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Iraq Kurds Say IS Financier Killed in Joint Raid with U.S.
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Page 4: Opinion
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17 20:05 phil_b [1] 
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Page 3: Non-WoT
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Page 6: Politix
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-Lurid Crime Tales-
Rand Paul: HRC Can Get 5 YEARS IN PRISON for Lying to Congress About Syrian Weapons (VIDEO)
[Gateway Pundit] Secretary of State Hillary Clinton knew that the US was sending arms from Libya to Syria back in 2011, a year before the Benghazi consulate attacks.

Hillary Clinton denied she knew about the weapons shipments during public testimony (under oath) in early 2013 after the Benghazi terrorist attack.

Senator Rand Paul questioned Hillary Clinton about this gun running program back in January 2013 during her testimony on the Benghazi terrorist attack.

Lengthy article and comments.
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/12/2016 03:24 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  There is only power now, no law.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 08/12/2016 7:01 Comments || Top||

#2  She knew about the CIA gun running shipments, but denied knowledge because of "National Security" reasons,,,,,hee hee.
Posted by: crazyhorse || 08/12/2016 8:02 Comments || Top||

#3  hrc already a serial offender in giving false testimony under oath -- one more time - "what difference does it make at this time"
Posted by: lord garth || 08/12/2016 8:07 Comments || Top||

#4  HRC is a serial liar but it is the political season and both House and some Senate members are running for re-election. Nothing is going to happen at this time. As long as the Donks have control of the executive branch, DOJ's Lynch is going to block anything to do with Hillary getting 5 years. Throw in a complicit, wastrel MSM and you've got them blocking any truth about Hillary. However, I'm not sure the Pubs would do anything if they had a super majority and the executive branch--something about cojones and not wanting to rock the boat of their cozy beltway arrangement.
Posted by: JohnQC || 08/12/2016 8:40 Comments || Top||

#5  However, I'm not sure the Pubs would do anything if they had a super majority and the executive branch--

Having had years, no decades to map it all out, why would you have not included a few pubs in the sharing of the spoils and benefits? Sort of an insurance policy.

Could the sudden appearance of 50 GOP national security experts coming out against Trump be of any possible assistance ?
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/12/2016 8:47 Comments || Top||

#6  As an aside, as Trump appears to be viable against the worst Dem candidate in history, what increasingly is revealed are the hidden centers of power and collusion that have sunk our government into true Roman levels of corruption. (Hat tip to P2K). If, a giant unknown, all the effects of the ruling classes in all their guises fail, they have created the candidates for surgery of the body politic. If we the people have the courage to throw off the mind shackles of the media and yearn again for the Reganesque city on a hill that is the promise of American exceptionalism.
Posted by: NoMoreBS || 08/12/2016 13:06 Comments || Top||

#7 
Posted by: Blossom Unains5562 || 08/12/2016 16:07 Comments || Top||

#8  If she's elected, you'll get Reichstag Capitol fire, Paul.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 08/12/2016 16:49 Comments || Top||


-Short Attention Span Theater-
Hillary, Trump, and War with Russia: The Stupidist Idea I Have Ever Heard
[Fred on Everything] Don't look for a walk-over. The T14 Armata, Russia's latest tank. You don't want to fight this monster if you can think of a better idea, such as not fighting it. Russia once made large numbers of second-rate tanks. That worm has turned. This thing is way advanced and outguns the American M1A2, having a 125mm smoothbore firing APFSDS long-rods to the Abrams 120mm. (As Hillary would know, that's Armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding-sabot. You did know, didn't you, Hill?) This isn't the place for a disquisition on armor, but the above beast is an ver advanced design with unmanned turret and, well, a T34 it isn't.

A good reason to vote for Trump, a very good reason whatever his other intentions, is that he does not want a war with Russia. Hillary and her elite ventriloquists threaten just that. Note the anti-Russian hysteria coming from her and her remoras.

Such a war would be yet another example of the utter control of America by rich insiders. No normal American has anything at all to gain by such a war. And no normal American has the slightest influence over whether such a war takes place, except by voting for Trump. The military has become entirely the plaything of unaccountable elites.

A martial principle of great wisdom says that military stupidity comes in three grades: Ordinarily stupid; really, really, really stupid; and fighting Russia. Think Charles XII at Poltava, Napoleon after Borodino, Adolf and Kursk.

Letting dilettantes, grifters, con men, pasty Neocons, bottle-blonde ruins, and corporations decide on war is insane. We have pseudo-masculine dwarves playing with things they do not understand. So far as I am aware, none of these fern-bar Clausewitzes has worn boots, been in a war, seen a war, or faces any chance of being in a war started by themselves. They brought us Iraq, Afghanistan, and Isis, and can’t win wars against goatherds with AKs. They are going to fight...Russia?

A point that the tofu ferocities of New York might bear in mind is that wars seldom turn out as expected, usually with godawful results. We do not know what would happen in a war with Russia. Permit me a tedious catalog to make this point. It is very worth making.

When Washington pushed the South into the Civil War, it expected a conflict that might be over in twenty-four hours, not four years with as least 650,000 dead. When Germany began WWI, it expected a swift lunge into Paris, not four years of hideously bloody static war followed by unconditional surrender. When the Japanese Army pushed for attacking Pearl, it did not foresee GIs marching in Tokyo and a couple of cities glowing at night. When Hitler invaded Poland, utter defeat and occupation of Germany was not among his war aims. When the US invaded Vietnam, it did not expect to be outfought and outsmarted by a bush-world country. When Russia invaded Afghanistan it did not expect...nor when America invaded Afghanistan, nor when it attacked Iraq, nor....

Is there a pattern here?
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/12/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I'm sorry but that's a posting I simply don't understand.
Posted by: European Conservative || 08/12/2016 5:47 Comments || Top||

#2  That's your problem.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 08/12/2016 6:18 Comments || Top||

#3  When Washington pushed the South into the Civil War,

Now there's revisionist history. Lincoln had no political or military plans in dealing with the southern states voting to succeed. Everyone was groping in the dark about the next step. Something about Southerners firing on a federal fort kicked it off. The Japanese would make the same mistake about 80 years later. Similar results.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 08/12/2016 6:59 Comments || Top||

#4  Some good thoughts about the controlling desires of the oligarchy, but, there is a fair amount of ahistorical reasoning and no understanding of the complexity of the world diplomatic environment.

Sounds like he'd have been a fan of Neville Chamberlin's reasoning.
Posted by: AlanC || 08/12/2016 9:13 Comments || Top||

#5  I'm sorry but that's a posting I simply don't understand.

You don't remember what happened the last time you had a war with Russia?
Posted by: Abu Uluque || 08/12/2016 11:15 Comments || Top||

#6  Normally I would be against appeasement, but to EC, I would have to say, y'all have done as much to fund the Armata (which I think is overblown) as anyone.

It's y'all's modern day Molotov Ribbentrop pact. Gazprom.

Try fracking.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 08/12/2016 11:22 Comments || Top||

#7  Face it, folks, we haven't won a war since WWII and then we had the Russians on our side.

Korea was a draw at best, Vietnam was a bitter humiliation, Kuwait led to 911, Iraq is a mess, Afghanistan is a mess.

OK, there was Granada.

We keep poking our noses into the business of other people all over the planet and we keep getting our nose bloodied. The results are always tragic. War should always be the absolute last resort. You'd think we'd learn.
Posted by: Abu Uluque || 08/12/2016 11:22 Comments || Top||

#8  I'm 150 pages into Churchill's The Second World War, and see some similarities to the current world events. My take-away so far is that it would've a lot easier to stop Hitler in 1935 than 1943 (Duh!) but that everyone kept hoping to avoid another catastrophe, like WW I.

I knew that in a grand sense, but Winnie makes a compelling case in some detail in the book.
Posted by: Bobby || 08/12/2016 14:06 Comments || Top||

#9  It's a good read, Bobby. Hitler was probing the allies to see how they would react and it was appeasement, big time. It was one of the most expensive lost moments in history.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 08/12/2016 14:54 Comments || Top||

#10  I don't see anyone advocating a war with Russia, but the argument that you can't face a Russian aggression, so we have to make up nice, is Munich all over again.

If the Russians build such great tanks, we need to build better ones.

The Baltic countries are NATO members. If they are attacked, will NATO defend them? If not, let's forget the whole thing.

I don't like Hillary. But Trump is incompetent.

It's a real shame that America can't do better in politics.

In sports America obviously can.
Posted by: European Conservative || 08/12/2016 15:47 Comments || Top||

#11  I don't see anyone advocating a war with Russia,

Not exactly advocating, but over here (US) we are getting a pretty steady drumbeat about the danger from Russian expansionism. Frankly, I don't see it but we keep getting stories on how long it would take the Russians to steamroll their way thru the Baltic states, or the latest ruskii super-weapon. Got to keep NATO relevant, I guess.

Rather amusing since in the last Presidential debates, Obama slapped Romney down for bringing up the Russians. Anyone for a scenic drive thru the Fulda Gap?
Posted by: SteveS || 08/12/2016 16:13 Comments || Top||

#12  It's a real shame that America can't do better in politics. Posted by European Conservative

Yes, damn sure is.
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/12/2016 16:21 Comments || Top||

#13  Brexit, reborn Russia, possible "America first" POTUS, rapefugees. Even the Juden are getting antsy . Sure sucks to be an EUropean.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 08/12/2016 16:30 Comments || Top||

#14  As a young man I stood guard side by side with US troops.

And you gromguru, with your love for Putin, are not the guy to lecture me. Not about Jews either, btw.
Posted by: European Conservative || 08/12/2016 16:56 Comments || Top||

#15  Not about Jews either, btw.

And why is that, my little strudel?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 08/12/2016 17:19 Comments || Top||

#16  Kim and Charlie got their licks in, but those fights were lost by the politicians, as well as the other conflicts listed.

First Step Fifth Phase in May 1951 was an absolute disaster for the Chinese and Norks. 65,000 lost at the May Massacre at No Name Line.

However, the beginning of hostilities is a good lesson on what happens if infantry cannot knock out tanks.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 08/12/2016 19:12 Comments || Top||

#17  I've been saying for a while, military confrontation and the risk of war with Russia is madness. Russia isn't our enemy. Ukraine has never been a real country in anything like it's current borders.

You want a real enemy, try China. They will keep pushing in the North and South China Sea until a shooting war starts.

Fortunately, I see indications Putin knows China isn't his friend.
Posted by: phil_b || 08/12/2016 20:05 Comments || Top||


Science & Technology
The Reason Why America's F-35 Would Crush China's J-20 Stealth Fighter in Battle
"The United States Air Force would maintain an "asymmetric" advantage over potential adversaries in the Western Pacific even after the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force inducts the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter into operational service. That's the contention of the service's top uniformed officer--who was asked about the potential geopolitical implications of the introduction of the new Chinese warplane.

"When we apply fifth-generation technology, it's no longer about a platform, it's about a family of systems," Air Force chief of staff Gen. David Goldfein told reporters at the Pentagon on Aug. 10. "It's about a network and that's what gives us an asymmetrical advantage, so that why when I hear about an F-35 versus a J-20, it’s almost an irrelevant question.

While Goldfein used the Nighthawk as a comparison--he probably did not intend to suggest that the J-20's systems are quite as basic as the 1980s-era F-117. While accurate information about the J-20 is scarce, there are indications that the Chinese aircraft is equipped with a phased array radar, a robust electronic warfare systems and an electro-optical/infrared sensor that is similar in concept to the F-35's systems. However, while it is possible that the Chinese aircraft might have decent sensors--Air Force officials have suggested that the J-20 lacks the "sensor fusion" and networking to be as effective as the F-22 or F-35.

One area that the Chinese are almost certainly lacking is what Air Combat Command commander Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle once described to me as "spike management." Fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35 have cockpit displays that indicate to the pilot the various angles and ranges from which their aircraft can be detected and tracked by various enemy radars. The pilots use that information to evade the enemy by making sure to avoid zones where they could be detected and engaged. It is a technology that took decades for the United States to master--through a lot of trial and error."

Posted by: Vast Right Wing Conspiracy || 08/12/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  all the technical capabilities in the world don't matter if your decision maker is either a gutless risk adverse beta male, or is a drugged up zombie that is functionally brain dead.
Posted by: Nguard || 08/12/2016 0:49 Comments || Top||

#2  Or one of Newsc's millenials.
Posted by: Skidmark || 08/12/2016 1:49 Comments || Top||

#3  F-35 flying yet?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 08/12/2016 3:15 Comments || Top||

#4  ...which one? A or B or the unacknowledged Chinese knockoff?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 08/12/2016 8:17 Comments || Top||

#5  technology that took decades for the United States to master

and weeks for the Chinese to steal.
Posted by: Bobby || 08/12/2016 8:43 Comments || Top||

#6  The Chinese are going to have to make a really huuuge donation to the Clinton Foundation to get that information.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 08/12/2016 8:48 Comments || Top||

#7  ...what makes you think they haven't already?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 08/12/2016 8:50 Comments || Top||

#8  and weeks for the Chinese to steal.
Posted by Bobby


Or was it simply purchased through some sort of philanthropic foundation connection ?
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/12/2016 8:50 Comments || Top||

#9  "It's about a network and that's what gives us an asymmetrical advantage, so that why when I hear about an F-35 versus a J-20, it’s almost an irrelevant question.



All this says to me is multiple points of failure. How long will it take to find the weak link in the chain and exploit it?
Posted by: AlanC || 08/12/2016 9:18 Comments || Top||

#10  Pfft. No one knows.
Posted by: Tarzan Slailet2796 || 08/12/2016 9:23 Comments || Top||

#11  If the next war is fought on paper, we will totally kick ass!
Posted by: SteveS || 08/12/2016 11:14 Comments || Top||

#12  Best plane in the world generally requires a pretty good pilot with lots of training and practice. Do Chinese pilots get lots of training and practice?
Posted by: rjschwarz || 08/12/2016 13:24 Comments || Top||

#13  ..equipment hasn't been the only thing they've copied.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 08/12/2016 16:20 Comments || Top||

#14  "It's about a network and that's what gives us an asymmetrical advantage, so that why when I hear about an F-35 versus a J-20, it’s almost an irrelevant question.

Our computer wizards will beat their computer wizards, right? Why do we even need pilots then? (/sarc)
Posted by: magpie || 08/12/2016 16:39 Comments || Top||

#15  Quantity has a quality effect. Best aircraft in the world do not matter if not properly deployed and in sufficient numbers. Me263 as an example
Posted by: Bertie Brown1046 || 08/12/2016 16:57 Comments || Top||

#16  Best plane in the world generally requires a pretty good pilot with lots of training and practice. Do Chinese pilots get lots of training and practice?

Everything I have come across suggests a built culture, something akin to whether a soldier can parade or fight.

104 pilot said something like, It isn't whether a pilot can fight, but whether a fighter can pilot.

Maybe a Rantburger can correct or expand on this.

I watched a documentary, the name slips me at the moment, about the Israeli air force during their war of independence, and it credited their success to being combat vets of WWII.

I am of the school that there is no substitute for real experience. Training will help with the real, but only when it is real do you see what does and does not work. Example, just joined the VFD, been on some runs, went to a training where I was grouped with some fresh from the academy FFs. I am sure they could tie every knot blindfolded but in a paper attack on a Christmas Tree fire, they parked me under power lines and sent me through the garage. No way I said, but I was an Indian, they were Chiefs, and the Instructor was mad.

Knowing the results of the latest Red Flag is not the same as knowing why it was set up so. So unless Maverick and 宮廷弄臣 are going to joust in a box away from all other assets it is all talk.

*sorry if a ramble, children started spongebobbing every time I started a thought.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 08/12/2016 18:23 Comments || Top||

#17  "Why do we even need pilots then? (/sarc)"

Because unmanned combat aerial vehicles are not quite ready to compete with the more skilled pilots, and most importantly the law of warfare is a big uncertainty WRT lethal use of an autonomous robotic system.
Posted by: Flineger Sneresh8946 || 08/12/2016 19:53 Comments || Top||

#18  Rumour is Israel are not far off deploying railguns with inflight guidable projectiles.

Which would appear to obsolete all aircraft that need to get with a 100 odd kms of their target. Thus obsolete all fighters.
Posted by: phil_b || 08/12/2016 20:23 Comments || Top||

#19  And remind me where the chips (to include knockoffs that somehow find their way into the DoD procurement system) are made and get into the aircraft system?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 08/12/2016 20:49 Comments || Top||

#20  The pilots use that information to evade the enemy by making sure to avoid zones where they could be detected and engaged.

When do they stop evading and start fighting? Once they start fighting will we have enough fighters to get the job done? When does the battlespace becomes so cluttered with evading ninja planes that they interfere with each other? Who will be doing the CAS after the A-10 follows all of the other A-series planes into retirement? The General seems ... unpersuasive.
Posted by: magpie || 08/12/2016 21:00 Comments || Top||

#21  SO we will have Chinese and US pilots trying to hack each others guidance system at 100 km?

Is that the new warfare our geeky generals want to fight?

Or maybe they will go on the internet and fight it out playing World of Warcraft or Mortal Kombat XXVI?
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 08/12/2016 21:27 Comments || Top||

#22  Wargame: Red Dragon

I'd prefer Robot Jox.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 08/12/2016 21:38 Comments || Top||



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Two weeks of WOT
Fri 2016-08-12
  Iraq Kurds Say IS Financier Killed in Joint Raid with U.S.
Thu 2016-08-11
  Canadian authorities foil ISIS suicide bombing, suspect killed
Wed 2016-08-10
  Hezbollah drone carries out airstrike over southern Aleppo
Tue 2016-08-09
  Jamaat-ur-Ahrar claims hospital bomb attack that killed 70
Mon 2016-08-08
  Iran executes nuclear scientist reputed to have spied for U.S.
Sun 2016-08-07
  Syrian opposition: rebels break Aleppo siege
Sat 2016-08-06
  Belgium police machete attack: Female officer attacked outside station by someone shouting 'Allahuh Akhbar'
Fri 2016-08-05
  Head of Isis in Egypt killed by security forces
Thu 2016-08-04
  Islamic State Names New Leader of Boko Haram
Wed 2016-08-03
  Taliban Shadow Governor, Military Head Killed in Helmand Drone Strike
Tue 2016-08-02
  Bangla:9 'militants' killed in Kalyanpur joint drive, 2 in custody
Mon 2016-08-01
  Salafists blow up 16-century mosque in Yemen
Sun 2016-07-31
  Developing: Thousands Of Turkish Forces Surround U.S. Base At Incirlik Airbase
Sat 2016-07-30
  Afghan official: Taliban capture district in Helmand
Fri 2016-07-29
  Houthis, Saleh Declare Formation of "Presidential Council"

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