Monday 28 February 2011

Libya : US and Europe Ramp Up Intervention

By Barry Grey

With dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s control over the country ebbing, the United States and its European allies are stepping up their intervention into the Libyan crisis. Their aim is to ensure that any new regime will be equally subservient to their economic and geostrategic interests. Continue

US Cables Detail Saudi Royal Family's Lavish Lifestyles

By Simon Robinson

Royals 'known for the stories of their fabulous wealth — and tendency to squander it' Continue

Abbas Running Out Of Options

By Saleh Al-Naami

Amid vast regional transformations, pressure is mounting for the Palestinian president to reconcile with Hamas and stand up to the Israeli occupation. Continue

Same Cover, Same Lies
I Had Ray Davis's Job, in Laos 30 Years Ago

By ROBERT ANDERSON

Davis is the American being held as a spy working under diplomatic cover out of our embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. You can understand why foreign countries no longer trust us and people are rising up across the Middle East against the Great Satan. Continue

This CIA Agent is No Diplomat

By Craig Murray

The US says Raymond Davis should have immunity in Pakistan. Just another attempt to flout the rule of law outside its borders. Continue

An Empire of Lies
Why Our Media Betrays Us

By Jonathan Cook

For the western media, our leaders make mistakes, they are naïve or even stupid, but they are never bad or evil. Our media do not call for Bush or Blair to be tried at the Hague as war criminals. Continue

No Other Way Out

By Chris Hedges

The state seeks to silence anyone who practices moral courage. It does not want the truth heard. It does not want the reality seen. If these forces of war and greed triumph, and we do not, there will be darkness. Continue

It's the War Economy, Duh!

By Cindy Sheehan

Wisconsin is facing a 137 million dollar budget deficit—that’s 137 troops. If Obama brought home 137 troops and gave the savings to Wisconsin, that problem would be solved! Continue

Looking Glass Economics

By Kevin Drum

Republicans — and, unfortunately, some Democrats too — are pushing for an economic austerity plan that will keep unemployment high and the job market loose. The result is downward pressure on wages, and that downward pressure keeps middle-class incomes stagnant and corporate profits high. Continue

Battle Lines Clear in America's Hidden Class War

By Gary Younge

Polls last year showed that in the US 61% think the country spends too much on foreign aid. This makes sense once you understand that the average American is under the illusion that 25% of the federal budget goes on foreign aid (the real figure is 1%). Continue

115 killed in govt offensive on Somali militants: A government offensive against al Qaeda-linked militants largely subsided Sunday as officials said that at least 115 people had been killed since the violence started several days ago.
Kenya, Ethiopia may attack Somali al-Shabaab: The al-Shabaab group, which claims ties to al-Qaeda and has been waging a four-year insurgency against Somalia's government, said on Sunday it would strike at neighboring Kenya for training Somali government forces and allowing Ethiopian troops to operate from its towns.
Four Nato troops killed in country-wide Afghan attacks: It said that three troops were killed by roadside bombs in the east, south and west, while the fourth died in an insurgent attack in the east.
Afghan delegation confirms 65 civilians killed by NATO: The fact finding delegation of Afghan government has confirmed that NATO-led troops had killed 65 civilians including women and children, a statement released by Presidential Palace on Sunday said.
Forty-five arrested for having links with Davis: The law enforcement agencies arrested 45 individuals for staying in constant contact with Raymond Davis, a CIA contractor who shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore last month, DawnNews reported on Monday.
Security forces clamp down on anti-Gadhafi protest in Tripoli: Rebels across the country fight against government efforts to regain control; Gadhafi appoints foreign intelligence chief to speak to leadership in eastern Libya.
Libya protests: Gaddafi says 'all my people love me' Video: Col Gaddafi said that his people would die to protect him.
Pentagon says US repositions forces near Libya: The Pentagon says it's moving some armed forces in the region near Libya in case they're needed, but is not saying what they might be needed for.
U.S. Military Repositions Forces in Preparation for Libya Response: Map shows the positions of key U.S. Navy ships on Feb. 28.
Libya: African mercenaries 'immune from prosecution for war crimes': African mercenaries hired by the Gaddafi regime to kill Libyan protesters would be immune from prosecution for war crimes due to a clause in this weekend's UN resolution that was demanded by the United States.
Live Blog - Libya Feb 28 As the uprising in Libya continues, we update you with the latest developments from around the world.
France sends aid to Libya opposition: France is to send two planes of aid to opposition territory in Libya, Prime Minister Francois Fillon has said.. Paris has been stung by accusations that it was too cosy with the authoritarian regimes overthrown in recent weeks, say analysts.
Sudan: Abyei ethnic clashes mar peace deal: At least 10 people have been killed in fighting between rival ethnic groups in Sudan's disputed oil-producing region of Abyei, officials say
Oman oil shipments continue; 6 killed in protests: Shipments of refined crude from the port of Sohar are continuing, a port spokeswoman said after anti-government protests blocked roads leading to Oman's key industrial area.
4 Killed as thousands protest across Yemen: Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the end of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule of Yemen joined demonstrations on Monday, while skirmishes in the south killed three soldiers and a policeman.
Suspected Qaeda gunmen kill two Yemen soldiers: – Gunmen killed two soldiers in the southern Yemen town of Zinjibar on Monday in separate shootings which a local official blamed on Al-Qaeda.
Yemen 'to declare unity government': Beleagured president to make announcement "within next 24 hours", sources tell Al Jazeera.
Yemeni Opposition Rejects Call for National Unity Government: Yemen’s opposition coalition rejected calls from President Ali Abdullah Saleh for a national unity government and said he should listen to the voices of protesters and step down.
Saleh warns of fractured Yemen if his regime falls: President Ali Abdullah Saleh warned Monday that Yemen would fracture if his regime falls, as protests calling for his ouster raged across the Arabian Peninsula state and four people were hurt in clashes.
Israeli attack kills Palestinian: A Palestinian resistance fighter has been killed and a second wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the occupied Gaza Strip. Sunday's attack followed a series of bombing raids carried out by Israeli fighter jets on Saturday, in which a baby and a Palestinian man were wounded, Reuters news agency reported.
Iraqi PM gives cabinet 100-day ultimatum after demos: Iraq’s prime minister warned his cabinet on Sunday to shape up within 100 days or face ‘changes’ as a third provincial governor stepped down following massive nationwide demonstrations.
Iraq protests show a democracy hijacked by '100 mini-Saddams': . Saddam Hussein was deposed in 2003 and Iraqis have held half a dozen rounds of elections, but people still do not feel their government represents them. The lesson is clear: going to the ballot box does not by itself constitute a democracy.
British contractor in Iraq gets 20 years for 2 killings: An Iraqi court Monday convicted a British man and sentenced him to 20 years in prison over the shooting deaths of two contractors, making him the first Westerner convicted in an Iraqi court since the 2003 U.S. invasion.
Iran Arrests Opposition Leaders Mousavi, Karrubia After Calls for Protest: Iran's opposition leaders Mehdi Karrubi and Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who had been under forced seclusion at home, were transferred to a Tehran prison
Iran says Mousavi, Karroubi not arrested: An official with the Iranian Judiciary has rejected reports that the heads of the sedition movement, Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, have been taken into custody.
Egypt imposes travel ban on Mubarak Prosecutor also orders financial assets of former president and his family inside country frozen pending investigation.
New US cronies taking charge: Zawahiri: Al Qaeda's Egyptian-born number two Ayman al-Zawahiri has said the United States is installing sympathetic new regimes in Tunisia and Egypt, demanding Muslims rise up against "whippers" and "invaders".
Bahrain protesters blockade parliament: Bahraini protesters blockaded the parliament building on Monday, two weeks after the Shiite uprising started demanding political reform in the country and an end to alleged discrimination at the hands of the Sunni ruling class.
Anger over rising India food prices: Food grains are ironically rotting in warehouses as hunger stalks millions hit by high inflation.
Farrakhan: Mideast uprisings will come to US: “What you are looking at in Tunisia, in Egypt … Libya, in Bahrain … what you see happening there … you’d better prepare because it will be coming to your door,” Farrakhan said in a booming voice, thousands of followers cheering in his wake.
U.S. "trims" its nuclear arsenal while upgrading production: The $85 billion upgrade of our bomb-making infrastructure in Kansas City with Honeywell and at other locations is occurring 50 years after President Dwight Eisenhower warned in his farewell address of the military-industrial complex and its “potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power.”
Leaked U.S. Cables say Colombia’s Uribe Authorized “Clandestine Cross Border Operations” into Venezuela: Ex-Colombian President Álvaro Uribe knowingly maintained a “hypocritical” relationship with neighboring Venezuela during his time in office – ordering armed operations within Venezuelan territory while at the same time seeking to diplomatically “manage” Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez
America's shocking secret: Pictures that show how U.S. experimented on its own disabled citizens and prison inmates: Pictures have emerged providing the shocking proof that U.S. government doctors once experimented on disabled American citizens and prison inmates.
U.S. Gathered Personal Data on Times Reporter in Case Against Ex-C.I.A. Agent: Federal law enforcement officials, trying to uncover the sources of a New York Times reporter, James Risen, obtained extensive records about his phone calls, finances and travel history, according to a court brief filed late Thursday.
Fox News boss persuaded fellow executive to 'lie' to federal investigators: Roger Ailes wanted Judith Regan to keep quiet about affair with man shortlisted to head US homeland security department
Dollar index falls to four-month low: Canadian dollar, euro, British pound gain versus greenback
Fewer in US Deem Homeownership a Safe Investment: Homeownership as an investment is no longer the rock-solid foundation for the American Dream it once was, according to a survey released on Monday by the firm the government created in the 1930s to promote homeownership.

Sunday 27 February 2011

Britain Should Pull Out Of Afghanistan, says Gorbachev

By Matthew Bell

The ex-Soviet leader argues the US must take some blame for fanning Islamic fundamentalism. Continue

The Destiny of this Pageant Lies in the Kingdom of Oil

By Robert Fisk

One after another, our satraps are falling, and the people we paid them to control are making their own history – our right to meddle in their affairs (which we will, of course, continue to exercise) has been diminished for ever. Continue

U.S.:Neo-Con Hawks Take Flight over Libya

By Jim Lobe


In a distinct echo of the tactics they pursued to encourage U.S. intervention in the Balkans and Iraq, a familiar clutch of neo-conservatives appealed Friday for the United States and NATO to "immediately" prepare military action to help bring down the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Continue

War Über Alles

By Paul Craig Roberts

War makes money for the politically connected. While the flag-waving population remains proud of the service of their sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, cousins, wives, mothers and daughters, the smart boys who got the fireworks started are rolling in the mega-millions. Continue

How the U.S. Radicalized Conservatism

By Professor Lawrence Davidson

The growing number of conservative elected officials who preach Islamohobia is a clear indicator that this is a fantasy has entered the minds of Republican voters. Continue

Army of Fake Social Media Friends to Promote Propaganda

By Darlene Storm

The U.S. government contracted HBGary Federal for the development of software which could create multiple fake social media profiles to manipulate and sway public opinion on controversial issues by promoting propaganda. Continue

Profit Pathology and Disposable Planet

By Michael Parenti

Corporate America promotes the classic laissez-faire theory which claims that the free  market—a congestion of  unregulated and unbridled enterprises all selfishly pursuing their own ends—is governed by a benign “invisible hand” that miraculously produces optimal outputs for everybody. Continue

The Unsustainability of Modern Capitalism

An interview With John Perkins - By Anthony Wile

Everything today is pretty much run by the big corporations. Obama is very much under the influence of the corporatocracy. Continue

Afghans:Nato killed 65 civilians : Sixty-five civilians, including 40 children, were killed in a NATO assault on insurgents in eastern Afghanistan earlier this month, according to findings of an Afghan government investigation released Sunday.
10 killed in Afghan suicide bombing: Two bomb explosions tore through a crowd of villagers watching a dog fight in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar on Sunday, killing 10 people, officials said.
'CIA mulls targeting Pakistani agents": The sources also insist that the situation is increasingly turning out to be not merely a loss of the cover of a CIA spy, Raymond Davis, but, actually, the loss of a key asset of the notorious US spy agency, a report said on Saturday.
Report: 50 people killed in clashes in Libyan town: At least 50 civilians were killed Saturday overnight in the oil refining town of Zawiyah in Libya after heavy fighting between protesters and troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Reuters reported quoting local residents.
Gaddafi faces endgame as he bribes civilians to fight for him: Protesters in a large working-class district of the capital, Tripoli, defied security forces, compelling them to retreat. As rebel advances threatened the last redoubt of the leader, he ordered weapons to be distributed to his civilian supporters.
Live Blog - Libya Feb 27 : As the uprising in Libya enters its 13th day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our Doha headquarters
Clinton: U.S. ready to offer aid to Libyan opposition : Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the U.S. is “reaching out” to Libyans trying to organize a post-Moammar Gadhafi government and is “ready and prepared to offer any type of assistance.”
McCain, Lieberman: U.S. should arm Libyan rebels: Clinton says U.S. is ready to aid opposition, is "reaching out" to those trying to organize post-Qaddafi government
Libya: UN Security Council votes sanctions on Gaddafi: They backed an arms embargo and asset freeze while referring Colonel Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
US imposes sanctions on Libya: The Obama administration is freezing assets held by Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and four of his children in the United States.
At least 19 dead in Iraq as tens of thousands join protests: Tens of thousands of Iraqis took to the streets yesterday in nationwide protests that left at least 19 dead and dozens wounded, but the US military consciously and conspicuously remained on the sideline.
1 killed in attack on Iraqi refinery: The biggest oil refinery in Iraq was shut down Saturday after an early-morning bombing by a contingent of armed men.
Curfew called after protests erupt in Iraq: The Iraqi capital Baghdad is now under curfew following nationwide protests which have called for more government accountability.
DR Congo: Six killed in 'coup bid' against Kabila: An "unidentified group of armed men" attacked the residence of President Joseph Kabila in the capital, Kinshasa, a government spokesman said, describing the raid as an attempted coup.
Oman clashes: Two killed during protests in Gulf state: Two people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the Gulf state of Oman, witnesses and officials said.
Thousands in Yemen protests Video: Leading Yemeni tribal figure resigns from ruling party during a rally of tens of thousands in Amran.
Yemen President vows bloody rebuff to protests: YEMEN President Ali Abdullah Saleh is vowing to defend his three-decade regime ''with every drop of blood'', accusing opponents of hijacking gathering protests in a ploy to split the nation.
Protesters say Egypt military uses force on them: "Military police used batons and tasers to hit the protesters," Ahmed Bahgat, one of the protesters, told Reuters by telephone. "The military is once again using force. But the protesters have not responded."
Egyptian demonstrators return to Tahrir Square hours after violent crackdown: - Protesters returned to Tahrir Square on Saturday just hours after security forces moved aggressively to disperse them, with some military police beating demonstrators and others using tasers.
Committee drafts constitutional amendments: The proposed amendments to Egypt's Constitution open up presidential elections, limit the leader to just two terms and make a referendum necessary for any extension to the state of emergency
Tunisia PM announces resignation: Mohammed Ghannouchi, Tunisia's interim prime minister, has resigned, as security forces clashed with protesters in Tunis, the capital, who were demanding some of his minsters be removed.
Thousands protest in Bahrain: Thousands of Bahrainis marched in Manama on Sunday calling for the fall of the ruling Sunni dynasty, as 18 opposition MPs submitted their letter of resignation to protest the killing of demonstrators.
Bahrain opposition demands resignation of prime minister: Bahrain's increasingly assertive opposition movement flexed its muscles on Saturday, staging a massive demonstration in central Manama at short notice to demand the ousting of the kingdom's prime minister.
Demanding equal rights in Bahrain: Many Shia citizens of Gulf island demand ouster of PM, and less power for the ruling Khalifa family.
Saudi King Orders Permanent State Jobs For Citizens: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah ordered Sunday permanent state jobs for Saudis on temporary labor contracts amid regional uprisings that have toppled regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and infected neighboring Bahrain.
Iran opposition figures 'detained' : Rights group says Mousavi and Karroubi, accused of illegally organising protests, moved to "safe houses" outside Tehran
Mullen Mideast trip shows US 'worry': Iran general: "The hasty trip of Mike Mullen shows the deep worry regarding the fate of American forces stationed in the region," armed forces chief of staff General Hassan Firouzabadi said in a statement.
Russia to sell anti-ship rockets to Syria: Despite Israeli fears that the rockets could ultimately land in Hezbollah hands, the Russian Defense Minister says plans to sell the rockets are moving ahead.
UK 'to end direct aid to 16 countries': The UK is to stop direct aid to 16 countries, including Russia, China and Iraq, papers seen by the BBC suggest. A draft copy of a government review of its £7.8bn overseas aid budget - to be published this week - also reveals assistance for India will be frozen.
"If law fails, CIA will assassinate Assange" : Video: Former Reagan Administration Paul Craig Roberts says there is a concerted effort to shut Assange up. If the legal attempt fails, he'll be assassinated by a CIA assassination team.
Stranger than fiction: Tennessee bill would jail Shariah followers: A proposed Tennessee law would make following the Islamic code known as Shariah law a felony, punishable by 15 years in jail.

Friday 25 February 2011

How Gaddafi's Words Get Lost In Translation

By Oliver Miles Former British ambassador to Libya

Oratory is out of fashion with us - no longer do our statesmen hold the House of Commons in thrall for eight hours at a go. But Mr Gaddafi is also a bad joke throughout the Arab world outside Libya. How can that be? Continue

Why the Outcome of Bahrain's Unrest Matters

By Stratfor

The outcome of government-opposition negotiations in Bahrain is geopolitically more significant than the turmoil in Libya. Continue

Chomsky : 'Stability, A Cold Code Word With US'

Press TV Interview

I think that the United States and its European allies will do everything they can to prevent full flourishing democracy in Egypt for exactly the reason I mentioned. Continue

Egypt/Turkey-Israel: ‘A Clean Break’

By Eric Walberg.

Israel’s plan was still to replace the Ottoman Turks of yore as the local imperial power. The Arab nations (prepared by British imperial divide-and-conquer and local-strongman policies) would be kept divided, weak, dependent now on Israel to ensure safe access to oil. Continue

Working Around America: A New Strategy on Israel/Palestine

By Jeff Halper

The UN vote demonstrates the great potential in organizing beyond the US, although it remains to be seen whether the PA is capable of pushing its case beyond the confines of American patronage, or having the courage to do so. Continue

Behind the Arab Revolt is a Word We Dare Not Speak

By John Pilger

John Pilger examines the imperial force that has preserved an unfree Middle East and whose true political nature is rarely uttered, except occasionally by those who have known it from within. Continue

In Case You Missed It
The War on Democracy

John Pilger Documentary

"The film tells a universal story," says Pilger. It allows us to understand the true nature of the so-called war on terror". Continue

Crushing Workers in Wisconsin Has National Effects

By Laura Flanders

So that’s what they mean by from welfare to work. First you go force the poorest Americans into the workforce, then you go after their bargaining power. Wisconsin has long been the eye of this storm. Continue

Welcome To America
TSA Harassing And Searching A 9 Year Old

Video

There were about 14 agents pulling people inside the building and corralling everyone in a roped area AFTER you got OFF THE TRAIN. Continue

NATO Kills '62 Afghan civilians’: A recent Nato air strike in an eastern Afghanistan valley killed at least 62 civilians including women and children, an Afghan government investigation said on Thursday.
NATO occupation forces kill 5 Afghan civilians : The dead included a father, his 12-year-old son and 13-year-old nephew, Omari said.
4 killed in an attack on NATO convoy in Pakistan: Militants in Pakistan attacked tankers bringing fuel to NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan on Friday, killing four people in the latest strike on an important supply line to the Western-led war.
CIA man's double-murder hearing adjourned until March 3 after he refuses to sign charge sheet: Lahore, Feb 25 : A Pakistani court hearing in the trial of US official Raymond Davis in the double-murder case has been adjourned until March 3.
Bin Laden against attacks on civilians, deputy says: I and my brothers in al Qaeda distance ourselves … from such operations and condemn them,” Ayman al-Zawahri said in an audio recording.
Death toll in fighting for Zawiyah 23 as Gaddafi loyalists launch counter-attack: Gaddafi loyalists attacked anti-government militias controlling Misrata, Libya’s third-biggest city, and killed several people in fighting near the city’s airport.
Troops kill Tripoli protesters as revolt swells: Pro-Gaddafi forces opened fire after hundreds of people in the Janzour district in western Tripoli started a protest march after Friday prayers, a resident, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters in an email.
Gaddafi addresses crowd in Tripoli: Video: "We can defeat any aggression if necessary and arm the people," Gaddafi said, in footage that was aired on Libyan state television on Friday.
Live Blog - Libya Feb 25: Al-Jazeera: As the uprising in Libya enters its eleventh day, we keep you updated on the developing situation
Manufacturing Consent For Occupation Of Libya: Libya: NATO To Hold Emergency Meeting Of North Atlantic Council: "I will meet with EU Defence Ministers and discuss with them how we, in a pragmatic way, can help those in need and limit the consequences of these events.”
Manufacturing Consent For Occupation Of Libya: Back the Libyans: The Arab League should authorize military intervention to stop the killing
'Gaddafi's son joins Libyan protesters': According to the reports, Saif al-Arab, Gaddafi's youngest son, who was sent by his father to cooperate with Libyan security forces in the massive crackdown on pro-democracy protesters joined forces with the demonstrators in the eastern city of Benghazi on Thursday.
Putin warns West on North Africa democracy-building: - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin cautioned the West Thursday that attempts to meddle in the rebellions of the Arab world may sweep extremists to power.
19 killed in Iraq's 'Day of Rage' protests: Despite pleas by the government and Shiite religious leaders for Iraqis to stay home, demonstrators gathered by the hundreds and thousands from Basra in the south to Mosul and Kirkuk in the north.
Family of six killed in Iraq attack : Six members of one family were killed when unknown gunmen attacked their house Friday, security sources said.
Iraqi shoe thrower rearrested ahead of planned protest: The Iraqi journalist who was arrested back in 2008 for throwing a shoe at George W. Bush, has been put in jail again, this time for supporting Egypt-style protests in Baghdad:
What you won’t read in the mainstream press regarding Iraq’s “National Day of Rage”: Let the world know what is happening in Iraq.
Study says US wasted billions in Iraq, Afghanistan: The "Commission on Wartime Contracting" report found that losses to fraud alone in both war zones could be as high as $12 billion.
6 peacekeepers killed in Somalia: - Somali rebels killed six Burundian peacekeepers during an offensive against insurgents, Burundi's army said on Thursday, one of the force's heaviest losses in a single day.
Renewed fighting erupts in Mogadishu: Fresh fighting broke out in Mogadishu on Friday as pro-government forces and their African Union backers continued an offensive against Al Qaeda-linked Shebab Islamists, sources said.
Nine injured as protests continue in Yemen: At least nine people were wounded after security forces opened fire at anti-government protesters in the southern Yemeni port city of Aden Friday, witnesses said.
Thousands stage anti-government protest in Bahrain: Tens of thousands of mainly Shi'ite Bahrainis gathered in Manama on Friday, declared as a day of mourning by the government, in one of the biggest anti-government protests since unrest erupted 10 days ago.
Dispatch: Why the Outcome of Bahrain's Unrest Matters: From the point of view of Saudi Arabia, an empowerment of the Shia in Bahrain will likely energize their own Shia population, which is concentrated in the eastern province, which is an oil-rich area not too far from the border with Bahrain.
Thousands in Egypt call for replacement of caretaker premier: The thousands gathered in Tahrir Square and in other Egyptian cities ignored calls by the military, now in control of the country, to halt protests. Activists have been calling on 1 million people to continue gathering in Cairo's 'liberation' square every Friday until their demands are met.
Egypt: How the mighty have fallen: For the first time in three decades, the public is starting to believe that the law is being applied to all and that no one is above the law.
Jordan sees biggest reform rally: Fearing a repeat of last Friday's violent clashes, more than 3,000 police were deployed in the city centre for this week's so-called day of anger.
Jordan launches electoral reform: Jordan's government said Thursday it had set up a committee tasked with overhauling the country's electoral law in a bid to appease protesters calling for greater political choice.
Israeli jets hit occupied Gaza after Palestinian rocket attack: The overnight air raids came hours after a member of the Palestinian resistance was killed and 10 others injured in clashes with the Israeli occupation forces .
Merkel chides Netanyahu for failing to make 'a single step to advance peace': In a tense telephone call, PM tells German chancellor that he was disappointed by Germany's vote at UN, but assures her he intends to launch new peace plan soon; Merkel reportedly did not believe Netanyahu, saying he disappointed her.
U.S. lawmaker, Syria's Assad working to renew peace talks with Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposes the plan
Manufacturing Consent For Attack On Iran: UN concern over 'military angle to Iran nuclear plan': In a report obtained by news agencies, the IAEA said Tehran was "not engaging with the agency in substance on issues concerning the allegation that Iran is developing a nuclear payload for its missile programme".
Ivorian rebels seize western town: Ivory Coast rebels take the town of Zouan-Hounien in the west, as the UN warns that the country may be heading towards civil war.
UK: Thousands of soldiers to be trained to run prisons as the Government prepares for strikes: Soldiers will run prisons if guards go on strike as part of protests against public sector cuts, it was revealed today.

Thursday 24 February 2011

Tripoli - A City in the Shadow of Death

By Robert Fisk

Gunfire in the suburbs – and hunger and rumour in the capital as thousands race for last tickets out of a city sinking into anarchy. Continue

Why Europe Fears the North African Uprisings
The Spectre of a Black Europe

By Behzad Yahmaian

The loss of Europe's hired gun in the fight against irregular migration will lead to a more open confrontation between the EU armed guards and the African migrants in high seas. How far will Europe go to stop the African from reaching its frontiers? Continue

The CIA's Killing Spree in Lahore

By Mike Whitney

Does Clinton know that after Davis shot his victims 5 times in the back, he calmly strode back to his car, grabbed his camera, and photographed the dead bodies? Continue

The Push of Conscience and Secretary Clinton

By Ray McGovern

Hillary Clinton – both as a U.S. senator and as Secretary of State – has demonstrated a nonchalant readiness to unleash the vast destructiveness of American military power. The charitable explanation, I suppose, is that she knows nothing of war from direct personal experience. Continue

Army Deploys Psy-Ops on U.S. Senators

By Michael Hastings

The U.S. Army illegally ordered a team of soldiers specializing in "psychological operations" to manipulate visiting American senators into providing more troops and funding for the war, Rolling Stone has learned – and when an officer tried to stop the operation, he was railroaded by military investigators. Continue

My Tortured Journey With Former Guantanamo Detainee David Hicks

By Jason Leopold

Hicks was picked up at a taxi stand by the Northern Alliance in November 2001 and sold to US forces for about $1,500. Continue

50 dead in clashes across Somalia: witnesses: Some 50 people, many of them fighters, were killed Wednesday in clashes across Somalia, witnesses and officials said.
UN: 57 Somalis Drown in Waters Near Yemen: The agency reported Thursday that 54 of those who died were refugees and three were smugglers.
Report: 23 killed in clashes in north-western Libya : At least 23 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces in the north-western city of al-Zawiya, the Libyan news website Quryna reported.
Gaddafi blames unrest on al-Qaeda: "It is obvious now that this issue is run by al-Qaeda," he said, speaking by phone from un unspecified location. He said that the protesters were young people who were being manipulated by al-Qaeda, and that many were doing so under the influence of drugs.
Qaddafi Loyalists Hold Tripoli as Lines Harden With Opponents: “Gunfire starts at sunset and lasts all night in Tripoli,” said Mohamed Hassan, a carpenter. Yasser al-Badry, also a carpenter, said live bullets were “all over the ground” after one crackdown against protesters in the capital.
Live Blog - Libya Feb 24 : As the uprising in Libya enters its tenth day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our headquarters in
Official: U.S. Military options for Libya being planned: "Our job is to give options from the military side and that is what we are thinking about now," he said. "We will provide the president with options should he need them."
Chomsky: US supports stable dictators: "For the Arab public, the major threat by overwhelming majority is the US and Israel,"
EU urged to share asylum burden: Countries in southern Europe urge the EU to share out the burden of accepting migrants from North Africa as a new influx is predicted.
Suicide bomber kills at least 11 in Iraq: A suicide bomber blew himself up during a ceremony in a cultural center in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi on Thursday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 18 others, police and government officials said.
Over 10,000 protesters gathered in Sulaimaniya, Iraq: Around 10,000 protesters gathered on Wednesday in central Sulaimaniya, calling for political, economic and social reforms, according to a well-informed source.
PM urges Iraqis not to attend Friday's protests: Thousands of Iraqis are expected to take to the streets on Friday to protest against poor basic services in a wave of demonstrations inspired by anti-government uprisings that have rattled the Arab world.
Extrajudicial Killing:: US Kills 6 People In Pakistan: The officials said three missiles slammed into the house, killing four people. Two people were killed in the strike on the car. They did not identify the victims.
Five security officials killed in attack on Khyber check post: Separately, in Khyber’s Bara area, three people were killed in clashes between armed militants from two banned organisations.
Pakistan's intelligence ready to split with CIA: Pakistan's ISI spy agency is ready to split with the CIA because of frustration over what it calls heavy-handed pressure and its anger over what it believes is a covert U.S. operation involving hundreds of contract spies, according to an internal document obtained by The Associated Press and interviews with U.S. and Pakistani officials.
US-Pak military hold secret meeting: Top US-Pakistan military brass, including army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, held a day-long secret meeting at a luxury resort in Oman
Did Davis double-cross US as recruitment point man for Taliban?: American official Raymond Davis, arrested for double murder, had "close links" with Taliban and was "instrumental" in recruiting youths for it, the media here claimed on Tuesday, close on the heels of reports in the US that he was a CIA agent tracking movements of terror groups like LeT.
One protester killed in Yemen: At least one person was killed and several were wounded Thursday in a landmine explosion when scores of anti-government protesters were marching in Yemen's southern province of Abyan, police said.
Yemen: Unrest in Sanaa, bloodshed in Aden : The fatalities - one named Yassin Askar, the other unidentified - were among three people taken to Naqib hospital in Aden, where demonstrators hurled stones at police, set tyres and vehicles on fire and stormed a municipal building where heavy gunfire was heard.
Yemeni lawmakers resign: - Eight members of Yemen's ruling party resigned in part to protest the government's violent response to anti-government protesters, media reports said.
Muslim Brotherhood calls for mass protest against new Egyptian cabinet: Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood called to hold a mass rally next Friday in Cairo's Tahrir Square to demand a new government. The Al Quds Al Arabi newspaper said the movement, which was banned during the rule of president Hosni Mubarak, is demanding a government without any figure who served under Mubarak.
Egypt detains minister, TV boss : Egyptian police detained the former information minister and state broadcasting chief as part of an anti-corruption probe following the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.
'Bahrain govt. must resign Thursday': Bahrainis will go on a nationwide strike and hold more massive demonstrations if the government does not resign on Thursday, an opposition figure says.
Judge approves Assange extradition: Lawyers for the 39-year-old Australian said they would be contesting the decision, having previously argued that Assange would not be given a fair trial in Sweden and could face extradition to the United States.
Assange extradition order 'gang rape': mother: The mother of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday condemned a court order for his extradition to Sweden as "political and legal gang rape", the Australian Associated Press reported.
Saudi held on Texas terror charge: He is accused of eyeing targets including the Dallas home of former president George W Bush
In case you missed it: WMD Plot Uncovered In East Texas: Three people linked to white supremacist and anti-government groups are in custody. At least one weapon of mass destruction - a sodium cyanide bomb capable of delivering a deadly gas cloud - has been seized in the Tyler area.
S&P downgrades Ireland's debt rating: The agency said Wednesday that it was cutting its rating on Ireland by one notch to A minus from A and warned that another downgrade could be enacted by April.
'I won't pay' movement spreads across Greece: In light of austerity measures, citizens ignore tolls, transit ticket costs, even bills for healthcare
Providence plans to pink slip all teachers: The school district plans to send out dismissal notices to every one of its 1,926 teachers, an unprecedented move that has union leaders up in arms.

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Khadafi On the Outs

“Khadafi had clearly reached an accommodation with the United States and the rich men of Europe.”

By Glen Ford
The worst possible consequence of the Libyan crisis would be for the United States to find some way to intervene, in any way whatsoever. Continue

The NATO Plan is to Occupy Libya

By Fidel Castro

For me, what is absolutely clear is that the government of the United States is not in the least worried about peace in Libya and it will not hesitate in giving NATO the order to invade that rich country, perhaps in a matter of hours or a few short days. Continue

Gaddafi Raved and Cursed, but he Faces Forces he Cannot Control

By Robert Fisk

So he will go down fighting. That's what Muammar Gaddafi told us last night, and most Libyans believe him. This will be no smooth flight to Riyadh or a gentle trip to a Red Sea holiday resort. Continue

A False Friend in the White House

By Stephen M. Walt

If Obama were a true friend of Israel, in short, he'd be doing whatever he could to keep it from expanding its ruinous occupation and making the Zionist vision unsustainable. Continue

Justice Drops Defense of Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz

By JOSH GERSTEIN

Judge Richard Gergel said allowing the case to proceed could result in “a massive discovery assault on the intelligence agencies of the United States Government….and lengthy and probing depositions of high-ranking government officials. Continue

Libya: 2,000 reported killed in Benghazi, 1,000 in Tripoli: "They carried out a real massacre," French doctor says; Fighter pilots crash planes rather than strike protesters.
Gaddafi loses more Libyan cities: Protesters in Misurata said on Wednesday they had wrested the western city from government control. In a statement on the internet, army officers stationed in the city pledged "total support for the protesters".
Qaddafi Grips Capital While Rebels Gain Across Libya: Thousands of African mercenaries and militiamen were massing on roads heading toward Tripoli on Wednesday to reinforce the stronghold of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi as rebels protesting his 40-year rule claimed to have taken control of cities closer to the capital, witnesses said.
Soldiers Killed : - Video - Hands tied behind their back and shot in the head.
Sorrowful Video: Child Massacred by Gaddafi's Army in Benghazi, Libya: According to informed sources death toll reached more than 1200 hundreds and 5000 others injured.
Horrifying video of Gaddafi's supporters entering homes in Benghazi
Raw Video: : Man in Cyrene (Shahat) recalls his story from a bed in the hospital:
Raw Video: Green Square Tripoli, Libya -
Raw Video of bloody Libya unrest as protests rage in Tripoli, Benghazi
Libyan security minister defects - Al Jazeera: The channel aired amateur video footage that showed Abidi sitting at his desk and reading a statement that also urged the Libyan army to join the people and their "legitimate demands".
Manufacturing Consent For Attack On Libya: Obama faces pressure to intervene in Libya: The United States faced calls to impose sanctions but also to take direct action such as bombing Libyan airfields and imposing no-fly zones -- military steps that most analysts consider unlikely
UK sends warship for evacuation: HMS Cumberland in readiness for possible rescue of British citizens caught up in violent revolt in Libya.
Live Blog - Libya Feb 23: AJE Live Stream - Twitter Audio: Voices from Libya
Iranian President Slams Libya Killings: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has condemned the killings of protesters in Libya, calling the government's actions there "unimaginable."
3 Planes Airlift All Russians From Tripoli: Russian officials announced Wednesday that all Russian citizens had been airlifted from the capital of violence-torn Libya, but reports emerged about people stranded elsewhere in the country.
Gun battles erupt in Ivorian city: Three soldiers killed as heavy gunfire and explosions rock Abidjan, while African Union tries to end political impasse.
2 Students killed at Yemen rally: Protests turn deadly as the president's supporters open fire on anti-government demonstrators in the capital, Sanaa.
Yemen MPs resign over violence: Seven parliamentarians quit ruling party to protest against what they say is government violence against demonstrators.
Policeman killed in Iraq Kurd anti-govt protest: mayor: Anti-government protests in the Iraqi Kurdish town of Halabja on Wednesday left a policeman dead as a result of gunshot wounds and another injured, the town's mayor and a doctor said.
Iraqi officials bend to protesters' demands: In an apparent bid to deflate a major protest planned for Friday, the head of Baghdadâd provincial council on Tuesday promised to fire corrupt and inept officials, while Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced that he was personally overseeing the availability of sugar and other items provided to the poor.
Moroccan single mother burns herself in protest: A young Moroccan set herself on fire after being excluded from a social housing scheme because she was an unmarried mother, a local government official said on Wednesday.
Video : Hundreds of Thousands Baharinis march Toward Lulu Roundabot: Hundreds of thousands of Bahrainis have poured into the streets of Manama to stage the largest rally in more than a week of protests against the kingdom's royal rule.
Ex-policemen set Egypt's ministry afire: They threw fire bombs at a smaller administrative building next to the main offices of the interior ministry.
Running scared: Saudi king announces new benefits: King Abdullah announces $10.7 billion in pay raises, job creation and loan forgiveness schemes as he returns to country.
Clashes break out at Greek protests: Violence breaks out between police and protesters as tens of thousands march in the capital against spending cuts.
Georgian occupation force soldier killed by landmine in Afghanistan: The Georgian Defense Ministry reported that a Georgian soldier, Corporal Giorgi Avaliani, was killed during the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.
Exclusive: U.S. occupation force soldier faces trial for Afghan civilian murder: Yar Mohammad was in Iran one afternoon last September when his electrician father was taken from his home in an Afghan village by U.S. and Afghan soldiers, beaten in a school bathroom and then shot in the head.
Afghan security at worst state since Taliban: UN: The security situation in Afghanistan has worsened to its lowest point since the toppling of the Taliban a decade ago and attacks on aid workers are at unprecedented levels, a UN envoy said yesterday.
Taliban claims control of district: NATO forces say they have secured control of the south of Afghanistan. But just 30 minutes by car from Kandahar city, the Taliban has set up camps.
Afghan resistance statement: Five days ago, the invading forces in Afghanistan led by America launched brutal aerial attacks against civilian houses in Adargol, esulting in martyrdom of 70 common people.
118 drone raids killed only two top militants: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States launched 118 drone attacks in Pakistan last year, but managed to kill only two “most-wanted” terrorists, The Washington Post has reported.
Pakistan : Teen 'victim' of US attack 'Stop drone use' ; 15-year-old Sadaullah lost both legs and an eye in a bombing in North Wazirstan.
Raymond Davis Does Not Have Diplomatic Immunity: There are five circumstances in which Raymond Davis, the American killer caught in Pakistan, might have diplomatic immunity. They are these.
IDF fires on "militants" in Gaza : Palestinians report three children were among the wounded, while the rest belonged to Islamic Jihad; IDF says explosive device was detonated towards soldiers patrolling border.
Four teens suspected of stabbing Arab youth to death in occupied Jerusalem: Police suspect crime had nationalistic motives; of the four suspects, two are from Jerusalem and two are from settlements in the West Bank.
Reporter tries to place Lieberman under citizens arrest: Foreign Minster Avigdor Lieberman was challenged by a reporter during his visit to the European Council, when the man told Lieberman that he was under citizens' arrest and demanded that Lieberman accompany him to the nearest police station.
Israeli activists charge Ian McEwan with supporting apartheid: Video - Joseph Dana reports that Israeli activists from the Boycott From Within and Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity movements disrupted an event with author Ian McEwan yesterday in Jerusalem.
Iranian navy ships exit Suez Canal: First such passage through Egyptian channel since 1979 Islamic revolution is condemned by Israel as a "provocation".
Lawsuit alleges FBI violated Muslims' freedom of religion: An FBI informant who infiltrated a California mosque violated the constitutional rights of hundreds of Muslims by targeting them for surveillance because of their religion, the ACLU and a Muslim group said in a lawsuit Tuesday.
Use live ammunition’ against Wisconsin protesters, Indiana official says: One official in Indiana suggested over the weekend that riot police should use deadly force on those protesting Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip unions of their rights.
Wisconsin could lose $46 million in federal funds: His budget and transportation officials have informed him that he'd could be forfeiting millions in transportation funding from the federal government if his anti-union legislation is signed into law.
Senate Republicans to withhold Democrats' pay: Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to make Democrats hiding out in Illinois come back to Wisconsin to pick up their paychecks.
Report: Distressed Homes Accounted for Nearly Half of January Sales: Already, in the key state of California, the survey found distressed property transactions account for 66 percent of the market.
The curse of negative home equity: Florida: 43% Of Mortgages Underwater, 11% Of Homes In Foreclosure