Russia has the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, and most of it is controlled by the state-owned company Gazprom. But Gazprom has also built a global profile as a soccer sponsor. Good publicity for Gazprom means good publicity for Russia; since Gazprom is owned by the Russian state, domestic approval for the foreign energy provider can help build a reputation for Russia in places that might otherwise be wary of their creeping influence. And as Vladimir Putin pursues that influence abroad, building relationships with foreign business leaders using the sport of soccer has proven extremely useful.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Why this Russian gas company sponsors soccer teams
Russia has the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, and most of it is controlled by the state-owned company Gazprom. But Gazprom has also built a global profile as a soccer sponsor. Good publicity for Gazprom means good publicity for Russia; since Gazprom is owned by the Russian state, domestic approval for the foreign energy provider can help build a reputation for Russia in places that might otherwise be wary of their creeping influence. And as Vladimir Putin pursues that influence abroad, building relationships with foreign business leaders using the sport of soccer has proven extremely useful.
Are the US and Iran on the path to war?
We debate tensions between Washington and Tehran with a former Iranian diplomat and a retired US general.
In this episode of UpFront, we debate tensions between the United States and Iran with former Iranian diplomat Seyed Hossein Mousavian and former US Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt.
And in a special interview, we ask UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard about her investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and her report that suggests Mohammed bin Salman hacked the mobile phone of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
U.S. Senate Votes Against Witnesses In Trump's Impeachment Trial
The senators cast their votes by roll call, with everyone voting as expected. The Senate voted 51-49 against calling additional documents and witnesses in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
The Democrats and two Republicans — Mitt Romney and Susan Collins — voted to hear additional testimony. The remaining Republicans voted against the motion.
Senators will now be taking a recess for an undefined amount of time.
A Show Trial With No Show Or Trial
In The 1930's after Joseph Stalin won his power struggle for control of the Soviet Union over his rival Leon Trotsky. Stalin felt a need to fully consolidate his control of government. How do to that? Show trials. A series of trials were held in which those individuals or groups perceived as political rivals were put in the dock. Even the though the evidence and witnesses against the accused was tainted it mattered not. It was the spectacle that gave credence to the proceeding's allowing for the preordained outcome to be accepted.
For the last week there has been a trial in the U.S. Senate for the removable of Donald Trump from office except there's been no show or trial. One would think that Mitch McConnell having telegraphed the preordained outcome he would have at least put on a good show and provided phony evidence to help perpetuate the lie.
For the last week there has been a trial in the U.S. Senate for the removable of Donald Trump from office except there's been no show or trial. One would think that Mitch McConnell having telegraphed the preordained outcome he would have at least put on a good show and provided phony evidence to help perpetuate the lie.
Japanese second-hand store manager wows YouTube with one-man-band help-wanted ad
Who wouldn’t want to work with this band, especially when it’s all just one guy?
In the midst of Japan’s creative and musical commercials, it can be hard to stand out. Job advertisement don’t get much more unique than this help-wanted video, though.
In his cover of T.M. Revolution’s “White Breath,” Mr. Nagata, a branch manager for Japan’s Hard Off chain of second-hand stores, filmed himself playing a bunch of “junk” instruments and compiled them into one music video where it appears as if he is every member of the band.
The video was intended to advertise the store in general and the fact that they’re hiring new employees, but since it’s posting on January 12, it’s already garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.
▼ Even if you don’t understand Japanese, you’ll definitely remember the phrase, “Nagata desu.” (“I’m Nagata.”)
Six In The Morning Friday 31 January 2020
Trump impeachment: Major blow for Democrats in witnesses battle
US Democrats have been dealt a major blow in their efforts to call witnesses at President Trump's impeachment trial.
They needed four Republicans to vote with them to allow witness testimony, but one of the few wavering senators said he would not support the measure.
Lamar Alexander said the Democrats had proved Mr Trump acted inappropriately but it was not an impeachable offence.
The announcement paves the way for the possible acquittal of the president by the Senate as early as Friday.
Impeachment trial to end but its aftershocks will rock America
Updated 1226 GMT (2026 HKT) January 31, 2020
America's latest "national nightmare" will not end when Republicans vote to acquit President Donald Trump of high crimes and misdemeanors, possibly as early as Friday.
A mere four months after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered an impeachment inquiry and six after Trump's now notorious "do us a favor" call with Ukraine's President, Trump will get on with his term as the third US President to be impeached by the House of Representatives and not removed by the Senate.
Given Trump's political temperament, and the impending battle between the parties for control of the White House, it seems unlikely there will be a healing voice to help reconcile a divided country -- such as President Gerald Ford's, when he declared that "our long national nightmare is over" in the wake of Watergate.
Jeff Bezos met FBI investigators in 2019 over alleged Saudi hack
Amazon founder interviewed as FBI conducts inquiry into Israeli firm linked to malware
Jeff Bezos met federal investigators in April 2019 after they received information about the alleged hack of the billionaire’s mobile phone by Saudi Arabia, the Guardian has been told.
Bezos was interviewed by investigators at a time when the FBI was conducting an investigation into the Israeli technology company NSO Group, according to a person who was present at the meeting.
Reuters first reported on Thursday that the FBI was investigating the role of NSO in possible hacks of US residents and companies, citing four people familiar with the inquiry. Reuters also reported that the FBI had met Bezos in connection with the alleged hacking of his phone.
Plane carrying French citizens out of virus-hit Wuhan lands in south of France
A plane carrying around 200 French citizens evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan, epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, landed near Marseille on Friday, AFP reporters onboard the aircraft said.
The passengers, who will be placed in quarantine at a seaside holiday camp for two weeks, applauded as the plane touched down at the Istres military base.
None have shown any symptoms of the virus that has killed 213 people and infected nearly 10,000 in mainland China, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency.
None have shown any symptoms of the virus that has killed 213 people and infected nearly 10,000 in mainland China, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency.
German 'stalker' case shows why the life of a K-pop star is so stressful
In South Korea's high-pressure pop scene, many stars are asked to seem romantically available to their fans. Recently, a German man with a handful of love letters was stopped from accosting pop singer Nayeon on a plane.
An entertainment company in South Korea said it would take legal action against a young German man for stalking one of the country's biggest K-pop sensations, Nayeon.
The man has since left South Korea, but despite the warning, he has continued to post social media messages asking Nayeon to forgive him.
Using the Twitter handle Josh 1994, he has repeatedly expressed his "love" for the 24-year-old singer, one of the six members of all-girl band Twice. In dozens of Twitter messages and YouTube videos with Korean subtitles, he said that he wanted to contact her personally and give her gifts.
Amid tensions over Trump's plan, Israeli rockets target Hamas
Attack comes after three rockets reportedly fired from Gaza on Thursday, with no casualties on either side.
by Arwa Ibrahim
Israel struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday after three rockets were fired from the besieged Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said in a statement.
Two of the rockets fired on Thursday night were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile air defence system, while the third landed in an open area, the statement said.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Is Huawei a threat to cyber security?
The U.S. is pressuring allies in the West to ban Huawei. The Chinese tech giant provides world-leading technology for the next generation of mobile networks called 5G. However, the Trump administration has long accused Beijing of using it for spying. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wants Britain to rethink its decision to allow Huawei a limited role in building its 5G networks. He says Huawei equipment could jeopardise intelliegence-sharing with the U.S. and other members of the so-called Five Eyes security alliance - the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. So is Huawei a threat to cyber security? Or are there deeper reasons for Washington's mistrust?
Coronavirus Wuhan diary: Living alone in a city gone quiet
Guo Jing lives in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the heart of the outbreak of a new virus which has got the world worried.
Wuhan has been under lockdown since 23 January, to try to contain the infection. Transport is shut down, most shops and businesses closed, and people are being advised to stay at home.
Jing is a 29-year-old social worker and rights activist who lives on her own. For the past week, she has kept a diary, which she shares here with the BBC.
Thursday 23 January - the day of the lockdown
I didn't know what to do when I woke up and learned about the lockdown. I don't know what it means, how long it will last and what kind of preparations I should make.
There are a lot of infuriating comments [on social media]: that many patients cannot be hospitalised after diagnosis [because of a lack of places], that patients with fever are not properly treated.
Many more people are wearing masks. Friends have told me to stock up on supplies. Rice and noodles have almost sold out.
A man was buying lots of salt, and someone asked him why he was buying so much. He replied: "What if the lockdown lasted for a whole year?"
I went to a pharmacy and it was already limiting the number of shoppers. It had already sold out of masks and alcohol disinfectant.
After stocking up on food, I am still in shock. Cars and pedestrians are dwindling, and the city has come to a stop all out of a sudden.
When will the city live again?
Friday 24 January - a silent New Year's Eve
The world is quiet, and the silence is horrifying. I live alone, so I can only tell there are other human beings around from the occasional noises in the corridor.
I have a lot of time to think about how to survive. I don't have any resources or connections.
One of my goals is not to fall sick, so I have to make myself exercise. Food is crucial to survival too, so I have to know whether there is enough supply.
The government hasn't said how long the lockdown will last, nor how we can carry on functioning. People are saying it might last until May.
The pharmacy and the convenience store downstairs were closed today, but it was comforting to see that couriers are still out delivering food.
Noodles are all sold out in the supermarkets, but there is some rice. I also went to the market today. I bought celery, garlic shoots and eggs.
After going home, I washed all my clothes and took a shower. Personal hygiene is important - I think I am washing my hands 20 to 30 times a day.
The rest of the diary can be read at The BBC
Six In The Morning Thursday 30 January 2020
Coronavirus: Death toll rises as virus spreads to every Chinese region
The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has risen to 170, and a confirmed case in Tibet means it has reached every region in mainland China.
Chinese health authorities said there were 7,711 confirmed cases in the country as of 29 January.
Infections have also spread to at least 15 other countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) will meet on Thursday to again consider whether the virus constitutes a global health emergency.
Trump border wall between US and Mexico blows over in high winds
Steel panels being installed between Calexico and Mexicali are part of the US president’s attempt to enhance the border barrier
A section of Donald Trump’s much-vaunted border wall between the United States and Mexico has blown over in high winds, US border patrol officers have been reported as saying.
The steel panels, more than nine metres (30ft) high, began to lean at a sharp angle on the border between the Californian town of Calexico and Mexicali in Mexico amid gusts on Wednesday.
The section of wall was under construction at the time, with concrete anchors being put in place. But the strong winds blew the panels over onto the Mexican side of the border before the concrete had cured, according to reports.
Greece wants to build 1.7-mile floating barrier to keep migrants out
Almost 60,000 made crossing to Greek islands last yearChiara Giordano
Greece wants to install a floating barrier to stop refugees and migrants from reaching its shores, government officials have said.
The 1.7-mile fence is expected to be set up in the Aegean Sea off the Greek island of Lesbos within the next three months after a private contractor is found to build it.
A resurgence in the number of migrants and refugees arriving by sea to Lesbos and other eastern Greek islands through Turkey has caused severe overcrowding at refugee camps.
The Good Sister of Highway SS385
Many women who flee Nigeria for Europe fall into the clutches of human traffickers and are forced to work as prostitutes. A road in Sicily has become a symbol of their plight, and a local nun is trying to help them.
By Maria Stöhr and Maria Feck (Photos) in Sicily The body of the young woman had been stored in the Garibaldi Hospital in Catania for a whole week before Sister Chiara showed up. But after taking one look at the dead woman's face, the nun knew immediately who it was lying cold and stiff on the gurney: Elena, a Nigerian prostitute who had plied her trade on highway SS385 on the Italian island of Sicily.
The woman had been found dead in a garage. There had been an explosion and police initially suspected an accident with the natural gas heating system. But during the autopsy, signs of foul play were discovered and prosecutors in Catania launched an investigation.
Tokyo prosecutors issue arrest warrant for Nissan’s Ghosn, accomplice
Japanese authorities on Thursday issued arrest warrants for a former U.S. special forces soldier and two other men on suspicion of smuggling former Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn out of Japan.
Warrants were issued for former U.S. Green Beret Michael Taylor and two other men, George-Antoine Zayek and Peter Taylor, prosecutors said in a statement. A warrant was also issued for Ghosn for illegally leaving the country, prosecutors said.
Ghosn fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, at the end of last year, while he was awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds, all of which he denies.
The arrest warrants come days after prosecutors searched the Tokyo office of Ghosn’s former lawyer.
Ghosn fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, at the end of last year, while he was awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds, all of which he denies.
The arrest warrants come days after prosecutors searched the Tokyo office of Ghosn’s former lawyer.
Republican theory for Trump acquittal could unleash unrestrained presidential power
Updated 1157 GMT (1957 HKT) January 30, 2020
Impeachment was meant to punish Donald Trump's unrestrained use of his authority, but the grounds on which Republican senators plan to acquit him may instead give him a green light to use his power however he wants to win reelection.
Trump's GOP defenders looking to end his Senate trial in the next few days are increasingly arguing that it's time to shut things down because even if Trump is guilty of coercing Ukraine for political favors, such conduct would not be impeachable.
They are seizing on stunning arguments envisioning almost unchallenged presidential power and highly limited criteria for defining the abuse of power and impeachment laid out by a maverick member of Trump's legal team, Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
You’re Being Watched Right Now | NYT Opinion
The surveillance state is the stuff of dystopian novels and futuristic thrillers. Or, as revealed in the Video Op-Ed above, it’s here now. With ad trackers on our phones, facial recognition cameras on our streets and N.S.A. agents listening in on our phone calls, Big Brother is watching.
We keep hearing, “I’ve got nothing to hide” or “I can’t actually do anything about it.” But when the government fails to protect your privacy, it’s up to you to set your limits.
Please make sure every U.S. senator sees this important jury duty orientation video (From The Daily Show)
Please make sure every U.S. senator sees this important jury duty orientation video. #ImpeachmentTrial pic.twitter.com/YSl8rvczPO
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 22, 2020
The Washingtonian reports that The Daily Show has been airing 30- and 60-second versions of this video on local news channels in D.C. The publication says the truck has been on the move in the Capitol since Monday.
“We’re trying to always think of ways to take jokes that we have and take them outside the boundaries of 11:00 to 11:30. Like, how can we exist in the real world? How can we get closer to the people that we’re covering?” Ramin Hedayati, a producer at The Daily Show, told the Washingtonian in an interview. “Literally driving a truck outside of the building they’re in is a way to do that.”
A Secret Look Inside a Chinese Labor Program for Uighurs | Visual Investigations
China is relocating Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to urban areas as part of a contentious labor program. The Times obtained rare footage taken inside one.
Six In The Morning Wednesday 29 January 2020
Trump Middle East plan: Palestinians reject 'conspiracy'
Palestinians have dismissed US President Donald Trump's new Middle East peace plan as a "conspiracy".
The plan envisages a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements.
Mr Trump said Jerusalem would remain Israel's "undivided" capital, but the Palestinian capital would "include areas of East Jerusalem".
Reacting to Tuesday's announcement, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Jerusalem was "not for sale".
'Like I wasn't there': climate activist Vanessa Nakate on being erased from a movement
Nakate was cropped from a photo with white activists. Now she’s battling for diversity in environmental activism
When Vanessa Nakate addressed a tweet to the Associated Press asking why she had been cropped out of a photo, it was out of curiosity. She didn’t think her question would ignite a firestorm of criticism and spark an international conversation on erasure and diversity within the environmental movement.
“When I saw the photo, I only saw part of my jacket. I was not on the list of participants. None of my comments from the press conference were included,” she said. “It was like I wasn’t even there.”
The 23-year-old Ugandan activist had appeared at a joint press conference in Davos with other prominent climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, Loukina Tille, Luisa Neubauer and Isabelle Axelsson.
EU rules out Huawei ban — but maps out strict rules on 5G
The EU has said member states should allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to operate within the bloc — but with strict regulations to protect national security. The US has urged allies not to use the technology.
The European Union on Wednesday unveiled security guidelines for "high-risk" suppliers in the opening up of fifth-generation, or 5G, telecoms network across the bloc.
The European Commission did not mention Huawei by name, and it did not recommend a ban on any company in shaping future networks. However, it said strict rules should be applied where certain suppliers were concerned.
Palestinians left with few options against Trump plan
Palestinians have rejected US President Donald Trump's peace proposals but may struggle to push back if Israel launches the plan on the ground by annexing settlements and keys parts of the West Bank.
Trump's initiative grants the Jewish state full control of Jerusalem and allows it to annex the Jordan Valley -- a strategic area of the West Bank -- as well as the settlements that dot the Palestinian territory.
In exchange, the Palestinians are being offered a form of statehood in what remains of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as the prospect of billions of dollars in aid and investment.
Helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant and 8 others was 20 to 30 feet from clearing a hilltop when it crashed, investigators say
Updated 1148 GMT (1948 HKT) January 29, 2020
The helicopter carrying basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and eight others crashed into a Calabasas, California, hillside with a "high energy impact," the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.
As federal investigators wrapped up operations at the crash site, the NTSB's Jennifer Homendy said preliminary information suggests the plane descended rapidly and was likely in one piece before it slammed into the hill.
Why African countries seek greater role in Libya peace process
Summit in DRC comes almost two weeks after world powers met in Berlin to end foreign meddling in North African state.by Henry Wilkins
African Union leaders are expected to renew calls for greater involvement in efforts to resolve Libya's long-running conflict at a summit held on Thursday in the Republic of the Congo.
The meeting in Brazzaville will be held almost two weeks after international stakeholders - including many who back opposite sides in the months-long battle over Libya's capital, Tripoli - gathered in Berlin and agreed to push the warring sides for a permanent ceasefire and respect an existing United Nations arms embargo.
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