The Shortwave Report

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

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From GERMANY- The EU says that the negotiations to complete Brexit, the UK withdrawal from the EU, are not even halfway done. This week saw the deadliest border clash in 40 years between China and India, following Indian troops crossing the border and attacking. Trump's surprise announcement of troop reductions in Germany was followed by assurances that the US will support NATO nations.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes reports on the video conference between the EU and US Secretary of State Pompeo concerning trans-Atlantic relations, the US withdrawing from the WHO, and the US support versus the EU opposition to Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory. Nationwide protests against the government in Lebanon have resumed following the lifting of Covid restrictions. An update on the situations in Syria, where poverty has gotten much worse- the Director of the UN World Food Program talks about food shortages becoming a catastrophe in many countries. Despite the chaos from the Covid crisis, Israel has launched dozens of bombing raids into Syria, claiming it is for self-protection.

From CUBA- There is a new petition drive to nominate the Cuban doctors and medical brigade working in dozens of Covid hotspots around the world for the Nobel peace prize. Covid cases and deaths are soaring in Latin America, with Brazil now the second worst hit country. Guatemala hospitals are on the brink of collapse. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that France violated the rights of pro-Palestinian activists campaigning for a global boycott of Israeli goods. John Bolton's book accuses Trump of not being strong enough on foreign policy for not attacking Iran and Venezuela.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi spoke with actress/author Rose McGowan. She discusses what she calls the cult-like thinking and leadership that has taken over America, its control of the mass media, the uprising in America, genocide, and the current cultural reset.

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

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From SPAIN- Alison Hughes returns with a summary of global protests against police brutality and the murder of George Floyd. International demonstrations did not see rioting or physical clashes between citizens and riot police. Naomi Klein wrote an article "How Big Tech Plans To Profit From The Pandemic" for the Intercept and the Guardian. She discusses how CEOs of tech firms are being chosen by the US government to direct the increased use of technology in schools, medical practices, and the military as a result of the Covid lockdowns. She questions whether Tech Giant profits as a result of government subsidies benefit society- should tech delivery become a public utility? Will decisions be made for democracy or corporate profits? And is remote education an improvement, or a convenience that will create more unemployment in the emerging depression?

From JAPAN- In Hong Kong pro-democracy rallies were held despite bans to mark a one year anniversary since the start of mass protests. North Korea has ceased communication with the South after defectors sent leaflets criticized the leader Kim Jung Un. Global Covid deaths continue to rise at increasing rates, especially in the Americas- Brazilian President Bolsonaro blocked public release of death tolls, and in Iran cases are swelling with an easing of the lockdown.

From CUBA- Venezuela has received more humanitarian aid from China and Iran to help detect and combat Covid. The US has activated more shipping sanctions against Iran, to hamper the arrival of food and medical supplies. The International Committee to protect journalists has demanded US governors, mayors and police chiefs stop attacks on reporters covering the protests- 280 cases of police violence against reporters are being investigated. The Arab League reaffirmed its opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

From GERMANY- The German Foreign Minister warned Israel that plans to annex parts of the West Bank will violate international law. Amazon is banning police use of its facial recognition program for the next year. There is a massive unconfined oil spill in the Russian region of the Arctic.

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

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From GERMANY- Demonstrations in response to the murder of George Floyd have been taken place in many countries of the world. Reports from New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, Berlin, Ireland, Paris, and London. These protests pointed out racist injustice in their own countries as well, and occurred for the most part without violence from demonstrators or police. A DW reporter was shot twice by police in Minneapolis, and more than 9000 protestors have been arrested in the US. A Berlin sociologist speaks to whether these events will be a historical turning point, or whether the elite classes will maintain social inequality. A black American historian who repatriated to Germany responds to recent events in the US.

From CUBA- The Cuban Foreign Minister responded to US state department accusations that his country does not fight terrorism, specifically in Colombia. Political figures in Colombia reject and condemn the arrival of 800 US Army troops, allegedly to fight against drug trafficking. A Peruvian leader said that the US state department list was part of a growing escalation and intervention in Latin America. Iran announced a willingness to send more ships with fuel to Venezuela if requested. Amnesty International revealed how hundreds of American police forces have been receiving training from Israeli police, military, and intelligence services. China has criticized the US for severing ties with the WHO, UNESCO, and the Paris Climate Agreement.

From JAPAN- In Tokyo, Covid-19 infections are increasing but the gradual economic reopening will continue. City officials in Wuhan tested all 10 million residents in 19 days and found no cases with active symptoms. India and countries in South Asia are beginning to ease Covid restrictions even though infections are rising. Experts in Japan are urging using caution with face masks as summer time temperatures rise. In Hong Kong plans are underway to introduce the controversial security legislation, and a ban on gatherings has been extended.

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

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From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi interviewed Alexander Zevin, author of Liberalism at Large: The World According to The Economist. He exposes the British magazine The Economist's deep involvement in promoting free trade and the laissez-faire disaster in Ireland during the Irish famine, pushing Western foreign policy goals such as the Pinochet coup in Chile, to the coup in Iran in 1953, to US-backed regime-change operations in Venezuela today.

From CUBA- The Iranian tankers bringing gasoline and additives to Venezuela have been arriving despite US military threats. Venezuela has rejected the intended sale of Citgo refineries in the US based on asset seizures. Brazilian president Bolsonaro continues to attend rallies and greet people without a mask as the the spread of and death toll from Covid-19 soars in his country. Trump has been discussing renewed nuclear bomb testing, the first since 1992. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing corruption charges at a trial in Jerusalem. Then a Viewpoint on the American dream, the land of opportunity, where Doctors Without Borders sent an emergency team to treat the indigenous Navajo members for Covid infections.

From JAPAN- The National Peoples Congress of China is imposing new security laws on Hong Kong, resulting in a renewed uprising with threats coming from the US. Japan is bracing for a second wave of Covid cases after lifting its state of emergency.

From GERMANY- First some brief world reports on the pandemic around the world, including Thailand, India, Spain, and Brazil. Then a piece about the pandemic in the US, with comments from US scholar Noam Chomsky.

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

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From JAPAN- The Japanese government is trying to decide whether or not to lift the state of emergency in three more prefectures, while maintaining it in others. The Japanese made anti flu drug Avigan is undergoing further clinical trials, though approval is expected this month. A report on the relaxed restrictions in the US with an extended weekend holiday beginning. At the annual assembly of the World Health Organization with key topics of developing a Covid vaccine and a plan for distribution of medical supplies. Meanwhile Mike Pompeo and Trump have stepped up criticism of China, blaming it for the spread of Covid.

From RUSSIA- On his program George Galloway interviewed Alan MacLeod about his new book called "Propaganda In The Information Age." They discuss media and journalists ignoring stories rather than writing false narratives, and their lack of questioning government leaders. Alan says that the elite are creating the outlook often contrary to the interests of the people. And that the lack of reporting on Venezuela and following the government on the pandemic are examples. Social media giants Google and Facebook are limiting the scope of what most people see in an era called the information age.

From CUBA- The Venezuelan government released a document sent to Juan Guaido billing him $1.5 million for interest on invasion services by Silvercorp USA. Trump has given the WHO 30 days to change its ways or funding will be permanently cut. Mike Pompeo threatened the International Criminal Court if they continue a war crimes investigation into Israeli actions in Palestine. Palestine has terminated all agreements with Israel and the US. Then a Viewpoint on Libya, where mercenary troops keep arriving from all over the globe to support the warring factions.

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

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From GERMANY- The Covid pandemic has transformed the streets of Brussels into a more climate friendly place with more space for pedestrians and bicycles. Protests against governmental restrictions in response to the pandemic are growing in Germany, with the far-right and conspiracy theorists trying to hijack the demonstrations. Russia now has the second largest number of Covid infections, and Santiago Chile has gone into total lockdown. US Secretary of State Pompeo spent a day in Israel, where Netanyahu and Gantz have formed a Unity government- they discussed the pandemic and the annexation of parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Fierce clashes are continuing in Yemen, backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

From CUBA- The US vetoed a resolution sponsored by France and Tunisia aimed at a global ceasefire that had been unanimously approved by every other country on the UN Security Council. The British medical journal The Lancet had an editorial stating Brazilian President Bolsonaro was the greatest threat to controlling the rapidly spreading pandemic in his country. The Cuban FM held a press conference concerning US government silence about the terrorist attack on the Cuban Embassy in Washington. The Venezuelan government apprehended 8 more mercenaries involved in the recent failed attempt to kidnap President Maduro. Then a Viewpoint on Operation Gideon, an attempted coup against Maduro, led by a consortium of a private American mercenaries and Juan Guiado.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi interviewed Frank-Jurgen Richter, former director of the World Economic Forum. They discuss the impact coronavirus will have on the European Union's unity, the possibility of class warfare and revolutions in the West comparable to Russia in 1917 and France in 1789, anti-establishment sentiment as a result of globalization, and how uncontrolled capitalism has created the conditions for mass social unrest amid Covid-19.

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

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       From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with Vandana Shiva. She criticizes world leaders for working so closely with unelected billionaire businessmen on dealing with the pandemic, vaccines, and corporate bailouts. She argues that the current democracy is a facade for a dictatorship of big money, and that the IMF and World Bank pushed through patents on seeds which is destroying agriculture. She defends her presence in the anti-environmentalist film funded by Michael Moore, Planet Of The Humans.

       From CUBA-  US backed soldiers and mercenaries have been caught twice trying to enter Venezuela allegedly with plans to assassinate President Maduro. 27 members of the US Congress have asked the US government to allow the shipment of humanitarian goods to Cuba during the Covid pandemic. Cuba wants to know the truth behind an assault rifle attack on its embassy in Washington.

       From GERMANY- Several short news reports related to the Covid pandemic including airline bailouts, Spain extends its state of pandemic alert, and Britain has surged to the lead in European deaths from the corona virus. The EU had a $7 billion pledge day for international money to develop a vaccine,  and the US and Russia did not attend. Trump said he expects the US to have a vaccine by the end of this year.

       From JAPAN- Japan has extended its state of emergency to May 31, with the government asking the public to voluntarily refrain from going out. A report on the US president's plan to get Americans back to work. US Secretary of State Pompeo continues to criticize China, blaming it for the pandemic. The health of N Korean leader Kim Jun Un has appeared in public, raising doubts about US media claims that he had heart surgery.

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

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From JAPAN- Rumors continue to swirl about the whereabouts and health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea is seeking aid from China as it struggles with US sanctions. Japan has decided to extend its state of emergency to restrain the spread of Covid-19. Then a review of government responses to the virus in numerous other nations around the world.

From GERMANY- In Lebanon anti-government protests have been ongoing for months but now more intense street confrontations with the army have become a nightly event. Germany announced a ban on the political wing of Hezbollah, declaring it a terrorist organization and raided dozens of sites on Thursday. Then short reports on the status of Covid-19 in many other countries.

From CUBA- The New York Times reported that the Covid-19 death toll in Ecuador is 15 times higher than the official government count- then reports on other Latin American countries. A Viewpoint on the annual report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on the record global military spending in 2019, with more than a third of the entire amount from the US.

From RUSSIA- On his weekly program George Galloway spoke with Economics Professor Steve Keen. They discuss the effect the pandemic is having on the state of capitalism, and whether it will be a viable system in the future.

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

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From GERMANY- First a series of short reports about Covid 19 around the globe. Denmark has eased its lockdown, opening primary schools and daycare centers under strict conditions. There has been international condemnation for Trump's decision to freeze funding for the World Health Organization, at a time when other world leaders are calling for unity in fighting the pandemic. The WHO says it regrets Trump's action, saying that the developing world is now at much greater risk of many diseases as well as Covid 19.

From JAPAN- More stories of the pandemic spread around Europe. Americans in a number of states left their homes to protest the lockdown, organized by conservative groups who view it as an assault on freedom. China has approved human tests for 3 experimental vaccines against the virus.

From CUBA- Cuba is conducting a clinical trial for a new Covid vaccine. Medical staff in Brazil and Human Rights Watch are criticizing Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, with a lack of equipment and extreme working hours. The disease is spreading in England's Belmarsh prison where Julian Assange was denied bail while awaiting an extradition decision. Then a Viewpoint on the unnoticed annual day of the Political Prisoner, April 17, which was established in 2005.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi interviewed Ban ki-Moon, former Secretary-General of the UN. In this excerpt Ban speaks about the importance of the climate crisis around the world, and its importance even when a disease like the new coronavirus is dominating the current news.

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

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From JAPAN- On Tuesday a state of emergency was declared in parts of Japan to fight the corona virus for one month- it is not a lockdown. The government is considering nationwide drive through testing for the virus. The head of the WHO has pushed back against criticism of racial bias made by Trump. Monday was the last day of regular NHK World Radio broadcasts and they had an important report on plans to release more radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, claiming it would stay close to the shore.

From CUBA- The UN economic commission for Latin America has urged the US to the blockades against Cuba and Venezuela. A Pentagon Paper leaked to the press contradicts Trump's claim that the pandemic came out of nowhere and taken the government by surprise. The current editor of Wikileaks says that conditions in Belmarsh prison, where Julian Assange is being held, could be worse than officials admit. The Cuban foreign minister expressed support for former Ecuadorian President Correa who was sentenced to 8 years in prison in a questionable bribery case.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi spoke with esteemed journalist John Pilger. The excerpt we will hear includes the political reasons why people in the UK are suffering from coronavirus, who is responsible for the ongoing Saudi bombings in Yemen, and the US war of sanctions affecting 1/4 of the world population.

From GERMANY- A number of brief updates on the virus around the world including Saudi claims of a ceasefire. In Wuhan China the lockdown on citizens has been lifted, though epidemic prevention measures remain in force. Denmark has decided to lift its 4 week long lockdown, with many schools and businesses to reopen next week.