Duke of York Clings to Pitch@Palace Business Role

THE TELEGRAPH: Duke refuses to give up role where he can take cut of every deal

The Duke of York has refused to step aside from all public duties by staying at the helm of an initiative set up at Buckingham Palace that allows him to make money out of tech deals. The Duke, who founded Pitch@Palace, which matches investors with start-up tech companies, is expected to host an event at St James's Palace next month, although a planned trip to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday night amid the furore. It comes as he resigned from his position as patron of the Outward Bound Trust as the catastrophic fallout his Newsnight interview continues. Royal sources said Pitch@Palace would move to his "private portfolio". Terms and conditions for Pitch@Palace Global Ltd reveal the company – of which the Duke is the "significant" controller – is entitled to a share of any investment deal for three years. Read on for the details. » | Chris Price | Friday, November 22, 2019

Exclusive: Bolsonaro Is Turning Back the Clock on Brazil, Says Lula da Silva

THE GUARDIAN: The former union leader and two-term president said his mission now was to “battle for democracy”

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to spearhead opposition to the country’s far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, warning that his country is backsliding on years of hard fought progress.

“Bolsonaro has already made clear what he wants for Brazil: he wants to destroy all of the democratic and social conquests from the last decades,” he told the Guardian.

In his first interview for a foreign newspaper since he was released from prison two weeks ago, the two-term president said his mission now was to “battle for democracy”.

“The Worker’s party is preparing to come back and govern this country!” he said, slapping the table. But Lula made no clear indication he would run for president in the country’s next general elections.

“In 2022, I’ll be 77. The Catholic church – with 2,000 years of experience – retires its bishops at 75,” he said. » | Sam Cowie in São Paulo | Friday, November 22, 2019

Prince Andrew’s Friendship With Epstein Joins a List of Royal Scandals

THE NEW YORK TIMES: A highly scorned televised interview by the prince was only the latest upheaval to befall Britain’s royal family over the past century.

LONDON — The British monarchy has survived public crises before — religious schisms, revolutions, murderous kings — but this week the royal family scrambled to confront a relatively new opponent: the embarrassing televised interview.

The Duke of York, better known as Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II, struggled to defend himself during a < ahref=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/17/world/europe/prince-andrew-epstein.html?module=inline target=_blank>50-minute interview with the BBC as he talked about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier accused of sex trafficking.

His interview, widely criticized in the British press as disastrous after it was broadcast last weekend, catapulted a long-simmering controversy into a full-blown scandal for the royal family, among the worst in its modern history.

Reacting to the backlash, the prince announced on Wednesday that he was indefinitely stepping away from public life, with permission from the queen. But over the past century, a number of scandals have rattled the British royal family. » | Megan Specia and Alan Yuhas | Thursday, November 21, 2019

Prince Andrew’s Behaviour Has Put the Very Future of the Monarchy in Doubt

THE GUARDIAN: The Queen has been a point of stability in a precarious world, but the prince’s misjudgments over Jeffrey Epstein have refocused scrutiny on the institution that produced him

The institution of the monarchy, said Boris Johnson, is beyond reproach. It was such an odd response to the scandal engulfing Prince Andrew – so stiff, so forelock-tugging, so initially lacking in sympathy towards the teenage girls abused by the prince’s late friend Jeffrey Epstein – that it stuck in the mind long after the televised leaders’ debate ended. Perhaps, I thought, he was simply afraid of offending the Queen any further after dragging her into a shabby, unlawful prorogation of parliament.

Yet now one wonders if Johnson had an inkling of what was coming, when he chose to defend not Prince Andrew personally but the institution from which the prince has essentially resigned. For it is the institution itself that is now in danger. » | Gaby Hinsliff | Thursday, November 21, 2019

The toxic prince: Andrew handed royal P45 after tipping point reached »

Farage Under Fire for Conspiracy Claims Linked to Antisemitism

THE GUARDIAN: Brexit party leader tells evangelical Christian TV channel of threat from ‘globalists’ and mass migration

Nigel Farage has faced renewed criticism for discussing tropes and conspiracy theories associated with the far right and antisemitism after it emerged he said migration would “imperil the future of our civilisation” and called Goldman Sachs “the enemy”.

In an interview earlier this year with a tiny UK evangelical Christian TV channel, Revelation TV, the Brexit party leader alleged that banks and multinational corporations were trying to created a dictatorial world government.

The discussion, uncovered by the group Hope Not Hate, saw Farage single out Goldman Sachs, the investment bank founded by Jewish immigrant to the US that is often the focus of antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Farage also repeatedly used phrases such as “globalists” and “new world order”, which regularly feature in antisemitic ideas.

Discussing the necessity of preventing migrants who cross the Mediterranean into Europe from entering the UK, Farage said: “If we allow it to continue, we will actually, through our compassion, imperil the future of our civilisation.” » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Thursday, November 21, 2019

What is Christianity? Ehrman-Harris Podcast

Professor Bart D. Ehrman is interviewed by Host Sam Harris on podcast called "Waking Up" on May 1st, 2018. In episode #125 of the Waking Up podcast, Sam Harris speaks to Bart Ehrman about his experience of being a born-again Christian, his academic training in New Testament scholarship, his loss of faith, the most convincing argument in defense of Christianity, the status of miracles, the composition of the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus, the nature of heaven and hell, the book of Revelation, the End Times, self-contradictions in the Bible, the concept of a messiah, whether Jesus actually existed, Christianity as a cult of human sacrifice, the conversion of Constantine, and other topics. The interview mentions Bart's book "The Triumph of Christianity: How A Forbidden Religion Swept the World."

Israeli PM Netanyahu Indicted on Corruption Charges

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted on corruption charges, raising more uncertainty over who will ultimately lead a country mired in political chaos after two inconclusive elections this year.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision in a statement on Thursday. The charges included bribery, breach of trust, and fraud. Netanyahu has vehemently denied all the allegations, calling the corruption investigation a "witch-hunt" and alleging it has been motivated by his enemies' desire to force him from office. He will make a statement at 20:30 GMT.


Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu »

Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Back Trump Impeachment Inquiry in Debate

Democratic presidential contenders backed the Donald Trump impeachment inquiry during the fifth televised debate on Wednesday, saying his efforts to press Ukraine to investigate the former vice-president Joe Biden was an example of his administration's corruption. The debate came hours after a senior US diplomat gave explosive testimony that directly implicated the president in a quid pro quo deal with Ukraine

Prince Andrew Departs from Public Life as He Prepares to Give Evidence to Epstein Investigation in US

THE TELEGRAPH: The Duke of York is preparing to give formal evidence to a US criminal investigation into the disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, The Telegraph can disclose.

In an unprecedented move, the Duke announced on Wednesday evening that he was stepping back from public life in the wake of a BBC interview over his friendship with Epstein that backfired in spectacular fashion.

A well-placed royal source said on Wednesday night that the Queen had summoned the Duke to Buckingham Palace to effectively sack her second-born son – said to be her favourite child – from official duties, ordering him to stand aside. The Prince of Wales, who is on a tour of New Zealand, was consulted by telephone.

City sponsors deserted the Duke’s flagship projects while major charities were planning to ditch him as their patron. A planned visit to flood victims in South Yorkshire were abandoned in the aftermath of his “excruciating” Newsnight performance.

Buckingham Palace is understood to be braced for US authorities to issue the Duke with a subpoena, requesting he gives testimony under oath over his friendship with Epstein. Sources have suggested the summons is “imminent”. » | Robert Mendick, chief reporter; Victoria Ward; Camilla Tominey, associate editor and Jamie Johnson | Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Royal Rivalry | Behind The Queen’s Coronation | Real Royalty

The Coronation in 1953 appeared to be a glittering triumph for the House of Windsor. But behind the scenes there was a three-cornered story of jealousy and rivalry at the highest level. The new Queen was caught in the middle.

While the new Queen largely sided with her mother over arrangements for the Coronation, she backed Philip over perhaps the most important decision to televise the ceremony inside Westminster Abbey. In doing so she set a precedent for television to be given access to the most intimate rituals.

Why Did Donald Trump Go to the Hospital?

Is Donald Trump going to the hospital to get away from his impeachment?

The French Brexit Song – Amanda Palmer, Sarah-Louise Young & Maxim Melton

Prince Andrew Latest: Lady Colin Campbell Dropped from Christmas Lights Switch On after 'Defending' Epstein

THE TELEGRAPH: Royal biographer Lady Colin Campbell has been sacked from turning on the Christmas lights in Prince Charles' home town - after ‘appearing to partially defend’ convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Lady C had been set to appear at the switch-on in Tetbury, Glos., on December 6, which is near Prince Charles' Highgrove House estate.

But the 70-year-old's appearance has now been pulled by furious organisers after she said 'soliciting sex was not the same as paedophilia'.

Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, Lady C made the comment when discussing the scandal-hit Duke of York and disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

She said: "You all seem to have forgotten that Jeffrey Epstein, the offence with which he was charged and for which he was imprisoned, was for soliciting prostitution from minors.

"That is not the same thing as paedophilia." » | Telegraph reporters | Wednesday, November 20, 2019


Lady Colin Campbell »

Prince Andrew to 'Step Back from Public Duties for the Foreseeable Future' over Epstein Relationship

THE TELEGRAPH: Prince Andrew is stepping back from public duties "for the foreseeable future", following his interview on the weekend about his friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In his statement, Andrew said: "It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family's work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.

"Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission."

The duke added: "I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. » | Jamie Johnson | Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Anand Giridharadas: ‘Winners Take All’ with Teddy Schleifer

Today's elites are some of the more socially concerned individuals in history. Yet, according to journalist and writer Anand Giridharadas, while their philanthropic missions may attempt to reform the root causes of unjust systems, many elite initiatives serve only to maintain the very power structures they claim they want to fix. So, who really benefits? To what extent are the elite working to create real progress and systemic change for people and communities? Giridharadas is joined onstage by Teddy Schleifer, Senior Reporter at Recode, for an in-depth discussion on elite leaders and how communities might work together to create a more participatory democracy.

Anand Giridharadas is the bestselling author of Winners Take All, The True American and India Calling as well as an editor-at-large for TIME, an on-air political analyst for MSNBC and a visiting scholar at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University. A former columnist and correspondent for the New York Times, he has written for the Atlantic, New Republic and New Yorker.

Son of Former German President Fatally Stabbed in Berlin

THE GUARDIAN: Man arrested after killing of Fritz von Weizsäcker during medical lecture

The son of Germany’s former president Richard von Weizsäcker has been stabbed to death in Berlin.

Fritz von Weizsäcker, a prominent doctor and the head of a private Berlin clinic, was attacked while giving a medical lecture on Tuesday night.

Police said a 57-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was being questioned. They said the man was not known to police and was not believed to have been a patient at the clinic, and the motive was unclear. He was due to appear before a judge on Wednesday. » | Kate Connolly in Berlin | Wednesday, November 20, 2019

A Conversation with Anand Giridharadas

Join Anand Giridharadas author of Winners Take All, in conversation with Belfer Center Executive Director Aditi Kumar on the perils of philanthropy and policy in the hands of the global elite.

Geiselnahme von Mekka: Wie die Salafisten vor 40 Jahren begannen, die Weltherrschaft anzustreben

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Vor 40 Jahren besetzten militante Islamisten die große Moschee in Mekka und nahmen hunderte Geiseln. Der islamistische Terror war geboren. Ein Interview mit dem Islamwissenschaftler Patrick Franke über die Folgen für Saudi-Arabien und die Welt.

Am 20. November 1979 stürmten islamistische Terroristen beim Morgengebet die große Moschee in Mekka und nahmen hunderte Menschen als Geiseln. Was passierte damals an einer der heiligsten Stätten des Islam?

Das Datum war speziell: Es war der erste Tag des Jahres 1400 nach islamischer Zeitrechnung, ein neues Jahrhundert brach also an. An diesen Tag knüpften sich gewisse Erwartungen, welche die Rebellengruppe ausnutzte. Angeführt wurde sie von dem fundamentalistischen sunnitischen Prediger Dschuhaiman al Utaibi. Während Hunderte seiner Anhänger die Moschee unter ihre Kontrolle brachten, ergriff er das Mikrofon und hielt eine Ansprache. Darin verkündete er, dass der Mahdi – eine Art Messias – in Form des Studenten Muhammad al Qahtani gekommen sei und die Welt in Gerechtigkeit führen werde. Gleichzeitig kritisierte er das saudische Königshaus für die Einführung bestimmter Neuerungen wie Fernsehen, Fußball, Arbeit von Frauen, königliche Auslandsreisen und die Präsenz von Ausländern in Saudi-Arabien. Dschuhaiman sah darin einen „Abfall vom Islam“ und forderte das Ende der königlichen Herrschaft. » | von Marie Illner | Mittwoch, 20. November 2019

Why Is the US Saying Illegal Israeli Settlements Are Okay? I Inside Story

It’s a dramatic shift in US policy, and goes against the position taken by international organisations and most other countries.

The US says it no longer views the illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied West Bank as “inconsistent with international law”... The Palestinians are furious and many observers say it makes Israeli-Palestinian peace even more elusive.

It’s another U-turn on policy by the US President in favour of Israel. Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the American embassy there. He also recognised Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights from Syria.

So what's the reason for this latest controversial move?

Presenter: Imran Khan | Guests: Gideon Levy, columnist at Haaretz News and author of 'The Punishment of Gaza’; Richard Falk, professor emeritus at Princeton University. Richard is the former UN special rapporteur for occupied Palestinian territories; Nour Odeh, political analyst and former spokesperson for the Palestinian Task Force on public diplomacy

Noura Erakat: US Recognition of Israeli Settlements Is “Entrenchment of an Apartheid Régime”

The Trump administration has announced it no longer views Israel settlements in the occupied West Bank to be a violation of international law, in another blow to possible Israel-Palestine peace negotiations. On Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a reversal to the US position, putting the US at odds with the international community. A UN resolution in 2016 declared the settlements a “flagrant violation” of international law. Israel’s embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Pompeo’s announcement as a historic day for Israel, but Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned the US decision. Soon after Mike Pompeo announced the new US policy, the US Embassy in Israel issued a travel warning to Americans in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. From Washington DC, we speak with Noura Erakat, a Palestinian human rights attorney and legal scholar. She is an assistant professor at Rutgers University and the author of “Justice for Some: Law and the Question of Palestine.”

Dangerous Indiscretions: The Decline of the House of Windsor | The Crown Documentary | Timeline

This in-depth documentary looks at the scandals that have blighted the credibility and popularity of the royal family through the ages, right up to the more recent controversies surrounding Diana, Fergie and Camilla.

The Royal Who Kept Hope Alive | Charlotte: A Royal At War | Real Royalty

This is the previously untold account of Charlotte of Luxembourg - a wife, mother of six children and head of state of the tiny duchy of Luxembourg. Charlotte became a Royal propagandist in pearls who inspired a nation through the power of radio, reaching her people in their darkest hour. The film reveals a powerful truth: ordinary people will endure hardship, imprisonment, even death, if they have someone to believe in, to keep their hopes alive. The feature length documentary combines vivid eyewitness testimony with dramatic reconstruction and unique, previously unseen, colour archive.

Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg »

KPMG Ends Its Backing for Prince Andrew's Mentorship Scheme

THE GUARDIAN: Accountancy firm not renewing sponsorship, it emerges, after much-criticised TV interview

The accountancy giant KPMG is not renewing its sponsorship of Prince Andrew’s entrepreneurial scheme Pitch@Palace, it has emerged, in the wake of his much-derided interview in which he defended his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of York has been heavily criticised as having shown neither contrition nor sympathy for Epstein’s child victims in the BBC Newsnight interview and his suitability as patron to scores of charities and organisations has been called into question as a result.

On Monday, after it was reported by Sky News, Buckingham Palace confirmed that KPMG, a founding partner of Pitch@Palace, a mentorship scheme for budding entrepreneurs, was no longer involved, its contract having ended in October. » | Haroon Siddique and Anugraha Sundaravelu | Monday, November 18, 2019

US Says Israeli Settlements No Longer Considered Illegal in Dramatic Shift

THE GUARDIAN: US declaration marks rejection of 2016 UN resolution that settlements on the West Bank are a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law

The US has declared that Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land are not necessarily illegal, in a dramatic break with decades of international law, US policy and the established position of most US allies.

“Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law has not advanced the cause of peace,” said Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state. “The hard truth is that there will never be a judicial resolution to the conflict, and arguments about who is right and who is wrong as a matter of international law will not bring peace.” » | Julian Borger in Washington | Monday, November 18, 2019

The Truth About Heart Disease & Cholesterol — Dwight Lundell

Mayor Pete Surges ahead in Iowa Polling | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Mayor Pete Buttigieg is up sixteen points and leads the Democratic field in Iowa, according to new numbers from CNN/Des Moines Register. The panel discusses. Aired on 11/18/19.

How Modern Families Increase Social Inequality | The Economist

Modern families with two working adults are richer than those with a single breadwinner, and can afford to take a different approach to parenting. This is exacerbating inequality between rich and poor families.

Joe: We Have a Right to Know the President's Health | Morning Joe | MSNBC

The president visited Walter Reed Medical Center on Saturday to undergo what he called 'phase one' of his annual physical. The Morning Joe panel discusses. Aired on 11/18/19.

Prince Andrew: Calls for Royal to Say Sorry and Speak to FBI

THE GUARDIAN: Critics say his defence of actions over Jeffrey Epstein was ‘not credible’ and victims were ‘almost completely ignored’ in interview

Prince Andrew is facing a transatlantic backlash over his extraordinary defence of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein after lawyers who represent 10 of the billionaire predator’s victims branded the royal unrepentant and implausible and demanded that he speak to the FBI.

After the royal’s defiant Newsnight interview on Saturday triggered a disbelieving reaction from the public and the media, the prince was under growing pressure from critics in the UK and US on Sunday who demanded an apology for his conduct and said that his defence of his actions was simply not credible.

Gloria Allred, who has worked on numerous high-profile sexual harassment cases and is now representing five of Epstein’s victims, told the Guardian: “The right and honourable action for Prince Andrew to take now is for him to volunteer to be interviewed by the FBI and prosecutors for the southern district of New York [who are continuing to investigate sex-trafficking allegations against Epstein despite his death in prison in August]. » | Edward Helmore in New York, Ben Quinn and Jim Waterson | Sunday, November 17, 2019

The Queen Mother: An Affectionate Tribute | The Crown Documentary | Timeline

As old as the century she lived in, the Queen Mother was a revered figure in British life. A symbol of courage in the Second World War and an enduring icon of stability, the Queen Mother maintained a level of loyalty and affection matched only by the Queen herself. This remarkable portrait digs beneath the surface and presents a balanced account of her life.

High-stakes Gamble on TV Interview over Epstein Backfires on Duke of York

THE OBSERVER: Decision to face questions on BBC programme draws critical reaction from woman at centre of allegations

If, as many royal observers have claimed, the Duke of York’s decision to submit himself to an Emily Maitlis grilling represented a colossal gamble by a man desperate to make the flow of negative headlines dry up, then it appears he has bet the house on red only for it to come up black.

Prince Andrew’s bizarre defence that he chose to stay at convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s home because it was “convenient” and “honourable” has gone down badly in the court of public opinion.

And now his defence of their relationship and his explanations for where he was on key dates when he is alleged to have had sex with women procured by Epstein has met similar derision. » | Jamie Doward | Saturday, November 16, 2019


Prince Andrew: fresh questions raised by his Epstein interview »

‘This Is Worse Than Nixon:’ Neal Katyal on the Impeachment Latest | All In | MSNBC

Neal Katyal talks to Chris Hayes about how the Trump impeachment compares to the history of American politics and the damning new behind-closed-door testimony. Aired on 11/15/19.

Misquoting Jesus in the Bible – Professor Bart D. Ehrman

Listen to the lecture here »

Young Turks Founder Cenk Uygur Announces Congressional Bid

TRUTH DIG: Cenk Uygur, host and founder of the online progressive news show The Young Turks, announced late Thursday that he is running for the California congressional seat left vacant by the recent resignation of Rep. Katie Hill.

“I’m going to represent those people in a way that they have not seen before. I will not be a standard politician. I will fight for them,” Uygur said in his announcement Thursday. “I’m going to fight to get money out of politics, and I’m going to call it like it is.”

“You know what campaign donations are from big corporations and lobbyists? Bribes,” Uygur added. “They’re bribes when Republicans take them, they’re also bribes when Democrats take them. I’m not going to take any of that, and I’m going to fight to get you guys higher wages and to get you healthcare that your family needs.” » | Jake Johnson / Common Dreams | Friday, November 15, 2019

Justin Bass vs Bart Ehrman | Did the Historical Jesus Claim to Be Divine?

On September 18th, 2015, Dr Justin Bass and Dr Bart Ehrman engaged in a debate on the topic, "Did the historical Jesus claim to be divine?" The debate took place at Collin College in Frisco, Texas.

Does Stephen Miller Remain in the White House? | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Many House Democrats are calling on WH senior adviser Stephen Miller to resign after a report surfaced that he promoted white nationalist ideas before the 2016 election. Aired on 11/15/19.

Protests across the Globe: Talking about a Revolution? | To the Point

From Hong Kong to Latin America, people all over the world are taking to the streets. The protests differ vastly in their demands - but what do they have in common? Our guests: Jannis Grimm (Protest Researcher), Rick Noack (Washington Post), Raghida Bahnam (freelance journalist)

Bart Ehrman Debates Peter J Williams, Are the Gospels Historically Reliable?

During the Summer of 2018, Bart D. Ehrman and Peter J. Williams joined as guests with moderator Justin Brierley on the "Unbelievable" show called "The Big Conversation," Season 2-Episode 3. The story of Jesus: Can we trust the historical reliability of the Gospels?

Arguably, no individual has influenced the course of history more than Jesus of Nazareth. Today, over 2000 years since he lived, his story still influences the lives of millions of people. Yet, in recent decades many have questioned whether the Gospel stories are a true reflection of the central figure of Christianity. So can we trust the accounts of his life, death and alleged resurrection? Leading New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman is well known for his critique of the historicity of the Gospels. He engages with leading Cambridge University Bible scholar Peter J. Williams who defends the reliability of the accounts.

UK Election: Parties Battle over NHS - as It Reports Worst Ever Waiting Times

The NHS was already high up the list of election issues - but the data released today has shown just how big a point of contention this will be as the election campaign runs on.

All the major parties took the opportunity to say they are the ones to be trusted on turning the NHS around. But with waiting times at their absolute worst, they all face a tough task convincing the electorate.

Prince Andrew to Be Quizzed on Epstein in Newsnight Special

THE GUARDIAN: BBC to broadcast ‘no holds barred’ interview with royal on Saturday night

Prince Andrew has agreed to speak publicly about his friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein for the first time, in a “no holds barred” interview with the BBC’s Newsnight programme to be broadcast on Saturday night.

The prince has been the subject of fierce speculation over his relationship with the financier, who was found dead in his New York jail cell three months ago.

Epstein’s accuser Virginia Giuffre claims Prince Andrew was “an abuser, a participant” in her exploitation as a teenager and says she was forced to have sex with him. » | Jim Waterson, Media editor | Friday, November 15, 2019

The Guardian View on Donald Trump’s Impeachment: A Grave and Necessary Process

THE GUARDIAN: If the US president tried to enlist Ukraine to investigate his rivals he broke his oath of office and threatened America’s security

There are multiple reasons why Donald Trump ought not to be the president of the United States. However, there are only two ways of removing him from the office he has occupied for the past three years. One is to vote him out at the ballot box, which Americans will have the opportunity to do in a year’s time. The other is for Congress to impeach him, a process that began on Capitol Hill in September, and which went into public session on Wednesday, when the first hearings were beamed around the US and the world.

Although much of Washington has talked of little else for weeks, the public hearings before the Democrat-controlled House intelligence committee sharply raise the visibility of the impeachment effort with the wider public. Presidential impeachment is rare and grave. This is only the fourth time it has happened in American history. But impeachment is also both a quasi-judicial process and an inescapably political one, as anyone who remembers the 1999 trial of Bill Clinton will understand. » | Editorial | Thursday, November 14, 2019

Boris Johnson Was Supposed to Be an Ace Campaigner. So Why Is He Stumbling?

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Exposed to hostile voices on the campaign trail, he has seemed at times unsure, tone deaf and gaffe prone. It could leave an opening for the underdog Labour Party.

LONDON — For months, Prime Minister Boris Johnson planned on calling a general election in Britain, figuring he could break the logjam in Parliament by taking his case for Brexit directly to the people. Instead, as he has floundered in the early stages of the campaign, Mr. Johnson has discovered that the people are taking their case to him.

“Where have you been?” asked a man angry at the government’s response to floods that have ravaged his Yorkshire town.

“You’ve got the cheek to come here,” a young woman chided him, saying that his promise of prosperity after Brexit was a “fairy tale.”

“I’m not very happy about talking to you, so if you don’t mind, I’ll just motor on with what I’m doing,” said another woman, filling sandbags.

In the voting this summer for Conservative Party leader — and, hence, prime minister — Mr. Johnson’s prime selling points were his personal popularity and skills as a campaigner. But in the early stages of the general election, exposed to hostile voices, he has seemed at times unsure, tone deaf and gaffe prone. » | Mark Landler and Stephen Castle | Thursday, November 14, 2019

Lord Heseltine on Brexit Day: 'We've Lost Power and Influence' – Newsnight (March 2017)

"It's the day in which Britain lost more power and influence than in any other day of my peacetime life.” Lord Heseltine speaks to Emily Maitlis on the day Article 50 was triggered - starting the process of the UK leaving the EU.

“This Is Unacceptable”: Ex-Congresswoman Who Voted to Impeach Nixon Says Trump Is a Rogue President

The public phase of the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump began Wednesday, with testimonies from two witnesses: George Kent, a deputy assistant secretary of state, and William Taylor, a former ambassador and the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine. The hearing brought forth new details about a previously unknown phone call in July between President Trump and Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union. Both Kent and Taylor expressed concern over the role President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani had in dictating U.S. policy on Ukraine. We speak with Elizabeth Holtzman, a former U.S. congressmember from New York who served on the House Judiciary Committee that voted to impeach Richard Nixon.

White Nationalists Are Running the White House

The Southern Poverty Law Center's Hatewatch report on the leaked emails of Trump senior policy adviser Stephen Miller shows the deep connections he has to racist white nationalists.

Kein britischer EU-Kommissar : Johnsons Signal

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Wahlkampf ist offenbar wichtiger als internationale Verpflichtungen. Boris Johnson zeigt der EU ein weiteres Mal, was er von ihr hält – keine guten Aussichten für die künftige Zusammenarbeit.

Boris Johnson hat gesprochen. Großbritannien werde bis zur Unterhauswahl keinen Kandidaten für die neue EU-Kommission benennen. Unabhängig davon, was dies für die Installierung des Teams um die gewählte Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen bedeutet, sendet der britische Premierminister damit ein unmissverständliches Zeichen.

In einer Hinsicht kann man den Wahlkämpfer Johnson ja verstehen. Er möchte nicht den Hauch eines Zweifels daran aufkommen lassen, dass er es gar nicht erwarten kann, sein Land endlich aus dem „Gefängnis“ namens Europäische Unionherauszuführen. Aber es wird eine Zeit „danach“ geben, egal wie die Wahl ausgeht. Und Johnson hat eben auch gesagt, dass die EU auch künftig ein wichtiger Partner Großbritanniens sein solle und werde. » | Ein Kommentar von Peter Sturm | Donnerstag, 14. November 2019

Donald Tusk Urges British Voters Not to 'Give Up' on Stopping Brexit

Outgoing European Council President Donald Tusk has urged British voters not to "give up" on stopping Brexit.

As campaigning ramps up ahead of next month's general election, he warned that leaving the EU would leave the UK a "second-rate player".

In a speech, he also said Brexit would likely mark the "real end of the British Empire".


Read the Telegraph article here »[£]

Hear! Hear! – Mark

Saudi Arabia Defended by Conservative MP, Daniel Kawsczynski (January 2016)

Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski speaks on Saudi Arabia.

Opinion: The Toxic Relationship between Britain and Russia Has to Be Exposed

THE GUARDIAN: Russian money is poisoning the UK, yet Boris Johnson continues to suppress a report into this matter

Someone in Downing Street calculated that it was less embarrassing to suppress the intelligence and security committee’s report into Russian interference in the UK than it was to publish it.

Boris Johnson’s refusal to allow voters to read the report made waves in parliament a week ago, yet the election campaign has offered a convenient distraction since then. The government can survive one uncomfortable news cycle; but a 50-page report full of revelations about rich Russians funding political parties and associating with politicians, as well as Russian bots meddling in the referendum, could have fed the media for days.

The report will only emerge once we have a new parliament, by which stage any revelations it contains will have lost their power, and thus be safely ignored. This is a shame, because the toxic relationship between the Russian and British elites is something that needs full exposure. They have been collaborating to their mutual enrichment, and to the detriment of democracy and accountability everywhere, for decades. » | Oliver Bullough | Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Hong Kong on the Brink of a Total Breakdown? | DW News

A Hong Kong police chief has said pro-democracy protesters are pushing the city to "the brink of a total breakdown". The last two days have been among the most violent since the demonstrations began five months ago. The main flashpoint has become the university district, where there have been clashes between demonstrators and police.

Uber CEO's Outrageous Take on Khashoggi's Death

Uber CEO’s outrageous take on Jamal Khashoggi’s death. John Iadarola and Brooke Thomas break it down on The Damage Report.

Bolton Slams Trump, Suggests Foreign Policy Guided by Personal Interest | Andrea Mitchell | MSNBC

Former national security adviser John Bolton derided President Donald Trump’s daughter and son-in-law during a private speech last week and suggested his former boss’ approach to U.S. policy on Turkey is motivated by personal or financial interests, several people who were present for the remarks told NBC News. Aired on 11/12/19.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Behind Trump’s Dealings With Turkey: Sons-in-Law Married to Power »

Daniel Kawczynski Marries Long-term Partner in House of Commons Ceremony

SHROPSHIRE STAR: Conservative parliamentary candidate for Shrewsbury Daniel Kawczynski took a break from campaigning to get married.

Mr Kawczynski wed his long-term Brazilian partner Fernando at a civil partnership ceremony at the House of Commons on Saturday afternoon.

The 46-year-old received hundreds of messages of support and congratulations on social media, including one from the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies.

The pair have not always seen eye to eye, often clashing over issues such as healthcare, but Councillor Davies put political differences aside for one day. » | Aimee Jones | Shrewsbury | Sunday, November 10, 2019

Hillary Clinton 'Dumbfounded' UK Government Won't Release Report on Russian Influence

Hillary Clinton has said she is 'dumbfounded' as to why the UK government has not yet published a report on alleged Russian interference in British politics. Speaking to BBC's Radio 4 Today programme, the former US presidential candidate said: 'Every person who votes in this country deserves to see that report before your election happens.' UK government delay of Russia report is shaming, says Clinton

The Billionaire Class Is Scared. They Should Be

Bill Gates doesn’t like the idea of having his excessive wealth taxed to the degree that Elizabeth Warren wants to tax it. Jeff Bezos isn’t happy about Bernie Sanders repeatedly calling out his unethical treatment of workers. All over the country, billionaires are running scared of what’s on the horizon, and its about time. They’ve had it too good for too long, while screwing the very people who they depend on. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins explains what’s happening.

UK Government Delay of Russia Report Is Shaming, Says Clinton

THE GUARDIAN: Ex-secretary of state says it is unacceptable to keep report from public before election

Hillary Clinton has called Downing Street’s suppression of a report into potential Russian infiltration of British politics “damaging, inexplicable and shaming”.

The 2016 US presidential candidate told the Guardian it was “incredibly surprising and unacceptable that in your country there is a government report sitting there about Russian influence and your current government isn’t releasing it”.

The potentially incendiary report by the intelligence and security committee has already been approved by the intelligence agencies. Downing Street was sent a final draft on 17 October and had been expected to sign off the report by the end of last month.

However, No 10 indicated that the parliamentary report would not be made public before the election, citing a sign-off process that it said could take six weeks. The chairman of the committee, Dominic Grieve, called the decision to delay publication “jaw-dropping”.

Clinton said: “I mean, who do they think they are that they would keep information like that from the public, especially before an election?

“Well, I’ll tell you who they think they are. They think that they are the all-powerful, strong men who should be ruling,” she said, linking the suppression of the report to a rising authoritarian turn in western leaders. » | Charlotte Higgins | Monday, November 11, 2019

Royal Family Lead Britain's Remembrance Sunday Tributes at Cenotaph Service

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The Royal Family led the nation in paying respects to its war dead at the traditional wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Political leaders, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour's Jeremy Corbyn, took a break from election campaigning to attend the service at the memorial on Whitehall in central London.

Hundreds of armed forces personnel were also present at the occasion, alongside Cabinet ministers, religious leaders and representatives of Commonwealth nations.

As Big Ben struck 11am, a two minutes silence was observed, with its beginning and end marked by the firing of a gun by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Buglers of the Royal Marines sounded the Last Post before wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by members of the royal family, politicians, foreign representatives and senior armed forces personnel. » | Telegraph Reporters | Sunday, November 10, 2019

Waking the Titanic | Titanic Documentary | Timeline

Between 1850 and 1920 over 3 million people – half the population – emigrated from Ireland, escaping desperate poverty. Believing America to be a saviour and a life of hope, the ‘Addergoole 14’ saved fiercely in order to afford a ticket aboard the Titanic and escape to the land of dreams. Told using interviews with the descendants of survivors, these are new perspectives of the conditions on board, and the events of April 12th 1912. Focusing not on the glory and fate of the ship, this new look at a famous tragedy uncovers ordinary lives and fragile hopes of the community that lost more that fateful night than any other.

Titanic: The Facts Told by Real Survivors | British Pathé

Dispel myths and garner new insights into the Titanic with archive footage and interviews from real survivors.

On 14 April 1912, on her maiden voyage, the passenger liner RMS Titanic hit an iceberg. More than 1500 men, women and children perished. This is a short television documentary about the sinking of the Titanic, including interviews with survivors talking about their experiences and their escape.

On 14 April 1912, on her maiden voyage, the passenger liner RMS Titanic hit an iceberg. More than 1500 men, women and children perished. This is a short television documentary about the sinking of the Titanic, including interviews with survivors talking about their experiences and their escape.

Lawrence and Rachel on 'Anonymous' Book: ‘This Is a Warning about Danger to the Country’ | MSNBC

Rachel Maddow discusses with Lawrence O’Donnell the excerpts from a damning new book about Trump written by an anonymous senior Trump official. Rachel tells Lawrence that the tone of the book is that people who keep their jobs to try to thwart Trump's worst instincts is not enough. The president is too far gone for that to work. Aired on 11/07/19.

Today’s Economic Update: Protests around the World

Another Greedy Billionaire Enters the Democratic Race

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is expected to officially enter the 2020 presidential race, making him the 2nd billionaire to fight for the Democratic nomination. Bloomberg is entering the race because he sees that Biden and the other centrists are fading fast, and he doesn’t want to pay more money under a Sanders or Warren administration. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins explains what’s happening.

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Author's 'Warning' Raises Question of Trump Staff Responsibility | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC

Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security adviser, talks with Rachel Maddow about the alarming depictions by a purported "senior official in the Trump administration" of chaos and presidential recklessness on matters of life and death and decisions that have real world consequences. Aired on 11/07/19.

Saudi Twitter Spying – Interview with Saudi Political Affairs Expert Ali al Ahmed

US Prosecutors say the Saudi government used two twitter employees to spy on their critics through the platform. The employees were recruited to give private data of thousands of Twitter accounts including that of a prominent social media journalist and several government critics.

A former media partnership manager and an engineer with Twitter have been charged. Investigations revealed that data of over 6,000 users was accessed in return of tens of thousands of dollars into secret bank accounts. Saudi Arabia had also requested emergency disclosure of at least 33 usernames from twitter.

For more on this, Saudi political affairs expert Ali al Ahmed, from Institute for Gulf Affairs, and joins us from Washington DC

Saudi Twitter Spying – Interview with Sami Hamdi from the International Interest

Prosecutors in the United States have charged two former Twitter employees with spying for Saudi Arabia. The men are alleged to have been guided by an unnamed Saudi official whom prosecutors name as Royal Family Member-1. The Washington Post says that person is Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. For more on this, we are joined by Sami Hamdi, Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest.

Book by ‘Anonymous’ Describes Trump as Cruel, Inept and a Danger to the Nation

THE WASHINGTON POST: Senior Trump administration officials considered resigning en masse last year in a “midnight self-massacre” to sound a public alarm about President Trump’s conduct, but rejected the idea because they believed it would further destabilize an already teetering government, according to a new book by an unnamed author.

In “A Warning” by Anonymous, obtained by The Washington Post ahead of its release, a writer described only as “a senior official in the Trump administration” paints a chilling portrait of the president as cruel, inept and a danger to the nation he was elected to lead.

The author — who first captured attention in 2018 as the unidentified author of a New York Times opinion column — describes Trump careening from one self-inflicted crisis to the next, “like a twelve-year-old in an air traffic control tower, pushing the buttons of government indiscriminately, indifferent to the planes skidding across the runway and the flights frantically diverting away from the airport.” » | Philip Rucker | Thursday, November 7, 2019

It’s Not Just Britain That’s Breaking Up, Europe Is Too

THE GUARDIAN: The tremors of this Brexit election will be felt across a continent whose powers are on the wane

Arguably the most surreal event during the general election campaign is scheduled for the week before polling day. On 3 December, Nato leaders, including Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, will gather at a Buckingham Palace reception. The next day, the Nato chiefs will meet in a luxury – but thankfully non-Trump-owned – hotel outside Watford. It’s the event where the leaders will discuss big subjects including Syria, Afghanistan, Russia and military burden-sharing – and where none of these big subjects is likely to be solved.

In the not so distant past, a leader fighting an election might have seen an international summit they were hosting as a golden opportunity. The grandeur and importance of such a gathering would mean free publicity from the campaign gods, reminding voters that the incumbent is someone who bestrides the world stage, has the ear of powerful allies, and is at ease with the deepest responsibilities of office. As a prime minister milked the occasion, opponents could only grind their teeth in frustration.

But this summit is not like that. It could be more problem than opportunity. It may even prove to be the most disruptive political event of the election. Part of that is because of the always careless self-confidence of Johnson, for whom the Watford summit may be the final gig – or let us hope so – of the briefest prime ministership of the modern era. Most of it, though, will be down to Trump, whose comments about Brexit and Britain could hijack the final week of the campaign and even have explosive effects on the outcome. » | Martin Kettle | Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Jane Fonda: The Sooner We Move Beyond Trump the Better

Actress and activist Jane Fonda weighs in on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.

US: Saudi Arabia Recruited Twitter Employees Charged for Spying

Prosecutors in the United States say that Saudi Arabia's government allegedly recruited two Twitter employees to gather private information on thousands of accounts critical of its leadership.

The prosecutors say that Saudi Arabia was growing increasingly frustrated with being criticised online.

The two Saudis who worked at Twitter were tasked with gathering the email addresses linked to the Twitter accounts and internet protocol addresses that indicate the user's location.

Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reports.

A Not-Do-Special Relationship: Facing Voters, Johnson Backs Away From Trump

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Unpopular and unpredictable, President Trump is emerging as a problem for the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, in his election campaign.

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain spoke with President Trump by phone on Tuesday, and to judge by the dueling summaries of the call provided by the White House and 10 Downing Street, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Trump were involved in two completely different conversations.

The White House said the two leaders pledged to negotiate “a robust bilateral free trade agreement once the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.” Downing Street said nothing about a deal, noting instead that Mr. Johnson urged Mr. Trump to lift American tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Such divergent accounts of a leader-to-leader call are not unheard-of, but the timing of this one, on the eve of Britain’s general election campaign, was telling. It shows just how much of a liability Mr. Trump has become for Mr. Johnson. Once, the prime minister talked up the benefits of having a close friend in the White House; now he is distancing himself from a figure who is radioactive to many Britons. » | Mark Landler | Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Ukraine Crisis Put On Ice by Trump Staff Busy Working Out How to Buy Greenland

THE GUARDIAN: State and defence departments wanted military aid restored, but the Greenland issue ‘took up a lot of energy’, new testimony reveals

After the White House cut off military aid to Ukraine, Donald Trump’s top officials scrambled to get it restored but were unable to organise a meeting with the president, in part because his staff were too busy pursuing his interest in buying Greenland, according to newly released congressional testimony.

The acting US ambassador to Ukraine, Bill Taylor, told Congress that Trump’s order in mid-July to cut off security assistance triggered a series of high-level meetings with cabinet members on how to get it resumed, given the urgency of the Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine.

Taylor testified on 22 October, but the House committees holding impeachment hearings released a full transcript on Wednesday. The veteran ambassador told congressional investigators it was the “unanimous opinion of every level of inter-agency discussion” that the aid should be restored and that the secretaries of state and defence as well as the CIA director and the national security adviser work together to arrange an urgent meeting with Trump “to convince him to release the hold”.

However, no meeting could be arranged until September. Taylor said part of the reason was the cabinet secretaries involved went on work trips abroad during the period, but he added: “I think this was also about the time of the Greenland question, about purchasing Greenland, which took up a lot of energy in the NSC [National Security Council].” » | Julian Borger in Washington | Thursday, November 7, 2019


Is Trump's deep fear and envy of Obama behind his plan to purchase Greenland? »

Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and Greens Launch Pro-remain Electoral Pact

THE GUARDIAN: Exclusive: parties will step aside for each other in 60 seats to give single pro-remain candidate a free run

The Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the Greens have finalised a plan to step aside for each other in 60 seats across England and Wales in the general election. The alliance is intended to give a free run to one pro-remain party in each constituency.

The agreement, which does not include Labour, covers 49 seats in England and 11 in Wales. It was made under the banner of a cross-party group called Unite to Remain, which has spent several months trying to broker the plan.

A so-called progressive alliance plan, also including Labour, was attempted before the 2017 election but arrangements were only made for a handful of seats, in part because of the difficulty of getting local parties to agree. » | Peter Walker and Heather Stewart | Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Twitter Employees Charged with Spying for Saudi Arabia

THE GUARDIAN: Company workers reportedly obtained personal account information of critics of the government in Saudi Arabia

Two former Twitter employees have been charged with spying after they reportedly obtained personal account information for critics of the government of Saudi Arabia.

A complaint unsealed on Wednesday in US district court in San Francisco detailed a coordinated effort by Saudi officials to recruit employees at the social media giant to look up the private data of thousands of Twitter accounts.

One of the former Twitter employees, Ahmad Abouammo, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of spying and falsifying an invoice to obstruct an FBI investigation. He is a US citizen. The other former employee, a Saudi citizen named Ali Alzabarah, was accused of accessing the personal information of more than 6,000 Twitter accounts in 2015 on behalf of Saudi Arabia. » | Kari Paul in San Francisco and agencies | Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Wife of Killed Isis Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Captured, Says Turkey

THE GUARDIAN: Erdoğan decries US for ‘communications campaign’ over jihadist’s death

A woman married to the slain Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been captured and is in Turkish custody, Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has said.

Erdoğan made the announcement during a speech in Ankara on Wednesday but did not provide any further details. “The United States said Baghdadi killed himself in a tunnel,” Erdogan said, criticising the US for a “communications campaign” over the jihadist’s death.

“But, I am announcing it here for the first time: we captured his wife and didn’t make a fuss like them. Similarly, we also captured his sister and brother-in-law in Syria.” » | Bethan McKernan in Istanbul | Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — November 6, 2019

Boris Johnson Officially Calls General Election: Watch in Full

What a load of tosh this man speaks! Do you recognize this country from BoJo’s description of it? Because I don’t! Listening to him, anyone would be forgiven for concluding that he’s describing El Dorado, not the UK!

Oh God! These dudes think the people are stupid. If anyone believes this man’s claptrap, I’ve got a bridge to sell him in the desert. – Mark

John Bercow: Brexit Is UK's Biggest Mistake Since Second World War

THE GUARDIAN: Former Speaker tells foreign media UK is better off as part of EU power bloc

Days after bowing out as Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercowhas described Brexit as the biggest mistake Britain has made since the second world war.

Bercow, who was persistently accused of bias by Brexit-backing MPs during his term as Speaker, gave a valedictory speech to the Foreign Press Association, revealing himself to be a remainer.

“I don’t think it helps the UK. Brexit is the biggest mistake of this country after the war. I respect [the] prime minister, [Boris] Johnson, but Brexitdoesn’t help us. It’s better to be part of the [EU] power bloc,” Bercow said, according to the journalist Antonella Guerrera, of La Repubblica, who attended the event in London.

However, Bercow rejected the idea he had blocked Brexit, insisting “it was parliament” that had prevented Britain from leaving before now, “not me”. » | Heather Stewart, Political editor | Wednesday, October 6, 2019

John Bercow is right, of course. Brexit is our biggest mistake since WWII – Mark

Brexit Has Made Britain's Problems Worse, Says Juncker

THE GUARDIAN: Outgoing EU chief calls UK’s departure a cycle of ‘promises, promises not kept, and lies’

Brexit has worsened Britain’s problems, the outgoing head of the European commission has said in another parting shot at the UK government.

Jean-Claude Juncker, who is standing down as head of the EU executive, delivered a typically blunt assessment in an interview with Germany’s public broadcaster, ARD.

“Britain also has problems other than Brexit and these problems have got bigger with Brexit. They are trying to cover that up, but they just got bigger,” he said.

Juncker also described Britain’s departure from the European Union as a perpetual cycle of “promises, promises not kept, and lies repeated over and over again”, two days after he accused Boris Johnson of telling “so many lies” during the 2016 campaign. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Wednesday, November 6, 2019

UK Prime Minister Withholding Report on Russia's Role in Brexit | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC

Rachel Maddow reports on a controversy in the UK in which Prime Minister Boris Johnson is blocking the release of a report on Russian interference in the Brexit vote until after the general election scheduled for December. Aired on 11/05/19.

Will Aramco's IPO Succeed? I Inside Story

Saudi Arabia's crown jewel and the world's largest oil producing firm, Aramco, is now set to go public after several delays.

The initial public offering, or IPO, will be on the Saudi stock exchange. How much of the company's for sale and at what price, will be determined later.

Part of the Crown Prince's economic plans for the kingdom, the flotation aims to raise billions of dollars. But estimates of how much it might actually draw, vary widely. Mohammed Bin Salman wants a $2 trillion price tag, many bankers put it at $1.5 trillion.

But can ARAMCO's IPO satisfy his ambitions? And what, if any, are the risks?

Presenter: Dareen Abu Ghaida | Guests: Mohammed Cherkaoui, author and senior fellow at Al Jazeera Centre for Studies; Jeff Colgan, associate professor at Brown University and author of 'Petro-Aggression: When Oil Causes War'; Joseph Kechichian, senior fellow at King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies

The Debate: Macron and Islam: French President Weighs In on New Headscarf Row

France is on again, off again row over the Muslim headscarf is on again. This time, was it the president who started it? With March municipal elections on the way, Emmanuel Macron telling MPs from his own party not to let the far-right own the conversation on secularism, radicalisation and sectarianism. But his own camp emerged divided from a parliamentary debate and when a far-right regional councilor baited a mother who had accompanied children on a school outing, all bets were off. We ask what the law says and what the French want.

Opinion: The Happy, Healthy Capitalists of Switzerland

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Forget Scandinavia. Switzerland is richer and yet has a surprisingly equal wealth distribution.

Like many progressive intellectuals, Bernie Sanders traces his vision of economic paradise not to socialist dictatorships like Venezuela but to their distant cousins in Scandinavia, which are just as wealthy and democratic as the United States but have more equitable distributions of wealth, as well as affordable health care and free college for all.

There is, however, a country far richer and just as fair as any in the Scandinavian trio of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. But no one talks about it.

This $700 billion European economy is among the world’s 20 largest, significantly bigger than any in Scandinavia. It delivers welfare benefits as comprehensive as Scandinavia’s but with lighter taxes, smaller government, and a more open and stable economy. Steady growth recently made it the second richest nationin the world, after Luxembourg, with an average income of $84,000, or $20,000 more than the Scandinavian average. Money is not the final measure of success, but surveys also rank this nation as one of the world’s 10 happiest.

This less socialist but more successful utopia is Switzerland. » | Ruchir Sharma | Saturday, November 2, 2019

What's Next for the Impeachment Inquiry against Donald Trump I Inside Story

US House of Representatives votes to make proceedings public. In only the fourth time in US history, the “House of Representatives’ has formalised impeachment proceedings against a sitting president. Public hearings will begin later this month after weeks of testimonies behind closed doors.

At the centre of the investigation is whether President Donald Trump abused his power and jeopardised national security by withholding US military aid from Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden.

Trump has repeatedly denied doing anything wrong, and the White House is refusing to cooperate; so what happens next? And what will be the impact on next year's elections?

Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault | Guests: Richard Goodstein - Political consultant for the Democratic Party and former adviser to President Bill Clinton; Jack Kingston - Republican Party member and former senior adviser to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign; Scott Lucas - Professor of political science and international studies at the University of Birmingham