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Journalist: To end war ------

prosecute UK, US officials

who wage(d) it illegally


October 22nd, 10:12pm (PressTV)


 


The world must finally put an end to the impunity of war


 criminals, by holding US and UK officials responsible 


for launching the illegal war on Iraq, done without


 the approval of the UN Security Council, and 


prosecuting them --- under the Nuremberg 


principles, US journalist Don DeBar said.


 


DeBar made the remarks in an interview with Press TV while


commenting on a report which has revealed that the British


military inquiries into abuse against Iraqi nationals... have


been closed without a single prosecution being brought,


even though the credibility of many "shocking and 


shameful incidents" during the war in the Middle 


Eastern country, have been confirmed.


 


British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement 


this week that the Service Police Legacy Investigations, 


which was looking at claims of abuse in Iraq, had now 


"officially closed its doors."


 


In March 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant


 violation of international law and under the pretext of 


finding WMDs; but no such weapons were ever 


discovered in Iraq.


 


More than one million Iraqis were killed - as the result of


 the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq


--- according to the California-based investigative 


organization, Project Censored.


 


The US war in Iraq cost US taxpayers $1.7 trillion with


 an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war
veterans, expenses that could grow to more than
$6 trillion over the next four decades counting
interest, according to a study called Costs of
War Project  ---  by the Watson Institute for 


International Studies at Brown University.


 


DeBar told Press TV that the Iraq war 


was illegal from the very beginning.


 


"It is illegal for a nation to make war on another nation if it 


does not have the approval of the UN Security Council, if 


any of those nations are signatories to the original UN 


Charter. And it’s been adopted - that happened with 


the US, as a charter member of the UN -- and it was 


approved by the US Senate in the 1940s.

Consequently, the US involvement in Iraq from
the beginning, and the UK involvement in Iraq
from the beginning, was illegal,” he said.


 


“And under the Nuremberg standards, which would then


 apply, each and every death consequent – intentional 


or not - to either US or UK military action there, or 


condoning of the US action there, by the media 


or public officials, or any act facilitating that, 


is an individual war crime. And, by the way,


 there’s a death penalty for that,” the 


journalist noted.


 


“No one will prosecute these people. That’s why I started


 with the word impunity. And we might bookend with that


 because that’s the problem. And until the world puts an


 end to that impunity, until the world sees the major 


contradiction in all international relations, is US, 


UK, and EU imperialism, then it’s going to 


continue until this eats our species,” 


he stated.


 


A damning White House memo had revealed details of the


 so-called “deal in blood” forged by former British Prime


 Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush


 over the Iraq war.


 


The document, titled “Secret... Memorandum for the


 President”, was sent by then-US Secretary of State 


Colin Powell to President Bush on March 28th,
2002, a week before Bush’s summit with Blair
at his Crawford ranch in Texas.


 


The sensational memo, revealed that Blair had agreed to


 support the war a year before the invasion even started


 while publicly, the British prime minister was working
to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.


 


The document also disclosed that Blair agreed to act as a


 spin doctor for Bush and convince a skeptical public that 


Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had Weapons of Mass


 Destruction, which actually did not exist.


 


In response, Bush would flatter Blair and give the 


impression that London was not Washington’s 


poodle but an equal partner in the


 “special relationship.”


 


Powell told Bush that Blair “will be with us” on the 


Iraq war, and assured the president that “"the UK 


will follow our lead in the Middle East."


 


Blair has always denied the claim that he and Bush 


signed a deal “in blood”, at Crawford, to launch a 


war against Iraq that began on March 20th, 2003, 


that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.


 


The Powell memo, however, showed how Blair and 


Bush secretly prepared the Iraq war plot behind 


closed doors at Crawford.


 


Powell told Bush: “He will present to you the strategic, 


tactical and public affairs lines, that he believes will 


strengthen global support for our common cause.”


 


Image: People hold up a banner as they protest against Israel at the entrance of the International Criminal Court.

 People hold up a banner as they protest 


against Israel at the entrance of the 


International Criminal Court.


















 000000000000000000000000000000000


 
 

Israeli Occupation Shin Bet Chief 

Endorses Law ----- to Execute 

Palestinian Prisoners

November 21st, 5:55pm

(al Manar)

 

In a tense meeting of the Israeli occupation entity’s political-

security cabinet on Thursday, Shin Bet Director David Zini 

claimed that passing a law to execute Palestinian 

prisoners “would create deterrence.” 

 

The remarks came as lawmakers advanced a bill—initiated by 

far-right so-called “National Security” Minister Itamar Ben‑

Gvir — through its second and third readings.

 

According to Haaretz, which cited a source familiar with the 

closed‑door discussions, Minister David Amsalem pressed 

Zini ...on whether such executions would strengthen 

deterrence. Zini replied - that the measure would 

be “a highly deterrent tool,” adding that while 

he would not enter “political or legal 

considerations” ....the security 

service views the proposal

 as effective.

 

Shift in Shin Bet Position

 

Zini reportedly informed the government that the Shin Bet now 

supports the death‑penalty bill for Palestinian prisoners —

marking a sharp departure from the long‑standing 

opposition of previous Shin Bet chiefs.

The newspaper quoted security officials 

claiming the shift... was not driven 

by the change in leadership but 

by what they described as “a 

changed security reality.”

 

They argued that earlier resistance stemmed from fears that 

Palestinian groups would retaliate by killing Israeli captives 

but asserted — according to the paper’s sources — that 

with “no living hostages remaining in Hamas custody,” 

such concerns no longer apply, and that Israel can 

now “advance a law that deters attackers,” 

using their terminology.

 

The source added -- that the army’s representative told the 

cabinet the IDF Chief of Staff saw.... “no objection” to the 

legislation, provided the death penalty not be mandatory. 

 

Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs 

reportedly endorsed that position.

 

Internal Warnings and Far-Right Push

 

During the meeting, Minister Gila Gamliel cautioned that 

such a law ...could potentially allow the execution of 

Jewish citizens. Ben‑Gvir dismissed the concern, 

insisting executions would target “anyone 

acting against the rise of the Jewish 

nation,” in his words. 

 

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added that “a Jew working for 

Iran and committing murder against Israel could be executed.”

 

The debate highlights the increasingly extreme direction of Israeli 

policy discussions, with the proposed legislation drawing broad 

condemnation from Palestinian and human rights advocates, 

who warn it would deepen the occupation’s longstanding 

abuses and further entrench a system of apartheid 

and state violence.

 

 

Source: Al-Manar Website

 

 

________________________________________

 




President Aoun to EU Representative: Lebanon 

Fully Complied with Ceasefire Agreement,

 “Israel” Continues Violations

November 21st, 4pm

(al Manar)

 

President Joseph Aoun affirmed Lebanon’s readiness to 

deepen cooperation with the EU, telling EU Special 

Representative for Human Rights Kasja Ollongren

during a meeting at Baabda Palace this morning 

attended by EU Ambassador Sandra de Waele -

that Lebanon “welcomes any support the EU

can provide across all sectors - especially 

as UNIFIL prepares to withdraw in 2027.”

 

The president stressed that an EU presence in the south would 

“positively support the Lebanese Army’s ongoing deployment 

south of the Litani River to the international border” and
help oversee arrangements related to “the withdrawal
of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory.”

 

Lebanon’s president noted that nearly a full year has passed since

 the announcement of the cessation-of-hostilities agreement, 

“which Lebanon has fully upheld,” while the Israeli enemy

 “continues to violate the accord and expand its 

aggression beyond southern villages.” 

 

He condemned the Israeli enemy’s refusal to implement 

UN Security Council Resolution 1701, pointing to its 

attacks on residential buildings, civilian state 

facilities, and its construction of a border 

wall beyond the Blue Line - “violations 

confirmed in UN reports.”

 

President Aoun called on the international community, 

particularly the EU, to exert pressure on the Israeli 

occupation “to end its assaults on Lebanon and 

comply with the cessation of hostilities.”

 

In response to a question, he reiterated that “Lebanon 

remains committed to the government’s decision on

 the exclusivity of arms.”

 

On reforms, the president emphasized that “these 

measures are first and foremost a Lebanese 

priority,” noting that the government, in 

coordination with Parliament, has 

completed several reforms and 

continues its work on others, 

particularly in the financial 

and economic sectors.

 

He reaffirmed his “clear position” on holding parliamentary 

elections on schedule, thanking the EU, for its decision to 

deploy an observation mission, as it has done in previous 

electoral cycles. He also expressed appreciation for the 

ongoing support provided by EU countries—collectively 

and individually — to the Lebanese Army, stressing
that it serves European interests ...as well.

 

Ollongren conveyed the EU’s “satisfaction with the achievements 

made since the beginning of President Aoun’s term,” reaffirming 

that the EU will continue supporting Lebanon across the

development, social, and educational sectors.

 

Independence Day Greetings

 

Separately, President Aoun received congratulatory messages 

from several heads of state on the 82nd anniversary of 

Lebanon’s independence.

 

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his country’s steadfast 

support for Lebanon and its people, extending his “warmest 

congratulations and best wishes to the Lebanese people 

for greater development and prosperity.... in an 

environment of security and stability.”

 

He praised the “bonds of genuine brotherhood and effective 

solidarity” between the two nations and expressed hope 

for deeper bilateral cooperation.

 

Congratulatory messages also arrived from Iranian President 

Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Matamela Cyril 

Ramaphosa, Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and 

Gabonese President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

 

 

Source: Al-Manar Website




 

__________________________________________


 



Hezbollah Affirms Right of Resistance, 

Rejects External Dictates 

on Independence Day

November 21st, 2:06pm

(al Manar)

 

Hezbollah underlined on Friday Lebanon’s legitimate right to defend 

its land and resist the occupation, as it voiced full rejection of all 

forms of subordination and external dictates on the 82nd 

anniversary of the country’s independence.

 

In a statement on the occasion, the resistance group’s Media

 Relations called to compel the Israeli enemy to implement 

the ceasefire agreement and Resolution 1701.

 

“This year’s Independence Day comes --- while Lebanon is subjected 

to Israeli aggression and US sanctions targeting its land, people, 

and resources, and amidst a delicate and sensitive phase the

 region is going through,” the statement, carried by 

Al-Manar, read.

 

Hezbollah hailed the Lebanese people’s sacrifices --- for 

the sake of the country’s independence and liberation.

 

“In their struggle to gain independence and liberate their land from 

the occupation, the Lebanese people -- offered countless martyrs 

and profound sacrifices. Through their unity, solidarity, cohesion, 

steadfastness, and resistance, they were able to transform 

national independence into a unifying occasion, under 

whose banner - all components and factions of the 

Lebanese people unite so that Lebanon remains

 free, sovereign, and independent, rejecting 

subservience to any foreign power.”

 

It stressed that maintaining independence, amidst storms 

threatening Lebanon and the region is the responsibility
of all Lebanese, and “requires a spirit of resistance
against occupation and aggression.”

 

“Maintaining independence - also requires upholding the equations 

that forged independence, defeated the Zionist enemy on May 25, 

2000, shattered its might in the July 2006 aggression, prevented 

it from achieving its objectives in the 2004 aggression, and 

thwarted the Takfiri terrorism project in 2017,” 

the statement added.

 

In this context... the Lebanese resistance group called for 

“strengthening national unity, solidarity, and cooperation 

among all Lebanese, regardless of their affiliations, as 

these are the fundamental pillars for confronting 

Israeli aggression, preserving Lebanon’s 

independence, and safeguarding 

its dignity.”

 

Hezbollah also urged rejecting “any form of subordination and 

external dictates, as Lebanon’s independence --- can only be 

achieved by rejecting and confronting any external project.”

 

“We demand upholding Lebanon’s strengths and not relinquishing 

them - in order to preserve its national rights,” the group added.

 

It also called for “all possible, immediate efforts 

to compel the Israeli enemy to implement the 

ceasefire agreement and Resolution 1701.”

 

The group demanded efforts by the Lebanese State in order to urge 

the guarantor states to pressure the Israeli enemy to cease its 

aggression and to work by all means to end the occupation.

 

Lebanon’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 

22nd to commemorate the nation’s full independence from the 

French Mandate in 1943. This day marks the end of French 

control and is a national holiday, marked by military 

parades, official ceremonies, and celebrations... 

across the country.

 

On Friday, Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun and 

Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal, visited the 

Benoit Barakat Barracks in Tyre, southern Lebanon,

 marking the occasion.

 

 

Source: Al-Manar English Website

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

Lebanon: President Aoun, Army Commander 

Visit South Lebanon on Independence Day

November 21st, 12:09pm

(al Manar)

 

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun and Army Commander 

General Rudolph Haykal visited the Benoit Barakat Barracks in 

Tyre, southern Lebanon, marking the 82nd anniversary of 

Lebanon’s independence.

 

An official ceremony was held in their honour at the barracks, 

where music was played was played. President Aoun, and

General Haykal ......were received by Brigadier General 

Nicolas Tabet, commander of the South Litani Sector.

 

Following the reception, a meeting was held to discuss the 

security situation, Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, 

and the army’s missions in the region.

 

The president and the army commander had arrived in Tyre 

by helicopter --- escorted by two army helicopters --- and 

landed at the helipad near the Tyre Tourist Rest Area.

 

Addressing the ceremony, President Aoun hailed the Lebanese 

Army’s steadfastness, stressing that the national army 

“remains committed to defend national dignity, 

sovereignty, and independence.”

 

“The Lebanese army offers martyrs and pays no heed 

to campaigns of defamation, doubt, and incitement.”

 

The president hoped that the “next year’s Independence Day will

 come with the entire South liberated and the Lebanese flag 

alone raised on its borders, the symbol of sovereignty

 and national dignity.”

 

For his part, General Haykal addressed President Aoun, saying: 

“We reaffirm before Your Excellency ---- our commitment to 

preserving Lebanon, its sovereignty and independence, 

and protecting its civil peace.”

 

Lebanon’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 

22nd, to commemorate the nation’s full independence from the 

French Mandate in 1943. This day marks the end of French 

control and is a national holiday, marked by military 

parades, official ceremonies, and celebrations 

....across the country.

 

 

Source: Al-Manar English Website

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

‘Israel’ Can’t Survive a Week in War 

with Iran - Without US Backing

November 21st, 12:09pm

(al Manar)

 

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, 

stated on Friday that the Israeli regime lacks the military 

capability to confront Iran independently --- for even a 

week, emphasizing that its survival in a recent war 

was solely due to US and NATO support.

 

Addressing a gathering of Basij voluntary forces at the Imam 

Khomeini Mausoleum, Ghalibaf reflected on a 12-day war in 

June involving ‘Israel’ and the United States. He declared 

that the regime was “punished” during this aggression 

and ultimately defeated by the Iranian people, and 

their armed forces.

 

Ghalibaf argued that the true source of the Islamic Republic’s 

power is not its missile arsenal but its popular support. “If 

the people’s hearts are with us, we are the strongest 

country,” he said. “But if they are not, our missile 

launches will not be as effective as they were.”

 

He provided a narrative of the war, stating, “Apart from the damage 

we sustained on the first day, on the sixth day of the war, the US 

vice president [JD Vance] was seeking to negotiate a halt to 

the war through talking to the Iranian foreign minister.” 

 

The Parliament Speaker concluded, “The enemy entered 

with military force, and we warned and punished him 

with military force.”

 

Following its military failure, Ghalibaf asserted that the enemy 

has continued its animosity through other means, primarily 

by waging psychological warfare to drive a wedge 

between the Iranian people and the 

Islamic Establishment.

 

He stressed that maintaining public support is the essential 

strategy for continuing to defeat the enemy successfully.

 

 

Source: Tasnim and Mehr news agencies

 

 

_________________________________________

 

 

 

Two Palestinian Youths Martyred 

in Israeli Occupation Army Raid

 Near Jerusalem

November 21st, 10:08am

(al Manar)

 

Two Palestinian teenagers ------- were shot and martyred by Israeli 

occupation forces during a military raid in the town of Kafr Aqab, 

located north of Jerusalem, in the early hours of Friday.

 

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the deceased as 

18-year-old Amr Khaled Ahmed Al-Marboo and 16-year-old 

Sami Ibrahim Sami Mshayekh.

 

Earlier in the day, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported 

that its medics had responded to the scene and treated two 

individuals with critical gunshot wounds, one of whom 

was shot in the chest.

 

Local witnesses stated that the incident began when Israeli 

occupation soldiers entered the town, deploying snipers 

on rooftops across several neighbourhoods. 

 

The sources reported that the troops opened live fire on residents, 

resulting in the two fatalities and injuring a third person.

 

 

Source: Agencies (edited 

& translated by Al-Manar 

English Website)

 

 

________________________________________

 

 

 

Singapore Sanctions 4 Israelis 

---- over West Bank Violence

November 21st, 10:08am

(al Manar)

 

Singapore on Friday imposed financial sanctions and entry bans 

on four Israeli individuals - over their involvement in acts of 

violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

 

Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry named the four Israelis, saying 

in a statement that they “have been involved in egregious acts of 

extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.”

 

“Such actions are unlawful and undermine and jeopardize 

prospects for a two-State solution,” the statement said, 

reiterating Singapore’s view - that Israeli settlements 

in the West Bank are illegal under international law.

 

The presence and expansion of these settlements “will make it 

much harder to arrive at a viable two-State solution,” it said.

 

“As a firm supporter of international law and the two-State solution, 

Singapore opposes any unilateral attempts to change facts on the

 ground through acts which are illegal under international law,” 

it added, urging the Zionist entity to “restrain acts of settler 

violence and to hold the perpetrators accountable.”

 

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan announced in 

parliament in September that leaders of Israeli settler groups 

would be sanctioned.

 

All four individuals have previously 

been sanctioned --- by the EU.

 

More than 1,076 Palestinians have since been martyred, and 

10,700 injured in attacks by the army and illegal settlers in 

the occupied West Bank. More than 20,500 people have 

also been arrested.

 

In a landmark opinion in July 2024, the International Court of 

Justice declared Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory 

illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in 

the West Bank and East Al-Quds (Jerusalem).

 

 

Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)

 

 

_____________________________________

 




General Haykal on Independence Day: 

Lebanon Will Overcome Through 

Unity and Army Strength

November 21st, 9:07am

(al Manar)

 

On Friday, Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph 

Haykal addressed the nation in his “Order of the Day” 

speech, commemorating the 82nd anniversary of 

Lebanon’s independence.

 

“Soldiers,” he began, “this year’s Independence Day commemorates

 a struggle waged by the Lebanese people for eighty-two years. 

United in the face of immense difficulties, they secured their 

right to a final homeland—a nation that unites them under 

its flag as brothers in identity and belonging.”

 

He reflected..... that these decades have been “filled with pivotal 

moments and challenges that have tested the Lebanese people, 

leaving a mark on the nation. Yet, each time, they have 

overcome these trials and pressed forward in their 

endeavour to build a better future ----- for

 themselves and their children.”

 

The General then turned to the present, stating, “Today -- our nation

 is witnessing a critical phase, one of the most difficult in its history. 

This comes amidst the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and 

ongoing attacks and violations that result in martyrs and wounded, 

prevent the army’s full deployment --------- and cause widespread 

destruction to property and infrastructure.”

 

On Army Deployment and Sacrifice

 

General Haykal detailed the army’s efforts, explaining that since the

 cessation of hostilities agreement came into effect, the army “has 

exerted tremendous efforts, despite limited resources and 

ongoing crises, to implement its plan.” 

 

He emphasized the work to “strengthen its deployment in the 

southern Litani sector and extend state authority over all its 

territory.” This is being done, he said, “in accordance with

 the Lebanese government’s decision and in full 

compliance with Resolution 1701, in close 

coordination with the United Nations 

Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) 

and the Committee.. overseeing 

the cessation of hostilities.”

 

“In this context,” he continued, “the military institution -- has made 

immense sacrifices, with many of its members falling as martyrs 

or being wounded for the sake of the nation.” He affirmed that 

the army “has remained steadfast in its positions despite 

perilous circumstances, to preserve Lebanon’s right to 

sovereignty over every inch of its land,” and vowed 

that it “will spare no effort or drop of blood to 

achieve this goal, in addition to supporting 

the return of displaced persons.... to

 their villages.”

 

These efforts, he stressed, “necessitate close support from state 

institutions within a comprehensive national effort — providing 

resources, improving conditions for military personnel, and 

creating the necessary conditions for restoring stability.”

 

The General assured that the leadership is “fully aware of the 

exceptional circumstances surrounding the implementation 

of the army’s plan, which is proceeding according to 

schedule.” He stated that these circumstances 

“necessitate the utmost wisdom, prudence, 

firmness, and professionalism ---- all in 

service of the national interest, and 

civil peace, far removed from any 

other considerations.”

 

A Multifaceted Mission and a Call to Duty

 

General Haykal added that, “in parallel --- the army continues to 

combat terrorism, pursue those who disrupt security, and fight 

drug trafficking across various regions.” He also highlighted 

its role in securing “the northern and eastern borders and 

Lebanese territorial waters, and working to prevent 

smuggling, in coordination with the relevant 

Syrian authorities.” 

 

Efforts are also underway... he noted, “to enhance the army’s 

capabilities through ongoing communication with brotherly 

and friendly nations, seeking to deepen cooperation 

through their initiatives to support the institution.”

 

In his concluding remarks to the soldiers, General Haykal declared,

 “Soldiers, adhere to national values and be vigilant in 

safeguarding the nation’s security and stability. 

Know that the army is like a solid structure, 

strong in the strength of all its soldiers, 

and steadfast in their resilience.”

 

He continued --- with a powerful tribute: “You are the pulse of the 

nation, and your dedication to duty is one of the most important 

pillars of Lebanon’s continuity. You are the ones who sacrifice 

for your people, confronting danger for every grain of sand of 

our precious land -- until its liberation -- so that the memory 

of our independence... may be complete.”

 

He emphasized, “Persevere in performing your duty, paying no 

heed to campaigns of doubt, slander, and rumours. Know --- 

that you are always on the side of right.”

 

A Message to the Lebanese People

 

Finally, General Haykal addressed the citizens of Lebanon: “To the 

Lebanese people, I say: Remain as we have always known you, 

standing by your army, for it is your guarantee in times of 

hardship. Your trust is the foundation for its continuity, 

and your internal unity is the foundation for 

Lebanon’s revival.”

 

He concluded, on a note of solemn resolve: “On this Independence 

Day, we renew our faith in Lebanon. We remember with reverence 

and respect our righteous martyrs, and we affirm that the 

challenges will not overcome our will. Our nation will 

overcome this stage ---- thanks to the unity of its 

people ---- and the steadfastness of its army.”

 

 

Source: Al-Manar English Website


























Image: Mikhail Suslov's Birth Day

 

  Today, November the 21st, in 1902,

 

Mikhail Suslov,

 

Second Secretary of the 

Communist Party of the

Soviet Union,

 

is born.

 

Mikhail Andreyevich Suslov -- was Senior Secretary of

Ideology of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

 

He died in January 1982, (aged 79).

His resting place, the Kremlin Wall

Necropolis, in Moscow,

 

His spouse, Yelizaveta Alexandrovna

- who worked as the Director of the 

Moscow Institute for Stomatology

- died in 1972, after suffering ill 

health, uncomplainingly, 

for decades. 

 

They successfully raised two children.

Revoly (born 1929), named after the 

Russian Revolution, and a second 

child, Maya (born 1939), named 

after May Day.

 

Suslov's Alma mater was the Plekhanov 

Russian University of Economics.

 

Born in rural Russia in 1902 -- Suslov became a member of the 

All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) in 1921 and studied 

economics.. for much of the 1920s. He left his job as a 

teacher in 1931 to pursue politics full-time, and was 

one of the many Soviet politicians who took part 

in the clearing out of deviationists begun by 

Joseph Stalin's government. 

 

He was made First Secretary of Stavropol Krai administrative

 area in 1939. During World War II, Suslov headed the local 

Stavropol guerrilla movement.

 

After the war --- Suslov became a member of the Organisational 

Bureau (Orgburo) of the Central Committee -- in 1946. In June 

1950 he was elected to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. 

From 16 October 1952 onwards he was a full member of the 

19th Presidium of the CPSU. 

 

In the ensuing shuffle of the Soviet leadership following Stalin's 

death.. Suslov lost much of the recognition and influence he 

had previously earned. However, by the late 1950s, he had 

risen... to become the leader of the party opposition to
First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev. 

 

When Khrushchev was ousted, in 1964, Suslov supported the 

establishment of a collective leadership. He also supported 

inner-party democracy, and opposed a re-establishment of

one-man rule, as seen in the Stalin and Khrushchev eras. 

 

During the Brezhnev era, Suslov was considered to be 

the party's chief ideologue and second-in-command. 

 

Suslov was awarded several decorations and medals during his life; 

among them were two Hero of Socialist Labour awards, five Orders 

of Lenin, one Order of the October Revolution and one first degree 

Order of the Patriotic War. The USSR Academy of Sciences 

awarded Suslov the Gold Medal of Karl Marx. Suslov was 

awarded the highest state awards --- of the German 

Democratic Republic, the Mongolian People's 

Republic, and the Czechoslovak 

Socialist Republic.

 

 

Below are Suslov's own words, taken from his

preface to 'Selected Writings and Speeches' 

published in 1980, by Pergamon Press.

 

https://archive.org/details/SuslovSelected

WritingsSpeeches/page/n1/mode/2up




The centenary of Lenin’s birth (1970), the 50th, and then the 60th 

anniversary (1967/77), of the Great October Socialist Revolution 

in Russia, which radically changed the destiny of our country &

the life of the people, had enormous international significance.

 

In the Soviet Union, such red-letter days, are marked as great 

national holidays. On those days the Soviet people not only 

commemorate with profound respect the great historic 

events of the past. They review their achievements 

in economic and cultural development - in raising 

their living standards, in the struggle for peace, 

and analyse the shortcomings still existing. 

 

I have sought to show the process of the gigantic work performed 

by the Soviet people - in transforming the backward Russia of the 

past into a flourishing land and in building a developed socialist 

society. On this path --- our people have experienced the joy of 

great accomplishments and the bitterness of severe losses. 

 

I have followed this path together with the multimillion Soviet 

people and the Communist Party. Wherever I happened to 

work — in a poor village in the heart of Russia, in 

scientific and educational institutions -- as a 

Party executive in the Don area - and the 

Northern Caucasus, in Lithuania and in 

the Central Committee of the CPSU 

— I was invariably with the Party 

and the people.''









 

‘Worst gift ever’ ----- Global calls mount 

to boycott Reebok over sponsorship 

tied to Israeli settlements

November 11th, 12:06pm

by Maryam Qarehgozlou

 

When a global sportswear name appears on the kit of a regime 

waging a genocidal war, the sneakers in shop windows stop

 being just shoes — they become symbols.

 

Reebok, a US footwear and clothing brand, is finding itself at the

 centre of a growing international storm, over its sponsorship

of the Israel Football Association (IFA).

 

For Palestinian athletes and human-rights campaigners, the deal 

crosses a line: a multinational brand is lending prestige — and 

heaps of money — to an association embedded in an 

occupation that kills and displaces Palestinians 

daily in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

 

The result has been a coordinated global call for a boycott 

and a “Day of Action” on November 22, urging consumers

 to turn their purchases ---- into political pressure.






Anti-Israel protesters holding a banner in Dublin, Ireland, calling on UEFA and FIFA to ‘show Israel the red card’.


Irish football body votes --- 

to seek Israel’s ban: from 

European competition

November 8th, 7:26pm

 (PressTV)

 

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) ....has overwhelmingly 

passed a resolution calling on the Union of European Football 

Associations (UEFA) ---------- to suspend Israel from all

international competitions.

 

The resolution, proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, says that 

the Israel Football Association (IFA) failed to enforce an 

effective anti-racism policy and continues to organize 

clubs in Israeli settlements in the occupied West 

Bank without the consent of the Palestinian 

Football Association.

 

The motion passed Saturday with 74 votes in favour, seven 

against, and two abstentions, according to the FAI. The 

association confirmed that it plans to submit a formal 

motion to UEFA’s executive committee requesting

---------  Israel’s immediate suspension from 

its competitions.

 

The Irish resolution --- follows similar calls from the Turkish 

and Norwegian football associations, which urged Israel’s 

suspension from international competitions.

 

These requests came after United Nations experts - appealed to 

FIFA and UEFA to act, citing a UN Commission of Inquiry report 

that concluded Israel ------ was actively committing genocide 

against Palestinians.

 

In a letter to the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, the experts 

described banning Israel as “imperative” and urged the football 

governing body and its members to “fulfil their legal and moral 

obligations to uphold international law --- and move forward 

with an immediate and complete ban of Israeli football.”

 

The letter highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s actions 

on football in Gaza as at least 421 Palestinian footballers have 

been killed since the regime launched its war on the 

Palestinian territory in October 2023.

 

 

__________________________________________



Microsoft - forced to block Israel’s use of its 
cloud, AI... in mass spying on Palestinians

September 27th, 10:20am

 (PressTV)

 

US tech giant Microsoft has been forced to terminate the Israeli 

military’s access to some of its services ------ which the illegal 

regime uses for espionage activities and data surveillance 

against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza and the 

occupied West Bank.

 

Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, confirmed in a 

blog post that the company had “ceased and disabled a set of 

services” to a unit within the Israeli ministry of military affairs

------- in response to an August 6 joint investigation by The 

Guardian, +972 Magazine, and the Hebrew-language 

outlet Local Call.

 

The investigation revealed that following a 2021 meeting between 

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Israel’s Unit 8200 leader Yossi 

Sariel, an agreement was reached -- to collaborate on moving 

large volumes of ''sensitive'' intelligence material into the 

company’s Azure platform.

 

The probe revealed that Unit 8200, the Israeli military’s notorious 

spy outfit in charge of carrying out clandestine operations and 

collecting signal intelligence, used Microsoft’s Azure cloud 

computing platform to store phone call data obtained 

through mass surveillance in war-torn Gaza and 

the occupied West Bank.

 

The joint investigation said the spying unit, equipped with Azure’s 

near-limitless storage capacity and computing power - had built

 an indiscriminate new system allowing its intelligence officers 

to collect, play back, and analyze the content of cellular calls

 .....of the entire Palestinian population.

 

According to several sources, the enormous repository of 

intercepted calls – which amounted to as much as 8,000

terabytes of data – was held in a Microsoft data centre

--- in the Netherlands.

 

Sources familiar with the matter, said Microsoft told Israeli officials

 late last week that Unit 8200 had violated the company’s terms of 

service by storing the vast trove of surveillance data in its Azure 

cloud platform.

 

The decision brings to an abrupt end a three-year period 

in which the spy agency operated its surveillance 

program using Microsoft’s technology.

 

Although the initial focus of the spying system was the occupied 

West Bank, where an estimated three million Palestinians live 

under Israeli military occupation - intelligence sources were 

reported to say the cloud-based storage platform had been 

used in the Gaza war......... to facilitate the preparation of 

deadly airstrikes.

 

The revelations highlighted how Israel, in cahoots with major US 

technology companies, used their services and infrastructure

----- to bomb Gaza, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians,

mostly civilians, and creating a humanitarian crisis.

 

US technology giant Microsoft plays a significant role and is 

complicit in the Israeli regime’s genocidal war on the Gaza 

Strip by providing the occupying entity with advanced 

artificial intelligence (AI) tools, finances, and 

workforce, says a recent report.

 

Last month, Quds News Network said in a report - that Microsoft is 

among the most prominent global technology companies that has

 established a strong and influential presence, in the Israeli war 

on Gaza.

 

Microsoft was reported to have employed over 1,000 former Israeli 

soldiers and officers in its offices within the occupied territories, 

with many also working in its global branches.

 

Investigations based on leaked employee records reveal 

that more than 300 former Israeli spies currently work

 at Microsoft, according to the report.

 

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide 

in the Gaza Strip by killing, starving, and displacing 

Palestinians, ignoring international calls and 

orders from the International Court of 

Justice - to halt it.

 

The genocide has left 65,549 dead and 167,518 injured, most of 

them children and women. Over 11,000 people are missing, in 

addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and

 a famine that has claimed more than 210 lives.

 

 

_______________________________________________






UN blacklist updated: 68 more companies 


linked to illegal activities - in Israel


September 26th, 6pm


(africanews)


 


The United Nations has significantly expanded -------- its blacklist of 


companies accused of contributing to human rights violations 


against Palestinians  ---- through their activities in
Israeli settlements.


 


The UN added 68 new companies from 11 countries


 to its database, bringing the total to 158 firms.


 


The list, first established just under a decade ago, 


predominantly features Israeli companies - but 


also includes major Western companies from
the US, Germany, Spain, and many others.


 


The update - primarily targets firms in construction, 


real estate, mining, and quarrying - ruling their 


operations supportive... of settlements that 


are illegal ------ under international law.


 


Notable additions, include Germany's Heidelberg 


Materials and Spain's Ineco, while travel giants


 like Expedia and Airbnb - remain listed.


 


This update arrives at a politically sensitive time, as 


some European nations have recently recognized a 


Palestinian state in protest of Israel's military 


actions in Gaza.


 


It also follows Israeli threats of the annexation


of the West Bank and its approval of more


new ''settlements''.


 


The UN human rights office stated it urges businesses to 


conduct due diligence ---- to avoid human rights abuses.


 


However, the list is a symbolic tool from the UN Human 


Rights Council, says africanews ---- lacking power to 


enforce compliance.


 


Rhondda Records adds: unless others find 


the UN list -- and boycott those firms on it.


 


 


_________________________________________

 
Edinburgh --- to become first Scottish city 


to boycott Israeli regime over genocide


September 26th, 3:35pm


 (PressTV)


 


Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, has aimed to become the first 


Scottish city to boycott the Israeli regime over its ongoing 


genocidal war against  Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.


 


City Councillors voted on Thursday in favour of a motion.. which 


moves the capital closer to implementing Boycott, Divestment 


and Sanctions (BDS) against the Zionist regime: in opposition 


to the Gaza genocide.


 


Green Councillor Ben Parker said the Council.. took a step towards 


ensuring that no public money is being used to support the regime.


 


“The people of Edinburgh have repeatedly voiced their solidarity 


with the people of Palestine, and Green Councillors have long 


been trying to find ways to turn that solidarity into practical 


actions against the Israeli regime," Parker said. 


 


“BDS is one way of doing this, but local councils have previously 


been blocked from taking this action against Israel ...due to an 


outdated piece of legislation," he added. 


 


“As we approach two years of continued bombardment, torture and 


mass starvation of Palestinians, it seems bizarre to be debating 


motions about regulations and process," Parker said. 


 


“But we’re hoping that the move by the Scottish Government will 


allow Edinburgh to follow suit and take real, practical steps 


towards a free Palestine --- so, we need clarity on exactly


what it means for local government procurement rules." 


 


Meanwhile, former co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie, 


said, "We fully support our Green Councillors motion, and we hope 


that Edinburgh will lead the way in taking action to boycott Israel."


 


“There is a role for every level of government in taking action and 


showing true solidarity with the Palestinian people who are 


subjected to horrific killing and dehumanisation by 


Israeli military forces," he said. 


 


“Scotland must divest from any Israeli-linked companies and arms 


dealers who profit from the state-sanctioned genocide in Gaza," 


he stated.  


 


“The Scottish Government has already voted in favour of our 


proposals, and now they must explain how they will carry


 them out, and how they will work with local councils 


to enable them to do the same.”


 


The Greens hope to use the international sanctions and boycotts to


 pressure the Israeli regime into ending the genocidal war against 


Gaza ---- and uphold its responsibilities to international law.


 


Scottish Conservatives, who are opposed to the move, 


labelled the motion as “warped” and “anti-Semitic”.


 


Jackson Carlaw, a former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, 


claimed Edinburgh residents expect the city Councillors to be 


focused on menial jobs -- like emptying their bins and filling 


potholes, instead of putting forward legislation aimed at 


ending the suffering and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 


 


Since the Israeli regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza in 


October 2023, at least 65,502 Palestinians, mostly women 


and children, have been killed.


 


The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for 


Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war 


minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against 


humanity in Gaza.


 


The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at 


the International Court of Justice (ICC) for its 


crimes in the besieged Palestinian land.


 


 


__________________________________________





Eurovision body to vote 

- on Israel's expulsion

by Steven McIntosh

Entertainment reporter

September 26th, 12:54pm

(by the state owned BBC)

 

Share

 

The organisation behind the Eurovision Song Contest has 

confirmed it will hold a vote on whether or not Israel 

should be allowed to participate next year.

 

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed it will

 invite 68 member countries to give their view at a 

general assembly meeting in early November.

 

A decision will be taken by a simple majority, meaning that

 if more than 50% of members vote to exclude Israel, 

the country will not take part in 2026.

 

Israel's continued participation in Eurovision has been 

controversial due to the ongoing ''war'' in Gaza, and 

several countries have already called for 

their exclusion.

 

The EBU confirmed all 68 member countries will be 

invited to vote, including broadcasters who don't 

take part in Eurovision, such as Tunisia, Egypt, 

Turkey, Algeria, Jordan and Lebanon.

 

Recently, countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, 

Slovenia, Iceland and Spain, have all said they will 

drop out of Eurovision ...if Israel is not banned.

 

The Irish broadcaster, RTÉ, said that Ireland's participation

 in the event "would be unconscionable given the ongoing 

and appalling loss of lives in Gaza".

 

The Dutch public broadcaster, Avrotros, said it too could 

no longer justify Israel's inclusion "given the ongoing 

and severe human suffering in Gaza".

 

However, Israel's public broadcaster Kan said it should be 

allowed to take part, adding it was "one of the contest's 

longstanding, popular and successful participants".

 

In the UK, Eurovision is broadcast by the BBC. Last week, 

the corporation's director-general Tim Davie said he was

 "aware of the concerns" ....around Israel taking part.




Rhondda Records adds:

 

It's amazing that a violent colonizing apartheid state 

managed to sneak into this European competition, 

as Israel........ is such a long way from Europe. 

 

 

__________________________________________________

 


Chile rejects new purchases of weapons 

and military equipment ------ from Israel

September 24th, 11:45am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Minister of Defense of Chile, Adriana Delpiano, affirmed today 

that there will be no more purchases of weapons and military 

equipment from Israel when current contracts expire, and 

pointed out the importance of diversifying this line.

 

The official announced  ----- that there are meetings with 

representatives from other countries, including Spain 

and the UK, to convert them into new suppliers.

 

Delpiano said it is “an issue that has nothing to do with 

the quality of the weapons being fulfilled, but has to
do ....with another situation».

 

During his recent June 1 Public Account, President Gabriel 

Boric said the country will no longer depend on Israeli

industry ------ in all fields.

 

Along these lines...... he reported that he instructed the head of 

Defense to develop an urgent technological diversification plan.

 

During a conversation with Diario de Cooperativa, the minister said 

this Wednesday that when certain equipment is purchased, there 

is a dependency in terms of technical assistance, and the

purchase of spare parts and devices.

 

He made reference to the Israeli radars used by the Chilean 

Armed Forces and assured that there are other nations 

interested in working with Chile in the future, when

 the current contracts end.

 

He added that in December the Space Centre will be 

inaugurated, where they will build satellites without 

Israeli technology, but based on elements 

tendered in various countries.

 

A recent publication by academic Gabriel Rivas in the Centre

 for Journalistic Investigations indicates that, of Chile's total 

military spending, only a small proportion goes to the 

import of supplies from the Middle Eastern State.

 

However, they include sensitive equipment such as drones, 

Galil assault rifles, multiple launch systems, anti-tank 

guided missiles, radars, missile boats, and others.

 

 

___________________________________________________



Spain approves embargo on

 arms trade with Israel

September 23rd, 11:11am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Council of Ministers of the Government of Spain today 

approved implementing the arms embargo on Israel, a 

measure that is added to others, in rejection of the 

genocide in Gaza.

 

It was the Minister of Economy, Commerce and Business, Carlos 

Body, who was in charge of commenting on the announcement 

to the media regarding the Royal Decree Law, which 

coincidentally was accompanied in parallel by a 

minute of silence for the victims of Gaza in 

the Congress of Deputies..

 

“(...) urgent measures are adopted against the genocide in Gaza 

and to support the Palestinian population (...) We consolidate 

the total arms embargo on Israel’, the Corps highlighted.

 

In this way, the total arms embargo on Israel is legally established 

and prohibits the trade of products from the occupied Palestinian 

territories, which establishes that exceptions can be applied to 

safeguard the general national interest, he added.

 

Likewise, he stressed - that the Royal Decree-Law is ‘a forceful and 

pioneering step’ and another example of the political commitment

of the Government and Spain's leadership to be able to achieve a 

just peace and lasting in the area, and that ‘the genocide stops”.

 

Going deeper into the issue, the Corps explained that the 

consolidation of the total arms embargo on Israel, the 

ban on exports to Israel and imports originating in 

Israel of all defense material and dual-use 

products or technology - are essential.

 

In addition --- the denial of the transit request for aircraft fuels 

with possible military use in Israel, which were not included 

until now in the Foreign Trade Control Regulation, they are 

today... included.

 

Another aspect is the prohibition of importing products originating 

from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory 

and finally the prohibition of advertising for the marketing of 

goods originating from these settlements..... of services 

provided in them.

 

The head of the Economy pointed out that the Government is 

committed to reporting to Congress every quarter, of which

he trusts that he will give his support to this package of 

sanctions within a deadline of 30 days.

 

On the other hand, Spain firmly maintained this Tuesday its will to 

preserve the security and protection of the humanitarian flotilla 

that brings humanitarian aid to Gaza ------- while rejecting

 Israel's threats.

 

In a statement released by the Spanish Foreign Ministry and 

endorsed from New York by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 

José Manuel Albares, the Iberian nation confirmed that 

it will provide all diplomatic and consular protection 

to the Sumud Global Flotilla.

 

The diplomat recalled the peaceful and humanitarian nature 

of this civil society initiative and assured that “we will

 react to any act that violates their freedom of 

movement, their freedom of expression 

and international law”.

 

 

_______________________________________




Over 1,300 Artists Pledge Boycott 

of Israeli Film Institutions ---- 

as Gaza War Escalates

September 9th, 5:58am

(teleSUR)

 

More than 1,300 artists, among them Mark Ruffalo, Riz 

Ahmed, and Tilda Swinton, have pledged to cut ties 

with Israeli film institutions accused of complicity

 in violations against Palestinians.

 

More than 1,300 artists, including high-profile Hollywood actors 

and filmmakers, have pledged to withdraw from Israeli film 

institutions accused of supporting violations against 

Palestinians, as Israel’s war on Gaza enters its 

23rd month.

 

The initiative, announced Monday, brings together figures such 

as Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda 

Swinton, and Javier Bardem. Their statement condemned 

what they called the “unrelenting horror” in Gaza, where 

Israeli attacks have killed over 64,000 Palestinians and 

devastated most of the enclave.

 

“Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid who refused 

to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, we pledge not 

to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film 

institutions – including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and 

production companies – that are implicated in genocide and 

apartheid against the Palestinian people,” the 

declaration read.

 

The signatories defined complicity as “whitewashing or justifying 

genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government 

committing them.” The pledge also cited International Court 

of Justice findings that the genocide case against Israel is 

legally plausible -------- and reaffirmed the illegality of the 

occupation of Palestinian territory.

 

Human rights groups, academics, and UN experts have repeatedly

 accused Israel of committing genocide, one of the gravest war 

crimes defined by the United Nations as acts carried out “with 

intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical,

 racial or religious group.”

 

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mike Lerner described the initiative 

as a “non-violent tool” to challenge impunity. “It is the 

responsibility of every independently minded artist 

to use whatever powers of expression they 

possess to support the global resistance 

to overcome this horror,” he said.

 

The boycott reflects a shift within an industry long known for 

pro-Israel narratives. Hollywood.. once produced films such 

as the 1960 feature Exodus that glorified Israel’s founding, 

and has frequently embedded positive references to the 

country in mainstream productions. Yet recent years 

have seen actors and directors, openly criticize 

Israeli policies, often at a professional cost.

 

In 2023, Susan Sarandon, who signed the current pledge, was 

dropped by her talent agency after attending a Palestine 

solidarity rally. Actress Melissa Barrera, another 

signatory, lost her role in the Scream franchise 

following social media posts critical of Israel.

 

At the same time, Palestinian stories are gaining visibility. In 

March, the Israeli-Palestinian co-production No Other Land,

 documenting the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the 

occupied West Bank, won the Academy Award for 

best documentary feature. In September, The 

Voice of Hind Rajab — recounting the final 

calls of a five-year-old Palestinian girl.. 

before she and her family were killed 

by Israeli forces — received a 23-

minute standing ovation at the 

Venice Film Festival.

 

The artists’ statement concluded: “As filmmakers, actors, film 

industry workers, and institutions, we recognise the power 

of cinema to shape perceptions. In this urgent moment of 

crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the 

carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can, to 

address complicity in that unrelenting horror.”

 

The collective action -- adds cultural weight to mounting calls for 

accountability, as artists mobilize their influence to challenge 

Israel’s conduct in Gaza and spotlight Palestinian voices on

 the global stage.

 

 



Image: No thanks to Israeli goods App

The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott
of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.

Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow
by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!


Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposed World War One.

His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.



VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV




ROGER WATERS
TO MUSICIANS:-
"BOYCOTT ISRAEL"

Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter,
 calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist
Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural
boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.

“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments
 [to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters …
 to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists
 around the world, to declare a cultural boycott
on Israel,” Roger Waters says in his letter.

Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of
 major breaches of human rights and international law
 by international organizations, UN officials and the
International Court of Justice.

He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been
 identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including
 in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of
ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).

Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott,
 Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the
 Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and
 Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7
 years, and now wants other musicians to also join
the anti-Israeli front.

“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global
 civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in
 Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform
 or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from
 any institution linked to the government of Israel, until
 such time as Israel complies with international law
and universal principles of human rights.” 

The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently
 faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th,
 2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.

In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist
 regime’s violations of the international law and the lack
 of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian
 people from achieving their inalienable rights,
especially  the right of self-determination.


____________________




AT THE FACTORY


Tickets from


www.wegottickets.com/thefactory

www.ticketweb.co.uk

browse venues in Wales

www.ticketlineuk.com

02920 230130

Cash tickets from:

The Factory, Porth
Instrumental Music, Penygraig
Spillers Records, Cardiff


For more details visit


www.factoryporth.com
www.facebook.com/TheFactoryVenue
Twitter @TheFactoryPorth
01443 687080


***********************************************



Daytime Delights...

Starts at 1pm

The Parc & Dare, Treorchy


Lunchtime Concerts in the Lounge Bar.


Indulge in a delicious cake and a cup of tea
while enjoying music and sing-along songs
from fantastic Welsh musicians.


Ticket information:

The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:

08000 147 111
or book online at

www.rct-arts.co.uk 


 *************************************************



Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...

7pm - 9pm


Tonyrefail Comprehensive School
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club

has been running for over 30 years.

We meet on a regular basis

& enjoy making models for display.

We encourage both Gentlemen

and Ladies to attend,
and also young people aged 12+.

However, Young people under 16,
must be accompanied by an adult.


Ticket information

£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free


Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658



************************************************



 Comedy In The Laughter Lounge


The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.


COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE


Join us once a month in the intimate setting
of the Laughter Lounge for some
top notch comedy with some of the
biggest and brightest
rising comedians on the circuit.

Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!


Hilarious - TimeOut.



www.rct-arts.co.uk






Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's
vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring,
and socialist.

A Rhondda very aware of the media's poisonous
tricks -- how they con working class people into
attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often,
even their best allies and friends... instead of
seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate
the very idea that working people can think,
create, or achieve a fairer society.

Thatcher said her proudest achievement was
Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in
careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop
local Labour members having a say, and
who made genuine socialist MPs leave
the Labour party in disgust and many
members and voters to despair...
and the young to stop voting.

Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because
he was trying to reverse all that New Labour
corruption --- that's why membership was
flooding in all over the UK.


______________________________________


Get Involved!

– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’,
take this online survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/857YMDK


or this one:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0du5YuhPZ8ahI
oxC_b6pvBprmGA4XFdG-0r2dOVYyc4UNFg/viewform?c=0&w=1


– Request all your own data that
the Labour Party holds on you:

http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy


_______________________________________



IF - YOU THINK you HAVE
BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:

“Any member who is suspended & intends
to appeal the decision should throw in a
 ‘Subject Access Request in accordance
with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL
 data that the Labour Party hold on them.

The Labour Party are Data Controllers and
 therefore have to, by law, provide you with
 all material/information they hold on you.”

If anyone is in contact with anyone who
was barred from voting --- please can
you pass this info on:

The Labour leadership election was under the
jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.

If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you
can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge
 your complaint, and inform them of your
Data Protection request.

https://www.electoralreform.co.uk

The notification letters barring new members
did not give a clear reason, or information on
how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that
 anyone in this situation, could also contact
 Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com

She is a barrister --- who can
advise members on what to do.



**************************************


PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?

A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs,
caused a massive drop in support among
 voters with similar backgrounds, reveals
 research seeking to explain why support
has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.

The study says past leaders like Kinnock
 and Blair made a concerted effort to pick
 “more and more middle-class candidates
to run for office, during the 80s and 90s,
 as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which
had initial successes at the ballot box.

But this “conscious electoral strategy”
stored up problems, as working-class
 voters who initially, just didn’t vote in
response, now seek an alternative.

The solution? Trust each constituency to put
forward its own candidates, and don't impose
 ‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.


Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist"  MPs who, for
decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic
organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are
now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards
cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda...
- and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.

‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide
to Reselection and Democratic Accountability
by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:

http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i-
deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to-
reselection-and-democratic-accountability/

CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS'
LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!

Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP,
was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup
started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST
go, because it was the ONLY way to
act in the Labour Party's interest...


Chris Bryant's voting record:
from TheyWorkForYou.com

On Tuition Fees:

On 27 Jan 2004:
Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition
fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to
£3,000 per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees
 to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000
 per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable
university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000
per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250
per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees
to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000
per year, and to make other changes to higher
education funding and regulation arrangements.

On 14 Sep 2004:
Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition
 of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance
grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income
homes, and changes to the country's higher
education system.

On 14 Sep 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal
Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.

On 25 May 2016:
Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's
Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies
- Further Rises in University Tuition Fees


On Human Rights:

Consistently voted for introducing ID cards

Almost always voted for requiring the mass
retention of information about communications

Generally voted for mass surveillance of
people’s communications and activities


On the Environment:

Generally voted against greater regulation
 of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract
 shale gas


On Special Interests:

Almost always voted against limits
 on success fees paid to lawyers in
no-win no fee cases

Generally voted against a
statutory register of lobbyists


On War or Peace:

Generally voted for use of UK military
 forces in combat operations overseas

Consistently voted for the Iraq war

Consistently voted against an
 investigation into the Iraq war

Generally voted for replacing Trident
 with a new nuclear weapons system

On 2 Dec 2015:
Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria
[without UN authorisation]

On 2 Dec 2015:
Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria
[without UN authorisation]


On Independence:

Generally voted for more EU integration

____________________________
   

Chris Bryant Labour MP
From Wikipedia

(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant
1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John
Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John
Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John
Bryant MP.)

Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh
 father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where
 his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.

He was educated at Cheltenham College, an
independent school for boys in the spa town
of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he
was captain of the school swimming team,
and Mansfield College at the University of
Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with
 a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English.
 This was later promoted to a Master of
Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.

After completing his first degree, Bryant began
 training to be a priest in the Church of England
at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire.
There, he obtained a degree in theology.

Although a member of the Conservative
 Party, and an elected office-holder in the
 Oxford University Conservative Association,
he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after
leaving Oxford.

He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in
1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of
 All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989;
then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough,
as well as travelling in Latin America.

In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after
deciding that being gay and being a priest,
were incompatible. Statements made by
 Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford,
 also influenced his decision.

After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant
worked as the election agent to the Holborn
 and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party,
 where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat
 in the 1992 general election.

From 1993, he was Local Government officer
for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and
 was elected to Hackney Borough Council in
1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of
the Christian Socialist Movement.

 He is both a member of the Labour Friends
 of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine &
 the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was
 London manager of the leader-grooming
 "charity", Common Purpose.

 He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the
 1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes),
and Head of European Affairs for the BBC,
from 1998.

His selection for the very safe Labour seat of
Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many
 people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex-
Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory,
while studying at Oxford, and a member now,
of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' ---
 described by The Guardian newspaper as
 'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO
and pro-military intervention, as well as
being fundamentally anti-socialist.

 Fifty-two people applied for the candidature
and a local councillor was hot favourite to
 win, before Bryant was parachuted in.

In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his
 underpants, which he had posted to a gay
 dating website, was published in 'papers.

When an interviewer suggested he was
 a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied:
"They can't get rid of me."


His pay, allowances and some expenses:

The basic annual salary for an MP, from
April 1st, 2016 is £74,962.  MPs also get
 expenses: to cover the costs of running
 an office, employing staff, having some-
where to live in London, plus, in their
constituency and travelling between
 Parliament and their constituency.


His MP's expenses story:

Chris Bryant changed second home
 twice to claim £20,000: the deputy
leader of the House of Commons,
 "flipped" his second home twice,
 in 2 years, allowing him to claim
 almost £20,000 for renovations
 and fees.

Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over
 £92,000 of expenses between 3 properties
 in Wales and London --- within five years.

In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to
 overhaul his second home in Wales, after
allegedly complaining that properties in
his constituency were "terrace or mine
 owners' houses".

Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman,
wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen,
 and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the
 detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.

 He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for
 £58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum.
 He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.

His alleged justification was disclosed... in
 correspondence between Commons officials.
 By email, an official wrote: "He had problems
finding a suitable property because in the
Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced
 property or mine owners' houses." When
approached by the Daily Telegraph,
Mr Bryant said: "I have never said
 or thought anything of the sort".

 In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000
 for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004.
Along with other bills, his annual claim was
 £20,902.

In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in
 west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April
 2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage
 interest, along with other bills. After claiming over
 £3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005
 for £477,000.

Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive
 flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000.
 He immediately flipped his second home expenses
 there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal
fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.

He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month
on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000
 a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.

In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second
home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.

Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in
 London, so as to be closer to Parliament."

Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that
at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place
– a move one Labour backbencher described as
“a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:

“Our investigation found that many of the MPs
 bought their London properties with the help of
the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system
 allowed them to claim back mortgage payments.
But when those claims were banned, following
 the expenses scandal, they switched to letting
out their properties, in some cases for up to
 £3,000 a month. They then started claiming
 expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”

Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow
leader of the House of Commons. He had already
 bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and
 claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage
claims under the old system.

But after the expenses scandal, he started renting
the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate
 agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent
 at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved
 into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.


Image: Russian scientists and Scottish ones



Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range
secure quantum communication system.

A group of scientists from ITMO University
 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed
a new approach to constructing quantum
communication systems for secure data
exchange.

 The experimental device based on the results of the
 research is capable of transmitting single-photon
 quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs
 or more, which is on par with its cutting edge
analogues, the ITMO press-service says.

"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create
 a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system,
that will generate & distribute quantum keys
 and transmit useful data simultaneously",
 ITMO says.

Information security is becoming more and more
 of a critical issue not only for large companies,
banks and defense enterprises but even for
small businesses and individual users.

But the data encryption algorithms we currently
 use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the
 long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless
 of how complex and intricate the algorithm is,
 getting around it, is just a matter of time.

Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems
 that protect information, by making use of
 fundamental laws of quantum physics, can
make data transmission totally immune to
 hacker attacks, in the future.

Information in a quantum channel is carried
by single photons that change irreversibly
 if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them.
The legitimate users will instantly know
 about any kind of intervention.


Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre
 of the International Institute of Photonics and
 Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni.,
Russia, along with their colleagues from the
Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have
 devised a new way to generate and
 distribute, quantum bits.

This makes it possible to share quantum signals
--- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.

"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so-
called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim,
head of the Quantum Information Centre, 
at ITMO University,

 "This unique approach gives us a number
 of advantages -- such as a considerable
simplification of the device architecture
 and the large pass-through capacity of
the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate
 and operating distances, our system is
comparable to absolute champions in
the field of quantum communications."

According to Robert Collins, research associate
 at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences
 at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors
of the study, this may become a pivotal point for
 the whole field of quantum communication and
 cryptography:

 "Down the track, this new approach can enable
 smooth coexistence of numerous data streams
 with different wavelengths in one single optical
 cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can
 be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines
 --- along with conventional communications."

The research paper is published
in the Optics Express journal.


Scottish universities are to be
congratulated for their strong
& growing links with Chinese
and Russian universities....

What a shame, that Wales is
lying low --- with academics
too scared to break from
US military research.


Image: BRICS

Image: March 26 London anti cuts demo




KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES


Did you know that each time a local authority

closes a care home for the elderly, within 8

months, around half the residents are dead?

Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect
to euthanasia of the UK's elderly.
What to do?


We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:

EDM 2251: The contents


This House notes with deep concern the worsening
crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local
authority and private care homes face closure

Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly
people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and,
in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when
vulnerable, elderly people are forced to
leave their homes

Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis
will increase needs for local authority care

And therefore calls on the government to
hold a public inquiry into the deaths after
closures, of local authority care homes,
and impose a moratorium on the closure
of local authority care homes, until that
inquiry publishes its results, to ensure
that vulnerable, elderly people's lives
are not put at further risk.


************************************************


MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES


Households across three more English areas
will be able to access superfast broadband
in the latest phase of a Government scheme
to connect rural homes and businesses.

The £50 million funding package for Devon and
Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million)
and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out
of superfast broadband services unable to
be reached by the market alone.

Areas will also receive financial support from
their local authorities and private investors,
the Department for Culture, Media and
Sport says.


So it's Broadband Heaven for England...

and crapola for Wales' broadband - the

slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!


Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a
pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet,
in Scotland, their campaign centred on it
becoming the "most connected country in
Europe," to massively boost their economy.

In Wales, which political party is now
willing to put into practice scientists'
recommendations:  that Wales' hilly
topography requires establishing

free 'wireless' broadband?

It could connect the people of Rhondda and the
world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration,
like no other move. Wireless technology is now
supplying free broadband to an entire island
off New Zealand's coast.



Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!



Image: China's rapeseed blossoms this Spring.

Western China has embraced "green-mode
development" - with painful changes
from which, Wales could well learn.

Eastern China has seen fast growth and
urban mess. The West, a mining and
agricultural area, has not.

Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model
for reclaiming old mining areas.

It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing
the world how best to change, by turning a
badly polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all
new environment-friendly development.

As China's economic focus moves from east to
west, it's using the lessons learned during 30
or more years of rapid industrial development.

The green way for China's west, is to combine
green industrialization & green urbanization.

The western region's strategy is to adopt
effective energy-saving and environmental
protection technologies... AND to extend
its industry through science and products
unique to China's West, together with strong
vertical growth in agriculture and all its
ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.

In undertaking this industrial revolution, the
western region will keep a sharp eye out - to
avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.


*********************************************


A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!

Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing
season in Yunnan province, in China.

Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.

Local beekeepers and many from other places,
such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up
their base in tents among the rapeseed farms.

The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in
Luoping attract myriads of bees, which
produce 15 - 20 million tons of honey a year.

Local people now look to brand their county
as a honey production base & increase sales
to outside markets.

Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair,
Zhu Hongkun, founded his enterprise in 2009.

It mainly produces honey, propolis and
propolis powder.

His company works with 270 plus beekeepers,
who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.

Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.

Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?

The whole of the uplands of south Wales could
be as beautiful & productive, if used wisely!


Image: retirement China style




CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD

As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos",
perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting
all our mineral wealth has been stopped (apart
from sand and rock) we find ourselves "in" the
1st World of the UK, but with a 3rd World
economy, only just kept going by quangos
which promise much... but deliver little...
and rely on weak public support.

We could WAKE UP & understand that we either
do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.

China's premier points the way forward for Wales:

"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by
developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative
and high value added products can our companies
and economy, achieve sustainable development."


*************************************************


WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO
STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...

An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese
news portal, finds that 91% of its over 800,000
respondents, are against raising the current
official Chinese retirement age.

745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose
raising retirement ages -- 72,456 support it.

China's scholars & the public have been debating
whether to raise the retirement age, for the past
few years, but the issue rose to prominence after
remarks by an official.

Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the
Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security,
said at a press conference that the government
was "studying the matter"...

The retirement age in China is generally set
at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.

Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!



Image: unemployment in Wales


FARMING AND SCIENCE
COULD REGENERATE WALES


A new UN General Assembly report warns
"vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each
year, and that this could lead to unrest.

 The report says up to 30 million hectares,
 an area the size of Italy, is lost each year
to environmental degradation, industry &
 urbanization - the growth of cities - and all
because of speculative building and greed.

 The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter,
 gives the example of eastern Africa, where
the amount of cultivated land has declined
by half --- in just one generation! "

As rural populations grow and competition
with large industrial units increases, plots
cultivated by smallholders are shrinking
year after year," says De Schutter.

 "Farmers are often relegated to soils that
are arid, hilly or without irrigation."

 The UN officer also mentions India as another
example, where the average landholding fell
from 2.6 hectares in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in
2000. A cut of nearly half in 40 years!

He says 500 million small farmers suffer
from hunger, partly because their right to
land is being violated.

The expert warns of the devastating
consequences, as foreign investors
compete for larger and larger areas of
the world's land for "their" agriculture.

 Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild
its new economy by basing it on a fresh
approach to high-value added products,
using science and agriculture... such as
 the Altzeim project in Gwent.

 What have we got to lose?



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