Jared Kushner Punts On Jamal Khashoggi In Axios Interview | Morning Joe | MSNBC

Axios' Jonathan Swan continues discussing his recent interview with Jared Kushner, son-in-law and senior advisor to the president. Kushner is silent on talks with Saudi crown prince about the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Wants Access to NHS in Post-Brexit Deal, Says Trump Ally

THE GUARDIAN: Before president’s visit, Woody Johnson says every area of UK economy up for discussion

The US will want business access to the NHS in any post-Brexit trade deal, the US ambassador has said, prompting anger from politicians and campaigners before Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK this week.

Woody Johnson, who is a close friend of the US president, said every area of the UK economy would be up for discussion when the two sides brokered a trade deal.

Asked if the NHS was likely to form part of trade negotiations, Johnson told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “I think the entire economy, in a trade deal, all things that are traded would be on the table.” Asked if that specifically meant healthcare, he said: “I would think so.” » | Jessica Elgot | Sunday, June 2, 2019

It’s Un-British to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Donald Trump

THE OBSERVER: The US president gives comfort to the far right. The prime minister should speak truth to power

Praising the “very fine people on both sides” when torch-wielding white supremacists and antisemites marched through the streets clashing with anti-racist campaigners. Threatening to veto a ban on the use of rape as a weapon of war. Setting an immigration policy that forcefully separates young children from their parents at the border. The deliberate use of xenophobia, racism and “otherness” as an electoral tactic. Introducing a travel ban to a number of predominately Muslim countries. Lying deliberately and repeatedly to the public.

No, these are not the actions of European dictators of the 1930s and 40s. Nor the military juntas of the 1970s and 80s. I’m not talking about Vladimir Putin or Kim Jong-un. These are the actions of the leader of our closest ally, the president of the United States of America. This is a man who tried to exploit Londoners’ fears following a horrific terrorist attack on our city, amplified the tweets of a British far-right racist group, denounced as fake news robust scientific evidence warning of the dangers of climate change, and is now trying to interfere shamelessly in the Conservative party leadership race by backing Boris Johnson because he believes it would enable him to gain an ally in Number 10 for his divisive agenda.

Donald Trump is just one of the most egregious examples of a growing global threat. The far right is on the rise around the world, threatening our hard-won rights and freedoms and the values that have defined our liberal, democratic societies for more than seventy years. Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Matteo Salvini in Italy, Marine Le Pen in France and Nigel Farage here in the UK are using the same divisive tropes of the fascists of the 20th century to garner support, but are using new sinister methods to deliver their message. And they are gaining ground and winning power and influence in places that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. » | Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London | Saturday, June 1, 2019

Donald Trump Is Like a 20th-Century Fascist, Says Sadiq Khan

THE OBSERVER: London mayor hits out at US president before his state visit to Britain

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has compared the language used by Donald Trump to rally his supporters to that of “the fascists of the 20th century” in an explosive intervention before the US president’s state visit to London that begins on Monday.

Writing in the Observer, Khan condemned the red-carpet treatment being afforded to Trump who, with his wife Melania, will be a guest of the Queen during his three-day stay, which is expected to provoke massive protests in the capital on Tuesday.

Khan said: “President Donald Trump is just one of the most egregious examples of a growing global threat. The far right is on the rise around the world, threatening our hard-won rights and freedoms and the values that have defined our liberal, democratic societies for more than 70 years.

“Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Matteo Salvini in Italy, Marine Le Pen in France and Nigel Farage here in the UK are using the same divisive tropes of the fascists of the 20th century to garner support, but with new sinister methods to deliver their message. And they are gaining ground and winning power and influence in places that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.” » | Toby Helm and Mark Townsend | Saturday, June 1, 2019

'Assange Case Is Unlike Anything I've Seen in 20yrs of Work with War Victims' – UN Rapporteur | Going Underground

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to UN Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer about his assessment of Julian Assange’s condition. He says Assange has shown signs of psychological torture and that he has not seen anything as bad as the WikiLeaks founder’s case in his 20-year career. Next, we speak to former president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, on the arrest and imprisonment of Julian Assange. He describes his successor Lenin Moreno as a traitor for allowing the UK to arrest Assange. Correa says Moreno has violated asylum law and talks about corruption allegations against the current president.

Trump Backs Boris Johnson; Calls Duchess of Sussex 'Nasty'

THE GUARDIAN: US president backs Tory in leadership run and reacts to criticism by duchess

Donald Trump has backed Boris Johnson to be the next prime minister, in an interview with the Sun in which he also called Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, “nasty”.

The president, speaking to the British newspaper before he visits the UK on Monday, expressed support for the former foreign secretary in his bid to replace Theresa May, saying: “I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent.”

May is to step down on 7 June, just days after Trump’s official state visit, which will include attending commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-day in Portsmouth.

Trump referred to the American-born Duchess of Sussex as “nasty” over comments she made in 2016 threatening to move to Canada if Trump won the presidency. » | Agencies | Saturday, June 1, 2019

Does Saudi Arabia Have Support to Face Iran? | Inside Story

Does Saudi Arabia have support to face Iran? Saudi Arabia hosts three summits, calling for action against Tehran as Riyadh accuses its rival of threatening regional order. An emergency requiring three consecutive summits in one location, it certainly sounds like something that needs to be addressed, and quickly. And according to Saudi Arabia, the emergency is Iran.

The Kingdom gathered Arab leaders for meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Countries. Riyadh said the international community must "use all means to stop Iran from interfering in other countries' affairs".

So, is there an emergency? Or is it another power-play in the Gulf with the addition of a US military presence?

Presenter: Kamahl Santamaria | Guests Majed Al-Ansari, professor of political science at Qatar University; Abdullah Al-Shayji, professor of political science at Kuwait University; Hassan Ahmadian, assistant professor of political science at the University of Tehran

UN Special Rapporteur Calls for Julian Assange to Be Freed, Citing “Psychological Torture”

The United Nations special rapporteur on torture is warning that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is suffering from the effects of “psychological torture” due to his ongoing detention and threats of possible extradition to the United States. The UN expert, Nils Melzer, also warned that Assange would likely face a “politicized show trial” if he were to be extradited to the United States. Melzer writes, “In 20 years of work with victims of war, violence and political persecution, I have never seen a group of democratic states ganging up to deliberately isolate, demonize and abuse a single individual for such a long time.”

Julian Assange is currently serving a 50-week sentence for skipping bail in 2012 at London’s Belmarsh Prison, after he was forcibly removed from the Ecuadorean Embassy by British police last month. Last week, the US Justice Department announced it was charging Assange with 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act for his role in publishing US classified military and diplomatic documents exposing US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Assange, who had already been charged on one count of hacking a government computer, now faces up to 170 additional years in prison under the new charges—10 years for each count of violating the Espionage Act. Assange was due to appear by video link before a magistrates’ court on Thursday but failed to appear, reportedly due to health problems. We speak with UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer.

Exclusive: John Bolton’s Plan to Run for President

In the past 48 hours, US establishment media outlets and sources from inside the government have apparently awakened to national security advisor John Bolton’s warmongering and undermining of the Trump presidency. Rick Sanchez breaks it down.

Then, political strategist John Jordan joins to discuss the sudden media scrutiny of John Bolton and his problematic career. He argues that Bolton “is a disaster” and glorified “talking head” who may very soon be out of a job.

Assange Hospitalized, ‘Dagger in Journalist Hearts’ Galloway

The attorney of WikiLeaks founder and journalist Julian Assange’s has revealed that he was too ill to appear in a video chat for his extradition hearing. Assange has spent the past seven weeks at Belmarsh prison, where his health has continued to deteriorate. The WikiLeaks founder faces extradition to the US over “espionage” charges dating back to 2010. Former UK MP George Galloway joins In Question to break this all down.

Julian Assange shows psychological torture symptoms, says UN expert »

Elton John: 'I Am a European – Not a Stupid, Imperialist English Idiot'

THE GUARDIAN: The singer says Brexit has made him ashamed to be British, while performing in Verona during his final world tour

Elton John has said he is ashamed of the UK over its voting for and handling of Brexit.

While performing on Wednesday in Verona on his last ever world tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, he said: “I’m ashamed of my country for what it has done. It’s torn people apart … I am sick to death of politicians, especially British politicians. I am sick to death of Brexit. I am a European. I am not a stupid, colonial, imperialist English idiot.” » | Ben Beaumont-Thomas | Friday, May 31, 2019

Hear! Hear! – Mark

Merkel spricht vor Harvard-Studierenden

Kanzlerin Merkel hat die Ehrendoktorwürde der US-Eliteuniversität Harvard erhalten. Harvard-Präsident Larry Bacow verlieh Merkel die Auszeichnung bei einer feierlichen Zeremonie in der Hochschule in Cambridge, einem Vorort von Boston. Die Universität würdigte unter anderem, Merkels bisherige Zeit im Amt sei geprägt gewesen von Pragmatismus und kluger Entschlossenheit.

Explizit lobte die Universität Merkels Slogan «Wir schaffen das» in der Flüchtlingskrise, der ihr in Deutschland viel Kritik eingebracht hatte. Merkels Entscheidung, in großer Zahl Migranten und Flüchtlinge ins Land zu lassen, habe ihren Willen gezeigt, für das einzustehen, was sie für richtig halte - auch wenn dies unpopulär sei. Das Gleiche gelte etwa auch für ihr Vorgehen in der europäischen Schuldenkrise.

Are US/UK Trying To Kill Assange?

Jailed Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange is reportedly "too ill" to even speak at a scheduled extradition hearing today. He is said to be "gravely ill" and even near death. If Assange is worth more dead than alive to the governments he has embarrassed by publishing the truth about their crimes, are they trying to make his death happen? Or will he be slowly killed by a 170 year prison sentence?

Palestinian Diplomat Hanan Ashrawi on the US “Peace Plan” & Israeli Political Crisis

Israel will hold new elections after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a coalition government in six weeks of negotiations following the April 9 election. This marks the first time in Israeli history a prime minister-designate has failed to form a coalition government. The news comes as the United States is continuing to promote a controversial Middle East peace plan drawn up by President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is in Israel today along with special envoy Jason Greenblatt. But the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that the political crisis in Israel could kill the U.S. plan, which will be partially unveiled at a conference in Bahrain next month. Palestinian officials have vowed to boycott the conference and dismissed any attempts to tackle peace talks in the region without addressing human rights and the Israeli occupation. We speak with longtime Palestinian diplomat Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s executive committee. The United States recently denied Ashrawi a visa to enter the country.

Merkel Speaks Out about Viral Trump Photo

German Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses the German political climate and her interactions with President Trump in a CNN exclusive interview with Christiane Amanpour.

Boris Johnson to Face Court over Brexit 'Lies'

The frontrunner in the race to become the UK's next prime minister has been ordered to court over allegations he lied to the public during the Brexit referendum campaign. Boris Johnson had famously claimed that the UK sent 440 million dollars a week to the EU - and that Brexit would allow that money to be spent on public health services. But opponents say that number was demonstrably false and deliberately misleading. Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan reports.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Ousted in Co-Confidence Vote | DW News

Just two weeks ago Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz looked invincible. But now he is the country's first leader since the war to be ousted in a no-confidence motion. Parliament voted to kick him out over a corruption scandal involving his far-right coalition partner, the Freedom party (FPÖ). Now the country will be run by technocrats until new elections in September. Kurz, for his part, has vowed to fight on.

The Village in Syria Where They Speak Jesus' Tongue

Aramaic (2008): In a village in the Syrian countryside, Muslims and Christians live side-by-side and keeping the language of Christ, Aramaic, alive.

How Will Nationalists Push Their Agenda in Europe? | Inside Story

The far-right makes gains after the European Parliament elections but not the clean sweep some feared.

A record-number of voters across Europe have dealt a blow to traditional centrist politics, with far-right and far-left parties making significant gains in the European Parliament elections.

A surge in support for liberal and green parties means pro-EU politicians will maintain their majority in the 751-seat parliament. But far-right and nationalist wins in Italy, France, Britain and Poland gives Eurosceptic parties control of a quarter of the seats for the first time.

Far-right gains were less than expected and won't dramatically change the balance of power. But the EU parliament now finds itself more fragmented than ever. As pro-EU parties retain their majority, what do the results mean for nationalists in the divided parliament?

Presenter: Barbara Serra | Guests: Nina Schick - Author & Political Commentator; Tony Travers - Professor, School of Public Policy, London School of Economics; Thorsten Benner - Co-founder & Director, Global Public Policy Institute

European Elections: What It Means for the Future of Europe

Mark Stone assesses the fallout from the European elections and its consequences for the main parties?

Mayor Pete Unafraid To 'Go There,' Calls Out President Donald Trump On Vietnam | Morning Joe | MSNBC

During an interview with the Washington Post's Robert Costa, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who served in Afghanistan, accused the president of draft dodging the Vietnam War, claiming the president faked a disability.

Could Iraq Be Pulled into a Conflict between the United States and Iran? | Inside Story

The United States is raising the stakes against what it calls threats from Iran. President Donald Trump is sending an extra 1,500 troops to the Middle East. He's also bypassing Congress to sell billions of dollars' of weapons to Iran's rivals, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran's neighbour, Iraq, is vowing support and offering to mediate. At the same time, Iraq is wary of straining relations with the Americans.

How should leaders in Baghdad handle this balancing act?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Andreas Kreig - Assistant Professor, Defence Studies Department, King's College London; Sami Nader - Director, The Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs; Robert Gutsche - Associate Professor, Lancaster University

Who Will Succeed Juncker as European Commission President? | DW News

The European Parliament that emerges from the 2019 EU election will go on to elect the next president of the European Commission. That person will succeed Jean Claude-Juncker whose five year term is coming to an end. It's Europe's top job so the stakes are high. Among the candidates are Margarete Vestager for the Liberals, Ska Keller for the Greens, Manfred Weber for the Conservatives, Frans Timmermans for the Social Democrats, Jan Zharadil for the Conservative and Reformists and Nico Cue for the Left Party.

Trump Brushes Off North Korea's Launch of 'Some Small Weapons'

THE GUARDIAN: President says recent missile tests bother some people, but not him, and praises regime for calling Joe Biden ‘a fool of low IQ’

Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about North Korea’s recent missile tests, calling them “small weapons”, a day after his national security adviser said there was no doubt the launches violated UN security council resolutions.

The US president tweeted on Sunday: “North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me. I have confidence that Chairman Kim will keep his promise to me”.

His adviser John Bolton said on Saturday UN resolutions prohibited the launch of any ballistic missiles and urged Kim Jong-un to return to denuclearisation talks.

Despite scant progress from two summits with the North Korean leader, Trump has made much of his personal relationship with Kim, saying last year that he “fell in love” with the dictator after receiving “beautiful letters” from him. » | Guardian staff | Sunday, May 26, 2019

Jews in Germany Warned of Risks of Wearing Kippah Cap in Public

THE GUARDIAN: Government commissioner says lifting of inhibitions and rise of uncouthness are factors behind rising incidence of antisemitism

Germany’s government commissioner on antisemitism has warned Jews about the potential dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap in the face of rising anti-Jewish attacks.

“I cannot advise Jews to wear the kippah everywhere all the time in Germany,” Felix Klein said in an interview published Saturday by the Funke regional press group.

In issuing the warning, he said he had “alas, changed my mind (on the subject) compared to previously”.

Klein, whose post was created last year, cited “the lifting of inhibitions and the uncouthness which is on the rise in society” as factors behind a rising incidence of antisemitism. » | Agence France-Presse | Sunday, May 26, 2019

Stop Boris Campaign Launched by Tory Moderates Opposed to No-Deal Brexit

THE OBSERVER: Former foreign secretary attacked as dishonest by leadership candidate Rory Stewart

A campaign to stop Boris Johnson becoming prime minister and taking the country into a no-deal Brexit was launched by moderate cabinet ministers on Saturday as the first shots were fired in the Tory contest to succeed Theresa May in Downing Street.

After May bowed to pressure on Friday and announced she would resign as Tory leader within two weeks, justice secretary David Gauke and international development secretary Rory Stewart condemned Johnson’s readiness to embrace a no-deal, saying it would be hugely damaging to the national interest.

The move, part of a concerted “anti-Johnson” push by opponents of a hard Brexit, followed comments by the former foreign secretary on Friday, soon after May’s resignation speech in Downing Street, that the UK would definitely leave the EU “deal or no deal” on 31 October if he became leader in July.

The remark infuriated the soft-Brexit wing of the party, with some MPs and ministers even warning that there would be “serious numbers” of moderate Conservatives who would be ready to vote down a Johnson government if he set the country on a path to no deal. » | Michael Savage, Jamie Doward and Toby Helm | Saturday, May 25, 2019

A Short History of Donald Trump’s Clashes with CNN’s Jim Acosta

THE GUARDIAN: ‘The president's insane’: book by CNN's Jim Acosta charts Trump war on press » | Martin Pengelly in New York | Saturday, May 25, 2019

President Trump is really quite objectionable. – Mark

What Will Britain's Leadership Change Mean for Brexit? | Inside Story

UK leadership contest begins after Prime Minister Theresa May announces her resignation. Brexit brought UK prime minister Teresa May to power, and it was ultimately the issue that forced her out.

Debate on Britain's departure from the European Union exposed deep divisions in the country. May faced intense pressure to step down, after parliament repeatedly rejected her withdrawal deal with the EU.

She will resign on June 7th, and her governing Conservative Party is now looking for a new leader. But can her successor unite parliament and the United Kingdom? And what will a change of UK leadership mean for Brexit?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Mark Garnett - Senior Lecturer in Politics at Lancaster University; Jonathan Lis - Deputy Director at British Influence, a pro-European Think Tank; Matthew Goodwin - Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent

Jeremy Scahill: New Indictment of Assange Is Part of a Broader War on Journalism & Whistleblowers

The Espionage Act charges filed against Julian Assange mark just the latest attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize journalism and whistleblowers. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning is back in jail for refusing to testify before a grand jury. Two weeks ago, drone whistleblower Daniel Hale was arrested in Tennessee. We air a new video by The Intercept titled “Why You Should Care About Trump’s War on Whistleblowers,” featuring Jeremy Scahill. We also speak to Scahill and Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg about how the corporate media has failed to stand up for Assange and others.

Theresa May’s Legacy by Michael Cockerell – BBC Newsnight

The Media Momentum for War with Iran | The Listening Post (Full)

Brexit: What Does Theresa May's Resignation Mean for the EU? | DW News

Outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May, of the governing Conservative Party, says she will always regret failing to secure a deal for the UK to leave the European Union. May announced she'll resign on June 7th, almost three years after the British voted to exit from the bloc. She was unable to get a deeply divided parliament to back her withdrawal deal. Boris Johnson, who is among the Tory front-runners to succeed May, has said that a no-deal Brexit was a distinct possibility. Many EU leaders, including Dutch PM Mark Rutte, Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, have been clear about what May's resignation means for the EU.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — May 24, 2019

Theresa May Announces Her Resignation

THE GUARDIAN: Prime minister to leave on 7 June, drawing three-year premiership to a close

Theresa May has bowed to intense pressure from her own party and named 7 June as the day she will step aside as Conservative leader, drawing her turbulent three-year premiership to a close.

Speaking in Downing Street, May said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve as Britain’s second female prime minister. Her voice breaking, she said she would leave “with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude”.

The prime minister listed a series of what she said were her government’s achievements, including tackling the deficit, reducing unemployment and boosting funding for mental health.

But she admitted: “It is and will always[s] remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit.” » | Heather Stewart | Friday, May 24, 2019

Trump Calls Himself a 'Stable Genius' at Wild Press Conference

President Donald Trump traded barbs with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a press conference, claiming she's a "mess" and calling her "crazy" after she suggested the President's family should stage an intervention for the good of the country. Trump also insisted that he is a "stable genius" and called on aides to back him up.

US Charges WikiLeaks' Julian Assange with Publishing Classified Information

THE GUARDIAN: WikiLeaks founder faces decades in US prison if found guilty ? Assange ‘risked serious harm to US national security’, DoJ says

Julian Assange has been charged with violating the US Espionage Act by publishing classified information through WikiLeaks.

Prosecutors on Thursday unveiled 17 additional charges against Assange, who was previously indicted on a charge of working to hack a Pentagon computer system. » | Jon Swaine in New York | Thursday, May 23, 2019

Is Saudi Arabia Ramping Up the Campaign against Religious Scholars? | Inside Story

Saudi Arabia has jailed many activists and dissidents since Mohammed Bin Salman became the Crown Prince two years ago. Now media reports suggest three religious scholars may be sentenced to death after the Muslim month of Ramadan.

Salman Al-Odah, Awad Al-Qarni and Ali Al-Omari were arrested in September 2017 on what Saudi Arabia described as terror charges. They are seen as reformists who have spoken about human rights.

The United Nations and rights groups have been calling for their release. Why are they targeted? And what message will this send about human rights in the Kingdom?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan | Guests: Sami Hamdi - Editor-in-Chief of The International Interest, a current affairs magazine; Bessma Momani - Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo; Ali Al-Ahmed - Director of the Gulf Affairs Institute and a former Saudi political prisoner

Theresa May On the Brink as Cabinet Turns on Her

It's not often that MPs demand the resignation of their party leader and Prime Minister on the eve of a national election. But furious Conservative backbenchers are in open revolt against Theresa May today over her proposal to give parliament a vote on another referendum in the Brexit withdrawal bill. A string of MPs have called on her to quit immediately. She might have heard a similar message from members of her cabinet if she hadn't refused to meet a number of them this afternoon.

George Osborne's Evening Standard Backs Lib Dems for EU Elections

THE GUARDIAN: Editorial in former chancellor’s paper is latest breakaway by Cameron-era Tories over Brexit

The Evening Standard, edited by the former Conservative chancellor George Osborne, has urged readers to consider voting Liberal Democrat in the European elections, in the latest sign of David Cameron-era Tories breaking with the party over Brexit.

The London newspaper said the Lib Dems had the “courage from the start to say the referendum result was a mistake” and as a result, “voters have started to think again about them”.

However, the Standard stopped short of a full endorsement for Vince Cable’s party, simply saying “we wish them well”.

Other prominent Conservatives have been punished by the party in recent days for endorsing the Lib Dems in the elections, including the former deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine. It is not known whether Osborne remains a paid-up member of the Conservative party, but the carefully phrased endorsement means he is likely to escape being censured. » | Jim Waterson, Media editor | Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Family of Jailed Saudi Feminist Loujain Al-Hathloul: She Was Waterboarded, Flogged & Electrocuted

Is Nationalism Killing the EU? | State of Europe

Since the last European parliamentary elections in 2014, nationalist right-wing parties have made significant gains in many European states. Does the growing influence of right-wing nationalism pose a threat to the ideal of European unity?

To understand what moves Europe's citizens, DW's Max Hofmann traveled around the continent seeking the perspectives of key players and those directly affected by the major issues of today. For example, how the migration drama on the southern coast of Italy originates and ends partly in eastern Germany. Or how right-wing populists in France try to lure in voters - and how comparable political forces in Poland have used similar tactics to gain seats in government. In investigating the topics of environment and climate protection, Hofmann visits the EU Climate Change Dossiers and the EU's largest per capita plastic waste producer: Ireland. Through each trip, Hofmann seeks to better understand the connections and centrifugal forces at play across Europe.

Far-right Facebook Groups 'Spreading Hate to Millions in Europe'

THE GUARDIAN: Avaaz uncovers 500 accounts using fake news to spread white supremacy message

A web of far-right Facebook accounts spreading fake news and hate speech to millions of people across Europe has been uncovered by the campaign group Avaaz.

Facebook, which is struggling to clean up the platform and salvage its reputation, has already taken down accounts with about 6 million followers before voting in the European elections begins on Thursday. It was still investigating hundreds of other accounts with an additional 26 million followers, Avaaz said.

In total, the group reported more than 500 suspect groups and Facebookpages operating across France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Poland and Spain. Most were either spreading fake news or using false pages and profiles to artificially boost the content of parties or sites they supported, in violation of Facebook’s rules.

The networks were far more popular than the official pages of far-right and anti-EU populist groups in those countries. The pages taken down by Facebook so far had been viewed half a billion times, Avaaz estimated. » | Emma Graham-Harrison | Wednesday, May 22, 2019

EU to Investigate Nigel Farage over Expenses Funded by Arron Banks

THE GUARDIAN: Move follows revelations MEP failed to declare lavish funding from year of Brexit referendum

The European parliament is to investigate Nigel Farage for failing to declare lavish expenses funded by Arron Banks.

The European parliament president, Antonio Tajani, “today refers the Farage issue to an advisory committee”, a source told the Guardian.

The advisory committee is a group of five MEPs who act as watchdogs over the parliament’s code of conduct. It stipulates that all members must declare expensive gifts and report whether third parties fund attendances at events.

Last week, Channel 4 revealed Farage was generously funded by Arron Banksin the year of the Brexit referendum. Invoices, emails and documents showed Farage benefited from a £13,000-a-month Chelsea home, a car with a driver, and promotional visits to the US in 2016. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Tuesday, May 21, 2019

May Offers MPs Vote on Second Referendum in 'New' Brexit Deal

THE GUARDIAN: Customs union vote also included in ‘10-point offer’ in last attempt to break impasse

Theresa May has offered MPs votes on a second referendum and a temporary customs union in her last attempt to get a Brexit deal through parliament.

Amid widespread expectation that the withdrawal agreement bill (Wab) will be heavily defeated early next month, and reports of serious rows in cabinet, the prime minister used a hastily arranged speech to warn of serious political disruption if Brexit is not delivered.

However, the immediate reaction to May’s proposals from MPs was overwhelmingly negative, with even previously loyal Conservatives coming out against it. » | Peter Walker and Rowena Mason | Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Will Europe's Populist Leaders Make a Breakthrough? | Inside Story

Mainstream politicians face a challenge from the far right as 400 million Europeans vote in this week's European Parliament elections. Elections for the European Parliament get underway on Thursday.

Immigration and the economy are dominating the political agenda, and the rise of the far-right is dominating the headlines.

On Saturday, right-wing leaders from nearly a dozen EU countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands gathered for a rally in Milan to show their unity. The gathering was led by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, who wants to form a far-right block within the EU Parliament.

Some analysts believe that the future identity of European politics––and the EU itself––is at stake. So, how will voting shape the continent?

Presenter: Barbara Serra | Guests: Theofanis Exadaktylos, senior lecturer in European politics at the University of Surrey; Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe initiative and a former special adviser to the House of Lords EU committee; Stefano Vergine who is an Italian journalist focussing on economics and foreign affairs

Does Europe Need the USA? | Full Debate | George Galloway, Phillip Collins, Bronwen Maddox

Is the US in dangerous decline? Many in Europe welcomed the decline of the US and its retreat from global intervention. Now with Russia flexing its muscle it feels less comfortable. No doubt the Britons felt similarly when the Romans left. Is the reality that Europe needs to be sheltering under the wing of a superpower? Or should we rapidly rearm in a troubled multipolar world?

Iran's Basic Goods Prices Double as Fall of Rial Continues | Al Jazeera English

US sanctions are making life in Iran increasingly difficult for its people. Iranians say their devalued currency is a more pressing problem. Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi reports from Tehran.