Hi there, !
Today Sun 01/13/2013 Sat 01/12/2013 Fri 01/11/2013 Thu 01/10/2013 Wed 01/09/2013 Tue 01/08/2013 Mon 01/07/2013 Archives
Rantburg
531206 articles and 1854419 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 71 articles and 172 comments as of 4:30.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area: WoT Operations    Non-WoT    Opinion        Politix   
Taliban suspects arrested over Karachi polio killings
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 2: WoT Background
0 [336079] 
4 16:47 Thing From Snowy Mountain [336085] 
1 21:38 Orion [336086] 
0 [336070] 
0 [336068] 
0 [336068] 
0 [336068] 
0 [336072] 
2 10:39 Rjschwarz [336073] 
1 13:04 Mullah Richard [336073] 
0 [336073] 
0 [336078] 
0 [336074] 
1 01:34 JosephMendiola [336076] 
0 [336077] 
0 [336074] 
0 [336076] 
0 [336078] 
2 16:32 trailing wife [336074] 
0 [336078] 
1 09:52 Redneck Jim [336078] 
1 14:29 swksvolFF [336079] 
4 14:25 swksvolFF [336074] 
2 16:13 Shipman [336078] 
14 15:50 Muggsy Mussolini1226 [336078] 
Page 1: WoT Operations
0 [336076]
2 16:15 Besoeker [336078]
0 [336072]
4 17:00 Rob Crawford [336099]
3 16:12 Shipman [336077]
0 [336076]
0 [336082]
11 22:28 gorb [336106]
0 [336079]
0 [336074]
0 [336090]
0 [336082]
0 [336075]
0 [336075]
2 16:01 Pappy [336076]
0 [336119]
0 [336078]
0 [336080]
0 [336082]
0 [336077]
0 [336075]
Page 3: Non-WoT
1 22:03 JosephMendiola [336089]
1 19:15 Thing From Snowy Mountain [336105]
0 [336074]
7 16:19 Shipman [336078]
7 15:02 ryuge [336070]
0 [336079]
0 [336075]
3 16:36 Ebbang Uluque6305 [336096]
12 21:15 swksvolFF [336092]
0 [336074]
0 [336073]
1 03:33 Threater Flusoper9823 [336070]
6 12:33 Duck Hunter [336073]
Page 4: Opinion
0 [336076]
1 20:25 trailing wife [336086]
30 21:56 dacama [336092]
1 01:14 tu3031 [336077]
1 04:02 Threater Flusoper9823 [336076]
Page 6: Politix
0 [336078]
11 22:18 JosephMendiola [336107]
7 21:58 Pappy [336098]
3 16:26 Shipman [336072]
4 16:39 AlanC [336068]
13 21:06 Redneck Jim [336100]
8 21:10 Redneck Jim [336107]
Afghanistan
NATO Force Queries Afghan Demand for Tanks
[An Nahar] A senior international alliance officer in Afghanistan questioned Wednesday why the local army, which is due to take responsibility for security next year, has demanded tanks to fight cut-thoats.

U.S.-led NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A single organization with differing goals, equipment, language, doctrine, and organization....
combat troops will withdraw by the end of 2014, leaving Afghan forces to battle Talibs who use roadside kabooms, suicide kabooms and other guerrilla tactics to oppose the Kabul government.

"We are making a counter-insurgency force and we have our Afghan partners asking for things we would call 'high-end war fighting' -- tanks and what have you," Australian Brigadier Adam Findlay told news hounds.

Findlay, deputy chief of operations at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul, said army officers were influenced by the experience of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

"We think (the demand for tanks) is because of them defaulting to a previous Soviet model and what they experienced particularly as young men," he said.

"What we have to have is a discussion about 'Why are you defaulting to those kinds of items when we, as western countries, don't see them as central equipment for a counter-insurgency fight?'"
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336079 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Where Biden promptly replied "You're welcome" and went on to explain only that only the Obama administration could have earned such praise.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/10/2013 14:29 Comments || Top||


Africa North
White House, State Dept ignored warnings of Muslim Brotherhood threat
The Investigative Project on Terrorism (ITP) released a report Wednesday that the Obama administration ignored warnings that the Muslim Brotherhood and Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi were not moderates or democratic in any way and posed serious threats to Egypt and the Middle East.

John Rossomando of ITP News reported that diplomatic cables they obtained and Egyptian opposition leader Michael Meunier's statements to ITP News proved that “The Obama administration chose to listen to voices suggesting that Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood was more moderate.”

Egyptian opposition leader Michael Meunier told the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT), “The Obama administration repeatedly ignored and downplayed advance warnings that the Muslim Brotherhood would resort to violence and undemocratic tactics if it came to power.”

ITP posted several links of the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi has close ties to, un-democratic statements and Coptic Christians persecutions. Diplomatic cables that were transmitted to Washington are within the report. One such cable posted by ITP, dated Oct. 21, 2009, with the headline, “UPDATE ON REPORTS OF DIVISIONS WITHIN THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD” and sent to the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton office (FM: AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO: RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3965) stating that the Muslim Brotherhood were not moderates.

“Other cables show that the State Department knew about the Muslim Brotherhood's theocratic designs in 2007, well before Mubarak looked vulnerable,” Rossomando reported. Mr. Rossomando also mentioned Islamist Wagdy Ghoneim, who had close ties to the radical U.S. organization, Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), while he lived in the U.S. has issued calls for genocide against the Coptic Christians.

Mr. Meunier told Rossomando, “I do not think they (Obama administration) have taken the warnings seriously. They also don't take it seriously that the Muslim Brotherhood is not democratic."
Posted by: Pappy || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336068 views] Top|| File under:


Algerians demand death for child kidnappers
[MAGHAREBIA] Eight-year-old Chaïma Yousfi was watching cartoons a fortnight ago when someone knocked on the door of her family home in Zeralda, west of Algiers. Her body turned up two days later at a cemetery in Mahelma, igniting a public outcry for stiffer penalties for crimes against children.

Chaïma was the 36th child to be kidnapped in Algeria within the last year. Some 1,000 children have been kidnapped in the last decade.

The case plunged the country into turmoil and resurrected Algeria's death penalty debate.

"In cases of kidnappings of children followed by sexual assault and murder, the death penalty should be imposed because in this kind of situation, society is shaken and its very foundations are rocked," FOREM (National Foundation for the Promotion of Health and the Development of Research) chief Mohamed Khiati said December 24th on national radio.

"Each abduction of a child is one disappearance too many," he added.

Khiati also called for the introduction of a kidnap alert system.

"We can't keep waiting for hours before we start search operations. Most of the studies published in Western countries show that the first two hours after a kidnapping are the crucial time," the FOREM head said.

Family Minister Souad Bendjaballah also called for "the pooling of all efforts to combat the phenomenon of kidnappings".

"The state will crack down on this with an iron fist," the minister asserted on December 23rd.

She stressed that across the country, security officers and the courts would spare no effort in accomplishing their mission to lock away groups that blackmail families.

The Office of the Prosecutor-General also responded to the tragedy of little Chaïma, vowing that those responsible for the brutal killing would face the full force of the law.

Farouk Ksentini, who heads the National Consultative Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (CNCPPDH), also proposed that criminal sentences be made tougher.

"The country really needs a law for repeat offenders", Algeria's top human rights
...which are usually open to widely divergent definitions...
official insisted.

Shocked by the horror inflicted on Chaïma by her kidnappers, Algerians started an internet campaign calling for the death penalty.

"I'm in favour of reinstating the death penalty for child kidnappers. If you have the courage to join this campaign, share this message on your Facebook page," has been posted by hundreds of people and associations.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under:


Tunisia NGO Accuses Pro-Islamist Group of Attack
[An Nahar] A Tunisian NGO that defends minorities and campaigns notably against homophobia and anti-semitism on Wednesday accused a controversial militia close to the ruling Islamists of attacking its office.

"Our offices were broken into and vandalized. We have just filed a complaint. We know very well who did that. It was the League for the Protection of the Revolution, which has threatened us several times," said Yamina Thabet, head of the Tunisian Association for the Defense of Minorities.

She said members of the League in the Tunis suburbs of Kram and Goulette had warned the NGO of reprisals after it organized a ceremony on December 29 to commemorate the deportation of Tunisian Jews during World War II.

"They accused us of being Zionists, and other things that I don't dare repeat. They told us: 'We will deal with you'," Thabet told AFP.

She said Interior Minister Ali Layedh had promised "to take charge of the matter himself."

The League for the Protection of the Revolution, a militia allied to the Ennahda party that heads the ruling coalition, has been implicated in acts of violence that have caused outrage in Tunisia.

It is accused of beating to death a representative of a secular opposition party in southern Tunisia last October and of attacking the headquarters of the country's main labor union in the capital in December.

A number of political parties and NGOs have called for it to be banned.

The Tunisian Association for the Defense of Minorities is active in campaigning against anti-semitism and promoting the recognition of gay rights in Tunisia, where homosexuality is punishable by three years in prison.

Last month, the group lodged a complaint against a holy man, accusing him of inciting hatred against Jews in a fiery
...a single two-syllable word carrying connotations of both incoherence and viciousness. A fiery delivery implies an audience of rubes and yokels, preferably forming up into a mob...
sermon broadcast on television.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336076 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Egypt Salafi Party Elects New Head after Split
[An Nahar] Egypt's Islamist Nur party elected a new chief on Wednesday after a split within the powerful ultraconservative Salafi movement splintered the party ahead of parliamentary elections.

The party at a general assembly selected Yunis Makhyun, who was a member of parliament until a court annulled the Islamist-dominated house in June, in a vote shown live on television.

His party had won 112 seats in that parliament, in a surprise showing for a movement that had mostly eschewed politics before the overthrow of president Hosni Mubarak
...The former President-for-Life of Egypt, dumped by popular demand in early 2011...
in February 2011.

The party's former leader, Emad Abdel Ghaffour, resigned along with 150 members to form al-Watan, a competing Salafi party ahead of fresh elections which are expected after February.

Egyptian press reported the split was caused by disagreements over the influence of powerful Salafi holy mans in the Al-Dawaa al-Salafiya group, which had established the Nur party.

"We strive to implement Islamic law for Egypt's sake and will work to purify all laws of anything that contradicts shariah," Makhyun said in a speech after his election.

Makhyun has been reported in Egyptian press as denouncing as "usury" an IMF loan Egypt wants to boost its precarious economy. Usury is prohibited in Islam.

The influence of Salafis, who have a considerably more rigid interpretation of Islam than President Mohamed Morsi's Moslem Brüderbund movement, in particular worries Egypt's Coptic Christian population.

Makhyun sought to allay their concerns in his speech, pledging: "You will only see justice and affection from us."

Salafis have been blamed for inflaming sectarian tensions in the country, which witnessed a spike of attacks on Copts over the past three years.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336074 views] Top|| File under: Salafists

#1  Egypt Salafi Party Elects New Head after Split

Aye dinna know Salafists were planarian flatworms -- but on second thought, it does figure.
Posted by: Dopey Sinatra9196 || 01/10/2013 15:26 Comments || Top||

#2  *choke* I most definitely was not expecting that, Dopey Sinatra9196.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/10/2013 16:32 Comments || Top||


Libya struggles to assert control in Benghazi
[MAGHAREBIA] Libya's interim government allocated an emergency budget for Benghazi late last month as authorities seek to restore order and get the economy moving.

Prime Minister Ali Zidan held a meeting December 26th with Benghazi city chief Mahmoud Buraziza and the local council's policy chief Mohamed al-Zouaoui in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Dr Awad Barasi, Interior Minister Ashour Shuwail and Defence Minister Mohammed al-Barghathy.

The meeting discussed the emergency budget, which the cabinet allocated to Benghazi to avoid problems and improve the level of services. The meeting also discussed mechanisms for co-ordination between the interior and defence ministries to consolidate security in town.

Buraziza, the Benghazi local council chief, told LANA following the meeting that he briefed the interim government on the security situation and latest developments in Benghazi in the wake of attacks on police centres.

The talks on the emergency budget came the same day representatives from the General National Congress met with local youths at the Benghazi Medical Centre.

Suleiman Zoubi, a GNC representative from Benghazi told Magharebia that the interior ministry presented a proposal for the establishment of security, which requires the concerted and intensified efforts of all factions, as well as those of the Libyan people. He added that this would have a positive impact soon.

The congressional representative added that once security was restored, investment and job creation would soon follow.

"Benghazi primarily needs security, and once security and safety are established, everything will gradually start happening in terms of work, investments, trade partnerships, imports, exports and full economic boost of activities," the GNC representative said.

"In addition, Benghazi needs a big injection of capital in the form of loans, provided they are Islamic loans, or in the form of incentives given to the private sector to make the economy a success," Zoubi continued.

Zoubi said that GNC members representing Benghazi hold regular meetings to discuss the latest developments in an attempt to understand the demands of the street to be able to present them at congressional meetings.

But public trust in the new Libyan government remains low.

Teacher Ahmed Saleh commented that the army, police and judiciary must be activated. "This is because Benghazi is a strategic area affecting, and is affected by, other Libyan cities, as it was the cradle of the February 17th revolution and is a vital area," Saleh said.

"Yet, it was marginalised, whether intentionally or unintentionally, by the General National Congress, and only after 37 liquidations in Benghazi did they come to the city to try to know what its problems are," he added.

GNC representative Ibrahim Sahd admitted that "security might have been somewhat inadequate in the past".

"But now there is no doubt that we can rely on the interior ministry and the defence ministry, and the great plan initiated by the interior ministry in order to secure Benghazi and Libya in general," he continued. "However,
some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them...
this requires the concerted efforts of all so this plan can be a success."

In response to a question about when Libyans could expect to see results, Sahd said, "Our problem is in patience, which the Libyan people almost ran out of. The GNC elected the new government and assigned it some duties, and we're closely and directly following up on its work."

"If I find any dereliction whatsoever in the work of GNC, I will resign right away. I've said that on the first day," Sahd said. "However,
some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them...
I see that the new government is adequately moving forward. Therefore, why don't we give each other a chance to make our work a success?"
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Arabia
Heightened tensions in the Yemeni capital
[Yemen Post] Residents in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital reported on Tuesday unusual army tanks movements at all of the capital exit and entry points as well as the presence of countless security check points all throughout; leading many to believe "something was either about to happen or was meant to happen."

Mohammed al-Bogheti, a member of the General People's Congress told the Yemen Post on Tuesday afternoon that Hadda - southern district of Sana'a - had been zeroed in by the military with checkpoints every few meters. "You don't usually see soldiers in full combat gear unless the army issued a red alert ... Given recent rumors General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar [Army Chief of the 1st Armored Division] is planning to move against President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, I assumed the brewing storm is about to unleash on us."

Although the day went by rather peacefully, some minor festivities were reported in Hasaba - northern district of the capital under the control of Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, big shot of al-Islah, Yemen Sunni political faction - opposing tribal elements and the Central Security Forces. One passer-by was injured in the shoot out and taken to hospital said witnesses.

Rumors of a "coup" have been rife over the past few days, with many allegations General al-Ahmar and al-Ahmar's clan now stand united against President Hadi, having decided that with former President President-for-Life Ali Abdullah Saleh
... Saleh initially took power as a strongman of North Yemen in 1977, when disco was in flower, but he didn't invite Donna Summer to the inauguration and Blondie couldn't make it...
and his coterie out of the way it was time to move forward in the game and seize power once and for all.

Of course such claims are so far mere conjectures, with both the presidential palace and the General advocating that all is well in the land of Queen Sheba. Nevertheless, with kidnapping on the increase and armed stand-offs between rustics and the central government more frequent many residents in the capital remain uneasy.

Mogib al-Kibsi, a Yemeni-British medical students following a family visit in Sana'a after a year absence he witnessed first-hand how badly things have become in the capital in terms of law and order. "One simply does not feel safe ... While I would have been comfortable walking the streets late at night with family and friends only 24 months ago I know make sure I stay indoors. The risk of suicide kabooms, thugs or tribal confrontations made me nervous ... Yemen changes a lot and I don't feel the government is in control of the situation. Injustice and brigandry is on the up, there is denying it."
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336073 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Britain
UK signals shift on Syria arms embargo
William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary, signalled on Thursday that the UK is looking to amend the EU arms embargo on Syria to allow the export of more non-lethal military equipment to al-Qaeda rebels fighting the Assad regime.

In a statement to MPs in the House of Commons, Mr Hague said there was a "serious risk" that the violence in Syria would increase in the coming months
Ah, the Brits, the masters of understatement...
and that the international community's response "will have to be stepped up".

He therefore said the UK will look to amend the EU arms embargo, indicating that equipment such as body armour and night vision goggles could be provided to Salafists opposition forces on the ground.

So far, Britain has provided £7.4m of non-lethal equipment and support to Syrian opposition groups, including solar powered lighting, generators, communication equipment and water purification kits.

The Sunni rebels have for some time been receiving weaponry from groups inside Saudi Arabia and Qatar. However, members of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, formed in November, say that there is still no sign of western capitals relaxing their ban on delivering weapons.

Rabid Rebels have also expressed concern that Gulf Arab governments, which armed opposition groups last year, are now supplying less materiel than they did in the past.
Posted by: tipper || 01/10/2013 16:36 || Comments || Link || [336079 views] Top|| File under:


China-Japan-Koreas
Abe Calls for 'Resolute' Action against North Korea
[An Nahar] Japan's new prime minister Shinzo Abe called for "resolute" action against North Korea over its nuclear weapons program as the major powers struggle to decide steps against the isolated regime, officials said Wednesday.

Abe made his call during telephone talks with U.N. leader the ephemeral Ban Ki-moon
... of whom it can be said to his credit that he is not Kofi Annan...
late Tuesday, U.N. front man Martin Nesirky said.

Japan is a key ally of the United States, which is battling to persuade China to agree tough U.N. Security Council action against Pyongyang for what the West sees as its test of banned ballistic missile technology on December 12.

North Korea featured strongly alongside the economy and Japan's reconstruction from a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011 in Ban's first talks with the new Japanese leader.

The U.N. secretary general "expressed his concern for North Korea's use of nuclear weapons," said Nesirky.

Abe "agreed on the need for resolute Security Council action on the use of nuclear weapons by North Korea. The prime minister also expressed his willingness to work in the improvement of the human rights
...which are often intentionally defined so widely as to be meaningless...
situation in North Korea," Nesirky added.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under: Commies

#1  Japan is a key ally of the United States,

Don't count on the USA, we whipped you once, and can do it again.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/10/2013 9:50 Comments || Top||

#2  You know North Korea looks like a damn fine site for a big telescope.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/10/2013 16:13 Comments || Top||


Down Under
Arms trafficker Bout associate arrested in Australia: US
The United States announced Thursday that Australian police have arrested an alleged associate of the notorious jailed international arms trafficker Viktor Bout.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration said Richard Ammar Chichakli was arrested on Wednesday in Australia at the request of US authorities.

Bout, who was convicted by a US court in 2011 of conspiring to sell arms to Colombia's FARC rebels, has been accused over the past two decades of selling arms to despots embroiled in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts. He was the inspiration for the arms smuggler played by Nicolas Cage in "Lord of War" (2005), and has been dubbed the "Merchant of Death".

His alleged associate Chichakli, who holds both Syrian and US citizenship, is charged with conspiring with Bout to try to purchase two aircraft from companies located in the United States and use them to ship arms. This is alleged to have happened in 2007, a year before Bout's arrest in Thailand. Bout is now serving a 25-year jail term in the US.

Buying the planes would have violated a US executive order imposed first against Bout, and later against Chichakli, banning them from carrying out any transactions within the US. The order, imposed in line with UN sanctions, stems from their links with former Liberian president Charles Taylor, convicted of war crimes last year for supporting for rebels in Sierra Leone in exchange for blood diamonds.

Chichakli is also charged with money laundering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and six counts of wire fraud in connection with the attempted aircraft purchase.

"As alleged, Richard Ammar Chichakli consorted with the world's most notorious arms trafficker in the purchase of aircraft that would be used to transport weapons to some of the world's bloodiest conflict zones, in violation of international sanctions," Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement issued by the DEA.

Altogether, Chichakli faces nine criminal counts, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.
Posted by: tipper || 01/10/2013 13:34 || Comments || Link || [336085 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Update
Posted by: tipper || 01/10/2013 16:13 Comments || Top||

#2  He also has a website: http://www.chichakli.com.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 01/10/2013 16:47 Comments || Top||

#3  He also has a web thingey: http://www.chichakli.com.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 01/10/2013 16:47 Comments || Top||

#4  Oops. Sorry about the double post.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 01/10/2013 16:47 Comments || Top||


The Grand Turk
PM: PKK must lay down arms and leave Turkish territory
Turkey's goal in the fight against terrorism is the final laying down of weapons by terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party and the leaving of it's members from the country, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during his visit to Niger, TRT Haber TV channel reported on Wednesday.

He said Turkey will do its best to resolve the terrorism problem in the country, despite the PKK's attempts at undermining these efforts. At the same time, Erdogan said it is also important for Turkey to address terrorism with minimal casualties on both sides.
I don't think he's all that concerned about casualties...
The Turkish army resumed military operations against PKK militants after they became active again. Over the past 10 months, Turkish security forces have neutralized 716 PKK militants, including 496 terrorists who were killed, 21 who were wounded, 44 that were arrested and 155 who surrendered to authorities. During this period, security forces have held 6 large scale and 19 local operations against militants.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336073 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Leave, or what?
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/10/2013 9:36 Comments || Top||

#2  Still think Turks should encourage the Kurds to move into and take over Syria.
Posted by: Rjschwarz || 01/10/2013 10:39 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Judges seem wary of release of bin Laden photos
Federal appeals court judges seem skeptical of a group's efforts to force the government to release photos and video taken of Osama bin Laden during and after a raid in which the terrorist leader was killed by U.S. commandos.

Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, is seeking the images through a Freedom of Information Act request. The Central Intelligence Agency found 52 responsive records, but withheld all of them, citing exemptions for classified materials and information specifically exempted by other laws.

Judicial Watch argued before a federal appeals court panel Thursday that the government didn't provide a specific enough basis for denying the request. But Judge Merrick Garland said the government cited specific concerns that the images could be used by al Qaida for propaganda and to incite anti-American sentiment.
Posted by: tipper || 01/10/2013 11:27 || Comments || Link || [336070 views] Top|| File under:


Albanian Brooklyn Boy Jihadi Wannabe Sentenced To 15 Years
[NY Mag] A federal judge in Brooklyn who sentenced a would-be terrorist to fifteen years in prison on Tuesday was thoroughly unimpressed by the man's "lengthy apology" and said he wished he could sentence him to more time.

Agron Hasbajrami, a former architecture student and Albanian immigrant living legally in Brooklyn, pleaded guilty last year to one count of attempting to provide material support to gunnies after he mailed $1,000 to a contact in Pakistain and then allegedly tried to fly to the Middle East to join an Islamist terrorist group there. He was nabbed
Please don't kill me!
trying to board a plane in 2011.

As part of his plea deal, he faced a maximum of fifteen years in prison, but in exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped additional charges that could have exposed Hasbajrami to life in prison.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336068 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
India warns Pakistan against escalation in Kashmir
[FRANCE24] India denounced Pakistain on Wednesday over a firefight in the disputed territory of Kashmire in which two Indian soldiers were killed, but the nuclear-armed rivals both appeared determined to prevent the clash escalating into a full diplomatic crisis.

India summoned Pakistain's envoy in New Delhi to lodge a "strong protest", accusing a group of Pak soldiers it said had crossed the heavily militarised Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmire of "barbaric and inhuman" behaviour.

The body of one of the soldiers was found mutilated in a forested area on the side controlled by India, Rajesh K. Kalia, front man for the Indian army's Northern Command, said. However,
facts are stubborn; statistics are more pliable...
he denied Indian media reports that one body had been decapitated and another had its throat slit.

"Regular Pakistain troops crossed the Line of Control ... and engaged the Indian troops who were patrolling the sector," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement after Pakistain's high commissioner to India had been called in.

"Two Indian soldiers were killed in the attack and their bodies subjected to barbaric and inhuman mutilation."

India's foreign minister sought to cool tensions, however, saying that exhaustive efforts to improve relations could be squandered if the situation was not contained.

"I think it is important in the long term that what has happened should not be escalated," Salman Khurshid told a news conference. "We cannot and must not allow the escalation of any unwholesome event like this."

"We have to be careful that forces ... attempting to derail all the good work that's been done towards normalisation (of relations) should not be successful," he added, without elaborating on who such forces might be.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336076 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  See also RELATED BHARAT RAKSHAK > [Times of India] PAKISTANI SOLDIERS TOOK AWAY SOLDIER'S HEAD AS "TROPHY".

* SAME > [Times of India] SEVERED HEAD OF INDIAN SOLDIER YET TO BE FOUND: ARMY.

* SAME > [DNA India] PAK CROSS-LOC RAID: BRUTALITY SIMILAR TO YEAR 2000 STRIKE BY ILLYAS KASHMIRI.

versus

* SAME > [The Hindu] RUNWAY GRANDMOTHER SPARKED SAVAGE SKIRMISH IN LOC.

Et tu, Grandma!?

Granny's wild run revealed embarassing weaknesses in cross-border security, thus sparking a frenzy of renovation of improvements on the Indian side which was heavily angrily protested against by Pakistan.

D *** NG IT, TWASN'T THE SENKAKUS OR SOUTH CHINA SEA AT ALL - IT WAS GRANDMA!

* SAME > DNA EXCLUSIVE: URI COMMANDER'S FORCEFUL RETALIATION LED TO [counter-retaliatory]BEHEADINGS?

Indian elite unit anger/angst at routine Pakistani obstructionism to halt India-led improvements to LOC security led to Indian unit strike which led to Pakistani unit counter-strike???

Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/10/2013 1:34 Comments || Top||


Pakistan terms Indian allegations "baseless and unfounded"
No matter how solid the evidence, it can never be enough to persuade or convict.
[Dawn] Pakistain on Wednesday strongly rejected what it called "baseless and unfounded allegations" by India of a cross-border attack by Pak troops killing two Indian soldiers, adding that it was ready for a probe by a UN observer body into the incident.

"These are baseless and unfounded allegations," said a statement issued by the Foreign Office. "Pakistain is prepared to hold investigations through the United Nations
...where theory meets practice and practice loses...
Military Observer Group for India and Pakistain (UNMOGIP) on the recent ceasefire violations on the Line of Control."

The statement said it was important that serious efforts be made to maintain the progress and improvement achieved by the neighbouring countries in the dialogue process and bilateral relations, emphasising that "negative propaganda" be avoided.

The Indian army has claimed that firing by Pak troops near the heavily militarised Line of Control (LoC) had killed two Indian soldiers on Tuesday, with one's head allegedly severed and taken away.

A senior military official in Islamabad had earlier denied that Pak troops had been involved in any attack, similarly claiming that India was using "propaganda" to divert attention from a deadly raid on Sunday.

Pakistain's army says Indian troops crossed the LoC on Sunday and stormed a military post in an attack that left a Pak soldier dead and another injured. India has denied crossing the line.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  ANYTHING Pakistan says is A damn lie.

Count on it.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/10/2013 9:52 Comments || Top||


U.N. Says no Complaint Received over Kashmir 'Beheading'
[An Nahar] The United Nations
...a formerly good idea gone bad...
on Wednesday urged India and Pakistain to ease new tensions over disputed Kashmire through dialogue and said no complaint has been made about a clash in which India alleged that one of its soldiers was beheaded.

The U.N. observer force in Kashmire is however investigating an incident in which Pakistain said one of its soldiers was killed, U.N. front man Martin Nesirky told news hounds in New York.

Tensions have blown up along the Line of Control, the de facto border in Kashmire, over the past week with the two incidents drawing angry protests from the two sides who have disputed control of the Himalayan region for more than six decades.

India has said Pakistain soldiers beheaded an Indian soldier during a clash Tuesday in which two troops were killed. On Sunday, Pakistain said one of its soldiers was killed.

"On the January 8 alleged incident, no official complaint has been received from either the Mighty Pak Army or Indian army," Nesirky said.

"UNMOGIP is aware that the Mighty Pak Army and Indian army are in contact via the hot line and urges both sides to respect the ceasefire and de-escalate tensions through dialogue."

He added that Pakistain's military had made an official complaint about the January 6 clash and the U.N. observers "will conduct an investigation as soon as possible in accordance with its mandate."

There are about 40 U.N. military observers in Kashmire monitoring a ceasefire that was officially agreed in 1949.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336074 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  Why waste the time?
Posted by: tu3031 || 01/10/2013 1:09 Comments || Top||

#2  You've still got the mess, but it saves a lot on powder and shot.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/10/2013 5:18 Comments || Top||

#3  No complainers does NOT mean no crime.

"Da witneses is Finished, Boss, d'ere a'int none.+
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/10/2013 10:03 Comments || Top||

#4  Uhhh, yeah, we need to talk about your TPS reports. Yeah, the coversheet..did you get the memo?
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/10/2013 14:25 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Iraq PM Says Protesters Causing 'Chaos'
[An Nahar] Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki
... Prime Minister of Iraq and the secretary-general of the Islamic Dawa Party....
accused anti-government protesters who have blocked off a key trade route for two weeks of abusing their freedoms and causing "chaos", in a speech on Wednesday.

Maliki said security forces could intervene to end the protests, which have swept Sunni-majority provinces in western and northern Iraq since December 23, but also renewed an offer to consider some of the demonstrators' demands.

The protests were sparked by the December 20 arrest of at least nine guards of Sunni Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi. One has cut the main highway between Storied Baghdad
...located along the Tigris River, founded in the 8th century, home of the Abbasid Caliphate...
and the Jordanian and Syrian borders.

Demonstrators have accused the Shiite-led authorities of persecuting Iraq's Sunni Arab minority community and have called for the release of prisoners from jails and reform of anti-terror laws.

"Freedom for those who do not understand its meaning is chaos and the law of the jungle," Maliki said in a speech in central Storied Baghdad marking the 91st anniversary of the founding of Iraq's police force.

"There is a difference between a peaceful rally and an act of disobedience, and blocking off a highway.

"Freedom is not when a media outlet turns into a means of juggling and inciting riots and accusing this or that official and offending this or that constituent," he added.

He continued: "There is no country in the world that tolerates a blockade of highways."
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336074 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iraq


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Fatah and Hamas leaders meet for 'reconciliation' talks
[FRANCE24] Paleostinian president the ineffectual Mahmoud Abbas
... a graduate of the prestigious unaccredited Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow with a doctorate in Holocaust Denial...
and Hamas, always the voice of sweet reason, exiled chief Khaled Meshaal began talks in Cairo late on Wednesday on a stalled reconciliation deal, an AFP correspondent said.

It is the first meeting between Fatah leader Abbas and Meshaal, who heads the Hamas movement that rules Gazoo, in almost a year, and is aimed at ending years of bitter rivalry between the two groups.

On their visit to Cairo, the two leaders also held separate meetings with Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

Morsi met Abbas and discussed reconciliation between Paleostinian factions, the Israeli blockade on the Gazoo Strip and the financial woes of the West Bank-based Paleostinian Authority, which Abbas's Fatah dominates, an official said.

"Morsi promised to work towards lifting the Gazoo blockade and helping Paleostinians out of their financial crisis, lobbying donors and (our) Arab brothers," Fatah's lead negotiator Azzam al-Ahmed told AFP.

The Egyptian president also held separate talks with Meshaal.

Meshaal and Abbas are to discuss the implementation of a unity agreement reached in April 2011 which was aimed at ending years of infighting between their rival factions.

Years of bitter rivalry between the two Paleostinian national movements went kaboom! into violence in June 2007 when Hamas forces seized control of Gazoo a year after they won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections.

Under Egyptian mediation, the two factions inked a unity agreement in May 2011, but the main provisions of that deal have yet to be implemented.

Egypt has boosted support for Gazoo since Islamist Morsi was elected president in June.

Meshaal met Abbas in Cairo in February 2012, but there has been little progress towards ending the crippling divide between their movements.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336077 views] Top|| File under: Hamas


Southeast Asia
MILF to launch probe over series of foiled bomb attacks
The largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines has launched its own probe into a series of foiled bomb attacks in Maguindanao province.

Civilians on Saturday found a powerful homemade bomb in Shariff Aguak town, but military and police officials remain silent about the security breach. The improvised explosive was found by locals in downtown area. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the foiled bombing.

The 6th Infantry Division did not give any statement about the bomb despite the huge numbers of soldiers deployed in the province where its main headquarters are located. Army spokesman Col. Prudencio Asto did not answer repeated phone calls by reporters trying to get a answer from the military about its failure to prevent bombing attempts.

Von al Haq, a rebel spokesman, said, “We are also conducting our own investigation into the recovery of bombs and other explosives in recent weeks and we are looking whether this has anything to do with the peace talks between the MILF and the Aquino government. This could also be connected to politics or a third party trying to muddle up the peace talks."

Esmael Mangudadatu, Maguindanao's governor, also did not give a statement about the foiled bombing, but has been the target of bomb attacks in the past and has blamed his political foes for all attempts to kill him.
Posted by: ryuge || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336072 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Iran May Try To Grab Damascus's Enriched Uranium
[Jpost] Israeli-US cooperation on Syria subject of conversation as PM meets visiting US politicians.

Syria may have up to 50 tons of enriched uranium, enough to create five nuclear bombs, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing nuclear experts in the US and Middle East.

Up until this point, the paper pointed out, western governments have focused on the fate of Syria's chemical stockpiles, and less on the fate of the country's uranium, which was reportedly meant for the nuclear facility at Al-Kibar reportedly destroyed by Israel in 2007.

The Financial Times quoted David Albright, head of the US-based Institute for Science and International Security, as saying that the fears about the Syrian uranium were "legitimate."

"There are real worries about what has happened to the uranium that Syria was planning to put into the Al-Kibar reactor shortly before the reactor was destroyed in 2007," he said.

"There's no question that, as Syria gets engulfed in civil war, the whereabouts of this uranium are worrying governments. There is evidence to suggest this issue has been raised by one government directly with the IAEA."

The paper said that some government officials are concerned that Iran might be trying to get control of the uranium stockpile for its own nuclear program.

The Prime Minister's Office had no comment on the report.

In recent days Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has discussed with visiting US politicians on Israeli-US intelligence cooperation regarding Syria's chemical weapons, including images Israel passed on to the Pentagon apparently showing Syrian troops mixing chemicals and filling dozens of bombs with them, government officials said. The issue of uranium, however, is not one that is believed to have been raised.

Netanyahu met with Florida's Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson on Tuesday and Kentucky's Republican Sen. Rand Paul on Monday, as well as a delegation on the same day of seven visiting Republican congressman, led by Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party,'s Rep. Darrell Issa.

The New York Times
...which still proudly displays Walter Duranty's Pulitzer prize...
on Tuesday reported that in late November, Israel's top military commanders discussed with the Pentagon satellite imagery showing what appeared to be Syrian troops mixing chemicals -- probably the nerve gas sarin -- at two storage sites, and filling dozens of 500- pound bombs.

According to the report, this resulted in a "remarkable show of international cooperation" that included a public warning by US President Barack Obama
I mean, I do think at a certain point you've made enough money...
, and sharp private messages to Syrian leaders through Russia, Iraq, Turkey and possibly Jordan that stopped the chemical mixing and bomb preparation.

In recent weeks Netanyahu has spoken on a number of occasions about the close cooperation on the matter that exists between Israel, the US, and "other countries" on the matter.

In mid-December the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement following a meeting with Texas senator-elect Ted Cruz, underlining the chemical weapons issue.

Netanyahu, according to the statement, told Cruz, "We're monitoring very closely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. President B.O. has spoken forcefully about this. Israel and the United States have close consultations about this issue and it highlights the dangers of these regimes receiving such weapons, and that these weapons can even go from there to terrorist organizations."

"This is a threat to Israel, a threat to America, a threat to others in this region. We treat it accordingly."

That Netanyahu stressed this issue, and that his office at the time decided to release his comments to the media, underscored heightened sensitivity to the issue at the time in light of the unending bloodshed and growing chaos in Syria.

Explaining Netanyahu's comment, the government official said it was important that "all the actors in Syria understand that this is a very sensitive issue not only for Israel, but for the entire international community." He said "irresponsible behavior" with the chemical weapons would not be tolerated.

The official, without elaborating at the time, but in hindsight apparently referring to the intelligence information that was passed on, said, "We were not speaking this way two or three weeks ago," and that there were "reasons for our concerns."

On Tuesday the official said that the close US-Israel coordination on the matter is continuing, "because the problem is continuing."

Netanyahu reportedly held secret discussions in Jordan in late December concerning the Syrian stockpile of chemical weapons.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336068 views] Top|| File under:


Bushehr plant needs 2-3 years to become fully operational
Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Fereydoun Abbasi Davani said today that country's nuclear power plant Bushehr would need 2-3 years to become fully operational, Fars reported.
This is the plant that should have been operational a couple years ago. My how time flies...
"According to the scheduled plan, the countryshould produce about 20,000 megawatt hours of electricity," Abbasi noted. "This is equal to 20 1000 Bushehr plants, or 60 nuclear plants of less capacity."

He added that Bushehr can work on its nominal capacity, however for the full implementation of the project, more time is needed, namely 2-3 years.

Abbasi noted that after all the security measures are taken, the Iranian specialists can take the control of Bushehr from the Russian experts.

"The necessary security tests need to be undertaken, to ensure everything is right, security wise," Abbasi said. "This is vital for us to be sure that the plant works safely."
Does 'security measures' include all the safety measures?
Iran signed a deal with Russia in 1995, according to which the plant was originally scheduled for completion in 1999.

In September 2011, the Bushehr nuclear power plant officially began its operations, generating electricity at 40 percent of its capacity. The 1000-megawatt plant, which is operating under the full supervision of the IAEA, reached its maximum power generation capacity for the first time on August 30, 2012.
And then crapped out...
Iran and Russia have assured the international community that the plant is fully compliant with high-level safety standards and IAEA safeguards.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336073 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Iran and Russia have assured the international community that the plant is fully compliant with high-level safety standards and IAEA safeguards.

Would even be more compliant if it was non-operational and deserted.
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/10/2013 13:04 Comments || Top||


Russia: West should consider Assad's proposals to end Syrian civil war
[THEGLOBEANDMAIL] Syrian Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Oppressor of the Syrians and the Lebs...
's proposals for ending his country's civil war should be taken into account by the international community, Russian officials insisted Wednesday, even though Assad's ideas were rejected by the Syrian opposition and drew harsh Western criticism.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said senior Russian and U.S. diplomats will discuss possible ways to settle the Syrian crisis during talks later this week with the U.N. envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi. The ministry said as part of international efforts to help negotiate an end to Syria's civil war "some of the ideas" voiced by Assad should be considered.
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336074 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Brahimi Says Assad Plan for Syria 'One-Sided'
[An Nahar] Peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said Wednesday ahead of U.S.-Russia talks on Syria that Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Leveler of Latakia...
's new plan for his embattled country is "more sectarian, more one-sided" than previous initiatives.

He spoke as the first major prisoner swap in the 21-month conflict took place, with rebels freeing 48 Iranians in exchange for more than 2,000 regime detainees in a drawn-out deal with Damascus
...Capital of the last remaining Baathist regime in the world...
reportedly brokered by Turkey, Qatar and Iran.

U.N. and Arab League
...an organization of Arabic-speaking states with 22 member countries and four observers. The League tries to achieve Arab consensus on issues, which usually leaves them doing nothing but a bit of grimacing and mustache cursing...
envoy Brahimi was giving his first public reaction to a three-step plan announced by Assad on Sunday.

"What has been said this time is not really different and it is perhaps even more sectarian, more one-sided," Brahimi told the BBC.

"What you need is reaching out and recognizing that there is a problem, a very, very serious problems between Syrians, and that Syrians have got to talk to one another to solve it," he said.

Assad's plan for a "political solution" in Syria was swiftly rejected by the opposition and Western nations as being detached from reality.

The plan offered a dialogue with the opposition to end the conflict -- but only with elements he deemed acceptable, not rebel-affiliated groups he termed "killers" and "terrorists" led by foreigners.

Referring to the so-called Arab Spring that has swept the region since late 2010, Brahimi said: "Now people want to have a say in how they are governed. They want to take hold of their own future."

"In Syria in particular, what people are saying is that one family ruling for 40 years is a little bit too long."
Posted by: Fred || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Home Front: Culture Wars
New Wyoming Gun Law – Jail Terms for Feds
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 01/10/2013 13:30 || Comments || Link || [336086 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Ft Sumter is on the horizon.

I wonder what it will be called this time.

Wait for it to start, then take appropriate action.

Orion
Posted by: Orion || 01/10/2013 21:38 Comments || Top||


Too tough on Pvt. Manning
Deduct 112 days from his mandatory life sentence...
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/10/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || [336078 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sympathy Meter at 0 needed, just sayin'...
Posted by: Raj || 01/10/2013 0:20 Comments || Top||

#2  I'll gladly pay for the powder and shot.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/10/2013 5:20 Comments || Top||

#3  As a humorous side note: the 'soon to be scattered red mist' is standing on a stack of stones because the cannoneers couldn't raise the back end of the carriage to lower the bore.
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/10/2013 7:50 Comments || Top||

#4  Releasing him to the general population of the US Disciplinary Barracks at Ft Leavenworth would deduct days from his life. Given that the Military Court of Appeals won't approve a death sentence, it'd be much cred among the inmates for doing the lad.
Posted by: Procopius2K || 01/10/2013 8:52 Comments || Top||

#5  So, he talked, not wise, but not criminal either, Pictures of a Machine gun crew shooting civilians, is NOT criminal, not nearly as criminal as the shooters.

As you can tell, I'm torn by this one.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/10/2013 9:59 Comments || Top||

#6  Not being the document(s) originator or classifier, this boyish private was not authorized to release classified information. It really doesn't matter however, POTUS is obviously authorized, and the results are alarmingly similar.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/10/2013 10:07 Comments || Top||

#7  ["release" as in declassify for release]
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/10/2013 10:09 Comments || Top||

#8  History will tell us right or wrong RedJim.
For my part the fellow violated a position of trust, indiscriminately. I have a sense we do NOT know all he chose to share. I also wonder if his choice was not the tipping point to world opinion, already primed to weaken by 'the posture of O'.
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/10/2013 10:47 Comments || Top||

#9  So then, you think the actions of the Machine Gunners WERE all OK?

I think he did all of us a favor "Talking" And yes he asn't supposed to.

SO then Government Secrecy trumps all?

I don't think so, and neither did he.

THAT'S worth "Life at Hard Labor"?
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/10/2013 11:03 Comments || Top||

#10  RJ, I never had the impression that the only documents Manning leaked were related to war crime cover ups; if so, I would agree that you have a point. And cover-up is not the same as keeping secret - even if crimes were committed, it may be that they were, and should have been, prosecuted secretly, so as to minimize collateral damage to our forces and operations.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/10/2013 12:19 Comments || Top||

#11  My understanding is he blew the cover of a large number of undercover informants.

The Taliban caught several dozen of them and executed them in creative ways that only jihadis can think up.

In addition this incident caused many informants to rethink the advantages of working for the United States. I can't say I blame them.

I would like to see private manning killed, cremated, his ashes embedded in a urinal and the urinal installed in an army barracks.

Al
Posted by: Frozen Al || 01/10/2013 12:20 Comments || Top||

#12  Alongside Julian Assange...
Posted by: Grunter || 01/10/2013 12:37 Comments || Top||

#13  I like Frozen Als idea.
Posted by: Rjschwarz || 01/10/2013 14:20 Comments || Top||

#14  Pucker up, Buttercup.
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226 || 01/10/2013 15:50 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
41[untagged]
7Govt of Pakistan
5Arab Spring
4Govt of Syria
3al-Qaeda in North Africa
1Commies
1Govt of Iran
1Govt of Iraq
1al-Qaeda
1Ansar Dine
1Hamas
1Lashkar-e-Islami
1Lashkar e-Jhangvi
1Salafists
1Thai Insurgency
1TTP

Bookmark
E-Mail Me

The Classics
The O Club
Rantburg Store
The Bloids
The Never-ending Story
Thugburg
Gulf War I
The Way We Were
Bio

Merry-Go-Blog











On Sale now!


A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.

Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
Click here for more information

Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
Skidmark

Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2013-01-10
  Taliban suspects arrested over Karachi polio killings
Wed 2013-01-09
  Indonesia Foils Terror Plot on Tourist Spots
Tue 2013-01-08
  US drone attack kills four in North Waziristan
Mon 2013-01-07
  Syria Opposition Rejects Assad's Reconciliation Plan
Sun 2013-01-06
  Dronezap in South Wazoo send 18 TTP Jihadis to their rewards
Sat 2013-01-05
  Syria jets, troops wage offensive on rebels near capital
Fri 2013-01-04
  New U.S. Drone Strike Kills Three Qaida Suspects in Yemen
Thu 2013-01-03
  Iran to Citizens: Flee Isfahan
Wed 2013-01-02
  Fourteen Killed as Nigerian Troops Clash with Islamists
Tue 2013-01-01
  Pakistan: Six charity workers shot dead
Mon 2012-12-31
  Qaeda in Yemen offers bounty for killing US ambassador, troops
Sun 2012-12-30
  Pakistan reports 21 tribal policemen kidnapped, found dead
Sat 2012-12-29
  At Least 15 Killed in Sect Attack in North Nigeria
Fri 2012-12-28
  Militants kill two, kidnap 22 Pakistani soldiers
Thu 2012-12-27
  Somalia sets 100 days for Al Shabab militants to surrender

Better than the average link...



Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
54.235.6.60
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
WoT Operations (21)    Non-WoT (13)    Opinion (5)    (0)    Politix (7)