North Korea Ready to React to 'Any Mode of War' from US

North Korea is preparing for "any mode of war" triggered by US military action, Pyongyang's envoy to the United Nations warns, saying his country would respond to a missile or nuclear strike "in kind."

‘Frexit’ Concerns ahead of French Election

Five days before the first round of the French presidential election the candidates are frantically canvassing for votes.

Top US & World Headlines — April 18, 2017

Democracy Now! »

This Is No General Election, It’s a Coup – MPs Have a Duty to Stop Theresa May

THE GUARDIAN: The prime minister is setting off on a course that will poison politics for a generation. But to succeed, she needs a two-thirds majority in the Commons

Theresa May has turned democracy against itself. She has been seduced by the siren evidence of the 20-point lead in the polls, and she will have a general election, the one she said again and again that she would not call. And it will almost certainly return her with a thumping majority that will allow her to run the Brexit negotiations just as she wants.

There will be no obligation on her to reflect the views of the minority position. She will leave the remainers of England disempowered. She has made a Scottish referendum inevitable, and a border poll in Northern Ireland infinitely more likely. She is resetting politics in a way that will entrench division. We will all rue this day. Read on and comment » | Anne Perkins | Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May Calls General Election for 8 June – Full Video Statement

In a surprise announcement outside 10 Downing Street on Tuesday, the prime minister, Theresa May, calls a general election for 8 June. She says the election will be about leadership. The Tories will remove uncertainty and strengthen Britain's hand in Brexit negotiations.

May has called a snap general election. The Guardian’s writers respond »

Why Tension between the US and N. Korea Will Only Get Worse

Apr. 17, 2017 - 6:53 - With Trump and Pence taking a hardline stance on North Korea and its nuke missile testing, prospects for lessening the tension seem dim - and terrifying

Post-Brexit Britain: This Is What Taking Your Country Back Looks Like

THE INDEPENDENT: Trade deals with murderers, chlorine chicken in our supermarkets, flogging off the health service... the UK outside the EU is looking to be a grim place indeed, says Youssef El-Gingihy

So how is the post Brexit post Trump world shaping up? Well recent events have cast a revealing light as to the direction of travel. Last week saw the post Brexit “Global Britain” strategy pursued headlong. Theresa May was in Saudi Arabia, Chancellor Philip Hammond in India and international trade secretary Dr Liam Fox in the Philippines.

Global Britain

The “Global Britain” strategy essentially embodies an extreme free market drive long dreamed of by elements of the corporate and financial elite. It will take the form of bilateral trade agreements (most notably with Trump’s America) and a bonfire of regulations.

If you thought leaving the European Union would avert the EU-US trade agreement, or Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), think again. A free trade deal with Trump’s America could be TTIP magnified times 10 leaving the UK exposed without the negotiating power of the EU. It will aggressively open up the NHS and public services to US corporate takeover and lock in privatisation. Read on and comment » | Youssef El-Gingihy | Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Kevork Almassian - What Is Really Happening in Syria?

Syrian born Kevork Almassian joins Henrik to discuss what's really happening in Syria and what the US airstrike, issued by Trump, means for the country.

What the Media Won't Tell You about Syria

Do you think the Syrian chemical attack was a false flag?

Erdogan Wins : But Turkey More Divided Than Ever (Parts 1 & 2)

Where's Turkey Headed After Its Referendum? – Inside Story

Turkey's President has declared victory in Sunday's vote that grants the presidential office new sweeping powers.

North Korea 'Will Test Missiles Weekly' Senior Official Tells BBC News

North Korea will continue to test missiles, a senior official has told the BBC in Pyongyang, despite international condemnation and growing military tensions with the US. "We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC's John Sudworth. He said that an "all-out war" would result if the US took military action.

Advocates Urge Trump to De-escalate with North Korea, Not Ratchet Up Threats & Military Aggression

Vice President Mike Pence has made an unannounced visit to the Demilitarized Zone separating South and North Korea, following North Korea’s attempted missile launch and a massive military parade celebrating the birthday of the country’s founder on Saturday. Pence’s visit comes at a time when tension between the United States and North Korea is quickly ratcheting up. A U.S. armada, including an aircraft carrier and multiple warships, has been deployed to the Korean Peninsula. Last week, NBC News reported the Trump administration is prepared to launch a preemptive attack on North Korea if it proceeds toward a nuclear weapons test. Hours before Pence arrived in South Korea, North Korea attempted to test launch a new ballistic missile, but the test failed as the missile blew up almost immediately.

Pence: US Era of Strategic Patience with North Korea Over - BBC News

US Vice-President Mike Pence has said his country's "era of strategic patience" with North Korea is over. Mr Pence first made the remarks at the demilitarised zone (DMZ), the area dividing the two Koreas, during a visit to South Korea to reaffirm ties. His visit comes amid escalated tensions on the peninsula, with heated rhetoric from both North Korea and the US. He arrived in Seoul on Sunday hours after North Korea carried out a failed missile launch.

Chris Matthews On Donald Trump’s Ignorance Of History | Hardball | MSNBC | April 12, 2017

Chris Matthews discusses President Trump’s lack of understanding of past U.S. history and how it could impact foreign policy decisions today.

Marine Le Pen's More 'Subtle, Dangerous' Message | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's National Front, is running for president of France, and the latest polls show her running a close race with challenger Emmanuel Macron. The panel discusses.

Steve Bannon Hastens His Own Demise | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Chief Trump strategist Steve Bannon was 'doomed' according to Frank Bruni's latest column in the Times. As one of the more controversial figures in the White House, the panel debates where he goes from here.

Turkey Referendum, Trump's Trigger Happy Foreign Policy

Comic Book World? Boris Johnson Lumps Russia In as Part of 'Super-villain League’

The UK’s Foreign Minister has said Russia is in a league of super villains along with the Syrian President who is being blamed for an alleged chemical attack on his own people. The remark comes as Boris Johnson failed to convince G7 members to put more sanctions on Russia for its support of Damascus.

EU Observer in Turkey Condemns Referendum as 'Neither Fair Nor Free'

THE INDEPENDENT: European delegation 'deeply worried' as opposition calls for result to be annulled

Fears the Yes vote in Turkey's referendum which granted far-reaching new powers to Turkey's President may have been unfairly influenced in his favour have been heightened by criticism from an EU observer sent as an impartial witness.

Opposition parties are saying the result should be annulled after alleging electoral fraud in Sunday’s referendum, in which 51% of the electorate voted for constitutional changes that include the abolition of the office of Prime Minister, and could allow Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stay as President until 2029.

The EU sent a delegation of 20 impartial observers to ensure the referendum complied with European standards. Read on and comment » | Niamh McIntyre | Monday, April 17, 2017