rt--2020-01-06--‘Not leaving Iraq!’ Pentagon clarifies ‘poorly worded’ US withdrawal plan sent by ‘mistake’

Confusion reigned at the Pentagon after the publication of a letter about withdrawal from Iraq , with the top general describing it as a “ mistake ” and the defense secretary saying there were no plans for a US pullout .
“ There ’ s been no decision to leave Iraq .
Period , ” Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday .
He was referring to reports that the head of Combined Joint Task Force Iraq , General William H. Seely III , informed the Iraqi government of preparations to reposition the coalition forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of Iraq .
Meanwhile , Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said that the letter Seely had sent was only a draft and that releasing it was a “ mistake.
” The Iraqi military confirmed receiving it , however .
Esper would neither confirm nor deny the letter ’ s authenticity , though US Army public relations officials said earlier it was real .
Instead , he reiterated the position staked out earlier by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , that the Iraqi people “ want the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in attacks by Iranian “ proxy groups.
” US President Donald Trump likewise rejected the withdrawal on Sunday , threatening Iraq with sanctions and saying the US will not leave until the Iraqis “ pay us back ” for an airbase that he said cost billions of dollars to build .
On Sunday , the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution asking the government to disinvite all foreign troops – including the US-led coalition against Islamic State ( IS , formerly ISIS ) – after last week ’ s assassination of Iranian General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside Baghdad International Airport .
The resolution is non-binding , but reflects the growing frustration in Baghdad with continued US operations in Iraq long after the official defeat of IS was proclaimed .
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Confusion reigned at the Pentagon after the publication of a letter about withdrawal from Iraq, with the top general describing it as a “mistake” and the defense secretary saying there were no plans for a US pullout.
“There’s been no decision to leave Iraq. Period,” Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday. He was referring to reports that the head of Combined Joint Task Force Iraq, General William H. Seely III, informed the Iraqi government of preparations to reposition the coalition forces “in due deference to the sovereignty” of Iraq.
MORE BREAKING: @thejointstaff Gen. Milley came back to brief us again after looking at the letter. "It was a mistake," he said. Milley said it was a draft, poorly worded, and had not been signed. It was being worked w/ Iraqis. Bottom Line: US troops ARE NOT leaving, he said. https://t.co/L6wGYiVIkv — Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 6, 2020
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said that the letter Seely had sent was only a draft and that releasing it was a “mistake.” The Iraqi military confirmed receiving it, however.
Milley says he was told the draft letter mistakenly suggesting US troops were leaving Iraq leaked: "It was sent over to some key Iraqi military guys to get things coordinated for air movements ... it went from that guy’s hands to another guy’s hands, then it went to your hands" https://t.co/vjNLf9GEuJ — Jack Detsch (@JackDetsch_ALM) January 6, 2020
Esper would neither confirm nor deny the letter’s authenticity, though US Army public relations officials said earlier it was real. Instead, he reiterated the position staked out earlier by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, that the Iraqi people “want the US to stay,” and cited the rise in attacks by Iranian “proxy groups.”
If one says that the letter is a draft and then there are no plans, this is just contradictory. Another thing would be to say "the letter is a fake, there is no plan".Trump vs Pentagon? — Fabius Dieciscudi ♱ 🇮🇹 🇫🇷 (@fabius10scudi) January 6, 2020
US President Donald Trump likewise rejected the withdrawal on Sunday, threatening Iraq with sanctions and saying the US will not leave until the Iraqis “pay us back” for an airbase that he said cost billions of dollars to build.
Also on rt.com Trump threatens Iraq with ‘very big sanctions’ unless it pays back BILLIONS for an airbase if US troops are forced to withdraw
On Sunday, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution asking the government to disinvite all foreign troops – including the US-led coalition against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) – after last week’s assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike outside Baghdad International Airport.
The resolution is non-binding, but reflects the growing frustration in Baghdad with continued US operations in Iraq long after the official defeat of IS was proclaimed.
Also on rt.com Iran holds all the cards in coming Middle East conflict with US, unless Trump is ready to drop a tactical NUKE
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rt--2020-01-06--‘We’re not allowed to talk about anything wrong in the party’: AOC trashes the Democratic establishm

‘We’re not allowed to talk about anything wrong in the party’: AOC trashes the Democratic establishment

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , one of the chief architects of the Democrats ’ leftward shift , has hit out at her party for fielding candidates like the centrist Joe Biden , and said “ we ’ re not allowed to talk ” about party division .
Ocasio-Cortez considers herself “ one of the most hated people in America , ” she told New York Magazine in an interview published on Monday .
Since a surprise electoral victory over a 10-term incumbent Democrat in 2018 , she ’ s since become the face of her party ’ s emboldened progressive wing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib ( Michigan ) , Ilhan Omar ( Minnesota ) and Massachusetts ’ Ayanna Pressley .
Ocasio-Cortez ’ s occasionally loose grip on the truth has made her a favorite punching bag of the Republican Party , while her calls for sweeping healthcare , climate , and immigration reforms have earned rebukes from establishment Democratic leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who jested last summer that ‘ The Squad ’ live in “ their Twitter world.
” Speaking to New York Magazine , Ocasio-Cortez highlighted this growing rift in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party , but in America , we are , ” she said .
A supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the presidency , Ocasio-Cortez cautioned her party of the dangers of running a moderate candidate like Biden .
“ And that ’ s exactly what happened to 2016 , ” she said .
“ We picked the logically fitting candidate , but that candidate did not inspire the turnout that we needed.
” Among Democrats , Ocasio-Cortez said , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton ’ s loss in the 2016 election was based on her personality , not her policies .
Democrats “ often think there was nothing wrong before Trump .
They think Hillary was the problem .
But it ’ s much deeper than that.
” In attempting to unseat Trump , Democrats have been criticized for focusing on their prospective candidates ’ “ electability , ” a nebulous term that boils down to which candidate presents the most palatable , inoffensive message .
Intra-party argument and debate bickering is therefore treated as dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary objective .
“ We ’ re a family and we have our moments , ” Pelosi told House Democrats at a meeting in July .
“ Without that unity , we are playing completely into the hands of the other people.
” “ So the Democratic Party has a role to play in this problem , ” Ocasio-Cortez told New York Magazine .
“ It ’ s not like we ’ re allowed to talk about it .
We ’ re not allowed to talk about anything wrong the Democratic Party does.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her fellow progressives in Washington to enforce stricter ideological purity rules .
The Congressional Progressive Caucus , for example , does not require members to submit applications , allowing anyone on Capitol Hill to identify as a progressive .
“ They let anybody who the cat dragged in call themselves a progressive .
There ’ s no standard , ” she declared , adding “ Democrats can be too big of a tent.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the chief architects of the Democrats’ leftward shift, has hit out at her party for fielding candidates like the centrist Joe Biden, and said “we’re not allowed to talk” about party division.
Ocasio-Cortez considers herself “one of the most hated people in America,” she told New York Magazine in an interview published on Monday. Since a surprise electoral victory over a 10-term incumbent Democrat in 2018, she’s since become the face of her party’s emboldened progressive wing, alongside ‘The Squad’ of fellow Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib (Michigan), Ilhan Omar (Minnesota) and Massachusetts’ Ayanna Pressley.
Ocasio-Cortez’s occasionally loose grip on the truth has made her a favorite punching bag of the Republican Party, while her calls for sweeping healthcare, climate, and immigration reforms have earned rebukes from establishment Democratic leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who jested last summer that ‘The Squad’ live in “their Twitter world.”
Also on rt.com Even CNN is tired of Joe Biden lying about having been against the Iraq War
Speaking to New York Magazine, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted this growing rift in the Democratic Party. “In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, but in America, we are,” she said. A supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the presidency, Ocasio-Cortez cautioned her party of the dangers of running a moderate candidate like Biden.
“And that’s exactly what happened to 2016,” she said. “We picked the logically fitting candidate, but that candidate did not inspire the turnout that we needed.”
Among Democrats, Ocasio-Cortez said, there remains in place a belief that Hillary Clinton’s loss in the 2016 election was based on her personality, not her policies. Democrats “often think there was nothing wrong before Trump. They think Hillary was the problem. But it’s much deeper than that.”
In attempting to unseat Trump, Democrats have been criticized for focusing on their prospective candidates’ “electability,” a nebulous term that boils down to which candidate presents the most palatable, inoffensive message. Intra-party argument and debate bickering is therefore treated as dangerous, when simply defeating Trump is the primary objective.
Also on rt.com Earth to Democrats! Defeating Trump will require much more than Michael Bloomberg’s deep pockets
“We’re a family and we have our moments,” Pelosi told House Democrats at a meeting in July. “Without that unity, we are playing completely into the hands of the other people.”
“So the Democratic Party has a role to play in this problem,” Ocasio-Cortez told New York Magazine. “It’s not like we’re allowed to talk about it. We’re not allowed to talk about anything wrong the Democratic Party does.”
Against this background, Ocasio-Cortez encouraged her fellow progressives in Washington to enforce stricter ideological purity rules. The Congressional Progressive Caucus, for example, does not require members to submit applications, allowing anyone on Capitol Hill to identify as a progressive.
“They let anybody who the cat dragged in call themselves a progressive. There’s no standard,” she declared, adding “Democrats can be too big of a tent.”
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rt--2020-01-06--Even CNN is tired of Joe Biden lying about having been against the Iraq War

CNN has blasted Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden for claiming once again that he opposed the Iraq War from the beginning , when in fact he was an advocate of the war , speaking in favor of it many times .
In a piece published on CNN 's ‘ Facts First ’ blog Biden was scolded for “ dishonestly ” claiming he opposed the invasion of Iraq .
The fact-check came after Biden told a voter in Iowa at the weekend that he was against the war “ from the very moment ” George W. Bush launched it .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor of the war both before and after it began , ” CNN wrote .
The network called Biden 's comment “ highly misleading even under the most generous interpretation , ” given that the former VP was “ actually a vocal supporter ” of military action and voted to authorize Bush 's use of force .
Indeed , not only did Biden vote for the war , a whole nine months later he said that he would “ vote that way again.
” On the very day the bombing began , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be supportive ” of Bush — a far cry from his recent and disingenuous retelling of history in which he was against the disastrous invasion all along .
Only after 2005 Biden started calling his vote a “ mistake.
” Biden ’ s continued insistence that he was against the war from the get-go is somewhat strange considering his own campaign acknowledged in September that he “ misspoke ” the last time he made similar false statements .
His camp has been understandably sensitive about his Iraq record and reluctant to directly respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to point it out .
So far , many in the media have framed Sanders ’ targeting of Biden on this subject as a political “ attack ” — despite it being a simple statement of fact .
“ Pointing out that Joe was pro Iraq war is n't an attack , it 's the goddamn truth , ” one Sanders supporter wrote on Twitter .
However Biden tries to spin it to absolve himself of blame seventeen years later , it won ’ t change the facts .
He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action against Iraq and a crucial ally of the Bush administration in the lead up , insisting repeatedly that Saddam Hussein must be removed from power .
Biden even ruled out diplomacy at one point , saying that “ dialogue with Saddam is useless.
” The supposed anti-war Biden even praised Bush for “ moderation and deliberation ” and called Iraq a “ just war ” which he believed would lead to “ peace and security.
” He stood steadfast in his pro-war stance even as many in his own party were raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reluctant to needle Biden on his Iraq War vote , parroting his claims that he was “ misled ” by Bush and touting his foreign policy “ experience ” as an advantage in the 2020 election — but with even CNN calling Biden out on his record , it looks like some in the mainstream media are beginning to grow tired of the lie .
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CNN has blasted Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden for claiming once again that he opposed the Iraq War from the beginning, when in fact he was an advocate of the war, speaking in favor of it many times.
In a piece published on CNN's ‘Facts First’ blog Biden was scolded for “dishonestly” claiming he opposed the invasion of Iraq. The fact-check came after Biden told a voter in Iowa at the weekend that he was against the war “from the very moment” George W. Bush launched it. In reality, Biden “repeatedly spoke in favor of the war both before and after it began,” CNN wrote.
The network called Biden's comment “highly misleading even under the most generous interpretation,” given that the former VP was “actually a vocal supporter” of military action and voted to authorize Bush's use of force.
Also on rt.com 'End #TrumpsWar now', US congresswoman & presidential candidate Gabbard tweets after drone strike killed Iranian general
Indeed, not only did Biden vote for the war, a whole nine months later he said that he would “vote that way again.” On the very day the bombing began, Biden said Americans should “step back and be supportive” of Bush — a far cry from his recent and disingenuous retelling of history in which he was against the disastrous invasion all along. Only after 2005 Biden started calling his vote a “mistake.”
9 months after the vote, Biden was proud: "I voted with my colleagues to give the president of the United States of America the authority to use force, and I would vote that way again today. It was a right vote then, and it'll be a correct vote today." https://t.co/eEII9HZigv — Ezra Levin (@ezralevin) January 6, 2020
Biden’s continued insistence that he was against the war from the get-go is somewhat strange considering his own campaign acknowledged in September that he “misspoke” the last time he made similar false statements.
His camp has been understandably sensitive about his Iraq record and reluctant to directly respond to fellow 2020 contender Bernie Sanders’ efforts to point it out. So far, many in the media have framed Sanders’ targeting of Biden on this subject as a political “attack” — despite it being a simple statement of fact. “Pointing out that Joe was pro Iraq war isn't an attack, it's the goddamn truth,” one Sanders supporter wrote on Twitter.
CNN anchors keep saying Bernie is "attacking" Biden by pointing out positions he has taken. If you feel attacked by your own voting history, it's a sign you're a bad candidate. Also, pointing out that Joe was pro Iraq war isn't an attack, it's the goddamn truth. — Bad John Brown (@BadJohnBrown) January 3, 2020
However Biden tries to spin it to absolve himself of blame seventeen years later, it won’t change the facts. He was a leading Democratic voice in favor of military action against Iraq and a crucial ally of the Bush administration in the lead up, insisting repeatedly that Saddam Hussein must be removed from power.
Biden even ruled out diplomacy at one point, saying that “dialogue with Saddam is useless.” The supposed anti-war Biden even praised Bush for “moderation and deliberation” and called Iraq a “just war” which he believed would lead to “peace and security.” He stood steadfast in his pro-war stance even as many in his own party were raising doubts.
The media has often been reluctant to needle Biden on his Iraq War vote, parroting his claims that he was “misled” by Bush and touting his foreign policy “experience” as an advantage in the 2020 election — but with even CNN calling Biden out on his record, it looks like some in the mainstream media are beginning to grow tired of the lie.
Also on rt.com Joe Biden tells rally he wants fossil fuel executives to go to jail in bizarre rant - too bad his son is one
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rt--2020-01-06--FBI conducted record number of gun sale background checks in 2019, as Democrats promise gun control

The FBI carried out a record 28 million background checks on firearms purchases in 2019 , as Americans rushed to buy weapons amid calls for tougher gun laws .
According to FBI data , 28,369,750 background checks were performed in 2019 , smashing the previous record of 27 million in 2016 .
The agency ran 202,465 checks on Black Friday alone .
The Christmas period was a festive one for firearms retailers , with just under three million checks carried out in December , the second-highest month since the National Instant Criminal Background Check System began in 1998 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly correlate with weapons sales , the FBI cautioned .
Some states , for example , carry out checks for concealed-carry permits , for example , and the figures don ’ t account for multiple weapons purchased at once .
Nevertheless , it is the most reliable indicator of nationwide gun sales that exists .
Firearms sales typically spike when gun owners feel like their Second Amendment rights are threatened .
Though President Trump has been a vocal proponent of gun rights , his opponents spent 2019 pushing the opposite message .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election has promised to restrict gun rights in some manner , with Texas Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke proposing a mass confiscation of AR- and AK-style rifles in September , shortly before dropping out of the race .
O ’ Rourke ’ s fellow Democrats , Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , then announced that they too would introduce their own mandatory buyback schemes .
The following month saw the third-highest number of checks in the whole year .
“ Americans are choosing to invest their hard-earned dollars in their ability to exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want before gun control politicians attempt to regulate away that ability , ” a spokesman for the National Shooting Sports Foundation told the Associated Press in December .
Though violent crime has decreased by more than 50 percent since the early 1990s , mass shootings continue to make gun control a headline issue in the US .
Last year saw a number of high-profile slayings , including two shootings in Texas in August that left 30 people dead , a massacre in Virginia Beach that killed 13 , and a bloodbath at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed nine .
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The FBI carried out a record 28 million background checks on firearms purchases in 2019, as Americans rushed to buy weapons amid calls for tougher gun laws.
According to FBI data, 28,369,750 background checks were performed in 2019, smashing the previous record of 27 million in 2016. The agency ran 202,465 checks on Black Friday alone. The Christmas period was a festive one for firearms retailers, with just under three million checks carried out in December, the second-highest month since the National Instant Criminal Background Check System began in 1998.
Also on rt.com NRA was a ‘foreign asset’ of Russia in 2016 election, claims report by Senate Democrats
The number of background checks performed does not directly correlate with weapons sales, the FBI cautioned. Some states, for example, carry out checks for concealed-carry permits, for example, and the figures don’t account for multiple weapons purchased at once. Nevertheless, it is the most reliable indicator of nationwide gun sales that exists.
Firearms sales typically spike when gun owners feel like their Second Amendment rights are threatened. Though President Trump has been a vocal proponent of gun rights, his opponents spent 2019 pushing the opposite message.
Every Democratic candidate for next year’s election has promised to restrict gun rights in some manner, with Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke proposing a mass confiscation of AR- and AK-style rifles in September, shortly before dropping out of the race.
O’Rourke’s fellow Democrats, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, then announced that they too would introduce their own mandatory buyback schemes. The following month saw the third-highest number of checks in the whole year.
Also on rt.com Wrong kind of record: 2019 was year of most US mass murders ever – study
“Americans are choosing to invest their hard-earned dollars in their ability to exercise their rights and buy the firearms they want before gun control politicians attempt to regulate away that ability,” a spokesman for the National Shooting Sports Foundation told the Associated Press in December.
Though violent crime has decreased by more than 50 percent since the early 1990s, mass shootings continue to make gun control a headline issue in the US. Last year saw a number of high-profile slayings, including two shootings in Texas in August that left 30 people dead, a massacre in Virginia Beach that killed 13, and a bloodbath at a nightclub in Dayton, Ohio, that killed nine.
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rt--2020-01-06--As Harvey Weinstein trial begins, Hollywood dutifully feigns the outrage it kept quiet for the years

As Harvey Weinstein trial begins, Hollywood dutifully feigns the outrage it kept quiet for the years he operated

Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein is finally on trial for sexual assault and rape charges , and Hollywood wants us to know they ’ re horrified - despite years of quietly letting Weinstein prey on women , and even joking about it .
Jury selection for Weinstein ’ s trial has begun , and all eyes were on the one-time Hollywood titan as he hobbled into court on Monday , seemingly trying to look older than his 67 years .
Over 100 women have gone on the record accusing him of varying levels of sexual impropriety , from unwanted advances to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained silent while he was allegedly preying on these women , even though Weinstein ’ s behavior was one of the biggest “ open secrets ” in the industry .
When Weinstein was finally indicted on five felony counts of sexual assault and rape in 2018 in New York , the number of previously silent boldface names who admitted they had “ heard stories ” of the megaproducer ’ s “ inappropriate ” behavior was almost comical .
Most in Hollywood expressed relief that he was finally being held to account , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise the mogul , especially actors whose careers he ’ d launched or aided .
Award-winning actors Meryl Streep and Matt Damon both insisted they hadn ’ t known about his casting couch antics , though Damon himself was accused of helping to kill a story exposing Weinstein ’ s predation .
Filmmaker Michael Moore called Weinstein “ one of the best people to work with ” in Hollywood in 2015 ; two years later , he wasn ’ t just acting shocked at Weinstein ’ s sexual improprieties , but demanding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to forestall future Weinsteins .
Widespread awareness that Weinstein was hurting women didn ’ t stop anyone from working with him during the height of his career , so long as that awareness remained confined to the industry .
But Weinstein could not have operated without the consent of that industry , which still viewed the “ casting couch ” concept - in which sex is exchanged for roles - as a normal and acceptable part of the business .
NBC sitcom 30 Rock was mocking his sexual quid-pro-quos all the way back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seth MacFarlane ’ s own joke about the predatory producer at a 2013 Oscars event was met with raucous laughter , suggesting the audience knew full well what he was talking about .
That the allegations against Weinstein never “ stuck ” until recently was attributed to his legendary ability to “ spin - or suppress – anything , ” with help from the large number of journalists on his payroll .
He was also known to threaten anyone who tried to expose him , and boasted of his ability to make or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some women ( including actor Rose McGowan , one of his most vocal accusers ) were paid off with settlements , and employees were silenced with NDAs .
It wasn ’ t until late 2017 that the # MeToo movement kicked off , when Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan told their Harvey Weinstein stories - on the record - to the New York Times , which published them along with a handful of similar accusations from lesser-known women .
Former model Jasmine Lobe , who claims to be among Weinstein ’ s victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the producer isn ’ t convicted , he ’ ll be back at work in no time .
In addition to the New York state charges , Weinstein was charged on Monday with sexual assault of two women in Los Angeles .
The producer , however , has vowed he will be “ fully exonerated ” and return to work , # MeToo or no # MeToo .
And decades of silence from the industry prove that it ’ s not Weinstein ’ s predatory behavior that bothers Hollywood - merely the negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weinstein is not the only casting couch predator in the industry ; he ’ s just the most recent one to be caught .
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Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein is finally on trial for sexual assault and rape charges, and Hollywood wants us to know they’re horrified - despite years of quietly letting Weinstein prey on women, and even joking about it.
Jury selection for Weinstein’s trial has begun, and all eyes were on the one-time Hollywood titan as he hobbled into court on Monday, seemingly trying to look older than his 67 years. Over 100 women have gone on the record accusing him of varying levels of sexual impropriety, from unwanted advances to rape.
Also on rt.com Roman Polanski claims media trying to make him a ‘monster’ after new rape allegation & blames… Harvey Weinstein
Hundreds more, however, remained silent while he was allegedly preying on these women, even though Weinstein’s behavior was one of the biggest “open secrets” in the industry. When Weinstein was finally indicted on five felony counts of sexual assault and rape in 2018 in New York, the number of previously silent boldface names who admitted they had “heard stories” of the megaproducer’s “inappropriate” behavior was almost comical. Most in Hollywood expressed relief that he was finally being held to account, but some continued to plead ignorance or even praise the mogul, especially actors whose careers he’d launched or aided.
Award-winning actors Meryl Streep and Matt Damon both insisted they hadn’t known about his casting couch antics, though Damon himself was accused of helping to kill a story exposing Weinstein’s predation. Filmmaker Michael Moore called Weinstein “one of the best people to work with” in Hollywood in 2015; two years later, he wasn’t just acting shocked at Weinstein’s sexual improprieties, but demanding the industry introduce gender quotas on its boards to forestall future Weinsteins.
Widespread awareness that Weinstein was hurting women didn’t stop anyone from working with him during the height of his career, so long as that awareness remained confined to the industry.
But Weinstein could not have operated without the consent of that industry, which still viewed the “casting couch” concept - in which sex is exchanged for roles - as a normal and acceptable part of the business. NBC sitcom 30 Rock was mocking his sexual quid-pro-quos all the way back in 2012, while Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane’s own joke about the predatory producer at a 2013 Oscars event was met with raucous laughter, suggesting the audience knew full well what he was talking about.
That the allegations against Weinstein never “stuck” until recently was attributed to his legendary ability to “spin - or suppress – anything,” with help from the large number of journalists on his payroll. He was also known to threaten anyone who tried to expose him, and boasted of his ability to make or break an actor’s career. Some women (including actor Rose McGowan, one of his most vocal accusers) were paid off with settlements, and employees were silenced with NDAs.
Also on rt.com #MeTooBots that will scan your personal emails for ‘harassment’ are an Orwellian misuse of AI
It wasn’t until late 2017 that the #MeToo movement kicked off, when Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan told their Harvey Weinstein stories - on the record - to the New York Times, which published them along with a handful of similar accusations from lesser-known women.
Former model Jasmine Lobe, who claims to be among Weinstein’s victims, told CBS on Monday that if the producer isn’t convicted, he’ll be back at work in no time.
In addition to the New York state charges, Weinstein was charged on Monday with sexual assault of two women in Los Angeles. The producer, however, has vowed he will be “fully exonerated” and return to work, #MeToo or no #MeToo. And decades of silence from the industry prove that it’s not Weinstein’s predatory behavior that bothers Hollywood - merely the negative publicity from that behavior being exposed. Weinstein is not the only casting couch predator in the industry; he’s just the most recent one to be caught.
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rt--2020-01-06--Damage control: Trump admin backtracking on threat to target Iran’s ‘cultural sites’ after internati

Damage control: Trump admin backtracking on threat to target Iran’s ‘cultural sites’ after international outrage

US administration officials are scrambling to walk back Donald Trump ’ s suggestion that he would target Iranian cultural sites by denying that he ever made the threat , even after he doubled down .
Trump provoked widespread outrage with a tweet Saturday claiming that Washington had 52 Iranian sites in its crosshairs , some of which were “ very important ” to “ Iranian culture.
” Those targets , he added , would be hit “ very fast and very hard ” if Tehran retaliated for the killing of top general Qassem Soleimani .
Asked about the threat on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo told Fox News that Trump “ didn ’ t say he ’ d go after cultural sites.
” Probed during a separate appearance on ABC News about why Trump was “ threatening Iran with war crimes , ” Pompeo said the administration would “ behave lawfully ” and “ inside the system.
” Yet , hours after Pompeo ’ s comments , Trump doubled down in comments to White House pool reporters : “ They ’ re allowed to kill our people .
They ’ re allowed to torture and maim our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use roadside bombs and blow up our people .
And we ’ re not allowed to touch their cultural sites ?
It doesn ’ t work that way , ” he said .
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway was also on damage control Monday , saying Trump simply posed the idea as a “ question ” — though his original tweet explicitly states that cultural sites were among the US ’ list of targets .
Conway also seemingly attempted to preemptively spin any hits on cultural sites as legitimate by suggesting that Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are “ also cultural sites.
” She later clarified that she did not mean to say that Iran was camouflaging its military targets within cultural sites , according to Washington Post reporter Aaron Blake .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a tepid warning against targeting Iran ’ s cultural heritage , saying through a spokesman on Monday that “ there are international conventions in place ” intended to prevent that kind of destruction .
Meanwhile , UNESCO also told the US to stay away from Iran ’ s cultural heritage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaties which explicitly prohibit the targeting of cultural sites during armed conflict .
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US administration officials are scrambling to walk back Donald Trump’s suggestion that he would target Iranian cultural sites by denying that he ever made the threat, even after he doubled down.
Trump provoked widespread outrage with a tweet Saturday claiming that Washington had 52 Iranian sites in its crosshairs, some of which were “very important” to “Iranian culture.” Those targets, he added, would be hit “very fast and very hard” if Tehran retaliated for the killing of top general Qassem Soleimani.
....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020
Asked about the threat on Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News that Trump “didn’t say he’d go after cultural sites.” Probed during a separate appearance on ABC News about why Trump was “threatening Iran with war crimes,” Pompeo said the administration would “behave lawfully” and “inside the system.”
Yet, hours after Pompeo’s comments, Trump doubled down in comments to White House pool reporters: “They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people. They’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn’t work that way,” he said.
Also on rt.com Trump says US will strike 52 Iranian sites ‘VERY FAST & VERY HARD’ if Tehran moves to avenge general’s death
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway was also on damage control Monday, saying Trump simply posed the idea as a “question” — though his original tweet explicitly states that cultural sites were among the US’ list of targets. Conway also seemingly attempted to preemptively spin any hits on cultural sites as legitimate by suggesting that Iran has many “strategic military sites” that are “also cultural sites.”
Kellyanne Conway is trying to spin Trump's threat against Iranian cultural sites by saying some of those sites are also military sites. Please. Trump didn't specifically threaten to attack military sites. He said targets would be sites important to "the Iranian culture." — Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) January 6, 2020
Conway clarified she wasn't saying Iran has camouflaged military targets within cultural sites. — Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) January 6, 2020
She later clarified that she did not mean to say that Iran was camouflaging its military targets within cultural sites, according to Washington Post reporter Aaron Blake.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a tepid warning against targeting Iran’s cultural heritage, saying through a spokesman on Monday that “there are international conventions in place” intended to prevent that kind of destruction.
Meanwhile, UNESCO also told the US to stay away from Iran’s cultural heritage, reminding Washington that it is party to treaties which explicitly prohibit the targeting of cultural sites during armed conflict.
Also on rt.com ‘There are international conventions’: British PM Johnson warns US against bombing Iranian cultural sites
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rt--2020-01-06--Conservative satire as popular as mainstream news, journalists and cyberwarriors furious

A satirical article claiming the Democratic Party is officially mourning the death of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani has been shared more times than most CNN and New York Times articles , annoying the joke police .
Soleimani , who commanded the Iranian military Quds Force , was killed in an American airstrike last week , an assassination which raised already high tensions between Washington and Tehran to boiling point .
Democrats criticized Trump for ordering Soleimani ’ s killing , prompting conservative satire site the Babylon Bee to put its own spin on events .
“ Democrats call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grieve death of Soleimani , ” read a headline from the site on Friday .
`` As a nation , we need to stop and grieve this great , austere , revered religious scholar .
He was one of the good ones , ” the Bee parodied Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar as saying , riffing on the description used by the Washington Post in its obituary for Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October .
“ Later , Democrats clarified they meant we should fly the Iranian flag at half-mast , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag , ” the article concluded .
The article was shared more than 720,000 times , which didn ’ t go down well with CNN ’ s Donie O ’ Sullivan , who claimed that it received the same number of engagements as the top New York Times and CNN stories over the past week .
“ A lot of people sharing this ‘ satirical ’ story on Facebook don ’ t know it ’ s satire , ” O ’ Sullivan tweeted , before accusing the Babylon Bee of spreading “ clickbait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satire .
“ Some family members just called bc their Republican friends on FB are circulating it like it 's legit , ” former CIA analyst Cindy Otis chipped in .
“ We have a lot of work to do , all.
” “ Someday I ’ m going to write a whole screed on ‘ satirical/humor ’ websites .
Today , however , is not that day , ” Otis continued .
Indeed , the Babylon Bee ’ s brand of right-wing humor has annoyed liberal journalists before .
Though positioning itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vein of the Onion , the Bee has been ‘ fact-checked ’ by Snopes dozens of times .
These fact checks saw the Bee threatened with demonetization by Facebook , prompting the Bee to accuse Snopes of being “ actively engaged in an effort to discredit and deplatform us.
” In one case , Snopes ran a fact check on the Bee ’ s obviously ludicrous claim that a new California law requires Christians to “ register bibles as assault weapons , ” declaring it “ false ” for anyone lacking the common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - or anyone who missed the site ’ s footer , which reads “ The Babylon Bee is your trusted source for Christian news satire.
” O ’ Sullivan was roasted on Twitter for his alarmist Twitter thread .
“ The only difference between Babylon Bee and CNN is that the Babylon Bee knows it ’ s a parody , ” wrote journalist Sean Davis .
However , satire often goes over the heads of its audience .
China ’ s ‘ People ’ s Daily ’ was fooled by a 2012 Onion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Sexiest Man Alive.
” The People ’ s Daily reported the story as news , before pulling the piece from its website .
Iran ’ s Fars News Agency also fell for the Onion ’ s antics , reposting an article claiming that 77 percent of rural Americans would “ rather vote for Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ” than Barack Obama , without realizing it was satire .
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A satirical article claiming the Democratic Party is officially mourning the death of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani has been shared more times than most CNN and New York Times articles, annoying the joke police.
Soleimani, who commanded the Iranian military Quds Force, was killed in an American airstrike last week, an assassination which raised already high tensions between Washington and Tehran to boiling point. Democrats criticized Trump for ordering Soleimani’s killing, prompting conservative satire site the Babylon Bee to put its own spin on events.
“Democrats call for flags to be flown at half-mast to grieve death of Soleimani,” read a headline from the site on Friday.
Democrats Call For Flags To Be Flown At Half-Mast To Grieve Death Of Soleimani https://t.co/MR0FIaFKsv — The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) January 3, 2020
"As a nation, we need to stop and grieve this great, austere, revered religious scholar. He was one of the good ones,” the Bee parodied Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar as saying, riffing on the description used by the Washington Post in its obituary for Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October.
“Later, Democrats clarified they meant we should fly the Iranian flag at half-mast, not the ‘offensive and problematic’ American flag,” the article concluded.
The article was shared more than 720,000 times, which didn’t go down well with CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan, who claimed that it received the same number of engagements as the top New York Times and CNN stories over the past week.
“A lot of people sharing this ‘satirical’ story on Facebook don’t know it’s satire,” O’Sullivan tweeted, before accusing the Babylon Bee of spreading “clickbait and misinformation” under the guise of satire.
Having a disclaimer buried somewhere on your site that says it’s “satire” seems like a good way to get around a lot of the changes Facebook has made to reduce the spread of clickbait and misinformation. — Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 5, 2020
“Some family members just called bc their Republican friends on FB are circulating it like it's legit,” former CIA analyst Cindy Otis chipped in. “We have a lot of work to do, all.”
“Someday I’m going to write a whole screed on ‘satirical/humor’ websites. Today, however, is not that day,” Otis continued.
Indeed, the Babylon Bee’s brand of right-wing humor has annoyed liberal journalists before. Though positioning itself as a political satire outlet in the vein of the Onion, the Bee has been ‘fact-checked’ by Snopes dozens of times. These fact checks saw the Bee threatened with demonetization by Facebook, prompting the Bee to accuse Snopes of being “actively engaged in an effort to discredit and deplatform us.”
In one case, Snopes ran a fact check on the Bee’s obviously ludicrous claim that a new California law requires Christians to “register bibles as assault weapons,” declaring it “false” for anyone lacking the common sense to figure that out for themselves - or anyone who missed the site’s footer, which reads “The Babylon Bee is your trusted source for Christian news satire.”
O’Sullivan was roasted on Twitter for his alarmist Twitter thread. “The only difference between Babylon Bee and CNN is that the Babylon Bee knows it’s a parody,” wrote journalist Sean Davis.
"people are stupid, myself included, which makes Babylon Bee not satire "Holy shit dude. Quit this profession. https://t.co/H5EMlrm1HG — neontaster (@neontaster) January 6, 2020
The freakout on the chin-scratching journo left over Babylon Bee--which never disguises its satirical purpose and isn't exactly obscure, either--is so stunningly hypocritical because what they're really saying is "it's okay for The Onion, but these guys mock the wrong people." — Esoteric Jeff (@EsotericCD) January 6, 2020
The only difference between Babylon Bee and CNN is that the Babylon Bee knows it’s a parody. https://t.co/NlaVVjXfgp — Sean Davis (@seanmdav) January 6, 2020
However, satire often goes over the heads of its audience. China’s ‘People’s Daily’ was fooled by a 2012 Onion article declaring North Korean leader Kim Jong-un the “Sexiest Man Alive.” The People’s Daily reported the story as news, before pulling the piece from its website. Iran’s Fars News Agency also fell for the Onion’s antics, reposting an article claiming that 77 percent of rural Americans would “rather vote for Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad” than Barack Obama, without realizing it was satire.
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rt--2020-01-06--Epstein autopsy photos add to murder speculation

Graphic new photos of Jeffrey Epstein ’ s autopsy have again raised doubt that the wealthy pedophile killed himself inside a New York prison .
According to one coroner , Epstein ’ s injuries are consistent with murder .
Photos shown on CBS ’ 60 Minutes on Sunday show the inside of Epstein ’ s cell , following his death in August .
In them , multiple bedsheets have been fashioned into two nooses .
A note on the sex offender ’ s bed gripes about the conditions at New York ’ s Metropolitan Correctional Center ( MCC ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thin , bloody line across the middle of his throat .
According to former New York City Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Baden , who observed the autopsy , the wound is more consistent with murder than suicide .
“ This noose doesn ’ t match the ligature furrow mark .
It ’ s wider than this , ” Baden told 60 Minutes .
“ Most hangings , especially free hangings , the ligature slides up to beneath the jawbone , the mandible .
Here it ’ s in the middle of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fractured in multiple places , including the hyoid , a small bone near the Adam ’ s apple .
“ I have never seen three fractures like this in a suicidal hanging , ” Baden said , adding , “ Going over over a thousand jail hangings , suicides , in the New York state prisons over the past 40 , 50 years , no one had three fractures.
” His injuries also included bruised wrists , an abrasion on the arm , a muscle injury to the shoulder , an injury to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cut on the lip .
However , it is unclear if any of these injuries were inflicted by hospital staff trying to resuscitate Epstein .
New York ’ s chief medical examiner , Dr. Barbara Sampson , ruled Epstein ’ s death a suicide in August , and stands by that decision .
However , that ruling did little to quiet speculation that the millionaire sex offender was murdered .
Epstein ’ s connections to the rich and powerful – including Bill Clinton , Donald Trump , and British Prince Andrew – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his trial , leading some to believe that these people had strong motive to silence Epstein .
Epstein had pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing and trafficking multiple girls as young as 14 .
Back in 2008 , a sweetheart deal with Florida prosecutors saw Epstein skate on similar charges , serving just 13 months in a minimum-security facility .
Speculation was further stoked when it was revealed that security cameras at the MCC allegedly malfunctioned on the night of Epstein ’ s death .
In addition , two prison guards who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoner every 30 minutes have been charged with conspiracy and falsifying records , after it emerged that they slept through their shift on the night .
Only one prisoner at MCC , Philadelphia mobster Louis Turra , has succesfully committed suicide in the last 40 years .
Judge Richard Berman , who presided over Epstein ’ s sex trafficking case , said in November that it was “ unthinkable ” that an inmate as high profile as Epstein could die behind bars without guards noticing .
Epstein was the only defendant in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case is shut and the alleged victims denied closure .
However , some of the alleged victims still carry on with civil cases against the deceased pedophile ’ s estate .
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Graphic new photos of Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy have again raised doubt that the wealthy pedophile killed himself inside a New York prison. According to one coroner, Epstein’s injuries are consistent with murder.
Photos shown on CBS’ 60 Minutes on Sunday show the inside of Epstein’s cell, following his death in August. In them, multiple bedsheets have been fashioned into two nooses. A note on the sex offender’s bed gripes about the conditions at New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC).
60 Minutes reviewed hundreds of graphic photographs from the autopsy of Jeffrey Epstein and inside his cell. Here are the known facts. **This video contains graphic images that some viewers may find disturbing.**https://t.co/oVeiCRd8A6pic.twitter.com/QOwq8Eqiah — 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) January 6, 2020
Photos of Epstein’s body show a thin, bloody line across the middle of his throat. According to former New York City Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Baden, who observed the autopsy, the wound is more consistent with murder than suicide.
“This noose doesn’t match the ligature furrow mark. It’s wider than this,” Baden told 60 Minutes. “Most hangings, especially free hangings, the ligature slides up to beneath the jawbone, the mandible. Here it’s in the middle of the neck.”
Epstein’s neck was fractured in multiple places, including the hyoid, a small bone near the Adam’s apple. “I have never seen three fractures like this in a suicidal hanging,” Baden said, adding, “Going over over a thousand jail hangings, suicides, in the New York state prisons over the past 40, 50 years, no one had three fractures.”
His injuries also included bruised wrists, an abrasion on the arm, a muscle injury to the shoulder, an injury to the back of the neck, and a cut on the lip. However, it is unclear if any of these injuries were inflicted by hospital staff trying to resuscitate Epstein.
“I have never seen three fractures like this in a suicidal hanging.” Dr. Michael Baden lays out the forensic reasons why he’s skeptical of the medical examiner’s ruling that Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. **This video contains graphic images.** https://t.co/LnSZA1bIB1pic.twitter.com/J46XhGfGws — 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) January 6, 2020
New York’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Barbara Sampson, ruled Epstein’s death a suicide in August, and stands by that decision. However, that ruling did little to quiet speculation that the millionaire sex offender was murdered. Epstein’s connections to the rich and powerful – including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and British Prince Andrew – would likely have been brought up during his trial, leading some to believe that these people had strong motive to silence Epstein.
Epstein had pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing and trafficking multiple girls as young as 14. Back in 2008, a sweetheart deal with Florida prosecutors saw Epstein skate on similar charges, serving just 13 months in a minimum-security facility.
Speculation was further stoked when it was revealed that security cameras at the MCC allegedly malfunctioned on the night of Epstein’s death. In addition, two prison guards who were supposed to check in on the high-profile prisoner every 30 minutes have been charged with conspiracy and falsifying records, after it emerged that they slept through their shift on the night.
Also on rt.com Judge on Epstein’s case says ‘unthinkable’ he could die in custody ‘unnoticed’, demands ‘full accounting’
Only one prisoner at MCC, Philadelphia mobster Louis Turra, has succesfully committed suicide in the last 40 years. Judge Richard Berman, who presided over Epstein’s sex trafficking case, said in November that it was “unthinkable” that an inmate as high profile as Epstein could die behind bars without guards noticing.
Epstein was the only defendant in his case. With his death, the case is shut and the alleged victims denied closure. However, some of the alleged victims still carry on with civil cases against the deceased pedophile’s estate.
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rt--2020-01-06--Democrats to introduce House resolution limiting Trump’s military actions against Iran

The House will vote on a resolution to restrict Donald Trump ’ s ability to wage war against Iran , Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said , arguing that Congress must prevent the White House from endangering American lives .
In a letter to her Democratic colleagues , Pelosi stressed that Congress had a “ responsibility ” to stop a “ serious escalation ” with Tehran that could endanger US diplomats and service members .
She said the House will introduce a vote on a War Powers resolution later this week that aims to “ limit the President ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ reasserts Congress ’ s long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken , the Administration ’ s military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days.
” The top-ranking Democrat said the resolution was necessary in order to reassert Congressional oversight over war powers , especially since Trump did not consult lawmakers before carrying out a drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani , the commander of Iran ’ s elite Quds Force .
Trump notified Congress on Sunday that he would “ quickly and fully strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manner ” should Tehran strike “ any person or target ” .
The US president also warned that “ brand new ” American military hardware worth trillions of dollars would head Iran ’ s way in the event of retaliatory action .
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The House will vote on a resolution to restrict Donald Trump’s ability to wage war against Iran, Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said, arguing that Congress must prevent the White House from endangering American lives.
In a letter to her Democratic colleagues, Pelosi stressed that Congress had a “responsibility” to stop a “serious escalation” with Tehran that could endanger US diplomats and service members. She said the House will introduce a vote on a War Powers resolution later this week that aims to “limit the President’s military actions regarding Iran.”
The bill “reasserts Congress’s long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration’s military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days.”
Also on rt.com Trump says his tweets are ‘notification’ to Congress, pledges ‘disproportionate’ response to Iran in case of attack
The top-ranking Democrat said the resolution was necessary in order to reassert Congressional oversight over war powers, especially since Trump did not consult lawmakers before carrying out a drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force.
Trump notified Congress on Sunday that he would “quickly and fully strike back, and perhaps in a disproportionate manner” should Tehran strike “any person or target”. The US president also warned that “brand new” American military hardware worth trillions of dollars would head Iran’s way in the event of retaliatory action.
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rt--2020-01-06--We're saved! Golden Globes serving plant-based meals to 'send a signal' about climate change

The Golden Globes will be serving its first exclusively vegan menu at its ceremony on Sunday night , and many are wondering if it ’ s another empty , virtue-signaling move from the limousine and private jet loving stars .
The goal of serving an en vogue meatless menu to guests before the televised ceremony is to “ send a signal ” about the potential dangers of climate change .
“ If there ’ s a way we can , not change the world , but save the planet , maybe we can get the Golden Globes to send a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about climate change , ” Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Lorenzo Soria said in a statement .
“ The food we eat , the way we grow the food we eat , the way we dispose of the food is one of the large contributors to the climate crisis.
” Entree items include king oyster mushrooms scallops and wild mushroom risotto .
Brussel sprouts and carrots will also be served , and a golden beet soup will be the evening ’ s appetizer .
There is no official word on whether the food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver it , but Matthew Morgan , executive chef at The Beverly Hilton , which is where the ceremony takes place , said the dishes were already mostly available .
They were simply vegan options in the past and Morgan simply enhanced the dishes for the new , slimmer menu .
The red carpet at the event will also be reused at other events , and water will be served in reusable glass bottles .
The decision to change the menu was made two weeks before the telecast was set to air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DiCaprio — who is up for the Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy award for his work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — praised the HFPA on Twitter for their climate friendly decision .
Others were not so celebratory of the decision and saw it as an example of empty and hypocritical activism out of Hollywood , considering the Golden Globes will still take a toll on the environment thanks to the many after-parties and gas-fueled limousine rides to and from the ceremony .
“ This will stop all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” commentator Dana Loesch tweeted .
“ It will be interesting to see what modes of transportation will be used to travel to said event ... Golden Globes meals going meatless to raise environmental awareness , ” The Hill reporter Joe Concha added .
“ It ’ d be even more environmentally friendly if they just tweeted a list of winners , ” another user wrote .
Hollywood award ceremonies are often platforms for virtue-signaling politics .
Last year , many celebrities attended the Golden Globes wearing Time ’ s Up pins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement which affected many people within the industry .
Both men and women wore the pins , including actor James Franco who has faced several allegations of sexual misconduct .
That same year , many female guests wore black outfits to protest the apparent power imbalance in the industry between men and women .
“ I think people are aware now of a power imbalance and it 's something that leads to abuse , it has led to abuse in our own industry .
We want to fix that and we feel emboldened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from now , ” actress Meryl Streep , who wore black to the ceremony , told Harper ’ s Bazaar .
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The Golden Globes will be serving its first exclusively vegan menu at its ceremony on Sunday night, and many are wondering if it’s another empty, virtue-signaling move from the limousine and private jet loving stars.
The goal of serving an en vogue meatless menu to guests before the televised ceremony is to “send a signal” about the potential dangers of climate change.
“If there’s a way we can, not change the world, but save the planet, maybe we can get the Golden Globes to send a signal and draw attention to the issue about climate change,” Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Lorenzo Soria said in a statement. “The food we eat, the way we grow the food we eat, the way we dispose of the food is one of the large contributors to the climate crisis.”
Entree items include king oyster mushrooms scallops and wild mushroom risotto. Brussel sprouts and carrots will also be served, and a golden beet soup will be the evening’s appetizer.
Also on rt.com Meat Loaf slams ‘brainwashed’ Greta Thunberg, says she was ‘forced’ into climate change belief
There is no official word on whether the food was produced locally or what was used to deliver it, but Matthew Morgan, executive chef at The Beverly Hilton, which is where the ceremony takes place, said the dishes were already mostly available. They were simply vegan options in the past and Morgan simply enhanced the dishes for the new, slimmer menu.
The red carpet at the event will also be reused at other events, and water will be served in reusable glass bottles.
The decision to change the menu was made two weeks before the telecast was set to air.
Climate change activist and actor Leonardo DiCaprio — who is up for the Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy award for his work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — praised the HFPA on Twitter for their climate friendly decision.
Others were not so celebratory of the decision and saw it as an example of empty and hypocritical activism out of Hollywood, considering the Golden Globes will still take a toll on the environment thanks to the many after-parties and gas-fueled limousine rides to and from the ceremony.
“This will stop all of China’s pollution good job everybody,” commentator Dana Loesch tweeted.
This will stop all of China’s pollution good job everybody https://t.co/QxyTlOnsEO — Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 4, 2020
“It will be interesting to see what modes of transportation will be used to travel to said event... Golden Globes meals going meatless to raise environmental awareness,” The Hill reporter Joe Concha added.
It will be interesting to see what modes of transportation will be used to travel to said event... Golden Globes meals going meatless to raise environmental awareness | TheHill https://t.co/MYqlJA360o — Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) January 3, 2020
“It’d be even more environmentally friendly if they just tweeted a list of winners,” another user wrote.
It’d be even more environmentally friendly if they just tweeted a list of winners https://t.co/iulV6qHmT4 — Christine Rousselle 💁🏻♀ (@crousselle) January 4, 2020
Actually can’t wait for The Golden Globes this year. Stars flying in on private jets to eat a vegan meal to help tackle climate change and @rickygervais will be there to roast them all. pic.twitter.com/R1t91lJfZk — Zara (@FitnessByBlue) January 5, 2020
Guys... The #GoldenGlobes are going vegan to combat climate change!!!!!!I wonder how many of them will arrive in private jets and suv limousines@PeteHegseth — Carl Higbie (@CarlHigbie) January 5, 2020
Hollywood award ceremonies are often platforms for virtue-signaling politics. Last year, many celebrities attended the Golden Globes wearing Time’s Up pins, in support of the #MeToo movement which affected many people within the industry. Both men and women wore the pins, including actor James Franco who has faced several allegations of sexual misconduct.
That same year, many female guests wore black outfits to protest the apparent power imbalance in the industry between men and women.
“I think people are aware now of a power imbalance and it's something that leads to abuse, it has led to abuse in our own industry. We want to fix that and we feel emboldened in a thick black line dividing then from now,” actress Meryl Streep, who wore black to the ceremony, told Harper’s Bazaar.
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rt--2020-01-06--Trump threatens Iraq with ‘very big sanctions’ unless it pays back BILLIONS for an airbase if US tro

Trump threatens Iraq with ‘very big sanctions’ unless it pays back BILLIONS for an airbase if US troops are forced to withdraw

Iraq should brace for sanctions that will make the ones placed on Iran look weak in comparison if it kicks out the US troops without first covering the costs for an airbase , US President Donald Trump said .
“ We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that ’ s there .
It cost billions of dollars to build , long before my time .
We ’ re not leaving unless they pay us back for it , ” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday .
The punitive measures that the US is ready to slap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Islamic State ( IS , formerly ISIS ) will be even harsher than the crippling sanctions already in effect against Tehran , the president said .
Trump ’ s warning to Iraq comes after Iraqi MPs passed a non-binding resolution , championed by the country ’ s caretaker prime minister , asking the Iraqi government to expel foreign troops by cancelling a request for military assistance from the US-led coalition .
The resolution , adopted earlier on Sunday , envisions that some foreign troops might stay in Iraq for training purposes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary should be reported back by the Iraqi authorities .
‘ We are not allowed to touch Iran ’ s cultural sites ?
It doesn ’ t work that way ’ Trump also doubled down on his threat to wipe out Iranian cultural sites in retaliation for potential future attacks from Tehran , which has vowed to avenge the assassination of its top general , Qassem Soleimani , by the US .
Accusing Iran of “ torturing ” and “ maiming ” American soldiers in suicide attacks and by planting roadside bombs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justify potential war crimes – the destruction of a nation ’ s cultural heritage .
“ They ’ re allowed to kill our people .
They ’ re allowed to torture and maim our people .
They ’ re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people .
And we ’ re not allowed to touch their cultural sites ?
It doesn ’ t work that way.
” Trump ’ s statement on Saturday that the US might fire upon 52 sites that are important to Iran ’ s people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with many of the Trump administration ’ s critics noting that Washington would mimic the methods of its declared adversary , Islamic State – which is notorious for damaging and destroying globally-significant cultural sites in Syria and Iraq .
Tensions between the US and Iran have been mounting ever since a series of US airstrikes against the Shia Kataib Hezbollah militia in Syria and Iraq on December 29 killed at least 25 fighters , triggering a siege of the US Embassy in Baghdad that saw demonstrators chanting “ death to America ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US blamed the showdown at its diplomatic compound on Tehran and its “ proxies.
” On Thursday , the US launched a drone strike at a convoy travelling near Baghdad International Airport , killing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) commander Qassem Soleimani , along with senior Iraqi militia leaders .
The murder of Soleimani , who played a key role in the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq , has drawn outrage across Iran and Iraq , with Tehran vowing to avenge the assassination , calling it “ an act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , insists that Soleimani was the mastermind behind a spate of attacks on American personnel , including at the US Embassy , and says he was plotting new assaults .
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Iraq should brace for sanctions that will make the ones placed on Iran look weak in comparison if it kicks out the US troops without first covering the costs for an airbase, US President Donald Trump said.
“We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build, long before my time. We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.
The punitive measures that the US is ready to slap on its supposed ally in the fight against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) will be even harsher than the crippling sanctions already in effect against Tehran, the president said.
If they do ask us to leave, if we don’t do it in a very friendly basis, we will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame.
Trump’s warning to Iraq comes after Iraqi MPs passed a non-binding resolution, championed by the country’s caretaker prime minister, asking the Iraqi government to expel foreign troops by cancelling a request for military assistance from the US-led coalition.
Also on rt.com Iraqi parliament passes resolution asking government to cancel request for assistance from US-led coalition
The resolution, adopted earlier on Sunday, envisions that some foreign troops might stay in Iraq for training purposes, but the number of foreign instructors deemed necessary should be reported back by the Iraqi authorities.
‘We are not allowed to touch Iran’s cultural sites? It doesn’t work that way’
Trump also doubled down on his threat to wipe out Iranian cultural sites in retaliation for potential future attacks from Tehran, which has vowed to avenge the assassination of its top general, Qassem Soleimani, by the US.
Accusing Iran of “torturing” and “maiming” American soldiers in suicide attacks and by planting roadside bombs, Trump hinted that attacks on US troops justify potential war crimes – the destruction of a nation’s cultural heritage.
Also on rt.com Easier said than done: Making US troops actually leave Iraq will take more than parliament resolution
“They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people. They’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn’t work that way.”
Trump’s statement on Saturday that the US might fire upon 52 sites that are important to Iran’s people and culture has courted controversy in the US, with many of the Trump administration’s critics noting that Washington would mimic the methods of its declared adversary, Islamic State – which is notorious for damaging and destroying globally-significant cultural sites in Syria and Iraq.
Tensions between the US and Iran have been mounting ever since a series of US airstrikes against the Shia Kataib Hezbollah militia in Syria and Iraq on December 29 killed at least 25 fighters, triggering a siege of the US Embassy in Baghdad that saw demonstrators chanting “death to America” and setting checkpoints on fire. The US blamed the showdown at its diplomatic compound on Tehran and its “proxies.” On Thursday, the US launched a drone strike at a convoy travelling near Baghdad International Airport, killing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qassem Soleimani, along with senior Iraqi militia leaders.
The murder of Soleimani, who played a key role in the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq, has drawn outrage across Iran and Iraq, with Tehran vowing to avenge the assassination, calling it “an act of international terrorism.” Washington, meanwhile, insists that Soleimani was the mastermind behind a spate of attacks on American personnel, including at the US Embassy, and says he was plotting new assaults.
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rt--2020-01-05--Trump says his tweets are ‘notification’ to Congress, pledges ‘disproportionate’ response to Iran in

Trump says his tweets are ‘notification’ to Congress, pledges ‘disproportionate’ response to Iran in case of attack

The US President Donald Trump has literally said that his Twitter posts should be seen as “ notification to the United States Congress ” – in another tweet no less – as he vowed to “ strike back ” should Iran target any American .
The president minced no words as he continued to threaten Tehran with a swift and potentially devastating response as the two nations have found themselves on the brink of a military conflict after the US killed a top Iranian commander on a direct order from the White House .
This time , however , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said that the US Congress should follow his Twitter to keep up with the latest developments of this potentially explosive situation .
“ These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target , the United States will quickly & fully strike back , & perhaps in a disproportionate manner , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Such legal notice is not required , but is given nevertheless !
” The US State Secretary Mike Pompeo told ABC ’ s ‘ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Washington had “ all the authority ” to strike the Iranian general , it would try and keep Congress informed about its plans from now on .
He never mentioned it would be done in the form of Twitter feed , though .
Trump himself has , meanwhile , been busy issuing threats to Tehran after Iran called the killing of Qassem Soleimani , the commander of the elite Quds Force , an “ act of international terrorism ” and vowed revenge .
The US president warned that 52 Iranian targets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be hit in a retaliation strike , should Tehran follow up on its revenge plans .
Pompeo later denied this statement .
Trump also said that “ brand new ” American military hardware worth trillions of dollars would head Iran ’ s way in the event of retaliatory action .
Back at home , Trump was heavily criticized by the Democrats , including senators and 2020 hopefuls Joe Biden , Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders , as well House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who is leading the impeachment process against him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer to war with Tehran .
Trump ’ s Republican allies , on the contrary , welcomed the move and sided with the president and the secretary of state in calling it a preemptive defensive .
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The US President Donald Trump has literally said that his Twitter posts should be seen as “notification to the United States Congress” – in another tweet no less – as he vowed to “strike back” should Iran target any American.
The president minced no words as he continued to threaten Tehran with a swift and potentially devastating response as the two nations have found themselves on the brink of a military conflict after the US killed a top Iranian commander on a direct order from the White House.
This time, however, he did not just issue another threat but also said that the US Congress should follow his Twitter to keep up with the latest developments of this potentially explosive situation.
“These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner,” Trump tweeted. “Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!”
These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2020
The US State Secretary Mike Pompeo told ABC’s ‘This Week’ earlier on Sunday that, although Washington had “all the authority” to strike the Iranian general, it would try and keep Congress informed about its plans from now on. He never mentioned it would be done in the form of Twitter feed, though.
Trump himself has, meanwhile, been busy issuing threats to Tehran after Iran called the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the elite Quds Force, an “act of international terrorism” and vowed revenge.
The US president warned that 52 Iranian targets, including some apparently important cultural sites, could be hit in a retaliation strike, should Tehran follow up on its revenge plans. Pompeo later denied this statement. Trump also said that “brand new” American military hardware worth trillions of dollars would head Iran’s way in the event of retaliatory action.
Also on rt.com ‘Trump just threw a dynamite stick into a tinderbox’: US Democrats savage US strike that killed Iranian Quds chief Soleimani
Back at home, Trump was heavily criticized by the Democrats, including senators and 2020 hopefuls Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is leading the impeachment process against him. They all warned it would bring Washington closer to war with Tehran.
Trump’s Republican allies, on the contrary, welcomed the move and sided with the president and the secretary of state in calling it a preemptive defensive.
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rt--2020-01-05--US to hit ‘actual decision makers’ behind attacks on American targets with ‘lawful strikes’ – Pompeo

Washington has apparently decided to further raise the stakes in the already potentially explosive conflict with Iran , with Mike Pompeo saying the US will continue to target the “ masterminds ” plotting attacks against Americans .
The US will continue to “ respond with lawful strikes ” targeting “ actual decision makers ” if it perceives a danger to any American targets , the secretary of state said .
The remarks came as he continued to defend the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Major General Qassem Soleimani , which was ordered by President Donald Trump .
Pompeo maintained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to do what it had done , but added that the White House would keep Congress informed about developments in the Middle East from now on .
His view on the “ legality ” of the American strikes on Iraqi soil was clearly not shared by Baghdad , which even filed a formal complaint over the incident with the UN secretary general and the UN Security Council .
He also argued that the killing of Soleimani , which sent shockwaves across both Iran and Iraq , with thousands of people hitting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemn the measures taken by the US , was still the best course of action .
`` The intelligence assessment made clear that no action - allowing Soleimani to continue his plotting and his planning , his terror campaign - created more risk than taking the action that we took last week , '' the state secretary told ABC ’ s ‘ This Week ’ .
In an apparent attempt to calm things down a bit , Pompeo also said that he had “ no doubt ” the Iranian leadership “ understands ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ gets the message clearly.
” So far , however , the attack has only raised hostilities between Washington and Tehran to a whole new level .
Iran called the American strike “ an act of international terrorism ” and vowed revenge .
Both sides are now trading threats , with a senior commander of Iran ’ s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps claiming that up to 35 “ vital ” US and Israeli targets are within Iran ’ s reach , while Trump threatened to strike 52 Iranian sites should Tehran follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later that “ brand new ” American military hardware worth trillions of dollars would head Iran ’ s way in the event of retaliatory action .
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Washington has apparently decided to further raise the stakes in the already potentially explosive conflict with Iran, with Mike Pompeo saying the US will continue to target the “masterminds” plotting attacks against Americans.
The US will continue to “respond with lawful strikes” targeting “actual decision makers” if it perceives a danger to any American targets, the secretary of state said. The remarks came as he continued to defend the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Major General Qassem Soleimani, which was ordered by President Donald Trump.
Also on rt.com ‘Brand new beautiful equipment’ heading Iran’s way to hit harder ‘than ever before’: Trump goes hyperbolic on Twitter
Pompeo maintained that Washington had “all the authority” to do what it had done, but added that the White House would keep Congress informed about developments in the Middle East from now on. His view on the “legality” of the American strikes on Iraqi soil was clearly not shared by Baghdad, which even filed a formal complaint over the incident with the UN secretary general and the UN Security Council.
He also argued that the killing of Soleimani, which sent shockwaves across both Iran and Iraq, with thousands of people hitting the streets to mourn the slain general and condemn the measures taken by the US, was still the best course of action.
"The intelligence assessment made clear that no action - allowing Soleimani to continue his plotting and his planning, his terror campaign - created more risk than taking the action that we took last week," the state secretary told ABC’s ‘This Week’.
In an apparent attempt to calm things down a bit, Pompeo also said that he had “no doubt” the Iranian leadership “understands” Trump’s view of the situation and “gets the message clearly.” So far, however, the attack has only raised hostilities between Washington and Tehran to a whole new level.
Also on rt.com 'Terrorist in a suit': Iran's information minister strikes back after Trump's Twitter threats
Iran called the American strike “an act of international terrorism” and vowed revenge. Both sides are now trading threats, with a senior commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps claiming that up to 35 “vital” US and Israeli targets are within Iran’s reach, while Trump threatened to strike 52 Iranian sites should Tehran follow up on its revenge plans - adding later that “brand new” American military hardware worth trillions of dollars would head Iran’s way in the event of retaliatory action.
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rt--2020-01-05--War over Iran already raging on Twitter: users call for Trump ban, claim suspension over ‘No war on

War over Iran already raging on Twitter: users call for Trump ban, claim suspension over ‘No war on Iran’ image

Twitter ’ s dubious enforcement of its own rules is back in the spotlight after Trump threatened to strike Iran and destroy Iranian cultural treasures .
Trump ’ s tweet remains , but many wonder whether it ’ s prohibited speech .
Users are supposedly not allowed to threaten violence or glorify acts of violence on Twitter .
And many people believe US President Donald Trump did just that when he threatened to attack 52 Iranian sites , including some of cultural significance , on his Twitter account .
They are calling on Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to suspend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules .
Trump ’ s threat follows a warning of retaliation from Iran for the targeted assassination of one of its most prominent generals , which was carried out on Friday on the US president ’ s orders .
The move marks a rapid escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran .
The news of the death of Qassem Soleimani was met with much anxiety online , with hashtags related to a possible World War 3 trending globally on Twitter throughout Friday .
The website of the US Selective Service System even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imminent draft .
While it ’ s highly unlikely that Twitter will make the dreams of Trump critics come true and cut off the president , it seems to have done some work on managing the public debate over how to proceed .
Journalist and author Yasha Levine reported that Twitter algorithms forced him to remove an image saying “ No war on Iran ” in block capitals , and several other users said it happened to them too .
Levine somewhat proudly called himself a repeat offender .
A vocal critic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US intelligence community , he was temporarily suspended by Twitter last month for a sarcastic take on Washington ’ s Ukraine policy .
Anti-war sentiment raged not only on Twitter but also on the streets , as thousands of US citizens staged protests against the escalation of violence in several large cities on Saturday .
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Twitter’s dubious enforcement of its own rules is back in the spotlight after Trump threatened to strike Iran and destroy Iranian cultural treasures. Trump’s tweet remains, but many wonder whether it’s prohibited speech.
Users are supposedly not allowed to threaten violence or glorify acts of violence on Twitter. And many people believe US President Donald Trump did just that when he threatened to attack 52 Iranian sites, including some of cultural significance, on his Twitter account. They are calling on Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to suspend the man in the White House for breaking the rules.
Dear Twitter, does threatening a war crime violate the site's ToS? Asking for the whole world. — Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) January 4, 2020
2019: Hey @jack can you ban Trump from Twitter because he’s being super shitty and bullying people2020: Hey @jack can you ban Trump from Twitter because he’s threatening Iran with the destruction of their holy sites and instigating World War 3 and we’re all gonna die pic.twitter.com/WUhpLDbafe — Mike Rundle (@flyosity) January 4, 2020
Trump’s threat follows a warning of retaliation from Iran for the targeted assassination of one of its most prominent generals, which was carried out on Friday on the US president’s orders. The move marks a rapid escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The news of the death of Qassem Soleimani was met with much anxiety online, with hashtags related to a possible World War 3 trending globally on Twitter throughout Friday. The website of the US Selective Service System even reported service problems amid rumors of an imminent draft.
Also on rt.com ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’: Iranian lawmakers’ anger spills over in session after Soleimani killing
While it’s highly unlikely that Twitter will make the dreams of Trump critics come true and cut off the president, it seems to have done some work on managing the public debate over how to proceed. Journalist and author Yasha Levine reported that Twitter algorithms forced him to remove an image saying “No war on Iran” in block capitals, and several other users said it happened to them too.
Opposing war is the new extremism https://t.co/MmuQjIelEk — Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) January 5, 2020
Levine somewhat proudly called himself a repeat offender. A vocal critic of Silicon Valley and its cooperation with the US intelligence community, he was temporarily suspended by Twitter last month for a sarcastic take on Washington’s Ukraine policy.
Also on rt.com ‘Surveillance Valley’ author Yasha Levine’s Twitter frozen after post objecting to US pushing for war with Russia in Ukraine
Anti-war sentiment raged not only on Twitter but also on the streets, as thousands of US citizens staged protests against the escalation of violence in several large cities on Saturday.
From today's antiwar protest in Los Angeles, a reminder that Trump should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity."Hey, hey Donald J.""How many kids did you kill today?"#NoWarWithIranpic.twitter.com/Cg8265J8Jr — Minh Ngo (@minhtngo) January 5, 2020
New York City is in the streets.Rallying outside Chuck Schumer’s apartment.Making it very clear to Congress that we completely and totally oppose war with Iran.#NoWarWithIranpic.twitter.com/EJR3wqkdUm — Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) January 4, 2020
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rt--2020-01-05--‘Brand new beautiful equipment’ heading Iran’s way to hit harder ‘than ever before’: Trump goes hype

‘Brand new beautiful equipment’ heading Iran’s way to hit harder ‘than ever before’: Trump goes hyperbolic on Twitter

Hours after threatening to destroy 52 Iranian sites , President Trump went back on Twitter to brag about two trillion dollars ’ worth of ‘ beautiful ’ US military hardware , which he expects will carry out the destruction .
Facing promises of retaliation for the killing of a popular Iranian general whose death he ordered personally , Donald Trump threatened in no uncertain terms to escalate the conflict further .
He said that if Tehran fails to turn the other cheek , the US will hit 52 Iranian sites of great value .
Hours later , the US president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of money the US military has received for equipment under his watch .
“ We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World !
” he tweeted , going on to promise that if attacked , the US “ will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way.
” Friday ’ s targeted assassination of Qassem Soleimani , the commander of Iran ’ s Quds Force , marked a sudden and rapid escalation of Washington ’ s stand-off with Iran .
The US military claims the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi base which killed an American .
The Trump administration also justified the airstrike by accusing Soleimani of preparing an imminent attack on American citizens .
Stocks of US defense contractors rose in the wake of the killing as investors predicted that there will be no shortage of US taxpayers ’ money going their way if , as Trump threatened , their products are headed for Iran .
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Hours after threatening to destroy 52 Iranian sites, President Trump went back on Twitter to brag about two trillion dollars’ worth of ‘beautiful’ US military hardware, which he expects will carry out the destruction.
Facing promises of retaliation for the killing of a popular Iranian general whose death he ordered personally, Donald Trump threatened in no uncertain terms to escalate the conflict further. He said that if Tehran fails to turn the other cheek, the US will hit 52 Iranian sites of great value. Hours later, the US president returned to Twitter to brag about the amount of money the US military has received for equipment under his watch.
“We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World!” he tweeted, going on to promise that if attacked, the US “will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way.”
The United States just spent Two Trillion Dollars on Military Equipment. We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World! If Iran attacks an American Base, or any American, we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way...and without hesitation! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2020
Friday’s targeted assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, marked a sudden and rapid escalation of Washington’s stand-off with Iran. The US military claims the Iranian general approved an attack on an Iraqi base which killed an American. The Trump administration also justified the airstrike by accusing Soleimani of preparing an imminent attack on American citizens.
Stocks of US defense contractors rose in the wake of the killing as investors predicted that there will be no shortage of US taxpayers’ money going their way if, as Trump threatened, their products are headed for Iran.
If you are wondering who benefits from endless wars, take a look at how stocks for weapons manufacturers began to rise as soon as Soleimani was killed. Defense contractors spent $84 million lobbying Congress last year and it certainly wasn’t to promote diplomacy and restraint. pic.twitter.com/Ov1DWV90gE — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 3, 2020
Also on rt.com Trump says US will strike 52 Iranian sites ‘VERY FAST & VERY HARD’ if Tehran moves to avenge general’s death
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rt--2020-01-05--US federal library program website down after it was hacked by ‘Iranian cyber security group’ (PHOTO

US federal library program website down after it was hacked by ‘Iranian cyber security group’ (PHOTOS)

The Federal Depository Library Program ( FDPL ) website ’ s front page briefly showed an image of President Trump being punched in the face , along with a vow to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general before it went offline .
The website run by the FDPL , a US government program set up to ensure federal government publications are available to the public free of charge , was apparently hacked by a group claiming to be from Iran on Saturday evening .
The site , which currently can not be accessed , briefly showed a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran Cyber Security Group HackerS ’ The front page showed a close-up shot of US President Donald Trump being punched in the face with blood coming out of his mouth .
The fist was made to look like it belonged to a uniformed member of Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) , with the elite force ’ s official logo , known as Pasdaran , visible on the sleeve .
Accompanying the picture was a message in Persian and in English , promising “ severe revenge ” on those complicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Quds Force leader , Qassem Soleimani , who was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Thursday .
“ Martyrdom was his ( Shahid Soleymani ) reward for years of implacable efforts .
With his departure and with God ’ s power , his work and path will not cease and severe revenge awaits those criminals who have tainted their filthy hands with his blood and the blood of the other martyrs of last night ’ s incident.
” While it has since been taken down , the message purportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be found on Google search .
“ In the name of god .
Hacked By Iran Cyber Security Group HackerS ; ) .
This is only small part of Iran 's cyber ability !
We 're always ready , ” it reads .
The US Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) confirmed the breach late Saturday , but did not immediately point the finger at Tehran .
“ At this time , there is no confirmation that this was the action of Iranian state-sponsored actors , ” Sara Sendek , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Agency , said , as cited by CNN .
The Government Publishing Office ( GPO ) , which runs the program , noted that the website was take down as soon as the “ intrusion ” was discovered .
The incident comes just hours after the DHS sounded the alarm over a supposed “ terrorism threat ” to the US from Iran , saying that the Islamic Republic “ can execute cyber-attacks against the United States ” that may have a “ temporary disruptive effect ” on critical infrastructure .
Following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important role in the fight against Al-Qaeda and Islamic State ( IS , formerly ISIS ) in both Iraq and Syria , Iran said that it reserves the right to retaliate .
A senior commander within the IRGC said on Saturday that the Iranian military has identified 35 US and Israeli targets in the region .
Hours after the warning was issued , Trump stirred tensions even further , saying the US is ready to fire at 52 Iranian sites , including those of cultural importance to the Iranian people , if Tehran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was denounced by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as “ an act of international terrorism.
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The Federal Depository Library Program (FDPL) website’s front page briefly showed an image of President Trump being punched in the face, along with a vow to avenge the killing of a top Iranian general before it went offline.
The website run by the FDPL, a US government program set up to ensure federal government publications are available to the public free of charge, was apparently hacked by a group claiming to be from Iran on Saturday evening.
NEW: The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) website appears to have been hacked by an Iranian group. At the bottom of the page the "Iran Cyber Security Group HackerS" take credit. "#SpadSecurityGroup" also appears. pic.twitter.com/quK7mRdW6s — Tracking Global Developments (@GlobalConflict8) January 5, 2020
The site, which currently cannot be accessed, briefly showed a message purportedly left by hackers calling themselves ‘Iran Cyber Security Group HackerS’
The front page showed a close-up shot of US President Donald Trump being punched in the face with blood coming out of his mouth. The fist was made to look like it belonged to a uniformed member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with the elite force’s official logo, known as Pasdaran, visible on the sleeve.
Apparent hacking by an #Iran-linked group of a US government website (the little-known Federal Depository Library Program). https://t.co/r47ODmt4Pw is currently offline. pic.twitter.com/8dx7EDUZvu — Steve Herman (@W7VOA) January 5, 2020
Accompanying the picture was a message in Persian and in English, promising “severe revenge” on those complicit in the assassination of the IRGC’s Quds Force leader, Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Thursday.
“Martyrdom was his (Shahid Soleymani) reward for years of implacable efforts. With his departure and with God’s power, his work and path will not cease and severe revenge awaits those criminals who have tainted their filthy hands with his blood and the blood of the other martyrs of last night’s incident.”
While it has since been taken down, the message purportedly left by “Iranian hackers” can still be found on Google search.
“In the name of god. Hacked By Iran Cyber Security Group HackerS;). This is only small part of Iran's cyber ability ! We're always ready,” it reads.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the breach late Saturday, but did not immediately point the finger at Tehran.
“At this time, there is no confirmation that this was the action of Iranian state-sponsored actors,” Sara Sendek, a spokesperson for DHS' Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said, as cited by CNN.
"We are aware the website of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was defaced with pro-Iranian, anti-US messaging"
The Government Publishing Office (GPO), which runs the program, noted that the website was take down as soon as the “intrusion” was discovered.
Also on rt.com Trump says US will strike 52 Iranian sites ‘VERY FAST & VERY HARD’ if Tehran moves to avenge general’s death
The incident comes just hours after the DHS sounded the alarm over a supposed “terrorism threat” to the US from Iran, saying that the Islamic Republic “can execute cyber-attacks against the United States” that may have a “temporary disruptive effect” on critical infrastructure.
Following the killing of Soleimani, who played an important role in the fight against Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) in both Iraq and Syria, Iran said that it reserves the right to retaliate. A senior commander within the IRGC said on Saturday that the Iranian military has identified 35 US and Israeli targets in the region.
Hours after the warning was issued, Trump stirred tensions even further, saying the US is ready to fire at 52 Iranian sites, including those of cultural importance to the Iranian people, if Tehran moves to avenge the murder of Soleimani, which was denounced by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as “an act of international terrorism.”
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