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Video footage shows new Al-Qaeda forces deploying in Yemen
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Afghanistan
Afghanistan army reaches strength of 150,000 members: MoD
[ArianaNews] Afghanistan’s army has reached a strength of 150,000 members, and the number is expected to increase in future, Latifullah Hakimi, Inspector General of the Ministry of Defense, said this week.
How many are former ghost soldiers?
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ariana News, Hakimi said that unlike the former government’s army, current army is defending the national interests of the country.

"An army shouldn’t belong to an individual or group, such that if the individual dies, the army would die, and if he is alive, it would be alive. It is not army. An army should be committed to supreme national interests of the country," Hakimi said.

The official said that the current army controls all the borders of the country, adding that neighbors should not have security concerns about Afghanistan.

"The army is committed on promises made to all countries on security and prevention of smuggling," Hakimi said.

The official said that transparency is maintained in the ranks of defense forces, adding that there are no ghost soldiers.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 01:58 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA


Taliban approves conservation work on historic Afghan synagogue, mikveh
Calling Jewish tourists to come and spend money!
[IsraelTimes] Yu Aw synagogue in Herat
...a venerable old Persian-speaking city in western Afghanistan, populated mostly by Tadjiks, which is why it's not as blood-soaked as areas controlled by Pashtuns...
, formerly home to tens of thousands of Jewish residents, set for $500,000 renovation despite last Jew abandoning city after Taliban
...Arabic for students...
takeover.


Though the Jews of Herat in western Afghanistan haven’t lived there in decades, the city’s historic synagogue, thought to have been built around the turn of the 20th century, is set to undergo a conservation project with the backing of the Taliban government, according to the Art Newspaper.

The 16-month project, set to start in November, is aimed at preventing the collapse of the Yu Aw synagogue’s structure. It is being planned by the Herat municipality and other local organizations, and it is being funded with nearly $500,000 from the Aliph Foundation, a Swiss group aimed at protecting cultural heritage sites in conflict areas. The community mikveh, known as the Hammam-e Mosaie, will also be repaired as part of the project.

The synagogue last underwent a two-year restoration project that was completed in 2009, with funding from another Swiss organization. For a few years, it served as an educational center for women and kiddies, but it was shut down again in 2014 due to seepage from a "poorly constructed, UN-funded municipal drainage channel in the adjoining road," the Art Newspaper reported. It is also not explicitly a Jewish heritage project.

"This is a cultural and historic site, which is not used as a place of worship, and the local government will support its preservation," Zalmay Safa, the head of Herat’s monuments department, told the Art Newspaper. "Despite the change in government our historic sites remain protected and they are not in any way connected to religious matters."

By 1948, Herat’s Jewish population, that once numbered in the tens of thousands, had dropped to about 280 Jewish families. With the establishment of the State of Israel, many of these families moved to Israel or the United States, and the local Jewish community had completely left by the 1970s.

In the following decades, nearly all of the Jews of Afghanistan left the country, with one notable exception — Zebulon Simantov, who was born in Herat, refused to leave the country despite numerous security risks until September 2021, one month after the Taliban, a radical Islamist regime that the United States considers a terrorist group, returned to power.

Simantov went to Israel, where his ex-wife had been living with their two daughters, waiting for him to grant her a religious divorce document that he had been withholding.

"There is a lot of interest in preserving and studying issues related to culture and history," Safa said. "We want to prove that we are tolerant and accepting of one another, we seek peace and we are not hard boys."
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 01:48 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA


Afghanistan Discovers New Gas Deposits
[KhaamaPress] Local Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
government authorities in the Bala Murghab district of Badghis province in northeastern Afghanistan said that a new natural gas reserve has been discovered.

This mine is situated in the Tangi-Bezbai area of Bala Murghab district, according to a report published on Wednesday night, October 26, by Bakhtar news agency, which cited the Taliban Head of Mines and Petroleum in Badghis province.

A team of engineers from the Taliban Ministry of Mines and Petroleum is also reported to have visited the province to do a preliminary assessment.

The engineers have confirmed the discovery of a new gas deposit, according to Shamsuddin Nizami, the Head of Mines and Petroleum in the Badghis province.

This comes as the leadership of the Taliban mines ministry and Turkmen authorities previously signed an agreement to import thousands of tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Turkmenistan.

According to the ministry, a meeting with the Afghanistan National Standards Authority, Afghanistan Oil and Gas Corporation, and the economic advisor to the Taliban prime minister reportedly covered the import of LPG, also known as cylinder gas, from Turkmenistan.

The ministry previously declared in a statement that they had reached an agreement to expand the country’s gas imports after many collaborative discussions with Turkmenistan’s authorities. As a result, the ports of Hayratan, Aqina, and Turghandi will be used to import thousands of tons of cylinder gas.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 01:48 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  An enlightened, pro Darwin society would kill all the men in Afghanistan, and take the motherfuckin' gas. Free the wimmin and outlaw the i-slam. Then move on to the rest of the opec countries. Zero hindrances to progress thereafter, give or take a few squabbles.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 10/30/2022 18:10 Comments || Top||


SIGAR: US Has Restarted Development Programs in Afghanistan
[ToloNews] A report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said that the US has restored reconstruction programs in Afghanistan.

The SIGAR report also expressed concern about the lack of facilities and budget in the health system and the loss of twenty years of achievements in Afghanistan.

"The Department of State and USAID have restarted reconstruction programs that were active prior to August 2021 and provided new funding for other programs focusing on poverty, hunger, malnutrition, economic stress, health care, agriculture, and education," SIGAR said.

"The restored reconstruction programs are an important step for trust-building and can help to reduce poverty and help in the health and agriculture sectors, and we welcomed it," Said Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy Minister of Economy.

In the report, SIGAR said that in Afghanistan the health sector faces a lack of budget and expert staff.

"In the immediate aftermath of the Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
’s takeover, the health care sector faced an urgent funding lapse when international support and government funding for Afghanistan’s health sector was immediately halted. The World Bank halted funding for its Sehatmandi program, pushing the health care system to the brink of collapse," said SIGAR.

Earlier, the deputy minister of the Public Ministry said that more than one billion dollars was promised for the health sector, but the Ministry of Public Health is not involved in how it is spent.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 01:48 || Comments || Link || [9 views] Top|| File under:

#1  America enabled Afghanistan's corruption for years. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/america...
Aug 22, 2021 · As the SIGAR report concluded, “The United States contributed to the growth of corruption by injecting tens of billions of dollars into the Afghan economy, using flawed oversight....
Posted by: Slavising Unineting5672 || 10/30/2022 9:21 Comments || Top||

#2  provided new funding for other programs focusing on poverty, hunger, malnutrition, economic stress, health care, agriculture, and education

How a Detroit Community Overcomes a Lack of City Services
Posted by: Skidmark || 10/30/2022 11:45 Comments || Top||

#3  Americaenabled Afghanistan's corruption for years. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/america...
Aug 22, 2021 · As the SIGAR report concluded, “The United States contributed to the growth of corruption by injecting tens of billions of dollars into the Afghan economy, using flawed oversight....
Posted by Slavising Unineting5672


Agree. You have no idea how bad it was and who participated...and no one cared...I often wonder - deliberate indifference or witting participation on our behalf?
Posted by: Tennessee || 10/30/2022 15:09 Comments || Top||

#4  The level of stupidity by our government is truly astonishing.
Posted by: Chris || 10/30/2022 15:11 Comments || Top||

#5  The restored reconstruction programs are an important step for trust-building and can help to reduce poverty and help in the health and with the Taliban.

Like a damn dog to its vomit.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 10/30/2022 15:34 Comments || Top||

#6  Ref #4: The level of stupidity by our government is truly astonishing.

Borders on the mentally impaired.
Posted by: Besoeker || 10/30/2022 15:38 Comments || Top||

#7  Well they kicked our ass and now we have to pay some more
Posted by: Graing Prince of the Faeries5517 || 10/30/2022 15:44 Comments || Top||

#8  If you liked Afghanistan, you’ll LOVE Ukraine.

$66 billion stolen and wasted.
$50 billion more, coming soon.
And then a cool trillion in “reconstruction” graft

What’s not to love?

Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 17:54 Comments || Top||

#9  You sound envious. How Russian of you.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 20:23 Comments || Top||

#10  How stupid of you.

I don’t like having my pocket picked. I don’t know what country you’re from, but I’m American and I’m sick of little neocon assholes wasting hundreds of billions or even trillions of OUR MONEY on their stupid wars in regions where we have nothing at stake.

That money is being stolen. If you believe that it’s for “defending democracy” then you must be as gullible as you come across here.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 20:46 Comments || Top||

#11  Best money spent in years. You Russian fucks have royally screwed yourselves. Depleted 60 years of arms production in six months, wasting a $billion per day, brought the democratic west closer than anytime in the past 30 years and royally flushed your best hard currency market. Oh, and your "little brothers" hate your fucking guts for the 3 generations. Bravo, geniuses.

Wondering how many "republics" Muscovy will break into this time.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 21:36 Comments || Top||

#12  You Russian fucks

Quit being a douche

This is dipshit Biden’s forever war. We’re tired of you Ukrainian assholes dragging us into your insane war.

Not our problem. Run along now.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 21:41 Comments || Top||

#13  And you are a liar, so a typical Russian.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 21:50 Comments || Top||

#14  1.) The US isn't shipping pallets of cash into Ukraine. The "aid money" is being given to US arms manufacturers to replace the older stocks sent to Ukraine.

2.) The US promised to help protect Ukraine when they gave up their nukes. We are honoring that agreement. They didn't attack Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine. Promise kept.

3.) While I will be the first to agree that we need to stop wasting billions in areas that have no strategic value to us (seriously, 20 years in Afghanistan!?!!?) the value of sending weapons to Ukraine is to make sure the Russian army dies there. Putie-pie would have kept going into the Baltic states if Ukraine fell easily. I would much rather arm Ukraine and let them fight and die while killing Russians then have NATO drawn into the fight. 'Cuz NATO would whoop Russian ass. And that means the only thing they have to defend themselves is nukes. Have another Javelin Ukraine.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 21:58 Comments || Top||

#15  The US isn't shipping pallets of cash into Ukraine.

Yes we are. You’re ignorant. Try FIVE BILLION A MONTH, every month, into that sewer of corruption called the Ukrainian “government.”

If you think that the biggest thieves in the northern hemisphere aren’t stealing most of that $5B per month, you must be one of those Biden-Fetterman 2924 loons
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:07 Comments || Top||

#16  Yes we are. You’re ignorant.

And you are either a moron, or a Russian stooge. Read the bills. Most of the money is either staying in the US and about 1/3 is credit for nations like Norway/Sweden for Ukraine to get weapons from.

So inhale furious amount of Putie-dick and choke on it.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 22:11 Comments || Top||

#17  The US isn't shipping pallets of cash into Ukraine.

Yes we are. You’re ignorant. Try FIVE BILLION A MONTH, every month, into that sewer of corruption called the Ukrainian “government.”

We’re making the entire payroll and funding the entire operations of one of the shittiest, most corrupt governments on the planet. Look it up if you don’t believe me. $5B a month.

If you think that the biggest thieves in the northern hemisphere aren’t stealing most of that $5B per month, you must be one of those “Biden-Fetterman 2024” loons

I get that you’re obsessed with Russia but you’re living in the last century. They don’t threaten us in this century.

They’re not a peer competitor— as you never tire of telling the world, in your tedious and endless rants…
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:11 Comments || Top||

#18  Putie-dick

Brilliant riposte.

This is what the neocons and the rest of the Ukrainians’ little bitches are reduced to.

Now we know why DoD furloughed you.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:14 Comments || Top||

#19  Considering you haven't provided one bit of evidence on why we should listen to you... and spouted Kremlin propaganda line by line... and are pretty much ignorant of everything in the conflict...

I name you Russian paid troll.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 22:16 Comments || Top||

#20  1.) The US isn't shipping pallets of cash into Ukraine. The "aid money" is being given to US arms manufacturers to replace the older stocks sent to Ukraine. Posted by: DarthVader
Nope, Biden is supporting the entire Ukraine government structure.

I would much rather arm Ukraine and let them fight and die while killing Russians then have NATO drawn into the fight. 'Cuz NATO would whoop Russian ass. Posted by: DarthVader
NATO couldn't fight it's way out of a wet paper bag w/o the US.
Posted by: The Walking Unvaxed || 10/30/2022 22:24 Comments || Top||

#21  I already trashed your arguments. The cleverest argument you can summon is the lefty troll’s favorite comeback — like a five year-old screaming, “You poopyhead!!”

Here’s why Americans are sick of this foolish forever war:

It’s a complete waste of our money.
We have nothing at stake there.
The only Americans with anything on the line are the Biden’s and other corrupt assholes in DC. AMERICA has nothing at stake.
Russia doesn’t threaten us.
Ukraine is not our ally. We owe those corrupt little fucks nothing.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:25 Comments || Top||

#22  Sadly, Russia would like to threaten us as they used to.

Sadly, Ukraine is not simon-pure.

Sadly, the American government is even more full of short-sighted idiots at the moment — here’s hoping the elections of 2022 and 2024 enable enough circus monkeys will be cleared out to make a difference.

Is disagreement possible here without name-calling, or is name-calling the point?


Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 22:34 Comments || Top||

#23  NATO couldn't fight it's way out of a wet paper bag w/o the US

Depends on the scenario. I offer this which will be on tomorrow's Rantburg.

NATO is very capable for defense.. which is what it was designed for. War of aggression eh... not so much. NATO members that have been to the middle east have usually been praised by the US forces there. Poland and the Danes were very good and professional soldiers in my experience. Wouldn't want to fight them on their land.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 22:36 Comments || Top||

#24  or is name-calling the point?

For Russian trolls it is.

As for Mr. Unvaxed... that poster has been around a while and definitely wants to engage in debate. So spot on and let's get to it lad!
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 22:40 Comments || Top||

#25  Trailing Wife,

It’s impossible to point out basic facts without being subjected to the same retarded taunts that the left flung at Trump. Putin-this, Putin-that.

Never mind that Trump’s Russia policy was just right: balanced, tough but respectful, measured, never provoking Russia. For that he was called “Putin’s c0ck-holster” — the same kind of embarrassingly stupid nonsense we get from “DarthVader” and the other pseudo-experts here.

You’d think this site was The Daily Kos, given the reflexive, retarded bullshit that the pseudo-experts fling anytime anyone points out the corruption and foolishness of the neocons’ and Joe Biden’s latest forever war.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:41 Comments || Top||

#26  Russian, your concern trolling gives you away. It's not how an Americans think, certainly not patriotic Americans. Ask your bosses for a better troll script. Better yet, find productive work, such as Volgograd sewer maintenance.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 22:43 Comments || Top||

#27  Quit being a douche.

The lady told you to stuff the name-calling. Mind your manners.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:48 Comments || Top||

#28  Considering you just appeared here....

Parrot Russian Propaganda line for line...

Dismiss and insult long term posters...

Only now trying to get in with the moderators...

yeah... Still a paid Russian Propagandist.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 22:52 Comments || Top||

#29  Russian troll, your shtick was worn out by April, just like your army.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 22:53 Comments || Top||

#30  It's not how an Americans think

Fetterman, try again. Sound the words out in your head before you write. Then type the words s-l-o-w-l-y

You can do it.
Dr Chen says you’re 100%!
Now there’s a good boy
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:53 Comments || Top||

#31  “DarthVader” — you just can’t quit, can you?

Did you read what she wrote?

How old are you?
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:56 Comments || Top||

#32  Try FIVE BILLION A MONTH

Try again, troll.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 22:57 Comments || Top||

#33  Old enough to remember how to kill Soviets. And I didn't insult you in the last few posts. Unlike now.

Dickhead.

Now go away and let the adults talk. Russian Troll.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 22:58 Comments || Top||

#34  “Poopyhead!!”

🤡
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 22:59 Comments || Top||

#35  “Poopyhead!!”

Well, if you are man enough to admit what you are... who am I to judge?
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:00 Comments || Top||

#36  Must be tough working the third shift in a shitty internet troll job in a shitty country quickly imploding. I would feel pity for you, but you serve people that are destroying your young men and country. Find work that doesn't destroy your soul.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 23:06 Comments || Top||

#37  McConnell and the other GOP cucks are going to spend $50 billion “so Ukraine can make it through the end of the year,” as one of their aides put it.

$50 billion. For two months.

This is how we get up to a trillion dollars in a forever war. First it’s a billion, then $10 billion, then $66 billion, and then we’re told that we need to fund their entire government.

Is Ukraine now one of those 54 states Biden referred to yesterday?

Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 23:10 Comments || Top||

#38  The sum of the three Ukraine supplementals totals $66.1 billion, but not all this money goes to Ukraine. Billions of dollars have gone toward other items like replenishing US military stocks, deterrence measures in Eastern Europe outside Ukraine, and energy-related issues. For example, so far $14 billion has gone to replenish US stocks of equipment, $9.7 billion to US European Command to increase the military presence in Eastern Europe, and $2 billion to address the increase of energy costs related to the war in Ukraine. The billions of dollars allocated for military assistance to Ukraine never leave the United States. Despite the perception that opponents of American aid to Ukraine create, funds for military support are not wired to Ukrainian government bank accounts. Instead, the US president uses the appropriated funds for a drawdown of military equipment to be sent to Ukraine. For the US to give funds to the Ukrainian government, like the $13.2 billion for the Economic Support Fund, the secretary of state and administrator of USAID have to jointly submit a report to the relevant congressional committees on the proposed uses of these funds.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:15 Comments || Top||

#39  How can their government operations possibly require even $5 billion per month?

Ukraine’s entire GDP in the best of times was only $180 billion. Does their government really require one third of the nation’s entire GDP?

I know you’ve been booted out of government work for a long spell, but Jesus, just do the math.

There is no fucking way that this kleptocracy could possibly require $60 billion per year just to keep the lights on (no pun intended).

They’re obviously fleecing us. Billions a month are being stolen. It’s what they do.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 23:18 Comments || Top||

#40  Jesus, just do the math.

The math adds up... unlike your grasp of English.

Now if you want to make an argument about how adding to the US deficit isn't in our best interest or paying out to the military industrial complex isn't in the US's best interest there is an argument to be made for that. Several long term posters have argued as such and I am inclined to agree on a few points they make. But you are little more than a poo flinging Russian monkey with your posts. Please strive to do better.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:22 Comments || Top||

#41  Congress Passes Funding Stopgap Bill To Avoid Ukrainian Government Shutdown
Sep 29, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the nick of time, Congress has passed a bipartisan $12 billion funding bill, narrowly avoiding a Ukrainian government shutdown.

"As elected representatives chosen by the people, it is our solemn duty, as outlined in the Constitution, to fully fund the Ukrainian government at all times," said Senator Chuck Schumer. "We humbly accept this sacred responsibility to send billions to Ukraine, who will send it to Raytheon, who will send it to super PACs, who will help us get elected. It's the right thing to do."

President Zelensky took a few moments in between magazine glamour shoots to thank America for her generosity. "We promise we will put this vast, vast wealth to good use," he said while checking the time on his new Girard-Perregaux Quasar Light Tourbillon wristwatch. "We know that Americans get up and go to work every day hoping that some of their money is used to kill Russians. I'm proud to be making their dreams come true."

Congress estimates the stopgap bill will keep Ukraine funded for at least two weeks, or until their super PACs run out of money.
Posted by: Thumper Smith5701 || 10/30/2022 23:33 Comments || Top||

#42  Darth, there is a lot of double accounting in the publicized figures. Makes politicians sound like they are doing something. Send weapons to Ukraine (an accounting entry) then replace that stock (another accounting entry). You've just double counted.

Ukraine has (or will receive) about $18 billion US weapons so far. In addition, the US recently agreed to support the Ukr gov budget with $1.5B/month. So did the Europeans. The Ukrainians are spending more than 60% of gov revenues on the war, tax collection is down, and need help to support the population and rebuilding.

BTW, the US fed gov alone spends $1 billion every 5 seconds. $66 or $600 billion is a bargain to be rid of Russian threat for the next 2-3 generations. Better yet, maybe the Russian people will see their coming collapse as an opportunity to become a civilized country.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 23:37 Comments || Top||

#43  or is name-calling the point?

Monkey brain stuff. It feels good. You get an endorphin rush from hooting and throwing poo to drive away enemies. Or name-calling on the interwebs.
It feels good, but it short-circuits higher brain functions like reason and analysis. Consider it as a sign that the poster's cerebral cortex has left the building.
Posted by: SteveS || 10/30/2022 23:39 Comments || Top||

#44  ...there is a lot of double accounting in the publicized figures. Makes politicians sound like they are doing something.

Yeah I would agree. I trust the current batch as far as I can throw their collective asses... but they do have to report what they do and the video evidence from Ukraine is showing they are at least delivering what they promise. So yay I guess.

Ukraine is fucked from an economic stance for the foreseeable future. Russia has made sure of that. As long as they are willing to fight and grind down the Russian military, I'm happy to have my government pay for their weapons and rebuilding.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:42 Comments || Top||

#45  You jokers can’t even agree on your numbers.

Which means the Ukraine-grifting is even worse than you can imagine.

You frankly have no idea where and how the cash is sloshing around. Neither does anyone outside of the Bug Guy and the rest of the Biden Crime Family.

This is the Iraq clusterfuck all over again: billions looted in broad daylight. And without even a Jerry Bremer equivalent on the scene to at least apply triage to stop the dollar-hemorrhaging.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 23:45 Comments || Top||

#46  S/b neither does anyone outside The Big Guy

Bill Gates is the Bug Guy — crickets, to be exact:

Take a Look Inside a Cricket Farm…Which Is Where Your Food Will Come From Soon
BY ATHENA THORNE
AUGUST 17, 2022


It’s astonishing how, by the time we normal folk first hear of a new Globalist Socialist initiative, it turns out there’s already a significant amount of infrastructure in place. Take eating bugs, for example. Did you know that there are currently sizable cricket farms in many parts of the world, including Canada and the United States? Or that cricket flour is already used in some foods?
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 23:50 Comments || Top||

#47  Which means the Ukraine-grifting is even worse than you can imagine.

Oh so that must mean that Ukraine is about to be overrun and lost to Russia?

Oh wait.. they have successfully mounted 3 counter attacks and regained hundreds of square kilometers of ground...

The video evidence suggests otherwise, Mr. Russian troll.

Oh .... and how is that S-300/400/Pantsir doing against HIMARS rockets?

Yeah... not great huh?
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:50 Comments || Top||

#48  Bill Gates is the Bug Guy — crickets, to be exact:

I'm just gonna assume you are pulling shit out of your ass at this point. This has nothing to do with what we have been discussing.
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:55 Comments || Top||

#49  so that must mean that Ukraine is about to be overrun and lost to Russia?

Not our problem.
Ukraine is not our ally.
Russia controlling this or that Russian-majority eastern province is of no importance whatsoever to us.
Posted by: Black Charlie Jineque5437 || 10/30/2022 23:56 Comments || Top||

#50  Ukraine is not our ally.

Nope. It isn't.

But we made a promise to help protect it if it gave up its nukes. We are fullfilling that promise. Anything else troll?
Posted by: DarthVader || 10/30/2022 23:58 Comments || Top||

#51  Have you seen Russian revenues lately? It is collapsing on all fronts (gas, oil, mineral exports, import tariffs) while spending is exploding (those mobiks and 50 year old North Korean weapons don't come free). There is no possibility for Russia to borrow money nor does it have any friends and allies that will help.

Oh wait.. they have successfully mounted 3 counter attacks and regained hundreds of square kilometers of ground

Today was a bad day for the Russian Army. They lost nearly 1000.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 23:59 Comments || Top||


Turkish AIDF Builds Religious Seminaries in Afghanistan
The Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
Ministry of Education stated on Saturday that a Ottoman Turkish humanitarian institution has committed to establishing five religious seminaries in various provinces of Afghanistan.

Habibullah Agha, the Taliban Minister of Education, and Sheikh Mohammad Toran, the organization’s head, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kabul, the Afghan capital, according to the statement.

The minister welcomed the initiative by Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) as a "major step" and he stated that the ministry will offer all of the available facilities required for the project’s implementation.

Each of these four-class religious seminaries will be established at a cost of $25,000 throughout five provinces, according to the ministry’s statement.

The organization would build five religious schools in five different provinces of the country in accordance with the MoU. Each school will feature four classrooms, a perimeter wall, a mosque, a drinking water supply system, and other necessary amenities, the ministry stated in a statement.

It is worth noting that after the Taliban took power, the number of religious schools built surged in many areas of Afghanistan, with specific emphasis placed on the construction and refurbishment of religious institutions.

Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under: Sublime Porte


Africa Horn
How civil servants will contribute to Al-Shabaab war in Somalia
[Garowe] Somalia's Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has come up with a new strategy of involving civil servants in the fight against al-Shabaab
...... the personification of Somali state failure...
, which will see them part with 20 percent of their monthly salary to the teams that are currently fighting the group across the country.

The Ministry of Finance, he said, will directly slash the amount of proposed money and directly deposit it in a separate account which will assist the Somali National Army [SNA] and local militia working overnight to defeat the group which controls most parts of Somalia.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said the federal government would implement the cuts for three months, and other government workers would also see a 5 percent wage cut. Already, the involvement of local militia has attracted accolades from members of the international community.

Civil servants have mostly been targeted by al-Shabaab, who are keen to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government. Besides the civil servants, the militshys have also been carelessly attacking innocent civilians and members of the Armed Forces in that country.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 02:24 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab (AQ)

#1  Ha ha ha Ha ha ha ha
Haaaa Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Now we'll get so much more insider intel about how this moolah is being wasted in a propaganda blitz.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 10/30/2022 7:59 Comments || Top||


Africa North
UNSMIL Confirms Support for Disarming Militias in Libya
[LIBYAREVIEW] The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), issued a statement in which it warned against the proliferation of weapons. It expressed its readiness to support the Libyan authorities in its arms control efforts.
Yeah, buddy. That'll do it.
In a thread on its Twitter account, UNSMIL said: “This week is the UN disarmament week. Over the last 77 years the UN has worked to create a better world for all people.”

“In Libya, peace and stability are at risk because of the proliferation of arms, often in the hands of unregulated armed groups outside of the State’s control, which plays a significant role in increasing violence against civilians and the destruction of infrastructure. UNSMIL stands ready to support Libyan authorities in weapons and ammunition management, in close cooperation with the Joint Military Commission (5+5) and political actors. Demonstrated political will is crucial to achieve this goal,” it added.

Days ago, a Maltese court cleared the owner of a vessel chartering company and four employees of breaching the EU arms embargo on Libya, according to the Times of Malta newspaper.

The court declared that the military-grade inflatable boats leased to evacuate workers from Libya did not feature among the “very limited” list of prohibited goods.

The five were charged with violating an EU regulation prohibiting the sale, supply, transfer, or export of equipment “to any person, entity or body in Libya or for use in Libya” which might be used for “internal repression”.

Investigations by the Maltese anti-terrorist squad were triggered when a boat arrived in Malta with some 20 people in July 2019. They were not asylum seekers, but evidently trained personnel bearing South African, British, Australian, and American passports.

They later told police that they had been tasked by their employer, Opus Capital, to carry out geological surveys in Libya and had opted to flee after noticing a spike in the presence of militias.

Investigations led to charges being issued against the company for ferrying the workers to Libya in terms of a charter party agreement, which was signed between Sovereign Capital and Opus Capital. They denied the charges.

EU Regulation 2016/44, laid out a “most limited list of six goods” which were not to be transferred, sold or supplied to Libya. It did not lay down a blanket prohibition but clearly stated that the prohibition applied “limitedly to goods mentioned under Annex VII”. Turning to the case at hand, the court observed that, obviously, goods not included in that list required no “prior authorisation” by the Sanctions Monitoring Board.

“By proving its case on a balance of probability, the defence had reduced the prosecution’s case to nothing,” the court concluded.

Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Libya’s Military Commanders Form Committee to Deport Mercenaries
[PUBLISH.TWITTER]
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  "I know what we need: A Committee!"
Posted by: Frank G || 10/30/2022 6:43 Comments || Top||

#2 
"A standing committee! Let us all stand!"

"Oh I can't. I'm overweight."

"Then you can't be in the standing committee, Rauf!"

"But it's my backyard!"

"Oh? Perhaps we'd better have two committees then. You can be in the sub-committee!"

"Good. Thanks."
Posted by: Dron66046 || 10/30/2022 6:49 Comments || Top||

#3  Putin is now hiring for all shifts.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 10/30/2022 10:19 Comments || Top||


Turkey to Train Libyan Fighter Jet Pilots
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: Sublime Porte

#1  They're likely to do a better job than their Russian predecessors.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 10/30/2022 11:47 Comments || Top||


Arabia
The president of SaudiArabia's King Abdulaziz University, who was relieved of his duties, has admitted to embezzling over $133 million
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Saudi Arabia

#1  Saw off his leg and he'll admit to the full 266 million.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 10/30/2022 5:34 Comments || Top||

#2  Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued today, Oct. 27, a Royal Decree on relieving Abdulrahman Al-Youbi, President of King Abdulaziz University, of his position. Accordingly, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) will complete the necessary legal procedures against him. The decision was taken based on Nazaha reports that Al-Youbi misused his power for personal gain, in addition to accusing him of embezzlement from the university, as well as money laundering and forgery.
While one would suppose he has a degree from Harvard, not so. Chem Degree from Brit U.
Posted by: Slavising Unineting5672 || 10/30/2022 9:29 Comments || Top||

#3  "...Abdulrahman Al-Youbi, c'mon down to Chop-Chop Square!!"

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 10/30/2022 11:45 Comments || Top||

#4  In the USA, university money is siphoned off to leftist speakers.
Posted by: Crereque Clusogum7898 || 10/30/2022 12:00 Comments || Top||

#5  "In the Kingdom, only Princes are allowed to steal this much money!"
Posted by: ed in texas || 10/30/2022 13:17 Comments || Top||

#6  "Lefty" Al-Youbi. as he shall soon be known. If he's lucky.
Posted by: Secret Master || 10/30/2022 18:56 Comments || Top||

#7  He may well be in a spot of bother here.
Posted by: Elmoting Flerelet5519 || 10/30/2022 20:05 Comments || Top||


Yemen separatist militias name new conditions for disarmament agreement
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Saturday set a new condition for accepting the plans to disband its militias.

Media, quoting sources in the STC, reported that STC’s president, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, informed the Emiratis of his adherence to the overthrow of the Minister of Interior in the government loyal to Saudi-led coalition, Ibrahim Haidan, provided that Shallal Shaye, the former director of Aden security, be named the minister of interior.

Al-Zubaidi’s condition coincided with Saudi pressure to dismantle his militias by distributing them to the Ministries of Defense and Interior.

This refers to the STC’s efforts to limit Tariq Affash’s incursion into his stronghold, especially since Tariq is the most prominent claimant of the Interior Ministry, and his brother Ammar was previously named.

Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under: Houthis


Al-Ajri: Sana'a has no intention of excluding other Yemeni parties from political solution
A Member of Yemen
...an area of the Arabian Peninsula sometimes mistaken for a country. It is populated by more antagonistic tribes and factions than you can keep track of...
’s national negotiating delegation, Abdul-Malik al-Ajri, stressed that negotiations with Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
do not mean excluding other Yemeni parties from the political solution.

"The talk with Saudi Arabia is limited to stopping the war, lifting the siege, and rebuilding," Abdul-malik al-Ajri said on his Twitter account.


"In the political stage, these parties will be part of the political solution, but on the basis of the national constants, the unity and illusory sovereignty of Yemen, and the end of these parties’ dependence on the outside," he added.
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under: Houthis


International-UN-NGOs
Syrians sanctioned for rights abuses got $68m in UN contracts — report
[IsraelTimes] Almost half of UN contracts in 2019-2020 are with suppliers blacklisted by West, including group that killed blindfolded prisoners in 2013 and buried them in mass grave.

The United Nations
...where theory meets practice and practice loses...
has procured tens of millions of dollars in contracts with companies linked to Syrian government-backed individuals sanctioned for human rights
One man's rights are another man's existential threat.
abuses, according to a report by two non-governmental groups.

Syria’s uprising turned civil war that started in 2011 has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced half the country’s pre-war population of 23 million. More than 80 percent of Syrians now live in poverty, leaving much of the population dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Syrian Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Light of the Alawites...
, with military support from Russia, Iran
...They hate Jews Zionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol...
and the Lebanese jihadist group Hezbollah has since been able to reclaim much of the country. But Syria continues to spiral from a crippling economic crisis. Recently, a cholera outbreak that has infected some 20,000 people, underscored the scope of the crisis.

A report analyzing the UN’s top 100 suppliers in Syria in 2019 and 2020 by the non-profit Observatory of Political and Economic Networks and the non-governmental organization Syrian Legal Development Program concluded that almost half of the procured contracts in those two years were with suppliers that were involved in human rights abuses or may have profited from them. The report was published on Tuesday.

Almost a quarter of contracts the UN procured those two years went to companies owned or partially owned by individuals sanctioned by the United States, United Kingdom or European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
for human rights abuses, worth a total of around $68 million.

Among them is Fadi Saqr, who is close to Assad and heads the National Defense Forces in Damascus, a pro-government militia that notably executed dozens of blindfolded prisoners in 2013 and buried them in a mass grave near the Syrian capital.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Damascus, Syria, did not immediately comment on the report.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 03:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Iran opens trial of 5 facing death penalty over protests roiling country
[IsraelTimes] More than 1,000 charged in connection to ’riots’ following death of young woman in morality police custody.

The trial of five Iranians charged with offenses that can carry capital punishment over protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death opened Saturday in Tehran, the judiciary’s news website said.

The Islamic Theocratic Republic has witnessed a wave of protests over the death of 22-year-old Amini on September 16 after her arrest by the morality police in Tehran for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women.

The street violence, which authorities have dubbed "riots," has led to dozens of deaths, mostly among demonstrators but also among the security forces.

Hundreds of protesters including women have been arrested.

"The first hearing of a number of defendants from the recent riots opened this morning at Tehran’s revolutionary tribunal," the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.

Charges have been filed against more than 1,000 individuals in provinces across Iran
...Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979...
in connection to the protests, the judiciary said on Wednesday.

Mizan reported that an individual identified as Mohammad Ghobadlou was charged in Tehran with "corruption on earth," an offense punishable by death, for "attacking police with a car, which resulted in the death of one officer and the injury of five others."

Another of the five, Saeed Shirazi, faces the same charge for "inciting people to commit crimes against the country’s security," Mizan said.

The three others, identified as Saman Seyedi, Mohammad Boroghani, and Mohsen Rezazadeh, have all been accused of "moharebeh," which means "war against God" — a charge that can also carry a death sentence
...the barbaric practice of sentencing a murderer to be punished for as long as his/her/its victim is dead...
.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/30/2022 02:47 || Comments || Link || [12 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran


Aoun signs an amended banking secrecy bill into law
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


Aoun says govt. formation seems to be 'impossible'
President Michel Aoun
...president of Leb, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hizbullah...
announced Saturday that the formation of a new government before the end of his presidential term "seems to be impossible."

"I don’t know the intentions of others, but the matter seems to be impossible," Aoun said in an interview with al-Mayadeen TV.

He added: "The constitution does not prevent the issuance of a decree accepting the resignation of Mikati’s government’s and it is still possible to issue it."

Al-Jadeed TV later reported that Aoun intends to issue the decree on Monday, which is the last day in his term, to "prevent any reactions from disrupting the popular celebrations that will accompany Aoun's return to Rabieh on Sunday."

In his remarks to al-Maydeen, Aoun regretted that "the judiciary did not perform its role in pursuing the corrupts" during his tenure.
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [9 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


Bassil calls on Mikati to quit, Hezbollah to boycott govt. meetings
Free Patriotic Movement
Despite its name a Christian party allied with Hizbullah, neither free nor particularly patriotic...
chief Jebran Bassil has called on caretaker PM and PM-designate Najib Mikati to "step down so that the president can call for immediate parliamentary consultations that lead to designating someone else" to form a new government.

In remarks to al-Akhbar newspaper published Saturday, Bassil said that when presidential vacuum begins, Mikati's caretaker cabinet will "lack legitimacy, conformity to the (National) Pact and Christian and parliamentary confidence."

"It will be boycotted by most of its ministers," Bassil added.

Hezbollah meanwhile told Mikati that its two ministers "will not take part in any cabinet session that he would call for during presidential vacuum, in soldiarity with the ministers of the president and the FPM," al-Akhbar said.

The ministers loyal to the president, the FPM, the Tashnag Party
Socialist party representing the Armenian diaspora in Leb. They're Christians, but they try to remain neutral, which means they get shot at without shooting back...
and ex-MP Talal Arslan meanwhile held a meeting Friday and agreed to boycott any cabinet session.
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


Report: LF tells al-Rahi its real candidate is army chief
A Lebanese Forces
A Christian political party founded by Bashir Gemayel, who was then bumped off when he was elected president of Leb...
delegation has met with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and informed him that its "real" presidential candidate is Army chief General Joseph Aoun, al-Akhbar newspaper reported Saturday.

"He is the only one capable to confront Hezbollah and he has encouraging experiences in this regard," the LF delegation told al-Rahi, according to the daily.
Posted by: Fred || 10/30/2022 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah



Who's in the News
31[untagged]
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4Sublime Porte
4Taliban/IEA
3Islamic State
3Commies
3Houthis
2Arab Spring
2al-Shabaab (AQ)
2Boko Haram (ISIS)
2Tin Hat Dictators, Presidents for Life, & Kleptocrats
2Govt of Iran
1[untagged]
1al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
1Banditti
1Govt of Iraq
1Govt of Saudi Arabia
1Hamas
1Narcos

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Two weeks of WOT
Sun 2022-10-30
  Video footage shows new Al-Qaeda forces deploying in Yemen
Sat 2022-10-29
  Texas Commits Additional $875 Million to School, Border Security
Fri 2022-10-28
  Mahsa Amini protests near sixth week
Thu 2022-10-27
  Waukesha Christmas Parade Killer Guilty
Wed 2022-10-26
  Court Sentences ‘Mama Boko Haram’ To Seven Years in Jug
Tue 2022-10-25
  Somali Govt confirms over 100 militants killed in Ops
Mon 2022-10-24
  Death toll rises after Al-Shabaab gunmen storm hotel in Somalia
Sun 2022-10-23
  Florida sheriff's office makes record fentanyl bust, arrests 3 people trafficking drugs sent from Mexico
Sat 2022-10-22
  Over 40 Journalists Detained In Iran For Covering Anti-Hijab Protests
Fri 2022-10-21
  Liman exhumations completed - 111 civilians and 35 military
Thu 2022-10-20
  Arizona fires back at Biden admin's demand it remove shipping containers filling gaps at border
Wed 2022-10-19
  Estonia's parliament declares Russia a ‘terrorist regime'
Tue 2022-10-18
  Su-34 crash in Yeysk kills four
Mon 2022-10-17
  Pregnant Woman, Nursing Mother, Undergraduate, 25 Others Arrested With Tons Of Illicit Drugs In Nigeria
Sun 2022-10-16
  Tehran’s hell-hole Evin jail is on fire


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