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Dronezap in South Wazoo send 18 TTP Jihadis to their rewards
Today's Headlines
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India-Pakistan
Islamic scholar urges Pakistan reforms
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 13:19 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336078 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Russian Ships Park Off Syrian Coast As NATO Deploys Patriot Missiles In Turkey
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 12:02 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336077 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Times of IS article

Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 12:47 Comments || Top||

#2  In other words, having been unable to convince the world that Iran is a terminal threat to "democracy" everywhere and the window of destroying its nuclear processing facilities now officially closed, and with both the Lebanon and the Gaza conflicts hibernating, the only loophole left to escalate the region is now Syria, where the event timeline now appears to culminate in 2-3 months.

"Russia has concentrated five landing ships ... carrying military vehicles and hundreds of Russian marines...."

PAT batteries are defensive. An amphibious assault force is offensive. So who is escalating?

The Twit deserves a nuclear armed Iran with missiles having just enough range to hit his home town. Guess he will want those PAT batteries then.
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 14:44 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
The Assumption of Al: 3 reasons Al Gore is the greatest progressive in all the known world
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 11:56 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336088 views] Top|| File under:


Rep. Jose Serrano reintroduces bill to repeal presidential term limit
HT: Drudge
Posted by: Uncle Phester || 01/06/2013 11:20 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336107 views] Top|| File under:

#1  He's Looking to curry favor with Obumbles staying IN office, it's NOT a mistake,and needs a quick slapdown.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 18:44 Comments || Top||

#2  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Oh, wait - he's serious?

That would take a Constitutional amendment, dipshit. Think that's gonna happen?

And if it did for some reason, remember it would apply to ALL Presidents, not just Dems.

What, you think Dems are going to hold the White House in perpetuity? Think again, butt-kisser.
Posted by: Barbara || 01/06/2013 18:52 Comments || Top||

#3  What, you think Dems are going to hold the White House in perpetuity?

I'm afraid that's exactly what he thinks.
Posted by: Abu Uluque || 01/06/2013 19:21 Comments || Top||

#4  And so it starts
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/06/2013 23:39 Comments || Top||

#5  I still expect Obama to declare some sort of national emergency in 2016 and use his expanded executive powers to cancel the elections and declare martial law.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/06/2013 23:49 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Bolstered by 16 Russian warships, Assad nixes dialogue with "Western puppets"
DEBKA sprinkle with salt
Does Russia have that many sea-going tugs?
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 11:03 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336099 views] Top|| File under:

#1  He then invited “those who have not betrayed Syria” to a conference of reconciliation, followed by a referendum on a new constitution, the formation of a government and an amnesty.

After 60K dead by his forces, who is the amnesty for?
Posted by: Zenobia Bluetooth1712 || 01/06/2013 11:58 Comments || Top||

#2  Who do you think it's for, ZB?
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/06/2013 12:02 Comments || Top||

#3  According to a Chinese researcher who was subsequently imprisoned for revealing state secrets, the Chinese have, in the past, spent an estimated $10b on funding insurgencies in Southeast (ex-Indochina) over several decades, during a time of famine in China, back when $10b was real money, in the 50's through the late 70's. If China were funding Assad (without attribution, as with the Southeast Asian efforts), it would not be anything new with respect to Chinese policy. Given the difficulty involved in keeping an economy running (let alone gathering tax revenues) during a shooting war covering the entire country, Assad is probably getting funding from Iran, Russia or China, if not all three, in order to keep paying and supplying his troops, just as the rebels are getting funds and weaponry from Sunni governments and the West.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 01/06/2013 13:05 Comments || Top||

#4  Some Russian diplomat mentioned in the JPost:

Russia has concentrated five landing ships in the eastern Mediterranean in a show of force meant to deter Western nations from intervening militarily in Syria, The Sunday Times quoted a Russian diplomat as saying.

According to the report, the ships are carrying military vehicles and hundreds of Russian marines, and are being accompanied by combat vessels.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 01/06/2013 13:11 Comments || Top||

#5  No worries Zhang Fei. Six months ago the US State Department announced "the Assad regime would crumble within 36 hours". Of course this is the same State Department which helped produce the Benghazi cock-up.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 13:14 Comments || Top||

#6  Zhang what would be the point of (current) Chinese aid to Syria?
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:18 Comments || Top||

#7  #6 Zhang what would be the point of (current) Chinese aid to Syria? Posted by Shipman


Multifactorial [new Krauthammer word] answers Ship. In no order of priority: (1.) Opportunity to improve relations with Russia. (2.) Opportunity to whack AQ and radical mooslims. (3.) Opportunity to counter US and western support for the mooslim "Arab Spring". Opportunity for post-conflict economic trade.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 13:27 Comments || Top||

#8  ..and cause its things that Great Powers(tm) do.

Still smarting after that 19th Century European imperialism thingy in the Heavenly Kingdom are we?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/06/2013 13:59 Comments || Top||

#9  Zhang what would be the point of (current) Chinese aid to Syria?

Same reason that the Chinese were funding insurgencies in Southeast Asia, supporting allies that might one day become satellites of the Chinese state. Pretty standard "setting one barbarian against another" policy. In antiquity, it used to do the same kind of thing. In times of prosperity, the Chinese have always supported allies abroad with generous subsidies. Mao's policy was more or less a continuation of traditional Chinese doctrine.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 01/06/2013 14:03 Comments || Top||

#10  Still smarting after that 19th Century European imperialism thingy in the Heavenly Kingdom are we?

The Chinese were imperialists when most of the 19th century European powers were under the Roman boot, and barely evolved from running around in animal skins. For thousands of years, the Northeast Asian region defined "balance of power", until that broke down temporarily with the creation of the unitary state, 2200 years ago, that we now call China. Even that China was 1/4 of China's present size.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 01/06/2013 14:09 Comments || Top||

#11  OOOOOOOOOOOO, you can just hear "AGENT 86" = MAXWELL SMART saying "Its just not Nice-ness"!
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 20:35 Comments || Top||

#12  Multifactorial [new Krauthammer word] answers Ship. In no order of priority:

Also, support of Iranian foreign policy (said foreign policy supports the Assad gov't.) and an attempt to deflect US and Western focus from the Western Pacific region.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 20:45 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
US-funded anti-terror squad in Indonesia under criticism for killing suspected militants

Indonesia's U.S.-funded police anti-terror squad has killed seven suspected militants in recent days, triggering renewed allegations that the force is not trying to take suspects alive -- a trend that appears to be fueling the very extremism the predominantly Muslim country is trying to counter.
Ahah. Yes. Indeed. If you don't try to take killers alive that only makes more killers. Which leaves you with the problem of how to get rid of killers if you're not going to kill them and they're blazin' away at you. Think of something, quick, because that's live ammunition.
Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said Sunday that no shots were fired against officers
"Don't stick your head up, Weranto! They'll blow it off!"
during three related raids Friday and Saturday in eastern Indonesia, but that the suspects in at least one of the locations had explosives that were "ready" to be detonated. He said that officers from the anti-terror squad, known as Densus 88, had followed procedures because the suspects were endangering their lives, but gave few details.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 10:57 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336068 views] Top|| File under:

#1  the force is not trying to take suspects alive

Of course not, why bother with a trial, They'll lie and Bribe their way out.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 12:04 Comments || Top||

#2  Update
Indonesia Police Advance on New Terror Front
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 13:15 Comments || Top||


Africa Subsaharan
South African President Jacob Zuma deploys 400 troops to Central African Republic
South African President Jacob Zuma says his government is sending 400 army troops to the Central African Republic.

Zuma's office issued a statement Sunday saying that the deployment of the soldiers is part of South Africa's international obligation to the Central African Republic.

Zuma's office said the South African National Defense Force troops will help build the capacity of the CAR army and will also assist with the planning and implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and re-integration of rebel groups.

Zuma's statement said that sending soldiers to Central African Republic is part of South Africa's efforts "to bring about peace and stability in the region."

Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 10:18 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336070 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Afri problems solved by Africans. Hats off to Showerhead Zuma, I'm all for it. Mind the sexual contact with local civilians, HIV is very, very high in the new SADF.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 11:13 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria's Bashar al-Assad calls on foreign countries to end support for rebels
Bashar al-Assad has pledged to continue fighting "terrorist" violence and urged foreign countries to end support for his enemies while also offering a national dialogue and a constitutional referendum to end Syria's bloody crisis.

The Syrian president used an hour-long speech in Damascus on Sunday to propose what he called a comprehensive plan that included an "expanded government". But there was no sign he was prepared to step down as the first stage of a political transition – a demand of all opposition groups. "I will go one day, but the country remains," he said.

The Syrian leader referred repeatedly to plots against his country and the role of al-Qaida, long-portrayed as the leading element in what began as a popular uprising in March 2011. Syria was not facing a revolution but a "gang of criminals", he said.

"We are now in a state of war in every sense of the word," the president told supporters. "This war targets Syria using a handful of Syrians and many foreigners. Thus, this is a war to defend the nation."

It was hard to see how his latest speech offered even a glimmer of hope for a way out of the bloody impasse between the regime and rebels in a conflict that the UN said last week had claimed 60,000 lives over 21 months.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 10:13 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336075 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Dictators like to create the illusion of an outside threat to unify their nation (e.g. Argentina's junta and the Falkland's; that worked out so well for the jaunta). In Syria's case, the people are more concerned about the threat to themselves caused by pencil-neck himself.
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 12:00 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Dronezaps in South Wazoo send 18 TTP Jihadis to their rewards
HT to Weasel Zippers US drones fired a volley of missiles at miltant hideouts in South Waziristan on Sunday, killing at least eight Taliban fighters near the Afghan border, security officials said.
only eight?
Now up to 18...
The missile attack took place in Babar Ghar village in South Waziristan, a tribal district bordering Afghanistan which is a stronghold of Taliban and al Qaeda-linked militants.

"US drones fired several missiles at two militant compounds. At least eight militants have been killed and several others were wounded," a security official in Miranshah told AFP.
ahhhh. Pray for sepsis
"There are members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) among those who have been killed. We are trying to ascertain the identities of the others but the bodies have been burnt very badly," the official said and added that death toll may rise.
"it smells like a weenie roast"
Another security official in the northwestern city of Peshawar confirmed the drone attacks and casualties.

NBC News adds:
The militants targeted were led by Hakimullah Mehsud and had set up sanctuaries in the mountainous district, about 85 miles northeast of Wana, the capital of the South Waziristan tribal region. Mehsud's fighters often target the Pakistani army.

Pakistani security forces conducted a massive military operation against the militants in South Waziristan in October 2009 but spared the area targeted in the overnight attack.
The death toll could rise as dozens of militants were present in the compound during the drone strikes, NBC sources said.

Tribesmen in the adjoining Razmak area of the North Waziristan region told NBC News that they had heard heavy blasts overnight but could not confirm if the explosions were drone strikes.

Pakistani security forces conducted a massive military operation against the militants in South Waziristan in October 2009 but spared the area targeted in the overnight attack.
This article starring:
HAKIMULLAH MEHSUDTTP
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 09:47 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336142 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "A report commissioned by legal lobby group Reprieve in September estimated that between 474 and 881 civilians were among 2,562 to 3,325 people killed by drones in Pakistan between June 2004 and September 2012."

Estimated? What estimation technique did they use, SWAG?
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 14:16 Comments || Top||

#2  ok - 18 is good
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 14:51 Comments || Top||

#3  Update
Missiles hit a training camp affiliated to top Pakistani Taliban commander Hakimullah Mehsud, they say.

According to Pakistani intelligence officials quoted by AP, two important commanders of the Pakistani Taliban may be among the dead.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 19:39 Comments || Top||

#4  As per DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS, Pak Perts + locals that the US Drone strikes were made agz both "good" + "bad" Taliban - in the case of Taliban leader MAULVI NAZIR, an alleged popular "good" Taliban whose death-by-US-Drone may now had put the entire Pak Govt-Taliban peace deal at risk, to includ also both Pak Army + National Integrity/Union - IOW, AT HIGH RISK OF DESTABILIZATION, DISINTEGRATION, + ULTIMATELY PAK CIVIL WAR????

Looks like the Bammer WH = USA may not be the only Govt. getting petitions for formal secession from angry Citizens [US State-Local Govts = Pak Provincial Govts in 2014]???

[JANET JACKSON'S "1814" RHYTHYM NATION here].
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 22:56 Comments || Top||


Caribbean-Latin America
Prostitution and plunder at Honduran embassy Christmas party in Bogota
We've all been there: the Christmas office party that got a little out of hand, lots of booze, a few high jinks and some embarrassed, hungover faces the next day.

But few Christmas bashes will have matched up to the riotous affair thrown in the Honduran embassy in Bogota, which according to press reports resulted in the mission being ransacked and looted while diplomats cavorted with prostitutes. Someone even defecated in the ambassador's office.

The Honduran daily El Heraldo splashed details of the party in a front page story titled "Diplomatic scandal: prostitutes and drunkenness in Bogota".

According to the paper, a personal aide to the ambassador organised the party which ended with the diplomatic mission's offices in shambles, papers scattered and computers and telephones stolen.

The newspaper said there was evidence of an orgy in the building.

Ambassador Carlos Humberto Rodriguez was apparently not present at the party which was held a few days before Christmas.

When employees arrived at work the next day they found the ambassador's aide, Honduran national Jorge Mendoza, sleeping in the laundry area of the embassy and a Colombian man was found in the basement, El Heraldo reported. Employees called police who questioned Mendoza about the party and the missing equipment.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 09:20 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336070 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Who was the Secret Service guarding?
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/06/2013 10:42 Comments || Top||

#2  Sounds like an old Tailhook episode.....
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 01/06/2013 11:02 Comments || Top||

#3  Sounds like a hell of a movie.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:20 Comments || Top||


Economy
US Debt Crisis – How High Will It Go?
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 08:48 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336099 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It can't be stopped until all collapses.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/06/2013 10:19 Comments || Top||

#2  Depends entirely on the Elected, Republican (Lower) Or Democrat (Spend, spend, spend, Oh and tax, Some, but not enough.)
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:02 Comments || Top||

#3  Our national attitude toward the debt reminds me of the old joke about the guy who jumps from a 50-story building and yells "OK so far!" as he passes the 25th floor. Not one bad thing has happened to Champ or his supporters as a result of the debt, except maybe that every now and again he has to bludgeon Congress into raising the debt ceiling.
Posted by: Matt || 01/06/2013 11:14 Comments || Top||

#4  US Debt Crisis -- How High Will It Go?

That question continues to be asked after 60 years.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 12:49 Comments || Top||

#5  To Infinity and beyond!!!
Posted by: newc || 01/06/2013 16:09 Comments || Top||

#6  To continue as per #5, "... Until all are One"!

I believe that US Politicos as a class are well-aware that US-specific debt burdens + deficit spending will W-O-R-S-E-N under OWG + NAU + any Trans/Extra-NAU, etc. level of Govt, espec as under NAU + Trans/Extra-NAU Americans will be suppor the Govt practices, Economy, + Quality-of-life of non-Americans i.e. NAU + Trans/Extra-NAU Member-States.

IMO also they know the US Govt. will be unilaterally giving up sovereign Powers-N-Authorities to same BUT IMO AGAIN THEY DON'T KNOW WID CERTAINTY HOW MUCH, HENCE THE ALL-OUT DRIVE TO IMPOSE GOVT. INTERVENTION = GOVT. REGULATORY CONTROL = SOCIALISM-GOVTISM ASAP AMAP ALAP IN EVERYDAY AMER LIFE, SOCIETY IRREGARDLESS OF THE MAINSTREAM ANDOR ELCTORATE.

The alternative is that US Politicos DO KNOW how much US-specific sovereign Powers-n-Authorities will be given to the OWG + NAU + higher, BUT THEY ARE DELIBERAT OR FORCIBLY IMPOSING SOCIALISM AGZ THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY DON''T WANT TO BE HANGED FROM THE NEAREST TREE, FOR WHEN THE AMER PEOPLE FIND OUT HOW MUCH WILL BE LOST WIDOUT THEIR CONSENT OR VOTE.

WIDOUT FORMAL AMENDMENT TO THE US CONSTITUTION???

Apparently, also widout much or any of a Return-on-Investment either, at least for Americans = Amerikkans???

IOW, USING THE GOVT. TO DESTROY ANY + ALL PUBLIC RESISTANCE + KILL THE SHEEPLE FIRST BEFORE THEY CAN RETALIATE; + DELIBERAT EMPOWERING NATIONAL CONFUSION = POLITICAL, PERSONAL "SAFETY" FOR OWG-HAPPY POLITICOS.

Someone has to be held accountable, go to jail, or otherwise be made to suffer for their actions-n-decisions, etc. + ITS N-O-T GOING TO BE THEM.

* FREEREPUBLIC > PELOSI: NOT MUCH "REVENUE" FROM FISCAL CLIFF DEAL/AGREEMENT.

But we knew that already.

The Fedcritters are still harping about reaching a US$16.6Trilyuhn debt limit which was already surpassed even before the New Year.

AS PER GOOD "GLOBALISM" + "COMMUNITARIANISM" + "MULTIPOLAR-ISM" + "GLOBAL DIVERSITY", HOW MANY "QE"S + "BUDGET STIMULUSES" + "NEW DEBT" IS THE REST OF OUR MIGHTY FUTURE OWG-NWO COMMUNITY GOING TO IMPOSE ON THEIR COUNTRIES TO HELP TAKE CARE OF AMERIKA!

"No", "None", or "Don't Know" - DATS WHAT I THOUGHT.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 19:44 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan
Afghanistan suicide attack 'kills four' in Spin Boldak
Four people have been killed in a suicide attack in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, officials say.

At least 15 other people were hurt when two suicide attackers struck in Spin Boldak, the district governor of the area told the BBC.

The attackers shot dead a guard at a meeting of tribal elders before detonating suicide vests.

Spin Boldak, close to the border with Pakistan, has seen numerous militant attacks in the past.

It is seen as a major smuggling route for weapons and an infiltration point for militants passing over the two nations' border.

The roof of the building in Spin Boldak was reported to have collapsed.

It is unclear how many people were inside at the time and there are fears the death toll could rise.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 07:18 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336077 views] Top|| File under:


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Gerard Depardieu meets Putin, receives Russian passport
French actor Gerard Depardieu has met President Vladimir Putin and has been handed his new Russian passport.

The actor had announced he was seeking Russian citizenship after the French government criticised his decision to move abroad to avoid higher taxes.

Mr Depardieu met Mr Putin in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Mr Depardieu was then given his new passport, although the president's spokesman said Mr Putin did not hand it over personally.

Mr Depardieu and Mr Putin shook hands and hugged each other at the meeting in Sochi.

Earlier this week, Mr Putin signed the decree granting Russian citizenship to Mr Depardieu.

The actor responded by writing an open letter saying: "I love your country, Russia - its people, its history, its writers. I love your culture, your intelligence."

Mr Depardieu went on to describe Russia as "a great democracy, and not a country where the prime minister calls one of its citizens shabby".
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 07:08 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336088 views] Top|| File under:

#1  He surely must have lost his mind. Berne SZ would have welcomed him with open arms. Must have been the dope or Russian brides.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 11:40 Comments || Top||

#2  Can't blame Putin though. I'm sure he'd love it if Western European businessmen decided the Russian climate wasn't so bad after all. Kinda like the wild, wild east with low taxes, laissez faire and opportunity. Could be a shot in the arm for Russians if they don't blow it with bad attitudes and bad borscht.
Posted by: Abu Uluque || 01/06/2013 19:05 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Lashkar-i-Islam’s birthplace in Bara blown up
Unidentified gunmen blew up on Friday night an abandoned mosque in Bara where proscribed militant organisation Lashkar-i-Islam was formed about eight years ago.

Official sources said that scores of armed persons came in vehicles, forcibly opened the locked mosque in Nala-Malikdinkhel and planted explosives in it. The building of the mosque was razed when they detonated the explosives, they added.

Built in early 2004 by a local elder Haji Rabat adjacent to his house, the mosque became a centre of activities when firebrand cleric Mufti Munir Shakir set up an illegal FM radio station inside it and started delivering fiery speeches against his rival Pir Saifur Rehman, a spiritual leader of Afghan origin.

It was the same mosque where Mufti Munir Shakir formed Lashkar-i-Islam in December 2004 after Sipah and Malikdinkhel tribesmen announced their full allegiance to him. However, the cleric was expelled from Bar Qambarkhel area after only six months owing to his extremist views and differences with Haji Namdar, another militant commander of the area.

Both Mufti Munir Shakir and Pir Saifur Rehman were forced to leave Bara after a jirga of local elders gave a consensus verdict following bloody clashes between the supporters of the two in early 2005. Bangal Bagh, a bus driver-turned-militant was elevated to the position of amir (chief) of Lashkar-i-Islam in May 2005 in the same mosque.

Security forces demolished the house of Haji Rabat and destroyed the FM radio station set up in the mosque after they started the first military operation against Lashkar-i-Islam in mid-2005.

Mangal Bagh was forced to flee Bara and took refuge in Gogrina area of Bazaar Zakhakhel.

The mosque, however, remained intact and was later closed down after most of the Malikdinkhel tribesmen were forced to leave their houses when a third military operation was launched against LI in September 2009.

The mosque remained locked since then and was blown up on Friday night by a group of unidentified persons. Nobody claimed responsibility for the incident, which is first of its type in Bara since the formation of at least five militant groups.

Meanwhile, Khasadar Force on Saturday sent back two containers taking unspecified supplies to Nato forces in Afghanistan.

Both the containers were stopped at Takhta Beg checkpost and were later ordered to go back to Peshawar. Officials did not give any specific reason for not allowing the containers to proceed to Torkham border.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 07:03 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336092 views] Top|| File under:


India - Pakistan exchange fire: Excitement over cricket match possible cause
Indian troops have raided a Pakistani military post, killing one soldier and injuring another, the Pakistani military said, an incident that could heighten tensions between the neighbouring nuclear powers after a period of rapprochement. The Pakistani army repulsed the attack on the Sawan Patra checkpoint in Kashmir early on Sunday, an army spokesman said in a statement.

"We retaliated only using small arms. We believe it was clearly an attempt on their part to facilitate infiltration of militants."

The two sides then exchanged fire across the Line of Control, an internationally recognised line in the disputed Kashmir region patrolled by troops from both countries.

Colonel Brijesh Pandey, a spokesman for the Indian army in Kashmir said that Pakistani troops "initiated unprovoked firing" and fired mortars and automatic weapons at Indian posts early Sunday morning. He said Pakistani shelling had destroyed a civilian home on the Indian side.

"We retaliated only using small arms. We believe it was clearly an attempt on their part to facilitate infiltration of militants," Pandey said.

Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said attacks across the Line of Control are not uncommon.

"We're getting conflicting reports from both sides. The Indians saying that this was retaliatory fire for a mortar attack coming from the Pakistani side. However, the Pakistani military said a number of Indian soldiers took on a Pakistani military post, after which the Pakistanis retaliated and the Indians were forced to flee, leaving some of their weapons behind," our correspondent said.

"It is tricky area and it must be understood that this is all happening on a day when both the Indian and the Pakistani national cricket teams are playing their third and the last of a series of one-day matches."
Posted by: phil_b || 01/06/2013 03:46 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336080 views] Top|| File under:

#1  D *** NG IT, dey can't do that - causing wars is SOCCER'S job!

Clearly someone didn't get the Memo.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 18:56 Comments || Top||


-Lurid Crime Tales-
Las Vegas' "Beef, Booze, and Broads" restuarant turns tables on female scammers
Four women had a grand time dining on steak and potatoes and sipping drinks Wednesday night at Oscar’s in the Plaza at the far west end of Fremont Street. Three of them appeared to be playing the parts of grandmother, mother and granddaughter, all of them wealthy and from Beverly Hills.
Wonder how many other places they'd pulled this on.
Michael Cornthwaite, who co-owns the restaurant with former Mayor Oscar Goodman, was in the back when a waiter came back holding a plate and forkful of potato – with a dried mealworm on top. One of the women said she found the worm in her potato.
Dried? Surely the worm wouldn't have dried out on its way from the farm to the table.
Cornthwaite, who also operates the Downtown Cocktail Room, The Beat Coffeehouse & Records, as well as Emergency Arts, has a long history in the service industry. Take the potato off the bill and give them a free dessert, he told the waiter: “I guess it’s not impossible," Cornthwaite reasoned, "potatoes come from the ground and we can’t X-ray them."

Cornthwaite came out and talked to the women, who derided the restaurant, haughtily informing Cornthwaite of their wealth.
I bet this was the funnest part for them.
“We own property in Beverly Hills,” they told him. “It’s not about the money, it’s the principle.”

Cornthwaite sensed something was going on. He told his hostess to call security; the four women suddenly disappeared into the bathroom.
Vegas scammer sense: tingling!
The busser then approached having found a plastic Ziploc bag full of about 100 mealworms under the women’s table.
Now that is just sloppy, ladies.
They came out saying they would report the restaurant to health inspectors. Cornthwaite offered to call the police, telling them that defrauding a business is a crime. Then he pulled out the bag of mealworms.

They were stunned for a moment, then collected themselves and claimed to have no idea where they came from.
Should have got this part on video.
Not only was he going to insist on payment, Cornthwaite told them, he was adding a 20 percent gratuity. The three women foraged through their purses and came up with a credit card. He also got an ID card to verify that the card wasn’t stolen.
Ha. Should have brought cash, ladies. Now he knows who at least one of you are. Gratting was a nice touch, too. I'd have added more than 20%.
The card said the woman was from Atwater, Calif.
Better known as the middle of nowhere.
Posted by: gromky || 01/06/2013 00:01 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336070 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Would it be impolite for me to ask the ethnic background of this wealthy Beverly Hills 'family'?
Posted by: Raj || 01/06/2013 1:51 Comments || Top||

#2  Yes, it would be, for everyone now knows the Inuit are incapable of such duplicity.
Posted by: AlmostAnonymous5839 || 01/06/2013 10:58 Comments || Top||

#3  Bet the family last name was not Duffy.
Posted by: Zenobia Bluetooth1712 || 01/06/2013 11:16 Comments || Top||

#4  Ha ha!! Good on the owner.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/06/2013 14:54 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Two killed, schools flattened in Peshawar blasts
[Dawn] Two suspected Islamic fascisti were killed and as many schools destroyed in four blasts in various parts of Beautiful Downtown Peshawar
...capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province), administrative and economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Peshawar is situated near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, convenient to the Pak-Afghan border. Peshawar has evolved into one of Pakistan's most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, which means lots of gunfire.
on Friday, while officials defused a 12 kilogramme bomb.

Rural circle SP Mohammad Javaid Khan said that two suspected Islamic fascisti were killed when a heavy bomb they were planting under a power pylon near Gula Khan Bagh area along border of Khyber Agency went off accidentally.

Police said that body of one of them had been shifted to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar.

Another official said that unknown Islamic fascisti blew up a government high school for boys in Mera Mashokhel in small hours of Friday, extensively damaging its building. They said that three rooms, boundary wall and veranda of the school had been destroyed, while cracks appeared in rest of the building.

Quoting local people, the official said that five men armed with Kalashnikovs and hand grenades planted explosives in the building, which went off after the midnight.

In another such attack, Islamic fascisti blew up a private educational institution, Star Public School, in Hassan Ghari on Friday evening. An official of Michini Gate police said that a bomb was planted under a wall which destroyed a portion of the building.

The fourth blast took place at Mathra where a boy identified as Samiullah Khan sustained injuries. Mathra police said that it was a cylinder blast and condition of the injured boy was stable.

POLICE POST ATTACKED: A group of suspected Islamic fascisti using heavy weapons attacked a police post at Mera Mattani, but police thwarted their attempt to reach the building.

"We also used light and heavy arms and repulsed the attackers," an official said.

BOMB DEFUSED: A 12 kg bomb planted in canister was defused by bomb disposal unit at Mashokhel. An official said that the bomb had been planted to target police patrol.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336073 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Afghanistan
Senior Taliban commander arrested in Afghanistan
[Iran Press TV] A senior Taliban capo has been jugged
Book 'im, Mahmoud!
during a joint military operation by Afghan cops and US-led soldiers, Press TV reports.

Official reports said that Afghan police tossed in the clink
Maw! They're comin' to get me, Maw!
Mullah Kabir, a senior Taliban leader, on Friday near Spinde village in Afghanistan's eastern province of Ghazni.

According to reports, Kabir was directly linked to a roadside kaboom that hit a NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A collection of multinational and multilingual and multicultural armed forces, all of differing capabilities, working toward a common goal by pulling in different directions...
convoy in December 2011, leaving at least five Polish soldiers dead in the same province.

The arrested Taliban capo was also involved in the liquidation of at least six Afghan forces.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336080 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  The article's title clearly illustrates one of greatest problems; 'arrested' vs captured. When war becomes a policing action, combat victory is no longer a sought after goal.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 3:52 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Al-Iraqiyah Party calls for resignation of Iraqi PM
Good luck with that...
Head of the Iraqi Party Al-Iraqiyah, Iyad Allawi calls for resignation of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, "Al Jazeera" TV channel reported on Saturday. According to the TV channel, Allawi also said that the country needs to hold new parliamentary elections.

"Maliki government can not take the country out of economic and political crisis," Allawi said.

Demonstrations against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are underway in different cities of Iraq for several weeks. Protesters demand release of political prisoners and provision of the freedoms and rights to the Sunni population of the country. It is reported that the demonstrations are held in major provinces of the country, particularly in Anbar and Samara. The demonstrators gathered on central squares after Friday prayers.

The Sunnis and Shiites held common Friday prayers yesterday, where influential Sunni and Shiite leaders participated, in order to protest against Maliki's policy.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336068 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Militant blows himself up to avoid arrest
[Dawn] A Death Eater went kaboom! instead of surrendering to police after an encounter in Swabi on Friday.

The incident occurred four days after gunnies killed seven aid workers, including six women, near Anbar interchange of Islamabad-Beautiful Downtown Peshawar
...capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province), administrative and economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Peshawar is situated near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, convenient to the Pak-Afghan border. Peshawar has evolved into one of Pakistan's most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, which means lots of gunfire.
Motorway here.

In charge of city cop shoppe Izhar Shah told Dawn that police were patrolling Swabi-Mardan Road when they spotted two suspicious men riding a cycle of violence.

He said after seeing police, the two sped away the cycle of violence hitting and injuring a woman passerby, abandoning the cycle of violence and running away.

Mr Shah said one of the suspicious men entered a house in Gar village, while the other disappeared.

He said police surrounded the house and asked the people by loudspeakers to vacate houses.

"After reinforcements came in from other cop shoppes of the district, police asked the man by loudspeaker to surrender but he instead began firing gunshots at them. Police used teargas and fired at the house before entering the house and as they entered the premises, the man detonated the explosives strapped to his body," he said.

The in charge of the cop shoppe said coppers later collected parts of the bombers' body scattered all over the place.

Owner of the house Fazal Dad said he was sitting by his mother in a room when the Death Eater entered the house.

He sought a burqa saying he'll wear it before stepping out along with me and one of my female family members.
"I told him to leave the premises but he refused. He sought a burqa saying he'll wear it before stepping out along with me and one of my female family members. Since there's no burqa in the house and police entered the house, he went kaboom! in a room instead of surrendering to police," he said.

In Bannu, two people were maimed in two separate blasts in Kinger and Norarh areas of Bannu district on Saturday.

Police said myrmidons planted improvised bomb at the main gate of the house of Ayoub Khan in Kinger locality and that went off on Saturday morning.

They said the blast damaged the gate but caused no damage to inmates.

In another incident, an IED planted at the hujra of Qalandar Shah in Norarh area went kaboom! on Saturday morning, a police official said.

The official said Qalandar Shah and Izzat Khan were critically injured in the blast. They were shifted to DHQ Hospital, Bannu.

He said police registered an FIR against unidentified people and began investigation.

However,
nothing needs reforming like other people's bad habits...
no arrest could be made until Saturday night.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336088 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Pakistan

#1  One less to worry about, good riddance.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 19:08 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Culture Wars
DOJ Must Reimburse South Carolina for Voter ID Folly
[PJMEDIA] A federal court has ruled that South Carolina was the prevailing party in the unnecessary Voter ID litigation, and therefore the Justice Department is liable for paying the state's costs. South Carolina spent $3,500,000 to obtain federal court approval of the state's Voter ID law as non-discriminatory under the Voting Rights Act. The lawsuit was made necessary only because of the political and ideological radicalism of Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez and his deputy Matthew Colangelo.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under:

#1  In a just world, Perez and Colangelo would have to pay that cost
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 9:28 Comments || Top||

#2  Congress controls the DOJ's budget. Congress can reduce other portions of the DOJ budget, including office space, limos, expensive lunch tabs for Tom Perez and Matthew Colangelo to cover the cost.
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 10:03 Comments || Top||

#3  in a country with an unbiased media, this story would actually be reported by the broadcast and print press
Posted by: lord garth || 01/06/2013 10:34 Comments || Top||

#4  People should have lost jobs over this.
Posted by: Iblis || 01/06/2013 13:38 Comments || Top||

#5  I recommend tacking on riders for damages to the Battery in Charleston and the sinking of the experimental research vessel, H. L. Hunley, just to name a few.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 16:06 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
State Rep's anti-Free Stater post draws local, national criticism
[UNION LEADER] A Democratic state politician's recent web post critical of the libertarian-leaning Free State Project has gone virtually viral in the past few days and, as one might expect, has drawn criticism.

Reacting to reports that the Free State Project is aggressively trying to bring 20,000 supporters to live in the state over the next two years, Rep. Cynthia Chase, D-Keene, wrote on BlueHampshire.com:

"In the opinion of this Democrat, Free Staters are the single biggest threat the state is facing today."

She went on to write that while there is "legally, nothing we can do to prevent them from moving here to take over the state, which is their openly stated goal," she proposed making "the environment here so unwelcoming that some will choose not to come, and some may actually leave."

Chase continued, "One way is to pass measures that will restrict the 'freedoms' that they think they will find here. Another is to shine the bright light of publicity on who they are and why they are coming."

She wrote that the last election "was a repudiation of their extremism.

"Ultimately," Chase continued, "the Free Staters want NH to be a platform state for them to export their views to the rest of the country. Some of these folks dress up pretty well, but if you check their website you will find that they are really wolves in sheep's clothing."

The post this week was picked up by the Breitbart.com website, the creation of the late conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart, with columnist Warner Todd Huston opining:

"Imagine if a politician had written a blog post targeting the freedoms of gays, or women, or some other minority? One would think that the media would go wild with such a story.

"But here we have an elected official suggesting that government be used in the United States of America to eliminate freedoms for certain citizens in order to gain political control, and the media is silent."

Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh mentioned the controversy on his program on Friday and posted a link to the Breitbart web site commentary on the top of his web page. He also wrote about it in a web commentary.

Limbaugh did not mention the Free State Project specifically, saying instead that Chase wanted to restrict the freedoms of "Granite State conservatives." Free Staters, however, are generally viewed as more libertarian than conservative.

He also posted a photo of Chase and wrote that she "looks like a Teamster."

A post on TheFreeEconomy.com includes a video from libertarian author Thomas E. Woods, Jr., who says the Chase comment made him "doubly enthusiastic" about the Free State Project, "just to drive this woman crazy. It's become an end in itself to me."

Locally, state Rep. Mark Warden, R-Manchester, a Free State leader, said, the Chase post was "inappropriate, of course, and a bit chauvinistic for anyone to say they don't want people moving to New Hampshire. If you replaced her reference to us with 'Irish' or 'Indian' or 'women' or 'gay people,' she would be in every newspaper in the country as one of the biggest bigots around.

"But it's OK for them to bad-mouth people moving here because they believe in more liberty or smaller government," said Warden, who, as a real estate agent, is helping Free Staters relocate to the state.

Chase could not be reached for comment Friday.

Democratic National Committeewoman Kathy Sullivan said that while she could not speak for Chase, the politician is entitled to her opinion, "just as the Free Staters are entitled to their opinions."
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Donks in California have been practicing 'Free Stater' for generations with the illegals.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/06/2013 7:58 Comments || Top||

#2  "In the opinion of this Democrat, Free Staters are the single biggest threat the state is facing today."

"Massholes are okay, though."
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 9:04 Comments || Top||

#3  She's as pleasant to look at as you'd think
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 9:32 Comments || Top||

#4  Re#3: after viewing, I have to say Limbaugh insulted the Teamsters.

Posted by: USN,Ret. || 01/06/2013 11:14 Comments || Top||

#5  Time to give those Free Staters a fight chance and place a Mauser order with the Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 11:26 Comments || Top||

#6  The irony that this occurs in the state whose motto is "Live free or die".
Posted by: warthogswife || 01/06/2013 11:32 Comments || Top||

#7  Man, enough to make a train take a dirt road back to the roundhouse.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:31 Comments || Top||

#8  Thank you Mr. Chase for reminding us why we have the 2nd.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/06/2013 16:50 Comments || Top||

#9  That's a man baby!
Posted by: Secret Asian Man || 01/06/2013 19:18 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Qazi Hussain Ahmed shuffles off mortal coil in Islamabad
[Dawn] ISLAMABAD: Former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief and veteran politician Qazi Hussain Ahmed passed away in Islamabad, DawnNews reported early Sunday.

Qazi Hussain Ahmed, 74, was also a prominent religious scholar, Islamic theologian, Islamic democracy advocate.

He was a strong critic of counter-terrorism policy of the United States, and was widely known for his opposition against United States participation in civil war in the neighbouring Afghanistan.

Ahmed was suffering from cardiac disease for quite some time and turned critical three days ago.

His body will be shifted to his native town Peshawar.

Qazi joined JI in 1978 and was elected as the party's ameer (chief) in 1987, a position he would be re-elected to on two more occassions before finally stepping down in 2009.

Last November, he escaped an attack unhurt when a suicide bomber detonated explosives near his convoy in the Mohmand tribal agency.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336079 views] Top|| File under: Jamaat-e-Islami


Pakistan tribesmen mark 'black day' for late Mullah Nazir
[Dawn] PESHAWAR: Thousands of Pak rustics on Saturday protested the killing of warlord Mullah Nazir and hoisted black flags to mark his death, officials said.

The protesters also roundly condemned US drone strikes, and demanded Islamabad summon the US ambassador and lodge an official protest over the myrmidon commander's killing this week.

"All shops were closed in Wana, the headquarters of South Wazoo tribal district, and the rustics protested against the killing of warlord Mullah Nazir," Amir Nawaz, a local administration official, told AFP.

Nazir, killed late Wednesday in a US drone strike, was the main myrmidon leader in the tribal district of South Waziristan, where he plotted attacks on US and NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A cautionary tale of cost-benefit analysis....
troops and reportedly sheltered al Qaeda operatives.

"More than 3,000 rustics, carrying black flags, later marched towards Azam Warsak, around seven kilometres (four miles) west of Wana and passed a resolution against the US," Nawaz said.

Another security official said the protester's resolution termed Nazir's killing as an effort to destroy peace in the region.

"Mullah Nazir was not a terrorist, he was a patriot Pak and was fighting a war for independence," the resolution said.

The statement added that Pakistain must protest against the killing and work to end drone strikes.

The rustics, belonging to Wazir and Sulemankhel tribes, also vowed to continue Nazir's mission, saying his killing would not bring an end to the conflict.

A close associate of Nazir and myrmidon commander who goes by the name Salahuddin Ayubi was appointed his successor on Friday.

Nazir had made a peace deal with Islamabad, which congratulated him for expelling Uzbeks from South Waziristan, but had testy relations with local Taliban forces.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336084 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Pakistan


Blasts rattle Karachi
KARACHI - Three explosions within a space of few hours on Saturday rattled fear-stricken residents of Karachi besides injuring two policemen and damaging several shops. Police said the blasts took place in Orangi Town, Baldia Town and Site areas.

In the first incident, a two to three kilogramme bomb planted outside the office of a political leader in the Orangi Town area exploded. Fortunately no one was injured in the blast.

In the second incident, unknown motorbike riders hurled a hand-grenade at a police van in Mawaach Goth of Baldia Town, injuring two cops.

Police claimed it had arrested two people and also recovered two hand-grenades and two TT pistols from them.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336083 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Arrested, hmm. By the friends of those two cops who were injured one would presume. Perhaps the reason for the verb "claimed".
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 14:25 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Culture Wars
California lawmaker proposes 'homeless bill of rights'
[SACBEE] California law protects its residents from discrimination based on sex, race, religion and sexual orientation.

Now a state lawmaker is pushing to add another category to the list: homelessness.

New legislation titled the "Homeless Bill of Rights" by Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco is meant to keep communities from rousting people who have nowhere to turn.

The measure is sure to be controversial in cities such as Sacramento, which has battled for years over "tent cities" for homeless people, and San Francisco, where voters passed an ordinance barring sitting or lying on sidewalks.

The heart of Assembly Bill 5 would give legal protection to people engaging in life-sustaining activities on public property. Among other activities, it specifically mentions sleeping, congregating, panhandling, urinating and "collecting and possessing goods for recyling, even if those goods contain alcoholic residue."
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336073 views] Top|| File under:

#1  New legislation titled the "Homeless Bill of Rights" by Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco is meant to keep communities from rousting people who have nowhere to turn.

A suggestion for Tom - renovate your basement and let a few 'homeless' live there for a stretch, then by all means, file the bill.
Posted by: Raj || 01/06/2013 1:55 Comments || Top||

#2  It reads "homeless bill of rights" but what it actually is, is a squatters bill of rights. Squatting in foreclosed or vacant properties has become a rather large issue in the Atlanta area. Squatters are now, believe it or not, subleasing to other squatters. Imagine the surprise when you walk into your newly purchased foreclosure and find someone living there and discover you cannot remove them!
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:18 Comments || Top||

#3  ...yes, the unending war on property rights. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need. Cause its worked so well elsewhere. /sarc off
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/06/2013 7:55 Comments || Top||

#4  "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need wants"

FTFY, P2k - at least in the instance of "rights" and squatters.
Posted by: Barbara || 01/06/2013 9:19 Comments || Top||

#5  Someone save us from these endless do gooders. They cause more trouble and make the mess worse.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/06/2013 9:52 Comments || Top||

#6  The fruitcakes in CA are at it again.
Posted by: Zenobia Bluetooth1712 || 01/06/2013 11:00 Comments || Top||

#7  Again, ZB? When did they ever stop?

I've just about given up on the USA's future. This is the attitude that has replaced the Mussolini, Lenin, et. al. philosophy for control and dictatorship. There is no specific creed to argue against just a creeping infection that serves the purposes of that elite that wants to control you and everyone else.
Posted by: AlanC || 01/06/2013 11:20 Comments || Top||

#8  Again? They never did stop. just another example. They believe if they promote ideas like this. eventually the entire US will follow. Worlds ninth largest economy must be right, right? Err, left.
Posted by: Zenobia Bluetooth1712 || 01/06/2013 13:24 Comments || Top||

#9  The homeless have a Bill of Rights. It is the same one the rest of us have.
Posted by: JohnQC || 01/06/2013 18:30 Comments || Top||

#10  John and Ken on KFI had Ammiano on and ripped him a new one. He said homeless shouldn't/wouldn't be punished or fined for public defecation, urination, or nudity....but don't YOU try it! He's a lib idiot, fully representative of his district
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 18:34 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
ASWJ plans long march
[Dawn] Leaders of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) on Friday vowed to participate in the long march to Islamabad planned by the outfit's central leadership.
That's the false nose and mustache version of "banned" organization Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistain...
Addressing a presser at the press club, ASWJ general secretary Asim Ali Shah and vice-president Maulana Abdul Qayyum Haidri said that ASWJ central leader Maulana Mohammad Ahmed Lodhyanvi would lead a long march along with other religious and politicians from Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
. It would reach Hyderabad on Jan 11. They said that long march would reach Islamabad on Jan 18.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336101 views] Top|| File under: Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan

#1  D *** NG IT, does this mean ASWJ is NOT "ASAHI SHIMBUN WEEKLY JOURNAL"???

I knew it!
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 20:45 Comments || Top||


-Short Attention Span Theater-
Flipping Off Police Officers Constitutional, Federal Court Affirms
Nonetheless, seriously unwise. Not to mention rude.
A police officer can't pull you over and arrest you just because you gave him the finger, a federal appeals court declared Thursday.

In a 14-page opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled that the "ancient gesture of insult is not the basis for a reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or impending criminal activity."

John Swartz and his wife Judy Mayton-Swartz had sued two police officers who arrested Swartz in May 2006 after he flipped off an officer who was using a radar device at an intersection in St. Johnsville, N.Y. Swartz was later charged with a violation of New York's disorderly conduct statute, but the charges were dismissed on speedy trial grounds.

A federal judge in the Northern District of New York granted summary judgement to the officers in July 2011, but the Court of Appeals on Thursday erased that decision and ordered the lower court to take up the case again.

Richard Insogna, the officer who stopped Swartz and his wife when they arrived at their destination, claimed he pulled the couple over because he believed Swartz was "trying to get my attention for some reason." The appeals court didn't buy that explanation, ruling that the "nearly universal recognition that this gesture is an insult deprives such an interpretation of reasonableness."
Posted by: Beavis || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336077 views] Top|| File under:

#1  FWIW, I had 'showing the middle finger to the other driver' written up on my next to last speeding / failure to signal ticket on the Mass. pike about ten years ago. How am I supposed to signal when I'm flipping off another driver?
Posted by: Raj || 01/06/2013 1:42 Comments || Top||

#2  Not a good habit to get into where I live, unless of course you have a death wish. Kinetic road rage is generally preceded by incidents such as this.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:22 Comments || Top||

#3  I had a Black Woman (No lady) give me the middle finger as she screamed past me and cut in front, when I pulled in front of her and demanded an appollogy she went Berserk, Falsely claimed to call the cops and wouldn't, then tried to make me not call either, and gave me the finger again, I grabbed get hand and bent her finger back, (Trying to dislocate it) All the while she's creaming "I've assaulted her". and trying to get away.

This went on until three Cops Pulled in behind us (Shift change at the local Sub station)and she jumped ut and screamed "I called you "(Liar)then she Lied her ass off and tried to have me arrested_(Didn't work) then sued me and showed up in court with the WRONG finger Splinted.

Well the Judge believed her, (even though I showed him the fake Splinted finger) and fiined me %400, But I don't think I was wrong.

Do you?
I was released and left, haven't seen her since.

And good riddance.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:24 Comments || Top||

#4  PS, I WAS armed, but it didn't seem to be a good time.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:28 Comments || Top||

#5  Well the Judge believed her, (even though I showed him the fake Splinted finger) and fiined me %400, But I don't think I was wrong.

Don't get into a confrontation with black women, armed (you) or otherwise. They are DANGEROUS!
Posted by: Secret Asian Man || 01/06/2013 14:36 Comments || Top||

#6  $400 to get rid of that screeching harpy? Probably worth it. The Judge also probably didn't want to deal with her as she seems the type to pursue this until you were "punished".
Posted by: Charles || 01/06/2013 14:44 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Gaza Child Dies in Mystery Explosion
[An Nahar] A six-year-old boy in Gazoo died on Saturday and three others were maimed in an kaboom in Khan Yunis, Paleostinian medical sources said. The Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis was not able to state what caused the kaboom that resulted in the death of Moussa Kawaree.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336118 views] Top|| File under: Hamas

#1  a Juice Djinn
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 8:55 Comments || Top||

#2  Six year old children should be supervised when they are playing with explosives. That's just common sense.
Posted by: Grunter || 01/06/2013 9:10 Comments || Top||

#3  When Daddy leaves his 'toys' around for the kids to play with, this bullcr*p happens.

As Golda Meir once said "Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us".

Sick bastards.
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/06/2013 12:00 Comments || Top||

#4  I didn't know Playmobil came out with a line of suicide vests. I guess they go along with the Playmobil Security Checkpoint.
Posted by: Eric Jablow || 01/06/2013 20:03 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan
Afghan census dodges taboo topics
[Dawn] THERE are two questions Hajera Bashir does not ask as she goes door to door gathering census data in Ghor province in Afghanistan's freezing central highlands: which ethnic group residents belong to, and what language they speak at home.

With these taboo topics set aside, she quizzes families about everything else: their income and how many wives each man has, whether they can read and if their sons and daughters are in school, domestic details such as how they heat their homes, whether they have a toilet and if they keep chickens.

The shy 18-year-old is part of a critical but controversial effort to count the Afghan population for the first time since 1979.

Expected to take at least six years on a slow, province-by-province basis, it is possible only because it sidesteps tangled questions about the country's ethnic balance. Asking about language is avoided because it can be used as a proxy marker for ethnicity.

Still, the complexity of Afghanistan's ethnic politics means any kind of counting is controversial. The first results, from normally calm central Bamiyan province, showed an actual population barely half official estimates. The area is mostly home to Hazaras, a Shia minority who have often been persecuted in Sunni-dominated Afghanistan, and many took the findings as another form of attack.

"Death to the enemies of Bamiyan! The statistics are wrong!" shouted more than 1,000 demonstrators as they marched on UN offices in the small town this summer.

A previous attempt to end the decades-long wait for a count of the Afghan people, in 2008, was scrapped, with the government citing security problems. In December officials even dropped plans to unveil a new estimate of the population.

Although war has often put swaths of the country off-limits to statisticians, bitter ethnic politics have also played a role in slow progress, because of the risks that a population count might reduce the official size of some constituencies or expand those of rivals.

"If a politician sees that the ethnic group to which he or she belongs is less than expected, they will sometimes reject the data," said Abdul Rahman Ghafoori, head of the Central Statistics Office, who has the delicate job of balancing his country's need for decent data against the influence of groups who would rather details remain opaque or unchanged.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336100 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Death to statistics!"
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 9:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Standard Deviationists must die!
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:16 Comments || Top||

#3  Analog splitters!
Posted by: Dopey Sinatra9196 || 01/06/2013 15:29 Comments || Top||

#4  Given the known AfPak reluctance to embrace difficult concepts like vaccines or civilization, I'm not suprised statistics causes problems. It has been said before, but Bayes repeating: math is hard.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/06/2013 18:46 Comments || Top||

#5  Uh, uh, CENSUS STATISTICS WILL SAVE THE KIDDIES FROM POLIO???

Who knew?

HHHHMMMMM, HMMMMM, AFAIK no deadly attacks agz the Afghan Census Babes yet - I thought the [Paki]Hard Boyz demanded that only Men could do such work???

Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 20:42 Comments || Top||


China-Japan-Koreas
Japan sends fighter jets to intercept Chinese plane over disputed islands
[Iran Press TV] Japan has reportedly dispatched fighter jets to ward off a Chinese plane flying near a chain of disputed islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo.

A front man for Japan's Defense Ministry said Saturday that the fighter jets were sent to the zone after a Chinese aircraft approached the northern part of the islands.

According to the front man, the Chinese plane, which was flying around 120 kilometers from the disputed territories located in the East China Sea, left the zone without violating Japan's airspace.

He added that it was the first time, this year, that Japanese fighter jets were sent to fight off a Chinese aircraft venturing near the disputed areas.

On December 31, China added a group of renovated ex-navy vessels to its maritime surveillance fleet in the East and South China Seas, amid ongoing territorial dispute with Japan.

Japanese sources also reported on the same day that Tokyo was considering plans to introduce the US Global Hawk unmanned aircraft by 2015 to boost surveillance in its waters near the uninhabited territories.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336098 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The new LDP government may increase defense spending. Its predecessor talked tough but cut defense spending:

The response came as Japan decided to increase defence spending for the first time in 11 years, according to the Kyodo news agency.

Citing “sources familiar with the matter”, Kyodo said that the newly-elected Liberal Democratic Party is trying to bring defence spending for the 2013 financial year to at least 4.77 trillion yen ($53.43bn).

That compares with the 2012 budget of 4.71 trillion yen initiated by the Democratic Party of Japan, which suffered a crushing defeat in last month’s general election.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 01/06/2013 0:40 Comments || Top||

#2  China should be wary of Japan sending slow, lumbering four engine prop planes into the area. They might crash into China's supersonic jet fighters.

Hey. the new Kamikaze!
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 11:35 Comments || Top||

#3  Make a statement, Shoot them down, once.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:37 Comments || Top||

#4  Rantburg's Wiki Nor in Tokyo catches the moment.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:27 Comments || Top||

#5  Again, "Post-US" wannbe Rising China wants unchallenged strategic access into WESTPAC - wid Taiwan reunification effec stalled, it wants territorial concessions + "sole" PLA base rights vee Japan. I don't see China compromising or giving up on its East China Sea claims unless it gets PERMANENT PLA BASE RIGHTS ON TAIWAN, + PROLLY ALSO DE FACTO SOVEREIGNTY + CONTROL OER THE JAPANESE SENKAKUS, TO PROTECT THE PLA ON TAIWAN + IN EXCHANGE FOR CHINA NOT CHALLENGING JAPAN'S SOVEREIGNTY OVER OKINAWA OR SUPPOR LOCAL OKINAWAN SEPARATISM. China may accept sovereign Japanese control over Yonaguni + related Japan-claimed islets just off Taiwan as long as JSDF forces are not garrisoned there - in exchange, Japan may have to give all claims to Dokkdo.

IMO IN CHINA'S VIEW, HOWEVER, IN NE ASIA IT
M-U-S-T HAVE AT MINIMA TAIWAN + PROTECTED ACCESS FROM SAME INTO WESTPAC.

Ditto in the South China Sea as per the PLA having base rights to e.g. SUBIC + FORMER CLARK USAFB, albeit likely in "joint/combined" = shared utility/use, NOT "sole", wid the USDOD + PHIL Armed Forces. THE ADVANTAGE FOR THE PHIL WOULD BE NEW SOURCES OF NATIONAL REVENUE, ECON + DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE, + HELP IN KEEPING RADICAL MUSLIM MILTANT-SEPARATIST GROUPS IN THE SOUTHERN PHIL [Regional = Indonesian, SE Asian Jihadis?] UNDER EFFEC CONTROL.

The disadvantage would be the PHIL getting rid of the USA only to have the Chinese come in.

IN THE ABSENCE OF THE ABOVE, I'M EXPECTING CHINA TO "OPEN FIRE" = INITIATE MIL CONFLICT AGZ JAPAN SOMETIME SOON. History suggests that China will one day just suddenly shockingly mysteriously open fire on the JSDF + JCG, + destroy everything + everyone in sight AMAP AFAP.

CHINA HAS STRATEGIC + TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS, JAPAN HAS NOTHING.

* CHIN MIL FORUMS/BLOGS > VARIOUS ARTICS denote that China has enough NucWeaps to effectively destroy Japan while having enuff in remainder to deal wid any incoming US intervention forces or to attack CONUS.

IFF SHTF BETWEEN CHINA + JAPAN, ANDOR US + IRAN, IN 2013, WILL OBAMA FIGHT, I.E. USE US MIL POWER TO PROTECT OUR ALLIES; OR WILL HE NOT + PCORRECTLY CLAIM "HE KEPT OUT OF [nuclear]WAR", ALA WW1 POTUS WOOODROW WILSON + PRE-WW2 BRIT PM NELVILLE CHAMBERLAIN.

Whether the Bammer intervenes or not, IMO CHINA WILL DEMAND TERRITORIES + BASES, OR IT WILL OPEN FIRE.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 20:27 Comments || Top||

#6  More ...

* CHINESE MILITARY FORUM > [Japan Today = Old, 10/18/2012]"FOOD TERRORISM" A NEW CONCERN IN CHINA-JAPAN RIFT, as Japan imports nearly 60% of its Veggies, Sea Foods, + other semi-processed + frozen foods from mainland China.

* SAME > [Market Watch]SHINZO ABE PROMISES MUCH, BUT CAN HE DELIVER?

versus

* TOPIX > [SCMP.com] RESOLUTION OF DIAOYUS/ SENKAKUS DISPUTE OUT OF ABE'S HANDS. ACTIONS OF CHINA'S LEADERS WILL SHAPE [Final?] OUTCOME.

* SAME > [Korea Herald] 70% OF JAPANESE SEE DOKDO AS THIER LAND: SURVEY.

* SAME > JAPAN SCRAMBLES JETS [8 ea. JASDF fighters] TO HEAD OFF CHINESE PLANE FLYING [again] NEAR DISPUTED ISLANDS.

* RELATED TOPIX > JAPAN TO EXTEND AIR DEFENSE ZONE OVER DISPUTED ISLANDS.

Basically, China + PLA, CMS-SOA will be encountering more JASDF Fighter-Interceptors + JMSDF AA-capable ships in, over, + around the Senkakus/Diaoyus.

Lest we fergit, Chinese State Medias + Netters are increasingly calling for "tit-for-tat" retaliation + escalation by the PLA.

Cold War-style "Managed Escalation/Response"???

versus

* WORLD MILITARY FORUM > POSSIBLE SINO-JAPAN WAR OVER DISPUTED EAST CHINA SEA ISLANDS COULD BEGIN CIRCA APRIL 2013. JAPAN NEEDS AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF ONE MONTH TO HOLD SERIOUS PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE + VOTE ON AMENDING ITS ANTI-WAR, POST-1945 CONSTITUTION INCLUD PROVISIONS BANNING JAPAN FROM DEVELOPING NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
CHINA'S NEED TO PERMANENTLY SETTLE EAST CHINA ISLAND DISPUTES BEFORE JAPAN CAN DEVELOP ITS OWN NUCLEAR ARSENAL.

* SAME > POPULAR CCTV COMMENTATOR ZHANG
ZHAOZHONG: CHINA + PLA CAN IMMEDIATELY STRIKE AND DESTROY JAPAN WID OVERWHELMING CONVENTIONAL OR NUCLEAR FORCES ATTACK IFF JAPAN'S ASDF SHOOT DOWN ANY CHINESE CMS OR SOA PLANES RECONNOITERING OVER THE JAPAN-CLAIMED DAOYUS, US WILL NEED SIX MONTHS OR MORE TO PROPERLY MOBILIZE AND DEPLOY US FORCES FOR INTERVENTION IN SINO-JAPAN CRISIS.

* SAME > PLAN RADM YIN ZHOU: CHINA WILL STICK TO ITS "NO FIRST SHOT" POLICY AGZ JAPAN OVER DISPUTED ISLANDS. IFF JAPAN IS FOOLISH ENOUGH TO OPEN FIRE ON CHINESE SHIPS OR AIRCRAFT, CHINA WILL MILITARILY FIGHT TO THE BITTER END NO MATTER IFF THE US CHOOSES TO INTERVENE OR NOT.

Taken collectively, it looks like the Bammer may have both CHINA-JAPAN + IRAN MILITARY CRISES TO DEAL WITH COME SUMMER 2013, EITHER ONE OR BOTH OF WHICH COULD EASILY EXPLODE INTO REGIONAL, MULTI-REGIONAL, + "GREAT POWER" WAR, + WITH US, GLOBAL ECON + "FISCAL CLIFF", DEBT "BUBBLES, ETC. NOTWITHSTANDING.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/07/2013 0:14 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Settlers, Paleos clash after olive tree attack
QUSRA, Palestinian Territories - Israeli soldiers on Saturday were trying to break up clashes between Palestinians and Jewish settlers in the northern West Bank town of Qusra.

Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said settlers used the cover of fog to approach the town south of Nablus with the aim of uprooting dozens of olive saplings, but were confronted by farmers who threw stones at them. Settlers from the nearby Esh Kodesh outpost and Qusra residents also clashed and threw stones at each other on Tuesday, when the Palestinians blamed the settlers for uprooting and damaging olive trees.

The Palestinians said saplings uprooted on Saturday were planted following Tuesday’s incident.

A spokeswoman for the army confirmed that “there is a confrontation near Esh Kodesh, including mutual stone-throwing.”

“Soldiers arrived at the scene and are currently responding with riot dispersal means,” she added, noting there were reports of a lightly wounded Israeli civilian. The Palestinians said some villagers were injured by tear gas.

The Esh Kodesh settlers had said on Tuesday they would block Palestinians from working in fields near the outpost. Both sides claim ownership of the land.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336075 views] Top|| File under:

#1  You planted them, raised them and plan to harvest them, what Gall, they're MINE, gimme.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 12:27 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Militants attack train in Bolan, FC official among four killed
[Dawn] Armed hard boyz attacked a passenger train and killed four people including a FC personnel and injured around a dozen in Bolan district of Balochistan
...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it...
on Saturday night, an official said.

Muhammad Kashif Muhammadshahi, the Assistant Commissioner Mach said armed hard boyz opened fire on Quetta bound passenger train in Mach area of district Bolan.

He said three passengers and a Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were killed in the attack, adding the hard boyz from nearby mountains abruptly attacked the train coming from Rawalpindi.

Kashif said the firing also damaged engine of the Jaffar Express. Soon after the incident Levies, police and FC personnel were called in the area to take action against the jihad boys.

"The train has been stopped after the incident," he said. Rescue workers were quick at the scene to shift the injured from Mach to Quetta for medical treatment.

The attack was followed by exchange of fire between the hard boyz and security personnel in the nearby mountains.

The train was almost stopped for three hours and then it was allowed to proceed towards Quetta, where it arrived under strict security.

Injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta for medical treatment.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336077 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Afghanistan
Taliban Vow War if U.S. Stay in Afghanistan after 2014
[An Nahar] The Taliban on Saturday warned of a prolonged war in Afghanistan if any foreign troops stay after the end of 2014, as Kabul and Washington prepare to discuss the "residual" U.S. security presence.

President Barack Obama
Why can't I just eat my waffle?...
and President Hamid Maybe I'll join the Taliban Karzai
... A former Baltimore restaurateur, now 12th and current President of Afghanistan, displacing the legitimate president Rabbani in December 2004. He was installed as the dominant political figure after the removal of the Taliban regime in late 2001 in a vain attempt to put a Pashtun face on the successor state to the Taliban. After the 2004 presidential election, he was declared president regardless of what the actual vote count was. He won a second, even more dubious, five-year-term after the 2009 presidential election. His grip on reality has been slipping steadily since around 2007, probably from heavy drug use...
will hold talks in the U.S. next week on a long-term security pact between the two countries, with U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan at the top of the agenda.

"If America wants to leave a small or large number of its troops for whatever length of time then it means war and destruction will continue in the region for that same length," the Taliban said in a statement.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336107 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1 
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 4:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Hmm, what do the Taliban think they have now?
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 9:55 Comments || Top||

#3  Nation building, Mike Ramsey. But in Afghanistan it is hard to distinguish from war, since both end up looking like Nagasaki, 1945. The difference is Afghanistan started out looking about like that.
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/06/2013 10:10 Comments || Top||

#4  Yep, couple dozen low yield nukes should do it. Prevailing wind is to Packyland. Bonus!
Posted by: Zenobia Bluetooth1712 || 01/06/2013 10:48 Comments || Top||

#5  Looks like the 9000-from-10000 minima "safe" post-pullout US force in Afghanistan is still shrinking.

* DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS > [SCMP.com] US PLANNING TO KEEP SMALLER FORCE OF ABOUT 6,000 TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN AFTER 2014.

I'm interpreting the "6,000" figure to mean "+/-", mostly "-".

By definition, IMO the US Govt-DOD must have good- to-high confidence in Kabul Govt. + Afghan National Army, Police given the Taliban's threat of new war come 2014 + after iff even one US = US-NATO Soldier remains in Afghanistan???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 23:06 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Egypt to replace 10 ministers in cabinet reshuffle
Egypt will replace 10 ministers, state media reported on Saturday, in a cabinet reshuffle directed by Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in order to improve the country's struggling economy, dpa reported.

Finance and interior ministers are among the 10 who will be sworn in on Sunday, state television reported. Three of the candidates belong to Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood party. Mohamed Ibrahim will be in charge of the interior ministry, Hatem Abdel-Latif will be minister of transportation and Al-Morsi al-Sayed Hegazi will be appointed finance minister.

Morsi said in a recent speech that he had discussed with Prime Minister Hisham Qandil an imminent cabinet reshuffle so that the government could better deal with the country's economic and political problems.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336077 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Tahirul Qadri does not have US support: Hoagland
[Dawn] The United States' envoy to Pakistain, Richard Hoagland, on Saturday dismissed the impression that the US was supporting Tehrik-e-Minhajul Koran chief Tahirul Qadri.

Speaking to media representatives in Islamabad after attending a function, Richard Hoagland said that his country does not support any political party or individual, including Tahirul Qadri, reported APP.

Hoagland said that the US was an advocate of democracy and transparent election in the world.

Moreover, the US envoy said that any decision regarding military operation in North Wazoo would be taken by Pakistain itself.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336073 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Saudi spy chief calls for al-Qaeda leadership of anti-Syria militants
[Iran Press TV] The Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in their national face...
n spy chief has ordered al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, al-Nusra Front, to take leadership of the foreign-backed snuffies in Syria through assassinating the members of the so-called Free Syrian Army.

According to Syrian media, Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has decided to bring the snuffies fighting the Syrian forces under the umbrella of al-Nusra Front.

According to Prince Bandar's orders, any jihad boy commander who refuses to join the terrorist group should be assassinated.

Last month, the US State Department designated al-Nusra Front group as a terror organization linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are reportedly arming and funding snuffies fighting the Damascus
...Capital of the last remaining Baathist regime in the world...
government to implement Western countries' plans in the Arab county.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336107 views] Top|| File under: al-Nusra

#1 
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 4:50 Comments || Top||

#2  Oh and is this an admission that Saudi is behind 911?
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 5:27 Comments || Top||

#3  Bandar is back ?
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:36 Comments || Top||

#4  Why do we think Saudi are our ally in the region?
Posted by: Chunky Snerenter4744 || 01/06/2013 7:13 Comments || Top||

#5  ..oil. Why do you think they're so nervous about fracking?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/06/2013 8:11 Comments || Top||

#6  "Press TV is state-funded and is a division of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

The annual budget of Press TV is 250 billion rials (more than 25 million US$).[11]

Press TV broadcasts news reports and analyses which are close to the official position of the Iranian government, and its programs are monitored and regulated by the Islamic Republic. Although there have been attempts to establish private, independent media outlets in Iran, notably by former Iranian Presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, the 1979 Constitution of the Islamic Republic mandates that "all broadcasting must exclusively be government-operated.""

-- Wikipedia

And the Iranian government just loves the Saudis so excuse me if I doubt the veracity of the report.
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 9:51 Comments || Top||

#7  Water Modem, I like Blood, Sweat, and Tears version better.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 01/06/2013 17:39 Comments || Top||

#8  Exactly, B. When did Bandar reappear?
Posted by: Classical_Liberal || 01/06/2013 19:20 Comments || Top||

#9  Why do we think Saudi are our ally in the region?

For various and sundry regions, Lord Rhetorical.

"Ally' implies that there is common interest present, as in "the USSR was an ally during World War II". It is much different than "friend"; something that does not exist in the world of foreign policy.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 20:48 Comments || Top||

#10  Yokay, I'll bite - does this mean the Saudis like + trust PRO-QAEDA AL-NUSRA BUT N-O-T THE similaRLY PRO-QAEDA AQAP/AQIY???

I'm interpreting this Artic to mean that despite any Diplomatic, MSM rhetoric to the contrary, THAT ONCE AGAIN NO ONE REALLY WANTS BABY ASSAD + REGIME TO LOSE OR LEAVE VEE THE RADICALIST-ISLAMIST ALTERNATIVE.

Not the Saudis, not the Israelis, not Iran or the Turks, not the Russians or Chinese, not even the US-NATO ...

SAVE FOR THE BAMMER ADMIN + HOMELAND-HAPPY KURDS, wid the Kurds being trusted more than the Bammer!

GAAAWD, ITS A HELLUVA MESS NO MATTER WHOSE SIDE(S) ONE IS ON - THE WORLD WILL BE LUCKY IFF NO MUSHROOM CLOUDS FORM FROM THIS SITUATION.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 23:23 Comments || Top||


Africa Subsaharan
Reports: C.A.R. Rebels Seize New Territory
[VOA News] Reports from the Central African Republic say a rebel coalition has captured at least one more town just days before they are set to begin negotiations with C.A.R. government officials.

Reports from the government and from local residents near the town of Bambari say the new seizures were in that area. The News Agency that Dare Not be Named quotes a resident of the nearby town of Alindao as saying it has been captured. If the reports are confirmed it would be the latest in a series of rebel seizures of towns and villages over the past month.

The new reports cast doubt on prospects for peace talks scheduled to start Tuesday in Libreville, Gabon.

​​On Friday the U.N. Security Council called on the rebels advancing on the Central African Republic's capital to stop their campaign and join negotiations to find a political solution to the impoverished country's problems.

The rebel coalition Seleka unites fighters from as many as four bad turban groups from the north that say the government went back on 2007 and 2008 peace accords that were supposed to pay rebels to disarm or integrate them into the national army. Seleka is demanding the resignation of President Francois Bozize.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336078 views] Top|| File under:


-Lurid Crime Tales-
Woman hiding with kids shoots intruder
[WSBTV] LOGANVILLE, Ga. -- A woman hiding in her attic with children shot an intruder multiple times before fleeing to safety Friday.

The incident happened at a home on Henderson Ridge Lane in Loganville around 1 p.m. The woman was working in an upstairs office when she spotted a strange man outside a window, according to Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman. He said she took her 9-year-old twins to a crawlspace before the man broke in using a crowbar.

But the man eventually found the family.

"The perpetrator opens that door. Of course, at that time he's staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver," Chapman told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh.

The woman then shot him five times, but he survived, Chapman said. He said the woman ran out of bullets but threatened to shoot the intruder if he moved.

"She's standing over him, and she realizes she's fired all six rounds. And the guy's telling her to quit shooting," Chapman said.

The woman ran to a neighbor's home with her children. The intruder attempted to flee in his car but crashed into a wooded area and collapsed in a nearby driveway, Chapman said.

Deputies arrested 32-year-old Atlanta resident Paul Slater in connection with the crime. Chapman said they found him on the ground saying, "Help me. I'm close to dying." Slater was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center for treatment. Chapman said Slater was shot in the face and neck.

In February, Slater was arrested on simple battery charges, according to the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. He has been arrested six other times in the county since 2008.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336072 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "She's standing over him, and she realizes she's fired all six rounds. And the guy's telling her to quit shooting," Chapman said.

I'm sure that when Mr Slater (the perp) sues the housewife, this will be a big part of the cause of action - she didn't stop shooting until she ran out of ammo.

Of course, if this had happened after Dianne Feinstein confiscates everyone's guns, this would have just been a local story about a woman who was raped and murdered in front of her children.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 01/06/2013 1:00 Comments || Top||

#2  Sadly Rambler such a story would be frosting on the cake to the Liberals and the Media - then they can use it to advance some other cause.

And yes I am serious.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 01/06/2013 1:25 Comments || Top||

#3  I visited a shoe repair shop and two gun shops in a county south of Atlanta yesterday. There was a long line at the shoe shop and standing room only at the gun shops.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:00 Comments || Top||

#4  Too bad he didn't die, then she would only be charged with "Safe use of a Firearm."
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:06 Comments || Top||

#5  If Mr. Slater lives, I intend to ask him to select my next Powerball numbers.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 11:06 Comments || Top||

#6  Out of a feeding tube Besoeker? I'll be shocked if you get half the numbers translated.
Posted by: Charles || 01/06/2013 14:36 Comments || Top||

#7  I'm not selfish Charles, if he doesn't make it.... we all win!
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 16:01 Comments || Top||

#8  Five out of six hits? No bad considering the poor lady is most likely scared out of her wits. She might need something a little more hefty in the way of ammo and a firearm.
Posted by: JohnQC || 01/06/2013 18:40 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Altaf readies nation for 'political drone attack' in 72 hours
[Dawn] Muttahida Qaumi Movement
...English: United National Movement, generally known as MQM, is the 3rd largest political party and the largest secular political party in Pakistain with particular strength in Sindh. From 1992 to 1999, the MQM was the target of the Pak Army's Operation Cleanup leaving thousands of urdu speaking civilians dead...
(MQM) chief Altaf Hussain in wee hours of Sunday asked the nation to be ready for a 'political drone attack' from him in next two to three days, DawnNews reported.
Whatever that means...
Speaking to members of the party's Rabita (coordination) Committee via telephone from London, he claimed that the announcement, which he referred as a 'drone strike,' will be unanswerable.

"No-one in the country will be able to respond to my drone attack," he said.

The MQM chief appealed the public to wait for his move and mentally prepare themselves.

With the Supreme Court set to take up contempt notice against Altaf Hussain on Monday, the party had requested the court on Friday to exempt him from personally appearing before the bench seized with the issue.

MQM leader Farooq Sattar filed the petition in the court's Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
registry through his council Dr Farogh Naseem.

The court had observed that in a telephonic address from London to a public gathering in Bloody Karachi on Dec 2 the MQM chief had made contemptuous and threatening remarks against the court and its judges for issuing an order about fresh delimitation of constituencies in Bloody Karachi.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Africa Subsaharan
DR Congo's M23 Rebels, Government Meet with Mediators
[An Nahar] Democratic Republic of the Congo
...formerly the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Zaire, and who knows what else, not to be confused with the Brazzaville Congo or Republic of Congo, which is much smaller and much more (for Africa) stable. DRC gave the world Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu, followed by years of tedious civil war. Its principle industry seems to be the production of corpses. With a population of about 74 million it has lots of raw material...
's M23 rebels and government delegations met separately Saturday with Ugandan mediators, a day ahead of a hoped-for resumption of direct talks, Ugandan officials said.

"The two delegations are here finally and we are hoping for a (face-to-face) session tomorrow (Sunday)," said Ugandan defense ministry front man Paddy Ankunda.

The rebels, army mutineers largely from the ethnic Tutsi community, staged a lightning advance in November through the DR Congo's mineral-rich and chronically unstable east, raising fears of a widespread conflict.

The talks' mediator, Ugandan defense minister Crispus Kiyonga, is "meeting separately with the two delegation heads for consultations," Ankunda added.

Uganda is hosting the talks despite accusations that it -- alongside Rwanda -- has backed the fighters, claims which both countries have strongly denied
No, no! Certainly not!
Although the M23 rebels were persuaded to withdraw from the key eastern city of Goma after a 12-day occupation, they still control large areas of territory just outside the strategic mining hub.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336070 views] Top|| File under:


Africa North
Gadhafi-Era Security Officer Killed in Libya
[An Nahar] A Muammar Qadaffy
...a reminder that a single man with an idea can change an entire nation, usually for the worse...
-era security official has been killed in Libya's second city Benghazi, local officials said Saturday, in the latest attack highlighting a lack of security in the east of the country.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Nasser al-Magrabi was found dead on his farm last night," an official in Benghazi's criminal investigations department told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"He was shot," the official said.

Another official said the corpse was found "in a farm in the Sidi Faraj area" and that "investigations are now underway".

Both sources said Magrabi had worked for the former regime's reviled internal security services in Benghazi during the era of slain dictator Qadaffy, who was unseated by an uprising in 2011.

The killing comes a day after the head of Benghazi's criminal investigations department, Abdelsalam al-Mahdawi, was kidnapped at gunpoint. His whereabouts remain unknown.

The number of attacks against military and coppers -- including security officials who served under the former regime -- has increased lately in Benghazi, the cradle of the Libyan revolt.

Few officials are willing to speak on the record about the motives behind the violence, but some incidents have been blamed on hardline Islamists carrying out Dire Revenge™ attacks against officials who served under Qadaffy.

The slain leader's security services played a major role in the repression and imprisonment of thousands of political dissidents and Islamists during his rule.

The Mediterranean city has also emerged as a hub for jihadist groups, including gunnies who killed U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans in an attack on the U.S. consulate there on September 11 last year.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336082 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Bangladesh
7 vehicles torched; Muhith for legal measures to stop hartal
[Bangla Daily Star] At least seven vehicles were set on fire in the capital yesterday, as the BNP-led opposition geared up for a countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal
... a peculiarly Bangla combination of a general strike and a riot, used by both major political groups in lieu of actual governance ...
today to protest the fuel price hike.

The vehicles were set ablaze at Ramna, Azimpur, Gulshan, Mirpur, Tejgaon, Dhanmondi, and Old Dhaka.

Police suspect pro-hartal activists might have torched the vehicles to create panic among the city dwellers.

Also yesterday, at least 10 cocktails were went kaboom! on the Dhaka University campus, and in Farmgate and Sabujbagh areas.

On the DU campus, Bangladesh Chhatra League
... the student wing of the Bangla Awami League ...
cadres assaulted four photojournalists when the lens men were going past Salimullah Mohammedan Hall shortly after the blasts around 5:30pm.

Meanwhile,
...back at the wreckage, Captain Poindexter wished he had a cup of coffee. Even instant would do...
Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said hartal-like activities should be stopped by legal measures.

Once hartal was a tool for protest, but now it has become a means to unleash violence, he observed, adding that no one has the right to disrupt public safety.

The minister was talking to news hounds after attending a gathering of village police in Sylhet.

The BNP-led 18-party alliance announced the hartal on Friday, the day the latest fuel price hike took effect.

The hike has also triggered protests from left-leaning political parties and transport owners.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336067 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Malik hints terrorism threat for Qadri's long march
[Dawn] Federal Interior Minster Rehman Malik
Pak politician, Interior Minister under the Gilani government. Malik is a former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intelligence officer who rose to head the FIA during Benazir Bhutto's second tenure. Malik was tossed from his FIA job in 1998 after documenting the breath-taking corruption of the Sharif family. By unhappy coincidence Nawaz Sharif became PM at just that moment and Malik moved to London one step ahead of the button men. He had to give up the interior ministry job because he held dual Brit citizenship.
on Saturday said there are threats that Death Eaters might target the Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Koran (TMQ) long march scheduled for Jan 14, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives, Malik said he will inform TMQ chief Dr Tahirul Qadri about the security threats in an upcoming meeting with him.

He said Dr Qadri will be allowed to bring as big a crowd as he may desire as, he added, "we have been welcoming him right from the day one."

The minister said although Dr Qadri has not yet demanded any special security arrangements for the march, however, sufficient security will be provided to participants of the march due to threats.Federal Interior Minster Rehman Malik on Saturday said there are threats that Death Eaters might target the Tehrik Minhaj-ul-Koran (TMQ) long march scheduled for Jan 14, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives, Malik said he will inform TMQ chief Dr Tahirul Qadri about the security threats in an upcoming meeting with him.

He said Dr Qadri will be allowed to bring as big a crowd as he may desire as, he added, "we have been welcoming him right from the day one."

The minister said although Dr Qadri has not yet demanded any special security arrangements for the march, however, sufficient security will be provided to participants of the march due to threats.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


-Lurid Crime Tales-
California parks officials deliberately hid money, report says
[LA TIMES BLOGS.LA TIMES] Fear of embarrassment and budget cuts led Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party, parks officials to intentionally conceal millions of dollars in a department account, according to an investigation conducted by the state attorney general's office.

The report, released Friday, is the most detailed official narrative yet regarding the root of the accounting scandal at the parks department.

The scandal broke last summer when it was revealed that the parks department had a hidden surplus of nearly $54 million even though it was threatening to close dozens of facilities.

About $20 million was found in an account where entrance fees and other revenues are deposited. Accounting discrepancies appeared to begin innocently more than a decade ago, leading to fluctuating reports on how much money was in the fund, Sherlocks said.

But in 2002, when the problems were identified, parks officials made a "conscious and deliberate" decision not to reveal the money to officials at the Department of Finance, which plans the state budget.

Multiple high-ranking officials were involved, including the former chief deputy director, Michael Harris, who later lost his job over the scandal. However,
there's more than one way to stuff a chicken...
the report said it remained unclear whether ousted director Ruth Coleman knew about the accounting problems. Coleman declined to be interviewed for the investigation.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336104 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Yup, "Broke" Democrat, (Hidden cash galore)
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 10:56 Comments || Top||

#2  While it's hard to believe the Director didn't know, it can happen. When I worked at one public hospital. the chief accountant failed to mention to administration that the mayor's budget office had double credited a very large account. He wasn't raiding the account or anything, he just wanted a cushion for hard times and apparently felt the admin couldn't be trusted not to blow it.
Posted by: Mercutio || 01/06/2013 11:01 Comments || Top||

#3  "Fear of embarrassment and budget cuts ...."

And none of that money was pocketed spent or "donated" to politicians inappropriately?

We call that a slush-fund.
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 12:41 Comments || Top||

#4  The City of New Britain (CT) is embroiled in a legal dispute with multi-housing and apartment landlords. New Britain wants to fine the the landlords for 'excessive' 911 responses to their properties. The mayor there has hired a PR firm (known for working on Democratic political campaigns in more than a half-dozen states) for $100K.

The money was "found" in the cash-strapped city's legal defense fund (over which the mayor has discretion).
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 18:14 Comments || Top||

#5  He wasn't raiding the account or anything, he just wanted a cushion for hard times and apparently felt the admin couldn't be trusted not to blow it.

If Democrats the fear's justified.

They'll blow anything.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 18:49 Comments || Top||

#6  "If Democrats the fear's justified. They'll blow anything."

Especially if their name is Monica.

I'll go to my room. ;-p
Posted by: Barbara || 01/06/2013 18:54 Comments || Top||

#7  "If Democrats the fear's justified. They'll blow anything."

Or Barney.
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 01/06/2013 21:59 Comments || Top||

#8  OK. I'm cringing now.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/06/2013 22:05 Comments || Top||


Africa North
Report: Qaida Financier among Seven Killed in Algeria
[An Nahar] The Algerian army has identified one of seven armed Islamists killed east of the capital earlier this month as a key financier of the local affiliate of al-Qaeda, the El Watan newspaper reported on Saturday.

Izza Rezki, also known as Abou Djaffar, took up arms against the government in 1994, early in Algeria's devastating civil war, and was a key aide of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) leader Abdelmalik Droukdel
... aka Abdel Wadoud, was a regional leader of the GSPC for several years before becoming the group's supremo in 2004 following the death of then-leader Nabil Sahraoui. Under Abdel Wadoud's leadership the GSPC has sought to develop itself from a largely domestic entity into a larger player on the international terror stage. In September 2006 it was announced that the GSPC had joined forces with al-Qaeda and in January 2007 the group officially changed its name to the Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb....
, the paper said.

He and his comrades were killed on Tuesday in a major operation that is still underway in the corpse-littered Boumerdes region, 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Algiers. A total of nine suspected faceless myrmidons have been killed in the offensive.

Rezki's reported killing follows those of AQIM front man Salah Gasmi southeast of Algiers last month and of its commander for the mountainous Kabylie region, Rabah Makhfi, alias Cheikh Nacer, in Bejaia province, east of the capital, in November.

AQIM has remained active in corpse-littered Boumerdes and neighboring Kabylie despite frequent raids by the army to curtail its activities.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336078 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in North Africa

#1  Al-Qaida financing is largely derived from illegal activities, like the opium and heroin trade in Afghanistan and kidnapping ransoms in North Africa.

So interpret "financier" as "criminal thug".
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 14:57 Comments || Top||


Morsi in 2010: No peace with "descendants of apes and pigs"
Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are "a waste of time and opportunities" as Arabs and Muslims get nothing out of engagement with "the descendants of apes and pigs," current Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi asserted in September 2010, according to newly translated interviews published this week by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

In the first interview, aired on Lebanon's Al-Quds TV on September 23, 2010, Morsi denounced the Palestinian Authority as a creation of "the Zionist and American enemies for the sole purpose of opposing the will of the Palestinian people." Therefore, he stressed, "No reasonable person can expect any progress on this track."

"Either [you accept] the Zionists and everything they want, or else it is war," Morsi said, "This is what these occupiers of the land of Palestine know -- these blood-suckers, who attack the Palestinians, these warmongers, the descendants of apes and pigs."

In the result, according to MEMRI, Morsi called on Arabs and Muslims worldwide to "employ all forms of resistance against...those criminal Zionists, who attack Palestine and the Palestinians."

"Pressure should be exerted upon them," Morsi continued, so that Jews should "not be given any opportunity [to] stand on any Arab or Islamic land."

In a separate interview translated by MEMRI, aired on the same network on March 20, 2010, Morsi affirmed that "The Zionists have no right to the land of Palestine.... What they took before 1947-8 constitutes plundering, and what they are doing now is a continuation of this plundering. By no means do we recognize their Green Line. The land of Palestine belongs to the Palestinians, not to the Zionists."

He therefore called on the Islamic world "to confront this Zionist entity" and to severe "all ties of all kinds...with this plundering criminal entity," including a total boycott of Israel and the avoidance of "normalization of relations with it."

Morsi concluded that the Arab-Islamic world "want[s] a country for the Palestinians on the entire land of Palestine...[and] all the talk about a two-state solution and about peace is nothing but an illusion." The Jews, he said, "have been fanning the flames of civil strife wherever they were throughout history. They are hostile by nature.... The Zionists understood nothing but the language of force."
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under:

#1  And we give Egypt $2B+ in aid every year. Go figure.
Posted by: Bob Trotsky9235 || 01/06/2013 0:53 Comments || Top||

#2  By Obama administration standards, a "moderate" and another "Arab Spring" success story.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:07 Comments || Top||

#3  Wasnt Jews living on that land long before Islam was invented?They seem to overlook this fact.
Posted by: Chunky Snerenter4744 || 01/06/2013 7:03 Comments || Top||

#4  Only descendants?

Mr. Morsi, you are a PIG and an APE, and a screaming assh@le as well (apologies to pigs, apes, and assh@les everywhere).

So guess Egypt will have no peace with you ....
Posted by: Barbara || 01/06/2013 9:17 Comments || Top||

#5  No peace with the descendants of apes and pigs? Works for me. That is pretty much all of the Islamic Brotherhood anyway so let the hunting season commence!
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/06/2013 10:21 Comments || Top||

#6  We ought to release a few hundred (later to be thousands with how they breed) feral hogs and javelinas loose in lower Egypt. They take to desert conditions pretty well, play havoc with the local agriculture and are a son-of-a-gun to control.

Plus, who would clean up any carcasses of their 'deceased'?
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/06/2013 12:09 Comments || Top||

#7  Any comments about this statement from O administration?

***chirp chirp???***

Hmmmm. Nothing, like being in a bell jar with a vacuum pulled inside.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/06/2013 16:14 Comments || Top||

#8  Glad to hear you are ok AP.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 16:21 Comments || Top||

#9  I thought Arabs claimed to be descinded from Abraham, just like the Jews, but what do I kn ow?
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 01/06/2013 17:34 Comments || Top||

#10  Boesoker---did not feel a thing from the SE Alaska Earthquake. Thanks for your concern.

Deacon---the sons of Abraham parted ways long ago.




Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/06/2013 18:56 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Congress Approves $9.7 bn Aid for Storm Sandy Victims
[An Nahar] The U.S. Congress finally approved emergency disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Sandy on Friday, but only after a delay that sparked East Coast Republican outrage against their own party leadership.

The House voted 354-67 to provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency with $9.7 billion to pay the flood insurance claims of thousands of victims of the killer October storm that devastated coastal communities.

The legislation, just a wedge of a much larger package sought by the White House, then breezed through the Senate by voice vote, and goes to President Barack Obama
We're gonna punish our enemies and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us...
for his signature.

"We should not have parades down the street because this bill has passed," said Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer
Senator-for-life from New York, renowned for his love of standing in front of cameras. Schumer has been a professional politician since 1975, when disco was in flower.
of New York, who has spearheaded efforts to speed up congressional approval for aid.

"The major work of helping the victims of Sandy is still ahead of us. The bad news is that we had to even go through this dog and pony show in the first place."

The Senate had approved a comprehensive $60.4 billion Sandy aid package last week, but Republican House Speaker John It is not pronounced 'Boner!' Boehner
... the occasionally weepy leader of House Republicans...
, who was stung by fractious negotiations over the deal to avert the fiscal cliff crisis, refused to bring it to the floor.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336107 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Anything that confounds and frustrates Chuck Shumer is my friend. Pete King... shud up, and get back in the game!
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:26 Comments || Top||

#2  Just wave the magic wand and cash appears, Yeah sure.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 10:41 Comments || Top||

#3  "Pay" Insurance claims?
Something's missing, OR there's a good bit of "Double Dipping" Going on here.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 10:48 Comments || Top||

#4  I wonder how much prok is in there?
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 01/06/2013 17:47 Comments || Top||

#5  A lot, a hell of a lot of Pork.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 18:47 Comments || Top||

#6  I understand that the pols are serving their constituency and that they are given to... theatrics. I also understand the situation 'on the ground'.

But there's still something about all this that makes my left eye twitch...
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 20:57 Comments || Top||

#7  The local news ran a story about a kansas town that has come back after a tornado trashed it big time and without any government aid.
The next story was about all of the kansas representatives voting against the aid for Sandy victims.
Posted by: bman || 01/06/2013 21:17 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Suu Kyi urged to help to end Kachin war
[Bangla Daily Star] Mediators trying to broker a peace deal between the military and ethnic minority rebels in northern Myanmar yesterday appealed to Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to help end the bloody conflict.

The military's use of air strikes against the rebels has stoked international concerns about a civil war that has overshadowed widely praised political reforms seen since the end of junta rule in 2011.

"Aung San Suu Kyi also has responsibility to implement ethnic peace," Yup Zaw Hkaung, a local businessman and peace negotiator in the Kachin state capital Myitkyina, told AFP by telephone.

"When she came to Kachin State to campaign for votes, she talked about peace. She cannot abandon Kachin," he said, adding that neither the opposition leader nor President Thein Sein had replied to letters asking for help.

Civil war has plagued parts of the country formerly known as Burma since it won independence from Britannia in 1948.

Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner turned politician, used her maiden speech to parliament in July last year to call for greater protection of ethnic minority rights.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336149 views] Top|| File under:

#1  As per DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS, some Arty or Mortar shells from Myanmar fired agz the Kachin Rebels instead landed inside China, to which China has warned Myanmar to cease-n-desist.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 20:30 Comments || Top||

#2  See also CHINESE MILITARY FORUM > BURMA BOMBS CHINESE SIDE OF BORDER | [SCMP.com] CHINA MAKES FORMAL COMPLAINT TO MYANMAR ON BOMBING RAID, FOREIGN MINSTRY IN MYANMAR TO CONFINE ITS MILITARY ACTION AGZ KACHIN TO ITS OWN TERRITORY AFTER AIR STRIKES ON THE CHINESE SIDE.

and

* DEFENCE.PK./FORUMS > CHINA SAYS BURMESE BOMBS LANDED IN YUNNAN | .... ...., [China] WANTS MYANMAR TO CUT THAT ****** OUT!

versus

* DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS > MYANMAR SAYS KACHIN AIR STRIKES "SELF-DEFENSE", i.e. necessary action by the Myanmar Govt-Army agz the wily dastardly Rebels.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 23:36 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Izzat Ibrahim backs Iraq Demos in Video
[An Nahar] Izzat Ibrahim al-Duri, Saddam Hussein's vice president and the highest-ranking member of his regime still on the run, has backed ongoing rallies in Sunni-majority areas of Iraq in an online video.

The 53-minute video, posted on YouTube on Friday, shows Duri reading a prepared statement behind a desk with a small Saddam-era flag atop it, and appears to be his first video message since April 2012.

The authenticity and date of the clip could not be verified.

In it, the 70-year-old voiced support for protests being held in mostly-Sunni Arab areas in western and northern Iraq that have been airing a multitude of grievances with the Shiite-led government, though primarily criticizing the alleged wrongful arrest of members of their minority community.

"Every city and region, all the Iraqi people, and every national and Islamic power is with you, and supports you in achieving your demands to overthrow the Persian Safavid alliance," Duri said.

He was making a pejorative reference to the Shiite-led government in Storied Baghdad
...located along the Tigris River, founded in the 8th century, home of the Abbasid Caliphate...
, implying that it was under the domination of formerly Safavid-ruled neighboring Iran.

Duri, who was the king of clubs in a U.S. deck of cards showing the most-wanted members of Saddam's regime, said his Saddam-era group was "studying the firm and fair punishment of all who stand and support the Safavid project."

The Baath party, the ruling party in Saddam's Iraq, said Duri had died in 2005, but audio messages attributed to him were broadcast in 2006, 2008 and 2010, in addition to the April 2012 video.

Up to $1 million is offered for information leading to Duri's arrest or conviction, according to the website of the Rewards for Justice program, which is administered by the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

The protests in Iraq began on December 23, and were sparked by the arrest of at least nine guards of Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi, a Sunni Arab and a leading member of the secular Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc, which is part of Maliki's unity government but frequently criticizes him in public.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336091 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Baath Party

#1  Big Red is baaaaack
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 8:55 Comments || Top||

#2  MI6 for sure.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:12 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
Tangail Rape: Protesters demand punishment to culprits
[Bangla Daily Star] Students and teachers of Ag Bikramhati Major General Mahmudul Hasan High School yesterday blocked the Dhaka-Tangail-Bangabandhu Bridge Highway demanding capital punishment of the culprits who gang-raped a teenage girl.

They blocked the highway at Rabna Bypass in Sadar upazila around 12:30pm for 10 munities. In the meantime hundreds of vehicles got stuck on both sides of the busy road.

The protesters also brought out a procession and formed a human chain in the area to press home the demand. Earlier, they demonstrated on the school premises and held a protest rally there.

Headmaster of the school Abdul Hamid Miah, Assistant Headmaster Humayun Kabir, assistant teachers Nazim Uddin, Azhar Ali and Arfan Ali, among others, spoke at the rally.

The speakers condemned the gang-rape and demanded exemplary punishment of the culprits so that no-one dares to commit such crime in future.

Leaders and activists of Tangail district unit of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal formed a human chain at Nirala Intersection in the town demanding punishment of the culprits.

Students of different schools and colleges joined the human chain and raised their voices against the crime.

Meanwhile,
...back at the fist fight, Jake ducked another roundhouse, then parried with his left, then with his right, finally with his chin...
he incarcerated
You have the right to remain silent...
four culprits -- Nuruzzaman alias Gada, 42, Shajahan Ali, 40, Moniruzzaman Moni, 39, and Harunur Rashid Harun, 35 -- will be hauled before the court today on completion of their three-day remand.

Bithi Akter Eva, 18, arrested on charge of abetting the gang-rape, was sent to Tangail District Jail on Friday on completion of her one-day remand.

Dr Bilkis Begum, coordinator of One-stop Crisis Centre (OCC) at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, yesterday said the gang-rape victim had some liquid food like fruit juice and water on Friday, adds our Staff Correspondent in Dhaka.

Dr Bilkis said the victim's condition had also improved slightly. She had shower and came to the OCC office room and sat there for a while. She also had little talks with the doctors and other staff.

The National Children and Women Repression Prevention Committee, Communist Party of Bangladesh and Biplabi Nari Sanghati in separate statements condemned the incident and demanded exemplary punishment of the culprits.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under:


Caribbean-Latin America
Chavez to Stay in Power Even Without Taking Oath, sez Maduro
Ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will remain in power even if he fails to attend a ceremony next week in which he’s scheduled to be sworn in for another term, his Vice President Nicolas Maduro said.

Opponents of the communist socialist president, who is recovering from cancer surgery in Cuba, are distorting the constitution by saying that Chavez must show up for the Jan. 10 swearing-in ceremony or be declared ineligible to govern, Maduro said last night. The nation’s charter is flexible,
It's a living constitution...
and if needed the Supreme Court can set the date, manner and location Chavez will be sworn in for the third, six-year term he won in October by a landslide, he said.

“Chavez on that day remains in power and will be sworn in whenever possible,” Maduro said in an hour-long interview broadcast on state television, warning the opposition against trying to carry out a “coup” by interpreting to its advantage the charter’s provisions for a presidential succession. “The constitution speaks for itself.”

The comments by Maduro set the stage for a legal dispute with the opposition and signal that the ailing leader’s allies are unlikely to push him out of office even as calls for a snap election grow louder.

“It seems like the only way Chavez will step down is if he dies or he himself gives up power,” said Bret Rosen, who travels frequently to Venezuela as a Latin America strategist at Standard Chartered Plc in New York.
Oh rreeeaaaallllllyyy?
Venezuelan bonds have rallied over the past year, with yields on the state oil company falling to a record low this week, on speculation that Chavez won’t complete another term. Such a move would pave the way for an end of nationalizations, currency controls and other policies blamed for capital flight, food shortages and inflation of more than 18 percent.
They're trying to tell you something, people...
Maduro, the president’s preferred successor, accused the opposition of carrying out a “dirty war” against Venezuela’s democracy by spreading rumors through fake Twitter accounts opened in officials’ names and sending letters to foreign diplomats warning of a government-staged coup if Chavez fails to return next week. Such actions could stir violence, he warned.
Unfortunately the opposition there is about as clueless as the Pubs here, so they aren't smart enough to open fake Twitter accounts.
“They’re playing with fire,” Maduro said, citing the risk of a repeat of street riots in Bogota that left hundreds dead following the murder in 1948 of Colombian presidential candidate Jorge Gaitan, a politician popular with that nation’s poor.
And if the people don't riot, Maduro will goad them...
Opposition leaders say that if the 58-year-old Chavez doesn’t attend next week’s inauguration, National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello, in compliance with the constitution, must decide whether his absence is a temporary or permanent one. The latter scenario would trigger an election within 30 days, but in either case Cabello must take over the presidency on a caretaker basis, they say.

Cabello was elected to remain as president of the assembly today.

“I swear to do all I need to do to fulfill the word of this revolution’s leader,” Cabello said in a nationally televised address after the vote. “Chavez was re-elected and will continue being president beyond Jan. 10.”
Unless he dies before then, in which case they'll get a glass case in which he'll be stuffed and mounted, like Lenin...
Ramon Jose Medina, deputy head of the opposition alliance, said Jan. 3 that Chavez’s failure to swear in on Jan. 10, without Cabello taking over the reins of the government, would constitute a government-staged “coup.”

Maduro last night said such an interpretation is “false,” echoing comments last month by Cabello -- his biggest rival in the Chavista camp -- that the opposition should “forget about January 10.” None of the conditions for the president’s “absolute absence” have been met, so long as Chavez remains alive, holds on to power and isn’t certified unfit to carry out his duties by a commission of medical experts working under lawmakers’ supervision, Maduro said.

“If the status quo continues January 10th you’re moving in the direction of a constitutional crisis,” said Rosen.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Things will only worsen should Chavez die. I foresee a new leader much worse than Chavez. Anti Western hostility will be the rallying cry. Another Castro being born.
Posted by: Dale || 01/06/2013 8:12 Comments || Top||

#2  Update
Venezuela faces turmoil as Chavez worsens
Venezuela faced political turmoil and the possibility of new elections on Friday when it became increasingly unlikely that President Hugo Chavez would recover his health in time to be inaugurated for a new term next week.
Posted by: tipper || 01/06/2013 8:55 Comments || Top||

#3  "Pay no attention to that man pesky document behind the curtain!"
Posted by: PBMcL || 01/06/2013 10:37 Comments || Top||

#4  Coming up:

Night of the Living Dead

/non-sarc
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/06/2013 16:12 Comments || Top||

#5  HUGO = almost NOT-ARIEL SHARON???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/06/2013 18:58 Comments || Top||

#6  Of course he won't have to take any oaths, it's so, so, Legal and we won't have it.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 19:01 Comments || Top||


Economy
Obama's "Keynesian Economic's" Insanity
President Barack Obama demands more stimulus spending to avoid the "fiscal cliff." Obama increased the national debt $6 trillion to $16 trillion. Yet the Democrats' 'cure for what ails ya' is even more spending. Obama demands around $75 billion in new spending to stimulate the economy in 2013.

"Keynesian Economics" is the insane belief that the economy can be stimulated by government spending. It provides the excuse to depart from common sense that allows politicians to ignore the alarm bells. It is ludicrous mainly because our government doesn't have any money to spend.
Posted by: Dino Shomomp7692 || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336076 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 3:23 Comments || Top||

#2  Long-term economic recovery is not the goal, power and control through the picking of winners and losers is the goal of our government. As the article correctly points out, Keynesian Economics has been a control measure since the FDR era, and even before.

Behind the flags of change, fairness, and equality march the legions of crooked, pickpocket politicians, layabouts, and union thugs. The real "insanity" is not found in the methods that they employ [Keynesian economics], but rather the embrace we have for decades given them. Power and control generally come through crisis, either real, manufactured, or perceived. A strong, vibrant, and prosperous economy brings opportunity and freedom for the common man, and little opportunity for government manufactured crisis. Little wonder religious observances and events like the Thanksgiving Holiday and Christmas have been systematically demonized. They diminish and take our minds away from the manufactured crisis we are to be constantly centered upon.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 4:45 Comments || Top||

#3  He can "Demand" all he wants, won't get it.

"Demand in one hand, shit in the other, see which gets dirty".
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 10:54 Comments || Top||

#4  #2 Well said, B.
Posted by: Matt || 01/06/2013 11:18 Comments || Top||

#5  Make sure you have a wheelbarrow, before your savings aren't enough to buy one.
Posted by: phil_b || 01/06/2013 19:29 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syrian president to give speech - state media
Syrian President Pencilneck Bashar al-Assad will deliver a speech on Sunday, the first major public address since fighting broke out between government troops and rebels on the outskirts of Damascus, dpa reported.
A new opportunity to mock the man...
The state-run SANA news agency reported that al-Assad will give a speech "on the latest developments in Syria and the region," without providing further details.

The rebels have been fighting for control of the Damascus suburbs for months, raising doubts that al-Assad will be able to maintain his grip on the capital. Rebels have also recently claimed major gains in several areas of Syria, mainly in the north near the border with Turkey.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336070 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 3:37 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
JI charity worker gunned down in Charsadda
[Dawn] The provincial head of a charity organization run by 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...
was bumped off along with his driver on Saturday in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's
... formerly NWFP, still Terrorism Central...
Charsadda district.

Meanwhile,
...back at the argument, Livia grabbed for Jane's hair to make her point. Jane elbowed her in the face in rebuttal...
a local leader of the Jamaat Ulema-e-Islam
...Assembly of Islamic Clergy, or JUI, is a Pak Deobandi (Hanafi) political party. There are two main branches, one led by Maulana Fazlur Rahman, and one led by Maulana Samiul Haq. Fazl is active in Pak politix and Sami spends more time running his madrassah. Both branches sponsor branches of the Taliban, though with plausible deniability...
-Fazl (JUI-F) was killed with three other people in a separate incident when they were caught between a gun fight between two rival groups in FR Dera Ismail Khan
... the Pearl of Pashtunistan ...
district.

The provincial chief of the JI's Alkihdmat Education Wing's was rubbed out along with his driver When unnidentified gunnies riding a cycle of violence Saturday afternoon targeted his vehicle in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda District.

Charsadda Police confirmed that Alkhidmat Foundation's education wing in-charge, Zakir Hussain was targeted along with his driver Khadim Shah in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda and both of them was struck down in his prime when the attackers opened fire on them

Advocate Israrullah, provincial information secretary of the JI, confirmed that Hussain was killed while he was on an inspection visit to a local school run by JI in Charsadda district.

To a query, he said: "Zakir Hussain had no enmity with any one, and the incident is a murder by terrorists, who are striking at will but the law enforcement agencies had failed to protect its citizens."

In the separate incident in the Darazinda area of FR DI Khan, the JUI-F former amir of the area, Sahibzada Abdul Salam was killed along with two others, Pir Shah and Spin Gul when they were caught in clash between two rival groups at a hotel.

Administration officials said Abdul Salam was sitting with his workers at a local hotel when rival groups traded gunshots. Sahibzada Abdul Salam and Pir Shah were killed on the spot while Spin Gul died in the hospital.

Officials said that Abdul Salam, however, was not the target but had fallen prey to firing between the two groups.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336077 views] Top|| File under: Jamaat-e-Islami

#1 
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 4:10 Comments || Top||


Militants can strike at will, admits KP govt
[Dawn] The strength of faceless myrmidons has increased so alarmingly that now, they can reach anywhere they want to carry out their activities, said provincial information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Friday.

"The time has come to take the final decision on whether to hold dialogue with faceless myrmidons or to begin a meaningful operation against them," the minister told the provincial assembly on a point of order about the recent acts of militancy, especially the killing of seven aid workers, including six women, in Swabi.

Mr Hussain said a lot had been spoken in condemnation of Death Eater attacks and therefore, it was direly needed to take militancy to its logical end.

He said there were two options with the government either to hold dialogue with faceless myrmidons and if it was not possible, then the second option was intensive operation against them.

The minister said all political parties and security agencies should get together to make an effective strategy before the government held dialogue with faceless myrmidons or went for operation against them.

He said former prime minister and Pakistain Mohammedan League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif
... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf...
had favoured the stand of ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, who pushed the country's politicianship for taking decisive steps against militancy.

He urged the leadership of other political groups to come forward for ending the evil of militancy forever.

Mr Hussain said militancy had increased in the province so dangerously that all other issues had become non-issues.

He said liquidation of vaccinators and aid workers in the province, assault on Bacha Khan International Airport, liquidation of minister Bashir Bilour and the kidnapping and subsequent killing of Levies personnel in a short span of time showed how strong faceless myrmidons had grown.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336068 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336121 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Birthday Gam Shot

Bernice Liu [Canuck] [Filmography](age 34)



Inscrutable Design


Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 01/06/2013 2:50 Comments || Top||

#2  Damn that glittery draping.
Posted by: AlanC || 01/06/2013 8:47 Comments || Top||

#3  Intelligent Design, Is a lie, do the other Animals appreciate it s well?

NO, then it's NOT "Intelligent Design".

I don't care for females of another Species, why should they?
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 12:11 Comments || Top||

#4  Easy Jim, all is good.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:11 Comments || Top||

#5  I know of an Auzzie Cattle Dog who might take exception with your statement RJ. :-)
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 13:17 Comments || Top||

#6  Aussie Cattle Dogs may be smarter than some humans.

Certainly more likeable.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 17:32 Comments || Top||

#7  Aussie Cattle Dogs may be smarter than some humans.

Virtually none of them voted for Obama, so that's something right there.
Posted by: SteveS || 01/06/2013 17:46 Comments || Top||

#8  I think, actually, NONE of them voted for Obama.
Posted by: Slilet Protector of the Veps3097 || 01/06/2013 17:54 Comments || Top||

#9  Wouldn't that imply that Aussie Cattle Dogs are racist?
Posted by: JonC || 01/06/2013 17:56 Comments || Top||

#10  I believe that a hull of that size should carry more sail.
Posted by: Canuckistan sniper || 01/06/2013 19:10 Comments || Top||

#11  "Where have you been all my life? Oh, Canada. Nevermind."
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain || 01/06/2013 19:12 Comments || Top||

#12  love those growing walls all over asia.
Posted by: Water Modem || 01/06/2013 21:35 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Prosecutor says DNA links men to Delhi rape
[ABC.NET.AU] A court in New Delhi has heard DNA evidence links five men with a deadly gang rape in the city last month.

At a pre-trial hearing on Saturday prosecutors told the court that blood stains found on the clothing of all five accused men matched the blood of the 23-year-old victim.

The five suspects were also allegedly found with items stolen from the woman.

The court also heard that medical records from the Singapore hospital where the woman died showed her death was caused by septicaemia and organ failure.

"We have filed all the evidence," Rajiv Mohan, additional public prosecutor, told the court in Saket, in the south of the city.

"The blood of the victim tallied with the stains found on the clothes of the accused," he added, saying that a DNA test had been conducted by the police.

A district magistrate hearing the case took note of the charges including rape and murder, signalling the start of the trial, and ordered the men to appear before her for the first time tomorrow.

A sixth suspect is expected to be tried as a juvenile.

The woman's boyfriend was also injured as he tried to prevent the assault, which took place on a private bus on December 16. Both were thrown from the vehicle following the attack.

The case has stirred violent protests and a bout of soul-searching on the treatment of women and rising sex crime in India.

Indian media reports said the bus driver has testified they planned to rape any woman who boarded the vehicle, with some of the men even posing as passengers to lure potential victims.

The woman's boyfriend appeared on Hindi-language Indian cable channel Zee News at the weekend to speak about the attack.

He said passers-by left them unclothed and bleeding at the side for the road for more than half-an-hour before anyone came to their aid.

The family of deceased 23-year-old student has called for the men responsible for her death to be executed, but executions are rare in India and can only be sanctioned for the "rarest of rare" crimes.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336071 views] Top|| File under:

#1  These creature have DNA?
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/06/2013 10:18 Comments || Top||

#2  Tried as a Juvenile?
It's an adult crime, and he's getting off?

No "Juvenile}" would even be interested.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:45 Comments || Top||

#3  The Yout was also the worst offender, doing the most injury. Let him be raped to death
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 12:42 Comments || Top||


Karachi violence claims four lives
[Dawn] At least four people were bumped off in different incidents of firing in Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
, DawnNews reported on Saturday.

Two political activists were killed in the city's New Bloody Karachi area on Saturday. The two were members of a religio-political group and were killed in New Bloody Karachi's Bilal Colony neighbourhood.

A man was killed by unknown attackers near Bloody Karachi's Malir Cantt Northern Bypass area. Later, the body was shifted to the city's Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

In another incident of firing, one person was critically injured when an unknown attacker opened fire in Bloody Karachi's Kharadar area. He was shifted to the Civil Hospital where he died during treatment.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336075 views] Top|| File under:


Home Front: Politix
FDA: New Rules Will Make Food Safer
[An Nahar] The Food and Drug Administration says its new guidelines would make the food Americans eat safer and help prevent the kinds of foodborne disease outbreaks that sicken or kill thousands of consumers each year.

The rules, the most sweeping food safety guidelines in decades, would require farmers to take new precautions against contamination, to include making sure workers' hands are washed, irrigation water is clean, and that animals stay out of fields. Food manufacturers will have to submit food safety plans to the government to show they are keeping their operations clean.

The long-overdue regulations could cost businesses close to half a billion dollars a year to implement, but are expected to reduce the estimated 3,000 deaths a year from foodborne illness. The new guidelines were announced Friday.
That works out to $166,666.66 per theoretical death. If it reduces the number of deaths -- it doesn't say they're gonna get them all -- by half it'll be $333,333.33 per death. If course there is no other possible way to reduce those theoretical deaths, is there?
Just since last summer, outbreaks of listeria in cheese and salmonella in peanut butter, mangoes and cantaloupe have been linked to more than 400 illnesses and as many as seven deaths, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The actual number of those sickened is likely much higher.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336080 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Heat the tar, pluck the chickens and stretch the ropes. Can farm confiscations be next? Why, sure they can.
Posted by: Secret Asian Man || 01/06/2013 5:24 Comments || Top||

#2  Group punishment.... always effective. Euro-style 'farmers markets' are the actual target. We must consume only the gov't approved and provided biscuits.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 5:35 Comments || Top||

#3  Irradiation would have prevented most of those 'outbreaks'. However, the same crowd that runs amok about genetically altered food plays the same Luddite hand in obstructing implementation.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/06/2013 8:08 Comments || Top||

#4  Unfortunately, new rules won't make food any safer. We've gotten about as good as we are going to get unless all food is irradiated and processed and eaten in sterile conditions. More red tape and government ain't gonna help.

Of course... helping isn't the actual goal of the government. It is control.
Posted by: DarthVader || 01/06/2013 10:20 Comments || Top||

#5  Nope, control is.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:42 Comments || Top||

#6  From a Purdue Extension report.
"Q: Where did the Salmonella come from? How did it get on the cantaloupes?
A: While it isn't yet clear how the Salmonella got on the affected cantaloupes, there are some basic things we do know about how Salmonella can get on produce. Salmonella is common in the environment. The bacteria can live in the digestive tracts of several animals, including humans, wild animals, livestock, and pets. Salmonella also is commonly found in the feces of wild and domestic birds, and often associated with
reptiles and amphibians. Salmonella can be found in soil and water sources (such as streams, rivers, and ponds).

In the field, a cantaloupe could become contaminated if it came in contact with animal
feces or soil. During or after harvest, a cantaloupe could be contaminated through
contact with contaminated people, equipment, or water. Good agricultural and sanitation
practices — such as following strict precautions with manure, ensuring all employees
wash hands, and using clean water (to irrigate, wash produce, etc.) — can minimize the
possibility of contamination."


Can't stop bird's from pooping. I suppose that the Food Safety and Inspection Service can make sure that Farm outhouses have hand sanitizers and that irrigation water is routinely checked.

Looks like zapping produce is an evolving technology.
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 12:28 Comments || Top||

#7  Sounds like clean water might be helpful here, it usually is.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/06/2013 13:29 Comments || Top||

#8  And more expensive!
Posted by: newc || 01/06/2013 17:12 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Culture Wars
Connecticut town to burn violent video games as Sandy Hook returns to school
[GUARDIAN.CO.UK] A Connecticut community is to hold an amnesty of violent video games in the wake of last month's mass shooting in Newtown.

Organisers Southington SOS plan to offer gift certificates in exchange for donated games, which will be burned. The group, a coalition of local organisations, says its actions do not assert that video games were the cause of the killings in nearby Newtown, but argues that violent games and films desensitize children to "acts of violence".
I agree with them that violent -- sometimes hideously violent -- video games are bad for children. I have a hard time with the idea of public burnings. They're too much like book burnings for my taste.
Pupils from Sandy Hook elementary school, where 26 people were killed on 17 December, returned to classes for the first time on Thursday in the neighbouring town of Monroe. Sandy Hook elementary is still being treated as a crime scene and it is unclear if it will ever reopen.

The video game amnesty will take place on 12 January in Southington, a 30-minute drive east from Newtown. The town of Southington has provided a dumpster, organisers said, where violent video games, CDs or DVDs will be collected.

"As people arrive in their cars to turn in their games of violence, they will be offered a gift certificate donated by a member of the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce as a token of appreciation for their action of responsible citizenship," the group said in a statement.

"Violent games turned in will be destroyed and placed in the town dumpster for appropriate permanent disposal."

John Myers, chairman of Southington YMCA and member of Southington SOS, was not immediately available to speak to the Guardian, but tech website Polygon reported that the works would be incinerated by town employees.

The press release accompanying the announcement said that Southington SOS's action should not be "construed as statement declaring that violent video games were the cause of the shocking violence in Newtown on December 14".

"Rather, Southington SOS is saying is that there is ample evidence that violent video games, along with violent media of all kinds, including TV and movies portraying story after story showing a continuous stream of violence and killing, has contributed to increasing aggressiveness, fear, anxiety and is desensitizing our children to acts of violence including bullying.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336074 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Some video games are inapproprate for children (or mentally ill). The ratings system is a joke.
Public burnings is going a bit far (and since a lot of games are distributed over the net - there's nothing to burn...)
Posted by: CrazyFool || 01/06/2013 1:28 Comments || Top||

#2  So, I should not install my old copy of Unreal Tournament (on Windows 7, x64)?
Posted by: Raj || 01/06/2013 1:47 Comments || Top||

#3  CF, the rating system isn't a joke. It's parental responsibility that demands other do the parenting for them that's the sad cultural joke. Back when I was a wee tot, they were blaming comic books. Got to find someone/something to demonize for the ritual burning ceremony. Human nature hasn't changed from the first recordings of history.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/06/2013 8:04 Comments || Top||

#4  lulz Raj..."Headshot!"
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 9:22 Comments || Top||

#5  "What is government if words have no meaning?"

Giffords gave Loughner the wrong answer when he asked her the question above, so he decided to murder her.

Adam Lanza reportedly did not feel (or mentally process) physical pain.

The truly mentally ill will show an abnormal reaction to stimuli. Censorship would be useless.

If these neo-puritans were really concerned about realistically violent popular culture they'd go after the Gangsta Rap section of the music industry.

Gansta Rap is both music industry and organized violent crime.
Posted by: Elmerert Hupens2660 || 01/06/2013 9:30 Comments || Top||

#6  The can burn my Atari PacMan when they pry it from my cold, dead hands (if I can remember where it is.)
Posted by: Glenmore || 01/06/2013 10:17 Comments || Top||

#7  Where's the outrage over all the pollutants that will result from this? plastic cases, plastic CDs, this will surely casue the polar ice cap to melt....
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 01/06/2013 11:06 Comments || Top||

#8  Simply a show for the Headlines.

NOT Intended to do anything else but cause people t jump at the sight.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:40 Comments || Top||

#9  Weed Eaters, hedge trimmers, and edgers take their toll as well. Where can I turn mine in ?
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/06/2013 11:51 Comments || Top||

#10  If Mayor Blossomburg had been mayor of NYC on 9/11 NYC would have rounded up all box cutters and fight similators for burning. Its the liberal thing to do.
Posted by: Dino Shomomp7692 || 01/06/2013 14:39 Comments || Top||

#11 
Posted by: Pappy || 01/06/2013 18:03 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Shell Hits Damascus Christian Neighborhood
[An Nahar] A shell hit a Christian area of Damascus and a car bomb exploded elsewhere in the Syrian capital on Saturday, a watchdog said, as clashes raged around an airport in the north of the country that rebels have sought to capture.

"A shell was fired on Bab Tuma," a Christian quarter of Damascus's old city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human rights, without specifying exactly where it landed or where it was fired from.

Bab Tuma was targeted for the first time in the 21-month conflict by a car bomb in October that killed at least 13 people, but has been spared the violent clashes that have torn apart the rest of the country.

Early on Saturday, a car bomb blast rocked the Rokn Eddin neighborhood in the north of the capital, the Observatory said, but gave no further details.

In the north of the country, President Bashar Assad's army bombarded rebels positions in Aleppo province and clashes broke out between insurgents and troops in the areas around Aleppo international airport, the Observatory said.

Rebels have launched numerous assaults over the past few days to try to take the strategic airport of Syria's hard fought-over second city.

The airport was closed for two days from Tuesday after repeated insurgent attacks, and had to shut again on Friday due to "thick fog," the authorities said.

It would reopen later on Saturday, an airport official told AFP, saying the army had successfully repelled the attacks and driven off the rebels.

The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of activists and medics on the ground for its information, said 50 people were killed in fighting across the country on Saturday, according to preliminary figures.

It gave a death toll of 130 for Friday, in a conflict which started out as a peaceful uprising in March 2011 and which the U.N. says has killed 60,000 people since it turned violent early on.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336078 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Caribbean-Latin America
Hugo Chavez fights for life as supporters pray in Venezuela
[GUARDIAN.CO.UK] The change of mood in Plaza Bolivar could hardly be more dramatic. Less than three months ago, jubilant crowds filled the main square in Caracas to celebrate another election triumph for Hugo Chavez with chants of "Oo, ah, Chavez no se va" -- Chavez won't go.

Now, however, supporters wait anxiously for any scrap of news from Havana, Cuba, where their president is fighting for his life after emergency cancer surgery.

"We are all very confused. We have no idea what to expect. I pray for his recovery but I am expecting the worst," said Joaquín Cavarcas, as he scanned the Ciudad CCS newspaper for the latest update.

Next Thursday, Chavez is supposed to be inaugurated for a further six-year term of office at a ceremony at the National Assembly, a short walk from the plaza. But the usually gregarious, publicity-loving president has not been seen or heard since his operation on 11 December, prompting speculation that he will not recover in time.

In the latest in a series of grave bulletins, the government said on Thursday that the president was suffering from complications brought on by a severe lung infection after surgery. Aides earlier described his condition as "delicate". The Bolivian president, Evo Morales, said it was painful to see his close political ally in this state. "The situation for our brother Hugo Chavez is very worrying," he said.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336099 views] Top|| File under: Commies

#1  In the latest in a series of grave bulletins

I see what they did there.
Posted by: Frank G || 01/06/2013 9:20 Comments || Top||

#2  Pray to who?
Posted by: Mike Ramsey || 01/06/2013 9:58 Comments || Top||

#3  Praying FOR him? I'm praying Against him surviving.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:35 Comments || Top||

#4  I am on the vulture's side.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/06/2013 19:50 Comments || Top||

#5  I don't reccommend any vulture eat ANY part of Hugo, it's likely poison.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 21:52 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Sudan, South Sudan reach agreement on Abyei, implementation of cooperation deal
[Xinhua] Sudan and South Sudan on Saturday agreed in Addis Ababa of Æthiopia to implement the items of security agreements and to set up civil institutions for Abyei area, official SUNA news agency reported.

"Sudan and South Sudan have agreed during the summit between the two countries' presidents Omar al-Bashir
Head of the National Congress Party. He came to power in 1989 when he, as a brigadier in the Sudanese army, led a group of officers in a bloodless military coup that ousted the government of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi and eventually appointed himself president-for-life. He has fallen out with his Islamic mentor, Hasan al-Turabi, tried to impose shariah on the Christian and animist south, resulting in its secessesion, and attempted to Arabize Darfur by unleashing the barbaric Janjaweed on it. Sudan's potential prosperity has been pissed away in warfare that has left as many as 400,000 people dead and 2.5 million displaced. Omar has been indicted for genocide by the International Criminal Court but nothing is expected to come of it.
and Salva Kiir Mayardit to implement the item of security arrangements by breaking the link between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/ northern sector," the agency said in its mobile news service.

"The two sides have also agreed to speed up formation of the civil institutions for the disputed area of Abyei and set timetables for the implementation of the cooperation deal signed by the two countries in September last year," the report added.

Sudan's al-Bashir and his South Sudanese counterpart Kiir have met late Friday in the Æthiopian capital to push for progress in the stalled cooperation deal between the two countries in the presence of Æthiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
Posted by: Fred || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336070 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Sudan

#1  A demilitarized zone will just be a free fire zone for non-state actors.
Posted by: phil_b || 01/06/2013 3:44 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
Tripura rebel leaders held in Bangladesh
AGARTALA: Security forces in Bangladesh have reportedly arrested two top militants - All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) supremo Ranjit Debbarma and National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) chief Biswamohan Debbarma - from Dhaka in December last year.
Who?
Intelligence officials in Tripura are trying to confirm the arrests of Ranjit and Biswamohan.

Police intelligence officials here on Friday said Ranjit was arrested from a posh location in Dhaka on December 30 and Biswamohan on December 23 last from nearby areas. According to reports, they have been living in Dhaka for the past two decades. Their arrest comes mere months after BSF submitted a list of militant hideouts to Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB).

Both the militant leaders were apprehended by the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The RAB members, after receiving specific information, surrounded the flats in Dhaka and arrested the militant leaders, a source said.
I'm surprised this didn't lead to an 'encounter', but perhaps the Indians wanted these guys really bad and paid to have them delivered alive...
The ATTF chief has been heading violent operations from Bangladeshi soil since 1990. "The RAB is trying to locate the organization's arsenal in the country," the source added.

It is reported that Ranjit Debbarma has been under a remand since his arrest and is being quizzed by a joint interrogation cell. The group led by Ranjit has been demanding secession of Tripura from India.

Militant activities in Tripura are apparently regulated by its leaders who have safe houses in Bangladesh. Ranjit Debbarma is now the chief as the other top leaders of the separatist group are in various jails. Security has been tightened along the Indo-Bangla border to thwart any possible retaliation by ATTF after Ranjit's arrest.

NLFT's military wing chiefs - Bishwamohan Debbarma, Nayanbasi Jamatia and Upendra Reang - are still believed to be in Bangladesh.

Sources claimed that at least seven Indian militant groups have been active in Bangladesh since 1990. India and Bangladesh have stepped up cooperation in handling crime, militancy and terrorism since PM Sheikh Hasina took office in 2009.
The previous Bangla leader wasn't so keen on cross-border anti-terrorism. Wonder why...
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336078 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "...quizzed by a joint interrogation cell..."
While not an encounter, crossfire or middle of the night upizila tour, this does have a rather nice ring to it; a rather uniqure turn of a phrase, so to speak.

(Wonder of part of the 'quiz' involves the 'operational limits' of a 6" C clamp to the scrotum....)
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 01/06/2013 10:47 Comments || Top||


Housewife burnt to death for dowry
Nilphamari, Jan 05 (UNB) - A pregnant housewife succumbed to her injuries after her husband and in-laws allegedly set her on fire for dowry at Haroa Mission in municipal area of the town on Saturday.

The victim was identified as Rokhsana Begum, 23, mother of a minor son and four months pregnant and wife of Janab Ali, a shop worker. Police said Rokhsana had been married to Janab Ali for two and a half years.

Al Amin, father of Rokhsana, said Janab Ali demanded Tk 40,000 from them as dowry during their marriage and out of that amount Tk 20,000 was paid as dowry to the bridegroom. As they failed to give the rest amount, Janab Ali and his family members used to torture Rokhsana.

On December 26, Janab Ali argued with Rokhsana over the issue and at one stage set her on fire, leaving her seriously injured, local sources said. Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the spot, rescued her and took her to Nilphamari Sadar Hospital.

As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital where she died on Saturday.

Janab Ali along with his family members went into hiding after Rokhsana’s death.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/06/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [336069 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Sounds like the death Penalty (Burning at the stake) Is needed here, Ought to stop this from happening again, ever.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 01/06/2013 11:33 Comments || Top||

#2  Burning at the stake would be "Allan's Will©", Jim.

It will stop happening only when people stop believing in the Quran's notion that women are chattel.
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 01/06/2013 12:15 Comments || Top||

#3  More like General Sir Charles Napier's will, Richard.
Posted by: Eric Jablow || 01/06/2013 13:10 Comments || Top||

#4  This is not a Muslim problem, but rather an Indian subcontinent problem, just like rape. It is dangerous to be female in that part of the world.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/06/2013 16:11 Comments || Top||

#5  20,000 Tk is about $250 at the official exchange rate; probably more like $170 at the street exchange rate
Posted by: lord garth || 01/06/2013 18:05 Comments || Top||

#6  This is not a Muslim problem, but rather an Indian subcontinent problem, just like rape.

Exactly. However, the names tend to suggest that they are indeed Muslim. This happens a lot in the subcontinent, mainly with the uneducated and lower classes. My wife prescribes impalement for the perps.

Such a gentle and caring Hindu woman my wife! /s
Posted by: Secret Asian Man || 01/06/2013 19:31 Comments || Top||



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Sun 2013-01-06
  Dronezap in South Wazoo send 18 TTP Jihadis to their rewards
Sat 2013-01-05
  Syria jets, troops wage offensive on rebels near capital
Fri 2013-01-04
  New U.S. Drone Strike Kills Three Qaida Suspects in Yemen
Thu 2013-01-03
  Iran to Citizens: Flee Isfahan
Wed 2013-01-02
  Fourteen Killed as Nigerian Troops Clash with Islamists
Tue 2013-01-01
  Pakistan: Six charity workers shot dead
Mon 2012-12-31
  Qaeda in Yemen offers bounty for killing US ambassador, troops
Sun 2012-12-30
  Pakistan reports 21 tribal policemen kidnapped, found dead
Sat 2012-12-29
  At Least 15 Killed in Sect Attack in North Nigeria
Fri 2012-12-28
  Militants kill two, kidnap 22 Pakistani soldiers
Thu 2012-12-27
  Somalia sets 100 days for Al Shabab militants to surrender
Wed 2012-12-26
  6 Killed in Attack on Nigerian Church
Tue 2012-12-25
  Drone Strikes Kill Six Qaida Suspects in Yemen
Mon 2012-12-24
  Tunisia arrests 16 al-Qaeda suspects
Sun 2012-12-23
  Egypt vice-president resigns on final day of referendum

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