CounterCurrents: Global Warming Threshold Crossed Is Another Red Flag For Planet, How Obama Aims To Conquer Crimea, Glyphosate In The EU: Product Promoters Masquerading As Regulators In A "Cesspool Of Corruption"?

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In Solidarity
Binu Mathew
Editor
www.countercurrents.org

Global Warming Threshold Crossed Is Another Red Flag For Planet 
By Greenpeace Australia Pacific

http://www.countercurrents.org/gpap160516.htm

As another key global warming threshold was passed with baseline readings of 400 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, Greenpeace Australia Pacific today urged Labor and the Coalition to take more ambitious positions on climate change and Australia’s coal industry. “This is yet another red flag for our climate,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Čašule


Climate Democracy For Rural Communities 
By Anna Claussen

http://www.countercurrents.org/claussen160516.htm

There is a common misconception that you can’t talk about climate change in rural communities because the issue is considered too polarizing. Many would likely wage a bet that a climate discussion would paralyze Winona residents, divide them, and lead to more finger pointing than hand holding. But not here. Despite their differing viewpoints, the 18 participants in the Winona County Climate Dialogue produced a collective statement and action plan, crafted solely using participant input, based on six topical presentations from local experts on weather trends, energy use, water, insurance, public health and agriculture in Winona County


Brazil Impeachment Brings To Mind Thailand's 2014 Military Coup 
By Gwynne Dyer

http://www.countercurrents.org/dyer160516.htm

Q: What’s the difference between the coup that overthrew the elected government in Thailand in Thailand in 2014 and the coup that has now removed the elected government in Brazil? A: The coup-makers in Thailand wore uniforms


How Obama Aims To Conquer Crimea 
By Eric Zuesse

http://www.countercurrents.org/zuesse160516.htm

Game’s on for World War III, is Obama’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. At some point, either the American side or the Russian-NATO-EU side will have to back down on the Crimea matter, or else the bombs, on one or both sides, will be released against the other. Kerry has been trying negotiation, but his real enemy is his own boss


The Snapchat Version of American Victory 
By Peter Van Buren

http://www.countercurrents.org/buren160516.htm

Five Ways the Newest Story in Iraq and Syria is... That There Is No New Story 


Glyphosate In The EU: Product Promoters Masquerading As Regulators
In A "Cesspool Of Corruption"? 
By Colin Todhunter

http://www.countercurrents.org/todhunter160516.htm

On 13 April, the EU Parliament called on the European Commission to restrict certain permitted uses of the toxic herbicide glyphosate, best known in Monsanto's 'Roundup' formulation. Glyphosate was last year determined to be "probably carcinogenic" by the WHO. The parliament’s resolution called for no approval for many uses now considered acceptable, including use in or close to public parks, playgrounds and gardens and use where integrated pest management systems are sufficient for necessary weed control. The resolution, however, fell short of calling for an outright ban. Due to the various political maneuverings, a disappointing compromise was reached that called for the renewal of the licence for glyphosate to be limited to just seven years instead of the 15 proposed by the Commission


Who’re Killing Freethinkers In Bangladesh? Some Unresolved Issues 
By Taj Hashmi

http://www.countercurrents.org/hashmi160516.htm

Of late, terrorists or unknown assailants have killed freethinking writers and bloggers, a couple of foreign nationals, and two LGBT activists in Bangladesh, around 36 people since February 2015. And almost ritualistically, killers have been bragging about their acts, and proclaiming to be al Qaeda, ISIS, Ansar al-Islam, or Ansarullah Bangla Team affiliates. Interestingly, some Bangladeshi politicians claim (a) various Islamist terrorists groups – including al Qaeda and ISIS – have infested the country; (b) they are linked with the two main opposition parties in the country, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami; and (c) they have resorted to terrorism only to overthrow the present government


Social Status Of Minorities And The Hindu Nation 
By Nagesh Chaudhary

http://www.countercurrents.org/chaudhary160516.htm

The RSS thoughts and actions are for maintaining the supremacy of one caste not only over Indian people but over even the people from foreign countries. Their arrogant claim of becoming ‘Guru’ of the world speaks of their mindset


AFSPA’s Impunity: Vitiating Democracy
By Ravi Nitesh

http://www.countercurrents.org/nitesh160516.htm

Though there are few adherents who advocate for its ‘necessity’, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) seems an abortive effort of government on the name of curbing insurgency and has been proved as ‘failed act’. AFSPA provides extra-ordinary powers to security personals, operating in ‘disturbed areas’. To deploy forces with such arbitrary powers, disturbed areas are notified and in line with this act, these disturbed areas are presently falling in J&K (under AFSPA 1990) and in North East States (under AFSPA 1958). No other Indian state has this act in force


Projected Idols: To Hatch Conspiracies And Carry Out Hidden Agenda’s 
By Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat

http://www.countercurrents.org/bhat160516.htm

I was shocked to learn that Shakeel, does not belong to a poor family rather is a grandson of a landlord who has high political affiliations and connections. He ( Shakeel’s Grand Pa) is presently enjoying the government security. The shock was deep because the source of news and information was one of the highest “learned” and “respected” person of the state. It was really hard for me to believe that Shakeel, has just secured 115 or 127 points and there are students who have secured 190 points and he is even not eligible for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) advanced, which meant that he will not get IIT. His place in NIT’s is doubtful to many. I understand why NDTV gave hype and sensation to the news – simply to present Army as heroes and well wishers of hapless Kashmiris, however, I am still unable to understand why a highly “learned” and “talented” officer promoted it?


Discharge Of Sadhvi Pragya And Others In The Malegaon Blast Case: 
Saffronization Of Constitutional Agencies 
By Coordination Of Democratic Rights Organisations

http://www.countercurrents.org/cdro160516.htm

This selective application of separate standards of proof for different cases and the bending of rules for Hindutva terror, and the application of the standard of proof of “collective conscience of the people” when it comes to the rights of accused belonging to Minority community and those who are seen as ‘anti-nationals’, shows the nexus between the state agencies which are meant to uphold the rule of the law and the Hindutva forces. This not only undermines the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law as stated in the Indian Constitution but also the democratic right to justice. The NIA’s actions not just impinge on the creation of a highly hierarchical society where some are above the law, but also seek to rewrite and distort history


Release The Arrested Activists In Kerala, Repeal UAPA And Other Draconian Laws
By Radical Study Circle

http://www.countercurrents.org/rsc160516.htm

We urge the democratic right activists to immediately intervene for the release of the arrested activists. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of activists Aithan, Sabu, Dileep, Gouri and Chathu and all other political prisoners across the country. We demand to repeal UAPA and all other draconian laws