Post No. 1,049 – Gnwmythr’s News Ed. No. 171

Information and Summary/Analysis:

Note: I am NOT a journalist, and make NO claims to objectivity or freedom from bias. Furthermore, I do not hold copyright to any of the articles I link to, nor do I claim authorship, except for those links to material I have written for this and my related blogs, and my commentary in these posts. (I try to make sure quotes are shown using quotation marks.)
The purpose of posting these news links is not only to inform; it is also to

   stimulate a connection to:
    - nonBPM units that need to be cleared, and
    - BPM units that need to be strengthened,
   so that you can do the clearing / strengthening that is required.

That only works if you don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by this, so take it in small chunks if you need to, but remember to actively clear and heal! … including yourself.
As part of that, note that there are key uncooperatives to be cleared (rescued): you should ONLY address those that are within your ability – if you get a sense (e.g., through meditation) or are told by your BPM Guides/Higher Self to back off, do so, and content yourself with clearing the smaller nonBPM units within your capability – which will weaken those uncooperatives. More importantly, there are many people doing this sort of work, and others are quite likely to be able to clear the uncooperatives concerned.
That is also one of the many reasons it is OK to take a break or cut back this work if you need – in fact, doing so will help you deal with the next point, which is …
… the energies we use and manifest in our daily lives contribute to the larger soup of energies that influence world events, so it pays to address those as well, to the extent that one can, or to at least stop oneself projecting them into the psychic soup.
The reminders / explanations about Sunday’s meditation-clearing are here;   see also here,   here,   here,   (here and also here and here are interesting),   here, here,   here,   and   this post reminds us to be patient and persistent, like a “speeding oak”.
There are some notes at the end of this post about other options for those who do not like this way of working.
Finally, one of the biggest concerns I have about spirituality in the world now is that the concept of agape type love has been perverted into both a quest for emotional warm fuzzies, and an excuse to avoid doing the hard work of improving oneself and all that one does. On that, it may help to consider the simplification that one cannot love perfectly until one has learned how to perfect. (And one of the concerns I have about those resisting change is that they are so shallow / superficial /stupid that they thing their actions have ONLY the meaning of their [limited] conscious intention … )

The themes that come to mind for my work this week, after I review all this news, are:

(a)   based on my interpretation of information here and here with Saturn in Sagittarius contributing to finding an authentic balance (until 20^th December, 2017), Uranus in Aries contributing to fresh and possibly radical starts (until some date in the Year 2018), and Pluto in Capricorn contributing to a transformation of power and business (and careers) (until some date in the Year 2024), conditions are ripe for a change for the better in world politics;

(b)   there is an enormous need to clear nonBPM energy – the thought forms, unattached energy and scars of the collective unconscious created by millennia of violence, including spirit rescue, and healing the warped views, seemingly “inherent” biases, and other damage created. Also, remember that:
           1. the counter to fear is genuine  EQ and clear thinking, expressed through calm, de-escalating speech,
           2. where problems exist, advocating for BPM responses, and being as BPM as one can be, are constructive solutions,
           3. peace is powerful, but it is a process requiring patient, persistent and nuanced nurturing, and a blend of conventional spiritual work, clearing nonBPM units, and physical world activism;

(c)   viewing the overall emotional state of the world from an elemental point of view, this week we need:
           emotionally (astrally), the empathy of more BPM Water;
           mentally, the clarity of more BPM Air;
           a plot of the elemental influences on a causal/spiritual level follows, and shows a need for the passion of more BPM Fire;

(d)   this week’s rune is leadership, which is:

(e)   dealing with the 45^th US President, for whom I use the alias Voldemort, requires:
           1. eroding (i.e., slow, patient and persistent clearing of the little bits one can SAFELY cope with – remember, you are but one of many) the nonBPM influences feeding his arrogance and mind-set, and strengthening Voldemort’s BPM Guides and giving them whatever BPM help they need to present a BPM alternative – for which my “changing the personality of oppressors” post is useful – with a view to promoting what would seem to be a change of heart,
           2. lifting the nonBPM influences from the shoulders of Voldemort’s marginal supporters, allowing them to “come to their senses”, which may result in them feeling bewilderment/shame, and simultaneously strengthening the BPM influences around them (e.g., their BPM Guides) to counter them backsliding,
           3. to address the others, physical world activism (especially education) is required. As well as doing what one can there, help those who are doing this work (e.g., sending them “positive vibes”) and look for nonBPM blockages that can be cleared (e.g., setting up a BPM vortex above meetings to draw away external nonBPM influences/energies/units, so that the audience can listen as they are, without any obsession/possession);

(f)   the major events this week are:   as attraction to violence continues to be inadequately addressed, there are risks of mass atrocities in Iraq, South Sudan and the “Democratic” Republic of Congo;   the risk of the world “sleepwalking” to war as the US backs away from world leadership;   amongst the items of concern and worse (including possibly grounds for impeachment), there have been some good actions by the 45^th US President;

(g)   psychopathy and poor character – the latter sometimes buried by the quest for “self improvement” are issues;

(h)   responsible exercise of power and access to power are needed;

(i)   the richness and value of diversity, multiculturalism and pluralism needs to be recognised more;

(j)   some traction is being made on vital issues such as the environment and human rights, often in response to activism, sometimes as organisations/companies decide to take action, but more needs to be done – especially at a political level;

(k)   the need for nuanced thinking remains critical;

(l)   authoritarianism, totalitarianism and strong/big man “governance” continues to plague and drag the world backwards;

(m)   an effective international political feedback mechanisms, to enhance responsiveness to real issues, is yet to be made fully manifest.

I also take this opportunity to emphasise that it is absolutely VITAL that this psychic / metaphysical / spiritual work be performed non-violently and as is for the Highest Spiritual Good – which is part of being BPM – on all levels and in all ways. Always remember (see here): Do you fight to change things, or to punish? See also here, here, here, here, here, and my comments about “authentic presence” in this post.

News and other matters from this past week follows:

   news items are presented in the following sections (there is overlap, and items may appear more than once):
    - Permanent and Thematically Arranged News,

    - Location Based News,

    - From a Range of Other Sites;

   opportunities/good news are shown in green;

   comments are shown in purple; and

   WARNING: some of these links may contain triggers around issues such as violence, sexual assault, discrimination, etc.

Permanent Issues and Thematically Arranged News:

• Permanent issue: may all actual and potential BPM Leaders be kept BPM safe, including keeping them undetectable to the nonBPM and keeping all their Significant Others inviolable against being used for indirect  psychic attack, and may they have all the BPM opportunities and assistance (so-called “good luck”) for them to be BPM effective at influencing the world’s direction, development and unfoldment, all as is for the Highest Spiritual Good;
• Permanent issue: may all humans recognise, irrespective of the appearance of difference, the essential shared humanness of other people, the inherent resilience, the dynamic power, the strength of BPM collaboration, and the opportunities of having a diverse, inclusive and welcoming population, and may all people choose fairness, when such decisions are before them;
• Permanent issue: may all actual and potential BPM Violence Interrupters (and Interrupters of hate / fear / anger) of be kept BPM safe, and may they have all the BPM opportunities and assistance (so-called “good luck”) for them to be BPM effective at containing and stopping – along the lines of the Cure Violence model - the spread of violence (and hate / fear / anger), all as is for the Highest Spiritual Good;
• Permanent issue: may all humans choose to live modestly – to forgo outdoing others, or trying to have more than they need - for the sake of an easier, more manageable life, if they cannot do it for the sake of the planet;
• Permanent issue: may all humans be in better communication with the better parts of their nature;
• Matters warranting particular attention:
     -   modelling – triggered by an article on “sleepwalking to war” shows statespeople can promote peace by focusing on the costs of war - see also here;
     -   the G19+1 shows the USA’s decline as a world power, with the G19’s agreement on climate a feature (and the rest of the world generally not waiting for the USA), the violent demonstrations not, and an opportunity to make a statement about North Korea and pressure China missed. More on the US and Russian Presidents’ meeting here and here, criticism of the 45^th US President’s combined cyber unit idea, and an article on the failures of globalisation;
     -   I’ve come across, and an still evaluating the “Genuine  Progress  Indicator” (see also here, here, here, here, and here);
     -   a call for politicians to stand up to political parties (see commentary below);
     -   billions of people lack safe water and proper sanitation;
     -   internet trolls might be amenable to being taught increased empathy, but it is uncertain whether their psychopathy can be reduced;
     -   this week’s atrocity alert at R2P lists Iraq, South Sudan and the “Democratic” Republic of Congo;
    On politicians standing up to parties, the principles they were asked to commit to by a QC famous for identifying corruption in Queensland’s police (although in my birth family I have an uncle who apparently left the police because the inquiry “didn’t get all the bent coppers”) were:   to act honourably and fairly and solely in the public interest,   to treat all citizens equally,   to tell the truth,   not to mislead or deceive,   not to withhold or obfuscate information to which voters are entitled,   not to spend public money except for public benefit,   not to use your position or information gained from your position for your benefit or the benefit of a family member, friend, political party or other related entity.
• With regard to democracy (which requires  protection of minorities and the vulnerable – and remember Gandhi’s question about whether one is fighting to change things, or to punish, and the list of 198 methods of nonviolent action), freedom and governance (e.g., here, here, here and here, and see also here):
  Note: I have a section specifically for the 45^th US President below
     -   analyses this week include:   an article on future proofing transport policies on private cars;   examination of the significance of divisions within the Australian Greens;   a comparison which shows that the USA’s 45^th President has not been able to be as despotic as Russia’s President Putin was after gaining power;   a criticism that “Easy money from dictatorships is leading U.S. consultants down a path of corruption and moral turpitude” – which would also apply to other nations;   the history of foreign interference in elections - going back to at least 1790;
     -   of concern this week:   “The Queensland Greens have had "inconsistencies" in the handling of the disclosure of political donations”;   an Australian Greens Senator has resigned after he found he still had New Zealand citizenship – see here on what happens now;   an ATO officer has leaked information on staggering – and inappropriate – capabilities – following which ; the ATO said it doesn't monitor phones   concerns over management of defence spending;   unethical and possibly illegal behaviour by two rank-and-file ALP members;   a very partisan site for whistleblowers has been questioned on legal grounds and for incompetence on security;
     -   other concerning events have occurred or are developing in: Indonesia;
     -   good news this week includes:   “Freedom Cities [are] for all people to be safe and free from the threat of physical violence and economic disadvantage” (and that doesn’t necessarily mean more police);   a US state that has a "regressive" tax system (it doesn't collect income tax) will finally start taxing the income of those who earn more than $250,000 per year;
     -   and other matters in my home nation this week:   farmers in one area are objecting to a massive rise in rates (the article includes discussion on variable rates);   “a former Victorian council manager has been found guilty of theft after feeding lost sheep to pet greyhounds” (there are no animal cruelty charges, so presumably the sheep were killed first);   a reminder that the founder of the Liberal party did not intend it to be conservative;   on the basis of the “Genuine  Progress  Indicator” (see also here, here, here, here, and here), which peaked 40 years ago, the best population for Australia is around 15 million – which can be achieved by cutting back migration and accepting refugees;   in a world where "More than 80 per cent of the global car market is now covered by mandatory emission standards, including China", the Australian Government says "new fuel emissions standards could save motorists more than $500 a year" - but it has stalled on introducing those rules;   my home state's newly appointed Community Safety Trustee has said victims of crime are waiting up to two years to receive compensation and the system needs an overhaul;   about six decades too late, we might finally get a space agency;  a shake up of my nation’s intelligence agencies is being considered; - but we don’t need a home office / homeland style approach;   “social media giants … will face new laws to compel them to help Australian security agencies get access to encrypted messages from suspected terrorists and other criminals” – and what about the risks of criminals getting access when these systems are – eventually - stolen? See also here, on the technical difficulties;   "State energy ministers have threatened to lock the Federal Government out of a national plan for a clean energy target";   a pro-democracy group formed by Australians of Chinese heritage is advocating education on Australian values to counter Chinese propaganda (so long as those values don’t include bigotry of the hetero marriage only style of nonsense … );
• With regard to the 45^th US President (who I consider seriously dangerous, even if his administration looks like a Schoolyard Squabble Squad) this week:
  I deliberately avoid using the 45^th US President’s name for valid psychic reasons: however, to both simplify my typing and remind people that he is dangerous (actually, I consider him evil) and not acting as he should, I will use “(US CEO) Voldemort” – in this section, at least - as an alias.
     -   in the latest episode of the Russian links saga, US CEO Voldemort has said he didn’t know of his son’s meetings with Russians, one of whom had promised damaging information about US Presidential Candidate Clinton – see also here, here, here, here, here, on the administration being more like a family business, and here, where Voldemort’s son states would have handled differently, in retrospect, and that “it hadn’t become a big deal yet” (never mind ethics, eh?), the political angst, and an opinion that this vindicates the intelligence community;   a comparison which shows that US CEO Voldemort has not been able to be as despotic as Russia’s President Putin was after gaining power;   the “US Attorney General [has] released a government form dealing with contacts he has had with foreign nationals, including Russian government officials, but much of it was redacted”;   in the USA, Special Counsel Mueller is ignoring social media commentary and letting his actions “do the talking”;
     -   the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is suing (as have others) US CEO Voldemort's voter fraud commission on the grounds that it isn't following "law requiring it to be open to the public";
     -   an article claiming hypocrisy in US CEO Voldemort’s speech last week in Warsaw, Poland;
     -   the loss of “Obamacare” will reverse the closing of the health gap between rural and urban areas;   the secretiveness of the Republicans in preparing their health package compared to the Democrats;
     -   the proposed new Director of the US FBI “said he would refuse to pledge loyalty to [US CEO Voldemort], rejected [US CEO Voldemort’s] description of the probe into Russian election meddling as a "witch hunt," and vowed to quit if asked by [US CEO Voldemort] to do something unlawful”;
     -   US CEO Voldemort MIGHT be going to shift on the Paris climate change accord … ;
     -   grandparents and other relatives of US citizens have been excluded from US CEO Voldemort’s travel ban;   "a group of Afghan school girls taking part in a robotics competition in the US have been granted visas to attend it, after their initial applications were denied" ... apparently at the urging of the 45^th US President;
     -   US CEO Voldemort’s attempt to stack courts with conservatives is being stumped by the liberal judges who are in and likely to stay there – for a little while, at least;
     -   another lawsuit involving social media - this one objecting, on free speech grounds, to US CEO Voldemort blocking critics;
• With regard to violent extremism (VE) (aka, terrorism - e.g., Da’esh) (ALL people advocating hate or discrimination in response to violent extremism are actively doing the work of violent extremists. This will be countered, in part, by the sort of approach advocated by “Cure Violence”, and, in part, by addressing real and perceived disempowerment and acknowledging the variety in what provides genuine, BPM fulfilment as a counter to fanaticism as a source of meaning. I am deliberately avoiding the use of specific names of violent extremist groups as much as possible to reduce the publicity they get – I’m not a primary news source, and thus consider I can do so):
     -   violent extremist attacks/acts have occurred this week in India, Israel, Egypt, and, according to this Wikipedia page, there have been 9 attacks in Iraq, 3 attacks in Afghanistan, and 4 attacks in Syria (out of a total of 47);   prevention has or may have occurred in USA;   and actions (Note: there are many others that don’t reach the media I read) have occurred this week against violent extremists in Syria;
     -   the USA is asking for more information on travellers (much of which is claimed to already be being shared), but has specified not adding people to watch lists for political or religious beliefs;
     -    “Australia, your misplaced fear is giving terrorists exactly what they want”;
     -   relevant matters have also occurred in: Australia;
• With regard to refugees (noting the New York Declaration):
     refugees working at fitting in;   North Korean refugees are experiencing difficulties;   squalor in Indonesia’s immigration detention centre;   “a wharf in [Brazil] where nearly a million African slaves are estimated to have landed has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO”;   coercion is being applied to refugees – who are afraid services will be stopped or they will be attacked by locals if they move - in Australia’s refugee gulag;   a group of mothers in a US State transformed attitudes to refugees;   Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane has "urged Australians of ethnic backgrounds not to be deterred from speaking out on issues, after a conservative commentator urged the French-born commissioner to “go back to Laos”;   a mental health crisis exists for refugees in Greece;   "Denmark has pledged more funds for family planning in developing nations, saying this could also help "limit the migration pressure on Europe"" (maybe this is a point to make to US CEO Voldemort … );   the US limit on refugees for this year has been reached, stopping any further admissions;
• With regard to human (and other) rights and discrimination:
     -   on homophobia/transphobia this week (noting that trans kids are the same as cis kids of the trans kids’ true gender) :   the US military, under pressure from conservatives, is delaying the acceptance of trans recruits;
     -   on racism this week:      the perspective of a young, black gay man – who formed “Black Rainbow” , the first nation-wide support suicide prevention and mental health support service for Indigenous LGBTI people, in 2013 – on the same-sex marriage debate;   around 1,000 protesters have surrounded a handful of KKK members;   a British MP has been suspended for using racist language;
     -   on sexism this week (keeping in mind the overblown influence given to testosterone):   underemployment of women;   a female Afghani refugee (her family fled the Russian invasion and occupation in the 1980s, and she was born in a refugee camp) is flying solo around the world to inspire other women - see also here;   a tennis player has stood up to casual sexism (I wish sports announcers on radio would do so - or at least learn that the women's cricket team has been renamed);   harsher penalties in one US state for those who commit the barbarity of FGM;
     -   on workers’, religious, and other forms of human (and other) rights this week:   women wearing hijabs in my nation are at risk of attack from non-Muslim men;   an insurance company “is facing legal action over claims it is unfairly dragging out insurance claim assessments for customers with disabilities and severe illnesses”;   the effects of Islamophobia on children (this is also well described in Paul  K.  Chappell’s book “The Cosmic Ocean”, which I am reading at the moment);   "The European Court of Human Rights has upheld a Belgian ban on wearing the full-face veil in public to "guarantee the conditions of 'living together' and the 'protection of the rights and freedoms of others' ";   more appalling animal cruelty;   “rogue employers who hold back their workers' superannuation entitlements to boost their own cash flows will be targeted by a new regulatory crackdown”;
     -   other human or other rights problems have also occurred in: Indonesia;
• With regard to crime, judicial matters and policing:
     a proposed trial of car tracking raises privacy and security concerns;   an Uber driver has been charged with rape;   weapons and drugs have been shown off in a prison;   an appalling example of animal cruelty;   a police shooting at a costume party will be investigated;   morons have put cyclists safety at risk;   problems from a past DNA bungle show the importance of competent procedures;
     other crime, judicial and policing matters have occurred in: USA, Indonesia, Australia, Indonesia (2^nd), Australia (2^nd), USA (2^nd);
• With regard to press aka the media, and freedom of expression (keeping in mind that claims of presenting “both sides” of a debate can be WRONG if the other side is RUBBISH –as is the case on LGBTIQ issues: having an “equal say”, or a “right to respond” MUST be assessed in the context of what is happening overall in society – NOT solely in one limited incident. Also, funding is an issue … ):
     the fate of a TV station in Australia may affect the concentration of power in the media;   Poland’s attacks on the media;   the attempts of authoritarian regimes/dictators to manipulate foreign media;
     other media / freedom of expression matters have occurred in: China;
• With regard to overcrowding and “modern” lifestyle issues (is YOUR smart phone free of conflict  minerals, environmental harm and child labour? [IT manufacturers are making some effort in on those.] Do you suffer from FOMO or addiction? Are you having second thoughts about technology? Is your social media making you miserable or envious? Are you being duped by modern mantras? Are you “failing” at being well? Does your AI use ethics? Does your corporation misuse mindfulness as a distraction from working conditions? Are you afflicted by management  fads? Do you understand embedded emissions? Do you want a bigger, flashier home/car than people had 50 years ago – which means you are actively abusing the environment and society’s cohesion and contributing to the problem of financialisation?):
     -   on climate change and other environmental matters this week:      a new, improved timber production technique;   farmers are calling for water to be kept for agriculture, not a proposed new coal mine;   Tesla’s proposed battery facility may stop other, similar proposals;   the Haida people of north west America are adapting traditional clam growing to “clam gardens” (like rice paddies) to cope with pollution;   another article on recent decisions to give rivers rights;   a call to reverse the privatisation of services;   farm fences vs. native trees;   eco-conscious companies are trying to phase out plastic microbeads, which are found in many personal care products;   the US EPA wants a TV debate on climate change … ;   the UN is starting to recognise the need to protect heritage sites from climate change;   with acknowledgement to indigenous ways of living, a call for us to “start thinking about ourselves as belonging to and answerable to the land, not the other way around” (Yes! YES! YES!!!);   “eleven major financial institutions around the globe have joined forces with the United Nations to promote climate transparency in financial markets”;   former US Vice-President Al Gore has launched my home state’s Renewable Energy Action Plan;
     -   other environmental matters have occurred in: Australia, China, Australia (2^nd);
     -   on technology and science matters this week:      a new device to manage epilepsy;   excessive use of antibiotics (this is not a new issue: the discussion raises the difficulty of diagnosis, suggested solutions such as "delayed prescription");   solar panels can do more than cut power bills and reduce GHGs: they can lead to trade with neighbours;   use of a drone at a celebrity wedding has led to a $900 fine;   farmers in Australia are being advised to consider investing in their own, cooperatively built and managed internet network, linking farm businesses;   an examination of the debate and imminent changes (which concern me) to net neutrality;   “the German military's aviation safety chief has launched a new initiative against cyber threats”;   one of the designers of the iphone – a bunch of people who may be growing out of their “empathy vacuum” as they – through some miracle - have relationships and then kids – is now worrying about what they did;
     -   other technology and science matters have occurred in: the USA;
     -   on economic and financial matters this week:   this article argues that the issue is not the existence of a gap between rich and poor, but the existence of unfairness (which is why we use the term inequity, not inequality … );   the fundamental flaws of basing aged care on the assumption of home ownership in an age of increasingly unaffordable houses and rents;   a review of a book on how to transform the economy from trickle-down to (sustainable) bottom up;      from an article stating that population growth from migration has hidden the weakness of Australia's economy, "Per capita measures of the economy suggest that growth in living standards has stagnated and for some sections of the resident population, in particular younger people, it has gone backwards" - and the solution is policies promoting more jobs;   the struggling position of informal carers - which goes beyond grandparents caring for children;   “stealth” trade protectionism (not necessarily a bad thing, in my view, but should be open about it);   ethical (and far sighted) businesses;   an in-depth review has vindicated economic analysis and advice by the United Nations over the past 70 years;   alarmist claims over electricity prices, as "gas exports [are identified as] the culprit for electricity price hikes";   elderly Australians are selling prescription drugs to make ends meet - or in response to bullying from drug dealers – see also here;   the housing affordability crisis is costing one single mum 70% of her income;
     -   other economic and financial matters have occurred in: Australia;
     -   on other matters in the category this week:   the experience of having an alcoholic family member;   the stress and risks associated with mortgages in my home city;   market forces have overshadowed planning to make compact cities unsustainable – especially during heat waves;   a nuanced view of the causes of food waste;   an ethical young egg farmer;   myth busting on head lice;   the effects of fat stigma - WHICH SHOWS THAT FAT BASHING DOES NOT WORK!;   my home city’s " Southbank to get green makeover after years of high-density development";
• With regard to education:
     calls for the drink-focused culture at Unis to change, rather than trying a newly developed app;   a lecturer has been jailed for sexually assaulting students;
• With regard to war, violence and hate generally:
     concerns in one Australian state over the growing numbers of guns and pro-gun MPs;  a community project to weave one million stars against violence;
• With regard to natural and other catastrophes:
     bushfires in the USA;   bushfires in Italy;   continuing problems with cholera in Haiti;
• With regard to peace and/or spirituality generally, and the occasional nice story (are you crippled by the fear of being single or asexual or off-grid or in any other way a rebel / innovator / non-conformist / true to yourself, or believe in management  fads and fashions? Do you distract yourself and fill your time to avoid finding real meaning? If so, you have a spiritual problem, and a need to constructively remedy that):
     an article on GiveDirectly (one of the charities I support);   in the USA, "strangers ... formed an 80-person human chain to help rescue members of a family who were caught in a rip-tide and pulled too far from the shore";   information and communication technologies are the key to “fast forward” implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Location based News:

• With regard to the conflict in Afghanistan (noting that Afghanistan was once a peaceful and modern society, even allowing women in miniskirts, before the Russian invasion – see here):
     concerning claims that Australian special forces have covered up the killing of a boy, and had an inappropriate culture are being investigated – see also here;   a female Afghani refugee (her family fled the Russian invasion and occupation in the 1980s, and she was born in a refugee camp) is flying solo around the world to inspire other women - see also here;   a critique of Australia's disastrously changed tactics in Afghanistan;   "a group of Afghan school girls taking part in a robotics competition in the US have been granted visas to attend it, after their initial applications were denied" ... apparently at the urging of the 45^th US President;
• With regard to Africa, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (and other sources) has:
     -   the problems facing those returning to formerly-violent extremist-held land in Nigeria;
     -   the failure of abstinence-based sex education in Uganda;
     -   violence in the “Democratic” Republic of Congo is rising;
     -   more concerns over ongoing violence against civilians in the Central African Republic;
     -   “The humanitarian situation in Eritrea – which is quite isolated and off the media radars – is “on a positive trajectory” but international donors need to give malnourishment and food insecurity continued attention”;
• With regard to China (may her growing middle class bring a love of peace and freedom), East and South East Asia and the Pacific (noting the risks of atrocities in North Korea and Burma):
     -   growing militarism in Asia as US influence declines;   “despite an impressive track record, the Asia-Pacific region will need to scale up development efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030”;
     -   US bombers have challenged China in the South China Sea;   “two Western doctors have contradicted Chinese medical experts over the fate of a dying Nobel Peace Prize winner” – and Germany has said Chinese security personnel, not doctors, are directing the cancer treatment of ailing dissident Liu Xiaobo, after a video showing doctors being pushed aside is released;   a call has been made for China to release the widow of Nobel Laureate and human rights defender Liu Xiaobo, who has died in detention – see also here, and Hong Kong’s leader has offered condolences;   China has tightened its controls of its media;  foreign companies have asked China to ease future requirements for electric cars – which China is keen to have in substantial numbers to reduce pollution;   Indonesia has renamed part of the South China Sea to assert its sovereignty;   a pro-democracy group formed by Australians of Chinese heritage is advocating education on Australian values to counter Chinese propaganda (so long as those values don’t include bigotry of the hetero marriage style of nonsense … );
     -   China has hit back over North Korea (the DPRK), saying the US and South Korea also bear some responsibility (I disagree with this: South Korea is defending itself – with the help of its ally, the USA, against an aggressive regime: you don’t ask the victim of a bully to stop defending themselves before you stop the bully’s assault) - see also here, on China’s desire for the DPRK as a buffer (this makes more sense to me, and suggests that the best way to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula is to give up ideas of reunification);   the USA appears to moving to increase sanctions on Chinese companies;   North Korea will impose retaliatory sanctions against the USA;   the DPRK may have more plutonium than thought;
     -   some South Koreans are concerned about the US missile defence system;
     -   calls for some prisoners to be moved from an overcrowded Indonesian prison;   Indonesia has banned organisations which are against Pancasila - which, while ostensibly about a means to counter violent extremism (including the Muslim groups that forced a Christian governor to be jailed), could also be used to discriminate against minorities (e.g., Pagans) - see also here;   Indonesia has made the largest ever drug bust of one type of drug;   Indonesia has renamed part of the South China Sea to assert its sovereignty;
     -   a photographer is trying to save Mongolia's nomadic culture as urbanisation in that nations skyrockets – including organising exchanges to rural Australia;
     -   and in the Pacific:   the problems with electoral rolls in PNG are “widespread”;   a constitutional challenge in PNG to voting on a Sunday; 
• With regard to Europe and the European Union (EU):
     -   an assessment of France’s President Macron;   the US and French Presidents have “set aside lingering differences on climate change during their meeting in France, asserting that it should not prevent them from working together toward a post-war roadmap for Syria and to enhance Mideast security”;   France’s President has “slapped down” one of Franc’s leading Generals;
• With regard to the conflict in Iraq (noting that Iraq was once a peaceful and prosperous society, before the UK / USA / CIA backed revolution – see here, and that it needs an emphasis on a secular society and citizenship – but also here, although based in Syria and here):
     -   a report on the scores of wounded in Mosul;   claims that Mosul has been liberated, but pockets of fighting are continuing, thousands are dead, and the city is devastated (see here on the problems of rebuilding it) – and violent extremists are still a threat;   the commander of US forces in Iraq has pointed out that Iraq must change so that Sunnis are and feel that they are being represented by the Iraqi government - or otherwise there will be a future version of the current violent extremist group;   Amnesty International has accused both sides of committing human rights abuses;   “the Iraqi government has said it is investigating a video seemingly showing troops killing suspected [violent extremists] detained in the Mosul area”;   after military gains against violent extremists, the best way to defeat the violent extremists is real reform in Iraq and Syria;
     -   and the Iraq Body Count project reports 315 civilians violently killed in the last week;
• With regard to Russia (which is currently supporting an – in my opinion, based on R2P principles - illegitimate regime in Syria), Russian influenced nations and eastern Europe, and responses:
     “Russia will retaliate in a reciprocal manner if the United States does not heed its demands for a return of diplomatic assets”;   the murderers of a critic of Russian President Putin have been given lengthy jail sentences;   Russia appears to be diverting electricity generating gas turbines delivered legally elsewhere to Russian occupied Crimea;
• With regard to South and Central America:
     -   Venezuela’s opposition leader has been released from jail to house arrest for health reasons;   a video on Venezuelan’s quest for freedom;   te UN has urged Venezuela to allow dissent;
     -   Colombia has given amnesty to another 3,600 members of FARC, taking the total to 7,000 to be reintegrated;
     -   a Brazilian oil company has been exonerated of wrong doing in a long running corruption matter;   Brazil has passed a backward, anti-union labour law;   Brazil is examining the possible use of airships;   a call has been made for Brazil to address the infrastructure and mosquito problems that allowed the Zika virus to spread;   Brazil's former President Lula has been convicted of corruption and sentenced to jail;
     -   11 people have been murdered at a children’s party in Mexico … ;
• With regard to South Asia (aka the Indian sub-continent), The Hindu and other sources have:
     -   “why stopping India's vigilante killings will not be easy”;   “violent clashes have taken place in Indian-administered Kashmir between security forces and protesters marking the anniversary of the death of a popular militant commander”;   a violent extremist attack on a military base in Kashmir has "accidentally" killed seven Hindu pilgrims;   little prospect of a peaceful end soon to the 70 year old conflict in Kashmir;   a report on the religious violence in West Bengal;   “Modi’s polarising populism makes a fiction of a secular, democratic India”;
     -   a "FontGate" twist in a corruption case in Pakistan;
• With regard to Sudan and South  Sudan:
     -   there is a deadline for confirming the lifting of sanctions against Sudan – where, incidentally, battles are large and involve jets, tanks and artillery;
     -   South Sudan’s “unhappy  anniversary”;   the South Sudanese refugee crisis is growing as people flee government troops;
• With regard to the conflict in Syria, where Assad’s regime has, in my opinion, lost all claims to legitimacy, and it is time to consider partition (see here, here, here and here):
     the US and Russia have announced a ceasefire;   after military gains against violent extremists, the best way to defeat the violent extremists is real reform in Iraq and Syria;
• With regard to Turkey:
     hundreds of thousands of people have marched for “justice”, against the government of Turkish President Erdogan;   more academics have been detained in Turkey;
• With regard to the conflicts in Ukraine, particularly in the east:
     the UN has called on all sides to fully respect the ceasefire in Ukraine;   Ukraine is progressing its plans for NATO membership - against Russian objections;
• With regard to West Asia (aka “the Middle East”) and North Africa, the Middle East Eye and other sources have:
     -   Gaza's living conditions are declining faster than expected, and it may be unliveable by 2020;   the political struggle between the West Bank and Gaza, which has included salaries and electricity, is now extending to access to health care;
     -    the USA and Qatar have signed an agreement on combating the financing of terrorism, and the USA is trying to patch the rift between Qatar and other Arab nations, and hoping they talk directly;
     -    hints from down the tree that US CEO Voldemort might declare Iran is complying with the nuclear deal … ;
• With regard to the conflict in Yemen (unlike Iraq, I cannot find a source of regular information on casualties in Yemen, but the hardship and deaths from food, water and medical shortages that concerns me just as much – if not more, and I don’t know if such sites would report that; it is also important to remember that there are multiple sides in this dispute – and opponents to the government are not necessarily Houthi or violent extremist):
     more than 300,000 cholera cases in Yemen – and aid agencies have been forced to focus on that, rather than hunger;   call for concrete action to end the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

General Comments/Information

(Dear Reader, please remember, I expect you to think when reading this blog, and I reserve the right to occasionally sneak in something to test that)

Many others are very capably doing this type of work – for instance, the Lucis Trust's Triangles network (which has been running for many decades),   the Correllian Tradition's 'Spiritual War for Peace' (see also here, here, and here), the Hope, Peace, Love and Prosperity Spell (also from the Correllian Tradition, in around 2007 or 2008),   the Healing Minute started by the late, great Harry Edwards (running for decades);   the “Network of Light”  meditations;   and   also see here, here and here – even commercial organisations (for instance, see here), online groups (e.g. here and here – which I do not know the quality of) and even an app.    Thus, if you don't like what I am suggesting here, but want to be of service, there are many other opportunities for you – including secular opportunities: e.g., see here, here and here.   Again, activism in the physical world is also required - see here, here and here, here, and, of course, here.

(Please note that I now specifically have a role for (absent) healers on Saturdays, as explained in the Psychic Weather Report posts. Anyone who wishes to be protector has a role every day :). At all times, on all levels and in ways, BOTH must ALWAYS be BPM in the way they perform such roles.)

If I am ever late getting my Psychic Weather Report up any week, there is a default plan.

I apologise for publishing these posts twice, but Blogger keeps changing my formatting.

No signature block for these posts.