The Shortwave Report

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

http://www.outfarpress.com/swr200403.mp

From GERMANY- We will begin with a series of short reports on the spread of Covid 19 around the world, Spain to India, Afghanistan to Vietnam. Italy is in its 4th week of a strict lockdown to prevent the virus from spreading, leading to massive unemployment and growing poverty that could turn into civil unrest. India has gone into a complete lockdown- for the majority of people who live day to day, this is a crisis leading to a mass exodus and possible catastrophic food shortages.

From JAPAN- China says it will include silent carriers of the corona virus in its daily reports- it has been accused of underreporting the number of cases in the country. A Japanese pharmaceutical company has begun trials of an antiviral drug that could potentially treat symptoms of the corona virus. Palestinian authorities say that their efforts to control the corona virus are being hampered by the Israeli occupation. Britain, France, and Germany have found a way around US sanctions to get limited medical goods to Iran, which has been hit hard by the corona virus outbreak. The British government has postponed the next UN Climate Change Conference until next year.

From CUBA- The Washington Post reported on the medical problems made worse by the US sanctions against Iran. The former Undersecretary General of the UN and former director of the UN Office on Drugs affirmed that Venezuela has never been involved in drug trafficking between the US and Colombia as recently charged by the US.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Sputnik Radio George Galloway spoke with Professor and journalist Tim Anderson about proxy warfare, regime change, and the shift to liberal support for war.

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

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From JAPAN- The UN has called for aid funds for developing countries to fight the new corona virus. The G7 foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement about Covid-19 because the US insisted on called it the Wuhan virus. The French government has imposed fines on people who fail to comply with restrictions on movement during their lockdown. French experts say a European clinical trial of 4 experimental treatments for the virus have begun. The Iranian ambassador to Japan has asked for help getting the US to lift economic sanctions which are hampering efforts to deal with the virus.

From GERMANY- A review of how the corona pandemic is expanding and being approached in many different nations. In Austria the public broadcaster and power company have isolated healthy workers to insure that news and electricity will not be affected. The US is likely to become the epicenter of the pandemic but many health care workers say they do not have supplies to protect themselves.

From CUBA- Italy requested and has welcomed a brigade of Cuban medical workers to aid in the fight against the virus. Venezuelan President Maduro has requested that the US government lift economic sanctions in the face of the pandemic. The Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif accused the US of reaching a higher level of inhumanity by imposing new sanctions during the health crisis. A British court announced it will not release Julian Assange on bail despite the danger of the virus spreading in the maximum security prison where he is being held for the US.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground Afshin Rattansi interviewed his former director at the BBC, Tariq Ali. Tariq is a journalist and political activist in Britain. The excerpts we will hear were on the 17th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War and why it is still relevant today. He also discusses the alleged torture of Julian Assange and his extradition trial.

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

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From GERMANY- German Chancellor Angela Merkel addressed the nation on TV Wednesday, a rare event. She urged citizens to take their obligations to society seriously and restrain the rampant spread of the virus. As I produce this show Italy has now reported more deaths from the virus than China- this is a report from Thursday morning. The EU has closed external borders to non-EU citizens for 30 days, France and Spain have enacted isolation policies, but Chinese Hubei province had a day with no new cases. Did Trump try to buy up a German company developing a corona virus vaccine exclusively for the US? Why does the US lead the world in citizens who believe Covid 19 is a hoax? The European populists do not deny the seriousness of the pandemic.

From CUBA- Cuba is producing with China medicines it says fight and and treat Covid 19, and is developing a vaccine. Major cities in Chile are importing the previously mentioned medicines at low cost through the Peoples Pharmacies chain, in over a hundred cities in the country. Last Sunday President Maduro of Venezuela declared a quarantine to stem the spread of the virus. The Bolivian constitutional court will hold a hearing to consider an appeal to allow exiled president Evo Morales to be a candidate in the next election.

From JAPAN- Schools in Japan have been closed to slow down the spread of the corona virus since March 2nd, and they are considering reopening at the end of this month.The Japanese government has provided funding for some covid 19 testing since March 6th. Tokyo Electric Power Company says it will start analyzing debris from the devastated Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2024, and complete scrapping the plant between 2041 and 2051. The Japanese environment ministry says that some of the waste produced by decontamination work at Fukushima has been washed into rivers and the ocean by a typhoon last October.

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

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From JAPAN- March 11th was the 9th anniversary of the beginning of the tragic Fukushima earthquake and nuclear disaster. Almost 50,000 people have not been able to return home because of the remaining radiation, while enormous amounts of contaminated water continue to accumulate at the site. The corona virus pandemic is spreading rapidly, and in the US groups representing Asian Americans have urged Congress to take action to stop the spread of discrimination.

From RUSSIA- On his program called Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi presented a press review with former UK Home Office Minister Norman Baker. First they discuss an article on US government funding Big Pharma research for the corona virus and who will get the profits. Haaretz had an article on Israeli soldiers shooting 42 Palestinians knees in one day. There are British SAS operatives working in Syria without Parliamentary knowledge.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes updates the current ceasefire in Idlib Syria, brokered by Turkey and Russia. Idlib is where the Syrian army relocated 100k jihadist fighters. Alison then speaks to the trouble with news, with specific references to the alleged chlorine gas attacks in Douma, Syria. The OPCW (the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons) laid blame for the alleged attacks on the Syrian government and massive US led bombing in the country followed. Two OPCW whistleblowers leaked documents that suggest the blame was false, as reported by Robert Fisk.

From CUBA- The Venezuelan Foreign Minister denounced new threats coordinated by the US, Brazil, and Colombia. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern for US sanctions imposed on Venezuela. Landless women in Brazil marched across the country against racism, machismo, and violence against women. In Israel opposition groups are uniting to stop Netanyahu from becoming Prime Minister again.

This month's show consists of interviews with two college freshmen on online college, the attempted coup, and Covid. Mendocino County CA 57 minutes

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

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From SPAIN- Alison Hughes begins with rallies held around the world for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Then she reports on the social uprising in Colombia- citizens are continuing to protest austerity, neoliberal measures, and the government failure to implement the 2016 peace accord between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Many social leaders have been murdered and the military has violently attacked the protestors. The UN and the World Meteorological Organization have released a report on greenhouse gas concentrations which are increasing at an alarming rate- the UN will hold a Climate Summit next week in Madrid.

From JAPAN- In Hong Kong pro-democracy candidates won a landslide victory in district council elections, following weeks of demonstrations and riots. Pro-democracy leaders are demanding electoral reform and an independent inquiry into police brutality, and protests are continuing. Tension between Japan and South Korea continue, focusing on compensation lawsuits by South Koreans for forced labor and prostitution Japan imposed on them during the Second World War. The Pope visited Japan, speaking with Premier Abe and visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Japanese government is funding and encouraging the rapid development of 5G technology, which is currently being led by Chinese company Huawei.

From CUBA- The Bolivian congress has called for a new presidential election while barring President Evo Morales and his vice-president from being candidates. In Chile, a woman photojournalist was beaten to death and her work disappeared. The Syrian ambassador to the UN says the US is occupying and looting Syrian oilfields. Russia has warned that terrorists are preparing chemical attacks in Syria with fake news reports blaming Syria and Russia to follow as before. Dozens of doctors wrote an open letter warning that imprisoned publisher Julian Assange is in need of immediate medical attention. Israeli forces attacked Palestinians observing a Day of Rage to protest the recent US policy shift on occupied land.

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 interviewed journalist Greg Palast. Afshin begins with a brief review of Pinochet in Chile. Then Palast discusses the political upheavals in Latin America, namely Chile, Bolivia, and Venezuela. He talks about the outside influence of the US and European countries to create uprisings in Latin America to gain access to resources. And how the media transforms the story from installing dictators into popular uprisings to restore democracy. He also points out that 6 of the current coup plotters were trained at the School of the Americas.

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes begins by reporting on the situation in Bolivia. Evo Morales points out the racist, anti-indigenous sentiment of the coup. Janine Anez, the self-appointed new president of Bolivia has not announced elections but has declared the importance of recognizing that the nation is Christian. When she chose her cabinet there were no indigenous members, unlike the majority of the population. The Israeli army carried out more bombing raids in Syria, near Damascus. US Secretary of State Pompeo announced that the US no longer views Israeli settlements on Palestinian land as illegal. Under international laws Israelis are not allowed to annex or build in areas seized during war. Since 1967 Israelis have developed 264 settlements in occupied Palestine, with 430,000 now living there.

From CUBA- The defacto government of Bolivia issued a decree exempting armed forces and police from criminal responsibility when repressing protestors. Evo Morales said the replacement government is preparing a state of siege in Bolivia. US vice-president Pence urged the Venezuelan military to carry out a coup against president Maduro. Pope Francis issued a warning against rising fascism worldwide, and criticized corporate and ecological crimes. French riot police used tear gas to disperse Yellow Vest protestors on their one year anniversary of their demonstrations.

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

http://www.outfarpress.com/swr191115.mp3

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes reports on the second highest water level in the history of Venice, and hundreds of bush fires raging in eastern Australia, from Brisbane to Sydney. In Bolivia, right-wing politician Jeanine Anez claimed the presidency following a military coup. Recently re-elected president Evo Morales resigned following threats on his life and attacks on his family, supporters, and the indigenous of the country. Evo was granted asylum in Mexico.

From CUBA- More on the coup that drove Evo Morales to seek asylum in Mexico. While the US, Britain, and Brazil applauded the new self-proclaimed president, many world leaders, including Lula da Silva and Jeremy Corbyn spoke out against forcing a president from office. Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa condemned the coup and the Bolivian military's part in accomplishing it. Opposition senator Jeanine Anez claimed the presidency without the constitutional right to do so. Attacks on supporters of Morales had been going on for a week and were largely ignored by the international media. In Chile the government has agreed to write a new constitution, a move demanded by protestors who remain on strike.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Rattansi interviewed Valeska Martins, the defense lawyer for Lula da Silva. Former Brazilian President Lula was released after 580 days in prison this week. Valeska talks about the illegality of his incarceration, the false charges, and the involvement of the US Department of Justice.

From GERMANY- The Israeli Air Force killed a Palestinian commander with a targeted assassination in his home in Gaza on Tuesday, which was retaliated with hundreds of attempted rocket attacks over the border into Israel. Which were retaliated with dozens of missiles from Israel, resulting in 32 dead Palestinians.

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

http://www.outfarpress.com/swr191018.mp3

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes reports on the government of Ecuador restoring fuel subsidies, the cancellation of which had led to massive protests. Last Friday the US announced an increase in its military troop and weapons presence in Saudi Arabia. The Spanish Supreme Court sentenced 9 Catalan politicians to jail terms of 9-13 years on charges of sedition, for promoting independence for the region. Tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets of Barcelona and other cities and battled with federal riot police.

From GERMANY- On Thursday Spanish and Catalan leaders were appealing for an end to the violence in Barcelona and other cities, with protestors demanding the release of their elected leaders and a path to nationhood. Pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong disrupted a major policy speech by their leader who failed to address 5 citizen demands. Thousands of Berlin citizens protested anti-semitism and right-wing violence. A new study recognized the growing political and environmental awareness of German youth. In spite of being banned by London police, Extinction Rebellion protests continued in the city.

From CUBA- Thousands of indigenous protestors marched in the Chilean capital on the date Europeans celebrate Columbus. Israel announced new settler buildings in the occupied West Bank despite UN condemnation. A bit more on Extinction Rebellion actions Tuesday and Wednesday in London.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Rattansi did a press review with actor and author Rose McGowan. They report on the attempted ban on Extinction Rebellion, how US Democrats support some whistleblowers but not Chelsea Manning, and the problem of normalizing war criminals who never apologized.

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

http://www.outfarpress.com/swr190920.mp3

From SPAIN- Alison Hughes begins with a report on the Saudi war on Yemen, which the UN has called one of the worst humanitarian disasters of modern time. Last weekend 2 Saudi oil facilities were attacked by drones and missiles, which were claimed by rebel forces in Yemen. The US immediately said that Iran must have perpetrated the strikes, saying the Houthis do not possess the means. This is denied by Middle East military researchers. Germany has extended its embargo on exporting weapons to Saudi Arabia.

From JAPAN- Saudi leaders say that their oil production will be at 100% within 10 days. French scientists are warning that the deadly heat waves like this summer could become the norm in 30 years if global climate change goes unchecked. Trump is unlikely to attend the UN climate Action Summit next Monday despite calls by the UN Secretary General that all world leaders join the summit.

From GERMANY- At least 30 Afghanis were accidentally killed by a US drone strike. Trump announced further sanctions against Iran in response to the drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, while Saudis have joined the US maritime mission in the Straits of Hormuz. A Japanese court acquitted 3 officials in charge of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Greta Thunberg met with Barack Obama who will take part in the Climate Strike in NYC. Amnesty International presented Greta with an award for courage and leadership. Edward Snowden spoke with German TV about the US silencing of whistleblowers, and the threat of media giants working with governments to monitor citizens.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Ratannsi interviewed former Democratic Senator and presidential candidate Mike Gravel. They talk about the firing of John Bolton which led some Democratic leaders to express dismay instead of relief. Gravel speaks about the DNC losing again if they choose to run Biden instead of Bernie Sanders with Tulsi Gabbard, the only anti-empire candidates.