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Syria Rebels Bomb Government Building, Kill 31
Today's Headlines
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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Report: Valerie Jarrett Led Secret Negotiations with Iran for Past Year
...story includes obligatory White House denial...
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 11/18/2013 12:42 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Not sure I believe this. Would John Kerrey let Jarrett big foot this?
Posted by: dk70 the scantily clad || 11/18/2013 19:42 Comments || Top||

#2  For Valerie it is just a family reunion.
Posted by: Airandee || 11/18/2013 19:42 Comments || Top||

#3  Jarrett is the evil behind the scenes. She have any Soros ties?
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 20:26 Comments || Top||

#4  Uh, can we get a reduction in the racist hate around here?
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 11/18/2013 21:47 Comments || Top||

#5  Racist hate? Where?
Posted by: CrazyFool || 11/18/2013 23:26 Comments || Top||

#6  Damn, it's probably late in the day, but:

Not sure I believe this. Would John Kerrey let Jarrett big foot this?

Ahem.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 11/18/2013 23:43 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Obama’s ‘5 Percent’ Con Job
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 11/18/2013 11:23 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  There is nothing about this man which is not a con. He can't help himself. He lies even when the truth would serve. He is so bald faced he makes Bill Clinton blush. It's like he and Pelosi have an ongoing contest about who can say the most outrageous and obviously false thing.
Posted by: Iblis || 11/18/2013 13:52 Comments || Top||

#2  Another way of looking at their "goal" of 80% for the website - it still leaves more uninsured than we had before O'care.

Lies on top of prevarications.
Posted by: Bobby || 11/18/2013 13:59 Comments || Top||

#3  Once tainted (LIAR) allways suspect, and NOT believed again.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 14:49 Comments || Top||

#4  Everything about the guy is a fraud. Under different circumstances, he probably would have been impeached long ago. Champ makes Bernie Madoff look like a piker.
Posted by: JohnQC || 11/18/2013 17:13 Comments || Top||


VDH: The Moral Decline of Oprah
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 11/18/2013 11:03 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ...I suspect that the narrative from the black and liberal communities will eventually turn to Cmdr. Zero's white half diluted and eventually corrupted the goodness of his black half...
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 11/18/2013 12:57 Comments || Top||

#2  Few if any surprises here. Jeremiah Write, Louis Farrakhan, Desmond Tutu, Robert Mugabe, Jacob Zuma, she's out of the closet and in excllent company. I'll extend her an 'A' for honesty.

In order for "racism" to end whites "racists" must die.
-- Oprah
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 13:10 Comments || Top||

#3  For Oprah and the others on Besoeker's list it always begins, runs, and ends with race. Everything revolves around the color of one's skin - that is the anchor of their entire existence.

If you diagree with Zero it must be because of his race - it can't possibly be because of anything else because nothing else matters (to Oprah and the others) except race.

Sad really.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 11/18/2013 13:47 Comments || Top||

#4  The website cannot display the page

So, Hiding hunh.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 14:51 Comments || Top||

#5  If you diagree with Zero it must be because of his race

Disagree. You did notice that as soon as one of them calls one of you "racist" in an argument, you immediately forget the argument and go on the defensive.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 15:06 Comments || Top||

#6  You did notice that as soon as one of them calls one of you "racist" in an argument, you immediately forget the argument and go on the defensive.

The way I see it, as soon as they play the race card they lose the argument. If that's all they have then they have nothing and it's pointless to waste any more time on them.

Oprah is lost. Don't watch her TV network. Don't read her books. Don't go to see her movies. Don't pay any attention to her.

Under normal circumstances I doubt if most Rantburgers would be inclined to pay attention to Oprah. I'm certainly not. But when Mrs. Uluque wanted to see The Butler I said no. Just so you know, it's rare for me to say no to Mrs. Uluque and she's dragged me to quite a few movies that I didn't really want to see. But no way in hell was I gonna go see that movie and I dug in my heels. That's the only way I know how to deal with Oprah.

Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 11/18/2013 16:38 Comments || Top||

#7  Oprah has lost her audience after publically supporting "O" the first election. She lost her enthusiasm for Sham-a-lot sometime shortly after the first inauguration--dissed and aced out by Valerie and Moochelle. Something about not fitting the image of Camelot.
Posted by: JohnQC || 11/18/2013 17:18 Comments || Top||

#8  "You did notice that as soon as one of them calls one of you "racist" in an argument, you immediately forget the argument and go on the defensive."

Not necessarily, grom. The minute some leftist clown says something like that to me, I ask them aren't they ashamed of being such racists themselves. After all, they've holding him to a lower standard because of his race.

The sputtering is adorable. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara || 11/18/2013 19:05 Comments || Top||

#9  Oprah stoking the flames of ‘socially engineered’ racism: <LINK>
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 11/18/2013 19:23 Comments || Top||

#10  The Bigotry of low expectations.
Posted by: newc || 11/18/2013 22:02 Comments || Top||

#11  Anyone claiming to be anything OTHER than human should be immediately captured and vivisected to see what sort of alien they are.
Posted by: Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division || 11/18/2013 22:31 Comments || Top||

#12  Oprah: ‘Racists Have to Die for Racism to End’

You first fatty.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 23:49 Comments || Top||


Africa North
U.S. Military Working On Plan To Train Thousands Of Libyans For Counterterrorism Missions
[Huffpoo] The U.S. military is working on plans to train 5,000 to 7,000 members of the Libyan security forces and also special operations forces who can carry out counter-terrorism missions, a senior U.S. military official said.

Libya's government is struggling to keep order as rival militias and hardline Islamists refuse to disarm two years after Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in a NATO-backed uprising. Tripoli has seen deadly clashes over the past several days.

Admiral William McRaven, who heads the U.S. military's Special Operations Command, declined to go into details about the training plan, saying these were still being negotiated.

"Suffice to say that there is going to be a kind of conventional effort, to train their conventional forces, between 5 and 7,000 conventional forces. And we have a complementary effort on the special operations side to train a certain number of their forces to do counter-terrorism," he told a defense forum in California at the weekend.

McRaven said there would be extensive vetting of Libyan personnel trained by the United States.
No word on personnel responsible for Benghazi attack.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 07:59 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  No way the USA can allow Eastern Libyuh to become dominated or controlled by Radical Islam - too close to EGYPT = OIL FIELDS + SUEZ CANAL.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 18:44 Comments || Top||

#2  ...WCPGW (What Could Possibly Go Wrong)?

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 11/18/2013 20:45 Comments || Top||


Government
Thousands of doctoers dropped from United Health Group
[Weasel Zippers] UnitedHealth Group dropped thousands of doctors from its networks in recent weeks, leaving many elderly patients unsure whether they need to switch plans to continue seeing their doctors, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
Old timers [paid up investors] out, young people [future payers] in.... well not so fast.
The insurer said in October that underfunding of Medicare Advantage plans for the elderly could not be fully offset by the company’s other healthcare business. The company also reported spending more healthcare premiums on medical claims in the third quarter, due mainly to government cuts to payments for Medicare Advantage services.
That would be the money taken from Medicare to pay for the ACA.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 07:51 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
Posted by: junkiron || 11/18/2013 22:15 Comments || Top||


Dem Senator: 'We All Knew' Obama Was Lying
[Breitbart] On Sunday, appearing on ABC’s This Week with fill-in host Martha Raddatz, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) admitted that Democrats knew full well that Americans would be booted from their health insurance plans as an effect of Obamacare implementation.
And did you also know people would be denied coverage, treatment, and possibly die as a result, or did you simply not give a damn?
When asked whether Democrats were misled by President Obama about whether Americans would be able to keep their plans in the individual insurance market, Gillibrand answered: “He should’ve just been specific. No, we all knew.”
And Max Baucus was the only one who spoke out.
She added that the whole point of Obamacare was to “covering things people need, like preventive care, birth control, pregnancy.” The redistributive nature of Obamacare, Gillibrand stated, was the point of the program; anyone claiming ignorance, therefore, is not telling the truth.
Finally someone does in fact, tell the truth.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 06:57 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  From Gillibrand: "You fucked up, you trusted us."
Posted by: AlanC || 11/18/2013 19:50 Comments || Top||

#2  Yeah, subsidizing birth control and abortions really solidifies my insurance and is totally worth my deductible doubling and my rate going up 50percent, and a ton of MDs being dropped, etc. /sarc

Stupid bitch, you should be hanged for such duplicity and lies to the public
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 20:56 Comments || Top||

#3  Given the Democrats fascination and religion of human sacrifice and eugenics, I'd say they knew full well people would die. But that's a feature to them, not a bug.
Posted by: Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division || 11/18/2013 22:49 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Israel has secretly detained al-Qaeda bioweapons expert for three years
Israel has secretly detained a suspected al-Qaeda biological weapons expert for more than three years. This was disclosed court documents on Monday, after the man appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court to free him.

In documents Israeli prosecutors said that Samer al-Baraq studied microbiology in Pakistan, underwent military training in Afghanistan and was recruited in 2001 to al-Qaeda by Ayman al-Zawahri. They said he was planning attacks against Israel. However Al-Baraq has not been charged and has been held since 2010 in administrative detention. In October, Al-Baraq appealed to Israel's Supreme Court to end his military detention.

Asked if his client denied allegations against him, al-Baraq's lawyer, Mahmid Saleh, said, "If he is such a senior terrorist, then why hasn't he been prosecuted? There is no evidence against him."

A court document said that al-Baraq was once detained and questioned in the United States and was later jailed in Jordan for five years. He was arrested in 2010 when trying to enter Israel from Jordan. In its response to the appeal, Israeli prosecutors said letting the detainee go would endanger the region. The Supreme Court was due to hold a hearing in the case later on Monday.
Posted by: ryuge || 11/18/2013 04:53 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  just kill him. Release his dead body
Posted by: Frank G || 11/18/2013 7:32 Comments || Top||

#2  ...infect him with bubonic plague, just kill him let him die - slowly. Release his dead body back to Islamabad via catapult...

fify
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 11/18/2013 13:24 Comments || Top||

#3  This highlights one of the differences between crime and terrorism. Even though someone has Bank Robber on their resume, we don't (normally) throw them in jail until after the fact. With terrorists, given the mass casualties that make terrorism such good theater, waiting around is generally a bad idea. Western legal systems evolved to deal with crime, not terror. Attempting to treat terror as crime runs into all sorts of problems.
Posted by: SteveS || 11/18/2013 14:40 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Culture Wars
Jury finds girls, parents liable for calling teacher 'perv'
h/t instapundit
Two years after San Jose schoolgirls branded a teacher as a "perv" and "creeper" who inappropriately touched kids and peeked into their restroom, a civil jury Friday found the children and their parents financially liable for defamation in a case that pitted the rights of the accused against the aim of reporting perceived abuse.

The jury awarded $362,653 in compensatory damages to former Catholic school physical education teacher John Fischler after finding the families spread false statements about him that damaged his reputation. The 49-year-old broke into a huge smile Friday when he heard the favorable verdict, which his lawyer characterized as "complete vindication."
Another sign of return to sanity?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 04:46 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Catholic Schoolgirls....
Posted by: CrazyFool || 11/18/2013 7:57 Comments || Top||

#2  With a tiny little moustache...
Posted by: Raj || 11/18/2013 11:29 Comments || Top||

#3  Do you know how they go?
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 15:13 Comments || Top||

#4  This would bother me less if the opposite were also true -- but teachers are never liable no matter how poorly they act.
Posted by: Iblis || 11/18/2013 15:17 Comments || Top||

#5  Following the link this story sounds like it was written in hollywood...

The unusual case began in 2011 when administrators at Holy Spirit school in Almaden Valley were told that teacher John Fischler had inappropriately touched their 10- and 11-year-old girls and peeked in a girls' bathroom. School officials and police cleared Fischler of sexual misconduct.

But the teacher, claiming the ordeal had indelibly stained his reputation and ruined his teaching career, declined to return to what he called a poisonous atmosphere at work and filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $1 million in damages.

The lawsuit contended he was the victim of a "conspiracy" by "classic parent bullies" and their daughters, including a popular girl he described as having a "gang-leader-like personality," to get him fired from the private Catholic school where he was an at-will employee.


And continues...

The demeanor of the "ringleader," now 14, appeared to have alienated the jury. She giggled often while testifying, and twice got off the witness stand, stood in front of the jury box and demonstrated a dance move and chant a school cheer. The jurors sat grim-faced without smiling.


I don't suppose anyone got a video...


Posted by: CrazyFool || 11/18/2013 17:26 Comments || Top||

#6  The problem with a charge like child molestation is that you are guilty until, and sometimes after, being proven innocent.

People will probably still say "Well, he must have done something for the girls to accuse him."
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 11/18/2013 17:53 Comments || Top||

#7  Still haven't learned from the McMartin pre school mess 20+ years ago.
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 20:37 Comments || Top||


VDH: The World of the Coliseum
I woke up one morning not long ago, and noticed that the world that I was born into no longer exists. It was as if I had once lived in Republican Italy, took a nap, and awoke to the Roman Empire, AD 200.

...What happened? The problem was not that the U.S. ran out of oil and gas, good farmland, minerals, or timber. We still have ideas and the Constitution. We were not wiped out by disease. Nor did we lost the scientific expertise of our predecessors through a new Dark Age. America was not invaded by Vandals and Goths, who ignored the upkeep of aqueducts and plundered civic buildings. Nor did we reach the end of history, with nothing to do anymore. Our roadways are still not all that safe or all that clean. Our factories are not running at full capacity.

So what is turning us into a social pyramid, with an elite pointed capstone and a broad foundation of poor, as the middle in-between narrows toward the top? You know the usual tune: postindustrial economies value new Eloi expertise, not Morlock brawn. Globalization outsourced jobs. Expectations grew even faster than reality, etc.

Maybe, maybe not.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 02:57 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Government has become a paramecium

Little doubt about that. Excellent article.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 3:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Excellent but very depressing.
Posted by: Secret Master || 11/18/2013 21:14 Comments || Top||


Merely a hunch
I should hate to be accused of Optimism, so let me begin by disavowing everything I am about to say. The case I will develop, very briefly & without statistical support, is only a hunch. It is one of those “gut feelings” which develops from taking in the news & the washing; from checking email, tweets, facebookings, & graffitoes; from remembering the history of the last few years, as reported through unreliable media; & then smelling the air. Ideally, one would also consult the Almagest, & carefully examine the entrails of birds on a marble slab; but I’ve been too much distracted by other tasks, up here in the High Doganate.

My hunch is that a backlash is finally forming against what is (inadequately) called “political correctness.” What the effect of this backlash will be, upon the operation of our Western mobocracies, anyone may guess. But it is probably worse news for our “progressive” enemies than for those who live in “regressive” brick houses: a kind of hurricane forming in the vicinity of their ideological trailer park. A good hurricane lifts all shingles, however, so we should count on plenty of damage all round.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 02:45 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It appears the website you are trying to visit is having technical difficulties or is no longer available.

That's two.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 14:56 Comments || Top||

#2  Was OK this morning (Jlem time).
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 15:08 Comments || Top||

#3  Rantalaunch I guess
Posted by: KBK || 11/18/2013 16:50 Comments || Top||

#4  Yuuup.

Artic sub-read, IRAN + espec CHINA.

All of the Hyper-PC is starting to become Geopol or MilPol dangerous, ee iff the Iran nuke deal fails + China starts shooting in East Asia-Pacific.

More - wid the alleged "Weakest/worst POTUS since Jimmy Carter", etc. in charge of the US Military's intervening or retaliatory counter-response(s).

DEMOLEFTY MARXIST SECULAR ATHEISTS ARE PROB PRAYING HARDER TO GOD - ANY GOD, OR HOPING THAT GOD OR SIMILAR EXISTS - THAN IS THE GOP-RIGHT RIGHT NOW.

They thought they could control it, but are now only realizing or recognizing the magnitude of the intensive changes or forces they had wrought on the US + themselves in the name of power + ideology, + ARE SCARED S ***** LESS.

HOPING-N-PRAYING TO GOD THAT WHAT IS DONE IN THE NAME OF OWG + GLOBALISM, ETC. WON'T BE INTERPRETED AS DE FACTO MILPOL WEAKNESS BY AMERICA'S = AMERIKA'S ALLIES OR ENEMIES, INSPIRING SAME TO PEACEFULLY OR VIOLENTLY TAKE OVER AS PER THE "GREAT GAME" OF GEOPOLITICS AKA THE SUSTUITUTION OF WEALTH + NATIONS, THE REPLACEMENT OF ONE BY ONE OR MORE OF ANOTHER.

EYES WIDE OPEN, NOT EYES WIDE SHUT.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 19:07 Comments || Top||

#5  E.g. 25-45.0Milyuhn illegal immigrants doth not 11.0Milyuhn in Govt. official number maketh.

And the only REAL GOP-DEM plan is to increase the number, NOT reduce it, in the name of excessive Govt spending + the almighty Welfare-Nanny State.

Curren BIG GOVT = looming "BIG(GER) GOVT" = future OWG-NWO "BIG(GEST) GOVT"???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 19:13 Comments || Top||

#6  Joe is scaring me again. Er, that means he's making sense.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 11/18/2013 19:14 Comments || Top||

#7  I've been making sense for longer than you've been understanding it.

Got it?
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 23:45 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Israel, UN, jobs
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu offered a nameless UN interpreter a job if she is fired from her UN position for saying in an open microphone that the world body treats Israel unfairly.

On Thursday, during a General Assembly committee’s adoption of nine anti- Israel resolutions, the interpreter wondered out loud and into the microphone that went into the headphones of the delegates in the hall, as well as to anyone watching online, why it was that Israel was singled out when there were so many other ills around the globe.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 01:36 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Horn
Sudan rebels claim strike on Kordofan town
[Pak Daily Times] Sudanese rebels on Sunday struck a town near the border of troubled South Kordofan state, where witnesses confirmed fighting was under way.

"We were awakened at 6:00 am by continuous loud kabooms and the sound of shooting," said a resident of Abu Zabad, in North Kordofan state.

He asked not to be named for security reasons.

"Armed men in Land Cruisers drove into the town and targeted a SAF compound and the cop shoppe," he said, referring to the Sudan Armed Forces.

The town, in an agricultural region, is home to a small military facility.

Gunfire could still be heard at about midday when another resident spoke by telephone from under his bed.

He said he had seen the rebels arrive earlier at the local market, firing their weapons in the air. They appeared exhausted, thirsty and in need of fuel, he said.

The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said it "took control" of the small community which is a few kilometres (miles) from South Kordofan state, where rebels have been fighting for two years. "We control all government buildings there," JEM front man Gibril Adam Bilal told AFP.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Sudan


Iraq
22 Killed in Baghdad Area Bombings
[An Nahar] A series of bombings struck near markets, cafes and the theater in Storied Baghdad
...located along the Tigris River, founded in the 8th century, home of the Abbasid Caliphate...
on Sunday evening, the deadliest in nationwide attacks in which 22 people and 12 gunnies were killed.

The bloodshed, which left more than 70 maimed across the country, was the latest in a protracted surge in violence that has forced Iraq to appeal for international help in combating militancy just months before its first general election in four years.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State of Iraq


India-Pakistan
Pakistani extortionists cash in by posing as Taliban
[Pak Daily Times] It began innocuously enough -- two men on a cycle of violence delivered a plain brown envelope to the home of Mohammed, an Islamabad businessman. But the contents plunged him into a terrifying three-month nightmare.

The letter, headed with the banner of the Pak Taliban, informed Mohammed that a Taliban judge had found him guilty of not living by Islamic principles. It said Mohammed -- not his real name -- had been fined five million rupees ($50,000) and threatened dire consequences if he went to the police or failed to pay up. "Our squad of jacket wallahs is always prepared to send non-believers to hell, God willing," the letter seen by AFP read.

At the bottom, the name of feared Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistain (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud was written in bold followed by a signature that resembled his name. Mohammed had no way of knowing it, but the signature was fake. He had been snared by criminals exploiting the terrifying reputation of the Pak Taliban to extort money from rich businessmen in Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce says its members regularly receive extortion demands of up to $100,000, and last month a property dealer in the city who refused to pay a demand found explosives hanging from the door of his office.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: TTP

#1  Mohammed had no way of knowing it, but the signature was fake. He had been snared by criminals exploiting the terrifying reputation of the Pak Taliban to extort money from rich businessmen in Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce says its members regularly receive extortion demands of up to $100,000, and last month a property dealer in the city who refused to pay a demand found explosives hanging from the door of his office.

So one group is a bunch of criminal extortionists who are pretending to be the Taliban, while the other group is a bunch of criminal extortionists who really are the Taliban.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 11/18/2013 14:09 Comments || Top||


Rawalpindi incident a conspiracy: Sunni board
[Pak Daily Times] The Sunni Tehrik
...formed in Karachi in 1992 under by Muhammad Saleem Qadri. It quickly fell to trading fisticuffs and assassinations with the MQM and the Sipah-e-Sahaba, with at least a half dozen of its major leaders rubbed out. Sunni Tehreek arose to become the primary opposition to the Deobandi Binori Mosque, headed by Nizamuddin Shamzai, who was eventually bumped off by person or persons unknown. ST's current leadership has heavily criticized the Deobandi Jihadi leaders, accusing them of being sponsored by Indian Intelligence agencies as well as involvement in terrorist activities...
Ulema Board has declared the Rawalpindi incident a conspiracy against national solidarity, and demanded strict action against perpetrators of the gory incident. In a statement, the board said the incident was a conspiracy to trigger sectarian strife in the country "as many countries wanted to use Pak soil for their nefarious designs". The 50-plus board, which includes Mufti Ghafran Mehmood Sialwi, Mufti Liaqat Ali Rizvi and Allama Mujahid Abdul Rasoool Khan, also aired its concerns about Pakistain's current external and internal crisis. The board said that a probe into the Rawalpindi tragedy should be carried out by the Supreme Court.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Africa North
Egypt Minister Says Islamists Must Accept Govt before Talks
[An Nahar] An Egyptian minister on Sunday ruled out negotiations with the Moslem Brüderbund until the Islamists recognize the government's transition plan and renounces violence.

Social solidarity minister Ahmed al-Borei told Agence La Belle France Presse the Brotherhood must also accept Islamist president Mohammed Morsi
...the former president of Egypt. A proponent of the One Man, One Vote, One Time principle, Morsi won election after the deposal of Hosni Mubarak and jumped to the conclusion it was his turn to be dictator...
's overthrow was a "revolution".
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Army "abandoned" Tajoura base
[Libya Herald] The commander of an army unit has denied that his soldiers abandoned their Tajoura base in the face of a surprise dawn attack by Misratan forces on Saturday.

Misbah Alharna said that his men in Army Brigade 101 had fought back and held the attackers until they came under heavy shell fire, which left one of his men dead and eight other injured. Only then, he told Libyan news agency LANA, did they fall back.

However a Tajoura military council member told the Libya Herald: "We were betrayed by the National Army brigade which abandoned the post and cleared the way for this gang to enter Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...

"They didn't put up a fight or called for reinforcement but simply abandoned their base. We pushed the Misratans out of the base after serious festivities but they did take out some equipment and ammunition when retreating from the base."

The source said that the military council only learnt about the National Army brigade abandoning the post after dawn and immediately gathered its own forces to push the armed Misratan group back.

A senior member of the Tripoli Local Council, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the account of Tajoura military council. He said: "We were informed about the betrayal of the National Army brigade that abandoned its base and left us open to attack. Events like these shake our trust in the army. They had the men and weapons yet they fled instead of asking for assistance from revolutionaries or their headquarters".
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria air force bombards town near Lebanon
[Bangla Daily Star] Syria's air force struck the town of Qara near the Lebanese border yesterday as loyalist forces tried to storm the town where rebels have taken up positions, a monitoring group said.

"Since the morning, the town of Qara has been hit by air strikes. Warplanes bombarded the town heavily yesterday. Regime troops are trying to storm it and to drive the rebels out," said Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdel Rahman.

The Britannia-based group said opposition fighters in the town were determined to resist despite the pressure.

Pro-regime newspaper Al-Watan reported "the army hit the Qalamoun mountains hard, closing in on the Death Eaters around Qara," using the government's term for rebel fighters.

Violence in the Qalamoun area has intensified since Friday.

Both the regime, which is backed by fighters from powerful Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, and rebels, including Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists, have bolstered their forces in the area.

Qalamoun, which has a strong rebel presence, is a strategic area because it borders Leb and is used by rebels as a rear base for operations around the capital.

For Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Lord of the Baath...
's regime, it is important because it is on the road linking Damascus to the central province of Homs. It is also home to weapons depots.

For months, Qalamoun had mostly avoided the violence tearing other areas of the country apart, but in recent weeks parts of the town have been battered by near-daily shelling.

Lebanese authorities said on Saturday 1,200 families had fled Syria for the border town of Arsal, in eastern Leb. Most of them had come from Qara.

Yesterday, Arsal's municipality chief Ali al-Hojairi told AFP that "more refugees are arriving. Many are sleeping in cars. They need shelter."

Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Home Front: Politix
When the Obama Magic Died
HT: AoS
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  FTA:
Valerie Jarrett, the president's most trusted, probably most powerful, aide, once said in admiration that Mr. Obama has been bored his whole life. The implication was that he is above things, a man alone, and anointed. Perhaps this moment—a presidency coming apart, the incompetent social engineering of an entire health-care system—will now claim Mr. Obama's attention.

Or not.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 11/18/2013 0:04 Comments || Top||

#2  When did the Obama Magic Die ?

The O gives you the answer...


Posted by: Au Auric || 11/18/2013 0:25 Comments || Top||

#3  He has the DHA, the NSA, the IRS, the FBI, and millions of volunteers. Who needs magic?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:27 Comments || Top||

#4  I saw no "magic" in 2007. Confidence man, yes. Magic no.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 3:04 Comments || Top||

#5  p.s. I sure hope the red button is not connected.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 4:50 Comments || Top||

#6 
Posted by: junkiron || 11/18/2013 7:14 Comments || Top||

#7  Why you've got to know Obamacare is DOOMED !

Bowie University, a historically black college in Maryland, is being forced to cancel its student healthcare policy because of Obamacare.

Bowie administrators determined that the cost of complying with President Obama’s signature healthcare law would raise per semester costs from $50 for each student to $900. Instead, the university made the decision to simply end its healthcare coverage for students.

“Bowie State University has suspended offering health insurance for domestic students for the 2013-2014 academic year,” said the university in a statement.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 7:19 Comments || Top||

#8  Don't be silly, B! They'll just slide into their parent's plans thanks to O'care, or find someone to fill out their paperwork for a $1,000 subsidy.

Either way, the taxpayers pay.
Posted by: Bobby || 11/18/2013 8:55 Comments || Top||

#9  Somehow the magic escaped me.
Posted by: JohnQC || 11/18/2013 17:20 Comments || Top||

#10  The ACA has not even been fully implemented yet and the states are already in a budget pinch to pay for it. The real battles over Obamacare will start when the states begin demanding more federal money to offset their ACA induced budget short falls.

If Republicans in the House hold the line (and don't cave in as usual) political battles will get really ugly over the debt ceiling debate and again going into 2014 elections.

Rinos in the Senate have already proven they are useless to the Republicans. It will be up to the Republicans in the House to hold the line. Without additional federal funding the ACA will fail.

As Charles Krauthammer and others have written this week, the handwriting is on the wall for Democrats. They must regain the House and hold on to the Senate in both 2014 and 2016, or their entire liberal social engineering agenda could be set back fifty years.
Posted by: junkiron || 11/18/2013 18:32 Comments || Top||

#11  From your keyboard to God's eyes, junkiron.
Posted by: Barbara || 11/18/2013 19:12 Comments || Top||

#12  They are democrats. They do not remember last week.
Posted by: newc || 11/18/2013 22:11 Comments || Top||

#13 
Posted by: Jerkface Killa || 11/18/2013 22:28 Comments || Top||


Government
Former FTC Commissioner: Obamacare Website Violates Federal Regulations
If the Obamacare website was a private business, it would be "taken to the shed and horsewhipped" for many Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau violations, says former FTC Commissioner Orson Swindle.

The former commissioner, who headed the FTC from 1997 to 2005, told National Review Online, that the FTC requires that companies provide every possible bit of information upfront about a purchase, and HealthCare.gov doesn't do that.

"Businessmen would lose their businesses, salesmen would lose their licenses -- that's the kind of thing we are talking about here," Swindle said. "The bottom line is that no private entity would be allowed to get away with what the Obama administration is trying to get away with."
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Au Auric || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Can citizens file lawsuits?
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 0:33 Comments || Top||

#2  As opposed to Taft-Hartley + all sorts of Fed laws regulating the TEMPORARY, NOT-TO-BE PERMANENT, Fed-Govt takeover of any Private or Econ Sector.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 1:03 Comments || Top||

#3  "The bottom line is that no private entity would be allowed to get away with what the Obama administration is trying to get away with."

Agreed, but only if one enjoys the rule of law, which we no longer appear to have.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 3:05 Comments || Top||

#4  Heh...is it too much to comment that the former head of the FTC is named Swindle? Maybe "Obamad" will become synonymous with "Borked"
Posted by: Warthog || 11/18/2013 9:06 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Pakistan plans to try former military ruler Pervez Musharraf for 'high treason'
[Washington Post] The Pak government announced Sunday that it intends to try former military ruler Pervez Perv Musharraf
... former dictator of Pakistain, who was less dictatorial and corrupt than any Pak civilian government to date ...
for "high treason," a dramatic escalation of the charges he has faced since he returned from exile this year.
Well, sure. If you'd ousted a corrupt and incompetent regime and then they somehow made it back into power, mainly because it's Pakistain, which is kinda the alternate universe, wouldn't you want the corrupt incompetent to hold a trial for you? Doesn't that sound fair?
The only thing I don't understand in all this is why Perv returned. Did he think he had the fix in with the military and the ISI only to be double-crossed? Surely a Choudhary wasn't smart enough to pull that off...
Speaking at a hastily arranged presser, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the government will name a special prosecutor on Monday to try Musharraf for invoking emergency rule during his dictatorship from 1999 through 2008.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Deadly bus blast terrorist killed in police shootout
A militant who claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing on a bus last month was killed Saturday in a shootout with Russian security forces, officials say. Dmitry Sokolov was among five terrorists militants killed near Dagestan's capital of Makhachkala when a gunfight erupted after negotiations for their surrender failed.

During the negotiations, Sokolov said he personally assembled the bomb that killed six people and wounded another 50 on a bus in Volgograd Oct. 20, said a statement by the National Anti-Terrorist Committee. Naida Asiyalova, Sokolov's wife who set off the explosives, died also.

Security forces had been searching for Sokolov since the bus bombing. He reportedly admitted to being responsible for other terror attacks, but officials did not say which other attacks were mentioned.
Posted by: ryuge || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Caribbean-Latin America
7 die in Nuevo Laredo

For a map, click here. For a map of Tamaulipas state, click here

A total of seven unidentified armed suspects were killed Saturday and Sunday in three separate shootouts in northern Tamaulipas state, according to official government sources.

According to a news released posted on the Tamaulipas state government website, the first incident took place at 2118 hrs near the intersection of calles Grijalva and Rio Cupatitzio in El Campanario colony, where armed suspects traveling aboard a Ford F-150 pickup truck exchanged gunfire with a Mexican Army road patrol.

Two armed suspects died in that encounter, and Mexican Army soldiers seized three guns and an undisclosed quantity of ammunition.

A second shootout took place at around 2230 hrs near the intersection of calles Cesar Lopez de Lara and Anahuac in Anahuac colony, between armed suspects traveling aboard a Ford Contour sedan and a unit of the Policia Federal.

One suspect, identified as Gilberto Herrera Jaques died in the encounter, while a second suspect, identified as Jonathan Saldaña Armendariz, was detained at the scene. Policia Federal agents seized one rifle, one weapons magazine, ammunition and two radios.

The third encounter took place between a Mexican Naval Infantry road patrol and armed suspects traveling aboard a Ford Expedition SUV, near the intersection of Calzada Revolucion and Calle Tecolote near the entrance to Lomas del Rio colony at around 540 hrs Sunday morning.

Four unidentified armed suspects died in that encounter. Mexican marines seized five rifles, one rocket propelled grenade and other munitions.

Chris Covert writes Mexican Drug War and national political news for Rantburg.com and BorderlandBeat.com
Posted by: badanov || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  We beat the drum slowly and played the fife lowly,
And bitterly wept as we bore him along.
For we loved our comrade, so brave, young and handsome,
We all loved our comrade, although he'd done wrong.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 11/18/2013 14:04 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
2 cops killed in attack on Swabi checkpost
[Pak Daily Times] Militants attacked a security checkpost in Swabi District, the hometown of new deputy amir of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistain (TTP), leaving two coppers dead. The snuffies also set the checkpost ablaze.

The Swabi police confirmed that two motorcyclists targeted the Darand police checkpost in Barmola Police Station jurisdiction in the afternoon, killing two coppers, who were identified as Nadir and Sajjad. Swabi is the hometown of the new TTP naib amir, Khalid Haqqani, who is presently the acting amir of the TTP in the absence of Mullah Fazlullah
...son-in-law of holy man Sufi Mohammad. Known as Mullah FM, Fazlullah had the habit of grabbing his FM mike when the mood struck him and bellowing forth sermons. Sufi suckered the Pak govt into imposing Shariah on the Swat Valley and then stepped aside whilst Fazlullah and his Talibs imposed a reign of terror on the populace like they hadn't seen before, at least not for a thousand years or so. For some reason the Pak intel services were never able to locate his transmitter, much less bomb it. After ruling the place like a conquered province for a year or so, Fazlullah's Talibs began gobbling up more territory as they pushed toward Islamabad, at which point as a matter of self-preservation the Mighty Pak Army threw them out and chased them into Afghanistan...
who is in Afghanistan. Attacks on security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
... formerly NWFP, still Terrorism Central...
have increased after the handing over of TTP leadership to Taliban of the settled areas.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Four killed in Lyari as LEAs fail to rein in violence
[Pak Daily Times] Four alleged gangsters were killed during an "encounter" with law enforcers 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 Sunday, as law enforcement agencies were unable to calm down the situation.

The encounter took place when law enforcers reached at the gangsters' hideout in Dubai Chowk, Lyari, where the groups of Baba Ladla and Uzair Baloch were busy
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


PTI puts off anti-drone protest for three days
[Pak Daily Times] The Pakistain Tehrik-e-Insaf
...a political party in Pakistan. PTI was founded by former Pakistani cricket captain and philanthropist Imran Khan. The party's slogan is Justice, Humanity and Self Esteem, each of which is open to widely divergent interpretations....
(PTI) on Sunday postponed for three days a scheduled blockade of NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Originally it was a mutual defense pact directed against an expansionist Soviet Union. In later years it evolved into a mechanism for picking the American pocket while criticizing the cut of the American pants...
supply lines meant to protest US drone strikes, citing recent sectarian festivities.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Bangladesh
Khaleda's kid acquitted
[Pak Daily Times] A Bangladesh court on Sunday acquitted the influential son of the main opposition leader in a money-laundering case, boosting his chances of returning to the country after more than five years in exile.

Tarique Rahman
...the elder son of former President of Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, and Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He is the Senior Vice Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His nickname is Pino. There are allegations that Pino took a rakeoff from every foreign investment into the country while Mom was in office...
, the eldest son and designated successor of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Probe ordered into Rawalpindi sectarian violence, curfew lifted
[Pak Daily Times] Pakistain on Sunday ordered an inquiry into sectarian violence in Rawalpindi that killed 10 people, injured dozens and sparked festivities around the country, officials said.

Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial constituted a one-member judicial commission to probe the sectarian violence, as authorities lifted the curfew that was imposed following the unrest.

Judge Mamoon Rasheed of the LHC would head the probe, a court official told AFP.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


The Grand Turk
Turkish Army Kills Three Syrians Crossing Border
[An Nahar] The Turkish army rubbed out three Syrians attempting to illegally cross the border at a minefield separating the two countries, the news agency Dogon reported Sudnay.

At around 1:30 am local time Sunday (2330 GMT Saturday) the army fired at the Syrians, described as smugglers, after shouting warnings as they crossed the minefield near the village of Yeniyol in the southeastern Mardin region, the agency said.

The bodies were taken to a medical and legal center in the city of Malatya where an inquiry will be opened into their deaths, it added.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Southeast Asia
Myanmar visit made OIC chief cry
Posted by: ryuge || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Good. Islam is arrogant and needs to be humbled.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:19 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Cracks in the reactionary monolith -- Lal Khan
[Pak Daily Times] The statement of Munawar Hasan, chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami
...The Islamic Society, founded in 1941 in Lahore by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, aka The Great Apostosizer. The Jamaat opposed the independence of Bangladesh but has operated an independent branch there since 1975. It maintains close ties with international Mohammedan groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood. the Taliban, and al-Qaeda. The Jamaat's objectives are the establishment of a pure Islamic state, governed by Sharia law. It is distinguished by its xenophobia, and its opposition to Westernization, capitalism, socialism, secularism, and liberalist social mores...
(JI) on martyrdom and the fierce reaction by the Pakistain army reveals nothing but the rottenness of the Pak ruling class, its state and politics. The army quickly demanded an apology and the JI's subsequent response of "intervention in politics" by the army is quite sardonic. Historically, the JI is known as the most organised Islamic party, having close ties with the Pak state and US imperialism. In the decades of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the JI was active as a vicious representative of the domestic and international right wing. Its student wing, the Islami Jamaat-e-Talaba
...The Islamic Students' Organization: the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami, where young Moslems are trained into the arts of street fighting...
, has always been used as a tool by the state and imperialism against left wing student organizations.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Africa North
Ghargour carnage makes new friends of old enemies
[Libya Herald] Historic divisions between the people of Wirshifana and Zawia appear to have been put aside, at least temporarily, following the Bloody Friday massacre in Gharghour.

In the wake of the carnage, elders from both communities met on Saturday to investigate ways of jointly sending help to Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...

Those present at the meeting agreed to send military support to Tajoura to help combat any attack on the capital by Misratan forces.

It is the first time since the 17 February Revolution that both sides have come together and agreed on something.

On the contrary, in the two years since the revolution ended there have been numerous deadly festivities between them.

In Bani Walid too, residents gathered to donate blood following the massacre.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Central Tripoli streets deserted, no checkpoints, some roads blockaded
[Libya Herald] Driving across Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
today at 4.30 pm the streets were eerily quiet, with no security, army or police presence or checkpoints in the city centre.

The end of Al Sekka Road, where the Prime Minister's Office is, was blocked in both directions by youths who had piled debris across it and set tyres alight. When they saw photos being taken from a taxi, they angrily gave chase and threw rocks. The Prime Minister's office had reportedly closed in the afternoon, and staff sent home early.

There have been reports that some roads leading off the Airport Road have also been blocked with burning tyres, as well as roads leading to other areas of the capital.

Even at locations where there are usually checkpoints, such as at the roundabout by the port, there was no security presence at all. During a 30-minute drive, the only security visible on the streets was near the Mahari Radisson Blu Hotel, opposite the Turkish embassy.

A convoy of unarmed vehicles with youths hanging out of car windows waving Libyan flags was seen driving down Mansoura Road. Some vehicles carried placards reading: "Free Libyans, from Janzour to Tajoura." One vehicle had flashing lights and a loud-haler, but it was not possible to discern what was being said.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Birthday Gam Shot

Peta Wilson [Aussie][Filmography](age 43)



Loosely Wrapped Design


Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 11/18/2013 2:02 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Misrata units to quit Tripoli within 72 hours
[Libya Herald] Misratan military, council and civil society leaders this evening agreed at a meeting in the city that all Misratan units would be withdrawn from Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
within 72 hours.

Also this evening, Zlitan congressman Abdussalam Asafran told the Libya Herald that the city councils of Tripoli and Misrata would meet each other at a point outside of Tripoli, which he did not specify, but which is believed to be the international airport.

Ibrahim Safar, a member of Misrata local council, announced that leaders of the city's Revolutionaries, along with elders and members of the local shura and Misrata city councils, had agreed that all Misratan brigades and Libya Shield units will withdraw from Tripoli within three days. The revolutionaries will also move out all their military equipment.

On top of this, the meeting agreed that all Mistratan members of Congress, along with any members of the government from the city would also quit the capital.

Safar said that Misratans held the government and Congress responsible for what has happened recently in the capital. They further demanded that the authorities ensure that any family from Misrata living in Tripoli, together with their homes and possessions, should be fully protected.

The meeting between the two city councils was agreed last night, when a delegation of congressmen and members of the shura councils from Tripoli and the Jebel Nafusa flew to Misrata for emergency talks. It was agreed then that both city councils should meet today at the GNC in the capital. However the encounter was called off this morning on security grounds.

It is now thought to be going ahead close to Tripoli International airport.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Science & Technology
Tesla-Inspired Metamaterial Converts 900 MHz Microwaves to Power
But wait, you say, didn't Tesla transmit wireless power over miles, not feet? Indeed, but here recent technology is breaking through barriers installed by years of disappointments. This new research is showing that power transfer via microwaves and radio waves is not only possible -- but can be extremely efficient if properly tuned.

Duke University Electrical Engineering Professor Steven A. Cummer and his students Alexander ("Alex") Katko (a Ph.D. candidate) and Allen Hawkes (an undergraduate) have published a new paper in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Physics Letters detailing a device that can harvest power from microwave signals.

Mr. Katko comments:

It’s possible to use this design for a lot of different frequencies and types of energy, including vibration and sound energy harvesting. Until now, a lot of work with metamaterials has been theoretical. We are showing that with a little work, these materials can be useful for consumer applications.

The properties of metamaterials allow for design flexibility not possible with ordinary devices like antennas. When traditional antennas are close to each other in space they talk to each other and interfere with each other’s operation. The design process used to create our metamaterial array takes these effects into account, allowing the cells to work together.
Posted by: Au Auric || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Waldo.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:25 Comments || Top||

#2  Meh, welcome to the 1980's.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 2:00 Comments || Top||

#3  I've heard this kind of stuff for a loooooong time. Wake me when cold fusion really does work.

I'm just skeptical about these early announcements.
Posted by: AlanC || 11/18/2013 14:54 Comments || Top||

#4  Meh, welcome to the 1980's.

You mean the 1800's.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 15:18 Comments || Top||

#5  Headline should be 900GHz to be classified as microwave not 900MHz.
Posted by: Chunky Oppressor of the French9216 || 11/18/2013 19:19 Comments || Top||

#6  From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave):
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from as long as one meter to as short as one millimeter, or equivalently, with frequencies between 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) and 300 GHz.

So 900MHz is in the microwave band as well as UHF.
Posted by: Chuck || 11/18/2013 23:44 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Libya Deputy Intelligence Chief Abducted
[An Nahar] Libya's deputy intelligence chief Mustafa Nuh was kidnapped Sunday in Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
, a security official told Agence La Belle France Presse, as tensions ran high in the capital following deadly violence over the weekend.

"The vice president of intelligence was kidnapped shortly after his arrival in Tripoli from a trip abroad," said the official, who declined to be identified.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  Didn't have good intelligence?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:21 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
2 security men injured in NWA roadside blast
[Pak Daily Times] Two soldiers were maimed on Sunday when a security forces convoy came under a kaboom in North Wazoo. Officials said the incident took place near Karam Kot area in Mirali subdivision of the tribal agency where bully boyz targeted a vehicle of security convoy with a remote-controlled IED. A curfew is imposed across North Waziristan since Saturday evening.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: TTP


48 million Pakistanis have no loo
[Pak Daily Times] On November 19 (tomorrow) as nations around the globe observe United Nations
...a lucrative dumping ground for the relatives of dictators and party hacks...
World Toilet Day to highlight the importance of toilets and sanitation; around 48 million Paks will be defecating under the open skies.
"Good Moslems don't need no damned crappoir! That's why Allan made the ground!"
Pakistain, despite being a nuclear power, is still unable to provide basic sanitation to majority of the people.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  I relation to this crime, Pakistani police say they have nothing to go on.
Posted by: Bunyip || 11/18/2013 0:45 Comments || Top||

#2  The Sultanate of Oman recruits a good many of their garrison quality troops from Gwadur on the Pak coast. Mostly big splay toed brutes with no boots and sporting ancient Martini rifles. They stare while flies crawl across their faces and their women look like buffaloes in a big black bag.Children play on the rocky beach shoving sticks up rotting shark anuses to let out the gases. Its that kind of place.

You never make these people Officers, you hire officers in other places. One of the problems ( there are several ) with Paki soldiers is they sh** on the barracks stairs because its convenient. They don't know what a toilet is.
They also are not great heroes. One sniper can hold up an entire column of trucks loaded with Pakis. They are good at hiding but not at fighting. You have to motivate them with a felching stick.
They understand that. They may have invented the felching stick.
Posted by: Spereting Tingle4064 || 11/18/2013 6:55 Comments || Top||

#3  Everything I had to say I'll leave unsaid.
ST has it covered.
Posted by: Skidmark || 11/18/2013 9:04 Comments || Top||

#4  I always thought it was a shitty country.
Posted by: DarthVader || 11/18/2013 12:06 Comments || Top||

#5  I've been pricing toilets, $300 goddamn Dollars each, too damn high.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 11/18/2013 15:09 Comments || Top||

#6  It's not the toilets, it's the plumbing.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 17:12 Comments || Top||


Outgoing president hails 'happy ending' in Maldives
[Pak Daily Times] The outgoing president of the Maldives said on Sunday the election of a new head of state signalled "a happy ending" to a political crisis which began when he took power from the islands' first freely-elected leader.

In an exclusive interview with AFP in Hong Kong, Mohammed Waheed, acknowledged the Indian Ocean archipelago was still trying to find its feet as a democracy but said it could now move on after the outcome of Saturday's run-off election.

"We are going through an early stage of democratic transition. It's not easy for the Maldives," said Waheed, who has family in Hong Kong and will accompany his wife to Singapore for a medical appointment.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Everyone loves a 'happy ending'!
Posted by: SteveS || 11/18/2013 15:18 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Tripoli's leaders call for anti-militia protests
[Pak Daily Times] Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
city leaders on Sunday called for street protests and strikes at shops, schools and universities to press Libya's government to drive out forces of Evil blamed for festivities that killed at least 45 people.

Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan's armed forces are struggling to control militias, Islamist snuffies and other former fighters who refuse to disarm after helping to oust Muammar Qadaffy
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Africa Horn
Federal troops and Militia in deadly battle in Lower Shabelle
MOGADISHU -- At least 15 people were reportedly killed and 20 others were wounded in a fierce fighting between local militiamen and Somali government forces on Sunday afternoon, Garowe Online reports. Witnesses say the fighting erupted in KM-50 and Muri vicinities between Lower Shabelle regional capital of Marka and Afgoye town after Somali government forces attacked vigilantes.

Lower Shabelle region Governor, Abdulkadir Sidi who spoke to the media said that military forces commanders were leading heavily armed battalions who killed licensed gunmen and civilians.

"I know that government forces attacked KM-50 where we had positioned registered armed men and the battle finally degenerated into heavier one," Sidi told the reporters.

Somali government forces have seized the control of KM-50 and Muri, eye witnesses reported.

Security officials say, the military forces dislodged armed militiamen from illegal roadblocks in the region although the Defence Ministry has so far confirmed that overhauls and security reforms became successful.
Posted by: Steve White || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Afghanistan
Afghan senior official escapes suicide attack
[Pak Daily Times] A bigwig in northern Afghanistan escaped a suicide kaboom Sunday as the bodies of six civilians hanged by the Taliban were found dumped by the roadside in the south, police said.

The attacker carrying bombs on his body jumped out of a roadside ditch and ran into the motorcade of Balkh province's deputy governor before detonating the explosives.

The deputy governor, Mohammad Zahir Wahdat, survived unhurt in his armoured vehicle but two of his bodyguards were maimed, provincial police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told AFP.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Africa Subsaharan
Murder of Central African Judge Sparks Deadly Clashes
[An Nahar] Two non-combatants were killed in festivities in Central African Republic sparked by the gunning down of a magistrate and his assistant Sunday by former members of the Seleka rebel group, a police source said.

"Two people were killed and others suffered gunshot wounds on Sunday as residents protested the liquidation of magistrate Modeste Martineau Bria and his aide-de-camp" in the capital Bangui, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity
... for fear of being murdered...
.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  For "former" these rebels appear very active.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:23 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
AMISOM to mediate Somali power struggle
MOGADISHU -- African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Spokesman Col. Ali Adan Humad has expressed displeasure about the growing political infighting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, Garowe Online reports.

Addressing the media in Mogadishu on Sunday, Col. Humad said that AMISOM would resolve the political tensions and urged the top officials to exercise restraints.

“We are very sorry to hear that row, we will try our best to bring them closer to each other so that we can together move forward,” noted Humad, adding that African Union Special Representative to Somalia is expected to meet both Mohamud and Shirdon to avoid lurching the nation backward.

The AMISOM official emphasized that the political row has nothing to do with future of the mission but he says it may impact Mogadishu-based Federal Government policies.

President Mohamud and Prime Minister Shirdon’s row comes to ahead after Shirdon has insisted that he will not resign until the national assembly members intervene in accordance with the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC).

Independent sources in Mogadishu tell Garowe Online that Villa Somalia Presidential compound has been a scene for political discussions as Mohamud is leading calls for Shirdon to go in a bid to reassert full authority on the brittle government.The sources [who] declined to be identified say, Federal Members of Parliament separately meet the two, with Shirdon telling he can be ousted by the parliament alone.

“Shirdon is ready to face confidence vote in Parliament but the President wants the Prime Ministers out of the office. What I have been witnessing is that Prime Minister Shirdon has come under intense pressure to step down in recent days,” Federal MP who asked to remain anonymous told Garowe Online.
So hold a vote of no confidence in the parliament. Seems easy enough unless El Presidente thinks Shirdon will win the vote...
President Mohamud whose administration failed to gain huge public trust in many parts of the anarchic country feels that his Prime Minister became disobedient and ignored to heed his suggestions.
Posted by: Steve White || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [2 views] Top|| File under:


Caribbean-Latin America
8 die in Ciudad Juarez

For a map, click here. For a map of Chihuahua state, click here

A total of eight individuals including three children were stabbed to death in Ciudad Juarez Saturday night, according to Mexican news reports.

According to a news report which appeared in El Diario de Chihuahua news daily news website, the incident took place at a residence near the intersection of calles Luciano Becerra and Fernando Montes de Oca in Morelos Zaragoza colony.

Originally Mexican press released news that the victims had all been shot to death, but neighbors nearby did not report any gunshots. However, later reports said one shot was fired.

Three of the child victims were identified as Daniel Romero Castañeda, 6, Abril Romero, 4 and Valeria Lara Castañeda, 4. Rosa Maria Castañeda Morales, 60 and her daughter Maria del Carmen Castañeda, 28, and Rosa Maria Castañeda Morales, 30 were also identified as among the dead.

A news accounts which later appeared in La Polaka said that one of the female adult victims had been shot to death, but reports did not say which.

The massacre was discovered when members of the victims' church noticed their absence and sought to find them.

Chris Covert writes Mexican Drug War and national political news for Rantburg.com and BorderlandBeat.com
Posted by: badanov || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Subsaharan
French hostage held nearly a year escapes in Nigeria
[SMH.AU] A French engineer kidnapped by Islamist gunnies in Nigeria has managed to escape after nearly a year in captivity, officials said on Sunday, in the latest dramatic turn for kidnapped Frenchies abroad.

President Francois Hollande
...the Socialist president of La Belle France, an economic bad joke for la Belle France but seemingly a foreign policy realist...
announced that Francis Collomp, 63, was free after being taken by Islamist gunnies on December 19, 2012, in the state of Katsina in northern Nigeria.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Boko Haram


India-Pakistan
An edifice of dishonesty -- Mohammad Nafees
[Pak Daily Times] No death in the country has ever been a cause of so much controversies and debates as did the death of Hakeemullah Mehsud. A subject that was so far a taboo for discussion became a common debate and everybody began asking what type of Islam we, as a nation, want to follow: the bad boy Islam of the Taliban or the peaceful Islam that the rest of the people follow. Views began pouring in from different schools of thought carrying logic and reasons that opposed or supported one of these two forms of belief. By declaring Hakeemullah Mehsud a 'shaheed' (martyr) Maulana Munawwar Hasan of the Jamaat-e-Islami
...The Islamic Society, founded in 1941 in Lahore by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, aka The Great Apostosizer. The Jamaat opposed the independence of Bangladesh but has operated an independent branch there since 1975. It maintains close ties with international Mohammedan groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood. the Taliban, and al-Qaeda. The Jamaat's objectives are the establishment of a pure Islamic state, governed by Sharia law. It is distinguished by its xenophobia, and its opposition to Westernization, capitalism, socialism, secularism, and liberalist social mores...
(JI) became a courageous man not for the Taliban only but for those intellectuals as well whose western education is highly despicable for the Taliban and their supporters. The military came out calling Mehsud a 'terrorist' and claimed that the people of Pakistain and the army are very clear on what the state of Pakistain is and who its enemies are. The statement issued by the ISPR on this issue asked for an apology from the JI chief for calling the terrorist shaheed. This prompted the maulana to challenge the interference of the army in political matters as unconstitutional.

By raising a constitutional question, the JI chief provided some analysts a reason to equate this conflict with the historical struggle of the civilians against military supremacy. They described the stand of the JI chief as the sign of a fresh attempt by the civilians to break the long status quo maintained by the army against the civilians' right to run the country. Maulana Fazlur Rehman
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Israel Calls for Palestinian Concessions in Peace Talks
[An Nahar] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Sunday that the grinding of the peace processor with the Paleostinians was not "frozen," but said he was waiting for Paleostinian concessions to move the talks forward.

"They're not frozen. We're talking," the Israeli leader said on CNN's "State of the Union" program.

But "it's time to talk about Paleostinian concessions, too. Like recognizing the Jewish state," Netanyahu said.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: PLO

#1  How about "You've 24 hours to get out of Eretz Israel."?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Let me guess: as a pre-condition to negotiations, the Juices are insisting the Paleos all throw themselves into the sea.
Posted by: SteveS || 11/18/2013 14:42 Comments || Top||


Science & Technology
Oops: Malfunctioning drone hits Navy ship while training
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Target is acquired - I repeat - Target is acquired.
D *** NG, ITS US!?

D *** NG IT, L-T, WHEN WE SAID TURN DRONE LEFT AT ALBUQURQUE WE MEANT YOUR OTHER LEFT!
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 1:09 Comments || Top||

#2  ION IDRW.ORG > EUROPE TESTS DRONES IN BATTLE TO RESIST US [Market?]DOMINANCE.

Europe shoulda + coulda had been a leader in the UV or UAV industry, but - ya know - they were slow.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 11/18/2013 1:58 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Orders and counter-orders over the demolition of Gharghour villas
[Libya Herald] The deputy defence minister of Libya, Khalid Sharif, has ordered the Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
Local Council (TLC) to demolish all the buildings belonging to Qadaffy-regime officials in the district of Gharghour. It was from these buildings that Misratan forces fired on Friday during the massacre in which 43 people died and 460 were maimed.

The decision (number 14328-38) was issued Sunday afternoon, reportedly "after series of meetings with many officials and influential people of Tripoli". However within hours, the Council of Ministers and the Minister of Defence, Abdullah Al-Thinni had countermanded Sharif's instructions. The rescinding of the move was accompanied by a stern warning that locals should not approach the buildings and seek to destroy them themselves.

The government is clearly concerned that there should be no provocation in the 72 hours before Misratan forces are due to withdraw entirely from Tripoli.

Sharif's people had explained that the idea behind the move is to defuse local tensions. The Gharghour buildings, mostly giant and expensive villas were taken over by brigade members from Misrata after the fall of Tripoli. In the past two years, there have been numerous arguments and shootouts over the ownership of these villas, the occupation of which, some local residents believe, has been the real reason for the unit staying on.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


India-Pakistan
Hand grenade attack kills woman in Swabi
[Pak Daily Times] A woman was killed and four people, including three women, sustained injuries in a hand grenade attack at a house in Swabi, officials said on Sunday. Police said faceless myrmidons hurled a hand grenade at a house in Kashkol Banda area. As a result, five people sustained injuries. The injured were taken to District Headquarters Hospital where one woman succumbed to her wounds. The attackers managed to flee. Police have registered case and started further investigation.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Great White North
Toronto mayor Rob Ford mocked by opposing fans at CFL playoff game
[FTW.USATODAY] As reported by the Toronto Star on Thursday:

After Rob Ford stirred further controversy Thursday while wearing a Toronto Argonauts jersey, Canadian Football League Commissioner Mark Cohon strongly suggested the embattled mayor should stay away from Sunday's playoff game between the Argos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

"We believe it would be better for Mr. Ford to focus on his challenges right now," Cohon said in a statement to the Star. "And the fairest thing to our athletes and fans would be to keep the focus Sunday on the game."

Apparently Ford, who reportedly appeared in the stands in the third quarter of the game, didn't agree.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Cookie reset...
Posted by: ackoopmed || 11/18/2013 22:19 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Bombing suspect gunned down in southern Thailand
A suspected terrorist militant was killed in a clash with Thai security forces in Narathiwat's Rangae district early yesterday. The deceased was one of two suspects believed to be involved in a bombing on Friday evening that killed three policemen in the same district.

Following a tip-off that two bombing suspects were hiding in a house, a 100-man joint police and military force surrounded the ten-house compound at 1 a.m. and raided it before running into the pair and having a brief gun battle. They later found the body of Tuwaemarawyee Tuansulong. He had been wanted on five arrest warrants.

The other suspect managed to flee. Officers also took four people in the area into custody for further questioning on whether they were involved in the blast on Friday.

The bomb attack on a team of Ra Ngae police took place as they were returning to their base in a truck from a Ban Khao Kaew School teacher protection mission. The bomb killed Police Lance Corporal Worawuth Worajaruth, 25, Police Sergeant Manachai Pipitthong, 30, and Police Lance Corporal Khomsan Wongwatcharabut, 24.
Posted by: ryuge || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [1 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Kerry to visit Israel on Friday
US Secretary of State John Kerry is to visit Israel on Friday to discuss the Iranian nuclear talks and peace with the Palestinians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
I think this is the moment when Kerry warns Bibi that either Israel rolls over or Champ begins the process of de-legitimizing Israel by withdrawing U.S. opposition to the various kooks and nuts in the BDS movement.
Speaking to his ministers, Netanyahu said he would also discuss the Iran talks with French President Francois Hollande, who arrives in Israel later on Sunday, as well as with Russian President Vladimir Putin when he travels to meet him in Moscow on Wednesday.

“We will also do that with the American Secretary of State of State John Kerry, who arrives here on Friday,” the Israeli premier said, quoted by his office after a weekly meeting of his cabinet.

“I hope we’ll be able to convince our friends this week and in the following days to get a much better deal. It can be achieved,” he said in remarks ahead of a new round of talks in Geneva between world powers and Iran from November 20. “Iran is under economic pressure, and continuing to apply pressure and even increasing it can yield a much better diplomatic result.”

The issue is likely to be a key focus of his talks with Hollande later on Sunday and with Putin when Netanyahu flies to Moscow on Wednesday.
Posted by: Steve White || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Egypt followed Israel to being a USA ally.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 1:17 Comments || Top||

#2  I'll take "When will Israel tell JFK to sod off" for $500, Alex.
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 11/18/2013 8:23 Comments || Top||

#3  Please USN.ret "Jawn F. Kerry" not "JFK".
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 9:47 Comments || Top||

#4  G: Roger, sorry
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 11/18/2013 11:47 Comments || Top||

#5  :-)
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 12:05 Comments || Top||

#6  Bibi needs to tell Kerry to FOAD in the nicest diplomatic language that Bibi can.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 11/18/2013 14:26 Comments || Top||

#7  Just read at the Daily Beast that Kerry has gone rogue re Egypt and is ignoring Susan Rice's direct instructions(!) so who knows what he will say in Israel.
Posted by: Grunter || 11/18/2013 14:26 Comments || Top||

#8  give Jawn a personal tour of the Gaza smuggling tunnels and then flood the place.
Posted by: AlanC || 11/18/2013 14:50 Comments || Top||

#9  To Jawn's credit, Susan Rice isn't his boss. The "instructions" most likely came from Valerie Jarret, who also isn't Jawn's boss.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 11/18/2013 14:56 Comments || Top||

#10  who knows what he will say in Israel

"Bad Jews! No more ketchup for you!"?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 11/18/2013 15:10 Comments || Top||

#11  "The "instructions" most likely came from Valerie Jarret, who also isn't Jawn's boss."

Actually, she is, Deacon. Bambi is Jawn's boss, and ValJar is Bambi's boss, so .... >:-(
Posted by: Barbara || 11/18/2013 19:00 Comments || Top||

#12  I wonder if they will let him through customs? Maybe a good old fashioned strip search is in order....
Posted by: 49 Pan || 11/18/2013 19:14 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
Opposition black-flag procession tomorrow
[Bangla Daily Star] The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance will stage "black-flag" processions across the country tomorrow in protest against prime ministers' today's cabinet meeting of "ministers who have already resigned".

"Holding cabinet meeting with the ministers who have already resigned is nothing but violation of country's constitution," BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed said while announcing the programme at a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office today.

Processions would be brought out at all divisional cities, all district towns and including the capital.

Rizvi, who has been staying at the Nayapaltan office for the last three weeks in fear of arrest, however did not elaborate the time and place from where the procession will start in the capital.

The nearly two-and-a half-hour cabinet meeting was held today at the Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
...Bangla dynastic politician and current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She has been the President of the Bangla Awami League since the Lower Paleolithic. She is the eldest of five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangla. Her party defeated the BNP-led Four-Party Alliance in the 2008 parliamentary elections. She has once before held the office, from 1996 to 2001, when she was defeated in a landslide. She and the head of the BNP, Khaleda Zia show such blind animosity toward each other that they are known as the Battling Begums..
in the chair.

Briefing news hounds after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan today said he was yet to receive any resignation letter of the ministers or state ministers who submitted their resignation to the premier at November 11 cabinet meeting .

Rizvi also criticised the government for what he said "law enforcers' besieging the BNP Nayapaltan office".

He said members of police and intelligence agencies confined him to the BNP office and no other opposition leader was allowed to enter the Nayapaltan office.

Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Caribbean-Latin America
Death of indigenous leader in Chihuahua sparks demands for investigation

For a map, click here For a map of Chihuahua state, click here.

By Chris Covert
Rantburg.com

The death of an apparent indigenous Indian leader has moved the heads of several indigenous communities to demand investigation of that crime and several others involving indigenous Indians victims in the region of Sierra Tarahumara, according to Mexican news accounts.

According to a news report which appeared on the website of El Diario de Chihuahua and La Polaka news dailies and data which appeared in a Facebook page operated by the forum, a forum was held in Ciudad Juarez city late last week named the IV Pueblos originarios de la Sierra Tarahumara en Defensa de Nuestros Territoriosm or Indigenous People of the Sierra Tarahumara in Defense of Our territory held in Ciudad Juarez which demanded government action against drug and local criminal gangs they say are responsible for several murders and other violence in the region against indigenous peoples.

Last week's victim, Jaime Ayala Subia Socorro Ramos Ceballos was killed in armed confrontations with local drug gangs near the village of Choreachi in Guadalupe y Calvo municipality in southern Chihuahua.

According to data supplied by Indian chief Lorenzo Moreno Pajarito and two others identified as Emilio Enriquez Cruz and Alfonso Molina, local drug gangs are killing indigenous people and intimidating their families with violence, whenever they resist against illegal logging taking place on Indian land, specifically in Guadalupe y Calvo municipality, and in Mogotavo as well as in Barrancas del Cobre, also known as Copper Canyon. The forum was held to present their demands to the Chihuahua state government that the government do something about the violence and encroachment, by both the government and private companies on ancestral Indian lands. Among the pueblos signing or supporting the petition were the Tarahumaras, Warojios, Odame and Yaquis, from Sonora and Chihuahua states.

The petition expressed fears that ongoing violence at the hands of local criminal gangs will force indigenous peoples away from their tribal lands and customs, and "send them to the cliffs".

That last statement was a stark reminder of an event in the Sierra Tarahumara region in which it was reported that several Tarahumara Indians had committed suicide by jumping off cliffs, because of the lack of food available to care for their families. That charge was made in a television interview in January of 2012 by local peasant leader, Ramon Gardea, who claimed that as many as 50 Tarahumara Indians had committed suicide by throwing themselves off cliffs to their deaths. The report was dismissed by Chihuahua state government officials, and indeed, no bodies were ever found that would support the account.

The El Diario de Chihuahua account said that teachers had left the Sierra Tarahumara region because of the murder of a boy named Jaime Zubias Cevallos September 6th, and the murder of Ayala Socorro Ramos the next month, November 6th, and the fear is more will do so if violence and the threat of violence continues.

Indigenous peoples were being warned away from the region so that forests can be exploited, according to the account.

Two other leaders in Choreachi, Angel Manchado Ramos and Prudencio Ramos Ramos, said that they and their extended families have been threatened and intimidated them, including the use of written threats and by putting them under pursuit.

Individuals from Chihuahua municipalities of Bocoyna, Temoris, Batopilas, as well as other states, have been sent to the area to harvest forests but have been prevented so far.

The concerns expressed by Mexican Indian tribes highlights the extent of the Mexican national government clampdown on reported acts of violence in Mexico. No account of the murder of either of the two victims who had died since September 6th has been reported by the Chihuahua state Fiscalia General del Estado or attorney general, asd would be de riguer in such instances. Mexican press relies heavily on local attorneys general for crime information.

Only last week it was revealed that drug related murders would not be included in subsequent statistical reports by the federal government in order to give a much better account of what is happening than the actual reality.

Chris Covert writes Mexican Drug War and national political news for Rantburg.com and BorderlandBeat.com
Posted by: badanov || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria Rebels Bomb Government Building, Kill 31
[VOA News] Syria monitors say rebels bombed a government building near Damascus on Sunday, killing 31.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the building was destroyed. A front man tells the French News Agency that three generals and a brigadier general are among the dead.

The group also says Syrian forces launched a second straight day of air raids on the town of Qara in the mountainous Qalamoun region, close to the Lebanese border.

That region has the few remaining rebel supply lines between Syria and the outside world. But the bombings have forced several thousand Syrians to seek refuge in Leb, overwhelming small towns that cannot handle such a crisis.
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Home Front: Politix
Newcomer McAllister Wins Special Election in Louisiana
[ATR.ROLLCALL] GOP businessman Vance McAllister won a special election in Louisiana's 5th District Saturday night, stunning the heir apparent in the contest to become the next member of Congress.

McAllister, a self-funding newcomer, defeated Republican state Sen. Neil Riser 58 percent to 42 percent, with 78 percent of precincts reporting, according to the News Agency that Dare Not be Named.

Riser had long been considered a shoo-in to win the special election to replace Rep. Rodney Alexander, who resigned over the summer to take a post in Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration.

In the Oct. 16 open primary, Riser captured 32 percent of the vote to McAllister's 18 percent, making him the favorite going into Saturday's race.

Riser also raised more and spent more than McAllister did, and he had the backing of House GOP leadership, including House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and many House Republicans from Louisiana.

However McAllister's self-described "outsider" status, as well as some help from the popular reality show family featured on "Duck Dynasty," helped him pull out a win in the race.
Uncle Phester also posted this story and notes:
"A handful of Washington GOP suicide vest wearers operatives tried to get one of the members of the Duck Dynasty family to run for the seat, but failed."
Posted by: Fred || 11/18/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Thumb in the eye of the DC beltway elites. This election shows how the grass roots can (and must) fix whats wrong with the GOP. Cantor, Boehner and the GOP inside the beltway need to simply shut the f up and stop telling us what we are supposed to do (and attempting to force their anointed princes on us), and instead listen to We The People and represent us.
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 0:27 Comments || Top||

#2  Listen to We The People and represent us

Here, Here, OldSpook - well reasoned and said...

Posted by: Au Auric || 11/18/2013 0:32 Comments || Top||

#3  Perhaps Krauthammer is right, and our little experiment with socialism is coming to an end.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 3:10 Comments || Top||

#4  More evidence of political change.
Posted by: Besoeker || 11/18/2013 3:44 Comments || Top||

#5  Republican District but the runoff was between two Republicans, with Democrats also voting, so not a big surprise that it went to the more liberal Republican.
Posted by: Glenmore || 11/18/2013 7:46 Comments || Top||

#6  I hadn't noticed this election going on, but then again I don't have a TV or newspaper subscription.

Glenmore, you're saying McAllister was the more liberal of the two, and won with democrat help?
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 11/18/2013 12:01 Comments || Top||

#7  McAllister came out in partial support of Zero-care at one point, which would have pulled in a chunk of Democratic voters.
Posted by: Glenmore || 11/18/2013 12:36 Comments || Top||

#8  Duck Dynasty folks also went in heavy for McAllister. Not sure I'd call one or the other more conservative. The only sure thing is that this is a safe R seat and the establishment guy lost - exactly the sort of thing the McCains of the world fear most.
Posted by: Iblis || 11/18/2013 13:49 Comments || Top||

#9  Any more this isnt so much a battle of conservative versus liberal, but ruling versus governing.
Posted by: OldSpook || 11/18/2013 15:10 Comments || Top||

#10  I wonder if this is the beginning of a true conservative anti-establishment sweep in Nov. '14?
Posted by: JohnQC || 11/18/2013 17:31 Comments || Top||

#11  John, I fear it is not. The Republican establishment will fight tooth and nail for their candidates. If their candidates don't win the primaries, they will withdraw support.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 11/18/2013 17:55 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
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7Govt of Pakistan
3TTP
3Govt of Syria
1Boko Haram
1Islamic State of Iraq
1PLO
1Taliban
1Thai Insurgency
1Govt of Sudan

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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.
Click here for more information

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

Two weeks of WOT
Mon 2013-11-18
  Syria Rebels Bomb Government Building, Kill 31
Sun 2013-11-17
  Hezbollah commander killed in Syria
Sat 2013-11-16
  Militias attack Libyan protesters, killing 31
Fri 2013-11-15
  Iraq Bombers Kill 43 as Millions Mark Shiite Holiday
Thu 2013-11-14
  Bomb blasts outside Karachi imambargahs wound 14
Wed 2013-11-13
  Syria Kurds Announce Transitional Autonomous Government
Tue 2013-11-12
  Gunmen gun down 'chief financier' of Haqqani network in Islamabad
Mon 2013-11-11
  Syria army retakes key base near Aleppo: State TV
Sun 2013-11-10
  Imambargah attacks leave three dead, spark outrage
Sat 2013-11-09
  Zawahiri Disbands Main Qaida Faction in Syria
Fri 2013-11-08
  'Mullah Radio' takes overTTP, terms talks 'waste of time'
Thu 2013-11-07
  Nigeria president seeks state of emergency extension
Wed 2013-11-06
  Mortar round hits Vatican embassy in Damascus
Tue 2013-11-05
  152 soldiers sentenced to die for mutiny in Bangladesh
Mon 2013-11-04
  Blast inside Quetta seminary leaves two injured

Better than the average link...



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