Saturday 4 February 2012

NO war - NO sanctions - NO intervention - NO assassinations. Continue
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An Attack on Iran Must be Stopped

By Andrew Murray

As the US and UK gear up for another senseless war in the Middle East, one thing is certain – it will end in disaster. Continue
The Growing Iranian Military Behemoth?

By Glenn Greenwald

American political officials and commentators feel free to insist, with a straight face, that Iran is an aggressor nation posing a serious threat to the U.S.: such a serious threat, in fact, that war may be necessary to stop it. Continue
Lawmakers, "Experts" Spin Tales of Iranian Terror in Latin America

By Charles Davis

Through its ties with Venezuela and other nations in Latin America, Iran is building an anti-U.S. alliance in the Western Hemisphere that poses a direct, imminent threat to the United States, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said Thursday. Continue
U.S. Leak on Israeli Attack Weakened a Warning to Netanyahu

By Gareth Porter

The real aim of the leak brings into sharper focus a contradiction in the Barack Obama administration's Iran policy. Continue
Russia as Smokescreen
Cynicism Around Syria

By Vijay Prashad

The US and Israel are currently hiding behind the Russians (and to some extent the Chinese) in the UN Security Council. None of them have any interest in the removal of al-Assad from power. Continue
Exposed: The Arab Agenda in Syria

By Pepe Escobar

Here's a crash course on the "democratic" machinations of the Arab League - rather the GCC League, as real power in this pan-Arab organization is wielded by two of the six Persian Gulf monarchies. Continue
Newt Gingrich Suggests Obama Is A Muslim-Appeasing Traitor

By Ellen

“…I think you have a pro-Islamist faction in the administration that is on every front trying to appease people who are our enemies…" Continue
Muslim: Quip Led to Terror Probe

By SIDHARTHA BANERJEE

A casual text message to work colleagues encouraging them to "blow away" the competition at a trade show allegedly plunged a Muslim man into a terrorism probe. Continue
A War Anniversary that U.S. Wishes to Forget

By Emil Guillermo

Feb. 4 marks the anniversary of a war America won — but doesn’t care to crow about. When the memory only produces shame and regret, you can understand why. Continue
5 Wars That America Must End
By Eric Blair

When poverty rates climb, there's a crew of government workers secretly high-fiving that their job is safe. When marijuana legalization measures fail, the police and prison unions celebrate. When America is attacked, the weapons manufacturers rejoice. Continue
200 killed in Syria govt assault: "Activist": Syrian forces unleashed a barrage of mortars and artillery on the battered city of Homs today, killing more than 200 people in what appears to be the bloodiest episode in the nearly 11-month-old uprising, activists said.
Syrian government denies reports of army shelling city of Homs: The denial came after Syrian opposition groups claimed that dozens of civilians have lost their lives in an attack by the army on the violence-hit city.
Russia and China veto UN resolution on Syria: The Americans said the two countries had sold out the Syrian people; the French accused them of backing Damascus without scruple; while the British said they had turned their backs on the Arab world.
US ‘Disgusted’ by Russia, China Veto of UN Resolution to End Violence in Syria: “The United States is disgusted that a couple of members of this Council continue to prevent us from fulfilling our sole purpose,” U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said. “For months this Council has been held hostage by a couple of members,” she said, referring to Russia and China
Text of proposed UN resolution on Syria: Text of the proposed U.N. Security Council resolution on Syria that was vetoed Saturday by Russia and China:
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: U.N. Nuclear Inspectors’ Visit to Iran Is a Failure, "West" Says: American and European (unnamed) "officials" said Friday that a mission by international nuclear inspectors to Tehran this week had failed to address their key concerns, indicating that Iran’s leaders believe they can resist pressure to open up the nation’s nuclear program.
Presstitute alert: Iran stonewalls U.N. nuclear watchdog on (Unnamed) site-diplomats: Iran's apparent reluctance to let U.N. inspectors visit a military site near Tehran underlines the uphill task they face in getting the Islamic state to address suspicions it may be seeking to develop nuclear weapons, Western diplomats say.
Crack Israeli commando unit formed to target Iranian nuclear programme: Mossad hit squads have already carried out assassinations on key Iranian scientists and the Depth Corps has been sent deep inside Iran to prepare an all-out strike against its nuclear programme.
Assassination Unit set up inside Iran: Israeli Defence Ministry official were quoted as saying that the unit has been organized “to coordinate deep penetration operations in other countries as well.”
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: Israeli embassies, consulates raise alter over Iranian threats: - Israel has raised the alert level at its consulates and embassies due to fears of an Iranian terror attack, Israeli radio revealed Saturday.
Germany Warns Against Military Action Against Iran: Germany's foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle said on Saturday that Europe is determined to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran but is warning against military action.
Robert Fisk: An attack on Tehran would be madness. So don't rule it out: After invading Iraq over weapons of mass destruction, we plan to clap as Israel bombs Iran
"Iranian opposition" meets in Sweden: About 50 exiled members of Iran's opposition on Saturday gathered for a two-day conference in Stockholm to discuss how they can unite to promote democracy in their homeland and prepare for its parliamentary election in March.
Iran calls on EU to review oil embargo decision: "Unfortunately the EU has succumbed to America's pressure. I hope they would review their decision on sanctioning Iran's oil exports" Iran's oil minister
Iran to cut oil exports to ‘hostile’ European states: “We will certainly cut [oil exports] to some European states,” Mr Ghasemi said on Saturday. But he gave no indication on timing nor did he identify which countries would be Iran’s target because of their “more hostile positions”.
Iran to OPEC states: Do not raise oil output: Iran has asked OPEC members not to raise oil production to compensate for a European Union embargo against the Islamic republic, Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said on Saturday.
Iranian battle group docks in Saudi Arabia: Iran's 18th naval battle group has docked at the port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Mehr News Agency quoted the commander of Iran's naval fleet as saying on Saturday.
NYPD document: Collect intelligence at mosques: The New York Police Department recommended increasing surveillance of thousands of Shiite Muslims and their mosques, based solely on their religion, as a way to sweep the Northeast for signs of Iranian terrorists, according to interviews and a newly obtained secret police document.
37 killed as UN peace talks collapse: Officials from three states and the UN had met for talks in the remote town of Mayendit in Unity state in an effort to reduce inter-ethnic tensions. Those killed in the gun battle included civilians, but most were police.
Sudan: President Does Not Exclude Possibility of War With Juba: The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir highlighted the unprecedented level of tensions with the newly established state of South Sudan by saying that war is now a possibility.
18 militants, 7 soldiers killed in clash in northwestern Pakistan: At least seven Pakistani soldiers and 18 suspected militants were killed on Friday in an attack in the country's northwestern tribal region, officials said on Saturday.
3 Gunmen Killed in Clashes with Afghan Police in Nangarhar: The incident took place in Keera Khil district of Nangarhar province, while the gunmen attacked on Afghan police, Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, provincial spokesman told TOLOnews reporter.
American Forces Killed An Afghan Soldier: An Afghan soldier was shod to dead by American forces in Sar-i-Pul province last night.
Afghan civilian death toll hits 'record high': UN mission in Afghanistan says 2011 was fifth straight year that number of dead has risen, with 3,021 civilians killed.
Fact or fiction: Mullah Omar wrote to Obama: officials: Current and former U.S. officials told a foreign news agency that reclusive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar wrote to President Barack Obama last year indicating an interest in talks key to ending the war in Afghanistan.
9 killed in Egypt over football riots: Nine killed and more than 2,500 wounded in clashes over authorities' failure to prevent Port Said football violence.
Video shows French woman wounded by IDF grenade in West Bank protest: Protesters from the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh released video footage on Saturday showing that the French woman wounded during the weekly protest on Friday was hit by an Israel Defense Forces gas grenade .
Anonymous leaks e-mails in Iraq’s Haditha massacre case: Anonymous, in the statement on the puckettfaraj.com website, said it wanted to bring attention to the "brutality of U.S. imperialism."
Manning to face court martial over WikiLeaks: Accused of leaking more than 700,000 secret documents, private in US army faces possible life imprisonment.
Probe call over 'spying' on Shias in New York: Rights groups urge officials to open investigation after report shows city's police recommended surveillance of mosques.
Set Up Free Email Encryption In 15 Minutes: Not only is free email encryption very useful, but it is fairly simple, almost seamless, and you don’t need to befriend a bunch of encryption fanatics to use it effectively
Is US democracy being bought and sold?: Video - How corporations, unions and political action committees are shaping the candidate pool.
February 03, 2012
Exclusive: Israel Warns US Jews: Iran Could Strike Here

By RICHARD ESPOSITO

Israeli facilities in North America -- and around the world -- are on high alert, according to an internal security document obtained by ABC News that predicted the threat from Iran against Jewish targets will increase.Continue
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran
US Fears Iran's Links to Al Qaeda

BY SIOBHAN GORMAN

Officials believe country may have provided aid to terror group. Continue
Iran : Fact Checking the Media

By Dennis Kucinich

The media coverage on Iran is mirroring the coverage in the lead-up to the Iraq war: grand claims about a smoking gun that doesn't exist. Continue
Iran is the Root of all Evil

By Glenn Greenwald

Is there anything those Persian Monsters aren’t guilty of? Continue
How Hollywood Spreads Propaganda.

By Danny Schechter

Iran seems to many observers to be next in line for the Iraqi freedom treatment, the latest in a long line of “enemy” nations menaced by overt and covert military threats by the United States and its allies. Continue
US Preparing Something Against Iran

By Gennady Yevstafyev
Retired Lieutenant-General of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence.

Iran is a key, it is a lynchpin of the security situation in the Gulf as far as anti-American forces are concerned. Continue
Russia, US Acting Together

By BERIL DEDEOGLU

The Syrian crisis has shown once again that the members of the UN Security Council are much more interested in the strategic chess game than the number of civilians who have lost their lives.
Continue
Evil in the Crosshairs
'I Only Wish I Had Killed More'

By Laurence Vance

Savage, despicable evil. That's what we were fighting in Iraq. That's why a lot of people, myself included, called the enemy "savages." Continue
“An Eagle Does Not Hunt Flies”
The Genius of Chavez

By: Fidel Castro


Venezuela today is the site of a great battle. Internal and external enemies of the revolution prefer chaos —as Chavez has said— to the just, organized and peaceful development of the country. Continue
Obama’s Refinancing Swindle

By Mike Whitney

Barack Obama’s new housing refinance plan has nothing to do with “lowering monthly mortgage payments so responsible borrowers can stay in their homes”. That’s all public relations bunkum. Continue
Pakistan: 25 killed in Taliban attack: The overnight attack on Shidano Dand post in the Kurram region triggered clashes in which 18 militants and 7 Pak troops were killed, according to a senior military official.
Cost of NATO’s adventurism: Russia has to understand that if the US and NATO troops decimate or make the Taliban ineffective, the US would maintain a contingent of a few thousand troops plus a strong air force base in Afghanistan to meet any eventuality and pose a palpable threat to it.
At least 17 killed in Syria violence: "activists": Nine Syrian soldiers were killed in separate clashes with Free Syrian Army rebels in two villages in Daraa province, south of Damascus
Russia refuses to sign draft UN resolution on Syria: Talks to secure a United Nations resolution on Syria have dragged on into the weekend after Russia refused to sign up to a watered down draft which removed references to the departure of President Bashar al-Assad.
Moscow Dismisses Iran-for-Syria Deal: - The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected reports on Friday that it could strike a deal on Iran with the United States in exchange for non-intervention by the West in Syria.
Israel preparing to attack Iran: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes there is a strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in April, May or June
Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens Retaliation Against Attack: Warning that the United States in particular would face severe damage to its interests if any strike were carried out against its nuclear sites.
US push to arm Israel: . A policy group in the US has called for providing Israel with 200 additional bunker-buster bombs and aerial refuelling tankers to increase the credibility of a military strike aimed at thwarting Iran's nuclear program.
U.S. anxiety grows over possible Israeli plans on Iran: European and U.S. diplomats say Obama administration worried about Israeli leaders' provocative public comments on Iran's nuclear program.
Shin Bet chief: Iran trying to hit Israeli targets in response to attacks on nuclear scientists: Yoram Cohen tells audience at a closed forum in Tel Aviv that Iran's Revolutionary Guards are working tirelessly to attack Israeli targets abroad in order to deter Israel.
Less than One-Fifth of All Americans Favor Military or Covert Action Against Iran : A new United Technologies/National Journal “Congressional Connection Poll,” finds that only 13% Americans think the U.S. should “take covert action against Iran such as sabotage and assassination of scientists working on their nuclear program”.
Iran successfully launches new satellite into orbit: Navid-e Elm-o Sanat is a telecom, measurement and scientific satellite whose records could be used in a wide range of fields.
Don’t knock the media’s bias and double standards on Israel: Disproportionate coverage is the flip side of disproportionate support for Israel, and thus a critical element in its national security.
Tortured to death: Libya: Diplomat Dies in Militia Custody: A Libyan diplomat who served as ambassador to France died less than 24 hours after he was detained by a Tripoli-based militia from the town of Zintan, Human Rights Watch said today. Dr. Omar Brebesh, who was detained on January 19, 2012, appears to have died from torture.
Gaddafi's bloodied shirt and wedding ring to go up for auction: Libyan national Ahmed Warfali is apparently asking for $2million for the items after somehow coming into their possession.
Deaths in Egypt protests over football riot: Two killed in Suez, two in Cairo and 1689 wounded after two days of clashes following deadly football violence.
Kuwaiti Islamist-led opposition wins majority: Opposition secures 34 out of 50 seats in snap parliamentary elections held after anti-corruption protests in December.
China intensifies criticism of sanctions on Iran: "In the near term, the sudden spike in tensions between the United States and Iran is now posing the greatest uncertainty. This factor is disrupting global energy markets and has cast a shadow over the global economic recovery."
Baghdad says US Iran sanctions a problem for Iraq: American sanctions on Iran pose difficulties for Iraq because of its close economic ties with the Islamic republic, so Baghdad plans to seek a waiver from the US, the government spokesman told AFP.
Turkey bombs northern Iraq: Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said in a statement on Friday that Turksh fighter jets bombed three PKK targets in Zap. There were no immediate reports on causalities
Judges retire to consider Assange’s last chance on extradition: Supreme Court is final shot for WikiLeaker-in-chief
WikiLeaks aside, Assange case strikes core of civil liberty: JULIAN Assange's current court appearance in Britain has nothing to do with sex or United States diplomatic cables or even with WikiLeaks. But it may make an important contribution to European law.
US 'no-fly' list of suspected terrorists doubles in 12 months: The size of the US government's secret list of suspected terrorists who are banned from flying to or within the country has more than doubled in the past year.
Do You Like Online Privacy? You May Be a Terrorist: A flyer designed by the FBI and the Department of Justice to promote suspicious activity reporting in internet cafes lists basic tools used for online privacy as potential signs of terrorist activity.
Roseanne Barr Seeks Green Party Presidential Nod: "The Democrats and Republicans have proven that they are servants -- bought and paid for by the 1% -- who are not doing what's in the best interest of the American people," Barr said.
Stolen Babies? Immigrant Mother Loses Four Kids: The scars of childbirth were still healing on Amelia Reyes Jimenez's stomach in 2008 when police came to her Phoenix apartment and took her three-month-old daughter from her arms.
Greece’s leaders oppose new austerity measures: All three party leaders in Greece’s teetering national unity government have opposed new austerity measures demanded by international lenders, forcing eurozone finance ministers to postpone approval of a new €130bn bail-out and moving the country closer to a full-blown default.
Unemployment hits record high in Spain: Jobless rate is twice the average for the rest of the EU, with young people particularly badly affected, new data show.
Canada: Unemployment rises as just 2,300 jobs created in January: Canada's economy squeezed out a paltry gain of 2,300 jobs last month as the country's unemployment rate increased due to more people looking for work.
Why Today's "Very, Very Suspicious" NFP Number Is Really Down 2.9 Million In Past 2 Months: "Actual jobs, not seasonally adjusted, are down 2.9 million over the past two months. It is only after seasonal adjustments – made at the sole discretion of the Bureau of Labor Statistics economists – that 2.9 million fewer jobs gets translated into 446,000 new seasonally adjusted jobs."
GOP Rep. West: Someone's 'playing around with' unemployment numbers: There is something suspicious about the job numbers released today and it has me very concerned," West wondered Friday.
Working Poor: Almost Half Of U.S. Households Live One Crisis From The Bread Line: According to the report, 43 percent of households in America -- some 127.5 million people -- are liquid-asset poor. If one of these households experiences a sudden loss of income, caused, for example, by a layoff or a medical emergency, it will fall below the poverty line within three months.
Home prices drop, consumers turn gloomier: The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of single-family home prices in 20 metropolitan areas, released on Tuesday, declined 0.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, a bigger drop than the 0.5 percent economists expected.
February 02, 2012
Dempsey Told Israelis U.S. Won't Join Their War on Iran

By Gareth Porter

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey told Israeli leaders Jan. 20 that the United States would not participate in a war against Iran begun by Israel without prior agreement from Washington. Continue
Divining the Truth about Iran

By Ray McGovern

You will almost never see in a major U.S. newspaper the assessment – backed by the 16 U.S. intelligence agencies – that Iran is NOT building nuclear weapons. Continue
Iran: This Is What Propaganda Looks Like

By Peter Hart

For sheer propaganda value, ABC World News' January 31 broadcast would be tough to top. Continue
Syria is Used to the Slings and Arrows of Friends and Enemies

By Robert Fisk

For Syria as a nation – rather than a regime – there is much sympathy as well as respect in the Arab world. Continue
Syria's Long Black Tunnel

By Ehsani

Here are some of the main divisions running through Syrian society. Continue
UN Shenanigans on Syria

By Aisling Byrne

At stake in this diplomatic battle of "historic importance" is the campaign led by the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and France to secure a UN mandate for external interference in Syria with the aim of deposing President Bashar al-Assad. Continue
Managing Public Perception
Psywar: The Real Battlefield is Your Mind

Must Watch Video

A superb account of how we're manipulated from birth to death. Continue
NATO Troops Disguise Themselves as Civilians in Afghanistan

By Canadian Veterans Advocacy Operations

This practice invites Taliban attacks on Afghans and NGOs. Continue
Robot Wars
How Military Drones Are Changing War


Video

Today there are more than 7,000 drones and 12,000 ground robots in use by all branches of the military. These systems mean less "American" deaths and also less political risk for the US when it takes acts of lethal force – often outside of official war zones. Continue
Obama: Not Cool, Just Cold-Blooded

By Glen Ford

“When the U.S. president arrogates to himself the right to bomb and kill at will, he makes himself an outlaw.” Continue
The US Health Care Industry Racket

By Ralph Nader

Here is a partial example of what I mean. Continue
Santorum To Sick Kid:
Don’t Complain About $1 Million Drug Costs


By David Edwards

“People have no problem paying $900 for an iPad,” the candidate explained. “But paying $900 for a drug they have a problem with — it keeps you alive. Why? Because you’ve been conditioned to think health care is something you can get without having to pay for it.” Continue
3 policemen killed in Taliban attack in northwest Pakistan: The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out in retaliation for arrests made by security forces during a recent search operation
Pakistan will no longer tolerate "unilateral US actions": Pakistan Foreign Minister: "No unilateral action at any level, of any type. Like Abbottabad. Like what happened in Salala," The News quoted Khar, as saying.
Pakistani Militant Gives Ultimatum To US: "America has started a war against Pakistan and also attacked our army checkpoints. That is why all the political parties are here and we are united until America leaves the region."
Panetta: US to end combat in Afghanistan next year: U.S. and other international forces in Afghanistan aim to end their combat role next year and switch to training and advising Afghan forces through 2014, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Wednesday.
Romney criticizes U.S. decision to end Afghan combat next year: [Obama’s] naivete is putting in jeopardy the mission of the United States of America and our commitments to freedom. He is wrong.
NATO combat role in Afghanistan through 2014: - NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Thursday insisted that the military alliance would be carrying out combat operations in Afghanistan until 2014, following a day of speculation about its withdrawal plans.
Britain to pull out troops from Afghanistan frontline role by the end of next yea:r British troops will step back from their lead combat role in Afganistan by the end of 2013 under plans drawn up by the Nato-led Isaf international alliance, Downing Street said today.
Australia's defense minister hints at longer stay of troops in Afghanistan: Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith on Wednesday said Australian special forces could stay in Afghanistan for years after an official international troop withdrawal.
Afghan Taliban deny plans for peace talks in Saudi Arabia: The Afghan Taliban have denied planning to hold preliminary peace talks with representatives from the Afghan government in Saudi Arabia.
UN resolution drops demands for Assad’s resignation, arms embargo - reports: Russia and China were the only permanent Security Council members opposing the draft, reminding others that it was not their place to intervene in the domestic affairs of another country.
U.S., Russia set for high-octane clash over Syria : On Friday, Gennady Gatilov, a Deputy Foreign Minister, said Russia would reject any call seeking Mr. Assad's resignation. Analysts say Moscow can also be expected to find fault with any language in the draft that suggests adoption of punitive measures against the Syrian regime if it did not comply with the listed demands.
Beijing against sanctions on Syria: "We firmly oppose forcefully pushing for 'regime change', which violates the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations," Li Baodong, China's ambassador to the United Nations, said during a Security Council debate on Syria on Tuesday.
Free Syrian Army soldiers may have armored vehicles, YouTube videos show: Two videos posted on YouTube in recent days demonstrate rebel claims that defected soldiers fighting in the name of the Free Syrian Army have access to at least some infantry fighting vehicles, which were either captured from the regular army or acquired when whole units defected.
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: Israel Says Iran Has Material For Four Nuclear Bombs: General Aviv Kochavi said on February 2 that Iran has accumulated nearly 100 kilograms of material at an enrichment level of 20 percent.
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: Iran developing missile to hit US, senior Israeli official says: Iran is developing a missile with a 10,000 kilometre range, which would put the US within range of attack, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Thursday.
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: Ya'alon: Iran was working on US-range missile: Vice Prime Minister says December explosion at Iran base occurred where long-range missile was being developed.
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: Israel Vice PM: Military strike can hit all of Iran's nuclear facilities: Moshe Ya’alon calls the possibility of a nuclear Iran a 'nightmare to the free world,' says explosion at Iranian missile base targeted missile system that would have threatened the U.S.
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran: The Aftermath of “Israel v. Iran”: Israel requires no more than an “understanding” of its need to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. The official made clear they are “not looking for the international community’s support or consent” or even tacit approval, “but rather a sympathetic view of Israel’s difficult situation.”
US, Britain, France up for war: The United States, Britain and France have begun to deploy troops in the Gulf in a move which experts say suggests preparations for a war with Iran. The first strikes could be carried out at the beginning of the summer
Israel's military leaders warn against Iran attack: Almost the entire senior hierarchy of Israel's military and security establishment is worried about a premature attack on Iran and apprehensive about the possible repercussions, a former chief of the country's defence forces told The Independent yesterday
IAEA sets date for new nuclear talks in Teheran: Chief UN nuclear inspector Herman Nackaerts told reporters on his return from a three-day trip to Teheran that his six-member team had had a 'good' visit.
Iran warns currency speculators as rial continues to fall: Faced with a plummeting currency in the wake of toughened international sanctions, Iran is cracking down on black-market money changers and warning that major speculators could face execution.
Turkish General Staff knew 34 victims were civilians ahead of strike: The order for an airstrike which killed 34 civilians smuggling goods into Turkey over the border with Iraq in late December were given in full knowledge that the border-crossers were not Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorists, contrary to the initial explanation the General Staff offered for the error.
American drone strikes provoke Yemenis against interim government: Groups will take advantage of public panic and will make recruitment efforts, convincing people that they will die anyways because of air strikes and that it's better to die as martyrs, fighting on their side.
See also - US to expand network of secret bases: THE Pentagon plans to expand its global network of drones and special-operations bases in a fundamental military realignment designed to project US power even as it cuts back conventional forces.
74 killed as Egyptians blame military, police for deadly riot : Crowds of Egyptian soccer fans fleeing supporters of the opposing team armed with knives, clubs and stones rushed into the corridor, only to be crushed against a locked gate, their rivals attacking from behind, survivors and witnesses said.
Interior Minister guilty for 'Port Said massacre', says PA : The People’s Assembly (PA) held the interior minister responsible for what they described as the “Port Said massacre” and ordered the inclusion of the case to the fact finding committee of the January 25 Revolution’s martyrs and injured.
Tear gas during Cairo clashes: Demonstrators angered by the deaths of 74 people after a football match in the city of Port Said on Wednesday have clashed with police outside the Egyptian interior ministry in Cairo.
UN staff accused of raping children in Sudan: Members of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Sudan are facing allegations of raping and abusing children as young as 12, The Daily Telegraph reported today.
Kuwaitis vote to choose new government: Opposition expected to fare well in snap parliamentary polls aimed at ending damaging political disputes.
Swedes press their case against Assange in appeal: It was the second and final day of the hearing in central London before seven Supreme Court judges. They were expected to defer judgment for several weeks.
Republicans push to stop automatic spending cuts: - The U.S. military would be spared from automatic spending cuts set for next year under a proposal some top Senate Republicans offered on Thursday that instead would save money by reducing the federal workforce.

UK Law Firm Sues WikiLeaks Founder Assange Over Pending Fees: Finers Stephens Innocent LLP - the law firm in question, dragged the 40 years old Australian national to court over pending legal fees. Apparently, the firm which mainly specialises in commercial litigation was replaced by Assange last year when a UK court overruled his defence and upheld the Swedish arrest warrant.
ACLU sues to force release of drone attack records: The American Civil Liberties Union asked a federal court Wednesday to force the Obama administration to release legal and intelligence records related to the killing of three U.S. citizens in drone attacks in Yemen last year.
FBI agents chainsaw through mother's front door and hold her at gunpoint for 30 minutes after raiding WRONG apartment: The 29-year-old was then held face down on the floor as her three-year-old daughter Ji-anni cried in another room.
American Airlines Wants To Eliminate 13,000 Jobs, End Pension Plans: The company proposes to end its traditional pension plans, a move strongly opposed by the airline's unions and the U.S. pension-insurance agency, and to stop paying for retiree health benefits.
The experts' view on the euro's future: it doesn't have one: Leading economists and politicians issue stark warning over eurozone
 

Monday 23 January 2012


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===
US Marine Kills Women Children Gets 3 Months

By CBS/AP

A Marine accused of killing unarmed Iraqi women and children pleaded guilty Monday to dereliction of duty in a deal that will mean a maximum of three months confinement. Continue
Critics Say Haditha Sends Message That U.S. Won’t Punish War Crimes

By Scott Gold and Carol J. Williams

“It’s going to be hard to explain to the world that at the end of the day this fellow will serve three months and that the charges have been so significantly reduced,” Continue
Iran 'Definitely' Closing Strait of Hormuz Over EU Oil Embargo

By RT

Tensions in the Gulf could reach a breaking point as a senior Iranian official said Iran would “definitely” close the Strait of Hormuz if an EU oil embargo disrupted the export of crude oil. Continue
The Eurasian Triple Entente:
Touch Iran in a War, You Will Hear Russia and China

By Mahdi Darius NAZEMROAYA

Iran can be characterized as a geo-strategic pivot. The entire geo-political equation in Eurasia will change on the basis of Iran’s political orbit. Continue
So Who is Iran Threatening?

By Jasdev Singh Rai

Assuming the worse that Iran is building a nuclear 'Bomb'. Is it really aimed at Washington 7000 miles away, London 3000 miles away or closer at Tel Aviv only 1000 miles away? And why? World Domination? Convert Mr Smith, Mrs Queen and Mr Levy into Shia Islam? Continue
‘Israel to Give Obama 12 Hours Notice on Attacking Iran’
US and Israel on 'Collision Course'


By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

The Netanyahu government also will not coordinate with the United States an attack on the Islamic Republic. Continue
UK Silences Iran’s Press TV

By Danny Schechter


The British media regulator OFCOM has pulled Press TV’s license to be seen in the United Kingdom, the same regulator that has done so little to police the methods of Rupert Murdoch’s media practices or BBC’s tilted coverage of the war in Iraq. Continue
Arab League Mission: Syria Violence Decreased

By Press TV

Sudanese General Mustafa al-Dabi on Monday criticized foreign media for exaggerating the violence in Syria, stressing that the situation has improved in the country since the monitoring mission began in December. Continue
In Case You Missed It
Washington’s Enemy ‘Doesn’t Exist’ : Former CIA Officer

RT Interview with Michael Scheuer

The real problem is the leaders of the Jewish American community in the US, who influence and corrupt our Congress to support Israel when we have no interest there,” he states. Continue
The On-Going War Against Truth

By Lawrence Davidson

Disenchanting the public of official lies is what really rattles those in power. Of course, it is quite possible that most of the public, in the U.S. and elsewhere, doesn’t care about the truth either, however Power is not taking any chances in this regard. Continue
Taliban Video Shows Execution of Pakistani Soldiers

Video

Taliban militants have released a video showing the execution of 15 Pakistani soldiers whose bodies were found earlier this month after they were kidnapped in northwestern Pakistan. Continue
My Plan To Solve Middle East Crisis

Video

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15 killed in Syria: Activists say:: At least 10 civilians and five Syrian soldiers were killed in fresh violence across the country on Monday, activists said, also reporting a string of clashes between deserters and the army.
Syria Rejects Arab League Council's Decision: Syria considers these decisions a violation of its national sovereignty, a blatant interference in its internal affairs and a flagrant violation of the objectives for which the AL was established and a breach of Article VIII of its Charter.
Report: Russia to deliver combat jets to Syria: Russia has signed a contract to sell combat jets to Syria in a show of support for President Bashar Assad's regime, a newspaper reported Monday.
Saudi Arabia: the Middle East's most under-reported conflict: Shia protesters, demanding long overdue and promised reforms, are bearing the brunt of a security crackdown
US kills 5 people in Pakistan: A drone attack in a volatile tribal region of north-west Pakistan has killed at least five suspected militants, officials say.
Pakistan rejects NATO border-attack account: Military releases report rejecting US claim that its forces fired on Pakistani troops "in self-defence"
Pakistan: Senate adopts resolution against Pervez Musharraf: The Senate on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution against former President Pervez Musharraf demanding his arrest upon arrival to Pakistan and registration of a case under article 6 of the Constitution.
Afghanistan: Two Children Killed, Four Wounded in Kapisa Blast: At least two children were killed and four others were wounded in eastern Kapisa province on Sunday, Kapisa police said.
'Pro-Kadhafi' attack kills four in Libya: "There are around 100 and 150 men armed with heavy weapons who are attacking. We have asked for the army to intervene, but the defence ministry and NTC (National Transitional Council) have let us down," he said.
"Gaddafi diehards" control Bani Walid: official: Diehard supporters of slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi seized control on Monday of "the entire city of Bani Walid", his one-time bastion, after launching a brazen attack on a base there, a local official told AFP.
Libya suspends transitional government members: The head of Libya's transitional government on Sunday suspended delegates from Benghazi, the city that kicked off the movement that toppled ruler Moammar Gadhafi last year.
‘NTC head may resign – if he makes it out alive’: The deputy head of Libya’s National Transitional Council is resigning in light of continuing protests. Sukant Chandan, a spokesman for British Civilians for Peace in Libya, says the Council’s head may resign as well – if he doesn’t get killed first.
US-NATO war crimes in Libya: A report released last week by Middle East human rights groups presents extensive evidence of war crimes carried out in Libya by the United States, NATO and their proxy “rebel” forces during last year’s war, which brought down the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
4 killed in deadly battles between Kenya and Shebab Militants in Southern Somalia: Two Kenyan and one Somali soldiers were killed during an attack late Sunday on hardline Shehab positions at Delbio and Hosingo
Act of war: EU agrees Iranian oil embargo: Foreign ministers' deal in Brussels could lead to soaring fuel prices and Iran closing the strait of Hormuz
Russia critical of EU sanctions against Iran: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was critical on Monday of planned new European Union sanctions against Iran, saying they would push Tehran away from the negotiating table and do little to increase regional security.
Engineering Consent For An Attack On Iran : Israel: EU oil embargo on Iran 'step in right direction': "It is necessary to pressure Iran very hard and very quickly and we must examine these sanctions in the light of their results. Until today, Iran continues to create nuclear weapons unhindered."
'Iran can shut Hormuz if threatened': A senior member of Iran's Majlis says it is the right of the Iranian nation to close the Strait of Hormuz if US-led Western states proceed with threats to impose an oil embargo on Iran.
Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Open, U.S. NATO Ambassador Says: U.S., British and French warships sailed as a group through the strait “to underline the unwavering international commitment to maintaining rights of passage under international law,” the U.K. defense ministry said
'Iran will make world unsafe for US': An Iranian lawmaker says in the event of US “military adventurism” in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will respond in the shortest possible time by making the entire world unsafe for Americans.
Murder in Tehran: How the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist has exposed the double standards of the international news media.
Human Rights Watch: Iraq becoming 'police state' : Iraq's Shiite-led government cracked down harshly on dissent during the past year of Arab Spring uprisings, turning the country into a "budding police state" as autocratic regimes crumbled elsewhere in the region, an international rights groups said Sunday.
Ex-Iraq PM accuses Maliki of 'detaining, torturing' political opponents : Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi has accused Nouri al-Maliki of jailing over 1,000 members of opposition political parties, detaining many of them in secret locations with no access to legal counsel and using 'brutal torture' to extract confessions.
Iraq’s warning for neighbours: - Iraq on Sunday criticised neighbouring Turkey, Iran and unnamed Arab countries for trying to “intervene” in Baghdad’s month-long political crisis and not respecting its sovereignty.
HRW accuses Israel of rights violations: In annual report on rights abuses, group charges Israel with using unnecessary lethal force.
ICC charges four over Kenyan vote violence; International Criminal Court judges ordered four prominent Kenyans, including two potential presidential candidates, to stand trial for allegedly orchestrating a deadly wave of violence after their country's disputed 2007 presidential election.
UN rights chief urges US close Guantanamo: "It is 10 years since the US government opened the prison at Guantanamo, and now three years since January 22, 2009, when the president ordered its closure within 12 months," the High Commissioner for Human Rights said. "Yet the facility continues to exist and individuals remain arbitrarily detained – indefinitely – in clear breach of international law," she said in a statement.
We Need Your Help To Close Guantanamo: We need your help to secure 25,000 signatures on the Close Guantánamo Now! petition
Sen. Rand Paul stopped by airport security: He said he was "detained" at a small cubicle and couldn't make his flight to Washington for a Senate vote scheduled later in the day.
January 22, 2012
Afghan, Nato Forces Kill 20 "Insurgents": Sixteen insurgents were killed and ten others were captured by Afghan and Nato led troops over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Sunday.
Afghan soldier 'killed French troops over US video': An Afghan soldier who shot dead four French troops has said he did it because of a recent video showing US Marines urinating on the dead bodies of Taliban insurgents, security sources told AFP.
How Pakistan continues to help US drone campaign despite political tensions: The Jan 10 strike -- and its follow-up two days later -- were joint operations, a Pakistani security source based in the tribal areas told Reuters.
12 killed in south Yemen clashes: - Eight "militants" and four Yemeni soldiers were killed in clashes on Thursday, local officials and medics said, near a southern provincial capital seized by Islamist dissidents in May.
Yemen's president leaves for US: Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Sunday left for the United States after asking his people for forgiveness for "any shortcomings" during his 33-year rule, reported the Yemeni news website Mareb Press.
Nine killed in Iraq attacks: At least nine people were killed Sunday in three areas across Iraq, security and medical sources said, DPA reported.
Report: US kills Somali Al Qaeda "insurgent": A U.S. drone strike killed a British Al Qaeda official fighting alongside insurgents in Somalia, officials said.
Arab League extends Syria mission 1 more month: The League decided to add more observers and provide them with additional resources, the officials said.
Saudi withdraws Syria monitors: Saudi Arabia will withdraw its observers from Syria because the mission has failed to end 10 months of bloodshed and will call on the international community to apply "all possible pressure" on Damascus to end the violence, its foreign minister said.
Syrian deserters take suburb near Damascus, activists say: Syrian activists say insurgents now fighting army at the entrances to the suburb of Douma, which has been a center of protests in the 10-month revolt against President Bashar Assad.
Syria deserters retreat after seizing area near capital: "No one can get in or out of Douma right now. This is the first time the rebels do anything more than hit-and-run attacks. Tonight they started making barriers in the streets," an activist living in Douma told Reuters by Skype.
Syrian exiles smuggling weapons, goods to "revolutionaries": Syrian dissidents based in Lebanon have stepped up efforts to help the opposition in their country by smuggling medicine, satellite phones, cameras and weapons into Syria — and refugees and injured fighters out.
2 US Senators Seek Sanctions On Syria: The bill, to be released Sunday by Democratic Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, would require President Barack Obama to identify violators of human rights and call for reform and protection of pro-democracy demonstrators.
US aircraft carriers to deliver 'direct message to Iran': Panetta added that the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise is on course for the Persian Gulf – and will steam through the Strait of Hormuz in a direct message to Iran, AP reports.
Report: Iranian Officer Killed in Shooting Attack: Two motorcyclists fired shots at a group of soldiers who were on their way to an air force base located near the city.
Greece presses EU to ease Iran oil sanctions: European diplomats are confident that EU foreign ministers will agree plans on Monday to impose a phased ban on the import of crude oil from Iran over the next few months.
Deputy head of Libya's NTC quits after protests: The deputy head of Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) said on Sunday he was resigning after a series of protests against the new government which the country's leader warned could drag Libya into a "bottomless pit."
‘Libya’s like Somalia’: “Africans are being beaten and killed in Libya and no one there cares,”
Online companies win piracy fight: Outspent but hardly outgunned, online and high-tech companies triggered an avalanche of Internet clicks to force Congress to shelve legislation that would curb online piracy. They outmaneuvered the entertainment industry and other old guard business interests, leaving them bitter and befuddled.