AM Joy: Jared Kushner Battles Steve Bannon for White House Power | April 8, 2017

Alt-Right Actually Believed Trump Was Anti-War

Published on 10 Apr 2017 You’ll never guess who the Alt-Right is blaming for Trump’s bombing of Syria… Ana Kasparian and John Iadarola, hosts of The Young Turks, discuss.

Steve Bannon's Role Being Questioned: President Trump 'Never Needed' Him | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Is Steve Bannon backing down from his feud with Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner? The New York Times' Jeremy Peters discusses his reporting on Bannon's rôle in the White House.

Putin: Syria Chemical Attack Was ‘False Flag,’ More ‘Provocations’ Coming

BREITBART.COM: At a Tuesday press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed last week’s chemical weapons attack in the Idlib province of Syria was a “false flag” – a phony operation staged by enemies of Russia and Syria to discredit them. He said more such false flag operations were on the way.

“We have reports from multiple sources that false flags like this one – and I cannot call it otherwise – are being prepared in other parts of Syria, including the southern suburbs of Damascus. They plan to plant some chemical there and accuse the Syrian government of an attack,” said Putin, as reported by Russia’s RT.com. » | John Hayward | Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Vladimir Putin Claims the US Plans to Plant Chemical Weapons in Syria, Attack and Blame Assad

Putin Shrugs Off Criticism of Syria Ties before Tillerson Visit

THE GUARDIAN: Russian president calls for UN inquiry as he compares chemical attack claims against Syria to US accusations Iraq had WMDs

Vladimir Putin has shrugged off western criticism of his support for the Syrian regime, shortly after the top US diplomat said Bashar al-Assad’s days in power were numbered, ratcheting up tensions between the the US and Russia before talks in Moscow.

The US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, had hoped to underscore the US position with a unified message from the G7, which condemned the chemical attack at a summit in Italy on Tuesday. However, G7 foreign ministers were divided over possible next steps and refused to back a UK call for fresh sanctions.

Putin said western and Turkish accusations that Syria’s government dropped the nerve agent sarin that killed dozens of civilians in Idlib earlier this month were comparable with the now-discredited claim that Saddam Hussein’s had stockpiled weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. » | Emma Graham-Harrison and Heather Stewart | Tuesday, April 11, 2017

La Corée du Nord prête à la «guerre» contre les États-Unis

LE FIGARO: Pyongyang a dénoncé l'envoi d'un porte-avions par Washington vers la péninsule de Corée et s'est dit prête à riposter ce mardi. Alors que le régime s'apprête à célébrer le 105e anniversaire de sa fondation, les observateurs internationaux redoutent le lancement d'un sixième essai nucléaire.

La Corée du Nord s'est dite prête à «la guerre» ce mardi après l'envoi ce week-end d'un groupe aéronaval américain vers la péninsule de Corée. Washington a en effet, dépêché dimanche le porte-avions USS Carl Vinson et son escadre qui devait initialement faire escale en Australie. » | Par Le figaro.fr et AFP, AP, Reuters Agences | mardi 11 avril 2017

Chechnya Opens World's First Concentration Camp for Homosexuals since Hitler's in the 1930s Where Campaigners Say Gay Men Are Being Tortured with Electric Shocks and Beaten to Death

MAIL ONLINE: Chechyna has opened the first concentration camp for homosexuals since Hitler / Prisoners reportedly tortured with electric shocks and some beaten to death / One of those who fled said prisoners were beaten to force them to reveal other members of the gay community / Comes after 100 gay men were detained and three killed in Chechyna last week

Chechyna has opened the first concentration camp for homosexuals since Hitler, where campaigners say gay men are being tortured with electric shocks and beaten to death.

It comes after it was claimed 100 gay men had been detained and three killed in Chechnya last week.

A report by Novoya Gazeta said authorities had set up several camps where homosexuals are killed or forced to promise to leave the republic.

One of the camps is reportedly at the former military headquarters in the town of Argun.

Svetlana Zakharova, from the Russian LGBT Network, told MailOnline: 'Gay people have been detained and rounded up and we are working to evacuate people from the camps and some have now left the region.

'Those who have escaped said they are detained in the same room and people are kept altogether, around 30 or 40. They are tortured with electric currents and heavily beaten, sometimes to death.' Read on and comment » | Thomas Burrows for MailOnline | Monday, April 10, 2017

Syria’s Government ‘Coming to an End,’ Tillerson Warns Before Russia Trip

THE NEW YORK TIMES: LUCCA, Italy — Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said on Tuesday that the reign of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria was “coming to an end” and warned that Russia was at risk of becoming irrelevant in the Middle East by continuing to support him.

Mr. Tillerson, in comments made just before he traveled to Moscow for a high-stakes summit meeting, sought to clear up the United States’ position on Syria while also declaring that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia needed to choose whether to side with Mr. Assad or the West.

Russia can be a part of the discussions “and play an important role,” Mr. Tillerson said at a Group of 7 meeting in Lucca, Italy, or it “can maintain its alliance with this group, which we believe is not going to serve Russia’s interests longer term.” » | Gardiner Harris | Tuesday, April 11, 2017

President Donald Trump To Save Syrian Babies But Cut Meals On Wheels | AM Joy | MSNBC

Joy Reid and her panel discuss why Trump is suddenly inspired to intervene in Syria, after not being so moved in recent years, or in his current domestic policy.

US-Russia Tensions: How Is Moscow Likely to Respond to Tillerson's Latest Remarks?

Egypt Church Attacks: "The Target Is to Divide Muslims and Christians"

Four Way Race? Late Surge by Far-left Candidate Mélenchon

Blood Money: The Islamic Practice Turning Businesslike?

The Observers takes a closer look at "Blood Money": paid to spare the lives of those destined for execution, is the traditional practice becoming increasingly businesslike in countries with Islamic law?

Morning Joe: Steve Bannon Is Isolated In The White House | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Top Talkers: Two Senior White House aides held lengthy meetings at Mar-a-Lago in an attempt to mend a rift that has caused many to speculate a change in White House staff is imminent.

Russia's War of Words after US Missile Strike

Boris Johnson Slapped Down as Syrian Air Strikes Reverberate

Tillerson, on Eve of Russia Trip, Takes Hard Line on Syria

THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson is taking a hard line against Russia on the eve of his first diplomatic trip to Moscow, calling the country “incompetent” for allowing Syria to hold on to chemical weapons and accusing Russia of trying to influence elections in Europe using the same methods it employed in the United States.

Mr. Tillerson’s comments, made in interviews aired on Sunday, were far more critical of the Russian government than any public statements by President Trump, who has been an increasingly lonely voice for better ties with Russia. They seemed to reflect Mr. Tillerson’s expectation, which he has expressed privately to aides and members of Congress, that the American relationship with Russia is already reverting to the norm: one of friction, distrust and mutual efforts to undermine each other’s reach. Read on and comment » | David E. Sanger | Sunday, April 9, 2017

US Became Investigator & Judge; This Is a Violation of International Law – Bolivia UN Envoy on Syria Strike

Bolivia envoy slams US missile strike on a Syrian Army airbase after Russia calls for emergency UNSC meeting on the attack.

US Strike Helping ISIS, Al-Qaeda, the Enemy US Supposed to Fight against – Ron Paul

The UN security Council is holding an emergency meeting on the US missile attack on a Syrian airbase. To discuss the UN Security Council meeting we're joined by Ron Paul, chairman and founder of The Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity.

‘No Rhyme or Reason to Trump’s Incoherent Policy in Syria’ – Historian to RT

The U.S. says its missile strike was in retaliation for an alleged chemical attack in Idlib province on Tuesday - Damascus has constantly stressed it does not use toxic weapons. However, now just days after President Trump ordered the airfield strikes, his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says participation with the current Syrian government is needed to end the conflict there.

US - What Will Be Donald Trump's Reaction to North Korea Nuclear Missile Tests?

Egypt: Islamic State Group Claims Responsibility for Twin Church Bombings

Le Pen Says France Not Responsible for WWII Roundup of Jews

THE WASHINGTON POST: PARIS — Far-right French presidential contender Marine Le Pen made “a serious mistake” by denying that the French State was responsible for the roundup of Jews in World War II, her main rival said Monday.

Emmanuel Macron, an independent centrist, was among many presidential candidates criticizing Le Pen’s comments Monday.

“Some had forgotten that Marine Le Pen is the daughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen,” Macron, the front-runner in the April 23-May 7 two-round election, told BFM TV.

Le Pen’s father repeatedly has been convicted for anti-Semitism and racism. » | Associated Press | Monday, April 10, 2017

Kevin MacDonald - Neocons to Remove Assad, Trump Buys the MSM Lie

Jihadi Justin Admits It: M103 Is an Islamic Blasphemy Law

Jihadi Justin admits to House of Commons that M103 is entirely about Islamophobia (not the general anti discrimination motion they said it was). Further more in his speech, he makes it clear criticism of Islam will no longer be tolerated.

This man is out of his depth, methinks. – Mark

Justin Trudeau’s Unhinged Islamophobia Rant

Justin Trudeau is happy you opposed M-103, because you’ve exposed your bigotry.

Sen. Rubio on U.S. Strike on Syria Air Base, Removing al-Assad

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio joins "CBS This Morning" from the Capitol to discuss the U.S. military strike on the Syrian Shayrat air base, believed to be the origin of the plane that launched the latest chemical attack on Syrians. Rubio also discusses the risks behind the strike and how President Bashar al-Assad could be ousted.

Marco Rubio doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He has a simplistic solution to an extremely complicated problem. Sorry, Mr. Rubio, you’re wrong! – Mark

Trump Turns On Assad: How Will US Strikes Impact War in Syria? (Parts 1 & 2)

Lavrov to Tillerson: Attack on Syrian Airbase Plays into Extremists' Hands

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stressed there is no evidence of Syria's involvement in the Idlib chemical incident. On Saturday he told his American counterpart that the U.S. strike on the Syrian base had played into the extremists' hands.

Statin Side Effects (Excerpt from Statin Nation)

Statin Nation »

U.S. Attack on Syria Cements Kremlin’s Embrace of Assad

THE NEW YORK TIMES: MOSCOW — If Russia once maintained at least a semblance of distance from President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, it rushed to his defense after the American missile strike ordered by President Trump on Thursday. The attack cemented Moscow more closely than ever to the notorious Syrian autocrat.

Even as the United States condemned Mr. Assad for gassing his own citizens and held Russia partly responsible, given its 2013 promise to rid Syria of chemical weapons, the Kremlin kept denying that Syria had any such capability.

By championing Mr. Assad and condemning American “aggression,” President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia seemed to be burying the idea that he could somehow cooperate with the Trump administration to end the conflict on his terms. » | Neil MacFarquhar | Saturday, April 8, 2017

Explosion Rips through Egyptian Church

Multiple people were killed in an explosion as they celebrated Palm Sunday at a Coptic Christian church in Egypt. CNN's Ben Wedeman has more.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Two Explosions Kill at Least 31 at Egyptian Coptic Churches on Palm Sunday »

Forget Islamophobia, Trudeauphobia on the Rise!

From seniors to millennials, from Ontario to B.C Trudeaumania 2.0 has been replaced with Trudeauphobia. No word from the Liberals (yet) on whether they'll introduce a motion banning criticism of the PM.

Syria Crisis: Russia Raises Prospect of War If It Is Given G7 Ultimatum as It Mocks Boris Johnson's No-show

THE TELEGRAPH: Russia has raised the prospect of war with the West as it mocked Boris Johnson for cancelling a trip to Moscow in the wake of the Syrian nerve gas attack.

The Russian Embassy in London posted a series of provocative tweets on its official account in which it suggested that "a conventional war" could be one outcome if the G7 group of nations presents it with an ultimatum later this week.

The Embassy also said it was "deplorable" that Mr Johnson was "unable to stand Western ground" by attending talks with his Russian counterpart.

It came as Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, warned Russia it is responsible for the deaths caused by the Syrian chemical weapons attack "by proxy". » | Gordon Raynor, Political Editor and Kate McCann, Senior Political Correspondent | Sunday, April 9, 2017

US Syria Strike Was Illegal, No Matter Who Carried Out Gas Attack

The US had no right to launch a unilateral attack on Syria Phyllis Bennis tells Paul Jay, and it’s a violation of the UN charter

Interview with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad - BBC Newsnight

Evan Davis speaks to Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad about the suspected chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun in north-western Syria and the subsequent missile strike against a Syrian air base carried out by the US.

Democrat Lawmaker Who Met with Assad Blasts Trump

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard sparked criticism a few months ago for meeting with Syria leader Assad and now tells Tucker why she believes Trump's airstrikes on Syria were illegal, 'counterproductive' and 'reckless'

Lawmaker Questions Gas Attack Evidence

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) talks about the chemical attack in Syria and the US military strike of a Syrian base with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

Wilkerson: Trump Attack on Syria Driven by Domestic Politics

Former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, tells Paul Jay that the Syrian Government may not be responsible for the chemical attack and that Trump's response was a violation of international law

Syrian War Turns into ‘International Armed Conflict’ after US Strike

The Red Cross says the United States' airstrike on the Syrian base has pushed Syria into an “international armed conflict.” It signals a shift for the humanitarian organization, which previously regarded Syria's conflict as an internal civil war. RT got more from Ralph El Hage, who represents the Red Cross Near and Middle East region.

’The Last Word’ with Lawrence O'Donnell | April 7, 2017

Debate on US Strike against Syria

Nine civilians are among the 14 people killed in a U.S. missile bombardment, on a Syrian airbase. President Trump says it was a retaliation for a chemical attack despite providing no evidence.

Putin Slams ‘Trumped Up’ US Strike in Syria | April 8, 2017

Morning Joe: Kuschner, Bannon, and White House Infighting | April 7, 2017

Pamela Geller on Syria Strike: ‘What Is the Objective? Which Al-Qaeda Satellite Are We Partnering With?’

Read the Breitbart article here

Sandra Solomon Moment: What Islam Taught Me about the Jews

Poll: Why Is Trump Really Bombing Syria?

O'Reilly's Show Mysteriously Ends Early

Trump Fires Warning Shot in Battle Between Bannon and Kushner

THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — As he grappled on Thursday with his first major decision involving military action, a fed-up and frustrated President Trump turned to his two top aides and told them he had had enough of their incessant knife-fights in the media.

“Work this out,” Mr. Trump said, according to two people briefed on the exchange. The admonition was aimed at Stephen K. Bannon, the tempestuous chief strategist, and Reince Priebus, the mild-mannered chief of staff, over a series of dust-ups with Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and senior adviser, and the top economic adviser, Gary D. Cohn.

But they may not be able to. » | Jeremy W. Peters and Maggie Haberman | Friday, April 7, 2017

Donald Trump 'Considering Sacking Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus' as Simmering West Wing Feud Engulfs White House

THE TELEGRAPH: Donald Trump is considering a major shake-up of his top team, with both Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus reportedly facing "reassignment" amid intense infighting at the White House.

The US president is said to be determined to end the simmering feud within the West Wing that pits Mr Bannon and his allies against Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump.

The relationship between the far-Right former media executive and the president's son-in-law has deteriorated to the point of "breakdown", sources say. » | Barney Henderson, New York | Saturday, April 8, 2017

Peace Advocates: If Trump Wanted To Help Syrians, He Would Lift Refugee Ban & Fund Humanitarian Aid

We continue our roundtable discussion on Syria after the United States carried out a missile attack on a Syrian airfield, saying it was a response to a chemical weapons attack that killed 86 people, including at least 30 children. Syria denies carrying out the attack. "Both these superpowers … do not give a damn about Syrian self-determination nor justice for Syrians," says Yazan al-Saadi, a Syrian-Canadian writer who joins us from Beirut. "We do want something that will be positive for the Syrian people," adds Medea Benjamin, cofounder of CodePink. "That means immediately lifting of the Trump ban on Syrian refugees coming to the United States, of funding of the $5 billion that the U.N. says is desperately needed to help the humanitarian crisis facing the Syrian refugees, and demand that the U.S. work with Russia to finally come to a ceasefire and work for a political solution." We are also joined by Alia Malek, journalist and former human rights lawyer, and Phyllis Bennis, fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.

Russia Condemns US Strikes on Syria as a 'Violation of International Law'

‘Why Would Assad Attack Civilians Not Military? It’s Simply Irrational’ – U.S. Senator

More than 80 people were killed in the incident in Syria, but a few weeks ago in the Iraqi city of Mosul, a U.S.-led coalition airstrike reportedly killed more than 200. In both cases government officials claimed terrorist munitions had been targeted. The Syria attack sparked immediate reaction - both in the media and from Western officials.

US Bombs Syria! The War Machine Hums On Under Trump!

Putin Believes US Attack On Syria Violates International Law - Kremlin

President Putin “regards the strikes as aggression against a sovereign nation,” his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, noting that the president believes the strikes were carried out “in violation of international law, and also under an invented pretext.”

Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria

President Trump spoke after the United States carried out a missile attack in Syria on Thursday in response to the Syrian government's deadly chemical weapons attack.

Read the New York Times article here

Is Russia Clamping Down On Jehovah's Witnesses?

BBC: Russia's Supreme Court has begun hearing a government request to outlaw the Jehovah's Witnesses and declare it an extremist organisation.

The justice ministry has already placed its headquarters near St Petersburg on a list of extremist groups. (+BBC video) » | Thursday, April 6, 2017

Boycotting Bill O'Reilly: Over 50 Advertisers Pull Ads on Fox Show over Sexual Harassment Scandal

The number of advertisers boycotting Bill O’Reilly’s Fox News program has increased to at least 52, following revelations that he and the network paid out $13 million to settle lawsuits by five women who accuse O’Reilly of sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behavior. Meanwhile, a third Fox News employee has joined a lawsuit charging the network with racial discrimination. The employees claim top executives—including former CEO Roger Ailes—refused to intervene as they were forced to endure "years-long relentless racial animus" at the hands of a white manager. We speak to Arisha Hatch, managing director of campaigns at Color of Change, which has organized a major campaign calling on advertisers to boycott "The O’Reilly Factor."

Meet the Lawyer Who Is Going After Bill O'Reilly & Donald Trump for Sexual Harassment

President Donald Trump is lending his support to Bill O’Reilly, as the number of advertisers boycotting the Fox News host’s program has increased to at least 52, following revelations that he and the network Fox News paid out $13 million to settle lawsuits by five women who accuse O’Reilly of sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behavior. Other women have made similar accusations. In an Oval Office interview with The New York Times Wednesday, Trump said, "I think he’s a person I know well. He is a good person. … I think he shouldn’t have settled. Personally, I think he shouldn’t have settled. Because you should have taken it all the way. I don’t think Bill did anything wrong." We speak to attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents Dr. Wendy Walsh, one of the women who has publicly accused Bill O’Reilly of unwanted sexual advances. She also represented Jill Harth, a Florida business associate of Trump who sued him for sexual harassment after he allegedly groped her at a business dinner and later attempted to sexually assault her in the empty bedroom of his daughter Ivanka.

ISIS Calls Trump 'Idiot' In Message

The terror group ISIS said in new audio released Tuesday and according to various translations called President Donald Trump an Arabic term that means "idiot" and said he doesn't know anything about Islam. ISIS controls parts of Iraq and Syria, and is currently being targeted by a U.S.-led coalition. The ISIS statement calls the United States "bankrupt" and says: "the sign of your elimination are now clearer to everyone, as the most clear of signs is that you are now ruled by a stupid idiot who does not know what Sham and Iraq are, or what Islam is, who continues to express his hatred and war against." Trump has pledged to "totally obliterate ISIS."

Dutch Men Hold Hands in Solidarity With Attacked Gay Couple

THE NEW YORK TIMES: From Amsterdam to New York, London to Havana, Dutch men across the world held hands this week to show solidarity with a gay couple who say they were brutally beaten in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

The outpouring of support came after the married couple, Jasper Vernes-Sewratan and Ronnie Sewratan-Vernes, said they were attacked by a gang of youths while holding hands on their way home from a party early Sunday.

According to a statement the Arnhem police posted on Facebook, the two said they had been attacked by men wielding bolt cutters; one had some of his teeth smashed out. » | Dan Bilefsky | Thursday, April 6, 2017

Brexit Is a 'Lose Lose Proposition' for Everyone

Former Prime Minister of Finland, Alexander Stubb speaks to Sky News about Brexit negotiations on trade.

Steve Bannon's Removal From National Security Council Could Signal Departure | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Top Talkers: After 10 weeks, Senior Counselor to the President, Stephen Bannon, has been removed from the National Security Council. The panel discusses the implications of this move.

Ivanka: 'Where I Disagree with My Father, He Knows It'

BBC: Ivanka Trump has given her first interview since being named as assistant to the president.

The US "first daughter" hasn't publicly disagreed with her father, but says that in private she expresses herself "with total candour". (+ BBC video) » | Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Trump Removes Stephen Bannon From National Security Council Post

THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — For the first 10 weeks of President Trump’s administration, no adviser loomed larger in the public imagination than Stephen K. Bannon, the raw and rumpled former chairman of Breitbart News who considers himself a “virulently anti-establishment” revolutionary out to destroy the “administrative state.”

But behind the scenes, White House officials said, the ideologist who enjoyed the president’s confidence became increasingly embattled as other advisers, including Mr. Trump’s daughter and son-in-law, complained about setbacks on health care and immigration. Lately, Mr. Bannon has been conspicuously absent from some meetings. And now he has lost his seat at the national security table. Read on and comment » | Peter Baker, Maggie Haberman and Glenn Thrush | Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Related here and here

Fox Losing More Advertisers After Sexual Harassment Claims Against O’Reilly

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Pressure mounted on Tuesday for Fox News to take action against its top-rated host, Bill O’Reilly, as a series of prominent companies pulled advertising from his show and a leading women’s rights group called for his ouster.

Following an investigation by The New York Times over the weekend that revealed multiple settlements over allegations of sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior by Mr. O’Reilly, the network faced a major advertising revolt as more than a dozen marketers said that they were withdrawing their ads from “The O’Reilly Factor.” Escalating the tension, the National Organization for Women called for Mr. O’Reilly to be fired and said an independent investigation should be conducted into the culture at Fox News.

“Fox News is too big and too influential to simply let this go,” Terry O’Neill, the president of NOW, said in a statement. » | Emily Steel and Michael S. Schmidt | Tuesday, April 4, 2017

A New Kind of American! Oh Allah Assist Me! - Abdur Raheem McCarthy

How we should Remember Allah? - Abdur Raheem McCarthy

EU Lawmakers Adopt Brexit Resolution - Interview with David McAllister | DW English

EU lawmakers in Strasbourg have passed a resolution that calls for phased negotiations on Britain's withdrawal from the EU. DW caught up with German MEP David McAllister, as he came out of the vote.

Editorial: Enabling Egypt’s President Sisi, an Enemy of Human Rights

THE NEW YORK TIMES: American presidents must sometimes deal with unsavory foreign leaders in pursuit of America’s national interest. But that doesn’t require inviting them to the White House and lavishing them with praise and promises of unconditional support.

Yet that’s what President Trump did on Monday in not just welcoming but celebrating one of the most authoritarian leaders in the Middle East, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, a man responsible for killing hundreds of Egyptians, jailing thousands of others and, in the process, running his country and its reputation into the ground. » | The Editorial Board | Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Steve Bannon Removed From White House National Security Council | MSNBC

NBC’s Kristen Welker details the circumstances behind the Trump administration’s latest shakeup.

ISIS Message Calls Trump 'Foolish Idiot'

CNN: Islamist terror group ISIS has unleashed contempt on both the United States and President Donald Trump in a new audio message, calling the latter a "foolish idiot."

ISIS spokesman Abu Hasan al-Muhajir narrates the roughly 37-minute message, which was released Tuesday.

"You (America) are bankrupt and the signs of your demise are evident to every eye," Muhajir says. "There is no clearer sign of you being ruled by a foolish idiot who does not know what Levant or Iraq or Islam is, who continue(s) his hallucination to express his animosity and war against it (Islam)."

The message was distributed via social media by ISIS supporters. » | Jason Hanna and Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN | Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Sorry Justin Trudeau, But Radical Islam Is a Problem

TORONTO SUN: In Justin Trudeau’s Canada, if I mention the Islamist ties of Akbardzhon Dzhalilov, the 22-year-old suspected of carrying out the subway bombing that killed 14 in St. Petersburg, Russia on Monday, am I guilty of Islamophobia?

What if I also mention that Khalid Masood, the man who mowed down scores of pedestrians, killing three, and stabbed a police officer to death outside the British Parliament last week, was a convert to Islam? Am I guilty of a crime against Canada’s new politically correct speech codes? » | Lorne Gunter | Edmonton Sun | Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Steve Bannon’s Weird, Winding Road to the White House

Read the Bloomberg article here

St. Petersburg Bombing: The Beginning of a New Wave of Terrorism in Russia? (Parts 1 & 2)

Brexit: EU Parliament Backs 'Red Lines' Resolution

The EU Parliament today backed a motion setting out the Parliament's position for the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

"UK Effectively Created Saudi Arabia, No-one Is Reprimanding Them"

Political analyst Shabbir Razvi believes Saudi Arabia wanted to create the situation in Yemen.

Guy Verhofstadt: 'UK Will Return to EU after Brexit Tory Catfight'

EU's chief negotiator Guy Verhofstadt says he's "100% convinced the UK will return to the European family" and called Brexit a "Tory cat-fight that got out of hand".

Farage Is Outrageous! Farage Calls EU Parliament 'The Mafia'

Nigel Farage is back likening European Parliament to the mafia and after being told off by its President, Antonio Tajani, he just calls them gangsters instead

Nigel Farage is loud-mouthed and brash. He has far, far too much to say for himself. He needs to be cut down to size. – Mark

Companies Pull Ads from Bill O'Reilly's Fox News Show

Fox News host Bill O'Reilly faces growing fallout over newly-revealed harassment allegations. Nearly 20 advertisers, including BMW, Allstate and T. Rowe Price have pulled commercials from his top-rated program. Anna Werner reports.

Trumps Grenzwall teilt vor allem Meinungen | DW Deutsch

Ein wichtiges Wahlversprechen von US Präsident Donald Trump ist der Bau einer Mauer zwischen Mexiko und den USA, um illegale Einwanderung und Drogenschmuggel zu stoppen. Aber wie stehen die Texaner an der Grenze zu den Plänen?

President Trump Condemns Syrian Gas Attack But Shifts Blame To President Obama | Morning Joe | MSNBC

At least 83 people are dead, including 25 children, following a chemical attack in Syria. The panel discusses the scope of the attack and Donald Trump's response and criticism of Obama.

For Trump, a Focus on U.S. Interests and a Disdain for Moralizing

THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — As the world recoiled at the televised images of lifeless children in the latest atrocity in Syria’s savage civil war on Tuesday, the White House issued a statement expressing outrage just as any White House presumably would.

But where other presidents might have used the moment to call for the departure of Syria’s authoritarian leader, Bashar al-Assad, President Trump’s spokesman dismissed the notion as impractical because it would not happen. “We would look like, to some degree, rather silly not acknowledging the political realities that exist in Syria,” said the spokesman, Sean Spicer. » | Peter Baker | Tuesday, April 4, 2017

According to the Bible...Homosexuality Is Wrong

A short clip from the West Wing about the Biblical stance on homosexuality, and the hypocrisy these same Christians ignore.

John Brennan: Donald Trump’s Travel Ban 'Simplistic and Misguided' - BBC Newsnight

Former CIA director John Brennan talks to Newsnight’s Kirsty Wark about President Trump’s travel ban, the threat from North Korea, and the notion of a Deep State.

Bill O'Reilly Loses Major Advertiser After Reports Of Harassment | The Last Word | MSNBC

Mercedes-Benz pulls "The O'Reilly Factor" ads after reports of a $13M harassment settlement against Bill O'Reilly. Plus, a new suit against fmr. chairman Roger Ailes. Gabriel Sherman, who literally wrote the book on Fox News, calls O'Reilly's silence "striking".

Snowdon & Margaret: Inside a Royal Marriage

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon »

Lord Snowdon obituary »

Trump prüft extreme Einreise-Kontrollen

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: „Was halten Sie von Ehrenmorden?“ Diese oder ähnliche Fragen müssen sich bald auch Deutsche gefallen lassen, wenn sie in die Vereinigten Staaten fliegen. Und ans Facebook-Konto und alle Handy-Daten wollen die Behörden ebenfalls gerne ran.

Die Regierung von Donald Trump prüft neue, extreme Sicherheitsvorschriften. Alle Ausländer, die in die Vereinigten Staaten reisen wollen, könnten sie bald durchlaufen müssen. Wie das „Wall Street Journal“ schreibt, müssten die Besucher den Beamten dann eventuell alle Kontakte in ihrem Handy offenlegen, Passwörter für soziale Netze herausrücken und sich Fragen zu ihrer Weltanschauung gefallen lassen. » | Quelle: FAZ.NET | Dienstag, 4. April 2017

When Britain Split From Europe, in a Big Way

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The separation of Britain from Europe, set in motion by Prime Minister Theresa May last week, began a historic process but one not as abrupt as the first Brexit. That was the catastrophic destruction of the land bridge that for 10 million years had joined Britain physically to the Continent.

The bridge was a rock formation, about 20 miles wide, that ran from Dover to Calais and protruded several hundred miles into France and Britain. It was made of chalk, as can be seen in the cross-section where it has been ripped away at the white cliffs of Dover. » | Nicholas Wade | Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Homosexuality Explained

A cartoon that explains what homosexuality is.

The 'Gay Brain' Explained - Louann Brizendine

Dr. Louann Brizendine, author of The Male Brain, outlines the preliminary scientific results measuring the differences between the straight male brain and the gay male brain. She says that having "same-sex attraction" is "not some kind of a moral decision," but rather involves brain circuitry, genes, and hormones.

Dr. Louann Brizendine: The Male Brain »

British Prime Minister Seeks GCC Trade Deals

Britain's prime minister, Theresa May, is in Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit.

As Britain leaves the European Union, her trip is aiming to strengthen trade and security ties in the Gulf,

Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reports.

Theresa May on Brexit, Saudi Arabia and Refugees

Theresa May is in the Middle East on a trade mission.

She's due to arrive in Saudi Arabia later - and is being urged to raise concerns over human rights.

The Prime Minister has defended her dealings with the Kingdom and says she will bring up the issue of Yemen, where the Saudi military is engaged in a long-running campaign.

The Prime Minister been speaking to our Political Editor, Faisal Islam.

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It seems to me that Theresa May wants her cake and eat it. And chasing around the world, brown-nosing here and brown-nosing there is most unbecoming. She'd be far better off working with our European brothers and sisters than this. Our future should be in Europe, not the Middle East. – Mark

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Tunisian Nightclub Shut Down over Muslim Call to Prayer Remix

THE GUARDIAN: Owner held and English DJ apologises after playing recording at Orbit festival in north-east of country

Tunisian authorities have shut down a nightclub and begun an investigation after a DJ played a remix recording of the Muslim call to prayer, an official has said.

A video, widely shared online since Sunday, shows clubbers dancing to music that includes the call to prayer at the club in the north-east town of Nabeul.

The footage sparked a storm of debate on social media. » | Agence France-Presse in Tunis | Monday, April 3, 2017

Up to 100,000 UK Jobs At Risk as Merkel and Juncker Ally Warns on Euro Clearing

THE GUARDIAN: EU lawmaker Manfred Weber says sector must relocate out of City of London after Brexit

The future of an estimated 100,000 jobs has been plunged into doubt after a close political ally of the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, warned that a prized sector in the City of London must relocate to EU soil after Brexit.

Manfred Weber, the leader of the largest political group in the European parliament, to which both the German chancellor and the commission president belong, told reporters that euro-denominated clearing could no longer be undertaken in the City when the UK leaves the EU.

“EU citizens decide on their own money,” Weber said during a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday. “When the UK is leaving the European Union it is not thinkable that at the end the whole euro business is managed in London. This is an external place, this is not an EU place any more. The euro business should be managed on EU soil.” Read on and comment » | Daniel Boffey | Tuesday, April 4, 2017

May: National Trust Stance ‘Ridiculous’ Over Egg Hunt Easter Omission

The prime minister, Theresa May, criticises the National Trust after the organisation decided not to mention Easter in the title of its annual egg hunt. Speaking while in Jordan on Tuesday, May adds that a Christian and also member, that she doesn’t understand what the National Trust were thinking when they made the decision. Easter is on the National Trust’s website but not on the event logo

Read the Guardian article here

Ayaan Hirsi Ali Cancels Australian Visit After Threats

Claire Lehmann reports that the Councils for the Prevention of Islamophobia is threatening a venue hosting Ayaan Hirsi Ali and co-opting the language of Black Lives Matter to do so.

Marine Le Pen Calls Merkel 'Toxic'

Sikh Man Comes Out to Himself and Family

How I came out to my Sikh family »

‘It Felt Amazing’ after Sikh man took off turban, cut hair, came out as gay »