The Shortwave Report

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

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From GERMANY- We will begin with a litany of brief global Covid and vaccine updates. In Brazil all the heads of the military branches have quit in opposition to president Bolsonaro, an international conference on aid for Syrians fell short of its goal, and 7 leaders of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong were found guilty and await sentencing.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi interviewed Aviva Chomsky, professor and daughter of Noam Chomsky. She discusses the US-Mexico border crisis, how US immigration and foreign policy are behind thousands leaving their homes in Latin America and heading for the United States, why $4 billion for El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in disaster aid won't end the migration crisis, and US interventions and regime change operations that have impoverished millions in Latin America.

From CUBA- A caravan of migrants from Honduras was broken up by police blockades at the Guatemalan border. A Viewpoint about US Secretary of State Blinken calling for the release of Bolivian coup leader Jeanine Anyez and 2 of her ministers. The pope sent a personal message to Julian Assange who remains in a maximum security prison in Britain. The Venezuelan government is suing the US before the WTO for sanctions which have crippled the country. A UN report accuses France of killing 19 civilians by bombing a wedding party in Mali.

From JAPAN- Thursday marked 2 months since the military staged a coup in Myanmar- protestors continue to take to the streets, with 536 civilians murdered by the soldiers, who have been bombing rural opposition groups.

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

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From JAPAN- China and Russia have agreed to a united front to counter US moves to build alliances against other countries. The EU imposed sanctions on 4 Chinese over alleged human rights abuses to the Uyghur minority- the US, Britain and Canada then imposed similar sanctions. North Korea launched 2 ballistic missiles into waters outside the Japanese zone. Extra water is being pumped into the devastated Fukushima nuclear power plants because of damage from a recent earthquake. In Myanmar massive protests against the military rule continue and 600 prisoners were released- at least 275 protestors have been killed so far.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Rattansi spoke to barrister/activist Tim Crosland. They discuss the Bristol protests against a new law that would impose up to 10 year prison sentences for obstruction while demonstrating. The lawyer defends Extinction Rebellion actions and is opposed to the new laws which would see an end to demonstrations by nurses, climate change activists, women rights and minority defenders.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes begins with a report on the Council of Europe calling on Spain to amend its criminal code on the freedom of expression- there have been recent convictions of artists like Pablo Hasel for insulting the king and glorifying terrorism, leading to demonstrations across the country. US Secretary of State Blinken spoke to European foreign ministers about strengthening NATO and warning them about threats from Russia and China. Saudi Arabia proposed a ceasefire in the 6 year long war on Yemen, while both sides continue attacks.

From CUBA- The head of the WHO has called on vaccine makers to license their technology to other manufacturers and increase the supply to poor countries. British PM Boris Johnson told conservative ministers that "capitalism and greed" were behind the UKs rapid vaccination program. The Syrian oil minister says that the US continues to plunder oil resources in oil rich northeastern Syria. Russia and China are planning to trade in non-US currencies to reduce the impact of US imposed sanctions.

This edition consists of conversations with two college freshmen women on Womens History Month and liberation. Do high schools and colleges help evolve female equality? Which women have inspired these recent Laytonville High School graduates? Does the increase in transgender people help or hinder female egalitarianism?

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

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From GERMANY- The United Kingdom is no longer be a member of the European Union after a long saga of delays and political grandstanding- much is uncertain about the practical consequences, but the possible exit of Scotland from the UK is a likely battle looming in the next year. The US announced tariffs on a range of goods from the EU, and Bitcoin continues to rapidly grow in value as western currencies teeter. Then a series of brief reports on Covid spreading at faster rates in Europe and vaccine news around the globe. There will be controversies over the rights of those who have been vaccinated and those who have not, with possible two tier societies. Brief reports from Peru, Syria, Yemen, and Argentina.

From JAPAN- Trump signed a bill saying that Chinese interference in the Dalai Lamas succession would be deemed a human rights violation. China and the EU have reached an agreement on a business investment deal, seven years in the works. A Chinese court handed down prison terms to 12 Hong Kong demonstrators who attempted to flee to Taiwan. A Saudi court sentenced a prominent womens rights activist to more than 5 years prison for seeking to change the political system.

From CUBA- The US is moving forward with more smart bomb sales to Saudi Arabia and allowing Raytheon to manufacture weapons overseas. Former Bolivian president Evo Morales has warned of another possible military coup in his country. Venezuelan President Maduro says Colombian mercenaries are planning attacks on his country's military.

From RUSSIA- Another excerpt from Afshin Rattansi's interview with journalist John Pilger. They talk about the death of Robert Fisk, one of the few freelance international journalists who reported from the ground in Syria and many other wars. He was disowned by many in the media after his death for going against the grain and challenging power.

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

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From JAPAN- The Japanese people and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed their expectations for the next president of the US, mostly quite optimistic. The Iranian President urged Biden to return to the 2015 nuclear deal which Trump withdrew from 2 years ago. The head of the WHO says he is looking forward to working closely with the new administration. The Chinese operator of the video sharing app TikTok is challenging the Trump administration order to sell its US business. Toshiba will cease producing coal-fired power stations, and invest more in producing solar and hydro electric products. The US, Japan, and Brazil have agreed to step up cooperation in economic and security areas to hold back the growing Chinese influence in Latin America.

From CUBA- First an opinion Viewpoint on the end of the coup regime in Bolivia, with the inauguration of Luis Arce and the MAS (the Movement for Socialism) party. Hurricane Eta left much destruction in Mexico, Panama, and Central America. The Trump administration is planning a flood of new actions against Iran in coordination with Israel and other allies. The UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees says it lacks funds to pay its employees.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes reports on the return to Bolivia by former president Evo Morales after a year in exile. The Peruvian President Vizcarra was removed from office under allegations of corruption which he denies. Foreign mining interests are powerful in Peru and wish to avoid restrictions. Russia created a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan and has supplied 2000 peacekeepers. Thousands have been killed in the fighting and many Armenians want the PM to resign.

From GERMANY- A series of brief reports on the global Covid crisis, a hopeful vaccine, and EU leaders welcome Biden as president-elect.

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

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From GERMANY- In Poland protests continue over new abortion restrictions and in Britain the terror threat level has been raised. In Europe Covid cases are increasing rapidly and lockdowns are in place in many countries. China is angry that the US has approved the sale of attack drones to Taiwan. The US election is being followed globally, RDW has spent several days talking about little else. Here is a report on the change in relations between the US and Germany over the past four years.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes reviews the Spanish press that was published at the start of the US election. El Pais describes the election as a referendum on the global wave of populism. They also ran a piece on climate change, pointing out that another four years of Trump would have irreparable effects on efforts to counter the environmental damage. In El Mundo there was an analysis called "The intellectual legacy of a reality show president," pointing out how global politics have changed since his election. In Publico an opinion piece says that there are no leftist political parties in the US, just two right-wing parties, one ultra-right and one center right.

From JAPAN- A report on how countries across Asia are paying attention to the US election- with reports from Thailand, India, South Korea, and China. The new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga says the government has no plans to build new nuclear power plants or reactors, while it aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

From CUBA- The Bolivian president-elect, Luis Arce, has called for the rebuilding of peace and economic stability, rejecting right wing attacks on homes and businesses. Fires in the Amazon rain forest in Brazil surged in October. A super typhoon destroyed some islands in the Philippines, the 18th this year. An investigation by Reveal and the LA Times shows that the Obama and Trump administrations detained tens of thousands of migrant children for longer than previously known. Edward Snowden and his wife are applying for dual US/Russian citizenship. Trump has approved selling the F-22 stealth aircraft to Israel, to make up for selling F-35s to the UAE.

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

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From SPAIN- Chileans overwhelmingly voted to reject the constitution which was drafted under the dictatorship of Pinochet. Huge demonstrations continued in Colombia to protest the government's failure to put into effect the measures agreed in the 2016 peace accord. Paramilitaries have continued to massacre indigenous and rural civilians, as well as hundreds of civic leaders this year. Despite US claims that the war on drugs in Colombia has been effective, this year has seen the largest cocaine crop ever produced. In Bolivia former president Evo Morales will be able to return to his native country without threat of arrest, though he will not have a role in government. Venezuelan opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez has found refuge in Spain from where he will continue to work against president Maduro.

From JAPAN- Japan and S Korea announced plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050- a commitment that the UN hopes big polluters will follow. A Japanese airline will reduce carbon emissions by using fuel made from animal fat. France and Germany announced new strict lockdowns as a second wave of Covid cases and deaths threatens to overwhelm their healthcare services.

From GERMANY- As I produce this show there has been a second, and perhaps third, assassination in France by Islamic fundamentalists. On Monday leaders of Islamic countries called for a boycott of French goods in reaction to the French President Macron's response to the murder of a French teacher by a fanatic the week before. By Wednesday there were massive anti-French rallies in many Muslim majority countries. Then French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo stirred the waters by ridiculing Turkish President Erdogan and Islamic beliefs on a new cover intended to anger Islamic fanatics. News of the new murders were just breaking as I began this show. Nurses in Poland are on strike over new stricter abortion laws. Then some brief updates on the global Covid pandemic.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." -Goethe

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

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From JAPAN- First an update on the anti-government protest in Thailand, which has continued despite an emergency ban. Security forces in Nigeria shot dead at least 12 citizens protesting police brutality and corruption. The US and Russia announced they will begin talks on extending the last remaining nuclear weapons control pact- a US peace activist has been trying to bring the question of a nuclear weapons ban into the US presidential debate. ICAN, or the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons, says that the number of signatories ratifying a UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons may reach the required number this week.

From RUSSIA- George Galloway spoke with Prof Justin Podur of York University in Toronto about his new book "Extraordinary Threat." They discuss how Venezuela became called a threat to the US so that sanctions could be imposed, and why Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro are censured by Western media while being esteemed by the majority of their population.

From CUBA- In Bolivia the new president is Luis Arce of the leftwing MAS party formerly led by exiled president Evo Morales. In Santiago Chile tens of thousands gathered to demand greater social equality. In Bogota Colombia thousands of indigenous leader and activists met to join a national strike against the government social and economic policies, and demand an end to the murder of social leaders in the country. Israeli forces attacked Palestinians taking part in protests against settlements in the occupied West Bank.

From GERMANY- Edward Snowden has been granted permanent residency in Russia. Then a series of brief reports on the Covid crisis, which is spreading at alarming rates across Europe, leading to the reinstitution of strict lockdown measures in several countries. Around the worlds journalists have been harassed and arrested for reporting on the pandemic. In France a middle school teacher was decapitated for showing students the Charlie Hebdo cartoons as examples of free press- huge protests and crackdowns have followed.

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

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From GERMANY- A series of brief reports including Greece imprisons leaders of Golden Dawn the neo-nazi political party, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon all look to develop gas in the Mediterranean, and at least half of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef have died from climate change in the past 25 years. In Thailand protests against the monarchy have continued to escalate, the EU has sanctioned Russians over the poisoning of an opposition leader, while China and Russia have been elected to the UNHR Council. In Covid news, the UN predicts food shortages in many countries, new tough restrictions have been imposed across Europe in reaction to a serious rise in Covid infections, and curfews are in effect in major cities in France including Paris.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes begins with one of the few positive results of the Covid pandemic- the International Energy Agency predicts a reduction in energy demands and CO2 emissions for the coming decade and much wider use of solar energy. The WHO explained that herd immunity is only effective in the presence of an effective vaccine. Oxfam released a report noting that the majority of loans from the IMF to countries in Covid crisis entail spending cuts and austerity measures that will worsen inequality- activists are calling for the IMF to sell a small amount of its massive gold reserve to cover debt payments owed by the world’s poorest countries. In Costa Rica citizens have been protesting their government for negotiating an IMF loan- this week the demonstrations became violent after police tried to disperse crowds.

From CUBA- Venezuelan President Maduro says 1000 mercenaries are being trained in Colombia to sabotage Venezuelan parliamentary elections in December. Exiled Bolivian President Evo Morales says that attempts are underway to interfere with this weekends election. China has called on the US to restrict military operations in the South China Sea. Latin America has the highest number of regional deaths from the coronavirus. The NYT says the White House blocked a CDC order requiring face masks on all public transport, and an editorial Trump has built a system of direct presidential influence unrivaled in modern US politics. The UN reports that climate change is largely to blame for a near doubling of natural disasters in the last 20 years.

This week's show features stories from Sputnik Radio, Spanish National Radio, and Radio Havana Cuba.

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From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi spoke with journalist and filmmaker John Pilger. John has been attending the extradition trial of Julian Assange at the Old Bailey in London. John talks about the crime of telling the truth which is what Wikileaks was doing on a vast range of topics, from war crimes to politicians lying and manipulating facts. Julian has been locked in a maximum security prison while the US argues for his extradition on a 1917 Espionage Act. The British court has limited defense testimony, while barring many media and human rights groups from attending. The mainstream media has for the most part ignored the case. Pilger says that if Julian is extradited it will not be the end of the matter, but a beginning of international attacks on foreign journalists. Pilger asks what would happen if China or Russia attempted to extradite foreign journalists because they exposed the truth of their violations of international law.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes begins with Germany investigating the increase in far-right radicalism among their security forces, and the FBI report on the danger of domestic terrorism. Fighting in Syria continues on a low level in various fronts, with Turkey, Russia, and the US military helping to keep the conflicts going. In Britain a London court annulled an earlier decision to give Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guiado access to his country's gold deposit in the Bank of England. In Costa Rica people are demanding that their president reject a loan deal with the IMF. After repeated delays, Bolivia will have general elections on October 18- this follows a coup that drove President Evo Morales to leave the country.

From CUBA- At the UN The Foreign Minister of Iran called on the international community to compel Israel to accede to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and exterminate its nuclear weapons. Pope Francis issued an encyclical with a vision for a post-pandemic world, questioning neoliberalism, trickle down economics, inequality and racism.