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Uprising’s guest expert Cristina Mislan. She is an Assistant Professor of Journalism Studies, Missouri School of Journalism, analyzes today’s news headlines.

Ukraine’s government reported this morning with alarm, the news of dozens of Russian tanks and trucks crossing its border. The armed convoy includes 16 howitzer artillery systems. The provocative move by Russia may be in response to reports of Kiev’s assault in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk yesterday, aimed at pro-Russian rebels. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced it had killed 200 fighters and destroyed military equipment. A September 5th ceasefire, which had stemmed the rate of casualties, hangs in the balance. More than 4000 people have died in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which both the European Union and the US are mired in. Click here for a Reuters article about the story.

Several weeks ago, an explosive New York Times investigation into the 2003 US war in Iraq revealed troops had indeed found chemical weapons – albeit leftover from an era when Iraq was a US ally. Now, the Pentagon has admitted that hundred of US troops were exposed to the chemicals but that their complaints had been covered up. Among the chemicals they were exposed to were Sarin and Sulphur agents. The admission by the Pentagon is notable in that it now places responsibility for care of the troops on the government. No mention was made of Iraqi civilians who might have been exposed. The Times surmised that the admission implies, “foreign soldiers, private contractors and Iraqi troops and civilians — may also have been at risk.” Click here for a New York Times article about the story.

Finally, Belgians stormed the streets of Brussels yesterday in a major demonstration denouncing austerity measures proposed by their new government More than 100,000 people marched and were met by water cannons and tear gas from police. Among the measures being considered by the government are cuts to social services, elimination of wage increases, and an increase in the retirement age. The march comes one day after activists in cities around the world gathered on Guy Fawkes day, proclaiming themselves anti-capitalist. Central London was the epicenter of that gathering called the Million Mask March, which had been organized by the hacktivist collective Anonymous. Activist and comedian Russell Brand attended, alongside thousands who donned ‘V for Vendetta’ masks. Click here for a Commondreams article about the story.