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Today's Headlines
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Page 4: Opinion
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Afghanistan
A Look at Afghan Assets, Afghanistan’s Currency in 2022
[ToloNews] US President Joe The Big Guy Biden
...46th president of the U.S. We get to suffer the consequences. So does Afghanistan, aka Biden's Bungle...
in an executive decree on Feb. 12 split the $7 billion Afghan assets into two parts, half of which went to the Afghan trust fund in Swiss and another half was reserved for 9/11 victims.

The decision sparked widespread reactions within and outside Afghanistan.

The Afghan trust fund created in September 2022 has four trustees, including two Afghan experts, one representative of the Swiss federal government and one representative from the US department of treasury.

"The Islamic calls it unjust to freeze Afghan assets, or to allocate it to other purposes as a compensation or to avoid spending it on humanitarian purposes," said Inamullah Samangani, deputy front man for the Islamic Emirate.

"The assets of Afghan central bank frozen by the US are the national property of Afghanistan and the life-saving money of Afghans. They should have been returned to Afghanistan in full amount at once, should have been handled independently by Afghanistan itself and should have been used to improve people’s livelihood and advance peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan without hindrance," said Mao Ning, a former spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry.

Afghan citizens, private sector and political figures have also criticized the decision.

Some have even held protests in reaction to the freezing of the Afghan assets abroad.

"The people of Afghanistan are the victims of terrorism," Karzai said.

The fund for the people of Afghanistan was established in September 2022 in Swiss.

Shah Mohammad Mehrabi, a member of the Supreme Council of the Da Afghanistan Bank, and former Minister of Finance, Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady are the two members from Afghanistan.

"The fund for Afghan people was established as an independent foundation that is sovereign in nature in September 2022.

Mehrabi said that the Fund will "protect, preserve and make targeted disbursement of the 3.5 billion that belongs to Afghan people, to help benefit Afghan people, and

promote price stability so that the people can afford to buy basic necessities of life."

After the establishment of the Afghan trust fund, the transaction of newly printed banknotes to Afghanistan had also happened.

The first batch of the Afghan banknotes arrived in Afghanistan in 2022.

"The last batch of banknotes printed by PWPW will be delivered in January 2023. The contractual obligation of Oberthur Fiduciaire is to deliver half of the printing Afghani banknotes in May 2023 and the reminder at the end of that year," Mehrabi told TOLOnews then.

The international community has continued its aid as usual to Afghanistan but the scale of the aid has been reduced.

According to Da Afghanistan Bank, more than $1.7 billion has entered Afghanistan over the last year.

"SIGAR, for the first time in its history, is unable this quarter to provide to Congress and the American people with a full accounting of U.S. government programming due to the non-cooperation of US agencies," the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said.

However,
a poor excuse is better than no excuse at all...
Afghan currency has remained stable against foreign currencies. Restrictions within the Afghan banking system were the main challenges for Afghan traders in 2022.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 02:12 || Comments || Link || [10 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA


A Look at Afghanistan’s Security Situation in 2022
[ToloNews] Attack on embassies of Russia and Pakistain as well as US announcement of al-Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri
...Formerly second in command of al-Qaeda, now the head cheese, occasionally described as the real brains of the outfit. Formerly the Mister Big of Egyptian Islamic Jihad. Bumped off Abdullah Azzam with a car boom in the course of one of their little disputes. Is thought to have composed bin Laden's fatwa entitled World Islamic Front Against Jews and Crusaders. Currently residing in the North Wazoo area assuming he's not dead like Mullah Omar. He lost major face when he ordered the nascent Islamic State to cease and desist and merge with the orthodox al-Qaeda spring, al-Nusra...
’s killing were part of security-related incidents in Afghanistan in 2022.

People expressed happiness over the security situation in the country
Did they, indeed?
but urged the Islamic Emirate to prevent bombings across the country.

There were less fewer security incidents between January to April 2022. But in April, 12 security incidents happened in the provinces of the Kabul, Balkh, Badakhshan and Kunduz, in which over 110 people were killed and 270 others were maimed.

On April 19th, 20 students were killed and 30 others were maimed in bombing on Abdul Rahim Shaheed Highschool in Kabul.

One day later, the Si-Dokana mosque located in Mazar-e-Sharif was attacked, leaving 31 people dead and more than 90 others maimed.

On April 20th, 33 people were killed and 43 others were maimed in a blast in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz.

On October 2nd , a blast targeted Gazoo
...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with an iron fist by Hamaswith about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppression and disproportionate response...
rgah mosque of Herat
...a venerable old Persian-speaking city in western Afghanistan, populated mostly by Tadjiks, which is why it's not as blood-soaked as areas controlled by Pashtuns...
. On November 30th, a blast happened at Jahadia seminary in Samangan

SECURITY INCIDENTS IN KABUL:
On April 30th a mosque (Khanqa) in Darul-Aman was attacked.

On July 29th, a blast happened in cricket stadium.

On August 23rd, blast happened nearby the Wazir Akbar Khan Mosque.

On October 1st, a blast happened at the Kaaj educational center.

On October 5th, a blast happened at a mosque of the Interior Ministry.

On September 5th of 2022, for the first time the Russian embassy in Kabul was attacked, in which two Russian diplomats were killed alongside several Afghans.

On December 5th, the embassy of Pakistain in Kabul was attacked. The attack aimed to murder the Pakistain ambassador for Afghanistan, Abdul Rahman Nizami.

Nizami escaped the attack unhurt but one of his guards was severely maimed.

On December 12th, three attackers stormed into a hotel which was housed for Chinese citizens as well as common Afghan citizens.

The attack left three dead and 18 others maimed.

On August 2nd, the US President Joe The Big Guy Biden
...46th president of the U.S. I'm not working for you. Don't be such a horse's ass. Don't say he didn't warn us...
in a live address said: "Justice has been delivered" in US strike killing al-Qaeda leader al-Zawahri; "this terrorist leader is no more."

"On Saturday at my direction, the United States successfully concluded an Arclight airstrike
...KABOOM!...
in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed the emir of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri. You know, Zawahiri was bin Laden's leader. He was with him all that whole time. He was his number two man, his deputy at the time of terrorist attack 9/11. He was deeply involved in the planning of 9/11. One of the most responsible for the attacks and murdered 2,977 people on American soil," Biden said.

But the Islamic Emirate front man Zabiullah Mujahid in a statement confirmed that a strike took place and strongly condemned it, calling it a violation of "international principles."

"On August 1, 2022, an air strike was carried out on a residential house in the Sherpoor area of Kabul city. At the outset, the nature of the incident was not revealed. The security and intelligence agencies of the Islamic Emirate investigated the incident and found in their preliminary investigations that the attack was carried out by American drones. IEA strongly condemns this attack on any cause and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement," the statement of Islamic Emirate reads.

Mujahid also said that the killing of Zawahiri in Kabul has been on a level of allegation.

Following the flying of drones over Afghan air space, the acting Minister of Defense blamed Pakistain for providing facilities to the drones to enter Afghanistan’s air space.

On August 31st of 2022, the caretaker government of Afghanistan has celebrated its victory against the US in Bagram Air Base, which was once the biggest US military base in Afghanistan.

On March 2022, in a police graduation ceremony, the acting Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani
...son of Pashtun warlord Jalaluddin Haqqani, still titular head of the Haqqani Network....
appeared for the first time in public.

Haqqani then promised the international community that there will be no threat from Afghan soil to any world countries.

"The world should not bargain with us and don't consider us a threat to themselves," he said.

The citizens across the country expressed happiness over the reduction of security incidents in the country in 2022 compared to the previous years.

The border festivities between the Islamic Emirate and the neighboring countries were unprecedented in 2022.

The Islamic Emirate’s forces have engaged into clash eight times with Pakistain, two times with Iran, and one time with Uzbekistan.

The festivities at Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing have left several people dead and maimed on the two sides.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 02:12 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA

#1  It is hard to put a finger on the levels of violence vis-a-vis other places. I propose Chicago as an international standard for violence. Things there have been consistently awful since Capone massacred the Purple Gang. Based on their comparative political climates Afghanistan is likely to deteriorate until its next overthrow or invasion. Chicago will probably just recycle failed policy initiatives. I think their prolonged performance makes it a perfect candidate for violence.
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:32 Comments || Top||

#2  and Kabul, having elected their version of Beetlejuice Lori Lightfoot, would have the decency to keep her covered?
Posted by: Frank G || 01/01/2023 12:39 Comments || Top||


Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan in 2022
[ToloNews] Human rights situation was a key issue in Afghanistan in 2022.

During this year, Islamic Emirate Lord High Potentate and Supreme Leader of All He Surveys Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada issued at least seven decrees about women, something that triggered widespread reactions within and outside Afghanistan.

Based on the decrees, women were banned from attending schools, parks, sports, universities and jobs in non-governmental organizations.

The decrees that restricted the rights of women faced protests across the country and beyond. The protests turned violent mostly peaceful as the Islamic Emirate’s forces tried to prevent them.

The issue of human rights
One man's rights are another man's existential threat.
in Afghanistan has been discussed at regional and international levels.

In January, in the second day of the Oslo meeting, Afghan women’s rights activist muppets submitted a paper that included Afghan women’s demands to the Islamic Emirate’s delegation and representatives of countries that attended the meeting.

Many international conferences including the UN summits urged the Islamic Emirate to observe human rights.

"Today’s women are not the women of 20 years ago. The protests of the past days are against the closure of universities and for defending women’s rights," said Sodaba Nazhand, a human rights activist muppet.

But the Islamic Emirate said that it is committed to the rights of everyone under the Islamic structure.

"After the Islamic Emirate came to power, all chaos regarding human rights was eliminated," said Bilal Karimi, deputy front man for the Islamic Emirate.

The UN Human Rights Council in March 2022 appointed Richard Bennett as special rapporteur for Afghanistan’s human rights.

"We want to speak to the Taliban
...Arabic for students...
ourselves, we know what our people need ---I call on the de facto authorities to honor their commitments to women’s rights to urgently create a meaningful dialogue with Afghan women and to listen to their voices. Excellencies, during my visit I recognized the significance of the general amnesty granted to the former officials," said Michelle Bachelet, the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The World Economy Forum has ranked Afghanistan the worst country for women among 146 countries.

"As we mark Human Rights Day, we recall that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, the United Nations
...a formerly good idea gone bad...
in Afghanistan is urging the de facto authorities to stop restricting the basic rights of Afghans, especially those of women and girls, because those who govern have an immense responsibility as duty-bearers to every woman, man, girl and boy. This year we also mark the countdown to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," said Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary General’s special envoy for Afghanistan on Dec 10th.

Most recently, three separate decrees were issued that banned women from working in NGOs and attending universities.

The third decree was issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Pilgrims which is banning young women from entering the mosque.

The decisions have triggered widespread reactions from around the world.

Many female students held protests in several parts of the country to criticize the Islamic Emirate’s decision regarding the closure of universities for them.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 02:12 || Comments || Link || [11 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA

#1  Afghanistan is like the Mississippi of countries. We can all feel better about our own lousy statistics in comparison.
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:20 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan’s Health Sector in 2022
[ToloNews] In 2022, Afghanistan's health system also faced problems. This year, two instances of polio
...Poliomyelitis is a disease caused by infection with the poliovirus. Between 1840 and the 1950s, polio was a worldwide epidemic. Since the development of polio vaccines the disease has been largely wiped out in the civilized world. However, since the vaccine is known to make Moslem pee-pees shrink and renders females sterile, bookish, and unsubmissive it is not widely used by the turban and automatic weapons set. Currently the disease is only found in Pakistain and Afghanistain...
were reported, which dimmed hopes for the country's polio eradication.

More than 90% of the country's health facilities are at risk of closure, according to the International Rescue Committee's most recent report. One of the main issues that worried the country's residents the most this year was malnutrition, particularly among children.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 02:11 || Comments || Link || [11 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA

#1  UNICEF should change their symbol to a scythe.
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:18 Comments || Top||


IEA says female NGO workers can make a living in other ways
[ArianaNews] Zabihullah Mujahid, a front man for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has said that female non-governmental organization (NGO) workers can earn a living through alternative ways.
"As a concubine"
Mujahid told the BBC that when a Sharia-based order gets implemented, it is natural that certain people will suffer, but they can consider alternative ways of making a living.

"All people do not earn livelihood through this way only. There are many other ways. Moreover, it is important to earn livelihood through Sharia-based ways. If a person says he would do robbery to earn bread for his children and that his children would be hungry if it is banned, can we allow him to do robbery?" Mujahid said.

He said that since NGOs are not under the control of the IEA and they employ foreigners, female workers are more vulnerable.

Mujahid, however, said that there could be exceptional cases when women are needed to work, but the environment should be according to the Islamic principles.

This comes amid an outcry by the international community following the IEA’s ban on women working for NGOs.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 01:32 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA

#1  “If a person says he would do robbery to earn bread for his children and that his children would be hungry if it is banned, can we allow him to do robbery?" Mujahid said.

What if a person just has his kid do robbery and takes a percentage?
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:14 Comments || Top||

#2  "The law, in its majisty, forbids the rich as well as the poor from begging, stealing bread and sleeping under bridges."

- Anatole France
Posted by: M. Murcek || 01/01/2023 12:19 Comments || Top||


A Devastating Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan in 2022
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The people of Afghanistan experience the worst possible humanitarian situation in 2022 on different fronts. Unemployment, hunger, poverty, security, and gender-based restrictions being imposed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan authorities further complicate the situation.

According to the latest decrees issued by the Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
’s Supreme Leader "Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, women are barred from appearing in public places such as parks, sports venues, schools and universities, and working with non-governmental organizations. The latest act prompted widespread condemnations from the people of Afghanistan and the international community.

Following the ban on female employees working with NGOs, a group of renowned aid organizations have halted their much-needed life-saving operations and asked for the authorities of Afghanistan’s interim authorities for further clarification.

The consequences of the latest announcement by the Taliban on the lives of ordinary Afghan families are overwhelming. A large majority of people rely on foreign aid, which cannot be effectively provided without the presence of women staff at different levels.

Meanwhile,
...back at the railroad tracks, Little Nell tried to kick her bound feet and scream post the snotty handkerchief Scarface Al had stuff into her mouth...
bearing university girls from learning is another disappointing decision taken by Taliban authorities. Currently, Afghanistan is the only Moslem country where girls are not allowed to attend school, college, or university — contradicting Islamic principles and laws.

"As we mark Human Rights Day, we recall that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, the United Nations
...where theory meets practice and practice loses...
in Afghanistan is urging the de facto authorities to stop restricting the basic rights of Afghans, especially those of women and girls, because those who govern have an immense responsibility as duty-bearers to every woman, man, girl and boy. This year we also mark the countdown to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," said Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary General’s special envoy for Afghanistan on December 10.

Despite receiving worldwide condemnations regarding the latest decrees, nothing has changed for women and girls in Afghanistan so far. Afghan women and girls’ plight seems to be the darkest with no hope, no prospect, and no future.
Posted by: Fred || 01/01/2023 00:34 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under: Taliban/IEA

#1  Good news - we will see 50% less people starving.
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:11 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Somalia, Kenya discuss, security and border reopening
[ShabelleMedia] Somali PM Hamza Abdi Barre received Kenyan defence minister Aden Barre Duale at his office in Mogadishu.

The office of the prime minister said Hamza and Duale discussed border reopening and cooperation in the fight against al-Shabaab
...... Somalia's version of the Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...

Kenya’s defence minister who arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday for the inauguration of intergenerational academy of Somali language hailed SNA gains against al-Shabaab and the mobilisation of the public to join the war.

Kenya contributed troops to AU mission in Somalia in 2012 who are stationed in Jubaland state, mainly in Lower Jubba region and Gedo.

KDF mainly protecting Kismayo
...a port city in the southern Lower Juba province of Somalia, at the extreme southern end of the country (always assuming Somalia can be called a country). It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region....
, the seat of Jubaland state led by Ahmed Madobe, a key ally of Nairobi.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 00:36 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab (AQ)


As peace begins to return, Eritrean troops start leaving Tigray
[Garowe] After months of turmoil and pressure from the international community, Eritrea
...is run by the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), with about the amounts of democracy and justice you'd expect from a party with that name. National elections have been periodically scheduled and cancelled; none have ever been held in the country. The president, Isaias Afewerki, has been in office since independence in 1993 and will probably die there of old age...
n soldiers have started leaving the Tigray region, witnesses said, in what would significantly impact the peace deal which was signed by the Æthiopian government and Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF].

The troops, who have been reinforcing Æthiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] in the war against TPLF, were accused of perpetuating mass killings, particularly targeting innocent civilians in the Tigray region. The troops targeted northern Tigray and western parts, witnesses added.

Already, the soldiers from Asmara started leaving war-torn Shire and the historical town of Axum where mass murder was reported during the two-year rampage which saw women and kiddies suffer the most. The Eritrean soldiers were blamed for the genocide.

The peace deal in Nairobi and Pretoria saw the TPLF agree to be subjected to a disarmament process on condition that Æthiopia pulled out foreign soldiers from Tigray. Also, unlimited access to humanitarian aid and unconditional reinstatement of services in Tigray was part of the deal.

Last week, authorities in Tigray reported that they have surrendered the weapons to the government but regretted that Eritrean troops were still roaming in the region. Æthiopia has also resumed services in Tigray including the landing of the first commercial plane after months of a standoff.

Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel told Rooters he could neither confirm nor deny the information, while an Æthiopian official, speaking on condition of anonymity
... for fear of being murdered...
, confirmed Eritrean troops were withdrawing from Axum and Shire.

Getachew Reda, the spokesperson of TPLF, has not yet issued a statement over the latest progress but on record, he has insisted that Tigray is committed to obeying the cessation of hostilities in line with the agreement. TPLF had seized several parts of Æthiopia before retreating following pressure from the international community.

The two-year-old siege had paralyzed activities in Æthiopia even forcing members of the international community to call for immediate withdrawal and disengagement of Eritrean troops. The UN and the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
have been integral in pushing for sustainable peace deals in the Tigray region.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 00:22 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under:


Home Front: WoT
The U.S. Extends SIV Plus Extra 4,000 Visas to Afghans
[KhaamaPress] Joe Biden, the U.S. president, signed the extension of the Special Immigrant Visa program along with additional 4,000 visas for Afghans employed on behalf of the U.S. Government on 30th of December 2022. The Omnibus spending bill includes several programs, including SIV visas, crucial assistance to Ukraine, safety, disaster recovery, violence against women, and medical research.

Some American MPs had hoped that a year-end government budget package would address the Afghans’ immigration status. However, the issues have still been pushed to the following year, 2023

No one Left Behind is one of the leading Organizations advocating and ensuring that America keeps its promise to those Afghans who worked with the U.S. through Special Immigration Visa Programs. The Organization wrote about the president’s tweet, “ensures that the United States keeps its promise to care for those who jeopardize their safety for our country.”

After the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and the subsequent collapse of the Republic government, the current regime swiftly seized the country; as a result, the Afghans who supported the U.S. special mission increased their fear of reprisal by the current regime.

After the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the current regime swiftly seized the country; as a result, the Afghans who supported the U.S. special mission increased their fear of reprisal by the regime.

It made the Biden administration unveil the evacuation plans in which 60,000 Afghans successfully left and safely reached the United States under the program. Another 70,000 were withdrawn from the country under “humanitarian parole”, while thousands remained in the country.

To keep Afghans from being left stranded without legal residency status after their two years of humanitarian parole expires in August 2023, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has been urging Congress to consider the Afghan Adjustment Act for the past year. It will pave the ground for those Afghans who meet the requirements to petition for US citizenship.

President Biden and the advocating organization “No One Left Behind tweeted that much more needs to be done in the next year, 2023.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 02:12 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under: Moslem Colonists


International-UN-NGOs
General Assembly refers Israeli occupation to UN court
[PUBLISH.TWITTER]
Posted by: Fred || 01/01/2023 00:19 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Clear out the kangaroos playing pickle ball. It is time for nonsense and persecution.
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:06 Comments || Top||

#2  Taking the opportunity to pile on because Bibi is prime minister again. Thank goodness the UN General Assembly is nothing more than a talk shop passing toothless announcements. See more here. Bibi responded:


Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 13:20 Comments || Top||

#3  I'm sure the Ukrainians would like a referral about someone occupying their recognized territory.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/01/2023 13:41 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Anti-ISIS coalition reiterates support for Kurdish forces in Iraq, Syria
[Rudaw] The spokesperson for the global coalition against the Islamic State
...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really 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 western pols talk they're not really Moslems....
(ISIS) on Friday reiterated the military alliance’s support for Peshmerga forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their continuing fight against the remnants of the terrorist group.

Major Rachael Jeffcoat, spokesperson for the Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve (‎CJTF-OIR), told Rudaw on Friday that they will continue to advise and assist both Kurdish forces.

"We do support the Peshmerga through the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund. This is a temporary US-funded program that supports our coalition partners ... We have divested $351 million to Peshmerga and this covers the costs for, say, equipment such as Humvees or engineering equipment and ammunition. And all of this is used in our mission to defeat ISIS," Major Jeffcoat told Rudaw’s Nalin Hassan.

She added that the US-led coalition is also helping Peshmerga to make reforms in the force.

At least 12,000 SDF fighters as well as 2,000 Peshmerga forces have been killed in the battle against ISIS since 2014.

ISIS has recently increased operations against Iraqi forces in the areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad, killing several Iraqi soldiers.

Tensions between The Sick Man of Europe Turkey
...the decaying remnant of the Ottoman Empire...
and the SDF have escalated recently after Ankara launched an aerial military operation against the force in northeast Syria (Rojava). Turkey has also threatened to conduct a ground operation against the SDF in the near future - a move internationally opposed.

The US army keeps about nearly 1,000 troops in Rojava, according to the latest data shared by Kurdish authorities with Rudaw English.

"The SDF is a credible force that we work with that we partner with. And they are our only combat credible force in northeast Syria and we will maintain to advise, assist, [and] enable that Syrian Democratic Forces," the spokesperson told Rudaw.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 02:19 || Comments || Link || [10 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Today’s Never-Bibi nonsense: retired opponent is fusses about ‘fascism’, Paleos demand world boycott Israel, number of votes for latest UNGA hate-Israel measure lowest ever, Bibi will not comply with UN lies
All articles from the Times of Israel.
Ehud Barak: Gov’t shows ‘signs of fascism’; mass ‘non-violent revolt’ may be needed
Referencing Netanyahu, former PM (Labour Party) says those currently on criminal trial have joined forces with ‘racist messianics’ to ‘bring down democracy’ in Israel.
He served in Bibi’s cabinet for a while, so he knows better. And like Bibi, he became rich by provide honest service powered by a brilliant, trained mind, though he did so after leaving politics instead of before starting. I don’t understand his need to be so vicious now.

Palestinians urge world to ‘reject any dealings’ with new Netanyahu government
PA statement calls for international community to protect Palestinians from Israeli actions, saying the agenda of the newly sworn-in government poses an ‘existential threat’
“Let’s you and him fight.”

UN asks world court to weigh in on Israeli ‘occupation’ and ‘annexation’
UNGA resolution passes 87-26, calls for IJC’s 1st Israel probe since 2004; all Arab peace partners vote yes; investigation to cover settlements, Jerusalem, ‘discriminatory’ laws
The UN General Assembly’s primary purpose has long been to pass badgering resolutions against Israel. This accomplishes absolutely nothing but to make them feel good about hitting out against The Jews.

It’s interesting, though: looking at the votes and the totals, (see screenshot at the link) 87 nations voted yea, 26 nay, 53 formally abstained, and 27 did not show up to vote — an informal abstention. So Bibi in the quotes/article below is correct that while the haters won the vote, the yeas are actually definitely in the minority. But all those Abraham Accord and others from the Moslem world seeking or flirting with accords with Israel also voted for the bloody thing, suggesting even greater weakness among the anti-Israel party at the UN than is apparent from the nimbers.

Netanyahu pans ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Jews cannot be occupiers in their own land
PM charges world body with ‘distorting historical facts,’ says Jewish state will not be bound by resolution to refer conflict to international court





Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 00:00 || Comments || Link || [18 views] Top|| File under:


Science & Technology
Israeli private satellite with state-of-the-art camera launched into orbit
[IsraelTimes] Israel Aerospace Industries-built EROS C-3 satellite sent into space by SpaceX rocket, to be operated by private intel firm for ’governmental and business applications’

An Israeli commercial observation satellite was successfully launched into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party, on Friday.

The EROS C-3 satellite, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and owned and operated by private Israeli intelligence firm ImageSat International, is capable of producing "very high-resolution images" and will be used for "governmental and business applications," IAI said in a statement.

The advanced "multispectral" space camera was produced by Israel’s Elbit systems, and enables the satellite to take color photos.

"After launch, the satellite entered its planned orbit around the Earth and
began transmitting data to the ground station," IAI said in its statement.

"Engineers at Israel Aerospace Industries have begun a series of preplanned calibrations and tests to validate the satellite’s performance, and complete the preplan test prior to full operation soon," it added.

According to SpaceX, the reusable first stage segment of its Falcon 9 rocket successfully touched back down on a launch pad eight minutes after lift-off.

It was the final launch of the company, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, for 2022.

IAI’s board of directors chairman Amir Peretz hailed the launch as "further proof of the company’s technological leadership as a true path-breaker in space as in other arenas.

"The outputs from the satellite launched today, and the important findings that it will transmit to the ground station, will assist IAI in continuing to improve its advanced capabilities in these areas."

IAI president and CEO Boaz Levy said: "Today’s launch of the EROS-C3 satellite is a further expression of the advanced technological capabilities of Israel Aerospace Industries, the space house of the State of Israel."

IAI develops and manufactures advanced systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber and homeland security. Since 1953, the company has provided technology solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide, including satellites, missiles, weapon systems and munitions, unmanned and robotic systems, and radar.

ImageSat International’s CEO Noam Segal hailed the launch, saying it was a "significant milestone" for the company and "will enable us to accelerate the company’s growth."

Israel’s Defense Ministry previously outsourced ISI’s imagery in the early 2000s, after the failed launch of the military Ofek-4 satellite.

The EROS satellites are widely believed to have been built using commercialized technology from the Ofek series of military reconnaissance satellites.

The Israeli military currently operates the Ofek-16 spy satellite, launched in 2020. It has a planned five-year mission duration.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/01/2023 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Knobby 'won't call for dialogue', says no president if no consensus
[An Nahar] Parliament Speaker Nabih Knobby Berri
...Speaker of the Lebanese parliament, head of the Amal Shiite party aligned with Hezbollah, a not very subtle sock puppet of the Medes and Persians...
has said that he will not call anew for dialogue over the presidential file, stressing that "consensus" is essential for the election of a new president.

"It’s about time everyone shouldered their responsibilities toward Leb
...an Iranian colony situated on the eastern Mediterranean, conveniently adjacent to Israel. Formerly inhabited by hardy Phoenecian traders, its official language is now Arabic, with the usual unpleasant side effects. The Leb civil war, between 1975 and 1990, lasted a little over 145 years and produced 120,000 fatalities. The average length of a ceasefire was measured in seconds. The Lebs maintain a precarious sectarian balance among Shiites, Sunnis, and about a dozeen flavors of Christians. It is the home of Hezbollah, which periodically starts a war with the Zionist Entity, gets Beirut pounded to rubble, and then declares victory and has a parade. The Lebs have the curious habit of periodically murdering their heads of state or prime ministers...
," Berri told al-Joumhouria newspaper in remarks published Saturday, emphasizing that "a serious drive is necessary in the beginning of the new year to quickly finalize the presidential file."

"I will not call for dialogue again, because I have tried and they have not responded, so what is the use of calling for dialogue?" Berri added.

The Speaker reminded that, from the very beginning, he had "underscored that a president cannot be elected if there is no consensus."

"In this parliament, there is no majority nor a minority... We are all minorities, that’s why dialogue is essential," Berri added.

He accordingly urged all parties to "sit together" with "pure intentions and honest responsibility until consensus is reached."
Posted by: Fred || 01/01/2023 00:25 || Comments || Link || [11 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


HTS Arrests Protestors Against Syria-Turkey Rapprochement


On Friday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra front) arrested five individuals participated in demonstrations in Idlib, northwest Syria, on the back of Syrian-Turkish rapprochement.

An exclusive source told North Press that patrols of General Security affiliated with HTS raided several houses in Wadi al-Nasim neighborhood and al-Sheikh Theleth in Idlib and arrested five individuals over their participation in the demonstrations and for chanting slogans, accusing HTS leaders of espionage for Turkey.
Ah. I’d wondered why Al Nusra would be upset about partiality between the governments of Turkey and Syria.
The source added that the HTS threatened and forbade all its militants from taking part in the demonstrations under penalty.
Al Nusra is the Switzerland of Syria? An unexpected twist.
Meanwhile, families of detainees demanded fate and charges against their sons are revealed, but they have not received any reply by authorities, the source noted.
Posted by: badanov || 01/01/2023 00:00 || Comments || Link || [14 views] Top|| File under: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (al-Nusra)

#1  5 people is more like a conversation than a protest. They have enough for a jailhouse bridge game with an extra in case someone is being interrogated.
Posted by: Super Hose || 01/01/2023 12:09 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
33[untagged]
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2Commies
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1[untagged]
1Boko Haram (ISIS)
1Govt of Syria
1Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (al-Nusra)
1Hezbollah
1Migrants/Illegal Immigrants
1Moslem Colonists

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