February 2021 – Page 56 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

World

German Authorities Discussing ‘Shutdown Mechanism’ for Nord Stream 2 – Reports

Posted on February 8, 2021February 8, 2021By Editor

The German authorities are considering the possibility of creating a shutdown mechanism for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which would be used in the case of a Russian attempt to decrease gas transit via Ukraine, German media reported. … Read More >German Authorities Discussing ‘Shutdown Mechanism’ for Nord Stream 2 – Reports

Russia

Western pundits believed post-Maidan Ukraine would serve as an ‘example’ for Russia – in reality, it’s become a cautionary tale

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

Many Russian liberals and foreign pundits saw Ukraine’s 2014 ‘Maidan’ as an event that would inspire change in Moscow. Today, as an increasingly dysfunctional Kiev clamps down on free speech, it looks more like a cautionary tale. … Read More >Western pundits believed post-Maidan Ukraine would serve as an ‘example’ for Russia – in reality, it’s become a cautionary tale

EU

‘Martian landscape’: Sahara sand covers Alpine snow as early desert wind from Africa turns Europe orange (PHOTOS)

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

Photographs from France showed orange skies above layers of snow as the sandy wind from the Sahara, known as sirocco, made its way across Europe weeks earlier than expected. … Read More >‘Martian landscape’: Sahara sand covers Alpine snow as early desert wind from Africa turns Europe orange (PHOTOS)

EU

2 people reported missing & at least 5 injured after explosion partially demolishes building in Bordeaux, France (PHOTOS)

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

Five people have been rescued and two are missing after an explosion rocked the French city of Bordeaux on Saturday morning. A gas leak is believed to have caused the blast, a report has said. … Read More >2 people reported missing & at least 5 injured after explosion partially demolishes building in Bordeaux, France (PHOTOS)

World

STRATCOM chief claims nuclear war with Russia or China a ‘REAL POSSIBILITY,’ says US can’t assume ‘strategic deterrence will hold’

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

The head of US Strategic Command is warning that nuclear war with Russia or China is “a real possibility,” pointing to “destabilizing” behaviors of America’s rivals. He also claims the Pentagon is not “stuck in the Cold War.” … Read More >STRATCOM chief claims nuclear war with Russia or China a ‘REAL POSSIBILITY,’ says US can’t assume ‘strategic deterrence will hold’

USA

‘Rules do not apply to her’: GOP accuses Pelosi of breaking metal detector rule but not facing $5,000 fine like Republicans

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

After two Republican lawmakers were fined $5,000 each for avoiding security protocol in Congress, Nancy Pelosi was herself accused of doing the same thing, but will not be facing the consequences. … Read More >‘Rules do not apply to her’: GOP accuses Pelosi of breaking metal detector rule but not facing $5,000 fine like Republicans

EU

German farmers drive their tractors by Brandenburg Gate with message: ‘Don’t kill farms to save bugs’ (VIDEO)

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

A German farmers’ group has staged a tractor ride through central Berlin to protest against the looming approval of new regulations, which they predict will cost many of their livelihoods in the name of environmental protection. … Read More >German farmers drive their tractors by Brandenburg Gate with message: ‘Don’t kill farms to save bugs’ (VIDEO)

Facebook urges Myanmar to unblock access to social media, as internet blackout reported after military coup

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

Facebook has called on Myanmar to allow its citizens to freely log onto social media. A “near-total” internet shutdown has been reported in the country, after the military seized power there earlier this week. … Read More >Facebook urges Myanmar to unblock access to social media, as internet blackout reported after military coup

Myanmar approves Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine despite post-coup crisis

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

Myanmar has registered Russia’s pioneering Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus, as efforts to stem the coronavirus continue, despite the ongoing political crisis that culminated in a military coup. … Read More >Myanmar approves Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine despite post-coup crisis

EU

‘Genie’s out of the bottle’: German FM pledges €21 million to help Belarusian opposition in fight to remove embattled Lukashenko

Posted on February 7, 2021February 7, 2021By Editor

Germany has set aside €21 million ($25.3 million) as part of its new “action plan” aimed at supporting opponents of the Belarusian government, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has told an improvised pro-opposition online conference. … Read More >‘Genie’s out of the bottle’: German FM pledges €21 million to help Belarusian opposition in fight to remove embattled Lukashenko