Thursday, November 15, 2018

Saudi Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Five in Khashoggi Murder l Breaking News


Authorities in Saudi Arabia say they will seek the death penalty for five people accused of carrying out the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Speaking in Riyadh, Shaalan al-Shaalan, Saudi Arabia's deputy public prosecutor, said "the incident" began on September 29 when a "former" deputy chief of intelligence ordered the "leader of the mission" to "bring back the victim by means of persuasion, and if persuasion fails, to do so by force". While the prosecutor's office did not give names, General Ahmed al-Asiri, who was fired as deputy head of intelligence in the wake of the killing, has been implicated. Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons reports.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

President Donald Trump Retreating From Duties Into A ‘Cocoon Of Bitterness’ | The Last Word | MSNBC


The Los Angeles Times reports that Trump has almost completely stopped his public duties in the wake of Republicans' major election losses. Lawrence discusses Trump's 'brooding' and 'anger' with Jason Johnson and Jennifer Palmieri.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Trump Spends Veterans’ Day Weekend Insulting America


Between his refusal to attend a World War I memorial in Paris to his decision to skip a memorial gathering at Arlington National Cemetery because of rain, and all of the tweets in between, Donald Trump spent most of his long weekend insulting everything about this country. He blamed Californians for the wildfires that are engulfing their state and he also inadvertently called for an end to troops voting from overseas. Everything this man does is an insult to our country, as Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins explains.

Who Is “The Boss” in Phone Call after Khashoggi’s Murder? l Inside Story


US intelligence officials believe a phone message to “tell your boss” after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered was a reference to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

‘The New York Times’ has received a transcript of one of the recordings released by Turkey. The newspaper says the telephone call was made by Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, a security officer who frequently travelled with the Crown Prince.

Turkish intelligence believe Mutreb was speaking to one of the prince’s aides, and also used words to the effect that "the deed was done." But officials in Ankara say the audio does not conclusively implicate Mohammed bin Salman.

Presenter: Martine Dennis Guests Abdelwahab El-Affendi, Professor of Politics at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Mehmet Celik, Political News Editor at Daily Sabah newspaper. Bill Law, journalist and analyst at thegulfmatters.com


Does Europe Need Its Own Army? l Inside Story


French president Emmanuel Macron has suggested creating a European army.

French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump have been at odds on many issues. This week that divide went further when President Macron appeared to call for the creation of a European army. Macron says Europe needs to defend itself against potential threats from nations including Russia, China and even the United States.

But it's not just about defence - the two leaders differ on almost every issue. Trump has pulled out of a number of global treaties from climate change to the Iran nuclear deal, and recently the disarmament treaty with Russia.

While Macron has repeatedly emphasised the need for a global order and rejection of nationalism. He made the call during Sunday's remembrance ceremony in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

But can Europe do without the US in matters of defence?

Presenter: Richelle Carey | Guests: Renaud Girard - Chief Foreign Correspondent at Le Figaro newspaper; David DesRoches - Associate Professor at the National Defense University and former Pentagon Official; Glenn Diesen - Professor of International Relations at Higher School of Economics in Moscow


Sunday, November 11, 2018

Will Saudi Arabia Ever Reveal Who Ordered the Killing of Jamal Khashoggi? l Inside Story


The Turkish president has shared with several world leaders audio recording of the moment journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered.

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to put the pressure on Saudi Arabia to reveal who ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Erdogan says his country has shared audio recordings of Khashoggi's last moments with the US, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The leaders of those countries are in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Erdogan discussed the issue with US president Donald Trump on Saturday in Paris and also met French president Emmanuel Macron and agreed on a number of issues related to the Khashoggi case. They said Saudi Arabia needs to 'shed more light' on the murder and the case should not destabilise the region.

Erdogan has previously said he believes the order to kill the journalist came from the highest levels of the Saudi government. So, will Riyadh budge?

Presenter: Richelle Carey | Guests: Luciano Zaccara - Assistant Professor of Gulf Politics at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University; Matthew Bryza - Former White House official, now a non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council; Selva Tor, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Koç University


Appeal: Could You Help This Genuine Man Out of a Predicament?


This man, Neil, has fallen on difficult times. Clearly, he is an industrious man, but life dealt him a raw deal recently, despite his hard work. If you could help him out of this pickle, he would be so appreciative. You can donate by clicking on this link »

This is his story:

I am a British citizen, living in Greece, under the sprectre of Brexit & until recently working from home as a freelance translator from 5/6 continental European languages into English.

I have lived in over 10 countries, over 4 continents, and consider myself a global citizen.

I became homeless at the end of last week (27 October 2018) as a result of not being able to meet my rent, due to an interruption of my income stream as a result of a lightning strike on Saturday 16. June that laid waste to all my IT equipment while I was in the middle of a commission that was to be delivered on the following Monday. Needless to say, panic ensued in order to complete the assignment, but all the remedial action that I took was not enough to save the project in question, let alone further smooth continuation of work.

Once I had directed my resources to replicating my lost equipment, summer holidays were in full swing and commissions rare on the ground. I struggled on with a replacement second-hand laptop and other new equipment but was unable to restore myself to my previous stability. To further add to my already deleterious conditions, I had taken what I considered a wise proactive measure and ordered a new battery for my phone, in order to extend its deteriorating autonomy. Once I had installed the new battery, the phone would no longer work and all my personal contacts (via Whatsapp) became inaccessible, together with all my usernames/passwords and other functionalities such as the camera to photograph ID documents and e-mail them. To illustrate this new folly, I had an older model wherein I inserted my SIM card and could use it solely for telephonic functions. However, all my contact details were lost and when I wanted to get in touch with a friend on the island, I had to ride to his house and restore contact with him. All my Whatsapp contacts remained inaccessible.

With this in mind, my field of contacts is now limited in scope and accessibility to those that had been fortuitously stored on a cloud in my browser settings - but these are merely professional contacts with clients and my Twitter account.

Having moved my household items to an acquaintance's doorless, cement garage (that also serves as my sleeping quarters), I have "set up office" with my replacement laptop at a friend's shop where he grants me space to use his internet in a hope to arrest the current situation.

I would very much appreciate any help you can give me. With many thanks. Neil

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Nacht über Deutschland | Novemberpogrom 1938


Der Schauspieler Günter Lamprecht, bekannt als Franz Biberkopf in "Berlin Alexanderplatz" und "Tatort"-Kommissar, geriet damals selbst unvermittelt in den Strudel der Ereignisse. Und kann es bis heute nicht fassen, was in jenem November 1938 geschah. Als achtjähriger Junge, Sohn eines strammen SA-Manns in Berlin, war er mit dabei, als das Geschäft eines jüdischen Tabakhändlers geplündert wurde.

Nicht ohne beklemmende Gefühle - doch sein Kumpel, die Erwachsenen um ihn, selbst die Polizei, sie alle befürworteten die Übergriffe gegen die jüdische Bevölkerung. Erst mit dem Abstand vieler Jahre realisierte er, in welch verkehrter Welt er damals großgeworden ist.

Lamprecht erläutert und kommentiert diesen Wendepunkt, der vor 75 Jahren den Einbruch der Barbarei in die deutsche Gesellschaft markierte, in ungeschönter Offenheit und zugleich mit ungläubigem Erstaunen darüber, wie einst angesehene Mitbürger nun unbeschränkter Gewalt und Willkür ausgeliefert waren. Auf Geheiß der NS-Führung wurden um den 9. November 1938 an die 400 Deutsche erschossen, erschlagen oder in den Tod getrieben, nur weil sie als Juden gebrandmarkt waren. Unbescholtene jüdische Mitmenschen, auch Frauen, Kinder, Greise, wurden gequält und gedemütigt, 30 000 Männer in Konzentrationslager verfrachtet - oft ohne Wiederkehr. Die staatlich angestifteten Täter verwüsteten 1400 jüdische Gotteshäuser und setzten sie in Brand, demolierten und plünderten 7500 Geschäfte.

Wie war ein derartiger Exzess der Gewalt gegen Mitbewohner, frühere Arbeitskollegen, Nachbarn in einem zivilisierten Land möglich? Was trieb die Täter an, die meist aus der Mitte der Gesellschaft kamen? Wie erlebten die unmittelbar Betroffenen den archaischen Sturm der Erniedrigung und Verfolgung, der kalt-kalkulierend auf die Vertreibung und Enteignung der gesamten jüdischen Bevölkerung in Deutschland zielte?

Die historische Dokumentation beschreibt die Ereignisse aus dem Blickwinkel von Beteiligten und Beobachtern, auf der Seite der Opfer und der Täter. Beklemmende, teils bisher unveröffentlichte Archivaufnahmen vermitteln ein Bild von Gleichgültigkeit und Zustimmung zu den beispiellosen Vorgängen. Spielszenen geben wieder, was Menschen damals erleiden mussten und wie sie in den Sog der Gewalt gerieten.

Neben Günter Lamprecht berichten Georg Stefan Troller, damals in Wien, und Rolf Abrahamsohn, damals in Marl, wie sie die Zeitenwende am eigenen Leib erlebten. Auch Rudolf van Nahl, der an jenem Novembertag mit seinem Sankt-Martins-Lampion vor der lichterloh brennenden Synagoge seines rheinischen Heimatortes Alpen stand, bestätigt in der Rückschau: All das geschah mitten im Leben, im ganzen Land, vor aller Augen. Allen, die ihn erlebten, hat sich der deutsche Schicksalstag in die Erinnerung eingebrannt. Günter Lamprecht hat sich bis heute seine Empörung bewahrt, wann immer simple Parolen und uniformes Verhalten mitmenschliche Empfindungen verdrängen.

Film von Peter Hartl und Gordian Maugg


Der Untergang des alten Europa - 1. Weltkrieg


Die Dokumentation beschreibt die große Katastrophe des Ersten Weltkrieges aus einem gesamteuropäischen Blickwinkel. Sie zeigt, dass die Stimmungslage und die ungelösten Spannungen vor 1914 in Europa längst auf Krieg deuteten. Das Attentat von Sarajewo war nicht mehr als ein willkommener Anlass, diesen schon lange geplanten Krieg zu beginnen. Vor allem die zur Veränderung unfähigen Monarchien, die sich längst selbst überlebt hatten, in Berlin, Wien und St. Petersburg brauchten ihn. Der Krieg war, wie Historiker sagen, eine Art "Selbstmord aus Angst vor dem Tod".

Der Sommer verspricht schön zu werden. Unter den Linden in Berlin, auf den Champs-Elysées in Paris, vor den Cafés in Wien und St. Petersburg, überall genießen die Menschen die lauen Abende. Am 28. Juni 1914 tickern in allen Pressebüros die Telegrafen: Franz Ferdinand, der Thronfolger der österreichisch-ungarischen Monarchie, ist in Sarajewo ermordet worden. Fünf Wochen später steht Europa am Rande des Abgrunds. Mit unglaublicher Leichtfertigkeit haben die europäischen Politiker und Monarchen den Mechanismus der gegenseitigen Drohungen, Ultimaten und Mobilmachungen in Gang gesetzt, der den Kontinent in den Untergang führt, in einen Krieg, wie ihn die Menschen zuvor nicht kannten. Die Militärs und Politiker erkennen zwar in letzter Stunde, dass es sich um einen "Sturz ins Ungewisse" handelt, um einen Krieg, den niemand gewinnen kann. Aber "da es nun einmal beschlossen ist, kann es nicht mehr geändert werden" (Chef des Generalstabs Helmuth von Moltke, 1848 - 1916). Am 3. August 1914, als deutsche Truppen bereits das neutrale Belgien überfallen haben, sagt der britische Außenminister Sir Edward Grey: "In diesem Moment gehen in Europa wieder die Lichter aus. Wir alle werden sie in unserem Leben nie wieder leuchten sehen."

Die Bürger Europas, von ihren Kaisern und Präsidenten manipuliert und belogen, begrüßen den Konflikt begeistert als "Stunde des Vaterlandes" oder als "nationale Wiedergeburt". Zehn Millionen Männer werden den "frischen fröhlichen Krieg" mit ihrem Leben bezahlen. Die großen Monarchien in Deutschland, Österreich-Ungarn und Russland brechen 1917/18 zusammen. Dem Krieg folgen mit dem Erstarken von Faschismus und Bolschewismus das "Zeitalter der Extreme", der verdeckte Bürgerkrieg der 20er Jahre und die revanchistischen Ressentiments, die schließlich in den nächsten Weltkrieg führen.

Mit historischem Filmmaterial aus Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, Russland, Frankreich, England, Italien und den USA und mit neuesten Forschungsergebnisse stellt die Dokumentation von Werner Biermann den "Untergang des alten Europa" in ihren Kontext.


Doku: ZDF History - Der Erste Weltkrieg in Farbe [HD]


November-Pogrome 1938: Wie wurden aus Nachbarn Todfeinde?


Im November 1938 kommt es zu brutalen Ausschreitungen gegen Juden in Deutschland. Synagogen werden angezündet, jüdische Mitbürger verfolgt und angegriffen. Doch wie wurden aus Nachbarn Todfeinde?

Anfang des 20. Jahrhundert scheinen Juden in der deutschen Gesellschaft angekommen. Aber mit dem 1933 verstaatlichten Judenhass schwingt die Stimmung in der Bevölkerung um. Juden gelten als Sündenböcke, überall wo Unzufriedenheit herrscht. Der bestehende Neid auf die meist erfolgreichen jüdischen Unternehmer wird genutzt, um gezielt ein Feindbild aufzubauen. Die Nationalsozialisten beginnen zunächst damit polnisch-stämmige Juden nach Polen abzuschieben, wo sie jedoch auch nicht aufgenommen werden. Mit dem Attentat auf einen deutschen Diplomaten will der junge Herschel Grynszpan auf die verzweifelte Lage der jüdischen Familien aufmerksam machen. Doch die Propaganda verfälscht die einsame Verzweiflungstat wirkungsvoll zum Angriff einer angeblichen „jüdischen Weltverschwörung“. Es folgt eine bis dahin unvorstellbare Woge der Zerstörung, Brandstiftung, Plünderung bis hin zum Totschlag.

Dieses Video ist eine Produktion des ZDF, Autor: Peter Hartl.


1938 - Die Reichspogromnacht (Kristallnacht)


Merkel besucht die Gedenkfeier zur Kristallnacht in Berliner Synagoge


Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel nahm am Freitag an einer Gedenkveranstaltung zum 80. Jahrestag der Kristallnacht 1938 in der Synagoge an der Rykestrasse in Berlin teil. Auch Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier war unter den Teilnehmern.

Vom Altar aus sagte Merkel: "Man kann einfach all dieses Leiden nicht in Worte fassen. Ich habe einfach keine Worte. Deshalb spreche ich heute aus einem anderen Grund zu euch."

Die Kristallnacht – abgeleitet von der Bezeichnung "die Nacht des Glasbruchs" – war ein staatlich gefördertes antijüdisches Pogrom, das von den Nazis am 9. und 10. November 1938 initiiert wurde. So benannt ist das Ereignis auch wegen der Zerstörung jüdischen Eigentums während des Pogroms, in dem Synagogen, Schaufenster und Häuser zu Tausenden zerstört wurden.

Rund 30.000 jüdische Männer wurden in derselben Nacht zusammengetrieben und in Konzentrationslager gebracht, über 500 wurden ermordet.

Aufnahmen: ©ZDF


Lest We Forget! Kristallnacht: Night Of Broken Glass


Kristallnacht Anniversary: "There Has Been a Real Sense of Contrition amongst Germans"


Friday, November 09, 2018

Inside Story - How Close Is the World to Another Global Conflict? | Inside Story


It was the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month -- and became a pivotal moment in world history. It marked the armistice agreement that officially ended the First World War in 1918.

This weekend, 100 Years later, leaders from more than 50 countries are gathering in France for commemorative events; but the solemn occasion is being overshadowed by deep divisions between trans-Atlantic allies.

This week, the French President called for a 'European army' to defend itself from potential threats from nations such as Russia, China and, remarkably, the United States. Emmanuel Macron's global philosophy is at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump's nationalist, America First agenda.

A century after what is also called the Great War, there's another conflict looming - one of world visions. How stark are the divisions between the ideologies of Trump and Macron?

Presenter: Richelle Carey | Guests: Theresa Fallon, Director of Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies (CREAS); David Lees, Lecturer in French Studies at Warwick University and Co-editor of “Contemporary France”; Thorsten Benner, Director of the Global Public Policy Institute


The End of American Exceptionalism


“We don’t look after each other at all,” says Jeffrey Sachs on America today. Jeffrey Sachs sits down with Rob Johnson to discuss his new book, A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American Exceptionalism (Columbia University Press, 2018).

USA - Trump and the Midterms | DW Documentary | Trump Documentary


The US midterm elections have arrived. Has Trump fulfilled voters’ expectations since being elected president two years ago? [Online until: 07.12.2018]

The deadly shooting attack by a right-wing extremist on a synagogue in Pittsburgh and the letter bombs addressed by a Donald Trump supporter to former US president Barack Obama and others, have caused consternation in America. The attacks, coming just ahead of the midterm congressional elections on 6 November, demonstrate how polarized and poisonous the political atmosphere in the US has become. In our documentary, Ernst Kernmayer asks factory workers, who made a major contribution to the election of Donald trump two years ago, whether their expectations have been fulfilled. He enquires from farmers, who are footing the bill for the trade disputes with China, whether having Trump as president is a good thing, after all. And he meets Lindsay James, one of many women who feel they have to take a stand against Trump. She is running for one of Iowa’s seats in the House of Representatives.


Thursday, November 08, 2018

Antisemitism in Europe | DW Documentary


Has antisemitism returned to Europe? Our documentary asks: what is it like to be a Jew in Germany, Poland and France today?

Fear has returned to Europe. Jewish people are afraid of attacks in the street and their children report bullying at school. Cemeteries have been desecrated and hate slogans chanted at parades. Reporters Andreas Morell and Johanna Hasse set out to investigate Europe’s reawakened nationalism and find rising anti-Semitism, especially in Poland. Why does anti-Semitism still exist in society? Why are some prejudices apparently impossible to eradicate? France has even witnessed violent attacks against Jews in recent years, which has led to an increase in emigration of French Jews to Israel. The finger of blame for this new anti-Semitism is usually pointed at Muslims. Morell and Hasse talk to historians and philosophers such as Georges Bensoussan and Elisabeth Badinter, as well as with Rabbi Michel Serfaty, who has tried to mediate between the religions for many years. But when they return to Germany, they realize the same problems exist here too. Perhaps Germany has been too preoccupied with finding solutions and dealing with the idea that anti-Semitism is an immutable problem instead of a social challenge to be confronted. The documentary is an inventory of anti-Semitism in Europe, a film about people caught between despair and hope, and resignation and resistance.


#democracynow : Top US News & World Headlines — November 8, 2018


Lawrence: Democrats Win, President Donald Trump Panics | The Last Word | MSNBC


Lawrence sums up the victory for Democrats and democracy, after American voters rose up in resistance to the Trump presidency.

Monday, November 05, 2018

How Jesus Became God - An Interview With Bart Ehrman


An interview excerpt with author, New Testament scholar, and Professor of Religious Studies Bart D. Ehrman.

Misquoting Jesus


Best-selling author and New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman picks apart the Gospels that made him a disbeliever and discusses problems with "The Da Vinci Code." Ehrman gave the 2006 Luther H. Harshbarger Lecture in Religious Studies at Penn State.

How the US Media Became the 'Enemy of the People' | The Listening Post


Saturday, November 03, 2018

Lisbon - What Makes Portugal's Capital City So Attractive? | DW Documentary


Who Will Be Worst Hit by US Sanctions on Iran? | Inside Story


US President teased his 55 million Twitter followers about his latest action against Iran in the style of a Hollywood movie poster - a picture of him with the words: Sanctions are Coming.

But Donald Trump's taunt wasn't a joke - and it's expected there'll be real life consequences for millions of Iranians. The strict economic and trade penalties come into effect on Monday. The White House says the aim is to force Iran to abandon what it calls its "destructive" behaviour in the Middle East.

But the move's been condemned by Russia, China, and many European allies. International investigators say Tehran is complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

As Trump keeps his promise to punish Iran, could the new tough measures end up hurting the Iranian people the most?

Presenter: Richelle Carey | Guests: Francois Nicoullaud, former French ambassador to Iran; Mohammad Eslami, columnist and political researcher; Drew Liquerman, Republicans Overseas UK


Will the Body of the Saudi Journalist Ever Be Found? | Inside Story


It's a month to the day since Jamal Khashoggi walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul - and was never seen again.

What happened to the Saudi Arabian journalist and critic of the Saudi Crown Prince has been the subject of denials, official leaks, presidential speeches, changing Saudi narrative, and global outrage.

His killing has caused countries world-wide to reexamine their relationship with the Kingdom, especially the United States.

Donald Trump's response has kept shifting.

One thing has remained constant: his commitment to the US-Saudi relationship - and the billions of dollars in oil and weapons sales it brings. So, where do things go from here?

Presenter: Peter Dobbie | Guests: Mehmet Celik - Political analyst, Political News Editor, Daily Sabah newspaper; Selva Tor - International Financial Security Expert and International Strategist; Ahmet Kasım Han - Altinbas University


Erdogan Points Finger at Saudi 'Puppet Masters' in Khashoggi Case | Al Jazeera English


Turkey is ramping up the pressure on Saudi Arabia to explain what exactly happened to journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Kingdom's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has met evangelical Christians from the United States as he tries to brush off accusations that he was involved in the killing. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Istanbul.

Friday, November 02, 2018

Noam Chomsky on Pittsburgh Attack: Revival of Hate Is Encouraged by Trump’s Rhetoric


The nation is continuing to grieve the 11 Jewish worshipers who were gunned down at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh Saturday in what is being described as the worst anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history. Funerals were held Thursday for three more victims of the shooting: husband and wife Sylvan and Bernice Simon, and Richard Gottfried. Robert Bowers, who is accused of the mass shooting, pleaded not guilty Thursday. Bowers is charged with 44 counts, including murder and hate crimes. We speak with Noam Chomsky, the world-renowned professor, linguist and dissident, about the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh and other recent white supremacist and right-wing attacks.

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Eight Saudi Princes Want King Salman Ousted: Report


A new report reveals that eight of the 12 surviving sons of Saudi Arabia’s founding monarch are supporting a palace coup to oust King Salman. British daily, the Independent, quoted an unnamed Saudi prince as saying that there is an increasing pressure within the royal family to end the internal power struggle that has erupted since King Salman inherited the throne early this year. He said a clear majority of powerful clerics also back the move to oust the current King and install his younger brother, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, in his place. The prince also predicted that eventually either King Salman will step down or Prince Ahmed will become Crown Prince, with full control over the whole country. The prince, who was not named for quote-security reasons, is reportedly the author of two recently published letters calling for the royal family to replace the current Saudi leadership. Guest: Brian Downing Political Commentator.

MBS’s Removal ‘Just A Question Of Time’ – Former Pentagon Official


Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman finds his carefully managed reputation in ruins due to his perceived hand in the gruesome death of journalist Jamal Kashoggi. Now, Prince Ahmad bin Abdulaziz - an uncle and consistent critic of MBS - is returning from exile with a private security detail (provided by US and UK). What is he intending? Former Pentagon official Michael Maloof shares his wisdom and expertise.

Khashoggi Murder: 'Nobody Now Believes Mohammed bin Salman Is a Reformer'


Wednesday, October 31, 2018

King Salman's Brother Returns to Riyadh amid Khashoggi Crisis l Breaking News


The only surviving full brother of Saudi Arabia's King Salman has reportedly returned to the kingdom, amid international outcry over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Prince Ahmad bin Abdulaziz flew back to Riyadh from London on Tuesday, according to three Saudi sources close to the prince cited by 'The New York Times', in what some analysts are calling a potential challenge to the authority of Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

One of the most senior members of the royal family, Prince Ahmad - who has been living in the United Kingdom - is said to have agreed to return to Riyadh only after receiving security assurances from the UK and United States.

The reports say the prince had been afraid to return home after publicly challenging bin Salman on several occasions.


Saudi Lobbying in the US Under Spotlight after Khashoggi Murder | Al Jazeera English


Saudi Arabia has amassed one of the largest and best-funded lobbying operations in the US. The kingdom has spent millions of dollars to buy influence in Washington. But in the wake of the Khashoggi scandal, some PR firms are dropping Riyadh as a client. Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett reports from the White House.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Is Saudi Arabia Trying to Protect Whoever Ordered Khashoggi Murder? l Inside Story


Turkey's president is accusing Saudi Arabia of stalling the investigation into the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Saudi leaders are playing a game to protect someone. He's ramping up the pressure to know who; and demanding information about where the journalist's body is.

Saudi Arabia's Chief prosecutor met his Turkish counterpart for a second time in Istanbul - after what the Turks call an unsatisfactory first meeting on Monday. Sources say the Saudis have finally handed over the testimonies of 18 suspects who are being held in the Kingdom. Where the suspects should be tried is being argued over. Turkey is calling for their extradition; the Saudis insist they'll be tried at home.

As the US considers its options, and the European Union faces further calls to ban arms sales - will the Saudis budge?

Presenter: Imran Khan | Guests: Scott Lucas - Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham and specialist in US relations with the Middle East; Andrew Finkel - Co-founder of P24 initiative to promote independent journalism; Joel Rubin - President, Washington Strategy Group


Pittsburgh Rabbi Has a Powerful Message for Our Leaders


Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers calls on elected leaders and officials to stop using hateful words and rhetoric to divide the country as his community grieves the loss of 11 members.

Jon Meacham: President Donald Trump Has No Interest In ‘Moral Leadership’ | The Last Word | MSNBC


Presidential historian Jon Meacham explains to Lawrence why Donald Trump's response to Pittsburgh shows the president is "bound up in narcissism, nationalism and nastiness."

Reagan's Daughter: Trump Has Never Shown Compassion


Patti Davis, the daughter of former President Ronald Reagan, discusses President Trump's response to recent tragedies.

Trump Plans on Ending Birthright Citizenship


In an interview for "Axios on HBO," President Trump said he plans to sign an executive order that would do away with a right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born in the US.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Glenn Greenwald on Bolsonaro: Brazil Has Elected “Most Extremist Leader in the Democratic World”


Far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro has been elected Brazil’s next president, marking the most radical political shift in the country since military rule ended more than 30 years ago. Bolsonaro, a former Army officer, openly supports torture and dictatorships, has a history of making racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments, and has threatened to destroy, imprison or banish his political opponents. He defeated Fernando Haddad of the leftist Workers’ Party with 55 percent of the vote. His ascendance to power is leading many to fear the future of democracy in Brazil is in danger. We speak with Glenn Greenwald, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and one of the founding editors of The Intercept, in Rio de Janeiro. He says that Bolsonaro is “by far the most extremist leader now elected anywhere in the democratic world.”

How Worrying Is the Rise of US Right-wing Extremism? l Inside Story


The number of reported hate crimes in the United States rose in 2016, the year Donald Trump was elected president, the second consecutive year the figures increased.

African-Americans, Jews and Muslims were all targeted. Last week a Florida man was arrested after mail bombs were sent to some of Trump’s high-profile critics; and on Saturday 11 people were killed in a synagogue in Pittsburgh.

So, who’s to blame? And does President Trump’s rhetoric fuel the hate?

Presenter: Imran Khan | Guests Gregg Roman, former director of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh; Glenn Carle, former deputy National Intelligence Officer for transnational threats at the CIA; Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc


Sunday, October 28, 2018

Can Saudi, Turkey Work Together to Shed Light on Khashoggi Murder? l Inside Story


It's been more than three weeks since journalist Jamal Khashoggi walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, never to be seen again. And with each passing day, brings a new element to a crime that's shocked the world.

Turkey wants Saudi Arabia to extradite the 18 men who've been suspected in his killing. But Saudi Arabia insists they will face justice in the Kingdom. This issue will likely top the agenda as Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor arrives in Turkey.

The Initial Turkish inquiry has concluded that the killing was premeditated, a fact, Saudi officials have taken some time to acknowledge. Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is urging Saudi Arabia to disclose where Khashoggi's remains are and explain who gave the order to kill him. So, will the two countries co-operate?

Presenter: Imran Khan | Guests: Adam Coogle - Middle East Researcher at Human Rights Watch; Leon Fresco - Former U.S. Department of Justice official; Rodney Dixon – Co-Author of a UN report back in January that documented detentions in Saudi Arabia


Günter Gaus im Gespräch mit Franz Josef Strauß (1964)


Der Untergang des Osmanischen Reiches


Mit den von den Mächten eingeforderten Reformen gingen zunehmend wirtschaftliche Probleme einher. In den „Kapitulationen“ genannten Handelsverträgen wurde der Markt im Osmanischen Reich für die Europäer geöffnet, und die Einfuhrzölle lagen unter den Ausfuhrzöllen. Durch die mangelnde Wettbewerbsfähigkeit des osmanischen Handwerks wurde das Osmanische Reich zum Importeur von europäischen Waren und der Aufbau einer eigenen Industrie unterbunden. Unterdessen fanden die Unruhen auf dem Balkan kein Ende. Nach einem Krieg gegen Serbien 1876 wurde in Istanbul eine internationale Konferenz einberufen, auf der die Zukunft des Balkan diskutiert wurde. Um seine Reformbereitschaft zu demonstrieren, kündigte der durch einen Staatsstreich an die Macht gekommene Abdülhamid II. eine liberale Verfassung an, die ein parlamentarisches System eingeführt hätte. Als Ergebnis der Konferenz fassten die Mächte eine Autonomie sowohl für zwei Provinzen auf bulgarischem Gebiet als auch für Bosnien und Herzegowina ins Auge. Als die „Hohe Pforte“ dies ablehnte, erklärte Russland den Krieg, besetzte den gesamten europäischen Teil der Türkei und rückte auf Istanbul vor. Nach der Entscheidungsschlacht am Schipkapass im Januar 1878 war der Sieg der russischen Truppen nicht mehr zu verhindern. Ende Januar 1878 bat das Osmanische Reich um den Abschluss eines Friedensvertrages.

Hannah Arendt im Gespräch mit Günter Gaus