The United States and the European Union jointly announced on Tuesday sanctions against senior Russian government officials in the case of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was arrested and jailed upon arrival in Moscow in January after being poisoned last year and seeking treatment in Germany.
Category: Politics
Armenia Tension — Military Support Deteriorating, Talk of Coup
The tensions in Armenia continue to escalate. This week people took to the streets with many demanding the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. There is a possibility of the military coup in Armenia. Earlier this week, Pashinyan fired one of the military leaders, which resulted in the large protests.
Saudi Arabia — US Friend, Conflict, or Crisis?
The Joe Biden administration is planning to review the dealings between the US and Saudi Arabia. In fact, On February 27th, Biden stated there will be a new announcement coming on Monday pertaining the US- Saudi relations, which could lead to the US-Saudi crisis. It is unknown, if there would be sanctions laid against the Saudis.
Israel – US Relationship: It’s Complicated
The change of leadership in the US has caused a dramatic change in the US – Israeli relationship dynamics. The dynamics between US president Donald Trump, and the Israeli government led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden couldn’t be more opposite.
House Holds Hearings on “Media Disinformation”
The US House will hold hearings on the topic of the role of traditional media in spreading disinformation and extremism. The hearings will include experts from the US intelligence community and the TV providers. The main goal of the hearings is for members of Congress to understand the conditions of the broadcasts being provided.
Biden Issues Executive Order on Supply Chains
American President Joe Biden ordered an urgent overhaul of the supply chains for semiconductor chips, advanced batteries, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other strategic products. The lack of these things is causing damage to the country’s industry.
SCOTUS Delivers Triple Play Against Trump
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has rejected former President Donald Trump’s request to stop the delivery of his tax returns to New York state authorities. The ex-president had been withholding his tax returns for eight years, an unprecedented situation in the modern history of American presidents.
Russia — ‘NATO Threat to Whole World’
The Russian Gosduma made a statement pertaining the NATO actions, which pose political and military threats not only to Russia, but also to the whole world. Moscow naturally wants to weaken the alliance. The statement was made by the First Deputy Head of the State Duma Committee on the International Affairs Dmitry Novikov.
Burma — Protesters Riot, Two Killed, Disbelieve Army’s Promise to Hold Elections
The crackdown on a demonstration in Burma’s second largest city, Mandalay, left two dead. For two weeks, protesters in various parts of the country have protested the military coup that overthrew the de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and are calling for her return to power.
Twitter Confirms Trump Ban Permanent
Twitter has confirmed its ban on former President Donald Trump will be permanent and will not be revoked, even if he runs for President again. The motive, according to the social media company, is bar him from using the platform for incitement to fan violence. Twitter’s finance director, Ned Segal, confirmed this in an interview with CNBC Wednesday morning.
Impeachment II — Senate Moves Forward
The impeachment process against the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, continues. On Tuesday, the Senate approved the continuation of the case, with votes from Democrats and some Republicans, with the display of images of the assault on the Capitol in January.
US Market on the Rise
The S&P 500 index rose 15.10 points, or 0.39%, to 3,886.81 points; the Nasdaq index rose 78.60 points, or 0.57%, to 13,856.30 points; the Dow Jones index rose 92.40 points, or 0.30%, to 31,148.24 points; on this week’s road. The index rose 3.9%, the S&P rose 4.7%, and the Nasdaq rose 6%, both their biggest weekly gains since November.
Russia Boots Three Diplomats
The Kremlin announced that three diplomats were ordered to leave Russia on February 5th after participating in protest. The diplomats expelled are from the Kingdom of Sweden, Republic of Poland and Germany. That was the date, when Alexei Navalny and his team urged the public to take to the Russian streets and protest.
USA Florida — Deutsche Banks Cut Links with Trump
Two banks in the state of Florida have decided to follow the example of Deutsche Bank and cut commercial relations with US businessman and former President Donald Trump, who is currently under investigation for suspected tax fraud.
Germany — The Cost of the Nord Steam 2 Pipeline
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is almost complete. According to the German Minister of the Environment and Nuclear Safety of Svenja Schulze the project construction was started by adhering to all the laws and regulations. The discussion pertaining the Nord Stream 2 took place during the interview on the January 24, 2020.
Amazon Offered Biden Help with Coronavirus Vaccination Campaign
Amazon, the Seattle based company congratulated Biden and Kamala Harris and assured that “Amazon is ready to help in their efforts to address climate change, control the spread of Covid-19, restart our economy and promote common sense immigration reforms that honor America’s diversity.
Trump Offers Deportation Protections to Venezuelans
Former US President Donald Trump announced deportation protections for Venezuelans residing in the United States just hours before he left office. The latest move was aimed at underscoring the US government’s commitment to take down the Nicolas Maduro administration.
Israel Extends Lockdown, Settlements
The lockdown in Israel against the Coronavirus has been extended for another two weeks. The lockdown has not been successful in getting down the number of daily infections. Instead, Israel has seen a change in the number of younger people that have become hospitalized from the Coronavirus in the last two weeks.
Israel and America Salutes President Trump
On the last day of his term in office, Israel citizens many of which are also American citizens salute this great man for all his accomplishments in the four years of office. Today through the hard work of President Trump to make available vaccines for Americans and people of the world, I and many Israelis have taken the two doses of Pfizer vaccine.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar Resigns, Says Trump Administration Legacy is Tarnished
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has submitted his letter of resignation to the Trump administration per the laid-out guidelines. The letter which was written on January 12 and addressed to the president has been obtained by CNN.
Biden Announces $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Plan
Joe Biden announced a proposal for economic stimulus in the United States aimed at boosting the economy and accelerating the United States’ response to the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Biden campaigned last year with a promise to take the pandemic more seriously than President Donald Trump.
Capitol Attack — Business World Shuns Trump
Several companies have distanced themselves from the outgoing American President, Donald Trump, after the Capitol attack that resulted in five deaths. The latest is Deutsche Bank. The bank decided to abandon Donald Trump, a longtime customer. The bank’s move is not exactly a surprise.
Pence Won’t Use Twenty-Fifth Amendment Against Trump
The Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence did not, after all, invoke the 25th Amendment to the Constitution to remove his boss, President Donald Trump, from office. He had been asked to do so by the House of Representatives as a reaction to the violent assault on the Capitol by the president’s supporters last week.
Biden Avoids Firm Trump Impeachment Decision
Joe Biden has refrained from making any decisive statements regarding the current impeachment motion against outgoing US President Donald Trump. Speaking about the situation, Mr. Biden has indicated that he has no interest in taking part in the impeachment plans.
Biden Backs Burns as CIA Boss
On Monday, Joe Biden proposed diplomat William Burns as the new Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Mr. Burns has held, among other positions, that of Ambassador to Russia. He has worked in the service of five administrations, both Democrats and Republicans and he commands high respect from his former work stations.
North Korea Nuclear Weapons Announcement
The North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced the completion of the national nuclear forces. The disclosure occurred during the VIII Congress of the Workers Party Of Korea. The 8th Congress also elected Kim Jong-un as the General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea. The Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) is the top organ of the party.
US Capitol Attack — Dozens Arrested as Investigations Continue
American security officials have since opened a series of criminal cases against those who forcefully invaded the Capitol as congress ratified the Electoral College. As of Saturday, more than 90 people had been arrested over the incident that literally shocked the world.
Israel and World Diplomats React to Capital Hill Violence
American adversaries and allies shook their head in dismay at the assault on the heart of US democracy. Many foreign leaders noted the importance of American’s role as a nation of self-rule by a free population urging a rapid return to stability. Several place the blame on President Trump. Others placed the blame on the news media, fake news during the Trump Administration before the Corona Pandemic which created doubts in the minds of Americans that justice was being upheld.
Will Trump Start a War With Iran on His Way Out?
The President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, used the events that unfolded on January 6th in the US as an opportunity for propaganda to the Iranian populous. This week, four Americans lost their lives in the process. Amongst the deceased were a police officer and a female US military veteran.
Merkel “Sad, Furious”; Rouhani Faults “Western Democracy”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said that she was “sad” and “furious” at the invasion of the Capitol in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump, and reiterated that the outgoing president should be held responsible for the fracas. The German chancellor spoke to news reporters yesterday.
Trump is not the Messiah – He made a good try
President Trump began his term as President with the highest Messianic ideals. He hoped that the strength of America could unite whole with freedom and democracy. He fought against liberal socialism which polluted the essence of freedom and democracy to permit abortions without limit, sex relationships not procreative, and anarchy in the name of freedom. With the strength of a powerful America he was able to bring together opposite sides of national religions Islam and Judaism.
Congress Rejects Objections to Biden Victory
The Senate rejected, by overwhelming majority, the objection of some Republican senators to the victory of Joe Biden in the state of Arizona. The objection to the results in Arizona– led by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)— was dismissed by 93-6 on Wednesday night, local time.
Black New Year — Dow Falls Below 30,000
After the new high in 2020, the U.S. stock market fell across the board and encountered a black New Year. The Dow fell nearly 400 points, and once fell below the psychological barrier of 30,000 points. Gold and silver stocks bucked the trend and rose. Qutoutiao rose more than 22%, Bilibili rose more than 10%, Weilai rose more than 9%, and Pinduoduo fell more than 6%.
House Narrowly Re-Elects Pelosi as Speaker
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was re-elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday, albeit narrowly. Speaker Pelosi narrowly secured the position after having been deserted by five Democrats who supported someone else. All Republicans, however, voted for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Trump Sends an SOS – Find Me Enough Votes to Win
Efforts by President Donald Trump to retain the office, reached another level on Saturday following a long, leaked phone call in which he discussed with the Secretary of State of Georgia, Republican Brad Raffensperger, how to “find” enough votes to reverse the disputed electoral victory of Democrat Joe Biden.
The Coalition For Change, Inc. (C4C) Applauds Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Legislation
The Coalition For Change, Inc. (C4C) recently released statements applauding the passing of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 into law. Notably, H.R. 6395 became law on January 1, 2021 without President Trump’s vote after Congress successfully passed override measures after the President’s veto of the defense bill.
Russia Added Assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani to the Military Hall of Fame
The new documentary titled “Al-Sai al-Ahira” (“The Last Hour”) aired on the Al-Mayadeen channel. Al Mayadeen was founded in 2012. The channel aims at reducing the influence of the Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya. The channel is based in the Beirut, Lebanon.
China — US Relations at New Crossroads
In an interview with official media, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the Trump administration’s actions to contain China and provoke a new Cold War, saying that this has brought harm to the world. He also hoped that the new administration led by Biden would “regain rationality and reopen dialogue.”
US House Approves Emergency Aid Increase
The US Government Financial aid to citizens affected by the crisis generated by the covid-19 was on Monday increased to $2 thousand dollars, instead of the initially approved US $ 600. The measure will be evaluated by the Senate, with a Republican majority.
Joe Biden Transition Head Laments Transitional Barriers
Yohannes Abraham, the head of Joe Biden’s transitional team has admonished the Office of Management and Budget for putting up barriers aimed at frustrating the process. “(We) have encountered obstruction from political leadership at various agencies, most notably at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget.
Biden Appoints Hicks, Kahl to Defense Posts
Joe Biden continues to build his incoming cabinet. In his latest series of appointments, Mr. Biden has appointed former Pentagon official Dr. Kathleen Hicks as Deputy Secretary of Defense in his incoming administration. If confirmed, she would make history as the first woman to hold that position.
Ring Out the Old–Ring in the New
We are beginning a new year. 2020 was a difficult and dangerous year for most of us. Many of us became ill, Some of us died unnecessarily. It was a year that has changed us in many ways that we have yet to understand. For some of us it has made us even stronger, For others it will make us look more closely at who we are and how we cope with life. We will not be sad to see 2020 go, and we are all looking forward to 2021 with hope and the expectation of a better, happier year ahead.
Stimulus Bill Boosts Demand, AA Restarts 737 MAX Flights
Crude oil futures rebounded and closed up after experiencing the setbacks of the previous trading day. New York crude oil rose 0.8% to close at $48. The cause was that traders believed a new round of large-scale assistance programs in the United States might boost energy demand.
House Approves Bigger Checks, EU Approves Brexit Deal
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Monday that would issue $2,000 checks, an increase from the $600 stimulus checks already going out in the pandemic relief bill. Democrats and moderate Republicans voted for a proposal supported by President Donald Trump.
Crude Oil, Natural Gas Futures Fall Amid Pandemic Concerns
US President Donald Trump decided to change his policy over the weekend and signed a bill that includes the $ 900 billion in aid to consumers and small businesses. However, crude oil futures increased production due to the spread of the epidemic and OPEC+ expectations intensified. Crude oil gave up early gains and closed slightly lower.
Trump Attacks FBI, DOJ in Twitter Tirade
US President Donald Trump has attacked the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for allegedly refusing to look into his election fraud claims. In a bellicose Twitter tirade on Saturday, the President accused them of colluding to have him lose the elections to Joe Biden.
Trump Signs Coronavirus Stimulus Package
After much delay, US President Donald Trump finally signed the US coronavirus stimulus package and government funding bill. The move frees $2.3 trillion for emergency aid to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and funds the federal government, avoiding a shutdown.
Human Rights Watch — China Arrests Reporters of The China Virus
The international humanitarian organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Saturday accused the Chinese authorities of intensifying arrests of journalists and activists who report “on the covid-19 pandemic as well as on other issues deemed as critical to the Chinese regime.
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