NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT FRIDAY 1/31/2020  NEWSDUMP FRIDAY

(SERVICE WHEN ABLE THROUGH LATE FRIDAY INTO EARLY SATURDAY)

FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN RECENT WEEKS WE HAVE AN UPWARDS REVISION OF THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS INJURED IN THE IRANIAN MISSILE STRIKE AT THE AL-ASAD AIR BASE IN IRAQ ON JANUARY 8TH.

FIRST THE NUMBER WAS 11, THEN IT WAS 34 AND THEN IT WAS 50.

BUT  NOW THE NUMBER IS 64 WITH 25 STILL UNDERGOING TREATEMENT IN GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI).

GENERAL MARK MILLEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, GIVING THE NEW FIGURE AT THE PENTAGON...NEW YORK POST STORY

The United States lifting sanctions against a unit of the Chinese tanker company COSCO.     The sanctions imposed on the company last September 25th for transporting Iranian oil.

THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF PRESIDENT TRUMP ROLLING FORWARD ON NEWSDUMP FRIDAY WITH A VOTE TO NOT CALL ANY WITNESSES AS SOUGHT BY DEMOCRATS.

NO IMMEDIATE VOTE TONIGHT ON THE PRESIDENT'S GUILT WITH THAT DECISION NOW SET FOR WEDNESDAY.

A WOMAN WHO FIGURED PROMINENTLY IN THE HOUSE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY IS RETIRING FROM THE FOREIGN SERVICE.    MARIE YOVANOVITCH  IS THE FORMER US AMBASSADOR TO UKRAINE.......NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO STORY

The United States moving to restrict immigration from six nations today.

Four African nations on the list Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan and Tanzania.   Also the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan along with the South Asian nation of Myanmar (previously called Burma).

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said that the countries have failed to meet US standards for security and information sharing.

The US is willing to work with those countries to get them off the list.

People from those nations will still be able to visit the US as tourists.

US OFFICIALS BELIEVE THEY HAVE KILLED A TERRORIST LEADER IN YEMEN WHO LEADS A BRANCH OF AL QAEDA.   THREE SOURCES OFFERING THIS INFORMATION TO THE NEW YORK TIMES.

THE SOURCES SAY AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT BE MAKE UNTIL THERE IS CONFIRMATION THAT QASSIM AL RIMI OF AL QAEDA IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA  IS DEAD FOLLOWING AN ATTACK BY THE US EARLIER THIS MONTH.

MORE ON THIS FROM 'THE NATIONAL' IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.....LINK

THREE MORTARS FIRED INTO SOUTHERN ISRAEL FRIDAY AFTERNOON FROM GAZA WITH ONE INTERCEPTED BY THE IRON DOME DEFENSE SYSTEM.    TODAY'S INCIDENT FOLLOWS THE FIRING OF THREE ROCKETS THURSDAY NIGHT FROM GAZA WITH TWO OF THOSE INTERCEPTED.

EARLY SATURDAY MORNING ISRAEL LAUNCHED AIRSTRIKES INTO GAZA IN RESPONSE TO THE ATTACKS.

The FBI probing whether an Israeli company, NSO Group, is involved in hacking of individuals and intelligence gathering on governments.    

The FBI ramping up its interviews after Facebook filed suit against NSO in October accusing the company of being involved in the hacking of 1,400 hundred WhatsApp users.

The story as reported by Reuters......LINK

The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing his anger over the "betrayal" of Arab nations in the face of President Trump's "Deal of the Century" peace plan.     There has been little or no criticism of the plan from Arab countries.  

(COMMENT)

Not mentioned in this week's announcement of the plan are the billions of dollars of Gulf Arab investment in the plan.

Also the ratcheting up of conflict between Sunni Muslim Arabs and Shia Muslim Iran also distracts from any concern Arab countries might otherwise have had for the Palestinians.

This story from "Bloomberg"on that matter....LINK

Also on Mr. Erdgoan's radar and he has discussed the issue with President Trump earlier this week is the Syrian military offensive in Idlib.  Some of the jihadist groups fighting the Syrian government directly supported by Turkey.

Erdogan saying Turkey is willing to use military force to stop the Syrian military which is operating with Russian air support.

More from Russia's "Tass".....LINK

The Syrian military is reporting progress as it continues to advance in the southern Idlib countryside.

More from the government controlled Syrian Arab News Agency.....LINK

The United States has declared a public health emergency over the coronavirus.

Foreign nationals who have visited China in the last two weeks will be denied entry into the US.

From China Saturday morning, Friday evening US time some 259 deaths reports with 11,700 cases of the coronavirus.

Pilots and flight attendants for US airlines filing a lawsuit to halt flights to China because of the coronavirus.

Airlines from other nations like Air France and British Airways have halted flights to and from China.

Today Pakistan announced a halt of all flights to and from China.  Turkish Airlines today announced a suspension of flights to and from China.  Kenya Airways also announcing a suspension of its China flights.

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) filing the lawsuit in Texas against American Airlines.....NEWS STORY 'AL JAZEERA'

In France one of a group of 180 flown back to the country from China and being quarantined has contracted the virus.   That announcement from France's Health Minister Agnes Buzyn.

Russia announcing its first two cases of the coronavirus today.  Both of them involve Chinese citizens.

Former Coast Guard officer Christopher Hasson, tagged as a "domestic terrorist" by federal prosecutors, sent to prison for 13 years.    Hasson pled guilty to firearms and drug charges.

The BBC has more on this story from its perspective.......LINK

                       (COMMENTING ON BREXIT)

PLENTY OF HYPE AND HOOPLA OVER 'BREXIT' TODAY AS BORIS JOHNSON'S PLAN CRITICIZED FOR BEING TOO LITTLE BY BREXIT ADVOCATES LIKE NIGEL FARAGE GOES INTO FORCE AT  11 PM LOCAL TIME, 6 PM EASTERN US TIME.

THE UK WILL GET A LITTLE INDEPENDENCE FROM THE EU FOR NOW BUT MUCH MORE WILL NEED TO BE ACCOMPLISHED AT A NEGOTIATING TABLE FOR A FULL BREAK LIKE CONTROL OF FISHERIES.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S CALL  FOR ACTIVISTS LIKE NIGEL FARAGE TO 'WORK WITH BORIS JOHNSON' ENABLED HIS GENERAL ELECTION VICTORY LAST MONTH AND THE MOMENT BEING FETED TODAY.   BUT THIS KIND OF BREXIT WILL ONLY LEAD TO LIMITED BENEFITS FOR THE UNITED STATES IN ANY TRADE DEAL NEGOTIATED WITH THE UK LATER THIS YEAR.

MEANWHILE BLOOMBERG NEWS COMMENTS ON MR. JOHNSON'S PLAN TO 'KILL BREXIT'.......LINK

The Democratic National Committee has changed the rules for upcoming debates among its presidential candidates opening the door for billionaire and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to be included.

The new rules involve a higher polling threshold but ditch donor requirements.

The campaign of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders quick to react with campaign manager Faiz Shakir saying:    "DNC changing the rules to benefit a billionaire".....BREITBART NEWS STORY

Former Congressman John Delaney of Maryland dropping out of the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination.    Now there are 11  candidates left in the contest.

THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE LANDMINES AGAIN.   A RESTRICTION ON THEIR USE BEING LIFTED IN LIGHT OF NEW "SMART" TECHNOLOGY.

THE STORY AS REPORTED BY "DEUTSCHE WELLE" IN GERMANY...LINK

The group Federation of American Scientists says that the United States has deployed low yield nuclear warheads aboard a ballistic missile submarine.    The group posted a message saying in part that the "USS Tennessee" patrolled around a month ago with one for two of the new nuclear warheads.

The move a response to Russian deployment of similar low yield nuclear warheads.    More from National Public Radio......LINK

Best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark is dead at the age of 92.   She was dubbed the "Queen of Suspense.....NEW YORK POST STORY

In South Africa today rolling blackouts from the state-owned power company Eskom.   The blackouts started in some cases on Thursday night.     The company plans to continue the power cuts until Monday morning at 6 am local time...BNN BLOOMBERG NEWS STORY

And looking ahead to the big game, the pre-game portion on Fox Sunday afternoon will include an interview with President Trump conducted by Sean Hannity.


That's the way it really is Friday January 31st, 2020 Newsdump Friday.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT THURSDAY 1/30/2020

(LIMITED SERVICE WHEN ABLE THROUGH LATE THURSDAY)

Russia's defense ministry denying a report by the Turkish government owned Anadolu News Agency claiming Russian air strikes on a hospital and bakery in Syria's Idlib province.

Russia saying no airstrikes of any kind took place in the area.

More from "Tass"......LINK

A group called the "Syrian Network for Human Rights" claiming Russia committed a "massacre" in Idlib yesterday.  The entire range of SNHR accusations can be seen at their Twitter page......LINK

President Trump tweeted on December 26th that Russia, Iran and Syria were getting ready to perpetrate a "massacre" in Idlib.

Trump spoke with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week about the Idlib situation with the White House saying both leaders wanted an "end to violence" there.

Warnings from both Syria and Russia in recent days pointing to the possibility of a false flag "chemical weapons attack" in Syria.

The United States imposing new sanctions on Iran.    This time the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI)  and its top official Ali Akhbar Salehi targeted.    But the US will continue to give Chinese, Russian and European firms that do work at four Iranian nuclear power stations waivers from the sanctions.

Former President Jimmy Carter says that President Trump's "Deal of the Century" peace plan involving Israelis and Palestinians is a violation of international law.   Carter called on the United Nations to stop Israel from applying sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.

More from "Israel National News".......LINK

The sixth case of the coronavirus confirmed in the United States with the latest case involving person to person transmission in the US.

The World Health Organization declaring coronavirus a global health emergency today.

The latest statistics from China on Friday morning local time, Thursday evening in the US are that nationwide there are 9,692 cases with 213 deaths reported.     Some 5,800 plus cases and 204 deaths reported in Hubei province where Wuhan is located, the city of the coronavirus's origin.

More details from "Tass".....LINK

The questions ending with today's session of the impeachment trial of President Trump.     When the trial continues tomorrow the vote on calling witnesses for the trial.

Today Chief Justice John Roberts shot down the question being asked by US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky.   Paul wanted to ask Democrat Congressman Adam Schiff if his staff conspired with Obama Administration holdovers inside the National Security Council to plot the impeachment....SENATOR RAND PAUL TWITTER

The US House voting 228-175 to limit the President from taking military action against Iran.   Four Republicans joined the Democrat led majority including Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Matt Gaetz of Florida.

And again today an upwards revision of Americans injured in the January 8th Iranian missile attack on the Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley now saying 64 were hurt.

Former Miami Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen now registered as a foreign agent for the oil rich United Arab Emriates.

Ros-Lehtinen is former chair of the House Foreign Affars Committee.

The UAE is a major participant in the Saudi-led coalition fighting the war in Yemen against the Iranian backed Houthi rebels.

More from Iran's "Press TV"......LINK

IN OREGON THE CASE OF KYLEE DIXON WHO HAS BEEN PUT INTO FOSTER CARE IN THE NAME OF MEDICAL TREATMENT.    HER MOTHER TRYING TO GET CUSTODY BACK IN COURT WITH THE SUPPORT OF ACTIVISTS KELLI STEWART AND JOHN LAMB AMONG OTHERS.

A VIDEO UPDATE ON THE CASE POSTED ON THE "BUNDY RANCH" FACEBOOK PAGE WITH STEWART, LAMB AND PATRIOT PRAYER ACTIVIST JOEY GIBSON PARTICIPATING....

LINK

A LATE UPDATE BEING THAT KYLEE'S MOTHER WAS ALLOWED A VISIT WITH HER AND HERE IS A PICTURE OF THAT...LINK

The Israeli woman convicted and jailed on drug charges in Russia and pardoned by President Vladimir Putin, Naama Issachar, back home in Israel.      She flew back home with her mother and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today.....VIDEO LINK

That's the way it really is Thursday January 30th, 2020.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT WEDNESDAY 1/29/2020

(LIMITED SERVICE WHEN ABLE THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY)

A corruption investigation launched in Ukraine involving former President Barack Obama, former Vice-President Joe Biden and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

That's the word from a Ukrainian legislator via social media....TASS NEWS STORY

At the impeachment trial in Washington Presidential defense attorney Jay Sekulow naming former Vice-President Biden, his son Hunter along with House Impeachment Manager Congressman Adam Schiff and "the whistleblower" (Eric Ciaramella) as the witnesses he would like to see if the Senate votes on allowing them in the trial.

A vote on allowing witnesses expected to materialize on Newsdump Friday with plenty of mainstream media speculation about its outcome.    Democrats seeking witnesses most notably former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

IN SYRIA'S IDLIB THE STRATEGIC TOWN OF MAARAT AL-NUMAN ON THE KEY M5 HIGHWAY NOW IN THE HANDS OF SYRIAN GOVERNMENT FORCES.   THE GOVERNMENT OFFENSIVE IN IDLIB MOVING FORWARD AFTER ATTACKS BY JIHADIST OPPOSITION FORCES SLOWED IT DOWN.

THE SYRIAN MILITARY ALSO ADVANCING WEST OF ALEPPO TRYING TO CLEAR AN AREA FROM WHICH JIHADISTS HAVE LAUNCHED ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN AREAS OF THE CITY.

THE US STATE DEPARTMENT IS SUPPORTING TERRORISTS IN SYRIA WHO ARE FIGHTING AGAINST THE ASSAD GOVERNMENT INCLUDING AL QAEDA.

THAT'S PART OF THE MESSAGE TODAY FROM IGOR KONASHENKOV, SPOKESMAN FOR RUSSIA'S DEFENSE MINISTRY.

KONASHENKOV SAYS THAT US SECRETARY OF STATE MIKE POMPEO IS CALLING THE JIHADISTS WHO ARE TARGETED BY THE RUSSIAN AND SYRIAN AIR FORCES AS INNOCENT PEACEFUL CIVILIANS.

MORE FROM RUSSIA'S TASS NEWS AGENCY.......LINK

The European Parliament voting to approve the Brexit plan today.   The UK moving out of the EU Friday night to the extent that the plan allows.

Today's parliament vote the last one for Brexit advocate and Brexit Party leader Member of European Parliament Nigel Farage.  Farage held a news conference in Brussels today.

Farage talked about the possibility of other nations leaving the EU at some point in the future and he also noted that the UK needs to regain control over matters like its fishing waters......FULL NEWS CONFERENCE VIDEO NIGEL FARAGE

Farage offered his final speech to the European Parliament opposing political union and saying the UK should have a relationship based on friendship instead of control from a central power and he waved the Union Jack at the end of it.....FARAGE FINAL SPEECH TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Farage says his future will involve speaking and broadcasting, writing etc. with frequent trips to the United States.

The US is suspending arms deliveries to Iraq, citing security concerns.   Impacted by the decision will be missiles used by Iraq's F-16 aircraft in the fight against ISIS.

More from "Southfront"......LINK

Updating the coronavirus in China some 170 deaths reported as of Thursday morning local time with 7,711 confirmed cases in that country.

201 Americans flown out of the city of Wuhan where the virus originated have arrived at a military base near Riverside, California.    They will be monitored at the base for the next three days then be able to go home to be monitored by health officials for the next 14 days.    

More on that from CNN......LINK

The World Health Organization set for a Thursday emergency meeting to discuss the coronavirus situation and the status of its alert level over the virus.

Airlines moving to curtail or suspend flights to China amidst the spread of the coronavirus.

British Airways moving to suspend all flights to and from mainland China.

The US has not yet decided on an official suspension of airline flights to and from China.

Some nations moving to establish a quarantine on passengers arriving from the city that is the center of the virus, Wuhan.

A British military base will be used in the UK and Australia designating Christmas Island as its quarantine site.

A pardon from Russia's President Vladimir Putin for an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar.   Putin's pardon coinciding with a visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Moscow.   Issachar returning home with Netanyahu.    She was arrested, convicted and jailed in Russia for marijuana possession.....ISRAEL NATIONAL NEWS  STORY

For now that's the way it really is Wednesday January 29th, 2020.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT TUESDAY 1/28/2020

NEW FIGURES FROM THE PENTAGON TODAY ON INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE IRANIAN MISSILE ATTACK ON A US BASE IN IRAQ JANUARY 8TH.

50 TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES NOW REPORTED, UP FROM THE PREVIOUS COUNT OF 34.

32 OF THOSE INJURED ABLE TO RETURN BACK TO DUTY WITH 18 STILL BEING TREATED IN GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES.

AT THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL IN WASHINGTON TODAY A FINAL DAY OF DEFENSE PRESENTATION WITH ATTORNEY JAY SEKULOW SAYING THAT DIFFERENCES OVER POLICY DO NOT MEET THE LEGAL STANDARD FOR IMPEACHMENT OF THE PRESIDENT.

The "Deal of the Century" Middle East plan rolled out at the White House today with a call for two separate Israeli and Palestinian states with Israeli settlement blocs being kept under Israeli control in Judea and Samaria (Palestinian territories).

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appearing at a White House ceremony to announce the plan.....

Israel's "Ynet News"  reports......LINK

Today Israel's Attorney General formally filed indictments against Prime Minister Benjamin Nertanyahu in three corruption cases.

Israel's parliament set today to take up Netanyahu's request for immunity in the cases.

The Attorney General's action will lead to a trial........ISRAEL NATIONAL NEWS STORY

Also in Israel today prosecutors asking for a court ruling in the case of Malka Leifer.   Leifer facing charges of child sex abuse at a Jewish school in Australia.

The court has heard testimony that Leifer is fit to stand trial which should open the way for her extradition.

Previously through the intervention of a prominent rabbi and religious politician in the Health Ministry, Leifer had been deemed unfit to stand trial.

Leaders of the Jewish community in Australia have appealed for Leifer's extradition.

THE NEW FIGURES FOR THE CORONAVIRUS RELEASED BY CHINESE AUTHORITIES WEDNESDAY MORNING (TUESDAY EVENING US TIME)  ARE 132 DEAD AND 5,974 CONFIRMED CASES.

SOME 60-THOUSAND ARE SAID TO BE UNDER QUARANTINE IN CHINA.

MORE DETAILS FROM "TASS"......LINK

Over the objections of the United States expressed repeatedly in the months leading up to today's decision the United Kingdom is allowing the Chinese telecom firm Huawei to participate in its 5G networks.

Restrictions are to be imposed that are said to keep Huawei out of "sensitive parts" of the networks.

More from the BBC......LINK

Here in the US federal charges against a Harvard professor and two Chinese researchers who are accused of helping the Chinese government.

Charles Lieber accused of lying about his connection to China's government and the researchers accused of being foreign agents.

MORE ON THIS STORY FROM THE BBC.......LINK

In Syria major parts of the key town of Maarat Al-Numan in southeastern Idlib are now in government hands.   The offensive against jihadist opposition forces moving forward in southeastern Idlib but a Turkish military convoy is reported moving forward southwards inside Idlib.

Yesterday President Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said to be in agreement in a phone conversation they had that "violence" needs to end in Idlib.

Syria's government warning that Turkey is involved in a plot to stage a fake chemical weapons attack and Russia's military mission warning of jihadists planning a "chemical weapons provocation".

A report on the Syrian government forces advances both in Idlib and to the west of Aleppo from "Southfront"......LINK

A motion submitted in Iran's parliament to pull that country out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The move in response to European singers of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement moving away from it on grounds that Iran is violating it.

The story as reported by Iran's "Press TV".....LINK

The bodies of two Americans killed in Monday's crash of a US Air Force plane in eastern Afghanistan recovered today......FOX NEWS STORY

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 in the Caribbean Sea today in between Jamaica, Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

It was felt over a wide area including southern Florida.    There was a brief tsunami warning which was later withdrawn.

No reports of casualties.

In Peru tonight opposition leader Keiko Fujimori is back in prison to serve a "pre-trial" term accused of money laundering and corruption.

That's the way it really is Tuesday January 28th, 2020.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT MONDAY  1/27/2020

"the violence being carried out in Idlib, Syria must stop"

Those words from White House spokesman Judd Deere regarding the phone conversation today between President Trump and the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

The two leaders said by Deere to be in agreement that the Syrian military operations backed by Russian air power against Al Qaeda and other jihadist forces should cease in northwestern Syria near Turkey's border.

As the Syrian government offensive has gained ground in recent days the Syrian government warning that Turkey is involved in planning to stage a false flag chemical weapons attack.

The Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria says that the jihadist opposition forces in Idlib were plotting "chemical weapons provocations" in the coming days.

Trump and Erdogan also discussing Libya agreeing on the need to get rid of foreign interference and maintain a cease-fire in that county.   Fighting reported in that country in the last few days.

More on this from Turkey's Anadolu News Agency......LINK

And the take on the Trump-Erdogan conversation and the Syrian situation from Russia's Tass News Agency......LINK

A US military aircraft with a crew of "less than 5" crashed today in Afghanistan inside Taliban territory with no details provided on casualties from the crash.   

 

The Taliban posting video and pictures of a plane with US Air Force markings on it.

The plane appeared to be a Bombardier E-11A jet used for  communications purposes.

And that is now confirmed by the US military....LINK TO BUSINESS INSIDER STORY......with early word it is not believed the plane was shot down.

The  BBC published this story earlier today before the US military statement....LINK

And a story published tonight by "Al Jazeera" in Qatar......LINK

106 are reported dead with 4,515 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in China as of Tuesday morning at 8am local time, 7 pm Eastern time Monday evening in the US.

Italian politics and a strong showing in a Left leaning part of Italy for Matteo Salvini's League with a 43.6 percent vote in the region of Emilia-Romagna.   The mainstream party of the "Left" the Democratic Party, was able to claim a victory with 51.4 percent of the vote but its support in a stronghold was reduced.

The results of the Sunday election enabled the coalition government of the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement to remain in power in Rome, but points to tough times ahead in future elections.

From Israel a report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is giving up plans to annex the "occupied territories" of Judea and Samaria.     

The move would come in the face of President Trump's "Deal of the Century" peace plan rolling out this week.    A formal announcement now set for 7 pm Washington time Tuesday,

Israel's Defense Minister Naftali Bennett of the conservative Yamina Party says his support of the "Deal" is conditional on annexation of the territories.

President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu meeting at the White House today.

Also meeting the President to discuss the "deal" Israel's leading opposition politician former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Benny Gantz who leads the Blue and White Party.....YNET NEWS STORY ON GANTZ-TRUMP MEETING

A pardon committee in Russia today approving Israeli national Naama Issachar's request.    She was convicted and jailed on possession of marijuana charges.    Her case a major cause of concern in Israel with her parents joining a meeting of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Israel last week.

The story from "Tass".........LINK

The impeachment trial of President Trump today with former Special Counsel Kenneth Starr saying that impeachment is becoming "weaponized" as he spoke in defense of President Trump.

Starr's work as Special Counsel led to the 1998 impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton.

Constitutional scholar Alan Dershowitz said that the charges against President Trump are vague and do not meet the criteria for impeachable offenses.

Also part of the impeachment drama the buzz over a leak of a book transcript from former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Its led some Republicans in the Senate like Mitt Romney and Susan Collins to speak positively of having Mr. Bolton as a witness at the trial.

"Bretibart" reporting that one person who may have been able to get the Bolton book transcript to the New York Times is the twin brother of anti-Trump witness as the House impeachment hearings.

Yevgeny Vindman serves as an ethics lawyer for the NSC.   His brother Lt. Col Alexander Vindman.....BRETIBART STORY

"zero cooperation"

The words of US Attorney Geoffrey Berman speaking outside of the late Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in New York today.

Berman speaking about Britain's Prince Andrew and the Justice Department's probe into co-conspirators with Epstein in sex trafficking of underage girls.

Andrew associated with the convicted child sex offender and accused child sex trafficker had said in November he was "willing to cooperate with any appropriate law enforcement agency".

And that's the way it really is Monday January 27th, 2020/

WARNING: 

 THIS IS THE WEEKEND THAT FREE REPUBLIC CHOSE TO BEGIN TAKING DOWN POSTS FROM THIS BLOG.    IT WAS SOMETHING I EXPECTED TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE CONTENT IS TOO OFF THE PATH YOU ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW TO BE ACCEPTABLE

THIS BLOG IS SUPPOSED TO BE "CLICK BAIT"  AND LACKS "NOTHING ORIGINAL" IN IT.

I DON'T MAKE A DIME DOING THIS, I WORK TWO JOBS TO MAKE MY MONEY AND POST THIS IN BETWEEN.

SO YOU CAN COME TO THIS BLOG DIRECTLY FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHT ON THE NEWS AS I AM ABLE TO POST IT.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT SUNDAY 1/26/2020

(WE ARE ATTEMPTING AFTER BEING SHOT DOWN TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW TO REPOST THIS ON FREE REPUBLIC TONIGHT.  WHATEVER THAT LEADS TO YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND THE POSTS RIGHT HERE ON THE BLOG)

NBA BASKETBALL STAR KOBE BRYANT AND EIGHT OTHERS DEAD IN A HELICOPTER CRASH BUT FIRST.......

SECURITY SOURCES IN IRAQ SAY FIVE ROCKETS HIT IN BAGHDAD'S GREEN ZONE SUNDAY EVENING WITH AT LEAST ONE DIRECT HIT ON THE US EMBASSY.

THE EMBASSY'S CAFETERIA WAS HIT IN THE ATTACK.

REPORTING ON INJURIES VARIES WITH SOME SAYING ONE WAS INJURED AND OTHERS THREE INJURED....BBC REPORT ON EMBASSY ATTACK....THE BBC QUOTING A 'SECURITY SOURCE' THAT 'AT LEAST THREE WERE INJURED' IN THE ATTACK.

ONE SOURCE HAD SAID THERE WERE THREE DIRECT HITS ON THE US EMBASSY BUILDING.....LINK TO RAW STORY...BUT THE BBC REPORT POINTS TO ONE DIRECT HIT AND TWO OTHER ROCKETS LANDING CLOSE BY THE EMBASSY.

A STATEMENT FROM THE US STATE DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING THE ATTACK SAID IN PART:

"We call on the Government of Iraq to fulfill its obligations to protect our diplomatic facilities"-TASS NEWS STORY

THE STORY INCLUDING VIDEO FROM RT  (RUSSIA TODAY)....LINK

While Israel's major political party leaders (Benjamin Netanyahu of Likud and Benny Gantz of Blue and White)  headed to Washington to hear about the "Deal of the Century" peace plan involving Israel and the Palestinians, a prominent Palestinian leader balked at the plan.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, General Secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization, says the deal will turn Israel's occupation of territory claimed by Palestinians from a  temporary one into a permanent one.

He said that the Palestinian Authority reserves the right to withdrawal from the Oslo Accords with Israel if President Trump rolls out the 'deal'.    Erekat says the plan serves US interests.   

Erekat spoke with the AFP News Agency.......LINK

On the other side is Israel's Defense Minister Naftali Bennett of the Yamina Party who says he will support Trump's plan if it includes annexation of Judea and Samaria by Israel.

Bennett also opposes any Palestinian State.   More from "Israel National News".....LINK

The nation of Jordan is said to figure prominently in the "Deal of the Century" plan and its leader King Abdullah flat out rejecting the plan.    Adbullah said he "will not agree to proposals that come at our expense".   Stories about the plan suggest that Jordanian land will be ceded to the Palestinians.......ISRAEL NATIONAL NEWS REPORT ON KING ABDULLAH

Israelis will now be permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia.    The Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri signing an order today.

Two reasons will be allowed for travel.   

One for religious purposes like the "Hajj" pilgrimage Muslims make to Mecca and the other for business meetings.     

All travel conditional on application to Israeli authorities for permits and the willingness of the Saudis to receive the Israeli visitors.

More from "Israel National News"......LINK

In Saudi Arabia Shia Muslim opponents of the Saudi government were given a funeral ceremony Friday with thousands attending.

Two of them killed by Saudi police forces and five others receiving death sentences.

Shia Muslim Iran describes the Saudis as 'pro-democracy' campaigners and dissidents.

(COMMENT)

Saudi Arabia is dominated by Sunni Islam often called Wahabbism which has led to militant-terrorist movements being formed by some of its adherents.

Opposing it theologically and in other ways is Shia Islam with Iran being a leading proponent of Shia Islam under its own brand of theocracy.

The story of the funeral in Eastern Saudi Arabia as published by Iran's "Press TV"....LINK

THE DOMINANT STORY IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA TODAY THE DEATH OF BASKETBALL LEGEND KOBE BRYANT, HIS DAUGHTER GIANNA, AND SEVEN OTHERS IN A HELICOPTER CRASH IN CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA.

THE CRASH OCCURRED AT AROUND 945 AM LOCAL TIME, 1245 PM EASTERN US TIME.

THE LATEST ON THE TRAGEDY FROM ABC 7 IN LOS ANGELES......LINK INCLUDING EMBEDDED VIDEO

In the African nation of Mali a terrorist attack on a military camp today    The attackers rode on motorbikes.

20 police and paramilitary police killed by the terrorists.    Both Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are active in the country.

AN AMERICAN SOLDIER DIED IN SYRIA FRIDAY IN A "ROLLOVER" ACCIDENT.   THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCING THE DEATH OF ARMY SPECIALIST ANTONIO I. MOORE FROM WILIMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA.

The Syrian military offensive launching an offensive this weekend directly to the west of Aleppo.

Jihadist opposition forces launching repeated attacks on the city from there causing killing dozens and wounding hundreds in recent weeks.

More on this including embedded video from "Southfront"......LINK

THE ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT IN LIBYA FALLING APART WITH REPORTS THAT ADDITIONAL MILITARY SUPPORT INCLUDING WEAPONS AND ADVISERS IS POURING IN TO BOTH SIDES.

THE GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL ACCORD CONTROLLED AIRPORT IN TRIPOLI ATTACKED TODAY BY THE OPPOSITION LIBYAN NATIONAL ARMY.    THE ATTACK CONDEMNED BY THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN THE COUNTRY.

THE LATEST MONDAY MORNING FIGURES FROM CHINA ARE OUT ON THE CORONAVIRUS.

80 REPORTED DEAD WITH OVER 2,700 CONFIRMED CASES. 

HERE IN THE US FIVE CONFIRMED CASES IN FOUR STATES.   THEY ARE ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS AND WASHINGTON.

IN THE  IMPEACHMENT DRAMA, THE NEW YORK TIMES IS OUT WITH A REPORT ON THE TRANSCRIPT OF A BOOK BY FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER JOHN BOLTON.     

THE TIMES SAYING THAT THE TRANSCRIPT  READS AS JOHN BOLTON CLAIMING THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP LINKED MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE TO AN INVESTIGATION OF CORRUPTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE THREE MILLION DOLLARS PLUS GIVEN TO FORMER VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN'S SON HUNTER BY A UKRAINIAN OIL COMPANY.

STRONG REACTION FROM DEMOCRAT SENATE MINORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER ALLEGING 'COVER UP' AND SAYING 'BOLTON HAS THE EVIDENCE' AMONG OTHER THINGS.

AND PRESIDENT TRUMP DENYING WHAT THE NEW YORK TIMES IS REPORTING AT 1218 AM EASTERN TIME VIA TWITTER MONDAY MORNING IN PART TWEETING:

"I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens....."

MORE FROM "NEWSWEEK"......LINK

In Peru today elections to the 130 member Congress called after the country's president dissolved the old one saying it was failing to deal with corruption in the country, where four former presidents are now accused of corruption.

The limited results tonight and a flash poll point to no party getting a clear victory meaning a coalition will be needed to support President Martin Vizcarra's policies.    Full results are still awaited and its not clear when they will emerge.

An Oxford University professor being given protection.   Selina Todd seeking the protection saying that transgender activists are threatening her.

Todd made comments saying that women should have "safe space" from those who identify as women but are anatomically male.

The BBC has its spin of the story.,,,,,LINK

An Israeli woman convicted and jailed on drug charges in Russia is asking President Vladimir Putin for a pardon.

Last week Naama Issachar's parents met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Putin's visit to Israel for the World Holocaust Forum.

Russia's pardon commission meeting Monday to consider her request.

More from Russia's  "Tass" news agency........LINK

TODAY WE REMIND ALL THAT THIS IS THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF OREGON STANDOFF PROTESTER LAVOY FINICUM IN AN FBI LED OPERATION ALONG US ROUTE 395 IN HARNEY COUNTY, OREGON.   ALSO INJURED THAT DAY WAS PROTESTER RYAN BUNDY.

HIS WIDOW SHARED AN ALBUM OF MEMORIES ON FACEBOOK TODAY.....LINK

And that's a picture of the way it really is Sunday January 26th, 2020.

NEXTRUSH UNPLUGGED WEEKEND VERSION:   AS THE WORLD TURNS FROM 'BREXIT' TO 'MIDDLE EAST PEACE'

Music Links:



"THE RACE IS ON'-GEORGE JONES



"THE MIDNIGHT OIL"-BARBARA MANDRELL



"DON'T COME HOME A-DRINKIN'-LORETTA LYNN (LIVE)



"YAKETY SAX"-BOOTS RANDOLPH





And here we are the weekend coming at you later than usual with our "Impeachment Theme" rounding out the music.     Boots Randolph's "Yakety Sax" the tune that always closed those "Benny Hill" shows and it's a big hootin laugh fest going on down in Washington just like watching those Benny Hill shows.


Other than impeachment is the trend at this blog.    But keeping in mind the impeachment show is very much linked to the 2020 election,  I do have some real political messages for you tonight.


I got a letter here from President Barack Hussein Obama and it partially reads like this.....

"In 2018 our Party set a new standard at the ballot box, breaking records for turnout and ushering in a new wave of leaders who better reflect the America we see in our communities and workplaces every day.   And now, the presidential campaign is picking up steam and building off that monentum.   That's good---because when it comes to the 2020 election, the stakes couldn't be higher....I am so proud to talk to you about the DNC's Democratic Unity Fund.  No candidate committee or supporters can win alone......The stakes couldn't be higher.   I can't tell you how much I appreciate your generous donation to the Democratic Unity Fund...."

And in the interests of  "equal time" I got a text from this guy who wants to be my  "buddy" some guy named "Mitch".     Oh, Mitch McConnell the Chief of the RINO Tribe...

"It's Mitch.   Help stand up to this impeachment circus and PROTECT our Republican Majority in the Senate.   5X Matching is ACTIVE.  Chip in $10"

Yeah Mitch I got cow chips for you and I still remember your hatred and contempt for the folks who support Donald J. Trump the most like Judge Roy Moore in Alabama.    When the first Brett Kavanaugh was smeared you hung him out to dry and let the Democrat win that special election.

Roy Moore was removed from office as Alabama's Chief Justice twice because of the Establishment types of the GOP in Alabama, people like you Mitch McConnell.

SO TONIGHT REMEMBER ROY MOORE FOR US SENATE IN THE MARCH 3RD  PRIMARY AND SEND THE GOP ESTABLISHMENT THE MESSAGE THEY NEED TO RECEIVE LOUD AND CLEAR

DONATE TO ROY MOORE LINK

Getting back to the Democrats their agenda is to elect Joe Biden president and this attempt to create victimhood for Biden over President Trump's concern about the corruption of the Biden Family through the impeachment process is dirty.

President Biden will be a cheerleader for brutal Saudi Arabian Al Qaeda wars like those in Libya and Syria and Yemen.   I wish President Trump would cool off his demonizing of those who fight the kind who killed thousands on 9/11 now fighting in those countries, we will go there later.

But the one Democrat who opposes the pro-jihadist Democrat Establishment is fighting with limited funds at a disadvantage.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard trying to raise 1.5 million dollars to fuel her stand in New Hampshire.

DONATE TO TULSI GABBARD

Music Links:

"THE BOAT THAT I ROW"-LULU (LIVE)

"ITS NOT UNUSUAL"-TOM JONES



"A WORLD WITHOUT LOVE"-PETER AND GORDON



"TEARS"-KEN DODD



Off to "Brexit" in a moment but first a Tommy Robinson Update.   Last weekend Tommy receiving an award in Denmark,   "The Sappho Award".....


A link below including embedded video of Tommy's speech which touches on the notion of freedom of speech.



TOMMY ROBINSON RECEIVES THE SAPPHO AWARD IN DENMARK

"BREXIT" COMES TO THE UK

Nigel Farage was telling us that Boris Johnson's Brexit was 95 percent of what he adamantly opposed when rolled out by former Prime Minister Theresa May.    Yet he caved in and allowed Johnson to win the General Election under the pressure of President Trump, pushing the notion that Farage and Johnson should "work together".

And "Brexit" will come to the UK at 11 pm on January 31st, this Friday.

TRUMP'S 'DEAL OF THE CENTURY' FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE PUSHED DURING ISRAEL'S ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND THE ENERGY COMPETITION WITH RUSSIA

And now it looks like President Trump is staging an "intervention" in Israel's election process.as the March 2nd election approaches.

The President extending invitations to both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the main opposition leader Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party to be at the White House Monday to hear about the "Deal of the Century" to settle differences between Israel and the Palestinians.


Mr. Gantz asking for and getting his own meeting with the POTUS to avoid being used in the midst of the election campaign to look like he's one with Netanyahu.

A lot going on as the deal is rolled out in Washington with Israel's parliament taking up immunity for Benjamin Netanyahu, indicted in three corruption cases.    Its expected to be voted down.


"Haaretz" in Israel which comes at things from the Left side offers its take on these developments.....LINK

"Ynet" also reports on the situation.....LINK


Plenty of concern from the parties that are more conservative than Likud in Israel about a sellout of land to the Palestinians.

And a flat out rejection coming from Palestinian leadership.


The "Deal of the Century" said to involve land being given back to Palestinians with the potential depending on details for Jews to be evicted from their homes to implement the "deal".

One important aspect will be Saudi and Gulf Arab money pouring in to build up a Palestinian state and one sees the business angle here of moving Saudi energy northwest towards the Mediterranean Sea.

A pipeline said to be part of the "deal" from the Gulf to the Mediterranean.

Israel, Cyprus and Greece already signed off on a natural gas pipeline plan to bring natural gas to Italy.

Looks like "Deal of the Century" offers a competing plan to get natural gas to Europe since Russia is just a year away from completing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to bring natural gas direct from Russia to Germany.

VIRGINIA GUN CONTROL UPDATE

The Second Amendment rally in Richmond last Monday came off with 16-thousand estimated outside the penned in area able to keep and bear arms in public.    The other six thousand went into the "pen".

But Antifa stood down in the face of a massive crowd exercising their Second Amendment rights.


And the politicians in Virginia moving slowly and incrementally in advancing less constitutional freedom.


Fox News reported the story on Newsdump Friday.......



"VIRGINIA HOUSE ADVANCES GUN CONTROL MEASURES-JUST DAYS AFTER GUN-RIGHTS RALLY

Music Links:



'RIDIN' MY THUMB TO MEXICO"-JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ



"IS ANYONE GOING TO SAN ANTONE"-CHARLEY PRIDE



"I'M A RAMBLIN MAN"-WAYLON JENNINGS



"GOOD WOMAN BLUES"-MEL TILLIS



The country music I experienced growing up in the 1970's.    I shunned the popular music back then had to catch up with later on in life.

THE FOX CHICK CHANNEL:  BREAST AND LEG

This is a commentary I wanted to present but Peter Hitchens had it in his weekend column.   The unfortunate story of Roger Ailes at Fox News and the story of Rupert Murdoch his boss 

with Hitchens noting how "Unconservative" things in that corporate structure were from the female flesh display to the not so conservative attitudes and actions of Mr. Murdoch.

Hitchens playing off the movie "Bombshell" but there's much I fully agree with in his commentary.

I MUST ADMIT ONE DAY I WAS WATCHING THE 'FOX NEWS CHANNEL' AND NOTICED HOW TIGHT GRETCHEN CARLSON'S DRESS WAS.    IT WAS WAY PAST TIME TO SHUN THAT CHANNEL AND I DECIDED TO STOP WATCHING IT AT THAT MOMENT IN THE RELIGIOUS WAY I HAD BEFORE.

I STILL CATCH BITS AND PIECES OF IT BUT I'M NOT GOING TO WATCH IF I NOTICE THE 'BITS' BEING DISPLAYED.

Mr. Hitchens also touches on the "fake news" of Bellingcat regarding the "chemical attack" in Douma, Syria in April 2018.     Read this link and go down into Mr. Hitchens column to read the two items I take note of.

PETER HITCHENS BLOG WITH LATEST COLUMN

And the faking of the investigation into that Douma, Syria incident all right here at this link....

DOUMA SYRIA ALLEGED CHEMICAL ATTACK APRIL 2018 OPCW INVESTIGATION

No news summary tonight but we will touch on China and the virus.   A crisis enables government to put on a show and look good and that can be any type of government with the little entities to the large totalitarian state officially known at the "Peoples Republic of China".

John Derbyshire at "VDARE" offered up comment on how that works.......

"AMERICA CATCHES CORONAVIRUS PANIC"-VDARE

Next before we leave tonight lets update that coronavirus story with reporting from France's AFP news agency.

The death toll up to 56 with nearly 2-thousand cases reported.

CHINA VIRUS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 56......

The repost of our News Summary for Friday January 24th taken down from "Free Republic" as clickbait today.   Let that be a warning that the service of this blog steps on toes that want to shut it down and find ways to achieve their end.

This is not a for profit operation but it comes under hacking attacks with a lot of traffic aimed at it from of all places the corrupted nation of Ukraine.

Perhaps the appearance of evil can be used to make a case that this blog should not be reposted on FR.  But I don't care right now since I just keep moving forward.

And so another Good Night and God Bless.   I  hope you all find the next right thing to do.

Pass the word about this blog because its connection to "Free Republic" for instance seems very tenuous.

Also the link to today's Yellow Vests France post Week 63....FRANCE YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63

On into the night with music......

Music Links:

"JOSHUA"-DOLLY PARTON (LIVE)

"WHAT IS TRUTH"-JOHNNY CASH

"WATERLOO"-STONEWALL JACKSON

"TOM DOOLEY"-THE KINGSTON TRIO

FRANCE YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63:   PENSION PROTEST CONTINUES

The CGT trade union says 1.3 million protested Friday while the government's estimate is 249-thousand.

But there can be no doubt that the protest movement against Emmanuel Macron's pension reform is still happening and public opinion still leans against it.

It's Week 63 of the Yellow Vests protest in France.


The media is polling and the question asked of all things is like this:

Do you think the protests will continue?

And 70 percent said Yes and 29 percent said No.

Why not ask questions like do you support the protests or will you vote for Macron in 2022 for re-election?

So far support the protests has a majority which won't help the government quash them.    So maybe get people thinking about the protests as something that's dragging on and needs to end.   So we get this line of pollster questioning.

PARIS WEEK 63 YELLOW VESTS FULL VIDEO

In Paris and other cities Yellow Vests rallying and marching today.



This is the video from Rouen.......



YELLOW VESTS ROUEN WEEK 63 1/25/2020



The Yellow Vests in Toulouse today took to the streets and the police blocking access to the center of the city as usual.   At eight minutes into this video the police launch their assault on the protesters.



LINK-TOULOUSE YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63 1/25/2020


The Yellow Vests in Marseille today and you can see the crowd in this video....


YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63 1/25/2020-MARSEILLE VIDEO


The Yellow Vests appeared in Tours today........


YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63 TOURS


In northern France the Yellow Vests marched in Lille today.....


YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63 LILLE 1/25/2020

And this 10 minute video from Bordeaux in southwestern France shows the use of force by police against the protesters today..,,,


YELLOW VESTS WEEK 63 BORDEAUX

Thousands again protesting this Saturday in France in the Yellow Vests protests following the massive protests of Friday concerning the pension reform plan.


The story will continue to unfold in the weeks ahead.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT FRIDAY 1/24/2020  NEWSDUMP FRIDAY

(LIMITED SERVICE WHEN ABLE WITH POSTING LATE FRIDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING)

In China the latest word is that 41 have died and that there are 1280 confirmed cases of the corona virus that originated in the city of Wuhan.

The coronavirus is now confirmed in a second person in the United States.

A woman hospitalized in Chicago with the virus in stable condition with the other confirmed case in Washington state.

The virus also reported in other countries with France the latest to join the list with three confirmed cases.

President Trump has said "all is well" following Iranian missile strikes at US bases in Iraq earlier this month, then we were told about 11 injuries and in recent days it was said by the US Central Command that there were more concussion related injuries.

Today the Pentagon put the number of injuries called "Traumatic Brain Injuries" at 34.

The word is that 17 of the soldiers are back on duty with nine being treated in Germany and eight in the United States.

THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS IS CALLING ON PRESIDENT TRUMP TO APOLOGIZE FOR MINIMIZING THE INJURIES TO US TROOPS IN IRAQ FOLLOWING TODAY'S PENTAGON ANNOUNCEMENT.

MORE FROM "NEWSMAX".......LINK

THE DEMOCRATS WRAPPED UP THEIR OPENING ARGUMENTS AT THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF PRESIDENT TRUMP TODAY.

TOMORROW THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYERS WILL BEING TO OFFER THEIR OPENING ARGUMENTS.

PRESIDENT TRUMP SPEAKING TODAY AT THE ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON HELD EACH YEAR AT THE TIME OF THE SUPREME COURT'S 1973 RULING LEGALIZING ABORTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS ATTENDED THE EVENT.....VIDEO LINK

Iraqis taking to the streets today after Shia cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr called for a "million man march" against the US military presence following the assassination of an Iraqi militia leader and the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani  in Baghdad earlier this month.

Iran's "Press TV' published pictures of what was happening early in the day.....LINK

Mainstream media report thousands protesting with the media in Iran saying more than one million and up to 2.5 million participated in today's protest.

The Wall Street Journal says  that France, Germany and the UK are not going to trigger sanctions against Iran under the JCPOA nuclear agreement of 2015.      They will go no further than suspending Iran from the agreement for violating its provisions.

The report suggests a long period of suspension according to its sources with no immediate move to seek sanctions from the UN Security Council.

Major advances reported on the ground as Syrian government forces took towns from opposition jihadist forces today.......LINK TO SOUTHFRONT

The ground attacks followed dozens of Russian and Syrian airstrikes.......LINK TO SOUTHFRONT

Some 120 Syrian soldiers and civilians killed by jihadist opposition forces in the last two weeks as fighting rages in the greater Idlib region.

Russian General Yuri Borenkov, commander of the Russian mission in Syria, revealed casualty figures Thursday......LINK TO 'SOUTHFRONT' ARTICLE

11 killed and 30 wounded in jihadist shelling of the city of Aleppo according to the Russian mission.   More on this from "Tass"....LINK

IN TURKEY AN EARTHQUAKE OF 6.8 MAGNITUDE TODAY WITH AT LEAST 18 REPORTED DEAD AND HUNDREDS INJURED.    PEOPLE ARE REPORTED BURIED UNDER RUBBLE.

THE BBC HAS MORE ON THE QUAKE......LINK

At the rape and sexual assault trial of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein in New York today a private investigator testified that Weinstein wanted him to approach women suspected of telling the media about his alleged sexual misconduct.

More from the AFP News Agency as published by the "Japan Times"......LINK

The warden who was in charge of the prison where convicted child sex offender and accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein died last August will be put in a new prison leadership position.

The Associated Press reporting that Lamine N'Diaye  is expected to be in charge of a low-security prison in New Jersey.

More from "BNN Bloomberg"........LINK

Mass protests in France today, the latest mobilization against President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reform.      Demonstrations in Paris, Le Havre, Marseille and other cities.

The CGT trade union says some 1.3 million participated in the protests.  The government estimate was of 249-thousand protesters.

The protest movement of labor unions and professional organizations demanding withdrawal of the plan to combine 42 pension plans in France into one.

The protests began with a nationwide railroad strike 51 days ago that has mostly ended but various protest actions continue across the country.

Video of today's protest in Paris.....LINK

LEBANON AND JAPAN ARE INVOLVED IN A PROCESS TO DETERMINE WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT TO FORMER RENAULT-NISSAN CEO  CARLOS GHOSN.

GHOSN FLED TO LEBANON LAST MONTH FROM JAPAN WHILE UNDER HOUSE ARREST THERE AWAITING TRIAL ACCUSED OF FINANCIAL WRONGDOING.

AN INTERPOL NOTICE ON MR. GHOSN LED TO THE 40-DAY PROCESS WHICH COULD EITHER LEAD TO HIS EXTRADITION TO JAPAN OR HIS TRIAL BEING HELD IN LEBANON.

A STORY FROM REUTERS PUBLISHED BY CANADA'S "GLOBE AND MAIL" NEWSPAPER.....LINK

The extradition hearing for Chinese business executive Meng Wanzhou ended Thursday in Vancouver, Canada.

The United States wanted the Huawei telecom firm's Chief Financial Officer allegedly over violation of sanctions against Iran but this week Canadian government lawyers began to allege fraud to justify her being turned over to the US.

Justice Heather Holmes of the British Columbia Supreme Court reserving her judgement for now.    If she rules for the defense Meng would be released but if she rules for the prosecution the hearing will resume in June.

Turkey's Anadolu News Agency reports......LINK

The Kremlin says that Israeli national Naama Issachar must appeal for a pardon to be given one.  Issachar's case high on the agenda this week with reassurances given directly to her parents by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Israel.    They joined his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Issachar was tried and convicted of possessing marijuana and sentenced to seven and half years in prison last fall after he April 2019 arrest at a Moscow airport.

More from "Tass".....LINK

The former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko by prosecutors for some four hours today.   Poroshenko says he's been summoned for more questioning next Friday.

He says his questioning is part of a biased campaign against him orchestrated from Russia and that he is being "politically persecuted".

More from Russia's Tass News Agency......LINK

That's the way it really is Friday Janaury 24th, 2020 Newsdump Friday.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT THURSDAY 1/23/2020

(LIMITED SERVICE WHEN ABLE THROUGH LATE THURSDAY)

In Iraq tomorrow (Friday) mass marches and rallies planned in opposition to the US military presence in the country.

Millions expected to heed the call of influential Shia cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr who called for a "Million Man March" following the US assassination of Iranian General Qassam Soleimani and an Iraqi Shia militia leader in Baghdad earlier this month.

"a denial of justice"

The words of a spokeswoman for the British Home Office commenting on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's refusal to agree to an extradition request involving the wife of a US diplomat.

Anne Sacoolas is charged with causing the death of  teenager Harry Dunn last August as he rode a motorcycle.     

The US says that Sacoolas has diplomatic immunity in the case.

Airports and train stations ordered shut down in a second Chinese city some 40 miles from Wuhan (Huanggang) to prevent spread of the coronavirus that has led to at least 617 cases, mostly in China.

A third city near Wuhan (Ezhou) also reported shutting down public transportation according to the Russian Tass News Agency.

26 are reported dead because of the virus as of Friday morning China time.   Total confirmed cases of the virus reported to be 849 in China.    13 confirmed cases outside the country.   Also inside China more than one thousand suspected cases.

The lockdown of Huanggang began at Midnight local time, 11 am Eastern US time today.

The BBC published a live blog on the story of the virus Thursday.....LINK      The BBC's latest story.......LINK   Tass News Agency reports the 26th death in China in a province bordering Russia and the latest figure of 849 cases........LINK

The International Court of Justice issuing an emergency order today directing the nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma) to take:

"all measures within its power"

to prevent genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority.

The court heard arguments last month with the de-facto leader of Myanmar,  Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, telling the court violence in her country is caused by Rohingya terrorist attacks on the country's Buddhist majority.

DAY TWO OF THE DEMOCRATS OPENING ARGUMENTS FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP'S REMOVAL FROM OFFICE AT THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL TODAY.     CONGRESSMAN ADAM SCHIFF TELLING THE SENATORS WHO ARE THE JURY THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP COULD 'MAKE A LOT OF MISCHIEF' IF HE IS NOT FOUND GUILTY.

Jihadist opposition forces in Syria reported to have killed some 40 Syrian soldiers in attacks in Idlib overnight.

The Russian mission in Syria says both sides are taking casualties.

More from "Southfront".......LINK

In a December 26th tweet, President Trump said that Russia, Syria and Iran were planning a "massacre" of civilians in Idlib.

As we move towards Newsdump Friday talk of new restrictions on some foreign nationals entering the US.

One restriction would involve an attempt to prevent mothers entering the United States so that their babies would be born here that would give the children US passports.

And President Trump says additional countries will be added to the list of nations whose citizens are limited when it comes to entry to the US.   Current countries on the list include North Korea, Syria, Iran and Venezuela.     Other countries that may join the list include Belarus, Myanmar, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Also in Washington action expected today to roll back wetlands regulations that have hampered America's farming industry.

Three Americans died fighting bushfires in Australia when their C-130 Hercules water bomber crashed in the state of New South Wales.

More from ABC in Australia........LINK

In Israel today a World Holocaust Forum on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland.

World leaders on hand with the United States represented by Vice-President Mike Pence.   Other leaders including the King of Spain, the President of Greece, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Saudi delegation in Israel with a cleric leading prayers for the Auschwitz victims.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and joined by the parents of an Israeli woman currently jailed on drug charges in Russia.

The case of Naama Issachar very high on Israel's agenda and Putin offering reassurance to her parents at the meeting.

The Trump Administration moving to roll out its "Deal of the Century" peace plan inviting Israel's top political leaders to the White House to hear about it.

The invitation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz comes as Israel moves towards its third election in less than a year on March 2nd.

Both men invited to the White House next Tuesday.

"Israel National News" has more.......LINK

That's the way it really is Thursday January 23rd, 2020.

NEWS SUMMARY INTELLIGENCE REPORT WEDNESDAY 1/22/2020

(LIMITED SERVICE WHEN ABLE THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY)

The first day of three days of opening arguments from the House Democrats prosecuting President Trump at his impeachment trial.    They insist that the evidence they are presenting and more evidence Democrats plan to reveal in the trial or through hearings in the House points to wrongdoing by President Trump.

Trump's defense telling the media the accusations do not point to anything being done by the President that was wrong or illegal or an impeachable offense.    They will make their three days of arguments at the trial later.

China is advising against travel to and from the city of Wuhan where a corona virus originated that has spread to several nations including the United States.

People in the city being urged to avoid crowds and minimize public gatherings.

Train and plane travel in and out of the city being suspended as of Thursday,

17 are reported dead with some 473 confirmed cases in China itself.

An emergency committee of the World Health Organization meeting in Geneva today trying to gain understanding of the new virus and how its transmitted between humans.

More from Russia's Tass News Agency.......LINK

The WHO meeting deciding to continue monitoring the situation deferring for the moment any decision on whether the virus requires international action.

Iran says that South Korea's move to expand its anti-piracy military mission from the Gulf of Aden to the Persian Gulf region is being done under the coercion of the United States.    Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman also says Iran is offended by failure to call the Persian Gulf by its proper name.

More from Iran's "Press TV"........LINK

IRAN IS ALSO SAYING THAT IT DOES NOT INTEND TO DEVELOP A NUCLEAR WEAPON EVEN THOUGH IT IS MOVING AWAY FROM THE 2015 JCPOA NUCLEAR AGREEMENT.

PRESIDENT HASSAN ROUHANI SAYING THAT THERE IS A FATWA FROM SUPREME LEADER ALI KHAMENEI PROHIBITING THE COUNTRY FROM SEEKING NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

THAT INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE LAST TWO PARAGRAPHS OF THIS NEWS STORY PUBLISHED BY "PRESS TV"......LINK

More rioting on the streets of Beirut tonight with police using tear gas and water cannon as demonstrators tried to reach the part of the city where parliament is.

The latest protest follows the formation of a new government in the country lead by the former education minister, now the new Prime Minister Hassan Diab.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos, onwer of Amazon and the Washington Post, was the victim of a phone hack originating apparently with the personal account of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

That is the reporting from "The Guardian" newspaper in the UK.

Bezos's phone hacked five months before Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who wrote articles for the "Washngton Post" was murdered at Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

More from "The Guardian".......LINK

The Saudi embassy in the US is calling the story "absurd".     There are fears that wealthy foreign investors won't invest in Saudi Arabia.

At the United Nations human rights experts are calling for an investigation of the Saudi Crown Prince over his targeting of perceived opponents.

The BBC has a story.........LINK

In New York today opening arguments in the rape and sexual assault trial of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

A  prosecutor saying that Weinstein was '"not just a titan in Hollywood, he was a rapist"   The prosecutor also calling Weinstein "a predator".

His defense arguing that at least one of the alleged victims maintained a five year relationship with Weinstein that did not point to her being victimized by him.

Venezuela secret police agents raided the offices of National Assembly President Juan Guaido Tuesday.    Guaido, who is  recognized by 50 plus nations as the Interim President of Venezuela, travelling to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Swtizerland.

More from "Al Jazeera" in Qatar....LINK

The attempt by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to launch a war crimes probe of Israel for its treatment of Palestinians has been delayed.     It's said to be a technical matter involving an improper filing with court which would have to rule on its jurisdiction in the matter.

More from "Israel National News"......LINK

French politics and a poll for BFM-TV says 61 percent of the public is opposed to President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform plan and want it withdrawn.      In addition, 69 percent believe he will not be re-elected in 2022.

The French President is in Holy Land today and apologized to police after an incident at Old Jerusalem's Church of Saint Anne when he shouted out at his Israeli security not to follow him into the church.

More from "Israel National News" including embedded video.....LINK

World leaders converging on Israel for tomorrow's 75th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland.

That's the way it really is Wednesday January 22nd, 2020.

NEWS SUMMARY-INTELLIGENCE REPORT TUESDAY 1/21/2020 NEWSDUMP ALERT MORE US MILITARY INJURIES IN IRAQ

(LIMITED SERVICE WHEN ABLE THROUGH LATE TUESDAY)

THE US CENTRAL COMMAND ANNOUNCING ON THE DAY THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OPENED IN WASHINGTON THAT MORE US TROOPS SERVING AT THE AL-ASAD AIR BASE IN IRAQ WHEN IRANIAN MISSILES STRUCK THE BASE EARLIER THIS MONTH HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO GERMANY FOR TREATMENT OF CONCUSSION RELATED INJURIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR CENTRAL COMMAND WAS NOT ABLE TO GIVE AN EXACT NUMBER SAYING THE SOLDIERS WERE BEING TREATED '"OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION".     CAPTAIN BILL URBAN SAYING ITS POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL INJURIES MAY BE IDENTIFIED IN THE FUTURE.

CNN HAS MORE ON THIS STORY........LINK

A former inspector with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) told the UN Security Council that the group's report about an alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria in April 2018 ran contrary to the findings of its own fact finding mission.

Ian Henderson was on the fact-finding mission sent to Douma.    He spoke at a meeting called by Russia to address the Douma chemical attack controversy.

That mission could not find conclusive proof of an aerial attack in the incident which would have implicated Syria's government in the attack.

Well before the findings of the OPCW, the US opted for a military strike in Syria on the basis that Syria had launched a chemical attack in Douma.

President Trump has repeatedly in public speaking and social media posts accused Iran, Russia and Syria of committing atrocities or of planning to commit atrocities in Syria.

The story of the UNSC meeting at reported by Iran's "Press TV"......LINK  And the story including a video of Ian Henderson's remarks from "Southfront"..LINK

Speaking to the UN Conference on Disarmament today in Geneva North Korean representative Ju Yong-chol said his country is no longer bound by any commitments to denuclearize and may pursue a "new path".

Ju noted that the United State has imposed "the most brutal and inhuman sanctions against North Korea.

More from Reuters....LINK

The new North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon is taking over with a reputation as a hard liner and tough negotiator.     Ri is a former military officer.

North Korea moving to close its borders to tourists to prevent spread of the corona virus originating in Wuhan, China.

A case has now been detected in the United States in Washington state and there are now 440 confirmed cases worldwide with nine dead in China.

Chinese officials warning that the virus could mutate and spread further as the country is in a "most critical stage" of preventing and controlling it.

The BBC reports.........LINK

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland President Trump warned against the 'prophets of doom' when it comes to the world's climate.    Trump urged rejection of ;predictions of the apocalypse'.

The world elites talking about the need for "sustainability" to address climate change at Davos and in the audience as he spoke youth climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

A long session dragging into the night on Day One of the impeachment trial of President Trump in Washington at the US Senate.

Wrangling over procedure taking up the hours with Democrats failing to get proposals approved to call witnesses and obtain documents for the trial.

The Houthi movement in Yemen denying responsibility for an attack on a military camp last Saturday.

The toll of dead and wounded now in the hundreds with at least 116 dead and 150 wounded.

The Houthis said that if they had been responsible they would announced their involvement in the attack, said to have been accomplished using missiles and drones.

The European Union plans to sanction Turkey over energy drilling off the coast of Cyprus.   The Cypriot government has called Turkey a "pirate state" because of its drilling in territorial waters of Cypus's economic zone.

Now EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell is saying sanctions are on the way over the offshore drilling by Turkey in an area being exploited by Cyprus, Greece and Israel who intend to build a natural gas pipeline from Cyprus to Italy.

Mr. Borrell also saying that a European naval force is headed for the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf region as well.    The naval force will involve eight nations (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Portugal).

France leading the initiative citing "rising instability and insecurity" in the region.

More from Turkey's "Hurriyet Daily News"......LINK

South Korea's naval presence in the Gulf of Aden to fight piracy being expanded to the Strait of Hormuz.      South Korea saying its making the move "in consideration of the current situation in the Middle East".

The interpretation of Iran's "Press TV".....LINK

The former head of Interpol accused of bribery by China sentenced by a Chinese court to 13 and a half years in prison today.

Meng Hongwei disappeared when he came home to China in September 2018.   His wife in France now under political asylum.

Chinese authorities saying Meng has admitted to taking more than 2 million dollars in bribes.

The BBC with more.....LINK

Other news.......The United Nations Security Council calling on Libya's Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army to reach a cease-fire agreement "as soon as possible".

The appeal follows the weekend conference in Berlin of world powers that saw the establishment of a military commission involving both sides.

In Lebanon Prime Minister designate Hassan Diab announcing formation of new government of cabinet minister he calls a "rescue team" of technocrats to help meet the demands of street protesters demanding reform.

That's the way it really is Tuesday January 21st, 2020.