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This tiny island nation proves that the West only believes in its own 'spheres of influence'
Australia and the US believe the Solomon Islands must not be allowed to partner up with China, showing a selective respect for self-determination Russia is bad. There is no excuse for attacking Ukraine, and the argument that it was a strategic imperative to stop NATO's encroachment is just propaganda, right? That's what every source in the mainstream media will tell you. But oddly enough, that logic never seems to apply when western countries perceive rival states to be encroaching on their own peripheries, and there's been no bigger example of that than as to how American and Australian political classes have reacted to the now signed "Bilateral security agreement" between China and the Solomon Islands, a small archipelago which exists not far from Papua New Guinea. The deal was confirmed this week, despite Australia and the US having piled on scores of official visits in a bid to try and halt it. This has been combined with a media narrative of extreme paranoia claiming, without...
https://www.sott.net/article/467037-This-tiny-island-nation-proves-that-the-West-only-believes-in-its-own-spheres-of-influence
This tiny island nation proves that the West only believes in its own 'spheres of influence'
Australia and the US believe the Solomon Islands must not be allowed to partner up with China, showing a selective respect for self-determination Russia is bad. There is no excuse for attacking Ukraine, and the argument that it was a strategic imperative to stop NATO's encroachment is just propaganda, right? That's what every source in the mainstream media will tell you. But oddly enough, that logic never seems to apply when western countries perceive rival states to be encroaching on their own peripheries, and there's been no bigger example of that than as to how American and Australian political classes have reacted to the now signed "Bilateral security agreement" between China and the Solomon Islands, a small archipelago which exists not far from Papua New Guinea. The deal was confirmed this week, despite Australia and the US having piled on scores of official visits in a bid to try and halt it. This has been combined with a media narrative of extreme paranoia claiming, without...
https://www.sott.net/article/467037-This-tiny-island-nation-proves-that-the-West-only-believes-in-its-own-spheres-of-influence
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Woman attacked, killed by her own dog in Newberry, South Carolina
A woman in South Carolina died after she was attacked by her own dog Thursday, according to the coroner's office. The Newberry County coroner said 45-year-old Erin Beach was killed in the attack. Police received a 911 call from the home Thursday afternoon. When deputies and EMS arrived on scene, the coroner's office said the dog was aggressive toward them as well, resulting in the death of the dog. Investigators said they do not yet know what prompted the dog to attack its owner.
https://www.sott.net/article/467038-Woman-attacked-killed-by-her-own-dog-in-Newberry-South-Carolina
Woman attacked, killed by her own dog in Newberry, South Carolina
A woman in South Carolina died after she was attacked by her own dog Thursday, according to the coroner's office. The Newberry County coroner said 45-year-old Erin Beach was killed in the attack. Police received a 911 call from the home Thursday afternoon. When deputies and EMS arrived on scene, the coroner's office said the dog was aggressive toward them as well, resulting in the death of the dog. Investigators said they do not yet know what prompted the dog to attack its owner.
https://www.sott.net/article/467038-Woman-attacked-killed-by-her-own-dog-in-Newberry-South-Carolina
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'This is not typical': Arizona wildfire fighters brace for threat 'on steroids'
Firefighters working to keep more homes from burning on the edge of a mountain town in northern Arizona were treated to scattered showers and cooler temperatures early on Friday, but the favorable weather was not expected to last as more ferocious winds were forecast to batter parts of Arizona and all of New Mexico through the weekend. The combination of high winds, warmer temperatures and extremely dry conditions will make for an atmosphere that's "pretty much on steroids", said Scott Overpeck, with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "This is not typical," he said, looking ahead to what could be explosive fire growth on Friday. "This is really one of those days we need to be on our toes and we need to be ready." The weather conditions will complicate the firefight on a half-dozen large wildfires burning in the American south-west.
https://www.sott.net/article/467039-This-is-not-typical-Arizona-wildfire-fighters-brace-for-threat-on-steroids
'This is not typical': Arizona wildfire fighters brace for threat 'on steroids'
Firefighters working to keep more homes from burning on the edge of a mountain town in northern Arizona were treated to scattered showers and cooler temperatures early on Friday, but the favorable weather was not expected to last as more ferocious winds were forecast to batter parts of Arizona and all of New Mexico through the weekend. The combination of high winds, warmer temperatures and extremely dry conditions will make for an atmosphere that's "pretty much on steroids", said Scott Overpeck, with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "This is not typical," he said, looking ahead to what could be explosive fire growth on Friday. "This is really one of those days we need to be on our toes and we need to be ready." The weather conditions will complicate the firefight on a half-dozen large wildfires burning in the American south-west.
https://www.sott.net/article/467039-This-is-not-typical-Arizona-wildfire-fighters-brace-for-threat-on-steroids
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BEST OF THE WEB: Philippines - 224 killed, 147 missing in floods after rain from Tropical Storm Megi (Agaton) - 10 inches of rainfall in 24 hours (UPDATES)
Heavy rainfall from a tropical depression has caused severe flooding, mudslides and landslides in the Philippines, displacing thousands of people and causing at least 20 fatalities. A Low Pressure Area brought heavy rainfall in areas of the country from 04 April. Flooding struck in Davao region after heavy rainfall from 06 April. Authorities said 1,040 families in 22 villages have ben affected. One person died in flooding in Cateel in Davao Oriental province. Two others were reported missing after floods in Monkayo in Davao de Oro province Since then the Low Pressure Area developed into Tropical Depression Megi (locally named Agaton) and made landfall in Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on 10 April 2022. In 24 hours to 10 April, Maasin, province of Southern Leyte, recorded 254.0 mm of rain and Guiuan, province of Eastern Samar, 236.0 mm. The following day Masbate in the Province of Masbate, recorded 171.0 mm.
https://www.sott.net/article/466626-Philippines-224-killed-147-missing-in-floods-after-rain-from-Tropical-Storm-Megi-Agaton-10-inches-of-rainfall-in-24-hours-UPDATES
BEST OF THE WEB: Philippines - 224 killed, 147 missing in floods after rain from Tropical Storm Megi (Agaton) - 10 inches of rainfall in 24 hours (UPDATES)
Heavy rainfall from a tropical depression has caused severe flooding, mudslides and landslides in the Philippines, displacing thousands of people and causing at least 20 fatalities. A Low Pressure Area brought heavy rainfall in areas of the country from 04 April. Flooding struck in Davao region after heavy rainfall from 06 April. Authorities said 1,040 families in 22 villages have ben affected. One person died in flooding in Cateel in Davao Oriental province. Two others were reported missing after floods in Monkayo in Davao de Oro province Since then the Low Pressure Area developed into Tropical Depression Megi (locally named Agaton) and made landfall in Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on 10 April 2022. In 24 hours to 10 April, Maasin, province of Southern Leyte, recorded 254.0 mm of rain and Guiuan, province of Eastern Samar, 236.0 mm. The following day Masbate in the Province of Masbate, recorded 171.0 mm.
https://www.sott.net/article/466626-Philippines-224-killed-147-missing-in-floods-after-rain-from-Tropical-Storm-Megi-Agaton-10-inches-of-rainfall-in-24-hours-UPDATES
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Spinmeister: Germany's Scholz explains why it opposes Russia gas embargo
Crashing the German economy would also mean less money to rebuild Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz argued A ban on Russian gas will not stop the conflict in Ukraine but will cause an economic crisis in Germany and the EU, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an interview published on Friday. Embargoing Russian gas would cost millions of jobs and crash the German economy, making it more difficult for Berlin to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, the chancellor argued. Comment: Well-played, Scholz. "Firstly, I don't see at all that a gas embargo would end the war," Scholz told the German weekly Der Spiegel, adding that if Russian President Vladimir Putin "were open to economic arguments, he would never have started this insane war."
https://www.sott.net/article/467040-Spinmeister-Germanys-Scholz-explains-why-it-opposes-Russia-gas-embargo
Spinmeister: Germany's Scholz explains why it opposes Russia gas embargo
Crashing the German economy would also mean less money to rebuild Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz argued A ban on Russian gas will not stop the conflict in Ukraine but will cause an economic crisis in Germany and the EU, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an interview published on Friday. Embargoing Russian gas would cost millions of jobs and crash the German economy, making it more difficult for Berlin to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, the chancellor argued. Comment: Well-played, Scholz. "Firstly, I don't see at all that a gas embargo would end the war," Scholz told the German weekly Der Spiegel, adding that if Russian President Vladimir Putin "were open to economic arguments, he would never have started this insane war."
https://www.sott.net/article/467040-Spinmeister-Germanys-Scholz-explains-why-it-opposes-Russia-gas-embargo
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Russia issues warning to Israel over providing military aid to Ukraine
Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov condemned the decision of the Israeli regime to send military equipment to Ukraine amid the special military operation launched by Russia on February 24. "We are carefully reviewing this information and will respond accordingly, if it is confirmed," Viktorov said. In a telephone conversation, Israeli media reported on Wednesday that Israel's Minister of Military Affairs, Benny Gantz, told his Ukrainian counterpart, Alki Ruznikov, of Israel's decision to send military equipment to Ukraine.
https://www.sott.net/article/467041-Russia-issues-warning-to-Israel-over-providing-military-aid-to-Ukraine
Russia issues warning to Israel over providing military aid to Ukraine
Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov condemned the decision of the Israeli regime to send military equipment to Ukraine amid the special military operation launched by Russia on February 24. "We are carefully reviewing this information and will respond accordingly, if it is confirmed," Viktorov said. In a telephone conversation, Israeli media reported on Wednesday that Israel's Minister of Military Affairs, Benny Gantz, told his Ukrainian counterpart, Alki Ruznikov, of Israel's decision to send military equipment to Ukraine.
https://www.sott.net/article/467041-Russia-issues-warning-to-Israel-over-providing-military-aid-to-Ukraine
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Shocker: Florida prosecutor reduced violent crime through crackdown on repeat offenders
Progressive criminal justice reforms have coincided with rising violence in big US cities By targeting known violent criminals and seeking stiff penalties for the worst offenders, a Republican Florida prosecutor has reduced violent crime in her community as big cities with Democratic district attorneys around the country, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, are witnessing crime spikes. "In 2021, Jacksonville's murders were down 30% and overall shootings down 17% from the year prior, according to [Jacksonville Sheriff's Office] data for non-domestic shooting incidents," David Chapman, a spokesperson for the Fourth Circuit State Attorney's Office, told Fox News Digital. "Given last year's downturn, our numbers to date aren't far off the mark and thankfully have not spiked like other cities." The Fourth Circuit covers Clay, Nassau and Duval counties and the city of Jacksonville and is led by State Attorney Melissa Nelson, who made waves for finding new ways to prosecute known...
https://www.sott.net/article/467042-Shocker-Florida-prosecutor-reduced-violent-crime-through-crackdown-on-repeat-offenders
Shocker: Florida prosecutor reduced violent crime through crackdown on repeat offenders
Progressive criminal justice reforms have coincided with rising violence in big US cities By targeting known violent criminals and seeking stiff penalties for the worst offenders, a Republican Florida prosecutor has reduced violent crime in her community as big cities with Democratic district attorneys around the country, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, are witnessing crime spikes. "In 2021, Jacksonville's murders were down 30% and overall shootings down 17% from the year prior, according to [Jacksonville Sheriff's Office] data for non-domestic shooting incidents," David Chapman, a spokesperson for the Fourth Circuit State Attorney's Office, told Fox News Digital. "Given last year's downturn, our numbers to date aren't far off the mark and thankfully have not spiked like other cities." The Fourth Circuit covers Clay, Nassau and Duval counties and the city of Jacksonville and is led by State Attorney Melissa Nelson, who made waves for finding new ways to prosecute known...
https://www.sott.net/article/467042-Shocker-Florida-prosecutor-reduced-violent-crime-through-crackdown-on-repeat-offenders
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Florida releases four examples from the 54 math textbooks rejected for containing banned CRT topics
The Florida Department of Education released four examples of banned material from the 54 math textbooks it rejected from its curriculum on Thursday, including one that shows a bar graph measuring racial prejudice. The state DOE had garnered criticism for tossing out 41 percent of the 132 math textbooks submitted for the next school year last week without listing the rejected books, more than half of which the agency said referenced Critical Race Theory (CRT) with the rest containing Common Core and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Of the lessons considered unacceptable in the state was the use of bar graphs that measures levels of racial prejudice based on age and political identity and asks students to solve equations based on the findings.
https://www.sott.net/article/467043-Florida-releases-four-examples-from-the-54-math-textbooks-rejected-for-containing-banned-CRT-topics
Florida releases four examples from the 54 math textbooks rejected for containing banned CRT topics
The Florida Department of Education released four examples of banned material from the 54 math textbooks it rejected from its curriculum on Thursday, including one that shows a bar graph measuring racial prejudice. The state DOE had garnered criticism for tossing out 41 percent of the 132 math textbooks submitted for the next school year last week without listing the rejected books, more than half of which the agency said referenced Critical Race Theory (CRT) with the rest containing Common Core and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Of the lessons considered unacceptable in the state was the use of bar graphs that measures levels of racial prejudice based on age and political identity and asks students to solve equations based on the findings.
https://www.sott.net/article/467043-Florida-releases-four-examples-from-the-54-math-textbooks-rejected-for-containing-banned-CRT-topics
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26 Governors create 'border strike' force "In the absence of federal leadership"
Twenty-six governors, all Republican, announced the creation of a Border Strike Force to "disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations" on April 19. The group of governors signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to work together to "serve as a force multiplier to target cartels and criminal networks financially and operationally." "Together, governors will improve public safety, protect victims from horrific crimes, reduce the amount of drugs in our communities, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis at the Southern Border," the agreement states.
https://www.sott.net/article/467044-26-Governors-create-border-strike-force-In-the-absence-of-federal-leadership
26 Governors create 'border strike' force "In the absence of federal leadership"
Twenty-six governors, all Republican, announced the creation of a Border Strike Force to "disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations" on April 19. The group of governors signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to work together to "serve as a force multiplier to target cartels and criminal networks financially and operationally." "Together, governors will improve public safety, protect victims from horrific crimes, reduce the amount of drugs in our communities, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis at the Southern Border," the agreement states.
https://www.sott.net/article/467044-26-Governors-create-border-strike-force-In-the-absence-of-federal-leadership
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New discovery sheds light on the peopling of the Pacific
Scientists think they may have found the smoking gun that explains why humans colonised the thousands of scattered islands of the South Pacific - and it lies in a sherd of pottery found hidden on a small island in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The peopling of the Pacific islands is one of humanity's most epic migration stories. In just three millennia, an ancestral cultural group called the Lapita spanned a third of the Earth's surface, reaching some of the most isolated landmasses on the planet. As they moved, these ancestral Pacific Islanders are thought to have brought with them Austronesian languages, new domestic animals species like pigs, dogs and chickens, and a distinctive kind of pottery. "For a long time it was thought Lapita groups avoided most of Papua New Guinea because people were already living there," says Ben Shaw, lead researcher of the new study published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution. But, as this new research shows, that wasn't always the case. Brooker Island...
https://www.sott.net/article/467045-New-discovery-sheds-light-on-the-peopling-of-the-Pacific
New discovery sheds light on the peopling of the Pacific
Scientists think they may have found the smoking gun that explains why humans colonised the thousands of scattered islands of the South Pacific - and it lies in a sherd of pottery found hidden on a small island in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The peopling of the Pacific islands is one of humanity's most epic migration stories. In just three millennia, an ancestral cultural group called the Lapita spanned a third of the Earth's surface, reaching some of the most isolated landmasses on the planet. As they moved, these ancestral Pacific Islanders are thought to have brought with them Austronesian languages, new domestic animals species like pigs, dogs and chickens, and a distinctive kind of pottery. "For a long time it was thought Lapita groups avoided most of Papua New Guinea because people were already living there," says Ben Shaw, lead researcher of the new study published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution. But, as this new research shows, that wasn't always the case. Brooker Island...
https://www.sott.net/article/467045-New-discovery-sheds-light-on-the-peopling-of-the-Pacific
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Russia reveals crew losses from sunken warship 'Moskva'
During the struggle to save the ship, one soldier died and another 27 crew went missing, the Ministry of Defense has said As a result of a fire on April 13, the Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva was seriously damaged due to a detonation of ammunition, Russia's Ministry of Defense outlined on Friday. One serviceman died and another 27 crew members went missing, and attempts by the crew to put out the fire were not successful, the statement added. Ukraine has claimed that the ship was struck by its missiles. "In the course of the struggle for the ship's survival, one serviceman was killed and another 27 crew members went missing. The remaining 396 crew members were evacuated from the cruiser to other ships of the Black Sea Fleet, in the area, and taken to Sevastopol [a major Russian port city]," the ministry explained.
https://www.sott.net/article/467046-Russia-reveals-crew-losses-from-sunken-warship-Moskva
Russia reveals crew losses from sunken warship 'Moskva'
During the struggle to save the ship, one soldier died and another 27 crew went missing, the Ministry of Defense has said As a result of a fire on April 13, the Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva was seriously damaged due to a detonation of ammunition, Russia's Ministry of Defense outlined on Friday. One serviceman died and another 27 crew members went missing, and attempts by the crew to put out the fire were not successful, the statement added. Ukraine has claimed that the ship was struck by its missiles. "In the course of the struggle for the ship's survival, one serviceman was killed and another 27 crew members went missing. The remaining 396 crew members were evacuated from the cruiser to other ships of the Black Sea Fleet, in the area, and taken to Sevastopol [a major Russian port city]," the ministry explained.
https://www.sott.net/article/467046-Russia-reveals-crew-losses-from-sunken-warship-Moskva
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Bill Gates-funded biotech firm claims GMO mosquito project a 'success,' but critics cite lack of proof
Oxitec this week announced results of the first open-air study of genetically engineered mosquitoes in the U.S. The U.K.-based firm described the results as "positive," but said, "Larger tests are still needed to determine whether the insects can achieve the ultimate goal of suppressing a wild population of potentially virus-carrying mosquitoes." The company's self-reported results are not yet independently confirmed or peer-reviewed. Oxitec, the recipient of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for "self-limited mosquito field trials," in April 2021 launched its pilot project in the Florida Keys.
https://www.sott.net/article/467047-Bill-Gates-funded-biotech-firm-claims-GMO-mosquito-project-a-success-but-critics-cite-lack-of-proof
Bill Gates-funded biotech firm claims GMO mosquito project a 'success,' but critics cite lack of proof
Oxitec this week announced results of the first open-air study of genetically engineered mosquitoes in the U.S. The U.K.-based firm described the results as "positive," but said, "Larger tests are still needed to determine whether the insects can achieve the ultimate goal of suppressing a wild population of potentially virus-carrying mosquitoes." The company's self-reported results are not yet independently confirmed or peer-reviewed. Oxitec, the recipient of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for "self-limited mosquito field trials," in April 2021 launched its pilot project in the Florida Keys.
https://www.sott.net/article/467047-Bill-Gates-funded-biotech-firm-claims-GMO-mosquito-project-a-success-but-critics-cite-lack-of-proof
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DeSantis signs 'Stop WOKE Act' into law to restrict race discussions in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law what he has branded the "Stop WOKE Act," which restricts how race is discussed in schools, colleges and workplaces, and sparked a nationwide debate over censorship, critical race theory and diversity training. The Legislature approved the measure in March along mostly party-line votes. The bill (HB 7) prohibits any teaching that could make students feel they bear personal responsibility for historic wrongs because of their race, color, sex or national origin. It also blocks businesses from using diversity practices or training that could make employees feel guilty for similar reasons. "We believe an important component of freedom in the state of Florida is the freedom from having oppressive ideologies imposed upon you without your consent," DeSantis said. "Whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace. And we decided to do something about it."
https://www.sott.net/article/467048-DeSantis-signs-Stop-WOKE-Act-into-law-to-restrict-race-discussions-in-Florida
DeSantis signs 'Stop WOKE Act' into law to restrict race discussions in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law what he has branded the "Stop WOKE Act," which restricts how race is discussed in schools, colleges and workplaces, and sparked a nationwide debate over censorship, critical race theory and diversity training. The Legislature approved the measure in March along mostly party-line votes. The bill (HB 7) prohibits any teaching that could make students feel they bear personal responsibility for historic wrongs because of their race, color, sex or national origin. It also blocks businesses from using diversity practices or training that could make employees feel guilty for similar reasons. "We believe an important component of freedom in the state of Florida is the freedom from having oppressive ideologies imposed upon you without your consent," DeSantis said. "Whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace. And we decided to do something about it."
https://www.sott.net/article/467048-DeSantis-signs-Stop-WOKE-Act-into-law-to-restrict-race-discussions-in-Florida
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Russia to investigate alleged UK SAS activities in Ukraine
At least two British special ops groups have reportedly been deployed in the Lviv region Russia's Investigative Committee said on Saturday that it will look into media reports that sabotage experts from the British Army's special forces have been deployed in western Ukraine. "This data is going to be checked thoroughly," especially considering the fact that Special Air Service (SAS) forces have established themselves as "experts in organizing mass protests, assassinations of political figures as well as preparing terrorist attacks," the agency said in a statement. This comes after a security source told RIA Novosti earlier in the day that at least two groups of British servicemen had arrived at a Ukrainian Air Force base in the town of Brody in the Lviv region. They traveled all the way from "the city of Hereford in the UK, where SAS headquarters is located," the source said.
https://www.sott.net/article/467049-Russia-to-investigate-alleged-UK-SAS-activities-in-Ukraine
Russia to investigate alleged UK SAS activities in Ukraine
At least two British special ops groups have reportedly been deployed in the Lviv region Russia's Investigative Committee said on Saturday that it will look into media reports that sabotage experts from the British Army's special forces have been deployed in western Ukraine. "This data is going to be checked thoroughly," especially considering the fact that Special Air Service (SAS) forces have established themselves as "experts in organizing mass protests, assassinations of political figures as well as preparing terrorist attacks," the agency said in a statement. This comes after a security source told RIA Novosti earlier in the day that at least two groups of British servicemen had arrived at a Ukrainian Air Force base in the town of Brody in the Lviv region. They traveled all the way from "the city of Hereford in the UK, where SAS headquarters is located," the source said.
https://www.sott.net/article/467049-Russia-to-investigate-alleged-UK-SAS-activities-in-Ukraine
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Palestine's widening geography of resistance: Why Israel cannot defeat the Palestinians
There is a reason why Israel is insistent on linking the series of attacks carried out by Palestinians recently to a specific location, namely the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank. By doing so, the embattled Naftali Bennett's government can simply order another deadly military operation in Jenin to reassure its citizens that the situation is under control. Indeed, on 9 April, the Israeli army had stormed the Jenin refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and wounding ten others. However, Israel's problem is much bigger than Jenin. If we examine the events starting with the 22 March stabbing attack in the southern city of Beersheba (Bir Al Saba') - which resulted in the death of four - and ending with the killing of three Israelis in Tel Aviv - including two army officers - we will reach an obvious conclusion: these attacks must have been, to some extent, coordinated. Spontaneous Palestinian retaliation to the violence of the Israeli occupation rarely follows this pattern in...
https://www.sott.net/article/467050-Palestines-widening-geography-of-resistance-Why-Israel-cannot-defeat-the-Palestinians
Palestine's widening geography of resistance: Why Israel cannot defeat the Palestinians
There is a reason why Israel is insistent on linking the series of attacks carried out by Palestinians recently to a specific location, namely the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank. By doing so, the embattled Naftali Bennett's government can simply order another deadly military operation in Jenin to reassure its citizens that the situation is under control. Indeed, on 9 April, the Israeli army had stormed the Jenin refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and wounding ten others. However, Israel's problem is much bigger than Jenin. If we examine the events starting with the 22 March stabbing attack in the southern city of Beersheba (Bir Al Saba') - which resulted in the death of four - and ending with the killing of three Israelis in Tel Aviv - including two army officers - we will reach an obvious conclusion: these attacks must have been, to some extent, coordinated. Spontaneous Palestinian retaliation to the violence of the Israeli occupation rarely follows this pattern in...
https://www.sott.net/article/467050-Palestines-widening-geography-of-resistance-Why-Israel-cannot-defeat-the-Palestinians
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Germany evicts Afghan refugees to make way for Ukrainians
Afghan refugees living in Germany after the NATO withdrawal that left their country in shambles are now being evicted from their homes in order to make way for newly arriving refugees from Ukraine, according to Foreign Policy. Hundreds of Afghans have received eviction notices from authorities over this period, with some being ordered to leave within 24 hours, without any questions or negotiation. Tareq Alaows, a board member of the Berlin Refugee Council stated: "The evictions purposefully weren't publicized. Some people had lived in their homes for years and were ripped out of their social structures, including children who were moved to locations far from their respective schools. Few people's living conditions improved, but most were afraid to speak up, afraid it could impact their immigration status." Germany is justifying these evictions by claiming that the Afghans were evicted from what authorities are calling "arrival centers" where they should supposedly be staying for a...
https://www.sott.net/article/467051-Germany-evicts-Afghan-refugees-to-make-way-for-Ukrainians
Germany evicts Afghan refugees to make way for Ukrainians
Afghan refugees living in Germany after the NATO withdrawal that left their country in shambles are now being evicted from their homes in order to make way for newly arriving refugees from Ukraine, according to Foreign Policy. Hundreds of Afghans have received eviction notices from authorities over this period, with some being ordered to leave within 24 hours, without any questions or negotiation. Tareq Alaows, a board member of the Berlin Refugee Council stated: "The evictions purposefully weren't publicized. Some people had lived in their homes for years and were ripped out of their social structures, including children who were moved to locations far from their respective schools. Few people's living conditions improved, but most were afraid to speak up, afraid it could impact their immigration status." Germany is justifying these evictions by claiming that the Afghans were evicted from what authorities are calling "arrival centers" where they should supposedly be staying for a...
https://www.sott.net/article/467051-Germany-evicts-Afghan-refugees-to-make-way-for-Ukrainians
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EU changes tune on ruble gas payments
The settlement switch may be possible without breaching sanctions, the European Commission says European Union companies may be able to comply with Russia's proposed system to pay for gas in rubles without falling foul of the bloc's sanctions against Moscow, the European Commission said on Friday. At the same time, EU executives say that it is not yet clear how such a scheme would work. "The procedure for derogations from the requirements of the decree is not clear yet," the document issued by the commission said. In March, the Russian government issued a decree requiring European energy companies to open accounts at Gazprombank, where payments in euros or dollars would be converted to rubles.
https://www.sott.net/article/467052-EU-changes-tune-on-ruble-gas-payments
EU changes tune on ruble gas payments
The settlement switch may be possible without breaching sanctions, the European Commission says European Union companies may be able to comply with Russia's proposed system to pay for gas in rubles without falling foul of the bloc's sanctions against Moscow, the European Commission said on Friday. At the same time, EU executives say that it is not yet clear how such a scheme would work. "The procedure for derogations from the requirements of the decree is not clear yet," the document issued by the commission said. In March, the Russian government issued a decree requiring European energy companies to open accounts at Gazprombank, where payments in euros or dollars would be converted to rubles.
https://www.sott.net/article/467052-EU-changes-tune-on-ruble-gas-payments
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No records kept of Biden's meetings in Delaware: Report
Freedom of Information Act requests for records of President Joe Biden's visitors in Delaware, where he spends a significant amount of time, have produced no documents, according to the New York Post. The newspaper reportedly asked for over a year's worth of records regarding the president's visitors at his Delaware residences. In a Monday response per the New York Post, Secret Service Freedom of Information Act Officer Kevin Tyrrell said: "The Secret Service FOIA Office searched all Program Offices that were likely to contain potentially responsive records, and no records were located." According to the report, Biden was in Delaware for almost 100 days during his first year in office, sometimes conducting meetings with lawmakers.
https://www.sott.net/article/467053-No-records-kept-of-Bidens-meetings-in-Delaware-Report
No records kept of Biden's meetings in Delaware: Report
Freedom of Information Act requests for records of President Joe Biden's visitors in Delaware, where he spends a significant amount of time, have produced no documents, according to the New York Post. The newspaper reportedly asked for over a year's worth of records regarding the president's visitors at his Delaware residences. In a Monday response per the New York Post, Secret Service Freedom of Information Act Officer Kevin Tyrrell said: "The Secret Service FOIA Office searched all Program Offices that were likely to contain potentially responsive records, and no records were located." According to the report, Biden was in Delaware for almost 100 days during his first year in office, sometimes conducting meetings with lawmakers.
https://www.sott.net/article/467053-No-records-kept-of-Bidens-meetings-in-Delaware-Report
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Yellen urges caution on Russian oil ban in EU, warns it could increase prices
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday questioned the efficacy of a European ban on Russian oil and gas imports, warning that it could have unintended economic consequences for the U.S. and its Western allies. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko in Washington, Yellen cautioned that an all-out embargo on Russian energy could ultimately cause more harm than good. "Europe clearly needs to reduce its dependence on Russia with respect to energy, but we need to be careful when we think about a complete European ban on, say, oil imports." Europe is the biggest purchaser of Russian crude, importing about 138 million tons in 2020 out of Russia's total exports of 260 million tons - or roughly 53%, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Russia supplies about one-quarter of Europe's oil needs.
https://www.sott.net/article/467054-Yellen-urges-caution-on-Russian-oil-ban-in-EU-warns-it-could-increase-prices
Yellen urges caution on Russian oil ban in EU, warns it could increase prices
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday questioned the efficacy of a European ban on Russian oil and gas imports, warning that it could have unintended economic consequences for the U.S. and its Western allies. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko in Washington, Yellen cautioned that an all-out embargo on Russian energy could ultimately cause more harm than good. "Europe clearly needs to reduce its dependence on Russia with respect to energy, but we need to be careful when we think about a complete European ban on, say, oil imports." Europe is the biggest purchaser of Russian crude, importing about 138 million tons in 2020 out of Russia's total exports of 260 million tons - or roughly 53%, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Russia supplies about one-quarter of Europe's oil needs.
https://www.sott.net/article/467054-Yellen-urges-caution-on-Russian-oil-ban-in-EU-warns-it-could-increase-prices
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U.N. rights office cites growing evidence of war crimes in Ukraine
The United Nations human rights office said on Friday there was growing evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including signs of indiscriminate shelling and summary executions, while it said Ukraine also appeared to have used weapons with indiscriminate effects. The office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Michelle Bachelet said: "Russian armed forces have indiscriminately shelled and bombed populated areas, killing civilians and wrecking hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure, actions that may amount to war crimes." U.N. human rights monitors in Ukraine have also documented what appeared to be the use of weapons with indiscriminate effects, causing civilian casualties, by Ukrainian armed forces in the east of the country, OHCHR said in a statement. Russia, which describes its incursion as a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine, denies targeting civilians or committing any such war crimes.
https://www.sott.net/article/467055-U-N-rights-office-cites-growing-evidence-of-war-crimes-in-Ukraine
U.N. rights office cites growing evidence of war crimes in Ukraine
The United Nations human rights office said on Friday there was growing evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including signs of indiscriminate shelling and summary executions, while it said Ukraine also appeared to have used weapons with indiscriminate effects. The office of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Michelle Bachelet said: "Russian armed forces have indiscriminately shelled and bombed populated areas, killing civilians and wrecking hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure, actions that may amount to war crimes." U.N. human rights monitors in Ukraine have also documented what appeared to be the use of weapons with indiscriminate effects, causing civilian casualties, by Ukrainian armed forces in the east of the country, OHCHR said in a statement. Russia, which describes its incursion as a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine, denies targeting civilians or committing any such war crimes.
https://www.sott.net/article/467055-U-N-rights-office-cites-growing-evidence-of-war-crimes-in-Ukraine
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Gut bacteria might be responsible for your food cravings
Eggs or yogurt, veggies or potato chips? We make decisions about what to eat every day, but those choices may not be fully our own. New University of Pittsburgh research on mice shows for the first time that the microbes in animals' guts influence what they choose to eat, making substances that prompt cravings for different kinds of foods. "We all have those urges — like if you ever you just feel like you need to eat a salad or you really need to eat meat," said Kevin Kohl, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. "Our work shows that animals with different compositions of gut microbes choose different kinds of diets." Despite decades of speculation by scientists about whether microbes could influence our preferred diets, the idea has never been directly tested in animals bigger than a fruit fly. To explore the question, Kohl and his postdoc Brian Trevelline (A&S '08), now at Cornell University, gave 30 mice...
https://www.sott.net/article/467056-Gut-bacteria-might-be-responsible-for-your-food-cravings
Gut bacteria might be responsible for your food cravings
Eggs or yogurt, veggies or potato chips? We make decisions about what to eat every day, but those choices may not be fully our own. New University of Pittsburgh research on mice shows for the first time that the microbes in animals' guts influence what they choose to eat, making substances that prompt cravings for different kinds of foods. "We all have those urges — like if you ever you just feel like you need to eat a salad or you really need to eat meat," said Kevin Kohl, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. "Our work shows that animals with different compositions of gut microbes choose different kinds of diets." Despite decades of speculation by scientists about whether microbes could influence our preferred diets, the idea has never been directly tested in animals bigger than a fruit fly. To explore the question, Kohl and his postdoc Brian Trevelline (A&S '08), now at Cornell University, gave 30 mice...
https://www.sott.net/article/467056-Gut-bacteria-might-be-responsible-for-your-food-cravings
