The Shortwave Report

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

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From GERMANY- A Swiss solar electric panel producer has announced an improvement in efficiency and will enlarge its output now, hopefully bringing solar manufacturing back to Europe. Berlin is having climate protests in the streets this week, as the climate caused wildfires in the Mediterranean region now include France. Severe flooding is occurring in eastern Russia as well as Haiti where the earthquake death toll reached 2100. Brief covid reports from Iran, Malaysia, and Israel. The WHO says that vaccine booster shots are less important than getting shots to the vulnerable in other countries. An update on the pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.

From JAPAN- China conducted air and naval drills near Taiwan in response to US military activity. Covid infections continue to increase in Japan, while citizens in Thailand protested government slow action on getting vaccines. Unprecedented heavy rains continue to batter Japan- just a note, 1000 mm is about 33 inches.

From CUBA- Venezuela called on the US, Canada, and the EU to cease the economic stress of imposed sanctions. Experts in Bolivia determined that the political events in Sept 2019 constituted a coup against Evo Morales. Then a Viewpoint on the chaos in Afghanistan as the Taliban rapidly returned to power.

From RUSSIA- On his weekly program George Galloway spoke with Joe Emersberger, respected Canadian journalist. They discuss the 4 theaters of conflict the US is currently involved in- Latin America, Russia, China, and Iran. They talk about the global financial influence of China, and how the US utilization of Canada has changed since 2004.

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

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From JAPAN- On the anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing people commemorated the catastrophe and the mayor insisted on joining the new UN treaty on non-proliferation. A Japanese team reported that China led the world in quality of research papers on natural science. Covid infections continue to increase across Japan at an alarming rate- new treatments for Covid are being tested in both Japan and through the WHO around the world.

From CUBA- Brazilian President Bolsonaro presided over a military parade outside his palace, reminiscent of the military dictatorship in the country from 1964-1985. An indigenous organization in Brazil has asked the ICC to investigate Bolsonaro for genocide and ecocide. A new study in the journal Nature finds human activity could soon cause a devastating change in the Atlantic Ocean currents and sea level.

From GERMANY- There were many stories following the release of the IPCC report on human impacts on the global climate. The UN Secretary General described it as code red, since the report says human activity is absolutely causing the heat waves and flooding, and that immediate action is required. We will hear from two of the reports authors. A longer story I do not have time to air was about the fact that the world militaries carbon footprints are secret, not reported, and enormous. Southern Europe hit record temperatures and wildfires are burning around the Mediterranean.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi spoke with Vaughan Smith, founder of the Frontline Club, a center for independent journalists. They discuss the Biden administration's attempt to extradite Julian Assange.

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

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From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Michael Lynk, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He discusses how Israel's illegal settlements are the engine for the occupation, the war crimes committed by Israel in the recent 11-day bombing of Gaza, and the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware which was developed in conjunction with the Israeli military on the Palestinian population.

From GERMANY- Southern Europe has had extreme hot weather, leading to the biggest fires ever seen in Turkey and Greece. Swiss police broke up protests against banks who are financing fossil fuel projects. The German Green party has launched an action plan with climate change at the center of their election campaign. Wuhan China has had the first local Covid cases in a year- In Australia, Sydney and Brisbane are under Covid lockdown, and the military have been deployed to help police enforce restrictions. Police in Berlin Germany battled with vaccine protestors, detaining 500 of them.

From JAPAN- Every day Japan continues to see record breaking numbers of Covid infections, leading the government to prepare lockdown orders. Thailand also saw record surges in Covid cases. Japanese health officials are trying to stop misinformation about vaccines. Germany is sending a warship to the South China Sea, claiming it is not intended to intimidate China. UN delegates are considering regulating autonomous tanks and drones on the battlefield. The UK is threatening Iran over a drone strike on an oil tanker, while Iran denies involvement.

From CUBA- The Cuban FM Rodriguez thanked China, Mexico, and Venezuela for supplies delivered to the island. He also condemned the sanctions the EU leveled against the Nicaraguan Vice-president and other officials. Then a Viewpoint on Joe Biden working hard to get the Cuban American vote in the state of Florida.

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

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From GERMANY- In Tunisia, where the so-called Arab Spring began, the president fired the Prime Minister and suspended parliament- following accusations of a coup which led to violent protests, he has imposed a curfew and a ban of more than 3 people gathering in public. More than 10,000 scientists say there has been an unprecedented surge in climate related disasters in the past few years, and that immediate action is needed. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is preparing an assessment of climate change. An interview with Jill Duggan from the Environmental Defense Fund Europe about recent extreme weather events and the need for drastic actions in this decade. In Siberia temperatures are increasing twice as fast as the rest of the world, melting permafrost and releasing carbon and methane. Human Rights Watch has accused the Israeli Hamas militaries of war crimes. Fighting broke out in the West Bank at a funeral for a Palestinian boy killed by Israeli troops. Canada has sworn in its first indigenous governor general. The Koreas have restored their cross border communication channel. Thousands are protesting President Duterte in the Philippines. France has a new law requiring Covid passes to go to restaurants and other public venues, and protests followed the imposition of mandatory vaccines for all health care workers.

From JAPAN- Japan continues to see record breaking numbers of Covid infections, leading the government to extend states of emergency beyond the Tokyo and Okinawa. The WHO says the number of Covid deaths worldwide jumped 21% in the past week- the US led the world in new cases last week. US Deputy Secretary of State Debbie Sherman visited China- China urged the US to change its policy toward Beijing and to realize that they are not enemies.

From CUBA- The Cuban FM Rodriguez rejected US Sec of State Blinken's joint declaration of human rights abuses on the island. A court in Ecuador has revoked Julian Assange's naturalization granted in 2017. Many Brazilians took to the streets to protest Bolsonaro and demand vaccines and food aid. The Workers Party of Brazil, the PT, is worried about Lula da Silva's safety in next years election. Then a Viewpoint on the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC- Mexican President Obrador spoke out against US open and covert operations against independent countries south of the border, often with the support of the OAS.

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

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From GERMANY- The Henan province of central China has been hit by the heaviest rains in 1000 years, creating widespread damage and numerous deaths- as I put this SWR together more rain is falling and more devastation is expected. Last week Germany and Belgium saw record rainfall and flooding, with many deaths and unprecedented destruction. Germany approved a large rescue package of immediate aid, but a large population is homeless and will be for some time. Scientists largely agree that these floods and the enormous wildfires in western North America are the result of climate change or global warming. Global carbon emissions are rising and will hit an all time high in 2 years- 2 percent of global pandemic spending has been allocated to clean energy. The US has decided that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, carrying gas from Russia to Germany, will be completed and sanctions removed. Covid infections are rapidly spreading in most parts of the world- reports from Australia, Myanmar, India, and South Africa. The White House has transferred a Guantanamo Bay detainee to Morocco, 39 remain in the prison most despite being cleared for release. Pegasus is Israeli produced spyware that was found on French President Macron's iPhone- the spyware has been targeted 50,000 phones, many of them human rights activists and journalists- it can turn on the microphone and camera on the phone without being detected.

From JAPAN- Japan and Thailand are experiencing their fastest growth of new Covid infections despite tougher restrictions. Chinese government ships are passing through waters claimed by Japan. The British flagship aircraft carrier is heading to Japan for joint military exercises- there is a Covid outbreak on the ship. A Chinese company unveiled its magnetic-levitation train capable of moving at 600 km/hour.

From CUBA- The US continues to urge other nations to take sides against the Cuban government, despite the recent vote at the UN to drop the US embargo 184-2. Protestors in Colombia continue to be attacked by police and military. Then a Viewpoint about the US training of Latin American paramilitary and mercenary forces, which included a number of those involved in the recent assassination of the Haitian president.

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

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From JAPAN- Covid cases are rising at a rapid rate all across Japan. The US Secretary of State warned China again about the South China Sea followed by a US Navy destroyer streaming through the area. More charges have been filed against An Sung Su Chi in Myanmar to prolong her detention. EU leaders unveiled a plan to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gases by 55% by 2030, banning gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035- Japanese car makers will accelerate their goal of all electric cars.

From GERMANY- More details and analysis of the new EU climate plan to be carbon neutral by 2050- some worry about the included carbon tax and activists say the plan does not go far enough. Brief reports on riots in South Africa, France announced mandatory Covid vaccinations for all health care workers, and protests in Cuba result in dozens of arrests.

From CUBA- The Cuban Foreign Minister accused the US of directing the protests and being responsible for the economic crises among the Cuban people. Mexican President Obrador called for the lifting of the US economic blockade of Cuba, and criticized the media hype surrounding the protests in Cuba. More arrests have been made in connection with the assassination of the Haitian president last week.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Rattansi spoke with Oliver Stone about his new film "JFK Revisited: Through The Looking Glass." In this brief excerpt Oliver discusses JFK's often overlooked campaigns for peace with the Soviet Union and Cuba prior to his assassination, the US media ignoring Congressional hearings following the first "JFK" movie, and Kennedy's anti-colonialist beliefs.

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

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From GERMANY- Information on the assassination of the Haitian President Moise is very limited right now. Chile has selected an indigenous woman to preside over the drafting of a new constitution. Several short reports on the Covid crisis. The European Commission is warning Hungary about a new law banning LGBTQ education in schools and the media. China criticized US Secretary of State Blinken, while French, German and Chinese leaders held a video conference on cooperation. Climate researchers say the world may have passed a critical global warming threshold during the unprecedented heat wave in Canada and the US northwest- they say the weather would be impossible without climate change caused by human activities- a researcher says that US fossil fuel corporations sponsor disinformation campaigns and climate skeptics to confuse the public and maintain their sales.

From CUBA- In Honduras a court found a man guilty of masterminding the assassination of environmental activist Berta Caceres 5 years ago. Venezuelan President Maduro said independence must be built and defended every day, in the face of US and its allies sanctions. The Zapatista mission arrived in Madrid on the 500th anniversary of the conquest by Spain. The Peruvian government has rejected the request by Keiko Fujimori to convene international audits of the June election that she lost. Hawaiian native scholar, author and activist Haunani-Kay Trask passed away. The Israeli military continued bombing raids on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Rattansi interviewed Professor David Nutt, the former chair on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in the UK. They discussed the entrenched power of the alcohol industry over parliament, his research into the creation of a substance that would provide an alcohol high without the health damage, why the policy of the current and previous governments towards recreational drugs has been a mistake, how racism was de facto encouraged in policing in the crackdown on drugs, the often-ignored severity of harm caused by alcohol, and how the damage caused by drink in the UK costs more than the revenue made from the industry.

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

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From JAPAN- The Communist Chinese Party marked the 100th anniversary of its founding this week- at a time when it is tightening restrictions in Hong Kong. Chinese President Xi and Putin have been meeting on an online summit, criticizing other countries for interfering with their internal affairs and unilateral sanctions. Parades, cannons, and speeches exalted the communist party for improving the welfare of the people, with the promise of a modern socialist nation. Japan is donating $7 million to help Palestinians get Covid vaccines. The owner of the 7-11 convenience stores has signed a contract to power all their stores on solar energy. Major Japanese companies are asking their suppliers to halve their carbon footprints by 2030, in line with a global initiative called "Science Based Targets." Britain announced it will end coal-fired power generation in 2024.

From GERMANY- Many people in the island nation of Madagascar are facing famine as a result of climate change, which it has done little to cause. A Canadian climatologist discusses the cause of the current heat wave in NW North America- is it caused by climate change or intensified by it? What is the new normal in the climate?

From CUBA- At the White House dozens of nonviolent youth were arrested while demanding meaningful action on the climate crisis. In Minnesota sheriffs blocked access to an encampment of indigenous led water protectors. The WHO has urged that even fully vaccinated people should continue wearing masks in light of the Covid Delta variant- Going Underground producer Afshin Rattansi and numerous others in London are in isolation following positive tests. The Cuban Foreign Minister condemned this week's US bombings in Syria and Iraq. Then a Viewpoint on the presidential election in Peru.

From SPAIN- Justin Coe reports on Spanish President Sanchez releasing 9 Catalan leaders who were imprisoned for involvement in a separatist referendum in 2017.

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

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From GERMANY- There is a movement to charge people who are responsible for environmental destruction with ecocide before the International Criminal Court- Marie Toussaint is a European Parliamentarian and advocate for equating ecocide with genocide. Indigenous Brazilians clashed with police outside Congress where a bill removing their land rights was being finalized. The UN recommended that the Great Barrier Reef be protected as a world heritage site. A million people face starvation in Madagascar. Palestinians are protesting a new Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Germany and France have proposed an EU summit with Putin, and 9 Catalan separatist leaders were released from prison.

From JAPAN- The Japanese PM restated a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Britain continues to move toward joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. China is upset by US offers of 2.5 million Covid vaccines to Taiwan. The US has banned the import of key solar panel materials from China over allegations of forced labor. The Chinese government has forced the closure of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. In his first speech, the Iranian President-elect Raisi called on the US to lift sanctions against his country and revive the nuclear agreement.

From CUBA- For the 29th time, the UN General Assembly voted 184-2 to end the US embargo against Cuba, with only the US and Israel opposing the resolution. Mexican indigenous leaders and Zapatista arrived in Spain by boat to mark 500 years of resistance. US youth environmentalists marched 400 miles to protest at Ted Cruz's Houston home. The Brazilian congress voted to privatize the national electrical company.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with journalist Antony Loewenstein about Julian Assange. The Biden administration is continuing the Trump effort to extradite Assange, and Antony says the silence of mainstream media is shameful and hypocritical.

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

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From JAPAN- A Japanese climate activist has won this year's Goldman Environment Prize for her work reducing coal emissions in Japan. At the NATO conference the focus shifted from peace in Europe to following the US in a confrontational stance toward China and Russia. China has dismissed US news reports of a radiation leak at a nuclear facility in southern China. The G-7 published a communique which denounced human rights in China and conflicts with Taiwan- the Chinese foreign ministry rebuked the criticism.

From GERMANY- A report on the G-7 summit, where the countries praised their harmony in the wake of the Trump era, unified an anti-China stance, and did little to confront climate change. Swiss voters turned down a law aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers are warning that sea ice around the North Pole has shrunk at the fastest rate on record, requiring an immediate drastic reduction in carbon emissions. Following a march of Israeli nationalists through occupied east Jerusalem, militants in Gaza sent fire balloons across the border and were bombed in return, ending a ceasefire that only lasted a few weeks.

From RUSSIA-On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi interviewed Clare Daly, a member of the European Parliament from Ireland. In this excerpt she discusses the Julian Assange case and how it shows the hypocrisy of the West in calling out Russia on human rights abuses and Alexey Navalny's arrest, the West's tensions with China and why the policy is pushing the EU closer to the US, and the myth of the Chinese threat.

From CUBA- A Viewpoint on the corporate media's bias against Venezuela. Reporting places the blame for the poverty in the country on its government rather than the financial sanctions imposed by the US and some European nations. The latest crisis is the inability of the Maduro government to complete the purchase Covid vaccines.