Pentagon sending troops to train Peruvian coup regime’s killers

The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Pentagon’s overseer for Latin America and the Caribbean, will be sending hundreds of Marines and special forces troops to Peru beginning as early as this week, to train military and Peruvian National Police special forces units. These same forces have carried out massacres and extra-judicial executions to suppress the mass protests against the coup regime of Dina Boluarte.

Pentagon sending troops to train Peruvian coup regime’s killers

Roger Waters Draws Outrage From Israel Over Berlin Concert

Source.

Roger Waters has drawn outrage for wearing a uniform onstage this week that resembles those worn by Nazi SS officers—even though Waters’ outfit is from The Wall film and has been a key part of the former Pink Floyd frontman’s anti-fascist political commentary for years. Waters, 79, walked on stage in the black uniform featuring the two hammers logo from The Wall villain’s garb, while “In the Flesh,” the corresponding song from the film, played in the venue. He held a fake rifle and pretended to fire it; and the names of Anne Frank, Masha Amini, George Floyd, and Shireen Abu Akleh appeared on the Jumbotron overhead. The aggressive anti-establishment vibe culminated with Waters singing “Lay Down Jerusalem (If I Had Been God)” while the message “F$%& the occupation” showed onscreen behind him. It was a common display of political activism for Waters, but it sparked a slew of outrage online—particularly for Waters donning the outfit while in Germany and for using Anne Frank’s name in the performance. “Good morning to every one but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust,” Israel’s official Twitter account posted Wednesday.

Roger Waters Draws Outrage From Israel Over Berlin Concert Outfit (archived)

‘Coincidentally’, he’s now being investigated.

NATO to expand Asia-Pacific presence by opening office in Japan + What can China do about it?

Last week, news emerged that NATO intends to open a liaison office in Tokyo, Japan next year. The office would be NATO’s first in the Asia-Pacific region and represents the increasing role of the organisation in preparation for a US-led war against China. Both Tokyo and NATO have confirmed the plans.

NATO to expand Asia-Pacific presence by opening office in Japan

Related:

What can China do against NATO’s foray into Asia?

So what can China do to respond to this attempt at ‘alliance encirclement’ against it? First, it can strengthen its ties with Russia and aim to create a deeper balance of power in the Asia-Pacific. Secondly, it can revitalize old alliances and strengthen its ties with North Korea as a military partner. After all, the DPRK is still obligated by the 1961 treaty of mutual assistance to come to China’s aid in a war and can be used to contain Japan and South Korea. Thirdly, it can look to build new military partnerships with regional countries who feel similarly threatened by US expansionism; for example, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. While the rest of ASEAN are likely to stay neutral, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam (excluding the US-aligned Philippines), China should work to improve its relationships with these countries in order to prevent the US from trying to ‘force’ them to choose.

French Radical Protests: Can the Sinister Fascist Traits of Capitalism be Overcome?

President Macron is not a king but a pawn of global finance

The current tenant of the Elysee Palace has been called by NUPES, the left coalition opposition in France, a President-King. To do so is to give him a bigger role and more power than what he has. In reality, Macron is just one of the numerous figure heads of the billionaire class that meets in Davos once a year. The power resides there, concentrated, often anonymous and always brutal in a masquerade of do-gooders. In Davos, the financial Masters of the Universe, posturing as philanthropists, have been in reality jealously protecting the complex Gordian Knot that is global capitalism. Perhaps France’s radical protesters, in their quasi insurrection form, are trying to emulate Alexander the Great by putting this giant Gordian Knot to the sword!

French Radical Protests: Can the Sinister Fascist Traits of Capitalism be Overcome?

‘NY Times’ won’t explain why Palestinians aren’t joining the big anti-Netanyahu demonstrations in Israel

Here’s a revealing video from Jerusalem, at one of the massive demonstrations that are shaking Israel’s far-right wing government. Note the sea of Israeli flags in the background, characteristic of the weeks of protest so far. And then watch what happens when some brave soul unfurls a Palestinian flag, perhaps to test Israel’s “democracy.” His attackers look like a combination of security officials and possibly other bystanders. This is yet another sign of Israeli apartheid.

‘NY Times’ won’t explain why Palestinians aren’t joining the big anti-Netanyahu demonstrations in Israel

Pakistan court cancels arrest warrants for ex-PM Imran Khan

Court adjourns hearing in corruption case against leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party until March 30.

Pakistan court cancels arrest warrants for ex-PM Imran Khan