Ignoring many obvious risks, Mike Pompeo is leading Trumpers into conflict, as rumors surface of plan for “massive” attack on nuke complex….--Caitlin Johnstone is monitoring the reports
--after bullying Mexico on migration, Trump seems to think he can bluff Iran without major consequences
--with no Pentagon leader, Pompeo is in the driver’s seat, and he keeps hinting that 2011 AUMF allows attack on Iran; many Dems, and some Repubs disagree
--UK, France and Germany are trying to save the Iran agreement
--Pentagon trots out explosives expert who claims evidence on attacked tanker has “striking resemblance” to Iranian limpet mines
--last year’s chemical incident in Douma, which US blamed on Syria, gets thorough review by Aaron Maté at Grayzone
--new acting defense secretary Mark Esper, former Raytheon exec and lobbyist, only got 2 hours’ notice of his elevation
--UN report on Khashoggi assassination shows careful planning and holds Saudi State responsible
--Dutch prosecutor indicts individuals and says he has more evidence in shootdown of MH-17: can he prove that Russia was responsible?
--at MintPress, a detailed review of the UN torture expert’s comments about Assange
--as AOC continues to hammer border “concentration camps”, Speaker Pelosi warns Dems to choose their words wisely
--federal appeals panel doesn’t call them “concentration camps”, but slams administration for claiming it’s OK to deny minors basic necessities
--Pelosi also dismissed censure for Trump, suggesting impeachment is the right effort, “if the goods are there”
--California Gov. Newsom makes formal apology to Native Americans for genocide
--House holds hearings on reparations for slavery, and James Kidd at WhoWhatWhy provides good background
--UN says world population, now 7.7 billion, could hit 11 billion by 2100 and reports that 70 million are now displaced, a new world record
--Trump kicks off 2020 campaign with mob rally in Orlando, where he spewed lies and attack lines
--Trump uses “both sides” lingo when asked if he wants to correct his lies about the Central Park 5
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