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Explosion Targets Wedding Hall In Kabul; Casualties Feared UPDATE: 63 dead, ISIS claims it
Today's Headlines
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Page 2: WoT Background
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Page 1: WoT Operations
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Page 3: Non-WoT
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3 21:24 Seeking Cure For Ignorance [2]
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Page 4: Opinion
21 18:46 Procopius2k [2]
4 12:58 Vernal Hatrick [2]
3 07:30 Frank g [1]
6 23:51 Waldemar Clunk5446 [2]
3 08:30 Mullah Richard [2]
7 21:22 Seeking Cure For Ignorance [2]
Afghanistan
Taliban say killing of leader's brother will not derail peace talks
[DAWN] The Afghan Taliban
...the Pashtun equivalent of men...
on Saturday said the killing of a brother of their leader in the Quetta mosque kaboom on Friday would not derail talks with the United States.
And the injured son (how badly injured has not been reported) is likewise of no interest whatsoever.
Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada
...Former deputy to Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansour, now The Big Man Himself...
was not in the mosque near Quetta on Friday when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was killed, several Taliban officials have said.

The kaboom inside the mosque just before Friday prayers killed four people, including the prayer leader, and left 25 others injured in the Kuchlak area on the outskirts of the scenic provincial capital.

The explosion was carried out with the help of a time device, which was planted under the wooden chair of the prayer leader, when he started delivering the Friday sermon, according to police and bomb disposal squad officials.

There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US officials reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee.

"If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"We are close to our goals," he said, referring to the talks with the US. He declined to be identified.
Khaama Press adds:
The former Afghan intelligence chief and running mate of Ashraf Ghani in presidential elections reacted to the killing of the brother of Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada in an explosion in Pakistan.

Saleh said in a Twitter post “The name of the Talbn politburo is Quetta Shura. It is located in Quetta of Pakistan.”

Furthermore, Saleh said “One of their senior members was killed today in a blast as the rift is growing over the deal with the US & prospects of peace. Seemingly ultra ISI are killing the less ISI Talibn. Cheap proxies.”
An interesting perspective...
Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Africa Horn
Battle for Jubbaland escalates as Federal Government declares new Jubbaland parliament ‘illegal’
[HIIRAAN] Somali Federal Government has declared the election of new Jubbaland state assembly a nullity noting the process violated the Federal Constitution and electoral procedures in what could open a new round of battles between the Ahmed Madobe administration and Mogadishu.

Interior Ministry Abdi Mohammed Sabriye said in a statement Saturday the selection of elders and subsequent election of MPs failed the electoral threshold set by the government. According to the letter, the elders who participated in the just concluded controversial poll were not the legitimate ones in the government register.

"Any election which bypasses the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the electoral procedures set by the Interior Ministry is null and void," the government said.

Coming hot on the heels of the build up to the election of a new president and the ’swearing in’ of a parallel assembly Thursday, the declaration by the Federal Government could further escalate the hotly contested exercise that has seen the intervention of the international community.

Jubbaland Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (JBIEC) reopened the registration process of presidential candidates Friday following pressure from the UN, AU and the regional body IGAD. The UN called for a ’a single, agreed electoral process’ warning unless resolved, the political circus could have a destabilising effect on the southerly state.

The rejection of Jubbaland assembly by Mogadishu is not a new phenomenon. In 2015 following the formation of the Interim Jubbaland Administration, the Federal Parliament declared the Jubbaland Assembly illegally constituted but the move posited no legal effect to bar the assembly conducting its business.

The Jubbaland Assembly approved by the JBIEC Saturday re-elected the former Speaker Sheikh Abdi Mohammed Abdirahman and deputies paving way for the election of a new president. The parallel parliament also ’elected’ Ibrahim Nur Hassan as its speaker.
Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
Pakistan Attempts On Kashmir Fall Flat At UNSC
[TWITTER]

Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  Why not just link the video here, instead of clicking through Twitter to click through Excelsior?

Posted by: Herb McCoy || 08/18/2019 0:28 Comments || Top||

#2  Thank you for doing that for us, Herb. I have notes on how such things are done, but have never managed to master it nonetheless.
Posted by: trailing wife || 08/18/2019 0:31 Comments || Top||

#3  Youtube has made it easiest, TW. Just right click on the vid in 'tube itself, and select the 'Copy embed code' option. Paste it into the friendly Rantburg posting box and there ! You may alter the sizes after.
Eep ! Here's me telling you about re-sizing....
Posted by: Dron66046 || 08/18/2019 4:05 Comments || Top||

#4  Your directions are now added to my Rantburg notes, where you join the multitudes here who have shared useful advice over the years. To you all is the credit due when I’m being clever. :-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 08/18/2019 11:24 Comments || Top||

#5  This is why I like the 'burg: on display above are the three attributes needed for happiness (per Jordan Peterson):
Honesty
Humility
Gratitude

Thank you.
Posted by: Lex || 08/18/2019 11:34 Comments || Top||


Retd military officers, bureaucrats approach SC challenging Article 370 repeal
[TWITTER]

Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:


Either proxy war or war can resolve Kashmir issue, says Pakistan diplomat
[TWITTER]

Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  Big John sez "Let's Get it ON !"
Posted by: Besoeker || 08/18/2019 1:06 Comments || Top||

#2  There has been a proxy war and (quote) border 'incidents' (unquote) for decades now -- so what's the difference?
Posted by: magpie || 08/18/2019 1:38 Comments || Top||

#3  What makes Pakistan think they'll come out on top in such a scenario?

I suspect in time as the India economy improves and Pakistan sinks further into poverty, the folks of Kashmir might look more kindly upon India and Pakistan knows it.
Posted by: ruprecht || 08/18/2019 13:24 Comments || Top||


50,000 landline phones restored in Kashmir, schools to reopen Monday
[TWITTER]

India eases some curbs in occupied Kashmir

[DAWN] Indian authorities eased restrictions on movement and restored landline telephone links in some parts of Indian Kashmir
...a disputed territory lying between India and Pakistain. After partition, the Paks grabbed half of it and call it Azad (Free) Kashmir. The remainder they refer to as "Indian Occupied Kashmir". They have fought four wars with India over it, the score currently 4-0 in New Delhi's favor. After 72 years of this nonsense, India cut the Gordian knot in 2019, removing the area's special status, breaking off Ladakh as a separate state, and allowing people from other areas to settle (or in the case of the Pandits, to resettle) there....
e on Saturday, the biggest relaxation in a crippling lockdown since New Delhi removed the region's special status on August 5.

The moves came even as there were celebrations and protests by Kashmiris opposed to the Indian policy in Srinagar on Friday night. The celebrations were to mark the first United Nations
...boodling on the grand scale...
Security Council meeting about the Kashmir issue for about five decades.

Two police officials and a series of eyewitnesses told Rooters that demonstrations and celebrations took place in various parts of Srinagar.

However,
a woman is only as old as she admits...
the number of incidents of local residents pelting security forces with stones were low compared with recent days, said a security official who toured Srinagar in the morning.

A witness said that hundreds marched in the Rajouri Kadal area of Srinagar and they also let off some fire crackers. They shouted pro-Pak and anti-India slogans during the celebrations, two witnesses said.

For the first time since the Indian government revoked occupied Kashmir's rights to set some of its own laws, police vans didn't announce imposition of a virtual curfew in Srinagar.

Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:


Firebrands’ movement to be restricted in Muharram
[DAWN] As part of security measures for Muharramul Haram, the city police have decided to restrict movement of firebrand
...firebrands are noted more for audio volume and the quantity of spittle generated than for any actual logic in their arguments...
s or arrest them under the National Action Plan, a police front man said on Friday.

Furthermore, leaves of all police officials have been cancelled for Muharram, which is likely to start on Aug 30.

The front man said a control room has been set up in the office of the City Police Officer which would monitor security arrangements round the clock.

Giving details of a meeting held at the CPO office to discuss security arrangements during Muharram, the front man said instructions had been issued to restrict the movement of religious scholars who were known for delivering hate speeches and in this regard the National Action Plan would be followed and implemented.

The CPO was informed that last year, a total of 1,766 Majalis were held, 316 processions were taken out during the first ten days of Muharram in the Rawalpindi District.

The CPO directed the police to ensure that no untoward incident happen during the month.

Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


UNSC meeting a reaffirmation of resolutions for Kashmiris' right to self-determination: PM Imran
[DAWN] Prime Minister Imran Khan
...aka The Great Khan, who ain't the sharpest bulb on the national tree...
on Saturday welcomed the United Nations
...the Oyster Bay money pit...
Security Council (UNSC) meeting on occupied Jammu and Kashmir
...a disputed territory lying between India and Pakistain. After partition, the Paks grabbed half of it and call it Azad (Free) Kashmir. The remainder they refer to as "Indian Occupied Kashmir". They have fought four wars with India over it, the score currently 4-0 in New Delhi's favor. After 72 years of this nonsense, India cut the Gordian knot in 2019, removing the area's special status, breaking off Ladakh as a separate state, and allowing people from other areas to settle (or in the case of the Pandits, to resettle) there....
held a day earlier, saying the gathering was a reaffirmation of the council's past resolutions advocating the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

Taking to Twitter, the premier noted that it was for the first time in over five decades that the "world’s highest diplomatic forum" had taken up the issue of Indian Kashmire and the serious situation prevailing there.

"There are 11 UNSC resolutions reiterating the Kashmiris right to self-determination. And the UNSC meeting was a reaffirmation of these resolutions," the prime minister wrote.

He said it was, therefore, the responsibility of the Security Council to address the suffering of the Kashmiri people and ensure the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.


Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


International-UN-NGOs
Palestinians fear UNRWA mandate may not be renewed
[Jpost] The Paleostinian leadership is worried that the mandate of the United Nations
...a formerly good idea gone bad...
Relief and Works Agency for Paleostinian Refugees (UNRWA) may not be renewed this year due to charges of corruption in the agency.

The Paleostinians are also concerned about the recent decision of the Netherlands, Switzerland
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: trailing wife || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Paleostinian Refugees (UNRWA) may not be renewed this year due to charges of corruption in the agency.

It is not the charges of corruption, it is the actual corruption that is (or was) the problem. It was a good, long-running con but the marks have gotten tired.
Posted by: SteveS || 08/18/2019 1:06 Comments || Top||

#2  Outside of being hopelessly corrupt and making the situation worse, what's not to love about UNRWA?
Posted by: magpie || 08/18/2019 1:40 Comments || Top||

#3  Is Rep. Tlaib getting her share of the graft?
Posted by: Lex || 08/18/2019 1:56 Comments || Top||

#4  "Erekat pointed out that after the Trump administration’s decision to halt funding to UNRWA, "more than 40 UN member states have made additional pledges, which means that they recognize the importance of services provided by UNRWA and its important role in maintaining regional stability."

In other words, Trump proved that American support was never needed in the first place. Good job.
Posted by: Herb McCoy || 08/18/2019 2:31 Comments || Top||

#5  Brings "OH NO Mr. Bill!!! memes back to mind.
Posted by: AlanC || 08/18/2019 12:52 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Preparations for a space launch in Iran
[TWITTER]

Posted by: Fred || 08/18/2019 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  Un huh. Put Ahmadinijad on it
Posted by: Frank g || 08/18/2019 7:44 Comments || Top||

#2  Gonna look for that 12th IMAM in space, gave up on the well, better luck next time.
Posted by: AlanC || 08/18/2019 12:54 Comments || Top||

#3  The USA faked the moon landings. We can do it better.
Posted by: KBK || 08/18/2019 21:44 Comments || Top||

#4  They are so full of hot air they don't need space suits.
Posted by: Waldemar Clunk5446 || 08/18/2019 22:54 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
22[untagged]
7Govt of Pakistan
6Arab Spring
6Taliban
4Govt of Iran
3Antifa
2Govt of Syria
2Commies
2Houthis
1Hamas
1TTP
1Islamic State
1Moslem Colonists
1Pirates
1al-Nusra
1Govt of Sudan

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Two weeks of WOT
Sun 2019-08-18
  Explosion Targets Wedding Hall In Kabul; Casualties Feared UPDATE: 63 dead, ISIS claims it
Sat 2019-08-17
  Two killed in Pakistan mosque bomb blast
Fri 2019-08-16
  Special Forces arrest Khalifa Daud, Haqqani network’s key member in Kabul
Thu 2019-08-15
  Iraq anti-terrorism troops kill 10 IS militants, capture 5 others in Anbar
Wed 2019-08-14
  On beyond Veritas: Google Insider Turns Over 950 Pages Of Docs And Laptop To DOJ
Tue 2019-08-13
  North Macedonia police find 22 migrants packed into SUV
Mon 2019-08-12
  UAE-backed forces expel Saudi-backed troops from Yemeni Presidential Palace
Sun 2019-08-11
  Southern Transitional Council stages an attempted coup, says Yemeni government
Sat 2019-08-10
  Jeffrey Epstein dead in Arkancide
Fri 2019-08-09
  US slaps Hezbollah financier with 5-year prison sentence, $50m. fine
Thu 2019-08-08
  Clashes erupt between Indian, Pakistani forces in Kashmir
Wed 2019-08-07
  Algeria: court issues arrest warrant on Khaled Nezzar, ex-General accused of alleged mass killings in the 1990s
Tue 2019-08-06
  Benghazi flight to Mitiga Tripoli survives rocket attack while landing
Mon 2019-08-05
  Indian Kashmir Dissolved.
Sun 2019-08-04
  Special Forces arrest Taliban fighter disguised in women’s dress

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