July 15, 2021 – Page 2 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

Cuba reports 1st death amid anti-govt protests as US says Cubans coming by sea NOT welcome

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

One man was killed in clashes with police during an anti-government rally, Cuba’s Interior Ministry said, confirming the first death amid the protests as the US insists it will turn away any Cubans who flee the unrest by sea. … Read More >Cuba reports 1st death amid anti-govt protests as US says Cubans coming by sea NOT welcome

Beirut blast demonstrators get past riot police and tear gas, smash front of minister’s home (VIDEOS)

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

After being beaten and tear gassed by riot police, a mob of protesters in Beirut has smashed the entrance to the home of Lebanon’s interior minister, who they say is protecting those responsible for last year’s port explosion. … Read More >Beirut blast demonstrators get past riot police and tear gas, smash front of minister’s home (VIDEOS)

Russia

European Court of Human Rights rules Russia MUST allow gay marriage, as Kremlin says move would be ‘impossible’ under constitution

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

Moscow has rejected a new order from Europe’s top civil liberties court that would require it to recognize LGBT+ marriages, after a joint complaint from three same-sex Russian couples was upheld by judges in Strasbourg on Tuesday. … Read More >European Court of Human Rights rules Russia MUST allow gay marriage, as Kremlin says move would be ‘impossible’ under constitution

Op-ed

Parents shouldn’t have a ‘veto’ on children’s trans medical decisions? Should we let the kids smoke and drink too?

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

A prominent medical journal has argued that children as young as 12 should be treated as ‘equal parties’ in decisions relating to transitioning. This is a blatant case of political gender ideology trumping ethics. … Read More >Parents shouldn’t have a ‘veto’ on children’s trans medical decisions? Should we let the kids smoke and drink too?

Russia

Russian printing company refuses order from K-pop fans over claims pictures of BTS & Stray Kids groups could be ‘gay propaganda’

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

A chart-topping superstar boyband with a famously dedicated online following are, according to one Ekaterinburg print shop, symbols of ‘non-traditional’ sexual orientation and a gateway to ‘perversion,’ a fan group has said. … Read More >Russian printing company refuses order from K-pop fans over claims pictures of BTS & Stray Kids groups could be ‘gay propaganda’

Russia

Russia less reliant on oil & gas as economic recovery in other sectors fuels country’s rapid return to growth, new report reveals

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

While the stereotype is that Russia measures the size of its economy not in rubles but in barrels, a recent rally has seen the country on track for significant growth, with oil and gas making up a smaller fraction than before. … Read More >Russia less reliant on oil & gas as economic recovery in other sectors fuels country’s rapid return to growth, new report reveals

Lebanese security forces lash out at coffin-bearing protesters trying to force way into minister’s home (VIDEOS)

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

Riot police in Beirut have cracked down on protesters laying coffins outside the home of Lebanon’s interior minister. The demonstrators, who lost family in the port blast last year, blame him for protecting those responsible. … Read More >Lebanese security forces lash out at coffin-bearing protesters trying to force way into minister’s home (VIDEOS)

EU

Covid Delta variant makes up 100% of cases in Portugal’s tourist hotspot Algarve and capital Lisbon, health officials say

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

Portugal’s National Health Institute has released new data showing the Delta coronavirus variant now accounts for all Covid cases in the Algarve and Lisbon, with the strain’s prevalence standing at 88.6% across the country. … Read More >Covid Delta variant makes up 100% of cases in Portugal’s tourist hotspot Algarve and capital Lisbon, health officials say

World

COVAX struggling to hit targets as countries, including members, competing with initiative for Covid-19 vaccines, says WTO boss

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021By Editor

The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has said the COVAX vaccine-sharing program is struggling to hit its targets because of scant Covid jab supplies and competition between countries and agencies. … Read More >COVAX struggling to hit targets as countries, including members, competing with initiative for Covid-19 vaccines, says WTO boss