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Nuristan Airstrike Kills 14 Insurgents
Today's Headlines
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Home Front: Culture Wars
Health Insurance Brokers Prepare Clients For Obamacare Sticker Shock
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 18:50 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Michigan’s Teachers Union threatens to sue members that don't pay dues
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 16:54 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Yeah... that will help the declining membership and popularity rates.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 16:55 Comments || Top||

#2  ..by extension, can we sue citizens who don't pay taxes but reap the benefits?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/23/2013 17:34 Comments || Top||

#3  This is like the RIAA suing downlloaders - the desperate act of a dying industry.
Posted by: Thrater Thrineger7877 || 01/23/2013 19:19 Comments || Top||


Unions suffer sharp decline in membership
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 12:53 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Layoffs and job growth at non-union firms. Who woulda thunk it?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/23/2013 14:02 Comments || Top||

#2  That and once people are given a choice of being in a union vs not, a lot jump and choose not. Little wonder unions keep fighting for mandatory membership and dues.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 14:21 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Obama delivers modern fighter jets to Muslim Brotherhood
A mini-squadron of four state-of-the-art F-16 fighter jets left American airspace Tuesday, heading to the Muslim Brotherhood-controlled Egyptian government. They were a down payment on a previously agreed-to foreign aid package with Egypt according to Fox News.

The total package, approved in 2010, calls for 16 F-16s and 200 Abrams tanks to be delivered before the end of 2013. At that time, Egypt’s president was a longtime U.S. ally, Hosni Mubarak.

However, in June 2012, the Muslim Brotherhood-backed Mohamed Morsi rose to power, changing the dynamics of the original agreement. Morsi has repeatedly demonstrated that he’s anti-American and anti-Israel.

“One American president after another — and most recently, that Obama talks about American guarantees for the safety of the Zionists in Palestine,” Morsi said in 2010, according to Fox News. “[Obama] was very clear when he uttered his empty words on the land of Egypt. He uttered many lies, of which he couldn’t have fulfilled a single word, even if he were sincere — which he is not.”

This is hardly a person we want to give 16 modern fighter jets and 200 Abrams tanks.

Now I’m going to get logical here.

The president has been stumping for massive gun control measures since late December, including calls for detailed background checks for anyone desiring a weapon.

If he calls for a background check for a single mom who wants to protect herself and her children with a 22-caliber handgun, shouldn’t we expect at least the same before we deliver high-tech weapons systems to another country?
Posted by: tipper || 01/23/2013 12:51 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  On the bright side the Jihadist minded folks don't seem capable of studying and practicing and actually becoming good at something as complicated as a fighter jet (piloting or maintaining). Western pilots should have little problem.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 01/23/2013 15:02 Comments || Top||

#2  They can always get their spare parts from the Chengdu J-10 factory.
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/23/2013 16:52 Comments || Top||

#3  Parts from China? There is (or will be) too much lead in them.
Posted by: Glolunter Flirt1070 || 01/23/2013 16:59 Comments || Top||

#4  Is there a background check & waiting period before you can buy an F-16?
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 17:00 Comments || Top||

#5  Don't be silly SteveS! It's not as if they are (or ever were) a terrorist organization like the Teaparty!
Posted by: CrazyFool || 01/23/2013 17:13 Comments || Top||

#6  Now, now, when TV's BENSON, etal. was kidnapped by Central American terrorists back in the late 1970's, their Dear Leader demanded one mighty F-4 PHANTOM for each one of his group's members, espec sexy slinky Bandita Maria - IIRC IT CAME OUT TO SIX PHANTOMS IN ORDER TO GET BENSON + GANG RELEASED.

NO WORD IFF MARIA ASKED FOR HERS IN PINK.

lol.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 20:43 Comments || Top||

#7  "a single mom who wants to protect herself and her children with a 22-caliber handgun"

I'd up the calibre...
Posted by: linker || 01/23/2013 21:07 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Islam disturbs evolution of Iran
Iranians could have continued evolving into their advanced culture and being today a great, free, and advanced nation if this process had not been stopped by the Muslims’ invasion 1400 years ago. This 1400-year old belief system is now politically re-grafted on our society after the 1979 revolution disturbing progress in democracy, economy, social justice, ethics and all fields and process of human evolution.

Islam in general and, worse, political Islam in particular can never be in harmony with the evolution of human species. People under Islamic domination are the prisoners, trapped in the dark era of terror until the unsupported preys to Allah's clutches. Under such circumstances, the subjects have no motivation to evolve, at best they have to beg and clamor so that their sinister does not worsen.

During the 1979 anti-Shah revolution, people were looking for a quick demise of the Shah’s dictatorship at any price. They were not aware of a totalitarian state, which could flick out of Islam -- a bitter ignorance for which Iranians are today paying a colossal price.

The politicised Islam under the Mullahs’ regime has since 1979 committed the most hideous crimes since the first invasion of Islam on Iran in the seventh century. On its black records, one routinely sees torture, rape before execution, application of Sharia by stoning, amputation, lashes, state terrorism (chained killings, kidnappings, mass killings in / out of the country) -- all these crimes are well-documented.
Posted by: tipper || 01/23/2013 11:52 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Yep, that's about nailed it.
Posted by: AlanC || 01/23/2013 12:19 Comments || Top||

#2  Personally, I always thought that Mazdaism makes a lot of sense.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 13:48 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Clinton: Nobody more committed to security
Whose?
Not mine...
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton insisted on Wednesday that the department is moving swiftly and aggressively to strengthen security at U.S. missions worldwide after the deadly Sept. 11 raid on the consulate in Libya.

In probably her last appearance on Capitol Hill as America's top diplomat, Clinton once again took full responsibility for the department's missteps leading up to assault at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

Her voice cracking at times, Clinton said the experience was highly personal.

"I stood next to President Obama as the Marines carried those flag-draped caskets off the plane at Andrews. I put my arms around the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters," she told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a jam-packed hearing.

Her voice rising at another point, she defended U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, who was vilified for widely debunked claims five days after the attack that protests precipitated the raid rather than terrorism. She challenged the GOP focus on Rice's comments, which were based on intelligence talking points.

"What difference does it make?" a clearly exasperated Clinton told Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., after he pressed her. She insisted that "people were trying in real time to get to the best information," and that her focus was on looking ahead on how to improve security rather than revisiting the talking points and Rice's television appearance.
Posted by: tipper || 01/23/2013 11:22 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  So your arms are for hugging, not rescue missions; check.

Americans died, the USA was embarassed, a fall guy frog-marched into prison, a push for an international ban on free speech, and Rice was either lied to or lied herself, and here we are nearly six months later.

Its the difference between clowns and liars, Mrs Clinton.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 11:42 Comments || Top||

#2  The slow lie. Wait long enough before admitting stuff and even the most damning evidence can be said to be old news. In this case because of her health issues and all it seems unseemly for the GOP to attack her and Obama is clear because the risk of unfounded racism charges still terrifies the GOP.

Move along, nothing to see here. History will straighten it out but justice and honor lost this battle early on.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 01/23/2013 14:58 Comments || Top||

#3  Over at Hot Air, his commenters have been liveblogging the questioning. link They're up to four pages thus far... sorry, five pages.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/23/2013 16:59 Comments || Top||

#4  "I stood next to President Obama as the Marines carried those flag-draped caskets off the plane..."

*Bleep* that noise! What were you doing while the shooting was going on?
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 17:02 Comments || Top||

#5  "What difference does it make?"

Well, there's the problem.
She doesn't know the answer to that question...
Posted by: tu3031 || 01/23/2013 17:27 Comments || Top||

#6  Over at Hot Air, his commenters have been liveblogging the questioning. link They're up to four pages thus far... sorry, five pages.

OF NOTHING BUT NOISE.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/23/2013 18:36 Comments || Top||

#7  Who issued the stand down orders, Mrs. Clinton?
Why don't you know, Mrs. Clinton, it's been 4 months.
Posted by: Mugsy Glink || 01/23/2013 20:23 Comments || Top||


-Short Attention Span Theater-
Giant goat-cheese fire closes Norwegian roadway for six days
Chuck Simmins posted this elsewhere, but it's a 'must see' item!
27 metric tons of flaming goat cheese burned inside a Norwegian road tunnel, closing nearly two miles of the road for six days. Brunost, a Norwegian cheese considered a delicacy, was being shipped in a truck that caught fire.
"This high concentration of fat and sugar is almost like petrol if it gets hot enough,"
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 09:35 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Flaming Brunost, not so gouda. :-(
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 9:57 Comments || Top||

#2  Besoeker - go to your room! :)
Posted by: GORT || 01/23/2013 10:01 Comments || Top||

#3  And open the window to air things out. LOL
Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 10:53 Comments || Top||

#4  Don't let them wax your rind Besoeker, I thought the joke was cultured.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 11:45 Comments || Top||

#5  Let's not start a flame war, swksvolFF
Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 12:03 Comments || Top||

#6  Fondue, anyone?
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 01/23/2013 12:14 Comments || Top||

#7  "This high concentration of fat and sugar is almost like petrol if it gets hot enough"

Ima thinkin 'Norwegian napalm', or CAE (Cheese-Air Explosive).
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 12:14 Comments || Top||

#8  I might have to be neutral, wholly Swiss, in such a flame war to avoid a melt down.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 12:23 Comments || Top||

#9  That fire sounds like it was a munster.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 01/23/2013 12:43 Comments || Top||

#10  Could be worse. Could be three tons of flaming pickled herring.
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226 || 01/23/2013 13:04 Comments || Top||

#11  or 3 tons of lutefisk.
Posted by: Frozen Al || 01/23/2013 13:54 Comments || Top||

#12  Yet another thread filled with cheesy puns.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 15:42 Comments || Top||

#13  Now we just need 50 tons of toasted bread...
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 01/23/2013 15:48 Comments || Top||

#14  The website describes Brunost as having a "slightly salty and surprisingly sweet flavor with a hint of goat about it."

Now we know why some middle-eastern folks think Norway is a great place to live.
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/23/2013 16:49 Comments || Top||

#15  This story makes me feel Blue.
Posted by: Capsu78 || 01/23/2013 21:09 Comments || Top||

#16  Opa!
Posted by: linker || 01/23/2013 21:18 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Some Algeria Attackers Are Placed at Benghazi
Several Egyptian members of the squad of militants that lay bloody siege to an Algerian gas complex last week also took part in the deadly attack on the United States Mission in Libya in September, a senior Algerian official said Tuesday

The Egyptians involved in both attacks were killed by Algerian forces during the four-day ordeal that ended in the deaths of at least 38 hostages and 29 kidnappers, the official said. But three of the militants were captured alive, and one of them described the Egyptians’ role in both assaults under interrogation by the Algerian security services, the official said.

If confirmed, the link between two of the most brazen assaults in recent memory would reinforce the transborder character of the jihadist groups now striking across the Sahara. American officials have long warned that the region’s volatile mix of porous borders, turbulent states, weapons and ranks of fighters with similar ideologies creates a dangerous landscape in which extremists are trying to collaborate across vast distances.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is scheduled to testify before Congress on Wednesday about the Libyan attack that killed the American ambassador and three staff members, raised the specter of regional cooperation among extremists soon after the mission in Benghazi was overrun.

In particular, she said the Islamist militant takeover of northern Mali had created a “safe haven” for terrorists to “extend their reach” and work with other extremists in North Africa, “as we tragically saw in Benghazi,” though she offered no clear evidence of such ties.

Now the Algerians say the plot to seize the gas complex in the desert was hatched in northern Mali as well. Indeed, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the veteran militant who has claimed overall responsibility for the siege, is believed to be based there.

But the Algerian official did not say why the captured kidnapper’s assertion — that some fighters had taken part in both the Benghazi and Algerian attacks — should be considered trustworthy. Nor did he say whether it was obtained under duress.

Instead, he focused on the chaos unleashed by the recent uprisings throughout the region, leaving large ungoverned areas where extremists can flourish.

“This is the result of the Arab Spring,” said the official said, who spoke on condition of anonymity because investigations into the hostage crisis were still under way. “I hope the Americans are conscious of this.”
Posted by: Beavis || 01/23/2013 08:51 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  There's a remote possibly that it might explain the translation from the Benghazi attack video of "Mursi sent us".
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 12:06 Comments || Top||

#2  This is why 'the video' matters, Hillary.

These guys weren't enraged by some cheezy YouTube video. These guys are hard boyz, ideological as all hell, and -- by virtue of natural selection -- good at what they do.

Be it Mali, Algeria, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, or Mauritania, they'll go where the opportunities are to spread their ideology and kill infidels, in either order.

That's why the video matters -- we have to get past the idea that we're the ones who are wrong.

We are not wrong. They are just evil.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/23/2013 13:55 Comments || Top||

#3  Thank goodness for Rand Paul today, pointing out that Hillary is incompetent. Yet he didn't go far enough.

When Hillary said she didn't know anything about the weapons being moved through the consulate, and our personnel doing this, she was LYING. She should have been called on it. I wish Senator Paul had done so.

Our current administration has no honor and no integrity. Someone needs to proclaim this to their faces. It's time to speak truth to power.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/23/2013 14:01 Comments || Top||

#4  When Hillary said she didn't know anything about the weapons being moved through the consulate, and our personnel doing this, she was LYING

Given the US ambassador's relations with then-Libyan rebel groups, it's likely that that weapons or materiel were being supplied at some point to Libyans, either by the US or through proxies. That may be the reason there is stonewalling now.

To repeat myself from earlier posts: I'm not convinced that there was gun-running at the time the consulate was attacked. It could have also been weapons-flow monitoring, or (more likely) attempts to control or stop the flow of weapons (or types of weapons) to groups like Al Nusura. It's also likely possible that foreign governments are involved; the disclosure of which would likely cause crisis or emarassment to the US administration and/or to the US Government.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 14:27 Comments || Top||

#5  Pappy, I've been suggesting much the same - there HAD to have been a real reason for the flagrantly obvious initial lies, and for Romney to shut up with his campaign criticism the way he did. It doesn't have to be a reason we approve of, but it would be stupid to just attribute it to stupidity.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 14:42 Comments || Top||

#6  Issue a subpoena to the former Combatant Commander, General Ham and let him, under oath, provide a detailed timeline; the 5-W's, (who, what, when, where, and why). Special emphasis on the conduct or rather non-conduct of the standing Non-Combatant Evacuation (NEO) plan.

What we are seeing on teevee today is pure, political theater.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 15:18 Comments || Top||

#7  More viable would be subpoenas to then-assigned and current AFRICOM staff.

And yes - political theater.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 18:13 Comments || Top||


Is Benghazi Fast and Furious on Steroids?
As the Congressional hearings on the fiasco in Benghazi gear back up, and as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton prepares to testify all manner of questions are floating around about who knew what and when.The seemingly poignant question that everyone wants to ask is, “Was the initial report that the attack was a spontaneous demonstration caused by outrage over an “offensive YouTube video” that was offensive to Allah.

This question attempts to drive to the root of the motivation behind putting out a seemingly implausible explanation in the face of so much evidence to the contrary. But frankly, this question falls short of getting to the crux of the issue. The answer here is, “Yes, of course they tried to cover up their actions surrounding Benghazi.”

But the assumption behind that question is that they did so to cover up a systematic failure to provide security for both an ambassador and a CIA facility. That falls short of answering the key question, which has critical national security and international security questions.

The other broad question that needs to be answered is, “Was this just a terrorist attack designed to humiliate the United States on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, or was there another motive behind it?”

Strong evidence exists, and has been reported here at Conservative Reports Online, that the tensions in Benghazi were fueled by the purpose of Special Mission Benghazi. It was not an embassy. It was not a consulate. It was the CIA facility that had been used to arm and coordinate the rebel forces who were attempting to overthrow Moammar Qadaffi.

Conservative Report also previously reported that the arming of the rebels was facilitated through the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and that a significant part of the arms sales were brokered by a US arms dealer named Marc Turi who has an office outside Phoenix.

Initially, he was brokering the sale of Russian Kalashnikov rifles and French arms to the Libyan rebels. Later, after being refuse permission to sell US made arms directly to the Libyans, he was granted a permit to sell those arms to the Qataris who would then forward them to the Libyans.

Had Marc Turi been given the permit to arm the Libyan rebels directly, the Special Forces personnel who were on TDY (temporary duty) to CIA and were working at the mission in Benghazi would have ensured they went to the proper hands in Libya.

Because the Obama administration chose to “go hands off”, a less stringent Qatar supplied these weapons to both the militias friendly to the United States, and to those allied with Al Qaeda.

What occurred was the arming of our most staunch adversaries on the planet by an inept Obama administration. And what occurred subsequently was that the TDY SF operators were sending back questions to Foggy Bottom and MacDill as to why Al Qaeda rebels were armed with US weapons like the M-4 rifle, and after the revolution was successful, the purpose of Special Mission Benghazi shifted from arming and organizing the rebel groups to disarming the Al Qaeda groups we had been armed. Anger over the disarming of these groups formed the motivation behind the attack.

Therefore, the question that is simply asked and objectively answered, without placing any of the SF or CIA operatives at mortal risk is a simple one. You see, the Kalashnikov rifle chambers a 7.62 mm round. The US M-4 rifle chambers a 5.56 mm round. What is widely reported and accepted is that at least two of the TDY Green Berets who were assigned by the CIA as ARSO’s (assistant regional safety officers) were badly wounded and were treated for multiple gunshot wounds after they rescued over 20 civilian CIA workers from the compound.

The single question that needs to be asked is: “Were the rounds taken out of the wounded ARSO’s 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm?” And when the answer comes back “5.56 mm”, it opens the door to the proof that the cover up was meant to hide the fact that the Obama administration had been caught once again arming offshore groups that did not have the interests of our country at heart. It would open the door to proof that Benghazi was “Fast and Furious on Steroids.”
Posted by: Beavis || 01/23/2013 08:34 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Well, which brave congressman is going to ask that very question of Ms Clinton?
Posted by: jvalentour || 01/23/2013 13:21 Comments || Top||

#2  The US M-4 rifle chambers a 5.56 mm round

So do other NATO weapons.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 14:56 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Schumer, Hagel, and Obama’s ‘Good Jews.’
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 06:36 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Neither geography nor religion make one an American or an Israeli. People such as Chuck Schumer and Debbie Wasserman Schultz are societal neoplasms that give upright primates as a whole, a bad name.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 7:50 Comments || Top||

#2  There is nothing at all "Jewish" about these scumbags. Soros toties. They would load cattle cars themselves given the chance.

Hint: You are NOT JewISH.
Posted by: newc || 01/23/2013 12:56 Comments || Top||

#3  Jews but also Kapos.
Posted by: borgboy || 01/23/2013 14:52 Comments || Top||

#4  The Holy Torah is not only an historical book, but an account of past, present and future at the same time, becuase G'd it is not limited by time, or any other human limitation.
When is talking about how Moses was turn by other two Jews to the evil Egiptians, it is talking at the same time about similar events, that happened later in Jewish history in our days and beyond
Posted by: Ana || 01/23/2013 15:10 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Algeria hostage-takers 'aided by Libyan Islamists'
[Al Ahram] Libyan Islamists provided logistical support to the gunnies who seized an Algeria gas plant before they were killed in a bloodbath which also left 37 foreigners dead, well-informed sources said.

"Logistical support was provided from Libya," a source close to krazed killer groups in Libya told AFP.

The source did not specify the exact nature of such aid but acknowledged that Libyan Islamists were responsible for establishing contacts between the captors and the media.

International media groups, including AFP, were able to get from Islamist circles based in eastern Libya telephone numbers of the kidnappers as they last Wednesday overran the In Amenas gas plant in the deep Algerian desert.

"There were no Libyans in the group which led the attack," the source said but recognised that there were "contacts" between the captors and Libyan jihadists.

The source also said that Libyan Islamists had no organizational link with the group, "Signatories in Blood", that led the four-day siege of the gas complex.

The group is led by one-eyed Mokhtar Belmokhtar, one of the founders of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM ). Belmokhtar left Al-Qaeda in October to create his own group.

Since the fall of the regime of Moamer Qadaffy in October 2011, Libyan Islamists have gained influence and inherited a large military arsenal from the conflict that ousted and killed the former Libyan strongman.

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalik Sellal said on Monday the Islamist gunnies who carried out the attack on the gas plant had crossed from northern Mali.

He said they had planned the attack for nearly two months, much before La Belle France's intervention in northern Mali.

The bad boy group had said that their attack on the gas complex was in retaliation for French intervention in northern Mali.

Thirty-seven foreigners were killed in the attack on the remote gas plant, some of them executed with a bullet to the head, Sellal said.

He said that a total of 29 gunnies were also killed and three captured in the siege, which ended in a final showdown on Saturday after Algerian special forces stormed the sprawling gas complex.

Algeria has said its special forces managed to free 685 Algerian and 107 foreign hostages, most of them on Thursday, during their first rescue operation.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in North Africa


Matrouh police station under siege, clashes ongoing
[Al Ahram] Three were injured during an attack on a police station in the Mediterranean city of Marsa Matrouh on Tuesday.

Families of several detainees from Marsa Matrouh's Al-Negeila and Sidi Brani districts besieged the police station in which their relatives were held captive, in an attempt to set them free after hearing of the prison sentences issued against them.

Police forces continue to surround the police station, with relatives in turn encircling the police. Live ammunition continues to be exchanged back and forth.

The assailants had tried to break into the west Matrouh police station using firearms, according to Al-Ahram's Arabic website.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


The Grand Turk
Ship carrying Patriot system in Turkish port
A ship began carrying parts of Patriot surface-to-air missile in the Turkish port of Iskenderun, Anadolu Agency reported today. is reported that the ship has recently arrived from the Netherlands.

Earlier it was reported that shipment of Patriot complex's parts, equipment, and arrival of 400 U.S. servicemen within the NATO mission to strengthen Turkey's air defense against possible missile threats from Syria, is expected to be completed in late January.

Turkey turned to NATO in the second half of November with a request to provide it with Patriot systems to protect against Syria's possible air attack.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa North
Denial is still a River in Egypt
By Spengler

Denial, it turns out, really is a river in Egypt. I refer not to the world's longest waterway, but the world's largest outpouring of pious expressions of confidence in Egypt by American and European politicians. Infusions of real cash, to be sure, could delay Egypt's deterioration into a failed state, but not by long, because the country requires more than US$20 billion a year simply to meet its basic needs...

The country's trade deficit was running at an annual rate of nearly $42 billion as of November 2012, before the central bank allowed the Egyptian pound to sink on foreign exchange markets. That's 15% of Gross Domestic Product ...

Egypt's cash position is even worse than it appears. The $7 billion or so in the central bank's liquid cash reserves does not take into account the billions of dollars that Egyptian importers owe to unpaid suppliers. Nor does it take into account new obligations that Egypt has had to assume to get cash up front...
Spengler sees what we've been seeing...
Posted by: lord garth || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The trouble is that the speech exposes Egypt's president as a pre-modern creature of barbaric habits of thought and Dark Age ignorance

Just like western pols---except the line of bull he adheres to is different (though equally ridiculous).
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:30 Comments || Top||

#2  Iff Imran Khan is to be believed, ditto in PAKISTAN.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 20:58 Comments || Top||


Europe
Sarkozy's plans 'to dodge new 75% French tax rate by moving to London
[DAILYMAIL.CO.UK] Nicolas Sarkozy is preparing to move to London to set up a billion pounds plus investment fund, it was claimed today. If the move goes ahead, the controversial Frenchman will become the latest to escape a potential top tax rate of 75 per cent in his home country.
He's moving to Britain even though Brits are leaving because of high taxes. Rather tells you everything you need to know about Hollande's France...
He and his former supermodel third wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy would be likely to settle in an affluent district like South Kensington -- so becoming the most high profile Gallic celebrity couple in the city.

But the former president is under investigation for corruption in France, and if he does cross the Channel there will be outrage.
French ex-Presidents are always investigated for corruption. The investigators are usually right...
Details of the planned move were uncovered during a raid by fraud police on Sarkozy's Paris mansion last June.

It came within weeks of Mr Sarkozy losing his immunity against prosecution after being defeated by Socialist rival Francois Hollande in the May presidential election.

Now the hugely respected investigative news site Mediapart reports that the 'first draft' of Mr Sarkozy's London project was found by detectives examining his computer files.

A judge has since made Sarkozy an assisted witness in the so-called Bettencourt Affair, in which he is accused of using illegal cash from France's richest woman to fund his 2007 election campaign.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  French ex-Presidents are always investigated for corruption. The investigators are usually right...

Maybe they can set up an exchange program for former Presidents of Mexico.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/23/2013 0:13 Comments || Top||

#2  A lot of wealthy + super-wealthy Frenchies are leaving France to SSSSSHHHHH save their wealth.

Enjoy the next two years while youse can - come 2015 or ASAP after, once the USA surrenders to NAU andor higher levels of OWG governance, THE ONLY REAL WAY FOR ANYONE ON EARTH TO SAVE THEIR WEALTH IS TO PHYSICALLY HIDE OR BURY IT.

Gold-n-Silver Bullion will be needed for use in Deep Space, both as a matter of Accounting-Budget Appropriation as well as being melted + reformed for Spaceship operating or engineering systems.

D *** NG IT, I DEMAND THAT THE US BUILD A DE FACTO WORKING DEATH STAR + STARSHIPS CREWED WID JAPANESE/BLADERUNNER SEX ANDROIDS IFF THE NAU + OWG ARE GONNA TAKE MY MONEY!

Oh wait, the Bammer said "No" ... ...

SO NO DEATH STAR, NO $$$, + NO SEX ROBOTS - ITS TIME FOR CIVIL WAR, CIVIL WAR I SAY!

[FAMILY GUY'S PETER "EVIL EYE" GRIFFIN here]
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 0:31 Comments || Top||

#3  Perhaps they go there "for the waters".
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 3:00 Comments || Top||

#4  Wealthy French people don't live in France. They live in London. They bank in Switzerland. They Shop in Singapore. They Party in Dubai. And they invest their money in whatever country that makes them the most profit. (Which usually excludes France, Greece, Great Britton, and the USA).

They do however take extended vacations (usually about 280 to 300 days a year) in France. Of course they never bring their money, or business records, or anything else the French Government can get its hands on, into the country.

Or in other words.... they live a lot like wealthy Americans.

Like the USA, what France needs more than anything else is economic growth. But also like the USA, economic growth will never happen as long as they continue to tax wealthy investors (and their money) out of their country.

Posted by: junkiron || 01/23/2013 10:42 Comments || Top||

#5  Globalization - it's all about the flow of goods, capital, information, and labor. And Frenchmen.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 14:34 Comments || Top||

#6  He should cut a deal with the new government and act as the UN Ambassador for France. He can then relocate and move his assets without embarrassing the government of France.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 01/23/2013 15:05 Comments || Top||

#7  Well actually, the only thing I really want to know is:

What's Carla Bruni gonna do?
Posted by: junkiron || 01/23/2013 21:25 Comments || Top||


Tax on financial transactions approved for 11 EU states
[FRANCE24] EU finance ministers on Tuesday approved a move by Germany, France and nine other EU nations to introduce a tax on financial transactions to help pay for a bailout of European banks and discourage risky trades.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
"Karl Marx's body lies a-mouldering in the grave,
His soul's marching on."
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:10 Comments || Top||

#2  I'd like to see a tax or fee charged on every order placed on Wall Street (etc.), whether filled or not; that would put an end to the computerized pump & dump games.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 8:39 Comments || Top||

#3  NO IT WOULD NOT.

It would mean the orders would be emplaced for larger more sudden movements.

If you want to cut speculatory positions then there's only one way, and that's to lower the volume of credit.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 01/23/2013 9:31 Comments || Top||

#4  The programs post zillions of simultaneous buy and sell orders, at all prices, never intending to actually fill the orders, but rather to create an artificial level of activity, and seek out the best 'real' price, which they then do fill. It's a legal-ish scam.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 9:43 Comments || Top||

#5  It's got nothing to do with buy or sell orders. It's got to do with taxable revenue streams.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 15:36 Comments || Top||


China-Japan-Koreas
Eric Schmidt's daughter lifts lid on 'very strange' North Korea
Sophie Schmidt, the teenage daughter of Google chairman Eric Schmidt has shed some light on her father's secretive trip to North Korea, in a first-hand account of the visit to a "very, very strange" country.

In a blog posting at the weekend titled "It might not get weirder than this", Sophie Schmidt provided a candid take on the controversial three-day trip earlier this month that was criticised by the US government.

Miss Schmidt, 19, had accompanied her father on the visit as part of a delegation led by Bill Richardson, the former US ambassador to the United Nations. On their return, the two men answered a few questions about the nature of the visit, but Miss Schmidt's informal account was in many ways far more revealing.

"Our trip was a mixture of highly-staged encounters, tightly-orchestrated viewings and what seemed like genuine human moments," she wrote. "We had zero interactions with non-state-approved North Koreans and were never far from our two minders."

While much of the blog posting is taken up with the sort of observational musings common to any first-time visitor to Pyongyang, it had some interesting insights into the official side of the delegation's trip. In particular, it fleshed out the main photo-opportunity of the entire trip when they visited an e-library at Kim Il-Sung University, and chatted with some of the 90 students working on computer consoles.

"One problem: No one was actually doing anything," Schmidt wrote. "A few scrolled or clicked, but the rest just stared. More disturbing: when our group walked in... not one of them looked up from their desks. Not a head turn, no eye contact, no reaction to stimuli.

"They might as well have been figurines," she added.

One of the world's most isolated and censored societies, the North has a domestic Intranet service with a very limited number of users. Analysts say access to the Internet is for the super-elite only, meaning a few hundred people or maybe 1,000 at most.

On his return, Eric Schmidt said he had told North Korea it would not develop unless it embraces Internet freedom - a prospect dismissed by most observers as inconceivable.

Sophie Schmidt's description of the "unsettling" e-library visit suggests the delegation was all too aware that it was being shown a facade.

"Did our handlers honestly think we bought it? Did they even care? Photo op and tour completed, maybe they dismantled the whole set and went home," she wrote.
It might not get weirder than this. I read it. It's pretty good.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Steps to stop polio virus exportation urged
[Dawn] The Prime Minister's Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell, World Health Organisation, Unicef and partners in Pakistain's Polio Eradication Initiative have called for urgent pre-emptive measures against exportation of the polio
...Poliomyelitis is a disease caused by infection with the poliovirus. Between 1840 and the 1950s, polio was a worldwide epidemic. Since the development of polio vaccines the disease has been largely wiped out in the civilized world. However, since the vaccine is known to make Moslem pee-pees shrink and renders females sterile, bookish, and unsubmissive it is not widely used by the turban and automatic weapons set...
virus after positive samples linked to the Sukkur district were discovered in Egypt, officials said on Monday.

"Two sewage samples collected from the Al Salam and Al Haggana areas of Cairo district and analysed in a laboratory bore resemblance to a strain discovered recently in sewage water tested in Sukkur," said a joint statement of Prime Minister's Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell, World Health Organisation and Unicef.

"As a preemptive measure and to reduce the possibility of spread of the polio virus beyond Pakistain's borders, the government's Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell is advising all provincial governments and federal administration to set up permanent vaccination counters inside international departure lounges of all airports so that all children under five years leaving the country are vaccinated against the poliovirus.

The Prime Minister's Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell has already asked the Sindh government to improve its polio immunisation efforts to stop transmission of the virus in the province on an emergency basis, it added.

"Importation of polio virus is a stark reminder of risks associated with active poliovirus transmission in the country, and the need to make efforts to stop the transmission on urgent basis in Pakistain," the statement quoted Shahnaz Wazir Ali, the PM's focal person on polio eradication, as saying.

Although, it said, the virus had not infected any child in Egypt and the country remained polio-free since 2004, the Egyptian ministry of health had ordered immediate vaccination of all children aged below five years in the localities near Cairo from where the Pakistain-origin virus was discovered.

"Dr Ahmed Omar, of the ministry of health and population in Egypt, has stated that the ministry will start a campaign to vaccinate children under-five against polio in Ezbet Hagana Peace and Kaliobeya in Cairo," it said.

It said the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) recently had also recommended international travel restrictions for the three polio endemic countries under the International Health Regulations.

"The assessment of the IMB reflects the global concern over Pakistain and other polio endemic countries. However,
if you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning...
regarding travel restrictions, it is understandable that every polio-free country would like to maintain its polio-free status and may consider taking steps to avoid importation of the virus," the statement quoted the emergency coordinator for polio eradication at the WHO, Dr Elias Durry, as saying.

Pakistain took major strides last year with a 71 per cent reduction in the number of polio cases with all but 28 districts free of polio virus transmission. The recent security related incidents in different parts of the country have exposed children to risk of contracting polio, a disease that causes permanent paralysis in young children.

"Polio virus type 3 has not been found in Pakistain since April 2012, whereas environmental samples have been found mostly negative for the polio virus except for a few sites in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
... formerly NWFP, still Terrorism Central...
and Sindh," said the statement.

"According to Unicef's acting head of polio unit, Michael Coleman, it reinforces the urgent need for all caregivers across Pakistain to vaccinate children under five years of age against polio through the nearest health facility or through campaign vaccination teams. The country had reported 58 polio cases last year whereas this year, no polio case has been reported so far.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria tanks, warplanes pound Damascus region
[Al Ahram] Syrian warplanes and tanks shelled rebel strongholds in the province of Damascus
...Capital of the last remaining Baathist regime in the world...
on Tuesday, a watchdog said, as a pro-regime daily reported festivities in a camp housing Paleostinian refugees.

Fighte jets launched strikes on the town of Douma, northeast of Damascus, and overflew parts of Eastern Ghuta region, home to some of the rebel Free Syrian Army's fiercest and best-organised groups, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The army, as part of its campaign to suppress the insurgency near Damascus once and for all, used tanks to pound the towns of Daraya and Moadamiyat al-Sham, southwest of the capital, and Yalda and Beit Sahem, just to the city's south.

Meanwhile,
...back at the desert island, Irene was indignant at the thought of doing such a thing without benefit of clergy...
a pro-regime newspaper made a rare, open admission of the air force's use of strikes in Damascus province.

"The Syrian army has continued to chase gunnies from their lairs, in battles using all kinds of weapons, including artillery and air power," said Al-Watan.
Pretty soon they'll be battling the rebels from their lairs a block away from the Presidential Palace...
It also reported that tension prevailed in the Yarmuk camp housing Paleostinian refugees in the capital.

"The situation in the Yarmuk camp, where gunnies have flocked, is still tense, and festivities between Paleostinian (pro-regime) popular committees and gangs have continued," Al-Watan reported, citing fleeing residents.

There was "an acute bread shortage, as bakeries have come to a standstill" in the camp.

Yarmuk witnessed fierce festivities in December when warplanes staged two air strikes on the densely populated camp, leading thousands of people to flee.

Despite bids to demilitarise the area, festivities pitting rebels fighting the regime of Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Light of the Alawites...
against the army and pro-regime Paleostinian militia have been reported.

Elsewhere, at least 56 fighters were killed in six days of fighting in the majority Kurdish city of Ras al-Ain, on the Turkish border, said the Observatory which uses a network of doctors, medics and lawyers on the ground for its reporting.

Tuesday's violence came a day after at least 178 people were killed in violence across Syria, including 31 pro-regime hard boyz who died in a suicide kaboom in the town of Salamiyeh, in the central province of Hama, the Britannia-based watchdog said.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


India-Pakistan
Wounded 'assassin' arrested: Two Muttahida men shot dead
[Dawn] Two activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement
...English: United National Movement, generally known as MQM, is the 3rd largest political party and the largest secular political party in Pakistain with particular strength in Sindh. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the target of the Pak Army's Operation Cleanup leaving thousands of urdu speaking civilians dead...
were bumped off in a targeted attack in North Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
on Monday, police said, claiming to have enjugged
Drop the rosco, Muggsy, or you're one with the ages!
one of the attackers.

MQM activists Mohammad Adnan, 35, and Amir Iqbal, 30, both KMC employees of the North Bloody Karachi town office, were targeted near Do-Minute Chowrangi while they were heading to their office, said North Bloody Karachi SP Syed Salman Hussain.

They were followed by two men riding a cycle of violence within the remit of the Khawaja Ajmair Nagri cop shoppe before being shot at, the officials said. Both activists sustained gunshot wounds in the head and died at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, the police added.

"After hearing the gunshots, two police constables posted at a nearby Soneri Bank fired at the fleeing attackers," the SP said. "One of the suspected attackers fell from the bike, while his accomplice managed to flee," he added.

The maimed suspect, identified as Sajid, was said to be associated with 'gang warfare', the officer said.

He added that a 9mm pistol was seized from his possession.

Muttahida Quami Movement chief Altaf Hussain condemned the killing of Mohammad Adnan and Amir Iqbal, workers of the New Bloody Karachi sector, unit 142, of the party's organizational structure.

He expressed his sympathies with the grieving family and said the sacrifice rendered by elected representatives and workers of the MQM would not go in vain.

Condemning the murder, the co-ordination committee of the MQM called it a continuation of the evil conspiracy aimed at destabilising the city's peace.

The coordination committee said that certain elements were targeting elected representatives and workers of the MQM as well as leaders and activists of other political and religious parties in order to destabilise the country.

It demanded that President Asif Ali Ten Percent Zardari
... husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, who has been singularly lacking in curiosity about who done her in ...
, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Interior Minister Rehman Malik
Pak politician, Interior Minister under the Gilani government. Malik is a former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intelligence officer who rose to head the FIA during Benazir Bhutto's second tenure. Malik was tossed from his FIA job in 1998 after documenting the breath-taking corruption of the Sharif family. By unhappy coincidence Nawaz Sharif became PM at just that moment and Malik moved to London one step ahead of the button men. He had to give up the interior ministry job because he held dual Brit citizenship.
, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah take notice of the killings of the MQM workers by 'terrorists'.

The committee also sought severe action against the faceless myrmidons who were involved in the killing of elected representatives, office-bearers and workers of the MQM.

Three killed in Lyari

Three men were found rubbed out at separate places in Lyari
...one of the eighteen constituent towns of the city of Karachi. It is the smallest town by area in the city but also the most densely populated. Lyari has few schools, substandard hospitals, a poor water system, limited infrastructure, and broken roads. It is a stronghold of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. Ubiquitous gang activity and a thriving narcotics industry make Lyari one of the most disturbed places in Karachi, which is really saying a lot....
on Monday, police said.

The police added that a body bearing torture marks was found near Rahmania Chowk within the remit of the Kalri cop shoppe.

The victim, believed to be in his early 20s, had been subjected to torture and shot in the head, the police said. They shifted the body to the Civil Hospital Bloody Karachi for medico-legal formalities.

The body of another unidentified man stuffed in a gunny bag was found at Kashti Chowk within the remit of the Napier cop shoppe.

The body bore torture marks besides a gunshot wound, the police said. They shifted the body to Civil Hospital Bloody Karachi for medico-legal formalities.

The police believed that both victims had been kidnapped and killed before their bodies were dumped.

In yet another incident, the body of a young man was found near Crown Cinema within the remit of the Kalri cop shoppe on Monday morning, officials said.

They added that the victim had also been rubbed out.

The body was shifted to the Civil Hospital Bloody Karachi where he was identified as Abid Pervaiz.

The officials said he was wanted in a drug case by the New Bloody Karachi police.

The police said that the victim had gone out on Sunday night, but didn't return home.

A senior police officer of the area said the killing seemed to be the result of flexing of muscles by two political groups.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Im'm having a problem with My Nym,, Untill further notice I;m posting BOTH the nym assigned and My own.

This shit's gotta stop.
.................................................
Wounded 'assassin' arrested

Why, just find out who sent him and Kill him, it's what he wanted.

Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/23/2013 15:02 Comments || Top||


Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Birthday Gam Shot

Tiffani Thiessen [Filmography](age 39)



Intelligent Design

Women Who Bathe


Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 01/23/2013 0:53 Comments || Top||

#2  Tiffani-Amber. A double stripper-name!
Posted by: Frank G || 01/23/2013 17:39 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Israel elections: Benjamin Netanyahu wins narrow victory
Benjamin Netanyahu has declared victory in Israel's general election as exit polls showed the right-wing bloc on course to win a narrow majority.
Fox News calls it a 'stunning setback'. We'll see...
The Israeli prime minister claimed the people had given him a mandate to form a "broad-based government" despite indications that voters had delivered a major blow to him, with his Likud Beiteinu bloc on course to win just 31 seats. Although still the largest party in the new Knesset, the projected result represents the loss of 11 seats and is fewer than opinion polls had predicted.

As polling stations closed, exit polls showed that Right-wing parties projected to win 61 or 62 seats in the country's 120-member parliament. The centre-Left bloc was forecast to win between 58 and 59 seats.

In the night's major surprise, the Centrist Yesh Atid party emerged as the second biggest party, with 19 seats -- well ahead of Naftali Bennett's pro-settler Jewish Home party, which was expected to win 12 seats, fewer than opinions had predicted. Labour was on course to finish third with 17 seats.

There was speculation that Yesh Atid, led by a former journalist, Yair Lapid, could enter a coalition with Mr Netanyahu, thus moderating the influence of the Right. Mr Netanyahu said he had spoken with Mr Lapid, reportedly telling him that the two could do "great things" for Israel.

It appeared that many wavering voters had swung behind Yesh Atid amid expectations of a strong showing for the Jewish Home party, which was strongly backed by settlers.

The prime minister, who had earlier warned supporters that the Likud government was "in danger", declared on his Facebook page that results represented "a wonderful chance for many changes".

"It is clear that the citizens of Israel have decided that they want me to continue in my position as prime minister, and for me to form as broad a coalition as possible," he wrote. "Starting tonight, I will commence efforts to form the broadest coalition possible." Earlier, the prime minister urged voters to back Likud Beiteinu after casting his vote in Jerusalem's Rahavia neighbourhood, before visiting the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site.

"Likud-Beiteinu represents all the people. The stronger Likud-Beiteinu is, the easier it will be to lead Israel successfully," he said.

His comments were aimed at reversing the surge in support for the Jewish Home party, which advocates annexing large sections of West Bank land that the Palestinians want for a future state.
Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Now we shall see if Bibi can form a ruling coalition which freezes the f*cking celeb out.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 1:46 Comments || Top||

#2  this analysis doesn't really get at the complexity of the situation

for example, the religious parties while generally supportive of Netanyahu do not agree with him on military service for yeshiva students, the Arab parties sometimes support labor but not on many security matters,

Posted by: lord garth || 01/23/2013 16:53 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan
Karzai Orders Investigation into Prison Abuses
[Tolo News] President Hamid Maybe I'll join the Taliban Karzai
... A former Baltimore restaurateur, now 12th and current President of Afghanistan, displacing the legitimate president Rabbani in December 2004. He was installed as the dominant political figure after the removal of the Taliban regime in late 2001 in a vain attempt to put a Pashtun face on the successor state to the Taliban. After the 2004 presidential election, he was declared president regardless of what the actual vote count was. He won a second, even more dubious, five-year-term after the 2009 presidential election. His grip on reality has been slipping steadily since around 2007, probably from heavy drug use...
has ordered an investigation into the use of torture and human rights
...which are usually open to widely divergent definitions...
' abuses in Afghanistan's prisons, appointing a delegation to look into the findings of a United Nations
...the Oyster Bay money pit...
prison assessment that torture is systemic.

"President Hamid Karzai has assigned a delegation to investigate the findings and allegations of a report released by the UN on torture, abuse and ill-treatment in detention facilities run by the Ministry of Interior [MOI] and the National Directorate of Security [NDS]," Karzai's office said in a statement Tuesday.

The delegation is led by Abdul Qader Adalatkhwa, Deputy Director of the Constitutional Oversight Commission and consists of legal advisors from the MOI, NDS, UN envoys, an authorised representative from the Legal Board of the Presidential palace and the Director of Law & Political Science Department of Kabul University, the statement said.

The team is expected to report to the president in two weeks on "the claims of torture, mistreatment, death threats and sexual abuse in prisons, and any faults or misconduct during questioning and trial of detainees. It is also assigned to put to use all sorts of resources available to ascertain the truth of such practices and identify its perpetrators."

The move comes after the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (Unama) revealed in its second report in two years that torture continues to be widely used in Afghan prisons despite its recommendations to help end the practice in a similar report in 2011.

More than half of the 635 detainees interviewed by Unama Sherlocks were ill-treated or tortured, particularly in 34 facilities of the Afghan National Police and the NDS between October 2011 and October 2012, the recent report said.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


-Lurid Crime Tales-
When Your Criminal Plans Include a "Getaway Donkey," you might want to just rethink.
H/T Instapundit
The trio of Colombian criminals were forced to ditch their ill-gotten gains, during the 2am theft, after the animal started to bray and alerted police.

The group had managed to steal rum, oil, rice, cans of tuna and sardines from a small shop in the tiny north Caribbean town of Juan de Acosta, according to Noticias Caracol.

They planned to load the goods onto 10-year-old Xavi, who they had stolen some 12 hours before, and make their escape. But the animal let out a series of 'hee-haws' and unfortunately for the trio alerted nearby police.

They had to ditch the donkey, which was still carrying the stolen items, and ran to safety away from the officers.

Shop owner Fabio Orozco said: "They came through the roof to rob. They took rum, rice, everything."

The donkey was detained in the town police station for 12 hours until owner Orlando Olivares was notified and came to collect him. All the items that had been stolen were returned to the store.
Posted by: Beavis || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Should have hot-wired a Jaguar instead.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/23/2013 5:26 Comments || Top||

#2  They took rum

With a plan like this, I would expect the rum was to refill their depleted supply.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 8:34 Comments || Top||

#3  What if the donkey is rocket powered?
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 12:36 Comments || Top||

#4  What if the donkey is rocket powered?

Then he should go to the asteroid prospectors.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 13:53 Comments || Top||

#5  He heee hee hiii! Y'allz stayz back from miz rock of platinum, yu hearz!

(crazy prospector's dance)
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 15:50 Comments || Top||


Iraq 'oil-for-food' corruption trial opens in Paris
[FRANCE24] The head of French oil giant Total and a former cabinet minister appeared in court on Tuesday on charges related to corruption in the United Nations
...where theory meets practice and practice loses...
oil-for-food programme in Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Total, Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie, Swiss oil trading firm Vitol and ex-interior minister Charles Pasqua, as well as 16 other individuals, face various charges ranging from corruption to influence peddling or complicity.

The oil-for-food programme operated in Iraq between 1996 and 2003
Ten years to bring this to court? Any slower and I'd have to bet that Carla del Ponte was involved in the investigation...
and was meant to ease the suffering of the Iraqi people by allowing the country to sell some of its oil, despite the embargo imposed after the first Gulf War.

According to a U.N. report, the programme gave rise to graft on an international scale, amounting to billions of dollars.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Where is Kofi in all this?

He makes Zardari lok small time.
Posted by: Bill Clinton || 01/23/2013 7:44 Comments || Top||

#2  Don't know when it ended, but the Oil For Food folks were working out of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad as early as April of 1994. They definitely had a thing going and cared little about the filthy Ameericaans and their WMD inspection regimes (spit, spit, spit). And with Euro frowning emphasis and disgust....we hate you, we hate you.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 7:58 Comments || Top||

#3  That was the Great Age of the Chiracs.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 15:41 Comments || Top||

#4  Kojo get his subpoena yet?
Posted by: tu3031 || 01/23/2013 21:16 Comments || Top||

#5  Sudden rash of elevator accidents.
Posted by: mojo || 01/23/2013 22:21 Comments || Top||


Britain
Stop the War Coalition attacks Prince Harry for admitting he has killed Taliban
[INDEPENDENT.CO.UK] The Stop the War Coalition today accused Prince Harry of being "arrogant and insensitive" after he admitted killing Islamic fascisti in Afghanistan.

In a series of interviews to mark the end of his service in Afghanistan, Prince Harry admitted that he had killed members of the Taliban during his 20-week posting, saying: "'Take a life to save a life. That's what we revolve around, I suppose".

But Lindsey German, convenor of the Stop the War Coalition, called the 28-year-old's comments "crass", and asked how he knew those he'd killed were actually members of the Taliban.

"In recent months many civilians have been killed by air strikes. This arrogant and insensitive attitude to killing Afghans, whoever they are, is hardly likely to win hearts and minds - a supposed aim of the war," German said.

She added: "Prince Harry returns to a life of idleness and luxury, unlike most soldiers who face unemployment, austerity and social problems."
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Killing people in war. Who'd thought it? /sarc off
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/23/2013 0:17 Comments || Top||

#2  "Prince Harry returns to a life of idleness and luxury, unlike most soldiers who face unemployment, austerity and social problems."

No Ms German, he just has to face twits like you.
Posted by: Uleanter Spusosh4792 || 01/23/2013 0:50 Comments || Top||

#3  ....called the 28-year-old's comments "crass", and asked how he knew those he'd killed were actually members of the Taliban.

They were all reading copies of.... "A People's History of London".
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 3:11 Comments || Top||

#4  Not anti-war, they just support the other side.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 01/23/2013 10:05 Comments || Top||

#5  "is hardly likely to win hearts and minds"

Probably not the hearts and minds of schoolgirl killers but I don't see a downside here
Posted by: European Conservative || 01/23/2013 10:13 Comments || Top||

#6  asked how he knew those he'd killed were actually members of the Taliban.

Because they were shooting at him? I'm amused people are upset about this. Maybe his bro Charlie has set a bad example, but what did they think Harry was doing over there in an attack helicopter?
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 10:27 Comments || Top||

#7  I remember a former colleague telling me about the difficulty he had leading brave Montagnard fighters in Vietnam. For them there was no grey area... "all Vietnamese are enemy"
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 10:40 Comments || Top||

#8  I guess was people's "sensitivity" that prevented him from answering "Anyone who runs is a Taliban. Anyone who stands still is a well disciplined Taliban."
Posted by: Lowspark || 01/23/2013 10:41 Comments || Top||

#9  1. Two riders, Chinese motorcycle, red in colour.
2. Vectoring from west to east from PAK.
3. Rider on back has an AK.
4. Bulging carpet saddlebags.
5. Driver waiving to ABP guards at border outpost.
6. Rider on back using cellie to report position.

Good enough, you are CLEARED TO ENGAGE!
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 10:51 Comments || Top||

#10  Maybe his bro Charlie has set a bad example

Harry and William are Charles' sons.
Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 12:16 Comments || Top||

#11  Harry and William are Charles' sons.

Doh! I actually know that. /me blames lack of coffee
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 14:26 Comments || Top||

#12  "win hearts and minds - a supposed aim of the war"

The original aim of this war was to let the Taliban share in the terrorist's fate, i.e. to hunt them down and to kill them.(*)

To put it bluntly the objective was to avenge 9/11 and to restore deterrence by obliterating the Taliban.

(*)It is true that the Bush administration went wobbly as early as October 2001 but that is another story.
Posted by: Elmerert Hupens2660 || 01/23/2013 15:57 Comments || Top||

#13  Besoeker, Montgnard or ROK, I'd gladly follow either through a village. With ROKs, nothing was left. I always thought that was the way you fought wars.
Posted by: Glolunter Flirt1070 || 01/23/2013 16:20 Comments || Top||

#14  Thank you Golunter, for your service and contributions to the fight against communism. I salute you!
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 16:40 Comments || Top||

#15  "Prince Harry returns to a life of idleness and luxury, unlike most soldiers who face unemployment, austerity and social problems."

What I really like about Prince Harry is that he chose to leave a life of idleness and luxury TWICE to serve in Afghanistan. His first tour was cut short when a journalist revealed the unit he was serving with. Then he chose to become an attack helicopter pilot. Good on him!
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 01/23/2013 18:21 Comments || Top||

#16  IIRC the Hard Boyz put a high bounty on Vegas Harry's head when they learned vee the MSM-Net that the Prince was coming to AFPAK Region for military duty. PUBLIC MILTERR THREATS AGZ THE UK ROYAL FAMILY WERE ALSO MADE AT THE TIME.

Correct me iff I'm wrong, but AFAIK the bounty on the Nekkid Prince, + threats agz the UK Royal Family in general STILL STAND???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 20:32 Comments || Top||


Science & Technology
US company aims to 'harvest' asteroids
[FRANCE24] A US company said Tuesday it plans to send a fleet of spacecraft into the solar system to mine asteroids for metals and other materials in the hopes of furthering exploration of the final frontier.

"Using resources harvested in space is the only way to afford permanent space development," said David Gump, chief executive of Deep Space Industries, noting that more than 900 new asteroids that pass near our planet are discovered each year.

"In this case, metals and fuel from asteroids can expand the in-space industries of this century. That is our strategy."

In a first step, the company plans to send "asteroid-prospecting spacecraft" into the solar system, with the first -- 55-pound (25-kilogram) "FireFlies" -- to be launched in 2015 on journeys of two to six months.

These will be followed as of 2016 by heavier 70-pound "DragonFlies" that will go on two- to four-year missions and bring back samples.

"This is the first commercial campaign to explore the small asteroids that pass by Earth," said Deep Space Chairman Rick Tumlinson.

"Using low-cost technologies and combining the legacy of our space program with the innovation of today's young high tech geniuses, we will do things that would have been impossible just a few years ago."

If all goes according to plan, Deep Space Industries predicts that, in a decade, it will be harvesting metals and other building materials from space rocks to build large platforms to replace communications satellites -- followed by solar power stations that would beam carbon-free energy back to Earth.
Sounds good. How do you "beam" power?
Microwave. It works. Don't stand too close...
"We will only be visitors in space until we learn how to live off the land there," Tumlinson said in a statement that also made a pitch for customers and sponsors.

"We are squarely focused on giving new generations an opportunity to change not only this world but all the worlds of tomorrow. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?"

Deep Space Industries is the second company to enter into the asteroid-mining business, following in the footsteps of Planetary Resources, which launched in April 2012 with the backing of top Google executives and film director James Cameron.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  They wouldn't allow an oil pipeline, they would allow SPS?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:13 Comments || Top||

#2  I want to see them land a Million Ton Freighter, that should end this nonsense.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/23/2013 10:34 Comments || Top||

#3  Rods from God would be cheap with these platforms. Of course even cheaper would be Rocks from God - (redirected asteroids)
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/23/2013 10:37 Comments || Top||

#4  You can use various microwave-based schemes or high-powered lasers.

Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 01/23/2013 10:39 Comments || Top||

#5  I remember when NASA landed the probe on the asteroid Eros back in '99 or so. 900 trillion worth of platinum on that one asteroid IIRC. What's the need to prospect when density and composition can be determined before landing? Maybe by "prospecting" they mean seeing if they can successfully land a probe and return it with payload in a viable and economical way.
Posted by: Lowspark || 01/23/2013 11:08 Comments || Top||

#6  Gonna need some serious genetic engineering to develop space burros for the prospectors.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 11:35 Comments || Top||

#7  Maybe by "prospecting" they mean seeing if they can successfully land a probe and return it with payload in a viable and economical way.

Bring back samples to be assayed, test out sensors for detecting other valuable minerals and metals. I say good, sooner the better, because at the rate government is going it wouldn't get done.
Posted by: High Heeled Boy || 01/23/2013 12:53 Comments || Top||

#8  SciFi story on this theme in Analog decades ago. Problem was, as a letter to the editor explained, that the asteroid or whatever mass is taken from it, is going one way, and we're going another. How much energy does it take to get it--asteroid or mined mass--to where we want it? Say, to a stable orbit far out. Then, once the item is manufactured, to get it to the customer.
Posted by: Richard Aubrey || 01/23/2013 13:58 Comments || Top||

#9  You have to slow an asteroid down, to drop it into a lower solar orbit - and avoid running into anything. Like a planet.
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226 || 01/23/2013 14:52 Comments || Top||

#10  Richard Aubrey, if they find that out they can be on the forefront of asteroid defense.

I suspect they intend to hitch a ride and prospect and then drop off allowing the vast bulk of the mass to continue along its course. They can then try again in a few decades when it returns.

That or you send a robot mission with a mass driver and take a long time to bring the asteroid into cislunar orbit where we can get to it.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 01/23/2013 15:01 Comments || Top||

#11  Better off in a Lagrangian orbit, L4 or L5. Cislunar is too close for comfort.
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226 || 01/23/2013 15:05 Comments || Top||

#12  rjschwartz
Right you are. However, in the words of the Master, TANSTAAFL.
Take a bit at a time, you need a lot of bits to be useful. Cumulatively, a lot of energy. Change orbit? Ditto.
The letter to the editor referenced asked how much energy would be necessary when you have a million-ton NiFe asteroid rotating once an hour. Memory fades, but iirc, the guy said, eighty-two Saturn Fives blasting for a week. Something like that. Then you've got that puppy continuing its orbit, but at least it isn't rotating.
Posted by: Richard Aubrey || 01/23/2013 15:46 Comments || Top||

#13  I actually thought that would be a good plot for a SciFi book. Terrorists hijack a asteroid mine and have it smash into the earth.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 17:23 Comments || Top||

#14  Yup, and I know what Religion the Pirates would be.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/23/2013 18:31 Comments || Top||

#15  Redneck.
You bet. But somebody else would have to be flying it first.
Posted by: Richard Aubrey || 01/23/2013 19:17 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
1,476 cases reported so far: Seven kids died of measles in Punjab
[Dawn] Chief Minister's Special Assistant on Health Khwaja Salman Rafique said on Monday seven children had died of measles while 1,476 cases of the disease had surfaced so far in the province in January.

Talking to the media after a meeting held to review the measles situation in the province, he said of the seven victims of the disease, one each died in Gujranwala and Kasur districts, while five others expired in Rajanpur district.

He said the health department had a stock of more than 1.2 million anti-measles doses, while two million doses were being procured through Unicef for which Rs243.7 million had already been paid. He hoped the consignment of the purchased doses would reach here within the next two weeks.

Mr Rafique said a vaccination campaign, in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, was continuing in the areas from where measles cases were being reported, targeting children in six-month to 10-year age group.

Earlier, Mr Rafique informed the meeting that the Punjab government had decided to launch a social mobilisation campaign through the media to sensitise parents about the importance of preventive vaccination against measles for their children. He said at the district level, DCOs were being given the task of disease surveillance, supervising vaccination and monitoring of case reporting.

He warned that the health EDOs concerned would be held responsible for any lapse in disease-control measures and a strict legal action would also be initiated against those found guilty of dereliction of duty in this regard.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  Lets kill some infidels!
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:05 Comments || Top||


Africa Subsaharan
Liberia's Charles Taylor appeals war crimes sentence
[FRANCE24] Liberia's former president Charles Taylor
The former President-for-Life of Liberia, of whom the best that could be said was that he wasn't quite as horrible as Prince Johnson, at least not usually.
launched an appeal Tuesday against a 50-year sentence handed down by a UN court in May for his role in aiding the rebels responsible for war crimes during Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  On the other hand, he was a fine wide receiver for the Washington Redskins and played in the '72 Superbowl. Unfortunately I bet on the 'skins and lost $100.00. :((
Posted by: borgboy || 01/23/2013 14:57 Comments || Top||

#2  Chuck may be a war criminal, but his sneakers are still popular.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 17:12 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Rangel on Guns: 'Some of the Southern Areas Have Cultures that We Have to Overcome'
[CNSNEWS] Rep. Charlie Yez got nuttin' on me, coppers! Rangel
Congressman-for-Life from Harlem, who became what 20 terms in Congress turns you into ...
(D-N.Y.), speaking on "MSNBC Live" on Jan. 16 said that "some of the southern areas have cultures that we have to overcome" when it comes to gun control.

Rangel was asked by anchor Thomas Roberts whether new gun control measures passed in New York State should serve as models for other states:

"If you're proud of what New York has done, obviously there is not going to be any perfect policy or perfect law that everybody is going to agree on from both sides saying that this is key perfection but do you think that New York, and what has been done in this state, could be used as a role model for other states that would like to enact something of New York's model?"

Rangel responded by saying: "Well I hope so. New York is a little different and more progressive in a lot of areas than some other states and some of the southern areas have cultures that we have to overcome."
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Fuckin rednecks gotta get their minds right.
Go ahead, Charlie, you can say it. You know you want to...
Posted by: tu3031 || 01/23/2013 0:02 Comments || Top||

#2  Southern...Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah,...
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/23/2013 0:23 Comments || Top||

#3  I suggest reeducation camps.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:35 Comments || Top||

#4  A bit louder if you would congressman, so that those Americans resting here are able to hear you.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 2:58 Comments || Top||

#5  I will abuse my liver mightily once this parasite shuffles off this mortal coil.
Posted by: Elmoluns Elmugum5707 || 01/23/2013 7:03 Comments || Top||

#6  p.s. I'd launch a rigorous scientific inquiry[1] about the connection between melanin deficiency and (the well documented) anti-social behavior historically exhibited by the, so called, "whites".

[1] Given the history of the AGW recearch, there are lots of scientists who'd be glad to participate.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 7:37 Comments || Top||

#7  That would be a no for funding g(r)om. I only contribute to non-trivial unknowns.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 8:05 Comments || Top||

#8  According to Albion's Seed, English settlers brought four distinct cultures to America: the Puritans in New England, royalist cavaliers in the south, Quakers in the Delaware Valley, and borderland English-Scots-Irish in the back country. Each has, among other cultural differences, a very different idea of liberty and the relationship between government and the citizenry.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/23/2013 8:18 Comments || Top||

#9  That's a good book, tw; snother interesting book is 'Genertations: the History of America's Future' by Strauss & Howe.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 8:33 Comments || Top||

#10  Thanks for the tip TW, Fred's Amazon just picked up a few pence.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 8:35 Comments || Top||

#11  Sure worked with moon-shining.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 9:05 Comments || Top||

#12  Rangel on Guns: 'Some of the Southern non-Urban Areas Have Cultures that We Have to Overcome'

Fixed it for you Charlie. This 2012 election map by county is closer to that truth.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/23/2013 9:14 Comments || Top||

#13  He really meant to say "fly over states". Setting the conditions for the next civil war.
Posted by: 49 Pan || 01/23/2013 10:16 Comments || Top||

#14  "Back in CHAINS" Charley, "Back in CHAINS"!

Here, ....you dropped your EBT card.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 10:23 Comments || Top||

#15  The cultures he wants to "overcome" have a lower homicide rate than the "culture" he comes from.
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 01/23/2013 10:35 Comments || Top||

#16  So much for Federalism.
Posted by: Iblis || 01/23/2013 11:18 Comments || Top||

#17  The cultures he wants to "overcome" have a lower homicide rate than the "culture" he comes from.

Yeah, but that's Bush's fault.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/23/2013 11:38 Comments || Top||

#18  "But I'm sorry, Mr. Rangel, with your repeat criminal history and ethics charges, it is against the law to sell you a firearm."
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 12:40 Comments || Top||

#19  "Cultures that We Have to Overcome' -Like the culture of Ignorance and stupidity called New York, like those who elected such an obvious fraud and scumbag ass like yourself. A culture of love for government and crooked politician whores that lecture people about morality with $50,000 in their freezer. A culture of race wars where You, YOU have blood on your hands. You are the third scummiest member of lawmakers. You should be neutered and stuffed into a prison in your district.

Come here ad talk to me about culture to my face you scum whore rangel.
Posted by: newc || 01/23/2013 12:52 Comments || Top||

#20  You're sooo wrong on funding, Besoeker.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 13:46 Comments || Top||

#21  We badly need Ranges to Really see what slavery was like, he'd stop whining in a "New York Minute".
And thank GOD he doesn't live then.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/23/2013 18:22 Comments || Top||

#22  Culture of lower taxes, less government regulations, government budget surpluses, less gun control therefore less crime, more jobs and lower consumer prices at Walmart. Granted, not as third world as Harlem but when you can't stand the liberal cess pool anymore, don't come knocking for entitlements from the "Southern culture".
Posted by: wr || 01/23/2013 18:31 Comments || Top||

#23  big·ot   [big-uht]
noun
a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.

And I'll add culture.
Posted by: BrerRabbit || 01/23/2013 19:00 Comments || Top||

#24  With all due respect*, Charlie, .FUCK YOU,


*That would be minus zero, you zero.
Posted by: Barbara || 01/23/2013 19:20 Comments || Top||

#25  THE MAN wants to keep me down!!!
Posted by: tu3031 || 01/23/2013 19:39 Comments || Top||


Africa North
'Insulting president' lawsuits reach 112-year peak under Morsi
[Al Ahram] Arab Network for Human Rights Information report highlights explosion of 'insulting the president' lawsuits filed during Morsi's reign, more than all other rulers combined since 1892
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  'insulting the president' lawsuits
Coming soon to a courtroom near you???
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 8:35 Comments || Top||

#2  Nope, doctor's office, where they will be required to mentally evaluate all registered firearm owners each and every visit for whatever reason.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 11:50 Comments || Top||

#3  "Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of Elderberries!"
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226 || 01/23/2013 14:50 Comments || Top||


Britain
Return of end-of-course exams in major A-level overhaul
Traditional end-of-course exams will be reintroduced to A-levels under major plans to toughen up the qualification, the Telegraph has learnt.

Subject specialists from top universities will carry out annual reviews of exams to make sure course content is being properly assessed, it was revealed.

The move -- to be announced on Wednesday by Michael Gove, the Education Secretary -- is being billed as an attempt to restore academic rigour to qualifications sat by around 300,000 schoolchildren each year.

It comes amid claims that current A-levels fail to prepare students for the demands of higher education, with many universities complaining that school-leavers lack subject knowledge and basic skills.

In a letter to the head of Ofqual, Mr Gove said there was "clear dissatisfaction among leading university academics about the preparation of A-level pupils for advanced studies".

"I am concerned that some natural science degrees have become four-year courses to compensate for problems with A-levels," he said.

"Linguists complain about the inadequacy of university entrants' foreign language skills. Mathematicians are concerned that current A-level questions are overly structured and encourage a formulaic approach, instead of using more open-ended questions that require advanced problem-solving... There is also growing concern that private schools routinely teach beyond A-levels, giving their pupils an advantage in the competition for university places."
Seriously, they're complaining that some teachers and students work beyond the minimum? No wonder they have problems.
The Russell Group, which represents universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and Durham, would form a new academic board to advise Ofqual on the content of A-levels.

It will focus principally on subjects commonly required for entry to its universities.

The move comes after it emerged that school-by-school league tables -- being published on Thursday -- will reveal how many teenagers gained good A-level passes in a string of rigorous subjects such as maths, English, the sciences, history, geography and languages. For the first time, it is intended to show many pupils leave schools "Russell Group ready".

Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ..major plans to toughen up the qualification

All together now - Racist!
/sarc off
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/23/2013 0:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Competition - as money becomes worthless, competition will become the root of all evil...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 01/23/2013 9:09 Comments || Top||

#3  The class system in Britain is much more rigid than in the US. As a blue collar kid who leveraged scholarships to a professional career, I can sympathize with the concern that historically Oxford-Cambridge remain a lock for those able to afford private schooling. The solution isn't to hold back the private schools but to raise standards, quality and content in the publicly funded ones.
Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 12:12 Comments || Top||

#4  The class system in Britain is much more rigid than [the one] in the US used to be. That do you think your new upper class trying to accomplish?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 13:51 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
CJ directs authorities to arrest those behind MQM MPA's killing
[Dawn] During Tuesday's hearing of a case about the implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment on the Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
law and order situation, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry directed the authorities to arrest by Wednesday those responsible for the killing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement
...English: United National Movement, generally known as MQM, is the 3rd largest political party and the largest secular political party in Pakistain with particular strength in Sindh. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the target of the Pak Army's Operation Cleanup leaving thousands of urdu speaking civilians dead...
(MQM) MPA Syed Manzar Imam, DawnNews reported.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar, had taken up the implementation of the Oct 6, 2011 judgment on the law and order situation and assassinations in Bloody Karachi in which it had held that the "unimaginable brutalities in Bloody Karachi" were the result of a pie fight aimed at keeping socio-political control over the city.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar said the police in Sindh was politicised which was why the court's ruling had directed that the provincial police should be kept dissociated from politics.

The chief justice said it had come to his knowledge that Ajmal Pahari had also been released.

Responding to which, officials from the Sindh police said the courts were under pressure to release Pahari.

Advocate General Sindh Abdul Fateh Malik said the government had a list of 5,000 Taliban who had entered the city.

Responding to which, Chief Justice Iftikhar said the Taliban were not something that the government could not control.

He moreover directed the authorities to arrest those responsible for the recent killing of the MQM MPA by tomorrow (Jan 23).

The advocate general informed the bench a committee had been constituted in order to nab the killers.

To which, the chief justice said that he did not believe in committees.

In his remarks, Justice Gulzar said committees are constituted when people have no intention of getting the job done.

Furthermore, the chief justice inquired as to whether the government had successfully eliminated unrest from Bloody Karachi.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Security man killed in Khyber attack
[Dawn] A security man was killed and another received injuries when snuffies fired at their vehicle in Bazaar-Zakhakhel area in Khyber Agency on Monday.

Officials said that a group of coppers was attacked by snuffies when they were fetching water from a natural spring in the area. One of them was killed on the spot while another injured. The injured security man was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile,
...back at the palazzo, Count Guido stepped from behind the suit of armor, rapier in hand. Ciccolini snarled and reached for his own weapon...
unidentified persons blew up a government school in Bara on Monday, officials said. They said that the incident took place in Merikhel village of Akkakhel when a group of snuffies planted explosives inside the government high school Gul Zameer Kallay in the wee hours of Monday.

The kaboom caused damage to a major portion of the school structure, one of the oldest government buildings in the area.

Local sources said that the school was situated only 300 metres away from Jansi camp where hundreds of security personnel were stationed. They said that a can, stuffed with kaboom, remained unwent kaboom! in the school till midday but the forces did not bother to remove it. The can was later taken away by bad boys, who came back in a vehicle, they added.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Lashkar-e-Islami


Southeast Asia
Philippine troops ambushed by Abu Sayyaf rebels
Suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists rebels on Tuesday ambushed a group of government soldiers and injuring seven in the troubled province of Basilan in the southern Philippines.

Officials said the attack sparked a gun battle in the town of Ungkaya Pukan. Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said, “The fire fight lasted for 20 minutes. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to military hospital in Zamboanga City."

He said the ambush occurred at around 7:40 a.m. in the village of Bohe Pahu and came the day after the Philippine Army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Basilan held a peace pact.

Gregorio said, “We suspect that this is the handiwork of peace spoilers, particularly the Abu Sayyaf rebels who wanted to destroy the significant headway that we achieved from the successful meetings with the MILF on January 4 and January 21.

“The Abu Sayyaf wanted to make a strong statement that they are still round and wanted the Armed Forces to act indiscriminately and impair the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF,” he added, referring to the ambush.

He said the 104th Infantry Brigade in Basilan will closely coordinate with the MILF and local authorities to address the situation in the Muslim province.

Gregorio said, “The 104th Infantry Brigade will act prudently and observe maximum restraint while planning jointly with the local government and MILF on how we can finally eradicate the Abu Sayyaf menace and violent attacks that greatly affect the relative peace that we had achieved from the Bangsamoro agreement."
Posted by: ryuge || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Why do I suspect MILF is claiming they want peace, while continuing their attacks and blaming Abu Sayyaf?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/23/2013 12:16 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Yemen National Security Agency - what motivated the change of leadership
[Yemen Post] Beyond the textual implementation of the GCC-brokered initiative regarding Yemen's change of leadership and departure of the former regime's men, Saudi newspaper Al-Shark argues Gen. Ammar Mohammed Saleh - nephew to deposed 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 Gen. Ali al-Ansi dismissal from their positions at Yemen National Security Agency hides Iran and the United States of America' struggle for control over Yemen.

According to security sources, Tehran would have managed to buy its way through Yemen NSA and therefore hold a certain level of influence on what information was being carried through to Washington.

As 2011 unfolded and America slowly was seen shifting its support from the former regime to the popular uprising, strong of the knowledge there was no stopping the Arab Spring movement - as seen in Tunisia and Egypt - Washington accused ex-President-for-Life Saleh
... exemplifying the Arab's propensity to combine brutality with incompetence...
and his loyalists of withholding sensitive informations regarding al-Qaeda and Tehran's advances - financial and military support of the Houthis in Yemen northern provinces -

Having created Yemen NSA for the sole purpose of gaining an intelligence footing in the country, Washington was determined to retain its control, even if it meant letting go of its former partners and allies, Gen. Ammar Saleh and Gen. Ali al-Ansi.

May 2012 suicide kaboom at the heart of the capital, Sana'a and NSA sheer lack of oversight confirmed the belief a new leadership was needed, fastening in one swift move former President Saleh's demise as he ended losing the cornerstone of his power-portfolio.

With Iran and the U.S more and more taking their "opposition" out in the open Yemen is fast turning into a proxy for their war of influence in the region.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


India-Pakistan
'India be declared terrorist country'
[Dawn] Jamaat-ud-Dawa
...the front organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba...
(JuD) leadership on Monday demanded India should be declared a 'terrorist country' after its home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde's admission that Hindu terrorist organizations were involved in the tragic incidents of torching Samjhota Express, besides Maligaon and Makkah mosque incidents.

"The Indian interior minister's confession about involvement of Hindu thug and terrorist organizations in various tragedies, such as Samjhota Express burning and other incidents has proved that India is promoting terrorism. So the world should now take up this matter very seriously by declaring it a terrorist country," JuD chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed
...who would be wearing a canvas jacket with very long sleeves anyplace but Pakistain...
told news hounds at a presser at Jamia Masjid Al-Qadsia, Chauburji.

Flanked by Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki, Maulana Ameer Hamza, Hafiz Muhammad Masood, Yahya Mujahid and other JuD leaders, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed urged the United States to start drone attacks on India too as Hindu terrorist groups were active there as per Indian minister's statement.

He accused India and the US of planning to hit Pakistain's nuclear programme. Giving a free hand to American CIA with regard to drone attacks in Pakistain was a part of this planning, Saeed alleged.

"If the US is serious and sincere in eliminating terrorism in the region, it should immediately initiate drone attacks on training centres of thug Hindu terrorist organizations," he said.

He questioned the US leadership for not imposing a ban on Indian terrorist groups and singling out Pakistain in this regard.

The JuD head accused the Indian army of being also involved in terrorist activities in Pakistain.

He said it had been proved that the Indian terrorist groups were also involved in dozens of terrorist activities in Balochistan
...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it...
, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
... formerly NWFP, still Terrorism Central...
and other areas of Pakistain. He said India had always accused Pak religious organizations of being involved in terrorism.

"Though India accused us of being involved in Mumbai attacks and terrorism across the Line of Control (LoC), its claims had proved wrong. And now confession of its own minister has made everything crystal clear before all," the JuD leader said.

He urged the government to take up the issue of torching Samjhota Express at the UN Security Council, adding the Pakistain should also seek handover of the culprits involved in the tragedy.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under: Lashkar e-Taiba


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
UN chief blames Israel for Arab world stagnation
[TIMESOFISRAEL] Secretary-General the ephemeral Ban Ki-moon
... of whom it can be said to his credit that he is not Kofi Annan...
on Monday appeared to hold Israel partially responsible for lack of progress in the Arab world.

"Development in the Arab region has also been held back by protracted conflict, injustice and occupation. The stalemate in the grinding of the peace processor between Paleostinians and Israelis is especially troubling," Ban stated in a message to the Third Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, currently taking place in 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 their national face...
"We must renew our collective engagement to resume meaningful negotiations that will realize Paleostinian aspirations to live in freedom and dignity in an independent state of their own, side by side with Israel in peace and security," read his statement, delivered in Riyadh by Rima Khalaf, the executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

Paul Hirschson, a front man for the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, rejected any connection between Israeli policies and the situation in the Arab world.

"We know that there is conflict between us and the Paleostinians, but attempts to elevate that to the core issue of the Middle East are doing a disservice to everybody," Hirschson told The Times of Israel.
Trying to blame Israel's policies vis-à-vis the Paleostinians for the low investment in education, insufficient women rights, lack of democracy and other issues causes the world to lose focus on the real problems Arab countries face
Trying to blame Israel's policies vis-à-vis the Paleostinians for the low investment in education, insufficient women rights, lack of democracy and other issues causes the world to lose focus on the real problems Arab countries face, he added. "There is a conflict between us and the Paleostinians, and we're trying to solve it. I'm not saying that we never made any mistakes, but one has nothing to do with the other."

In his remarks, Ban acknowledged Arab citizens' "legitimate calls for progress, freedom and dignity" that arose in recent years. He welcomed the adoption of a new controversial constitution in Egypt and also commended King of the Arabians, Sheikh of the Burning Sands Abdullah
... Fifth out of 37 sons of King Abdulaziz to ascend to the throne. He is, after his half-brothers Bandar and Musa'id, the third eldest of the living sons of Abdul Aziz ibn Saud. Abdullah's mother is from the Rashid clan, longtime rivals of the Saud. He has 6 sons and 15 daughters and about $20 billion. His youngest son is just seven years old...
for his recent appointment of 30 women to the Shura Council, the closest body the monarchy has to a parliament, though it has no real powers.

"Across the region, the challenge now is to deepen and broaden reform efforts," Ban stated. "In particular, a new and more hopeful era for the Arab world demands that youth and women have opportunities to realize their aspirations."
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Very difficult to fast forward these people 12 centuries.
Posted by: Uleanter Spusosh4792 || 01/23/2013 0:47 Comments || Top||

#2  And global worming.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:24 Comments || Top||

#3  As long as the followers of the psychotic ravings continue to whine about the Crusades and snivel and kill each other over who is going to succeed Mohammed, the region is going nowhere.

When most Emirs are issuing fatwas against 20th century technology, education of women, and studies of science, math, and business, the region will be an economic backwater.

Can we get a new prophet to issue a revised standard version of the Quran? Maybe taking out all of the toxic stuff about infidels, women, and children will allow the region to put down the sword and join the world.

Golda Meir was right when she said there would be no peace in the region until they, Moslems, love their children more than they hate us (Jews, Christians, and assorted other infidels).

Ban Ki-Moon should put down the PC rhetoric and say the truth: It is all their own fault. A little rational discourse and a lot of reform would do a lot for the region.
Posted by: Bill Clinton || 01/23/2013 9:44 Comments || Top||

#4  Ditto Bill.

I just turned off the teevee after listening to nearly an hour of the Clinton - Senate ARB (Accountability Review Board) testimony. I am now thoroughly convinced, and can predict that absolutely nothing will come out of this review. Yes, using the old tool of emotion, while describing her trip to Dover AFB to receive the fallen, she nearly broke into tears. Must have been a difficult pull without onions.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 9:53 Comments || Top||

#5  If the Jews did not exist, it would be necessary to invent them. There has to be some reason for Arab failure. Other than Arabs, I mean.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 10:32 Comments || Top||

#6  Arab stagnation is obviously the will of Allah!
Posted by: CrazyFool || 01/23/2013 11:00 Comments || Top||

#7  After all, they can't even get their calendar right.
Posted by: Eric Jablow || 01/23/2013 19:55 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Eritrea mutiny over as government, opposition say 'all calm'
[Al Ahram] Eritrea
...is run by the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), with about the amounts of democracy and justice you'd expect from a party with that name. National elections have been periodically scheduled and cancelled; none have ever been held in the country. The president, Isaias Afewerki, has been in office since independence in 1993 and will probably die there of old age. ...
's government said Tuesday that all was calm in the capital Asmara a day after armed mutineers seized the information ministry, with opposition sites saying the stand-off was settled.

"All is calm today, as it was indeed yesterday," said Yemane Gebremeskel, the director of Eritrean President Issaias Afeworki's office, in a message to AFP.

Opposition website Awate.com, based in the United States but with close connections inside Eritrea, said that the commander of around 100 rebel soldiers had agreed to surrender.

"The face-off was 'solved' when the government 'accepted his terms'" Awate said, although there were no further details as to what will happen next.

The reports were impossible to confirm independently, and it was not clear if the mutineers had formally surrendered.

Amanuel Ghirmai, an Eritrean journalist in Gay Paree for independent Radio Erena, said that army mutineers stormed the hill-top ministry -- which towers over the capital of the Red Sea state -- early on Monday morning.

They reportedly ordered news readers at the government-run television and radio station -- the only source of media for the authoritarian state -- to read a statement that they would implement the country's constitution.

The statement also reportedly ordered the release of prisoners of conscience.

However,
there's more than one way to skin a cat...
while the state-run Eri-TV television and radio broadcasts were taken off air Monday, they had resumed broadcasting on Tuesday, several sources said.

"Eri-TV, under regime loyalists, has resumed broadcasting live," added Awate. "All Ministry of Information employees have been released."

Multiple sources reported that one of those held inside the information ministry was the beautiful daughter of Issaias,
Wait a minute! I seen dis movie!
who has ruled the Horn of Africa nation with an iron grip from independence in 1993, following an epic 30-year liberation war from neighbouring Æthiopia.

Awate claimed the mutineers were led by an army commander called Saleh Osman, a hero of the bloody 1998-2000 border war with Æthiopia, when he refused orders to abandon the key southern port of Assab, defending it and beating back invading Æthiopians.

"The 'uprising' appears to have been a case of Saleh Osman trying to jolt back negotiations for democratisation he had been having with the president's office that have stalled," Awate added.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Subsaharan
Ibrahim Babangida begs Jonathan to dialogue with Boko Haram
[Nigerian Tribune] FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Babangida has called on the Federal Government to take the weekend attack on the Emir of Kano by a gang of gunmen as a wake-up call on the need to beef up security across the country. He also called on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to dialogue with those behind the spate of terrorist attacks in the country.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under: Boko Haram


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Spate of Iraq attacks kill 17
[Al Ahram] A wave of attacks in and around Storied Baghdad
...located along the Tigris River, founded in the 8th century, home of the Abbasid Caliphate...
and in northern Iraq killed 17 people and maimed dozens of others on Tuesday, shattering a relative calm after a spate of deadly attacks last week.

The violence comes amid a political crisis that has pitted Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki against several of his erstwhile government partners and with more than four weeks of anti-government protests in Sunni majority areas hardening opposition against the Shiite leader's rule.

Tuesday's bloodiest blasts struck an army checkpoint south of Storied Baghdad, a military base north of the capital, and a mostly Shiite neighbourhood in the city's north, security and medical officials said.

No group grabbed credit, but Sunni beturbanned goons often launch attacks in a bid to destabilise the government and push Iraq back towards the sectarian violence that blighted it from 2005 to 2008.

In the bloodiest attack, six people were killed when a boom-mobile exploded near an army camp in the town of Taji, 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Storied Baghdad, an army officer and a medical official said.

At least 20 other people were maimed.

South of the capital in the town of Mahmudiyah, at least five people were killed and 14 others maimed by a suicide boom-mobile, officials said.

Mahmudiyah lies within a confessionally mixed region known as the "Triangle of Death" because of the frequency of Death Eater attacks during the worst of Iraq's insurgency in the wake of the 2003 US-led invasion.

A boom-mobile near a market in the north Storied Baghdad neighbourhood of Shuala killed five people and maimed 12, while four shootings and bombings in Diyala province left an anti-Qaeda militiaman dead and at least six other people hurt.

Pieces of metal were littered across the scene of the Storied Baghdad attack, with several cars badly damaged or completely burned, an AFP journalist said.

Six Kurdish security officers were also maimed by a roadside kaboom in the northern town of Tuz Khurmatu.

The violence came after four days of relative calm in Iraq following a spate of attacks claimed by Al-Qaeda's front group, the Islamic State of Iraq, that left at least 88 people dead on January 15-17, according to an AFP tally.

The thug group is widely seen as weaker than during the peak of Iraq's sectarian bloodshed from 2006 to 2008, but is still capable of carrying out mass-casualty attacks on a regular basis.

Iraq's political crisis has pitted Maliki against several of his ministers who have accused him of authoritarianism and sectarianism just months ahead of key provincial elections.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Wow, these Iraqi Sunnis are tough---I'd assumed they would be extinct by now.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 1:58 Comments || Top||

#2  Probably would have been extinct if we hadn't intervened on their behalf a few years ago. May have been rejuvinated by returnees from Syria.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 8:18 Comments || Top||


Britain
Two million quit Britain in 'talent drain'
Two million people of working age have left Britain over the last decade in a “drain of talent” that is damaging the economy and forcing employers to rely on immigrant workers, a senior Conservative has warned.

Nick de Bois, secretary of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, said that Britain needs a “culture change” to stem the flow of talented emigrants by encouraging success.

Office for National Statistics figures obtained by Mr de Bois show that in the ten years to 2011, a total of 3,599,000 people permanently left the UK.

Contrary to the perception of the typical emigrants being older people retiring to a life in the sun, the figures show that 1,963,000 of those who left were aged between 25 and 44.

By contrast, only 125,000 people of retirement age emigrated.

“Our most economically active are leaving to apply their talents elsewhere,” the MP said, warning that talented Britons are being lured away to “growth economies” elsewhere in the world.

Many of those who are leaving are going to work for foreign-based pharmaceutical, aerospace, engineering and creative companies, Mr de Bois said.

He added: “Questions have to be asked as to why, even in a truly global economy where labour markets are relatively open, we here in the UK cannot hold onto our own home-grown, home-educated talent.”

Research for the Home Office last year found that almost half of all Britons who emigrate each year are professionals and company managers.

Some business leaders have blamed Britain’s tax regime for encouraging skilled professionals and executives to leave.

Mr de Bois said tax does play a part in emigration, but suggested that culture is a more important factor, warning that Britain should encourage people to succeed and get rich, not criticise them.

Posted by: lotp || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Ahm packin my bags.
Where did they go?
Posted by: Slolurong Angasing4343 || 01/23/2013 0:19 Comments || Top||

#2  Not to worry, they are replaced by Pakistanis: who, since all people are equal---shut up racists, are just as good.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/23/2013 2:01 Comments || Top||

#3  Plenty of my friends left within this time frame . Ill be going next year . Horrible place to live nowadays ,especially in cities .
Posted by: Ebbiling Angereper3767 || 01/23/2013 7:27 Comments || Top||

#4  "Where did they go?"
In the case of Britain, largely to Canada and Australia. I hear they're hiring.
Posted by: ed in texas || 01/23/2013 7:30 Comments || Top||

#5  Amongst people I know.
Canada
Australia
Singapore
Switzerland
Hong Kong
Thailand
about 1/2 have gone abroad (all degree owners).
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 01/23/2013 9:25 Comments || Top||

#6  Strange, no mention of former sanctuaries and lands of opportunity; Deutsch-Südwestafrika, Rhodesia, South Africa, or the United States.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 10:17 Comments || Top||

#7  Canada is kicking ass these days.
Posted by: Iblis || 01/23/2013 11:20 Comments || Top||

#8  Culture is the more important factor? That wouldn't have anything to do with the Paks, would it? As in multi-culture? You'd think somewhere, somebody might get a clue.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/23/2013 11:45 Comments || Top||

#9  #7, Iblis: SHHHHHHH!
Posted by: Canuckistan sniper || 01/23/2013 12:43 Comments || Top||

#10  That would be racist Ebbang.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/23/2013 12:51 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Officials warn Kashmiris of possible nuclear attack
[Dawn] Officials in Indian-controlled Kashmir are warning residents to build bomb-proof basements, collect two weeks' worth of food and water and be prepared for a possible nuclear war.

Local officials did not answer calls asking why they were suddenly concerned about a nuclear attack in the region, repeatedly fought over by nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. However, a series of deadly skirmishes along the cease-fire line in recent weeks has heightened tensions between the two countries.

The notice, published Monday by the Kashmir police in the Greater Kashmir newspaper, advised people to build toilet-equipped basements large enough to house the entire family for two weeks. If there is no basement, residents should construct bunkers in their front yards, the notice advised.

The shelters should be stocked with candles, battery-operated lights and radios and nonperishable food and water that is regularly replaced to ensure it is fresh, it said.

During an attack, it advises drivers to dive out of their cars toward the blast to save themselves from being crushed by their soon-to-be tumbling vehicles. It also warns residents to keep contaminated people out of their shelters.

"Expect some initial disorientation as the blast wave may blow down and carry away many prominent and familiar features," it advises.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  IMO read, CHINA-VS-JAPAN ESCALATION OVER IN EAST CHINA SEA, which shows no sign of letting up.

As said before, "post-US, future "World #1" wannabe China is likely to use any breakout of mil conflict in the East China Sea [ + also South China Sea?] as an excuse to finally permamently unilaterally settle wid PLA-led military force vital "strategic access" issues wid various East-South-Central Asian nations at roughly the same time - INDO-PAK WOULD JUST BE ONE FRONT OF SEVERAL FOR CHINA ONCE THE SHOOTING STARTS.

The Sino-Japanese Senkakus/Diaoyus dispute may be the Catalyst, BUT CHINA'S FOCII WILL BE THE DE FACTO CONTROL OR DOMINATION OF TAIWAN - WIDOUT TAIWAN, IN CHINA'S MIND THERE WILL BE NO "POST-US", "WORLD #1", "MANIFEST DESTINY" FOR AMBITIOUS CHINA.

Iff one believes that the Bammer is an Anarchist, etc. for setting up anti-US OWG NAU starting in 2015, THEN BY EXTENSION/DEFINITION OBAMA = USA MUST "LOSE" OR MAKE DETRIMENTAL CONCESSIONS TO CHINA, OSTENSIBLY IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY LIMITED OR FULL NUCWAR AGZ SAME.

Iff China does back down in NE Asia, success + credit will naturally be given or claimed by the Bammer - B-U-T, THE LONGER + MORE DIFFICULT IT WILL BE FOR ANTI-US LEFTISTS-GLOBALISTS + ALIGNED TO HAVE THE "NATIONALIST/SOLE SOVEREIGN" USA FIRMLY SUBORNED OR ENTRENCHED UNDER "GLOBALIST/ANTI-SOVEREIGN" OWG + OWG NAU.

Iff the US Right + Right-Aligned doesn't start Civil War + Armed Insurrection/Militancy over key issues e.g. anti-Constitutional "Gun Control", THE US LEFT + LEFT-ALIGNED WILL START SAME OVER OWG + GLOBAL WELFARE-NANNY SOCIALIST STATISM.

In true Left logic, LOWER/WORSER PECKING ORDER FOR SCARCE OWG + NAU, ETC. $$$ = INCREASED GLOBAL PERSONAL, PUBLIC ENTITLEMENTS [Govt-led Freebies].
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 20:25 Comments || Top||

#2  See also CHINESE MILITARY FORUM > [AFP] OBAMA ENTERS NEW TERM WID TOUGH TONE ON CHINA.

* SAME > [DW.de] ABE ADVOCATES NEW "SECURITY DIAMOND" AGZ CHINA.

AUS-INDIA-JAPAN-HAWAII, arguing that iff Japan yields to China, China will only become inspired to "fortify" the South China Sea [ECS?] even more???

CMF BLOGGER = opined that JAPAN currently only has two Govts-States in East Asia or ASEAN that it can seemingly count on for anti-China support, VIETNAM + PHILIPPINES. HOWEVER ...

- PHILIPPINES = TOO CORRUPT + DISUNIFIED.
- VIETNAM = has fought wars agz China but its main strategic focii remains its borders right next to China - South China Sea is a lessor or secondary front.

IIRC, MILBLOGS > US suppos has a "security diamond" of its own in the Pacific, namely ALASKA-HAWAII-AUS-GUAM.

versus

* WORLD NEWS > CHINA SAYS US [historically]CULPABLE/RESPONSIBLE IN JAPAN ISLAND DISPUTE [+ elsewhere], arguing that directly or indirectly the US vee Regional Alliances or Wars has unilaterally often violated China's Maritime Rights over the past 100-plus years.

* DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS > [Asian Defense] CHINA ALREADY HAS PLANS TO SINK US FLEET IN ANY UPCOMING BATTLES.

* WORLD MILITARY FORUM > US EXPERTS: CHINA IS LIKELY TO FORCE TAIWAN REUNIFICATION.

RELATED SAME, TOPIX > US ABANDONMENT OF TAIWAN WILL INSPIRE CHINA TO BECOME MILITARILY AGGRESSIVE: US THINK-TANK.

CNAPS c/o Maryland-based Brookings Institute.

* TOPIX > CHINA WARNS AUSTRALIA NOT TO SIDE WID AMERICA IN WAR.

RELATED BHARAT RAKSHAK > [SMH.COM] SHUN US "TIGER" + JAPANESE "WOLF", CHINESE COLONEL WARNS. Senior PLA Colonel LIU MINGFU from the National Defence University, whom argues that

- Between the two creatures or beasts CHINA + CHINESE HATES THE "WOLF" [Japan] THE MOST.
- US GLOBAL HEGEMONY IS AT ITS "SUNSET" WID NIGHT COMING, N-O-T AT ITS "DAWN" OR ZENITH
[Noon maxima].

I suddenly have an urge to watch David Carradine + "KUNG FU" episodes on Youtube.

* SAME > US NAVY A SHADE OF ITS FORMER SELF.

* TOPIX > [ABS-CBN News = Philipppines] CHINESE OCCUPATION OF BAJO DE MASINLOC [effectively] RDUCES PHILIPPINES' TERRITORIAL WATERS BY 38%.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 22:58 Comments || Top||


Policy of non-escalation to be pursued with India: Khar
[Dawn] Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar told the National Assembly at the start of its new session on Monday that Pakistain would stick to its policy of non-escalation of tensions with India after a recent deadly flare-up between the two sides over the military Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmire.

She reiterated what she called "our commitment not to escalate the situation" after opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan accused the government of being insensitive to national sentiments and apologetic in the face of a perceived aggressive attitude of the Indian leadership both in the government and opposition.

The minister recalled Islamabad's initiatives such as a proposal that UN military observers posted in Kashmire for decades to investigate the LoC violations earlier this month that killed two soldiers on each side and contacts held between military officers of the two sides and said "we will not fall prey" to any provocation from the other side.

Chaudhry Nisar, taking the floor twice before and after the foreign minister's response, said his party, the Pakistain Moslem League-N, did not want war or sabre-rattling, but wanted the government to firmly respond to what he called "very aggressive statements" coming from the Indian side, which he said had caused worries among Paks living abroad.

He called the government "insensitive" and "sleeping" and said: "Don't sell away Pakistain's honour like this."

But Ms Khar, whose comments were followed by two stinging rejoinders from Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira both to Chaudhry Nisar and PML-N deputy secretary general Ahsan Iqbal on other issues, assured the house that the government was "very aware of challenges emanating from our eastern borders" but said a responsible diplomatic behaviour did not mean "to emulate somebody else".

She noted that all political parties in Pakistain wanted to normalise relations with India and, in the context of the LoC incidents, said: "We have shown our commitment not to escalate the situation."
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  OTOH, as per DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS + TOPIX, Indjuh is repor responding by saying ITS TOO SOON AFTER THE RECENT LOC INCIDENTS TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WID PAKISTAN OR RETURN TO AS BEFORE THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED.

But India = New Delhi appreciates the Pak effort.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/23/2013 23:02 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Thai terrorists gun down 12 year old boy
Police have launched a search for two young men caught on surveillance cameras fatally shooting a 12-year-old boy in Pattani's Nong Chik district on Monday night.

The boy was shot in the head while traveling on a motorcycle driven by his mother on Highway 42 at 9:30 p.m. The boy's stepfather, who was sitting behind him, was also wounded in the attack.

Police said the family were followed by two men on a motorcycle. The pillion rider opened fire with a 9 mm pistol, striking the boy in the head and the stepfather in the body and the right shoulder.

Pol Lt Col Somchai Janyang, acting police chief at Nong Chick station, said surveillance cameras had filmed the two suspected gunmen. Police have identified the suspects but have not released their names.

Authorities have beefed up security on Highway 42 to curb frequent attacks by terrorists insurgents on the route.

Meanwhile, in Pattani's Khok Pho district, three volunteer rangers were wounded in a roadside bomb explosion yesterday.

The blast happened on a local road near Ban Pa Bon School. The three rangers providing security for teachers in front of the school were injured, none seriously.

The attackers planted the bomb in a metal box weighing 3 kilograms to target soldiers guarding the school. The blast was triggered by a mobile phone signal.

Authorities blamed the separatist group Runda Kumpulan Kecil for the attack. The school cancelled all classes.

Four suspects traveled to the area on Monday night and showed up at a tea shop in the village, authorities said. They were believed to have come from Songkhla's Saba Yoi district and arranged the attack with local terrorists insurgents.
Posted by: ryuge || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Afghanistan
Nuristan Airstrike Kills 14 Insurgents
[Tolo News] At least 14 Taliban snuffies including three foreigners have been killed and 21 other snuffies maimed in a US Arclight airstrike in eastern Nuristan province on Monday afternoon, Afghan local officials said Tuesday.

The Arclight airstrike happened in the Dahan Baz Gul area of Nuristan's Kamdish district when Taliban snuffies were at a gathering, provincial police chief Ghulaam Mullah told TOLOnews, adding that the strike was carried out by drone.

Isaf Joint Command told TOLOnews it had no operational reporting of any Arclight airstrike in Nuristan, and so could not confirm whether there had been a drone attack.

The police chief said there were no civilians casualties in the strike.

Chief of Kamdish border police Zone 7 Shamsuddin Nuristani confirmed the Arclight airstrike and the casualties: "Fourteen Taliban snuffies were killed and 21 others were maimed."

Kamdish district shares a border with Pakistain and snuffies frequently target local troops.

Isaf said that recent military operations in the east that resulted in thug deaths were two separate operations in eastern Kunar on Sunday.

Joint Afghan and coalition forces conducted two operations in the Ghaz-e Abad district, and both operations resulted in the death of two thugs, a front man told TOLOnews Tuesday.

Meanwhile,
...back at the Hubba Hubba Club, Nunzio wondered: Where the hell was Chumbaloni? And where was his $600?...
combined Afghan and coalition forces have captured three local Taliban capos, Isaf's operational update said Tuesday.

A Taliban leader was tossed in the slammer
Drop the rosco, Muggsy, or you're one with the ages!
in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand
...an Afghan province populated mostly by Pashtuns, adjacent to Injun country in Pak Balochistan...
province and another was captured in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province on Tuesday.

A third leader was arrested on Sunday in Kandahar's Maiwand district although his identity as a Taliban leader was not confirmed until Tuesday, the statement said.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  How it ought to read: "Fourteen Taliban snuffies were killed and 21 others were maimed will be killed after interviews."

Posted by: Glenmore || 01/23/2013 8:13 Comments || Top||


Africa North
US wants clarity about attack in Algeria
The US government is working with the Algerians to get a more complete picture of how a four-day terrorist attack and hostage situation at a desert gas complex in Algeria unfolded, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Tuesday, dpa reported.

"We are in touch with the Algerians to try to gain a fuller understanding of what took place," Nuland said. The US wants to know how the terrorists were able to seize control of the facility and wants to understand the decisions that the Algerians made.

Nuland also said the FBI has opened an investigation into the attack in cooperation with Algerian officials and other relevant partners.
So the FBI will get to the BP site within days of the attack and didn't get to our consulate in Benghazi for weeks...
Britain and other nations have criticized Algeria's response, saying it was harsh and hasty, but the United States has not as of yet. Nuland said the situation was very fluid and the people on the ground had to make very difficult decisions. She said the investigation was being coordinated with Algerian officials and other relevant partners.

The US recognizes that Algeria was dealing with "a ruthless terrorist operation," Nuland said. "It was obviously a complex attack, very difficult."

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Monday blamed Islamist militants operating out of northern Mali for carrying out the attack. He defended the rescue attempt, saying when the security of the country is at stake "there is no possible discussion."
Sadly that's correct. Doesn't help that Algeria lacks a police/army unit to deal with hostage taking the way we do, so their only real choice is to plaster the terrorists and hope for the best.
Nuland declined to provide details about the assistance the US offered to the Algerian government except to say that "we had open channels of communication among our terrorism experts all the way through."
Posted by: Steve White || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Why should the Algerians be more forthcoming than State and the Administration on Benghazi?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/23/2013 0:18 Comments || Top||

#2  The US recognizes that Algeria was dealing with "a ruthless terrorist operation," Nuland said. "It was obviously a complex attack, very difficult."

Now were suddenly conversant in terrorist and AQ "complex attacks". Although at this point, I'm not certain anyone in Washington really wants to flip over the Benghazi rock, it will be interesting see hear what the Hildebeast has to say.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 2:37 Comments || Top||

#3  Britain and other nations have criticized Algeria's response, saying it was harsh and hasty,

I dunno, hash & hasty seem about right to me.
Posted by: AlanC || 01/23/2013 7:33 Comments || Top||

#4  Furiously scouring You Tube for a movie to blame it on...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 01/23/2013 8:07 Comments || Top||

#5  Britain and other nations have criticized Algeria's response, saying it was harsh and hasty

"Harsh and hasty", the longstanding enemy of prolonged and agonizing.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/23/2013 8:56 Comments || Top||

#6  So I'm sitting here in awe of Algerian tactics and a French led counter-attack.

Where the crap am I?
(looks around quizzingly, sniffs coffee)

Mercek - obviously is was the NRA videos you racist.
/sarc(?)

(wuz thinking, the US had 3-4 days to get a camera on that facility, were they not able to do so or are we doing a PR minuet?)
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/23/2013 10:27 Comments || Top||

#7  Good one Besoeker!
Posted by: AlanC || 01/23/2013 12:07 Comments || Top||

#8  Savor the irony.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 12:10 Comments || Top||

#9  what's been interesting about this incident has been the muted criticism from Western Govt's. We still don't know an exact body count for the hostages ... but it's somewhere around 45-50. It appears that the Algerians ran their own operation - before western security teams could really get set up (though that's not totally clear). Some Gov'ts, like Japan, had definitely asked for a more careful approach ... yet the Algerians took a tough line and just cleared the facility. Hostage lives notwithstanding.

You would think there would be more outcries from London, Tokyo and Washington DC. But there are not. You have to wonder why.

meanwhile, the MORAL for any westerner who takes a job in N. Africa is pretty clear. If the shinola hits the fan, you'd better fight or run straight away. Otherwise your survival chances are slim.
Posted by: Raider || 01/23/2013 12:38 Comments || Top||

#10  what's been interesting about this incident has been the muted criticism from Western Govt's

Likely because it's dawning on them, as well as Asian nations bordering China, that there will be no US leadership to count on when a crisis comes. Like Algeria, they will be on their own to either take action (like France in Mali) or to work with other nations.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/23/2013 14:34 Comments || Top||

#11  It seems to me that this terrorist attack was well planned, well supplied and equipped, with infiltrators on the inside. Once the nature of the attack was understood by the Algerian govt, time was of the essence. They did not know if the terrorists would blow up the facility or what.

So the govt went in with a strong force. In the end 30 hostages died out of 600 working there. 5%. And the plant was not blown up.

The deaths of the hostages is tragic however, the terrorists lost this one.

In order for the civilized world to have some good come out of this, it must be determined who or what entity financed and masterminded this attack and decapitate their org.

Until civilization is willing to do this, other govts need to STFU or man up.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/23/2013 20:05 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Saleh will not attend National Dialogue says Information Minister
[Yemen Post] On the sideline of the 44th session of the 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...
Council held in Cairo - Egypt - Yemen Information Minister Ali Ahmed Amrani refuted claims deposed 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...
would lead his political faction - the General People's Congress - at the National Dialogue conference, putting the claims down to "media hype."

Earlier this month a defiant Saleh announced to the press he would participate in the National Dialogue in his quality of President of the GPC, stirring anger among political activists who perceived the move as yet another attempt to derail Yemen's move toward reconciliation.

The Minister who remained optimistic as to Yemen's ability to move forward a peaceful resolution of its current political crisis within the parameters of the rule of law stressed the transitional government's first priority is to ensure national unity and stability - directly referring to the southern secessionist movement and the Houthis - Shia rebel group operating in the northern provinces of Yemen
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Bangladesh
Robber killed in Rab 'gunfight'
[Bangla Daily Star] A robber was killed in a "shootout" with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at the Sundarbans of Bagerhat yesterday (Tuesday) morning.

The dead was identified as Zakir Hossain alias Chhoto, 38, leader of robber gang Chhoto Bahini.

The elite force also recovered six foreign-made firearms, 43 bullets, 13 cartridges and a huge amount of foods, said Maj Sabbir Rahman Osmani, deputy commander of Rab-8.
Sounds like they were knocking over local convenience stores...
The Hamburglars...
Alas no shutter gun, but the RAB recovered a 'huge amount of foods', which I take (from the plural) to be more than a single breath mint...
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Thankx for the RAB update, I've missed them
Posted by: Uleanter Spusosh4792 || 01/23/2013 0:22 Comments || Top||

#2  No 2am patrol? No spidey senses tingling, leading to a shoot-out with miscreants? NO SHUTTER GUN?

I'm depressed.
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226 || 01/23/2013 16:09 Comments || Top||

#3  Yeah, lacking a little drama, Muggsy. But on the other hand, in addition to the "huge amount of food", they recovered 43 round of bullet, which for Bangla is a virtual ammo dump.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/23/2013 17:06 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Tunisia breaks up terror ring
[MAGHAREBIA] Eleven Tunisians were among 32 snuffies who carried out the In Amenas attack, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalik Sellal said on Monday (January 21st).

The announcement came four days after Tunisian security services dismantled a terrorist network in the south-eastern area of Medenine, along the border with Libya and Algeria.

The anti-terror unit seized hand grenade capsules, a quantity of TNT kaboom, a group of detonators, anti-tank mines and illumination fireworks. They also confiscated more than 1 kilometre of explosive fuse, 1,800 bullets of two different calibres, Kalashnikov cartridges, goggles, military uniforms, communication devices and mattresses for military training.

The suspects allegedly operated an arms-smuggling ring in several regions of the country.

"Tunisia is apparently turning into a corridor for the passage of Libyan weapons to northern Mali," President Moncef Marzouki said in an interview with La Belle France24.

Tunisian jihadists have ties with regional terrorist forces, the president noted.

The Medenine operation, which coincided with the brazen attack on the Algerian gas field, raises the spectre of a growing transnational terror network that seeks to destabilise the region and recruit fighter for Mali.

"The number of Tunisian jihadists is now estimated in thousands, including some fighting in Syria, and some others in Mali," said Mohamed Ben Zikri, a professor of international relations. "This is natural because the salafist groups have taken advantage of disappointment and despair among Tunisian young people, especially those who were released from prisons, to attract and recruit them for terrorist organizations."

He argued that the Tunisian government and society must brace themselves for the jihadists' return to Tunisia "and what can happen after".
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in North Africa


India-Pakistan
Blast leaves four soldiers injured in North Waziristan
[Dawn] At least four security personnel were maimed on Tuesday when an Army vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled blast in North Wazoo tribal region.

Officials said the army vehicle was travelling from Spinwam to Mir Ali when it was targeted with a remote controlled improvised bomb (IED). The officials added that the military vehicle was "badly damaged" in the blast and confirmed that four soldiers were maimed in the kaboom.

The injured were shifted to the hospital and security forces launched a search operation in the area soon after the kaboom.

North Waziristan, which is close to the Pakistain-Afghanistan border, is one of seven regions in Pakistain's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), governed by tribal laws.

An orc insurgency led by the Pak Taliban plagues the region while the area is said to be infested with hard boys, including the al Qaeda, Taliban and other armed orc organizations.
Posted by: Fred || 01/23/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Pakistan



Who's in the News
33[untagged]
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2al-Qaeda in North Africa
1Govt of Syria
1Lashkar-e-Islami
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1Taliban
1al-Qaeda in Pakistan
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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.
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Two weeks of WOT
Wed 2013-01-23
  Nuristan Airstrike Kills 14 Insurgents
Tue 2013-01-22
  French seize control of Diabaly, Douentza
Mon 2013-01-21
  Nigeria: Gunmen attack Kano emir's convoy
Sun 2013-01-20
  Algeria crisis: Hostage-takers 'taken alive' at gas plant
Sat 2013-01-19
  Boko Haram leader Shekau shot, escapes to Mali
Fri 2013-01-18
  1,400 French soldiers in Mali for ground assaults: minister
Thu 2013-01-17
  41 snatched by AQIM in Algeria gas plant attack
Wed 2013-01-16
  France deploys armoured vehicles towards northern Mali
Tue 2013-01-15
  Pakistan paralysed after court demands PM arrest
Mon 2013-01-14
  Famed Tunisia Mausoleum Torched by Salafists
Sun 2013-01-13
  19 Killed in Failed French Raid to Free Somalia Hostage
Sat 2013-01-12
  French commandos attack al-Shabab base, explosions, gunfire heard
Fri 2013-01-11
  France confirms Mali intervention
Thu 2013-01-10
  Taliban suspects arrested over Karachi polio killings
Wed 2013-01-09
  Indonesia Foils Terror Plot on Tourist Spots

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