What goes through my my mind when I read the news with my morning coffee. …Or for the Simon's Rockers in the group, this is my response journal.
A breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Monday after a suicide bombing killed at least 14 people and injured 87 others at a large protest rally in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
Bomb kills at least 14 at pharmacists’ protest in Lahore, Pakistan, police say – LA Times
hmmm
Moscow is reportedly toying with the idea of handing NSA leaker Edward Snowden over to President Trump as a housewarming gift after the whistleblow and alleged spy spent four years hiding in Russia.
The Kremlin’s ploy emerged from intelligence reports that outlined Russian talks about ways to “curry favor” with the Trump administration, according to an NBC News report citing two unnamed U.S. officials.
…Trump has called Snowden a “terrible traitor” and “a spy who should be executed.”
Boston University professor and longtime CIA officer Joseph Wippl said gift-wrapping Snowden and forcing him on a plane to U.S. “wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense.”
…On Twitter, Snowden hailed the rumor as “irrefutable evidence that I never cooperated with Russian intel.”
“No country trades away spies, as the rest would fear they’re next,” his tweet read.
Edward Snowden may head to U.S., jail | Boston Herald
hmmmm
Tough talk on North Korea followed a morning of golf and a late lunch with the Japanese prime minister.
A hastily called news conference caps a surreal day for Trump in South Florida
He’s not real good at this, is he?
Police are likely to recommend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted following an investigation into bribery allegations, national broadcaster Channel 2 has reported. Multiple investigations into the leader were opened, but Case 1000 – which allegedly involves illegal gifts – was being treated as separate to the other ongoing investigations.
Police ‘likely to recommend’ indictment of Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges
hmmmm
At Saydnaya Military Prison, the Syrian authorities have quietly and methodically organized the killing of thousands of people in their custody. Amnesty International’s research shows that the murder, torture, enforced disappearance and extermination carried out at Saydnaya since 2011 have been perpetrated as part of an attack against the civilian population that has been widespread, as well as systematic, and carried out in furtherance of state policy. We therefore conclude that the Syrian authorities’ violations at Saydnaya amount to crimes against humanity
Document | Amnesty International
Jeezus… Mother of… Elijah come in, sit down and shut the door….
The Iranian supreme leader lambasts the US after fresh sanctions are imposed over a missile test.
Iran’s Khamenei says Trump shows real face of America – BBC News
Sigh…
Citing “racism” and “sexism,” the speaker of the House of Commons said he strongly opposed inviting the U.S. president to speak in Westminster Hall.
Call to block Trump from addressing British Parliament stirs controversy – The Washington Post
hmmmm
The appeals court denied a request filed by the Trump administration to immediately restore the restriction on U.S. entry.
hmmmm
The president’s remark downplaying the Russian president’s violent history reopens a foreign policy rift with conservatives.
Republicans denounce Trump’s defense of ‘killer’ Putin – POLITICO
hmmmm
A day in the life of a Romanian family who are taking to the streets each night for the future of their children.
Romania Protests: A family’s fight | | Al Jazeera
hmmmm
While Rohingya Muslims face a new wave of persecution by the Myanmar army, which has recently carried out several raids killing hundreds, the Bangladeshi government proposes to relocate Rohingyas on a remote and dangerous island
Myanmar kills Rohingyas, Bangladesh to isolate them – Daily Sabah
Sigh
Human Rights Watch says soldiers and Border Guard Police took part in rape, gang rape, invasive body searches and sexual assaults
Sigh….
China’s latest East China Sea incursion comes days after the U.S. defense secretary’s visit to Tokyo.
East China Sea: China Coast Guard Enters Disputed Waters Following Mattis’ Japan Trip | The Diplomat
hmmmm
Ex-Catalonia head on trial for organising a symbolic independence referendum in 2014 despite a ban by Spanish courts.
Barcelona: Thousands protest as Artur Mas stands trial | News | Al Jazeera
hmmm
Groups of up to 50 people were executed every week for five years at Saydnaya, a rights group alleges.
Syria conflict: Thousands hanged at Saydnaya prison, Amnesty says – BBC News
Sweet jeezus….
Massive protests stop Romanian law that would have eased corruption penalties
Romania: Protests Stop Law That Eased Corruption Penalties | Time.com
hmmmm
In honor of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s five Super Bowl wins, here are five stories that ought to get more attention.
1. Worst fighting in years flares up in Ukraine
2. An inquiry into child abuse allegations in Australia’s Catholic Church leads to “tragic” statistics
3. The world’s most endangered marine mammal is going extinct
4. Taiwan one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage
5. FCC’s latest move complicates efforts to lessen the digital divide
5 important stories you may have missed during last week’s news deluge | PBS NewsHour
hmmmmm
Qassim al-Rimi, head of Yemen’s al Qaeda affiliate, insulted Trump after the deadly raid.
hmmm
The move retroactively legalising about 4,000 homes is likely to be challenged in the supreme court.
Israel passes controversial law on West Bank settlements – BBC News
Sigh….
Ohmilawd… the feels!
Trump reportedly told close ally Malcolm Turnbull that “this was the worst call by far.”
Report: Trump lashes out at Australian PM on phone call | TheHill
hmmmm
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