How the US is gradually murdering Julian Assange.

I must rebuke the author for lumping together the corrupt dictator Ngo Dinh Diem, who served the US badly because of his corruption and repressive leanings, with people who opposed the US or its economic empire.

I rebuke him even more for equating Biden with the wrecker. Biden is no Sanders, but he is trying to save the US from the out-and-out fascism and supports changes for the better, blocked by Manchin and Sinema as well as the Republicans.

But then, Hedges says there is no difference between Sanders and the wrecker. Hedges takes an extreme view of politics: either you're rebelling against the US government or a toady. I don't agree.

The US fumbled badly in the "Democracy Summit" when Taiwan's minister Audrey Tang displayed a map showing the democratic countries and tyrannical countries in the far east.

It's evidently pertinent and important, so if you invite various people to speak about democracy and the far east, someone's likely to bring it up. The US in effect set a trap for itself and fell in.

Audrey Tang also advocates free software within the government of Taiwan. I hope she does not get punished for being the occasion for embarrassment.

*Afghan health system "close to collapse due to sanctions on Taliban."*

Craig Murray explains how the appeals about Julian Assange's extradition will take years, and all the while he will be in a prison that subjects him to inadequate medical care -- he has already had a stroke.

The UK may hope he dies before the process ends.

Global heating is expected to make Australia's soil release carbon -- a positive feedback loop that will spoil Australia's optimistic plans.