Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Steve Rosenberg: Russian Papers: Tax Debts Rise 20%, Alcohol Prices May Jump 10-17%
German AfD Courts MAGA as Europe's Far Right Surges | DW News
Trump and the MAGA movement is the most dangerous politician and movement for the West since Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. — © Mark Alexander
Donald Trump Sues BBC for $10bn
THE TELEGRAPH: US president claims broadcaster intended to push ‘Leftist political agenda’ with doctored Panorama speech
Donald Trump has filed a $10bn (£7.4bn) lawsuit against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of defamation.
The US president’s lawyers filed court papers in Florida on Monday over a doctored speech which made it appear he encouraged the Capitol Hill riot.
The Telegraph disclosed in November that Panorama spliced together parts of an address given by Mr Trump on Jan 6, 2021 before some of his supporters attacked the US Capitol building. The edit omitted Mr Trump’s calls for people to march “peacefully”.
Mr Trump’s legal filing claimed the doctored speech, broadcast a week before the 2024 election, was designed to interfere with the vote and is in keeping with the “disgraced” corporation’s “Leftist political agenda.”
The US president accused the BBC of defamation and of violating Florida’s deceptive and unfair trade practices act. He is seeking $5bn (£3.7bn) in damages for each count. » | Rob Crilly, Chief US Correspondent | Monday, December 15, 2025
Donald Trump has filed a $10bn (£7.4bn) lawsuit against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of defamation.
The US president’s lawyers filed court papers in Florida on Monday over a doctored speech which made it appear he encouraged the Capitol Hill riot.
The Telegraph disclosed in November that Panorama spliced together parts of an address given by Mr Trump on Jan 6, 2021 before some of his supporters attacked the US Capitol building. The edit omitted Mr Trump’s calls for people to march “peacefully”.
Mr Trump’s legal filing claimed the doctored speech, broadcast a week before the 2024 election, was designed to interfere with the vote and is in keeping with the “disgraced” corporation’s “Leftist political agenda.”
The US president accused the BBC of defamation and of violating Florida’s deceptive and unfair trade practices act. He is seeking $5bn (£3.7bn) in damages for each count. » | Rob Crilly, Chief US Correspondent | Monday, December 15, 2025
Monday, December 15, 2025
‘Callous, Insensitive, Embarrassing’: Nicolle Reacts to Trump’s Post on the Death of Rob Reiner
Trump’s post on Rob Reiner sparks outrage from lawmakers and celebrities: President’s statement blaming acclaimed director’s death on his dislike of him described as ‘disgusting’ and ‘vile’ »
Assad Family Live in Russian Luxury as Bashar ‘Brushes Up on Ophthalmology’
THE GUARDIAN: Family friend, sources in Russia and Syria, and leaked data help give rare insight into life of dictator’s reclusive household
In 2011, a group of teenage boys spray-painted a warning on to a wall in their school playground: “It’s your turn, Doctor.” The graffiti was a thinly veiled threat that Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, a London-trained ophthalmologist, would be next in the line of Arab dictators toppled by the then raging Arab spring.
It took 14 years, during which 620,000 were killed and nearly 14 million displaced, but eventually the doctor’s turn came and Assad was deposed, fleeing to Moscow in the middle of the night.
But after relinquishing his dictatorship for a gilded exile in Moscow, Assad is reportedly giving his medical training another go. The leader of the Middle East’s last Ba’athist regime now sits in the classroom, taking ophthalmology lessons, according to a well-placed source.
“He’s studying Russian and brushing up on his ophthalmology again,” said a friend of the Assad family who has kept in touch with them. “It’s a passion of his, he obviously doesn’t need the money. Even before the war in Syria began, he used to regularly practice his ophthalmology in Damascus,” they continued, suggesting the wealthy elite in Moscow could be his target clientele. » | William Christou and Pjotr Sauer | Monday, December 15, 2025
In 2011, a group of teenage boys spray-painted a warning on to a wall in their school playground: “It’s your turn, Doctor.” The graffiti was a thinly veiled threat that Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, a London-trained ophthalmologist, would be next in the line of Arab dictators toppled by the then raging Arab spring.
It took 14 years, during which 620,000 were killed and nearly 14 million displaced, but eventually the doctor’s turn came and Assad was deposed, fleeing to Moscow in the middle of the night.
But after relinquishing his dictatorship for a gilded exile in Moscow, Assad is reportedly giving his medical training another go. The leader of the Middle East’s last Ba’athist regime now sits in the classroom, taking ophthalmology lessons, according to a well-placed source.
“He’s studying Russian and brushing up on his ophthalmology again,” said a friend of the Assad family who has kept in touch with them. “It’s a passion of his, he obviously doesn’t need the money. Even before the war in Syria began, he used to regularly practice his ophthalmology in Damascus,” they continued, suggesting the wealthy elite in Moscow could be his target clientele. » | William Christou and Pjotr Sauer | Monday, December 15, 2025
Rob Reiner and Wife Found Stabbed to Death: What We Know
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The director’s family said that he and his wife, Michele, died on Sunday, and county jail records show that their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested.
Rob Reiner, the award-winning Hollywood actor and director, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their home in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to the police and others briefed on the case.
Their son Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Sunday night and booked into jail in Los Angeles County, county jail records show. He is being held on $4 million bail, according to the records. The Los Angeles police chief, Jim McDonnell, said on Monday that he was “booked for murder.” » | Jin Yu Young | Monday, December 15, 2025
Leer en español.
Trump Seizes on Rob Reiner’s Death to Attack the Hollywood Director: The president attributed the killing of Rob Reiner and his wife to “Trump derangement syndrome.” There was no indication that the couple’s political beliefs were linked to their deaths. »
Rob Reiner, Actor Who Went on to Direct Classic Films, Dies at 78: Mr. Reiner, who was in “All in the Family,” directed films including “This Is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally …,” “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.” »
Michele Singer Reiner: A Photographer Who Changed Movie History: Falling in love with her inspired the director Rob Reiner to give “When Harry Met Sally…” a new ending. The Reiners went on to work together on movies and political causes. »
Rob Reiner, the award-winning Hollywood actor and director, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their home in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to the police and others briefed on the case.
Their son Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Sunday night and booked into jail in Los Angeles County, county jail records show. He is being held on $4 million bail, according to the records. The Los Angeles police chief, Jim McDonnell, said on Monday that he was “booked for murder.” » | Jin Yu Young | Monday, December 15, 2025
Leer en español.
Trump Seizes on Rob Reiner’s Death to Attack the Hollywood Director: The president attributed the killing of Rob Reiner and his wife to “Trump derangement syndrome.” There was no indication that the couple’s political beliefs were linked to their deaths. »
Rob Reiner, Actor Who Went on to Direct Classic Films, Dies at 78: Mr. Reiner, who was in “All in the Family,” directed films including “This Is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally …,” “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.” »
Michele Singer Reiner: A Photographer Who Changed Movie History: Falling in love with her inspired the director Rob Reiner to give “When Harry Met Sally…” a new ending. The Reiners went on to work together on movies and political causes. »
The Department of Homeland Security Is an Overpowered and Corrupt Entity
Christ Almighty! America is in one BIG fg MESS! All because nobody had the BALLS to incarcerate Trump when they had the chance to do so. Because of their feebleness and lack of courage to do the right thing, Americans will go on suffering for very many years going forward. In fact, it is doubtful that they will ever be able to right the damage that Trump and his little helpers have wrought. — © Mark Alexander
Steve Schmidt Reacts to Donald Trump's Vile Slurs against Rob Reiner and His Wife
A related video here.
Einblick in Kiews Alltag ohne Strom
La reine Rania et le roi Abdallah II de Jordanie, grands-parents fiers et décontractés sur leur carte de vœux de fin d’année
MADAME FIGARO : Samedi 13 décembre, la famille royale de Jordanie a dévoilé sa carte de vœux pour les fêtes de fin d’année. Tous les membres du clan se montrent dans des tenues assorties, sauf les petites Amina et Iman dans les bras de leurs grands-parents.
Loin du faste de la royauté et des tenues officielles, c’est de façon décontractée que le roi Abdallah II et la reine Rania de Jordanie célèbrent les fêtes de fin d’année. Pour leur carte de vœux de l’année 2026, les souverains hachémites ont dévoilé une magnifique photo de famille, sur Instagram, sur laquelle ils se montrent en grands-parents heureux. En effet, au premier plan, le roi Abdallah II tient la petite Amina dans ses bras, fille de la princesse Iman et de Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, née le 16 février dernier. Quant à la reine Rania, elle porte son autre petite-fille, Iman, née le 3 août 2024, issue du mariage entre le prince héritier Hussein de Jordanie et son épouse, Rajwa Al Saif. Au second plan se trouvent les héritiers du couple royal, dont les parents des deux petites filles, ainsi que les deux derniers enfants de la fratrie : la princesse Salma (25 ans) et le prince Hashem (20 ans). » | Par Leonie Dutrievoz | dimanche 14 décembre 2025
Loin du faste de la royauté et des tenues officielles, c’est de façon décontractée que le roi Abdallah II et la reine Rania de Jordanie célèbrent les fêtes de fin d’année. Pour leur carte de vœux de l’année 2026, les souverains hachémites ont dévoilé une magnifique photo de famille, sur Instagram, sur laquelle ils se montrent en grands-parents heureux. En effet, au premier plan, le roi Abdallah II tient la petite Amina dans ses bras, fille de la princesse Iman et de Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, née le 16 février dernier. Quant à la reine Rania, elle porte son autre petite-fille, Iman, née le 3 août 2024, issue du mariage entre le prince héritier Hussein de Jordanie et son épouse, Rajwa Al Saif. Au second plan se trouvent les héritiers du couple royal, dont les parents des deux petites filles, ainsi que les deux derniers enfants de la fratrie : la princesse Salma (25 ans) et le prince Hashem (20 ans). » | Par Leonie Dutrievoz | dimanche 14 décembre 2025
Zelenskyy Plays ‘Clever’ Security Card after Calling Trump’s Bluff | Michael Weiss
Trump Launches Attack on Film Director Found Stabbed to Death, Rob Reiner
Dec 15, 2025 | Donald Trump has launched an 'extraordinary' attack on Rob Reiner, who was found dead alongside his wife on Sunday.
LBC's Helen Hoddinott updates Shelagh Fogarty - moments before Rob Reiner's son Nick Reiner has been arrested and is in custody on $4m (£2.9m) bail, according to the LASD Inmate Center records.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, apparently died of stab wounds and a family member is being questioned, US media reported. Authorities are investigating an “apparent homicide” at Reiner’s home in Los Angeles after police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the property on Sunday, it has been reported.
Reiner, 78, was a prolific Hollywood director and created some of the most well-known movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including the thriller A Few Good Men in 1992 and the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally in 1989.
LBC's Helen Hoddinott updates Shelagh Fogarty - moments before Rob Reiner's son Nick Reiner has been arrested and is in custody on $4m (£2.9m) bail, according to the LASD Inmate Center records.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, apparently died of stab wounds and a family member is being questioned, US media reported. Authorities are investigating an “apparent homicide” at Reiner’s home in Los Angeles after police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the property on Sunday, it has been reported.
Reiner, 78, was a prolific Hollywood director and created some of the most well-known movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including the thriller A Few Good Men in 1992 and the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally in 1989.
»Project 2025« im Check: Wie weit Donald Trump die USA schon umgebaut hat – Shortcut | DER SPIEGEL
Ich habe schon Donald Trump ‚overload‘ gehabt! Tatsächlich bin ich ‚maxed out‘ von ihm. Wo immer man hinschaut, sieht man seine grinsendende Visage. Man kommt von seinem Gesicht gar nicht los! — © Mark Alexander
L’Arabie saoudite a exécuté 340 personnes en 2025, un nouveau record
LE FIGARO : En dépassant les 338 exécutions enregistrées l’année dernière, nombre le plus élevé depuis que les cas sont consignés dans des registres publics au début des années 1990, le pays conservateur établit un nouveau record.
L'Arabie saoudite a exécuté 340 personnes depuis le début de l'année, selon un décompte de l'AFP basé sur les annonces officielles, battant le record de 338 exécutions enregistré en 2024. Trois Saoudiens condamnés pour le meurtre d'un ressortissant soudanais ont été exécutés à La Mecque (ouest), a annoncé lundi le ministère de l'Intérieur dans un communiqué publié par l'agence de presse saoudienne SPA, portant à 340 le nombre d'exécutions depuis le début de l'année.
Selon l'ONG Amnesty International, qui comptabilise depuis 1990 les exécutions dans cette riche monarchie du Golfe suivant une application rigoriste de la loi islamique, le royaume est le pays qui a exécuté le plus de prisonniers au monde en 2024 après la Chine et l'Iran. En dépassant les 338 exécutions enregistrées l'année dernière, nombre le plus élevé depuis que les cas sont consignés dans des registres publics au début des années 1990, le pays conservateur établit un nouveau record. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 15 décembre 2025
L'Arabie saoudite a exécuté 340 personnes depuis le début de l'année, selon un décompte de l'AFP basé sur les annonces officielles, battant le record de 338 exécutions enregistré en 2024. Trois Saoudiens condamnés pour le meurtre d'un ressortissant soudanais ont été exécutés à La Mecque (ouest), a annoncé lundi le ministère de l'Intérieur dans un communiqué publié par l'agence de presse saoudienne SPA, portant à 340 le nombre d'exécutions depuis le début de l'année.
Selon l'ONG Amnesty International, qui comptabilise depuis 1990 les exécutions dans cette riche monarchie du Golfe suivant une application rigoriste de la loi islamique, le royaume est le pays qui a exécuté le plus de prisonniers au monde en 2024 après la Chine et l'Iran. En dépassant les 338 exécutions enregistrées l'année dernière, nombre le plus élevé depuis que les cas sont consignés dans des registres publics au début des années 1990, le pays conservateur établit un nouveau record. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 15 décembre 2025
A Continent of Power: Does Europe Know Its True Strength? | To The Point
Danny Finkelstein: I No longer Feel Safe in London after Bondi Beach Attack
Dec 15, 2025 | “When my grandfather was having an argument with a Zionist in the 1930s, Israel hadn’t been created yet. They still managed to have a Holocaust at that point.”
Danny Finkelstein says he no longer feels safe in London after the Bondi Beach attack.
Danny Finkelstein says he no longer feels safe in London after the Bondi Beach attack.
Post-Truth Is Pre-Fascism: Can We Still Save American Democracy?
Dec 11, 2025 | “Post-truth is pre-fascism.” In this conversation, we dig into what that actually means for the United States right now — the state of American democracy, the collapse of local news, tech oligarchs, social media, and even the impossible question: how do you know when it’s time to leave?
We talk about why democracy is not a thing you have but something you do, why facts are a form of protection for the least powerful among us, and how “both-sides” coverage and endless online outrage are quietly doing the work of authoritarians for them.
We talk about why democracy is not a thing you have but something you do, why facts are a form of protection for the least powerful among us, and how “both-sides” coverage and endless online outrage are quietly doing the work of authoritarians for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)