Zelenskiy Compares Russian Offensive to Nazi Germany

THE GUARDIAN: Zelenskiy told Israeli legislators they would have to live with the choices they make on whether to help protect Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

Addressing the Knesset via video link on Sunday, he drew comparisons between the Russian offensive and the “final solution” – the plan by Nazi Germany to exterminate Jews.

”He also questioned Israel’s reluctance to sell the Iron Dome defence system to Ukraine. He said:

Everybody knows that your missile defence systems are the best and that you can definitely help our people, save the lives of Ukrainians, of Ukrainian Jews.

We can ask why we can’t receive weapons from you, why Israel has not imposed powerful sanctions on Russia or is not putting pressure on Russian business. Either way, the choice is yours to make, brothers and sisters, and you must then live with your answer, the people of Israel.

Russia denies targeting civilians in what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. » | Nadia Khomami | Sunday, March 20, 2022

Watch (Listen to) the speech here.

Assad aux Emirats, étape-clé dans la normalisation du régime syrien

LE MONDE : La venue à Abou Dhabi du maître de Damas constitue sa première visite dans un pays arabe depuis le début du soulèvement en Syrie en mars 2011.

Rencontre entre le président syrien, Bachar Al-Assad, et le vice-premier ministre des Emirats arabes unis, le cheikh Mansour Ben Zayed Al Nahyane à Abou Dhabi, le 18 mars 2022. Photo fournie par la présidence syrienne. HASSAN AL MENHALI / PRESIDENCE SYRIENNE / AFP
C’est sa première visite dans un pays arabe depuis le déclenchement en 2011 du soulèvement qui a bien failli lui coûter son siège : le président syrien, Bachar Al-Assad, s’est rendu vendredi 18 mars aux Emirats arabes unis (EAU), où il s’est entretenu avec le dirigeant de fait de cette pétromonarchie, le prince héritier d’Abou Dhabi, Mohammed Ben Zayed. Ce déplacement constitue un pas important dans le sens d’une réintégration du maître de Damas sur la scène diplomatique arabe.

Traité comme un paria par la grande majorité des chancelleries de la planète, qui lui impute la destruction de son pays et la responsabilité de centaines de milliers de morts, Bachar Al-Assad n’était jusque-là sorti de Syrie, depuis 2011, que pour de brèves visites en Russie et en Iran, ses deux principaux alliés, dont l’aide militaire a été cruciale dans l’écrasement de la révolution. Coïncidence amère pour les opposants syriens, le voyage aux Emirats de leur bourreau est intervenu deux jours après la célébration du onzième anniversaire du début de la révolte, le 15 mars 2011. » | Par Benjamin Barthe | Samedi 19 mars 2022

Article réservé aux abonnés

I Hoped My Performance Could Change People's Minds: Russian Anti-war Journalist

Mar 20, 2022 • George Stephanopoulos interviews Marina Ovsyannikova on "This Week."

„Boris, Deine Worte beleidigen die Ukrainer“

Der britische Premierminister Boris Johnson am Samstag beim Parteitag der Konservativen in Blackpool | Bild: REUTERS
JOHNSONS BREXIT-VERGLEICH
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Der Instinkt der Briten sei es, wie die Ukrainer die Freiheit zu wählen, hatte Boris Johnson mit Blick auf das Brexit-Votum gesagt. Die Empörung ist groß. Auch Parteifreunde gehen auf Distanz.

Mit einem Vergleich zwischen der Verteidigung der Ukrainer gegen den russischen Angriff und dem Votum der Briten für den Brexit hat der britische Premierminister Boris Johnson Kritik und Unverständnis auch im eigenen politischen Lager hervorgerufen. In einer Rede bei einem Parteitag seiner Tories im nordenglischen Blackpool hatte Johnson am Samstag gesagt, es sei „der Instinkt des Volkes dieses Landes, wie das ukrainische Volk die Freiheit zu wählen“.

Dabei verwies er auf das „jüngste berühmte Beispiel“ des Referendums der Briten über den Austritt ihres Landes aus der Europäischen Union, das im Juni 2016 abgehalten worden war und knapp für den Brexit ausging. Johnson löste mit dem Vergleich Empörung im In- und Ausland aus. „Boris„ Deine Worte beleidigen die Ukrainer, die Briten und den gesunden Menschenverstand“, schrieb der frühere EU-Ratspräsident Donald Tusk im Onlinedienst Twitter. » | Quelle: AFP | Sonntag, 20. März 2022

Related here and here.

BBC Panorama - Roman Abramovich's Dirty Money

Mar 14, 2022 • BBC Panorama - Roman Abramovich's Dirty Money Chelsea-owner, Roman Abramovich, has been sanctioned by the UK government for his ties to Vladimir Putin. But where did the Russian billionaire’s money come from? Panorama reporter Richard Bilton travels to Siberia to investigate the corrupt deals that made his fortune. He uncovers new details about Mr Abramovich’s murky past and his relationship with the Kremlin.

Campaigner Urges Johnson to Freeze Assets of Thousands of Russians in UK

THE GUARDIAN: Andrei Sidelnikov says he is making list of suspected Putin supporters to share with British government

Anti-Putin and anti-war placards opposite the Russian embassy in London. Photograph: Thomas Krych/Sopa Images/Rex/Shutterstock
A London-based anti-Putin campaigner has called on Boris Johnson to freeze the assets of thousands of Russian citizens in the UK in a bid to root out those with ties to the Kremlin.

Andrei Sidelnikov said he told the prime minister to impound the property and bank accounts of emigrants with unexplained wealth, connections with the Russian embassy in London, ties to pro-Putin oligarchs, and of those involved in organising cultural events linked to the Russian state.

Sidelnikov, a former associate of the former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko who was murdered in London in 2006, said their assets should be confiscated while corruption investigations were conducted, adding that he was compiling a list of suspected Putin supporters that would be shared with the UK government.

The opposition activist said his campaign group, Speak Up!, had founded a new project called Revenge, aimed at gathering the names of Russian emigrants who support Vladimir Putin.

“From this moment, all the people who supported this criminal regime must answer for this,” said Sidelnikov, who received political asylum in Britain in 2008 after telling officials his life would be in danger if he remained in Russia. “[If we] don’t close such doors for supporters of criminal Putin’s regime then the war will come to our homes.” » | David Batty | Sunday, March 20, 2022

Twice-poisoned Putin Critic Makes Prediction about Russian Government

Mar 19, 2022 • Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza speaks out about how Russia could possibly achieve regime change as the war in Ukraine continues.

Kenny Rogers : Crazy

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group | Views on YouTube: 2,810,352

Süße Küsse!

Doux baisers ! / Sweet kisses!
Für dieses schöne Bild bedanke ich mich bei Alexsandre Portier auf Pinterest.

Fury Greets Johnson’s Claim Ukraine Fight Is Like Brexit

Boris Johnson made the remarks at the Conservative party spring conference in Blackpool.Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters
THE OBSERVER: Prime minister says vote is ‘famous recent example’ of ‘instinct of the people … to choose freedom’

Boris Johnson has caused fury among political leaders across Europe – and outrage among opponents of Brexit at home – after he compared the resistance of the Ukrainian people to Russia’s invasion to the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

In a clear attempt to rally the Tory faithful behind a Brexit theme, the prime minister said in a speech to the Conservative spring conference in Blackpool that the world faced a moment of choice “between freedom and oppression”.

He went on: “There are some around the world, even in some western governments, who invoke what they call realpolitik. And you say that we’re better off making accommodations with tyranny.”

He then added: “And I know that it’s the instinct of the people of this country, like the people of Ukraine, to choose freedom, every time. I can give you a couple of famous recent examples. When the British people voted for Brexit, in such large, large numbers, I don’t believe it was because they were remotely hostile to foreigners. It’s because they wanted to be free to do things differently and for this country to be able to run itself.”

The remarks caused astonishment not only because Ukraine applied last month, after the Russian invasion began, to become a member of the EU, but because the comments suggested that the EU was itself a form of tyranny to be escaped from. » | Toby Helm and Daniel Boffey | Saturday, March 19, 2022

Not only is BoJo an embarrassment, but he is also an eff*** tw*t! (Supply the vowel of your choice.) – Mark

We Need More Europe, Not Less!

The war that Russia is waging on the Ukraine should make one thing clear to us all: We need more Europe, not less.

Europe needs to be united; and Europe needs its own military—its own army, its own air force, its own navy—to be able to counter the threat from the autocratic world.

It goes without saying that we Europeans need to work closely with our stalwart, American friends and allies; however, it is unreasonable to expect Americans always to come and fight our corner. We must also play our part – and in full.

Recent Russian aggression in the Ukraine should have already convinced us that our liberal, democratic continent is no longer to be taken for granted, no longer safe from the dictatorial and autocratic ambitions of Russia and its co-conspirators and like-minded friends.

It therefore goes without saying that we Europeans need a strong military to counter any threats that come our way. No country, no continent was ever strong by showing disunity. Weakness has never been an answer to military or existential threats. Europe needs to be strong, united and militarized.

Let Europe unite; let Europe be strong; let Europe build its military! Long live Europe! Es lebe Europa! Vive l’Europe ! – © Mark Alexander

Boris Johnson Appears to Liken Ukrainians' Fight to British People Voting for Brexit

Mar 19, 2022 • Speaking at the Conservative party spring conference in Blackpool, the prime minister appeared to compare the struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom to the instincts of Britons who voted for Brexit. He also said the west must not make the mistake of normalising relations with Vladimir Putin again after the invasion of Ukraine .

What an stupid thing to say! How on earth can BoJo compare the existential fight that Ukrainians now find themselves in with the stupidity of voting for Brexit? If this man thinks he is Churchill reborn—and I know that he does—he is sadly deluded! The man must think that the British electorate are uninformed idiots! What a clown! – © Mark

Les oligarques russes sommés de faire allégeance à Vladimir Poutine

Vladimir Poutine lors d'un concert célébrant le huitième anniversaire de l'annexion de la Crimée par la Russie au stade Luzhniki de Moscou, en Russie, le 18 mars 2022. HOST PHOTO AGENCY/via REUTERS
Correspondant à Moscou
LE FIGARO : ENQUÊTE - Le chef du Kremlin exige des milliardaires visés par les sanctions, et qui vivent souvent à l'étranger, qu'ils soutiennent la cause de la Russie face aux Occidentaux.

« Je ne condamne pas ceux qui ont une villa à Miami ou sur la Côte d'Azur, qui ne peuvent pas se passer de foie gras, d'huîtres ou de la soi-disant liberté des genres. Mais le problème est que beaucoup de ces personnes sont mentalement là-bas et pas ici, avec notre peuple » : c'est en ces termes que Vladimir Poutine a mis en garde, mercredi dernier, les oligarques russes. Le propos est clair, soit vous êtes avec nous, soit le pays vous rejettera, comme il rejettera les « traîtres nationaux » de la « cinquième colonne » sur laquelle compte l'Occident pour « tenter de diviser notre société ».

Sale temps décidément pour les oligarques. Déjà visées par des sanctions depuis l'annexion de la Crimée, en 2014, les grandes fortunes russes bâties à l'ombre du Kremlin ont basculé, elles aussi, dans une autre dimension avec l'« opération militaire spéciale » déclenchées le 24 février contre l'Ukraine. Depuis cette date, plusieurs vagues de restrictions, européennes, britanniques et américaines, se sont massivement abattues sur ces personnalités connues pour leur train de vie, leurs entreprises, leurs luxueuses propriétés en Europe et leurs yachts - désormais dans le filet judiciaire. Un choc pour ces magnats, entrepreneurs, affairistes, anciens des « services » ou tchinovnikis (fonctionnaires) montés en graine grâce à leurs hautes protections. Au point que l'on a pu s'interroger sur leur loyauté à terme vis-à-vis de celui qui, en dernier ressort, a déclenché par ses décisions l'effondrement de leur position et de leur fortune - Vladimir Poutine lui-même. » | Par Alain Barluet | vendredi 18 mars 2022

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Guerre en Ukraine : face à Poutine, un déni européen

Des civils ukrainiens participent à un entraînement militaire dans un quartier de Kiev, le 5 février 2022. GUILLAUME HERBAUT/AGENCE VU POUR « LE MONDE »
LE MONDE : ENQUÊTE | Jusqu’à la veille de l’invasion russe, le 24 février, les capitales européennes sont restées très méfiantes vis-à-vis des alertes lancées par Washington. Paris et Berlin, en particulier, ont voulu croire aux vertus de la politique de la main tendue. Récit d’une guerre impensable.

La scène se déroule dans le salon feutré d’une ambassade européenne, au cœur de la capitale ukrainienne, trois semaines avant le début de l’offensive russe. Dehors, les rues de Kiev sont tranquilles, les cafés ouverts et les magasins achalandés. Dans ce calme apparent, les habitants vivent au rythme des déclarations contradictoires. Alors que quelque 130 000 soldats russes sont massés aux frontières de l’Ukraine, le président Volodymyr Zelensky répète qu’il n’y a pas lieu de paniquer, cependant que les Etats-Unis s’alarment d’une invasion qu’ils jugent « imminente ». En ce 2 février, le diplomate européen a réuni une poignée de journalistes pour un « off », selon l’expression consacrée. Il souhaite faire le point sur la crise entre Kiev et Moscou, qui dénonce l’« hystérie » occidentale et dément toute intention belliqueuse.

Dans l’ambassade, un conseiller diplomatique évoque son coiffeur ukrainien, qui lui a coupé les cheveux la veille et balayait d’une boutade toute perspective de menaces. « Les gens ne sont pas inquiets », en conclut-il. Le diplomate, lui, avoue sa perplexité. « On entend bien qu’il y a des renforcements militaires, dit-il, mais il n’y a pas de nervosité particulière. On est surpris par le discours alarmiste des Anglo-Saxons. Nous sommes plutôt sur la ligne ukrainienne. » » | Par Cécile Ducourtieux (Londres, correspondante), Allan Kaval, Philippe Ricard, Faustine Vincent, Elise Vincent et Thomas Wieder (Berlin, correspondant) | vendredi 18 mars 2022

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Kein Churchill nirgends

Der britische Premierminister Winston Churchill 1942 mit einer Thompson-Maschinenpistole an der Ärmelkanalküste
UNTERSTÜTZUNG DER UKRAINE
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Deutschland kauft immer noch Öl bei Russland. Das finanziert zwar Putins Krieg in der Ukraine, aber die Politiker der Ampel wollen ihren Wählern keine Härten zumuten. Sie trauen den Deutschen nicht.

Am 13. Mai 1940, als Winston Churchill seine erste Rede als britischer Premierminister hielt, waren Wien und Prag, Warschau, Kopenhagen und Oslo schon gefallen. Hitler hatte eine Hauptstadt nach der anderen besetzen können, weil Frankreich, Großbritannien und die übrige Welt vor Schreck erstarrt waren. Als Churchill sich dann im Unterhaus zum Sprechen erhob, war sein Vorgänger Chamberlain gerade gestürzt. Der hatte lange erfolglos versucht, Hitler zu besänftigen. Er hatte seinen Wählern keine Opfer für eine Sache zumuten wollen, von der viele damals noch glaubten, sie sei nicht die ihre. Deshalb hatte er den Briten und wohl auch sich selbst lange das bequeme Märchen erzählt, man könne Hitler zähmen, ohne große Opfer zu bringen.

Chamberlain täuschte sich. Bald rollten deutsche Panzer auch auf Paris, und Chamberlain stürzte. In London trat jetzt Churchill ans Pult und sagte: „Ich kann euch nichts bieten außer Blut, Mühe, Schweiß und Tränen.“ Er war ehrlich, und er vertraute darauf, dass die Briten das akzeptieren würden. » | Ein Kommentar von Konrad Schuller | Samstag, 19. März 2022

Inside Putin's Secret $1 Billion Mansion

Putin's Way | Full Documentary | FRONTLINE

Mar 2, 2022 • In this 2015 documentary, FRONTLINE traces Vladimir Putin’s ascent from unemployed spy to modern-day czar, and investigates the accusations of criminality and corruption that have surrounded his reign in Russia. (Aired 2015)

In this 2015 film, a coproduction with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, producer Neil Docherty and correspondent Gillian Findlay traced Putin’s career back two decades to his political start in St. Petersburg, where allegations of corruption began almost immediately. Drawing on firsthand accounts from exiled Russian business tycoons, writers and politicians, as well as the exhaustive research of scholar and best-selling “Putin’s Kleptocracy” author Karen Dawisha, the film examined troubling episodes in Putin’s past, from alleged money-laundering activities and ties to organized crime, to a secret personal fortune said to be in the billions.

The Battle for Kyiv Looms as a Long and Bloody Conflict

Ukrainian security forces at a fortified checkpoint next to a market that provides food, shelter and medical care for up to 5,000 soldiers and the needy around northern Kyiv.
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ukraine’s capital is the biggest prize of all for the Russian military. If Russia tries to take control, it could lead to one of the biggest urban conflicts since World War II.

KYIV, Ukraine — The city of Kyiv covers 325 square miles and is divided by a broad river. It has about 500,000 structures — factories, ornate churches and high-rise apartments — many on narrow, winding streets. Roughly two million people remain after extensive evacuations of women and children.

To the northwest and to the east, tens of thousands of Russian troops are pressing toward the city, Ukraine’s capital, backed by columns of tanks, armored vehicles and artillery. Inside Kyiv, Ukrainian soldiers and civilian volunteers are fortifying the downtown with barriers, anti-tank mines and artillery.

Kyiv remains the biggest prize of all for the Russian military; it is the seat of government and ingrained in both Russian and Ukrainian identity. But capturing it, military analysts say, would require a furious and bloody conflict that could be the world’s biggest urban battle in 80 years.

“What we are looking at in Kyiv would dwarf anything we’ve seen since World War II,” said David Kilcullen, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Australian Army who has extensively studied urban combat. “If they really, really want to level Kyiv, they can,” he said of the Russian leadership. “But the level of political and economic damage would be tremendous.” » | Andrew E. Kramer; Photographs: Lynsey Addario | Saturday, March 19, 2022

Gordon Brown and John Major Back Nuremberg-style Tribunal for Putin

THE GUARDIAN: Former PMs join campaign calling for trial of Russian president and those around him over invasion of Ukraine

The campaign backed by Brown and Major seeks the creation of a special tribunal modelled on the Nuremberg trials of 1945-46. Photograph: PA
The former UK prime ministers Gordon Brown and Sir John Major are among those calling for the creation of a new international tribunal to investigate Vladimir Putin and those who helped plan his invasion of Ukraine.

They have joined a campaign – along with leading names from the worlds of law, academia and politics – aiming to put the Russian president and others on trial.

Launched with a website and a target of 2 million petition signatures, the campaign – which has already been backed by 740,000 people around the world – seeks to gain public support for a special tribunal modelled on the Nuremberg trials.

It was vital to ensure, eight decades on from the trials of Nazi war criminals, that there was “a day of reckoning for Putin”, said Brown. » | Agencies | Saturday, March 19, 2022

Sign this petition to put Putin and his cronies on trial here.

‘They Can’t Stop Hugging’: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s Reunion with Her Daughter

THE GUARDIAN: The woman freed from six years’ detention told her MP about the fraught last moments in Iran and the bliss of her return

A picture tweeted by Tulip Siddiq of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her daughter, Gabriella,making pizza. Photograph: Rebecca Ratcliffe
Even as she entered the airport clutching her British passport for the first time in six years, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she could not believe she was finally about to return home to her husband and daughter.

The last moments of her ordeal in Iran, where she had been held by the regime, in effect as a hostage, on trumped-up charges, were far from straightforward and fraught with anxieties.

Speaking to her MP, Tulip Siddiq, on Thursday night, Zaghari-Ratcliffe described how even at the airport in Tehran, conversations continued between Iranian and UK officials. Nothing was straightforward.

As she arrived to board the flight, a reporter from an Iranian news channel appeared, one she recognised and who had spread misinformation about her before one of her earlier trials, to try and bounce her into an interview.

Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Kilburn who has been a vociferous and dogged campaigner for Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s freedom, spoke to her on Thursday for the first time since she landed at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her husband, Richard, who mounted a worldwide publicity campaign to free his wife, are now staying in a safe house with their seven-year-old daughter, Gabriella, to give the family who have spent so many years apart some privacy and downtime before they return home to north London. » | Jessica Elgot, Chief political correspondent | Friday, March 18, 2022

Verwandt.

Sollten wir mehr träumen? | 42 - Die Antwort auf fast alles | ARTE

Mar 18, 2022 • Wir verträumen in unserem Leben bis zu sechs Jahre. Was, wenn die Träume mehr wären als nur Unwirkliches? Wenn wir die genialen Ideen, die wir im Traum schon mal hatten, in die Wirklichkeit mitnehmen könnten? In unseren Träumen steckt kreatives Potenzial, das wir bislang meist ungenutzt lassen. Sollten wir mehr träumen - und mehr aus unseren Träumen machen?

Auch wenn wir uns oft nicht erinnern können: In jeder durchschlafenen Nacht produzieren wir in unserem Kopf etwa zwei Stunden Traumerleben in Bildern. Ein scheinbar unkontrollierbarer Kinofilm. Und kreativer als unsere Wirklichkeit.

Leider vergessen wir das meiste, was wir träumen. Es gibt jedoch Mittel und Wege, das Erinnern an Träume zu trainieren, verrät der Schlaf- und Traumforscher Michael Schredl, der selbst in bald 40 Jahren rund 15.800 Träume aufgeschrieben hat.

Am kreativsten könnten wir Träume für uns nutzen, wenn wir klarträumen. "Ein Klartraum ist ein Traum, in dem Sie wissen, dass Sie träumen", sagt Ursula Voss von der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. "Das heißt, Sie können sich selbst von außen betrachten. Und teilweise können Sie Kontrolle über den Traum ausüben."

Damit lassen sich bestimmte Fähigkeiten trainieren. "Wenn ich einen Sport üben möchte, dann kann ich im Klartraum Bewegungsabläufe trainieren", schildert die Kognitionsforscherin Katharina Lüth aus ihren eigenen Klarträumen.

Da das Klarträumen aber viel Training braucht, hat Adam Haar Horowitz am MIT eine Technologie entwickelt, mit der auch Nichtklarträumer ihre Träume besser für sich nutzen können. Das elektronische Armband "Dormio" soll helfen, den besonderen Zustand der Hypnagogie zu erreichen. "Das ist ein ähnlicher Geisteszustand, wie man ihn in Momenten extremer Kreativität oder kognitiver Flexibilität erlebt. Viele Menschen nutzen diesen Zustand, die Hypnagogie, für kreatives Brainstorming", sagt Adam Haar-Horowitz.

Träume führen in eine Welt voller Fantasie, die der Vernunft entzogen ist. Sollten wir mehr träumen? Ja, unbedingt, denn Träume können unser Wachleben kreativer machen.

Dokumentation von Simone Jung (D 2021, 26 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis 26/03/2023

George Michael : Father Figure | Official Video

Views on YouTube: 85,774,451

Don’t Hesitate! Go for It!

Zögere nicht! Tue es! / N'hésite pas ! Fais le !
With many thanks to meaws.com on Pinterest for this lovely photo.

CALLEkocht: Schneller Auflauf von Kassler mit Sauerkraut und Kartoffeln. Rezept

Mar 18, 2022 • CALLEkocht: Ein wirklich leckerer und saftiger Eintopf von Sauerkraut und Kasslernachen mit geriebenen Kartoffeln. Das Sauerkraut ist selbst gemacht und die anderen Zutaten sing günstig. Ein One Pot Gericht für 2 Tage.

Die Kochzeit beträgt ca. 1 Std. und 45 Min.


Zutaten:

1 Kg Sauerkraut
1 Kg Kasslernacken
1 Kg mehligkochende Kartoffeln
1 Zwiebel
500 ml Gemüsebrühe
Pfeffer

Russian President Putin Speaks at Crimea Celebration Event - BBC News

Mar 18, 2022 • Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to tens of thousands of Russians at an event celebrating eight years since the annexation of Crimea.

The stadium was awash with Russian flags and the letter "Z", which has come to symbolise the invasion.

Putin hailed Russia's "special operation" in Ukraine, claiming its objective is to save locals "from suffering from genocide".

The Russian president told the crowd: "We know what we have to do next... we'll definitely carry out all the plans we have made." But his address on state TV suddenly cut to singer Oleg Gazmanov belting out the words "Forward, Russia", in what the Kremlin later called a technical glitch.

Pope Deplores the War in Ukraine but Not the Aggressor

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Francis has raised his voice against “unacceptable armed aggression” without mentioning President Vladimir V. Putin or Russia. Some analysts say that he risks complicating his legacy.

Francis in Vatican City in February. The pope has worked hard to forge a rapprochement between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. | Maurizio Brambatti/EPA, via Shutterstock
ROME — The day after Russia invaded Ukraine, Pope Francis broke protocol and went directly to the Russian Embassy in the Holy See to appeal for peace. The next day he spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, offering him spiritual support. As the war intensified, he raised his voice against “unacceptable armed aggression” and the “barbarism of the killing of children.”

“In the name of God,” he declared Sunday, “I ask you: Stop this massacre!”

Whom, though, was Francis asking?

The Pope has studiously avoided naming President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, or even Russia itself, as the aggressor. And while he has said that whoever justifies violence with religious motivations “profanes the name” of God, he has avoided criticism of the war’s chief religious backer and apologist, Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Unlike some European nationalists, who have suddenly blanked on Mr. Putin’s name to avoid reminding voters that they belonged to the Russian leader’s fan club, Francis’ motivation stems from his walking a fine line between global conscience, real-world diplomatic player and religious leader responsible for his own flock’s safety. » | Jason Horowitz | Friday, March 18, 2022

What a cop out! – Mark

Inside the Billionaire Lifestyle of Russian Oligarchs

'Ruthless': Ex-partner to Putin's Close Friend Speaks Out

Mar 18, 2022 • CNN's Erin Burnett speaks with Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, the former partner to Russian oligarch Sergei Pugachev, about their relationship with Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine Russia Conflict: Putin Vows His Aims Will Be Achieved at War Rally

Mar 18, 2022 • Ukraine was the focus of talks between America and China today; and President Zelenskyy was told the nation's candidacy to join the EU would be accelerated.

But in Moscow a rare public appearance at a war rally from Putin received a blunt message: the Kremlin's aims will be achieved. On the ground the air strikes and artillery continued, without major Russian advances.

Warning: this report contains distressing images.

National Security Analyst Predicts Putin's Next Move

Mar 18, 2022 • CNN's John King is joined by national security reporters David Sanger and Vivian Salama to discuss the implications of President Joe Biden's recent comments on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin’s Patriots: Russian Money and Influence in Australia | Four Corners

Feb 15, 2021 • Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he wants Russia to reclaim its former glory.

In doing so, he expects the support of Russians across the globe, wherever they may live.

Our investigation has uncovered the activities of a cluster of dedicated pro-Russian nationalist groups in Australia.

Some are explicit about their mission — to wage a propaganda war to help further the Kremlin’s global agenda — prompting analysts to warn Australia that it should be paying close attention.

We’ve also uncovered new information linking an alleged Russian money laundering scheme in Australia to a powerful figure in the Putin government, and reveal new details about how a Russian billionaire with an investment here tried to co-opt the Australian government to help lift punitive financial sanctions placed on his company by the United States.

At a time when our federal government is focused on foreign interference, this investigation shines some light on an area some experts describe as a potential emerging threat.

Putin's Road to War | Full Documentary | FRONTLINE

Mar 16, 2022 • The story of what led to Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.

Through in-depth conversations with multiple heads of U.S. intelligence agencies, diplomats, Russian politicians, historians and journalists, this special report chronicles events that shaped the Russian leader, the grievances that drive him, and how a growing conflict with the West exploded into war in Europe.

From acclaimed filmmaker Michael Kirk and his team, the documentary traces how Putin went from low-ranking KGB agent to longtime Russian president. It delves into his crackdown on dissent — and the media — inside Russia. It reveals how he has tested the West’s appetite for confrontation over and over again, including in Ukraine in 2014, as he’s tried to expand Russia’s global footprint. And it raises difficult questions about the path forward.


Donald Trump: Putin’s “useful idiot”? – Mark

Hear What Putin Told Large Crowd amid Invasion

Mar 18, 2022 • Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at a massive celebration in Moscow marking the eighth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea as Russia. CNN's Nada Bashir reports.

Putin warns Russia against pro-Western 'traitors' and scum: Putin says West wants to destroy Russia / Says Russians will quickly spot traitors among them / Kremlin critics fear intensification of clampdown »

Putin's Opponents Say These Photos Reveal His Secret Palace

Mar 18, 2022 • Russian President Vladimir Putin says he makes just $140,000 a year. Here's how he may be one of the richest people on the planet. CNN's Drew Griffin reports.

Democracy Now! US News & World Headlines – March 18, 2022

Law Expert Predicts When Putin Will Be Indicted for War Crimes

Mar 11, 2022 • David Scheffer, the former US Ambassador-at-large for War Crime Issues, believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be indicted on war crimes charges in "2 or 3 months" because Putin could stop the atrocities in Ukraine or punish those committing them and is choosing not to do either.

Evidence of War Crimes in Ukraine, Says British Defence Minister

THE GUARDIAN: James Heappey’s comments echo those of US president Joe Biden, who called Vladimir Putin a ‘war criminal’

Evidence gathered in Ukraine points towards war crimes being committed and the blame lies with Vladimir Putin, a British defence minister has said, echoing Joe Biden who called the Russian leader “a war criminal”.

Asked if the Russian president was indeed a war criminal, the defence minister, James Heappey, told Sky News: “I’ve not pulled my punches when I’ve been on your show. I think the evidence that is being gathered points very much towards war crimes being committed and the culpability for war crimes sits absolutely with the leader of the Russian government, the man who decided to do all this in the first place.

“It’s not just Putin who ends up being responsible for war crimes as and when the evidence is gathered and people are held to account. Every single person in the military chain of command can not just hide behind the line of “they’re only following orders”, they too are involved in the prosecution of war crimes in Ukraine. This is a stain on the Russian nation.” » | Jamie Grierson | Friday, March 18, 2022

War in Ukraine Prompts a Political Makeover in Poland

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Poland’s de facto leader and longtime scourge of E.U. unity, is portraying himself as a standard-bearer of European solidarity in defense of Ukraine and democratic values.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland’s governing party, during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv this week. | Andrzej Lange/EPA, via Shutterstock
WARSAW — After years of cozying up to Kremlin-friendly anti-immigrant firebrands and fulminating against the European Union, the leader of Poland’s populist governing party has taken on an unlikely new role: a standard-bearer of European solidarity in defense of Ukraine and democratic values.

Joining three European prime ministers on a risky train ride to Ukraine’s besieged capital, Kyiv, Jaroslaw Kaczyinski, Poland’s de facto leader and a longtime scourge of European unity, this week became the latest European politician attempting a difficult somersault prompted by mounting public horror at Russia’s invasion.

Mr. Kaczyinski’s trip came as millions of ordinary Poles have surprised their leaders and, in some cases, even themselves, with an extraordinary, nationwide outpouring of support for Ukrainians fleeing war and seeking shelter across the border in Poland.

The war in Ukraine has not only sent more than 1.5 million terrified people pouring into Poland, which just a few months ago was beating back migrants from its border with batons and water canons, but also spread alarm that Russia could widen the conflict beyond Ukraine, dramatically expanding and reshaping the contours of Polish politics. » | Andrew Higgins | Friday, March 18, 2022

Why Vladimir Putin Invokes Nazis to Justify His Invasion of Ukraine

Billboards quoting President Vladimir V. Putin in Simferopol, Crimea, this month. The one on the right reads “We want the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.” | Alexey Pavlishak/Reuters
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ukraine’s government is “openly neo-Nazi” and “pro-Nazi,” controlled by “little Nazis,” President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia says.

American officials led by President Biden are responsible for the “Nazification” of Ukraine, one of Russia’s top lawmakers says, and should be tried before a court. In fact, another lawmaker says, it is time to create a “modern analogy to the Nuremberg Tribunal” as Russia prepares to “denazify” Ukraine.

In case the message was not clear, the Kremlin’s marquee weekly news show aired black-and-white footage on Sunday of German Nazis being hanged on what is now central Kyiv’s Independence Square. The men drop, dangling from a long beam, and the crowd cheers.

The language of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been dominated by the word “Nazi” — a puzzling assertion about a country whose president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is Jewish and who last fall signed a law combating anti-Semitism. Mr. Putin only began to apply the word regularly to the country’s present-day government in recent months, though he has long referred to Ukraine’s pro-Western revolution of 2014 as a fascist coup. » | Anton Troianovski | Thursday, March 17, 2022

Mike Isaac contributed reporting from San Francisco, and Catherine Porter from Toronto.

Burger King Russia Partner 'Refuses' to Shut Shops

Burger King has 800 stores in Russia | GETTY IMAGES
BBC: The owner of Burger King said the operator of its 800 stores in Russia has "refused" to close the sites despite demands to suspend trading.

Restaurant Brands said it had contacted its local partner, Alexander Kolobov, to shut the shops following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But it said "complicated" contracts with overseas partners mean it is unable to "walk away" from these deals.

Many Western firms have shut or suspended their Russian businesses.

However a small number, including Burger King and UK retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S), have been unable to do so because their stores are run by franchise partners under "complex" legal arrangements. » | Friday, March 18, 2022

The Western brands unable to leave Russia: The invasion of Ukraine has led many Western brands to shun Russia, but some still have outlets open in the country and say they are not able to shut them. »

Russia Today: News Channel RT's UK Licence Revoked by Ofcom

BBC: Russian state-backed news channel RT has had its licence to broadcast in the UK revoked "with immediate effect" by media regulator Ofcom.

The watchdog said RT's parent body ANO TV Novosti was not "fit and proper to hold a UK broadcast licence".

RT's coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been under investigation by Ofcom, and the channel had already disappeared from UK screens.

RT, formerly named Russia Today, called Ofcom "a tool of the government".

The channel became unavailable on all UK broadcast platforms earlier this month as a result of a ban imposed by the European Union. » | Friday, March 18, 2022

Pour Joe Biden, Vladimir Poutine est un «pur voyou qui mène une guerre immorale»

FIGARO/LIVE : Le président russe Vladimir Poutine est «un pur voyou qui mène une guerre immorale contre le peuple ukrainien», affirme le président américain, qui félicite l'Irlande pour son soutien aux sanctions imposées, lors du déjeuner annuel de la Saint-Patrick au Capitole. Regarder la vidéo » | jeudi 17 mars 2022

À LIRE / REGARDER AUSSI :

Pour Joe Biden, Vladimir Poutine est un «criminel de guerre» »

Tory MP Backs Calls for Marks & Spencer Stores in Russia to Close

THE GUARDIAN: Retailer says it has stopped supplying its franchisee’s business in Russia, but the shops remain open

There are 48 M&S shops in Russia where a Turkish franchisee runs stores. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
A Conservative MP has backed calls for dozens of Marks & Spencer stores across Russia to be shut immediately, suggesting Vladimir Putin is funnelling every rouble made in the country into the invasion of Ukraine.

Alicia Kearns, who hosted four Ukrainian parliamentarians in the House of Commons on Thursday, said any profits generated would be tainted by the killings and war crimes committed during the conflict.

Two weeks ago, M&S stopped supplying its Turkish franchisee’s businesses in Russia, which has 48 shops and 1,200 employees. However the stores remain open and continue to sell their existing stock.

Some other chains that operate in Russia by franchise, such as McDonald’s, have been able to close their doors, given the agreements differ between companies. » | Aubrey Allegretti, Political correspondent | Thursday, March 17, 2022

Russia Disconnects from the Global Internet I ARTE.tv Documentary

Mar 17, 2022 • Vladimir Putin is accelerating his country's disconnection from global information flows: The Russian government is now blocking Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well as threatening 15 years in prison for those who spread "false information". This brings Russia closer in line with countries like China and North Korea.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Appeals to Russian People to Reject Kremlin Misinformation

THE GUARDIAN: Former California governor, 74, calls on Putin to stop attack on Ukraine and says ‘this is not the Russian people’s war’

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Cologne in September last year. He said: ‘Ukraine did not start this war, neither did nationalists or Nazis.’ Photograph: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday told the Russian people that they are being fed misinformation about their country’s assault on Ukraine and appealed to Russian president Vladimir Putin to stop the attack.

The Hollywood star said in the nine-minute video on Twitter that the Kremlin was intentionally lying to Russians by saying the invasion was intended to “denazify” Ukraine. Russia describes its actions as a “special operation”.

“Ukraine did not start this war, neither did nationalists or Nazis,” he said, noting that the country’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy is Jewish. “This is not the Russian people’s war.”

Europe’s biggest invasion since the second world war has ravaged Ukrainian cities and sent more than 3 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries.

It is unclear how much people in Russia know about the war after the Kremlin cut access to various media channels and websites.

Schwarzenegger asked Russians to spread the word about the “human catastrophe” and told Russian protesters the world is watching. » | Reuters | Thursday, March 17, 2022

Putin teilt gegen den Westen aus und droht «Volksverrätern» mit der «Selbstreinigung der Gesellschaft»

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Der Kremlchef urteilt scharf über den «Wirtschaftskrieg» gegen Russland und gegen dessen angebliche einheimische Helfer. Die Freund-Feind-Rhetorik lässt für das Vorgehen gegen Andersdenkende Schlimmes befürchten.

In einer scharfen Ansprache unterstellte Wladimir Putin dem Westen die Absicht, Russland zerstören zu wollen (Bild vom 7.2.). | Thibault Camus / AP
Mehrere zehntausend Russinnen und Russen haben in den vergangenen drei Wochen seit dem russischen Angriff auf die Ukraine ihre Heimat verlassen. Sie sahen wirtschaftlich für sich keine Zukunft, fühlten sich bedroht oder hielten es einfach nicht mehr aus in einem Land, dessen Bevölkerung zu einem grossen Teil einen Krieg gutheisst, der nur «militärische Spezialoperation» genannt und dessen Ausmass nur völlig verzerrt dargestellt werden darf. «Russlands Zerstörung» als Ziel » | Markus Ackeret, Moskau | Donnerstag, 17. März 2022

Diana: The Night She Died | Conspiracy Documentary | Real Stories

After the death of Diana Princess of Wales, conspiracy theories filled the headlines. As so many of the conspiracy theories are absurd, many simple questions about the fatal night of August 31st have never been asked. By the end not only Princess Diana but also Dodi Al Fayed and the driver Henri Paul were dead.

First, police blamed the paparazzi for causing the accident. They had been "buzzing round the car like flies." Then 48 hours later they blamed the driver of the Mercedes, Henri Paul. He was said to be three times over the drink limit. This compelling program seeks to answer the many questions overlooked by the enquiry and to uncover what really happened the night Diana died.

BBC Panorama - Princess Diana's Interview by Martin Bashir

May 29, 2021 • Twenty-five years ago, Panorama reporter Martin Bashir secured his global scoop interview with Princess Diana. Now, a new Panorama team fronted by journalist John Ware has carried out its own four-month investigation, with exclusive interviews and revelations from internal BBC documents. This is the inside story of how Martin Bashir obtained his career-defining interview, and how the BBC responded when it disc

Interview

BBC pays ‘substantial’ damages to Diana’s private secretary: Corporation apologises ‘unreservedly’ to Patrick Jephson over way Martin Bashir obtained 1995 Panorama interview »

CALLEkocht: Saftige Rinderrippe im Backofen & fruchtige BBQ-Soße selber machen

Leckere und saftige Rinderrippen schön langsam im Ofen schmoren und dazu dann eine selbst gekochte, fruchtige und scharfe BBQ Sauce selber machen. Mit dieser tollen Grillsoße werden dann die Rippen nochmals im Ofen gegeben und vollendet.

Zutaten für die Rinderrippen:

3,6 KG Rinderrippen
1 TL Pfeffer
1 TL Knoblauchpulver
1 TL Ingwerpulver
1/2 TL Piment gemahlen
1 TL Paprikapulver
1 TL Chilischoten
3 TL Salz
2 EL Senf
Olivenöl

Zutaten für die BBQ - Sauce:

400 ml stückige Tomaten
2 Äpfel 2 Zwiebeln
3 EL Honig
2 EL geräuchertes Paprikapulver
4 Knoblauchzehen
1 EL geräucherte Chilischote
Salz
3 Orangen
200 ml Cola

Putin Hates Being Depicted as a Gay Clown. So, This…

Apr 8, 2017 • Russia wants to quell the trend of depicting Vladimir Putin as a homosexual clown. The Late Show has other ideas. | | Views on YouTube: 1,145,944

Enya - Caribbean Blue | Official Video

Views on YouTube: 51,593,477

A little light relief. – Mark

Why Do Trump and Putin Get Along So Well? | Michael McFaul | TEDxStanford | 2017

Jun 2, 2017 • During his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Russia under President Obama, Stanford Political Science Professor Michael McFaul lived with death threats against him and his family. Since returning to the U.S., McFaul has been banned from returning to Russia, but at home he is one of the most sought-after observers of what he calls the Trump-Putin “Bromance.” His take on Russia today is both insightful and troubling. But as he says, “Diplomacy is not a popularity contest.”

Michael McFaul is Professor of Political Science, Director and Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and the Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Dr. McFaul served for five years in the Obama administration, first as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House (2009-2012), and then as U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2012-2014). He has authored several books, including Advancing Democracy Abroad: Why We Should, How We Can and, with Kathryn Stoner, Transition.


The Americans’ ‘love affair’ with Donald Trump is totally and utterly incomprehensible to me and to most people I know. I am not alone! That there is even a possibility of Trump being re-elected as US president appals me. – © Mark

Democracy Now! US News & World Headlines – March 17, 2022

'My Life Has Changed Irrevocably': Russian Journalist Who Crashed Live TV Broadcast

Mar 17, 2022 • Marina Ovsyannikova, the Russian state TV employee who protested the war in Ukraine during a live news broadcast, speaks to CNN's Christiane Amanpour in her first major television interview since her protest.

Related.

„Reißen Sie diese Mauer nieder“: Selenskyj bittet Bundestag um mehr Hilfe

Mar 17, 2022 • Der ukrainische Präsident wendet sich mit einer Videoansprache an das deutsche Parlament. Deutschland habe an der Isolation und Auslieferung der Ukraine an Russland mitgewirkt. Er fordert eine Flugverbotszone und eine Luftbrücke zur Evakuierung von Zivilisten. © REUTERS, DPA

Vladimir Poutine veut « purifier » la société russe

LE MONDE : Face à l’Occident qui chercherait à « démembrer » la Russie, le président engage la lutte contre les « nationaux-traîtres ».

Le président russe, Vladimir Poutine, lors d’une réunion sur les mesures de soutien socio-économique des régions, par visioconférence depuis sa résidence de Novo-Ogaryovo près de Moscou, le mercredi 16 mars 2022. Photo tirée de la vidéo, provenant du service de presse de la présidence russe. AP
« L’opération spéciale se déroule avec succès, strictement selon les plans établis à l’avance. » Mercredi 16 mars, Vladimir Poutine a tenu à rassurer ceux parmi les Russes qui pourraient douter des résultats de cette intervention militaire déclenchée le 24 février en Ukraine. Le président russe rencontrait, lors d’une visioconférence diffusée à la télévision, gouverneurs régionaux et membres du gouvernement, pour une réunion consacrée au « soutien socio-économique des régions ». Il a en surtout profité pour fustiger une agression occidentale contre son pays et la « cinquième colonne » active en Russie. » | Par Benoît Vitkine (Moscou, correspondant) | jeudi 17 mars 2022

Article réservé aux abonnés

‘Live in the Mess That Putin Has Created’: A Tour of Russian Oligarch-linked Properties in London

Mar 17, 2022 • UK government sanctions have targeted Russian oligarchs’ investments in London property after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The Guardian’s wealth correspondent, Rupert Neate, takes us on a short tour of some of the properties owned by or linked to people named in UK or EU sanctions lists. But will anyone answer the door?

Ex-KGB Agent Reacts to Putin's 'Terrifying' Remarks

Mar 17, 2022 • Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at "traitors" in a speech as his invasion stalls in Ukraine. Former KGB agent Jack Barsky discusses Putin's speech.

Biden on Putin: ‘He Is a War Criminal’

Mar 16, 2022 • President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “war criminal.” The comments came after Russian forces bombed a theater in Mariupol, Ukraine where hundreds of civilians were sheltering.

Related.

NastassjaCanCook : Salad "Shirazi". Persian/Iranian Tomato and Cucumber Salad! Great taste and Beautiful Appearance

Mar 16, 2022 • Salad "Shirazi" is a very sophisticated version of a tomato and cucumber salad. The origin, I believe, is Persia/Iran, but I tried it in my local Middle Eastern restaurant and it was listed on the menu as 'Arabic salad'.

The key here is cut tomatoes and cucumbers in very small and uniform squares. This takes time. That is why this salad, in restaurants, is usually served in small portions and as part of appetizer platter, along with hummus and other popular appetizers.


Ingredients:

3 Roman/Italian tomatoes
4 Persian cucumbers
1 small bunch of parsley
1 small bunch of mint
1 small purple onion
The juice of one lime
Salt
Green pepper
Olive oil to taste

Unterm Radar - Wege aus der digitalen Überwachung | Doku HD Langversion | ARTE

Mar 16, 2022 • Im Zeitalter der digitalen Massenüberwachung ist der Datenschutz im Internet ein wichtiges Thema. Trotz der – eher zaghaften – Regulierungsversuche bleibt das World Wide Web ein wahrer Datendschungel, in dem die Bürgerinnen und Bürger den Schutz ihrer Privatsphäre selbst in die Hand nehmen müssen. Allerdings gibt es kein Patentrezept, da nicht alle denselben Risiken ausgesetzt sind. Die Dokumentation "Unterm Radar - Wege aus der digitalen Überwachung" zeigt anhand konkreter Fallbeispiele Möglichkeiten zum Schutz des Privatlebens im Internet auf.

In Berlin will der junge Performer Max dem Tracking durch die „Big Five“ entgehen und Künstlerinnen und Künstler sowie Clubs eine Alternative zu Facebook bieten.

In Casablanca sensibilisieren die Lehrkräfte am Lycée français ihre Schülerinnen und Schüler für die Gefahren des Cybermobbings. In Hongkong lernt eine Wissenschaftlerin und potenzielle Zielscheibe der chinesischen Machthaber, wie sie online unsichtbar werden kann. Und in den USA finden investigative Journalisten vor dem Hintergrund des Auslieferungsverfahrens gegen Wikileaks-Gründer Julian Assange Wege, sich ohne Cyberüberwachung mit ihren Quellen auszutauschen.

Die Protagonisten und Protagonistinnen stellen praktische Lösungen vor – wie etwa Alternativen zu WhatsApp, Safari oder Google Maps – und präsentieren Onlinestrategien wie die Kompartimentierung der Daten. Außerdem befasst sich die Dokumentation mit den Möglichkeiten von freier und Open-Source-Software sowie mit Fediverse, einem neuen Social-Media-Netzwerk, dessen Nutzer die Kontrolle über ihre Daten behalten sollen.

Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis 28/02/2023

“This Is a War of Extermination:” Marie Yovanovitch on Ukraine | Amanpour and Company

Mar 15, 2022 • Marie Yovanovitch has been at the center of the American-Ukrainian relationship for years. Having served as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, she then became a household name as a witness during President Trump’s first impeachment trial. It was an experience she details in her new memoir, "Lessons from the Edge." Originally aired on March 15, 2022.

Execution of Mussolini, Il Duce

Mussolini's grizzly end.
CUSTERMEN.COM: During the last days of the war in Italy, Dictator Benito Mussolini attempted to escape the advancing Allied Army by hiding in a German convoy headed toward the Alps. Partisans stopped and searched the convoy at Dongo. They found him in the back of a truck wearing a private's overcoat over his striped general's pants. The partisans took him prisoner and he was later joined by his mistress, Clara Petacci, at Mezzegra. The council of partisan leaders, lead by the Communists, secretly decided to execute Mussolini and 15 leading Fascists in retaliation. They were executed on April 29, 1945, and their bodies were hung at an Esso gas station in the Piazzale Loreto in Milan. » | Undated

A salutary reminder of the cruel fate that can await cruel tyrants and dictators! –Mark

Biden calls Russia's Putin a 'war criminal' over invasion of Ukraine: White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden was speaking "from the heart." »

Boris Johnson Was Warned of Lebedev Security Concerns, Says Cummings

A screenshot taken from the BBC website.
BBC: Dominic Cummings has said he was present when Boris Johnson was told of security concerns about his plan to award a peerage to Evgeny Lebedev.

The ex-adviser said he was "in the room" when the PM was told intelligence officials had "serious reservations" about giving the honour to the Russian-born businessman.

It follows reports the security services changed their advice after Mr Johnson intervened.

The PM has previously denied this.

Lord Lebedev, who owns the Evening Standard newspaper, has denied posing a "security risk" to the UK.

Last week, the Sunday Times reported that in March 2020, the House of Lords Appointments Commission - which vets peerage appointments - advised Mr Johnson against granting Mr Lebedev a seat in the House of Lords on security grounds.

The newspaper said the assessment was withdrawn after Mr Johnson - a long-time friend of Lord Lebedev - personally intervened.

Another source has confirmed to the BBC that concerns were raised by security services. With video » | BBC | Wednesday, March 16, 2022

The 'acid test': Would you buy a ‘used car’ from BoJo? No? Thought not! – Mark

WIKIPEDIA: Evgeny Lebedev »

THE MOSCOW TIMES: Baron of Hampton and Siberia »

Extract:

“The senior Lebedev [Evgeny's father] was reportedly one of the figures investigated as part of the British Parliament’s intelligence committee report on alleged Kremlin interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum. The report concluded that British government and intelligence agencies failed to investigate reports of Russian interference.” | Source: The Moscow Times.

WIKIPEDIA: The Moscow Times.

Kehrtwende in Berlin - wie Putins Krieg gegen die Ukraine die Ampel neu ausrichtet | ZDFzeit

Mar 16, 2022 • Der Angriff auf die Ukraine leitet eine Kehrtwende in der deutschen Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik ein. Was bedeutet die Zeitenwende für die Menschen in unserem Land? Wie hoch ist der Preis? Und welche Chancen bringt sie für die Energiewende?

Nicht mal 100 Tage ist die neue Regierung im Amt, als Putin in der Ukraine Fakten schafft. In dramatischen Stunden wird der Kanzler Deutschlands Kurs verändern. Mehr Waffen, mehr Schulden, Wandel der Energiepolitik. Wie wird die Kehrtwende Deutschland verändern?

Als Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz am Sonntag, 27. Februar 2022, auf einer Sondersitzung im Bundestag an das Mikrofon tritt, um über Putins Einmarsch in die Ukraine und die Folgen für Deutschland zu sprechen, ahnt noch niemand, was folgen wird. Scholz verkündet an diesem Tag nicht weniger als die Kehrtwende in der deutschen Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik.

Waren bislang der Kampf gegen Corona und den Klimawandel die drängendsten Aufgaben der neuen Regierung, geht es jetzt um die Friedensordnung in Europa.

Die SPD und Kanzler Scholz wollen die Bundeswehr aufrüsten, finanziert mit einer "Finanzspritze" von 100 Milliarden Euro, die FDP und Finanzminister Christian Lindner sind dafür bereit, die schwarze Null in der Haushaltspolitik aufzugeben, und die Grünen mit Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock und Wirtschaftsminister Habeck stimmen nicht nur zu, sondern machen sich auch stark für Waffenlieferungen an die Ukraine.

Die Dokumentation zeigt auch die Folgen für das politische Handeln im Wirtschafts- und Energiesektor. "Dieser Krieg ist im Bereich für die Energiepolitik auch eine Chance, weil sie uns vor Augen führt, wir müssen mehr Gas geben, wir müssen schneller werden, um eben ans Ziel zu kommen, diesen Klimaschutz zu gestalten und die Abhängigkeit von fossilen Energieträgern schnell zu beenden", so der renommierte Wirtschaftswissenschaftler Marcel Fratzscher.

Der Film von Andrea Maurer und Steffen Haug zeichnet die 180-Grad-Wende der deutschen Parteienpolitik unter dem Eindruck von Putins Angriffskrieg nach. Das Autorenteam trifft hochrangige Politiker, spricht mit Experten, ordnet die Ereignisse ein und lässt Menschen in unserem Land zu Wort kommen.

‘We Want People That Are Going to Fight the Left,’ Says the Man Out-Trumping Trump

Damon Winter/The New York Times
GUEST ESSAY : OPINION
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, is giving Donald Trump a run for his money as the most divisive politician in America. “We want people that are going to fight the left, and that’s what we need to do in this country,” DeSantis declared in an interview with Fox News on Feb. 8. “That’s what we’re doing in Florida, standing up for people’s freedoms. We’re opposing wokeness. We’re opposing all these things.”

In a Nov. 5, 2021, article on the liberal Daily Beast website, “Desperate, Deranged DeSantis Devolves Into Dumb Troll,” Ruben Navarrette Jr. wrote that DeSantis “is a terrible governor who is failing his leadership course with flying colors. Driven only by politics and naked ambition, he pursues reckless policies that divide Floridians and may even put them in danger.”

The governor routinely succumbs to right-wing pressure groups, Navarrette continued, “because he apparently has no core beliefs other than the unshakable conviction that he should sit in the Oval Office.” » | Thomas B. Edsall | Wednesday, March 16, 2022

« Un autre exode a commencé : celui de la classe créative de Russie. Leur vie n’est pas menacée, mais leur avenir est mort »

LE MONDE : Parallèlement aux 3 millions de réfugiés ukrainiens, des Russes quittent leur pays. Issus des classes moyennes et intellectuelles, ils constatent qu’ils ne peuvent plus travailler dans les conditions actuelles, relève, dans sa chronique, Sylvie Kauffmann, éditorialiste au « Monde ».

Chronique. En 1979, au plus fort de la guerre froide, Mikhaïl et Evguennia Brin ont réussi à quitter l’Union soviétique, avec leurs deux petits garçons, pour fuir l’antisémitisme institutionnel ; ils étaient parmi les derniers juifs à pouvoir partir avant la vague suivante de départs, à la fin des années 1980, sous Gorbatchev. Arrivé aux Etats-Unis, M. Brin a été embauché par l’université de Maryland comme professeur de mathématiques et sa femme a rejoint le département de la recherche de la NASA.

L’un de leurs fils, Sergueï, avait alors 6 ans. Devenu grand, il a été admis à l’université Stanford, où il a rencontré un certain Larry Page. A eux deux, en 1998, ils ont créé Google, moins de vingt ans après l’immigration de la famille Brin.

L’histoire est emblématique de l’une des vagues d’émigration qu’a connues la Russie au XXe siècle : intellectuels juifs et dissidents ont constitué un précieux réservoir de matière grise pour la science et la technologie américaines et, accessoirement, israéliennes. Après la chute de l’URSS, en décembre 1991, le flux s’est accéléré. Ayant enfin la possibilité de voyager librement et soucieux de fuir le chaos économique de la transition post-soviétique, les diplômés russes et leurs enfants sont partis par centaines de milliers. Pour toujours. « Les meilleurs cerveaux » » | Sylvie Kauffmann, éditorialiste | mercredi 16 mars 2022

Article réservé aux abonnés

Für Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe endet ein sechsjähriger Albtraum

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: 2016 wurde die britisch-iranische Doppelbürgerin während eines Ferienaufenthalts in Teheran beschuldigt, einen Umsturz der iranischen Regierung geplant zu haben. Nach sechs Jahren Haft ist sie endlich freigekommen – auch weil die britische Regierung Iran alte Schulden zurückbezahlt hat.

Die britisch-iranische Doppelbürgerin Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe wurde 2016 in Iran festgenommen. | Wana News Agency
Für die britisch-iranische Doppelbürgerin Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe ist am Mittwoch eine sechs Jahre lange Tortur zu Ende gegangen. 2016 war sie nach einem Besuch bei ihren Eltern in Teheran aus heiterem Himmel verhaftet und wegen Spionagevorwürfen verurteilt worden. Nun kam sie zusammen mit Anoosheh Ashoori, einem weiteren inhaftierten iranisch-britischen Doppelbürger, frei. Aussenministerin Liz Truss erklärte, die ehemaligen Geiseln würden noch am Mittwochabend in Grossbritannien erwartet. Tulip Siddiq, die Unterhausabgeordnete für Zaghari-Ratcliffes Wahlkreis im Norden Londons, twitterte ein Bild, das die 43-Jährige lächelnd im Flugzeug nach dem Start am Flughafen Teheran zeigt. » | Niklaus Nuspliger, London | Mittwoch, 16. März 2022

Democracy Now! US News & World Headlines – March 16, 2022