Daily Archives: October 7, 2020

2020-10-07: News Headlines

Aaron Maté (2020-10-07). OPCW Syria whistleblower and ex-OPCW chief attacked by US, UK, France at UN. thegrayzone.com At the UN Security Council, the US, UK and France were confronted with testimony from OPCW whistleblower Ian Henderson and ex-OPCW chief Jose Bustani that challenged the rationale for their bombing of Syria in April 2018. They responded by attacking and silencing the witnesses. Aaron Maté recaps the extraordinary events. Ian Henderson, a veteran OPCW inspector who challenged a cover-up of his organization's investigation of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria, recently testified before the United Nations Security Council. …

Aaron Mate (2020-10-07). Video: Ex-OPCW Chief Jose Bustani Reads Syria Testimony that US, UK Blocked at UN. globalresearch.ca At the UN Security Council, the US, UK, France and allies have blocked the testimony of Jose Bustani, the OPCW's first Director General, on the chemical watchdog's Syria cover-up scandal. The Grayzone has obtained Bustani's prepared statement and is publishing …

MEE and agencies (2020-10-07). Car bomb in northern Syrian city of Al-Bab leaves many dead and injured. middleeasteye.net Car bomb in northern Syrian city of Al-Bab leaves many dead and injured | UN condemns 'indiscriminate attacks' on civilians after Turkish-controlled city struck | Wed, 10/07/2020 – 07: 40 | A picture shows an aerial view of the town of al-Bab in a rebel-held area in the north of Aleppo province (AFP) | A suspected car bomb in the Turkish-controlled Syrian town of Al-Bab has killed at least…

MEE staff (2020-10-07). Alleged Islamic State 'Beatles' executioners set to face trial in US, says report. middleeasteye.net Alleged Islamic State 'Beatles' executioners set to face trial in US, says report | El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey face charges in the US over the alleged beheading of a number of journalists and aid workers | Wed, 10/07/2020 – 09: 34 | Pictures of El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey released shortly after their capture by Syrian Kurdish-led forces (AFP) | Two alleged members of an Islamic State (IS)…

Abdul Rahman (2020-10-07). French intervention in Lebanon reveals colonial approach. peoplesdispatch.org Deep political and economic turmoil has engulfed Lebanon for over a year now. The country's political class has failed to form a credible and stable government and undertake reforms necessary to win back popular confidence in the system. This has resulted in growing economic distress for the common Lebanese citizens, who have taken to the streets against their corrupt politicians. The Beirut blast in early August this year, which killed more than 190 people and displaced thousands, has compounded the Lebanese crisis. Under the circumstances, France, Lebanon's old colonial master (Lebanon was a French mandate, 191…

_____ (2020-10-07). Ex-OPCW Chief Jose Bustani Reads Syria Testimony Blocked At UN. popularresistance.org Jose Bustani was invited to brief the Security Council on the OPCW's cover-up of an investigation into an alleged chemical attack in Douma, Syria in April 2018. The US, UK, and France bombed Syria after accusing the Syrian government of dropping toxic gas in Douma. OPCW inspectors later found evidence that undermined the official narrative, but were censored by their superiors under US pressure. | As the OPCW's first Director General, Bustani experienced first-hand the costs of challenging pro-war narratives.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-07). Despotic rulers not able to stop Arbaeen Mourning ritual. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 07 (MNA) — Secretary-General of the Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah said nothing, including tyrant rulers, can stop believers from holding Arbaeen mourning rituals.

RT (2020-10-06). Russia slams 'disgraceful' ban on founding OPCW chief speaking at UN Security Council on Syria, PUBLISHES his speech unilateraly. rt.com An ex-OPCW chief, sacked under US pressure, has been barred from briefing the UN Security Council about a controversial probe into an alleged 2018 chemical attack in Syria. Russia called it a "shame" and published his speech. | Jose Bustani, a Brazilian diplomat who led the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) from 1997 until 2002, was invited by Moscow to speak at a UN Security Council meeting about the so-called "Syrian chemical dossier," but his appearance was blocked at the last minute by Belgium, Germany, Estonia, France, the US and the UK. | "What has happened now is yet more sad…

RT (2020-10-06). OPCW says it found traces of Novichok-class substance in blood & urine samples of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny. rt.com The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Tuesday that it's found evidence of a poisonous substance from the Novichok group in blood and urine samples of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexey Navalny. | As a result, the German government — which requested the study — says it intends to work out a response in collaboration with other European Union members. It looks likely that the situation will lead to a new front opening in the sanctions war. On Saturday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he expected the EU to impose penalties against Russia if the presence of Nov…

Charlie Savage (2020-10-06). Nicholson Baker's Maddening Search for the Truth. thenation.com Denied access to files about the use of chemical weapons during the Cold War, the novelist's transformed his new book into a study of how America keeps its secrets.

Bashar al Assad (2020-10-06). Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on the "Role of Russia" in Syria War. globalresearch.ca President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to the Russian Zvezda TV Station, following is the full text. | *** | Journalist: Mr. President, thank you very much for giving us this opportunity and meeting with us. We are here in Syria on …

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-06). VIDEO: Blast in Syria leaves 7 dead, 30 injured. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 07 (MNA) — A number of media outlets reported that a car explosion in the city of Al-Bab in the Syrian province of Aleppo have left 7 people dead and more than 30 injured on Tuesday.

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-06). Alireza Ghezili appointed as new amb. to Mexico. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 06 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry has appointed Alireza Ghezili as the new Ambassador to Mexico.

sputniknews (2020-10-06). Goal of Campaign Around Navalny Is to Create Pretext for Sanctions Against Russia – Envoy. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The goal of the campaign around Russian political opposition figure Alexei Navalny is to create a pretext for additional sanctions against Russia, said Alexander Shulgin, Russia's Permanent Envoy to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), at the 95th session of the organization's Executive Council.

Aaron Maté (2020-10-05). Ex-OPCW chief Jose Bustani reads Syria testimony that US, UK blocked at UN. thegrayzone.com At the UN Security Council, the US, UK, France and allies have blocked the testimony of Jose Bustani, the OPCW's first Director General, on the chemical watchdog's Syria cover-up scandal. The Grayzone has obtained Bustani's prepared statement and is publishing it in full. Jose Bustani was invited to brief the Security Council on the OPCW's cover-up of an investigation into an alleged chemical attack in Douma, Syria in April 2018. The US, UK, and France bombed Syria after accusing the …

Aaron Mate (2020-10-05). The Grayzone's Aaron Maté Testifies at UN on OPCW Syria Cover-up. globalresearch.ca In remarks to the UN Security Council, The Grayzone's Aaron Maté details the OPCW's Douma cover-up scandal and urges UN members to support the chemical watchdog's inspectors whose evidence was suppressed. | *** | At an Arria-Formula Meeting of the United Nations …

Alan MacLeod (2020-10-05). Reporters Claim Facebook is Censoring Information on Julian Assange Case. thealtworld.com "90% of my traffic has just been cut off by what seems to be a general algorithm command of some kind to downplay Assange." "I think it is as simple as that." | MPN— Craig Murray, the former British ambassador to Uzbekistan and longtime confidant of Julian Assange, has been fastidiously

MEE and agencies (2020-10-05). Oman becomes first Gulf Arab country to reinstate ambassador to Syria. middleeasteye.net Oman becomes first Gulf Arab country to reinstate ambassador to Syria | Sultanate's move the latest in a trend of Sunni monarchies warming relations with Bashar al-Assad's government | Mon, 10/05/2020 – 14: 00 | The Syrian foreign minister, Walid Muallem, accepting the credential of Oman's new ambassador (Supplied) | Oman has become the first Gulf Arab state to reinstate its ambassador to…

MEE staff (2020-10-05). Kurdish authorities to remove Syrians from overcrowded al-Hol camp, leaving foreigners. middleeasteye.net Kurdish authorities to remove Syrians from overcrowded al-Hol camp, leaving foreigners | An official said maintaining the 68,000 inhabitants of the camp was a 'heavy burden' and that foreigners held there would no longer be the administration's responsibility | Mon, 10/05/2020 – 12: 16 | People walk past tents in the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria (AFP) | Authoritie…

Mohammad Ayesh (2020-10-05). Arabic press review: Arab countries obstructing Palestinian reconciliation. middleeasteye.net Arabic press review: Arab countries obstructing Palestinian reconciliation | Meanwhile, Iraq faces economic collapse, Syrian forces and IS square off in sprawling desert region, and Egyptian archaeologist launches campaign to stop sale of artefacts | Mon, 10/05/2020 – 16: 35 | Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas speaks in the West Bank's Ramallah on 3 September 2020 during a video conference wit…

MEE staff (2020-10-05). Canadian orphan 'on her way home' from Syria's al-Hol camp. middleeasteye.net Canadian orphan 'on her way home' from Syria's al-Hol camp | Five-year-old Amira is being repatriated after a year and a half spent in camp for detainees suspected of having links to Islamic State group | Mon, 10/05/2020 – 17: 28 | The Kurdish authorities running the al-Hol camp announced it would be removing all Syrians from the camp (AFP) | Amira, a five-year-old Canadian orphan who had been trapped in a Syr…

MEE staff (2020-10-05). A Biden victory will be 'bad' for Israel, Gulf states, US envoy claims. middleeasteye.net A Biden victory will be 'bad' for Israel, Gulf states, US envoy claims | US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman says if Joe Biden wins presidential election, it would damage Trump's efforts to subdue Iran | Mon, 10/05/2020 – 15: 57 | US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman speaks during a briefing at the White House on 13 August 2020 (AFP/File photo) | The US ambassador to Israel has said a victory for Joe Bide…

MEE staff (2020-10-05). Pro-Netanyahu daily tweets false story on Trump's health after hack. middleeasteye.net Pro-Netanyahu daily tweets false story on Trump's health after hack | Israel Hayom's Twitter account issues series of fake posts on Hezbollah spy submarine and gunmen outside Clinton home | Mon, 10/05/2020 – 11: 08 | President Trump's motorcade drives past supporters outside the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, 4 October (AFP) | The Twitter account of Israel Hayom, a daily newspaper close to I…

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-05). Palestinians know their friend, enemy well: Hezbollah. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 05 (MNA) — Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Resistance Movement in Lebanon said that normalization of relations between a number of Arab countries and the Zionist Regime revealed their hypocrisy for Palestinians.

_____ (2020-10-04). On Contact: Assange Extradition Hearing. popularresistance.org Chris Hedges discusses with former British ambassador Craig Murray the hearing that just adjourned in London to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States. Murray's exhaustive reporting, which can be found at craigmurray.org.uk, has become one of the few sources of reliable information about the hearing, which has become notoriously difficult to cover due to court restrictions imposed on the press, and is being ignored by most mainstream news organizations.

Steven Sahiounie (2020-10-04). Will Lebanon be the Next US-NATO Humanitarian War? The Elimination of Hezbollah is Israel's Top Priority. globalresearch.ca The waters off Lebanon are the scene of a gathering Armada of French and American naval ships. What appeared at first to be a humanitarian response to the devastating

Elijah Magnier (2020-10-04). Les ´ guerres nouvelles ª menées par Israà´l et les USA réussiront-elles à affaiblir le Hezbollah? thealtworld.com Comme la guerre conventionnelle n'a pas réussi à vaincre le Hezbollah libanais, Israà´l et les USA ont adopté de nouvelles tactiques dans l'art de la guerre tout en évitant un conflit ouvert aux yeux du public. Ces nouvelles tactiques, qui n'excluent pas la guerre traditionnelle, comprennent une série de guerres ou d'actions reposant sur des formations irrégulières, des actes terroristes, le chaos, les sanctions, les plates-formes électroniques, la guerre médiatique, la propagande, les fausses nouvelles, la division de la société, la politique visant à réduire à la famine et l'engagement de l'ennemi de l'in…

Elijah Magnier (2020-10-04). Will the Israel-US "New Wars" succeed in weakening Hezbollah? thealtworld.com When conventional military war failed to defeat the Lebanese Hezbollah, Israel and the US adopted different tactics in the art of war whilst avoiding overt conflict in the public eye. The new tactics, whilst not excluding traditional warfare, include a group of wars or actions based on irregular formations, terrorist acts, chaos, sanctions, electronic platform warfare, media wars, propaganda, fake news, the division of society, starvation policy and engaging the enemy from within, to weaken Hezbollah before attacking and finishing it off. This is "fifth generation war"; it is the hybrid war against Hezbollah. | T…

Lucine Kasbarian (2020-10-04). Spike in Boycotts of Turkish Goods and Services. indybay.org For years, Turkey has injected itself, often militarily, into the sovereign affairs of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Greece, Cyprus, India, and now, Armenia and Artsakh. On October 2, reports emerged that Turkey is using NATO and American facilities to attack Armenia and Artsakh. Since NATO is unable or unwilling to rein in this rogue nation that many consider to be the single greatest threat to global security, public boycotts are increasingly gaining favor.

MEE and agencies (2020-10-03). Syrian rebels sign up to fight for Azeris to feed families. middleeasteye.net Syrian rebels sign up to fight for Azeris to feed families | At least 36 Syrian rebel fighters killed in Nagorno-Karabakh in past 48 hours, according to war monitor, as Damascus claims 'blatant Turkish interference' in the conflict | Sat, 10/03/2020 – 19: 47 | Azeri troops fire artillery shells towards Armenian positions on 28 September (AFP) | Desperate to help his family displaced by Syr…