Papacy is back in global politics — that is, assuming it ever left. The gesture by Pope Francis to visit the Russian Embassy in Rome on Friday undoubtedly makes a notable event, for a variety of reasons. Pope Francis has an enduring reputation as a ‘pinkish pope’ credited with progressive views — he once refused to grant an audience to the former US secretary of state Mike … [Read more...] about Pope, Putin and Ukraine in crisis
Peruvian President swears in fourth ministerial cabinet in six months
On February 8, Peruvian President Pedro Castillo swore in his fourth ministerial cabinet in his little more than six months in office with lawyer Aníbal Torres as the new prime minister and head of the council of ministers. Torres had been serving as minister of justice and human rights since Castillo’s government assumed power on July 28, 2021. He was replaced by judge Angel … [Read more...] about Peruvian President swears in fourth ministerial cabinet in six months
Violent clashes and displacement of people continue in Myanmar
Despite repeated calls by international human rights organizations to prevent the ongoing atrocities and repression in Myanmar, the waves of violence have persisted leading to large-scale displacement of people. In the latest cycle of violence, the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) torched over 100 buildings in the Chin State town of Thantlang during three days of fighting in the … [Read more...] about Violent clashes and displacement of people continue in Myanmar
Argentina joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative
On February 6, the governments of Argentine President Alberto Fernández and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, a global trade infrastructure project promoted by the People’s Republic of China. The memorandum, which promotes the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century … [Read more...] about Argentina joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Bahrain becomes second Arab country to sign military pact with Israel
Bahrain became the first Gulf country to sign a military pact with Israel after Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz signed a security memorandum with his counterpart Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Nuaimi on Thursday, February 3. Both the countries signed the memorandum of understanding on security relations which, according to a statement issued by Israel’s defense ministry, will … [Read more...] about Bahrain becomes second Arab country to sign military pact with Israel
Irish people mark 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday massacre
On Sunday, January 30, progressive and republican sections across Ireland observed the 50th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday massacre which took place in the city of Derry in Northern Ireland in 1972. People of Derry along with the families of the martyrs of the Bloody Sunday massacre marched in the city to commemorate the 14 civilians who were shot dead on the streets by … [Read more...] about Irish people mark 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday massacre
UN and US responsible for recent escalation in Yemen conflict
The last month has seen a drastic escalation in the war in Yemen. According to the UN, January will most likely be the month with the highest ever casualties reported since the war began in 2014. The January 21 strike on a prison in Sa’ada which killed 91 people marked the highest death toll in a single strike in the last three years. The number of airstrikes carried out by the … [Read more...] about UN and US responsible for recent escalation in Yemen conflict
Kurdish-led forces announce complete recapture of al-Sinaa prison after week-long fighting with ISIS
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Wednesday, January 26, the recapture of the al-Sinaa prison in the Hasakah province from the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS) after a week of fighting. The SDF claimed that the last group of fighters holed up inside the prison surrendered and majority of the prisoners trying to flee were captured. At least … [Read more...] about Kurdish-led forces announce complete recapture of al-Sinaa prison after week-long fighting with ISIS
63 persons forcibly disappeared, 37 killed in Pakistan’s Balochistan
Within a span of one month in December, at least 63 people were abducted and 37 killed in the southwestern Balochistan province of Pakistan, according to the Human Rights Commission of Balochistan (HMRB). Some of the victims were allegedly abducted at the behest of Pakistani intelligence agencies which have a reputation of being involved in enforced disappearances in the … [Read more...] about 63 persons forcibly disappeared, 37 killed in Pakistan’s Balochistan
Morocco’s Democratic Way faces intensified crackdown
The Moroccan regime’s Interior Ministry has intervened directly to prevent the mass left organization, the Democratic Way (DW), from holding its Fifth National Congress at the public Hassan II University in Casablanca. During the congress scheduled for January 28, the DW was set to announce the creation of an independent working class party and bring together its thousands of … [Read more...] about Morocco’s Democratic Way faces intensified crackdown
Seven more killed and over a hundred wounded as anti-coup protests continue in Sudan
Seven more pro-democracy protesters were shot dead in Khartoum city by the security forces on Monday, January 17. Tens of thousands took to the streets in cities across Sudan in rejection of the de facto rule of military generals since the military coup on October 25, 2021. Most of the deaths were caused by bullets fired to the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. More than a hundred … [Read more...] about Seven more killed and over a hundred wounded as anti-coup protests continue in Sudan
Julian Assange case: 4 things that the media doesn’t tell you
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has spent over 1000 days in prison, much of which was without any standing charges against him. The persecution of Wikileaks and its founder however, has been going on for over a decade. During this time, mainstream media has by and large shied away from covering the issue. When they do pay attention, coverage has mostly revolved around the … [Read more...] about Julian Assange case: 4 things that the media doesn’t tell you
“Conflict between president and PM is a conflict between the Somali people and imperialist forces”
The repeatedly delayed election for Somalia’s lower house of parliament, the House of People, will be concluded by February 25. The agreement on the date was reached on Sunday, January 9, after a week of meetings of the National Consultative Council (NCC), chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and attended by the leaders of Somalia’s regional States. This election … [Read more...] about “Conflict between president and PM is a conflict between the Somali people and imperialist forces”
As France’s vaccine pass proposal passes in National Assembly, left decries technocratic logic
The French government’s decision to push for a mandatory vaccine pass has been criticized by a number of political actors, including the left. On Thursday, January 6, the National Assembly passed a bill calling for these passes with 214 votes in favor, 93 against and 27 abstentions. The bill was mainly supported by MPs of French president Emmanuel Macron’s La République En … [Read more...] about As France’s vaccine pass proposal passes in National Assembly, left decries technocratic logic
Haiti’s acting Prime Minister survives assassination attempt
The office of the head of Haitian government, on January 3, reported that acting Prime Minister and President Ariel Henry “survived an assassination attempt” during an event commemorating the country’s independence on January 1. The government office, in a statement, said that “bandits and terrorists” had opened fire at the Prime Minister and his delegates when they were … [Read more...] about Haiti’s acting Prime Minister survives assassination attempt
Drug trafficking caused 169% increase in displacements in Colombia during 2021
The Consultancy for Human Rights and Displacement (CODHES), on December 22, warned of an alarming increase in massive and multiple forced displacement events in Colombia during 2021. The CODHES reported that between January and November, 2021, 82,846 people were forcibly displaced from their homes and territories, a figure that represents an increase of 169.3% as compared to … [Read more...] about Drug trafficking caused 169% increase in displacements in Colombia during 2021
Left candidate Gabriel Boric wins presidential elections in Chile
On December 19 over eight million Chileans voted to decide who will be the next president of Chile. According to Chile’s electoral service SERVEL, with 96.75% of the votes processed, Gabriel Boric of the left-wing Approve Dignity coalition won with 55.8% of the votes over far-right José Antonio Kast of the Christian Social Front who received 44.19% of the votes. At around … [Read more...] about Left candidate Gabriel Boric wins presidential elections in Chile
Over 83,000 displaced due to violence in Sudan’s Darfur region: OCHA
“Stop the bleeding of Darfur” and “All cities are Darfur” were among the slogans raised at the protest demonstrations in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Khartoum North, Omdurman, and various other towns in several States across the country on Thursday, December 16. Hundreds have been killed and over 83,000 people displaced since October due to the increasing armed violence in … [Read more...] about Over 83,000 displaced due to violence in Sudan’s Darfur region: OCHA
UAE suspends arms deal with US over concerns about relations with China
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, December 14, announced that it is suspending an arms deal worth USD 23 billion with the US, multiple news reports stated. The deal involved the sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets, 18 armed reaper drones and other sophisticated weapons by the US to the UAE. Following the announcement, the US government scrambled to save face and insisted that … [Read more...] about UAE suspends arms deal with US over concerns about relations with China
Colombia registers the 91st massacre of 2021
The Institute of Development and Peace Studies (INDEPAZ), on December 14, reported the perpetration of the 91st massacre in Colombia during 2021. The INDEPAZ reported that the unfortunate incident took place on December 13 in the Buga municipality in the Valle del Cauca department, in which three young men were killed by unknown armed individuals in the home of one of the … [Read more...] about Colombia registers the 91st massacre of 2021
US military in Syria attacked hours after its alleged involvement in killing and kidnapping of civilians
Hours after being involved in an operation in which three Syrian citizens were killed and several others were kidnapped, US forces in Syria were attacked on Monday, December 13. According to a report by Sputnik News, four explosions were heard from a US military base near the Omar oil field in Syria’s northeastern Deir al-Zor province. There were no immediate official reports … [Read more...] about US military in Syria attacked hours after its alleged involvement in killing and kidnapping of civilians
‘UN WFP and USAID have been using humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia to prepare grounds for Western intervention’
The UN World Food Program’s (WFP) suspension of food aid to Dessie and Kombolcha after the liberation of these two strategically important cities in the war-torn northern Ethiopian state, Amhara, is a “travesty of the highest degree”, said Horn of Africa TV’s editor, Elias Amare. The UN has cited as its reason the looting of WFP’s warehouses and the intimidation of its staff … [Read more...] about ‘UN WFP and USAID have been using humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia to prepare grounds for Western intervention’
Civil war in northern Ethiopia turns in favor of federal government, reversing last month‘s advances by TPLF
The civil war in northern Ethiopia has taken a decisive turn in favor of the federal government after several strategic towns in the regional States of Amhara and Afar were recaptured from the US-backed Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). On Monday, December 6, the joint forces of the federal army and the Amharan militias recaptured Dessie and Kombolcha, two … [Read more...] about Civil war in northern Ethiopia turns in favor of federal government, reversing last month‘s advances by TPLF
Egypt targeted and killed civilians using French military intelligence, new report reveals
Egypt received French military intelligence support to target and kill civilians suspected of smuggling on its western border with Libya, a new report by investigative website Disclose TV said on Monday, November 22. The report, based on hundreds of leaked classified documents, sheds light on the project codenamed Operation Sirli that was started in February 2016 during the … [Read more...] about Egypt targeted and killed civilians using French military intelligence, new report reveals
Puerto Rico faces another disastrous bankruptcy deal
A New York federal judge is set to rule on a plan to restructure almost half of Puerto’s Rico’s debt in the coming weeks. The Financial Oversight and Management Board, an undemocratically elected fiscal control board commonly called “la junta”, came to an agreement on the plan with the holders of the island nation’s $73 billion debt. The plan includes a list of cuts to … [Read more...] about Puerto Rico faces another disastrous bankruptcy deal
After a year of struggle by farmers, Indian government forced to withdraw farm laws
After fighting for almost a year, farmers in India finally won a victory against the three farms laws enacted by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government last year. Prime minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday, November 19, that the three laws would be repealed and all legal processes related to the matter will be completed during the upcoming session of … [Read more...] about After a year of struggle by farmers, Indian government forced to withdraw farm laws
British journalist speaks out on detention en route to cover the elections in Nicaragua
“They were trying to starve me into submission the same way the US is trying to starve the Nicaraguan people into submission.” Morning Star journalist Steve Sweeney is unrepentant. He hadn’t even been back home in Britain for 48 hours when he agreed to a phone interview to discuss his three-day detention in a holding cell at Mexico City’s airport. During that period, he had … [Read more...] about British journalist speaks out on detention en route to cover the elections in Nicaragua
Despite increasing repression, Sudanese trade unions and civil society rally against military coup
The death toll due to the firing on protesters who had taken to streets across Sudan to protest the military coup on Saturday, November 13, has risen to seven in Khartoum State alone. This was confirmed by the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors (CCSD) on Monday. The State comprises the capital Khartoum, Khartoum North and Omdurman. The bridges connecting the three cities in … [Read more...] about Despite increasing repression, Sudanese trade unions and civil society rally against military coup
TPLF’s war on Ethiopian gov’t is a US-EU backed ploy to thwart cooperation in the Horn of Africa, says former Ethiopian diplomat
By Pavan Kulkarni The coalition of nine ethnic groups formed in Washington D.C to fight the Ethiopian government is merely a psy-op and does not exist on the ground, diplomat Mohamed Hassan told Pavan Kulkarni Tens of thousands have been killed and millions are starving and have been displaced in the civil war in northern Ethiopia which passed the one year mark last week. The … [Read more...] about TPLF’s war on Ethiopian gov’t is a US-EU backed ploy to thwart cooperation in the Horn of Africa, says former Ethiopian diplomat
As Saudi air raids on Yemen continue, UNSC sanctions three Houthi officials
On Wednesday, November 10, the UN Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions on three top Houthi leaders in Yemen, freezing their global assets and imposing a travel ban for attacks carried out across the border in Saudi Arabia and indulging in war for control over the city of Marib. Meanwhile, the war in the country has escalated. All the 15 members of the UNSC agreed on … [Read more...] about As Saudi air raids on Yemen continue, UNSC sanctions three Houthi officials
US takes a U-turn, approves $650 million weapons sales to Saudi Arabia
In an about-turn from its stated policy, the Joe Biden administration on Thursday, November 4, approved USD 650 million worth of weapons sales to Saudi Arabia. The deal marks the first major arms sales deal with Saudi Arabia since Biden announced the end of US involvement in the war in Yemen and the sale of “offensive” weapons to Riyadh in February. In a statement, the … [Read more...] about US takes a U-turn, approves $650 million weapons sales to Saudi Arabia
Elections in Japan end with boost to right-wing, defeat of center-left opposition
In the recently concluded parliamentary elections in Japan, the ruling conservative coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito retained a comfortable majority in the National Diet. The elections held on Sunday, October 31, saw the LDP secure 261 and Komeito 32 seats in the 465-seat House of Representatives, well above the required majority of 233. Despite … [Read more...] about Elections in Japan end with boost to right-wing, defeat of center-left opposition
Struggle intensifies in Panama amid rising prices and persecution of homeless families
Since October 27, thousands of Panamanians have been taking to the streets in different parts of the country to protest the increase in fuel prices and the worsening of socio-economic conditions. The protesters are demanding that the government of President Laurentino Cortizo take immediate measures to face rampant inflation, rising unemployment, and deteriorating public … [Read more...] about Struggle intensifies in Panama amid rising prices and persecution of homeless families
Ecuadorians take the streets against president Lasso’s government
On Wednesday, October 27, tens of thousands of Ecuadorians participated in mobilizations across the country for the second consecutive day against neoliberal economic policies of the government of President Guillermo Lasso. In some cities, protesters blocked the roads. In the capital Quito, officials of the national police force repressed the peacefully demonstrating … [Read more...] about Ecuadorians take the streets against president Lasso’s government
Relatives of the victims of Sacaba and Senkata massacres meet government representatives
On October 26, the family members of the victims of the Sacaba and Senkata massacres and the survivors of the brutal police and military repression incidents met a delegation of senior government officials in Bolivia’s capital La Paz. They had arrived in La Paz on October 25, after undertaking a 192-km-long journey on foot, to demand justice for the state crimes committed two … [Read more...] about Relatives of the victims of Sacaba and Senkata massacres meet government representatives
Sudan’s streets resound with call for complete civilian control
As strikes, street occupations and barricading of neighborhoods against the military coup continued across Sudan, deposed prime minister Abdalla Hamdok was permitted by the army to return to his residence on Tuesday, October 26. Hamdok was arrested by soldiers from his house when the military coup began at dawn on Monday. He and his wife were held at the residence of the … [Read more...] about Sudan’s streets resound with call for complete civilian control
Egypt lifts state of emergency after four years
Egypt will lift the state of emergency more than four years after it was first imposed in 2017, multiple news reports stated on Tuesday, October 26. The decision was announced by Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Activists and civil society groups welcomed the decision, with prominent human rights activist Hossam Bahgat saying that it would stop the use of emergency … [Read more...] about Egypt lifts state of emergency after four years
With threats to foreign diplomats, Turkey’s Erdogan unleashes another distraction drive
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest move against his NATO allies has reignited the debate about his successful use of polarizing tactics and gimmicks to distract people. Several sections in the country, including the main opposition parties, have criticized Erdogan’s threat of expulsion of foreign diplomats over their joint statement on the release of activist Osman … [Read more...] about With threats to foreign diplomats, Turkey’s Erdogan unleashes another distraction drive
Over a million people take to the streets against coup by Sudan’s military
Over a million people have taken to the streets in cities and towns across Sudan to resist the military coup that took place on the morning of Monday, October 25, sources said. Following the arrest of the prime minister and civilian leaders who were sharing power with the military in the transitional government, army chief Lt. Gen. Abdelfattah El Burhan announced its … [Read more...] about Over a million people take to the streets against coup by Sudan’s military
Far-right strike in Bolivia once again a flop
For the second time in a month Bolivia’s far-right has failed to mobilize people to participate in a national strike. They had made the call for people to shut down businesses and not go to work on October 21 and 22, but were seemingly unsuccessful. On October 21, markets, shops, stalls across the nine departments of the country opened as usual and the economic activities … [Read more...] about Far-right strike in Bolivia once again a flop
Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso in eye of Pandora Papers storm
The revelations of the Pandora Papers project have shone the spotlight on the mysterious and often illegal actions of the rich and powerful across the world. A number of politicians too have come under the scanner, the highest number of whom are from the Americas. One of the key political figures mentioned – Ecuador’s president and former banker Guillermo Lasso – has come under … [Read more...] about Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso in eye of Pandora Papers storm
Death of Indigenous human rights activist sparks outrage in Chile
The death of Indigenous human rights activist, Denisse Cortés, has sparked indignation across Chile. 43-year-old Cortés died on October 10 after officials of the national police force, the Carabineros, brutally repressed a peaceful march by Mapuche Indigenous people in the capital Santiago. On Sunday, over a thousand Indigenous men and women took to the streets in defense of … [Read more...] about Death of Indigenous human rights activist sparks outrage in Chile
Anti-government strike by far-right in Bolivia diminished by counter-mobilizations by working class
A 24-hour strike called for today, October 11, by the far-right sectors in Bolivia against the socialist government of President Luis Arce has been diminished by massive counter-mobilizations by the working class and popular sectors in the country. Since midnight, hundreds of Bolivians have been marching in different parts of the country to express their support for the … [Read more...] about Anti-government strike by far-right in Bolivia diminished by counter-mobilizations by working class
Tunisians continue protests against president Kais Saied’s power grab
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in the Tunisian capital Tunis on Sunday, October 10, denouncing president Kais Saied’s power grab and demanding the resumption of the parliament. The protesters raised slogans such as “the people against the coup d’etat” and “the revolution is not dead,” referring to the 2011 popular uprising in the country. This was the second … [Read more...] about Tunisians continue protests against president Kais Saied’s power grab
How Facebook algorithms promote hate and toxic content
Facebook is in the limelight for both the right reasons and the wrong reasons. The wrong reason is that what was supposed to be a small configuration change took Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp down for a few hours last week. It affected billions of users, showing us how important Facebook and other tech giants have become to our lives and other businesses. Of course, the much … [Read more...] about How Facebook algorithms promote hate and toxic content
Indian farmers resolve to intensify their agitation following the killing of four protesters
On Sunday, September 3, a car linked to the union minister of state for home Ajay Kumar Mishra rammed into protesting farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri district in north Indian State of Uttar Pradesh, killing four. Following the incident, the farmers have vowed to intensify their agitation against the Bharatiya Janata Party governments in the State and Center. They called the … [Read more...] about Indian farmers resolve to intensify their agitation following the killing of four protesters
Why the world’s eyes are on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border
Afghanistan and Tajikistan share a 1,400-kilometer border. Recently, a war of words has erupted between Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and the Taliban government in Kabul. Rahmon censures the Taliban for the destabilization of Central Asia by the export of militant groups, while the Taliban leadership has accused Tajikistan’s government of interference. Earlier this … [Read more...] about Why the world’s eyes are on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border
In the aftermath of coup attempt, Sudan’s revolutionary forces intensify mobilization
Tensions between the civilian and military components of the transitional government in Sudan have been escalating since the failed military coup attempt on September 21. On Sunday, September 26, amidst the deteriorating security situation in capital Khartoum and other parts of the country, the police and soldiers guarding a critical government office were withdrawn at the … [Read more...] about In the aftermath of coup attempt, Sudan’s revolutionary forces intensify mobilization
Four political parties announce bloc to resist president Saied’s power grab in Tunisia
Four political parties in Tunisia announced the formation of a coalition to oppose president Kais Saied’s series of actions since July to seize legislative and executive power in the country. In a press conference in capital Tunis on Tuesday, September 28, the four parties, Democratic Current, Ettakatol (FDTL), Republican Party and Afek Tounes, announced their participation in … [Read more...] about Four political parties announce bloc to resist president Saied’s power grab in Tunisia
Indian farmers lead country-wide shutdown
A day-long peaceful country-wide shutdown was organized in India to mark 10 months of the farmers’ agitation. The shutdown lasted from 6 am to 4 pm and was called for by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella organization of around 40 farmers’ unions. They were backed by a number of trade unions and political parties. The farmers have been demanding that the … [Read more...] about Indian farmers lead country-wide shutdown
