Friday, December 14, 2018

Trump 'Seething' after Cohen Sentencing


President Trump's public silence belied his rising fury over longtime lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who the President still insists is not telling the truth, after he turned against him and was sentenced to three years in prison. CNN's Jim Acosta reports.

Cohen on Trump as President: 'He's a Very Different Individual'


Trump's former attorney told ABC News in an exclusive interview that he thinks "the pressure of the job is much more" than what the president thought it was going to be.

Senate Votes To End US Support For Saudi-Led War In Yemen | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBC


In a stinging rebuke of President Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the US Senate voted to end military support of the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Theresa May Tries to Salvage Brexit Deal in Brussels


Theresa May is ending the worst week of her political life in the place where she now looks more comfortable than Westminster.

This is her second visit to Brussels in three days and now that she has clung on to her job she came hoping to get her deal across the line in Parliament.

Her fellow EU leaders were long on admiration for her tenacity but came short on the kind of concessions that could save her deal and perhaps her government.


Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Lord Michael Heseltine on Brexit, Theresa May and Fighting Poverty


Lord Michael Heseltine is a veteran of politics. He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Margaret Thatcher and was crucial in her removal from power. He now sits on the Conservative benches of the House of Lords and has strongly argued against Brexit and to remain in the European Union.

Thursday, December 06, 2018

Will Trump Change His Mind on Khashoggi Killing? l Inside Story


Six senior US senators from across party lines have introduced a resolution holding the Saudi Crown Prince personally accountable for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

It directly contradicts statements from President Donald Trump who has insisted repeatedly there is no definitive evidence connecting Mohammed bin Salman with the crime.

But will the senators force Trump to drop his defence of the Saudi royal?

The resolution also criticises Saudi Arabia for the war in Yemen, the blockade of Qatar, and a crackdown on dissent in the Kingdom. It's a testing time for the US president.

Presenter: Martine Dennis | Guests: John Jones, former senior congressional advisor during President Obama's term; Sigurd Neubauer, a Middle East analyst with expertise in Gulf affairs; and Chris Garcia, former deputy director of the US Department of Commerce under President Trump


Sunday, December 02, 2018

Can Macron Survive the Biggest Challenge to His Presidency? l Inside Story


The Arc de Triomphe daubed with graffiti. The Champs Elysée cloaked in clouds of tear gas. It's becoming a familiar story in Paris. The famous sights of the French capital turned into a battle ground for the third successive weekend.

‘Yellow Vest’ protesters again venting their fury at the rising price of keeping their cars on the road; and increasing calls for President Emmanuel Macron to resign.

Facing the biggest challenge to his 18 month presidency, he flew home from the G20 summit in Argentina for an emergency government meeting.

It's not just next month’s proposed fuel tax rise which is infuriating many, falling living standards are too; so, how can Macron calm the rising anger?

Presenter: Laura Kyle | Guests: Anne Giudicelli - Chief Executive, Terrorisc Consultancy; Remi Bourgeot -Economist, French Institute of International & Strategic Affairs; David Lees - Lecturer in French Studies, University of Warwick


Saturday, December 01, 2018

Does Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) Care about New Khashoggi Revelations? l Inside Story


’The Wall Street Journal’ says the Saudi Crown Prince was in contact with the team that killed Jamal Khashoggi.

The CIA has reportedly concluded the order to kill Jamal Khashoggi was given by Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

‘The Wall Street Journal’ says its obtained details of the highly classified CIA document. The newspaper says bin Salman sent at least 11 messages to his closest adviser, Saud al-Qahtani.

He reportedly supervised the so-called 'hit' team.

The CIA says al-Qahtani was in direct communication with the team’s leader in Istanbul - in the hours before and after the journalist was murdered.

The Saudi team was reportedly assembled from the Crown Prince's top security men in the Royal Guard.

The judgment on Bin Salman's likely culpability is based on the prince’s personal focus on Khashoggi who had criticised him - as well as the Prince authorising the same team to target other opponents.

The Saudi leader is reported to have told associates in August last year that if efforts failed to persuade Khashoggi to return to Saudi Arabia, he would be lured somewhere else.

Do the latest revelations make any difference because bin Salman continues to enjoy Donald Trump's support?

Presenter: Richelle Carey | Guests: Imadaldin al-Jubouri -Writer & Academic; Ahmed Al-Burai - Writer, Middle East Eye & Daily Sabah; Jacob Parakilas - Deputy Head, U.S. and the Americas Programme, Chatham House


Friday, November 30, 2018

G20: May in Argentina to Sell Brexit around the World


The Prime Minister arrived in Argentina for the G20 summit keen to sell the benefits of Brexit.

World leaders met against a backdrop of crisis in Crimea and the Saudi Arabian murder of a dissident journalist, but the European Council President Donald Tusk took the opportunity to say the EU stands ready for "no deal or no Brexit at all" if MPs reject the deal. We speak to Theresa May.


Ivanka And Don Jr. Are Mueller’s Next Targets


According to reports, special prosecutor Robert Mueller is now setting his sights on Ivanka and Donald Trump, Jr.’s involvement in a real estate deal that may have been used as a political tool for Donald Trump. The deal revolves around the talks for Trump Tower Moscow and the planned delivery of a $50 million penthouse to Vladimir Putin. The pieces of the puzzle are now out in the open, the only question is whether or not they actually fit together. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

What Do Ex-lawyer Pleas Mean for Trump? - BBC Newsnight


President Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen is back - this time with allegations about the President's Russian links. Trump denies wrong-doing, but how damaging could this new information be?

Kirsty Wark is joined from San Francisco by former US attorney Harry Litman, and from the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires by RT America presenter Scottie Nell Hughes.


Thursday, November 29, 2018

What's Ahead for the US-Saudi Relationship? l Inside Story


US Senators have sent a strong message to the White House – they will hold Saudi Arabia to account over its rôle in the war in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Senate has voted to hold hearings next week on whether to end US involvement in the 3-year old conflict. That's despite strong opposition from the Trump administration, which sent the Secretaries of State and Defense to persuade Senators to vote against the measure.

So, what will this mean for the future of the US-Saudi relationship?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Charles Moran - Republican Political Strategist; Karen Greenberg - Director of the Center on National Security at Fordham University School of Law; Glenn Carle - A former CIA officer.


Should Saudi Crown Prince Be Charged with War Crimes? G20 Host, Argentina, Considers Probe


Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could face prosecution in Argentina for alleged complicity in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the Saudi-led humanitarian crisis in Yemen. On Wednesday, an Argentine prosecutor reportedly accepted a request by Human Rights Watch to prosecute the crown prince, just hours after he landed in Argentina ahead of the G20 summit. Argentina recognizes universal jurisdiction for war crimes and torture, which means it is able to press charges against the crown prince while he is in the country. We speak with Reed Brody, counsel and spokesperson for Human Rights Watch, and Shireen Al-Adeimi, Yemeni scholar, activist, and an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University.

Despite Tension between Iran and Israel, Iran’s Jewish Minority Feels At Home


Jewish people have called Iran home for nearly 3,000 years. The Trump administration and U.S. ally Israel often depict the Iranian government as composed of anti-Semitic radical Islamists bent on destroying Israel. But within Iran, many of the estimated 15,000 Jews say they're safe and happy living in the Islamic Republic. Reza Sayah takes a rare inside look at life for Iran's Jewish minority.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

#democracynow : Top US News & World Headlines — November 28, 2018


A Fourth Reich In The Sun - Hitler's Escape to Argentina


Patrick Henningsen interviews Gerrard Williams, the former Duty Editor at Reuters Television and Foreign Duty Editor at The BBC, Sky News and APTN and author of the book Grey Wolf. Patrick and Gerrard take a deeper look into one of the greatest the untold stories of World War II, where Adolf Hitler and many other top Nazis including Martin Bormann, escaped to Argentina after the Fall of Berlin in 1945.

In addition, they investigate the active role of many top US and German international corporations had in supporting the Nazi war machine during the war, as well as top Nazi involvement in the formation of the Bilderberg Group after WWII.


Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Can Turkey Trigger International Probe into Khashoggi's Murder? l Inside Story


It's been nearly two months since journalist Jamal Khashoggi walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. His murder at the hands of a 15-member hit squad has put Saudi Arabia under an international spotlight. Its embattled Crown Prince, who's been accused of ordering the killing, is on a tour of regional countries before he heads to Argentina for the G-20 Summit.

But Turkey wants to make sure the case does not disappear from the world's attention. Its investigators launched a search of two villas outside Istanbul on Monday. They say they're owned by a Saudi businessman close to the Crown Prince. But will this make any difference? And Can Turkey successfully push for an international investigation?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan | Guests: Vehbi Baysan - Professor of History at Ibn Haldun University; Matthew Bryza - Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council and a former US Ambassador; Simon Mabon - Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Lancaster University in the UK


Sunday, November 25, 2018

Will Macron Bow to the Demands of 'Yellow Vest' Protesters? l Inside Story


French fuel tax protesters again vent their anger against President Emmanuel Macron.

Emmanuel Macron was elected last year on presidential pledges to create more jobs and improve lives. But for many French people, his economic reforms are a disaster. Critics accuse him of being a president for the rich - while hurting the poor.

One of his reforms is causing particular outrage - fuel tax. So-called 'Yellow Vest' protesters in Paris blocked roads for a second successive Saturday to tell Macron they've had enough. And his environmentally-friendly tax on diesel aimed at cutting pollution has to go - and so does he.

So, will he change his controversial policies?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan | Guests: Anne Giudicelli - Founder of Terrorisc Consultancy; Jacques Reland - Senior Research Fellow, Global Policy Institute London; Renaud Girard - Chief Foreign Correspondent, Le Figaro daily newspaper



Friday, November 23, 2018

A Royal Family, Episode 1: The Father-in-law of Europe | Documentary


At the end of the 1800s, the Danish King, Christian IX and his wife, Queen Louise, married their six children into the dominating European royal families and Christian IX became known as "Europe's Father-In-Law". Today, his descendants are to be found all over Europe.

These are their stories, stories of power, love, triumph, tragedy and honour, recounted through interviews and never before published letters, photographs and home movie footage, by over 30 members of the European royal family.

Anecdotes handed down through generations give insight into a Europe ruled by 'dynasty politics' where arranged marriages created alliances between countries.

In the Europe of the 1800s, Denmark, England, and Russia each have a childless king; all three need an heir to the throne. Speedily arranged marriages, births, and cunning strategies bring King Christian IX, Queen Victoria and Tsar Alexander II to the throne.


Wadah Khanfar Interview on Media Coverage of the Killing of Khashoggi | One on One Express


We sit down for a one on one interview with Wadah Khanfar, the director of Al Sharq Forum to discuss media coverage of the killing of Khashoggi, how it’s influenced public opinion, and its repercussions.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Trump Chooses “Relationship with Saudi Arabia” over Accountability for Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder


Despite overwhelming evidence that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated at the order of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump stood by Saudi Arabia Tuesday in an extraordinary written statement riddled with exclamation points and subtitled “America First,” writing, “It could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event — maybe he did and maybe he didn’t! That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Trump’s statement came even after The Washington Post reported last Friday that the CIA has “high confidence” that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Saudi officials have tried to dismiss Khashoggi’s death as a rare, unauthorized killing, but a recent New York Times report suggests the kingdom has sought out private companies to assassinate perceived enemies since the beginning of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rule. We speak with the Israeli investigative reporter who helped break the story, Ronen Bergman, author of “Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations.” Ronen Bergman is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and the senior national security correspondent for Yedioth Ahronoth. His piece in The New York Times is titled “Saudis Close to Crown Prince Discussed Killing Other Enemies a Year Before Khashoggi’s Death.”

How Far Can Trump Shield Bin Salman? l Inside Story


The US President admits Mohammed bin Salman may have known about the plan to murder journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The CIA says the Crown Prince actually ordered it. But Trump’s contradicted his intelligence agency saying that’s not a definitive determination; and in any case he says it would be foolish to take action against Riyadh. That would threaten lucrative weapons deals and push the price of oil up. Very simple, said Trump, It’s America First.

But it might not be that simple – all eyes are now on the US Congress to see what it will do. So, America First? Or justice last?

Presenter: Laura Kyle | Guests: Mohamad Elmasry, Associate Professor of Journalism at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies; Sigurd Neubauer, Middle East Analyst and Columnist; Cinzia Bianco, Senior Analyst and researcher at Gulf State Analytics


Sunday, November 18, 2018

Nancy Isenberg: The Origin of ‘White Trash,’ and Why Class Is Still an Issue in the US


In “White Trash,” Nancy Isenberg delves into the history of class in America, starting with British colonization. At that time, America was seen as a wasteland -- a place to discard the idle poor. The agrarian communities they subsequently formed often remained poor due to a phenomenon Isenberg calls “horizontal mobility.” Jeffrey Brown speaks with the author about how we can evolve past class.

CIA Blames Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman for Khashoggi Murder


’The Washington Post’ is reporting that the CIA blames Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Friday, November 16, 2018

What Can Khashoggi Tape Reveal about His Murder? | Inside Story


Saudi Arabia has given numerous versions of what happened to Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul, but has always maintained Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew nothing about his death. And it has insisted the killing wasn't pre-meditated.

But now the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet has leaked an audio recording that contradicts the latest Saudi narrative. It suggests a hit squad discussed Khashoggi's murder prior to him entering the consulate on October 2nd.

Presenter Laura Kyle | Guests: Saad Djebbar, International Lawyer and Political Commentator. He represented PLO Leader Yasser Arafat’s widow and Al Jazeera journalists who were in prison; Matthew Bryza, former White House official and Senior fellow at the Atlantic Council; Sahar Aziz, Professor of Law at Rutgers University and Director of the Center on Security, Race, and Civil Rights


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.