The Shortwave Report

This week's show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, Sputnik Radio, and Radio Havana Cuba.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220318.mp3 (29:00)

From GERMANY-Germany and most other European countries are greatly increasing their military spending in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released a report on who is buying and who is selling all types of weaponry.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi of the University of Tehran. He discusses ongoing negotiations with the US to restart the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the impact of American sanctions on Tehran. He also talks about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, why Iran opposes the invasion, and the consequences for US hegemony and the unipolar world order. He also criticizes the media for cheerleading a war and compares it to coverage of the Gulf war, shock and awe.

From CUBA- President Obrador of Mexico is promoting the integration of Latin American and Caribbean countries. The UK Supreme Court denied the appeal to stop the extradition of Julian Assange to the US. Activists from around the world launched a campaign demanding an end to the siege on Yemen. Last Saturday the kingdom of Saudi Arabia beheaded 81 people on terrorism charges. Then a Viewpoint on the oversimplification of seeing the world divided into good guys and bad guys.

This week's show features stories from NHK Japan, Sputnik Radio, and Radio Havana Cuba.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220311.mp3 (29:00)

From JAPAN-Broadcasts of NHK Japan have been suspended in Russia, though they are available on the internet. The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine met in Turkey but failed to make any agreements. The US Congress passed a $13 billion aid package for Ukraine including $3.5 billion in weapons and $3 billion to deploy US troops to neighboring countries. South Koreans elected a new more conservative president. The war in Ukraine is threatening the global food supply, especially in war torn areas like Yemen.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Medea Benjamin from Codepink. She discusses how Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has strengthened NATO and given it purpose after embarrassment in Afghanistan, her concerns about sanctions against Russia hurting the working people, not just oligarchs, Russia's assault as an illegal invasion of a sovereign country, the US confiscation of $7 billion of Afghan Central Bank assets, and the war in Yemen.

From CUBA- President Maduro of Venezuela met with US representatives over the weekend to talk about oil supplies. President-elect Boric of Chile promised to work for truth, justice and reparations over the Pinochet years. Lula da Silva is suing those who accused him of corruption now that all charges against him have been annulled. China has warned the US against creating an Asian NATO. Tony Blair has admitted that he may have been wrong about his decision to invade Iraq.

Summary

This week's show features stories from France 24, Sputnik Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, and NHK Japan.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220225.mp3 (29:00)

From FRANCE- Before Russia entered into Ukraine, there was a meeting at the UN to attempt to scale back the conflict. Then a global press review following the beginning of the Russian military operation.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews. He discusses Vladimir Putin's motivations for recognising the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, NATO expansion causing major security concerns for Russia, Ukraine's Zelensky declaring that he won't implement the Minsk agreements- a trigger point for Putin, and Ukraine tensions posing the biggest crisis for the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

From CUBA- The WHO announced that 6 African nations will receive the technology to produce their own m-RNA vaccines. The World Food Program warned that 95% of Afghan people do not have enough to eat. Former Israeli PM Ehud Barak says he does not regret the killing of Palestinian citizens of the occupied territories in the year 2000, during the beginning od the second Intifada.

From JAPAN- 10 major Japanese companies with the World Wildlife Foundation are developing ways to stop using disposable plastic. European countries are trying to speed up ending their reliance on natural gas from Russia. China is going to sanction two US firms following US agreements to sell weapons worth $100 million to Taiwan. a Japanese and Taiwanese same-sex couple are trying to expand the legality of same-sex marriages. Taiwan has partially lifted bans on Japanese foods, which have been in effect since the Fukushima disaster.

This week's show features stories from France 24, Sputnik Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, and NHK Japan.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220225.mp3 (29:00)

From FRANCE- Before Russia entered into Ukraine, there was a meeting at the UN to attempt to scale back the conflict. Then a global press review following the beginning of the Russian military operation.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Ben Aris, editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews. He discusses Vladimir Putin's motivations for recognising the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, NATO expansion causing major security concerns for Russia, Ukraine's Zelensky declaring that he won't implement the Minsk agreements- a trigger point for Putin, and Ukraine tensions posing the biggest crisis for the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

From CUBA- The WHO announced that 6 African nations will receive the technology to produce their own m-RNA vaccines. The World Food Program warned that 95% of Afghan people do not have enough to eat. Former Israeli PM Ehud Barak says he does not regret the killing of Palestinian citizens of the occupied territories in the year 2000, during the beginning od the second Intifada.

From JAPAN- 10 major Japanese companies with the World Wildlife Foundation are developing ways to stop using disposable plastic. European countries are trying to speed up ending their reliance on natural gas from Russia. China is going to sanction two US firms following US agreements to sell weapons worth $100 million to Taiwan. a Japanese and Taiwanese same-sex couple are trying to expand the legality of same-sex marriages. Taiwan has partially lifted bans on Japanese foods, which have been in effect since the Fukushima disaster.

This week's show features stories from NHK Japan, Sputnik Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, and Radio Deutsche-Welle.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220218.mp3 (29:00)

From JAPAN- The Chinese foreign ministry reacted strongly against the Indo-Pacific strategy unveiled by the US last week. Updates on Covid in Japan and southeast Asia. Then a brief update on the tension over Ukraine where Russian backed armed groups in the eastern parts of the country reported being attacked by Ukrainian troops , and said they did not fire back.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Robert Skidelsky, member of the House of Lords, economic historian, and professor emeritus at the University of Warwick. He discusses the UK’s threats to sanction Russia over a potential invasion of Ukraine, the media's role in creating alarm and hysteria, NATO's refusal to recognize Russian security interests, the irony of the west driving Russia into the hands of China, and that Russia and Ukraine themselves need to define their relationship.

From CUBA- In Mexico members of the media took to the streets to protest the 5 murders of Mexican journalists in the first 6 weeks of 2022. Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil rose to the highest level ever in the month of January. The central bank of Afghanistan condemned Joe Biden's executive order which seeks to seize and split $7 billion in US held Afghan assets. The Lebanese army has called on the UN to end the Israeli army's repeated violations of air space and waters to carry out attacks in Syria.

From GERMANY- Next month most Covid restrictions in Germany will be lifted, though face masks will remain required. Meanwhile Hong Kong is experiencing its worst Covid outbreak. A month's worth of rain fell in three hours near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil leading to at least 100 deaths. Despite Net Zero pledges, major European banks are funding $55 billion this year for projects to expand oil and gas production.

This week's show features stories from Sputnik Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and NHK Japan.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220211.mp3 (29:00)

From RUSSIA- On his program called Sputnik Orbiting The World George Galloway interviewed Professor Alfred de Zayas, an American lawyer and historian, who was the UN special rapporteur on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. What's the point of the United Nations if it cannot keep peace and find conflict resolution? He talks about the high levels of propaganda and fake history filling the mainstream media today. How many war crimes have been committed with impunity by NATO? What about Julian Assange?

From CUBA- The National Assembly of France rejected a draft resolution to offer Julian Assange asylum. Palestinians have protested at the Red Cross office in the Gaza Strip over Israeli treatment of political prisoners in their jails. The UN World Food Program estimates that 30 million people in the Horn of Africa are facing severe hunger due to drought conditions.

From GERMANY- Jennifer Morgan, an American co-leader of Greenpeace International, has been chosen to be Special Envoy for International Climate Action in Germany's Federal Government. Then a report on the anti-vaccine Convoys blocking roads and bridges in Canada. In France and Belgium similar convoys are being stopped, protestors arrested in New Zealand, Mexico is taking a pause in relations with Spain, and cannabis is being legalized in Thailand. Then a brief report on the NATO and US troop buildup on the edges of Russia.

From JAPAN- The Japan PM spoke with the Iranian leader and hopes that talks with the US go well this week. A report on increasing Covid cases in Japan and the extension of emergency measures. On the heels of a severe multi-year drought, a cyclone and heavy rains tore through Madagascar, leaving over 90 dead and 90,000 homeless.

This week's show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, Sputnik Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, and NHK Japan.

http://youthspeaksout.net/swr220204.mp3 (29:00)

From GERMANY- First some brief reports on the changing approaches to Covid in European countries, with Sweden, Denmark, and the UK lifting most public restrictions. The European Commission has decided to call nuclear and natural gas power plants green and sustainable. Greenland's ice sheet is melting at an accelerated rate, raising ocean levels. Germany banned Russian media RT from broadcasting in German and Russia has responded by revoking DW staff and broadcasts in the country.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with American politician Dennis Kucinich. Dennis has written a new book "The Division of Light and Power." The excerpts you will hear are about the rumors of war coming in Ukraine, wars as attempts to grab energy markets, the corporate ownership of many American politicians, the military industrial complex, and how change can be achieved in the US without a revolution.

From CUBA- Ecuador saw an oil pipeline dump large quantities of crude oil into Amazonian rivers. And the very large oil spill off the coast of Peru was not caused by waves from the ocean bed volcano near Tonga, leading the government to declare a environmental emergency. Antiwar activists will converge on Washington DC beginning Monday February 7 led by Codepink. Truckers in Canada blocked highways to protest mandatory vaccinations. 6 youth who developed thyroid cancer after the Fukushima meltdown have filed a lawsuit against the power plant operator Tepco.

From JAPAN- Japan is continuing to see rapidly rising Covid cases and expanding emergency restrictions. Afghan universities have reopened to women students separate from males. Panasonic will build lithium batteries. India is going to introduce a digital currency.

From JAPAN- International efforts are underway to help the South Pacific island of Tonga. Japanese Defense forces have done more military exercises with their destroyer joining 10 US vessels including two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and a destroyer. Iran says it is considering direct talks with the US to revive the nuclear deal. This week saw Covid cases in Japan set new records three days in a row, leading the government to expand emergency measures.

From GERMANY- Germany is also reporting new record numbers of Covid infections, while putting off a final decision on mandatory vaccinations. Then brief reports on a border wall in Poland, women demanding abortion rights in Ecuador, the Taliban held talks with western nations in Norway, the military seized power in Burkina Faso, and the High Court in Britain ruled Julian Assange can appeal to the Supreme Court. Boris Johnson is under more pressure to resign over parties he attended during lockdown.Germany has been criticized for refusing to step up arms deliveries to Ukraine- how important are more weapons in Ukraine?

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with legendary journalist John Pilger. John describes the distortion of the Ukraine story as presented in western media, similar to the lies preceding the Iraq invasion- he says all major wars have started following deceptions. He talks about the need for enemies, the profound cynicism that works in geopolitics, and who helped overthrow Ukraine in 2014.

From CUBA- Two reports on the vastly increased bombing of Yemen by Saudi forces, which has been condemned by the UN. Then a Viewpoint on the US efforts to heat up the new version of the Cold War.

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This week's show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, NHK Japan, and Sputnik Radio.

http://www.outfarpress.com/swr220121.mp3

From GERMANY- In the UK there is much opposition to the controversial police and crime bill that would give police much greater powers to crack down on protests that are deemed disruptive- a new public nuisance charge could result in a 10 year prison sentence or any unlimited fine. A report on the highs and lows of Joe Biden's first year as President. A series of brief reports on the increasing rates of Covid around the world, and the surprising ways that governments are convincing people to get vaccinated. Boris Johnson is fighting increasing calls for his resignation as Prime Minister of the UK.

From JAPAN-Several reports on the aftermath of the damage from an undersea volcanic eruption in the south Pacific near Tonga which led to tsunami waves up to 45 feet high and and enormous amounts of ash. The World Economic Forum is usually held in Davos Switzerland, but this year because of Covid it is being held online- the Chinese President Xi Jinping led with a call for nations to end their cold war mentality, avoid polarizing cliques, and for global cooperation to tackle the pandemic. A few weeks ago there were hardly any new cases of Covid in Japan but that has drastically changed, leading to new emergency declarations in much of the country including Tokyo. The President of Iran visited Putin in Moscow to strengthen the partnership between the nations. There has been extreme heat in parts of South America and Australia, 40 degrees Celsius is 104 F and 50.7 C is 123 F.

From RUSSIA- On his show called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Max Lawson of Oxfam Oxfam released a report saying 99% of humanity’s income fell, 160 million were pushed into poverty, and the top 10 richest men saw their wealth more than double from $700 billion to $1.5 trillion dollars- Oxfam is calling for a one-time wealth tax.

This week's show features stories from NHK Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and Radio Havana Cuba.

http://www.outfarpress.com/swr220114.mp3

From JAPAN- Covid is spreading rapidly in Japan, while the WHO is warning that more than half the population of Europe, Russia, and Central Asia could be infected within the next 2 months. Following a second missile test by North Korea, the US has frozen the assets of 6 North Koreans and a Russian company. In Myanmar, a court has added to the prison sentence of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Troops from the Collective Security Treaty Organization, an eastern bloc version of NATO, are leaving Kazakstan after shutting down protests against rising fuel prices.

From GERMANY-Talks are being held between Russia and NATO over the troop buildup on the border with Ukraine- Russia wants guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO which has set up military bases near the borders with Russia. A German court sentenced a former Syrian military officer to life in prison for crimes against humanity. On the 20th anniversary of the opening of the US detention camp in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, all international broadcasters covered and criticized the history of the infamous jail- most referred to it as an illegal breach of human rights and an ongoing moral failing- 39 detainees remain and 22 have never been charged. After another revelation about UK government members double standards during the Covid crisis and parties at 10 Downing Street, the opposition is calling for Boris Johnson to resign as Prime Minister. Brief Covid updates from Chile, Israel, the winter Olympics, and Ottawa where the unvaccinated will be taxed. In France teachers are on strike over the burden of dealing with Covid in the classroom. The EU Climate Monitoring Agency released a new report on the worsening global weather.

From CUBA- At the inauguration of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua one of the guests was Brian Wilson, a Vietnam veteran who was run over by a train while protesting the Contra wars in 1987. The Supreme Court in El Salvador has reopened an investigation into the 1989 massacre of 6 Jesuit priests and 2 women. The UN has launched an appeal for aid to prevent the starvation of a million children in Afghanistan. A Viewpoint on 500 billionaires who have greatly increased their wealth in 2021 while global poverty rates have soared.