The European Union has recommended that the US, along with four other countries, be removed from its list of countries exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel.
"Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia and the United States of America were removed from the list," a statement from the European Council said.
Read more at:
EU removes US from safe travel list as COVID infections rise | News | DW | 30.08.2021
8/31/21
US CORPORATE POWER: Why power of corporations needs to be curbed , but still hasn't.
Severla years ago during the Obama Administration the United States Supreme Court struck down limits on the freedom of corporations to spend money on elections and in influencing political decisions. The US court overturned over 100 years of restraint on corporate spending.
The variety of reactions this evoked is a reflection of the turmoil within the American society. There are also lessons here for all those who seek to build economic democracy, in any corner of the world.
President Barack Obama described the court's ruling as "a major victory for big oil, Wall Street bankers, health insurance companies and other interests that marshal their power every day in Washington and drown out the voices of everyday Americans."
When corporations decide which politicians to support and which political outcomes to seek, Bebchuk points out, their general investors are not consulted. Instead, such decisions are more likely to reflect the preferences and objectives of individual managers.
It follows that corporate meddling in politics is not just bad for those members of society who are not wealthy enough to be shareholders -- it could also reduce shareholder value.
Thus, there is a clamour to tighten controls on corporate spending in elections and on political decisions in the USA. There is demand for stricter enforcement of existing laws regarding public disclosure for corporate funding of elected representatives.
Unfortunately the issue of curbing Corporate Power, like gun control have become toxic issues for the US political establishment.
Read more at: http:/www.eu-digest.blogspot.com
The variety of reactions this evoked is a reflection of the turmoil within the American society. There are also lessons here for all those who seek to build economic democracy, in any corner of the world.
President Barack Obama described the court's ruling as "a major victory for big oil, Wall Street bankers, health insurance companies and other interests that marshal their power every day in Washington and drown out the voices of everyday Americans."
When corporations decide which politicians to support and which political outcomes to seek, Bebchuk points out, their general investors are not consulted. Instead, such decisions are more likely to reflect the preferences and objectives of individual managers.
It follows that corporate meddling in politics is not just bad for those members of society who are not wealthy enough to be shareholders -- it could also reduce shareholder value.
Thus, there is a clamour to tighten controls on corporate spending in elections and on political decisions in the USA. There is demand for stricter enforcement of existing laws regarding public disclosure for corporate funding of elected representatives.
Unfortunately the issue of curbing Corporate Power, like gun control have become toxic issues for the US political establishment.
Read more at: http:/www.eu-digest.blogspot.com
Brazil: Arrested, killed or victory: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on his future
Brazilian far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday said he sees three alternatives for his future: winning the 2022 presidential elections, death or prison.
"I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory," he said, in remarks to a meeting of evangelical leaders. Bolsonaro later added that the first option is out of question. "No man on Earth will threaten me."
Bolsonaro's remarks come as he has been questioning Brazil's electronic voting system and threatened not to accept the results of next year's presidential election. He has been calling for the adoption of printed receipts, saying that electronic ballots are vulnerable to fraud.
Read more at: Arrested, killed or victory: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on his future
"I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory," he said, in remarks to a meeting of evangelical leaders. Bolsonaro later added that the first option is out of question. "No man on Earth will threaten me."
Bolsonaro's remarks come as he has been questioning Brazil's electronic voting system and threatened not to accept the results of next year's presidential election. He has been calling for the adoption of printed receipts, saying that electronic ballots are vulnerable to fraud.
Read more at: Arrested, killed or victory: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on his future
The Netherlands: Dutch coalition talks deadlocked 5 months after election
The Netherlands appeared to be heading toward talks to form a minority coalition after efforts to piece together a Cabinet made up of five parties from across the political spectrum broke down Tuesday.
More than five months after a general election left the Dutch political landscape fragmented, two key parties said they do not want to form a new government with a pair of leftist parties.
The decision by caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy — known by its Dutch acronym VVD — and the CDA Christian Democrats came after months of talks between party leaders and an official who is attempting to cobble together the coalition.
Read more at: Dutch coalition talks deadlocked 5 months after election
More than five months after a general election left the Dutch political landscape fragmented, two key parties said they do not want to form a new government with a pair of leftist parties.
The decision by caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy — known by its Dutch acronym VVD — and the CDA Christian Democrats came after months of talks between party leaders and an official who is attempting to cobble together the coalition.
Read more at: Dutch coalition talks deadlocked 5 months after election
Global Warming: Apocalypse or co-operation? – by Jayati Ghosh
The apocalypse is now. That is the glaring message of the perfect storm of Covid-19 and climate change which has broken. The pandemic is unlikely to end for years, as the novel coronavirus mutates into increasingly transmissible, drug-resistant variants. And the climate catastrophe is no longer ‘impending’ but playing out in real time.
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—whose assessments predate the extreme climate events of the past year—tells us that some drastic, adverse climatic changes are now irreversible. These will affect every region, as the recent heatwaves, wildfires and floods demonstrate. They will also severely damage many natural species and adversely affect the possibilities for, and conditions of, human life.
Read more at: https://socialeurope.eu/apocalypse-or-co-operation
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—whose assessments predate the extreme climate events of the past year—tells us that some drastic, adverse climatic changes are now irreversible. These will affect every region, as the recent heatwaves, wildfires and floods demonstrate. They will also severely damage many natural species and adversely affect the possibilities for, and conditions of, human life.
Read more at: https://socialeurope.eu/apocalypse-or-co-operation
8/30/21
The Netherlands-Economy: The Netherlands to end pandemic business relief
The government announced Monday that with the economy back on track, lockdown measures largely over and unemployment low, “Continuing the support would stand in the way of the economic recovery.”
The government has spent some 80 billion euros ($94 billion) since March last year propping up business ranging from individual entrepreneurs to national flag carrier KLM. It says the support helped limit bankruptcies and unemployment.
The Dutch economy is forecast to grow 3.8% this year and 3.2% in 2022. A number of targeted support measures aimed at education programs and night clubs will remain in the final quarter of the year.
Read more at: https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/7267356/3674647997756275155
The government has spent some 80 billion euros ($94 billion) since March last year propping up business ranging from individual entrepreneurs to national flag carrier KLM. It says the support helped limit bankruptcies and unemployment.
The Dutch economy is forecast to grow 3.8% this year and 3.2% in 2022. A number of targeted support measures aimed at education programs and night clubs will remain in the final quarter of the year.
Read more at: https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/7267356/3674647997756275155
USA-Florida: COVID vaccine pop-up held at funeral of fallen Florida deputy
For the last few months, Florida officials have been bringing COVID-19 vaccines to places where many people gather like concerts and malls to make it easier for someone to get a shot.
On Monday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office hosted a pop-up at a location at an unusual venue that could put things into perspective: the funeral of 32-year-old Polk County Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead. The father of five died from COVID-19 complications on Aug. 23 after being in the hospital for several weeks.
Read more at: COVID vaccine pop-up held at funeral of fallen Florida deputy | Miami Herald
On Monday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office hosted a pop-up at a location at an unusual venue that could put things into perspective: the funeral of 32-year-old Polk County Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead. The father of five died from COVID-19 complications on Aug. 23 after being in the hospital for several weeks.
Read more at: COVID vaccine pop-up held at funeral of fallen Florida deputy | Miami Herald
USA: Hurricane Ida: Louisiana assesses damage after storm
The day after the category four hurricane hit Louisiana, over a million are left without electricity. With wind gusts of up to 172mph (277km/h), the storm tied the state's previous record for wind speed. Heavy rains and a dangerous storm surge led to extreme flooding throughout the region.
Read more at: Hurricane Ida: Louisiana assesses damage after storm - BBC News
Read more at: Hurricane Ida: Louisiana assesses damage after storm - BBC News
Afghanistan: France and Britain call on UN to help create a Kabul 'safe zone'
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council - France, Britain, the US, Russia and China - will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation.
Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone' in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue," Macron said.
Read more at: France and Britain call on UN to help create a Kabul 'safe zone'
Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone' in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue," Macron said.
Read more at: France and Britain call on UN to help create a Kabul 'safe zone'
8/29/21
Canada: Let’s have a real conversation about health care — minus the mudslinging - by Max Fawcett |
For a government that has made tackling online misinformation one of its key priorities, getting nailed with a warning label from Twitter is a particularly bad look. That’s what happened on the weekend to a pair of tweets from Chrystia Freeland, who was sharing an edited video of Erin O’Toole answering a question about private health-care delivery.
Read More at Let’s have a real conversation about health care — minus the mudslinging | Canada's National Observer: News & Analysis
Read More at Let’s have a real conversation about health care — minus the mudslinging | Canada's National Observer: News & Analysis
EU-USA Relations:Biden loses Europe's trust
The first NATO summit of President Joe Biden’s administration — convened even as the resurgent Taliban encircled Afghan cities, no longer defended by U.S. and coalition forces — was a self-congratulatory affair. Donald Trump was out, and that was enough for the allied representatives to cheer.
“There was a real appetite for the nice words ... after the Trump years,” a Central European official recalled of the June 14 summit, acknowledging that, in order to satisfy that appetite, political leaders chose “to avoid the difficult discussions and especially to avoid talking about Afghanistan in a more critical view.”
READ MORE AT: Biden loses Europe's trust
“There was a real appetite for the nice words ... after the Trump years,” a Central European official recalled of the June 14 summit, acknowledging that, in order to satisfy that appetite, political leaders chose “to avoid the difficult discussions and especially to avoid talking about Afghanistan in a more critical view.”
READ MORE AT: Biden loses Europe's trust
USA: COVID and children: Doctors worry about disparities in kids of color
On Thursday, Ana Amira Rivera celebrated her first birthday. But earlier this month, her mom worried her baby girl wouldn’t make it.
Ava woke up one night in early August with a fever and seizures. Estefani Lopez rushed her to the emergency room, where her daughter stopped breathing, going limp in her arms. The otherwise health baby was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Read more at: COVID and children: Doctors worry about disparities in kids of color
Ava woke up one night in early August with a fever and seizures. Estefani Lopez rushed her to the emergency room, where her daughter stopped breathing, going limp in her arms. The otherwise health baby was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Read more at: COVID and children: Doctors worry about disparities in kids of color
The Netherlands: How the Netherlands is leading the EU toward its tech future
Though geographically and demographically small, the Netherlands is positioning itself as a European technology leader, making a name for itself in fields like quantum computing, AI, tech start-up innovation and sustainable cities.
This is good news for IT pros looking to advance their careers and enterprises interested in emerging tech, but the country's hot technology market presents some challanges — first and foremost, it can be hard for businesses to find the tech talent they need.
The Netherlands' emerging tech dominance is being driven to a large degree by the country’s political leadership, industry-watchers said. But there are also historical and cultural trends propelling the Netherlands to a dominant technology position in the EU, some of which have the seeds in its long-standing commitment to making technology a priority.
Read more at: How the Netherlands is leading the EU toward its tech future | Computerworld
This is good news for IT pros looking to advance their careers and enterprises interested in emerging tech, but the country's hot technology market presents some challanges — first and foremost, it can be hard for businesses to find the tech talent they need.
The Netherlands' emerging tech dominance is being driven to a large degree by the country’s political leadership, industry-watchers said. But there are also historical and cultural trends propelling the Netherlands to a dominant technology position in the EU, some of which have the seeds in its long-standing commitment to making technology a priority.
Read more at: How the Netherlands is leading the EU toward its tech future | Computerworld
China combs through online content that ‘bad-mouths’ its economy
Beijing has launched a two-month campaign to probe commercial platforms and social media accounts that post economic information, in an attempt to cleanse the media of content that criticizes China’s economic policies.
The National Cyberspace Administration of China on Friday launched a “special rectification” action targeting illegal procurement and misinterpretation of financial information. The agency called on social media platforms to carry out checks to cleanse finance-related content that “violates China’s regulations.”
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Read at: China combs through online content that ‘bad-mouths’ its economy — RT Business News
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Read at: China combs through online content that ‘bad-mouths’ its economy — RT Business News
8/28/21
EU Needs Own Military Capacity to Respond to New Crises
The fall of Kabul to the Taliban and the chaotic international evacuation effort shows that Europe needs to develop its own military capacity independent of the United States, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell argues.
In an interview with AFP, Borrell said European powers would struggle to evacuate their citizens and Afghan allies before the United States ends its operation at Kabul airport — perhaps as early as 31 August.
Several US allies have asked Washington to delay this departure, as NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Friday (20 August), as without the protection of the 6,000 US troops deployed at the airport, European operations may have to cease.
Read more at: https://www.novinite.com/articles/210949/EU+Needs+Own+Military+Capacity+to+Respond+to+New+Crises
In an interview with AFP, Borrell said European powers would struggle to evacuate their citizens and Afghan allies before the United States ends its operation at Kabul airport — perhaps as early as 31 August.
Several US allies have asked Washington to delay this departure, as NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Friday (20 August), as without the protection of the 6,000 US troops deployed at the airport, European operations may have to cease.
Read more at: https://www.novinite.com/articles/210949/EU+Needs+Own+Military+Capacity+to+Respond+to+New+Crises
China: A Thorough Explanation of China’s Long-Term Strategy - War on the Rocks : by Rush Doshi
What are the Chinese Communist Party’s intentions? Does it seek to turn China into the hegemon of Asia and a global superpower? Or does it just aim to stay in power by whatever means necessary? Unfortunately, U.S. policymakers and analysts haven’t come to an agreement on how to answer these questions. That’s a problem, because China’s intentions ought to shape how the United States develops its strategy toward the Indo-Pacific.
Fortunately, Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping has made the answer to the first question much plainer for people inside and outside China. Xi marked the party’s centenary on July 1 with an hour-long speech about the party’s achievements and ambitions. Throughout the speech, Xi referenced the need to stay true to the party’s “original aspiration” and “founding mission” to bring about the “Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.” “To realize national rejuvenation,” Xi said, “the Party has united and led the Chinese people in pursuing a great struggle, a great project, a great cause, and a great dream.” Such language is a routine feature of leadership speeches, especially speeches Xi has given during his near decade in power. But what does it mean? What are the Chinese Communist Party’s ambitions? Should we understand Xi’s words as soaring rhetoric to mobilize the party faithful or as a plain statement of the party’s positions?
For all the talk in Washington about a new consensus on the China challenge, no consensus exists on the intentions of the Chinese Communist Party. Experienced and respected analysts still insist that the Chinese Communist Party just wants to stay in power or that its ambitions are regional rather than global. They believe Xi’s words — like those of every other party leader dating back to Mao Zedong — are formulaic tropes, signs of a moribund party trapped in its Leninist theory. The alternative view is that this formulaic language and the intellectual architecture built around national rejuvenation provides the basis for understanding the party’s ambitions. Debating the party’s ambitions may seem distant from the urgency of today’s problems in Sino-American relations. A clear answer to this question, however, is necessary to calibrate the U.S. response and to decide whether to revisit the goal of trying to preserve a liberally-biased international order or to pursue a more aggressive course, like containing or otherwise neutralizing the regime.
Read more at: A Thorough Explanation of China’s Long-Term Strategy - War on the Rocks
Fortunately, Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping has made the answer to the first question much plainer for people inside and outside China. Xi marked the party’s centenary on July 1 with an hour-long speech about the party’s achievements and ambitions. Throughout the speech, Xi referenced the need to stay true to the party’s “original aspiration” and “founding mission” to bring about the “Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.” “To realize national rejuvenation,” Xi said, “the Party has united and led the Chinese people in pursuing a great struggle, a great project, a great cause, and a great dream.” Such language is a routine feature of leadership speeches, especially speeches Xi has given during his near decade in power. But what does it mean? What are the Chinese Communist Party’s ambitions? Should we understand Xi’s words as soaring rhetoric to mobilize the party faithful or as a plain statement of the party’s positions?
For all the talk in Washington about a new consensus on the China challenge, no consensus exists on the intentions of the Chinese Communist Party. Experienced and respected analysts still insist that the Chinese Communist Party just wants to stay in power or that its ambitions are regional rather than global. They believe Xi’s words — like those of every other party leader dating back to Mao Zedong — are formulaic tropes, signs of a moribund party trapped in its Leninist theory. The alternative view is that this formulaic language and the intellectual architecture built around national rejuvenation provides the basis for understanding the party’s ambitions. Debating the party’s ambitions may seem distant from the urgency of today’s problems in Sino-American relations. A clear answer to this question, however, is necessary to calibrate the U.S. response and to decide whether to revisit the goal of trying to preserve a liberally-biased international order or to pursue a more aggressive course, like containing or otherwise neutralizing the regime.
Read more at: A Thorough Explanation of China’s Long-Term Strategy - War on the Rocks
Afghanistan: Biden promises more strikes against ISIL-affiliate in Afghanistan
United States President Joe Biden has promised further strikes against the ISIL (ISIS) group’s affiliate in Afghanistan in retaliation for a deadly suicide bombing on Thursday outside Kabul airport and warned that the situation on the ground continued to be “extremely dangerous” with another attack “highly likely” in the coming hours.
“This strike was not the last. We will continue to hunt down any person involved in that heinous attack and make them pay,” Biden said in a statement on Saturday.
Read more at: Biden promises more strikes against ISIL-affiliate in Afghanistan | Drone Strikes News | Al Jazeera
“This strike was not the last. We will continue to hunt down any person involved in that heinous attack and make them pay,” Biden said in a statement on Saturday.
Read more at: Biden promises more strikes against ISIL-affiliate in Afghanistan | Drone Strikes News | Al Jazeera
USA: Residents warned as Louisiana braces for Hurricane Ida
Weather forecasters warned residents along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast to rush preparations Saturday in anticipation of an intensifying Hurricane Ida, which is expected to bring winds as high as 130 mph (209 kph),
life-threatening storm surge and flooding rain when it slams ashore in Louisiana on Sunday.
Highways on the northern Gulf Coast saw steady traffic as people moved to get out of the storm's way. Trucks pulling saltwater fishing boats and campers were part of a steady stream of vehicles leaving the coast on Interstate 65 in south Alabama. Traffic snarls were reported on Interstate 10 heading west out of New Orleans.
Read more at: Residents warned as Louisiana braces for Hurricane Ida | CP24.com
life-threatening storm surge and flooding rain when it slams ashore in Louisiana on Sunday.
Highways on the northern Gulf Coast saw steady traffic as people moved to get out of the storm's way. Trucks pulling saltwater fishing boats and campers were part of a steady stream of vehicles leaving the coast on Interstate 65 in south Alabama. Traffic snarls were reported on Interstate 10 heading west out of New Orleans.
Read more at: Residents warned as Louisiana braces for Hurricane Ida | CP24.com
Suriname: E-Networks to extend fibre optic submarine cable to Suriname
E-Networks has been granted permission by the Guyana Government to connect its fibre optic submarine cable to Suriname to provide for redundancy here.
A notice on the Official Gazette of Guyana website states that Prime Minister Mark Phillips on behalf of the Government has amended the telecommunications licence issued on October 5th 2020, to E-Networks. The licence was amended to grant permission to E-Networks Inc. to land, install and operate a fibre optic submarine cable that will connect Guyana to Suriname for the provision of redundant connectivity here.
Read more at: E-Networks to extend fibre optic submarine cable to Suriname - Stabroek News
A notice on the Official Gazette of Guyana website states that Prime Minister Mark Phillips on behalf of the Government has amended the telecommunications licence issued on October 5th 2020, to E-Networks. The licence was amended to grant permission to E-Networks Inc. to land, install and operate a fibre optic submarine cable that will connect Guyana to Suriname for the provision of redundant connectivity here.
Read more at: E-Networks to extend fibre optic submarine cable to Suriname - Stabroek News
8/27/21
Covid -19: Does delta cause more severe COVID-19? Here's what we know — and don't
small-but-growing body of research suggests the highly contagious delta variant raises your risk of serious illness, but it's tough to know for sure if it's the root cause of more severe COVID-19, both researchers and outside experts say.
The latest findings out of Singapore, published this week in the peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, involve a comparison between 829 hospitalized patients infected with one of three variants of concern — including delta — and 846 patients admitted to hospitals with the original coronavirus strain in early 2020.
Read more at: Does delta cause more severe COVID-19? Here's what we know — and don't | CBC News
The latest findings out of Singapore, published this week in the peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, involve a comparison between 829 hospitalized patients infected with one of three variants of concern — including delta — and 846 patients admitted to hospitals with the original coronavirus strain in early 2020.
Read more at: Does delta cause more severe COVID-19? Here's what we know — and don't | CBC News
USA - Florida: Judge Blocks Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Order Banning Mask Mandates
School districts in Florida may impose mask mandates, a judge said Friday, ruling that Gov. Ron DeSantis overstepped his authority by issuing an executive order banning the mandates.
Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper agreed with a group of parents who claimed in a lawsuit that DeSantis’ order is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The governor’s order gave parents the sole right to decide if their child wears a mask at school.
Cooper said DeSantis’ order “is without legal authority.”
Read more at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/judge-florida-mask-mandate-ron-desantis_n_61291290e4b02be25b5b8d8c
Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper agreed with a group of parents who claimed in a lawsuit that DeSantis’ order is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The governor’s order gave parents the sole right to decide if their child wears a mask at school.
Cooper said DeSantis’ order “is without legal authority.”
Read more at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/judge-florida-mask-mandate-ron-desantis_n_61291290e4b02be25b5b8d8c
8/26/21
The Netherlands: Dutch military pulled 2,500 people from Kabul including final evacuation flight Thursday
The Dutch military evacuated more than 2,500 people from Afghanistan in the past week, including more than 1,600 people with the Netherlands as their destination. The Cabinet reported this in a letter to Parliament about the evacuation mission which ended on Thursday with a final flight from Kabul to Islamabad in which remaining Dutch diplomats and soldiers were on board.
"It is terrible to have to leave Afghanistan after 20 years in this way," tweeted caretaker Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag. "It is with a heavy heart that the embassy team and the military have left with the last Dutch flight."
Among the evacuees are Dutch nationals, interpreters and their families and people who have worked in the Dutch service in the past and may therefore be at risk now that the Taliban have seized power in the country. The government cannot yet state exact numbers per group.
Read more at: Dutch military pulled 2,500 people from Kabul including final evacuation flight Thursday | NL Times
"It is terrible to have to leave Afghanistan after 20 years in this way," tweeted caretaker Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag. "It is with a heavy heart that the embassy team and the military have left with the last Dutch flight."
Among the evacuees are Dutch nationals, interpreters and their families and people who have worked in the Dutch service in the past and may therefore be at risk now that the Taliban have seized power in the country. The government cannot yet state exact numbers per group.
Read more at: Dutch military pulled 2,500 people from Kabul including final evacuation flight Thursday | NL Times
USA: Biden's Hypocritical Afghanistan Critics Prove Ignorant About Afghan History
After years of ignoring it, pundits and reporters have rediscovered Afghanistan. They rend garments and tear hair over the immediate disaster, while preparing to spend months obsessing over what everyone expects to be coming horrors. They're openly advocating for a continuation of the longest war in American history, and never mind that the war was so successful that the government it supported collapsed before the last American troops had even pulled out. What they don't do is explain where they've been for the last decade and why they only seem to care now. What they don't do is provide historical context. With notable exceptions, what they don't do is ask the most basic of questions, and not only because to do so would expose their complicity in and ignorance of how it all came to this, rather it's primarily because having the attention spans of gnats they don't even know what questions to ask.
Afghanistan is not Joe Biden's fault. The anticipated coming horrors are not Joe Biden's fault. Former President George W. Bush recently criticized the pullout of American troops from Afghanistan, which breaks the scales of hypocrisy, given that it was his disastrous failures that ensured the war was unwinnable, after his administration's disastrous failures enabled the worst ever terrorist attack on U.S. soil, which triggered the war in the first place. The Washington Post editorial board recently criticized the pullout, but the Washington Post editorial board helped cheerlead and lie the U.S. into the illegal and immoral Iraq War, which ensured that the effort in Afghanistan would disastrously fail.
Read more at: Biden's Hypocritical Afghanistan Critics Prove Ignorant About Afghan History | Crooks and Liars
Afghanistan is not Joe Biden's fault. The anticipated coming horrors are not Joe Biden's fault. Former President George W. Bush recently criticized the pullout of American troops from Afghanistan, which breaks the scales of hypocrisy, given that it was his disastrous failures that ensured the war was unwinnable, after his administration's disastrous failures enabled the worst ever terrorist attack on U.S. soil, which triggered the war in the first place. The Washington Post editorial board recently criticized the pullout, but the Washington Post editorial board helped cheerlead and lie the U.S. into the illegal and immoral Iraq War, which ensured that the effort in Afghanistan would disastrously fail.
Read more at: Biden's Hypocritical Afghanistan Critics Prove Ignorant About Afghan History | Crooks and Liars
Afghanistan: Dozens of civilians, 12 U.S. troops killed in Kabul airport attack
Islamic State struck the crowded gates of Kabul airport in a suicide bomb attack on Thursday, killing scores of civilians and 12 U.S. troops, and throwing into mayhem the airlift of tens of thousands of Afghans desperate to flee.
Kabul health officials were quoted as saying 60 civilians were killed. Video shot by Afghan journalists showed dozens of bodies strewn around a canal on the edge of the airport. At least two blasts roc
Read more at: Dozens of civilians, 12 U.S. troops killed in Kabul airport attack | Reuters
Kabul health officials were quoted as saying 60 civilians were killed. Video shot by Afghan journalists showed dozens of bodies strewn around a canal on the edge of the airport. At least two blasts roc
Read more at: Dozens of civilians, 12 U.S. troops killed in Kabul airport attack | Reuters
8/25/21
Digital Currencies: China’s digital yuan is a warning to the world
In April 2020 a grainy screenshot of China’s sovereign digital currency, DCEP (short for Digital Currency/Electronic Payments) or the Digital Chinese Yuan (DCNY), was leaked online. The image showed a wallet for the DCNY provided by the Agricultural Bank of China, with payment functions, QR codes, and the ability to tap phones together to pay offline. While the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) had started researching digital currencies as early as 2014, the screenshot was the clearest indication of how far along in the process they were.
Soon after, pilot programmes were rolled out in a few major cities. In Suzhou, the DCNY was used to pay half of the travel subsidies owed to public servants. In October 2020, more than 47,000 people in the Luohu district of Shenzhen spent 8.8 million yuan (£986,000) during a week-long trial of the digital currency. A total of 1.9 million applicants had signed up to receive one of 50,000 digital freebies – or “red envelopes” – from the government. These packets were each worth 200rmb (£22). During the trial, over 62,000 transactions were made. By May 2020, China had already filed more than 120 patent applications for its official digital currency, more than any other country. In Xiong’an, a new urban centre near Beijing, 19 companies, including foreign brands like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway were invited as participants to test the DCNY. As of July 2021, trial users have created more than 20 million digital yuan wallets and executed over £3.6 billion worth of transactions with the new CBDC.
Read more at: China’s digital yuan is a warning to the world | WIRED UK
Soon after, pilot programmes were rolled out in a few major cities. In Suzhou, the DCNY was used to pay half of the travel subsidies owed to public servants. In October 2020, more than 47,000 people in the Luohu district of Shenzhen spent 8.8 million yuan (£986,000) during a week-long trial of the digital currency. A total of 1.9 million applicants had signed up to receive one of 50,000 digital freebies – or “red envelopes” – from the government. These packets were each worth 200rmb (£22). During the trial, over 62,000 transactions were made. By May 2020, China had already filed more than 120 patent applications for its official digital currency, more than any other country. In Xiong’an, a new urban centre near Beijing, 19 companies, including foreign brands like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway were invited as participants to test the DCNY. As of July 2021, trial users have created more than 20 million digital yuan wallets and executed over £3.6 billion worth of transactions with the new CBDC.
Read more at: China’s digital yuan is a warning to the world | WIRED UK
The Netherlands: Dutch people protest against the arrival of Afghan refugees — police forced to intervene
Last night, a protest was held against the arrival of hundreds of refugees from Afghanistan at De Harskamp army camp in the municipality of Ede. Tensions escalated with car tires being set alight. The police were forced to use dogs to disperse the crowd.
Read more at Dutch people protest against the arrival of Afghan refugees — police forced to intervene – DutchReview
Read more at Dutch people protest against the arrival of Afghan refugees — police forced to intervene – DutchReview
Global Covid-19 caseload tops 213 mn
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 213 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 4.45 million and vaccinations soared to over 4.99 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University.
In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload, death toll and vaccination tally stood at 213,098,413, 4,450,408 and 4,995,430,625, respectively.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 38,053,653 and 630,663, respectively, according to the CSSE.
Read more at: Global Covid-19 caseload tops 213 mn - Netindia123.com
In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload, death toll and vaccination tally stood at 213,098,413, 4,450,408 and 4,995,430,625, respectively.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 38,053,653 and 630,663, respectively, according to the CSSE.
Read more at: Global Covid-19 caseload tops 213 mn - Netindia123.com
USA: House passes budget resolution, advances infrastructure bill
House Democrats forged ahead with President Joe Biden’s economic plans Tuesday after they broke a stalemate that threatened to unravel the party’s sprawling agenda.
In a 220-212 party-line vote, the chamber passed a $3.5 trillion budget resolution and advanced a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. The vote allows Democrats to write and approve a massive spending package without Republicans and puts the Senate-passed infrastructure plan on a path to final passage in the House.
Read more at: House passes budget resolution, advances infrastructure bill
In a 220-212 party-line vote, the chamber passed a $3.5 trillion budget resolution and advanced a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. The vote allows Democrats to write and approve a massive spending package without Republicans and puts the Senate-passed infrastructure plan on a path to final passage in the House.
Read more at: House passes budget resolution, advances infrastructure bill
EU:-US relations: Disbelief and betrayal: Europe reacts to Biden’s Afghanistan ‘miscalculation’
ow, the American president’s decision to allow Afghanistan to collapse into the arms of the Taliban has European officials worried he has unwittingly accelerated what his predecessor Donald Trump started: the degradation of the Western alliance and everything it is supposed to stand for in the world.
Across Europe, officials have reacted with a mix of disbelief and a sense of betrayal. Even those who cheered Biden’s election and believed he could ease the recent tensions in the transatlantic relationship said they regarded the withdrawal from Afghanistan as nothing short of a mistake of historic magnitude.
Read moe at: Disbelief and betrayal: Europe reacts to Biden’s Afghanistan ‘miscalculation’ – POLITICO
Across Europe, officials have reacted with a mix of disbelief and a sense of betrayal. Even those who cheered Biden’s election and believed he could ease the recent tensions in the transatlantic relationship said they regarded the withdrawal from Afghanistan as nothing short of a mistake of historic magnitude.
Read moe at: Disbelief and betrayal: Europe reacts to Biden’s Afghanistan ‘miscalculation’ – POLITICO
8/24/21
The Netherlands: Heard of Gorinchem? It’s officially the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands! - by Nicole Noi Ogden
According to a campaign by the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB), Gorinchem —also known as Gorkum — stood out as the most beautiful Dutch fortified town. Fortified towns are known for their characteristic star-shape!
Read more at: Heard of Gorinchem? It’s officially the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands! – DutchReview
Read more at: Heard of Gorinchem? It’s officially the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands! – DutchReview
China Russia Relations: Driving a wedge between China and Russia won’t work - by Sergey Radchenko
Fifty years after Henry Kissinger’s game-changing secret visit to China — which led to the Sino-American rapprochement and became a key turning point of the Cold War — there is no shortage of new would-be Kissingers. Important voices have called for a readjustment of America’s confrontational approach to Russia in a bid to play Moscow as a card against Beijing.
The argument hinges on a seeming power disparity between a declining Russia and its ambitious and much more powerful neighbor. Stephen Blank argues that this “ever-greater disparity … may, in time, allow the [United States] and its allies to exploit Russian feelings of resentment and resistance to subordination.” If only the United States found a way to fuel Russia’s fears of China to the point where it might, as Charles A. Kupchan recently put it, “leave a bad marriage.”
The proposed US approach to the Sino-Russian relationship rests on the assumption that Russia resents its junior position vis-Ã -vis an ever more powerful China, and that such resentment — and Moscow’s mistrust of Beijing’s intentions — can be profitably exploited.
The assumption that the United States can drive a wedge between China and Russia is flawed. Unlike in the past, the Sino-Russian relationship is not hierarchical and does not require Russia’s unquestioning deference to China’s wishes. The two countries are miles apart ideologically, and neither expects the other to embrace the same worldview. Finally, China and Russia work hard to avoid frictions, both because they have no desire to see these frictions exploited by third parties and because they understand — rightly — that they are destined to be neighbors. If history has taught them anything, it is that it’s much better to be good neighbors than to be at each other’s throats.
Read more at: href="https://thefrontierpost.com/driving-a-wedge-between-china-and-russia-wont-work/" rel="nofollow">
The argument hinges on a seeming power disparity between a declining Russia and its ambitious and much more powerful neighbor. Stephen Blank argues that this “ever-greater disparity … may, in time, allow the [United States] and its allies to exploit Russian feelings of resentment and resistance to subordination.” If only the United States found a way to fuel Russia’s fears of China to the point where it might, as Charles A. Kupchan recently put it, “leave a bad marriage.”
The proposed US approach to the Sino-Russian relationship rests on the assumption that Russia resents its junior position vis-Ã -vis an ever more powerful China, and that such resentment — and Moscow’s mistrust of Beijing’s intentions — can be profitably exploited.
The assumption that the United States can drive a wedge between China and Russia is flawed. Unlike in the past, the Sino-Russian relationship is not hierarchical and does not require Russia’s unquestioning deference to China’s wishes. The two countries are miles apart ideologically, and neither expects the other to embrace the same worldview. Finally, China and Russia work hard to avoid frictions, both because they have no desire to see these frictions exploited by third parties and because they understand — rightly — that they are destined to be neighbors. If history has taught them anything, it is that it’s much better to be good neighbors than to be at each other’s throats.
Read more at: href="https://thefrontierpost.com/driving-a-wedge-between-china-and-russia-wont-work/" rel="nofollow">
Pfizer vaccine full approval FDA: What FDA’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine means - by Sara Berg
“Although the three widely available vaccines for COVID-19 have been shown safe and highly effective through intense study and research, the FDA’s announcement Monday should instill confidence in those who, until now, have been wary of the emergency use designation given to these vaccines,” said AMA President Gerald E. Harmon, MD. “The message could not be more clear: This vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.”
This is the result of months of work, robust data evaluation and a thorough, comprehensive review process that has protected more than 100 million Americans from severe COVID-19 complications. It is a milestone and major step forward in the worldwide effort to end this pandemic.
Read more at: What FDA’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine means | American Medical Association
This is the result of months of work, robust data evaluation and a thorough, comprehensive review process that has protected more than 100 million Americans from severe COVID-19 complications. It is a milestone and major step forward in the worldwide effort to end this pandemic.
Read more at: What FDA’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine means | American Medical Association
Afghanistan - Biden between a rock and a hard place: Taliban Spokesman Says Afghans Will No Longer be Allowed to Leave Their Country
“We are not in favor of allowing Afghans to leave,” Mujahid said at a press conference. He said Americans “have the opportunity” and “all the resources” to “take all the people that belong to them, but we are not going to allow Afghans to leave and we will not extend the deadline.”
Read more at: Taliban Spokesman Says Afghans Will No Longer be Allowed to Leave Their Country
Read more at: Taliban Spokesman Says Afghans Will No Longer be Allowed to Leave Their Country
8/23/21
USA - vaccine booster shot: Some scientists say Biden juth vaccine booster plan - by Rachana Pradhan, Kaisermped gun wi
The Biden administration’s plans to make COVID-19 booster shots available next month has drawn a collective scream of protest from the scientific community.
As some scientists see it, the announcement is rash and based on weak evidence, and they worry it could undercut confidence in vaccines with no clear benefit of controlling the pandemic. Meanwhile, more information is needed on potential side effects or adverse effects from a booster shot, they say.
Read more at: Some scientists say Biden jumped gun with vaccine booster plan
As some scientists see it, the announcement is rash and based on weak evidence, and they worry it could undercut confidence in vaccines with no clear benefit of controlling the pandemic. Meanwhile, more information is needed on potential side effects or adverse effects from a booster shot, they say.
Read more at: Some scientists say Biden jumped gun with vaccine booster plan
The Netherlands: UN-EU Beach Clean-up: tidying the entire Dutch North Sea coast
This summer, environmental NGO The North Sea Foundation organised the eighth edition of its annual beach clean-up campaign. From August 1 until August 15, almost 2,500 volunteers cleaned up the entire North Sea coast in the Netherlands. This year, for the first time, the organisation joined the UN-EU Beach Clean-up campaign.
Read more at: UN-EU Beach Clean-up: tidying the entire Dutch North Sea coast
Read more at: UN-EU Beach Clean-up: tidying the entire Dutch North Sea coast
Afghanistan: Taliban says any attempt to extend foreign troops evacuation deadline beyond August 31 is clear violation
A Taliban spokesperson has dismissed the UK’s call to extend the August 31 deadline for completing the evacuation underway at Kabul airport, saying any attempt by foreign troops to remain in the country would be a clear violation.
Speaking to British media, UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey stated that Britain is seeking to convince America to remain on the ground longer, ensuring the security of the evacuation process, as well as calling on the Taliban to extend the initial August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign forces.
Taliban spokesperson Muhammad Suhail Shaheen rejected the UK’s request for an extension on Monday, telling the BBC that foreign troops must exit the country by the originally agreed date or otherwise be in clear violation of the deal reached with the militant group.
Read more at: Taliban says any attempt to extend foreign troops evacuation deadline beyond August 31 is clear violation — RT World News
Speaking to British media, UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey stated that Britain is seeking to convince America to remain on the ground longer, ensuring the security of the evacuation process, as well as calling on the Taliban to extend the initial August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign forces.
Taliban spokesperson Muhammad Suhail Shaheen rejected the UK’s request for an extension on Monday, telling the BBC that foreign troops must exit the country by the originally agreed date or otherwise be in clear violation of the deal reached with the militant group.
Read more at: Taliban says any attempt to extend foreign troops evacuation deadline beyond August 31 is clear violation — RT World News
Guyana-Suriname relations: President Ali says discussions aimed at creating economic prosperity, improved relations between Guyana, Suriname
His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali last evening said that over the last two days the discussions with the President of Suriname and his delegation were geared towards achieving more opportunities for the private sector and greater prosperity for the people of both countries.
The Head-of-State made this affirmation during a State Dinner hosted in honour of the Official Visit of the President of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, First Lady of Suriname, Mrs Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry and several members of his Cabinet.
Read more at: President Ali says discussions aimed at creating economic prosperity, improved relations between Guyana, Suriname – News Room Guyana
The Head-of-State made this affirmation during a State Dinner hosted in honour of the Official Visit of the President of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, First Lady of Suriname, Mrs Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry and several members of his Cabinet.
Read more at: President Ali says discussions aimed at creating economic prosperity, improved relations between Guyana, Suriname – News Room Guyana
8/22/21
Czech President: NATO legitimacy in question after Afghanistan failure
The Chech President expressed his doubts about the value of NATO membership and the cost versus results it had for EU member states.
Read more at: Czech President: NATO legitimacy in question after Afghanistan failure
Read more at: Czech President: NATO legitimacy in question after Afghanistan failure
The Netherlands: Dutch Covid hospitalizations down 6% this week; Coronavirus average up 5%
Hopitals in the Netherlands admitted 531 patients with Covid-19 this calendar week, five percent fewer compared to a week ago. Out of that group, 439 patients were admitted into regular care, and 92 were sent to intensive care units, based on data provided by patient monitor LCPS.
That means that 76 patients with the disease were admitted daily on average, including 63 nursing ward patients and 13 intensive care patients. A week earlier, hospitals sent 444 to regular care wards, an average of over 63 daily, and 114 to an ICU, or 16 on average.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/08/22/dutch-covid-hospitalizations-6-week-coronavirus-average-5
That means that 76 patients with the disease were admitted daily on average, including 63 nursing ward patients and 13 intensive care patients. A week earlier, hospitals sent 444 to regular care wards, an average of over 63 daily, and 114 to an ICU, or 16 on average.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/08/22/dutch-covid-hospitalizations-6-week-coronavirus-average-5
USA - Florida: DESANTIS DISASTER: Florida Logs 56,633 COVID Cases Over Weekend
213 Floridians Never Saw Monday, Died Over The Weekend
Read more at: DESANTIS DISASTER: Florida Logs 56,633 COVID Cases Over Weekend - BocaNewsNow.com
Read more at: DESANTIS DISASTER: Florida Logs 56,633 COVID Cases Over Weekend - BocaNewsNow.com
Afghanistan: Trump’s Deal With the Taliban: Why Is Biden Being Blamed?
There are people who are of the opinion that Biden has mishandled the situation in Afghanistan, and that his choice to withdraw the troops is a betrayal of both our allies and our troop’s sacrifices over the last twenty years. What is receiving far less press is the fact that Biden’s decision was based on a deal that Trump cut with the Taliban.
Read more at: Trump’s Deal With the Taliban: Why Is Biden Being Blamed? | Muslim Girl
Read more at: Trump’s Deal With the Taliban: Why Is Biden Being Blamed? | Muslim Girl
Afghanistan: Taliban′s newly ′moderate′ claims fade in face of harsh reality
While Taliban officials insisted in press conferences and statements to media outlets that they will hold members of the militant group accountable for their actions and investigate reports of reprisals, evidence of violence and atrocities carried out by the group continued to emerge Saturday.
The Taliban said it is preparing to form a new government and will roll out those plans in the coming weeks. The earliest days of the group's return to the capital of Kabul have left many worried that even as the Taliban tries to strike a conciliatory tone, the group's actions belie the same ruthless barbarism that defined its time in power from 1999 to 2001.
Read more at: Afghanistan: Taliban′s newly ′moderate′ claims fade in face of harsh reality | News | DW | 21.08.2021
The Taliban said it is preparing to form a new government and will roll out those plans in the coming weeks. The earliest days of the group's return to the capital of Kabul have left many worried that even as the Taliban tries to strike a conciliatory tone, the group's actions belie the same ruthless barbarism that defined its time in power from 1999 to 2001.
Read more at: Afghanistan: Taliban′s newly ′moderate′ claims fade in face of harsh reality | News | DW | 21.08.2021
8/21/21
EU:Three lessons for Europe from the fall of Afghanistan - by Jean-Marie Guéhenno
Europe needs to take a hard look at what worked and what did not work in Afghanistan. Only then can it gradually and realistically build up its own capacities, rather than aim for grandiose schemes that lack public support.
Europeans were never serious about Afghanistan.
This is probably because, deep down, they knew that the buck did not stop with them. It now seems likely that the Taliban’s takeover of the country will make Europeans even more inward-looking and fearful of a world they do not understand. And the rapidly emerging consensus that state-building is impossible may heighten their anxiety about foreign engagements.
That mindset is an acid that destroys the bonds that should tie Europeans together, leading to the kinds of xenophobic attitudes that were in evidence during the migration crisis created by the Syrian war. As refugees fled the violence in Syria, Europeans were confronted with an unpalatable choice between building ever higher walls, cutting unsavoury deals with so-called buffer countries, or losing control of migration flows. Yet there is only a small distance between accepting that some people cannot be helped and thinking that they are not worth helping. The self-confidence of Europe – which is essential if it is to actively shape its own future – has been damaged by not just its weak operational capacities but, even more so, the ethical crisis of a continent that claims to be universalist but reserves that universalism for its privileged tribes.
Read more at: Three lessons for Europe from the fall of Afghanistan – European Council on Foreign Relations
Europeans were never serious about Afghanistan.
This is probably because, deep down, they knew that the buck did not stop with them. It now seems likely that the Taliban’s takeover of the country will make Europeans even more inward-looking and fearful of a world they do not understand. And the rapidly emerging consensus that state-building is impossible may heighten their anxiety about foreign engagements.
That mindset is an acid that destroys the bonds that should tie Europeans together, leading to the kinds of xenophobic attitudes that were in evidence during the migration crisis created by the Syrian war. As refugees fled the violence in Syria, Europeans were confronted with an unpalatable choice between building ever higher walls, cutting unsavoury deals with so-called buffer countries, or losing control of migration flows. Yet there is only a small distance between accepting that some people cannot be helped and thinking that they are not worth helping. The self-confidence of Europe – which is essential if it is to actively shape its own future – has been damaged by not just its weak operational capacities but, even more so, the ethical crisis of a continent that claims to be universalist but reserves that universalism for its privileged tribes.
Read more at: Three lessons for Europe from the fall of Afghanistan – European Council on Foreign Relations
8/20/21
NATO: Czech President: NATO legitimacy in question after Afghanistan failure
Czech Republic: NATO's legitimacy has been placed in question after its failure in Afghanistan, said Czech President Milos Zeman, stressing that his country will focus on national defense, rather than "wasting money" on the alliance.
NATO's main role is to combat international terrorism, but it has also failed at this task, added Zeman, who is considered pro-Russia and pro-China.
Note EU-Digest: Manny EU members, however, are of the opinion that the Nato has outlived its purpose after the cold war ended , and has now become a US tool to fight its battles around the world
Read more at: Czech President: NATO legitimacy in question after Afghanistan failure
NATO's main role is to combat international terrorism, but it has also failed at this task, added Zeman, who is considered pro-Russia and pro-China.
Note EU-Digest: Manny EU members, however, are of the opinion that the Nato has outlived its purpose after the cold war ended , and has now become a US tool to fight its battles around the world
Read more at: Czech President: NATO legitimacy in question after Afghanistan failure
US NATION BUI;DING POLICY IN DEEP TROUBLE ; Yes, the Taliban’s extreme, but I secretly welcome this defeat of the US ideology of globalism, liberalism and consumerism - -By Brett Sinclair
Around the world, the reaction to the US withdrawal is similarly unsympathetic (as it was to the initial invasion), and both Russia and China have stepped in to offer tentative ties to the newly liberated nation of Afghanistan.
However, how can a Westerner like me feel sympathy for the Taliban? Believe it or not, there are many who view the recent dramatic turn of events with an observer's dark joy. Those who are tired of seeing their own culture and religion eroded from within, and who feel a kind of secret relief at seeing someone successfully resist globalism, feminism, LGBTQ+ and critical race theory (CRT) ideology. They can see that their society has been turned into something dark by a manufactured value-system, promulgated by political elites and the money-power behind them.
Read complete report at : : Yes, the Taliban’s extreme, but I secretly welcome this defeat of the US ideology of globalism, liberalism and consumerism — RT Op-ed
However, how can a Westerner like me feel sympathy for the Taliban? Believe it or not, there are many who view the recent dramatic turn of events with an observer's dark joy. Those who are tired of seeing their own culture and religion eroded from within, and who feel a kind of secret relief at seeing someone successfully resist globalism, feminism, LGBTQ+ and critical race theory (CRT) ideology. They can see that their society has been turned into something dark by a manufactured value-system, promulgated by political elites and the money-power behind them.
Read complete report at : : Yes, the Taliban’s extreme, but I secretly welcome this defeat of the US ideology of globalism, liberalism and consumerism — RT Op-ed
8/19/21
The Netherlands: Significant support for booster shots in the Netherlands, government awaits advice
A survey carried out by the TV show EenVandaag among 27.000 panellists has found that 64 percent of people in the Netherlands believe it is a good idea to offer a third COVID-19 vaccination to vulnerable members of the population. Only 16 percent of respondents opposed the plan, while the remaining 20 percent were unsure, most of whom were unvaccinated themselves.
Those in favour of the plan felt booster shots were a promising idea if they offered vulnerable people additional protection against the Delta variant. Among this group, 86 percent who are already vaccinated said they would eventually like to receive an additional dose if it offered them extra protection against COVID-19. Interestingly, the survey found that even those in favour of a
Read more at: Significant support for booster shots in the Netherlands, government awaits advice
Those in favour of the plan felt booster shots were a promising idea if they offered vulnerable people additional protection against the Delta variant. Among this group, 86 percent who are already vaccinated said they would eventually like to receive an additional dose if it offered them extra protection against COVID-19. Interestingly, the survey found that even those in favour of a
Read more at: Significant support for booster shots in the Netherlands, government awaits advice
The Netherlands -Technology Leadership in the EU: How the Netherlands is leading the EU toward its tech future
Though geographically and demographically small, the Netherlands is positioning itself as a European technology leader, making a name for itself in fields like quantum computing, AI, tech start-up innovation and sustainable cities.
This is good news for IT pros looking to advance their careers and enterprises interested in emerging tech, but the country's hot technology market presents some challanges — first and foremost, it can be hard for businesses to find the tech talent they need.
Read more at: How the Netherlands is leading the EU toward its tech future | Computerworld
This is good news for IT pros looking to advance their careers and enterprises interested in emerging tech, but the country's hot technology market presents some challanges — first and foremost, it can be hard for businesses to find the tech talent they need.
Read more at: How the Netherlands is leading the EU toward its tech future | Computerworld
Middle East: Donald Trump: "The US Destroyed the Middle East," Trump Admits in New Interview
Former US President Donald Trump admitted on Tuesday that America destroyed the Middle East by invading Afghanistan almost 20 years ago.
In a clear swipe against former Republican President George W. Bush, Trump told Sean Hannity on his Fox News
Read More at: "The US Destroyed the Middle East," Trump Admits in New Interview
In a clear swipe against former Republican President George W. Bush, Trump told Sean Hannity on his Fox News
Read More at: "The US Destroyed the Middle East," Trump Admits in New Interview
Biden: US may stay in Afghanistan beyond August 31
US forces will stay in Afghanistan until all US citizens are out of the country, even if that means staying beyond the August 31 deadline, President Joe Biden told ABC News in an interview on Wednesday.
The president said he was committed to getting all Americans who want to leave Afghanistan out of the country. His administration had set the end of August as the deadline for all troops to leave.
But he accepted the possible need to stay longer. "If there are American citizens left, we're going to stay until we get them all out," he said.
Read more at: Biden: US may stay in Afghanistan beyond August 31 | News | DW | 18.08.2021
The president said he was committed to getting all Americans who want to leave Afghanistan out of the country. His administration had set the end of August as the deadline for all troops to leave.
But he accepted the possible need to stay longer. "If there are American citizens left, we're going to stay until we get them all out," he said.
Read more at: Biden: US may stay in Afghanistan beyond August 31 | News | DW | 18.08.2021
8/18/21
The Netherlands: Dutch employment crisis: More job vacancies than unemployed
While many were left concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Dutch economy and labour market, figures from CBS confirm that the financial aid from the Dutch government not only prevented thousands of redundancies, but has actually led to another crisis altogether.
Unemployment has been falling and the number of vacancies has been steadily rising since mid-2020, but peaked this year between April and June, when there were 106 job vacancies for every 100 unemployed people. In this period, there were 327.000 jobs available - the highest number ever recorded in the Netherlands. At the end of the second quarter, there were 39 vacancies for every 1.000 jobs in the Dutch labour market - the highest figure ever recorded by CBS.
Read more at: Dutch employment crisis: More job vacancies than unemployed
Unemployment has been falling and the number of vacancies has been steadily rising since mid-2020, but peaked this year between April and June, when there were 106 job vacancies for every 100 unemployed people. In this period, there were 327.000 jobs available - the highest number ever recorded in the Netherlands. At the end of the second quarter, there were 39 vacancies for every 1.000 jobs in the Dutch labour market - the highest figure ever recorded by CBS.
Read more at: Dutch employment crisis: More job vacancies than unemployed
Afghanistan: China and Russia: Why They Want Good Relations With the Taliban
Now that the U.S. has pulled out of Afghanistan and the Taliban are in control, China and Russia have been establishing relations with the new leaders. Russia wants to ensure that the instability in Afghanistan does not spill over into Central Asia, part of the former Soviet Union it regards as its own backyard, and that it does not become a launchpad for other extreme Islamist groups. To avoid this, Russia appears to be publicly acknowledging the Taliban as the leaders of Afghanistan and saying that Moscow’s long campaign to build ties with the Taliban appeared now to be paying off.
Read more at: China and Russia: Why They Want Good Relations With the Taliban - Impakter
Read more at: China and Russia: Why They Want Good Relations With the Taliban - Impakter
AFGHANISTAN: Ashraf Ghani: Afghanistan's exiled president lands in UAE
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has taken refuge in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf nation says.
Mr Ghani left Afghanistan as the Taliban advanced on the capital city Kabul over the weekend.
The UAE's foreign ministry said the country had welcomed Mr Ghani and his family on humanitarian grounds.
. Read more at: Ashraf Ghani: Afghanistan's exiled president lands in UAE - BBC News
Mr Ghani left Afghanistan as the Taliban advanced on the capital city Kabul over the weekend.
The UAE's foreign ministry said the country had welcomed Mr Ghani and his family on humanitarian grounds.
. Read more at: Ashraf Ghani: Afghanistan's exiled president lands in UAE - BBC News
8/17/21
America's handling of COVID-19 proved unpopular around the world
For many decades, the United States of America has enjoyed the reputation of having one of the most advanced medical research systems and the best public health policies in the world. There are heated debates regarding the nature of the healthcare system financing model (public or private), but what we have seen so far since the pandemic is a mixture of defective health policies, bad decisions, denialism and a very weak healthcare system that didn't put people first. Although the American leaders like to brag about having "the strongest health system model" in the world, they turned out to be one of the weakest in fighting against COVID-19.
Read more at: America's handling of COVID-19 proved unpopular around the world - CGTN
Read more at: America's handling of COVID-19 proved unpopular around the world - CGTN
EU eyes talks with Taliban but no plans to recognize them - by Lorne Cook and Kirsten Grieshaber
The European Union has no immediate plans to recognize the Taliban after their sweeping victory in Afghanistan but will talk with the militants to ensure that European citizens and Afghans who have worked with the EU can leave safely, the bloc’s top diplomat said Tuesday.
peaking after leading emergency talks among the EU’s foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also underlined the importance of opening talks with the Taliban to help prevent a new exodus of refugees as a humanitarian crisis unfolds in the conflict-ravaged country.
“We have to get in touch with the authorities in Kabul, whatever they are. The Taliban have won the war, so we will have to talk with them,” Borrell told reporters. “This dialogue will also have to focus on the means to prevent the return of foreign terrorists.”
“It’s not a matter of official recognition, it’s a matter of dealing with” the Taliban, Borrell said.
The EU has decided to suspend development assistance to the Afghan government now that the Taliban has seized power, but the 27-nation bloc is weighing whether to boost humanitarian aid.
Read more at: EU eyes talks with Taliban but no plans to recognize them | World | stltoday.com
peaking after leading emergency talks among the EU’s foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also underlined the importance of opening talks with the Taliban to help prevent a new exodus of refugees as a humanitarian crisis unfolds in the conflict-ravaged country.
“We have to get in touch with the authorities in Kabul, whatever they are. The Taliban have won the war, so we will have to talk with them,” Borrell told reporters. “This dialogue will also have to focus on the means to prevent the return of foreign terrorists.”
“It’s not a matter of official recognition, it’s a matter of dealing with” the Taliban, Borrell said.
The EU has decided to suspend development assistance to the Afghan government now that the Taliban has seized power, but the 27-nation bloc is weighing whether to boost humanitarian aid.
Read more at: EU eyes talks with Taliban but no plans to recognize them | World | stltoday.com
Afghanistan: Taliban promise peace at Kabul news conference as rescue mission launched to save 6,000 Brits
Homira Rezai, who grew up in the war-torn country until she was 13 and now lives in Dudley, described how the militants were already drawing up lists of women to target for future punishments.
She told BBC Women's Hour: "Just an hour ago, I received an update from Kabul where they are going house to house searching for women who were activists, women who were bloggers, YouTubers, any women who had a role in the development of civil society in Afghanistan.
"They are going door to door targeting those women and marking the doors with bright pink or bright-coloured paint to ensure 'this is the house we need to come back to and do something about them'."
Read more at: Afghanistan news latest: Taliban promise peace at Kabul news conference as rescue mission launched to save 6,000 Brits
She told BBC Women's Hour: "Just an hour ago, I received an update from Kabul where they are going house to house searching for women who were activists, women who were bloggers, YouTubers, any women who had a role in the development of civil society in Afghanistan.
"They are going door to door targeting those women and marking the doors with bright pink or bright-coloured paint to ensure 'this is the house we need to come back to and do something about them'."
Read more at: Afghanistan news latest: Taliban promise peace at Kabul news conference as rescue mission launched to save 6,000 Brits
Afghanistan Press conference: Taliban seek to reassure U.S., protect Afghan women to extent of Islamic law
The Islamic Emirate is committed to the rights of women within the framework of Sharia," Mujahid said, according to The Guardian. "Our sisters have the same rights, will be able to benefit from their rights.
"They can have activities in different sectors and different areas on the basis of our rules and regulations, educational, health and other areas."
Read more at: Taliban seek to reassure U.S., protect Afghan women to extent of Islamic law - UPI.com
"They can have activities in different sectors and different areas on the basis of our rules and regulations, educational, health and other areas."
Read more at: Taliban seek to reassure U.S., protect Afghan women to extent of Islamic law - UPI.com
8/16/21
The Netherlands: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? - by Laurel Avery
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.
Note EU-Digest: Apart from the high deductable, the monthly contribution is also too high and there are no breaks for the older above 65 year of age seniors. In that case America's medicare insurance is a great deal for senior citizens and is not available to Seniors in the Netherlands.
Read more at: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? – DutchReview
Note EU-Digest: Apart from the high deductable, the monthly contribution is also too high and there are no breaks for the older above 65 year of age seniors. In that case America's medicare insurance is a great deal for senior citizens and is not available to Seniors in the Netherlands.
Read more at: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? – DutchReview
LOGIC VERSUS ECONOMICS: Buying our way out of pandemic malaise is hurting the planet, experts say
Back in the spring, Canadian politicians spoke optimistically of a "two-dose summer," signalling that a robust COVID-19 vaccination rollout would enable people to fully enjoy the warmer weather.
As COVID-19 infection numbers eased in recent months, provinces have relaxed restrictions and encouraged people to spend again.
While this was meant to provide a collective boost in the middle of a stubborn pandemic, this summer has put on another horror show of extreme weather — including a deadly heat dome and rampant wildfires in British Columbia and northwestern Ontario and drought in the Prairies
READ MORE AT: Buying our way out of pandemic malaise is hurting the planet, experts say | CBC News
As COVID-19 infection numbers eased in recent months, provinces have relaxed restrictions and encouraged people to spend again.
While this was meant to provide a collective boost in the middle of a stubborn pandemic, this summer has put on another horror show of extreme weather — including a deadly heat dome and rampant wildfires in British Columbia and northwestern Ontario and drought in the Prairies
READ MORE AT: Buying our way out of pandemic malaise is hurting the planet, experts say | CBC News
Afghanistan: Germany and the Netherlands halt deportations to Afghanistan
the Netherlands have said they have stopped forced repatriations of Afghan migrants because of deteriorating security in Afghanistan, as the Taliban press on with their rapid advance in the country’s north.
“Due to current developments in the security situation, the interior minister has decided to suspend deportations to Afghanistan for the time being,” tweeted Germany’s interior ministry spokesperson, Steve Alter.
Separately in The Hague, the Dutch state secretary for justice and security, Ankie Broekers-Knol, announced a “moratorium on [deportation] decisions and departures”. The halt “will apply for six months and will apply to foreign nationals of Afghan nationality”, she wrote in a letter to the Dutch parliament.
Read more at Germany and the Netherlands halt deportations to
“Due to current developments in the security situation, the interior minister has decided to suspend deportations to Afghanistan for the time being,” tweeted Germany’s interior ministry spokesperson, Steve Alter.
Separately in The Hague, the Dutch state secretary for justice and security, Ankie Broekers-Knol, announced a “moratorium on [deportation] decisions and departures”. The halt “will apply for six months and will apply to foreign nationals of Afghan nationality”, she wrote in a letter to the Dutch parliament.
Read more at Germany and the Netherlands halt deportations to
Afghanistan: Most European troops exit Afghanistan quietly after 20 years - time to leave NATO ?
Another failed NATO (US) campaign ends for EU member states in Afghanistan. It is high time for EU member states to stop wasting their young men and womens lives, and their citizens taxpayers money, by being part of the outdated NATO. It would be far better to focus instead on more lucrative activities, like global trade, medical science, global warming, space, and a variety of other more peaceful actvities.
Read more at: Most European troops exit Afghanistan quietly after 20 years
Read more at: Most European troops exit Afghanistan quietly after 20 years
8/15/21
Global Warming: Earth hasn't been this hot in 125,000 years, but scientists say temps are rising much faster now
Climate change is warming the planet, but not since the last interglacial period — almost 125,000 years ago — has it been this hot, according to scientists.
While the planet wouldn't have been inhospitable to humans at that time, temperatures would have been 1 to 2 C
above pre-industrial times — and up to 8 C higher in the Arctic.
The difference is that the last time the climate warmed to these levels, it did so over tens of thousands of years, allowing species to adapt. Today, climate change is moving far faster.
Read more at: Earth hasn't been this hot in 125,000 years, but scientists say temps are rising much faster now | CBC Radio
While the planet wouldn't have been inhospitable to humans at that time, temperatures would have been 1 to 2 C
above pre-industrial times — and up to 8 C higher in the Arctic.
The difference is that the last time the climate warmed to these levels, it did so over tens of thousands of years, allowing species to adapt. Today, climate change is moving far faster.
Read more at: Earth hasn't been this hot in 125,000 years, but scientists say temps are rising much faster now | CBC Radio
8/14/21
The Netherlands: The quintessentially Dutch pasttime of mud walking
Our guide, Harm Jan Wilbrink, warned us that the stone embankment leading to the sprawling mud flats might be slippery. Letting the others in our small group go ahead of me, I descended slowly on my hindside, determined not to lose my balance and end up with an unwelcome facial mask from the get-go.
We were in Friesland, in the far north of the Netherlands, on an unusually sunny and barely warm Friday morning in late July. Our 1880s rental cottage was just up the road in Moddergat, a former fishing village whose name translates to “mud hole.” Indeed, in this region, all footprints lead to the iconic Dutch activity of wadlopen, or “mud walking.”
Read more at: The quintessentially Dutch pasttime of mud walking - The Washington Post
We were in Friesland, in the far north of the Netherlands, on an unusually sunny and barely warm Friday morning in late July. Our 1880s rental cottage was just up the road in Moddergat, a former fishing village whose name translates to “mud hole.” Indeed, in this region, all footprints lead to the iconic Dutch activity of wadlopen, or “mud walking.”
Read more at: The quintessentially Dutch pasttime of mud walking - The Washington Post
Best New Music of 2021: The 21 Most Exciting Young Musicians on Planet Earth
In search of music’s voices of the future, each of GQ’s 21 global editions nominated a local artist across a world of genres—from J-pop to flamenco, rap to reggaeton—to show us who’s shaping the zeitgeist and defining the sounds of tomorrow.
Read more at: Best New Music of 2021: The 21 Most Exciting Young Musicians on Planet Earth | GQ
Read more at: Best New Music of 2021: The 21 Most Exciting Young Musicians on Planet Earth | GQ
The US Afghanistans disaster: Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan lays bare tragic U.S. failures
Fear has spread like wildfire across Afghanistan as the Taliban captured major cities like Herat and Kandahar.
Thursday the United States announced it is evacuating staff members from its embassy in Kabul.
Read morew at: Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan lays bare tragic U.S. failures
Thursday the United States announced it is evacuating staff members from its embassy in Kabul.
Read morew at: Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan lays bare tragic U.S. failures
8/13/21
The Netherlands: 2/3 of Dutchies want a tougher approach to climate change
Since the Netherlands is likely to be harder hit by rising sea levels, it makes sense that the Dutch are worried about climate change. In a study commissioned by RTL Nieuws, two out of three Dutchies think the cabinet needs to be doing more to combat it.
This research comes out a week after it was revealed that the Dutch government is responsible for 20% of the country’s carbon footprint. It’s not surprising that people think it could be pulling it’s weight a bit more.
Read more at: 2/3 of Dutchies want a tougher approach to climate change – DutchReview
This research comes out a week after it was revealed that the Dutch government is responsible for 20% of the country’s carbon footprint. It’s not surprising that people think it could be pulling it’s weight a bit more.
Read more at: 2/3 of Dutchies want a tougher approach to climate change – DutchReview
The Netherlands: Dutch PM Rutte Hopes to Lift Social Distancing Rules Sept 20
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday said the government is considering lifting social distancing rules on Sept. 20 as COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands ease.
In the week ended Aug. 10, cases fell by 14% in the Netherlands to 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, the country's National Institute for Health (RIVM) found.
Read more at: Dutch PM Rutte Hopes to Lift Social Distancing Rules Sept 20 | World News | US News
In the week ended Aug. 10, cases fell by 14% in the Netherlands to 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, the country's National Institute for Health (RIVM) found.
Read more at: Dutch PM Rutte Hopes to Lift Social Distancing Rules Sept 20 | World News | US News
The Netherlands: Dutch-Turkish Novelist Depicts Her Journey to Secularism With No Inhibitions -- by Thomas Erdbrink
Perhaps naïvely, Lale Gul thought she could continue living with the same people on whom she had based her best-selling novel: her strict Turkish-Dutch migrant family.
But just weeks after the February publication of her book — the autobiographical tale of a young woman breaking with her conservative Muslim culture — “a war broke out” in the family’s tiny apartment in a migrant neighborhood in Amsterdam, said the author of “Ik Ga Leven,” or “I Will Live.”
Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/13/world/europe/netherlands-dutch-turkish-novelist.html?fbclid=IwAR3LXO2edvmw2NOIB65n74qcAUxRXhK8jSlOt8gJPgDU0eNXXC_5LPReMno
But just weeks after the February publication of her book — the autobiographical tale of a young woman breaking with her conservative Muslim culture — “a war broke out” in the family’s tiny apartment in a migrant neighborhood in Amsterdam, said the author of “Ik Ga Leven,” or “I Will Live.”
Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/13/world/europe/netherlands-dutch-turkish-novelist.html?fbclid=IwAR3LXO2edvmw2NOIB65n74qcAUxRXhK8jSlOt8gJPgDU0eNXXC_5LPReMno
USA: Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Here's what that means for you (as an American) - by Clifford Colby
After months of negotiations within the Senate, it finally approved a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal by a 69-30 vote on Tuesday. According to the White House, the package includes nearly $550 billion in new spending and could mean millions of new jobs over the next decade through federal investments in roads and bridges, broadband internet, public transit and electric utilities. The next step is for the House of Representatives to review the bill, so there will likely be many hurdles ahead.
Read more at: Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Here's what that means for you
Read more at: Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Here's what that means for you
8/12/21
Pollution in the Netherlands: Gov’t gives green light to Dutch Grand Prix; First Zandvoort F1 race since 1985
The Formula 1 race scheduled to be held at Circuit Zandvoort will be allowed to go ahead as planned. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge will announce final approval for the race when they update the country about coronavirus policy during a press conference on Friday, political sources told broadcaster NOS.
Capacity is expected to be allowed at a maximum of two-thirds. Those attending the race and supporting events during the first weekend in September will be expected to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19, a recent recovery from Covid-19, or a recent negative test result for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, the broadcaster reported.
Note EU-Digest: This is a sport which causes pollution and not a great idea when we want to fight global warming
Read more at: Gov’t gives green light to Dutch Grand Prix; First Zandvoort F1 race since 1985 | NL Times
Capacity is expected to be allowed at a maximum of two-thirds. Those attending the race and supporting events during the first weekend in September will be expected to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19, a recent recovery from Covid-19, or a recent negative test result for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, the broadcaster reported.
Note EU-Digest: This is a sport which causes pollution and not a great idea when we want to fight global warming
Read more at: Gov’t gives green light to Dutch Grand Prix; First Zandvoort F1 race since 1985 | NL Times
Religion Must Evolve to Give Women More Choices
My recent book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood, has caused quite a bit of stir among evangelical Christian circles. Evangelicalism in the U.S. is one of the religious groups that are the least comfortable with women working outside the home. We know that women in these groups have been leaving the workforce, not in huge numbers, but it has certainly has been a decline since the early 2000s. This seems to be connected to some of the theological teachings that evangelical Christians have imbibed.
Read more at: Religion Must Evolve to Give Women More Choices | Opinion
Read more at: Religion Must Evolve to Give Women More Choices | Opinion
China: How a fake network pushes pro-China propaganda
A sprawling network of more than 350 fake social media profiles is pushing pro-China narratives and attempting to discredit those seen as opponents of China's government, according to a new study.
The aim is to delegitimise the West and boost China's influence and image overseas, the report by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) suggests.
The study, shared with the BBC, found that the network of fake profiles circulated garish cartoons depicting, among others, exiled Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui, an outspoken critic of China.
Read more at: How a fake network pushes pro-China propaganda - BBC News
The aim is to delegitimise the West and boost China's influence and image overseas, the report by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) suggests.
The study, shared with the BBC, found that the network of fake profiles circulated garish cartoons depicting, among others, exiled Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui, an outspoken critic of China.
Read more at: How a fake network pushes pro-China propaganda - BBC News
8/11/21
Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors a big immune boost, studies show
According to a new Gallup survey, one of the main reasons Americans cite for not planning to get vaccinated is the belief that they're protected since they already had COVID-19.
From the beginning health authorities have urged survivors to get the broader protection vaccination promises. While the shots aren't perfect, they are providing strong protection against hospitalization and death even from the delta mutant.
Read moreat: Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors a big immune boost, studies show | CBC News
From the beginning health authorities have urged survivors to get the broader protection vaccination promises. While the shots aren't perfect, they are providing strong protection against hospitalization and death even from the delta mutant.
Read moreat: Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors a big immune boost, studies show | CBC News
8/10/21
The Netherlands: Dutch lead the way in protecting themselves against internet risks
The Dutch are the safest internet users in Europe across all age groups, according to a study of citizens across the continent.
Read more at: Dutch lead the way in protecting themselves against internet risks
Read more at: Dutch lead the way in protecting themselves against internet risks
Turkey fires: ′It took only a few minutes′
Muhtar Cansiz is the village head in Kalemler, a hamlet of 250 people in Antalya province near the town of Manavgat. The region bore the brunt of the destruction caused by fast-spreading wildfires that have ravaged the south of the country for nearly two weeks amid scorching heat, low humidity and constantly shifting strong winds.
"A hundred and fifty houses once stood here. After the flames reached our village, 67 of them burned down," Muhtar Cansiz says.
Read more at: a href="https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-fires-it-took-only-a-few-minutes/a-58811906">Turkey fires: ′It took only a few minutes′ | Environment | All topics from climate change to conservation | DW | 09.08.2021
"A hundred and fifty houses once stood here. After the flames reached our village, 67 of them burned down," Muhtar Cansiz says.
Read more at: a href="https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-fires-it-took-only-a-few-minutes/a-58811906">Turkey fires: ′It took only a few minutes′ | Environment | All topics from climate change to conservation | DW | 09.08.2021
IRAN: U.S. Stresses Diplomacy Is 'Best Path' on Iran After Israelis Threaten Military Action
The State Department has urged American allies to rely on diplomacy, not military action or threats, to stop Iran's nuclear program, following last week's belligerent remarks from Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
Read more at: U.S. Stresses Diplomacy Is 'Best Path' on Iran After Israelis Threaten Military Action
Read more at: U.S. Stresses Diplomacy Is 'Best Path' on Iran After Israelis Threaten Military Action
Global Warming: Venice is flooding again: Watch tourists wade through knee-deep water
St Mark's Square in Venice was underwater late on Saturday night after a rare "acqua alta" or high water event.
As a city of canals, Venice has come to expect some flooding between autumn and spring each year during ‘acqua alta’ aka the high tides. But this summer flooding is very out of character for the city.
Due to climate change and rising sea levels St Mark’s square has gone from flooding four times a year in 1900 to over 60 times a year now.
Read more at: Venice is flooding again: Watch tourists wade through knee-deep water | Euronews
As a city of canals, Venice has come to expect some flooding between autumn and spring each year during ‘acqua alta’ aka the high tides. But this summer flooding is very out of character for the city.
Due to climate change and rising sea levels St Mark’s square has gone from flooding four times a year in 1900 to over 60 times a year now.
Read more at: Venice is flooding again: Watch tourists wade through knee-deep water | Euronews
8/9/21
The Netherlands may face higher sea level rises than global average – DutchReview
According to a newly released report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the rise of the global sea level will increase over the coming decades and centuries — this is hardly news.
However, the report also highlights that in the Netherlands, 50-90% of sea-level rise will be caused by meltwater from Antarctica. The Antarctic ice sheet is sensitive to warming ocean water and will melt at an accelerated pace if global warming is too high.
Read more at: The Netherlands may face higher sea level rises than global average – DutchReview
However, the report also highlights that in the Netherlands, 50-90% of sea-level rise will be caused by meltwater from Antarctica. The Antarctic ice sheet is sensitive to warming ocean water and will melt at an accelerated pace if global warming is too high.
Read more at: The Netherlands may face higher sea level rises than global average – DutchReview
Japan: Olympics closing ceremonyIOC president declares Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games closed
The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympic Games came to an end Sunday with a smaller, more subdued closing ceremony than in years' past, much like the opening ceremony 17 days ago.
After a more than two-hour ceremony that saluted the athletes, organizers and volunteers who made these Games a success, IOC president Thomas Bach declared the Games closed and the Olympic flame was extinguished.
Read more: IOC president declares Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games closed | CBC Sports
After a more than two-hour ceremony that saluted the athletes, organizers and volunteers who made these Games a success, IOC president Thomas Bach declared the Games closed and the Olympic flame was extinguished.
Read more: IOC president declares Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games closed | CBC Sports
Afghanistan 20 year war - a disater for US and NATO:: Taliban capture three regional capitals
The Taliban have captured three regional capitals in Afghanistan as they continue to make sweeping territorial gains in the country.
They seized control of the key northern city of Kunduz on Sunday, as well as Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan.
It means five regional capitals have fallen to the militants since Friday, with Kunduz being their most important gain this year.
Read more at: Afghanistan war: Taliban capture three regional capitals - BBC News
They seized control of the key northern city of Kunduz on Sunday, as well as Sar-e-Pul and Taloqan.
It means five regional capitals have fallen to the militants since Friday, with Kunduz being their most important gain this year.
Read more at: Afghanistan war: Taliban capture three regional capitals - BBC News
Global warming: Greek island of Evia cut off in two by wildfire as #HelpTurkey lights up Twitter
ires of "biblical catastrophe" continue to burn through Greek forests, forcing the evacuations of thousands of people as a political storm brews in Turkey over the worst wildfires in recent history.
Three large wildfires churned across Greece on Saturday, with one threatening whole towns and cutting a line across Evia, the country's second-largest island, isolating its northern part.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/08/08/greek-island-of-evia-cut-off-in-two-by-wildfire-as-helpturkey-lights-up-twitter
Three large wildfires churned across Greece on Saturday, with one threatening whole towns and cutting a line across Evia, the country's second-largest island, isolating its northern part.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/08/08/greek-island-of-evia-cut-off-in-two-by-wildfire-as-helpturkey-lights-up-twitter
8/8/21
EU: Once lagging, Europe catches up to the U.S. in COVID-19 vaccinations
Despite a sluggish start, the European Union’s COVID-19 vaccination drive has caught up to that of the United States, where the slowdown of the country’s once-vaunted campaign has contributed to the virus’s deadly comeback.
Now the EU has surpassed the U.S. by that same measure, with some 60% of the bloc’s residents receiving at least one dose, versus less than 58% of Americans.
Read more at: Once lagging, Europe catches up to the U.S. in COVID-19 vaccinations
Now the EU has surpassed the U.S. by that same measure, with some 60% of the bloc’s residents receiving at least one dose, versus less than 58% of Americans.
Read more at: Once lagging, Europe catches up to the U.S. in COVID-19 vaccinations
USA: The other public health crisis: Gun violence spikes in the U.S. amid pandemic
More than 12,000 shooting deaths have been recorded in the U.S. so far this year and the political establishment in the US can still not come up legislating strong gun control laws.Scandalous.
Read more at: The other public health crisis: Gun violence spikes in the U.S. amid pandemic | CBC News
Read more at: The other public health crisis: Gun violence spikes in the U.S. amid pandemic | CBC News
8/7/21
The Netherlands becomes one of the leading figures in EU Covid-19 vaccine production
The pharmaceutical company Lonza opened a brand-new factory in Geleen. Lonza has been approved to produce Moderna vaccines which will be primarily used as booster shots. The factory in Geleen will deliver more than 300 million doses by the end of the year.
On top of that, a new factory has also been developed in Leiden for the production of Janssen vaccines. The EU ordered 200 million Janssen doses from Johnson and Johnson earlier this year.
In the Netherlands, 500 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have already been produced, making them a leading figure in the EU where three billion doses are produced annually.
Read more at: The Netherlands becomes one of the leading figures in EU Covid-19 vaccine production | NL Times
On top of that, a new factory has also been developed in Leiden for the production of Janssen vaccines. The EU ordered 200 million Janssen doses from Johnson and Johnson earlier this year.
In the Netherlands, 500 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have already been produced, making them a leading figure in the EU where three billion doses are produced annually.
Read more at: The Netherlands becomes one of the leading figures in EU Covid-19 vaccine production | NL Times
Covid-19 Booster Shot: WHO calls for COVID booster jab moratorium to accelerate vaccination in poorer countries
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on Wednesday for a moratorium on booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines so that those vaccines can be made available to countries that have only been able to inoculate a small proportion of their population.
Read more at: WHO calls for COVID booster jab moratorium to accelerate vaccination in poorer countries | Euronews
Read more at: WHO calls for COVID booster jab moratorium to accelerate vaccination in poorer countries | Euronews
Germany officially recognises colonial-era Namibia genocide
Germany has officially acknowledged committing genocide during its colonial occupation of Namibia, and announced financial aid worth more than €1.1bn (£940m; $1.34bn).
Read more at: Germany officially recognises colonial-era Namibia genocide - BBC News
Read more at: Germany officially recognises colonial-era Namibia genocide - BBC News
8/6/21
USA - Poll: : 60% of Voters Say America Is More Divided
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters say the country has become more divided since last year’s election. Only 13% think the country is more united than it was before the election, while 24% believe the level of division is about the same. Those numbers haven’t changed much since January.
Read more at: 60% of Voters Say America Is More Divided - Rasmussen Reports®
Read more at: 60% of Voters Say America Is More Divided - Rasmussen Reports®
8/5/21
US Olympic Performance below par; Tokyo Olympics: Carl Lewis says US men's 4x100m failure to reach final a "total embarrassment"
The United States quartet of Trayvon Bromell, Fred Kerley, Ronnie Baker and Cravon Gillespie were sixth in their heat with a time of 38.10 seconds.
"The USA team did everything wrong in the men's relay," said Lewis.
"The passing system is wrong, athletes running the wrong legs, and it was clear that there was no leadership."
China won the heat in 37.92, with Canada second - just two thousands of a second behind - and Italy third in 37.95 as they qualified for the final.
Germany (38.06) were fourth and Ghana (38.08) fifth as they also finished ahead of the US in their heat.
READ MORE AT: Tokyo Olympics: Carl Lewis says US men's 4x100m failure to reach final a "total embarrassment" - BBC Sport
"The USA team did everything wrong in the men's relay," said Lewis.
"The passing system is wrong, athletes running the wrong legs, and it was clear that there was no leadership."
China won the heat in 37.92, with Canada second - just two thousands of a second behind - and Italy third in 37.95 as they qualified for the final.
Germany (38.06) were fourth and Ghana (38.08) fifth as they also finished ahead of the US in their heat.
READ MORE AT: Tokyo Olympics: Carl Lewis says US men's 4x100m failure to reach final a "total embarrassment" - BBC Sport
COVID vaccine — the unfounded tale of infertility
Claims like "COVID vaccines make you infertile!" have been swirling around social media for months.
At first, it was only women who had to worry about their fertility after a coronavirus vaccine. And the proponents of the claim say they can explain it biologically.
They say that vaccines produce antibodies that not only attack SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but also a protein that's needed for a placenta to grow in the womb.
But scientists say that is a myth.
Read more at: COVID vaccine — the unfounded tale of infertility | Science | In-depth reporting on science and technology | DW | 04.08.2021
They say that vaccines produce antibodies that not only attack SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but also a protein that's needed for a placenta to grow in the womb.
But scientists say that is a myth.
Read more at: COVID vaccine — the unfounded tale of infertility | Science | In-depth reporting on science and technology | DW | 04.08.2021
Coronavirus - it ain't over yet: World Reaches Grim Milestone of 200 Million COVID Cases Globally, as Delta Variant Surges
The total number of recorded COVID-19 cases worldwide has hit 200 million on Wednesday, according to the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
This milestone, which does not account for any cases that have gone unrecorded is disconcerting as the world grapples with a surging Delta variant. It is a record number that stands to prove how much the virus has affected the globe as the more infectious variant continues to threaten areas with low vaccination rates and puts immense strains on the world's healthcare systems.
Read more at: World Reaches Grim Milestone of 200 Million COVID Cases Globally, as Delta Variant Surges
This milestone, which does not account for any cases that have gone unrecorded is disconcerting as the world grapples with a surging Delta variant. It is a record number that stands to prove how much the virus has affected the globe as the more infectious variant continues to threaten areas with low vaccination rates and puts immense strains on the world's healthcare systems.
Read more at: World Reaches Grim Milestone of 200 Million COVID Cases Globally, as Delta Variant Surges
Israel 'Ready to Attack Iran' after Iran drone attack on Israeli tanker, as Defense Minister Says 'We Need to Take Military Action'
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said his country is ready to attack Iran and that there must be a global response to the threat the Islamic Republic poses.
Read more at: Israel 'Ready to Attack Iran' as Defense Minister Says 'We Need to Take Military Action'
Read more at: Israel 'Ready to Attack Iran' as Defense Minister Says 'We Need to Take Military Action'
Netherlands-Suriname Relations: The Netherlands: Surinamese president to address Dutch parliament
Surinamese president Chan Santokhi will address the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, during his visit to the Netherlands next month. An address to parliament is a rarely awarded diplomatic honor in the Netherlands and marks the restoration of good ties with Suriname, Trouw reports.
Santokhi and part of his government will visit The Hague and Prime Minister Mark Rutte on September 8 and 9.
The relationship between the Netherlands and Suriname was under pressure for some time because of the presidency of Desi Bouterse, who was convicted of cocaine trafficking in the Netherlands. Restoration of this relationship between the Netherlands and one of its former colonies started when Santokhi won the election in May last year and got sworn in as president in
Read more at: Surinamese president to address Dutch parliament | NL Times
Santokhi and part of his government will visit The Hague and Prime Minister Mark Rutte on September 8 and 9.
The relationship between the Netherlands and Suriname was under pressure for some time because of the presidency of Desi Bouterse, who was convicted of cocaine trafficking in the Netherlands. Restoration of this relationship between the Netherlands and one of its former colonies started when Santokhi won the election in May last year and got sworn in as president in
Read more at: Surinamese president to address Dutch parliament | NL Times
8/4/21
Fake COVID-19 certificate sales rise as health passes become mandatory
With COVID-19 certificates becoming mandatory around the world, some people are turning to social platforms like Telegram to buy fake health passes, at a cost of around €100.
In just a few months, accounts selling photoshopped certificates that are being delivered via email have grown in number in Europe and around the world, triggering an increase in cyber-crime, experts at the cybersecurity company Check Point have said.
Read more at: Fake COVID-19 certificate sales rise as health passes become mandatory | Euronews
In just a few months, accounts selling photoshopped certificates that are being delivered via email have grown in number in Europe and around the world, triggering an increase in cyber-crime, experts at the cybersecurity company Check Point have said.
Read more at: Fake COVID-19 certificate sales rise as health passes become mandatory | Euronews
Global Warming: How extreme is this year's extreme weather? Here's a closer look
A motorist watches from a pullout on the Trans-Canada Highway as a wildfire burns on the side of a mountain in Lytton, B.C., on July 1. Wealthy countries such as Canada are joining poorer and more vulnerable nations on a growing list of extreme weather events that scientists say have some connection to human-caused climate change. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
As the world staggers through another summer of extreme weather, experts are noticing something different: 2021's onslaught is hitting harder and in places that have been spared global warming's wrath in the past.
Read more at How extreme is this year's extreme weather? Here's a closer look | CBC News
As the world staggers through another summer of extreme weather, experts are noticing something different: 2021's onslaught is hitting harder and in places that have been spared global warming's wrath in the past.
Read more at How extreme is this year's extreme weather? Here's a closer look | CBC News
USA: Biden calls on N.Y. Gov. Cuomo to resign over sexual harassment allegations
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes a statement denying he made inappropriate sexual advances in this screengrab taken from a pre-recorded video released by his office in New York on Tuesday. (Office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo/Reuters)
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced mounting pressure Tuesday to resign, including from U.S. President Joe Biden and other onetime Democratic allies, after an investigation found he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and worked to retaliate against one of his accusers.
"I think he should resign," Biden told reporters Tuesday, echoing the sentiments of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and New York's two senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, all Democrats.
Note EU-Digest: The President should be spending far more time on real important issues facing the US, rather than catering to a "womens lib" movement, which seems to have gone on steroids in America.
Read more at: Biden calls on N.Y. Gov. Cuomo to resign over sexual harassment allegations | CBC News
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced mounting pressure Tuesday to resign, including from U.S. President Joe Biden and other onetime Democratic allies, after an investigation found he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and worked to retaliate against one of his accusers.
"I think he should resign," Biden told reporters Tuesday, echoing the sentiments of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and New York's two senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, all Democrats.
Note EU-Digest: The President should be spending far more time on real important issues facing the US, rather than catering to a "womens lib" movement, which seems to have gone on steroids in America.
Read more at: Biden calls on N.Y. Gov. Cuomo to resign over sexual harassment allegations | CBC News
8/3/21
EU Travel Restrictions: The Netherlands to stay red on European coronavirus risk map for one more week
The Netherlands will likely remain red on the European coronavirus map for one week longer, AD reported. This means that restrictions against travelers from the Netherlands will continue to apply in a number of countries, including Germany, France and Norway.
Read more at: The Netherlands to stay red on European coronavirus risk map for one more week | NL Times
Read more at: The Netherlands to stay red on European coronavirus risk map for one more week | NL Times
China-Pakistan relations: How Chinese investments are capturing Pakistan′s economy
The multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),announced in 2015, was aimed at overhauling Pakistan's crumbling infrastructure and linking the nation's southern port of Gwadar to western China.
The ambitious project, part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, was originally estimated to bring in $46 billion (€38.7 billion) of investment into Pakistan. But it's now estimated to have increased to about $65 billion.
Read more at: How Chinese investments are capturing Pakistan′s economy | Asia | An in-depth look at news from across the continent | DW | 02.08.2021
The ambitious project, part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, was originally estimated to bring in $46 billion (€38.7 billion) of investment into Pakistan. But it's now estimated to have increased to about $65 billion.
Read more at: How Chinese investments are capturing Pakistan′s economy | Asia | An in-depth look at news from across the continent | DW | 02.08.2021
U.S. Oil and Gas Doubles Down On Anti-Climate Reporting Lobbying - by Charles Kennedy
U.S. oil and gas lobbying groups have doubled down on efforts to negotiate laxer climate reporting rules with an administration bent on tightening these rules considerably, the Financial Times reports, citing lobbying disclosures from the Senate.
"When it comes to climate risk disclosures, investors are raising their hands and asking regulators for more," Gary Gensler, the new head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said recently, as quoted by the FT. "I think we can bring greater clarity to climate risk disclosures."
Read more at: U.S. Oil and Gas Doubles Down On Anti-Climate Reporting Lobbying | OilPrice.com
"When it comes to climate risk disclosures, investors are raising their hands and asking regulators for more," Gary Gensler, the new head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said recently, as quoted by the FT. "I think we can bring greater clarity to climate risk disclosures."
Read more at: U.S. Oil and Gas Doubles Down On Anti-Climate Reporting Lobbying | OilPrice.com
8/2/21
EU-US RELATIONS: Joe Biden nominates former ambassador to Romania Mark Gitenstein as new EU envoy
European Council President Charles Michel welcomed Gitenstein's nomination on Twitter.
"We have a big transatlantic and global agenda to take forward. We need all hands on deck, and I look forward to working with him when confirmed," he wrote.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/07/28/joe-biden-nominates-former-ambassador-to-romania-mark-gitenstein-as-new-eu-envoy
"We have a big transatlantic and global agenda to take forward. We need all hands on deck, and I look forward to working with him when confirmed," he wrote.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/07/28/joe-biden-nominates-former-ambassador-to-romania-mark-gitenstein-as-new-eu-envoy
8/1/21
USA: Florida COVID cases reach new high
Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic.
Figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday showed how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State. Only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases.
Note EU-Digewt: This is what happens when you have a Republican governor, like DeSantis in Florida, who decrees that. cruise ship passengers do not need to show they have been vaccinated and that the wearing of masks is not obligatory in schools and other Public areas.
Read more at: Coronavirus digest: Florida COVID cases reach new high | News | DW | 01.08.2021
Figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday showed how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State. Only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases.
Note EU-Digewt: This is what happens when you have a Republican governor, like DeSantis in Florida, who decrees that. cruise ship passengers do not need to show they have been vaccinated and that the wearing of masks is not obligatory in schools and other Public areas.
Read more at: Coronavirus digest: Florida COVID cases reach new high | News | DW | 01.08.2021
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