Each day at just after midnight Eastern, a post like this one is created for contributors and readers of this site to upload news links and video links on the issues that concern this site. Most notably, Islam and its effects on Classical Civilization, and various forms of leftism from Soviet era communism, to postmodernism and all the flavours of galloping statism and totalitarianism such as Nazism and Fascism which are increasingly snuffing out the classical liberalism which created our near, miraculous civilization the West has been building since the time of Socrates.
This document was written around the time this site was created, for those who wish to understand what this site is about. And while our understanding of the world and events has grown since then, the basic ideas remain sound and true to the purpose.
So please post all links, thoughts and ideas that you feel will benefit the readers of this site to the comments under this post each day. And thank you all for your contributions.
This is the new Samizdat. We must use it while we can.
While Media Mocks Trump for Suggesting Light Treatment for Coronavirus Patients, Bio-Tech Company Working With FDA and Cedars-Sinai on UV Light Treatment to Kill the Virus in Patients
The media, including the Drudge Report, is mocking President Trump for his comments at Thursday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing where he tossed out suggestions for treating patients along the lines of chemo-therapy or light therapy.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/media-mocks-trump-suggesting-light-treatment-coronavirus-patients-bio-tech-company-working-fda-cedars-sinai-uv-light-treatment-kill-virus-patients/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=the-gateway-pundit&utm_campaign=dailypm&utm_content=daily
‘They Locked My Home From the Outside:’ Residents of Virus-Hit Chinese City Reveal Hardships Amid Second Outbreak
In the northern Chinese city of Harbin, where a second wave of the CCP virus outbreak has occurred, one family described how six members became infected after attending a big family dinner in early April.
In March, city authorities had lifted lockdown measures and allowed social gatherings. At the time, Harbin, as was the case with the majority of Chinese cities, declared itself to be free of any new virus cases.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/interviews-with-residents-of-virus-hit-chinese-city-reveal-realities-of-second-outbreak_3324580.html?utm_source=Epoch+Times+Newsletters&utm_campaign=b080b144f6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_23_08_59&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4fba358ecf-b080b144f6-242193805
Taliban refuse Afghan government ceasefire offer during Ramadan
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/04/24/afghanistan-taliban-refuse-ramadan-ceasefire/
“The Taliban have dismissed a government call for a Ramadan ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying a truce is “not rational” as they ramp up attacks on government forces.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani appealed to the militants to lay down their arms for the Islamic holy month that began Friday, as the country battles the growing coronavirus pandemic.
But the Taliban’s spokesperson Suhail Shaheen tweeted late Thursday to lambaste the government’s offer, citing ongoing disagreements over a potential peace process and a delayed prisoner exchange as reasons to keep fighting.
“Asking for ceasefire is not rational and convincing,” wrote Shaheen as he accused the government of putting prisoners’ lives at risk during the outbreak.
Under a landmark U.S.-Taliban deal signed earlier this year, the Afghan government and the insurgents were by now supposed to have concluded a prisoner swap and started talks aimed at bringing about a comprehensive ceasefire.
The latest round of bickering comes after dozens of Afghan security forces personnel were killed in a fresh wave of violence launched by the insurgents this week.
The attacks have mostly been limited to rural areas and small towns. Under the U.S.-Taliban deal, the insurgents have agreed not to attack cities.
American and other foreign forces have pledged to quit Afghanistan by July 2021 provided the Taliban stick to several security guarantees and hold talks with the government.
Ghani has been calling for a lasting ceasefire with the Taliban for years, only to be ignored by the increasingly emboldened insurgents.
The Taliban instead have mocked Ghani’s government, referring to them as “puppets” controlled by foreign powers, and have roundly refused to engage in peace talks as they intensify attacks on Afghan forces.”
(Richard: The Author and his friend are right it could spark US military action, it is unlikely and we would be better off to let the South Koreans handle the job. The problem is under the ceasefire agreement if the fighting starts again the entire South Korean military comes under US command. That is why the 20,000 US forces in Korea are commanded by a 4 Star General. While Kim’s death might spark internal fighting it is unlikely that it will spill over into the South unless the Chinese Government collapses and there is a civil war in China. If that happens and a civil war starts in the North the South is going to want to move north and not only take over North Korea but to move across the river and retake the portion of Korea that China took at the end of WWII.)
North Korean Dictator’s Death Could Spark US Military Action
What happens if North Korea’s totalitarian leader is incapacitated or dies? Due to the lack of transparency regarding succession plans in the hermit kingdom, analysts believe Kim Jong Un’s death could “destabilize the region, create a massive refugee flow and force the U.S., South Korea … to react to the upheaval,” reports the Military Times (MT).
However, despite widespread rumors about his health, CNN reports that US intelligence has not confirmed the severity of the North Korea’s dictator’s medical condition and whether he is in grave danger after undergoing a recent surgery. The US continues to closely monitor the situation.
Earlier today, though, the Vice Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, John Hyten said he did not believe Kim was incapacitated. US News reported him as saying, “In the intel, I don’t have anything to confirm or deny anything along those lines. So, I assume that Kim Jong Un is still in full control of the (North) Korean nuclear forces and the Korean military forces.”
This could change at any time, sparking concern among strategic planners about the repercussions of Kim becoming incapacitated or dying.
https://americanactionnews.com/foreign-affairs/north-korean-dictators-death-could-spark-us-military-action-rs-pc/
Richard: Remember the video I posted yesterday (I don’t remember what he posts on You Tube under) who lived in China for several years who pointed out that Korea has never had a female ruler, which makes it unlike that Kim’s sister could take over.
Iranian Satellite to Carry Out Military, Civilian Missions: Commander
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/04/24/2250161/iranian-satellite-to-carry-out-military-civilian-missions-commander
“A multipurpose homegrown satellite that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has sent into space is going to carry out a range of military and civilian missions in Iran, including reconnaissance and natural disaster response operations, a senior commander said…”
Iran Receiving Noor Satellite Signals, Planning New Launch into Higher Orbit: Commander
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/04/24/2250100/iran-receiving-noor-satellite-signals-planning-new-launch-into-higher-orbit-commander
“Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Aerospace Force said several earth stations across Iran have received signals from the homegrown ‘Noor’ satellite that was launched into space on Wednesday, unveiling plans for the launch of another satellite into a higher orbit…”
Trump, Biden issue Ramadan blessings, but what are their records regarding Muslims?
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/trump-biden-issue-ramadan-blessings-where-do-their-statements-stand-their-record-muslims
“On the eve of the Islamic month of Ramadan, US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, former vice president Joe Biden, issued statements wishing Muslims a blessed month.
Still, in their political careers the two politicians have had sometimes lamentable records with Muslims, from engaging in unwarranted targeting to hateful rhetoric and hurtful policies against the faith community.
While Trump has been notably worse, leading the charge in discriminating against Muslims, Biden was complicit in many Obama-era policies, even if he was not in charge of the administration.
Now, with Muslims becoming a voting bloc in some key swing states, politicians have tried to reach out to gain their support.
Middle East Eye takes a look at both Trump’s and Biden’s statements, and how they illustrate their history of engaging with the Muslim community in the US.
Donald Trump
“I wish all Muslims, both in the United States and across the world, a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”
This past weekend, Trump reiterated a claim peddled on far-right social media that there “could be a difference” in how local authorities and politicians enforce coronavirus lockdown measures during the month of Ramadan.
Muslim groups condemned Trump’s remarks, saying the president was stoking Islamophobia, and that the comments were “divisive” and “insulting”.
“These acts are closely aligned with the universal values that the Islamic faith promotes—peace, kindness, and love and respect for others.”
When asked by an MSNBC reporter if Islam was an inherently peaceful religion that’s been perverted by a small number of followers, Trump responded: “Well, all I can say … there’s something going on. You know, there’s something definitely going on. I don’t know that that question can be answered.”
He added: “We are not loved by many Muslims”.
The president also cited a poll, widely debunked, by an anti-Muslim group that indicated 25 percent of Muslims in the US believed that violence against Americans was justified.
“We have people out there that want to do great destruction to our country, whether it’s 25 percent or 10 percent or 5 percent, it’s too much,” Trump said.
“Today, as the holy month of Ramadan commences, I pray that those who are observing this sacred time find comfort and reassurance in their faith.”
Within the first week of being inaugurated into office, Trump issued an executive order barring immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, which after numerous iterations still remains in effect today.
He was following up on a campaign promise; on the campaign trail he called for a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims coming into the country.
Middle East Eye has previously reported how the travel ban issued by the president has split families, left travellers stranded and forced loved ones to stay apart.
His administration also cut all funding to the UN’s programme for Palestinian refugees and granted numerous concessions to Israel, including moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Joe Biden
“We have seen Muslims give generously to strengthen our communities and lift up the most marginalized among us. Above all, we have felt the sense of unity, joy, and deep reflection that this month creates for our Muslim friends and neighbors.”
Joe Biden, as a part of former President Barack Obama’s administration, was complicit in a government that continued some Bush-era targeting of Muslim communities in the US.
Under the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programme, many Muslims were subject to unwarranted surveillance and discriminatory policies.
A United Nations report published last month said that such “countering extremism” programmes were contributing to human rights violations.
While the former vice president did not initiate or lead these programmes, he did not try to stop them either.
“Bigotry and ignorance have always been with us — and I strongly believe that it is one of the chief moral responsibilities of our leaders to root out and allay those sentiments rather than fan the flames of hate.”
Last year, it was revealed that within Biden’s campaign team there was a supporter of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who’s Bharatiya Janata Party has been pushing anti-Muslim sentiment, as well as passing legislation, including its Citizenship Amendment Act, openly discriminating against the Muslim minority population.
Earlier this year, MuslimMatters revealed that this staffer, Amit Jani, had become the campaign’s Muslim outreach coordinator.
“During this month of reflection, my heart goes out to the millions of Muslim families around the world suffering conflict, oppression, displacement, and poverty — simply because of their faith — in China, in South Asia, across the Middle East, and elsewhere.”
As a Delaware senator, Biden voted in favour of going to war with Iraq, a devastating military operation that led to the deaths of about a million Iraqis.
Obama’s administration, which Biden took part in, extensively expanded the US military’s drone program, launching more strikes than George W Bush’s administration.
Drone strikes were cited by the administration as effectively terminating terrorists, though many led to civilian casualties as well in in Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan and Libya.
Again this is a similar case where Biden did not initiate the drone programme, yet as vice president he did defend the drone policy, saying it was effective in achieving US security goals.
“Jill and I wish Muslim families Ramadan Mubarak, and all our best wishes for the holy month ahead.””
Trump Ends Immigration to the United States
Libya: 3 civilians killed in attack by Haftar militias
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200424-libya-3-civilians-killed-in-attack-by-haftar-militias/
“An attack by warlord Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Libya on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan killed three civilians, officials said on Friday, Anadolu Agency reports.
The rocket attack on a civilian settlement in the Ain Zara region of Tripoli, the capital, also left three people injured, Amin al-Hashimi, a spokesman for the Government of National Accord (GNA), told Anadolu Agency…”
UAE keeps prisoners of conscience jailed beyond their sentence
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200424-uae-keeps-prisoners-of-conscious-jailed-beyond-their-sentence/
“Five prisoners of conscience are being held by the UAE despite having completed their seven-year sentences.
Four of the detainees, who were jailed following the controversial mass trial commonly referred to as UAE94, were all due to be released on 16 July 2019, however remain behind bars nine months later, the International Campaign for Freedom in the United Arab Emirates (ICFUAE) said in a press release today. The rights group named the men as: Abdulla Al-Hajri, Omran Al-Harethy, Mahmoud Al-Hoseny and Mansour Al-Ahmady.
While Fahad Al-Hajri’s sentence was due to end last month, however he has yet to be released.
ICFUAE said in a statement, “We call on the Emirati government to release all prisoners of conscience immediately and unconditionally, particularly those held beyond their release dates and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which prisoners remain one of the most vulnerable groups of people to the disease.”
The International Centre for Justice and Human Rights noted that prisoners of conscience are being subjected to ill-treatment in Al-Razeen prison amid difficult detention conditions including overcrowding, poor hygiene, very high temperatures and inadequate food and water…”
Saudi Arabia elected onto major UN bodies
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200424-saudi-arabia-elected-onto-major-un-bodies/
“Saudi Arabia is now a member of two key UN bodies following electronic elections held yesterday, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported.
With the backing of UN member states, the Gulf Kingdom has acquired a seat on the Science and Technology Development Committee from next year until 2024, and another on the Commission for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice between 2021 and 2023.
According to the SPA, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, said that the seats were well-deserved due to the efforts that Saudi Arabia is leading on in a variety of fields and industries. Its election, he claimed, proves Saudi Arabia’s distinguished standing and relations within the international community.
The election of the Kingdom onto the two bodies is seen as particularly important as an acknowledgement of its contribution to and leverage in the international community. It is also another step towards achieving the aims set out in its Vision 2030 programme being led by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, the de facto ruler.
Concerns have been raised about this latest move, because it entrenches Saudi Arabia’s position within the UN. It already has a seat on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) despite many condemnations of its serious human rights violations over a number of years…”
China Testing Nukes? | North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un Dying?
Sudan seizes over one billion in assets from businessman linked to ousted dictator Bashir
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/4/24/sudan-seizes-one-billion-in-assets-from-bashir-crony
“Sudan’s transitional government has seized $1.2 billion in assets from businessmen affiliated with the regime of ousted dictator Omar al-Bashir, The New Arab’s Arabic-language agency reported.
Sudan’s anti-corruption committee said on Thursday it had seized more than 30 million in stocks belonging to Abdelbasit Hamza and his companies, including MTN Sudan Ltd. – one of the Sudan’s mobile phone line operators.
Committee spokesperson Salah Manna said on Thursday that Hamza, who was part of the Sudanese army’s Islamic movement under Bashir, had used his government influence to amass more than two billion dollars in wealth…”
Turkey slams EU over east Med remarks at council meet
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-slams-eu-over-east-med-remarks-at-council-meet-154162
“Turkey has slammed the European Union over its remarks on the Turkish drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean and called on Brussels to “stop being used” by Greece and Greek Cyprus in the name of archaic solidarity.
“We see once again that the eastern Mediterranean part of the conclusion of the EU Council meeting was written with the understanding of archaic solidarity. This section of the conclusion is yet another example of how the EU, contrary to international law and its own acquis, is being abused by the Greek Cypriot/Greek duo and becoming a tool for their maximalist policies,” read a statement issued by Hami Aksoy, the spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, on April 24.
The EU leaders held a meeting late April 23 to formulate the European response to the pandemic and its economic consequences. Although the meeting was mainly on fighting the outbreak, the conclusion also mentioned an ongoing conflict between Turkey and Greece/Greek Cyprus on the hydrocarbon activities in the eastern Mediterranean.
“The illegal drilling activities by Turkey in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone were raised by some member states. We expressed our full solidarity with Cyprus and recalled and reaffirmed our previous conclusions on this matter,” read the conclusion.
Turkey has launched its own drilling activities in the region and dispatched its drilling vessels in reaction to Greek Cyprus’ denial of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots over the oil revenues. The issue has become a matter of conflict between Turkey and EU after Brussels claimed the Turkish drilling in the region was “illegal” although it has no jurisdiction.
“The EU should understand that it cannot achieve a result with this understanding. Our expectation from the EU is to encourage Greek Cyprus for a dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots and Greece with our country,” Aksoy said.
Turkey’s EU membership process should not be taken hostage by narrow-minded interests of the Greek/Greek Cypriot duo, he stated, adding Turkey will continue to protect its rights and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the eastern Mediterranean.”
W Balkans celebrate Turkish parliament’s centenary
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/w-balkans-celebrate-turkish-parliaments-centenary-154157
“Top leaders from the Western Balkan countries of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia on April 23 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Turkey’s parliament.
Gramor Ruci, chairman of the Assembly of Albania, along with Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Turkish political parties in North Macedonia praised Turkey’s policies and activities in the region.
In a letter to Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa ?entop, Ruci said that Albania is delighted in the friendly way Turkey has forged its success.
“We wish Turkey further success on the road to development and democracy for greater support for peace, stability, and security in the region and beyond,” said Ruci.
Ruci also said the 100th-anniversary celebrations are coinciding with a difficult time for the whole world.
Kurti on social media congratulated the Turkish parliament on its centenary by saying in Turkish: “Happy holiday.”
“Kosovo has found support and friendship in Turkey, as an important country in NATO, but also as a friend of Albanians,” he said.
“Also, Kosovo is home to a Turkish minority which makes important contributions to our country.”
He further hailed the “strong friendship of Kosovo and Albanians with Turkey.”
Enes ?brahim, the head of North Macedonia’s Turkish Progressive Party, said that the Turkish parliament’s centenary is being celebrated with great pride in North Macedonia.
Beycan I?yas, head of the country’s Democratic Party of Turks, said that the meaning of Turkish history today is enormous.
Movement for Turkish National Union (TMBH) head Erdo?an Saraç said his party is celebrating their homeland’s National Sovereignty and Children’s Day…”
Spygate Scandal Shifts to a Completely Different Arena
Turkish president sends letter to Armenian patriarch
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-president-sends-letter-to-armenian-patriarch/1817674
“Turkey’s president on Friday sent a letter to the head of the Armenian Patriarchate, assuring equal treatment regardless of belief and identity in the country.
In a letter to Patriarch Sahak Mashalian, Recep Tayyip Erdogan commemorated Ottoman Armenians who died during World War I, conveying his condolences to their descendants.
“On this occasion, I wish God’s mercy to all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives in this painful period,” Erdogan said, adding that Turkey would never allow anybody in the country to be “treated differently because of their belief and identity.”
Underlining that Turkey sought to establish a future of “unity, prosperity, and peace,” Erdogan said that the solidarity in Turkey was strengthening during “these difficult days” amid the novel coronavirus pandemic across the globe.
“With these thoughts, I once again commemorate the Ottoman Armenians that we lost in World War I with respect and mercy,” he concluded.”
Turkey lashes out at Trump statement on 1915 events
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-lashes-out-at-trump-statement-on-1915-events/1817578
“Turkey on Friday responded to a statement by US President Donald Trump about the events of 1915 in which he used the Armenian term “Meds Yeghern,” meaning the Great Crime.
In a written statement, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said Trump’s remarks were based on the “subjective” narrative of Armenians trying to turn the issue into a “dogma.”
The ministry said it rejected Trump’s “claims,” which it said catered to domestic political motives.
It also accused Trump’s statement of ignoring the “suffering” of more than 500,000 Muslims killed at the time by Armenians, calling for this understanding to be “changed.”
The ministry further noted that Turkey’s proposal to establish a joint historical commission to examine the 1915 events was still on the table.
Arguing that “radical Armenians” sought to eliminate this proposal in a bid to have their own responsibility in the events forgotten, the ministry called on the US to see this reality and act accordingly.
The statement concluded in remembrance of all Muslims, Christians and Jews who lost their lives in the period of collapse in the Ottoman Empire.
Turkish stance on 1915 events
Turkey’s position on the events of 1915 is that the deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia took place when some sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.
Turkey objects to the presentation of these incidents as “genocide,” describing them as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties.
Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia as well as international experts to tackle the issue.
Successive US presidents have refrained from calling the deaths of Armenians “genocide,” but former President Barack Obama adopted the Armenian phrase “Meds Yeghern” to describe the tragedy, a practice repeated by Trump.”
Chinese Secret Police Trap my friend in China
Burkina Faso struggles to tackle terror threat
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20200424-reporters-burkina-faso-struggles-to-tackle-terror-threat
Tucker: Only science will free us from this pandemic