Fri, December 27, 2024

by: CounterPunch

Deception and Politics From Washington to Tel Aviv

In these difficult times, the voice of the late Palestinian-American scholar, Edward Said is ever present, "Writing is the final resistance we have

by: Firstpost

Why Manmohan Singh was always spotted wearing a blue turban

As India mourns the loss of former PM Manmohan Singh, reflections of his public life are once again in the spotlight, including his iconic blue turban. But do you know the reason behind his fashionable colour choice?

by: Yahoo

Dear Democrats: I survived the Biden administration. You'll survive Trump. | Opinion

Democrats won't love a Trump administration. I certainly couldn't stand the Biden-Harris administration, and I'm glad to see it come to an end.

by: NewsX

BPR 2024: Narendra Modi Secures Historic Third Term: Challenges And Achievements in Focus

Narendra Modi was sworn in as India's Prime Minister for a record third consecutive term in 2024, a milestone that cements his legacy as one of the country's

by: nysfocus

New York's Climate Law, Traffic Congestion, and a Second Trump Term: 2024 in Review

New York Focus climate reporter Colin Kinniburgh reflects on his environmental coverage over the past year and what's coming on the beat in 2025.

by: WLRN

After complaints, referendum and lawsuit, controversial outdoor gym at Miami park is now open

A fence blocking off an outdoor gym at Maurice A. Ferré Park went down over the holiday, after a yearlong battle between residents and city hall regarding the equipment's installation.

by: Oregonian

German president calls snap election, decries 'blatant' interference from Elon Musk's X

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament and set the country's snap election for Feb. 23, formally endorsing a timetable proposed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

by: CNN

What the only battleground Democrat to do better than Trump says his party needs to learn

Josh Stein's victory in this year's North Carolina governor's race was huge. And his opponent was widely seen as the weakest Republican in a major race this cycle.

by: MSN

Westchester County Executive George Latimer to give farewell address Monday

Westchester County Executive George Latimer is scheduled to give his farewell address Monday as he prepares to become a U.S. congressman.

by: MSN

Mexico detains almost half a million migrants heading to US in last quarter

Mexican security forces have detained about 475,000 irregular migrants since October, authorities said on Friday, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens Mexico with tariffs unless it stops illegal migrants from arriving at the shared border.

by: MSN

'MAGA Got Played' by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy: Jasmine Crockett

Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett has claimed President-elect Donald Trump's MAGA base "got played" by business tycoons Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, amid an ongoing social media row about the H-1B skilled migrant worker program.

by: MSN

White House urges crackdown on U.S. telecomd after massive Chinese hack

The White House urged the FCC to force U.S. telecoms to improve security after nine were breached in the "Salt Typhoon" Chinese hacking campaign.

by: MSN

Scrutiny and secrecy defined Pennsylvania debates over how to spend opioid settlement billions in 2024

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

by: MSN

Kari Lake sparks concerns at Voice of America

President-elect Trump has nominated GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake to lead Voice of America (VOA), a decision that is renewing worries of partisan meddling at the government-funded global news agency.

by: MSN

Pakistani government establishes first-of-its-kind program to reinvent its economy: 'Meet global compliance and drive real, measurable ... benefits'

The government spent two years developing this framework to match international standards. Pakistani government establishes first-of-its-kind program to reinvent its economy: 'Meet global compliance and drive real,

by: MSN

Senator Chris Coons and the Cult of Patent Monopolies

Delaware Senator Chris Coons, the chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, made an assertion about the nature of patents that is flat out wrong. Senator Coons said: "OUR FOUNDING FATHERS MADE IT CLEAR THAT INVENTORS SHOULD HAVE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THEIR INVENTIONS.

by: MSN

Elon Musk punishes Laura Loomer and other MAGA loyalists who criticize him: "MAGA wars have begun"

After Trump loyalist Laura Loomer criticized Elon Musk over his support for H1B visas, the "free speech absolutist" gagged her on X, not only taking away her verification badge, but temporarily suspending her as well.

by: MSN

'Dark and challenging times': Here's a glossary for 'Trump's return to power'

Donald Trump's second term as president is less than a month away, with the president-elect scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. And when he is sworn in, Republicans will have small majorities in both branches of Congress.

by: MSN

A glossary for a second Trump term

Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration." Oxford University Press continues: Our experts noticed that 'brain rot' gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content,

by: MSN

US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people

The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country,

by: MSN

What Are H1-B Visas? The Immigration Policy Dividing Elon Musk And Trump's Allies Explained

Tech leaders joining Trump's administration are championing the visas—and other Trump allies aren't happy about it.

by: MSN

U.S. homelessness crisis surges to record levels alongside rising rents and immigration

U.S. homelessness crisis surges to record levels alongside rising rents and immigration - Advocates demand urgent action on housing and family support while Trump promises tent cities and 'mental inst

by: MSN

PM Kisan Nidhi Yojana: Possible Changes and Updates You Should Know

The PM Kisan Nidhi Yojana, introduced by the Indian government, provides direct financial assistance to farmers to support their agricultural needs. Many farmers are now curious about potential changes to the scheme,

by: MSN

In Pictures: Wales marks 25 years of Senedd and elects two first ministers

Wales marks 25 years of Senedd and elects two first ministers - Visits by several members of the royal family and some television stars brought the crowds out across the country.

by: MSN

How Radical Nationalists Infiltrated Russia's Police and Politics

Far-right activists from Russia's largest nationalist movement, Russkaya Obshchina, donned black camouflage and patrolled multiple cities last month hunting for "ethnic criminals." They raided dormitories,

by: MSN

Utah taking targeted approach on illegal immigration, Venezuelan prison gang violence

by: MSN

Trump congratulates Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt on engagement: Live updates

Trump congratulates Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt on engagement: Live updates - 'There are no finer people than these, and there will be no finer couple. Congratulations to both - A deal made in HEAVEN!

by: MSN

Trump 'Border Czar' Suggests Halfway Homes For U.S.-Born Kids With Undocumented Parents

In a series of interviews laying the groundwork for Trump's mass deportation plans, Tom Homan also said he intends to bring back family detentions.

by: MSN

MAGA Crisis Could Mean There Is No Trump Inauguration on Jan. 20

The MAGA-verse could be on the brink of exploding into an all-encompassing constitutional crisis, with Donald Trump's own inauguration as possible collateral. The incoming Congress is scheduled to start on Jan.

by: MSN

Insurance companies deny cancer treatment claims and Trump's 'border czar'on family detention centers: Morning Rundown

NBC News investigates health insurance companies denying cancer patients coverage for potentially life-saving treatments.

by: MSN

Swamitva Yojana: What is Swamitva Yojana and who gets its benefit, know the rules

The Government of India runs one scheme after another for the citizens of the country. Crores of people in the country get the benefit of these schemes of the government. Most of the schemes of the government are according to the needs of the people.

by: MSN

Health laws, bird flu and Trump preparation: 2024 year in review

California's health system changed in 2024 but lawmakers face a busy future with bird flu, vaccines, and abortion access all on the docket.

by: MSN

The Conservatives have a new plan to bring down the government quickly

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has a plan to get the "carbon tax election" he has been calling for sooner rather than later. The Conservatives are going to reconvene the public accounts committee on Jan.

by: MSN

Democrats don't have a leader, Byron York says

Fox News contributor Byron York reacts to Marianne Williamson launching a bid for DNC chair on 'America Reports.'

by: MSN

ECOWAS reacts to claims by Niger Republic linking Nigeria to terrorism sponsorship

by: MSN

What Were Manmohan Singh's 'Best Moment' And 'Biggest Regret' as Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, breathed his last on Thursday at the age of 92. In his final press conference as Prime Minister on January 3, 2014, Dr Singh had openly reflected on his 'best moment' and 'biggest regret' during his ten-year tenure from 2004 to 2014.

by: MSN

How many members does Reform UK have?

How many members does Reform UK have? - Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage clash over figures

by: MSN

5 Ways the Lives of the Wealthy Could Change Under Trump

President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House has sparked a wave of anticipation and apprehension, particularly among those with the most to gain -- or lose. With policies that

by: MSN

Sources explain 'Trump's fixation' on Panama and Greenland: CNN reporter

Donald Trump has been threatening to take over sovereign territories and reclaim control of the Panama Canal, and sources revealed the motives for his bluster. The president-elect has been fascinated with buying Greenland since his first term in the White House,

by: MSN

Legal battles and funding woes: California housing 2024 year in review

California officials continued to fight with cities that don't want to build more housing and everyone struggled to find more money to pay for new housing.

by: MSN

Syrian Rebel Government Hunts for Senior Assad Official, Prompting Deadly Clashes

Security forces for Syria's new government were pursuing at least one senior official and military forces loyal to the former dictatorship on Thursday, as they struggled to tamp down unrest in a number of regions and stabilize the country.

by: MSN

If You Ride Public Land, You Should Have to Buy a License

As should folks who hike, bike, backpack, camp, and otherwise recreate on public land.

by: MSN

Top 10 stories that shaped Georgia politics and policy in 2024, a swing state year for the ages

All aboard ye ol' time machine as we take stock of the year's biggest stories in Georgia politics. The first stop on our journey is January of 2024, which was exactly one million years ago. Or so it seems to your narrator.

by: MSN

Assam: Villagers forced to use pond and stream water as Jal Jeevan Mission fails in Bokakhat

Shilbheta village battles a severe water crisis as the Jal Jeevan Yojana project fails. Villagers urge government action for safe drinking water.

by: MSN

South Korea: Acting president's impeachment extends upheaval

Lawmakers have impeached acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, deepening South Korea's political turmoil. The nation's politics is likely to be confrontational and chaotic for the foreseeable future.

by: MSN

Vladimir Putin: Russia is 'striving' to end the conflict in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin says Russia is 'striving' to end the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian President said the Government was prepared to use intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missiles or to use more powerful intermediate-range weapons.

by: MSN

Why my organization just launched an inquiry into Musk and Ramaswamy's DOGE

As co-chairs of DOGE, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, will not be bound by conflict-of-interest law. But the law says such groups must operate with transparency.

by: MSN

Anger and frustration over new National Park

An extended public consultation into whether Galloway should become Scotland's third national park reaches the halfway point.

Deception and Politics From Washington to Tel Aviv

In these difficult times, the voice of the late Palestinian-American scholar, Edward Said is ever present, "Writing is the final resistance we have

The article "Deception and Politics: From Washington to Tel Aviv" by Jeffrey St. Clair, published on CounterPunch, discusses the pervasive role of deception in contemporary politics, focusing on the United States and Israel. It examines how political leaders in both countries have historically used misinformation and strategic deceit to manipulate public opinion and justify controversial policies. The piece highlights specific instances where deception has been employed, such as the misleading narratives around military engagements, intelligence operations, and diplomatic relations. St. Clair critiques the normalization of these tactics, suggesting that they erode public trust and democracy. He also draws parallels between the political strategies of Washington and Tel Aviv, noting how both governments have at times collaborated in their deceptive practices to achieve mutual geopolitical goals. The article concludes by questioning the ethical implications of such strategies and calls for greater transparency and accountability in political leadership.

Read the Full CounterPunch Article at:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/12/27/deception-and-politics-from-washington-to-tel-aviv/