Jailed Saudi Feminist Refuses to Deny Torture to Secure Release

THE GUARDIAN: Loujain al-Hathloul will not retract electric shock and sexual assault claims, family says

The prominent Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has rejected a proposal to secure her release from prison in exchange for a video statement denying reports she was tortured in custody, her family said.

Hathloul was arrested more than a year ago with at least a dozen other women’s rights activists as Saudi Arabia ended a ban on women driving cars, which many of the detainees had long campaigned for.

Some of the women appeared in court earlier this year to face charges related to human rights work and contacts with foreign journalists and diplomats, but the trial has not convened in months.

The case has drawn global criticism and provoked anger in European capitals and the US Congress after the journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered by Saudi agents inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate last year.

Rights groups say at least three of the women, including Hathloul, were held in solitary confinement for months and subjected to abuse including electric shocks, flogging and sexual assault. » | Reuters | Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Tom Watson Urges Labour to Work with Lib Dems to Stop No-deal Brexit

THE GUARDIAN: Labour deputy leader says union with Jo Swinson only way to block no-deal Brexit

Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson has urged his party to work with the Liberal Democrats in order to stop a no-deal Brexit, as the party’s new leader Jo Swinson made clear she would work with Watson, despite having ruled out an alliance with Jeremy Corbyn.

The remarks by the two senior politicians at a round table on Wednesday are likely to spark anger from the Labour leadership. Swinson has previously ruled out working with the Labour leader, branding him a Brexiter who could not be trusted to fight for a second referendum to keep the UK in the EU. » | Jessica Elgot | Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Lili'uokalani – Hawaii's Last Queen | Documentary Excerpt

WIKIPEDIA: Queen Lili'uokalani »

THE PALACE: Iolani Palace »

7 Remarkable Things About Khadija, Wife of Prophet Muhammad

FAIR OBSERVER°: Khadija was one of history’s most remarkable women.

I often get into debates with people about women in Islam. How we dress. How we don’t dress. What we think or don’t think or should be thinking.

I also get into debates about feminism. What it is and what it isn’t. I think I’ve spawned permanent foes because I don’t care to apply the label, feminist, to describe myself. (I’m not one for labels, sorry. But if it’s even required of me, “Muslim woman” suits me just fine.)

But if we could agree for a moment that there exists a pure definition of the word feminist — to mean awesomely fierce to the millionth degree — then I’d like to introduce you to Islam’s first feminist: Khadija bint Khuwaylid.

Khadija was the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). And she is one of the people I think about when I face or debate issues surrounding women today. Khadija’s existence precedes mine by more than 1,400 years. But if I can, at the very least, continuously strive to emulate her character, I will consider myself a success in life.

Seven things you might not know about the awesomely fierce Khadija (may God be pleased with her): » | Yasmina Blackman | Thursday, April 23, 2015

Sir Winston Churchill 's Family Feared He Might Convert to Islam

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The discovery of a letter to Sir Winston Churchill from his future sister-in-law has thrown new light on his fascination with Islam and Muslim culture

He is indelibly associated with the fight to preserve Britain and its Empire from Nazi invasion and his subsequent denouncement of Soviet totalitarianism’s Iron Curtain.

In the public eye, Sir Winston Churchill’s long political career earned him a place among the greatest of Britons.

But what may come as a surprise is that he was a strong admirer of Islam and the culture of the Orient — such was his regard for the Muslim faith that relatives feared he might convert.

The revelation comes with the discovery of a letter to Churchill from his future sister-in-law, Lady Gwendoline Bertie, written in August 1907, in which she urges him to rein in his enthusiasm.

In the letter, discovered by Warren Dockter, a history research fellow at Cambridge University, she pleads: “Please don’t become converted to Islam; I have noticed in your disposition a tendency to orientalise [fascination with the Orient and Islam], Pasha-like tendencies, I really have.”

Lady Gwendoline, who married Churchill’s brother Jack, adds: “If you come into contact with Islam your conversion might be effected with greater ease than you might have supposed, call of the blood, don’t you know what I mean, do fight against it.” » | Patrick Sawer | Sunday, December 28, 2014

John Bolton Doesn’t Want a Trade Deal with the UK – He Wants to Colonise Us

THE GUARDIAN: Trump’s national security adviser wants the UK to be beholden to the US for its daily bread, making the country a timid American outpost

John Bolton doesn’t do free trade. He does regime change in countries such as North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba. He does military interventions, notoriously in Afghanistan in 2001, Iraq in 2003 and Libya in 2011. He does punitive sanctions and embargoes. He does spite.

Bolton’s speciality is tearing up multilateral agreements, such as the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, which he claims undermine US national sovereignty. For the same reason, he reviles the very idea of the UN, international law and the international criminal court (ICC).

So when Bolton, whose actual job is national security adviser to Donald Trump, came to London this week to meet Boris Johnson and senior ministers, the real focus of his visit, despite the Whitehall briefings, was not on a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal. It was on regime change in the UK. Bolton, a lifelong neoconservative ideologue, Muslim-baiting thinktanker and erstwhile Fox News commentator, does not give a hormone-filled sausage or chlorine-rinsed chicken wing for a free trade pact, fair or otherwise. Midwest wheat and soya exports are not his thing. What Bolton really does care about is exploiting the UK’s recent governmental upheaval, which almost anywhere else would be described as a rightwing coup, to America’s, and Trump’s, advantage. In short, the former colonies are out to colonise the UK. » | Simon Tisdall | Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — August 13, 2019

Of Course the US Supports a No Deal – It Makes a Minnow Out of Britain

THE GUARDIAN: After Trump security adviser John Bolton’s visit it’s clear the price of US backing will be paid both in trade and foreign policy

If you thought it was bad enough when Donald Trump held a reluctant Theresa May’s hand, then look away now. For things are about to get sweatier.

The president’s clammy embrace of the British right continued this week with the arrival of his national security adviser John Bolton in London, to declare the most isolationist US regime in living memory would “enthusiastically” support a no-deal Brexit.

A weakened country, desperate for a trade deal and in no position to refuse Donald Trump’s demands not just to lower our stringent standards or hamstring our car industry but on foreign policy too? Step right this way, sir! No wonder Bolton talks of us being at the front of the queue for trade talks, a line every bit as clearly crafted to help Downing Street as President Obama’s suggestion during the 2016 referendum that Brexit would push us to the back of it. And if these presidents can’t both be right, then arguably neither can the two very different British Conservative administrations responsible for ghostwriting their respective lines. » | Gaby Hinsliff | Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Special Report: Death of Jeffrey Epstein

Manila Chan (in for Rick Sanchez) anchors a special newscast on the apparent suicide of infamous pedophile and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. RT America’s Trinity Chavez reports on the latest twist in the Epstein saga. Then Mike Papantonio, host of “America’s Lawyer,” shares his expertise. RT America’s John Huddy discusses Epstein’s personal history, his association with Donald Trump and his mysterious private island in the Caribbean. RT America’s Michele Greenstein breaks down the timeline of the struggle to bring Epstein to justice and analyst Steve Malzberg addresses the media coverage of Epstein’s trial and sudden death. Finally attorney and conservative commentator Rory Riley-Topping weighs in on Epstein’s many victims.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — August 12, 2019

British Diplomats to Pull Out from EU Decision-making Meetings within Days

THE GUARDIAN: Critics say No 10 move to quit bloc’s institutional structures leaves UK blindsided

British diplomats will pull out from the EU’s institutional structures of power in Brussels within days, under plans being drawn up by Downing Street.

In an attempt to reinforce the message that the UK is leaving the EU by 31 October, “do or die”, the UK will stop attending the day-to-day meetings that inform the bloc’s decision-making.

The move under discussion is said by UK officials to be in line with Boris Johnson’s first statement in the House of Commons, in which he said he would “unshackle” British diplomacy from EU affairs.

Critics have countered that the symbolic walkout would merely leave the UK blindsided on decisions and ultimately damage the national interest.

…

“Haughty grandstanding like this undermines our place in the world and will be treated as a snub by our European neighbours and allies, who we should be working with to address shared challenges.

“Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill would be appalled by this short-sightedness. We should be leading in Europe, not undermining our own interests.

“To be outside the room while our shared security interests are being discussed shows weakness and pettiness, not strength. Brexit is not inevitable; this national humiliation must end alongside this rotten Conservative government.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Monday, August 12, 2019

Winston Churchill | A Giant in the Century [With Spanish Subtitles]

US Security Adviser in Britain to Discuss Iran, Huawei – and Brexit

THE GUARDIAN: John Bolton expected to urge tougher UK stance towards Tehran and Chinese firm

John Bolton, Donald Trump’s national security adviser, has arrived in London for talks at which he is expected to urge Britain to toughen its stance on Iran and Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei.

As the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union on 31 October, many diplomats expect London to become increasingly reliant on the United States.

Bolton arrived on Sunday night and will hold talks on Monday and Tuesday. They will include a heavy focus on Brexit, reflecting the Trump White House’s attempts to solidify ties with Boris Johnson’s new government after Trump’s strained relationship with his predecessor Theresa May.

The hardliner is expected to urge British officials to align policy on Iran more closely with that of Washington, which has pressured Tehran with an increase in sanctions after the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal. » | Reuters | Sunday, August 11, 2019

B-off back to the States, Mr. Bolton, you're not wanted or needed here! – Mark Alexander

Fascist Anthem Played as Bullfighting Returns to Mallorca

THE GUARDIAN: Far-right Vox leader shows support while animal welfare activists protest

Hundreds of animal rights activists protested outside the bullring in Palma de Mallorca at the weekend as bullfighting returned to the island for the first time since it was outlawed in 2017.

Around 400 protestors chanted: “It’s not art, it’s torture” and “No to bullfighting”, while inside the ring 12,000 people waited to watch some of Spain’s top toreros (bullfighters) enter the ring.

Bullfight supporters chanted: “Freedom” while the arena’s loudspeaker system drowned out the protesters, first with the song Viva España, and then a rendition of the banned fascist anthem Cara al Sol (Facing the Sun). » | Stephen Burgen in Barcelona | Sunday, August 11, 2019

Ireland Tells Boris Johnson There Will Be No Backstop Renegotiation

THE GUARDIAN: Irish government says there is no prospect of rethink in Brexit stalemate

The Brexit stalemate looks set to continue after the Irish government said the backstop would not be up for renegotiation at a planned meeting between Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar.

The two prime ministers will meet early next month but a spokesman for Varadkar said there was no prospect of a rethink on the most contentious part of the withdrawal agreement.

Johnson has been invited by the taoiseach to Dublin with “no preconditions” but the Irish government is keen to avoid any ambiguity. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Sunday, August 11, 2019

Heseltine: Imposing No-deal Brexit 'Intolerable' Attack on Democracy

THE GUARDIAN: ‘Large’ number of Tory MPs set to vote against party, which would also lose ground to Lib Dems

The Conservatives will lose significant votes to the Liberal Democrats or other remain parties if they force through a no-deal Brexit against the will of parliament, the party stalwart Lord Heseltine has warned.

Imposing a no-deal departure without MPs’ consent was “an intolerable position for democracy”, the former deputy prime minister, who is heavily critical of Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s lead adviser and Brexit enforcer, said.

“It is absolutely central that parliament should be able to call to account people who represent them as ministers, and at the moment we’re being told by a particular figure, who’s proud of it, that he’s more or less running the show,” Heseltine said on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday show.

In response, the policing minister, Kit Malthouse, a longtime ally of Johnson, accused Heseltine of being among ageing Conservative figures who had “never quite reconciled themselves to the idea” of Brexit.

Heseltine, whose near-30 year frontbench career culminated in him serving as deputy PM under John Major, has been a persistent critic of Brexit and lost the Conservative whip after saying he had voted Lib Dem in the European elections in May.

In a joint comment piece in the Sunday Times with the Labour peer Betty Boothroyd, Heseltine argued a no-deal departure would be a “grotesque act of national self-harm”. » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Sunday, August 11, 2019

Caesar’s Messiah: The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus – Official Version

Children of Abraham: Part Three | Religious History Documentary | Timeline

Children of Abraham: Part Two | Religious History Documentary | Timeline

New Documents Reveal Blurred Lines with US & Saudi Arabia Relationship

Via America’s Lawyer: Mike Papantonio and RT Correspondent Brigida Santos walk us through a report published by the House Committee of Oversight & Government Reform, which details how President Trump and close allies have lobbied for nuclear technology transfer to Saudi Arabia IRRESPECTIVE of non-proliferation rules. This harrowing report shows a clear prioritization of profit over the safety & security of American citizens.

Coca-Cola Advert for Gay Tolerance Prompts Boycott Call in Hungary

Advertisements by Coca-Cola that promote gay acceptance have prompted a boycott call from a senior member of the Hungary’s right-wing ruling party.


THE NEW YORK TIMES: Coke Ad Riles Hungary Conservatives, Part of Larger Gay Rights Battle » | Marc Santora | Friday, August 9, 2019

Brexit Enforcer Cummings’ Farm Took €235,000 in EU Handouts

THE OBSERVER: Boris Johnson aide accused of hypocrisy over payments

Boris Johnson’s controversial enforcer, Dominic Cummings, an architect of Brexit and a fierce critic of Brussels, is co-owner of a farm that has received €250,000 (£235,000) in EU farming subsidies, the Observer can reveal.

The revelation is a potential embarrassment for the mastermind behind Johnson’s push to leave the EU by 31 October. Since being appointed as Johnson’s chief adviser, Cummings has presented the battle to leave the EU as one between the people and the politicians. He positions himself as an outsider who wants to demolish elites, end the “absurd subsidies” paid out by the EU and liberate the UK from its arcane rules and regulations.

But his critics say the revelation that Cummings has benefited from the system he intends to smash underscores how many British farmers are reliant on EU money that would evaporate if the UK leaves. » | Jamie Doward and Josh Sandiford | Saturday, August 10, 2019

Did Jesus Die on the Cross? | BBC Four Documentary

Jeffrey Epstein Dies after Apparent Suicide in New York Jail

THE GUARDIAN: Wealthy financier, 66, had been accused of sex trafficking and was being held without bail after being arrested on 6 July

Wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein has killed himself at a New York jail, according to authorities in New York and media reports.

“Saturday, August 10, 2019, at approximately 6.30am, inmate Jeffrey Edward Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell … subsequently pronounced dead by hospital staff,” reads a statement from the Metropolitan Correctional Center where Epstein, 66, had been held without bail since his arrest on 6 July on charges of sex trafficking girls as young as 14.

Multiple media reports said Epstein had died by suicide.

Lawyers for several of Epstein’s alleged victims, including Virginia Giuffre, whose depositions detailing her experience as one of the financiers’ “slaves” when she was just 14 years old were released yesterday, called for the investigations into his crimes to continue, despite his death. » | Edward Helmore in New York | Saturday, August 10, 2019

THE GUARDIAN: Who were the rich and powerful people in Jeffrey Epstein's circle? » | Edward Helmore in New York | Saturday, August 10, 2019

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Jeffrey Epstein Dead in Suicide at Manhattan Jail, Officials Say » | William K. Rashbaum, Benjamin Weiser and Michael Gold \ \ Saturday, August 10, 2019

Children of Abraham: Part One | Religious History Documentary | Timeline

In the post 9/11 world, entrenched religious belief is often seen as a key factor in a "clash of civilisations" - Christians, Muslims and Jews locked into an age-old struggle.

In this thought-provoking three-part series, Mark Dowd, a Catholic who trained to be a Dominican Friar, embarks on a very personal journey to the Holy Land, Egypt, Turkey, Bosnia and the USA to explore the shared roots and deep enmities of the three faiths, and to discover if there is hope in a shared future. The prophet Abraham is central to the three great monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Yet, despite these shared origins, and the reconciliatory promise to Abraham that "all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed by you", his descendants have often resembled a squabbling, dysfunctional family. Dowd's journey of discovery is an attempt to grapple with the big questions: Why, if there is one God, are there three so-called monotheistic faiths? Why do some people abuse religion to demonise their enemies while others build bridges to them? And why have the "children of Abraham" often fallen so short of the legacy of unity that was promised to the prophet?

Uncle Hitler | Hitler's Family Documentary | Timeline

THE NEW YORKER: Hitler’s Lost Family » | Timothy W. Ryback | Sunday, July 9, 2000

Wall Street Banks Just Rolled on Trump and His Kids

Major Wall Street banks began handing over volumes of data and documents this week about Donald Trump, his children, his business, and everything he’s ever touched as part of an ongoing investigation in New York State, as well as investigations in the House of Representatives. These documents detail the extensive links between the family and Russian oligarchs, and could potentially reveal evidence of criminal activity. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins explains what’s happening.

Leonard Cohen – Dance Me to the End of Love

Eric Holder Exposed In Attack On Obama’s Legacy

Via America’s Lawyer: Trial Magazines Editor Farron Cousins joins Mike Papantonio to discuss former attorney general Eric Holder and his sweeping failures to prosecute white-collar crime under President Obama, allowing Wall Street moguls to carry on profiting with total abandon.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — August 9, 2019

The Crisis of the Modern West

Jacob and Alex begin a series of videocasts with a discussion of the modern West's identity crisis, political and social anomie, as well as the contemporary relevance of Islam and Orthodox Christianity.

Islam and the West

Islam and Western Civilization, Friends or Foes?

Are the core teachings of Islam compatible with Western Civilization? Author Jacob Williams, of First Things, seems to think so.

FIRST THINGS: Why I Became Muslim » | Jacob Williams *

* Jacob Williams is a writer living in London, England.

Fox's Tucker Carlson Calls White Supremacy Problem a Hoax

CNN's Daniel Dale fact checks Fox News host Tucker Carlson's claim that America's white supremacy problem "is a hoax." This claim came after several days of scrutiny of the El Paso suspect's racist views and the forces that may have radicalized him. News outlets have pointed out that some of the anti-immigrant "invasion" language in the manifesto published online shortly before the attack mirrors what is frequently heard on far-right-wing talk shows and websites. And many prominent politicians have warned about the growing threat of white nationalist violence.

What President Donald Trump Was Really Doing During El Paso Visit | The Last Word | MSNBC

While Donald Trump bragged about his crowd size to hospital staff after the shooting in El Paso, the Trump administration was conducting massive ICE raids in Mississippi leaving terrified children in tears and without their parents.

Independence for Scotland Is Inevitable – We Need a Plan for It

THE GUARDIAN: If I were a Scot I’d vote for independence tomorrow. This crisis is Nicola Sturgeon’s opportunity

Ihope Scotland and Nicola Sturgeon realise how much they may yet owe Boris Johnson. If I were a Scot, I would vote for independence tomorrow. I would want nothing more to do with the shambles of today’s Westminster parliament, which goes on holiday for a month during the worst political crisis in a generation. Labour’s John McDonnell is entirely correct to reassure the Scots of their right to secede from the United Kingdom. The supreme civil right is that to self-government, and the inferior tier of a federation is entitled to claim it, not the superior one to permit.

Scotland has now voted itself a separatist Scottish National party local government unchallenged for 12 years. The party is 20 points ahead in the polls, while support for independence has topped 52%, the same percentage that voted for Brexit across the UK in 2016.

Johnson’s sidekick Dominic Cummings this week warned politicians that they “don’t get to choose which votes they respect”. That is exactly what Cummings and Johnson are doing. They are choosing to ignore the Brexit referendum pledge of frictionless trade, and Johnson is refusing to allow Sturgeon a referendum on independence. Sauce for the Brexit goose is sauce for the tartan gander. No wonder Johnson was about as welcome in Edinburgh last week as Donald Trump in El Paso. » | Simon Jenkins | Friday, August 9, 2019

See Ex-Obama Adviser's Blunt Response When Asked about Fox Host

Former national security adviser Susan Rice says white supremacy in the US is a real and growing problem.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — August 8, 2019

Was Donald Trump Trafficking Cocaine? (w/ David Cay Johnston)

David Cay Johnston points out that in his opinion Donald Trump was in the cocaine trade back in the 1980s. Would this explain his bizarre behavior?

Wall Street Confident That Trump Not Smart Enough To End Trade War

Goldman Sachs circulated a memo to their top investors on Monday warning them that Donald Trump isn’t likely to reach a trade deal with China before the 2020 election, and he certainly won’t end his trade war without that new deal. This means that they have to dig in their heels and expect a major economic downturn as a result of the ongoing trade wars, and they’d also better prepare themselves for a new administration if the dummy in the Oval Office doesn’t wise up. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

We Do Have a Mental Illness Problem & It's In the White House

The Guardian View on British Foreign Policy: The Lost Art of Diplomacy

THE GUARDIAN: Boris Johnson’s cabinet is sulking at Brussels and sycophantic in Washington. Neither approach advances Britain’s interests as it faces Brexit

During the EU referendum campaign Barack Obama warned that Brexit put Britain at risk of relegation as a global trading power. Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, hit back, attributing the US president’s view to “ancestral” dislike of the UK, rooted in “part-Kenyan” heritage. It is not unusual for British politicians to resent being reminded of their country’s junior status in relations with the US (although most manage to express that frustration without nasty racial insinuations). There is no symmetry of clout in the “special relationship”. One side is a superpower, the other is not. Inability to grasp that disparity is a weakness among Eurosceptics. » | Editorial | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

New Rebel Bid to Halt No-deal Brexit amid Fury at PM’s Enforcer

THE GUARDIAN: Alarm is mounting about Dominic Cummings and his willingness to defy parliament

Rebel MPs are working on a plan to thwart Boris Johnson pursuing a no-deal Brexit on 31 October that involves forcing parliament to sit through the autumn recess, amid growing outrage about the power and influence of his controversial aide, Dominic Cummings.

The cross-party group of MPs is looking at legislative options with mounting urgency because of the hardline tactics of Cummings, who one Conservative insider described as running a “reign of terror” in No 10 aimed at achieving Brexit on 31 October at any cost.

Three MPs have told the Guardian that one method under discussion is for members to amend the motion needed for parliament to break for party conferences in mid-September. This could give MPs another three weeks of sitting time to stop a no-deal and potentially open the door for days to be set aside for rebels to control parliamentary business. The ultimate aim would be to pass a bill forcing the government to request an extension to article 50 from Brussels. » | Rowena Mason and Jessica Elgot | Thursday, August 8, 2019

World Exclusive: Dubai Royal Insider Breaks Silence on Escaped Princesses | 60 Minutes Australia

For the first time, Dubai royal family member and palace insider, Marcus Essabri, exposes what life is like inside the royal family. In a world exclusive interview with 60 Minutes, he says the freedoms of women are severely restricted, and there are torturous consequences for those who dare to defy those in power.

How Sanctions Affect Iran... in Five Objects – BBC News

It's a year since President Donald Trump began re-imposing sanctions on Iran, three months after announcing the US was withdrawing from the landmark nuclear deal. The Trump administration has called these "the toughest ever" sanctions imposed on the country. It says they are only aimed at the government, not ordinary Iranians. But sanctions are affecting day-to-day life in Iran and these five items help explain the impact. Produced by Elise Wicker, Camelia Sadeghzadeh and Derrick Evans; art direction by Alice Grenié; executive production by Charlie Newland

Police Break Down Door of Bahrain Embassy in UK after Roof Protester ‘Threatened’

Moosa Mohammed was so keen to protest the imminent execution of two men in Bahrain last month that he climbed onto the roof of the Bahraini embassy in London to unfurl a banner.

Then, as other protestors and police watched from below, the embassy staff appeared to struggle with him. In an unprecedented move police broke in and arrested him. He claims the Bahrainis threatened his life, the Bahrainis say that's ridiculous and claim they called the police fearing a terrorist attack. Mr Mohammed has spoken to our Senior Home Affairs Correspondent Simon Israel who has been investigating what really happened.

'You're Not Welcome Here': Trump Faces Backlash over Ohio and Texas Visits

Donald Trump will receive a frosty reception when he arrives in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday afternoon, three days after the cities were struck by mass shootings. A gunman who invoked the language of white supremacy killed 22 people when he attacked an El Paso Walmart. Local politicians have linked the shooting to Trump's rhetoric about immigrants. The president could also face protests in Dayton, where another gunman killed nine, over his failure to change gun control legislation.

THE GUARDIAN: ‘Do something’: protesters greet Trump as he visits Dayton and El Paso » | Sabrina Siddiqui in Washington and Edward Helmore in New York | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Unter den Linden vor Ort - Die Wannseekonferenz und der geplante Massenmord

Dieses Programm wurde im TV So. 22.01.17 als "Deportation, Ghetto, Vernichtung - die Wannseekonferenz und der geplante Massenmord" ausgestrahlt.

Michaela Kolster diskutiert mit ihren Gästen Julius H. Schoeps (Historiker und Gründungsdirektor Moses Mendelssohn Zentrum für europäisch-jüdische Studien) und Prof. Peter Longerich (Historiker).

Die Wannseekonferenz vom 20. Januar 1942 gilt gemeinhin als der Ausgangspunkt für die von Nazi-Deutschland organisierte Vernichtung der Juden in Deutschland und Europa. In einer Villa am Berliner Wannsee kamen seinerzeit 15 hochrangige Vertreter des NS-Regimes und der SS zusammen, um unter dem Vorsitz von Reinhard Heydrich den Holocaust an den Juden im Detail zu koordinieren.

Allerdings hatte die Deportation jüdischer Bürger aus dem Deutschen Reich und den besetzen Gebieten und die Errichtung jüdischer Ghettos schon deutlich früher begonnen – wenn auch nicht in den „geordneten“ Bahnen, die die Konferenz nun festlegte.

Welchen Stellenwert hat die Wannseekonferenz in der Genese des Holocausts nach neuester Forschung? Was macht die Einzigartigkeit dieses Völkermordes aus? Und wer waren die entscheidenden Köpfe hinter dem organisierten Massenmord?

2020 Dems Say Donald Trump’s Rhetoric Shares Blame For Shootings | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBC

President Trump is deflecting criticism and condemning the mass shootings that occurred over the weekend, but instead of being asked what actions he plans to make, some are asking: did his words contribute to the carnage? Stephanie Ruhle analyzes the president’s rhetoric amid all of this tragedy. Weighing in: Washington Post Bureau Chief Philip Rucker, PBS Newshour National Correspondent Amna Nawaz, former Deputy Labor Secretary under President Obama Chris Lu, the Storm Lake Times’ Art Cullen, journalist Ron Fournier, and New York Times op-ed columnist Bret Stephens.

El Paso Residents To Donald Trump: “You Are Not Welcome Here” | The Last Word | MSNBC

Organizations from around El Paso are calling on the president to not visit their community in the wake of the mass shooting there. That sentiment was echoed by Rep. Veronica Escobar, who said that victims in the hospital told her to tell the president not to come. Lawrence discusses with J.J. Martinez, Richard Parker, and Maria Teresa Kumar.

Gove Says EU ‘Refusing to Negotiate’ on Brexit

The government says it does still want to negotiate a new Brexit deal with the EU. But the minister in charge of no deal preparations, Michael Gove, says Brussels isn't interested.

'John Bolton Tried to Assassinate Me': Interview with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal sits down with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. We discuss the plots to kill him, US sanctions on food distribution, corruption allegations, and the corporate media's industrial grade demonization campaign against him and his elected government.

Trump Has Run 2,200 Facebook Ads Featuring The Word “Invasion”

Donald Trump is still refusing to own up to his role in spreading hate across the country and the deadly consequences that this language has, but a new analysis by Media Matters has found that his campaign has used the word “invasion” in at least 2,200 Facebook ads in the past year. That same word is being used by Fox News today and we have seen what happens as a result of this. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

White Nationalist Terror Attack in El Paso Was Not an Isolated Incident

Gerald Horn and Arun Gupta outline the history of white terror in America and what its modern manifestation means for our future

Amanpour Clashes with Conway over Trump's Rhetoric

In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, counselor to President Trump Kellyanne Conway would not commit to the President toning down his rhetoric on Twitter and at his rallies. The conversation took place following a deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, after police say a 21-year-old white supremacist suspected of carrying out the deadly shooting wanted to stop a "Hispanic invasion of Texas," according to a political document police believe he wrote.

Joe: US Must Show Donald Trump White Supremacy A Dead-End Road | Morning Joe | MSNBC

The Morning Joe panel discusses the lack of Republican response to the latest tragic shootings and what will encourage Donald Trump to change his anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Ivanka Trump Condemns White Supremacy – But Her Actions Tell Another Story

THE GUARDIAN: The president’s daughter said on Sunday that white supremacy is evil, but she has helped sanitise her father’s racist rhetoric

Ivanka Trump is very concerned that the US may have a white supremacist problem. On Sunday, as the country reeled from two mass shootings that killed at least 31 people, she implored her fellow Americans not just to pray for the victims, but to “raise our voices in rejection of these heinous and cowardly acts of hate, terror and violence”. She further tweeted: “White supremacy, like all other forms of terrorism, is an evil that must be destroyed.”

I had to sit down in shock after reading that tweet. The unthinkable had happened; for the first time in my life, I agreed with Ivanka. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the first daughter for bravely pointing out the obvious: white supremacy is terrorism. I would also like to point out the obvious: if Ivanka gave a damn about the rise of white supremacy, she could stroll over to her father’s office and have a word with him. She might suggest, for example, that Trump stop using the term “invasion” to describe asylum seekers and migrants. She might suggest that he not refer to Mexicans as “rapists”. She might suggest that he stop telling congresswoman of colour to “go back” to their countries. » | Arwa Mahdawi | Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Jair Bolsonaro Says Criminals Will 'Die Like Cockroaches' under Proposed New Laws

THE GUARDIAN: Brazil’s president calls for security forces and citizens who shoot alleged offenders to be shielded from prosecution

Brazil’s far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has said he hopes criminals will “die in the streets like cockroaches” as a result of hard-line legislation he is pushing to shield security forces and citizens who shoot alleged offenders from prosecution. In an interview broadcast on Monday, Bolsonaro said he hoped Congress would approve his controversial plans to expand the so-called excludente de ilicitude – an article in Brazil’s criminal code that makes some normally illegal acts permissible. » | Tom Phillips, Latin America correspondent | Tuesday, August 6, 2019

'Trump Is on a Collision Course with Himself': Robert Malley on US Policy in the Middle East

"The Middle East is both the most polarised region in the world - meaning you have all these divisions, all these axes - but also the most integrated, which means that what happens in Syria matters to Saudi Arabia, matters to Iran, matters to Israel," says Middle East analyst and former Obama-administration adviser, Robert Malley. "And so you cannot have an uprising that simply lives on, on its own."

Formerly a White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf Region, Malley now heads leading think-tank, the International Crisis Group (ICG).

Under Barack Obama, Malley was part of the team that crafted the Iran nuclear deal - the one Donald Trump's White House then withdrew from in 2018, calling it "defective".

"His [Trump's] criticisms are either deliberately dishonest, or he hasn't read the deal or he doesn't know what's in it," Malley tells Al Jazeera.

He says Trump decided to withdraw from the deal to get a better deal and to curb Iran's behaviour in the region. But "what have we seen a year later? Iran is now itself moving away from the deal, so its nuclear activities are worse than they were under the deal."

"It could well lead to a war that I am profoundly convinced the president doesn't want," he says. "But I think he [Trump] is on a collision course with himself because his policies - whether he is aware of it or not - are leading towards the possibility of military confrontation that his instincts oppose."

Under the Obama administration, the US also got involved in Saudi's war in Yemen. In April, Malley wrote in the Atlantic: "For an American who had a hand in shaping US Mideast policy during the Barack Obama years, coming to Yemen has the unpleasant feel of visiting the scene of a tragedy one helped co-write."

He tells Al Jazeera that despite the US having "huge reservations", they agreed to get involved in the Yemen conflict in 2015 to support an ally, Saudi Arabia. "The feeling was we can't afford another rupture with Saudi Arabia - which could be a major one - after coming in the wake of the Iran negotiations. So the president [Obama] had this view of, we can help Saudi Arabia defend its security, defend its borders, defend its territorial integrity while trying not to get too involved in the war with the Houthis," he says.

"But in a way that was getting half pregnant. Because once you support Saudi Arabia - once you support the Saudi-led coalition - support is fungible. And the US became complicit in what today the United Nations says is the worst humanitarian crisis we face. So this is a case of tragedy in which US fingerprints are very present."

On US interests elsewhere in the region, Malley feels "the world is spending too much time talking about this 'deal of the century'" that Trump has proposed to solve the Israel-Palestinian crisis.

"We know that if and when this is put on the table, the Palestinians will say no," he says." Because even if it's slightly better than people expect, it's going to be far less than what President Clinton proposed to the Palestinians in 2000, less than what was on offer during the George W Bush presidency, less than what was on offer for the Palestinians during the Barack Obama presidency, so there is no way they are going to say yes.

"The gaps between the parties on the central issues of identity, of territory, of refugees, of security, of settlements, all those gaps are very wide. And it will take ... a very strong third party to try to get the parties where they need to go," Malley says.

Although he believes the two-state solution is "still the best possible outcome" for the region, he concedes that it's becoming harder to see it as the most realistic option.

"It's pretty easy today to say that the two-state solution is more and more a thing of the past," he says. "It's not very easy to say what's a thing of the present or the future."

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — August 5, 2019

New Trade Minister Liz Truss Had Private Talks in US with Libertarian Groups

THE OBSERVER: Fears for weakening of UK’s food safety and animal welfare standards in any deal with America

The cabinet minister in charge of negotiating a new US trade deal met with a series of rightwing American thinktanks to discuss deregulation and the benefits of “Reaganomics”, new documents have revealed.

Liz Truss, the international trade secretary, had a number of meetings with libertarian groups that have championed parts of Donald Trump’s deregulatory agenda and tax cuts.

New details of her three-day visit to Washington last September have been uncovered by Greenpeace’s investigative journalism team, Unearthed. Truss met senior representatives from the Heritage Foundation, a thinktank committed to shrinking the state and cutting environmental regulation, to discuss “regulatory reform”. Also at the meeting was the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Both groups were part of the “shadow trade talks” project, designed to advocate a wide-ranging US trade deal allowing the import of American goods currently banned in Britain. » | Michael Savage | Sunday, August 4, 2019

The Guardian View on Saudi Arabia’s Reforms: Not Just a Battle for Women

THE GUARDIAN: Relaxation of the guardianship system is long overdue. But more change is needed, and the credit for these reforms should go to the women who have fought for them – not Riyadh

The jubilation of women in Saudi Arabia was real – and understandable. Last Friday, the kingdom announced that it is allowing women to apply for passports, to travel without permission and to have more control over family matters – registering a marriage, divorce or child’s birth, and being issued official family documents. These changes to the guardianship system should be genuinely transformative. But celebration can only be partial when women’s rights remain so tightly constricted and the activists who have fought hard for such changes are paying so high a price.

Women will still need permission from a male relative to marry or divorce, or to leave prison or domestic violence refuges. The system needs not reform but abolition. Other laws still hold women back. And as Ms Saffaa, an Australia-based Saudi artist and activist, warned: “When women become equal to men, Saudi Arabia is still going to remain an authoritarian dictatorship that violates countless human rights.” » | Editorial | Sunday, August 4, 2019

The Guardian View on No-deal Brexit Plans: Parliament Must Take Back Control

THE GUARDIAN: This is a democratic emergency. MPs and other elected bodies must sit in August to stop Boris Johnson’s drive for a no-deal Brexit

To take Britain out of the European Union without a deal would be the most wilfully dangerous policy action that any government of this country has taken in modern times. No deal would materially threaten the economic security of the British people in both the short and long term, outrage millions of citizens, upend the stability and cohesion of the nation, put 20 years of peace in Northern Ireland in jeopardy, place needless and crippling extra strain on services and markets, further deepen the already damaging divisions of Brexit, appal our good European neighbours and do massive lasting damage to the country’s standing in the world. » | Editorial | Sunday, August 4, 2019

Climate Change: Europe's Melting Glaciers | DW Documentary

It is far too late to save the Alpine glaciers. And now, the dangers caused by tons of melting ice are rising sharply. Every year, climate change is destroying two of the currently 70 square kilometers of glaciers left in the Alps.

The permafrost in the Alps is thawing, and transforming what used to be sturdy slopes into loose screes. In addition, climate change is leading to significantly more extreme weather conditions every year, while heavy rainfall causes serious erosion. The result: avalanches and landslides like those in Bondo, Switzerland, or Valsertal in Austria. In Switzerland, residential areas are shrinking as people are forced to leave their homes forever. The disappearance of glaciers as water reservoirs is already posing a major problem. Farmers in Engadine, who have been using meltwater for irrigation for centuries, are already facing water shortages. Last summer, they had to rely on helicopters to transport water to their herds in the Grison Alps. Above all, alpine villages depend on winter tourism to survive. Yet experts are forecasting that by mid-century, there will only be enough natural snow left to ski above 2,000 meters, which will spell out the end for about 70 percent of the ski resorts in the Eastern Alps. But instead of developing alternatives, lots of money is still being invested in ski tourism. Snow cannon are used to defy climate change, and artificial snow systems are under construction at ever higher altitudes. As usual, it’s the environment that is set to lose as the unique alpine landscape is further destroyed by soil compaction and erosion. Some municipalities are now working on new models of alpine tourism for the future. As global temperatures continue to rise, the cooler mountain regions will become increasingly attractive for tourists, especially in the summer.

Athos | Feature Documentary

Mount Athos on a peninsula off the cost of Greece is one of Europe's last remaining secrets: a monks' republic. Access to women is strictly denied and in order to keep unwanted tourists out, visas are granted only to pilgrims and workers. For the first time, a filmmaker was given access to all forms of monastic life on the holy mountain.

A Visit to the Holy Mountain Athos, Greece

A pilgrimage to the Byzantine monasteries of Mount Athos, the spiritual center of the Orthodox Church.

The Good Struggle: Life In a Secluded Orthodox Monastery

The Good Struggle: High up in the mountains of Lebanon, an unexpected community thrives within the confines of a Greek Orthodox Christian monastery. This beautiful short doc offers rare insight to their almost silent way of life.

“There were more before but not all could endure and prove their ability to stay in the monastery,” says a member of the Greek Orthodox Christian community. Theirs is a simple life that revolves around religious ceremony and the daily rituals of craft work and growing, picking and preparing fresh food.

Support for Impeachment Surges as Trump Grows More Unstable

More than 100 Democrats in the House of Representatives now support moving forward with an impeachment inquiry, a surge that occurred shortly after Robert Mueller’s recent testimony and amid Trump’s nonstop Twitter meltdowns. Impeachment is the only option at this point to uncover the crimes committed by Trump, and a strong focus needs to be on his financials. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins explains what’s happening.

Beto O'Rourke Slams Trump in Wake of El Paso Shooting

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke called President Donald Trump a racist and said his words can be connected to Saturday's mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, that left at least 20 people dead and more than two dozen injured.

England Would Be Better Off without Scotland, Says Tory Candidate

THE OBSERVER: Conservative vying to win back Bedford seat says taxpayers south of the border are ‘fleeced’ by Scots

The Tory candidate for one of the party’s target parliamentary seats has sought to distance himself from a column he wrote accusing Scotland of “fleecing” English taxpayers and claiming that Scotland remaining in the UK would be a “catastrophe” for England.

Ryan Henson was selected last year as the Conservative candidate for Bedford and Kempston, which Labour won from the previous Tory MP, Richard Fuller, in 2017 with a wafer-thin majority of 789 votes.

In a 2014 article for Conservative Home, Henson wrote that, except for its contribution to Britain’s armed forces, “Scotland’s single biggest offering to the union over the past 50 years has been to provide the Labour party with parliamentary lobby fodder.

“In exchange, the people of England have seen their prescriptions and their university fees go up, while in Scotland both have been abolished – using English taxes to pay for it.” » | Chaminda Jayanetti | Sunday, August 4, 2019

Medieval Society

Ryan M. Reeves (PhD Cambridge) is Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Boris Johnson Is the Last Person Young Brits Would Vote For

THE GUARDIAN: It’s not just his destructive Brexit stance, his values are entirely opposed to ours

The Daily Express is calling it “the Boris effect”. Johnson’s election has reportedly caused a “record jump” in the polls for the Conservative party, with the Telegraph gleefully reporting that its prized former columnist has received the largest bounce of any Conservative leader in the past two decades.

Though Tory hopes were dented by the party’s defeat in Thursday’s Brecon and Radnorshire by-election, supporters still believe Johnson is capable of winning a general election – which could happen within months.

And there are those on the newly energised right who feel that, after three years of the dour Theresa May, the sheer force of Johnson’s “personality” or “charisma” – yet to be convincingly defined – could yet bring young people into the fold and unite the country around a hard Brexit. His time as London mayor is often cited as evidence that a brand of socially liberal, business-friendly leadership can be repackaged and sold to younger voters. » | Lara Spirit | Saturday, August 3, 2019

Who Sounds Gay? | Op-Docs | The New York Times

This short documentary explores the reasons that some men sound stereotypically gay, whether they are or not. Stereotypes surround all of us. In the LGBTQ community people expect some to fit into certain stereotypes. The one we explore in this video is sounding gay.

Saxe Appeal: King of Belgium Reintroduces German Lineage

THE GUARDIAN: Belgian royals, like the British, dropped the name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha after first world war

A century after emulating the British royals by removing vestiges of its German lineage in the wake of the first world war, the Belgian monarchy has reintroduced the shield of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a former surname, to its coat of arms.

The family name was changed in 1920 to van België, de Belgique or von Belgien (“of Belgium”) in the country’s three official languages as a response to fierce anti-German sentiment.

The German army had killed more than 6,000 Belgian citizens during its invasion and occupation in 1914, in what came to be known as the ”viol de la Belgique”, or rape of Belgium.

As well as ridding the Belgian monarchy of its German name – as did the British royal family, who replaced Saxe-Coburg-Gotha with Windsor in 1917 – Albert I removed the shield of his German ancestry from the royal coat of arms. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Friday, August 2, 2019

Boris Johnson Heads to Istanbul to Trace His Political Past | Who Do You Think You Are

Boris travels to Istanbul in Turkey, where his great-grandfather Ali Kemal was born and received his education at a traditional Muslim school. Boris is unnerved by the parallels he finds between his ancestor’s career and his own – Ali worked as political columnist for a newspaper, writing with a frankness that often landed him in hot water. Can you see the similarities?

Ex-Health Insurance Exec: Industry Is Using Decades-Old Scare Tactics to Fight Medicare for All

The Democratic presidential candidates remain deeply divided on how to expand healthcare to the tens of millions of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have both pushed for abolishing private health insurance and establishing a Medicare for All system. Their rivals have pushed a number of different, more incremental approaches. During the first night of the latest debates, Sanders pointed out that the country has taken sweeping action before to expand health coverage to millions of Americans, referring to the 50th anniversary of the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. We speak with Janet Golden, professor emerita at Rutgers University-Camden and a historian of U.S. medicine, and Wendell Potter, a former health insurance executive.

Charming but Dishonest and Duplicitous: Europe's Verdict on Boris Johnson

THE GUARDIAN: As the Brexit deadline looms, Europe remains wary of the poker player behind the clown mask

He is clever, cultivated, charming; witty, self-deprecating, wildly entertaining and oh so terribly British. Also dissembling, dishonest, dark, duplicitous, and a danger to his country and to Europe – a poker player whose bluff is about to be called.

As Boris Johnson settles into his new role, vowing, do or die, to take the UK out of the EU without a deal in 90 days unless the 27 nations ditch an accord that took two years to negotiate, European politicians and commentators are both fascinated and appalled.

“Like many people, I was easily charmed by his demeanour, his self-confidence, his intelligence,” said Han ten Broeke, a former Dutch MP specialising in EU affairs. “He’s a pleasure to listen to. I have a soft spot for Britain, and Boris was one reason why.”

Ten Broeke has since revised his opinion. “The charm, the intellect, the confidence – it all now looks a lot like over-confidence,” he said. “A promise of simple solutions to complex problems. And it could have disastrous consequences.” » | Jon Henley and Guardian correspondents | Friday, August 2, 2019

Jo Swinson: Lib Dems Winning and on the Up after Byelection Victory

THE GUARDIAN: Party leader to consider future electoral pacts with other pro-EU parties as tactic pays off

Jo Swinson has declared the Liberal Democrats are “winning and on the up” after reducing Boris Johnson’s majority to one by taking a seat off the Conservatives in the Brecon and Radnorshire byelection.

The Lib Dem leader said her party would consider future electoral pacts with other pro-EU parties after its candidate, Jane Dodds, was aided by the decision of Plaid Cymru and the Greens to stand aside.

“The country doesn’t have to settle for Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “There is another positive alternative that is the Liberal Democrats who are winning again and on the up.” » | Steven Morris and Rowena Mason | Friday, August 2, 2019

Analysis: Iranian Foreign Minister's Reaction to US Sanctions

The United States has imposed tough sanctions on Iran's top diplomat Javad Zarif. The US is accusing the foreign minister of promoting what it calls the reckless agenda of Iran’s supreme leader.

Zarif has hit back on Twitter, thanking the Trump administration for considering him a "huge threat" to his agenda, and saying the sanctions have "no effect" on him or his family. Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jabbari reports live from Tehran

Saudi Women Can Now Travel without Male Guardian's Approval – Report

THE GUARDIAN: Okaz newspaper reports key step in dismantling strict controls over nation’s women

Women in Saudi Arabia will no longer need the permission of a male guardian to travel, according to local news reports. The policy, if confirmed, would mark a key step in dismantling controls that have made women second-class citizens in their own country.

Saudi women over the age of 21 will be able to apply for a passport and travel outside the country, without approval, Okaz newspaper reported on Thursday. The change would put them on an equal footing with men. They would also reportedly be able to register births and deaths, a right previously restricted to men.

The paper did not say where it got the information, but the country’s official gazette tweeted that amendments to travel rules, labour law and civil status law would be included in its next edition, Bloomberg reported. » | Emma Graham-Harrison | Thursday, August 1, 2019

How Much of a Threat Is Brexit to the Unity of the UK? | Inside Story

Boris Johnson has been touring the Union as a 'No-deal Brexit’ looms, trying to reassure those worried about the divorce with the EU.

Boris Johnson started the tour in Edinburgh. He was met with jeers and boos from protesters, which forced him to leave by the back door of Bute House, the official residence of Scotland's First Minister. Inside, his host Nicola Sturgeon expressed her discontent with Johnson's Brexit plans. She spoke about a 'catastrophic, almost inevitable path to a ‘No-deal Brexit'.

Then it was on to Wales, where Johnson was seeking support for his Brexit plans from the country's agricultural sector. The Welsh farmers' union has warned him leaving the EU without a deal would cause 'civil unrest' in rural areas. Many British farmers rely heavily on trade with Europe, and a no-deal scenario could be costly for their business.

In Northern Ireland, his last stop, Boris Johnson didn't receive the warmest welcome either. There's broad consensus that leaving the EU without a deal could be dramatic, because of the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which will become a border into Europe.

If no deal happens, the Sinn Féin party says the government must call a referendum on Irish Unity immediately. However, Northern Ireland has been without a sitting government since 2017. So has Boris Johnson convinced the skeptics, or is the Kingdom fracturing even further?

Presenter: Kamal Santamaria | Guests: Alan Wager, research associate with "The UK in a Changing Europe" initiative at King's College London; Jonathan Lis, Deputy Director of "British Influence", a pro-European think tank; Alasdair Soussi, writer on Scottish political affairs

Trump Attacks Another Black Man After Being Called Racist

Donald Trump doesn’t seem to understand the fact that the more he attacks prominent African Americans, the more he’s going to be called a racist. And that is a label that is 100% accurate. The President always reserves his harshest attacks for people of color, and this is no coincidence. We have to start calling it what it is, and it is clearly racism. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

Dutch 'Burqa Ban' Rendered Largely Unworkable on First Day

THE GUARDIAN: Police and transport companies have signalled unwillingness to enforce face covering ban

The Netherlands’ “burqa ban” has been rendered largely unworkable on its first day in law after both the police and Dutch transport companies signalled an unwillingness to enforce it.

Under the terms of the Partial Ban on Face-Covering Clothing Act the wearing of ski masks, full-face helmets, balaclavas, niqabs and burqas is prohibited in public buildings, including schools and hospitals, and on public transport.

Wearers of the banned clothing are to be given the option to remove the offending item or face a police fine of between €150 and €415. There is no prohibition on wearing such garments in the street.

But the law appears to have been fatally undermined after police said its enforcement was not a priority and signalled their discomfort with the idea that veiled women could be put off from entering a police station to make unrelated complaints. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Thursday, August 1, 2019

Released Tape Features Ronald Reagan Using Racist Slur

In a newly unearthed audio clip, then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan disparaged "monkeys" from African countries in a phone call with then-President Richard Nixon, according to the former director of Nixon's presidential library.

Tim Naftali, who directed the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum from 2007 to 2011, writes that Reagan -- who would later become the 40th President of the United States -- called Nixon in October 1971, the day after the United Nations had voted to recognize the People's Republic of China. In the call, he says, Reagan is heard apparently referencing the way the Tanzanian delegation started dancing in the General Assembly when the UN took the vote to seat the delegation from Beijing instead of Taiwan.

Theologians Under Hitler | Religious Belief Documentary | Timeline

Boris Johnson’s Threat of a No-deal Brexit Will Not Break EU Unity

THE GUARDIAN: The UK government should look instead to changing – but not discarding – the backstop

No matter what Boris Johnson or his new Vote Leave cabinet threaten – and the expectation in Brussels is that no-deal planning will be ramped up in an attempt to intimidate other EU countries – be in no doubt: there isn’t time to limit the damage of a sudden severance from the world’s largest trading block this Halloween.

Unless a further extension is requested, or article 50 is revoked by 31 October, when the current extension of UK membership expires, a dramatic shock awaits the global economy and we all stand to lose. The few who may prosper are the wealthy bankers and hedge fund managers who have bet on chaos.

It is fiction to talk of rewards for citizens or mini-deals to mitigate the damage. Faced with a British government intent on ratcheting up talk of no deal, other European governments have no choice but to prepare for the worst, too – but this is far from a desirable path. In the face of such irresponsible posturing, far from feeling threatened, I fully expect EU governments to remain calm and keep their unity. Attempts to put pressure on Ireland will only be met with waves of solidarity from the rest of the EU. » | Guy Verhofstadt* | Wednesday, July 31, 2019

* Guy Verhofstadt is Brexit coordinator for the European parliament

Republicans Largely Silent after Trump's Attacks on Baltimore and Cummings | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

Facing new claims of racism, Trump attacked Rep. Elijah Cummings and the city of Baltimore Cummings represents. Dems were swift to call Trump out, but Republicans were largely silent. Donna Edwards, Juana Summers, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and Robert Costa join.

Could a No-deal Brexit Push Wales towards Independence?

Boris Johnson may have given himself a new title of Minister for the Union, but how United is the Kingdom?

In Wales, where he was today, the Tories are out in front in the latest opinion poll. But many in the Welsh independence movement see his premiership as the perfect gift for their campaign.

A no-deal Brexit puts new pressures on Scotland and Northern Ireland, could it change the game in Wales too? Just this weekend thousands gathered to march for independence, so how indy-curious is Wales?

Reinhard Mey - Gute Nacht Freunde (original)

Hamed Abdel-Samad | Islam und Islamkritik | NZZ Standpunkte (2017)

Der Ägypter Hamed Abdel-Samad wurde 1972 in eine streng religiöse Familie hinein geboren und war als Student Mitglied der radikal-islamischen Muslimbruderschaft. Mit der Auswanderung nach Deutschland ging er den Weg der Selbstaufklärung. Er begann die Probleme seiner Herkunftswelt im Horizont der Religion zu begreifen. Heute ist er ein profilierter Kritiker des Islamismus wie des Islam. Angesichts des grassierenden dschihadistischen Terrors diagnostiziert Abdel-Samad eine Gewaltbereitschaft, die im Koran selber durch die Verbindung von Religionsstiftung und Machtpolitik angelegt sei. Er hält es an der Zeit, das Buch einer neuen Lesart zuzuführen.

Mit Hamed Abdel-Samad unterhalten sich «NZZ»-Chefredaktor Eric Gujer und die Politikphilosophin Katja Gentinetta über seinen «Abschied vom Himmel» des Glaubens, seine Kritik der Lehren des Propheten sowie die Möglichkeiten, den Islam für die heutige Zeit zu reformieren.

Helmut Schmidt | Erfahrungen und Einsichten | NZZ Standpunkte (2009)

Er gilt als einer der herausragendsten Politiker in der Nachkriegsgeschichte Deutschlands und Europas, und er hat wie kein zweiter in den letzten Jahrzehnten die politische und gesellschaftliche Debatte seines Landes als Minister, Regierungschef, Intellektueller, Publizistik und Herausgeber der Hamburger Wochenzeitung „Die Zeit“ geprägt: Alt-Bundeskanzler Helmut Schmidt. Mit Helmut Schmidt, der im Dezember 91 Jahre alt wird, unterhalten sich NZZ-Chefredaktor Markus Spillmann und Marco Färber über die deutsche Wiedervereinigung, die Rolle und die Begrenzung Deutschlands in Europa und der Welt, über Freundschaften und ihren Stellenwert in der internationalen Politik und über die Bedrohung und Herausforderungen der Zukunft. Und über das Altern und Gott.

Johnson and Varadkar Clash over Irish Backstop in Phone Call

THE GUARDIAN: Taoiseach tells new PM in first chat that EU will not scrap it as part of reopening Brexit talks

Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar have clashed over the Irish backstop in their first phone call, with the Irish taoiseach saying the EU is united in the view that it cannot be scrapped and the withdrawal agreement will not be reopened.

Johnson finally spoke to Varadkar almost a week after becoming prime minister, telling him the UK would never put physical checks or infrastructure at the border with Northern Ireland after Brexit but demanding the backstop be scrapped.

The British prime minister had been accused of snubbing Varadkar by leaving it so long to speak to him, even though the Irish leader will be central to whether he can agree a new withdrawal deal with the EU.

A spokesman for Varadkar said: “The taoiseach emphasised to the prime minister that the backstop was necessary as a consequence of decisions taken in the UK and by the UK government. » | Rowena Mason, Deputy political editor | Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Boris Johnson et sa compagne emménagent à Downing Street

PARIS MATCH: Lundi, le Premier ministre britannique Boris Johnson emménage dans sa résidence de Downing Street à Londres, avec sa compagne.

Le nouveau Premier ministre britannique Boris Johnson emménage lundi dans sa résidence de Downing Street à Londres, où il vivra avec sa compagne Carrie Symonds, a annoncé l'exécutif britannique. «Le Premier ministre emménage officiellement aujourd'hui et, oui, sa partenaire y vivra», a déclaré à la presse un porte-parole du dirigeant conservateur de 55 ans, qui a pris le 24 juillet la succession de Theresa May. » | La Rédaction avec AFP | lundi 29. juillet 2019

The Guardian View on Boris Johnson and Scotland: State of Disunion

THE GUARDIAN: The prime minister has made visiting Scotland an early priority. But it is getting late to stop Brexit from breaking up the UK

Boris Johnson is insouciantly reluctant to be seen travelling cap in hand to Berlin, Paris or Brussels in pursuit of new Brexit terms. He has not even bothered to make a phone call to the Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, even though the Irish border is the crunch Brexit issue. His attitude to the European Union is to try to make the foreigners sweat, even if the result is a slump in the value of sterling, as it was on Monday. And yet, like Theresa May before him, Mr Johnson felt the need to go to Scotland at the very start of his prime ministership.

Why did he come? Why the exception? It is, after all, improbable that the prime minister will get a political dividend from his meetings in Edinburgh. The first, with the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, was at best an exercise in damage limitation. Mr Johnson’s casual embrace of a possible no-deal Brexit (which he just as casually denied in an interview) has undermined both Ms Davidson and Tory credibility on the issue in Scotland. Meanwhile, although the brutal sacking of the former Scottish secretary, David Mundell, last week may not have received much attention in England, it has been widely seen in Scotland as an act that pulls the rug from under Ms Davidson. » | Editorial | Monday, July 29, 2019

'Dangerous' UK Government Intent on Forcing No Deal, Says Sturgeon

THE GUARDIAN: Scotland’s first minister criticises Boris Johnson’s ‘hardline position’ on Brexit

Boris Johnson is pursuing a dangerous hardline strategy with EU leaders, with the intention of forcing a no-deal Brexit, Nicola Sturgeon has said following her first face-to-face meeting with the prime minister.

Speaking to reporters immediately after Johnson had left her official residence in Edinburgh, Scotland’s first minister said: “This is a government that is pursing a no-deal strategy, however much they might deny that in public.”

“Behind all of the bluff and bluster, this is a government that is dangerous. The path that it is pursuing is a dangerous one, for Scotland but for all of the UK. He says that he wants a deal with EU but there is no clarity whatsoever about how he thinks he can get from the position now, where he’s taking a very hard line … to a deal.”

Johnson was greeted by boos and heckles from an assembled crowd of pro-independence and anti-Brexit protesters as he arrived at Bute House on Monday afternoon, and chose to leave after the hour-long meeting by an alternative back entrance. » | Libby Brooks | Monday, July 29, 2019

Nine Years On, Greek MPs Agree to Abide by Own Anti-smoking Law

THE GUARDIAN: Metal ashtrays that grace the vestibule off parliament’s cafe are finally being removed

Until not so very long ago Greek MPs thought nothing of lighting up in the august halls of the Athens parliament.

So common was the habit that a thick fog of cigarette smoke often hovered over the building’s cafe, a few metres from the legislative chamber where deputies had once voted to ban smoking in all public spaces, including the 300-seat House.

Nine years, 10 months and 26 days after that ban came into effect, lawmakers are finally being forced to abide by it too.

“There’s definitely been a change,” said Dimitris Tarantsas, who has waited on MPs from behind the cafe’s bench-top bar for the past 18 years. “The law, for the first time, is being upheld.”

By Monday, he says, even the metal ashtrays still gracing the one place where smoking is allowed – a vestibule off the cafe – will have been relocated to the dustbin of history as the building officially becomes a smoke-free zone. » | Helena Smith in Athens | Monday, July 29, 2019

CrossTalk on Boris Johnson: PM BoJo

Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Did you ever think you would say that? It seems we live in a world where anything can happen now. After all, who would have thought Brexit would destroy the premiership of Theresa May? Will the Brexit process do the same to Boris Johnson? CrossTalking with Lee Jasper, Mark Garnett, and James Tweedie.