21stcenturywire--2020-03-11--US-Israel Predictably Behind Turkish Aggression in Syria

Washington and Tel Aviv are still actively coordinating their efforts to destabilize Syria .
Turkey ’ s ongoing fighting in northern Syria ’ s Idlib governorate was – from the beginning of recent escalations – clearly a continuation of Washington ’ s wider now 9 year-long proxy war against Damascus .
Whatever gains Turkey had made in terms of reducing its role in Washington ’ s proxy war and repairing ties with Syria ’ s allies Russia and Iran – were clearly less important to Ankara amid these recent weeks of renewed aggression than whatever Washington has either promised Ankara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Turkey ’ s aggression in Idlib is merely one part of the much wider proxy war Washington continues to wage against Damascus – it was predicted that others involved in the proxy war would coordinate with Turkey elsewhere in Syria .
In recent weeks Israel has continued carrying out attacks in Syrian territory .
Recent news has covered Israeli attacks on military targets in Homs – right at the edge of where Turkey ’ s aggression trails off .
Chinese news site Xinhua in its March 5 , 2020 article , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central , southern regions , ” would report : Despite Israel and Turkey often posing as being at odds with one another over political , religious , or ideological issues – both nations have coordinated violence against Syria since 2011 as per US designs aimed at overthrowing the Syrian government – described in detail within US policy papers .
US Designs to Use Turkey and Israel as Proxies Revealed as Early as 1983 Ignoring the West ’ s ongoing propaganda surrounding the Syrian conflict and simply looking at US policy papers over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only has Washington sought to overthrow the Syrian government for decades – it has sought to do so using the same tricks .
A 1983 document – part of a deluge of declassified papers released to the public – signed by former CIA officer Graham Fuller titled , “ Bringing Real Muscle to Bear Against Syria ” ( PDF ) , states ( their emphasis ) : In 2012 – illustrating how these plans were never taken off the table and merely updated amid the more recent 2011 US proxy war against Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Brookings Institution , would publish a paper titled , “ Saving Syria : Assessing Options for Regime Change ” ( PDF ) , stating explicitly : This attempt to create a “ multi-front war ” amid the current Syrian conflict is a process that continues openly to this very day with news of Turkey and Israel engaged in now direct military aggression against the Syrian government aimed at dividing Syrian forces and reversing Syrian gains on the battlefield .
Trouble had also briefly erupted along the Syrian-Jordanian border where for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did along the Syrian-Turkish border by funding , arming , training , and equipping terrorists before sending them to fight in Syria .
The US Lurks Behind the Scenes Despite attempts by Washington to portray itself as withdrawing from multiple theaters of military aggression , occupation , and confrontation around the globe , there is little actual evidence it is doing so .
Instead it appears to merely be attempting to hide its hand by deferring increasingly to proxies .
Its relative quietness regarding Syria was recently broken when US representatives were seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Al Qaeda-affiliates – the so-called “ White Helmets.
” The Washington Post in its article , “ U.S .
officials visit Turkey ’ s border with Syria , emphasize support for NATO ally , ” would report : As always – the Washington Post spins obvious facts , and in this case , attempts to portray the US as merely ‘ backing ’ Turkey in its fighting in northern Syria rather than being the primary sponsor and impetus driving Turkey ’ s ongoing aggression and the Syrian conflict as a whole .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly Craft , poses for a photo-op at the Turkish border with notorious US and UK-backed pseudo ‘ search and rescue NGO , ’ the White Helmets ( Image Credit : Tuvan Gumrukcu/REUTERS ) In addition to this very public display of official support for Turkey and its terrorist proxies – the Western media has collectively renewed its familiar propaganda war against Syria and its allies through the use of its various “ humanitarian ” rackets including fronts like Human Rights Watch and even pushing bias reports through the UN .
Coupled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a political weapon – once again attempts are underway to cite “ humanitarian concerns ” to fish for public support and legal justification for even further escalations against Syria .
This most recent outburst of aggression from the US and its various proxies comes at a time where nearly all of Syria ’ s territory has been retaken by the Syrian government .
Syria ’ s allies – Russia and Iran – have established deeply entrenched positions in Syria that all but total war will fail to dislodge .
Israeli airstrikes – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tactical level – are futile on a strategic level .
Airstrikes alone will not win the proxy war against Syria without a significant ground force able to exploit them .
That ground force in the form of terrorists armed and backed by the West have been all but eliminated across Syrian territory .
Likewise – despite Turkey ’ s large military – it would need to confront and contain Russian air power to gain the advantage needed to reverse its – and its proxies ’ losses – in northern Syria .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps in the process Damascus and its allies may be willing to make concessions to accelerate the conclusion of hostilities – but whether they make these concessions or not – hostilities will inevitably conclude , and do so to Damascus and its allies ’ advantage .
Israel ’ s political isolation within the region and around the globe is , at the moment , all but irreversible , and thus , its apathy toward the damage its ongoing aggression in Syria is having on its international standings leaves few surprised .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to realign itself amid America ’ s decline and the emergence of multi-polarism .
While it still seems possible that Turkey can reverse the damage it is doing to its ties with the rest of the world – that window is undoubtedly closing .
Turkey will have to decide if it wants to end the Syrian conflict side-by-side Israel , and in particular the US – which is in irreversible decline globally , or end it aligned with the conflict ’ s victors , namely Syria ’ s allies Russia and Iran .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ researcher , writer and special contributor to 21st Century Wire .
See more of his work at Tony ’ s archive .
Over the last decade , his work has been published on a number of popular news and analysis websites , and also on the online magazine “ New Eastern Outlook ” .
Also , you can follow him on VK here .

By
Washington and Tel Aviv are still actively coordinating their efforts to destabilize Syria.
Tony Cartalucci
21st Century Wire
Turkey’s ongoing fighting in northern Syria’s Idlib governorate was – from the beginning of recent escalations – clearly a continuation of Washington’s wider now 9 year-long proxy war against Damascus.
Whatever gains Turkey had made in terms of reducing its role in Washington’s proxy war and repairing ties with Syria’s allies Russia and Iran – were clearly less important to Ankara amid these recent weeks of renewed aggression than whatever Washington has either promised Ankara or threatened it with.
And precisely because Turkey’s aggression in Idlib is merely one part of the much wider proxy war Washington continues to wage against Damascus – it was predicted that others involved in the proxy war would coordinate with Turkey elsewhere in Syria.
Israeli Airstrikes
In recent weeks Israel has continued carrying out attacks in Syrian territory.
Recent news has covered Israeli attacks on military targets in Homs – right at the edge of where Turkey’s aggression trails off.
Chinese news site Xinhua in its March 5, 2020 article, “Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli missiles in central, southern regions,” would report:
Syrian air defenses intercepted Israeli missiles in the central province of Homs and the southern Quneitra province after midnight Thursday, state news agency SANA reported.
The missiles were fired from Israeli warplanes over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and from Lebanese airspace, said the report, without providing details on the targets.
The attack is the latest in a string of missile strikes carried out by Israel.
Despite Israel and Turkey often posing as being at odds with one another over political, religious, or ideological issues – both nations have coordinated violence against Syria since 2011 as per US designs aimed at overthrowing the Syrian government – described in detail within US policy papers.
US Designs to Use Turkey and Israel as Proxies Revealed as Early as 1983
Ignoring the West’s ongoing propaganda surrounding the Syrian conflict and simply looking at US policy papers over the years – it is clear that not only has Washington sought to overthrow the Syrian government for decades – it has sought to do so using the same tricks.
A 1983 document – part of a deluge of declassified papers released to the public – signed by former CIA officer Graham Fuller titled, “Bringing Real Muscle to Bear Against Syria” (PDF), states (their emphasis):
Syria at present has a hammerlock on US interests both in Lebanon and in the Gulf — through closure of Iraq’s pipeline thereby threatening Iraqi internationalization of the [Iran-Iraq] war. The US should consider sharply escalating the pressures against Assad [Sr.] through covertly orchestrating simultaneous military threats against Syria from three border states hostile to Syria: Iraq, Israel and Turkey.
The report also states:
If Israel were to increase tensions against Syria simultaneously with an Iraqi initiative, the pressures on Assad would escalate rapidly. A Turkish move would psychologically press him further.
In 2012 – illustrating how these plans were never taken off the table and merely updated amid the more recent 2011 US proxy war against Syria – the US corporate-funded policy think tank, the Brookings Institution, would publish a paper titled, “Saving Syria: Assessing Options for Regime Change” (PDF), stating explicitly:
Some voices in Washington and Jerusalem are exploring whether Israel could contribute to coercing Syrian elites to remove Assad.
The report continues by explaining (emphasis added):
Israel could posture forces on or near the Golan Heights and, in so doing, might divert regime forces from suppressing the opposition. This posture may conjure fears in the Assad regime of a multi-front war, particularly if Turkey is willing to do the same on its border and if the Syrian opposition is being fed a steady diet of arms and training. Such a mobilization could perhaps persuade Syria’s military leadership to oust Assad in order to preserve itself.
This attempt to create a “multi-front war” amid the current Syrian conflict is a process that continues openly to this very day with news of Turkey and Israel engaged in now direct military aggression against the Syrian government aimed at dividing Syrian forces and reversing Syrian gains on the battlefield.
Trouble had also briefly erupted along the Syrian-Jordanian border where for years the US had – just as it did along the Syrian-Turkish border by funding, arming, training, and equipping terrorists before sending them to fight in Syria.
The US Lurks Behind the Scenes
Despite attempts by Washington to portray itself as withdrawing from multiple theaters of military aggression, occupation, and confrontation around the globe, there is little actual evidence it is doing so. Instead it appears to merely be attempting to hide its hand by deferring increasingly to proxies.
Its relative quietness regarding Syria was recently broken when US representatives were seen visiting the Turkish-Syrian border and even meeting with Al Qaeda-affiliates – the so-called “White Helmets.”
The Washington Post in its article, “U.S. officials visit Turkey’s border with Syria, emphasize support for NATO ally,” would report:
Three top U.S. officials toured Turkey’s border with Syria on Tuesday, even briefly crossing into Syrian territory, in a concerted effort to underscore one point: The United States is throwing its full support behind its NATO ally in its new fight against the Syrian government and its Russian backers.
As always – the Washington Post spins obvious facts, and in this case, attempts to portray the US as merely ‘backing’ Turkey in its fighting in northern Syria rather than being the primary sponsor and impetus driving Turkey’s ongoing aggression and the Syrian conflict as a whole.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, poses for a photo-op at the Turkish border with notorious US and UK-backed pseudo ‘search and rescue NGO,’ the White Helmets (Image Credit: Tuvan Gumrukcu/REUTERS)
In addition to this very public display of official support for Turkey and its terrorist proxies – the Western media has collectively renewed its familiar propaganda war against Syria and its allies through the use of its various “humanitarian” rackets including fronts like Human Rights Watch and even pushing bias reports through the UN.
Coupled with Turkey’s own use of refugees as a political weapon – once again attempts are underway to cite “humanitarian concerns” to fish for public support and legal justification for even further escalations against Syria.
Washington’s Unwinnable Proxy War
This most recent outburst of aggression from the US and its various proxies comes at a time where nearly all of Syria’s territory has been retaken by the Syrian government. Syria’s allies – Russia and Iran – have established deeply entrenched positions in Syria that all but total war will fail to dislodge.
Israeli airstrikes – however damaging they are on a temporary and tactical level – are futile on a strategic level. Airstrikes alone will not win the proxy war against Syria without a significant ground force able to exploit them. That ground force in the form of terrorists armed and backed by the West have been all but eliminated across Syrian territory.
Likewise – despite Turkey’s large military – it would need to confront and contain Russian air power to gain the advantage needed to reverse its – and its proxies’ losses – in northern Syria.
The conflict will continue to drag on and perhaps in the process Damascus and its allies may be willing to make concessions to accelerate the conclusion of hostilities – but whether they make these concessions or not – hostilities will inevitably conclude, and do so to Damascus and its allies’ advantage.
Israel’s political isolation within the region and around the globe is, at the moment, all but irreversible, and thus, its apathy toward the damage its ongoing aggression in Syria is having on its international standings leaves few surprised.
However, Turkey is giving up a potential opportunity to realign itself amid America’s decline and the emergence of multi-polarism. While it still seems possible that Turkey can reverse the damage it is doing to its ties with the rest of the world – that window is undoubtedly closing.
Turkey will have to decide if it wants to end the Syrian conflict side-by-side Israel, and in particular the US – which is in irreversible decline globally, or end it aligned with the conflict’s victors, namely Syria’s allies Russia and Iran.
***
Author Tony Cartalucci, Bangkok-based geopolitical researcher, writer and special contributor to 21st Century Wire. See more of his work at Tony’s archive. Over the last decade, his work has been published on a number of popular news and analysis websites, and also on the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”. Also, you can follow him on VK here.
READ MORE SYRIA NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Syria Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-11--Despite Al-Nusra Breaches, Syria and Russia Working to Open M5 Highway

The Syrian state , through its specialized service directorates , has begun the work of opening the M5 international highway which connects Aleppo to Lattakia , in preparation for the implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreement recently concluded by Presidents Putin and Erdogan in Moscow .
On Tuesday , specialized workers began to remove the barriers that were blocking the road from the Syrian state ’ s regions of Lattakia governorate on the Syrian coast , and repair and rehabilitation works for the international highway were carried out within sections controlled by the Syrian state forces .
Government sources have indicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is now fully committed to the ceasefire outlined in the agreement , noting that removing the barriers from the road demonstrates the commitment of the Syrian state to the prescribed terms , despite all the violations committed by terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham aka “ HTS ” ( former known as al-Nusra Front , aka al-Qaeda in Syria ) and its allied factions since the activation of the new agreement midnight last Thursday .
In the same context , the number of breaches committed by HTS reached to about 40 from Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received the largest share of these breaches as a result of the drones launched by the HTS and allied militants targeting the Russian military base at Hmeimim , followed by incursions in Aleppo and Idlib governorates .
It is noteworthy that HTS had announced , in an official statement issued a few days ago , its rejection of the “ Moscow Agreement ” and its refusal to abide by it as it did in previous agreements , especially that the agreement included an affirmation of fighting designated terrorist organizations listed by the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that one of the most prominent provisions of the Russian-Turkish agreement is the issue of opening the international highway that links the cities of Aleppo and Lattakia , provided that the safe buffer zones from the militant-controlled areas through which the road passes by is 6 kilometers to the north and 6 kilometers to the south .
This necessarily means the withdrawal of the armed factions from several important cities , namely Areha and Jisr al-Shughour , but still no signs of implementation appear to have been recorded .
Until militant groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threaten the stability of the M5 highway , then further violent clashes can be expected .
*** Author Khaled Iskef is an independent researcher and journalist based in Syria .
His work has appeared on a number of international media outlets including Al Mayadeen TV .
See his archive here .

By
Syria’s M5 Highway (Image Source: Arab Center DC)
Khaled Iskef
21st Century Wire
The Syrian state, through its specialized service directorates, has begun the work of opening the M5 international highway which connects Aleppo to Lattakia, in preparation for the implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreement recently concluded by Presidents Putin and Erdogan in Moscow.
On Tuesday, specialized workers began to remove the barriers that were blocking the road from the Syrian state’s regions of Lattakia governorate on the Syrian coast, and repair and rehabilitation works for the international highway were carried out within sections controlled by the Syrian state forces.
Government sources have indicated that the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is now fully committed to the ceasefire outlined in the agreement, noting that removing the barriers from the road demonstrates the commitment of the Syrian state to the prescribed terms, despite all the violations committed by terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham aka “HTS” (former known as al-Nusra Front, aka al-Qaeda in Syria) and its allied factions since the activation of the new agreement midnight last Thursday.
In the same context, the number of breaches committed by HTS reached to about 40 from Thursday to Tuesday morning, with Lattakia governorate received the largest share of these breaches as a result of the drones launched by the HTS and allied militants targeting the Russian military base at Hmeimim, followed by incursions in Aleppo and Idlib governorates.
It is noteworthy that HTS had announced, in an official statement issued a few days ago, its rejection of the “Moscow Agreement” and its refusal to abide by it as it did in previous agreements, especially that the agreement included an affirmation of fighting designated terrorist organizations listed by the UN Security Council.
It should also be noted that one of the most prominent provisions of the Russian-Turkish agreement is the issue of opening the international highway that links the cities of Aleppo and Lattakia, provided that the safe buffer zones from the militant-controlled areas through which the road passes by is 6 kilometers to the north and 6 kilometers to the south. This necessarily means the withdrawal of the armed factions from several important cities, namely Areha and Jisr al-Shughour, but still no signs of implementation appear to have been recorded.
Until militant groups begin to recede from those positions which threaten the stability of the M5 highway, then further violent clashes can be expected.
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES
***
Author Khaled Iskef is an independent researcher and journalist based in Syria. His work has appeared on a number of international media outlets including Al Mayadeen TV. See his archive here.
READ MORE SYRIA NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Syria Files
SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-13--List of ‘Mass Gatherings’ and Events Canceled Due to Coronavirus Fears

The outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus has prompted a number of local , national and industry authorities to order the cancellation of numerous major events , over fears of large numbers of people held in one place and remaining in close contact for extended periods of time.The economic fallout from these crisis management measures will be immense .
These restrictions also being extended to schools and universities across the United States .
As of last night , some 225 American colleges and universities are implementing emergency contingencies to move classes and tutoring online .
Other countries are taking even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , all schools and universities have been shut due to the death of one elderly woman in a hospital .
Aside from schools and colleges , government and civic authorities around the world are also placing a limit on public gatherings .
In France , nonessential “ mass gatherings ” of over 100 persons are being restricted .
Similar measures are being enforced in Italy , considered the European epicentre of the coronavirus .
Prohibited events will include public meetings , lectures , music concerts , awards shows , and sporting events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Switzerland , the French violinist Renaud Capuçon and the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra played a full concert — to an empty hall .
Their performance , which was canceled after the Swiss government prohibited all gatherings of 1000 or more people , was broadcast by Swiss public television and radio .
It ’ s just one of the ways that performers and organizations worldwide are grappling with the uncertainties of the coronavirus , and how to handle large gatherings of audiences in close quarters .
The Western classical music industry is now heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , as crucial consumer markets .
In recent weeks , the Boston Symphony Orchestra has cancelled a tour of Asia and Washington , D.C. ’ s National Symphony Orchestra has cancelled three concerts in China .
New York ’ s famed Juilliard School , which is scheduled to open a satellite conservatory in Tianjin , China this autumn , announced at the end of January that it has suspended all in-person auditions and other admissions-related activities in China and Asia indefinitely .
Aside from canceling an event , Canadian Health Services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • reducing the number of participants or changing the venue to prevent crowding ; • changing the event program to reduce high risk activities such as those that require physical contact between participants .
Travels bans are also creating a chilling effect for artists scheduled to appear .
UK ’ s Telegraph reports : President Trump ’ s month-long travel ban from 26 European countries to the US will plunge the industry into further crisis , although the ban doesn ’ t include the UK .
“ It ’ s pandemonium .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply don ’ t know how bad this is going to be , ” says one live music promoter .
A second industry executive with almost three decades ’ experience says he has “ never known such uncertainty in the live industry in all the years I ’ ve been working in it ” .
The following is a provisional list of major global sporting events , festivals , music concerts and industry conferences which have already been canceled or postponed due to fears over the outbreak of the Coronavirus .
Note : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ printed below were originally compiled and published by Canadian publication Global News , which can be seen here and here .
NBA : North America ’ s National Basketball Association season has been suspended until further notice following a Utah Jazz player , Rudy Gobert , testing positive for COVID-19 .
The Toronto Raptors have been told to self-quarantine after they played against the Jazz two days before the announcement was made .
Major League Baseball : The league ’ s annual Spring training season has been canceled , and will delay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two weeks , possibly more – amid the coronavirus outbreak fears .
“ MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of the season , ” said a league spokesperson .
TBA .
NHL : North America ’ s National Hockey League announced on March 12 that their season is suspended until further notice .
NCAA Tournament ( March Madness ) : NCAA president Mark Emmert had originally announced on March 11 that scheduled college basketball games will be played in front of limited audiences , but later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been completely canceled .
La Liga soccer league : Spain ’ s top soccer league has suspended all games and asked players of Real Madrid to self-quarantine after one tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
Inter Milan soccer club : The soccer club suspends all games after Juventus FC player tests positive for the novel coronavirus , according to the Evening Standard .
Major League Soccer : The league announced it would suspend the season for 30 days .
2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo : The games have not been cancelled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 is already being felt .
At the traditional flame-lighting ceremony ( Torch Relay ) beginning in Greece on March 12 , following the announcement of a pandemic , spectators were not allowed .
The Tokyo games are set to begin on July 24 and end on Aug. 9 .
St. Patrick ’ s Day ( Dublin , Ireland ) : The country cancelled its annual St. Patrick ’ s Day parade on March 9 .
Cherry Blossom Festival ( Washington DC ) : The district has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Tokyo , Japan ) : The city cancelled two cherry blossom festivals on March 11 .
Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals : One of North America ’ s largest music festivals with some 140,000 revelers every year , postponed the event until October .
“ We must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 concerns , ” the statement said .
South By Southwest : ( SXSW ) , the beloved Austin , Texas-based music festival , become the first officially cancelled music gathering in the U.S .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 34 years , it would be cancelled , shortly after the mayor of Austin , Steve Adler , announced a local disaster as a precaution against the new coronavirus .
Pearl Jam : The Seattle-based grunge legends became the first — of perhaps many to come — to postpone an entire North American tour .
On Monday evening , frontman Eddie Vedder confirmed the news in a statement shared through the official Pearl Jam website .
“ We are being told that being part of large gatherings is high on the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health crisis is now beginning to affect all of our lives , ” wrote the Black singer , who did not explicitly name COVID-19 in the lengthy statement .
Santana : Canceled its upcoming European tour amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19 ( coronavirus ) .
The band , led by guitarist Carlos Santana , is just the latest in a series of acts and events to cancel or postpone due to health concerns , Mariah Carey : Postponed March 10 show in Honolulu , Hawaii , due to “ evolving international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will Carey will return to Honolulu on Nov. 28 at the Blaisdell Arena .
Ciara : American singer/songwriter postponed her March 19 performance at the grand opening of the new United Service Organizations ( USO ) charity in her hometown of Fort Worth , Texas .
The pregnant musician confirmed the news to the Associated Press on March 7 .
“ With the continued spread of the coronavirus throughout the U.S. , as a pregnant woman , my doctors have advised me to limit travel and large group gatherings .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return this month to the place where I was born and put on the amazing show we had planned , ” the 34-year-old said in a statement .
“ I urge everyone to be diligent in taking steps to stay healthy and safe.
” KISS : Though the remaining shows on KISS ‘ s final tour of North America has not been postponed or cancelled yet , the fire-breathing , makeup-covered rockers have “ temporarily ” put a halt on any of their meet-and-greets .
Fish : ( Status unconfirmed ) Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to start a 12-date UK tour in March , but says he ’ s “ stuck between a rock and a hard place ” as his insurance won ’ t reimburse him if he has to cancel shows , if a band member contracts the disease or even if the Government bans large events due to coronavirus .
He would , to adapt a phrase , be a Fish out of pocket .
“ It ’ s quite scary .
I ’ m in a difficult position .
I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a full band .
I ’ m the boss of my band , I ’ m my own record company , and I ’ m the one who ’ s underwriting the entire tour .
In an ideal world , if we could cancel then we would .
But if we cancel I ’ ll be liable for all the venue hire , the hotels , everything .
So we have to forge on ahead , ” he says ( Source : Telegraph ) .
Zac Brown Band : In the midst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zac Brown Band issued a statement to its social media channels on March 10 , announcing the postponement of its 13 remaining dates in North America — including one in Toronto on March 15 .
“ Out of caution and due to increasing public health concerns , Zac Brown Band is postponing the [ tour ] , ” wrote the band .
“ This was an extremely difficult decision , but the well-being of our fans is always our top priority.
” Bikini Kill : Popular all-female American punk rock band , made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its upcoming and highly anticipated North American tour on March 11 .
The news was confirmed in an official statement shared through the band ’ s official website on Wednesday , citing the importance of taking “ health and safety very seriously ” in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak .
2020 Juno Awards : Though it may technically be classified as an awards show , each year for five decades , the Junos has united some of Canada ’ s biggest musicians to celebrate the nation ’ s “ biggest night in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many , many onstage live performances .
“ Through our collaborative discussions and with input and guidance and the full support of our trusted partners , including the province of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Ministry of Health , it is with an incredibly heavy heart that we collectively confirm the cancellation of the 49th annual Juno Awards and Juno Week activities in Saskatoon due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 , ” the academy wrote .
Green Day : The iconic punk trio , followed with a similar announcement , revealing they had postponed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Weezer and Fall Out Boy .
BTS : On Feb. 27 , the world-renowned South Korean K-pop band ( aka the “ Bangtan Boys ” ) became one of the first reported music groups to cancel a string of concert dates as a result of the novel coronavirus .
They cancelled the three opening shows of the 2020 Map of the Soul tour in their hometown of Seoul .
Madonna : Cancelled two shows in Paris as a result of a knee injury .
However , the announcement came shortly after France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the continued risk and threat of the new coronavirus , according to Reuters .
Ultra Abu Dhabi : Popular music festival in United Arab Emirates held in tandem with its sister event in Miami — has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns .
Other Coronavirus cancelations include : New Order , Khalid and Avril Lavigne were also forced to reschedule their upcoming tours in Asia , with Stormzy announcing he had cancelled dates altogether in a since-deleted post .
Outside of Asia , Louis Tomlinson , the former One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Milan , promising on Twitter he ’ d return in July , and Miley Cyrus has cancelled her Australian bushfire relief concert after authorities recommended the move .
The Canadian Live Music Association ( CLMA ) has issued an official statement regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and how it plans to keep Canadian music industry executives up to date with what ’ s happening amid the newly announced pandemic and how to ensure the safety of both fans and artists .
The CLMA — which describes itself as the voice of Canada ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday : “ Working with public health authorities and resources , CLMA members are able to assess any risks associated with their events and respond accordingly .
No Time to Die : The upcoming James Bond film became the first film to be delayed worldwide .
As a result of the increasing threat of the virus , the release of the spy flick was pushed back to November in not only Asia and Europe but also the U.K. and North America .
A Quiet Place Part II : Original U.S. Release Date : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : TBD .
Director John Krasinski ’ s followup to his horror hit , A Quiet Place starring his wife Emily Blunt , has been delayed indefinitely .
Krasinski wrote in an Instagram post : “ One of the things I ’ m most proud of is that people have said our movie is one you have to see all together…I ’ m gon na wait to release the film til we CAN see it all together !
” Peter Rabbit 2 : Original U.S. Release Date : April 3 .
New U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Time to Die , Peter Rabbit 2 was supposed to release in the U.K. and then the United States .
Both premieres will be delayed until the end of the summer when studios are hoping people will finally be able to venture to the movie theater again .
Fast and Furious 9 : Original U.S. Release Date : May 23 .
New U.S. Release Date : April 2 , 2021 .
The latest entry in the Fast and Furious franchise will be delayed nearly a year in order to avoid a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow our global family to experience our new chapter together , ” Universal said in a statement , nodding at the series ’ international appeal .
Fast and Furious 9 has been teasing the return of a character who is long presumed deceased , so it ’ s likely that the move is also designed to stop spoilers .
The Lovebirds : Original U.S. Release Date : April 3 .
New U.S. release date : TBD .
The rom com is not over — it ’ s just delayed .
Issa Rae and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release in April , but Paramount Pictures is delaying its release until a time yet to be determined .
Nanjiani has been one of the most active celebrities on Twitter calling for measures to protect people ’ s safety during the coronavirus outbreak .
The Council on Foreign Relations : CFR was due to hold a roundtable titled “ Doing Business Under Coronavirus ” on Friday , but decided to cancel it amid fears of the Coronavirus , Bloomberg News reported .
The nonprofit think tank on US foreign policy and international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has called off other in-person meetings in New York , Washington , DC , and around the country from March 3 to April 3 , the news outlet reported .
E3 : The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo ( E3 ) was cancelled due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus .
The organizer , Entertainment Software Association ( ESA ) , announced their decision on March 11 in a statement : “ After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone in our industry—our fans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our longtime E3 partners—we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020 , scheduled for June 9-11 in Los Angeles .
Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus , we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation .
We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters .
But we know it ’ s the right decision based on the information we have today .
Our team will be reaching out directly to exhibitors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Google ’ s I/O developer event : The annual developer conference that ’ s usually hosted by Google in Mountain View , Calif. , in May is cancelled , and guests can receive a refund .
TED 2020 : The upcoming conference , originally scheduled for the end of April , was set to bring about 1,000 people to Vancouver .
It ’ s been postponed until July 20 to 26 .
F8 conference : F8 is considered Facebook ’ s biggest event of the year and was supposed to be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May .
The company announced at the end of February that the conference is cancelled and will be replaced with livestreamed content .
South by Southwest ( SXSW ) : The tech conference runs alongside the festival in Austin , Texas , was supposed to include programming on film , music , culture and technology .
As of March 6 , it was cancelled .
Mobile World Congress : The annual trade show for the communications industry in Barcelona , Spain was cancelled on Feb. 12 .
Shopify Unite 2020 : The conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early May was cancelled .
EmTech Asia : Technologies conference EmTech held in Singapore has been held until Aug. 4 to 5 .
2020 Global Health Conference & Exhibition : U.S. President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak at this health technology conference that ’ s been cancelled for the first time in its 58-year history .
It was set for March 9 to 13 in Orlando , Fla. Adobe Summit : The summit was scheduled for March 29 to April 2 in Las Vegas , Nev. , and more than 20,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s now been cancelled and will be hosted online , according to the summit ’ s site .
Collision conference : The technology conference that was set for June in Toronto will be held online after it was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns .
Facebook ’ s Global Marketing Summit : Facebook ’ s annual marketing conference , scheduled for March 9 to 12 in San Francisco , Calif. , was cancelled .
The event typically draws about 5,000 people .
IBM ’ s Think conference : More than 30,000 people were supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in San Francisco , Calif. , in May , but IBM cancelled it and converted it to an online event .
Game Developers Conference : This video game development trade conference has been postponed until the summer from its original dates in March .
The event was set to draw around 30,000 people , and exhibitors were pulling out prior to the announcement .
Note : many of the listings details printed above were originally compiled by Canadian publication Global News here and here , as well as listings from other publications linked @ @ @ @ @ @

By
The outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus has prompted a number of local, national and industry authorities to order the cancellation of numerous major events, over fears of large numbers of people held in one place and remaining in close contact for extended periods of time. The economic fallout from these crisis management measures will be immense.
These restrictions are also being extended to schools and universities across the United States. As of last night, some 225 American colleges and universities are implementing emergency contingencies to move classes and tutoring online.
Other countries are taking even more extreme measures. In the Republic of Ireland, all schools and universities have been shut due to the death of one elderly woman in a hospital. Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar also added that any indoor events of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 should be cancelled.
Aside from schools and colleges, government and civic authorities around the world are also placing a limit on public gatherings. In France, nonessential “mass gatherings” of over 100 persons are being restricted. Similar measures are being enforced in Italy, which is considered the European epicentre of the coronavirus.
Prohibited events will include public meetings, lectures, music concerts, awards shows, and sporting events. NPR reports:
On Wednesday night in Switzerland, the French violinist Renaud Capuçon and the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra played a full concert — to an empty hall.
Their performance, which was canceled after the Swiss government prohibited all gatherings of 1000 or more people, was broadcast by Swiss public television and radio. It’s just one of the ways that performers and organizations worldwide are grappling with the uncertainties of the coronavirus, and how to handle large gatherings of audiences in close quarters.
The Western classical music industry is now heavily reliant upon East Asia, and specifically China, as crucial consumer markets. In recent weeks, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has cancelled a tour of Asia and Washington, D.C.’s National Symphony Orchestra has cancelled three concerts in China. New York’s famed Juilliard School, which is scheduled to open a satellite conservatory in Tianjin, China this autumn, announced at the end of January that it has suspended all in-person auditions and other admissions-related activities in China and Asia indefinitely.
Aside from canceling an event, Canadian Health Services, offers the following strategies for risk mitigation:
reducing the number of participants or changing the venue to prevent crowding;
staggering arrivals and departures;
providing packaged refreshments instead of a buffet;
increasing access to handwashing stations;
promoting personal protective practices (hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, staying home if ill);
offering virtual or live-streamed activities; and
changing the event program to reduce high risk activities such as those that require physical contact between participants.
Travels bans are also creating a chilling effect for artists scheduled to appear. UK’s Telegraph reports:
President Trump’s month-long travel ban from 26 European countries to the US will plunge the industry into further crisis, although the ban doesn’t include the UK. “It’s pandemonium. The uncertainty is killing everything. We simply don’t know how bad this is going to be,” says one live music promoter. A second industry executive with almost three decades’ experience says he has “never known such uncertainty in the live industry in all the years I’ve been working in it”.
The following is a provisional list of major global sporting events, festivals, music concerts and industry conferences which have already been canceled or postponed due to fears over the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Note: many of the following listings and details printed below were originally compiled and published by Canadian publication Global News, which can be seen here and here.
Sporting Events:
NBA: North America’s National Basketball Association season has been suspended until further notice following a Utah Jazz player, Rudy Gobert, testing positive for COVID-19. The Toronto Raptors have been told to self-quarantine after they played against the Jazz two days before the announcement was made.
Major League Baseball: The league’s annual Spring training season has been canceled, and will delay the start of the regular season for at least two weeks, possibly more – amid the coronavirus outbreak fears. “MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of the season,” said a league spokesperson. TBA.
NHL: North America’s National Hockey League announced on March 12 that their season is suspended until further notice.
World Figure Skating Championships (Montreal): Quebec’s health ministry announced a cancellation on March 11.
NCAA Tournament (March Madness): NCAA president Mark Emmert had originally announced on March 11 that scheduled college basketball games will be played in front of limited audiences, but later on announced the annual tournament has been completely canceled.
La Liga Football League: Spain’s top soccer league has suspended all games and asked players of Real Madrid to self-quarantine after one tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Inter Milan Football Club: The soccer club suspends all games after Juventus FC player tests positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the Evening Standard.
British Premier League: UK’s top soccer league has announced it’s suspending the remainder of its regular season until early April, at least. Fears of the coronavirus spreading among fans and players has prompted this unprecedented decision.
Major League Soccer: The league announced it would suspend the season for 30 days.
2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo: The games have not been cancelled, yet. However, the impact of COVID-19 is already being felt. At the traditional flame-lighting ceremony (Torch Relay) in Greece on March 12, following the announcement of a pandemic, spectators were not allowed. The Tokyo games are set to begin on July 24 and end on Aug. 9.
President Bach: "The IOC remains fully committed to the success of the Olympic Games #Tokyo2020. I encourage all athletes to prepare for the Games with 'full steam'. " @Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/E5pTmz2yhz — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 3, 2020
International Festivals:
St. Patrick’s Day (Dublin, Ireland): The country cancelled its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 9.
Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington DC): The district has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival in March.
Japan Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo, Japan): The city cancelled two cherry blossom festivals on March 11.
Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals: One of North America’s largest music festivals with some 140,000 revelers every year, postponed the event until October. “We must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 concerns,” the statement said.
South By Southwest: (SXSW), the beloved Austin, Texas-based music festival, become the first officially cancelled music gathering in the U.S. The festival tweeted that for the first time in 34 years, it would be cancelled, after the mayor of Austin, Steve Adler, announced the decision as a precaution against the new coronavirus.
Music Concerts:
Pearl Jam: The Seattle-based grunge legends became the first — of perhaps many to come — to postpone an entire North American tour. On Monday evening, frontman Eddie Vedder confirmed the news in a statement shared through the official Pearl Jam website. “We are being told that being part of large gatherings is high on the list of things to avoid as this global health crisis is now beginning to affect all of our lives,” wrote the Black singer, who did not explicitly name COVID-19 in the lengthy statement.
Santana: Canceled its upcoming European tour amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The band, led by guitarist Carlos Santana, is just the latest in a series of acts and events to cancel or postpone due to health concerns,
Mariah Carey: Postponed March 10 show in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to “evolving international travel restrictions” in a tweet, but will Carey will return to Honolulu on Nov. 28 at the Blaisdell Arena.
Ciara: American singer/songwriter postponed her March 19 performance at the grand opening of the new United Service Organizations (USO) charity in her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. The pregnant musician confirmed the news to the Associated Press on March 7. “With the continued spread of the coronavirus throughout the U.S., as a pregnant woman, my doctors have advised me to limit travel and large group gatherings. I am disappointed I won’t be able to return this month to the place where I was born and put on the amazing show we had planned,” the 34-year-old said in a statement. “I urge everyone to be diligent in taking steps to stay healthy and safe.”
KISS: Though the remaining shows on KISS‘s final tour of North America has not been postponed or cancelled yet, the fire-breathing, makeup-covered rockers have “temporarily” put a halt on any of their meet-and-greets.
Fish: (Status unconfirmed) Scottish singer and former frontman of Marillion, is due to start a 12-date UK tour in March, but says he’s “stuck between a rock and a hard place” as his insurance won’t reimburse him if he has to cancel shows, if a band member contracts the disease or even if the Government bans large events due to coronavirus. He would, to adapt a phrase, be a Fish out of pocket. “It’s quite scary. I’m in a difficult position. I’ve just spent £12,000 on two weeks rehearsals with a full band. I’m the boss of my band, I’m my own record company, and I’m the one who’s underwriting the entire tour. In an ideal world, if we could cancel then we would. But if we cancel I’ll be liable for all the venue hire, the hotels, everything. So we have to forge on ahead,” he says (Source: Telegraph).
Zac Brown Band: In the midst of its spring Owl tour, the Zac Brown Band issued a statement to its social media channels on March 10, announcing the postponement of its 13 remaining dates in North America — including one in Toronto on March 15. “Out of caution and due to increasing public health concerns, Zac Brown Band is postponing the [tour],” wrote the band. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but the well-being of our fans is always our top priority.”
Bikini Kill: Popular all-female American punk rock band, made the decision to postpone four dates on its upcoming and highly anticipated North American tour on March 11. The news was confirmed in an official statement shared through the band’s official website on Wednesday, citing the importance of taking “health and safety very seriously” in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.
2020 Juno Awards: Though it may technically be classified as an awards show, each year for five decades, the Junos has united some of Canada’s biggest musicians to celebrate the nation’s “biggest night in music,” with tributes, awards and many, many onstage live performances. “Through our collaborative discussions and with input and guidance and the full support of our trusted partners, including the province of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that we collectively confirm the cancellation of the 49th annual Juno Awards and Juno Week activities in Saskatoon due to concerns surrounding COVID-19,” the academy wrote.
Green Day: The iconic punk trio, followed with a similar announcement, revealing they had postponed the Asian leg of their Hella Mega tour with Weezer and Fall Out Boy.
BTS: On Feb. 27, the world-renowned South Korean K-pop band (aka the “Bangtan Boys”) became one of the first reported music groups to cancel a string of concert dates as a result of the novel coronavirus. They cancelled the three opening shows of the 2020 Map of the Soul tour in their hometown of Seoul.
Madonna: Cancelled two shows in Paris as a result of a knee injury. However, the announcement came shortly after France banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people as a result of the continued risk and threat of the new coronavirus, according to Reuters.
Ultra Abu Dhabi: Popular music festival in United Arab Emirates held in tandem with its sister event in Miami — has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
Other Coronavirus cancelations include: New Order, Khalid and Avril Lavigne were also forced to reschedule their upcoming tours in Asia, with Stormzy announcing he had cancelled dates altogether in a since-deleted post. Outside of Asia, Louis Tomlinson, the former One Direction singer, postponed a headlining show in Milan, promising on Twitter he’d return in July, and Miley Cyrus has cancelled her Australian bushfire relief concert after authorities recommended the move.
The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) has issued an official statement regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and how it plans to keep Canadian music industry executives up to date with what’s happening amid the newly announced pandemic and how to ensure the safety of both fans and artists. The CLMA — which describes itself as the voice of Canada’s live music scene — wrote on Wednesday: “Working with public health authorities and resources, CLMA members are able to assess any risks associated with their events and respond accordingly.
Film Premiers:
No Time to Die: The upcoming James Bond film became the first film to be delayed worldwide. As a result of the increasing threat of the virus, the release of the spy flick was pushed back to November in not only Asia and Europe but also the U.K. and North America.
A Quiet Place Part II: Original U.S. Release Date: March 20. New U.S. Release Date: TBD. Director John Krasinski’s followup to his horror hit, A Quiet Place starring his wife Emily Blunt, has been delayed indefinitely. Krasinski wrote in an Instagram post: “One of the things I’m most proud of is that people have said our movie is one you have to see all together…I’m gonna wait to release the film til we CAN see it all together!”
Peter Rabbit 2: Original U.S. Release Date: April 3. New U.S. Release Date: August 7. Like No Time to Die, Peter Rabbit 2 was supposed to release in the U.K. and then the United States. Both premieres will be delayed until the end of the summer when studios are hoping people will finally be able to venture to the movie theater again.
Fast and Furious 9: Original U.S. Release Date: May 23. New U.S. Release Date: April 2, 2021. The latest entry in the Fast and Furious franchise will be delayed nearly a year in order to avoid a coronavirus box office slump. “Moving will allow our global family to experience our new chapter together,” Universal said in a statement, nodding at the series’ international appeal. Fast and Furious 9 has been teasing the return of a character who is long presumed deceased, so it’s likely that the move is also designed to stop spoilers.
The Lovebirds: Original U.S. Release Date: April 3. New U.S. release date: TBD. The rom com is not over — it’s just delayed. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani’s rom-com-turned-caper was supposed to release in April, but Paramount Pictures is delaying its release until a time yet to be determined. Nanjiani has been one of the most active celebrities on Twitter calling for measures to protect people’s safety during the coronavirus outbreak.
Political Conferences:
The Council on Foreign Relations: CFR was due to hold a roundtable titled “Doing Business Under Coronavirus” on Friday, but decided to cancel it amid fears of the Coronavirus, Bloomberg News reported. The nonprofit think tank on US foreign policy and international affairs, on East 68th Street, also has called off other in-person meetings in New York, Washington, DC, and around the country from March 3 to April 3, the news outlet reported.
NATO Annual Report Conference: Precautionary measures are in place at NATO Headquarters to limit the further spread of the COVID 19 virus, including restricted visitor access. In light of these measures, the Secretary General will for the first time hold a “virtual press conference” on Thursday 19 March 2020 at 11:15 to launch his Annual Report for 2019.
Zionist Federation Annual Dinner: UK’s Zionist Federation has put its annual event on hold. “It is with great regret that we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel our Annual Dinner. Having taken advice and monitoring the situation closely, we have decided that we cannot risk the health and well being of our guests. This is our key fundraising event of the year and we rely heavily on the income we generate from it. Without this income, we are unable to continue our vital work, to stand up for Israel, to fight its detractors and celebrate its strengths,” said ZF press office.
Industry and Tech Conferences:
E3: The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) was cancelled due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. The organizer, Entertainment Software Association (ESA), announced their decision on March 11 in a statement: “After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone in our industry—our fans, our employees, our exhibitors, and our longtime E3 partners—we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020, scheduled for June 9-11 in Los Angeles. Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today. Our team will be reaching out directly to exhibitors and attendees with information about providing full refunds.”
Google’s I/O developer event: The annual developer conference that’s usually hosted by Google in Mountain View, Calif., in May is cancelled, and guests can receive a refund.
TED 2020: The upcoming conference, originally scheduled for the end of April, was set to bring about 1,000 people to Vancouver. It’s been postponed until July 20 to 26.
F8 conference: F8 is considered Facebook’s biggest event of the year and was supposed to be held in San Jose, Calif., in May. The company announced at the end of February that the conference is cancelled and will be replaced with livestreamed content.
South by Southwest (SXSW): The tech conference runs alongside the festival in Austin, Texas, was supposed to include programming on film, music, culture and technology. As of March 6, it was cancelled.
Mobile World Congress: The annual trade show for the communications industry in Barcelona, Spain was cancelled on Feb. 12.
Shopify Unite 2020: The conference held in Toronto that was set for early May was cancelled.
EmTech Asia: Technologies conference EmTech held in Singapore has been held until Aug. 4 to 5.
2020 Global Health Conference & Exhibition: U.S. President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak at this health technology conference that’s been cancelled for the first time in its 58-year history. It was set for March 9 to 13 in Orlando, Fla.
Adobe Summit: The summit was scheduled for March 29 to April 2 in Las Vegas, Nev., and more than 20,000 people were expected to attend. It’s now been cancelled and will be hosted online, according to the summit’s site.
Collision conference: The technology conference that was set for June in Toronto will be held online after it was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Facebook’s Global Marketing Summit: Facebook’s annual marketing conference, scheduled for March 9 to 12 in San Francisco, Calif., was cancelled. The event typically draws about 5,000 people.
IBM’s Think conference: More than 30,000 people were supposed to attend this developer’s conference in San Francisco, Calif., in May, but IBM cancelled it and converted it to an online event.
Game Developers Conference: This video game development trade conference has been postponed until the summer from its original dates in March. The event was set to draw around 30,000 people, and exhibitors were pulling out prior to the announcement.
Note: many of the listings details printed above were originally compiled by Canadian publication Global News here and here, as well as listings from other publications linked in article including Time Magazine.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-13--Jonathan Pie gets to the nub of the Coronavirus

A call for levity in the face of abject horror from Britain ’ s most depressingly frank social pundit .
@ @ @ @ @ world , the notorious Jonathan Pie discusses his hopes , fears and personal hygiene habits @ @ @ @ @ state of humanity during this latest crisis .
Watch :

By
A call for levity in the face of abject horror from Britain’s most depressingly frank social pundit.
As Coronavirus takes over the world, the notorious Jonathan Pie discusses his hopes, fears and personal hygiene habits, along with the general state of humanity during this latest crisis. Watch:
.
https://www.jonathanpie.com
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-13--Coronavirus Exposes Hong Kong’s Fake ‘Pro-Democracy’ Mobs

While the large street mobs plaguing Hong Kong ’ s streets have more or less subsided , the foreign-funded movement and its supporters continue seeking every opportunity to perpetuate their agenda .
This agenda , despite the Western media claiming it is centred on advancing human rights and democracy while opposing Beijing ’ s “ authoritarianism , ” is in all actuality merely racist and anti-Chinese , a scion of both British and American attempts to impose their rule on Hong Kong and use the territory as a vector to project power across into mainland China .
Far from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent example of the so-called “ pro-democracy ” movement ’ s overt racism and its attempts to hide behind legitimate excuses was covered by the pro-Western South China Morning Post ( SCMP ) .
The article titled , “ More than 100 HK restaurants refuse to serve customers from China , ” at first attempts to depict supporters of the recent “ pro-democracy ” mobs barring mainlanders as taking measures merely to fend off the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak .
But soon even the pro-Western newspaper is forced to admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is clearly a racist and discriminatory policy , but that the restaurants involved are indeed supporters of the recent anti-Chinese mobs indicating that their real motivation is political and concerns regarding the coronavirus are a poor attempt to disguise it .
The article however eventually admits that one of the restaurants investigated was previously and openly a supporter of anti-Chinese mobs masked as “ pro-democracy ” protests .
The article stated : While organisations like the Equal Opportunities Commission ( EOC ) and others are stepping up to speak out against this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , silent are the same foreign organisations that supported the anti-Chinese mobs at the height of their violence on the grounds of defending “ human rights.
” The mobs then and now continue a blatant agenda of racism and discrimination , not against the government in Beijing and its policies but clearly against the over 1.3 billion people of China itself .
This reveals the movement , backed by Washington , London and Brussels , as merely hiding behind notions like democracy and human rights while in actuality trampling both while pursuing agendas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or lack there of ) .
In a time of crisis like this most recent coronavirus outbreak , those truly dedicated to humanity and its movement forward into a better future are revealed .
So too are those who merely pose as progressives yet seek every opportunity to exploit the misfortune of others to advance their own self-serving and ultimately anti-social agendas .
The coronavirus has served as a litmus test , exposing the true nature of individuals , organisations and nations alike .
The “ pro-democracy ” mobs and their supporters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to no one ’ s surprise , they have failed .
For the rest of the world looking on , if they haven ’ t already entirely tuned out Hong Kong ’ s disingenuous faux democracy movement , they now have another example of the West and its “ pro-democracy ” proxies revealing their true nature .
The coronavirus has caused much damage to individuals ’ health , to the economy and strained relations between nations , but it has also helped shine a light on many who have for too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all along perpetuating the very worst .
Joseph Thomas is chief editor of Thailand-based geopolitical journal , The New Atlas and contributor to the online magazine “ New Eastern Outlook ” .
This article was originally published at NEO .

By
Joseph Thomas
21st Century Wire
While the large street mobs plaguing Hong Kong’s streets have more or less subsided, the foreign-funded movement and its supporters continue seeking every opportunity to perpetuate their agenda.
This agenda, despite the Western media claiming it is centred on advancing human rights and democracy while opposing Beijing’s “authoritarianism,” is in all actuality merely racist and anti-Chinese, a scion of both British and American attempts to impose their rule on Hong Kong and use the territory as a vector to project power across into mainland China.
Far from the conclusions reached by pro-Beijing media, the most recent example of the so-called “pro-democracy” movement’s overt racism and its attempts to hide behind legitimate excuses was covered by the pro-Western South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The article titled, “More than 100 HK restaurants refuse to serve customers from China,” at first attempts to depict supporters of the recent “pro-democracy” mobs barring mainlanders as taking measures merely to fend off the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.
But soon even the pro-Western newspaper is forced to admit not only legitimate human rights concerns regarding what is clearly a racist and discriminatory policy, but that the restaurants involved are indeed supporters of the recent anti-Chinese mobs indicating that their real motivation is political and concerns regarding the coronavirus are a poor attempt to disguise it.
The article claims:
More than 100 restaurants in Hong Kong have refused to serve diners from mainland China during the coronavirus outbreak, according to a human rights group that is warning firms against crossing the line into racial discrimination.
The article however eventually admits that one of the restaurants investigated was previously and openly a supporter of anti-Chinese mobs masked as “pro-democracy” protests. The article stated:
The findings came three weeks after the EOC advised Kwong Wing Catering, a popular local restaurant chain — which supported the anti-government protesters who took to the city’s streets from last June — to remove notices displayed at its outlets. Those posters said the eatery would only serve Hongkongers and that its staff did not speak Mandarin.
While organisations like the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and others are stepping up to speak out against this pattern of increasingly bold racism and discrimination, silent are the same foreign organisations that supported the anti-Chinese mobs at the height of their violence on the grounds of defending “human rights.”
The mobs then and now continue a blatant agenda of racism and discrimination, not against the government in Beijing and its policies but clearly against the over 1.3 billion people of China itself.
This reveals the movement, backed by Washington, London and Brussels, as merely hiding behind notions like democracy and human rights while in actuality trampling both while pursuing agendas built on the worst imaginable values (or lack there of).
In a time of crisis like this most recent coronavirus outbreak, those truly dedicated to humanity and its movement forward into a better future are revealed. So too are those who merely pose as progressives yet seek every opportunity to exploit the misfortune of others to advance their own self-serving and ultimately anti-social agendas.
The coronavirus has served as a litmus test, exposing the true nature of individuals, organisations and nations alike.
The “pro-democracy” mobs and their supporters have been put to the test as well, and to no one’s surprise, they have failed.
For the rest of the world looking on, if they haven’t already entirely tuned out Hong Kong’s disingenuous faux democracy movement, they now have another example of the West and its “pro-democracy” proxies revealing their true nature.
The coronavirus has caused much damage to individuals’ health, to the economy and strained relations between nations, but it has also helped shine a light on many who have for too long posed as forces of good while all along perpetuating the very worst.
Joseph Thomas is chief editor of Thailand-based geopolitical journal, The New Atlas and contributor to the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”. This article was originally published at NEO.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-13--UKC News: New Coronavirus Measures, Chelsea Manning Released, MH17 Trial

This week , the US , UK and EU governments began rolling out extreme emergency measures to try and help @ @ @ @ @ novel Coronavirus , which the World Health Organizaton has now designated as an official global @ @ @ @ @ economic devastation is very real , and so we ask whether or not governments will @ @ @ @ @ Also , Chelsea Manning and Jeremy Hammond have finally been released from Grand Jury coercive @ @ @ @ @ evidence against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange .
And is 5G really safe ?
All this @ @ @ @ @ Robinson and Patrick Henningsen with the week ’ s news round-up .
Watch :

By
This week, the US, UK and EU governments began rolling out extreme emergency measures to try and help stem the tide of the novel Coronavirus, which the World Health Organization has now designated as an official global pandemic. The potential for economic devastation is very real, and so we ask whether or not governments will cope with the fall-out? Also, Chelsea Manning and Jeremy Hammond have finally been released from Grand Jury coercive detention after refusing to give evidence against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. And is 5G really safe? All this and more.
Co-hosts Mike Robinson and Patrick Henningsen with the week’s news round-up. Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–3VVZnAe34
.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-13--BOILER ROOM: Coronavirus Quarantines, Travel Restrictions, Wall Street Crashing

Of course , this will hammer the economy/markets in short term .
PRO TIP : Forget logic and rational thinking @ @ @ @ @ now for next 3 weeks , until spring hits & virus + corresponding hysteria drop @ @ @ @ @ trend graph .

By
Alternate Current Radio Presents: BOILER ROOM – Uninterruptible Talk Radio, hosted by HESHER & SPORE – a show custom made for barfly philosophers, media maniacs & otherwise lovable political animals. This episode BR is joined by an outstanding panel of guests including Parick Henningsen (21WIRE), Daniel Spaulding, and Randy J, to discuss the latest hysteria surrounding the CoronaVirus which has now been officially labeled as a pandemic by the W.H.O. – schools, public spaces, events are all being closed as we speak, and businesses are failing, travel is becoming restricted, “mass gatherings” of all kinds are being cancelled. Where is this all headed? Answers to all these questions and more. Listen:
LISTEN to Boiler Room LIVE – Thursdays at 6:00 PM PST | 8:00 PM CST | 9:00 PM EST.
HELP SUPPORT ACR – DONATE HERE
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-14--COVID-19: Spain Joins Italy in National Lockdown as Madrid Declares State of Emergency

Spain has joined Italy as the second EU country to impose an unprecedented nationwide lockdown – in an attempt to slow down the spread of the deadly coronavirus .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ( pictured above ) announced the move at a news conference on Saturday , and confirmed that passenger air travel is now restricted .
According to reports , at least five Jet2 passenger airliners were forced to turn around in mid-flight and returned to the UK , following instructions from air traffic control on Saturday .
Most inbound flights have already been canceled with other flights re-routed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this week , Spain has over 6,200 confirmed cases of Covid-19 , with some 193 deaths attributed to the virus .
PM Sanchez also placed new restrictions on public gatherings , and added that citizens are being instructed to stay home unless they are going to work , or they have to go out to acquire essentials like food and medicine .
The virus has also impacted the highest levels of the government , as Podemos party leader , Pablo Iglesias , had to break quarantine to attend the emergency cabinet meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precautionary measure , PM Sanchez has announced the government will hold meetings via video conference – after fellow minister Irene Montero tested positive for the virus .
Regional policy minister Carolina Darias also tested positive , along with Santiago Abascal , leader of righwing Vox party .
National quarantine measures will go into effect on Monday , and will last for a period of 15 days , as part of the country ’ s civic emergency plan .

By
Spain has joined Italy as the second EU country to impose an unprecedented nationwide lockdown – in an attempt to slow down the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (pictured above) announced the move at a news conference on Saturday, and confirmed that passenger air travel is now restricted.
According to reports, at least five Jet2 passenger airliners were forced to turn around in mid-flight and returned to the UK, following instructions from air traffic control on Saturday. Most inbound flights have already been canceled with other flights re-routed to the nearest feasible airport.
As of this week, Spain has over 6,200 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with some 193 deaths attributed to the virus.
PM Sanchez also placed new restrictions on public gatherings, and added that citizens are being instructed to stay home unless they are going to work, or they have to go out to acquire essentials like food and medicine.
‘Remote Governing’
The virus has also impacted the highest levels of the government, as Podemos party leader, Pablo Iglesias, had to break quarantine to attend the emergency cabinet meeting after his wife tested positive for Covid-19.As a precautionary measure, PM Sanchez has announced the government will hold meetings via video conference – after fellow minister Irene Montero tested positive for the virus.
Regional policy minister Carolina Darias also tested positive, along with Santiago Abascal, leader of righwing Vox party.
National quarantine measures will go into effect on Monday, and will last for a period of 15 days, as part of the country’s civic emergency plan.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-14--Coronavirus Fears Could Force US to Drop Out of NATO’s ‘Defender-Europe’ Drill

U.S. Army Soldiers arrive for exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 at the Nuremberg Aiprort , Germany , March 5 , 2020 .
( U.S. Army/Capt .
Ellen C. Brabo , 7th Army Training Command ) This week , NATO has been preparing for its largest military exercise of the year .
DEFENDER-Europe 20 is a U.S.-led multinational exercise , the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe in more than 25 years with 20,000 soldiers deployed directly from the U.S. to Europe .
However , organizers are now drawing up contingencies plans , with fears of the coronavirus epidemic now prompting calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the drill .
Last Wednesday , NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg assured the media that there was “ no cancellation of exercises ” due to the spread of COVID-19 across Europe .
However , earlier this week , NATO member Norway canceled another NATO exercise , Cold Response 20 , over similar fears .
Reports suggest that infections among the U.S. and NATO ally ranks are on the rise , so Pentagon official are already preparing to reduce the US commitment for the large annual drill designed to test the alliance ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even of a war on European soil .
“ U.S .
Army Europe is working closely with its host nation partners , closely monitoring the situation , and is taking prudent measures in line with those taken or directed by the host nation .
The safety and health of everyone in the community is the paramount concern , ” said US Military officials to Newsweek .
“ We continue to monitor all of our exercises and activities and will make any appropriate changes needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
” Military.com reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighing how best to get thousands of troops stateside following the release of a Defense Department policy memo Wednesday ordering a 60-day suspension of military travel to and from countries , including those in Europe .
Water teams joined the British Army ’ s 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron to rehearse NATO ’ s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps ( ARRC ) at the River Weser in northwestern Germany , ahead of their participation in Defender Europe 20 .
Watch :

By
U.S. Army Soldiers arrive for exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 at the Nuremberg Aiprort, Germany, March 5, 2020. (U.S. Army/Capt. Ellen C. Brabo, 7th Army Training Command)
This week NATO has been busy preparing for its largest military exercise of the year. DEFENDER-Europe 20 is a U.S.-led multinational exercise, the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe in more than 25 years with 20,000 soldiers deployed directly from the U.S. to Europe.
However, organizers are now drawing up contingencies plans, with fears of the coronavirus epidemic now prompting calls to scale down America’s participation in the drill.
Last Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg assured the media that there was “no cancellation of exercises” due to the spread of COVID-19 across Europe. However, earlier this week, NATO member Norway canceled another NATO exercise, Cold Response 20, over similar fears.
Reports suggest that infections among the U.S. and NATO ally ranks are on the rise, so Pentagon official are already preparing to reduce the US commitment for the large annual drill designed to test the alliance’s ability to engage with Russia in the even of a war on European soil.
“U.S. Army Europe is working closely with its host nation partners, closely monitoring the situation, and is taking prudent measures in line with those taken or directed by the host nation. The safety and health of everyone in the community is the paramount concern,” said US Military officials to Newsweek.
“We continue to monitor all of our exercises and activities and will make any appropriate changes needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Military.com reported that U.S. forces in Europe are now weighing how best to get thousands of troops stateside following the release of a Defense Department policy memo Wednesday ordering a 60-day suspension of military travel to and from countries, including those in Europe.
Earlier in the week, water teams joined the British Army’s 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron to rehearse NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) at the River Weser in northwestern Germany, ahead of their participation in Defender Europe 20.
Watch NATO’s promotional video of the exercise:
.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-14--EU Sends Reinforcements to Greece to Help Secure Border With Turkey

( AP ) The European border protection agency , Frontex , says it has deployed another 100 guards to Greece to help protect the EU ’ s frontier there from the pressure of migrants .
Warsaw-based Frontex said on Friday the deployment of guards from 22 member states is part of a rapid border intervention requested by Athens .
The assistance will also include vessels , maritime surveillance aircraft and thermal-vision Vehicles , for the Frontex maritime Rapid Border Intervention task , Aegean 2020 , AP reports .
Greece has been trying to stop a massive wave of migrants pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that erupted last month .
Athens says more than 45,000 attempted entries have been thwarted .
Frontex already has more than 500 officers in Greece , as well as 11 vessels and other equipment .
“ The presence of 100 officers from all around Europe underlines the fact that the protection of the European area of freedom , security and justice is a shared responsibility of all member states , ” Frontex quoted its executive director , Fabrice Leggeri , as having said during the launch of the operation in the Greek town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are planned for two months but can be extended if needed .

(AP) The European border protection agency, Frontex, says it has deployed another 100 guards to Greece to help protect the EU’s frontier there from the pressure of migrants.
Warsaw-based Frontex said on Friday the deployment of guards from 22 member states is part of a rapid border intervention requested by Athens. The assistance will also include vessels, maritime surveillance aircraft and thermal-vision Vehicles, for the Frontex maritime Rapid Border Intervention task, Aegean 2020, AP reports.
Greece has been trying to stop a massive wave of migrants pushing in from Turkey, in a crisis that erupted last month. Athens says more than 45,000 attempted entries have been thwarted. Frontex already has more than 500 officers in Greece, as well as 11 vessels and other equipment.
“The presence of 100 officers from all around Europe underlines the fact that the protection of the European area of freedom, security and justice is a shared responsibility of all member states,” Frontex quoted its executive director, Fabrice Leggeri, as having said during the launch of the operation in the Greek town of Orestiada.
The rapid border interventions are planned for two months but can be extended if needed.
READ MORE TURKEY NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Turkey Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-14--Trump Suspends All U.S. Travel to UK & Ireland Amid Coronavirus Fears

According to a White House announcement made this afternoon , the United Kingdom and Ireland will join the rest of European ban on traveling to the United States , as Washington doubles-down in its efforts to try and halt the spread of the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak .
“ The president has decided to suspend all travel from the UK and Ireland midnight , Monday night , Eastern Standard Time , ” said Vice President Mike Pence at a White House press conference .
According to Pence , the new extended US travel quarantine is set to begin at midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Previously , President Trump had issued an exemption for the UK and Ireland from his 30-day ban on European travelers to and from the US , but as UK virus cases sharply increased this week , Washington was forced to reconsider its previous position .
Thus far , some 1,140 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK , up from 800 reported cases on Thursday , along with approximately 100 cases in Ireland so far .
There have been a total of 21 deaths in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland .
VP Pence added that all US citizens in those nations should “ come home.
” Thus far , the US has recorded 2,488 infections , and some 51 deaths linked to the deadly strain .
President Trump also told the press that he has been tested himself , and that he expected to receive the results of the test within 48 hours .

By
According to a White House announcement made this afternoon, the United Kingdom and Ireland will join the rest of European ban on traveling to the United States, as Washington doubles-down in its efforts to try and halt the spread of the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
“The president has decided to suspend all travel from the UK and Ireland midnight, Monday night, Eastern Standard Time,” said Vice President Mike Pence at a White House press conference.
According to Pence, the new extended US travel quarantine is set to begin at midnight EST on Monday (04:00 GMT Tuesday).
American citizens and legal residents who have been to high-risk countries are permitted to return to the United States through one of the following 13 airports:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York; Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois; San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington; Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii; Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia; Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey; Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas; Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan; Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts; and Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida.
Previously, President Trump had issued an exemption for the UK and Ireland from his 30-day ban on European travelers to and from the US, but as UK virus cases sharply increased this week, Washington was forced to reconsider its previous position.
Thus far, some 1,140 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK, up from 800 reported cases on Thursday, along with approximately 100 cases in Ireland so far. There have been a total of 21 deaths in the UK, and 1 one in the Republic of Ireland.
VP Pence added that all US citizens in those nations should “come home.”
Thus far, the US has recorded 2,488 infections, and some 51 deaths linked to the deadly strain.
President Trump also told the press that he has been tested himself, and that he expected to receive the results of the test within 48 hours.
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATED.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-15--Episode #318 – ‘Outbreak: The Reality TV Show’ with special guests

Episode # 318 of SUNDAY WIRE SHOW resumes on March 15 , 2020 with host Patrick Henningsen , broadcasting LIVE on the Alternate Current Radio Network ( ACR ) … 4pm-6pm UK Time* ( earlier start due to US daylight savings ) | 12pm-2pm EST ( US ) | 9am-11am PST ( US ) This week the SUNDAY WIRE broadcasts LIVE on ACR with host Patrick Henningsen covering the top stories in the US , Europe and internationally .
This week we ’ ll discuss the ramping-up of global emergency measures to tackle the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of science or rational response .
Already , the political , social , and economic impact of government policies will be lasting and far-reaching .
Once the dust settles , will society be the same ?
We ’ ll tackle this highly delicate and sensitive issue , as we attempt to explain how and why mass-hysteria and over-reaction by authorities could end up going horribly wrong by the time officials finally call time on this crisis .
In the final segment we talk with SUNDAY WIRE Roving Correspondent for Culture & Sport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reactions to the coronavirus epidemic by the US , UK and European governments .
All this and much , much more .
Enjoy the show… SUPPORT OUR INDY MEDIA PLATFORM BY DONATING HERE AND ALSO BECOME A TEAM MEMBER @ 21WIRE.TV *NOTE : THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN STRONG LANGUAGE AND MATURE THEMES*

By
Episode #318 of SUNDAY WIRE SHOW resumes on March 15, 2020 with host Patrick Henningsen, broadcasting LIVE on the Alternate Current Radio Network (ACR)…
LISTEN LIVE ON THIS PAGE – START TIMES:
4pm-6pm UK Time* (earlier start due to US daylight savings) | 12pm-2pm EST (US) | 9am-11am PST (US)
This week the SUNDAY WIRE broadcasts LIVE on ACR with host Patrick Henningsen covering the top stories in the US, Europe and internationally. This week we’ll discuss the ramping-up of global emergency measures to tackle the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 disease, as the fear quickly overtakes any semblance of science or rational response. Already, the political, social, and economic impact of government policies will be lasting and far-reaching. Once the dust settles, will society be the same? We’ll tackle this highly delicate and sensitive issue, as we attempt to explain how and why mass-hysteria and over-reaction by authorities could end up going horribly wrong by the time officials finally call time on this crisis. In the final segment we talk with SUNDAY WIRE Roving Correspondent for Culture & Sport, Basil Valentine, to analyze the different reactions to the coronavirus epidemic by the US, UK and European governments. All this and much, much more. Enjoy the show…
SUPPORT OUR INDY MEDIA PLATFORM BY DONATING HERE
AND ALSO BECOME A TEAM MEMBER@21WIRE.TV
*NOTE: THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN STRONG LANGUAGE AND MATURE THEMES*
Download Episode #318
Sunday Wire Radio Show Archives


21stcenturywire--2020-03-15--Shame of New York Times ‘Apartheid Reporting’ on Coronavirus in Israel and Palestine

The recent international crisis over the outbreak of the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease , has brought out some of the best aspects of humanity , as communities and government pull together to tackle the deadly epidemic .
Unfortunately though , it has also exposed some of the ugliest underlying fissures which exist between ‘ the haves ’ and have nots .
Nowhere on earth is such inequity as visible as between the State of Israel and its occupied vassal territories in Palestine .
Sadly , even at a time of crisis , Israel and Washington ’ s institutional anti-Arab prejudice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media ’ s coverage of the issue .
( Image Credits : Samchills / Flickr ( opens in a new window ) under a CC BY 2.0 ( opens in a new window ) license .
The New York Times today published an awful article on the coronavirus crisis , focusing only on its impact on Israel ’ s post-election maneuvering , barely mentioning the threat to Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank , and leaving out Gaza entirely .
Isabel Kershner rattles on at length about how Benjamin Netanyahu is using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes will let him be part of a new government and thereby stay out of jail .
A columnist in Haaretz notes that Netanyahu “ is squeezing every ounce of political and propaganda benefit out of the coronavirus .
.
.
” But another quote hints at the far more important story that Kershner missed .
A spokesman for Israel ’ s Foreign Affairs ministry says , “ Israel is a very small and crowded country .
It will be hard to stop an epidemic.
” Anyone in Israel/Palestine with sensitivity who hears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their thoughts immediately to Gaza .
With 1.8 million people , it is one of the most densely-populated places on earth .
Kershner presumably reads Haaretz , which the day before ran an article headlined : “ Coronavirus is a death sentence for Palestinians caged in Gaza.
” The writer , Shannon Maree Torrens , noted that the United Nations has already warned that health care in Gaza is at “ breaking point.
” This site warned about the danger even earlier , back on March 5 .
The valuable Ramzy Baroud asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gaza Strip.
” He pointed out that the besieged territory is still struggling to care for the huge number of victims of Israeli snipers .
He said : The New York Times article does not mention Gaza once , even as it deals extensively with the measures Israel is undertaking to prevent the epidemic from causing havoc .
As an afterthought , in the second to last paragraph , Kershner does bring up the Occupied West Bank — but mainly to implicitly praise Israel for “ facilitat [ ing ] the transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
” to the territory .

By
The recent international crisis over the outbreak of the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease, has brought out some of the best aspects of humanity, as communities and government pull together to tackle the deadly epidemic.
Unfortunately though, it has also exposed some of the ugliest underlying fissures which exist between ‘the haves’ and have nots. Nowhere on earth is such inequity as visible as between the State of Israel and its occupied vassal territories in Palestine.
Sadly, even at a time of crisis, Israel and Washington’s institutional anti-Arab prejudice and racism even extends to the mainstream media’s coverage of the issue.
Author James North from Mondoweiss reports…
(Image Credits: Samchills / Flickr (opens in a new window) under a CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new window) license.
The New York Times today published an awful article on the coronavirus crisis, focusing only on its impact on Israel’s post-election maneuvering, barely mentioning the threat to Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, and leaving out Gaza entirely.
Isabel Kershner rattles on at length about how Benjamin Netanyahu is using the crisis to show decisiveness, which he hopes will let him be part of a new government and thereby stay out of jail. A columnist in Haaretz notes that Netanyahu “is squeezing every ounce of political and propaganda benefit out of the coronavirus. . .”
But another quote hints at the far more important story that Kershner missed. A spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Affairs ministry says, “Israel is a very small and crowded country. It will be hard to stop an epidemic.”
Anyone in Israel/Palestine with sensitivity who hears “small and crowded” would turn their thoughts immediately to Gaza. With 1.8 million people, it is one of the most densely-populated places on earth. Kershner presumably reads Haaretz, which the day before ran an article headlined: “Coronavirus is a death sentence for Palestinians caged in Gaza.” The writer, Shannon Maree Torrens, noted that the United Nations has already warned that health care in Gaza is at “breaking point.”
Torrens continued:
Gaza has a significant lack of quality medical care, a deficit in medical supplies and poorly paid medical personnel which has led to a protracted health crisis. This is compounded by the almost 13-year blockade by, and conflict with, Israel.
This site warned about the danger even earlier, back on March 5. The valuable Ramzy Baroud asked: “What happens if Coronavirus reaches the Gaza Strip.” He pointed out that the besieged territory is still struggling to care for the huge number of victims of Israeli snipers. He said:
Gaza’s barely functioning hospitals are desperately trying to deal with the fall-out of the thousands of injuries resulting from the Great March of Return . . .
The New York Times article does not mention Gaza once, even as it deals extensively with the measures Israel is undertaking to prevent the epidemic from causing havoc. As an afterthought, in the second to last paragraph, Kershner does bring up the Occupied West Bank — but mainly to implicitly praise Israel for “facilitat[ing] the transfer of disinfectants, testing kits . . .” to the territory.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV


21stcenturywire--2020-03-15--Al-Aqsa Mosque to Remain Closed Over Coronavirus Safety Concerns

The Al-Aqsa compound located in the holy city of Jerusalem ( Image Credit : Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency ) The third holiest site in Islam , the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound , will be closed due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 .
Sheikh Omar Kiswani , the director of the mosque , announced today that prayers will continue , but will instead be held outdoors .
The closure of the holy mosque will continue until further notice .
Israeli authorities insist that the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority have joint procedures in place to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admit that there are no guidelines in place to deal with a mass pandemic-level event like the coronavirus .
“ In a natural disaster , you rely on aid from other countries , or the fact that Israel is strong enough to take care of its neighbor as well , ” the official said .
“ But we know this is not the case when it comes to the coronavirus.
” According to reports , Israel has not yet publicly discussed whether it will be accepting any Palestinian coronavirus patients from the occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears that Israel ’ s healthcare system could be crippled due to shortages of hospital beds for Israeli patients .

By
The Al-Aqsa compound located in the holy city of Jerusalem (Image Credit: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency)
The third holiest Islam site, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, will be closed due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.
Sheikh Omar Kiswani, the director of the mosque, announced today that prayers will continue, but will instead be held outdoors.
The closure of the holy mosque will continue until further notice.
Israeli authorities insist that the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority have joint procedures in place to deal with such natural disasters, but still admit that there are no guidelines in place to deal with a mass pandemic-level event like the coronavirus.
“In a natural disaster, you rely on aid from other countries, or the fact that Israel is strong enough to take care of its neighbor as well,” the official said. “But we know this is not the case when it comes to the coronavirus.”
According to reports, Israel has not yet publicly discussed whether it will be accepting any Palestinian coronavirus patients from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip due to fears that Israel’s healthcare system could be crippled due to shortages of hospital beds for Israeli patients.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES.
READ MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Coronavirus Files
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV