Tony Blair Announces His Return to Politics - and Hints at Starting a New Anti-Brexit Movement

THE TELEGRAPH: The Brexit vote has brought many unintended side effects - one of which is Tony Blair's return to politics, 20 years after he won a landslide general election.

As we head towards another of those - but this time with a Conservative government poised to take the victory - the former Prime Minister spoke of his ambitions to soften Brexit and "shape policy debate".

He told The Mirror: "This Brexit thing has given me a direct motivation to get more involved in the politics.

You need to get your hands dirty and I will." Read on and comment » | Helena Horton | Monday, May 1, 2017

France's May Day: Unions, Citizens Split Over Presidential Vote

Rodrigo Duterte Says He May Be Too Busy for White House Visit

THE NEW YORK TIMES: MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines said on Monday that he might not accept President Trump’s invitation to visit the White House, because he was “tied up” with a busy schedule.

“I cannot make any definite promise,” Mr. Duterte said, adding, “I’m supposed to go to Russia, I’m also supposed to go to Israel.”

Mr. Trump’s invitation on Saturday to Mr. Duterte, an authoritarian leader who has been accused of ordering extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, drew criticism from human rights advocates, who said such a visit would amount to a White House endorsement of Mr. Duterte’s policies. Thousands of people have been gunned down in the Philippines since Mr. Duterte took office in June, promising a harsh crackdown on narcotics. » | Felipe Villamor | Monday, May 1, 2017

Sebastian Gorka to Leave White House amid Accusations of Links to Far-right

THE GUARDIAN: Briton, who previously worked for Fox News and Breitbart, had been hired to sit on an advisory panel created by Steve Bannon

Sebastian Gorka, an adviser to Donald Trump who has been under pressure over his links to Hungarian far-right groups, is leaving the White House.

A senior official said Gorka, a former counterterrorism analyst for Fox News who joined the administration as an adviser, will be leaving the White House in the coming days.

The official said that Gorka had initially been hired to sit on the strategic initiatives group, an advisory panel created by Trump’s chief strategist Steve Bannon to run parallel to the national security council.

But that group fizzled out in the early months of the administration. Gorka was unable to get clearance for the national security council after he was charged last year with carrying a weapon at Ronald Reagan Washington national airport. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Monday, May 1, 2017

Jean-Claude Juncker Says Theresa May Is 'Deluded' in Scathing Call with Angela Merkel after Brexit Talks

THE TELEGRAPH: The European Union has warned that it is "more likely than not" that Brexit talks will fail after Jean Claude Juncker accused Theresa May of being "deluded" in the wake of a tense Downing Street dinner.

The President of the European Commission launched a scathing attack on Mrs May after the meeting on Wednesday last week, the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported.

He reportedly claimed during the meeting that Brexit "cannot be a success" and threatened to end talks without a trade deal if Britain refuses to pay a "divorce" bill.

The Prime Minister said that the UK is not legally obliged to pay the EU anything as it leaves the EU. Mr Juncker and his colleagues responded by saying that Britain cannot simply cancel its membership of the EU as if it was a "golf club". Read on and comment » | Helena Horton and Steven Swinford, Deputy Political Editor | Monday, May 1, 2017

Macron vs. Le Pen: France's Bitter Presidential Run-off Race

France's Wartime Past Takes Centre Stage in Presidential Campaign

What’s Making the French Youth Vote for Extremist Parties?

Angela Merkel Arrives without Headscarf in Saudi Arabia for Talks with King Salman

THE INDEPENDENT: Theresa May also eschewed the strict dress code for women when she arrived in Riyadh

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Saudi Arabia without a headscarf for talks with the oil-rich kingdom's monarch. Ms Merkel was greeted by King Salman and other top officials upon her arrival at the western city of Jiddah. Like other recent female Western visitors, the German Chancellor did not cover her hair upon arrival in the conservative Islamic kingdom. Read on and comment » | Samuel Osborne | Sunday, April 30, 2017

Le Pens Euro-Kehrtwende: Au revoir, "Frexit"!

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Marine Le Pen verabschiedet sich von ihrem wichtigsten Wahlversprechen - der Abkehr vom Euro. Die Front-National-Chefin hofft wohl, so EU-Freund und Konkurrent Emmanuel Macron in der Stichwahl abzufangen.

"Frankreich seine Souveränität zurückgeben - bei Geldpolitik, Gesetzgebung, territorialer und wirtschaftlicher Verantwortung": Der Rückzug auf die Nation gehört zum Credo von Marine Le Pen und ziert als Punkt Nummer eins ihre 144 Wahlversprechen für ein "freies Frankreich."

Die Abkehr von der Gemeinschaft, der Bruch mit dem Euro - es waren bislang zentrale Kernaussagen im Programm der rechtspopulistischen Präsidentschaftskandidatin des Front National (FN). Brüssel und die "Herrschaft der Technokraten" waren die Urheber aller Übel der Nation; der Euro ein Symbol der ökonomischen "Unterwerfung" unter den Dirigismus von Angela Merkel. » | Von Stefan Simons, Paris | Sonntag, 30. April 2017

Trump Trolls White House Correspondents' Dinner

Donald Trump mocks members of the media attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC during a rally in Pennsylvania. ‘A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation’s capital right now,’ Trump says, to cheers. The US president Trump says he ‘could not possibly be more thrilled to be more than 100 miles away from Washington swamp, spending my evening with all of you and a much, much larger crowd and much better people’

Read the Guardian article here

Iranian TV Executive Shot Dead in Istanbul, Turkish Media Report

THE GUARDIAN: Saeed Karimian, founder of Farsi-language network GEM TV, reportedly shot dead along with his Kuwaiti business partner

The Iranian founder of a popular Farsi-language satellite television network has been shot dead in Istanbul alongside a Kuwaiti business partner, according to Turkish media, months after reportedly being convicted of spreading “propaganda” against the Islamic Republic.

GEM TV founder Saeed Karimian was travelling through Istanbul’s Maslak neighbourhood after 8pm (1700 GMT) on Saturday when the car was blocked by a Jeep and shots were fired, Turkey’s Doğan news agency said on Sunday.

Karimian was found dead by emergency services. His associate was taken to hospital but could not be revived. » | Reuters | Sunday, April 30, 2017

EU Threatens Theresa May on Trade Talks and Its Citizens' Rights

THE GUARDIAN: European leaders take hard line on Brexit at special summit, agreeing unanimously on rigid stance in just four minutes

The European Union has called on Theresa May to provide immediate “serious and real” guarantees to its citizens living in Britain. The EU leaders took just four minutes at a special summit to agree unanimously an uncompromising opening stance in the Brexit negotiations.

Leaders said they would not discuss a future trade deal with the British government until “sufficient progress” is made on the issues of Britain’s estimated €60bn divorce bill, the rights of EU nationals in the UK, and the border in Ireland.

The European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, told reporters at the special summit in Brussels that EU citizens in Britain were the number one priority, and that he had discussed the need for Britain to now live up to its warm words regarding EU citizens during a dinner with the prime minister in Downing Street last week. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Saturday, April 29, 2017

What Change Has Trump Brought to Washington? - Inside Story

Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States with fewer votes than his opponent. And his approval ratings after 100 days are lower than any previous president. Critics say it's been a chaotic and controversial start...but consistent with his electioneering. He's failed to fulfil some campaign promises and had to change his mind on others. And he's surprised the world with direct U.S. intervention in the Syrian conflict and his warnings to North Korea. He did say he wanted to shake up Washington, and by all accounts he has. But where is he going to take the United States, and the rest of the world, over the next four years? | Presenter: Jane Dutton | Guests: John Hudak, Deputy Director at the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution; Raisa Sheynberg, Former Director for International Economic Affairs at the National Security Council at The White House, under the Obama administration; Brad Thomas, Author of "The Trump Factor"

Brexit: EU-Kommission befürchtet Scheitern der Verhandlungen

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: In Brüssel hält man ein Scheitern der Gespräche für wahrscheinlicher als einen Erfolg. Die britische Regierungschefin May stellte bei einem Treffen mit Kommissionschef Juncker aus EU-Sicht vollkommen überzogene Forderungen.

In der EU-Kommission herrscht große Skepsis über einen erfolgreichen Abschluss der Brexit-Verhandlungen mit dem Vereinigten Königreich. Grund dafür ist der Verlauf des Treffens zwischen Kommissionspräsident Jean-Claude Juncker und der britischen Premierministerin Theresa May am vergangenen Mittwoch in London. » | von Thomas Gutschker | Sonntag, 30. April 2017

Bundesinnenminister: „Wir sind nicht Burka“

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Innenminister Thomas de Maizière stellt zehn Thesen zu einer deutschen Leitkultur auf. Dazu zählt er den Leistungsgedanken, das Erbe der deutschen Geschichte – und dass Frauen ihr Gesicht zeigen.

Bundesinnenminister Thomas de Maizière (CDU) hat einen Zehn-Punktekatalog für eine deutsche Leitkultur vorgelegt. „Ich will mit einigen Thesen zu einer Diskussion einladen über eine Leitkultur für Deutschland“, schreibt de Maizière in einem Gastbeitrag für die „Bild am Sonntag“. Wer sich seiner eigenen Kultur sicher sei, sei stark. De Maizière führt zehn Eigenschaften auf … » | Quelle: dpa/KNA/spo. | Sonntag, 30. April 2017

Les images fortes du séjour du pape François en Égypte

LE FIGARO: EN IMAGES - Au second jour de sa visite en Égypte, le pape François célébrait une messe alors que les chrétiens d'Orient sont visés par l'État islamique. La veille, il plaidait pour la tolérance et le dialogue entre musulmans et chrétiens.

Le pontife, âgé de 80 ans, s'est rendu ce samedi au stade de l'armée de l'air égyptienne, d'une capacité de 30.000 places, pour prononcer une homélie et prier avec les fidèles. Un rassemblement religieux qui réunissait tous les rites catholiques du pays, notamment les églises copte, arménienne, maronite et melkite, et dont la liturgie était en arabe et en latin. » | Par Le figaro.fr et AFP agence | samedi 29 avril 2017

Marine Le Pen Takes Her Fight to the Right as Macron Dips in Polls

THE TELEGRAPH: Marine Le Pen took her fight for the French presidency to the Right-wing Riviera bastion of Nice last night slamming Emmanuel Macron as a puppet of "oligarchs" whose aim is to destroy and "dilute" France.

Her claim came as one poll suggested that Mr Macron's lead had slightly shrunk ahead of the May 7 runoff.

"We can win," Ms Le Pen told 4,000 tricolour flag-waving supporters at the Nice rally. "Throw them out! We are David against Goliath."

The far-Right contender spent the first first three days after Sunday's first round vote wooing French workers - many of whom had voted for Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the Communist-backed firebrand. » | Henry Samuel, Nice | Thursday, April 27, 2017

100 Tage Trump: Die Absurdität als Alltag

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Donald Trumps erste drei Amtsmonate waren chaotisch und konfus. Eines ist klar geworden: Er ist ein demokratiefeindlicher Plutokrat - und lernt jetzt langsam, seine Macht anzuwenden.

Seinen 100. Tag als Präsident wird Donald Trump dort feiern, wo er sich am wohlsten fühlt - im Kreise ekstatischer Anhänger. Und zwar in Harrisburg, der Hauptstadt Pennsylvanias, das er im November knapp gewann: Auf einer Großkundgebung will er sich feiern lassen. Sein Wahlkampf geht nie zu Ende.

Wie dieser Wahlkampf waren auch seine ersten drei Monate: chaotisch, konfus, betäubend - ein tägliches Schleudertrauma zwischen "Im Ernst?" und "Wird schon". Eine Bilanz fällt schwer. Was zählt, was nicht, was bleibt? » | Ein Kommentar von Marc Pitzke, New York | Samstag, 29. April 2017

Si Marine Le Pen est élue présidente, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan sera son premier ministre

LE FIGARO: La candidate du Front national, qui a obtenu vendredi le ralliement du dirigeant de Debout la France, a justifié ce choix au nom du «patriotisme» et du «projet commun»

La candidate du Front national Marine Le Pen a annoncé samedi qu'en cas d'élection à la présidence, elle nommerait Nicolas Dupont-Aignan comme premier ministre, lors d'une conférence de presse commune avec le président de Debout la France qui l'a ralliée la veille. Louant l'ex-candidat souverainiste, «un patriote», pour son soutien, et se disant «fière de cette alliance» pour «défendre main dans la main un projet commun» en vue du second tour, Maine Le Pen a déclaré: «présidente de la République, je nommerai Nicolas Dupont-Aignan premier ministre de la France». » | Par Anne-Laure Frémont et AFP agence | samedi 29 avril 2017

Bill O'Reilly Speaks Out after Being Fired from Fox News

Using his "No Spin News" podcast, Bill O'Reilly spoke out for the first time Monday since his firing from Fox News. This happened as the channel was hit with a new lawsuit from former anchor Andrea Tantaros who accused executives of high-tech retaliation after she complained of sexual harassment. Anna Werner reports.

EU Leaders Set to Take Tough Stance in Special Brexit Summit

THE GUARDIAN: Leaders of EU27 are expected to demand that UK resolves key divorce issues before any talks on future trade deal can begin

EU leaders are expected to unite on a tough opening negotiating stance on Brexit at a special summit in Brussels on Saturday, when they will agree on whether to make Britain settle potential payments to the bloc before considering a new trade deal.

The heads of the remaining 27 countries will demand that Britain resolves the key divorce issues of citizens’ rights, the divorce bill and the border on the island of Ireland before any talks on a future trade deal between the UK and the EU can begin. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Saturday, April 29. 2017

President Trump Looks to Turn the Screws on North Korea

Apr. 28, 2017 - 4:06 - Chief White House correspondent John Roberts reports

The Wolf’s Lair | Nazi Hitler Documentary

WIKIPEDIA: Wolf's Lair »

Bernie Sanders Sounds Off On Donald Trump's Latest Fiascos | All In | MSNBC

Senator Bernie Sanders sounds off on the flurry of activity from the Trump administration, including its last-ditch effort to kill Obamacare and a tax cut plan that would give breaks to those who need then the least.

US War Veteran: I Stand behind Assad 100%

American war veteran Angelo John Gage speaks out against President Trump's attempts to further destabilize Syria, expressing his strong opposition to launch another counter-productive and illegal war based on lies and media propaganda.

What Can Pope Francis Achieve in Egypt? - Inside Story

The visit by Pope Francis to Egypt is being seen as an opportunity to promote better relations between Christians and Muslims.

Trump's First 100 Days. And What Has He Done? | The Resistance with Keith Olbermann | GQ

Tallying the accomplishments of Donald Trump, the candidate who promised so much.

In Memory: Etienne Cardiles’ Tribute to His Partner, Xavier Jugelé

With thanks to The Guardian for recording and this profoundly moving statement.

Limited Burka Ban Approved by German Parliament

THE TELEGRAPH: Germany’s parliament has voted to approve a partial burka ban for judges, civil servants and soldiers carrying out their duties.

Under the ban, officials will also be able to require women wearing a burka or full-face veil to uncover their faces for the purposes of identification.

The new law falls short of calls from the Right in Germany for a French-style blanket ban on the burka in public places.

It also stops short of Angela Merkel’s call for a ban “wherever legally possible”.

The new legislation is mainly directed at public officials, and does not affect the right of private individuals to wear the burka in public. Read on and comment » | Justin Huggler in Berlin | Friday, April 28, 2017

Nordkoreas Atomwaffen: Trump: „Es kann zu einem großen Konflikt kommen“

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Donald Trump warnt vor einer möglichen Eskalation im Konflikt mit Nordkorea. Allerdings hofft Amerikas Präsident auf China - und auf einen Charakterzug von Nordkoreas Machthaber Kim Jong-un.

Amerikas Präsident Donald Trump hat vor einer Eskalation im Nordkorea-Konflikt gewarnt. „Am liebsten würden wir diese Dinge diplomatisch lösen, aber das ist sehr schwierig“, sagte Trump am Donnerstag in einem Interview der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters. „Es besteht die Möglichkeit, dass wir am Ende einen großen, großen Konflikt mit Nordkorea haben. Absolut“. » | Quelle: rad./Reuters/dpa | Freitag, 28. April 2017

Donald Trump's First 100 Days In Office | Season 28 | THE SIMPSONS

Donald Trump reviews his accomplishments from his first 100 days in office.

The New Normal: Trump's First 100 Days in Office (Parts 1 & 2)

Top US & World Headlines — April 28, 2017

Cuba s'ouvre aussi… à l'Islam

LE FIGARO: En plein coeur de la Havane, l'unique salle de prière musulmane officielle du pays accueille chaque jour une poignée de fidèles. Une communauté discrète qui pratique une religion opposée à la culture fondamentalement latine du pays, mais que l'Arabie saoudite aimerait mettre sous sa coupe. » | Par Vincent Jolly | vendredi 28 avril 2017

Opinion: White House of Grifters

THE NEW YORK TIMES: They dress nice and probably smell good and most of them don’t even muss the furniture. Wealth gives them the patina of respectability — the American reflex of deference to the rich. But make no mistake: The Trump family and assorted cronies are using the highest office in the land to stuff their pockets.

The presidential sleaze involves everything from using public money to promote and enrich Trump properties to pay-to-play schemes that allow companies to buy influence at many levels. At its core is a nepotistic operation that puts family interests ahead of country.

Donald Trump’s presidency may look like a theater of incompetency: armada going in the wrong direction, forgetting what country he bombed but remembering what he had for dessert, major promises broken with a shrug.

But one thing Trump has accomplished in his first 100 days is ensuring that his family can use the vast reach of the federal government for private gain. By God, they seen their opportunities and they took ’em. » | Timothy Egan | Friday, April 28, 2017

'I Thought Being President Would Be Easier': Trump's Reuters Interview Highlights

THE GUARDIAN: Donald Trump reflects on his first 100 days in office in an interview with Reuters, saying he misses aspects of his former life and is finding the presidency more work that he expected. He says the lack of freedom to go anywhere or to drive has been frustrating


Read the Guardian article here

You need to be more careful what you wish for, Mr. President!

Donald Trump Warns of 'Major, Major Conflict' with North Korea

THE GUARDIAN: US president says he wants to seek a diplomatic solution to crisis in Korea and reveals China is helping to pressure Kim Jong-un

Donald Trump has said that a “major conflict” was possible with North Korea though he would prefer to solve the standoff over the country’s nuclear and missile programmes through diplomacy.

Trump’s warning on Thursday came towards the end of a week where the administration has made a concerted effort to restrain Pyongyang from carrying out major new weapons tests.

At the same time, US officials sought to clarify US policy after a variety of mixed signals in the administration’s first 100 days.

Rex Tillerson, the secretary of state, said that the US would be prepared to enter into direct talks with the regime of Kim Jong-un, but that it would have to prepare to negotiate getting rid of all its nuclear weapons. » | Julian Borger in Washington and Benjamin Haas in Hong Kong | Friday, April 28, 2017

"A Land Grab by the Ruling Elites": Trump's Tax Plan Derided for Benefiting the Rich

The White House has outlined a plan to give the nation’s millionaires and billionaires a massive tax break while adding trillions of dollars to the U.S. deficit. The plan would lower the corporate tax rate to 15 percent, end the estate tax and end the alternative minimum tax—a move that would solely benefit the richest Americans, including President Trump. A leaked 2005 tax return shows Trump paid out $36.6 million in federal income taxes that year—most of it due to the alternative minimum tax. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich described Trump’s tax plan as a form of class warfare. The tax plan was unveiled on Wednesday by two former executives at Goldman Sachs—Trump’s chief economic adviser Gary Cohn and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin—who hailed the tax cuts. We speak to economist James Henry of the Tax Justice Network.

Trump's First 100 Days - Simpsons Style

Newlyweds At War Over Trump's 100 Days - BBC News

Gretchen and Tom just got married - but the couple are deeply divided when it comes to politics. She backed Clinton and he voted for Trump. So how do they rate the new president?

Daniel Lacalle: What Will Happen to the EU after Brexit?

Top US & World Headlines — April 27, 2017

France Presidential Elections: How Are Middle Eastern Media Responding?

Middle Eastern media outlets have been reacting in their droves to the closest French election in decades: Middle East Matters alongside Julia Sieger reviews them!

Angela Merkel Attacks British 'Illusion' of Keeping Benefits of EU

THE GUARDIAN: German chancellor says UK cannot have same rights as member states nor negotiate trade relations before agreeing to pay its bill

Angela Merkel has said British politicians are still living under the “illusion” that the UK will retain most of its rights and privileges once it leaves the European Union.

Addressing her parliament ahead of this weekend’s EU summit at which European leaders will formally adopt Brexit negotiation guidelines, the German chancellor said: “Countries with a third country status – and that’s what Great Britain will be – cannot and will not have the same or even more rights as a member of the European Union. All 27 member states and the European institutions agree on this.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she continued, “you may think that all this is self-evident. But I have to put this so clearly because I get the impression that some in Great Britain still have illusions about this, and that is a waste of time.”

Merkel also said it made “no sense” to negotiate a future UK-EU relationship without agreement on the UK’s financial commitment to the EU, while also hinting that parallel discussions could be possible once questions about budget contributions had been satisfied.

“We can only make a deal about Britain’s future relationship to the EU once all questions about the terms of its exit can be clarified to a satisfying degree. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin and Dan Roberts | Thursday, April 27, 2017

Donald Trump Stands to Make Millions Off His Own Tax Plan

VANITY FAIR: Is anybody really surprised?

On Wednesday, Donald Trump’s administration revealed its massive, big-league plan to “reform” the tax code—or, more accurately, slash the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. Without any proposal to pay for such a massive cut, the White House proposal is unlikely to survive Congress in its current form. Still, the president has good reason to fight for it with every bone in his papaya-colored body: it’s likely to personally make him millions. » | Bess Levin | Wednesday, April 26, 2017

This Isn’t Tax Policy; It’s a Trump-Led Heist

THE NEW YORK TIMES: What do you do if you’re a historically unpopular new president, with a record low approval rating by 14 points, facing investigations into the way Russia helped you get elected, with the media judging your first 100 days in office as the weakest of any modern president?

Why, you announce a tax cut!

And in your self-absorbed way, you announce a tax cut that will hugely benefit yourself. Imagine those millions saved! You feel better already!

I’m deeply skeptical that President Trump will manage to get a tax reform package passed into law, and that’s just as well. Trump’s new tax “plan”(more like an extremely vague plan for a plan) is an irresponsible, shameless, budget-busting gift to zillionaires like himself.

This isn’t about “jobs,” as the White House claims. If it were, it might cut employment taxes, which genuinely do discourage hiring. Rather, it’s about huge payouts to the wealthiest Americans — and deficits be damned! If Republicans embrace this “plan” after all their hand-wringing about deficits and debt, we should build a Grand Monument to Hypocrisy in their honor.

Trump’s tax “plan” is a betrayal of his voters. He talks of helping ordinary Americans even as he enriches tycoons like himself. » | Nicholas Kristof | Wednesday, April 26, 2017

President Trump’s Laughable Plan to Cut His Own Taxes

THE NEW YORK TIMES: As a rule, Republican presidents like offering tax cuts, and President Trump is no different. But the skimpy one-page tax proposal his administration released on Wednesday is, by any historical standard, a laughable stunt by a gang of plutocrats looking to enrich themselves at the expense of the country’s future.

Two of Mr. Trump’s top lieutenants — Steven Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, both multimillionaires and former Goldman Sachs bankers — trotted out a plan that would slash taxes for businesses and wealthy families, including Mr. Trump’s, in the vague hope of propelling economic growth. So as to not seem completely venal, they served up a few goodies for the average wage-earning family, among them fewer and lower tax brackets and a higher standard deduction.

The proposal was so empty of illustrative detail that few people could even begin to calculate its impact on their pocketbooks. Further, depending on where they live, some middle-class families might not benefit much or at all, because the plan does away with important deductions like those for state and local taxes. » | The Editorial Board | Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Jared Kushner Courts Scandal With Sketchy Backers | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC

Rachel Maddow shares new reporting from the New York Times that Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner's secret financial backers are a family with businesses under investigation for corruption.

Is the Russian Orthodox Church Serving God or Putin? | DW English

As the Russian Orthodox Church faces mounting controversy over its hard line agendas and its close ties to the Kreml, Conflict Zone host Tim Sebastian travels to Moscow to talk to representative Vakhtang Kipshidze.

France: Posters & Political Spin

Hälfte der Russen will Rücktritt des Regierungschefs

DIE PRESSE: Premier Dmitrij Medwedew ist wegen Korruptionsvorwürfen unter Druck. Er soll sich ein großes Vermögen mit Jachten, Villen und Weinbergen zugelegt haben.

Fast die Hälfte der Teilnehmer einer repräsentativen Umfrage sind für einen Wechsel an der Regierungsspitze Russlands. Das teilte das renommierte Lewada-Zentrum am Mittwoch in Moskau mit. Der Chef der russischen Regierung, Premier Dmitrij Medwedew, ist zuletzt wegen schwerer Korruptionsvorwürfe unter Druck geraten. Laut der Umfrage sind Medwedews Zustimmungswerte seit Monaten im Sinkflug. Sprachen ihm im Mai 2016 noch 53 Prozent der Befragten ihr Vertrauen aus, sind es im April 2017 nur 33 Prozent. » | APA/dpa/red. | Mittwoch, 26. April 2017

Tucker to Dem: You Got Hoodwinked by Obama on Iran Deal

Apr. 25, 2017 - 7:01 - The truth about the danger posed by the men freed in prisoner swap as part the January 2016 deal and the other concessions were kept secret until now. How far does Pres. Obama's apparent deception go?

North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions a Top Concern

Apr. 26, 2017 - 4:52 - Insight from retired 4 star Admiral Robert Natter, former commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet

Diskussion | Wie sicher ist Österreich? u.a HC Strache FPÖ | 26.04.2017

Diskussion| HC Strache FPÖ Peter Pilz Grüne, Strolz NEOS, Sobotka ÖVP Flüchtlinge Migranten Gewalt | 26.04.2017

Chomsky: Like Obama, Trump Is Radically Increasing the Danger of Nuclear War

On Monday night, Democracy Now!’s Amy Goodman spoke to world-renowned linguist and dissident Noam Chomsky at the First Parish Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During the conversation, Amy Goodman asked Chomsky about one of the most serious threats to the survival of the human species: nuclear weapons.

Princess Margaret's Death - News Bulletin from Australia

Reports from National Nine News (Queensland, Australia) on the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, sister to Queen Elizabeth II, in February 2002 at the age of 71.

France's Undecided: Anti-Le Pen Vote No Longer a Given

Deadly Game: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un Risk Nuclear War

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: With prospects growing that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could soon have long-range nuclear missiles at his disposal, Donald Trump is threatening a military response. Suddenly nuclear war seems possible, but how great is the threat of escalation?

Rehearsals for the apocalypse have long been underway. Every two months, always in the early afternoon, the sirens begin wailing in Seoul. Cars and buses come to a halt, civil defense officials take up their positions at busy intersections and volunteers wearing yellow armbands guide pedestrians into the nearest shelter, of which there are hundreds in the South Korean capital.

The army, too, is prepared. Highways between Seoul and the border at the 38th parallel are lined with watchtowers and every few kilometers, heavy, concrete barriers hang above the road. Should war break out, explosive charges would drop the barriers onto the roadway, blocking the way to attackers. Beaches on the coast are likewise outfitted with tank traps and barbed wire -- all in an effort to protect the southern half of the Korean Peninsula from the poor yet heavily armed north. » | Mathieu von Rohr, Christoph Scheuermann, Wieland Wagner and Bernhard Zand | Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Korea-Konflikt: China warnt vor "unvorstellbaren Konsequenzen"

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Amerikaner starten früher als geplant den Aufbau eines Raketenabwehrsystems, Militärübungen werden in Fernost abgehalten. China warnt eindringlich vor einem Krieg zwischen den USA und Nordkorea.

China und Russland haben sich besorgt über die zunehmenden Spannungen zwischen den USA und Nordkorea geäußert. Ein Krieg auf der koreanischen Halbinsel müsse unter allen Umständen vermieden werden, sagte Pekings Außenministers Wang Yi.

"Auch ein Prozent Wahrscheinlichkeit werden wir nicht dulden", sagte Wang bei einem Treffen mit Außenminister Sigmar Gabriel in Berlin. "Denn Nordkorea ist kein Mittlerer Osten. Wenn auf der koreanischen Halbinsel wirklich Krieg ausbricht, dann haben wir schwerwiegende und unvorstellbare Konsequenzen." Es sei deshalb im Interesse Chinas, "dass wir diese kriegerischen Risiken wirklich eindämmen". » | als/dpa/Reuters | Mittwoch, 26. April 2017

La Turquie est-elle devenue une dictature ?

How Syria and Russia Spun a Chemical Strike

The U.S. blames Syria for a chemical weapons attack on its own people on April 4. Syria and Russia deny it. We looked at videos, satellite photos and open-source material to find the truth.

Chomsky: CIA Targeting of Julian Assange of WikiLeaks Is "Disgraceful Act"

Last week, the Trump administration reportedly prepared an arrest warrant for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Justice Department was seeking to put Assange in jail. Amy Goodman asked world-renowned linguist and dissident Noam

Propos homophobes visant Xavier Jugelé: le ministre saisit la justice

L’EXPRESS: Le ministre de l'Intérieur Mathias Fekl a saisi ce mardi la procureure de Nanterre après des commentaires homophobes visant le policier tué aux Champs-Elysées.

Qui a sali la mémoire de Xavier Jugelé sur les réseaux sociaux? Selon nos informations, le ministre de l'Intérieur, Mathias Fekl, a saisi ce mardi la justice après avoir relevé plusieurs commentaires homophobes et injurieux visant le policier de 37 ans, assassiné jeudi lors de l'attentat des Champs-Élysées. Ce signalement, déposé auprès du procureure de Nanterre -lieu de l'emplacement de la plateforme Pharos- se fonde sur l'article 40 du code de procédure pénale qui oblige toute administration ou fonctionnaire à signaler une infraction constatée. » | Par Jérémie Pham-Lê, | mardi 25 avril 2017

RFI Journalist Faces 10 Year Prison Sentence in Cameroon

Journalist Ahmed Abba has been tried by a military tribunal in Cameroon, and sentenced to 10 years in prison -- France 24 speaks to Akere Muna about these troubling developments

Marine Le Pen: "For Emmanuel Macron, France Is A Trading Floor"

Greek Cypriot Negotiator: 'We Regret that Turkey Is Distancing Ttself from Europe'

Ivanka Gets Booed

Ivanka Trump was recently booed defending her father’s policies. Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, the hosts of The Young Turks, break it down.

Glenn Beck On O'Reilly Sexual Harassment

Former Fox New host, Glenn Beck, decided to give his take on the O’Reilly sexual harassment allegations. Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, the hosts of The Young Turks, tell you why he might be defending O’Reilly.

Marine Le Pen, a 'Normal' Candidate?

Emmanuel Macron: "Marine Le Pen Is Proposing a Brutal, Heinous Political Project"

Paris macht Assad für Giftgasangriff verantwortlich

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Der Chemiewaffeneinsatz in Khan Sheikoun trägt „die Signatur des Regimes“, ist sich Frankreichs Außenminister sicher. Als Beleg führt Jean-Marc Ayrault Proben im Besitz des eigenen Geheimdienstes an.

Frankreich hat nach eigenen Angaben Beweise dafür, dass die der syrischen Regierung für den Giftgasangriff in Khan Sheikoun verantwortlich ist, bei dem am 4. April rund 80 Menschen getötet wurden. Proben vom Angriffsort und von den Opfern hätten nachgewiesen, dass das Nervengas Sarin eingesetzt worden sei, sagte Außenminister Jean-Marc Ayrault am Mittwoch in Paris. „Wir wissen aus sicherer Quelle, dass das Herstellungsverfahren des Sarins (...) typisch für die Methode ist, die in den syrischen Labors entwickelt wurde.“ Die Methode trage „die Signatur des Regimes“, so Ayrault weiter, „und das erlaubt es uns, seine Verantwortung für diese Attacke festzustellen“. Laut Angaben der Nachrichtenagentur AFP stammen die Proben vom französischen Geheimdienst. » | Quelle: dpa | Mittwoch, 26. April 2017

A Marine Le Pen Victory Wouldn’t Necessarily Be a Win for Trump

THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — After all but endorsing the far-right presidential candidate in France last week, President Trump has been conspicuously silent since his fellow populist Marine Le Pen finished second in the voting on Sunday and put herself within striking distance of the Élysée Palace.

Mr. Trump’s reticence can be attributed to any number of factors: the White House’s reluctance to inject itself further in a foreign election; the fact that Mr. Trump is more focused on trumpeting his achievements after 100 days in office; or simply that Mr. Trump likes winners, and Ms. Le Pen looks likely to lose the runoff in two weeks. » | Mark Landler | Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Was Another US Citizen Arrested in North Korea?

Tensions remain extremely high between US and North Korea. A South Korean news agency reported that a US citizen was arrested in Pyongyang on Friday, but the North denies the claim. Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson is still en route to North Korea, a move which North Korea decries as “an extremely dangerous act by those who plan nuclear war.” RT America’s Alexey Yaroshevsky has the story.

‘You Will Not Have My Hate’ Says Partner Of Slain Parisian Officer | The New York Times

Etienne Cardiles, whose partner, Xavier Jugelé, a police officer, was shot and killed in Paris last week, said he will not allow himself hatred for the perpetrators of the attack on the Champs-Élysées.

Read the full story here

Hommage au policier tué sur les Champs-Elysées : l'émouvant discours de son conjoint

Honouring Xavier Jugelé

Blogger Who Criticized Government, Radical Islam Killed In Maldives

WBUR: Yameen Rasheed, a 29-year-old blogger and activist in the Maldives, was stabbed to death on Sunday. Rasheed was a prominent satirist and commentator who took aim at radical Islam in the Maldives, and was a frequent critic of the government. Last year he reported receiving death threats. » | Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Saudiarabien in UNO-Kommission für Frauenrechte gewählt

DIE PRESSE: 45 Länder sitzen in der UN-Frauenrechtskommission. Und ausgerechnet Saudiarabien ist nun in das Gremium gewählt worden. Das sorgt für Kritik.

In Saudi-Arabien werden Frauen elementarste Rechte vorenthalten, sie dürfen nicht ohne männliche Begleitung auf die Straße und auch kein Auto lenken. Zum Entsetzen von Menschenrechtlern wurde die Regierung des wahhabitischen Königreichs nun in die UNO-Frauenrechtskommission gewählt, die weltweit Frauenrechte und Gleichberechtigung fördern soll. Weiter lesen und einen Beitrag hinzufügen » | APA | Dienstag, 25. April 2017

Hundreds of Thousands Take to the Streets Worldwide for the Global March for Science

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of scientists and science supporters took to the streets around the world in a global March for Science on Earth Day. More than 600 marches and rallies took place, with one on every continent, including on Antarctica. Massive marches occurred from coast to coast in the United States, including at a massive rally in Washington, D.C. Among those who took to the stage were Bill Nye, "The Science Guy"; Earth Day founder Denis Hayes; former EPA environmental justice official Mustafa Ali, who resigned after Trump took office; Sam Droege of the U.S. Geological Survey; and James Balog, of the Extreme Ice Survey, which is documenting the rapid retreat of glaciers due to climate change.

Trump's Best Enemy? North Korea in Washington's Crosshairs (Parts 1 & 2)

"Without Nuclear Weapons, North Korea Would Cease To exist"

'I Don't Think Gay Sex Is A Sin' Says Tim Farron - BBC News

Following repeated questions about his views, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has told the BBC's Eleanor Garnier that he does not believe gay sex is a sin. He added that - in his view - political leaders should not "pontificate on theological matters".

Is There a Risk of Complacency in the Macron Camp?

Southern Border Plan: Mexico's Own Fight Against Illegal Immigration

Who Are Le Pen and Macron's Voters?

The Debate: "Macron Stands for Interest, Le Pen Stands for Core Beliefs"

Netanyahu lässt Treffen mit Gabriel platzen

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Affront beim Besuch von Außenminister Gabriel in Israel: Ministerpräsident Netanyahu hat ein Treffen kurzfristig abgesagt. Hintergrund ist eine geplante Diskussionsrunde des Deutschen mit Regierungskritikern.

Israels Premier Benjamin Netanyahu hat ein geplantes Treffen mit Bundesaußenminister Sigmar Gabriel abgesagt - weil der SPD-Politiker bei seinem Besuch in dem Land auch Regierungskritiker treffen will. Das berichtete Gabriel selbst. Der Schritt ist ein diplomatischer Affront.

Ein israelischer Sprecher bestätigte die Absage später. "Die Politik von Ministerpräsident Netanyahu ist, sich nicht mit ausländischen Besuchern zu treffen, die auf diplomatischen Trips in Israel wiederum Gruppen treffen, die israelische Soldaten als Kriegsverbrecher verleumden", teilte das Büro des Premiers mit. » | kev/dpa/Reuters | Dienstag, 25. April 2017

L'hommage de la Nation au policier Xavier Jugelé

LE FIGARO: Le chef de l'État a rendu un hommage national au policier assassiné jeudi soir sur les Champs-Élysées. Il a appelé son sucesseur à donner «les ressources budgétaires nécessaires pour recruter les personnels indispensables à la protection de nos concitoyens».

À 11 heures ce mardi matin, la République avait rendez-vous dans la cour d'honneur du 19 août de la Préfecture de police de Paris, au coeur de l'île de la Cité, à quelques pas du palais de justice, pour rendre hommage à Xavier Jugelé, le policier tué jeudi sur les Champs-Élysées. Le lieu est symbolique: son nom rend hommage au soulèvement de la préfecture, aux gardiens de la paix qui ont combattu pour la libération de Paris lors de la Seconde Guerre mondiale pendant laquelle 177 policiers avaient trouvé la mort. Symbolique aussi car c'est dans cette même cour qu'avait eu lieu l'hommage des trois policiers - Clarissa Jean-Philippe, Franck Brinsolaro et Ahmed Merabet - tombés le 7 janvier 2015 sous les balles des frères Coulibaly, ceux-là même qui avaient perpétré le carnage à Charlie Hebdo. » | Par Anne Jouan | mardi 23 avril 2017

Burqa & Sharia Court Ban: UKIP Unveils New Agenda ahead of Snap Elections (Debate)

UKIP is calling for new measures ‘Islamization of the country’ ahead of June’s snap general election. UKIP also wants to put a ban on Burqas as well as Sharia Laws.

German Crowd Boos Ivanka Trump for Calling Her Father a ‘Champion’ for Families

THE WASHINGTON POST: A German crowd booed Ivanka Trump on Tuesday after she called her father a “a tremendous champion of supporting families.”

Trump was taking her first crack at diplomacy abroad in her new role as assistant to the president, vowing at an economic conference in Berlin to create “positive change” for women in the United States.

“He encouraged me and enabled me to thrive,” she said on a panel with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “I grew up in a house where there was no barrier to what I could accomplish beyond my own perseverance and my own tenacity.”

Miriam Meckel, editor of the German magazine Wirtschaftswoche, noted the audience’s response of groaning and hissing and asked Ivanka Trump whether her father is actually an “empowerer” of women. » | Danielle Paquestte | Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Top US & World Headlines — April 25, 2017

Fox's Future after O'Reilly

Apr. 23, 2017 - 7:46 - Allegations end cable star's long run

Obama’s $400,000 Cantor Speech Makes Him Wall Street's Newest Fat Cat

FOX BUSINESS: When he was president he called them “fat cats,” but now he’s likely thanking them for a huge payday.

Former President Barack Obama, less than 100 days out of office, has agreed to speak at a Wall Street conference run by Cantor Fitzgerald LP, senior people at the firm confirm to FOX Business. His speaking fee will be $400,000, which is nearly twice as much as Hillary Clinton, his secretary of state, and the 2016 Democratic Party candidate, charged private businesses for such events.

Obama has agreed to speak at Cantor’s health care conference in September and will be the keynote luncheon speaker for one day during the event, people at the firm tell FOX Business. These people say Obama has signed the contract, but the company, a mid-sized New York-based investment bank, is waiting to coordinate with the former president before making a formal announcement. » | Charlie Gasparinon, Brian Schwarz | Wall Street | Fox Business | Monday, April 24, 2017

France Rejects The Establishment

For the first time in nearly sixty years, French voters have chosen two candidates outside of their mainstream parties. Cenk Uygur, host of The Young Turks, breaks it down.

View from the Right: EU Élites Out to Crush Le Pen

The European Union Elites are out to crush Le Pen and prevent her victory in the second-round of France's Presidential election.

In Memory of Xavier Jugelé, the Police Officer Slain on the Champs-Élysées, Paris

Xavier est dans nos pensées. Qu'il repose dans la paix éternelle !

France: Emotional Tribute Paid by Partner of Slain Policeman on the Champs-Élysées

Paris Shooting: Hollande Pays Tribute to Slain Policeman

Macron prépare sa campagne de second tour

LE FIGARO: Le leader d'En marche !, qui compte reprendre ses déplacements sur le terrain, a accepté le principe d'un débat face à Marine Le Pen.

La page blanche. Maintenant que le plus dur est fait, se qualifier pour le second tour, le plus compliqué commence, inventer une campagne pour gérer le statut de favori face à Marine Le Pen. L'affiche de la finale de l'élection présidentielle a beau correspondre à celle espérée par Emmanuel Macron, le leader d'En marche ! n'avait pas préparé l'entre-deux-tours. «Nous sommes en train d'organiser tout cela, explique-t-on dans l'entourage du candidat. Nous n'avions pas monté le scénario du second tour.» Superstition ? Bluff ? Intox ? » | Par François-Xavier Bourmaud | lundi 24 avril 2017