizadeh tells the New York Times
12 Historical figures who read 'The Imitation of Christ'
12 Historical figures who read 'The Imitation of Christ': The Imitation of Christ has had some pretty impressive followers.
Canada’s silence on the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist is troubling — The Canada Files
Canada’s silence on the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist is troubling — The Canada Files: Written by: Waseem Shehzad Since the assassination of Dr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran’s top scientist and physicist, on Friday November 27 outside Tehran, there has been no word of condemnation from the Canadian government. Such silence is troubling and can only be interpreted as encouraging state ter
Vaccines Are Coming, but Pandemic Experts Expect a 'Horrible' Winter - The New York Times
Vaccines Are Coming, but Pandemic Experts Expect a 'Horrible' Winter - The New York Times: With vaccines and a new administration, the pandemic will be tamed. But experts say the coming months “are going to be just horrible.”
World should thank us for killing Iran's top nuclear scientist, senior Israeli official tells NYT - Israel News - Haaretz.com
World should thank us for killing Iran's top nuclear scientist, senior Israeli official tells NYT - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Israel will keep acting against Iran's nuclear program 'as needed,' an Israeli official who was reportedly involved for years in tracking Mohsen Fakhrizadeh tells the New York Times
Opinion | Dear Joe, It’s Not About Iran’s Nukes Anymore - The New York Times
Opinion | Dear Joe, It’s Not About Iran’s Nukes Anymore - The New York Times: Biden wants to reinstate the nuclear deal, but first he must confront the new Middle East.
Trump Faces Critical Choice About His Political Future | National Review
Trump Faces Critical Choice About His Political Future | National Review: Trump may be forced to choose within days whether he wishes to emulate Andrew Jackson, the aggrieved victim of the crooked bargain of 1824 that denied him victory in that year’s presidential election. Jackson stormed back in 1828 to an overwhelming populist victory.
The Next National Defense Strategy - War on the Rocks
The Next National Defense Strategy - War on the Rocks: The Biden-Harris administration is inheriting a defense strategy undermined by a mix of Jacksonian populism manifest in President Donald Trump’s political
Trump Administration Moves To Bar Any Group Supporting A Boycott of Israel – JONATHAN TURLEY
Trump Administration Moves To Bar Any Group Supporting A Boycott of Israel – JONATHAN TURLEY: For years, we have discussed the effort of states to bar individuals, groups, and businesses from state contracts if they support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Other Western nations have also moved to declare BDS "hate speech." I have previously opposed such laws as unconstitutional and an attack on free speech.…
Joe Biden’s Neera Tanden Pick Is Even Worse Than You Thought
Joe Biden’s Neera Tanden Pick Is Even Worse Than You Thought: Joe Biden’s likely nominee to head the powerful Office of Management and Budget, Neera Tanden, called for cuts to Social Security, saying, “we need to put both entitlements on the table as well as taxes.”
Assassination in Iran Threatens Fate of Nuclear Deal - The New York Times
Assassination in Iran Threatens Fate of Nuclear Deal - The New York Times: The killing of Iran’s top nuclear scientist is likely to impede the country’s military ambitions. Its real purpose may have been to prevent the president-elect from resuming diplomacy with Tehran.
How Mossad assassinated Iran nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh | Daily Mail Online
How Mossad assassinated Iran nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh | Daily Mail Online: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's murder on Friday was carried out by a team of 62 operatives, including 12 assassins sent to the city of Absard to kill the nuclear scientist, according to a report.
Two-shot covid vaccine regimens will make it harder to vaccinate Americans - The Washington Post
Two-shot covid vaccine regimens will make it harder to vaccinate Americans - The Washington Post: While routine for many illnesses, experts say two- or three-dose vaccines are unprecedented in a pandemic when 60 to 70 percent of the population must be immunized to stop the virus’s spread.
Moderna designed its coronavirus vaccine in just 2 days - Business Insider
Moderna designed its coronavirus vaccine in just 2 days - Business Insider: The biotech newcomer designed its vaccine, which is highly effective, over two days in January — before many people had heard of the coronavirus.
Can I Choose My COVID-19 Vaccine? | MedPage Today
Can I Choose My COVID-19 Vaccine? | MedPage Today: We know you've wondered
Iran Says Israel Remotely Killed Military Nuclear Scientist | Asharq AL-awsat
Iran Says Israel Remotely Killed Military Nuclear Scientist | Asharq AL-awsat: Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities
Overview: nuclear scientists as assassination targets - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Overview: nuclear scientists as assassination targets - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The disadvantages of assassinating nuclear scientists are many, including the possibility that assassinations will inspire retaliation, reduce the likelihood of a diplomatic solution, and increase the difficulties international regulators face in monitoring a covert nuclear program. In the abstract, moral and legal strictures also weigh against such assassination efforts. As a practical matter, however, if an existential imperative is present, it will likely trump legal and ethical considerations when a nation contemplates assassinating nuclear scientists.
China Complains of U.S. Harassment of Chinese Airline and Ship Crews - WSJ
China Complains of U.S. Harassment of Chinese Airline and Ship Crews - WSJ: Beijing said U.S. officials were conducting surprise raids on arriving vessels to question crews about Communist Party membership in an effort to “provoke ideological confrontation.”
Saint Andrew | Franciscan Media
Saint Andrew | Franciscan Media: November 30. Saint Andrew was Saint Peter’s brother, and was called by Jesus along with Peter. We know very little about Andrew except that he too was a fisherman, and a disciple of Saint John the Baptist.
What is Advent, and when does it start? A CNA Explainer
What is Advent, and when does it start? A CNA Explainer: Here are a few points that might help you have a great Advent this year
Nearly one-third of NY, NJ small businesses closed in 2020: report
Nearly one-third of NY, NJ small businesses closed in 2020: report: Nearly one-third of small businesses in New York and New Jersey remain closed since January amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a watchdog.
Kentucky dioceses keep Masses open despite governor’s request – Catholic Telegraph
Kentucky dioceses keep Masses open despite governor’s request – Catholic Telegraph: The site of the official magazine of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
“Dark Winter” Was The Code Name For A Scenario In Which A Biological Weapon Was Used Against The American Populace – End Of The American Dream
“Dark Winter” Was The Code Name For A Scenario In Which A Biological Weapon Was Used Against The American Populace – End Of The American Dream: Could it be possible that the phrase "dark winter" has some sort of deeper meaning that most of us are not meant to understand? We have heard that phrase over
A political flirt: The diaries of Barack Hussein Obama | United States | Al Jazeera
A political flirt: The diaries of Barack Hussein Obama | United States | Al Jazeera: How a disappointed Obama disappointed the Muslim world.
Dean Baker - NYT Wants to Talk About Higher Wages, but Doesn’t Want to Talk About the Real Reasons Wages are Low | Brave New Europe
Dean Baker - NYT Wants to Talk About Higher Wages, but Doesn’t Want to Talk About the Real Reasons Wages are Low | Brave New Europe: Inequality is not a natural phenomenon, it is a policy. Dean Baker is a Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) Cross-posted from Dean’s Beat the Press Blog It’s good to [...]
Huawei hits 5G critical mass with Germany's approval - Asia Times
Huawei hits 5G critical mass with Germany's approval - Asia Times: Germany will allow Huawei to build out part of its 5G network, the business daily Handelsblatt reported last week after viewing a new draft law that the Angela Merkel government will submit to the Bundestag next month. Japan and South Korea politely but firmly refused to exclude the Chinese telecommunications giant from their networks in October. Among the world’s major economies, only the US, UK, India and Taiwan plan to block Huawei 5G equipment. Huawei now has the inside track in the race to develop “Fourth Industrial Revolution” applications that exploit 5G capabilities, including self-programming industrial robots, remote-control mining, “smart city” traffic management, telemedicine, and pandemic control. For example, Huawei expects to add the digitized medical history and real-time health monitoring of half a billion people outside China to its Cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) systems during the 2020s. China’s dominance in 5G, moreover, gives it a head start in developing next phase 6G broadband. The German decision not to block any particular equipment provider from its 5G buildout was widely expected after Joe Biden beat Donald Trump in the US presidential elect
Assassinations and sanctions aren’t working: Why America and Israel need a new Iran strategy - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
Assassinations and sanctions aren’t working: Why America and Israel need a new Iran strategy - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: There's a better way for Biden and Israel to contain Iran's regional meddling and its nuclear aspirations – with the added benefit of clipping the wings of an increasingly authoritarian, aggressive Turkey
Biden names Yellen, Tanden to economic team | TheHill
Biden names Yellen, Tanden to economic team | TheHill: President-elect Joe Biden on Monday announced his choices for key members of his economic team.
How a 'rapid withdrawal' from Afghanistan is logistically possible – Responsible Statecraft
How a 'rapid withdrawal' from Afghanistan is logistically possible – Responsible Statecraft: Could is not should, of course, but those who say an immediate military pull-out of Afghanistn is impossible are wrong.
The top 16 people in Congress Biden will rely on to enact an ambitious Democratic agenda - Business Insider
The top 16 people in Congress Biden will rely on to enact an ambitious Democratic agenda - Business Insider: Joe Biden will start off his first term with a vast network of Capitol Hill connections forged during his 36 years in the Senate and eight as VP.
Judge Schedules Hearing in High-Profile Georgia Election Case
Judge Schedules Hearing in High-Profile Georgia Election Case: The judge who Sunday ordered Georgia officials not to wipe or reset voting machines scheduled the next hearing ...
Once enemies, Ethiopia and Eritrea ally against Tigray | Africa | DW | 29.11.2020
Once enemies, Ethiopia and Eritrea ally against Tigray | Africa | DW | 29.11.2020: Eritrea has been involved in the Tigray crisis in Ethiopia from day one, experts have said. But even though the two countries are fighting together against a common enemy, that does not make them friends.
The Black innovators who elevated the United States: Reassessing the Golden Age of Invention
The Black innovators who elevated the United States: Reassessing the Golden Age of Invention: This report demonstrates that Black contributions to the Industrial Revolution were influenced by the disproportionate number of Black Americans who lived in the U.S. South in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Delhi, the world’s most air polluted capital fights back
Delhi, the world’s most air polluted capital fights back: Vinod Thomas and Chitranjali Tiwari offer lessons from Easy Asia for Delhi's fight against air pollution.
The Muslim world’s changing dynamics: Pakistan struggles to retain its footing
The Muslim world’s changing dynamics: Pakistan struggles to retain its footing: By James M. Dorsey Increasing strains between Pakistan and its traditional Arab allies, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, is a...
Iranian authorities said to have photos of assassins of leading nuclear scientist | intelNews.org
Iranian authorities said to have photos of assassins of leading nuclear scientist | intelNews.org: REPORTS IN BRITAIN AND Israel claim that Iranian authorities have visually identified the assassins who were allegedly involved in the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a nuclear scientist believed to…
Israel has amassed 68 Palestinian bodies as bargaining chips since 2016 - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Israel has amassed 68 Palestinian bodies as bargaining chips since 2016 - Israel News - Haaretz.com: The exception was the body of Noor Shuqeir, who was shot dead on suspicion of carrying out a car-ramming attack. The body was ultimately returned to his family, indicating Israel realizes there was no foul play
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Iran parliament demands end of nuclear inspections after murder | Middle East | Al Jazeera
Iran parliament demands end of nuclear inspections after murder | Middle East | Al Jazeera: Hardliners in parliament are gearing up to revitalise Iran’s nuclear programme after scientist’s assassination.
Biden Could Score Another First at CIA - SpyTalk
Biden Could Score Another First at CIA - SpyTalk: Former DIA chief and retired Marine Corps General Vincent Stewart is in the running
A Historic Presidency – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website
A Historic Presidency – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website: Can anyone believe that Bush Republicans or the "Never-Trumpers" are the future of the party when one considers the massive and visceral reaction of millions of Trump voters even to the idea of conceding his defeat in this election? In the first two decades of the century, President-elect Joe Biden's choice for secretary of state…
Guest Post by Allan Brownfeld: THE STRANGE CASE OF JONATHAN POLLARD: PAROLE ENDS FOR A SPY FOR ISRAEL WHO WAS SURPRISINGLY Supported by many Americans.
THE STRANGE CASE OF JONATHAN POLLARD: PAROLE ENDS FOR A SPY FOR ISRAEL WHO WAS SURPRISINGLY Supported by many Americans.
——————————————————————————————
Jonathan
Pollard, a former U.S. Navy analyst convicted of spying for Israel in
the 1980s, had his parole ended on November 20. Pollard, who served 30
years in prison before being released in 2015, became a hero in Israel.
The Israeli government, ironically the largest recipient of U.S.
foreign aid in history, granted him citizenship in 1995. Israeli Prime
Minister Netanyahu regularly asked Presidents George W. bush, Bill
Clinton and Barack Obama to release Pollard and allow him to move to
Israel. Until now, no administration was willing to do so.
Pollard
was arrested in 1985 and accused of passing secret documents to the
Israeli intelligence service, including satellite photos of the
Palestine Liberation Organization’s headquarters in Tunis, which Israel
later used to guide airstrikes on the Tunisian capital. He pleaded
guilty in 1987 and was sentenced to life in prison.
The
scope of his espionage was so extensive that in the 1990s, then-CIA
Director George Tenet threatened to resign if President Clinton released
him. It is instructive to review the scope of Pollard’s espionage, the
funds he received from the Israeli government to spy upon its major
benefactor, and the support Pollard has received from many American
friends of Israel.
Pollard was
working as a civilian intelligence analyst for the U.S. Navy when he was
recruited by the Israeli Defense Ministry in the mid-1980s. He
delivered suitcases full of military intelligence to Israel, including
satellite photos and information on Arab military systems.
Pollard
claimed that the information was vital for Israel’s defense and was
being withheld by Washington. Prosecutors, however, maintained that
much of the information had nothing to do with vital Israeli security
interests and might have fallen into the hands of hostile nations. They
also said that Pollard was not motivated entirely by pro-Israel
sentiments , since he admitted accepting $50,000 in cash from Israel at
one point. Justice Department officials also contend that Pollard did
not cooperate with the investigation, as many of his supporters claim.
So
damaging to U.S. security was Pollard’s role that then-defense
Secretary Caspar Weinberger told Israeli Ambassador Meir Rosenne in 1987
that Pollard should have been executed. Joseph DiGenova, the
prosecutor who handled the Pollard case, said that the damage he did to
U.S. security was “beyond calculation.”
Assistant
U.S. Attorney Charles Leeper declared, “The defendant has admitted that
he sold Israel a volume of classified documents 10 feet by 6 feet by
6feet.” He said that Pollard provided Israel with thousands of pages,
including secret information on the location of American ships and
training exercises.
The U.S.
Government, at the time of Pollard’s trial, said that the damage
resulting from Pollard’s spying exceeded that caused by Ronald T.
Pelton, a former National Security Agency employee, who was convicted in
1986 of selling classified electronics surveillance secrets to the
Soviet Union.
“Pelton compromised
specific intelligence gathering methods in a specific area, and damaged
the U.S. position relative to the Soviet Union,” the prosecutors said.
But they added, “Pollard compromised a breadth and volume of classified
information as great as in any reported espionage case and adversely
affected U.S. interests vis-a-vis numerous countries, including,
potentially, the Soviet Union.”
Several
U.S. intelligence analysts believe that documents stolen by Pollard
were handed over to Moscow by Soviet moles within the Israeli
intelligence services.
Despite all of
this, the pro-Pollard movement became increasingly vocal. In 1993, a
campaign to persuade President Clinton to commute Pollard’s sentence was
launched. In a full page advertisement a wide range of Jewish leaders
urged President Clinton
“to demonstrate your
commitment to justice by commuting Jonathan Pollard’s sentence to the
time he has already served.” Among those signing this statement were
Rabbi Norman Lamm, president of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Arthur Green,
president of tge Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and Rabbi Gerald
Zeller, president of the Rabbinical Assembly.
Many
rabbinical organizations joined in urging a commutation of the Pollard
sentence, including the Rabbinical Council of America and the New York
and Chicago Boards of Rabbis. Seymour Reich, past chairman of the
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations, said,
“I urge the President to commute the sentence of Jonathan Pollard.” The
American Jewish Committee asked the President to review the case and
the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council voted to approve a
letter asking for clemency.
Some of
Pollard’s most vocal supporters even charge that his incarceration is
somehow based on religious prejudice. Thus, Rabbi Avi Weiss of of the
Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, New York wrote in the Los Angeles Times
that Pollard “remains incarcerated because of the improprieties,
prejudice, downright anti-Israelism and elements of anti-Semitism...now
he has become a political prisoner.”
While
major Jewish groups in the U.S. urged Pollard’s early release, many
prominent Jewish Americans sharply disagreed. One of these was Michael
Ledeen, who was a consultant to the national security adviser to the
President, to the undersecretary for political affairs at the State
Department and to the Secretary of Defense from 1982 to 1986. He stated
that, “American Jews who are mounting an impassioned campaign on behalf
of Jonathan Pollard are making a mistake—-a big mistake. The man
deserves everything he got, and more, both for the despicable acts he
committed and for the damage he did to the American Jewish community.”
Ledeen
argues that, “His oath didn’t give him the right to decide when or to
whom he could divulge our secrets. Moreover, while there is no doubt
that Israel ‘ran’ Pollard, he could not have been certain that his
controllers were actually who they claimed to be. If the KGB had set
out to recruit an agent like Pollard, they would most likely have
pretended to be officials of the Mossad.”
Former
New York City Mayor Ed Koch, who is Jewish, declared that, “There is no
excuse for Pollard to accept $150,000 from Israel for spying on America
and no excuse for Pollard to give Israel American codes...I think he
deserved the punishment he got.”
Despite
the rhetoric of Pollard’s defenders, he was never a “political
prisoner.” He was a convicted spy and there was never any evidence
available , or offered by his supporters, that he was innocent. David
Geneson, a federal prosecutor and one of the team who handled the
Pollard case as an assistant U.S. attorney, states that, “Not only did
Pollard solicit his monthly pay and enjoy two luxurious European trips
(unrelated to his espionage activities) at the expense of his Israeli
controllers , he demanded a raise from his most senior control officer
while the man lay in a hospital recuperating from surgery.
Jonathan
Pollard was clearly in it for the money. But his motivation seems to
have been more complicated. He grew up in a religious Jewish family
deeply committed to Zionism, to the idea, as Prime Minister Netanyahu of
Israel frequently proclaims, that Israel is the “homeland” of all Jews.
Jonathan Pollard clearly was confused about where his loyalties
properly belonged. The vast majority of American Jews believe that
Judaism is a religion of universal values and that religion and
nationality are separate and distinct. They understand very clearly
that their “homeland” is the United States and Judaism is their
religion, just as other Americans are Catholic, Protestant or Muslim.
Sadly,
Jonathan Pollard may be viewed as a victim of this Zionist worldview
and of Israel’s claim to speak for millions of men and women who are
citizens of other countries. He has paid a high price for his crime and
is now in poor health, as is his wife. He can certainly be viewed as a
tragic figure. If he decides to move to Israel, that country should
not view him as a hero, which many Israelis may do. If Israel views
itself as a friend of our country, which it repeatedly proclaims, it
should ask itself whether employing a spy such as Jonathan Pollard is
the way friends should treat one another.
The Other Holy Family - The Catholic Thing
The Other Holy Family - The Catholic Thing: Joseph Wood: We are members of earth families but also of another holy family, the one that requires our decision in faith for eternity.
Nick Thomm, former producer at Ave Maria Radio, dies at 41
Nick Thomm, former producer at Ave Maria Radio, dies at 41: Catholic broadcaster dies at 41.
Are you suffering? Our Lady of Fatima has these words for you
Are you suffering? Our Lady of Fatima has these words for you: In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children near Fatima, Portugal. She spoke to them for several months, culminating in a miraculous vision seen by hundreds of witnesses. During many of the visions the Blessed Mother spoke to the children and gave them specific instructions, often encouraging them to pray. Her words were Read More…
British archaeologist confident he has found Jesus' childhood home
British archaeologist confident he has found Jesus' childhood home: Archaeologist confident he has found Holy Familys house
Quo Vadis, Argentina? - The Globalist
Quo Vadis, Argentina? - The Globalist: Why is Argentina in such a sorry state, economically, politically and socially?
The unbearable lightness of being Obama | US & Canada | Al Jazeera
The unbearable lightness of being Obama | US & Canada | Al Jazeera: The former US president lacks conviction and this is apparent in every page and chapter of his new memoir.
Killing Iran’s nuke chief may hurt Israel more than he ever did in his life - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Killing Iran’s nuke chief may hurt Israel more than he ever did in his life - Israel News - Haaretz.com: There are two possible explanations to the timing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s killing. Both are tied to Biden’s inauguration on January 20, and both are extremely high-risk
Japan’s bureaucracy must be digitally bulldozed - Asia Times
Japan’s bureaucracy must be digitally bulldozed - Asia Times: In May, around the time Japan was declaring a Covid-19 state of emergency, government officials scrambled to pump as much stimulus as possible into a flatlining economy. Tokyo’s aging, creaking administrative bureaucracy had other ideas. Fully half of the funds – totaling about $2.2 trillion – that was earmarked for coronavirus aid to small companies and households sat idle. Despite expedited approval, the money was trapped in an only-in-Japan matrix of documents, required administrative stamps and demands for separate sets of original, and properly stamped, documents that went back and forth between different fiefdoms within, and across, agencies unused to coordinating crisis responses. Then, the morass of checks, balances and administrative speedbumps gravely damaged then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s pandemic response. Now, the cost of all this paper flying around – lost productivity, squandered talent and reduced gross domestic product – is growing as Japan suffers its deepest slowdown in six decades.
Carter Page Files $75 Million Lawsuit Against The FBI, Comey, McCabe, and Others – JONATHAN TURLEY
Carter Page Files $75 Million Lawsuit Against The FBI, Comey, McCabe, and Others – JONATHAN TURLEY: Former Trump campaign aide Carter Page on Friday has filed a $75 million lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and former high-ranking officials, including former FBI Director James Comey, and Andrew McCabe. The complaint includes eight claims that range from violations to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Federal Tort Claims Act, a…
'Advent Is a Call to Hope; Faith Is a Love Story' - Pope Francis Ushers in New Liturgical Season in the Vatican (Full Homily) - ZENIT - English
'Advent Is a Call to Hope; Faith Is a Love Story' - Pope Francis Ushers in New Liturgical Season in the Vatican (Full Homily) - ZENIT - English: Day After Consistory, Calls for Simple Family Prayer Together & Increased Vigilance
Netanyahu ignores IDF generals, runs his own show
Netanyahu ignores IDF generals, runs his own show: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff as an associate of his rival Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassination: How the world reacted | Middle East | Al Jazeera
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassination: How the world reacted | Middle East | Al Jazeera: Turkey describes Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s killing as ‘act of terrorism’ while EU calls it ‘criminal’ and urges ‘restraint’.
The pride of Israel: assassinations - Opinion - Haaretz.com
The pride of Israel: assassinations - Opinion - Haaretz.com: Alongside drip irrigation and cherry tomatoes, there are few areas in which Israel takes more pride than what it calls “targeted killings,” which are in fact acts of murd
Naming What We All Know — Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon - YouTube
Naming What We All Know — Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon - YouTube: Friends, Advent is when we reflect upon the arrival of our Savior who came to ransom his people. We cannot think to ourselves, “I’m basically fine, spiritual...
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Fire Homily! Don't Live the Double Standard with COVID - YouTube
Fire Homily! Don't Live the Double Standard with COVID - YouTube: Thanks for watching!The hospital mentioned in the video did correct its policy and is making sure priests are allowed in.
Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake - Defense One
Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake - Defense One: A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
What could Trump do to tank the economy out of vengeance? What Republicans have done for years | Salon.com
What could Trump do to tank the economy out of vengeance? What Republicans have done for years | Salon.com: Republicans have a long history of hurting the economy for political gain, though Trump may also be driven by spite
Here comes President Joebama | Spectator USA
Here comes President Joebama | Spectator USA: For now, the Joebama machine can just about brush over any party discontent. The refrain is that after Trump anything is better
Religion Is an ‘Identity,’ Not a ‘Hobby,’ New Survey Finds
Religion Is an ‘Identity,’ Not a ‘Hobby,’ New Survey Finds: The concept of religion as an identity, rather than as an activity or hobby, must seem very foreign to many public officials.
Under a Biden Administration Get Ready For Nationwide Blackouts
Under a Biden Administration Get Ready For Nationwide Blackouts: Under a Biden Administration Get Ready For Nationwide Blackouts
Trust Deficit Endangers Benefits from Vaccine Due Next Month
Trust Deficit Endangers Benefits from Vaccine Due Next Month: There is a trust deficit in this country, and it may kill a lot of us. We haven’t been trusting for a long time, but distrust reached its zenith during and after the recent election. The election, …
The inexorable rise of Jake Sullivan - POLITICO
The inexorable rise of Jake Sullivan - POLITICO: In his first interview as Joe Biden's national security adviser, Sullivan lays out his plans for a world transformed by the coronavirus — and Donald Trump.
Special Report: Evangelical Christianity In Crisis – End Of The American Dream
Special Report: Evangelical Christianity In Crisis – End Of The American Dream: The evangelical movement in the United States has reached a moment of reckoning. To the surprise of many readers, this is actually not an article about Donald
Nuclear scientist is assassinated inside Iran — and ‘NY Times’ ignores Israeli/Trump motive: goad Tehran into retaliating – Mondoweiss
Nuclear scientist is assassinated inside Iran — and ‘NY Times’ ignores Israeli/Trump motive: goad Tehran into retaliating – Mondoweiss: A nuclear scientist was just assassinated inside Iran, probably by Israel with Trump administration connivance — but, so far, the New York Times is distorting the news.
France Is About to Become Less Free - The Atlantic
France Is About to Become Less Free - The Atlantic: In the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks, the French government has introduced new legislation that threatens the very freedoms it vows to defend.
Khamenei Calls for 'Definitive Punishment' In Revenge For Slain Scientist | Asharq AL-awsat
Khamenei Calls for 'Definitive Punishment' In Revenge For Slain Scientist | Asharq AL-awsat: Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities
Why I’m Losing Hope in India
Why I’m Losing Hope in India: Empty slogans and broken promises won’t restore the country’s economic prospects, let alone enable it to catch up with China.
Killing of Iranian nuclear scientist: Rouhani blames Israel, vows to respond at 'right time' - The Washington Post
Killing of Iranian nuclear scientist: Rouhani blames Israel, vows to respond at 'right time' - The Washington Post: President Hassan Rouhani linked the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh to Trump’s departure, saying “the pressure era is coming to an end.”
Russia's Sputnik V developers call on AstraZeneca to try combining vaccines | Reuters
Russia's Sputnik V developers call on AstraZeneca to try combining vaccines | Reuters: Developers of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine said on Thursday that AstraZeneca should try combining its experimental shot with the Russian one to boost efficacy.
Trump might leave scorched earth on his way out. Netanyahu is happy to lend him a lighter - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Trump might leave scorched earth on his way out. Netanyahu is happy to lend him a lighter - Israel News - Haaretz.com: The president's frantic tweets after the news broke of top Iranian nuclear scientist's assassination make it clear his administration gave its blessing to the Tehran attack attributed to Israel. Could this be Trump's final frenzy?
China increases coal import quotas but Australia likely to be excluded | China | The Guardian
China increases coal import quotas but Australia likely to be excluded | China | The Guardian: China’s foreign ministry says Australia needs to show ‘mutual respect’
Friday, November 27, 2020
A growing number of Americans are going hungry - Washington Post
A growing number of Americans are going hungry - Washington Post: More Americans are going hungry now than at any point during the deadly covid-19 pandemic, according to new federal data.
Rich donors don’t make great ambassadors - The Boston Globe
Rich donors don’t make great ambassadors - The Boston Globe: Let's stop sending out unqualified diplomats just because they helped fund a president’s campaign.
Tulsi Gabbard Asks Trump to Pardon Snowden and Assange for ‘Exposing Criminality of Deep State’ - Sputnik International
Tulsi Gabbard Asks Trump to Pardon Snowden and Assange for ‘Exposing Criminality of Deep State’ - Sputnik International: On Wednesday, President Donald Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn had pleaded guilty in 2017 to making "false and fraudulent...
Augustine’s True Story - The Catholic Thing
Augustine’s True Story - The Catholic Thing: James Matthew Wilson: We wander away, through the world. But, gradually, we return to “rest” in God’s eternal love.
Twitter Criticized as ‘Burn the Clergy’ Hashtag Trends in Spain| National Catholic Register
Twitter Criticized as ‘Burn the Clergy’ Hashtag Trends in Spain| National Catholic Register: Prominent tweets that used the hashtag included images of flames on priests’ heads and others that labeled priests as “pedophiles” and “thieves.”
If Voters Had Known About 8 Stories Media Ignored, Trump Would Have Won, Says Media Watchdog
If Voters Had Known About 8 Stories Media Ignored, Trump Would Have Won, Says Media Watchdog: If the media coverage had been different, “Trump would have won every single contested race,” says Media Research Center’s Brent Bozell.
Trump says he'll leave White House if Biden declared winner of Electoral College | TheHill
Trump says he'll leave White House if Biden declared winner of Electoral College | TheHill: President Trump on Thursday said he would leave the White House on Jan.
Supreme Court overturns NY church restrictions, Brooklyn bishop says religion 'essential' during pandemic
Supreme Court overturns NY church restrictions, Brooklyn bishop says religion 'essential' during pandemic: The Supreme Court said Wednesday night that NY state restrictions on religious services during the coronavirus pandemic are a violation of the First Amendment’s protection of free religious exercise. After the ruling the Bishop of Brooklyn, whose diocese was a plaintiff in the suit, said that religious worship should be considered an essential during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Fight to Win Latino Voters for the G.O.P. - The New York Times
The Fight to Win Latino Voters for the G.O.P. - The New York Times: For 10 years, Libre — an arm of the Koch family’s Americans for Prosperity — has been working to foster conservatism in Hispanic communities. Now, the group is going all-in on Georgia’s Senate runoffs.
Book Review: ‘A Promised Land,’ by Barack Obama - The New York Times
Book Review: ‘A Promised Land,’ by Barack Obama - The New York Times: This first volume of the former president’s memoirs brims with warmth, humor and introspection.
'At Christmas, Let’s Listen to Grandparents and Elderly' - Vatican Issues Invite to Treasure Their Wisdom - ZENIT - English
'At Christmas, Let’s Listen to Grandparents and Elderly' - Vatican Issues Invite to Treasure Their Wisdom - ZENIT - English: Invites Young People to Post on Social Media a Memory, Piece of Advice, or a “Gift of Wisdom” They Received #aGiftOfWisdom
Deplorables, or Expendables? | The American Conservative
Deplorables, or Expendables? | The American Conservative: Rubin offers some valuable, albeit well-known, critiques of globalized trade, but doesn't go far beyond that.
A Vaccine Won’t End the Pandemic in Rural America | Foreign Affairs
A Vaccine Won’t End the Pandemic in Rural America | Foreign Affairs: COVID-19 could linger for years in rural America—just as influenza did a century ago.
Fear and Loathing on the House Intelligence Committee - SpyTalk
Fear and Loathing on the House Intelligence Committee - SpyTalk: Can a new Congress fix an old problem? Don’t hold your breath, says a former staffer
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Powell Lawsuit in Michigan Alleges ‘Dominion Computer Fraud’ and ‘Illegal Conduct’ by Election Workers
Powell Lawsuit in Michigan Alleges ‘Dominion Computer Fraud’ and ‘Illegal Conduct’ by Election Workers: Attorney Sidney Powell filed a lawsuit late Wednesday seeking to set aside the results of the election in Michigan.
North Korea’s trade with China is in freefall, rapidly approaching zero: customs | NK PRO
North Korea’s trade with China is in freefall, rapidly approaching zero: customs | NK PRO: Correction at 21:oo KST (Nov. 25): This article has been amended with the correct total of 11 items. The once-booming trade between North Korea and China has crashed to a mere 11 items that crossed over the border in October, with a total value of $1.66 million in imports and exports. Of that, only four …
Where Is Mary in the Bible? | St. Paul Center
Where Is Mary in the Bible? | St. Paul Center: Where in the Bible does it say that Mary was immaculately conceived? Where does it say that she was assumed into heaven? On this episode of The Road to Emmaus, learn what made Scott Hahn open up to Catholic teaching on Mary and realize that she was indeed in Scripture.
Trump Administration Abruptly Ousts Leading Experts From Top Pentagon Advisory Group
Trump Administration Abruptly Ousts Leading Experts From Top Pentagon Advisory Group: It’s unclear why the Trump administration waited until its final months to shake up the influential group of outside experts advising top Pentagon leaders.
Here’s What Lame-Duck Trump Might Do
Here’s What Lame-Duck Trump Might Do: The president could start a war, spare his convicted cronies, and more on the way out before Joe Biden is sworn in.
CPUC Head Threatens PG&E Takeover Action on Wildfire Safety – NBC Bay Area
CPUC Head Threatens PG&E Takeover Action on Wildfire Safety – NBC Bay Area: State regulators Tuesday let PG&E know they’ve launched a fact-finding review of the company which could be the first step toward an attempted government...
Federal judge demands Zogg Fire details from PG&E | abc10.com
Federal judge demands Zogg Fire details from PG&E | abc10.com: Federal judge William Alsup ordered PG&E to disclose whether a pine tree suspected of hitting its power lines had been marked for removal.
China mulls new rules on foreigners to 'prohibit religious extremism' - CNN
China mulls new rules on foreigners to 'prohibit religious extremism' - CNN: Foreign religious groups and worshipers could be the latest targets of a growing crackdown on organized religion in China under President Xi Jinping.
For What Are America's Wealthy Thankful? A Worsening Culture War - TK News by Matt Taibbi
For What Are America's Wealthy Thankful? A Worsening Culture War - TK News by Matt Taibbi: When leaders run out of unifying myths, division is the last currency. Why this Thanksgiving, America is a "death cult" versus "radical socialists"
U.S. Billionaires Grow Wealth By Over $1 Trillion Since Pandemic Began: Report | HuffPost
U.S. Billionaires Grow Wealth By Over $1 Trillion Since Pandemic Began: Report | HuffPost: Meanwhile, millions of Americans are unemployed and struggling to pay mortgages or rents amid the coronavirus crisis.
What If We Aren't Living in the End Times? | The American Conservative
What If We Aren't Living in the End Times? | The American Conservative: Fearmongers left and right offer fever dreams about a country in decline. What if they're all wrong?
Trump Announces Michael Flynn Pardon in Thanksgiving Eve News Dump - Rolling Stone
Trump Announces Michael Flynn Pardon in Thanksgiving Eve News Dump - Rolling Stone: Music, Film, TV and Political News Coverage
Members of Congress finding agreement on a tech antitrust agenda - Axios
Members of Congress finding agreement on a tech antitrust agenda - Axios: A handful of tech-regulation goals is uniting Democrats and Republicans aiming at new legislation.
How Joe Biden’s victory paves the way for a global corporate tax rate | South China Morning Post
How Joe Biden’s victory paves the way for a global corporate tax rate | South China Morning Post: Countries are losing, on average, 9.2 per cent of their health budgets to tax havens every year. Biden’s plan to increase US corporate tax will put pressure on the European Union to set the bar high as well, helping establish a 25 per cent global corporate tax rate.
U.S. China Policy Under Biden: New Ground or Back to the Past? | China Law Blog
U.S. China Policy Under Biden: New Ground or Back to the Past? | China Law Blog: Biden won the election. So what will be the China policy of the new administration? Will Biden follow the lead of Trump and Pompeo? Will Biden return to
Pope Francis takes aim at anti-mask protesters: ‘They are incapable of moving outside of their own little world’ - MarketWatch
Pope Francis takes aim at anti-mask protesters: ‘They are incapable of moving outside of their own little world’ - MarketWatch: In his new book, the pontiff asks, ‘What matters more — to take care of people or keep the financial system going?’
Pretty Soon There’ll Be Just One Big Book Publisher Left | The New Republic
Pretty Soon There’ll Be Just One Big Book Publisher Left | The New Republic: The acquisition of Simon & Schuster by Penguin Random House shows that the industry is headed toward a monopolistic singularity.
Could Google Soon Face... Competition? - BIG by Matt Stoller
Could Google Soon Face... Competition? - BIG by Matt Stoller: Antitrust action tends to force competition into the market, even without a victory.
Freedom and Spiritual Inheritance - The Catholic Thing
Freedom and Spiritual Inheritance - The Catholic Thing: Fulton J. Sheen: We must not become forgetful of our stewardship before the Eternal Judge or selfishly separated from family and nation.
'Why now?' Dismay as US considers troop pullout from Somalia - Africa - Stripes
'Why now?' Dismay as US considers troop pullout from Somalia - Africa - Stripes: It is not clear whether President Donald Trump will order the withdrawal of the some 700 U.S. military forces from Somalia, following his orders for Afghanistan and Iraq, or whether the reported urge will pass before he leaves office.
ArabDigest.org: Aramco IPO: milestone or millstone?
|
||
|
On Monday Houthi forces fired a missile that struck Saudi Aramco’s North Jeddah Bulk Plant. Saudi authorities said domestic fuel supplies were not affected by the attack, with operations resuming three hours after the event.
To be fair to the optimists, even the most cautious Cassandras did
not factor in Covid-19 (even though we now know it was already ‘out
there ’ a year ago) and its devastating impact on the global economy.
Given this additional burden, which has pushed Brent down to no more
than US$46 pb since early March (and, at times, as low as US$20 pb),
Aramco deserves credit for sticking to its promised dividend payments,
as set out in the press release on the company’s 2020 Q3 results.
On the face of it, this has not really helped Aramco’s share valuation,
up just 0.7% on the year (i.e. about 13% above the IPO price). But
compare this to the 40% fall in the value of the shares of BP and Shell,
both of which have cut dividends to preserve cash, and the benefit is
much clearer. (The corollary of this is, of course, that, outside of the
dividend, Aramco’s share valuation, which underpins the company’s
US$1.9tr valuation, looks to be far too generous.)
Furthermore, the Kingdom itself, struggling to plug a double-digit budget deficit , would be in an even deeper hole were it not for Aramco’s dividend pay outs, of which it receives the lion’s share.
But there is a non-negligible price to pay.
Most immediately — and in addition to ongoing job-shedding and other cost-cutting measures — for the first time since its successful April 2019 issuance, Aramco was forced to return to the debt market earlier this month to raise US$8bn to help pay the Q3 dividend of US$18.75bn. This was necessitated by the whopping 45% fall in profits in the quarter.
Aramco is fortunate in that the quest for yield in the current monetary climate is such that quality emerging market debt is always going to be highly sought — and interest rates on such debt commensurately affordable (in this case only slightly higher than Saudi government bonds). Nevertheless, debt is still debt and this latest issuance, coupled with the loans taken out to acquire the petrochemicals manufacturing giant SABIC, has taken Aramco’s gearing (i.e. the measure of debt relative to equity) to 21.8%, well above its 5-15% target range.
This, in turn, has longer-term consequences.
Press reporting points to a major reassessment of plans to get into refining in both China (a joint venture announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the country last year) and India, in partnership with Reliance. Furthermore, according to the Wall Street Journal (subscriber access only), a US$6.6bn expansion of the Motiva refinery in Texas is, at best, on hold; and a proposed natural gas collaboration with Sempra Energy in the US may fall through. Other deals, also being subjected to an internal review process launched in September, may be scaled back or scrapped despite the negative implications not only for Aramco’s long-term profits but also for the Kingdom’s standing geopolitically.
However, as always with Aramco its prospects hinge overwhelmingly on the oil price. Even a ppb for Brent of US$46 suggests that investors, buoyed by recent announcements on vaccines, believe that the end may now be in sight as far as the worst economic consequences of Covid-19 are concerned. Nevertheless, having skimmed through a range of forecasts for oil prices through 2021 (and putting to one side outliers like Goldman Sachs) things still do not look too great for Aramco on this count. Notably, the authoritative International Energy Agency currently has Brent averaging just US$46.59 in 2021, which is about par.
Personally, I am firmly in the more conservative camp. For sure, the recent news on vaccine development is very encouraging. But there is still a long way to go on production and distribution, not least determining who is going to pay for mass vaccination in developing countries, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel remarked at the recent G20 summit.
As for the world’s biggest economy and oil consumer, the United States, job losses are already surging again and it is patently clear that nothing is going to change policy-wise this side of 20 January — with the possible exception of Congress passing a (too?) modest fiscal stimulus bill. And when Joe Biden is sworn into office, he will face major hurdles getting Covid-19 under control and the economy back on track, even putting to one side the non-negligible probability that a critical mass of Americans will refuse to be vaccinated. Furthermore, although the roll-out of Mr Biden’s climate agenda will also face domestic challenges and will not by any means be a rapid game-changer, the mere fact of the world’s four largest economies - China, the EU, Japan and the US - being politically aligned on this issue does highlight the relevance of the peak oil demand question explored (again) in the 28 September newsletter.
All this being said — and for all its perceived flaws at the time — the Aramco IPO was undoubtedly a milestone, both for the company and for Saudi Arabia at large. However, the guaranteed dividend incentive looks, if anything, to be even more of a millstone around the company’s neck than was the case at the IPO launch a year ago. And one which is not going away any time soon.
Members can leave comments about this newsletter on the Today's Newsletter page of the Arab Digest website
Is emergency use authorization the best way to get a COVID-19 vaccine to the public? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Is emergency use authorization the best way to get a COVID-19 vaccine to the public? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: While an emergency use authorization may be the speediest way for public health officials to begin a vaccination campaign, it may not end up shaving that much time off of a more traditional route to government approval. Is it the right tool to use to start COVID-19 vaccination campaigns?
US Supreme Court sides with religious groups on virus rules
US Supreme Court sides with religious groups on virus rules: The US Supreme Court has barred New York from imposing coronavirus restrictions on houses of worship in a ruling likely to be heralded by conservatives as a victory for religious freedoms.
JMD on NB: Vision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads
JMD on NB: Vision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads: David Rundell Nov 25, 2020 / Interviewed by James M. Dorsey Vision or Mirage Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads I. B. TAURIS...
UN report: Israel’s blockade has devastated Gaza economy | PBS NewsHour
UN report: Israel’s blockade has devastated Gaza economy | PBS NewsHour: The findings, looking at an 11-year period ending in 2018, marked perhaps the most detailed analysis of the Israeli policy to date.
'Pro-Israel': How a term hijacked by the right could decide who controls the U.S. Senate - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
'Pro-Israel': How a term hijacked by the right could decide who controls the U.S. Senate - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: The slurs against Democratic candidates in Georgia's election runoffs are the perfect showcase for how Trump and Netanyahu have twisted what 'pro-Israel' means, and why antisemitism so often follows in their wake
Sidney Powell Files Lawsuit in Georgia Alleging ‘Massive Election Fraud’
Sidney Powell Files Lawsuit in Georgia Alleging ‘Massive Election Fraud’: Attorney Sidney Powell filed a federal lawsuit alleging "massive election fraud" and violations of Georgia's state laws in the 2020 general election.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
France's state-sanctioned Islamophobia is the biggest threat to the republic | Middle East Eye
France's state-sanctioned Islamophobia is the biggest threat to the republic | Middle East Eye: The dissolution of the Collective Against Islamophobia is a dramatic turning point in Emmanuel Macron’s illiberal and anti-democratic turn
Understanding Iran's Foreign Policy | The American Conservative
Understanding Iran's Foreign Policy | The American Conservative: U.S. Iran policy has long suffered from a poor understanding of the Iranian government’s behavior and goals
Trump pardons former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI - The Washington Post
Trump pardons former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI - The Washington Post: Flynn later sought to withdraw his plea and the Justice Department tried to dismiss the case.
OMB Lists Positions Stripped of Job Protection Under Trump Order | RealClearPolitics
OMB Lists Positions Stripped of Job Protection Under Trump Order | RealClearPolitics: Three words (contracted to two) made Donald Trump famous: “You’re fired.” They defined his celebrity on reality television, and they could now make him...
BREAKING: Trump pardons former national security adviser Mike Flynn | Just The News
BREAKING: Trump pardons former national security adviser Mike Flynn | Just The News: Attorney General William Barr earlier this year asked a federal court to allow the Justice Department to drop the case
Trump administration to begin delivering Regeneron COVID-19 treatment on Tuesday | TheHill
Trump administration to begin delivering Regeneron COVID-19 treatment on Tuesday | TheHill: The federal government will begin distributing doses of Regeneron's antibody drug treatment for COVID-19 on Tuesday, top health officials said.
US set to designate Iran-backed Houthi militia as terrorist organization | Al Arabiya English
US set to designate Iran-backed Houthi militia as terrorist organization | Al Arabiya English: The Trump administration is set to designate the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization in the coming days, according to s
Biden Must End Forever Wars
Biden Must End Forever Wars: On U.S. foreign policy, there’s no going back to the status quo.
Trump Was No Fluke: George W. Bush Blazed the Trail | Common Dreams Views
Trump Was No Fluke: George W. Bush Blazed the Trail | Common Dreams Views: My friend and former colleague Bruce Bartlett has done a service by reminding us that after four years of the non-stop catastrophe that was the Trump administration, we should not lull ourselves with the illusion that the 45th president was some aberration that fell out of the sky.His flamboyant criminality and relentlessly malignant personality may exert the same sick
Lawyer Katherine Tai a Congress favorite for Biden trade czar | Reuters
Lawyer Katherine Tai a Congress favorite for Biden trade czar | Reuters: As President-elect Joe Biden builds his economic team in the coming days, some influential lawmakers are urging him to choose Katherine Tai, the Democratic trade counsel on the House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee, as U.S. trade representative.
Saudi Aramco’s Landmark IPO Is Costing The Kingdom Billions | naked capitalism
Saudi Aramco’s Landmark IPO Is Costing The Kingdom Billions | naked capitalism: How the Saudi Aramco IPO has become a financial millstone.
Coronavirus: Qantas COVID-19 vaccine stance distanced from global airlines
Coronavirus: Qantas COVID-19 vaccine stance distanced from global airlines: "We cannot wait for the vaccine to be deployed, otherwise we'll all be dead," warned the head of the International Air Transport Association.
Netanyahu, MBS concur on Iran, but normalization no closer
Netanyahu, MBS concur on Iran, but normalization no closer: In their briefly secret meeting in Neom, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed on the common threat from Iran, but did not make progress toward normalization.
The Syrian People Have Been brutally Driven Into Poverty - ZENIT - English
The Syrian People Have Been brutally Driven Into Poverty - ZENIT - English: Interview with Jesuit Antoine Audo, Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo in Syria
Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approval of Entergy's Sale of Indian Point | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approval of Entergy's Sale of Indian Point | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo: Statement from Governor Cuomo on Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approval of Entergy's Sale of Indian Point
Peace Groups Blast Biden's DNI Pick Over Links to Drones, Torture, and Mass Surveillance - Antiwar.com Original
Peace Groups Blast Biden's DNI Pick Over Links to Drones, Torture, and Mass Surveillance - Antiwar.com Original: Peace activists on Monday sounded the alarm over President-elect Joe Biden's pick for director of national intelligence, Avril Haines, citing her role in - Brett Wilkins for Antiwar.com Original
A Long-Forgotten CIA Document From WikiLeaks Sheds Critical Light on Today's U.S. Politics and Wars - Glenn Greenwald
A Long-Forgotten CIA Document From WikiLeaks Sheds Critical Light on Today's U.S. Politics and Wars - Glenn Greenwald: The Agency knew that their best asset for selling their wars was Barack Obama -- the same reason so many in the security state were eager to get rid of Donald Trump.
With Blinken and Sullivan, Biden Has the Foreign-Policy Team Obama Always Wanted
With Blinken and Sullivan, Biden Has the Foreign-Policy Team Obama Always Wanted: The next U.S. administration will feature the most cohesive group of foreign-policy hands in at least a generation.
Biden pick for US spy chief played key role in Obama's covert drone war - Business Insider
Biden pick for US spy chief played key role in Obama's covert drone war - Business Insider: Some progressives have accused Haines of complicity in the CIA's use of torture after 9/11. A critic called her Biden's "most problematic pick yet."
Key Democrat warns Biden not to nominate Mike Morell as CIA director - CNNPolitics
Key Democrat warns Biden not to nominate Mike Morell as CIA director - CNNPolitics: A key Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee is warning President-elect Joe Biden that he should avoid nominating a top contender for the job of CIA director, Mike Morell, because his record as a "torture apologist" makes confirmation a "nonstarter."
A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Hydroxychloroquine for Prevention of Covid-19 | NEJM
A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Hydroxychloroquine for Prevention of Covid-19 | NEJM: Original Article from The New England Journal of Medicine — A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Hydroxychloroquine for Prevention of Covid-19
Covid-19 roundup: Russia prices vaccine ‘two or more times cheaper’ than mRNA shots; Sinovac PhIII data expected in early December – Endpoints News
Covid-19 roundup: Russia prices vaccine ‘two or more times cheaper’ than mRNA shots; Sinovac PhIII data expected in early December – Endpoints News: The world can now purchase its first registered vaccine — at less than $10 per dose. RDIF, the Russian sovereign wealth fund and an avid backer of Sputnik V, said the vaccine will be available internationally starting from March 2021. A two-dose regimen of the adenovirus-based vaccine, which it has
Developing Safe and Effective Covid Vaccines — Operation Warp Speed’s Strategy and Approach | NEJM
Developing Safe and Effective Covid Vaccines — Operation Warp Speed’s Strategy and Approach | NEJM: Perspective
Developing Safe and Effective Covid Vaccines — Operation Warp Speed’s Strategy and Approach
Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Is Cheaper than Pfizer’s and Moderna’s and Doesn’t Require Supercold Temperature | naked capitalism
Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Is Cheaper than Pfizer’s and Moderna’s and Doesn’t Require Supercold Temperature | naked capitalism: Some promising news about the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Coming Deadly Covid Winter | naked capitalism
The Coming Deadly Covid Winter | naked capitalism: Extrapolating from well-advanced Covid developments leads to some ugly destinations.
Governors take heat for violating their own coronavirus restrictions | TheHill
Governors take heat for violating their own coronavirus restrictions | TheHill: Several top Democrats have come under criticism in recent days for violating the coronavirus restrictions they imposed on their own states and cities in hopes of curbing the spread of the pandemic.
China’s free trade embrace a clarion reform moment - Asia Times
China’s free trade embrace a clarion reform moment - Asia Times: Western analysts view Asia’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a Chinese victory against Washington’s efforts to isolate it. Far more important are the implications for China’s economy. The RCEP and the free trade agreements that China wants to conclude with its major trading partners portend an epochal change in Chinese governance. Together with Beijing’s decision to allow state-owned enterprises to default on bond market debt and take the consequences, the free trade measures are aimed at China’s productivity sink among state-owned enterprises. There’s something of the world-turned-upside-down in the frenetic pace of China’s trade offensive. For years, China’s trading partners complained that China shielded its domestic market from foreign competition while persuading other countries to open their markets to Chinese goods.
Court reduces sum Bedouin must pay Israel for demolition of their unrecognized village - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Court reduces sum Bedouin must pay Israel for demolition of their unrecognized village - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Although Supreme Court's verdict cuts the fee down to almost a third, the attorney representing the six activists questions why Bedouin are charged for demolitions, while settlers are compensated
VIDEO: Top Biden advisors Flournoy and Blinken promise smarter, more secretive permanent war policy | The Grayzone
VIDEO: Top Biden advisors Flournoy and Blinken promise smarter, more secretive permanent war policy | The Grayzone: Biden’s likely pick for Secretary of Defense, Michele Flournoy, and his top foreign policy advisor, Tony Blinken, have played central roles in every war waged by Democratic presidents dating back to the Clinton era This video report was originally published at Behind The Headlines. Support the independent journalism initiative here. Throughout his campaign, Joe Biden railed against Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ foreign policy, claiming it weakened the United States and left the world in disarray. “Donald Trump’s brand of ‘America […]
Fr. Warren's Week Reflection 34th Sunday - Christ the King
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)