In 2020, the Netherlands was the biggest exporter of beer in the European Union. It exported more than 2 billion euros worth of beer last year, mainly to the United States, of which 121 million euros concerned non-alcoholic beer. Worldwide, the Netherlands is even the second-largest beer exporter, after Mexico. This is reported by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
In each year of this century, the Netherlands was the top exporter of alcoholic beer in the EU, but the gap between the Netherlands and Belgium is closing. The value of Dutch beer exports was 75 percent higher than in 2000, while the Belgian export value increased almost fivefold in the period 2000-2020. Germany and France are the third and fourth largest exporters of alcoholic beer in the EU.
Read more at:
The Netherlands is the largest beer exporter in the EU
7/31/21
The Netherlands gains three new UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Every nation that has ratified UNESCO’s “Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage” treaty can establish its own tentative list of potential sites that they feel is worthy of the honour of UNESCO World Heritage status. A site can only be granted this status if it is first featured on a country’s tentative list.
This week, for the first time since 2014, the Netherlands saw three spots granted World Heritage status by the World Heritage Committee in Fuzhou, China: the Koloniën van Weldadigheid, the Nieuwe Hollandse WaterlinieII, and the Lower Germanic Limes.
Read more at: The Netherlands gains three new UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This week, for the first time since 2014, the Netherlands saw three spots granted World Heritage status by the World Heritage Committee in Fuzhou, China: the Koloniën van Weldadigheid, the Nieuwe Hollandse WaterlinieII, and the Lower Germanic Limes.
Read more at: The Netherlands gains three new UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Armenia: US congresswoman urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from Armenian territories and stop violence
US congresswoman Katherine Clark urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from the territory of Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports she wrote on her Twitter page.
‘’Azerbaijan’s military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands immediately and stop the violence that has already cost multiple lives. Proud to have voted for Chairman Frank Pallone’s amendment to cut off military funding to Azerbaijan and to stand with the Armenian people’’, Katherine Clark wrote.
Read more at: US congresswoman urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from Armenian territories and stop violence | ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency
‘’Azerbaijan’s military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands immediately and stop the violence that has already cost multiple lives. Proud to have voted for Chairman Frank Pallone’s amendment to cut off military funding to Azerbaijan and to stand with the Armenian people’’, Katherine Clark wrote.
Read more at: US congresswoman urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from Armenian territories and stop violence | ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency
7/30/21
USA: 6 States See 400% Increase in COVID-19 Cases
Daily COVID-19 case rates across the country have risen in nearly all states since June as the highly contagious delta variant spreads, according to a new report from USAFacts.
Read more at: 6 States See 400% Increase in COVID-19 Cases | Best States | US News
Read more at: 6 States See 400% Increase in COVID-19 Cases | Best States | US News
Dutch PM withheld information from parliament on talks with Russia: report
Prime Minster Mark Rutte incompletely informed parliament about talks that senior Dutch officials had with Russia. Rutte said that these conversations were only a "free exchange of views", but the talks included controversial topics and agreements were made, Follow the Money and The Investigative Desk reported.
The Netherlands officially severed ties with Russia after flight MH17 was shot down in 2014, but communications were picked up again three years later. Senior officials from the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Foreign Affairs resumed talks with their Russian colleagues. The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, only found out about this after the two research platforms reported about it earlier in the year.
Read more at: Dutch PM withheld information from parliament on talks with Russia: report | NL Times
The Netherlands officially severed ties with Russia after flight MH17 was shot down in 2014, but communications were picked up again three years later. Senior officials from the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Foreign Affairs resumed talks with their Russian colleagues. The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, only found out about this after the two research platforms reported about it earlier in the year.
Read more at: Dutch PM withheld information from parliament on talks with Russia: report | NL Times
Medal Count 2021 Olympics: Updated Standings, Highlights After Day 5 - by Nate Loop
Several more athletes had their dreams fulfilled on yet another action-packed day in Tokyo. Here's a look at the updated medal standings and some of the top highlights from Day 5.
Read more at: Medal Count 2021 Olympics: Updated Standings, Highlights After Day 5 | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Read more at: Medal Count 2021 Olympics: Updated Standings, Highlights After Day 5 | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
7/29/21
The UN Refugee Convention: Is the Geneva Refugee Convention living up to the times?
Defending human rights is Hamado Dipama's passion. It's something he's been committed to every day since he fled politically motivated violence in his home country, Burkina Faso.
Twenty years ago, as a young student, Dipama joined protests against the dictatorship of Blaise Compaore, who ruled Bukina Faso with an iron fist for 27 years until he was swept from power following a popular uprising in 2014.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/is-the-geneva-refugee-convention-living-up-to-the-times/a-58646760
Twenty years ago, as a young student, Dipama joined protests against the dictatorship of Blaise Compaore, who ruled Bukina Faso with an iron fist for 27 years until he was swept from power following a popular uprising in 2014.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/is-the-geneva-refugee-convention-living-up-to-the-times/a-58646760
7/28/21
Britain Travel Restrictions lifted: : Quarantine scrapped in England for fully vaccinated EU citizens, except the French
The UK has announced that fully-vaccinated travellers arriving from Europe and the US will no longer have to quarantine on arrival in England — except for those arriving from France. The new rule kicks in next Monday, August 2.
Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the move on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.
Read more at: Quarantine scrapped in England for fully vaccinated EU citizens, except the French | Euronews
Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the move on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.
Read more at: Quarantine scrapped in England for fully vaccinated EU citizens, except the French | Euronews
Climate Change: Climate tipping points are now imminent, scientists warn
Thousands of scientists reiterated calls for immediate action over the climate crisis in an article published Wednesday in the journal BioScience.
"The extreme climate events and patterns that we've witnessed over the last several years — not to mention the last several weeks — highlight the heightened urgency with which we must address the climate crisis," said Philip Duffy, co-author of the study and executive director of the Woodwell Climate Research Center in the US state of Massachusetts.
read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/climate-tipping-points-are-now-imminent-scientists-warn/a-58665256
read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/climate-tipping-points-are-now-imminent-scientists-warn/a-58665256
Canada:: mInflation rate dips to 3.1% as shelter and transport costs rise
Canada's inflation rate came in at 3.1 per cent in June as prices for shelter and transportation rose quickly, while increases for things like food, clothing and recreation slowed down from May's level.
Read more at: Inflation rate dips to 3.1% as shelter and transport costs rise | CBC News
Read more at: Inflation rate dips to 3.1% as shelter and transport costs rise | CBC News
Coronavirus lambda variant spreads across Latin America
lassified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 17, the lambda, or C.37, variant of the coronavirus has already been detected in some US states and at least 29 nations — many of them in Latin America.
In Peru, where it was identified in August 2020, the lambda variant accounted for more than 80% of new infections in June, and it is also spreading rapidly in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-lambda-variant-spreads-across-latin-america/a-58035249
In Peru, where it was identified in August 2020, the lambda variant accounted for more than 80% of new infections in June, and it is also spreading rapidly in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-lambda-variant-spreads-across-latin-america/a-58035249
USA: Trump-backed candidate loses in Texas special election
in his victory speech, Ellzey tried to downplay any tension and hinted at bright odds for the GOP.
“It’s essential that we get this right,” he said. “It’s essential that we do it as Americans united, instead of Americans divided; Republicans united instead of Republicans divided, so once we take back the House and Senate in ’22 and take back the White House in 2024, we take back our country.”
rEAD MORE AT: Trump-backed candidate loses in Texas special election - The Trump Years
“It’s essential that we get this right,” he said. “It’s essential that we do it as Americans united, instead of Americans divided; Republicans united instead of Republicans divided, so once we take back the House and Senate in ’22 and take back the White House in 2024, we take back our country.”
rEAD MORE AT: Trump-backed candidate loses in Texas special election - The Trump Years
7/27/21
Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good?
Amazingly, the Dutch rate their health care very highly. They must have low expectations. The Netherlands was number one on the Euro Health Consumer Index in 2015 for its health care system. It has also been listed in the top 3 European countries since 2005. It may be the best system in terms of economics. However, I’m not so certain it works well for everyday patients.
Dutch huisartsen (general practitioners) are notorious for sending you home from an office visit with advice to rest and take a paracetamol. Come back in 2 weeks if you’re not feeling better. This goes for everything from a sore throat to an amputated limb (ok, that may be a slight exaggeration). You have to have one foot in the grave for your huisarts to either prescribe an antibiotic or to send you to see a specialist. Now, I am not someone who believes in prescribing antibiotics for every minor illness, but for bacterial infections they are sometimes necessary. The same goes for pain meds and anesthetics. The Dutch seem to believe one needs to suffer for a while before doing anything proactive.
Read more at: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? – DutchReview
Dutch huisartsen (general practitioners) are notorious for sending you home from an office visit with advice to rest and take a paracetamol. Come back in 2 weeks if you’re not feeling better. This goes for everything from a sore throat to an amputated limb (ok, that may be a slight exaggeration). You have to have one foot in the grave for your huisarts to either prescribe an antibiotic or to send you to see a specialist. Now, I am not someone who believes in prescribing antibiotics for every minor illness, but for bacterial infections they are sometimes necessary. The same goes for pain meds and anesthetics. The Dutch seem to believe one needs to suffer for a while before doing anything proactive.
Read more at: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? – DutchReview
EU: Healthcare expenditure across the EU: 10% of GDP
In these times of Corona virus, it might be interesting to know how much is spent on health care. The most recent statistics on current healthcare expenditure (public and private) show how expenditure on healthcare varies across the Member States of the European Union (EU).
Healthcare expenditure in France and Germany was equivalent to 11.3% of GDP in 2017, a larger share than in any other EU Member State. The next highest ratio was observed in Sweden (11.0%). By contrast, healthcare expenditure accounted for less than 7.5% of GDP in 12 Member States, with Romania recording the lowest ratio (5.2%).
On average in the EU, it is estimated that healthcare expenditure amounted to 9.9% of GDP in 2017.
R ead more at: Healthcare expenditure across the EU: 10% of GDP - Products Eurostat News - Eurostat
Healthcare expenditure in France and Germany was equivalent to 11.3% of GDP in 2017, a larger share than in any other EU Member State. The next highest ratio was observed in Sweden (11.0%). By contrast, healthcare expenditure accounted for less than 7.5% of GDP in 12 Member States, with Romania recording the lowest ratio (5.2%).
On average in the EU, it is estimated that healthcare expenditure amounted to 9.9% of GDP in 2017.
R ead more at: Healthcare expenditure across the EU: 10% of GDP - Products Eurostat News - Eurostat
Serbia: Survey: Almost half of people in Serbia want the county to join EU, think China is Serbia's closest ally
The Belgrade-based EU Info Center said on Monday that more than half the population of Serbia wants the country to become a member of the European Union.
It quoted the results of a poll conducted by the Ninamedia agency for the EU Delegation in Serbia which showed that 52.3 percent of those surveyed want Serbia to join the Union while 32.6 percent are opposed. Another 8.4 percent said they would abstain from any vote on membership, 6.2 percent said they don’t know and 0.5 percent refused to answer.
According to the Ninamedia poll, more than two-thirds of the population, ages 18 to 29, want the country to join the EU.
Read more at: Survey: Almost half of people in Serbia want the county to join EU, think China is Serbia's closest ally - Serbian MonitorSerbian Monitor
It quoted the results of a poll conducted by the Ninamedia agency for the EU Delegation in Serbia which showed that 52.3 percent of those surveyed want Serbia to join the Union while 32.6 percent are opposed. Another 8.4 percent said they would abstain from any vote on membership, 6.2 percent said they don’t know and 0.5 percent refused to answer.
According to the Ninamedia poll, more than two-thirds of the population, ages 18 to 29, want the country to join the EU.
Read more at: Survey: Almost half of people in Serbia want the county to join EU, think China is Serbia's closest ally - Serbian MonitorSerbian Monitor
Middle East: Tunisia’s Trumpian president - by Marwan Bishara
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied has borrowed more than a few pages from Donald Trump’s playbook over the past couple of years.
Since taking office, he has attacked the system that propelled him to power, insulted parliament and parliamentarians, and undermined the parliamentary system on which the country’s democratic system is based, all in the name of “the people”.
Read more at: Tunisia’s Trumpian president | Politics | Al Jazeera
Since taking office, he has attacked the system that propelled him to power, insulted parliament and parliamentarians, and undermined the parliamentary system on which the country’s democratic system is based, all in the name of “the people”.
Read more at: Tunisia’s Trumpian president | Politics | Al Jazeera
Semi-Conductors: The US-China semiconductor race does not have to be zero-sum - commentry
Heightened US-China tensions have raised the prospect of a deep global technology divide, potentially forcing other countries to choose which camp to join.
There are plenty of grim scenarios involving irreconcilable splits between core technologies that power a wide range of products and services, from aircraft and automobiles to precision engineering for robotics and payment systems for e-commerce.
Read more at: Commentary: The US-China semiconductor race does not have to be zero-sum - CNA
There are plenty of grim scenarios involving irreconcilable splits between core technologies that power a wide range of products and services, from aircraft and automobiles to precision engineering for robotics and payment systems for e-commerce.
Read more at: Commentary: The US-China semiconductor race does not have to be zero-sum - CNA
China-Europe Freight Train (Zhengzhou) Resumes Normal Operation
On July 25, a China-Europe freight train loaded with electronic components, auto parts and other goods left CR Intermodal Zhengzhou Terminal for Liege of Belgium via Erenhot Port in Inner Mongolia. Now, China-Europe freight train (Zhengzhou) has resumed normal operation after the city was hit hard by floods triggered by torrential rain. (Text: Henan Daily Photo by Wang Zheng and Wang Wei for Henan Daily)
Readmoreat: China-Europe Freight Train (Zhengzhou) Resumes Normal Operation-Dahe.cn - The first brand of local news website in Henan.
Readmoreat: China-Europe Freight Train (Zhengzhou) Resumes Normal Operation-Dahe.cn - The first brand of local news website in Henan.
7/26/21
Global Warming: European Union and China Step Up on Climate - by Rob Horowitz
A deadly heatwave in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada that cost nearly 200 lives and flooding in Germany and Belgium that cost 165 more are just the latest examples of increasingly hard-to-miss signals that the impacts of climate change can no longer be viewed as a threat for some time in the distant future; we are experiencing the negative consequences of a warming planet today.
An international team of 27 scientists found that the heat wave in the Northwest was “virtually impossible without climate change” and “calculated that climate change increased the chances of extreme heat occurring by at least 150 times, but likely much more,” reported AP. While the specific contribution of climate change to the flooding in Europe remains to be determined, our heated-up atmosphere “holds more moisture and is already causing heavier rainfall in many storms around the world,” reported The New York Times.
These negative impacts are rapidly growing because average global temperatures have already increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) from pre-industrial times. This means we are already two-thirds of the way towards speeding past the1.5 degrees Celsius or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit increase that scientists tell us we must not exceed, if we are to avoid the worst consequences of global warming.
Read more at: GoLocalProv | European Union and China Step Up on Climate - Rob Horowitz
An international team of 27 scientists found that the heat wave in the Northwest was “virtually impossible without climate change” and “calculated that climate change increased the chances of extreme heat occurring by at least 150 times, but likely much more,” reported AP. While the specific contribution of climate change to the flooding in Europe remains to be determined, our heated-up atmosphere “holds more moisture and is already causing heavier rainfall in many storms around the world,” reported The New York Times.
These negative impacts are rapidly growing because average global temperatures have already increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) from pre-industrial times. This means we are already two-thirds of the way towards speeding past the1.5 degrees Celsius or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit increase that scientists tell us we must not exceed, if we are to avoid the worst consequences of global warming.
Read more at: GoLocalProv | European Union and China Step Up on Climate - Rob Horowitz
USA: Shades of gold: Why California is a bellwether of the world to come
t rarely rains in California between March and November. But in 2020, with gruesome irony, a huge storm on 16 August brought not just precipitation but a barrage of lightning that sparked hundreds of blazes across the northern part of the state. One of these fires – the enormous August Complex fire in and beyond the Mendocino National Forest – was responsible for the apocalyptic orange sky above San Francisco in early September. Fire-fighting crews drawn from California’s large prison population – a key source of labour for this dangerous and back-breaking work – were unavailable due to corona-virus outbreaks. Fire crews from up the coast could not come to help, as Oregon and Washington were burning too.
Little relief is in store this year. The winter brought scarce rain, and now a severe drought grips California. The mountains are bare of snow, reservoir levels are dropping – depriving the state of hydroelectric power just as heatwaves test the energy grid – and the hillsides are sun-scorched and brown with combustible dry grass. “Hell”, like “paradise”, is a term used far too easily to describe California. Looking to the coming months in the Golden State, however, “hellish” may be hardly an exaggeration. A punishing season of fire has already begun, with three times as much land burned this year as during the same period in 2020, which was itself the worst year on record.
Politically speaking, California is no longer known as the state that launched the careers of Republican presidents Richard Nixon in 1968 and Ronald Reagan in 1980. Now synonymous in the national consciousness with liberalism, it is known for high taxes and ambitious policies on emissions standards. Emerging from the pandemic, California seems eager to renew its reputation as a progressive leader. With coffers flush with federal stimulus money, the new California budget includes cash for the poor, money to cover missed rent during the pandemic, and funding for childcare.
Read more at Shades of gold: Why California is a bellwether of the world to come
Little relief is in store this year. The winter brought scarce rain, and now a severe drought grips California. The mountains are bare of snow, reservoir levels are dropping – depriving the state of hydroelectric power just as heatwaves test the energy grid – and the hillsides are sun-scorched and brown with combustible dry grass. “Hell”, like “paradise”, is a term used far too easily to describe California. Looking to the coming months in the Golden State, however, “hellish” may be hardly an exaggeration. A punishing season of fire has already begun, with three times as much land burned this year as during the same period in 2020, which was itself the worst year on record.
Politically speaking, California is no longer known as the state that launched the careers of Republican presidents Richard Nixon in 1968 and Ronald Reagan in 1980. Now synonymous in the national consciousness with liberalism, it is known for high taxes and ambitious policies on emissions standards. Emerging from the pandemic, California seems eager to renew its reputation as a progressive leader. With coffers flush with federal stimulus money, the new California budget includes cash for the poor, money to cover missed rent during the pandemic, and funding for childcare.
Read more at Shades of gold: Why California is a bellwether of the world to come
Money Laundering: How the EU is stepping up to fight money laundering - by Mairead McGuinness
Money laundering in the financial system hurts us all. It lets criminals conceal the illegal origins of their dirty money, allowing them to profit from crime. At the same time, far too many scandals have involved financial institutions, undermining trust in the financial system.
It's been estimated that up to $2 trillion is laundered throughout the world every year. Europol, the European Union's (EU) agency for law enforcement cooperation, assesses the annual cost of money laundering to the European economy at well over $120 billion. The damage to the American economy is around $300 billion annually. That is a serious threat for our societies and economies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Read more at: How the EU is stepping up to fight money laundering
It's been estimated that up to $2 trillion is laundered throughout the world every year. Europol, the European Union's (EU) agency for law enforcement cooperation, assesses the annual cost of money laundering to the European economy at well over $120 billion. The damage to the American economy is around $300 billion annually. That is a serious threat for our societies and economies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Read more at: How the EU is stepping up to fight money laundering
US Travel Restrictions: US to keep international travel restrictions for now, citing virus surge- by Aamer Madhani
The United States will keep existing COVID-19 travel restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant, according to a White House official.
President Joe Biden earlier this month said that his administration was "in the process" of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said while the administration understands the importance of international travel, cases are rising in the U.S. — particularly among those who are unvaccinated and will likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.
Read more at: US to keep international travel restrictions for now, citing virus surge
President Joe Biden earlier this month said that his administration was "in the process" of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said while the administration understands the importance of international travel, cases are rising in the U.S. — particularly among those who are unvaccinated and will likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.
Read more at: US to keep international travel restrictions for now, citing virus surge
A stronger voice for citizens in EU decision-making – by Helmut Scholz
Many citizens throughout the 27 member states are not satisfied with the way democracy works in the European Union. They feel insecure about their place as, ostensibly, ultimate arbiters of EU policies, they distrust the institutions and they do not know how multi-level governance functions—or they just feel unheard. Despite a higher turnout in 2019, especially among young people, participation in European Parliament elections remains generally low.
Read more at: A stronger voice for citizens in EU decision-making – Helmut Scholz
Read more at: A stronger voice for citizens in EU decision-making – Helmut Scholz
7/25/21
China Outer Space Reaearch: : On its first try, China’s Zhurong rover hit a Mars milestone that took NASA decades
China's Zhurong rover landed safely on Mars on May 15, making China only the third country to successfully land a rover on the red planet.
More impressively still, China is the first Mars-going nation to carry out an orbiting, landing and rovering operation as its first mission.
Planetary scientist Roberto Orosei told Nature China is "doing in a single go what NASA took decades to do," while astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell described China's decision to include a rover in its maiden Mars outing as a "very gutsy move."
Read more at: On its first try, China’s Zhurong rover hit a Mars milestone that took NASA decades | Space
More impressively still, China is the first Mars-going nation to carry out an orbiting, landing and rovering operation as its first mission.
Planetary scientist Roberto Orosei told Nature China is "doing in a single go what NASA took decades to do," while astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell described China's decision to include a rover in its maiden Mars outing as a "very gutsy move."
Read more at: On its first try, China’s Zhurong rover hit a Mars milestone that took NASA decades | Space
The Olympics: Basketball Fans Gave Team USA Its Second L Of The Day After It Got Beat By France At The Olympics
The United States men’s basketball team lost its first Olympic game since 2004 on Sunday morning. Despite taking an eight-point lead into the locker room at the half, the U.S. was ice cold out of the break, opening a door for the French to pick up an 83-76 win that will invariably bring up questions about whether the Americans will be able to pull off a four-peat.
Read more at: Basketball Fans Gave Team USA Its Second L Of The Day After It Got Beat By France At The Olympics
Read more at: Basketball Fans Gave Team USA Its Second L Of The Day After It Got Beat By France At The Olympics
The Netherlands: Dutch coronavirus average hits two-week low, but Covid hospital total still rising
New data from the RIVM showed that another 4,665 people tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, a figure which has not below five thousand since July 7. That pushed the seven-day moving average down 11 percent in a day to 6,492.
Read more at: Dutch coronavirus average hits two-week low, but Covid hospital total still rising | NL Times
Read more at: Dutch coronavirus average hits two-week low, but Covid hospital total still rising | NL Times
7/24/21
EU-Britain relations: UK seeks Northern Ireland rewrite of Brexit deal
The British government on Wednesday asked the EU to rewrite part of the Brexit deal both sides agreed to last year, arguing that its impact on trade between the mainland and Northern Ireland is threatening the "fabric" of the United Kingdom.
Speaking to the House of Lords, David Frost, the Brexit minister, said it was creating unrest in the province and was hampering business.
He said there was a "growing sense in Northern Ireland we have not found the right balance, seen in an ongoing febrile political climate, protests and regrettable instances of occasional disorder."
Read more at: UK seeks Northern Ireland rewrite of Brexit deal | News | DW | 21.07.2021
Speaking to the House of Lords, David Frost, the Brexit minister, said it was creating unrest in the province and was hampering business.
He said there was a "growing sense in Northern Ireland we have not found the right balance, seen in an ongoing febrile political climate, protests and regrettable instances of occasional disorder."
Read more at: UK seeks Northern Ireland rewrite of Brexit deal | News | DW | 21.07.2021
7/23/21
EU: Why not recreate the European Community? -by Koert Debeuf
The EU leaders know that the union needs some reforms and therefore created the Conference on the Future of Europe.
However, they said from the outset that there is no room for treaty change. But the question is if a fundamental treaty change is not exactly what the EU needs to get out of the choppy waters?
Is it not time to acknowledge a few new realities and turn some weaknesses into some strengths?
Read more at: Why not recreate the European Community?
However, they said from the outset that there is no room for treaty change. But the question is if a fundamental treaty change is not exactly what the EU needs to get out of the choppy waters?
Is it not time to acknowledge a few new realities and turn some weaknesses into some strengths?
Read more at: Why not recreate the European Community?
COVID-19 vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses
No one disputes that the world is unfair. But no one expected a vaccine gap between the global rich and poor that was this bad, this far into the pandemic.
Inequity is everywhere: Inoculations go begging in the United States while Haiti, a short plane ride away, received its first delivery July 15 after months of promises - 500,000 doses for a population over 11 million. Canada has procured more than 10 doses for every resident; Sierra Leone's vaccination rate just cracked 1% on June 20.
It's like a famine in which “the richest guys grab the baker,” said Strive Masiyiwa, the African Union's envoy for vaccine acquisition.
In fact, European and American officials deeply involved in bankrolling and distributing the vaccines against coronavirus have told The Associated Press there was no thought of how to handle the situation globally. Instead, they jostled for their own domestic use.
For the complete detailed report go to: COVID-19 vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses | CP24.com
Inequity is everywhere: Inoculations go begging in the United States while Haiti, a short plane ride away, received its first delivery July 15 after months of promises - 500,000 doses for a population over 11 million. Canada has procured more than 10 doses for every resident; Sierra Leone's vaccination rate just cracked 1% on June 20.
It's like a famine in which “the richest guys grab the baker,” said Strive Masiyiwa, the African Union's envoy for vaccine acquisition.
In fact, European and American officials deeply involved in bankrolling and distributing the vaccines against coronavirus have told The Associated Press there was no thought of how to handle the situation globally. Instead, they jostled for their own domestic use.
For the complete detailed report go to: COVID-19 vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses | CP24.com
USA: The decline and fall of the American empire: Joe Biden's biggest challenge
In the full flowering of the American empire after the Second World War, its leaders understood the skill and subtlety required to exercise imperial power in a post-colonial world. No country fighting for independence from the U.K. or France was going to welcome imperial invaders from America. So America's leaders developed a system of neocolonialism through which they exercised overarching imperial sovereignty over much of the world, while scrupulously avoiding terms like "empire" or "imperialism" that would undermine their post-colonial credentials.
It was left to critics like President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana to seriously examine the imperial control that wealthy countries still exercised over nominally independent post-colonial countries like his. In his book "Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism," Nkrumah condemned neocolonialism as "the worst form of imperialism." "For those who practice it," he wrote, "it means power without responsibility, and for those who suffer from it, it means exploitation without redress."
Read more at: The decline and fall of the American empire: Joe Biden's biggest challenge | Salon.com
It was left to critics like President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana to seriously examine the imperial control that wealthy countries still exercised over nominally independent post-colonial countries like his. In his book "Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism," Nkrumah condemned neocolonialism as "the worst form of imperialism." "For those who practice it," he wrote, "it means power without responsibility, and for those who suffer from it, it means exploitation without redress."
Read more at: The decline and fall of the American empire: Joe Biden's biggest challenge | Salon.com
7/22/21
Covid-19 not over yet: Surgeon General on Unvaccinated: 'I Am Worried About What Is to Come'
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that he is "worried about what is come" and the COVID-19 "pandemic is not over" amid a surge in cases, particularly among individuals who have yet to get the vaccine.
"I am worried about what is to come because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular," Murthy said on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, the Hill reported. "And while if you are vaccinated you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately, that is not true if you are not vaccinated."
Read more at: https://www.businessinsider.com/surgeon-general-on-unvaccinated-i-am-worried-about-what-come-2021-7?international=true&r=US&IR=T
"I am worried about what is to come because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular," Murthy said on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, the Hill reported. "And while if you are vaccinated you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately, that is not true if you are not vaccinated."
Read more at: https://www.businessinsider.com/surgeon-general-on-unvaccinated-i-am-worried-about-what-come-2021-7?international=true&r=US&IR=T
USA: Did Trump damage American democracy?
Did Trump permanently damage American democracy? This question has spawned a veritable cottage industry of hand wringing over the state of American democracy—understandably so. Never before have we had a president who schemed to overturn legitimate election results, who attacked the press and the civil servants who worked for him, who admired dictators, who blatantly profited from his public office and who repeatedly lied to the public for his own selfish purposes. But while Trump’s four years of rhetoric have been a shock to democratic norms, did they inflict permanent damage on our democracy? My answer is a qualified no. The guardrails of democracy held. The institutions designed to check autocracy are intact.
Read more at: Did Trump damage American democracy?
Read more at: Did Trump damage American democracy?
Canada-US Relations: .US.border to remain closed until at least Aug. 21
The U.S. land border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least Aug. 21, according to a renewal order issued by the American government Wednesday.
In a notice pre-published in the U.S. Federal Register, the U.S. government says that while vaccination rates have improved, opening the land border to non-essential travel still poses too great a risk.
Read more at: U.S. border to remain closed until at least Aug. 21 | CBC News
In a notice pre-published in the U.S. Federal Register, the U.S. government says that while vaccination rates have improved, opening the land border to non-essential travel still poses too great a risk.
Read more at: U.S. border to remain closed until at least Aug. 21 | CBC News
The long and winding road to global corporate tax justice – Alex Cobham
More than 130 countries and jurisdictions have now signed up in principle to outline proposals to reform international corporate tax rules. These proposals—and in particular, the global minimum corporate-tax rate envisaged—would represent the biggest change for a century. But the reforms, now driven by the United States under Joe Biden, are also proving highly divisive, globally and within the European Union. That has potentially important implications for the tax rules and EU-US relations.
Read more atL The long and winding road to global corporate tax justice – Alex Cobham
Read more atL The long and winding road to global corporate tax justice – Alex Cobham
7/21/21
U.S. Calls on Taliban to End Violence as Terrorist Group Makes Gains Across Afghanistan
he United States and Western allies called on the Taliban to immediately end the violence in Afghanistan and show their commitment to the peace process on Eid al-Adha, the holy Islamic holiday that begins on Monday.
The joint statement from the U.S. and 13 other allies follows a week of heavy military advances from the Taliban across Afghanistan, as they capitalize on the last stages of the withdrawal of U.S. and other foreign forces from the country.
Note EU-Digest :A mens world? How come the US in these negotiations with the Taliban has no women as part of their delegation, while a lot in these negotiations with the Taliban has to do with the Taliban's degrading of basic Women's Rights as they did before this 20 year war started ?
Read more at: U.S. Calls on Taliban to End Violence as Terrorist Group Makes Gains Across Afghanistan
The joint statement from the U.S. and 13 other allies follows a week of heavy military advances from the Taliban across Afghanistan, as they capitalize on the last stages of the withdrawal of U.S. and other foreign forces from the country.
Note EU-Digest :A mens world? How come the US in these negotiations with the Taliban has no women as part of their delegation, while a lot in these negotiations with the Taliban has to do with the Taliban's degrading of basic Women's Rights as they did before this 20 year war started ?
Read more at: U.S. Calls on Taliban to End Violence as Terrorist Group Makes Gains Across Afghanistan
China-US relations: China Accuses CIA of Hacking Beijing for Over a Decade- by John Feng
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said charges that its Ministry of State Security had sanctioned contract hackers to conduct cyber operations around the world were "unwarranted" and a "political smear."
The allegations put forward by the U.S. and its allies—including NATO, the European Union, Five Eyes and Japan—lacked evidence, he told reporters at a daily press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
Read more at China Accuses CIA of Hacking Beijing for Over a Decade
The allegations put forward by the U.S. and its allies—including NATO, the European Union, Five Eyes and Japan—lacked evidence, he told reporters at a daily press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
Read more at China Accuses CIA of Hacking Beijing for Over a Decade
7/20/21
Covid-19 vaccines: Combatting the crooked global pharmaceutical industry: Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state – Piergiuseppe Fortunato
On March 17th 2020, the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer officially partnered with Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech), a spinoff of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz. The partnership was to accelerate a potential first-in-class Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162), using not attenuated or deactivated virus but a strand of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to produce, and engender immunity against, the virus’ spike protein.
On March 17th 2020, the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer officially partnered with Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech), a spinoff of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz. The partnership was to accelerate a potential first-in-class Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162), using not attenuated or deactivated virus but a strand of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to produce, and engender immunity against, the virus’ spike protein.
The vaccine was expected to enter clinical testing by the end of the following month. At that point, it had already been almost entirely developed by the small German immunotherapy company. What Pfizer brought to the alliance was essentially funds for the clinical trials and commercial capabilities.
Pfizer, along with the rest of the industry, has been lobbying to stop a temporary waiver of IPR, endorsed by the current US administration under Joe Biden, to allow generic Covid-19 vaccines to be distributed at low cost in the global south. Instead, the industry is asserting monopoly rights in all those developing economies that ratified the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which came into force back in 1995—even at the cost of delaying Covid-19 immunisation worldwide.
Patenting vaccines (and drugs) is particularly problematic, since public research irrigation is preponderant and large companies typically come into play only in the phase of clinical trials, right before patenting, usually when the resources to be invested exceed the financial capacities of small inventors. The pricing of the patented products, however, does not internalise the contribution by other actors, including public institutions, or public-health objectives (such as global immunisation in the case of Covid-19), since the IPR system has not been designed to do so. On the contrary, being subject to intense lobbying and regulatory capture by large companies, the system is often abused and high prices persist, granting to the privileged holders profits not justifiable by their contribution.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
The vaccine was expected to enter clinical testing by the end of the following month. At that point, it had already been almost entirely developed by the small German immunotherapy company. What Pfizer brought to the alliance was essentially funds for the clinical trials and commercial capabilities.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
Read the complete report at Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state – Piergiuseppe Fortunato
On March 17th 2020, the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer officially partnered with Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech), a spinoff of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz. The partnership was to accelerate a potential first-in-class Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162), using not attenuated or deactivated virus but a strand of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to produce, and engender immunity against, the virus’ spike protein.
The vaccine was expected to enter clinical testing by the end of the following month. At that point, it had already been almost entirely developed by the small German immunotherapy company. What Pfizer brought to the alliance was essentially funds for the clinical trials and commercial capabilities.
Pfizer, along with the rest of the industry, has been lobbying to stop a temporary waiver of IPR, endorsed by the current US administration under Joe Biden, to allow generic Covid-19 vaccines to be distributed at low cost in the global south. Instead, the industry is asserting monopoly rights in all those developing economies that ratified the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which came into force back in 1995—even at the cost of delaying Covid-19 immunisation worldwide.
Patenting vaccines (and drugs) is particularly problematic, since public research irrigation is preponderant and large companies typically come into play only in the phase of clinical trials, right before patenting, usually when the resources to be invested exceed the financial capacities of small inventors. The pricing of the patented products, however, does not internalise the contribution by other actors, including public institutions, or public-health objectives (such as global immunisation in the case of Covid-19), since the IPR system has not been designed to do so. On the contrary, being subject to intense lobbying and regulatory capture by large companies, the system is often abused and high prices persist, granting to the privileged holders profits not justifiable by their contribution.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
The vaccine was expected to enter clinical testing by the end of the following month. At that point, it had already been almost entirely developed by the small German immunotherapy company. What Pfizer brought to the alliance was essentially funds for the clinical trials and commercial capabilities.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
Read the complete report at Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state – Piergiuseppe Fortunato
7/19/21
UK Celebrates Covid 'Freedom Day' as Boris Johnson Isolate - by Matt Novak
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is self-isolating after coming into close contact with his Health Minister Sajid Javid, who tested positive for covid-19. Ironically, Britain has dropped all covid-19 restrictions today, meaning anyone in England can go to bars, restaurants, and clubs without any social distancing or mask requirements. The prime minister has called it “Freedom Day.”
Read more at UK Celebrates Covid 'Freedom Day' as Boris Johnson Isolates
Read more at UK Celebrates Covid 'Freedom Day' as Boris Johnson Isolates
7/18/21
U.S. surgeon general ‘worried’ with COVID-19 cases sharply on the rise
The U.S. surgeon general said Sunday that he’s concerned about what lies ahead with cases of COVID-19 increasing in every state, millions still unvaccinated and a highly contagious virus variant spreading rapidly.
Noting that nearly all coronavirus deaths now are among the tens of millions of people who haven’t received shots, despite widespread vaccine availability, Dr. Vivek Murthy painted an unsettling picture of what the future could hold.
Read more at: U.S. surgeon general ‘worried’ with COVID-19 cases sharply on the rise
Noting that nearly all coronavirus deaths now are among the tens of millions of people who haven’t received shots, despite widespread vaccine availability, Dr. Vivek Murthy painted an unsettling picture of what the future could hold.
Read more at: U.S. surgeon general ‘worried’ with COVID-19 cases sharply on the rise
China - Netherlands relations: China Wants a Chip Machine From the Dutch. The U.S. Said No._ "Is this US Interference in a foreing country's trade policies ?"
Beijing has been pressuring the Dutch government to allow its companies to buy ASML Holding ASML -2.35% NV’s marquee product: a machine called an extreme ultraviolet lithography system that is essential to making advanced microprocessors.
The one-of-a-kind, 180-ton machines are used by companies including Intel Corp. INTC -1.51% , South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. and leading Apple Inc. supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to make the chips in everything from cutting-edge smartphones and 5G cellular equipment to computers used for artificial intelligence.
China wants the $150-million machines for domestic chip makers, so smartphone giant Huawei Technologies Co. and other Chinese tech companies can be less reliant on foreign suppliers. But ASML hasn’t sent a single one because the Netherlands—under pressure from the U.S.—is withholding an export license to China.
The Biden administration has asked the government to restrict sales because of national-security concerns, according to U.S. officials. The stance is a holdover from the Trump White House, which first identified the strategic value of the machine and reached out to Dutch officials.
Washington has taken direct aim at Chinese companies like Huawei and has also tried to convince foreign allies to restrict the use of Huawei gear, over spying concerns that Huawei says are unfounded. The pressure aimed at ASML and the Netherlands is different, representing a form of collateral damage in a broader U.S.-China tech Cold War.
Read more at: China Wants a Chip Machine From the Dutch. The U.S. Said No. - WSJ
The one-of-a-kind, 180-ton machines are used by companies including Intel Corp. INTC -1.51% , South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. and leading Apple Inc. supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to make the chips in everything from cutting-edge smartphones and 5G cellular equipment to computers used for artificial intelligence.
China wants the $150-million machines for domestic chip makers, so smartphone giant Huawei Technologies Co. and other Chinese tech companies can be less reliant on foreign suppliers. But ASML hasn’t sent a single one because the Netherlands—under pressure from the U.S.—is withholding an export license to China.
The Biden administration has asked the government to restrict sales because of national-security concerns, according to U.S. officials. The stance is a holdover from the Trump White House, which first identified the strategic value of the machine and reached out to Dutch officials.
Washington has taken direct aim at Chinese companies like Huawei and has also tried to convince foreign allies to restrict the use of Huawei gear, over spying concerns that Huawei says are unfounded. The pressure aimed at ASML and the Netherlands is different, representing a form of collateral damage in a broader U.S.-China tech Cold War.
Read more at: China Wants a Chip Machine From the Dutch. The U.S. Said No. - WSJ
USA - 'Real Estate Florida: Appalling': DeSantis Refuses to Back Calls for Inspection of Aging Florida Buildings After Condo Collapse
As the Tampa Bay Times noted, the 136-story residential building in Surfside "was going through its 40-year recertification process when it crumbled at about 1:20 a.m. on June 24. Experts say the tragedy has exposed weaknesses in the state's building inspection process, and some state legislators, structural engineers, and insurance agents have suggested that it's time for the state to update laws that apply to coastal high rises."
Read more at: 'Appalling': DeSantis Refuses to Back Calls for Inspection of Aging Florida Buildings After Condo Collapse | Common Dreams News
Read more at: 'Appalling': DeSantis Refuses to Back Calls for Inspection of Aging Florida Buildings After Condo Collapse | Common Dreams News
7/17/21
GLOBAL WARMIMG - Recent N European floods: Expert Says Warming Link To Europe Floods Plausible
With extreme weather killing more than 150 people in Europe and searing heat across parts of North America, the debate around climate change has grown more fierce in recent weeks.
But can global warming really be blamed for these very different, isolated events in different parts of the world?
According to Jean Jouzel, a climatologist and former vice-president of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there is a "plausible" link, though it has not been proven yet.
"Unfortunately, we are in the early stages of global warming, and what lies ahead will be even worse," he told AFP.
Read more at: Expert Says Warming Link To Europe Floods Plausible
But can global warming really be blamed for these very different, isolated events in different parts of the world?
According to Jean Jouzel, a climatologist and former vice-president of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there is a "plausible" link, though it has not been proven yet.
"Unfortunately, we are in the early stages of global warming, and what lies ahead will be even worse," he told AFP.
Read more at: Expert Says Warming Link To Europe Floods Plausible
7/16/21
EU Floods: Germany, Belgium floods: More than 100 dead with dozens still missing
The death toll in floods in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has increased to 43, officials said, pushing the total number of fatalities in Germany and Belgium above 100.
A total of 118 people have now been declared dead in the floods that have ravaged Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium over the past several days.
All of Western Europe is inundated with floodwaters, with rescue crews combing devastated areas in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Read more at: Germany, Belgium floods: More than 100 dead with dozens still missing
A total of 118 people have now been declared dead in the floods that have ravaged Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium over the past several days.
All of Western Europe is inundated with floodwaters, with rescue crews combing devastated areas in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Read more at: Germany, Belgium floods: More than 100 dead with dozens still missing
Cuba and the long unknown road ahead, can protests lead to freedom?- by Michael Paluska
You could argue that the Cuban people have never really known what it means to be free. But, from the dramatic and unprecedented protests in the streets across the island nation, it is clear the people want another revolution.
People are asking in Cuba and the United States if they can pull off the impossible? And what would a free Cuba look like?
Read more at Cuba and the long unknown road ahead, can protests lead to freedom?
People are asking in Cuba and the United States if they can pull off the impossible? And what would a free Cuba look like?
Read more at Cuba and the long unknown road ahead, can protests lead to freedom?
7/15/21
EU _Floods: At least 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods cause havoc across western Europe
More than 60 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned deadly. Great damage was also done in the Netherlans and Switzerland
Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldn’t absorb any more water.
Read more at: At least 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods cause havoc across western Europe - National | Globalnews.ca
Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldn’t absorb any more water.
Read more at: At least 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods cause havoc across western Europe - National | Globalnews.ca
The Netherlands: Peter R de Vries:Journalist and Dutch crime reporter who defied death threats dies from shotwounds following an earlier assassination attempt, by hardcore criminals
The 64-year-old crime journalist has thrived off solving cold cases and investigating mob bosses without fear or favour, earning him plaudits and a glowing reputation.
Mr de Vries was gunned down on a busy street in central Amsterdam as he left a TV studion on Tuesday night,last week,leaving him fighting for his life. Two suspects are in police custody.
The shooting has stunned the Netherlands, where gun violence is rare but killings linked to organised crime are a grim fixture of life .
Read more at: Peter R de Vries: The Dutch crime reporter who defied death threats - BBC News
Mr de Vries was gunned down on a busy street in central Amsterdam as he left a TV studion on Tuesday night,last week,leaving him fighting for his life. Two suspects are in police custody.
The shooting has stunned the Netherlands, where gun violence is rare but killings linked to organised crime are a grim fixture of life .
Read more at: Peter R de Vries: The Dutch crime reporter who defied death threats - BBC News
7/14/21
EU Cuba relations: EU urges Cuba to ‘immediately’ release detained protesters
The EU’s foreign policy spokesman on Tuesday condemned the “unacceptable” arrests of political activists and journalists in Cuba, demanding their “immediate” release.
The activists were detained in recent days amid the biggest protests against the island’s communist regime in decades.
Read more at: EU urges Cuba to ‘immediately’ release detained protesters – POLITICO
The activists were detained in recent days amid the biggest protests against the island’s communist regime in decades.
Read more at: EU urges Cuba to ‘immediately’ release detained protesters – POLITICO
7/13/21
The Netherlands:Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands surge more than 800% in one week
The Netherlands reported more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, an eightfold increase when compared to last week after most restrictions were lifted despite the rise of the fast-spreading Delta variant.
The National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said 10,345 new cases were reported on Saturday, the biggest one-day increase since December 25. This compares to 1,146 new cases on the same day last week.
Read more at: Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands surge more than 800% in one week - BNO News
The National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said 10,345 new cases were reported on Saturday, the biggest one-day increase since December 25. This compares to 1,146 new cases on the same day last week.
Read more at: Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands surge more than 800% in one week - BNO News
Ukraine: Nord Stream 2: Angela Merkel reassures Ukraine on gas transit
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday vowed to guarantee Ukraine's status as an oil transit country for Russian gas even after the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is completed.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was meeting with top German officials on Monday in Berlin.
Read more at: Nord Stream 2: Angela Merkel reassures Ukraine on gas transit | News | DW | 12.07.2021
Read more at: Nord Stream 2: Angela Merkel reassures Ukraine on gas transit | News | DW | 12.07.2021
US-Russian Relations: Russian nuclear negotiator ‘enjoys’ working with Biden’s diplomats more than Trump’s, saying Iran atomic deal could now be close
Despite tense relations between Washington and Moscow in recent months, Russia’s top Iran nuclear deal negotiator has said hopes for international talks have improved since President Joe Biden and his team took office in January.
In an interview with Moscow’s Kommersant daily, published over the weekend, Ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said that significant progress had been made in recent weeks on a number of bilateral issues, including talks designed to restore the Iran nuclear deal. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), both Russia and the US were key signatories, along with China, Germany and the UK, until it was scrapped by the White House in 2016.
Read more at: Russian nuclear negotiator ‘enjoys’ working with Biden’s diplomats more than Trump’s, saying Iran atomic deal could now be close — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
In an interview with Moscow’s Kommersant daily, published over the weekend, Ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said that significant progress had been made in recent weeks on a number of bilateral issues, including talks designed to restore the Iran nuclear deal. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), both Russia and the US were key signatories, along with China, Germany and the UK, until it was scrapped by the White House in 2016.
Read more at: Russian nuclear negotiator ‘enjoys’ working with Biden’s diplomats more than Trump’s, saying Iran atomic deal could now be close — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union
7/12/21
Cuba protests put country on edge, US appeals for calm
Thousands of Cubans took to the streets in Havana on Sunday to lash out at the worsening conditions in the country under the communist regime—the biggest protest in decades—prompting the country’s president to call on “revolutionary” citizens to counter the protesters.
Miami Republican Mayor Francis Suarez called out the far-left's silence over the pro-democracy protests in Cuba, which has been ruled by decades of Communist dictatorship, and told Fox News the latest unrest exposes the "false promise" of socialism.
Suarez, whose father Xavier was the city's first Cuban-born mayor, told "Your World" guest host Sandra Smith on Monday that it is unbelievable that anyone would fail to condemn Communist ideology.
Read More at https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/cuba-protests-put-country-on-edge-us-appeals-for-calm
Miami Republican Mayor Francis Suarez called out the far-left's silence over the pro-democracy protests in Cuba, which has been ruled by decades of Communist dictatorship, and told Fox News the latest unrest exposes the "false promise" of socialism.
Suarez, whose father Xavier was the city's first Cuban-born mayor, told "Your World" guest host Sandra Smith on Monday that it is unbelievable that anyone would fail to condemn Communist ideology.
Read More at https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/cuba-protests-put-country-on-edge-us-appeals-for-calm
Germany-Ukraine Relations: Nord Stream 2: Angela Merkel reassures Ukraine on gas transit
"For us, Ukraine is and will remain a transit country even once Nord Stream 2 is completed," Merkel said at a Berlin press conference alongside Zelenskyy. "There are big worries about this on the Ukrainian side and we take those seriously," she added.
"The European Union and Germany will see to it that this continues in the future beyond 2024," said Merkel.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/nord-stream-2-angela-merkel-reassures-ukraine-on-gas-transit/a-58235808
"The European Union and Germany will see to it that this continues in the future beyond 2024," said Merkel.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/nord-stream-2-angela-merkel-reassures-ukraine-on-gas-transit/a-58235808
Britain: The King and His Husband’: The Gay History of British Royals
Ordinarily, the wedding of a junior member of the British royal family wouldn’t attract much global attention. But Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s did.
That’s because Mountbatten, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, wed James Coyle in the summer of 2018 in what was heralded as the “first-ever” same-sex marriage in Britain’s royal family.
Read more at: Pocket
That’s because Mountbatten, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, wed James Coyle in the summer of 2018 in what was heralded as the “first-ever” same-sex marriage in Britain’s royal family.
Read more at: Pocket
Italy beats England in penalty shootout to win Euro 2020
Celebrations erupted in downtown Rome as thousands of people took to the streets after Italy beat England in a penalty shootout to win the European Championship at Wembley Stadium in London.
Fireworks lit the sky as cars honked non-stop and ecstatic fans waving Italian flags spilled out of the Piazza del Popolo where they had watched the match on big screens.
Read more at: Italy beats England in penalty shootout to win Euro 2020
Fireworks lit the sky as cars honked non-stop and ecstatic fans waving Italian flags spilled out of the Piazza del Popolo where they had watched the match on big screens.
Read more at: Italy beats England in penalty shootout to win Euro 2020
7/11/21
Cuba - unrest and demonstrations: Hundreds of Protesters Take To Miami Streets As Mayor Asks For U.S. Led Intervention in Cuba
Thousands of Cubans on the island are protesting against the government of Miguel Díaz Canel as the island suffers through one of its worst socio-economic crises since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Worsening conditions, including the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, a worrying lack of food, medicine and other basic products are some of the reasons for the protests, some of the largest since the beginning of the dictatorship in the 1950's.
Read more at: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/hundreds-of-protesters-take-to-miami-streets-as-mayor-asks-for-u-s-led-intervention-in-cuba/2492603/?fbclid=IwAR0mcm8jtD4gTHc1jyu3Knini8W9aXvVE4FPcJljMZYblWLFu2ycAq1aQnE
Read more at: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/hundreds-of-protesters-take-to-miami-streets-as-mayor-asks-for-u-s-led-intervention-in-cuba/2492603/?fbclid=IwAR0mcm8jtD4gTHc1jyu3Knini8W9aXvVE4FPcJljMZYblWLFu2ycAq1aQnE
7/10/21
EU: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announces government reshuffle
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday announced a reshuffle of his left-wing cabinet.
Sanchez, the leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE), heads a government coalition with the hard-left Podemos party.
Read more at: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announces government reshuffle | Euronews
Sanchez, the leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE), heads a government coalition with the hard-left Podemos party.
Read more at: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announces government reshuffle | Euronews
7/9/21
EU -The travel restrictions in place in every country in Europe
The EU has added the US among others to a list which recommends countries that may be able to travel to the continent.
Germany has lifted travel restrictions for visitors from UK and Portugal.
All land borders are now open.Also negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival is required for all foreign nationals.
Read more at: The travel restrictions in place in every country in Europe | Euronews
Germany has lifted travel restrictions for visitors from UK and Portugal.
All land borders are now open.Also negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival is required for all foreign nationals.
Read more at: The travel restrictions in place in every country in Europe | Euronews
Coronavirus Vaccine: Pfizer to ask permission to give booster shot; FDA, CDC say it’s not necessary
Pfizer announced Thursday it plans to seek Food and Drug Administration authorization for a booster shot to its two-dose vaccine that could further protect people from COVID-19 variants, the company announced Thursday.
However, a joint statement on Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA said, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."
Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/as-pfizer-wants-to-push-booster-shot-fda-and-cdc-say-its-not-necessary-at-this-time/ar-AALYAiU?ocid=BingNewsSearch
However, a joint statement on Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA said, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."
Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/as-pfizer-wants-to-push-booster-shot-fda-and-cdc-say-its-not-necessary-at-this-time/ar-AALYAiU?ocid=BingNewsSearch
USA - Big business a iability instead of an asset: Biden’s bid to take on big business sets off battle over who holds power in U.S. economy
The executive order — which contains 72 initiatives — is striking in its scope and ambition, challenging the business practices of America’s enormous technology, health-care, agricultural and manufacturing firms while also aiming to shake up smaller sectors dominated by only a handful of companies, such as the hearing aid industry.
The heart of American capitalism is a simple idea: open and fair competition,” Biden said in remarks before signing the order, accompanied by several members of his Cabinet. “…Competition keeps the economy moving and keeps it growing. Fair competition is why capitalism has been the world’s greatest force for prosperity and growth.”
Read more at: Biden’s bid to take on big business sets off battle over who holds power in U.S. economy
The heart of American capitalism is a simple idea: open and fair competition,” Biden said in remarks before signing the order, accompanied by several members of his Cabinet. “…Competition keeps the economy moving and keeps it growing. Fair competition is why capitalism has been the world’s greatest force for prosperity and growth.”
Read more at: Biden’s bid to take on big business sets off battle over who holds power in U.S. economy
Britain: Proposed U.K. law could see asylum seekers jailed for up to 4 years - by Haley Ott
The British government has introduced a bill that would allow authorities to criminally prosecute and jail asylum seekers who are intercepted trying to enter the United Kingdom without permission for up to five years. The proposed legislation would also limit the rights and protections currently afforded to people who claim asylum after entering the U.K. "without valid entry clearance."
Read more at: Proposed U.K. law could see asylum seekers jailed for up to 4 years
Read more at: Proposed U.K. law could see asylum seekers jailed for up to 4 years
Afghanistan NATO fiasco: Central European leaders worry over Afghan migration ‘wave’
Central European leaders on Friday voiced concern over what they said was a potential migration rush from Afghanistan as U.S. and NATO forces pull out from that country. They also complained that a small group of powerful countries within the European Union continue to call the shots without input from smaller or less wealthy member states.
Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki Morawiecki said a NATO troop withdrawal from Afghanistan could trigger a migration influx into Europe, on top of a steady stream of migrant arrivals from Africa.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis took it a step further to suggest that a “migration wave” from Afghanistan constitutes a “big threat.”
“For that reason we must be capable of protecting our external borders,” Morawiecki said.
The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia – all EU and NATO members – gathered in Slovenia on Friday, just days after the Alpine Nations took over the EU’s rotating presidency. The countries make up the so-called Visegrad Group, an informal body that aims at closer regional cooperation.
Most Central and Eastern European countries have in the past opposed allowing into Europe people fleeing war and poverty from the Middle East, Africa or Asia.
Read more at: Central European leaders worry over Afghan migration ‘wave’ | News 4 Buffalo
Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki Morawiecki said a NATO troop withdrawal from Afghanistan could trigger a migration influx into Europe, on top of a steady stream of migrant arrivals from Africa.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis took it a step further to suggest that a “migration wave” from Afghanistan constitutes a “big threat.”
The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia – all EU and NATO members – gathered in Slovenia on Friday, just days after the Alpine Nations took over the EU’s rotating presidency. The countries make up the so-called Visegrad Group, an informal body that aims at closer regional cooperation.
Most Central and Eastern European countries have in the past opposed allowing into Europe people fleeing war and poverty from the Middle East, Africa or Asia.
Read more at: Central European leaders worry over Afghan migration ‘wave’ | News 4 Buffalo
7/8/21
HAITI: U.S. citizens, former Colombian soldiers among suspects arrested in Haiti president's killing
Two men believed to be Haitian Americans — one of them purportedly a former bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince — have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Haiti's president, Haitian officials said Thursday.
Read more at: U.S. citizens, former Colombian soldiers among suspects arrested in Haiti president's killing | CBC News
Read more at: U.S. citizens, former Colombian soldiers among suspects arrested in Haiti president's killing | CBC News
7/7/21
Iceland - 4-day week: Why Iceland's 4-day workweek pilot was an 'overwhelming success'
People who work fewer hours per week are not only happier, but also more productive at their jobs according to a large-scale pilot program in Iceland.
Between 2015 and 2019, the Reykjavík City Council and Icelandic federal government teamed up with trade unions to test the pros and cons of a four-day workweek.
About 2,500 workers — more than one per cent of the country's workforce — worked between 35 and 36 hours a week, as opposed to the standard 40, with no reduction in pay.
Read more at: Why Iceland's 4-day workweek pilot was an 'overwhelming success' | CBC Radio
Between 2015 and 2019, the Reykjavík City Council and Icelandic federal government teamed up with trade unions to test the pros and cons of a four-day workweek.
About 2,500 workers — more than one per cent of the country's workforce — worked between 35 and 36 hours a week, as opposed to the standard 40, with no reduction in pay.
Read more at: Why Iceland's 4-day workweek pilot was an 'overwhelming success' | CBC Radio
Afghanistan: US withdrawal more than 90% complete, Pentagon says
Nearly 1,000 C-17 air freight loads of equipment have also been shipped out of the country.
The announcement comes several months after President Joe Biden said he would withdraw all US troops from the country by September 11. Other NATO countries are also moving forward with a military pullout from Afghanistan in coordination with the US.
Germany has withdrawn all troops from the country, with a German diplomat saying Tuesday that its consulate general in Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan has been closed.
Afghanistan: US withdrawal more than 90% complete, Pentagon says | News | DW | 06.07.2021
The announcement comes several months after President Joe Biden said he would withdraw all US troops from the country by September 11. Other NATO countries are also moving forward with a military pullout from Afghanistan in coordination with the US.
Germany has withdrawn all troops from the country, with a German diplomat saying Tuesday that its consulate general in Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan has been closed.
Afghanistan: US withdrawal more than 90% complete, Pentagon says | News | DW | 06.07.2021
Caribbean - Haiti: President of Haiti Assassination Updates:
Jovenel Moïse was killed in an attack on his private residence on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Authorities said late Wednesday that they had intercepted ‘suspected assassins.
Read more at: President of Haiti Assassination Updates: Live News - The New York Times
Read more at: President of Haiti Assassination Updates: Live News - The New York Times
7/6/21
USA: Hundreds of Casualties Reported in Shootings Across U.S. Over July 4th Weekend: by Mary Ellen Cagnassola
According to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), which compiled data from cities across the country showing hundreds of injuries and deaths over a 72-hour period, the Fourth of July weekend was the most violent weekend in the United States so far this year.
Roughly 233 people were killed in the U.S. and hundreds more injured — from 5 p.m. Friday through Monday, according to the GVA data. The organization reported numbers exceeding 600 injuries as of Tuesday morning and is still finalizing numbers collected from police, media and government sources in real time.
Read more at: Hundreds of Casualties Reported in Shootings Across U.S. Over July 4th Weekend
Roughly 233 people were killed in the U.S. and hundreds more injured — from 5 p.m. Friday through Monday, according to the GVA data. The organization reported numbers exceeding 600 injuries as of Tuesday morning and is still finalizing numbers collected from police, media and government sources in real time.
Read more at: Hundreds of Casualties Reported in Shootings Across U.S. Over July 4th Weekend
EU: Belarus: EU ′not intimidated′ by Lukashenko′s migrant threat
Lithuania has detained at least 131 migrants over the past 24 hours, mostly from Africa and the Middle East. The EU believes that Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko is behind the influx.
Lithuania, which shares a border with Belarus, has detained at least 131 migrants over the past 24 hours, with the majority of them coming from the Middle East and Africa.
"We will also also be in contact with other origin countries to see how ... to cooperate more with these countries to send the signal that it is not possible to come here using illegal tools and illegal instruments," Michel said.
Read more at: a href="https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-eu-not-intimidated-by-lukashenkos-migrant-threat/a-58177975">Belarus: EU ′not intimidated′ by Lukashenko′s migrant threat | News | DW | 06.07.2021
Lithuania, which shares a border with Belarus, has detained at least 131 migrants over the past 24 hours, with the majority of them coming from the Middle East and Africa.
"We will also also be in contact with other origin countries to see how ... to cooperate more with these countries to send the signal that it is not possible to come here using illegal tools and illegal instruments," Michel said.
Read more at: a href="https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-eu-not-intimidated-by-lukashenkos-migrant-threat/a-58177975">Belarus: EU ′not intimidated′ by Lukashenko′s migrant threat | News | DW | 06.07.2021
The Netherlands - criminals out of control and it must be open "hunting season" against them: As Peter R de Vries: Dutch crime journalist wounded in Amsterdam shooting
A prominent Dutch crime journalist has been seriously wounded after being shot on a street in Amsterdam.
Police said Peter R de Vries was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being gunned down in the city centre on Tuesday evening.
National broadcaster NOS said he was attacked minutes after appearing on a TV chat show.
Read more at: Peter R de Vries: Dutch crime journalist wounded in Amsterdam shooting - BBC News
Police said Peter R de Vries was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being gunned down in the city centre on Tuesday evening.
National broadcaster NOS said he was attacked minutes after appearing on a TV chat show.
Read more at: Peter R de Vries: Dutch crime journalist wounded in Amsterdam shooting - BBC News
Soccer:Euro 2020: Italy beat Spain on penalties to reach final
Italy's style of play has changed as the tournament has gone on, with the Azzurri reverting to their old defensive ways, and it has taken them through to the final.
They were free-scoring and impressive in the group stages - while also solid at the back - taking their run to 11 wins in a row without conceding.
But they needed extra time to beat Austria in the last 16 and then dug in to beat Belgium 2-1 last time out.
Read more at: Euro 2020: Italy beat Spain on penalties to reach final - BBC Sport
They were free-scoring and impressive in the group stages - while also solid at the back - taking their run to 11 wins in a row without conceding.
But they needed extra time to beat Austria in the last 16 and then dug in to beat Belgium 2-1 last time out.
Read more at: Euro 2020: Italy beat Spain on penalties to reach final - BBC Sport
7/5/21
China-EU relations: Xi Jinping, Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron throw support behind EU-China investment deal, Beijing says
The leaders of China, France and Germany threw their support behind an EU-China investment agreement on Monday, despite the deal’s failure to gain widespread backing in Europe, according to a Chinese summary of a video call between the three countries’ leaders.
In a call between China’s Xi Jinping and counterparts Angela Merkel of Germany and France’s Emmanuel Macron, each expressed hope that the deal would be approved soon, the Chinese readout said.
The call came at an increasingly tense moment for EU-China ties, with growing concerns about China’s human rights record and coercive economic practices pervading both Brussels’ institutions and member states.
Read more at: Xi Jinping, Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron throw support behind EU-China investment deal, Beijing says | South China Morning Post
In a call between China’s Xi Jinping and counterparts Angela Merkel of Germany and France’s Emmanuel Macron, each expressed hope that the deal would be approved soon, the Chinese readout said.
The call came at an increasingly tense moment for EU-China ties, with growing concerns about China’s human rights record and coercive economic practices pervading both Brussels’ institutions and member states.
Read more at: Xi Jinping, Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron throw support behind EU-China investment deal, Beijing says | South China Morning Post
The Netherlands - Auto Racing: Dominant Verstappen driving - and sounding - like a champion - by JEROME PUGMIRE
“When you go into the weekend and everyone sees you as a favorite, it’s not easy to deliver,” Verstappen said after clinching his fifth win of the season at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
He extended his advantage in the Formula One championship to 32 points over Hamilton. He leads the defending champion 5-3 for wins; 5-2 in pole positions.
Read more at: Dominant Verstappen driving - and sounding - like a champion
He extended his advantage in the Formula One championship to 32 points over Hamilton. He leads the defending champion 5-3 for wins; 5-2 in pole positions.
Read more at: Dominant Verstappen driving - and sounding - like a champion
German- Dutch relations: Dutch royals arrive in Germany for 3-day state visit
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands on Monday started a three-day visit to Germany that was delayed from last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The royal couple were greeted with a 21-gun salute after landing at Berlin's airport at the beginning of Willem-Alexander’s first state visit to Germany since he became king in 2013.
Read more at:Dutch royals arrive in Germany for 3-day state visit | Lexington Herald Leader
The royal couple were greeted with a 21-gun salute after landing at Berlin's airport at the beginning of Willem-Alexander’s first state visit to Germany since he became king in 2013.
Read more at:Dutch royals arrive in Germany for 3-day state visit | Lexington Herald Leader
Britain Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world on Monday
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Monday that his government plans to scrap laws requiring face masks and physical distancing later this month, though he acknowledged that lifting the restrictions will drive surging coronavirus cases even higher.
Johnson said legal controls will be replaced by individual "personal responsibility" when the country moves to the final stage of its lockdown-lifting roadmap. That is scheduled to happen on July 19, though Johnson said a final decision would come on July 12.
Read more at: Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world on Monday | CBC News
Johnson said legal controls will be replaced by individual "personal responsibility" when the country moves to the final stage of its lockdown-lifting roadmap. That is scheduled to happen on July 19, though Johnson said a final decision would come on July 12.
Read more at: Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world on Monday | CBC News
7/4/21
Soccer - The Netherlands -EURO 2020r: Bounced out of Euro 2020, the Netherlands looks to future
After a seven-year wait for a spot in a major tournament, the Netherlands got three workmanlike wins against outmatched opponents and a humbling loss to the Czech Republic.
What looked like a Super Sunday for Dutch sports fans following Max Verstappen’s win at the Styrian Grand Prix and Mathieu van der Poel’s Tour de France stage win, turned sour when the Netherlands lost 2-0 in Budapest and tumbled out of the European Championship.
Read more at: Bounced out of Euro 2020, the Netherlands looks to future
What looked like a Super Sunday for Dutch sports fans following Max Verstappen’s win at the Styrian Grand Prix and Mathieu van der Poel’s Tour de France stage win, turned sour when the Netherlands lost 2-0 in Budapest and tumbled out of the European Championship.
Read more at: Bounced out of Euro 2020, the Netherlands looks to future
Dutch court rejects Facebook’s bid to have privacy lawsuit in the Netherlands dismissed
A court in Amsterdam ruled that privacy litigation against Facebook in the Netherlands can proceed, rejecting the social network’s bid to have the lawsuit from two non-profit groups thrown out.
Read more at: Dutch court rejects Facebook’s bid to have privacy lawsuit in the Netherlands dismissed
Read more at: Dutch court rejects Facebook’s bid to have privacy lawsuit in the Netherlands dismissed
7/3/21
Sea Breeze US Allies Exercise in the Black Sea: US and allies begin large-scale naval drill in Black Sea
The biggest ever "Sea Breeze" exercises come days after Russia said its navy had fired warning shots against a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters.
Read more at: US and allies begin large-scale naval drill in Black Sea | News | DW | 28.06.2021
Read more at: US and allies begin large-scale naval drill in Black Sea | News | DW | 28.06.2021
Britain - Brexit: I’d love to believe Brexit is working. But why are there so many weird shortages? - by Zoe Williams
It started with a rabbit hutch, insanely expensive, but reportedly worth it: the only guaranteed fox-proof outdoor hutch on the market. I ordered it in January; I’d say I got an email about its progress roughly once a week. Twenty-five emails later, still no hutch, and I had started sending elaborate replies to an automated customer service entity: “It’s lucky I don’t have two rabbits, otherwise I’d need another 63 hutches by now, and when would I get those – 2027?” There were a couple of weeks when they were blaming the Suez canal, but mostly, it was “delays caused by Brexit”.
read more at: I’d love to believe Brexit is working. But why are there so many weird shortages? | Zoe Williams | The Guardian
read more at: I’d love to believe Brexit is working. But why are there so many weird shortages? | Zoe Williams | The Guardian
7/2/21
North Korea Covid-19: outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has sacked several senior party officials over a “grave” coronavirus incident that had threatened public safety, fuelling speculation that the coronavirus has breached the country’s defences.
“In neglecting important decisions by the party that called for organisational, material and science and technological measures to support prolonged anti-epidemic work in face of a global health crisis, the officials in charge have caused a grave incident that created a huge crisis for the safety of the country and its people,” the state-run KCNA news agency quoted Kim as telling a meeting of the ruling party’s politburo.
Read more at: North Korea Covid-19 outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ | North Korea | The Guardian
“In neglecting important decisions by the party that called for organisational, material and science and technological measures to support prolonged anti-epidemic work in face of a global health crisis, the officials in charge have caused a grave incident that created a huge crisis for the safety of the country and its people,” the state-run KCNA news agency quoted Kim as telling a meeting of the ruling party’s politburo.
Read more at: North Korea Covid-19 outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ | North Korea | The Guardian
Christianity: America’s evangelical church is being torn apart by culture wars - by Barry Hankins
Is the Southern Baptist Convention – the largest and arguably most powerful Protestant denomination in the United States – being held together by culture wars instead of Biblical teaching? That is the question in recent weeks, as thousands of Southern Baptists gathered in Nashville for their annual meeting to determine the bitterly contested future of the convention.
The most segregated metropolitan area in the US according to the study is New York City, followed by Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit.
‘Where you live determines everything’: why segregation is growing in the US
Read more
Many conservative members of the denomination seem to have seen in Donald Trump’s populist authoritarianism a last-gasp chance to save white Christian America – theology, and, for Trump, Christian morality, be damned.
Read more at: America’s evangelical church is being torn apart by culture wars | Barry Hankins | The Guardian
Many conservative members of the denomination seem to have seen in Donald Trump’s populist authoritarianism a last-gasp chance to save white Christian America – theology, and, for Trump, Christian morality, be damned.
Read more at: America’s evangelical church is being torn apart by culture wars | Barry Hankins | The Guardian
Afghanistan: a failed 20 year Nato war: Germany pulls last troops from Afghanistan, ending nearly 20-year mission
With US troops eyeing their final exit from Afghanistan in September, Germany pulled out all of its remaining troops on Tuesday. Last week, Germany's Defense Ministry said around 570 troops were still deployed.
The last of them have now been flown out of the northern city of Mazar — ending a nearly two decade-long mission. The contingent also included members of the KSK special forces, who were tasked with securing the camp during the move.
Read more at: Germany pulls last troops from Afghanistan, ending nearly 20-year mission | News | DW | 29.06.2021
The last of them have now been flown out of the northern city of Mazar — ending a nearly two decade-long mission. The contingent also included members of the KSK special forces, who were tasked with securing the camp during the move.
Read more at: Germany pulls last troops from Afghanistan, ending nearly 20-year mission | News | DW | 29.06.2021
North Korea Covid-19: outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has sacked several senior party officials over a “grave” coronavirus incident that had threatened public safety, fuelling speculation that the coronavirus has breached the country’s defences.
“In neglecting important decisions by the party that called for organisational, material and science and technological measures to support prolonged anti-epidemic work in face of a global health crisis, the officials in charge have caused a grave incident that created a huge crisis for the safety of the country and its people,” the state-run KCNA news agency quoted Kim as telling a meeting of the ruling party’s politburo.
Read more at: North Korea Covid-19 outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ | North Korea | The Guardian
“In neglecting important decisions by the party that called for organisational, material and science and technological measures to support prolonged anti-epidemic work in face of a global health crisis, the officials in charge have caused a grave incident that created a huge crisis for the safety of the country and its people,” the state-run KCNA news agency quoted Kim as telling a meeting of the ruling party’s politburo.
Read more at: North Korea Covid-19 outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ | North Korea | The Guardian
Climate crises: The scientists hired by big oil who predicted the climate crisis long ago - by Emma Pattee
The scientists hired by big oil who predicted the climate crisis long ago
Marty Hoffert: ‘It never actually occurred to me that this was going to become a political problem.’
Marty Hoffert: ‘It never actually occurred to me that this was going to become a political problem.’ Photograph: Zack Wittman/The Guardian
Read more at: The scientists hired by big oil who predicted the climate crisis long ago | Environment | The Guardian
Read more at: The scientists hired by big oil who predicted the climate crisis long ago | Environment | The Guardian
7/1/21
Corporate Tax Rates: OECD says 130 countries agree to 15 percent minimum corporate tax rate
A total of 130 countries have agreed a global tax reform ensuring that multinationals pay their fair share wherever they operate, the OECD said on Thursday, but some EU states refused to sign up.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said in a statement that global companies, including US behemoths Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple would be taxed at a rate of at least 15 percent once the deal is implemented. <
The formal agreement follows an endorsement by the G7 group of wealthy nations last month at a meeting in Britain. The negotiations now move to a meeting of the G20 group of developed and emerging economies on July 9 and 10 in Venice, Italy. The new tax regime is to add some $150 billion (€125bn) to government coffers globally.
Read more at: OECD says 130 countries agree to 15 percent minimum corporate tax rate
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said in a statement that global companies, including US behemoths Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple would be taxed at a rate of at least 15 percent once the deal is implemented. <
The formal agreement follows an endorsement by the G7 group of wealthy nations last month at a meeting in Britain. The negotiations now move to a meeting of the G20 group of developed and emerging economies on July 9 and 10 in Venice, Italy. The new tax regime is to add some $150 billion (€125bn) to government coffers globally.
Read more at: OECD says 130 countries agree to 15 percent minimum corporate tax rate
EU-China Relations: Taking the EU reins, Slovenia plans to press ahead on China investment deal
Slovenia will press on with completing the EU’s troubled investment deal with China
as it assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union
today.
The presidency rotates among EU member states and is responsible for the functioning of the council, the EU’s co-legislative body alongside the European Parliament.
Read more at: Taking the EU reins, Slovenia plans to press ahead on China investment deal | South China Morning Post
The presidency rotates among EU member states and is responsible for the functioning of the council, the EU’s co-legislative body alongside the European Parliament.
Read more at: Taking the EU reins, Slovenia plans to press ahead on China investment deal | South China Morning Post
Brexit: N. Ireland broadens Brexit horizons - by Cecily Liu
Northern Ireland, once an industrial powerhouse, wants closer ties with China to safeguard against economic uncertainty as the United Kingdom prepares to exit from the European Union.
On Saturday, more than 100 provincial and municipal leaders from China gathered in Belfast for the third UK-China Regional Leaders Meeting, a gathering created during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK in October 2015, at the start of the "golden era" of relations between China and Britain.
"Brexit has prompted us to more actively engage with new markets further afield, and China is a key focus," said Tim Losty, director of the Beijing bureau of Northern Ireland's executive office.
Read more at: N. Ireland broadens Brexit horizons - World - Chinadaily.com.cn
On Saturday, more than 100 provincial and municipal leaders from China gathered in Belfast for the third UK-China Regional Leaders Meeting, a gathering created during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK in October 2015, at the start of the "golden era" of relations between China and Britain.
"Brexit has prompted us to more actively engage with new markets further afield, and China is a key focus," said Tim Losty, director of the Beijing bureau of Northern Ireland's executive office.
Read more at: N. Ireland broadens Brexit horizons - World - Chinadaily.com.cn
Afghanistan: What now to avoid disaster? - by Mohammad Ismail
Lets face it: NATO (US and its Atlantic Alliance partners) have lost their 20 year war against the Taliban, just like the Russians did before them. Apart from the tragic loss of lives during this time span, of not only US soldiers, but also many from the NATO European partner Nations, this disastrous war also wasted billions of Euros and US dollars of taxpayers money. Hopefully this military catastrophe will not be shovelled under the mat, and result in thorough investigations by the political establishments of the US and all NATO country member nations. Indeed the Afghanistan NATO mission has turned into another NATO disaster.
Read more at: Afghanistan: What now to avoid disaster? - Atlantic Council
Read more at: Afghanistan: What now to avoid disaster? - Atlantic Council
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