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Morning Blog 6th Anniverary Edition

Good Morning Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in posting new updates but I’ll just say that planning a first trip for the first time in 30 years, and being healthy the last time is not easy. Last time I was fully mobile. This time I’m not.

Getting things booked on the internet was a week long nightmare. Hanging on hold when I called long distance at ungodly hours in my early morning, was responsible for many sleepless nights. Trying to fit in Herculean tasks in just four days will deserve an Olympic medal for endurance.

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool, dry and comfy.

Sayonara from my still hot and humid afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.

In my last updates, I posted Part 1 of this very interesting documentary. Today I post Part 2:

The Caliph – Part 2: Division

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SuplOE5JB4M
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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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Prime Minister Abe criticizes North Korea for conducting fifth nuclear test

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/09/09/asia-pacific/usgs-reports-m5-3-seismic-explosion-near-north-korea-nuke-test-site/

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Sakai puts park off-limits after finding high levels of hexavalent chromium, cyanide in soil

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/09/09/national/sakai-puts-park-off-limits-finding-high-levels-hexavalent-chromium-cyanide-soil/

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Tokai nuclear waste reprocessing plant to take 70 years to dismantle: JAEA

http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160909/p2a/00m/0na/005000c

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G-20 summit yields hopes for better China-Japan relations

https://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/g-20-summit-yields-hopes-for-better-china-japan-relations

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Paralympics open in Rio

https://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/paralympics-open-in-rio
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Poorest developing countries could lose up to £323 million per year without UK trade deals post-Brexit
Poorer countries save huge sums due to their preferential access to the UK market

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/poorest-developing-countries-could-lose-up-to-323-million-per-year-without-uk-trade-deals-post-a7233126.html

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For something half of the country didn’t even want, with the other half mostly not knowing what the EU was, now they are being robbed twice.
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Lawyers paid £33,000 of taxpayers’ money a week to advise Government on Brexit negotiations

Department for Exiting the European Union spends an estimated £268,711 in eight weeks

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-european-union-lawyers-paid-33000-taxpayer-a7232016.html

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German church network shelters Afghan deportees

The network of church organisations has helped hundreds of refugees to avoid deportation to dangerous destinations.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2016/09/german-church-network-shelters-afghan-deportees-160906101503614.html

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Paris police arrest three women in connection with Notre Dame incident

Interior minister says there had been a ‘race against time’ to catch the women after car packed with gas cylinders found near cathedral

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/08/paris-police-arrest-three-women-in-connection-with-notre-dame-incident

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French Alps cable cars rescue bid resumes

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37314661

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Conditions for Greece’s migrant children shocking, says Human Rights Watch

They are being made to live in filthy, bug-and-vermin-infested cells, sometimes without mattresses or access to showers, claims report

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/09/conditions-for-greeces-migrant-children-shocking-says-human-rights-watch

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No wonder Putin pushed to interfere in Syria.
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WikiLeaks Release Excludes Evidence of €2 Billion Transfer from Syria to Russia

http://www.dailydot.com/layer8/wikileaks-syria-files-syria-russia-bank-2-billion/

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Barack Obama says Americans will reject Donald Trump’s ‘wacky’ ideas

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/barack-obama-says-americans-will-reject-donald-trumps-wacky-idea/

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Bernie Sanders fundraises for Senate candidates, plans campaign stops –

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/08/30/bernie-sanders-fundraises-for-senate-candidates-plans-campaign-stops/

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Wow!!
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We recommend Hillary Clinton for president | Dallas Morning News

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20160907-we-recommend-hillary-clinton-for-president.ece

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How many Trump products were made overseas? Here’s the complete list

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/08/26/how-many-trump-products-were-made-overseas-heres-the-complete-list/

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Donald Trump accidentally declares himself ineligible for the presidency

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/09/07/donald-trump-just-declared-himself-ineligible-for-the-presidency/

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The ugliest, most appalling spectacle in American politics

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-ugliest-most-appalling-spectacle-in-american-politics/2016/09/05/95179af4-714c-11e6-8365-b19e428a975e_story.html

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Donald Trump Is Lying in Plain Sight

The media applies an entertainment standard to the Republican candidate.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/08/opinion/donald-trump-is-lying-in-plain-sight.html

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Introducing a New Series: Trump and the Truth

http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/introducing-a-new-series-trump-and-the-truth

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Trump and the Truth: Immigration and Crime

http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/trump-and-the-truth-immigration-and-crime

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‘What is Aleppo?’ US presidential candidate stuns with ignorance

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-elections/what-is-aleppo-gary-johnson-presidential-candidate-syria-refugees-ignorance-a7232146.html

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Mexican finance minister steps down after helping arrange Trump visit

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexican-finance-minister-videgaray-forced-out-after-trump-visit/2016/09/07/c3f51c6c-750b-11e6-be4f-3f42f2e5a49e_story.html

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Syria conflict: Government helicopters ‘drop chlorine’ on Aleppo

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37291182

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Syria conflict: Senior militant leader ‘killed’ near Aleppo

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37314280

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Aid groups suspend cooperation with UN in Syria because of Assad ‘influence’

Exclusive: Coalition withdraws from information-sharing programme, saying regime is manipulating relief effort

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/08/aid-groups-un-syria-concern-assad-united-nations

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Losing ground, fighters and morale – is it all over for Isis?

The self-styled caliphate has been in rapid decline since Turkey joined the war in northern Syria. But if the jihadis refocus their efforts on acts of terrorism in the west, victory may be short lived

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/07/losing-ground-fighter-morale-is-it-all-over-for-isis-syria-turkey

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Saudi Arabia cannot pay its workers or bills – yet continues to fund a war in Yemen

In Saudi Arabia itself, the government seems unable to cope with the crisis. The ‘Arab News’ says that 31,000 Saudi and other foreign workers have lodged complaints with the government’s labour ministry over unpaid wages. On one occasion, the Indian consulate and expatriates brought food to the workers so that their people should not starve

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/saudi-arabia-cannot-pay-its-workers-or-bills-yet-continues-to-fund-a-war-in-yemen-a7232466.html

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Mugabe’s Zanu-PF ‘blocking food aid’ amid Zimbabwe drought

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37306514

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Afghanistan: Taliban pushes into Uruzgan’s Tarinkot

Senior officials abandon government buildings and flee to outer edges of Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/taliban-push-provincial-capital-afghanistan-160908085613569.html

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Australian boy wins ‘best dressed’ prize for Hitler costume

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-37315118

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Live North Korea conducts ‘biggest atomic test yet’ as Pyongyang hails ‘nuclear warhead explosion’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/09/north-korea-believed-to-have-carried-out-nuclear-test-after-smal/

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Kim Jong-un bans sarcasm in North Korea fearing people will only agree with him ‘ironically’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/kim-jong-un-bans-sarcasm-in-north-korea-fearing-people-will-only/
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President Barack Obama Biography Years In White House

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/obama-legacy/

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Obama the Conservationist

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/09/12/obama-the-conservationist

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Life and death on the lost streets of Chicago

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37292306
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Born a refugee: Syria’s war babies

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37194527

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Mexican mother, American daughter: Did immigration pay off?

http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37127135

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This photo of an officer comforting a baby went viral. But there’s more to the story.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/09/03/touching-photo-shows-police-officer-comforting-baby-whose-parents-overdosed/

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The woman who discovered India’s first HIV cases

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37183012

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Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis – one of the greatest love letters ever written

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/26/oscar-wilde-de-profundis-greatest-love-letter

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How The Donald Got His Hair: a Just-So Story (with ‘pologies to Rudyard Kipling)

https://trumpsatire.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/how-the-donald-got-his-hair-a-just-so-story-with-pologies-to-rudyard-kipling/

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Loved this!!
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This Gardener Regularly Grows 100-Pound Vegetables

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pqOFUhP6cWk

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London’s lonely streets: moments in a silenced city – in pictures

Street photographer Nicholas Goodden takes us on an urban expedition to map the subtle space between loneliness and solitude

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/sep/09/nicholas-goodden-street-photography

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Pictures of the day: 8 September 2016

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/pictures-of-the-day-8-september-2016/

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Best photographs of the day: a baby rhino in Germany and a fashion show in New York

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of photo highlights from around the world, including surfers in Japan and the Dalai Lama

https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2016/sep/08/best-photographs-of-the-day-a-baby-rhino-in-germany-and-a-fashion-show-in-new-york

» Posted By Kalima On September 9, 2016 @ 2:00 am

Hello, Aquarius.

Yes, our Pacific Typhoon season is from May to October, with the peak from August to the end of September. Some pack winds of 150mph and Japan experiences about 3 hits in a season.

Early Tuesday has been given here too. It’s raining but the heavy rain and wind start tonight.

We are safe as hubby comes back from work outside of Tokyo tonight by Shinkansen train. We always have enough supplies in case of any emergency. Thank you for your good wishes.

Those poor people in Italy didn’t stand a chance. The buildings looked old and certainly could not withstand an earthquake of that magnitude. The problem with earthquakes is that you never know they are coming until the earth starts to shake, and for some unfortunately, depending on where you are, it can be too late.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Take care.

» Posted By Kalima On August 28, 2016 @ 6:55 pm

Good Morning, Nirek. Italy’s first recorded quake was the Pompeii earthquake in the year 62. Since then they have had about 75, so although they do have them, the last one was in 2009 when over 300 people died.

Japan has them every day. Some you feel and some you don’t. If energy corporations keep drilling to deeper depths for profits, there will be more earthquakes in places and countries that have hardly had any in the past.

We are expecting another typhoon here over the next few days. Never a dull moment.

Take care and peace to you and yours.

» Posted By Kalima On August 27, 2016 @ 5:02 am

Yes, looks like the rescue team were being rescued when an aftershock sent up a cloud of dust where they were trying to dig in the rubble. I think it’s on the video in the link.

As we know, there have been a few people who survived for days under collapsed houses, but it doubt that there are many spaces under these old structures. You would think that there would be more people and rescue equipment coming from surrounding larger towns and cities wouldn’t you?

» Posted By Kalima On August 26, 2016 @ 6:29 pm

Well somebody will be fired I’m sure but how will that help the dead and missing? Unless they make earthquake proofing a law, it will continue to happen. Here in Japan for many years now, you can’t build anything new without fortified specifications. Building our new house was an eye opener, our ward was very strict. At least we feel safer in this land of the shifting earth now.

Yes, the videos coming out of the devastation are heartbreaking. They never stood a chance. Most of the houses looked to be built from stones and in some places there seemed to be very little holding them together.

» Posted By Kalima On August 26, 2016 @ 5:36 pm

Those houses weren’t built to withstand earthquakes. Tragic loss of lives.

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Italy quake: Emergency declared as hopes for more survivors fade

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37192452

» Posted By Kalima On August 26, 2016 @ 2:40 am

Hello, kes. Finally I get enough brain cells coordinated to attempt a reply to your wonderful comment.

Yes we are getting a break from the heat but not the humidity with 3 typhoons attacking Japan from the south, the north and the middle, our region. Heavy rain, strong winds and miserable days.

So glad you enjoyed the BBC documentary, I found it fascinating, and the first part of “Caliph” was equally noteworthy.

Well now we know where the “Nasty Little Nigel” came from and it was hardly surprising that he was a racist pr–k as a kid too.

Most of the Cameron cabinet were cronies from way back who should never have been placed in those posts but I imagine they wanted to privatise everything as much as he did, especially the NHS. So he gives Osborne who created millions more poor people a medal of honour because they have no qualms about messing up the country with millions safely in their banks. The circle is complete and the country is f’up conservative style once again. They are baron robbers.

Yes, Bernie Sanders has done a lot for America even without the nomination. How many people can say the same thing?

Reich’s comment is spot on, and the recent babble by Bill saying that if Hillary is elected, they will no longer accept donation from foreign interests, just proves it. What does that even mean? If she loses it will be the unethical Clinton Foundation business as usual?

The NYT article about neither nominee talking about the poor needed to be said. I haven’t heard either of them mention the millions living below the poverty line either. Those people vote too.

It is disgraceful that more repubs haven’t condemned trump. Don’t they realise that their party is in the toilet as more voters, including many repub women and military families will not vote for their nominee?

Then the black vote stands firm at 0% in many important states. No they can’t say they didn’t agree with him after he loses, it’s already too late.

Thanks for your reply, and as always I’m delighted that you found so many articles that hit the spot.

Take care and see you soon.

» Posted By Kalima On August 22, 2016 @ 5:02 am

Good Morning Everyone!

Still recovering from our Tuesday’s 37.8C temps.

Today because of much unvalidated and unnecessary hate against Muslims and fear mongering about Islam, it would be beneficial to remember how we in the West have gained so much knowledge from ancient Muslim scholars and the meticulous information they discovered and recorded from cultures all over the world as well as in their own. We are by no means superior, and there would have been no maths, time telling as we know it, or many medical discoveries and medicine to cure the ills of millions without their documented knowledge. This is a wonderful BBC documentary and if like me you are sick and tired of hearing about trump, well worth spending the hour it takes to watch it. Thanks!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iM7Zn64fBTI

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and dry.

Sayonara from my muggy, late afternoon corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.

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A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
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As Japan marks atomic bombings, Abe condemned for inaction

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/11/national/japan-marks-atomic-bombings-abe-condemned-inaction/

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Shikoku Electric fires up Ehime plant MOX reactor amid protests

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/12/national/shikoku-electric-poised-fire-ehime-plant-mox-reactor-amid-protests/

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31st anniversary of JAL crash on Mount Osutaka remembered

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/12/national/31st-anniversary-jal-crash-mount-osutaka-remembered/

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Body of last person missing in Kumamoto quake likely found

http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160812/p2a/00m/0na/009000c

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Japan, Philippines urge China to respect law for Asian stability

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-philippines-urge-china-to-respect-law-for-asian-stability

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

Golden girl

http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/golden-girl-3
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Farage’s fascist past? Nigel boasted about his NF initials and sang ‘gas them all’, claims schoolfriend

Exclusive: ‘I knew you – I remember your interest in the National Front. I want the nation to see you as I do.’ New claims of former Ukip leader’s ‘dark’ past

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-fascist-nazi-song-gas-them-all-ukip-brexit-schoolfriend-dulwich-college-a7185236.html

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There’s a huge sign of a looming Brexit jobs disaster

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/theres-a-huge-sign-of-a-looming-brexit-jobs-disaster-a7185686.html

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David Cameron accused of taking ‘cronyism’ to new heights as full resignation honours list is revealed

George Osborne is one of several people close to the former Prime minister to be awarded honours

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/honours-list-read-full-david-cameron-peers-knighthoods-mbes-nominations-a7172406.html

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Dual nationals who fight for terror groups to be stripped of German citizenship

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/11/dual-nationals-who-fight-for-terror-groups-to-be-stripped-of-ger/

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Russia and Ukraine step up security amid tension over Crimea

Putin boosts ‘anti-terror’ measures at Ukraine frontier with annexed Crimea as Poroshenko puts troops on combat alert

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/11/russia-and-ukraine-step-up-security-amid-tension-over-crimea

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The Sanders movement is only just beginning

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-sanders-movement-is-only-just-beginning/2016/08/09/228b8744-5d87-11e6-9d2f-b1a3564181a1_story.html

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Emails Renew Questions About Clinton Foundation and State Dept. Overlap

http://nytimes.com/2016/08/10/us/politics/emails-renew-questions-about-clinton-foundation-and-state-dept-overlap.html

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From Refugee Camps To The Statehouse: Two Groundbreaking Primary Victories In Minnesota.

Fue Lee and Ilhan Omar both spent time in refugee camps.

https://thinkprogress.org/ilhan-omar-fue-lee-refugees-minnesota-fa367b75d230#.v0rtchuq7

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BREAKING: North Carolina’s Racial Gerrymander Struck Down

https://thinkprogress.org/breaking-north-carolinas-state-legislative-districts-struck-down-as-a-racial-gerrymander-1de42efeb2db#.46sr8gow7

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NYTimes: The Millions of Americans Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Barely Mention: The Poor

While their economic platforms are markedly different, both candidates promise to create jobs but have said little about helping people while they are not working.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/us/politics/trump-clinton-poverty.html

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Donors for Bush, Kasich and Christie Are Turning to Clinton More Than to Trump

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/08/09/us/elections/Bush-Rubio-and-Kasich-Donors-give-to-Clinton.html?_r=0

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My son was murdered in a mass attack. Trump’s talk of gun violence horrifies me

As the father of a student shot and killed in California, Trump’s callous comments about Clinton and others make him at best incompetent – and at worst ev
il
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/11/donald-trump-gun-violence-talk-father-mass-attack-victim-isla-vista-california

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A must read! Explains trump as far back as 2007.

Even under oath, Trump struggled with the truth

https://www.washingtonpost.com/classic-apps/even-under-oath-trump-struggled-with-the-truth/2016/08/09/07ee5d22-5818-11e6-831d-0324760ca856_story.html

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Is a Crook Hiding in Donald Trump’s Taxes?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/08/11/is-a-crook-hiding-in-donald-trump-s-taxes.html

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Trump and Putin: A Love Story

http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/trump-and-putin-a-love-story

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This campaign could get worse — a lot worse. Here’s why

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-this-campaign-could-get-even-uglier/2016/08/08/1a9cd018-5d9d-11e6-9d2f-b1a3564181a1_story.html

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Pieces of Silver by Paul Krugman

Why the G.O.P. establishment still backs Trump.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/opinion/pieces-of-silver.html

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An Even Stranger Donald Trump

Mr. Trump’s latest unfounded charge, that President Obama and Hillary Clinton are linked to ISIS, further fuels his supporters’ rage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/opinion/an-even-stranger-donald-trump.html

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Inside Donald Trump’s Meltdown

http://time.com/4447985/inside-donald-trump-meltdown/

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Canada extremist Aaron Driver ‘was planning attack’

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37053521

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Rio chefs use leftover Olympic food to feed the poor

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/olympics/2016/08/12/rio-chefs-use-leftover-olympic-food-to-feed-the-poor/

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Syria conflict: Footage shows ‘chlorine attack’ aftermath

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37051861

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Fighting rages in Aleppo despite Russian lull pledge

No sign of aid windows promised by Russia as clashes between army and rebels continue in southern Aleppo.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/fighting-rages-aleppo-russian-lull-pledge-160811163737049.html

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Syria conflict: ‘Russian air strikes’ cut water supply to IS capital Raqqa

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37044615

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Isis ranks dwindle to 15,000 amid ‘retreat on all fronts’, claims Pentagon

Top commander says Islamic State thought to have lost 45,000 combatants in Iraq and Syria, with many of those remaining ill prepared for battle

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/11/isis-ranks-dwindle-to-15000-amid-retreat-on-all-fronts-claims-pentagon

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Isis has not radicalised young Muslims, it has infantilised them – and that is why it is so powerful and dangerous

Isis has broken down the precious wall which separates childhood from adulthood, innocence from guilt. This, far more than mass murder, is its final dark achievement

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/isis-syria-radical-islam-extremism-not-radicalised-infantilised-young-muslims-robert-fisk-a7184746.html

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Netanyahu slammed for claiming to care for Palestinians

Israeli PM said on Thursday that he cares more about the Palestinian people than their leaders do.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/netanyahu-slammed-claiming-care-palestinians-160811191141318.html

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Gaza Happy video: Two years later, the joy has faded

The light-hearted video was meant to show another side of Gaza, but the territory’s crisis only deepened amid 2014 war.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/gaza-happy-video-years-joy-faded-160721105451790.html

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Reports of family violence widespread amid despair of Nauru detention

Nauru files cite several examples of allegations of domestic violence and child abuse by people held on island

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/aug/12/reports-of-family-violence-widespread-amid-despair-of-nauru-detention

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Four killed and at least 20 injured in string of explosions in southern Thailand

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/11/one-dead-and-ten-injured-after-bombs-hit-thailand-resort-town-of/
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Part 1 of a recommended three part documentary from aljazeera.

The Caliph

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P3O9d7PsI48

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Fears about Muslim refugees settling in the American West

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36944701

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Why does Wisconsin send so many black people to jail?

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24119398

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Cultural Revolution: A People’s History 1962-1976 by Frank Dikotter – review

A timely reminder of the human cost and miscalculations of Mao’s last experiment, fifty years on
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/11/cultural-revolution-peoples-history-frank-dikotter-review

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The women who never leave home

Israel’s mysterious Druze women are beginning to open their craft circles, kitchens and homes to travellers.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20160808-the-women-who-never-leave-home

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Baghdad’s oldest street a reminder of Iraq diversity

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-36870792

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Ebola crisis: Pregnant women in Guinea still avoid hospital

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37034244

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A girl was found dead in a landfill 49 years ago. She has finally been identified.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/08/06/a-girl-was-found-dead-in-a-landfill-49-years-ago-finally-she-has-been-identified/

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Pictures of the day: 11 August 2016

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/11/pictures-of-the-day-11-august-2016/

—-

Best photographs of the day: white lion cubs and wildfires in France

https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2016/aug/11/best-photographs-of-the-day-white-lion-cubs-and-european-wildfires

» Posted By Kalima On August 12, 2016 @ 2:05 am

He should be allowed to step down. Over the last few years he has become physically weak and has been hospitalised a few times, once for cancer. He wants to spend the years he has left quietly with his wife. His wish should be upheld.

—-

Emperor worries age may make it tough to perform his duties

http://www.japantoday.com/smartphone/view/national/emperor-worries-age-may-make-it-tough-to-perform-his-duties

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Japan’s Emperor Akihito hints at wish to abdicate

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37007106

» Posted By Kalima On August 8, 2016 @ 12:15 am

One dead, several hurt in central London knife attack

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36972126

» Posted By Kalima On August 3, 2016 @ 6:37 pm

I had to turn off the news because the thought of helpless wheelchair bond and bed-ridden people being murdered as they slept was just too overpowering. That is why there was such a high number of casualties.

Thank you for your prayers as some lie in critical condition in Tokyo hospitals. It made me fear for my mother-in-law’s safety at the rehabilitation center. Just horrific.

EDIT:

19 dead, 20 seriously injured, ages from 19 to 70 years old. The largest mass killing here since the end of the war. The last one was 2008, before that 2001, and the underground train sarin gas attack in 1995 which killed 13 people.

» Posted By Kalima On July 25, 2016 @ 5:20 pm

Will this madness never end?

Care home. 2:30 am. 15 dead, 45 injured. 26 year old former employee gave himself up to the police.

—-

Japan Sagamihara knife attack: At least 15 dead, reports say

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36890655

» Posted By Kalima On July 25, 2016 @ 3:03 pm

Shootings reported at Florida nightclub

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36882456

» Posted By Kalima On July 25, 2016 @ 1:49 am

Another attack in my country. This is crazy and might turn some against helping refugees. The only winners are the Far Right propaganda machine.

—-

Ansbach blast: Syrian asylum seeker kills himself and injures 12 in Germany | World news

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/25/bomb-attack-southern-germany

» Posted By Kalima On July 25, 2016 @ 1:17 am

It doesn’t appear as if this was a terrorist attack, Nirek. Still, 10 people are dead including the 18 year old shooter, and many injured.

Interesting to know that you lived in Germany. It is unfortunate that there are so many sick souls in the world. Two attacks in less than a week and it looks as if our world has gone mad.

Peace.

» Posted By Kalima On July 23, 2016 @ 5:26 am

Hello, kes. The latest is that they found no connection to any terrorist group, but that he was obsessed with mass killings, and think he was suffering from depression. The way he shouted out to someone on a nearby balcony, ” I am German, I was born here” was odd. I was wondering if he had recently encountered some remarks about his appearance, apparently he had a beard. So do millions of other men but with the recent ISIS attacks in Europe, someone might have said that he “looked” like a terrorist. Who knows what sets people off these days?

My German friend here is from München, her sister still lives there, and we have a friend there too, so this morning’s news was shocking.

I have no idea how to stop this either, and believe that every child should have a good education because the more you learn about the world, the less you will hate.

Stay cool and take care.

» Posted By Kalima On July 23, 2016 @ 5:17 am

My heart is heavy today. Home grown, far right extremists are not being ruled out.

—-

Munich shooting: Police say nine dead as manhunt continues

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36870874

» Posted By Kalima On July 22, 2016 @ 4:17 pm

You would think so after reading those senseless and vile statements wouldn’t you??

» Posted By Kalima On July 15, 2016 @ 8:35 pm

It doesn’t look like the top military brass is involved, and it all depends on Erdogan’s response. Will he strong-arm and blame outside influences as usual, or will he leave it to the civilian courts?

Well, I have on the BBC and he’s blaming the cleric who lives in the U.S., and calling the attempted coup, treason. I suppose we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out who is involved and who organised it. So close after the terrible terror attack in Nice, it seems as if the world has gone mad.

» Posted By Kalima On July 15, 2016 @ 7:23 pm

If this attempt at a military coup is to restore democracy and human rights, then what they are doing goes against their goals. Only an election can bring what they are demanding.

Considering the instability of neighbouring Syria and the threat of ISIS, this is an extremely dangerous time to attempt this chaotic situation for the whole region.

EDIT:

Looks like the coup has failed in Istanbul.

—-

Turkey army group announces takeover on TV

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36809083

» Posted By Kalima On July 15, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

The inevitable nonsense from the repubs begins.

WARNING:

Detrimental to your sanity.

—-

On terrorism, Republicans reach for new heights of stupidity and moral repugnance

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/07/15/on-terrorism-republicans-reach-for-new-heights-of-stupidity-and-moral-repugnance/

» Posted By Kalima On July 15, 2016 @ 3:29 pm

There were attacks killing over 200 people in Baghdad last week but it didn’t get that much coverage. In some countries it’s daily. The world is sick and we need to find a way to cure it.

The problem is that attacks like this will strengthen the popularity of the Far Rught who will run on security issues and promises of keeping the country safe; and in France a presidential election is close. Lies of corse because no one can predict the type of terrorist attack carried out in the city of Nuce.

» Posted By Kalima On July 15, 2016 @ 12:31 am

Cowardly, murdering bastards!

—-

Nice ‘terrorist attack’: truck hits Bastille Day crowd killing 84 people – live updates

Police say a vehicle which struck crowds celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city of Nice contained ‘arms, loaded with grenades’

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/jul/14/nice-bastille-day-france-attack-promenade-des-anglais-vehicle

—-

Many dead as lorry hits crowd in Nice

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36800730

» Posted By Kalima On July 14, 2016 @ 5:42 pm

Good Morning Everyone!

Tomorrow we expect respite from our blazing heat for a day and I’ll gladly take it. It’s not even summer here yet.

Have a good day wherever you may be. Take care, be safe, stay cool and comfy.

Sayonara from my hot and humid corner of Tokyo. Mata ne.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few stories and opinions from around the globe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bangladeshi cafe employee tells of carnage, says Japanese murdered almost immediately

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/07/national/bangladeshi-cafe-employee-tells-carnage-says-japanese-murdered-almost-immediately/

—-

Small Japanese political party: All we are saying is give medical pot a chance

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/08/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-party-poll-plank-saying-give-medical-pot-chance/

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490 rushed to hospitals across heat wave-hit Japan; three perish

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/08/national/science-health/490-rushed-hospitals-across-heat-wave-hit-japan-three-perish/

—-

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Photo Journal: Retreat from the heat

http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160708/p2a/00m/0na/002000c
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Theresa May’s repulsive threat to EU citizens could make the Tories toxic again

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/07/theresa-may-must-not-be-pm-until-she-rejects-the-policy-of-the-b/

—-

In case you worried your new unelected Tory PM might be progressive, Andrea Leadsom wants you to know she still opposes gay marriage

Today on ITV News, Leadsom clarified that she was “not happy” about the gay marriage law because of “hurt caused to many Christians” – and Theresa May’s track record isn’t much better

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/andrea-leadsom-and-theresa-may-are-two-of-britains-most-prominent-homophobes-and-ones-about-to-a7125131.html

—-

Michael Gove: Britain’s worst political serial killer thwarted by a text message

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/michael-gove-conservative-leadership-boris-johnson-david-cameron-andrea-leadsom-text-message-a7125821.html

—-

Defeated Labour rebels admit ‘it’s finished’ as Jeremy Corbyn refuses to resign as leader

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/06/defeated-labour-rebels-admit-its-finished-as-jeremy-corbyn-refus/

—-

Petition to expel Tony Blair from Labour party takes off following Chilcot report

Sir John Chilcot’s seven-year inquiry said the legal basis for UK military action in Iraq was ‘far from satisfactory’

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/petition-to-expel-tony-blair-from-labour-party-takes-off-following-chilcot-report-a7125911.html

—-

Iraq and the Rupert Murdoch connection: The media mogul’s network of pro-war campaigners

Back in 2003, the Murdoch-owned press beat the drum for the Iraq War, but few of the key players got a mention in the Chilcot report

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/chilcot-inquiry-report-iraq-war-rupert-murdoch-connection-a7125786.html

—-

Britain wrangled over Iraq’s oil in aftermath of war, Chilcot shows

Iraq war inquiry finds Britain arguing for ‘level playing field’ for its companies in access to oilfields
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/07/us-and-britain-wrangled-over-iraqs-oil-in-aftermath-of-war-chilcot-shows

—-

They’re building some of Britain’s most promising young companies. After Brexit, they’re thinking of leaving

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/brexit-raises-a-question-for-financial-entrepreneurs-stay-in-london-or-go/2016/07/04/677cf026-3ee3-11e6-84e8-1580c7db5275_story.html

—-

Toto has pulled back the Brexit curtain to reveal – oh dear! – Oliver Letwin

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/07/toto-brexit-curtain-oliver-letwinMarina Hyde

—-

Amazing that this has to be done in the 21st century.
————

Germany passes ‘no means no’ rape law

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/07/germany-passes-no-means-no-rape-law/

—-

Merkel pledges German support to deploy thousands of Nato troops to deter Russian aggression

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/07/merkel-pledges-german-support-for-thousands-of-nato-troops-to-de/

—-

Sacré Blair! Europe reacts to Chilcot report into Iraq war

French media finds grim vindication in the report of its opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/07/sacre-blair-europe-reacts-to-chilcot-report-into-iraq-war

—-

Refugee who fled Boko Haram for Italy killed by ‘ultra’ football fan

Emmanuel Chidi Namdi, 36, was attacked after defending his wife from racist abuse in central Italian town of Fermo

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/07/refugee-who-fled-boko-haram-for-italy-killed-by-ultra-football-fan

—-

Hungary leaves refugees stuck on Serbian border

A growing build-up of refugees on Hungary-Serbia border follows tight border control measures introduced by Hungary.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/hungary-border-controls-leave-refugees-stuck-border-160707131922016.html

—-

Is Russia really a threat to the Baltic states?

Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, relations between NATO and Russia appear to have reached an all-time low.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/07/russia-threat-baltic-states-160707054916449.html

—-

Like a little war’: Snipers shoot 11 police officers during Dallas protest march, killing five

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/07/08/like-a-little-war-snipers-shoot-11-police-officers-during-dallas-protest-march-killing-five/

—-

After Philando Castile’s Killing, Obama Calls Police Shootings ‘an American Issue’

The president, reacting to a grisly video that showed Mr. Castile being shot by the police in Minnesota, asked the nation to confront racial disparities in law enforcement.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/philando-castile-falcon-heights-shooting.html

—-

Dallas police shooting: five officers killed at protest against police violence

Large area of city sealed off as police negotiate with suspected gunman inbetween exchanges of gunfire

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/07/dallas-shooting-police-officers-protest-alton-sterling-philando-castile

—-

Do black people have second amendment rights?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/07/black-people-second-amendment-rights-philando-castile-alton-sterling-police-shootingsZach Stafford

—-

When Will the Killing Stop?

The latest fatal shootings of black men by the police underline an urgent need for changes in attitude and oversight of departments across the country.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/opinion/when-will-the-killing-stop.html

—-

Dallas and American ‘contradictions

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2016/07/08/dallas-and-american-contradiction

—-

A Black Man Was Just Found Hanging from a Tree in Atlanta

http://usuncut.com/black-lives-matter/black-man-found-hanging-tree-atlanta-park/

—-

Minnesota governor blames Philando Castile police killing on racial bias

Mark Dayton says level of force was ‘way in excess’ of what was necessary and demands justice department investigation as Obama calls shootings ‘a serious problem’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/07/philando-castile-police-shooting-calls-justice-department-inquiry-fbi-minnesota-officers

—-

Why Black Lives Don’t Matter To The NRA

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/07/07/3796062/nra-black-lives-matter/

—-

Hillary Clinton emails: State Department reopens investigation into ‘mishandling’ of ‘classified’ information

A spokesperson said the State Department is not pursuing criminal charges

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hillary-clinton-emails-state-department-reopens-investigation-a7126266.html

—-

For Hillary Clinton, the email nightmare is far from over

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/07/clinton-email-nightmare-not-over-jill-abramsonJill Abramso

—-

Donald Trump clashes with Republican Senators during party peace talks

The presumptive nominee spoke to Senate and House Republicans in Washington DC, where he also met privately with his former primary rival, Ted Cruz

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-elections/donald-trump-clashes-with-republican-senators-during-party-peace-talks-in-washington-a7125906.html

—-

No one wants to be Donald Trump’s veep. What could go wrong?
Richard Wolffe

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/07/donald-trump-vice-president-possibilities-republicans-decline-party-unrest

—-

Syria: Army cuts strategic Aleppo road despite truce

Pro-government forces cut the strategic Castello Road, bringing them close to encircling rebel-held areas of the city.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/syria-army-cuts-strategic-aleppo-road-truce-160707135549560.html

—-

Israeli ban cripples furniture industry in Gaza

Israel’s prohibition on certain kinds of wooden planks has axed local output and caused many to lose their jobs.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/israeli-ban-cripples-furniture-industry-gaza-160606071158465.html

—-

Who is stopping the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip?

Reconstruction has been slow, with the United Nations taking more than a year to rebuild the first bombed out home.
07 Jul 2016 19:32 GMT

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2016/07/stopping-reconstruction-gaza-strip-160707162205094.html

—-

Saudis arrest 12 Pakistanis over bombs

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36742087

—-

At least 20 killed in attack on Shia sacred site north of Baghdad

Suicide car bomb and gunmen shoot dead 20 and injure 50 pilgrims visiting Iraq mausoleum for Eid al-Fitr festival

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/08/iraq-pilgrims-killed-in-attack-on-shia-sacred-site-north-of-baghdad

—-

Here we go again?
————

North Korea calls US sanctions against Kim Jong-un an ‘open declaration of war’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/07/north-korea-calls-us-sanctions-against-kim-jong-un-an-open-decla/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gaza: Waiting to rebuild

Two years after the 2014 war, thousands of families are still in limbo, waiting for funds to rebuild their homes.

http://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/gaza-waiting-to-rebuild/phone/index.html

—-

‘My family would gather in one room, waiting for death’: An Iraqi woman’s story of life in Baghdad during the war

Exclusive: An Iraqi woman tells The Independent how her hope turned to despair

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-war-chilcot-invasion-baghdad-civilians-bombing-death-witnesses-experience-tony-blair-chaos-a7125566.html

—-

Returning to an Ohio town on the decline

http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-35653619

—-

‘The US? We’re in bad shape’: squeezed middle class tell tales of struggle

As Voices of America highlights issues that matter to voters, in North Carolina, talk of helping the middle class feels like an empty promise without a plan

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/07/middle-class-squeeze-money-household

—-

Chibok girl’s life with Boko Haram in Nigeria

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36653222

—-

What White America Fails to See

We all watch the same videos. But some insist the camera doesn’t tell the full story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/opinion/sunday/what-white-america-fails-to-see.html

—-

How do EU people in the UK feel about Brexit?

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36627394

—-

New Zealand town with ‘too many jobs’ and houses is looking for new residents

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36660186/new-zealand-town-with-too-many-jobs-and-houses-is-looking-for-new-residents

—-

Pictures of the day: 7 July 2016

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/07/pictures-of-the-day-7-july-2016/

—-

Best photographs of the day: a Kiev festival and a Rio protest

https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2016/jul/07/best-photographs-of-the-day-a-kiev-festival-and-a-rio-protest

» Posted By Kalima On July 8, 2016 @ 2:00 am

Good for Juncker. No love lost between him and Nasty Little Nigel.

—-

Brexit leaders ‘leaving the boat’ – EU Commission boss Juncker

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36712550

» Posted By Kalima On July 5, 2016 @ 2:02 am

They are all over, Nirek. They are the ones talking the loudest promising ordinary people a piece of the pie that will never be baked once they get what they want. We call them tyrants and dictators. A good example is Russia’s Putin. A lying, murdering, self-obsessed thug stealing from the people. There are still many of them around the world unfortunately. The U.K. Tory government is no exception. People died because they had no money to buy food. Welfare and disability cuts. Many sick people died because they are trying to kill the NHS. Drastic healthcare cuts and too many private trusts only out for profits. I still believe to this day that my father was a victim of the diminishing hospital care started by Thatcher, and continued by her greatest fan, Cameron. He probably had posters of that awful woman all over his bedroom, and told her he wanted to be just like her when he grew up. Problem is, he never grew up and continued playing games until he resigned. The country and its people will be suffering even more after he’s gone. Excuse me, after he “runs away.”

» Posted By Kalima On July 4, 2016 @ 2:42 pm

That press conference from Farage, was the most arogant and stomach churning piece of crap I’ve seen for some time. Like a spoiled brat boasting about beating up little Tommy down the street, he goes on to say he will help European Far Right extremists do the same, and taunts the EU by saying he will be in and out of the EU parliament to spy on them. Isn’t he resigning from politics? What business does he have in going over there except to cause trouble? I hope the EU bans him from taking any part in the process, and if he shit stirs with the Far Right extremists, ban him from Europe. Who wants another Hitler?

» Posted By Kalima On July 4, 2016 @ 2:32 pm

If enough people around the country signed petitions to reverse the vote or demand another referendum, I suppose they could delay the pulling out process. If Scotlsnd was serious about another vote on their independence to stay in the EU, that would certainly throw a spanner in the works for Westminster.

» Posted By Kalima On July 4, 2016 @ 2:20 pm

The third of the three blind mice resigns. Nation destroying, lily-livered cowards.

“Three blind mice. Three blind mice. See how they run. See how they run……”

—-

UKIP leader Nigel Farage stands down

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36702468

» Posted By Kalima On July 4, 2016 @ 4:46 am

Thousands at ‘March for Europe’ Brexit protest

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36692990

» Posted By Kalima On July 2, 2016 @ 7:20 am

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