#3
Zero Hedge (I know, nervousness alert) has been predicting the 'downsizing' of the Chinese stocks for some time, so this was no 'shock' to me and not as deep as predicted (although it ain't over yet).
In our industry, we see the Middle Kingdom backing out of several supposedly 'done deals' with regards to new efficient power generation systems (NOT 'giant fans', more the NG and 'nucular' varieties). New system projects staying with coal for now. Cheap to build and China does have their own coal.
Not enough actual cash for the new GoreSystems®.
Posted by: Mullah Richard ||
01/04/2016 20:06
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IIRC see also JAPAN TIMES > OPINION: KOICHI HAMADI: CHINA'S CENTRAL PLANNING ADDICTION VERSUS FREE MARKET.
The Marx or Mao is still strong in the ex-CCCC/CPCC now CPC, + won't go out widout a fight.
Darkness will spread over the Chinese land like God over Pre-Exodus Egypt, or the CPC in Beijing will attempt to salvage itself via waging LIMITED WARS throughout East Asia, i.e. the SCS + ECS + Taiwan - and IOR agz India [Russian Far East]???
Opinion piece from Daniel Pipes.
The Islamist movement may appear stronger than ever, but a close look suggests two weaknesses that might doom it, and perhaps quickly.
Its strengths are obvious. The Taliban, Al-Shabaab, Boku Haram, and ISIS take Islamism â the ideology calling for Islamic law to be applied in its entirety and severity â to unbearable extremes, rampaging and brutalizing their way to power. Pakistan could fall into their hands. The ayatollahs of Iran enjoy a second wind thanks to the Vienna deal. Qatar has the highest per capita income in the world. Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan is becoming Turkey's dictator. Islamist operatives swarm the Mediterranean toward Europe.
But weaknesses within, especially squabbling and disapproval, could undo the Islamist movement.
Infighting became vicious in 2013, when Islamists abruptly stopped their prior pattern of cooperation among themselves and instead began internecine fighting. Yes, the Islamist movement as a whole shares similar goals, but it also contains different intellectuals, groups, and parties with variant ethnic affiliations, tactics, and ideologies.
Its internal divisions have spread fast and far. These include Sunnis vs. Shiites, notably in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen; monarchists vs. republicans, notably in Saudi Arabia; non-violent vs. violent types, notably in Egypt; modernizers vs medieval revivalists, notably in Tunisia; and plain old personal differences, notably in Turkey. These divisions obstruct the movement by turning its guns inward.
The dynamic here is ancient: As Islamists approach power, they fight amongst themselves for dominance. Differences that hardly mattered when in the wilderness take on great importance as the stakes get higher. In Turkey, for example, the politician ErdoÄan and the religious leader Fethullah GĂźlen cooperated until they dispatched their common enemy, the military, from politics, when they turned against each other.
Unpopularity, the second problem, may be the biggest peril for the movement. As populations experience Islamist rule first hand, they reject it. It's one thing to believe in the abstract about the benefits of Islamic law and quite another to suffer its deprivations, ranging from the Islamic State's totalitarian horrors to the comparatively benign emerging dictatorship in Turkey.
Signs of this discontent include the large majorities of Iranians who reject the Islamic Republic, the wave of exiles out of Somalia, and the massive Egyptian demonstrations of 2013 protesting a single year of the Muslim Brotherhood in power. As with fascist and communist rule, Islamist sovereignty often leads to people voting with their feet.
Should these two tendencies hold, the Islamist movement is heading for trouble. Some analysts already see the Islamist era having ended and the emergence of something new from its wreckage. For example, the Sudanese scholar Haidar Ibrahim Ali argues that a "post-Islamization" era has begun, when Islamism's "vitality and attractiveness have been exhausted even among the most ardent of its supporters and enthusiasts."
The enemies of Islamism have much work ahead. Muslims must both fight this movement and develop a compelling alternative to its goal of implementing Islamic law, explaining constructively what it means to be a Muslim in 2016. Non-Muslims can serve as their helpful auxiliaries, providing everything from applause to funds to guns.
Islamism's mounting problems offer grounds for confidence but not for smugness, as another reversal in course could take place at any time. But if current trends hold, the Islamist movement will have been limited, much as fascism and communism before it, damaging Western civilization, not destroying it.
Whatever the trend, defeating Islamism remains the challenge.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
01/04/2016
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#1
ABSTRACT, meet REALITY!
Also helps to take away all of their Oil-Gas Fields, etc. sources of revenues once-n-forevar!, AS OPPOSED TO POLITICOS WAFFLING ON THE MATTER.
Some good BUFF-ing would also be nice.
NO ONE IS TRULY BOMBED UNTIL THEY'VE BEEN BUFF'ED.
[Daily Caller] The first crude oil shipment exported from the United States, after a 40 year ban, left from Corpus Christi, Texas last Thursday.
NuStar Energy and ConocoPhillips loaded a vessel with light crude oil pumped from the Eagle Ford Shale of South Texas at NuStar's North Beach Terminal at Port Corpus Christi. The crude is to be sold to the international trading company Vitol.
#1
the change in the law permitting crude oil exports was obtained by giving the democrats oodles and oodles of goodies in the previous budget reconciliation bill
it shows why a Republican president is needed
Posted by: lord garth ||
01/04/2016 9:24
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A great example of how hard it is to repeal anything, no matter how outdated the reason for its original passage.
#4
Nope, neither is the strategic grain reserve, but we keep selling to foreigners. I say keep the grain, keep the oil, keep the guns, do away with the FED and prepare for a Pincer Action on Columbus.
h/t Instapundit
A month before the Yale Halloween meltdown, I had a bizarre and illuminating experience at an elite private high school on the West Coast. I'll call it Centerville High. I gave a version of a talk that you can see here, on Coddle U. vs. Strengthen U. (In an amazing coincidence, I first gave that talk at Yale a few weeks earlier).
The entire student body -- around 450 students, from grades 9-12 -- was in the auditorium. There was plenty of laughter at all the right spots, and a lot of applause at the end, so I thought the talk was well received.
But then the discussion began, and it was the most unremittingly hostile questioning I've ever had. I don't mind when people ask hard or critical questions, but I was surprised that I had misread the audience so thoroughly. My talk had little to do with gender, but the second question was "So you think rape is OK?"
...After the first dozen questions I noticed that not a single questioner was male. I began to search the sea of hands asking to be called on and I did find one boy, who asked a question that indicated that he too was critical of my talk. But other than him, the 200 or so boys in the audience sat silently. In modern education theory boys are just, willfully, misbehaving girls---they learn to shut up (and not to get too good grades in tests---I'm speaking from experience with my son), or they learn the taste of Rytalin.
#3
For the last couple of years, after I retired, I took a job as a substitute teacher in local (upper middle class) middle schools. It was an eye-opening experience.
One of my earliest classes was for Math. There was a small amount of noise/horse play at one of the groups, they were all placed in groups of 6. I went over and told the boys who were the loudest that they had to settle down and work quietly.........then I told the girls that I had seen them be the instigators of the whole situation and that THEY were just as responsible. You would have thought I'd just sprouted horns. Over time the same sort of thing happened, it was always a surprise to the kids when I held the girls responsible for their behavior as well as the boys.
Most of the kids seemed to appreciate this. I spoke to the Asst. Principal who was the ultimate disciplinarian about this and he admitted that the double standard was there and hard to break since he was never in the room to see who was the arsonist.
The drive to treat boys as misbehaving girls is well embedded in the teaching profession starting in Kindergarten. My wife, a Kindergarten teacher, can cite chapter and verse about this. Not ALL teachers and administrators are bad but the majority are and that means that all boys will get nailed by this at least a few times.
#4
Have the head gurl sit in the middle of the room without her bag on a simple chair. Remind everyone no staring. Being the centre of attention is only fun for so so long. WARNING. Some gurls are like Golden Retrievers, they thrive on sitting in the middle.
[IsraelTimes] Riyadh defends carrying out executions, says severed ties with Tehran shouldn't affect peace talks on Syria, Yemen
Iran has expressed "regret" over two attacks on Soddy Arabia ...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face... n diplomatic missions and said it will spare no effort in arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
Iran's UN envoy Gholamali Khoshroo said in a letter to UN Secretary-General the ephemeral Ban Ki-moon Monday that the Islamic Theocratic Republic "will take necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents in the future."
Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran on Sunday after protesters attacked its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashad. The violence stems from Saudi Arabia's execution of a prominent opposition Shiite holy man over the weekend, which predominantly Shiite Iran has denounced.
Khoshroo said more than 40 protesters at the embassy have been tossed in the slammer Youse'll never take me alive coppers!... [BANG!]... Ow!... I quit! and handed over to judicial authorities and that Sherlocks are seeking other possible perpetrators.
In the letter, obtained by The News Agency that Dare Not be Named, he said Iran supports the Vienna conventions on the protection of diplomats and diplomatic property. Khoshroo asked that the letter be circulated to all 193 UN member nations.
Saudi Arabia's UN Mission, meanwhile, insisted the kingdom granted "fair and just trials" to 47 people who were executed last weekend, responding to concerns raised by the UN chief over the fairness of the judicial proceedings.
The Saudi mission, in a statement sent to The News Agency that Dare Not be Named on Monday, expressed "deep regret" at a statement from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's front man on Saturday saying opposition Shiite holy man Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and a number of other prisoners executed were convicted after trials "that raised serious concerns over the nature of the charges and the fairness of the process."
The Saudi statement assured the UN chief of "the independence and impartiality of the judiciary authority." It said state-appointed lawyers were provided to some of the defendants, and that appeals in some of the cases took up to 10 years.
The statement said the final rulings against the 47 people executed were reached "based on their own criminal and illegal actions" without consideration of their intellectual, racial or sectarian background.
Saudi Arabia's UN envoy tried to allay fears that the Saudi-Iranian rift would derail peace efforts in Syria and Yemen. Two UN diplomats were dispatched to Riyadh to keep diplomatic gains afloat.
"From our side, it should have no effect because we will continue to work very hard to support the peace efforts in Syria and Yemen," Saudi Ambassador Abdallah al-Mouallimi told news hounds.
The envoy said Saudi Arabia "will attend the next Syria talks and we are not going to boycott them because of Iran" but he also took a swipe at Iran's role in the search to end the nearly five-year war in Syria.
"The Iranians even before the break of diplomatic relations have not been very supportive, not very positive in these peace efforts," said Mouallimi.
"They have been taking provocative and negative positions.. and I don't think the break in relations is going to dissuade them from such behavior."
The Saudi envoy spoke as the UN Security Council haggled over the wording of a statement on the Saudi-Iranian tensions.
In a letter to the council, the Saudi ambassador called on the council to "take all appropriate measures to ensure the inviolability of diplomatic facilities and the protection of all Saudi diplomats in Iran."
UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura was in Riyadh for talks and was to head later this week to Tehran to seek assurances that hard-won gains in the Syria grinding of the peace processor were not in jeopardy.
De Mistura is counting on broad support to launch peace talks between Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad Before going into the family business Pencilneck was an eye doctor. If he'd stuck with it he'd have had a good practice by now... 's government and the opposition in Geneva on January 25 -- the culmination of a three-month effort involving all key players.
Both Iran and Saudi Arabia have a crucial role in the diplomatic push to end the nearly five-year war in Syria and to bring about a political settlement for Yemen.
The UN envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, heads to Riyadh on Wednesday to push for a renewed ceasefire.
[ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] Arab and Kurdish forces have killed at least 16 fighters from the Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems.... of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group during fierce festivities north of the murderous Moslems' stronghold of Raqqa, a monitor said Sunday.
The murderous Moslemslaunched an offensive last Wednesday against areas held by the Syrian Democratic Forces coalition near to Ain Issa, a town held by the SDF some 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Raqqa, killing 21 Kurdish fighters.
Late on Saturday, "16 jihadists were killed and 19 maimed" in festivities with the SDF near Ain Issa, said Rami Abdel Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The SDF also recaptured an area seized by ISIS a few days earlier, he said.
The alliance, made up of units from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and Arab fighters, has carried out several major operations against ISIS.
On December 26, it seized the Tishreen Dam from ISIS along with several villages on the Euphrates' eastern bank.
The dam, held by ISIS since 2014, helps generate electricity for large parts of the northern Aleppo province, the Observatory said.
It was the alliance's second major operation, after clearing ISIS from some 200 villages in the northeastern province of Hasakeh.
On the Euphrates' western bank, ISIS still controls swathes of territory stretching from Raqqa to Jarablus, on the border with The Sick Man of Europe Turkey ...the only place on the face of the earth that misses the Ottoman Empire.... .
Posted by: Fred ||
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Or as the Rooshuns call it: Saturday morning...
(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – On Sunday, US-led international coalition announced, that it has carried out 26 air strikes on ISIS sites in Iraq and Syria.
The joint operations force said in a statement obtained by IraqiNews.com, “The international coalition forces have carried out seven air strikes near Ramadi, while hit tactical units and destructed three tactical vehicles, two vehicles, a booby-trapped vehicle, three buildings, as well as two heavy artillery sites.
The statement added, “Other strikes were carried out near Fallujah, Kirkuk, Kisik, Mosul, Qayyarah, Sinjar, Sultan Abd-Allah and Tal Afar.
“The coalition has also carried out another air strike in Syria near Manbij and destructed a tactical unit, a building, as well as a vehicle belonging to ISIS, while shelled ISIS sites in Deir ez-Zor, Ayn Issa and al-Wahsheya village.” the statement continued.
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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(IraqiNews.com) al-Anbar – The head of Haditha District Council Khaled Salman said on Sunday, that the security forces had killed dozens of ISIS elements and destructed 12 car bombs during armed clashes with the organization in the district of Bruwana in western Anbar.
Salman said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com, “Today, joint forces from the army and police, backed by tribal fighters began an extensive military operation, with support from the international coalition aviation and as well as the Iraqi Air Force, in order to regain control of Barwana District in the district of Haditha (160 km west of Ramadi).”
Salman noted, “The joint forces destroyed 12 booby-trapped vehicles for ISIS driven by suicide bombers, in addition to killing dozens of members of the organization.”
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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Police officers have launched a major operation after an Al Shabaab attack targeting police vehicles on the Hindi-Kiunga road near Baure. Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said the terrorists fled to the forest with injuries.
“A major security operation is underway in the area,” he said.
Police believe many of the militias involved in the attack suffered injuries and are still hiding in the forest.
“There were no injuries on the side of the police but we believe many of them suffered very serious injuries and some could even be dead,” he told Capital FM News on the telephone.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/04/2016
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GWADAR: A student of class four died when a rocket exploded in a date orchard in Tump, a town close to the border with Iran in Kech district, on Sunday.
According to the Levies officials, the rocket fired by unknown people exploded near the 10-year-old who was grazing his cow. Splinters hit Mohammed Sajid, killing him instantly.
Suicide attackers from the Daesh group killed at least 12 Iraqi forces on Sunday in a brazen attack on police training at a military base, officials said.
A commando of fighters equipped with rifles and suicide vests snuck into Speicher base, near the city of Tikrit, in the middle of the night. Their target was a large group of police forces from Nineveh, a northern province of which Mosul is the capital, who were undergoing training.
"Under the cover of fog, they broke into Speicher," said Mahmud Al Sorchi, spokesman for the paramilitary force being set up to take back Daesh-held Nineveh.
"Nineveh police managed to kill seven attackers but three were able to detonate their suicide vests," he said, adding that three officers were among the 12 policemen killed. He also said 20 policemen were wounded in the attack.
The militant organisation said seven suicide attackers managed to enter the huge military base, which lies about 160 kilometres north of Baghdad. In a statement posted online, Daesh said its commando reached a centre where 1,200 cadets were being trained, sparking clashes that lasted four hours.
Speicher is located in Salaheddin province, which was one of the regions conquered by Daesh when it swept across much of Iraq's Sunni heartland in June 2014.
The sprawling military base itself was never fully controlled by the militants but at the beginning of their offensive they committed one of the conflict's worst atrocities there. Daesh fighters assisted by local insurgents rounded up hundreds of cadets from Speicher, marched them to Tikrit and massacred them in several locations.
Hundreds of bodies were discovered in shallow graves when the Iraqi forces retook Tikrit in April 2015 but other victims were shot and thrown into the Tigris and will likely never be found. The highest estimates put the number of executed cadets at 1,700.
Security officials said the Sunday raid was launched from the western side of the base, a desert area where Daesh remains able to operate despite the increased presence of Iraqi forces.
[ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] Attacks by five jacket wallahs on an Iraqi military base north of Baghdad on Sunday killed at least 15 members of the security forces and maimed 22 others, security sources said.
Two of the bombers detonated their vehicle-borne explosives at the gate of Camp Speicher, a former U.S. base outside the Sunni city of Tikrit. Three others detonated their explosives after entering the base, the sources said.
ISIS grabbed credit for the blasts in a statement distributed by supporters online.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/04/2016
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[ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League ...an organization of Arabic-speaking states with 22 member countries and four observers. The League tries to achieve Arab consensus on issues, which usually leaves them doing nothing but a bit of grimacing and mustache cursing... on Sunday expressed support for Soddy Arabia ...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face... 's ongoing fight against "terrorism."
The six-member regional bloc's secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani said that the GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar ...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates... and Saudi, "stands side by side" with Riyadh, holding Iran as responsible.
His remarks came after Tehran lashed out at Riyadh for the executions of 47 people, include Shiite preacher Nimr al-Nimr and al-Qaeda ideologue Fares al-Shuwail .
Early Sunday, Saudi's embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad were attacked by Iranian protesters in reaction to Nimr's death.
The Gulf states - especially Bahrain - have long-accused Tehran of meddling in their affairs.
The Arab League later on Sunday also announced its support to Saudi Arabia in its attempt to combat terrorism, its secretary general said.
Nabil al-Arabi also denounced attacks on the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran, describing the incidents as flagrant violation of international principles and denounced Iran's interference in the region.
Kuwait on Sunday also expressed its backing of Saudi measures aimed at safeguarding the kingdom's national security.
Meanwhile, ...back at the Council of Boskone, Helmuth had turned a paler shade of blue. Star-A-Star had struck again... Jordan condemned the storming of the Saudi embassy and consulate by Iranian protestors, calling the act a "flagrant violation of international law," the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a Jordanian minister as saying.
The country's minister of state for media affairs said Jordan stands in solidarity with Saudi against extremism and terrorism, denouncing Iranian interference.
However, there's more than one way to skin a cat... the European Union ...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing... 's foreign policy chief warned Iran's foreign minister on Sunday that renewed tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia could wreck efforts to find a political solution for the crisis in Syria, according to Rooters.
Federica Mogherini said in a statement that she had spoken by telephone with Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, at length on Sunday morning after violence erupted in Iran following Saudi Arabia's execution of the Shiite preacher.
Mogherini said that she had been informed of the storming of the Saudi embassy in Tehran by protesters and of steps taken by the Iranian authorities to defuse tensions and protect the Saudi diplomats.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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#1
The Sudan, UAE, + Bahrain have repor all followed the KSA's lead and demanded that Iran's diplomats leave the country ASAP.
KURRAM AGENCY: Security forces on Sunday arrested two militants after seizing a weapons loaded vehicle from Ladha area of central Kurram Agency.
The political administration said that acting on an intelligence report, the security forces started snap checking of vehicles in the area. During the search of a suspected vehicle, arms including a missile launcher, two rocket launchers, an anti-aircraft gun, 23 missiles, 29 rockets, 25 safety fuses used in explosive making and explosive material was recovered.
The security personnel arrested two militants who were on board the vehicle and shifted them to an undisclosed location for interrogation.
MOSCOW, January 3. / TASS /. The flagship of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the Varyag guided missile cruiser has passed the Suez Canal and entered into the Mediterranean Sea, Roman Martov, chief of information support department at the press service of the Eastern Military District, told reporters on Sunday.
In December 2015, TASS reported that Varyag would be dispatched off the Syrian coast to replace the missile cruiser Moskva.
The Moskva cruiser is taking part in the Russian operations against the Islamic State and Jabhat Al-Nusra terrorist groups (both groups are banned in Russia).
In late November, after the Turkish Air Forces attacked the Russian bomber Su-24M in Syria, the Moskva cruiser equipped with the Fort air defense system (similar to the system S-300) was dispatched off the coast of Latakia (Syria) with an air defense mission.
On September 30, Russia launched its anti-terrorist mission in Syria by the request of the country’s President Bashar al-Assad. Initially, the air group comprised about 50 aircraft and helicopters, including the Su-34 and Su-24M, Su-25, Su-30cm, Mi-8 and Mi-24 bombers. Later, the group received another 12 bombers and fighters. In total the air group comprises 69 aircraft. On November 17, the mission was strengthened with the long-range aviation - 25 missile carriers Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 and the ships of the Russian Navy.
#1
The real or main striking power in Russia's post-Soviet Navy lies in select Surface Warfare vessels, espec the revitalized KIROV-vlass Battle Cruisers, as the bulk of Russia's Cold War and post-Cold War Nuclear Submarines have become too problematic to rely on.
One has to respect Darth Vlad/VladVedev for trying to change things around.
THE US-WEST CANNOT ALLOW THE ISIS/ISIL = HARD BOYZ TO GET CONTROL OF RUSSIA'S, CHINA'S + INDIA'S NUKES.
Mali has extended by three months a nationwide state of emergency initially imposed following a deadly jihadist attack on a hotel in the capital in November, officials said Wednesday.
The government on Monday submitted a bill authorising the fresh extension to March 31 "because of serious threats to the security of persons and their property", according to an official statement. The National Assembly passed the bill unanimously in a vote on Tuesday, a parliamentary source told AFP.
Mali initially declared a state of emergency after 20 people, 14 of them foreigners, were killed in an attack claimed by two jihadist groups on the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako on November 20. It was extended twice, and the latest 10-day period was due to expire on Thursday.
Northern Mali fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012. The Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation launched in January 2013, but large swathes of Mali remain lawless and prone to attacks.
Posted by: Steve White ||
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[DAWN] THE year began with heady rhetoric from Gen Raheel Sharif ..Pak chief of army staff, meaning he pulls the strings on the Nawaz Sharif puppet to make it dance and sing and not do much at all.... . Speaking in Quetta on New Year's Day he stated that this would be the year that terrorism would be eradicated from Pakistain. At roughly the same time, Sindh's counterterrorism department was arresting 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... a recruiter for the murderous MoslemIslamic State
Continued on Page 49
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#1
A great new look at Pakistan would do some good, as Saudis are getting put under the heat.
[ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] The White House expects Iran to finish work needed to trigger implementation of an international nuclear deal in the coming weeks, but Washington needs more time to prepare sanctions over its ballistic missile program, a U.S. official said on Saturday. "Don't bother us widdat. We're workin' on gun control!"
The administration had additional diplomatic and technical work to complete before announcing any new sanctions related to the missile program, but the delay was not a result of pressure from Tehran, said deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes.
"We have additional work that needs to be done before we would announce additional designations, but this is not something that we would negotiate with the Iranian government," Rhodes told news hounds in Hawaii, where President Barack Obama I mean, I do think at a certain point you've made enough money... is on vacation.
President Hassan Rouhani ordered his defense minister on Thursday to expand Iran's missile program, in defiance of the U.S. threat to impose sanctions over a ballistic missile test Iran carried out in October.
Meanwhile, ...back at the wreckage, Captain Poindexter wished he had a cup of coffee. Even instant would do... implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers was on track after Iran shipped its stockpile of low enriched uranium out of the country, though it still had many other important things to complete, Rhodes said.
"I would expect the Iranians to complete the work necessary to move forward with implementation in the coming weeks," Rhodes said. "We are on track to see the implementation of the Iran deal move forward."
Posted by: Fred ||
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#1
How much more time? January 2017.
Posted by: Sven the pelter ||
01/04/2016 12:02
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[RUDAW.NET] Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems.... (ISIS) turbans attacked several villages and towns in Western Anbar province on Sunday, capturing new territory before being pushed back by security forces and local tribes.
In a number of simultaneous attacks the turbans overran the towns of Perawan and Baghdadi near Haditha and Hit.
An Anbar government official said that the turbans were fought back by the army and tribal fighters in some areas and driven out of Baghdadi.
Khalid Salman, head of the Haditha district council said that 12 explosive-laden ISIS vehicles were destroyed in the confrontations. Five turbans were killed and at least 30 others maimed, he added.
"The attacks were launched through boom-mobiles and jacket wallahs and the turbans managed to infiltrate parts of Perwana township but they were repulsed by the security forces and tribal bad boys." Brig. and Anbar provincial council front man Amash Karbouli told Rudaw.
Karbouli said local forces launched their own counteroffensive to retake areas captured by the ISIS bad boys.
Posted by: Fred ||
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[TODAYSZAMAN] Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged to protect the security of foreign missions and prosecute those responsible for attacking Saudi diplomatic posts, in a series of messages posted on his personal Twitter account on Sunday.
Rouhani blamed "extremist individuals" for the attacks, which targeted the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad in response to Soddy Arabia ...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face... 's execution of prominent Shi'ite holy man Nimr al-Nimr.
He also condemned Saudi Arabia's execution of Nimr, calling it a violation of "human rights When they're defined by the state or an NGO they don't mean much... and Islamic values" and accusing the Sunni monarchy of pursuing "sectarian policies which have destabilized the region in recent years."
Demonstrators protesting Nimr's execution broke into the Saudi embassy building in Tehran earlier on Sunday, smashed furniture and started fires before being ejected by police.
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#1
Just ask the Americans how much we respect foreign embassies....
Posted by: Sven the pelter ||
01/04/2016 12:00
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#2
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged to protect the security of foreign missions
(IraqiNews.com) Salahuddin – On Sunday, a security source in Salahuddin Province stated, that 28 police elements were either killed or wounded in suicide attacks on Nineveh police training center in Salahuddin.
The source said in a statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “Today, a number of suicide bombers blew themselves on a training center for Nineveh police in Salahuddin Province, killing eight people and wounding twenty others including three senior officers.”
The source added, “A security force cordoned off the area and transferred the dead bodies to the forensic medicine department and the wounded to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.”
(IraqiNews.com) Salahuddin – A security source in Salahuddin announced yesterday, that the Iraqi security forces repelled an attack by ISIS on Samarra Barrage, while pointed out to the killing of 25 ISIS elements.
The source said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com, “The joint forces, consisting of the Iraqi army and al-Hashed al-Sha’bi [militia], foiled an extensive attack by ISIS militants on Samarra Barrage, resulting in the death of 25 ISIS elements as well as the destruction of vehicles belonging to the organization.”
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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The National Directorate of Security (NDS) – Afghanistan’s intelligence agency has seized a bomb-making factory in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
A statement released by the agency on Sunday states that the factory was discovered and destroyed in a joint operation with Afghan National Army in Wazir Abad village of Garmsir District.
33 landmines, rounds of heavy weapons, explosive materials and other materials used to make bombs were at the factory by the time it was raided.
“Terrorists were making bombs, suicide vests and anti-tank landmines in this factory to martyr or hurt our people including kids, women, elders and Afghan soldiers,” the statement states.
“Fortunately, by confiscating these explosives, several attacks of the enemy and bloodshed of our people are prevented.”
This comes as numerous Taliban militants have launched an attack on parts of Helmand province and trying to take the control of those areas.
Security forces have been engaged in clashes with them to rebuff their attack. Ministry of Defense says Taliban have suffered heavy casualties.
A chopper of the Afghan National Army (ANA) has crashed in central Logar province, leaving three on board killed and one wounded.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirms the incident through a statement released to media.
According to the statement, pilots of Afghan Air Force were conducting training when one of their helicopters MY-17 made an emergency landing due to technical error in Shang area around 11:20 am this morning. “As a result of the incident, three crew members embraced martyrdom and another sustained injuries,” the statement adds.
#1
MI-17. That's what you get with Russian tech and Inshallah maintenance?
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/04/2016 8:46
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Actually, Russian tech (they produce a special version for 3rd world markets) a lot more resistant to Inshallah maintenance than USA---Russians don't have any illusions about their 3rder allies.
Yes. If they have chosen not to choose France in word as well as deed, why should France choose them?
[ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] The push by La Belle France's Socialist government to revoke the citizenship of convicted Death Eaters with dual nationality after the Gay Paree attacks has turned into a harsh political dispute, with the far right applauding the move while some on the left express indignation at what they call a divisive ...politicians call things divisive when when the other side sez something they don't like. Their own statements are never divisive, they're principled... measure.
French President Francois Hollande ...the Socialist president of La Belle France, an economic bad joke for la Belle France but seemingly a foreign policy realist... submitted the proposal three days after the Nov. 13 attacks in Gay Paree that left 130 dead, in a shift toward a hard line on security. The idea appears to have strong support in French public opinion. Several polls over the past week suggest that 80 to 90 percent of the French are in favor of the measure.
Under current French law, citizenship revocation can only be applied to people who have been naturalized, not if they are French-born, and the procedure is rarely implemented.
The new rules would extend it to all dual nationals, but cannot be applied to people who are only French citizens, as La Belle France's obligations under international law prevent it from leaving a person stateless.
Opponents of the measure consider it would create two classes of citizens - dual nationals who could lose their citizenship and others who cannot - in opposition to the principle of equality set out in La Belle France's constitution.
French authorities have not said how many of those locked away Drop the rod and step away witcher hands up! over the Gay Paree attacks are dual nationals.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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Thousands of Palestinians gathered on Saturday in Hebron to bury 14 men whose bodies had been held by Israel after being killed allegedly after carrying out attacks.
Israel handed over the bodies of 23 Palestinians on Friday in an apparent bid to ease tensions, of which 14 were from the southern West Bank city.
The Al Hussein mosque was overflowing with people, where the 14 bodies were on display before prayers, wrapped in Palestinian flags. Relatives kissed the foreheads of the deceased, some of which were covered with flags of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups.
Prayers were also held in Hebron's only stadium next to Al Hussein, while hundreds of others waited outside the mosque in the cold.
Heavy rain began as the bodies were carried out of the mosque and those attending began seethingrolling their eyesgrimacing fiercelymaking facescursing mustaches chanting "There is no god but God".
The funerals of the rest of the Palestinians handed over by Israel were to take place on Saturday throughout the West Bank. A military spokeswoman said that, after Friday's handovers, the army would have returned a total of 76 bodies and was still holding two. Police could also be holding more bodies, she said.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/04/2016
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#1
I remember in the "beginning" of WOT, somebody (Derb I think) suggested bombing such funerals.
[ARA] ERBIL – The radical group of Islamic State (ISIS) executed on Sunday five media activists on charges of “spying for hostile parties” in Syria’s northeastern province of Raqqa.
The terror group released a video showing the five activists “confessing” to have filmed ISIS headquarters and vehicles in Raqqa.
In the name of their alleged Caliphate, ISIS militants have shot the media activists dead at the end of the video.
The victims were identified as Muhammad Abdulghani, Hael Abdulrazaq, Faisal al-Jaafar, Ammar al-Jaafar and Mahyar Othman.
The group accused them of leaking security information to the U.S.-led coalition, which has been bombing ISIS for nearly two years in the region.
Speaking to ARA News in Raqqa, a civil rights activist, who conditioned anonymity, said: “The victims were documenting ISIS atrocities in the province. They have been covering the daily life of Raqqa citizens for months.”
“By filming such executions and showing it to the public, ISIS tries to terrorize all activists in Raqqa, especially those working for media,” the source said.
“Everyone trying to deliver information about Raqqa to the outside world is being accused of spying for hostile parties, Activists are being tortured and brutally executed.”
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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[AnNahar] A Frenchie of Tunisian origin was charged on Sunday with attempted homicide after he tried to run down troops guarding a mosque in the southeastern town of Valence, a prosecutor said.
The individual, identified as Raouf El Ayeb, aged 29, was charged by an examining magistrate at a local hospital, where he is being treated after being injured in the attack, prosecutor Alex Perrin told AFP.
The magistrate has requested that Ayeb remain in jug, Perrin said.
The incident took place on Friday with the country was on high alert after the jihadist attacks in Gay Paree on November 13 that claimed 130 lives and left 350 injured.
Witnesses said the driver deliberately accelerated his car, a Peugeot station wagon, as he headed towards four soldiers in a car park outside a large mosque.
The driver bore down on the team a first time, prompting them to shout a warning, and when he made another approach, they opened fire, seriously injuring him in the arm and the leg.
One of the soldiers sustained leg injuries after being hit by the vehicle, and a 72-year-old worshiper was also hurt after being hit in the leg by a stray bullet.
On Saturday, Perrin said Ayeb told emergency responders he "wanted to be killed by soldiers and to kill soldiers... a way for him to appear like a martyr."
But, in his meeting with the examining magistrate, Ayeb "stepped back" from this statement, saying he only wanted to "run over" the soldiers, Perrin said on Sunday.
Investigators also found "jihadist propaganda images" on a computer at the man's home, and the assailant reportedly said the words "Allah is great" during the attack, Perrin said in Saturday's presser.
But, he added, motivation for the attack remained unclear and there was no indication the suspect was a member of any terror organization.
No. The motive is very clear: Sudden Jihad Syndrome, for which no formal organizational allegience is needed.
#1
No organization will claim him as some PMS plagued weed smoking Los Vegas vagrant made his attack look like a total disaster. A kid driving a Cozy Coupe could have done a better job. I shall continue to shame his weak attempt at matrydom until he is arraigned, forgotten and receives the perscription for lithium his actions so richly deserve.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
01/04/2016 0:47
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#2
A behavior similar to gang initiation I suppose.
Gotta 'make your mark' to get in.
[AlAhram] Five suspects were also incarcerated Please don't kill me! and a number of weapons, explosives, and bullets were seized
Egypt's army has said it killed 26 "terrorists" in Saturday raids in troubled North Sinai governorate amid its continuing "Martyr's Right" operation to rid the area of terrorism.
The raids were carried out by members of the Second and Third armies in some parts of Al-Arish, Shiekh Zuweid, Rafah and central Sinai, an army front man statement Sunday read.
Five suspects were also arrested, according to the statement, and a number of weapons, explosives, and bullets were seized.
The army's Operation Martyr's Right started last September aiming to rid the Sinai Peninsula of a decade-long Islamist Death Eater insurgency that spiked more than two years ago following the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.
It also aims to pave the way for sustainable development in North Sinai.
Authorities have reported over the past two years that hundreds of bandidosgunnies have been killed in army campaigns in the governorate.
Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems.... Death Eater group in November 2014, has grabbed credit for most of the deadly attacks in North Sinai.
The Afghan national security forces have intensified air and ground operations against the fanatics loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in eastern Nangarhar province as the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country.
The Afghan National Army (ANA) Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Murad Ali Murad said the Afghan forces have inflicted major casualties to the fanatics of ISIS terror group in Nangarahr, particularly in Achin district.
Gen. Murad told Radio Free Europe (RFE) during an exclusive interview that the public uprising forces are also supporting the Afghan national security forces to suppress the activities of ISIS loyalists in Nangarhar.
In regards to the deployment of terrorists by unidentified choppers in parts of Nangarhar province, Gen. Murad said they have not received concrete reports or evidences to prove the allegations.
The Afghan Air Force carried out its latest airstrike on ISIS fanatics in eastern Nangarhar province on Friday, leaving at least 14 loyalists of the terror group dead.
There have been growing concerns regarding the threats posed by emergent ISIS loyalists in Afghanistan with the US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter saying late last year that the threat posed by the terror group is being tracked very closely as they have started creating ‘little nests’ in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the commander of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan Gen. John Campbell earlier said the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish a regional base in Jalalabad, the capital city of eastern Nangarhar province.
Gen. Campbell, said Tuesday that foreign militants from Syria and Iraq had joined the loyalists of the terror group in eastern Nangarhar province and are trying to consolidate links with the leadership of the terror group based in Syria and Iraq.
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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Security forces have rebuffed a militant attack on security posts in Shigal District of eastern Nangarhar province.
A statement released by the Ministry of Defense on Sunday states that a group of armed opponents attacked security posts of Afghan National Army (ANA) in Shultan area yesterday.
The statement adds that ANA gave a befitting response to the militants where they also used heavy weapons.
According to the statement, an artillery shell landed among the insurgents leaving three of them killed and three others wounded.
The press release further states that two wounded militants who were being transported for medical treatment were arrested in a military check post.
They have been taken under medical care but after gaining health they would be referred to judiciary organs for investigation, the statement states.
Pushing up the poppies, he is...
The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan confirmed death of the group’s top leader Sayyed Muhammad Haqqani due to natural causes.
Mawlawi Haqqani has been described as Taliban group leadership’s top figure for being involved in different affairs of the Taliban insurgency since the formation of the group in mid 90s.
According to Taliban, Mawlawi Haqqani was the former deputy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Executive of Administration Bureau.
He was the current deputy head of Commission for Cultural Affairs of the militant group and played key role in spreading propaganda during the Taliban-led insurgency since the fall of the Taliban regime following the US-led invasion in 2001.
Taliban did not disclose further information regarding the exact location where Mawlawi Haqqani was based and died, however the group’s top leaders are mainly based in Pakistan and are operating from the Quetta Council.
The persistent activities by the Taliban group using the Pakistani soil has been the main source of tension between Kabul and Islamabad with the officials continuously criticizing Pakistani for providing sanctuaries to the anti-government armed militant groups, specifically the Haqqani Network and Taliban group, accused of major terror attacks in the country.
KARACHI: An antiterrorism court reissued on Saturday arrest warrants for almost the entire leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, including its chief Altaf Hussain, in around 10 cases for delivering and listening to a speech criticising the military establishment.
ATC-I Judge Bashir Ahmed Khoso again issued non-bailable warrants against Mr Hussain, Waseem Akhtar, party’s nominee for the position of Karachi mayor, Farooq Sattar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Rashid Godil, Khawaja Izhar ul Hasan, Qamar Mansoor, Kail-ul-Wara, Salman Mujahid Baloch, Rehan Hashmi and around 10 others for Jan 15.
The court reissued arrest warrants after the police remained unable to execute the previous warrants issued on Dec 22.
The police had submitted charge sheets in around 10 cases last month and shown the MQM leaders as absconders except Rauf Siddiqui, who is on a pre-arrest bail.
The prosecution said that the MQM chief in his July 12 speech had allegedly accused the Rangers chief and his subordinates of violating the army code of conduct during the ongoing Karachi operation while the other party leaders were booked for allegedly listening to their party chief’s speech.
The cases were registered under Sections 120-B (punishment for criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against Pakistan), 122 (collection arms, etc with intention of waging war against Pakistan), 123-A (condemnation of the creation of state and advocacy of abolition of its sovereignty) and 109 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 and Section 25-D of the Telegraph Act at Steel Town and different police stations of the city.
Over 100 cases were registered across the country against Mr Hussain and other party leaders for his July 12 remarks.
[Daily Excelsior] Twelve persons including seven security personnel of elite National Security Guards (NSG), Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) and five bandidosLions of Islam have been killed so far in the gunbattle inside IAF air base at Takki Chowk here, which raged for second consecutive day today with IAF saying the combing operations were still on and they couldn't say as to how many more bully boyz were still inside the base.
Three security personnel gave up the ghost sustained by them during shootout with the bully boyz overnight while Lt Col Niranjan E Kumar of elite NSG was killed this morning while defusing a live Improvised Explosive Device (IED) tied with body of one of the slain bully boyz inside the air base.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the bully boyz including four slain ultras and others, who were still holed-up inside the air base, were bearing explosive laden belts with their bodies. Slain ultras had tied belts with their abdomen and it was being anticipated that remaining bully boyz might also be bearing the similar belts.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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[TODAYSZAMAN] In an apparent criticism of the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) promise to grant cemevis -- places of worship for Alevi Muslims -- legal status, Religious Affairs Directorate President Mehmet Görmez has said presenting cemevis as an alternative to mosques is a red line for the directorate.
The Milliyet daily reported on Saturday Görmez stating the Religious Affairs Directorate has two "red lines" with regards to the demands of Alevis. "One of them is defining Alevism as a path separate from Islam since its 1,000-year-old history refutes this claim. The second is presenting cemevis as an alternative to mosques and as the place of worship of another belief," Görmez was quoted as saying.
However, corruption finds a dozen alibis for its evil deeds... he added he believes Alevis have the right to perform their traditions and beliefs.
Görmez's statements come soon after Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced a series of reforms his new government aims to implement within the next six months, including granting legal status to the places of worship of minority Alevi Muslims.
The Sick Man of Europe Turkey ...the only place on the face of the earth that misses the Ottoman Empire.... 's Alevis have long complained of discrimination in the mostly Sunni country, including the non-recognition of their cemevis as places of worship.
Davutoglu said last month that cemevis would be given legal status, but did not elaborate.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Saturday the murder of two people in Tel Aviv by a shooter suspected of being an Arab Israeli, pledging a crackdown on crime in that community.
A man police identified as Nashaat Melhem shot up a pub Friday, killing the two and wounding seven others before fleeing. He remained on the lam late Saturday, with thousands of police searching for him.
The shooting came amid a wave of Paleostinian attacks on Israelis, and while police said there was a "strong possibility that this was a terrorist attack", Netanyahu did not define it as such.
"There was a despicable murder here yesterday, incomprehensible cruelty", he said after lighting a candle outside the pub.
The attack was condemned by the council of Arara, the suspect's hometown, as well as by the head of the Joint List, which groups parliament's main Arab parties.
"I appreciate the condemnations of the crime from the Arab sector; I must say I expect all Arab members of parliament, without exception, to condemn the murder," the premier said.
Posted by: Fred ||
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(IraqiNews.com) Diyala – On Sunday, Head of health committee in the Provincial Council of Diyala Nagat al-Ta’ei announced, that 38 people were poisoned in the University of Diyala, while indicated to the formation of an immediate committee to investigate the incident.
Ta’ei said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com, “38 students and employees in the University of Diyala were poisoned in the center of the university in al-Muradeya area (15 km south west of Baquba),” adding that, “Some of the poisoned people were transferred to Baquba Teaching Hospital.”
“The Poisoning reasons are still unidentified, while an investigation committee were formed to investigate the incident’s circumstances and write a final report.” Ta’ei added.
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/04/2016 11:05
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#2
Not funny Frank.
No, wait, over-ruled. Purdy Damn funny Frank.
I suspect I may be the only RBer who has never been in in a Chipotle. Ever notice that this outbreak started when the beast visited? Coincidence? Perhaps, but I say consider the number 19, a nod is as good as a wink.
[DAWN] Thousands of Shias protested in Pakistain and Indian-held Kashmire on Sunday to condemn Soddy Arabia ...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face... 's execution of a leading Shia holy man Nimr al-Nimr, as fury over the killing spread.
The 56-year-old holy man was put to death along with 46 others, who the Saudi interior ministry said were involved in Al Qaeda killings. Some had their heads chopped off, others were shot by firing squad.
Iran and Iraq's top leaders also condemned the execution, warning ahead of protests that the killing was an injustice that could have serious consequences.
Peaceful protests were held across the country. In Quetta where about 1,000 people called on the government to reconsider its longtime ties with Riyadh and demonstrators held placards bearing anti-Saudi slogans.
In Lahore around 1,500 erupted into the streets calling Nimr's execution a gross human rights ...not to be confused with individual rights, mind you... violation, while 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... about a thousand men, women and kiddies shouted slogans against the royal Saudi family.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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[Daily Excelsior] Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has been put on ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and his condition remained critical.
Official sources said a high level team of doctors from different departments was attending upon Mufti Sayeed, who today spent 11th consecutive day in the AIIMS.
Meanwhile, ...back at the dirigible, Jack stuck the cigar in his mouth, stepped onto the gantry, and asked Got a light, Mac?
Von Schtinken stopped short, lowering the dagger and trying to control his features.
If you light that thing, Herr Armschtröng, he pointed out, his voice tense, we all die!... NC working president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited AIIMS and inquired condition of Mufti Sayeed from PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. He prayed for early recovery of Mufti Sayeed.
Mufti was flown to New Delhi and admitted in the AIIMS on December 24 after he developed uneasiness following six hour long tour to Srinagar to inspect developmental works going on in the City.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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#1
Man, Ima felt that uneasiness shit.
Nuss! Ima feel uneasy.
Sweat not patient of mine, we will ventilate immediately
Wait Ima just want stuff for happy sleep
GLARG
[Dhaka Tribune] A Dhaka court yesterday granted 10-day remand for each of the five leaders of 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... , held on Saturday with Tk1.47 crore, in two separate cases.
Metropolitan Magistrate Md Yusuf Hossain passed the order after Md Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Rampura police, produced them before it seeking a 20-day remand. The court also rejected their bail petitions.
The remanded are Gias Uddin, Aminur Rahman, Osman Gani, Lutfur Rahman and Shahadatur Rahman Sohel.
Rampura police locked away Keep yer hands where we can see 'em, if yez please! them in a drive with Tk1.47 crore from a house in the city's Banasree area on Saturday. Later, Sub-Inspector Mostafizur Rahman filed two separate cases -- one under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the other under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
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(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – A source in the Iraqi police announced, that three elements of al-Hashed al-Sha’bi had been injured in a bomb blast in southern Baghdad.
The source reported for IraqiNews.com, “Today, an explosive device exploded targeting vehicles belonging to al-Hashed al-Sha’bi [militia] in the area of al-Yusifiyah,” noting that, “The blast resulted in wounding three elements of al-Hashed.”
The source also added, “A security force cordoned off the area of the incident and transferred the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment.”
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump says the nuclear deal with Iran is so bad, he is close to wondering whether it was done poorly on purpose.
The man says what a lot of people are thinking to themselves. That's a substantial part of his appeal right there...
“It’s almost like there has to be something else going on,” he said Saturday night at a rally in Biloxi, Miss. “I don’t think there is, I just don’t think they’re competent.”
Trump said he couldn’t believe the U.S. would agree to a deal with Iran that did not include the return of Americans held prisoner in Iran.
“Who would make that deal?” he asked, suggesting Tehran was celebrating as the agreement was being negotiated.
The billionaire businessman said American negotiators should have began the process by insisting on getting the prisoners back. He said Iran would have refused, but afterward, “you double and triple up your sanctions” and it would change Iran’s tune.
Trump pledged of the prisoners: “They will be out before I take office.”
And of Secretary of State John Kerry: “I can’t believe they didn’t walk from that negotiation.”
“People want, not that phony Obama change,” he added. “People want strength, they want competence.”
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/04/2016
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#1
**** COUGH **** COUGH **** ...
I could say something, but won't for now - I'll just go wid ...
#4
he nuclear deal with Iran is so bad, he is close to wondering whether it was done poorly on purpose.
You could say the same about Fast and Furious, the IRS scandal, Gibson Guitar, Benghazi, the "Not-Affordable" Health Care Act which was not read prior to passing, and a whole host of other things associated with this administration. If one assumes the left and this administration thrives on chaos, it all makes sense. The left creates the problems and chaos and then promises people that they are the chosen ones to solve the chaos and problems.
[ARA] TEL ABYAD – Kurdish forces of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) announced on Sunday that 18 of its fighters were killed in attacks by militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) near the town of Ain Issa in northern Raqqa.
Clashes renewed on Sunday between the YPG –supported by allies from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)– and ISIS militants in the vicinity of Ain Issa town, subsequent to suicide attacks by ISIS jihadists on Kurdish headquarters.
The YPG leadership mentioned in a statement on Sunday the names of its 18 fighters who were killed at the hands of ISIS, saying the radical group responds to the progress of the Kurdish-Arab alliance in northern Syria by launching suicide attacks.
“Our fighters have made great sacrifices to liberate this region form Daesh terrorism,” the YPG said, using another acronym for ISIS. “The struggle will continue until we defeat those barbarians.”
In the meantime, at least 20 ISIS militants were killed in the recent clashes in Ain Issa.
Speaking to ARA News, Habun Osman, a spokesman for the YPG, said: “We have collected dead bodies of 20 ISIS terrorists subsequent to the clashes.”
“Dozens others were wounded in the clashes. We captured several ISIS terrorists in Ain Issa,” Osman said.
This comes as the western-backed SDF forces extended its military operations against ISIS in northern Syria, starting from Hasakah to Raqqa and further to Aleppo.
Posted by: badanov ||
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[ARA] KOBANE – Subsequent to fierce clashes with militants of al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recaptured the village of Keshtaar in Aleppo countryside, military sources reported on Sunday.
Keshtaar village, located in the suburb of Tel Rafaat city, has been constantly used by Nusra militants and allied Islamists as a base from which they used to attack the Kurdish region of Afrin northwest of Aleppo.
“Nusra terrorists escaped the village under heavy shelling by our forces,” the Kurdish-Arab alliance of the SDF said in a statement.
“After fierce clashes, our forces were able to liberate Kashtaar and the surrounding farms from the terrorists,” the SDF leadership said. “We seized a large deal of ammunition and heavy weapons from Nusra and its allies.”
On the other hand, al-Nusra Front said in a statement that its withdrawal from Kashtaar came after heavy airstrikes hit its headquarters there, causing more than 20 casualties in the group’s ranks.
This comes amid continues advance by the western-backed SDF units against militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front in the northern countryside of Aleppo and other areas northeast Syria.
On Friday, the SDF seized control of the villages of Tat Mrash and Tanab in the vicinity of Azaz city north of Aleppo after clashes with militant fighters of al-Nusra Front and the Islamic Movement of Ahrar al-Sham.
[ARA] ERBIL – Militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) on Sunday launched an offensive on headquarters of the Iraqi army in Ramadi, capital of the Anbar province.
Iraqi army said in a statement that ISIS militants bombed its headquarters in northern Ramadi, causing heavy losses in its ranks.
Dozens of Iraqi forces were killed and injured when a number of ISIS jihadists launched simultaneous suicide attacks on the army base of the 10th Brigade in the northern suburb of Ramadi.
This comes just few days after the Iraqi army announced recapturing Ramadi and expelling ISIS fighters from the city.
The Iraqi army units in Ramadi have called for reinforcements after suffering heavy losses in ISIS’s attacks on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, the militant group attacked the Spiker army base near Tikrit and positions of the Iraqi forces in Barawna sub-district in Haditha. ISIS launched dozens of mortar shells at the Iraqi forces, causing casualties and destruction of heavy weapons.
The Iraqi army has not revealed its death toll in Sunday’s attacks.
On Friday, ISIS militants attacked headquarters of the Iraqi army in Ramadi with three car bomb attacks, and burned several military vehicles. At least 20 Iraqi forces were killed, informed local sources told ARA News.
Militants of the Islamic State were also able to cut off a main supply line for the Iraqi army in central Ramadi on Friday, after taking over the Artillery Brigade’s military base near the Bouathia district.
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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[IsraelTimes] Egypt intensifies ground and air campaign to root out Death Eaters affiliated with the Islamic State group
Airstrikes launched by the Egyptian air force Saturday killed dozens of fighters from a local affiliate of the radical Islamic State in restive north Sinai, local media reported.
The attack, which was conducted by Apache helicopters, targeted installations belonging to the Wilayat Sinaa terror group around the town of Sheikh Zuwaid, which has long been a hotbed for Lion of Islam elements, the reports said.
Wilayat Sinaa, formerly known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis ...Supporters of Jerusalem, the current pen name of al-Qaeda in the Sinai Peninsula... , pledged allegiance to IS in 2014 and has grabbed credit for numerous deadly attacks on Egyptian soldiers and civilians over the past two years.
According to eyewitness reports, the aircraft continued to circle the area after the Arclight airstrikes in pursuit of bully boyz who fled on cycle of violences.
While some reports put the number of gunnies killed at 40, others said as many as 60 died in the attack.
Along with Saturday's Arclight airstrikes, Egyptian military forces and police carried out ground operations in the areas of El-Arish, Sheikh Zuwaid, Rafah, and central Sinai to root out terrorists.
The operations involved artillery as well as special forces specializing in counter terrorism, Egyptian military sources told local media. According to the reports, the raids killed an unspecified number of gunnies and resulted in the capture and destruction of unregistered cars and cycle of violences used by Wilayat Sinai.
Israel's Channel 2 television reported in early December that Wilayat Sinai leader Shadi al-Menei had secretly crossed the border into Gazoo where he met with leaders of the Hamas, always the voice of sweet reason, terror group's military wing. According to the report, Hamas has smuggled weaponry from Gazoo to al-Menei's terror group, including the powerful Cornet anti-tank missile.
#2
FYI Israel Perts are warning that the 1979 Begin-Sadat Peace Accords could be at risk of de facto breach by Egypt + hence potential NEW EGYPT-ISRAEL WAR iff, while in pursuit of ISIS and other Hard Boy factions in the Sinai, that ....
> Egyptian Milfors enter + stay in the Sinai for a protractive or excessive period of time, as opposed to quickly departing once their Mission is accomplished, or the Hard Boyz aren't found.
> Iff Egyptian forces enter and refuse to leave PA-ruled GAZA as per same.
[IsraelTimes] IDF fires artillery for fourth successive day amid concerns terror group will take advantage of poor weather to 'avenge' death of Samir Kuntar
Forces shelled the Lebanese border for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday, aiming to deter an attack by Lebanese terror group Hezbollah.
The group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has repeatedly vowed Dire Revenge for the liquidation of arch-terrorist Samir Kuntar two weeks ago, which has been attributed to Israel.
Anticipating such a response, the army has been firing artillery rounds at the border fence. The army reportedly expected the terror group to take advantage of the stormy weather and the poor visibility to launch a strike.
[Ynet] Israeli soldier lightly maimed by sniper fire in south Hebron Hills, Israeli man lightly maimed by stabbing attack in Jerusalem and female soldier moderately maimed in stabbing attack near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron; troops searching for shooter who fired from afar.
An Israeli soldier was lightly maimed after being shot in the leg by sniper fire at the Hakvasim Junction in the south Hebron Hills on Sunday evening. IDF troops are searching for the suspect.
The incident marked the second epsiode of sniper fire towards soldiers in the Hebron area on Sunday.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon, an Israeli man was very lightly maimed in a stabbing attack in Jerusalem on Sunday afternoon. The terrorist was captured not far from the scene.
The attacker arrived at a bus stop on Barazani Street in the capital, where he took out a knife and tried to stab a civilian waiting for the bus. The knife failed to break the skin, and the attacker then expeditiously departed at a goodly pace. A suspect fitting the description given to police was caught in the area shortly thereafter.
Earlier, a female soldier was maimed in a shooting attack near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. Israeli security forces were searching the area for the shooter, fired from one of the surrounding Paleostinian homes.
The maimed soldier was taken to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem in moderate condition.
PESHAWAR: A soldier was injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast near a security forces vehicle on the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway toll plaza on Sunday, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.
Eleven soldiers were on board the vehicle, which was partially damaged.
Following the explosion, which was later claimed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) via an email to journalists, the motorway was sealed and aerial surveillance of the area was conducted.
Initial investigations by the Bomb Disposal Squad revealed the IED comprised 4 kilograms of explosive material.
[DAWN] THE year witnessed a significant de-escalation in terrorist and sectarian attacks in south Punjab 1.) Little Orphan Annie's bodyguard
2.) A province of Pakistain ruled by one of the Sharif brothers
3.) A province of India. It is majority (60 percent) Sikh and Hindoo (37 percent), which means it has relatively few Moslem riots.... as krazed killer violence mostly shifted elsewhere, mainly to the northern cities, in the province.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred ||
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The security commission of Aden Governorate has imposed a curfew from 8pm to 5am on Aden City after militants laid siege on the seaport in Mualla district in a bid to force out the government security force. The curfew will come into force today [Monday].
The move, made at an emergency meeting chaired by Governor of Aden, Brigadier Aidarous Qasim Al Zubaidi, is aimed at countering groups which seek to undermine security and stability in Aden, according to the state Yemeni News Agency.
Spokesperson of Aden Governorate, Nizar Anwar, said the government's military and security forces restored full control on the port and re-deployed in the area.
Ajdabiya Revolutionaries’ Shoura Council has today denied that it has pledged allegiance to IS. It put out a statement carried on a Libya Dawn media site, saying that the group photographed with a black IS banner was made up of individuals acting without the authority of the Council.
Likewise Derna Shoura Council has denied any links to Al-Qaeda. One of their senior commanders, Saad Al-Tayra was quoted by the Libya Observer as saying that if the council fighters were linked to Al-Qaeda they would make no secret of it. Instead, he said, they were simply conservatives.
Tayra insisted that the IS forces in the Fatayah hills above Derna had almost been defeated. Their request to be allowed to withdraw to Sirte, presumably by sea, had been turned down. Tayra added that once IS had been defeated in Derna, the Council’s fighters would move on to Sirte to defeat them there.
[HOSTED.AP.ORG] Hawaiian vacation over, President Barack Obama If you have a small business, you didn't build that... says he is energized for his final year in office and ready to tackle unfinished business, turning immediate attention to the issue of gun violence.
Obama scheduled a meeting Monday with Attorney General Loretta Lynch to discuss a three-month review of what steps he could take to help reduce gun violence. The president is expected to use executive action to strengthen background checks required for gun purchases.
Republicans strongly oppose any moves Obama may make, and legal fights seem likely over what critics would view as infringing on their Second Amendment rights. But Obama is committed to an aggressive agenda in 2016 even as public attention shifts to the presidential election.
Posted by: Fred ||
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#1
Wet behind the ears staffer proposes: "How about an increased police presence and more passive detection of illegal guns held in the inner city where all the violence is occurring?"
Everyone turns and looks at him in silence. Boss shakes his head and makes note to begin termination paperwork. After a short lull the real conversation resumes and the usual ideas are barfed back onto the table to be stirred about one more time.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
01/04/2016 0:26
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#2
Why do I get the feeling that simply enforcing existing laws is not on the list?
Oh... That's right, it might actually reduce the problem...
#6
Strengthening background checks won't amount to anything. Criminals do not voluntarily undergo background checks, only honest people fill out the
4473 and undergo a NICS check.
#10
Why should anyone listen to a corrupt administration that trafficked in illegal firearms to achieve a leftist political agenda with the intent of disarming the American people? The 2nd Amendment was written to protect the American people exactly from such overreaches.
#13
The O-Team says they will "re-classify" the criteria that determines a "gun-seller" requiring an FFL. Selective enforcement is one thing. It may be viewed as lawless or dereliction but this proposal is clearly an unconstitutional expansion of the law. Guess what...they know it and don't give a shit. It's because it's yet another phoney-baloney stunt that gives the appearence of action.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia severed all diplomatic ties with Iran Sunday, the Saudi foreign minister announced in a press conference.
The major diplomatic move comes after Iranian protestors stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran Saturday night in response to the execution of 47 people suspected of being terrorists. Among them was the Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, whose death was condemned by the Ayatollah Khamenei.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Iran's diplomats had 48 hours to get the hell out of the country.
"The kingdom, in light of these realities, announces the cutting of diplomatic relations with Iran and requests the departure of delegates of diplomatic missions of the embassy and consulate and offices related to it within 48 hours," he said. "The ambassador as been summoned to notify them."
Iran is a mostly Shiite Muslim country that has for decades been at odds with Saudi Arabia, a mostly Sunni kingdom that has long been a close U.S. ally.
Posted by: Sven the pelter ||
01/04/2016 7:04
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#5
How ugly do you suppose this is going to get???
The Times of Israel is liveblogging today's events. Thus far Sudan and the UAE are also expelling their Iranian diplomats, and the Arab League will meet shortly to discuss the situation. No doubt there will be more mustache cursing all around, and terrible, fiery threats. But at the moment all the parties are stretched and possibly overstretched by their current kinetic endeavours, and oil income is not at all what it was. To add insult to injury, the U.S. has begun exporting oil as well.
I have to wonder who exactly will vote for Former President Barack Hussein Obama as the next UN Secretary General after the past eight years, other than Cuba...
[IsraelTimes] Nashat Milhem still on run after Friday shootings; police says he's armed, dangerous and could strike again
The gunman who shop up a bar in Tel Aviv Friday, killing two, fired into two other establishments, expeditiously departed at a goodly pace on foot, hailed a cab, and rode to north Tel Aviv where he murdered the driver before abandoning the vehicle, police said Sunday.
Police had said earlier they were certain runaway Nashat Milhem, the suspected perpetrator of the deadly attack in central Tel Aviv, was also responsible for the murder of taxi driver Amin Shaaban, which took place less than an hour after the first shooting.
Continued on Page 49
At last five militants were killed in a drone strike apparently carried out by the coalition security forces in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Sunday that the airstrike was carried out on Saturday in Shegal district, targeting a group of militants in Chogam area.
MoD in a statement said at least two militants were also injured in the airstrike but did not disclose further information regarding the identities of the militants killed in the raid.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban group has not commented regarding the report so far.
Kunar is among the volatile provinces in eastern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating and frequently carry out insurgency activities.
Militants loyal to the Afghan Taliban as well as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other insurgent groups are active in various districts of Kunar.
A commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed in a similar strike in Shegal district earlier in the month of November last year.
[AnNahar] Two suspected Islamic turbans were killed Sunday when fighting flared up again at an Indian air force base, a police brass hat said, a day after the initial bloody raid on the base close to Pakistain.
Early Sunday afternoon security forces came under heavy fire inside the base during a search for munitions and possible turbans.
The police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity the two snuffies were killed four hours after the first contact was made Sunday. But the search would continue before the base was declared safe.
"Both have been killed. We are yet to retrieve their bodies," the officer said.
The base commander, J S Dhamoon, told news hounds separately the operation was close to completion but gave no information on any fresh casualties.
Islamabad, meanwhile, moved quickly to condemn the attack which it described as a "terrorist incident."
[ALMANAR.LB] The Syrian Army air force carried out sorties on terrorist organizations targeting their positions, hotbeds and hideouts in many areas across the country, eliminating a number of their members and destroying their weapons, ammunition and vehicles, state-run SANA news agency reported Sunday.
In Homs, the Syrian Army air force carried out sorties on the positions and fortifications of the so-called 'Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems.... of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) takfiri ...an adherent of takfir wal hijra, an offshoot of Salafism that regards everybody who doesn't agree with them as apostates who most be killed... group at the west side of al-Qaryatain city in the southeastern countryside of Homs province.
A military source told SANA Sunday that the Arclight airstrikes destroyed ISIL positions with all gunnies inside and their machineguns-equipped vehicles.
Meanwhile, ...back at the game, the Babe headed for second base. He almost made it. Then Sheila slapped him.... ISIL affiliate terrorist organizations acknowledged on their social media pages the killing of terrorist nicknamed Abu Bilal al-Homsi, planner of the latest terrorist kabooms of al-Zahra neighborhood in Homs city, which claimed the lives of a number of civilians and injured others.
In the northern Aleppo province, the Syrian army air force carried out, during the last 24 hours, Arclight airstrikes against ISIL positions and movements in the village of Nejarah in the eastern countryside of the province.
The Arclight airstrikes destroyed ISIL positions with all weapons and ammunition inside them as well as their machineguns-equipped vehicles, loaded with weapons and ammunition.
Meanwhile, ...back at the game, the Babe headed for second base. He almost made it. Then Sheila slapped him.... the terrorist organizations acknowledged on their social media pages the killing of a number of their members, among them Hassan al-Haj Omar and Abdel-Aziz Ahmad Abdel-Aziz.
In the southern province of Daraa, an army unit carried out accurate operations on gatherings and positions of Al-Nusra Front and other terrorist organizations in Tareek al-Sad neighborhood in Daraa, destroying their hideout and killing all the gunnies inside it, the military source added.
A hideout for the gunnies and two of their vehicles in addition to another vehicle were destroyed in army operations against terrorists' gatherings and movements at the west side of Daraa al-Balad.
Meanwhile, ...back at the game, the Babe headed for second base. He almost made it. Then Sheila slapped him.... terrorist organizations acknowledged on their social media pages killing a number of their members as they have acknowledged receiving fatal strikes in al-Sheikh Miskeen city during the past three days in addition to killing 50 gunnies at least and injuring 250 others 50 of them at death's doors.
In Sweida province, an army unit, in cooperation with popular defense groups, thwarted a terrorist attack launched by a terrorist group against Bard village some 26 Kms to the south of Sweida city.
All terrorist group members were killed and injured and their weapons and ammunition were destroyed in the army operation, the military source confirmed.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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(IraqiNews.com) Erbil – Witnesses said on Sunday that Turkish warplanes attacked PKK positions in Qandil Mountains in northern Erbil.
One of the witnesses reported for IraqiNews.com: “Two Turkish warplanes attacked, today, the locations of the PKK in Qandil Mountains in Kurdistan,” noting that “The bombardment lasted for about half an hour.”
The witness added, “The size of the losses caused by the attack have not been known yet,” pointing out that, “The bombing had caused panic among the residents of the area.”
(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – On Sunday, a local source in Nineveh Province stated, that 26 elements of ISIS were either killed or wounded in an air landing carried out by an American special force near Mosul.
The source said in a statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “Last night, an American special force has carried out an air landing operation near Azheleya village in Qayyara near the city of Mousl, killing 15 elements and detaining 11 others including local leaders,” adding that, “The American force managed to withdraw without any losses.”
Yesterday, another local source in Nineveh Province revealed, that the leaders of the ISIS organization who are holding Arab and foreign nationalities have escaped from the province to the Syrian lands after the air landing operation that was carried out in Hawija.
Posted by: badanov ||
01/04/2016
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#1
Hey, our advisors are offering up some strong advice.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
01/04/2016 0:37
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#2
Just as long as an Iraqi national is a passenger someplace we're good.
Posted by: Richard Aubrey ||
01/04/2016 8:01
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[Tolo News] Chief of Army Staff Qadam Shah Sahim, in a visit to Achin district in Nangarhar The unfortunate Afghan province located adjacent to Mohmand, Kurram, and Khyber Agencies. The capital is Jalalabad. The province was the fief of Younus Khalis after the Soviets departed and one of his sons is the current provincial Taliban commander. Nangarhar is Haqqani country.. , ordered Afghan National Army (ANA) troops to bring an end to militia group activities in the eastern province.
"We have bad experiences from establishing militia groups. We will not let anyone build militia [groups]," Shahim said.
"We welcome those who support the Afghan army and police force members in the framework of public uprisings, but we will not allow anyone to establish militia -- privately," he added.
The governor of Nangarhar, Salim Khan Kunduzi, meanwhile said any move which is out of government's framework is not acceptable. But he said militia groups should operate within government's structures.
He said: "We support those who defend the people but those who defend the people should work in a proper framework."
Nangarhar residents also announced their support for the security forces, and said the main reason behind the delay in military operations is a lack of air support for the Afghan troops.
Meanwhile, ...back at the Council of Boskone, Kinnison began his slow infiltration of the sewer system... a number of Nangarhar tribal elders and residents met with President Ashraf Ghani ...former chancellor of Kabul University, now president of Afghanistan. Before returning to Afghanistan in 2002 he was a scholar of political science and anthropology. He worked at the World Bank working on international development assistance. As Finance Minister of Afghanistan between July 2002 and December 2004, he led Afghanistan's attempted economic recovery until the Karzais stole all the money. .. on Saturday evening where they shared their concerns over insecurity and activities of militia groups in parts of the province.
Ghani promised the tribal elders he would address their concerns as he said he feels their pain and understands the problems they are enduring.
He assured the residents he would send a delegation to the province to assess their problems and find a solution for them.
He said 2015 had been a challenging year and that it was the sacrifices of security and defense forces that enabled the country to overcome problems and defeat the enemy.
He said the international community has reaffirmed its support to Afghanistan.
He said he has directed the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to continue military operations against Daesh [Islamic State] fighters in Achin district.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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I think Mr. Cordrea's concerns are a bit overblown. So far, no threats against anyone have been made, and no laws have been broken in this occupation.
[Ammoland.com] USA – “Armed protesters, including three sons of a Nevada rancher who battled with the government in 2014, vowed to occupy a federal building in Oregon for ‘as long as it takes,’ as state and federal officials on Sunday sought to defuse the situation,” Fox News, among others, is reporting. It’s a dangerous situation some of us have been following since yesterday’s takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters following a protest in support of rancher Dwight Hammond and his son Steven.
The Hammonds were convicted of arson after a fire they said they started on their property to burn off wildfire-threatening invasive species inadvertently spread onto federal land, consuming 139 acres. The government charged they were covering up evidence of poaching, and the jury bought the prosecution’s arguments. A new controversy arose after it was ruled the trial court sentence was not harsh enough, and Chief Judge Ann Aiken of the United States District Court for the District of Oregon tacked on an additional five years.
“The Hammond family does not want an armed standoff, and nobody has a right to force one on them,” Oath Keepers told its members. “Since Dwight and Steven Hammond, through their attorney, have made it clear they intend to turn themselves in and serve out the additional time, Oath Keepers cannot, and will not, try to interfere with that decision (peaceable assembly and protest is, of course, fine, but going beyond that against their wishes is not).”
“The 3% of Idaho, 3% of Oregon, The Oregon Constitutional Guard, and PPN organizations in no way condone nor support these actions,” the 3% of Oregon declared in a Facebook press release. “They do not mirror our vision, mission statement, or views in regards to upholding the Constitution, The Rule of Law, or Due Process.”
Also complicating matters for the protesters, some of the locals are scared. And the ranchers at the heart of the dispute, through their lawyer, declared they have nothing to do with the takeover.
Ammond Bundy disagrees with Oath Keepers, says the Hammonds distancing themselves has been coerced after government threats, and has put out a call for people to come to Oregon and support his actions. So now what we have is a serious split between those who do not agree with Bundy’s methods, and an angry backlash against anyone speaking out against his actions, with plenty of name-calling going in both directions.
That schism has to please those who benefit from an opportunity to “divide and conquer,” and that’s very apparent on social media. But here’s the thing — even if you are someone who opposes the action, you’re still affected by it. Like it or not, we’re all in it up to our necks.
That’s because the monopoly of violence “progressives” will use the Oregon occupation to tar everyone who believes in the right to keep and bear arms as an “insurrectionist,” an “extremist” and a “domestic terrorist.” That will be extended to mainstream groups like NRA, always a convenient media punching bag. And the smear job won’t be limited to gun rights defenders. Expect it to cover anyone who espouses “conservative” values. And expect attacks on the Republicans, especially on the presidential candidates.
Don’t be surprised to see some in the GOP reconsider how committed they’re willing to be opposing Obama’s anticipated executive orders. And don’t’ be surprised to see the administration looking to emergency powers to deal not just with the Oregon situation, but to do whatever they think they can get away. Don‘t be surprised to see Democrats, gun-grabber groups and the press cheering it on. More at the link
#4
Send in John Kerry on a bicycle to negotiate a peaceful end. If he can strike a deal with American hating Iranians he should be able to handle American loving ranchers.
#5
Thankfully, it looks like this dog and pony show will peter out in absurd irrelevance on it's own. Of course, given how vindictive some of our appointed masters are, you can expect a quiet round of arrests & "Process as Punishment" legal action for the participants in the near future.
#8
Something is wrong about this. Supposedly laws were broken 6-7 years ago. Tacked on more jail time. Still I don't like this whole story. Even what they were charged with. Not poaching. Seems a government manufactured effort and if so they can't even get that right.
[Daily Excelsior] The uneventful drive back from a religious shrine on Friday evening didn't take much time to turn into a nightmare for Madan Gopal, one of the three kidnapped by the forces of Evil who stormed the Pathankot air base on Saturday morning.
Gopal, the cook of former Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salvinder Singh, Salvinder and the latter's jeweller friend, Rajesh Verma, were kidnapped on Thursday late night. And on Friday early morning, at around 2 a.m., Gopal and Singh were freed.
Gopal alleged that not only was the vital information he shared with the police immediately after he was freed ignored but also he was brutally tortured by the Punjab 1.) Little Orphan Annie's bodyguard
2.) A province of Pakistain ruled by one of the Sharif brothers
3.) A province of India. It is majority (60 percent) Sikh and Hindoo (37 percent), which means it has relatively few Moslem riots.... Police.
On their way from Pathankot to Gurdaspur, the ordeal of the trio started at Kolian area where Gopal and others were signalled to stop by five men dressed in Army fatigues and carrying assault rifles. They already had another vehicle which they had obtained after murdering a taxi driver.
It was nearly midnight and they were on a isolated stretch when the uniformed men stopped them.
"Verma was driving the SUV with Singh sitting next to him while I was in the middle passenger seat. In a flash, we were overpowered with Verma being the first one to be forcefully evicted and stuffed inside the boot," said Gopal.
"They dragged Singh out of the car and sandwiched him between the front and middle seats, something they did to me as well. Two of them sat on us after tying up our limbs, taping our eyes and gagging our mouths," he added.
Two of the attackers then sat over the duo. Gopal recalled the attackers talking to each other but is fairly certain that the language used by most of them "wasn't Punjabi".
"Only one of them uttered few words in broken Punjabi, which is why I could not comprehend much. From the voices, I could sense they were young men," said Gopal.
Neither Gopal nor Singh (in his purported disclosure to the police) could remember the routes they were driven on in the hijacked car but it was a dense forest close to the base where they were eventually dumped. The assailants drove away with Verma still inside the boot.
Gopal then heard his senior's voice: "Madan let's try and get out of this forest." It was Singh who managed to free himself first and he freed Gopal.
"The darkness, dense bushes and tall grasses made it extremely difficult for us to navigate out of the forest. When we eventually did, after walking for two hours and even encountering a canal, we were in a village," said Gopal.
Villagers helped Singh to contact his seniors. "He called up Gurdaspur SSP Gurpreet Singh and told him that those who had kidnapped us could be turbans," recounted Gopal.
He added that his hope of police rushing him to safety was immediately dashed when they were taken to the Sadar cop shoppe in Pathankot.
"I was repeatedly assaulted even as I kept insisting that whatever I had told them was true. My fears were proved right when the base was attacked but the local police as well as some intelligence officers kept torturing me even after the shootout started. This is all I get after serving this force for 40 years," said Gopal, a Class IV staff of Punjab Police, who got an extension after retiring last year.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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#1
Ah, a simple matter of too many swoops have spoiled deh cook.
Maurice, change the voltage regulator immediately, we must ride!
[DAWN] WHILE Pakistain-India ties are necessarily about a great deal more than terrorism, the latter is perhaps the one threat that can derail the relationship yet again.
It is too early to know the facts about what transpired at an Indian air force base in Pathankot but already some challenges -- and opportunities for broadening and deepening anti-terrorism efforts -- can be identified.
Firstly, the Pak government has done the right thing in quickly and unequivocally condemning the terror attack and offering its cooperation to India.
Having suffered grievously from bully boy violence and having resolved to fight militancy in all its forms, Pakistain should rightly offer its support to any state confronting terror threats. It is a welcome change that Pakistain now officially and directly condemns terrorist attacks regionally and internationally and offers its assistance where necessary.
The years of ambivalence appear to have been left behind.
Yet, the challenges are formidable. The hostile reaction by much of the Indian media to the alleged involvement of Paks in the attack even before the barest facts could be established underlines just how difficult peacemaking will be.
Courageously, however, the Indian government has appeared to resist media and hawkish pressure and declined to go into attack mode against Pakistain. It is all too easy to reap political capital in the midst of a major terrorist attack by targeting perceived external enemies.
The preferable approach -- one that hopefully the Indian government will continue to adopt in the days ahead -- would be to quickly establish the facts. If no involvement of Pak nationals is found, the information should be shared with the Indian public.
If Pak nationals are found to be involved in the attack, the information should be shared with Pak authorities as quickly as possible -- and reciprocal steps should be taken here. To thwart the political motives of terrorists, a sensible, cooperative approach by both governments should be key.
Inside Pakistain, there needs to be some reflection. Has Pakistain's inability to deal adequately with India's concerns about the 2008 Mumbai attacks caused cynicism about Pak intentions and led to Indians being automatically suspicious of Pakistain whenever a terrorist attack occurs in their country?
If so, does that not harm Pakistain's own interests? There is still too much defensiveness about the terrorism threat on the Pak side -- perhaps less so in the political government, but certainly in the military-led security establishment.
There is no conceivable gain that Pakistain can make through terrorism when it comes to key disputes and issues with India. Not only is that abundantly clear outside the state apparatus, a generation of bigwigs, both military and civilian, have publicly and privately acknowledged and accepted that.
If that is indeed the case, then Pakistain ought to lead confidently on the regional terrorist threat. No one -- at least no one credible -- can accuse the Pak state of not wanting to or failing to fight the banned TTP today. The day must come when the same can be said for all terror threats, internally, regionally and internationally.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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#1
apparently this writer is unaware of the phone calls intercepted from their Pakistain handlers
Posted by: Frank G ||
01/04/2016 15:50
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#3
OTOH see DEFENCE.PK/FORUMS > [Sputnik News]VIDEO: "INDIA, BANGLADESH, AND PAKISTAN WILL ALL BE UNITED UNDER NAME, ONE FLAG THAT IS PAKISTAN" -ZAID HAMID.
Apparently We're-Supposed-to-be-the-World's-First-Islamic-Nuclear-Superpower-NOT-Iran PAKISTAN = ISLAMABAD GOVT. has decided the time is right for Nuke-Armed Pakistan to begin aggressively unilaterally asserting its rights and expanding its Milpol or Geopol influence both Regionally + Around the World ASAP AMAP ALAP AFAP.
Seemingly in the SOUTHWARD STRATEGIC DIRECTION VEE INDIA + INDIA SUBCONTINENT, + WESTWARD VEE ARAB MIDDLE EAST, as Pakistan is hemmed in by THREE OWG CO-SUPERPOWERS INCLUD SSSHHH...CCCCCC PAK "BFF/Frenemy" + STRATEGIC PARTNER IRAN, + CHINA + RUSSIA IN West Asia???
Besides also NAVALLY e.g. recent Pak Navy NAVEXS wid India + Japan in SCS + Straits of Malaccas.
INDIA must be feeling nervousy twitchy about what the NEAR-TERM FUTURE beholds - CHINA, ISIS/ISIL IN AFPAK + CENTRAL ASIA, + NEWLY MILPOL/GEOPOL AGGRESSIVE NUCLEAR PAKISTAN.
[DAWN] Maulana Fazlur Rehman Deobandi holy man, known as Mullah Diesel during the war against the Soviets, his sympathies for the Taliban have never been tempered by honesty ... , the extremely fat chief of his own faction of Jamaat Ulema-e-Islam ...the political wing of the Pak Taliban... , has called upon Prime Minister 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... to take parliament into confidence about the army chief's visit to Afghanistan on Dec 27.
Speaking at a presser at the party's secretariat on Sunday, he said the prime minister should explain whether or not Gen Raheel Sharif ..Pak chief of army staff, meaning he pulls the strings on the Nawaz Sharif puppet to make it dance and sing and not do much at all.... had proceeded to Kabul ...the capital of Afghanistan. Home to continuous fighting from 1992 to 1996 between the forces of would-be strongman and Pak ISI/Jamaat-e-Islami sock puppet Gulbuddin Hekmayar and the Northern Alliance, a period which won Hek the title Most Evil Man in the World and didn't do much for the reputations of the Northern Alliance guys either.... with his permission.
"I am sure that such high-level talks can't take place without the prime minister's consent," the JUI-F chief said when informed that federal ministers had expressed their ignorance in the Senate about the outcome of Gen Raheel's meetings in Kabul.
The army chief held talks with the Afghan leadership and reportedly offered Pakistain's role in ending insurgency in that country.
Maulana Fazl said if Pakistain could play a role in reconciliation, the Afghan government should take advantage of it and come up with a positive response. It was a very positive approach by Pakistain for bringing peace to Afghanistan, he added.
He said tension between Pakistain and India had eased after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lahore last month. He said parliament should hold a candid debate on the country's relations with Afghanistan and India.
Posted by: Fred ||
01/04/2016
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Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan
Recall we followed the turmoil in the Ivory Coast closely at the time. This seems like a positive step forward.
Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara announced Thursday in his New Year's address that he had reduced the sentences of 3,100 prisoners held over bloody post-election unrest.
Around 3,000 people died in five months of violence in 2010-2011 in the west African nation following elections that saw Ouattara unseat then president Laurent Gbagbo. The crisis erupted after the strongman leader refused to concede defeat, sparking months of violence that eventually drew in international troops.
"I have decided to use my right of clemency to grant full and partial sentence reductions," Ouattara said.
"This decision will allow thousands of inmates to get their freedom back and for others to see their terms shortened," he added. "It concerns a total of 3,100 people."
He did not give a breakdown of how many prisoners would go free immediately and how many would remain behind bars.
Campaigners cautiously welcomed the announcement. "Ordinary prisoners will be pardoned but for political prisoners, that grace does not solve the problem," said Seri Gouagnon, a Gbagbo supporter.
"The most important thing is that he follows through on the announcement," Desiree Douati, the head of a group that represents the families of those in prison in Ivory Coast, AFFDO-CI, told AFP.
Ouattara, a former economist, won a second five-year term by a landslide in October in the nation's first peaceful vote in more than a decade. He has been credited with reviving the economy of the war-scarred country, the world's leading cocoa producer, investing in huge infrastructure projects that have helped raise annual growth to around nine percent.
Gbagbo, who was eventually defeated by pro-Ouattara forces backed by the UN and France, is now awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court in the Hague.
The 2010-2011 crisis was a bloody epilogue to a decade of upheaval, splitting west Africa's economic powerhouse between a rebel-held north and a loyalist south.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/04/2016
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The Indian consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif came under attack on Sunday with an unknown number of gunmen attempting to enter the compound after twin explosions and shots were heard, the spokesman for the local governor told Reuters.
No details were immediately available on casualties or damage.
The attack came as Indian security forces were still trying to suppress an assault on an air base near the border with Pakistan that has killed at least seven military personnel and wounded 20 others.
Posted by: Steve White ||
01/04/2016
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#1
Why would anyone want a councilate in that warren of mud huts from the 16th century?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
01/04/2016 0:40
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
the ephemeral Ban Ki-moon
Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir 
MOSCOW, January 3. / TASS /. The flagship of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the Varyag guided missile cruiser has passed the Suez Canal and entered into the Mediterranean Sea, Roman Martov, chief of information support department at the press service of the Eastern Military District, told reporters on Sunday.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia severed all diplomatic ties with Iran Sunday, the Saudi foreign minister announced in a press conference.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman
