2021-02-14: News Headlines

Online News Editor (2021-02-14). Germany closes borders with Austria, Czechia amid coronavirus variant fears. laprensalatina.com Berlin, Feb 14 (efe-epa).- Germany on Sunday closed its borders with the Czech Republic and Austria to non-German nationals and residents in an effort to control the spread of new, virulent variants of coronavirus. People traveling for family reasons, those who cross the border for work, truckers and healthcare staff will be exempted from the …

Jake Johnson, staff writer (2021-02-14). GOP Refusal to Convict Trump Is 'A Clarion Call for Eliminating the Filibuster,' Says Ro Khanna. commondreams.org "Dear centrist Democrats, you couldn't even get 10 GOP votes to convict the guy who sent a mob to kill you all. You think you can get them to vote on issues like immigration/climate? Come on," said one progressive activist. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12310903051.jpg

yenisafak (2021-02-14). Three PKK terrorists killed in northern Iraq. yenisafak.com Three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq were neutralized by Turkish drones, according to the Turkish National Defense Ministry on Sunday."3 PKK terrorists spotted in the Gara region in northern Iraq… trying to escape with a paramotor were neutralized by our UAVs," the ministry said on Twitter.The total number of terrorists neutralized in the region has reached 53, it added.Turkey launched Operation Claw-Eagle 2 on Feb. 10 to prevent the PKK/KCK and other terror groups from re-establishing positions used to carry out cross-border terror attacks. The operation was completed on Sunday.Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-…

yenisafak (2021-02-14). Bodies of 13 Turkish civilians found in N.Iraq terror cave. yenisafak.com Bodies of 13 Turkish civilians were found during Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, according to the Turkish defense chief on Sunday."While our activities in the Operation Claw-Eagle 2 zone were continuing, the mortal remains of 13 citizens were found in a cave," said Hulusi Akar at the operations center on the border in southeastern Sirnak province.He said the innocent and unarmed Turks were shot dead — one in the shoulder, and the rest in their heads."According to the information by two terrorists who were captured alive, our citizens were martyred by the 'cave manager' before the start of the an…

yenisafak (2021-02-14). World condoles with Turkey over terrorist PKK execution. yenisafak.com Turkey received condolences from around the world over a terror attack where 13 Turkish citizens were found martyred by the PKK terrorist organizations in the Gara region of northern Iraq.Bodies of 13 Turkish citizens were found during Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, according to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Sunday.Turkey launched Operation Claw-Eagle 2 on Feb. 10 to prevent the PKK/KCK and other terror groups from re-establishing positions used to carry out cross-border terror attacks.Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were initiated last June to ensure the safety of Turks, and Turk…

yenisafak (2021-02-14). Turkey neutralizes 3 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq. yenisafak.com Three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq were neutralized by Turkish drones, according to the Turkish National Defense Ministry on Sunday."3 PKK terrorists spotted in the Gara region in northern Iraq… trying to escape with a paramotor were neutralized by our UAVs," the ministry said on Twitter.The total number of terrorists neutralized in the region has reached 53, it added.Turkey launched Operation Claw-Eagle 2 on Feb. 10 to prevent the PKK/KCK and other terror groups from re-establishing positions used to carry out cross-border terror attacks. The operation was completed on Sunday.Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-…

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-14). Afghan FM appreciates Iran's aid in containing tanker blast. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 14 (MNA) — Afghanistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his sincere appreciation for the timely action and cooperation of Iranian authorities in controlling the fire, preventing further damage and opening border caused by blast.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-14). Iran, Iraq's KRG emphasize removing problems on joint borders. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 14 (MNA) – Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) stressed the need for removing problems on joint borders.

UUSF Forum (2021-02-14). Sunday 2/21: How to Achieve a Complete, Inclusive Immigration Reform: Moral and Economic Foundation. indybay.org Join Zoom Meeting | zoom.us/j/2200241232?pwd=aCt1dWI0OGxUdUxjeUJ5K0xSY09uUT09 | Meeting ID: 220 024 1232 | Passcode: 328697 | One tap mobile | +16699006833,,2200241232#,,,,*328697# US (San Jose) | +12532158782,,2200241232#,,,,*328697# US (Tacoma) | Dial by your location | +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) | +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) | +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) | +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) | +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) | +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) | Meeting ID: 220 024 1232 | Passcode: 328697 | Find your local number: zoom.us/u/aewRgNxSvl

RT (2021-02-13). Ho-ho-hiss: Chinese troops in EXOSKELETONS deliver New Year presents to Himalayan outpost (VIDEO). rt.com The Chinese military has shown off its recently delivered exoskeletons, using them to deliver Lunar New Year supplies to a remote border outpost in Tibet. Beijing is rapidly adopting the pioneering technology. | A report on Saturday by the state broadcaster CCTV showed the new passive exoskeletons in use, helping to bring some festivity to Friday's celebrations. The troops strapped on the smart-braces to get an extra oomph for the last leg of a supply run in China's Ngari Prefecture. | The area is noted for including some parts of the Chinese-Indian border territory that is a matter of dispute between the t…

yenisafak (2021-02-13). At least 30 militants dead in mosque blast, claims Afghan army. yenisafak.com At least 30 militants died when landmines they were preparing exploded in a mosque in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province, authorities said on Saturday.The dead include 24 Taliban insurgents and six foreign militants, the Afghan National Army's 209 Shaheen Corps said in a statement.The explosion occurred when the insurgents were making landmines during a training session in a mosque in Qiltaan village in the restive Dawlatabad district of the province bordering Uzbekistan, the statement said.The Taliban, however, refuted the claim, saying in a statement that a landmine exploded inside an empty room and there we…

MEE and agencies (2021-02-13). Massive fire engulfs fuel trucks on Iran-Afghanistan border. middleeasteye.net Massive fire engulfs fuel trucks on Iran-Afghanistan border | More than 500 trucks carrying natural gas and fuel were burned in the blaze, Iranian officials said | Sat, 02/13/2021 – 22: 07 | The inferno was powerful enough to be spotted from space (Reuters) | Dozens of oil and gas tankers carrying millions of dollars' worth of fuel caught fire on Saturday, creating an inferno at Afghanista…

sputniknews (2021-02-13). Republicans Slam Biden's Return to 'Catch and Release' for 25,000 Asylum Seekers. sputniknews.com US immigration services have seen a rise in the number of new arrivals in recent weeks, while the latest migrant caravan of up to 9,000 people marching from Honduras is yet to reach the southern border.

yenisafak (2021-02-13). Massive fire engulfs Afghan port bordering Iran. yenisafak.com A massive fire broke out on Saturday in a dry port in western Afghanistan, officials said.The fire engulfed scores of oil and gas tankers in the Islam Qala Port bordering Iran.Herat province's Governor Sayed Abdul Wahid Qatali said the reason of the fire and damage caused by it could not be immediately assessed. However, he added, the blaze was so big that neighboring Iran was asked for help in controlling it.Mohammad Rafiq Sherzai, spokesman for the Health Department, told Anadolu Agency that at least 10 people with fire burns were rushed to the public hospital. He feared the casualties could rise.Visuals circul…

yenisafak (2021-02-13). Surrendered terrorist accounts for heinous PKK attacks. yenisafak.com A terrorist who recently surrendered to Turkish security forces accounted for heinous attacks of the PKK terror group.One of the many terrorists surrendered through persuasion efforts by the gendarmerie and police teams in coordination with the Interior Ministry, identified by the initials A.D., 31, laid down his arms and gave in to security forces in the southeastern Sirnak province's Habur border crossing.The terrorist testified as part of an investigation launched by the prosecutors in the southeastern Diyarbakir province and said he met someone 10 years ago over the internet who took him to the then-Peace and…

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-13). Iran to aid Afghanistan following explosion in border area. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 13 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted necessary measures to assist the injured people following the massive blast in a border crossing in Afghanistan.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-13). Iran, Nakhchivan mull over expansion of border interactions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 13 (MNA) — Islamic Republic of Iran and Autonomous Republic of Nakhchievan mulled over the expansion of border interactions.

Cronkite News Arizona PBS (2021-02-13). Auditor says Trump admin. knew 'zero-tolerance' would separate children from parents at border. juancole.com By Ryan Knappenberger | — ( Cronkite News) — WASHINGTON — Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions knew the Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" immigration policy would separate families at the border but moved ahead with it anyway, a Justice Department official told lawmakers this week. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz told the House Oversight and Reform Committee …

OtherWords (2021-02-13). Undocumented Americans need a Pathway to Citizenship; Biden's Plan is promising but needs swift implementation by Congress. juancole.com By Vanessa Meraz " — ( Otherwords.org) — Years of advocacy have made DACA the floor of what's possible, not the ceiling. By Vanessa Meraz | February 10, 2021 My father's tired eyes lit up in a way that I had not seen since my sister was born. "Esto nos podría cambiar la vida," he …

DXE (2021-02-13). Sunday 2/28: DxE Circle – Sanctuary Work Party. indybay.org 2785 Franklin Canyon Rd, Martinez, CA 94553-9617, United States…

RT (2021-02-12). 'Not tough enough'? Le Pen put in surprise position of DEFENDING Islam as Macron's interior minister attacks from the right. rt.com France's National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, oft-criticized for her party's positions on migration and Islam, was put in the unusual position of all but defending the minority faith amid a debate with Macron's interior minister. | Gerald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior for the ruling Republique En Marche party, slammed Le Pen as having gone "a little soft" on the issue of Islam in France as the pair debated on Thursday on the France 2 channel. | "You're not tough enough here," Darmanin told Le Pen. "If I understand you right, you're prepared to not even legislate on religion, and you say that Islam is not…

Staff (2021-02-12). Ralph Nader: Biden Must Hold Boeing Accountable for Deaths Due to Faulty Planes. truthout.org Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and…

Staff (2021-02-12). Where Are the Witnesses? Ralph Nader Says Democrats' Impeachment Case Is "Prescription for Defeat" democracynow.org As the historic Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump continues, we speak with longtime consumer advocate, corporate critic and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who says Democrats have set themselves up for defeat by rushing proceedings and failing to call witnesses — including Trump himself. "The narrow approach of the articles of impeachment keep the Democrats from having a full hand," says Nader. "They have like 10 arrows in their quiver and they're using one or two."

Staff (2021-02-12). Ralph Nader on Corporate Crime, Holding Boeing Accountable for 737 MAX Deaths & Biden's First Weeks. democracynow.org Legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader says the U.S. is experiencing a "corporate crime wave," and that the Trump administration's $2.5 billion settlement with Boeing over the manufacturer's faulty 737 MAX jets amounts to a "slap on the wrist." Boeing's faulty planes were involved in two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, including Nader's 24-year-old grandniece Samya Stumo. Nader says the Biden Justice Department should reopen the previous administration's settlement and hold Boeing fully accountable. "This is just another example of giant companies getting away with their corporate criminal…

RT (2021-02-12). DHS to bring over 25,000 asylum-seekers from Mexico after revoking Trump policy. rt.com The Biden administration is preparing to bring an estimated 25,000 asylum-seekers across the US border who had been waiting in Mexico under policies enacted to curb illegal immigration that have now been revoked. | The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to screen up to 300 people a day at two border crossings starting February 19, and an unspecified lesser number at a third, but declined to name the locations, fearing that might encourage a "rush," AP reported on Friday. | NEW: Hope rises in Matamoros, where more than 1,000 asylum-seekers live in tent camp and in apartments. Those waiting longes…

Teresa Gutierrez (2021-02-12). Immigration changes: What has Biden done so far? workers.org Duke university student Anthony Salgado said it best in an editorial for his university paper: "We need immigration revolution, not immigration reform." (tinyurl.com/y695qdw9) Unfortunately, the Democratic Party establishment is not able to grasp this concept. But immigrants have had enough of false promises. A caravan of thousands of migrants from . . . |

teleSUR (2021-02-12). US Will Allow Entry To 25000 Migrants Waiting for Hearings. telesurenglish.net The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that it would allow 25 000 migrants stranded in Mexico to enter the United States as they wait for their court hearings. | RELATED: | This is the latest decision by Joe Biden's administration to reverse Trump's migration policies. In 2019 the former U.S. president activated the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which forced at least 65,000 non-Mexi…

yenisafak (2021-02-12). ANALYSIS: Albania, Greece taking issue of maritime jurisdiction zones to The Hague. yenisafak.com The Greek move to double its waters, which drew criticism and sparked debates in Albania in recent months, raised questions about exclusive economic zones on Albania's continental shelf and determining the maritime jurisdiction zones between the two countries.- History of disputeThe first document establishing borders between Albania and Greece goes back to the 1912-1913 London Conference of Ambassadors. Later, on Jan. 25, 1925, a protocol establishing maritime borders was signed. The final judgment concerning Albanian maritime borders was drafted on July 30, 1926, at the Paris Conference of Ambassadors, signed b…

sputniknews (2021-02-12). Existing 3,600 US Troops to Remain on Border With Mexico Through Fiscal Year – Pentagon. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – An estimated 3,600 US troops will remain on the US border with Mexico through the current fiscal year, Defense Department spokesperson Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell told Sputnik.

_____ (2021-02-12). Border Agents Can Search Phones Freely Under New Circuit Court Ruling. popularresistance.org A US appeals court has ruled that Customs and Border Protection agents can conduct in-depth searches of phones and laptops, overturning an earlier legal victory for civil liberties groups. First Circuit Judge Sandra Lynch declared that both basic and "advanced" searches, which include reviewing and copying data without a warrant, fall within "permissible constitutional grounds" at the American border. | Lynch ruled against a group of US citizens and residents objecting to invasive searches of their electronic devices. The group includes Sidd Bikkannavar, a NASA scientist who was detained and pressured to unlock a…

Mary L Wentworth, Yoav Elinevsky (2021-02-12). Biden's Half Measures to End the War in Yemen are Not Enough. counterpunch.org The Saudis decided to enter an ongoing civil war in Yemen in 2015 for several reasons. The two countries share a long border at the southern end of their peninsula. This length of this border is matched by Yemen's coastline on the Arabian Sea, an access to ocean waters that Saudi Arabia does not have.

James Goodman (2021-02-12). Biden Must Not Let the Trump Legacy and 'Reviews' Frustrate Reform. progressive.org The President has been off to a fast start on immigration reform, but his reluctance to repeal Trump's border closures is contributing to the cruelty.

Peoples Dispatch (2021-02-11). Egypt reopens its Rafah border with besieged Gaza. peoplesdispatch.org Egypt announced that it has reopened its Rafah border with the blockaded Gaza strip, following the agreement reached between the Palestinian factions during talks being held in Egyptian capital Cairo. The Palestinian embassy in Cairo welcomed the decision, calling it a "result of intensive bilateral discussions and contacts between the Egyptian and Palestinian leaderships." The border was reportedly reopened on Monday. Travel between Gaza and Egypt has already begun with buses carrying Palestinian passengers seen crossing the border on Tuesday morning. Palestinians stuck in Egypt are able to go back to Gaza follo…

Staff (2021-02-11). "You Guys Are Not Immune": Modi Government Cracks Down on Independent Media Amid Farmer Protests. democracynow.org Indian farmworkers are continuing to take to the streets to demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeal three highly contested agricultural laws. Farmworkers say the laws, which seek to deregulate markets and allow large corporations to set prices, threaten their livelihoods. Dozens have died since the start of the protests, with many deaths caused by the harsh winter as tens of thousands of farmers have camped out in the cold on the outskirts of New Delhi and other parts of the country. The Modi government has come under harsh criticism for its response to the uprising as it raided the offices of the progressive…

teleSUR (2021-02-11). President Biden Eliminates Funding For Mexico-US Border Wall. telesurenglish.net U.S. President Joe Biden canceled on Thursday the Mexico-U.S. border wall's funding, one of Donald Trump's most expensive migratory policies. | RELATED: | Biden sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi repealing the 2019 national emergency declaration that allowed Trump to expand the wall by reallocating $600 million from the Treasury Department and $6.1 billion from the Defense Department to Homeland Security t…

Online News Editor (2021-02-11). Archbishop blesses immigration sculpture in Miami. laprensalatina.com Miami, Feb 10 (efe-epa).- Miami Archbishop Thomas Wensky on Wednesday blessed the "Angels Unawares" sculpture dedicated to immigration, which will remain in a city park until April 8 to inspire compassion and awareness about the needs of migrants and refugees. The story of humanity is the story of immigration and also of this city, said …

WSWS (2021-02-11). PSOE-Podemos facilitates fascist attacks on migrants in Canary Islands. wsws.org In leaked WhatsApp chats and videos, neo-fascists discussed plans to kill and maim migrant workers interned on Spain's Canary Islands.

yenisafak (2021-02-11). UN sends 71 truckloads of humanitarian aid to NW Syria. yenisafak.com The UN on Thursday sent 71 truckloads of humanitarian aid to northwestern Syria, where millions of people need assistance due to internal conflict.The trucks carrying supplies passed through the Cilvegozu border gate in Turkey's southern Hatay province.The aid will be distributed to those in need in Idlib and nearby rural areas.A civil war has ravaged Syria since early 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and displaced since then.Idlib falls within a de-escalation zone forged under an agreement between Turkey and Russia.*Writing by A…

Brett Wilkins, staff writer (2021-02-11). Advocacy Groups Sue Biden Admin. to Force Release of Trump-Era Family Immigration Detention Records. commondreams.org "Children should be able to grow up with their families, friends, and communities—not be detained based solely on their immigration status." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/detained.jpg

yenisafak (2021-02-11). At least 17 asylum seekers held in northwestern Turkey. yenisafak.com Seventeen asylum seekers were held by Turkish security forces in the northwestern province of Kirklareli, which borders Bulgaria, security sources said on Thursday.The Afghan and Syrian nationals were held by local gendarmerie forces in Kofcaz and Demirkoy districts near the border.According to insiders, the asylum seekers told Turkish forces that they crossed the border but were arrested by Bulgarian police and left on the Turkish side after being beaten and their valuables snatched.After routine medical checks, they were referred to the provincial Gendarmerie Command, and later transferred to the local repatria…

yenisafak (2021-02-11). Turkey 'neutralizes' 2 YPG/PKK terrorists in N.Syria. yenisafak.com The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the area of Turkey's cross-border anti-terror offensive Operation Peace Spring to disrupt peace and security in the region, the ministry said on Twitter.Turkish authorities use the word "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).In its more than 30-year terror campaign agains…

Online News Editor (2021-02-11). India, China agree on military disengagement from Himalayan border lake. laprensalatina.com New Delhi, Feb 11 (efe-epa).- India on Thursday said it reached an agreement with China on disengagement from a Himalayan lake after their months-long deadly military standoff in the disputed eastern Ladakh border region. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh told the upper house of the Indian parliament that the pact with the Chinese side "for disengagement …