[ZERO] The Taliban government in Afghanistan — the nation that until recently produced 90% of the world’s heroin — has drastically reduced opium cultivation across the country. Western sources estimate an up to 99% reduction in some provinces. This raises serious questions about the seriousness of U.S. drug eradication efforts in the country over the past 20 years. And, as global heroin supplies dry up, experts tell MintPress News that they fear this could spark the growing use of fentanyl — a drug dozens of times stronger than heroin that already kills more than 100,000 Americans yearly.
THE TALIBAN DOES WHAT THE US DID NOT
It has already been called "the most successful counter-narcotics effort in human history." Armed with little more than sticks, teams of counter-narcotics brigades travel the country, cutting down Afghanistan’s poppy fields.
In April of last year, the ruling Taliban government announced the prohibition of poppy farming, citing both their strong religious beliefs and the extremely harmful social costs that heroin and other opioids — derived from the sap of the poppy plant — have wrought across Afghanistan.
It has not been all bluster. New research from geospatial data company Alcis suggests that poppy production has already plummeted by around 80% since last year. Indeed, satellite imagery shows that in Helmand Province, the area that produces more than half of the crop, poppy production has dropped by a staggering 99%. Just 12 months ago, poppy fields were dominant. But Alcis estimates that there are now less than 1,000 hectares of poppy growing in Helmand.
Instead, farmers are planting wheat, helping stave off the worst of a famine that U.S. sanctions helped create. Afghanistan is still in a perilous state, however, with the United Nations warning that six million people are close to starvation.
#2
It’s been reported here that they protect the opium gangs, it being a longstanding income stream for them. So when they tell the farmers to plant opium, it happens; when they tell the opium farmers not to plant opium, that happens, too.
#3
You could say that U S. Sanctions caused famine. So the Taliban had to brutally force opium growers to switch to wheat so the populace won't starve.
#4
It's a double bonus, new source of wheat for China to replace lost Ukranian production and limiting availability of heroin pushes more to users fentanyl
#5
Stalin is wearing a black turban. Implementing a government directed economy run by Koran memorizing negates where all the infrastructure has collapsed will work just great.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
08/13/2023 13:57 Comments ||
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#6
"This raises serious questions about the seriousness of U.S. drug eradication efforts in the country over the past 20 years."
Heck, I have serious questions about the seriousness of almost every U. S. government action over the past 20 years.
Posted by: Tom ||
08/13/2023 14:11 Comments ||
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#7
They just don't need the Opium production any more, now that they have control.
#9
I seem to recall that some years ago the warehouses were bursting with product, part of the reason why the Af-Pak opium gangs had switched to refining opium to make heroin — the other part being less bulk and therefore greater portability. But if the warehouses are still overfull, that’s a good reason to pause production until stores are reduced a bit, and to get credit in the outside world for doing good works at a time when the Taliban desperately want to be recognized as a proper government...
[ToloNews] The Ministry of Defense said that all troops have been provided with uniforms and that those who neglect wearing them will be punished.
Enayatullah Khwarizmi, a front man for the Defense Ministry, said that the uniforms are from the previous government, but its color may change soon.
"The leadership of the Defense Ministry has ordered that the (uniform) should be used in military centers and we—all personnel of the defense ministry -- should follow the order of the ministry of defense," he said.
"The materials and clothes from the previous government remain with us. We are now using them based on the decree of the Defense Ministry," Khwarizmi said.
Meanwhile, ...back at the desert island, Bert climbed the cocoanut tree, looking for ships. He saw none. He looked in the other direction and saw Irene, vigorously scrubbing her backside... military analysts said that the uniform is a serious need for the troops.
"Uniforms and military clothes are the obvious symbols of the military and are the reality of the society. Without military uniforms, it cannot be clear whether they are military or not," said Asadullah Nadim, a military analyst.
This comes as residents of Kabul meanwhile called on the Islamic Emirate to take serious actions to implement the wearing of uniform among the defense and security forces.
"Uniforms are an important issue. If the Islamic Emirate’s forces have uniforms, the criminal rate will be reduced in the country," said Javid, a resident of Kabul.
Posted by: Frank G ||
08/13/2023 11:50 Comments ||
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#3
Unless they have unit esprit de corps then they run into the typical peasant indifference to just about everything. For example, a friend worked at Whirlpool and told a story about training in assembly plants in Mexico: after about two weeks of instruction the trainer was more or less satisfied with the trainee when the next morning a stranger showed up to 'work' -- it was the trainee's cousin and who thought it was perfectly fine to substitute because the trainee had some errands to run that day !?!
#4
The historical record of the 20th century is full of criminals wearing military uniforms. At least the people will know that they are being robbed officially.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
08/13/2023 14:04 Comments ||
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#5
But keep a shalwar kameez close by when you need to change into it and run like hell. Makeup optional in trying times.
[TelegraphIndia] NATO ...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A cautionary tale of cost-benefit analysis.... -calibre weapons were being transferred to ISIS-K by groups affiliated with the Taliban ...mindless ferocity in a turban... and al-Qaeda, such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistain, according to a UN report, with member states expressing concern over the proliferation of military equipment within Afghanistan and into neighbouring countries following the 2021 Taliban takeover.
The 17th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIS (Da’esh) to international peace and security said that UN member states remained concerned about the proliferation of weapons in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, in particular the access by Da’esh and its regional affiliates to small arms and light weapons, as well as their increased use of unmanned aircraft systems and improvised bombs.
Regional Member States reported that "North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-calibre weapons typically associated with the former Afghan National Defence and Security Forces were being transferred to ISIS-K by groups affiliated with the Taliban and al-Qaeda, such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistain (TTP) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement," also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party (ETIM/TIP).
In the core conflict zone, Da’esh has reportedly transitioned to producing fewer, simpler and smaller improvised bombs and to now using boom jackets only as a last resort, to avoid the loss of operatives.
"There are reports that Da’esh has created a so-called Industry Committee within its structures to explore new avenues for advancement in weaponry, such as improvised bombs and increased payloads for drones," the report said.
The report added that member states assessed ISIS-K as being the most serious terrorist threat in Afghanistan and the wider region.
The group has reportedly increased its operational capabilities inside Afghanistan, with fighters and family members estimated at 4,000 to 6,000 individuals. Sanaullah Ghafari (alias Shahab al-Muhajir) is viewed by some member states as the most ambitious leader of ISIS-K. One Member State reported that Ghafari was killed in Afghanistan in June.
"That remains to be confirmed," the report said, adding that Mawlawi Rajab is the leader of external operations for ISIS-K.
It said ISIS-K is becoming "more sophisticated" in its attacks against both the Taliban and international targets. The group was reportedly focused on a strategy of carrying out high-profile attacks to undermine the Taliban’s ability to provide security. "Overall, ISIS-K attacks demonstrated strong operational capability involving reconnoitre, coordination, communication, planning and execution," the report said, adding that according to some Member States, attacks against high-profile Taliban figures in Balkh, Badakhshan and Baghlan Provinces raised ISIS-K morale and boosted recruitment.
"Some Member States reported that ETIM/TIP had developed links in Afghanistan with ISIS-K, with the two groups jointly publishing propaganda posters and some ETIM/TIP members joining ISIS-K operations. One member state assessed that some elements of al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent were ready to either join or collaborate with ISIS-K," the report said.
Posted by: trailing wife ||
08/13/2023 01:25 ||
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#1
Time for a repo.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
08/13/2023 14:10 Comments ||
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[KhaamaPress] Office of Prisons Administration officials revealed on Sunday that there are presently 16 foreign nationals incarcerated in prisons across Afghanistan.
In the government’s accountability program, Habibullah Badr, the Military Deputy of the Office of Prisons Administration, revealed five women among the foreign prisoners in Afghanistan.
He further said there are 16,000 prisoners nationwide, with 1,194 women.
As per earlier reports, individuals from the United States and the United Kingdom are among the foreign nationals imprisoned in Afghanistan.
During a recent meeting in Doha, Thomas West and Rina Amiri, the US envoys for Afghanistan affairs, discussed with the Taliban ...Arabic for students... ’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, regarding releasing American prisoners from Taliban prisons.
During the meeting, the representatives from the United States firmly insisted on the "immediate and unconditional" release of American citizens held within Taliban prisons.
The exact number of American citizens currently held in Taliban prisons remains uncertain. Nonetheless, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken previously verified the presence of approximately 175 US citizens remaining in Afghanistan. some of these individuals entered the country after the government’s collapse in August 2021.
Meanwhile, ...back at the abandoned silver mine, a triangular dorsal fin appeared in the water. Then another... Badr emphasized that the country currently holds 1,089 child prisoners, with this distressing number also encompassing 47 girls. This situation highlights a critical issue that requires immediate attention.
He said 250 military personnel from the Taliban forces had been incarcerated due to infractions ranging from breaches of government policies to involvement in traffic accidents. This significant number underscores the enforcement of discipline within the military ranks, ensuring adherence to regulations and maintaining order.
On the other hand, Mohammad Yusuf Mestri, the Director General of the Office of Prisons Administration, has announced that Iran ...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate JewsZionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol... has extradited 1,230 Afghan citizens who were apprehended in drug-related cases back to Afghanistan.
He further mentioned that there are currently approximately 4,000 Afghans incarcerated in Iranian prisons due to various accusations. Through the efforts of the Taliban administration, the death sentence ...the barbaric practice of sentencing a murderer to be punished for as long as his/her/its victim is dead... s of 250 Afghan citizens have been commuted to imprisonment.
[AFRICANEWS] It was a funeral no one had envisaged: Sadig Abbas’ lifeless body was lowered hastily into a shallow unmarked grave in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, not long after dawn.
Even the few family members and neighbours who could attend were distracted, scouring the cemetery’s surroundings for warnings of incoming fire, recounted Awad el-Zubeer, a neighbor of the dear departed.
Thankfully, none came.
Nearly four months of violent mostly peaceful street battles between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have made funerals a near impossibility in Khartoum.
Amid the chaos, residents and local medical groups say corpses lie rotting in the capital’s streets, marooned by a conflict that shows few signs of easing.
"I do not remember where he was buried exactly, the burial process was very fast and there was no possibility of making any mark to know the exact place of burial," said el-Zubeer.
There is limited data on the casualties in Sudan.
The country’s health minister, Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim, said in June that the conflict has killed upward of 3,000 people but there has been no update since.
The true tally is likely far higher, say local doctors and activists.
Likewise, no medical group has provided a toll on the number of unburied corpses, with mass graves and widespread ethnic killings being uncovered in the country’s southern Darfur region.
Most civilians from the capital have been killed in crossfire, as the once sleepy city turned into an urban battlefield, the country’s doctors union says.
Others died because they were unable to access basic medicine, while some reportedly starved to death, imprisoned by the shootouts that raged outside.
In times of peace, their funerals would have been large affairs lasting days.
In Sudan, it is common for thousands to pay respects to the dear departed.
In accordance with Sudanese Islamic tradition, corpses are usually washed and blessed before being buried in cemetery graves dug by family members.
Seven former and current residents from the capital area told the News Agency that Dare Not be Named that the conflict between the country’s two top generals, army head Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan and RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has shattered this tradition.
Three of those who spoke did so on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal.
Several said reaching any of the capital’s roughly two dozen cemeteries has proved impossible when they were trying to bury family members, friends, or those with whom they were trapped.
Adnan Hizam, ICRC spokesperson in Sudan said they were aware of the situation and called for bodies to be returned to their families so burials can take place according to religious and custom practices.
Hizam added that they were supporting Sudan's Red Islamic Thingy volunteers to carry out the challenging task of collecting the dead bodies "through providing body bags, protective equipment, plus we provide them with the technical training so they can manage to do this task in a very proper manner."
Posted by: Fred ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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[SUDANTRIBUNE] The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) confirmed on Friday that Facebook had shut down its main pages, pledging to reinstate its primary media outlets soon.
Meta Platforms Inc, the owner of Facebook, removed the official pages of RSF and its leader, Mohammed Hamdan Daglo Hemetti, without providing a statement regarding its decision.
Facebook acknowledged to Middle East Eye that they had taken down RSF from their platforms due to a violation of their policy concerning Dangerous Organizations and Individuals.
The paramilitary force released a statement on the RSF Alternative Page on Facebook, accusing the military-led government of lodging complaints based on false reports that prompted Meta’s decision to delete its pages.
"We will continue to communicate with you through this alternative page until our main page is restored. We have already initiated communication with Meta, the owner of Facebook, to expedite the restoration process," stated the RSF.
In Sudan, Facebook enjoys widespread popularity, whereas other social media platforms have a more restricted user base.
Following the outbreak of war in Sudan, the RSF took control of the official Radio and TV stations tasked with their protection.
They also assumed control over the Broadcasting and Television Corporation buildings in Omdurman, which manage the airwaves and frequencies used by private radio stations and television channels.
Recently, the government successfully resumed TV programs from a regional station outside Khartoum. Additionally, the official news agency is partially operating from outside the capital.
Hence, social media remains the sole means for belligerents, particularly the RSF, to disseminate their statements.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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[Garowe] High-ranking members of the Somali National Army [SNA] have visited various Forward Operating Bases [FOBs] in Central Somalia, with the military set to start the second phase of operations against al-Shabaab ...... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord... , which have been wreaking havoc in the Horn of Africa nation.
On Friday, the senior military officers toured Galgaduud, a region that has been under persistent al-Shabaab raids, leading to several operations targeting the group. The Somali National Army is combing central Somalia before the second phase of operations against the group commences in Jubaland and Southwest states.
General Abdullahi Aden Hussein, the Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, the new Commander of the 21st Division of the National Army Abdi Salat Ali, and his immediate predecessor Hassan Jamici inspected army bases in Wisil and Bahdo and visited the region to assess the situation.
During the familiarization trip, the commanders confirmed that the combing mission will start in Elbur, Wabxo, Hiiraan West, and Galhareri before the troops move to Jubaland and Southwest states where the second phase of operations will commence.
Somali National Army has been collaborating with the international partners key among them 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... Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and US Africa Command, who have been instrumental in combating the Death Eaters.
Military commanders tour bases in Galgadud ahead of offensive against Al-Shabaab https://t.co/HKXTftdUJ7
[AFRICANEWS] More than a hundred trucks bound for Niger are blocked in Malanville, the border town between Benin and Niger, following the coup. The blockage has been going on for over a week, with Benin having closed its border with Niger in accordance with one of the decisions taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Transporters in the border town lament they have been hard hit.
"When you're parked like that, the (validity if the) insurance runs out every day, the technical inspection too, the papers are running out" says Ousmane Ouataro, truck driver on his way to Niger. "Let's not even talk about the food here. How much are you going to eat in two weeks? The apprentices, you have two apprentices, they're going to spend 1,000 CFA francs a day (about 1.52 euros, ed) on food." Ouataro added.
Rabiou Garba, President of the Syndicat des transporteurs et des importateurs nouveaux associés du Bénin (Syntra-Inab), spoke to Bip radio on Tuesday August 8, 2023. "Many trucks have stopped at Kandi", because the Malanville fleet has a capacity of 200 trucks" Garba said on radio. "600 trucks and on one truck, there's more than one or even two containers loaded. So there are billions in backlogs." he stressed.
Issiaka Bassé, a truck diver on the way to Niger also laments the situation. "We left our families to go and get something to eat to feed our families. We don't know what's going on. We're stuck here. We're going on about 16 days today. We're asking the African population to sort out their problems, to let us through - we'll unload our luggage, turn around and go back to our families in peace, as we should."
The West African bloc on Thursday approved the deployment of what it called a "standby force to restore constitutional order" in Niger following an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja. Their meeting of defence chiefs scheduled for Saturday August 12 has however been suspended.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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Top|| File under: Tin Hat Dictators, Presidents for Life, & Kleptocrats
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.
[Regnum] The introduction of individual sanctions against Niger in support of the efforts of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) to “restore democracy” in the republic is being prepared by the European Union. This was stated in a statement released on August 12 by the head of the EU Foreign Service, Josep Borrell.
“The European Union solemnly transmits its call for the restoration of constitutional order, reaffirms its full support for the democratically elected President [ Mohamed ] Bazum, and welcomes the decisions taken by the ECOWAS heads of state at the second emergency summit on the situation in Niger,” Borrell said.
At the same time, the diplomat emphasizes Brussels' support for the search for a peaceful way out of the current situation with the parallel mobilization of ECOWAS forces to invade Niger by military formations. Borrell indicated that the European Union is preparing to contribute to the implementation of the ECOWAS efforts by imposing individual sanctions against the new leadership of Niger.
Borrell said that the European Union will continue to deliver humanitarian aid to Niger and stand by the people of the country, "especially in the name of protecting their human rights."
Earlier , IA Regnum reported that thousands of protesters in Niamey demanded the withdrawal of the French military contingent from Niger. The demonstrators openly expressed their negative attitude towards ECOWAS, which declared its readiness to conduct a military operation to restore constitutional order in Niger and release President Bazum.
The Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS), following the United States of America and France, supported the early start of military intervention in Niger.
In turn, the rebels who seized power in Niger, at a meeting with the arrived in Niamey and. O. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland threatened that they would kill the deposed President of the Republic, Bazum, if neighboring states invaded the country.
[AlAhram] Mohammed Bazoum, 63, was toppled on July 26 by his presidential guard, which has since held him and his family at his official residence in the capital Niamey.
The European Union ...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing... , 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... and the United Nations ...an idea whose time has gone... joined others in sounding the alarm for Bazoum on Friday after reports described worsening detention conditions.
Bazoum "had a visit by his doctor today", a member of his entourage told AFP, adding the physician had also brought food for Bazoum, his wife and son. "He's fine, given the situation," the source added.
Human Rights Watch said it spoke with Bazoum earlier this week. The ousted leader described the treatment of himself, his wife and their unwell 20-year-old son as "inhuman and cruel", HRW said.
"I'm not allowed to receive my family members (or) my friends who have been bringing food and other supplies to us," the group quoted him as saying.
"My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor," he was quoted as saying. "They've refused to let him get medical treatment."
UN rights chief Volker Turk on Friday said Bazoum's reported detention conditions "could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of international human rights ...which are usually entirely different from personal liberty... law".
Top US diplomat Antony Blinken said he was "dismayed" by the military's refusal to release Bazoum's family as a "demonstration of goodwill".
CNN ...formerly the Cable News Network, now who know what it might stand for... reported last week that Bazoum was being kept isolated and forced to eat dry rice and pasta by those who overthrew him.
[SAHARAREPORTERS] At least 10 Moslem worshippers have been confirmed dead following the collapse of Zaria Central Mosque in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria and about 30 others have been hospitalised for injuries sustained.
SaharaReporters on Friday reported that four persons had been confirmed dead, while seven others were maimed when a portion of the Zaria Central Mosque collapsed on worshippers.
Mallam Shehu Nagari, a survivor, reportedly said that the incident happened when they were in the second Sujud of Asr Prayer, adding that a portion of the mosque suddenly collapsed on those sitting at the section.
"We just heard a heavy sound and saw a portion of the mosque collapsing on some worshippers. The entire surrounding was covered by dust," he said.
But a source at the Emir’s palace identified as Abubakar Bamalli confirmed to The Sun that after the funeral of the first set of victims, other worshippers were confirmed dead, while 30 had been taken to some hospitals in Zaria.
Bamalli added that the funeral for the dear departed was conducted after the isha prayers.
Among those in attendance were the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, senior councillors, and hundreds of residents.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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[Rudaw] The governor of the Central Bank of Iran ...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate JewsZionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol... (CBI) on Saturday said all Iranian funds held in South Korea have been released and expects more funds will also be unfrozen following an agreement with the United States.
Some $6 billion in Iranian funds that were frozen in South Korean banks under US sanctions have been released and an unnamed third country has agreed to change the funds into euros, IRNA reported CBI Governor Mohammadreza Farzin saying.
The original $7 billion deposited into South Korean banks lost a billion because of currency devaluation, according to the governor.
The euros will be deposited into Iranian banks in 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. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi... and the money will be used to purchase items not subject to sanctions, Farzin said.
The release of funds was part of a prisoner swap deal between the US and Iran announced last week. Under the agreement, Iran has released five dual-nationals from prison and moved them to house arrest.
The five will be allowed to leave the country after the funds in South Korea are released, according to a Rooters report.
[Rudaw] More than 30,000 Iraqis have been denied asylum by the German government in the first half of this year and over 250 of them have been deported, according to data Rudaw obtained from the German interior ministry.
A spokesperson from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior told Rudaw's Zinar Shino in an email on Friday that Germany had rejected the cases of 31,000 Iraqi asylum seekers in the first half of 2023. They have been notified to leave the country. The ministry also said 28,000 of these Iraqis have been granted Duldung - a temporary permit to remain in Germany.
During this period, 256 Iraqis have been deported - 43 to Iraq and the rest to other countries - according to the ministry.
During this period, 256 Iraqis have been deported - 43 to Iraq and the rest to other countries - according to the ministry.
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior told Rudaw that they do not have deals with the Iraqi government to deport asylum seekers.
"We have not signed any deals with the Iraqi government to deport the asylum-seekers. There is not such a deal even at the level of the European Union ...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing... . However, the hip bone's connected to the leg bone... those Iraqis who have not been granted asylum and their chances of getting it are weak have to return to their country," said the spokesperson.
The ministry said Germany has come under fire for failing to deport those people whose cases have been rejected, adding this "motive" pushes the German government to consider deporting Iraqis.
Tens of thousands of mostly young people leave Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for Europa ...the land mass occupying the space between the English Channel and the Urals, also known as Moslem Lebensraum... annually in search of a better life, using people’s smuggling routes. A number of these migrants colonists die in freezing temperatures on the border and others drown in the sea. Many of them plan to arrive in Germany.
Some others used the English Channel to reach England but many could not survive the harsh conditions of the water.
[GEO.TV] Former opposition leader National Assembly Raja Riaz has claimed that Pakistain Tehrik-e-Insaf ...a political party in Pakistan. PTI was founded by former Pakistani cricket captain and philanthropist Imran Khan. The party's slogan is Justice, Humanity and Self Esteem, each of which is open to widely divergent interpretations.... (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Wormtongue Qureshi ...a Pak political shape-changer. He is undistinguished except for his habit of periodically needing to have his lips reattached... was released from prison in June this year after "he agreed to work against party chief Imran Khan ...aka The Great Khan, who ain't the sharpest bulb on the national tree... Riaz, the PTI dissident, said this on Saturday while speaking during Geo News’ programme Naya Pakistain.
Qureshi was among the dozens of PTI leaders who were arrested following May 9 riots that were triggered after the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case.
Following the violent mostly peaceful protests, several PTI bigwigs including Fawad Chaudhry, Aamir Mehmood Kiyani, Ali Zaidi, Pervez Khattak and others parted their ways with the party chief over violent mostly peaceful protests that saw attacks on defence and public installations in many parts of the country.
When programme host Shehzad Iqbal referred to Qureshi’s statement that the caretaker prime minister name was not proposed by Riaz, he said: "First ask Qureshi sahib under what agreement he was released from jail and is roaming freely and holding pressers."
He said the PTI leaders are either in hiding or in jail, asking Qureshi to clear his position in this regard.
"100% he is outside jail due to some agreement. Those who are still with the PTI chairman are either in jail or in hiding," he added.
When asked about the purported deal under which Qureshi was released from jail, the PTI dissident said that the PTI vice chairman had agreed or might have given in writing that he would work against PTI chief Khan and "minus" him from the party.
Speaking on the same programme, Qureshi claimed newly-appointed caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was neither a choice of Pakistain Peoples Party (PPP) nor Pakistain Moslem League-Nawaz (PML-N).
"Do you think that country’s important decisions can be taken by Raja Riaz," Qureshi asked rhetorically.
He also expressed hope that the interim PM-designate will ensure free and fair elections in the country, warning that controversial polls cannot bring stability to the country.
In an unexpected development earlier today, a little-known Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar — a politician belonging to Balochistan ...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it... Awami Party (BAP) — was named as caretaker prime minister, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
Posted by: Fred ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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[Shafaq News] The Iraqi Ministry of Communications on Saturday said it will lift the ban on the popular messaging platform, Telegram, effective from Sunday.
This move follows extensive negotiations and a pledge from the app's parent company to adhere to the nation's security requisites.
In an official statement earlier today, the ministry said, "in response to the directives from the Prime Minister, we would like to bring to the citizens' attention that the ban on Telegram will be removed, owing to the platform's concurrence to divulge information pertaining to entities leaking user data."
"The company has manifested its unwavering commitment to liaise with the competent authorities and has initiated the establishment of official channels of communication with Iraq."
"While we ardently uphold the liberties of free speech, it is imperative for social media applications to respect the laws of the land, the sanctity of its security, and the confidentiality of its users' data," the ministry added.
A governmental source, speaking on Friday, hinted at the burgeoning collaboration between Telegram officials and Iraqi agencies regarding the data breaches.
"Officials from Telegram have started dialogue with the concerned Iraqi authorities to address data security and leaks," the source told Shafaq News Agency.
This reinstatement comes a week after the same ministry officially blocked Telegram in the country, citing concerns linked to "national security" and "protecting the personal data of its citizens."
The ministry lambasted the platform for its handling of user data, alleging a breach of local legal standards.
According to prior statistics from the Iraqi Interior Ministry, Telegram boasts over 16 million users within the country, with thousands of active channels spanning diverse areas, predominantly in news and entertainment.
Posted by: trailing wife ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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[Rudaw] Iraq’s migration and displacement minister announced on Friday that about 300 Yazidis, who had fled to Duhok province due to insecurity, returned to their hometown of Shingal. However, a hangover is the wrath of grapes... a Kurdish official deemed the process a failure and accused Baghdad of refusing to cooperate in this regard.
The Iraqi Migration and Displacement Ministry cited minister Evan Faeq Gabro as saying that a new batch of Yazidis, consisting of 293 people, left the IDP camps in Duhok province on Friday and returned to their homes in the disputed district of Shingal.
The minister on Tuesday announced the return of 100 other Yazidis to Shingal, saying the process was conducted in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Yazidis in Shingal were subjected to countless heinous atrocities, including forced marriages, sexual violence, and massacres when ISIS captured the city in 2014, bringing destruction to many villages and towns populated by the minority group. The Yazidis were forced to flee to displacement camps across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Political disputes over the city between the federal government and the KRG as well as the presence of several gangs have disrupted the reconstruction of the city. A Human Rights Watch (HRW) report in June slammed Iraqi authorities for failing to adequately compensate thousands of Yazidi families who bore the brunt of ISIS’ atrocities.
Srwa Rasul, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC), told Rudaw on Friday that the Iraqi government’s effort to return Yazidis to Shingal is a failure, claiming that only 214 families have returned to the town in the last two years.
However, a hangover is the wrath of grapes... Pir Dayan Pir Jaafar, the head of Duhok’s migration office, which is linked to the KRG, told Rudaw on Tuesday that a total of around 4,000 Yazidis had returned to Shingal since the beginning of this year.
Rasul accused the Iraqi Migration and Displacement Ministry of "failing to cooperate [with the KRG] regarding the dossier of returning IDPs to Shingal. The Iraqi government has yet to abide by the Shingal Agreement."
Baghdad and Erbil signed an agreement in 2020 to normalize the situation in Shingal but the deal has yet to be implemented. The United States has repeatedly called on the Iraqi and Kurdish government to "immediately break the political deadlock" in the city.
There is a myriad of armed forces in Shingal with various allegiances, including the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga, pro-Iran ...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate JewsZionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol... Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic), and groups affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). They gained footholds in Shingal after ousting ISIS.
Posted by: trailing wife ||
08/13/2023 00:00 ||
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[IsraelTimes] Israel’s public broadcaster quotes Middle Eastern security officials saying attempted smuggling via Syria was orchastrated by Tehran-backed terror group’s 4400 unit
Several days after a Hezbollah truck carrying ammunition overturned near Beirut, killing two people and sparking festivities with residents of a local Christian town, security sources were reportedly estimating that the vehicle had been transporting anti-tank missiles sent from Iran.
The violence erupted like lava from a volcano on Wednesday evening after the accident in the town of Kahale, located in the mountains east of the Lebanese capital, on the road linking it to the Bekaa Valley bordering Syria.
Kahale mayor Abboud Abi Khalil has told AFP that residents surrounded the truck demanding to know what was inside before Hezbollah members escorting it opened fire and killed one of them.
The powerful Iran-backed Shiite terror group said one of its members, Ahmad Ali Kassas, was shot in ensuing festivities and later died of his wounds.
The Lebanese army said Thursday that it had seized munitions from the overturned truck, adding that "the cargo of the truck has been transported to a military center, and an investigation has been opened by the competent judicial authorities."
On Saturday, Israel’s Kan public broadcaster reported that security officials from an unidentified Middle Eastern country were estimating that the cargo was Iranian anti-tank missiles, sent by the Islamic Theocratic Republic to its Lebanese proxy terror group.
The report noted that the weapons had been transported "in a completely civilian terrain and in a dangerous manner," and that the incident had caused "embarrassment" for Hezbollah, which has tried to downplay the incident.
Kan added that the security sources said the attempted arms smuggling was orchestrated by Hezbollah’s 4400 unit,
... Hezbollah’s Unit 4400 and the Quds Force Unit 190 are responsible for the logistics of storing Iranian armament in Syria — and clearly Unit 4400 is in charge of the same in Lebanon...
among other bodies and officials involved in many similar attempts to pass munitions from Iran ...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate JewsZionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol... via Syria.
Hezbollah is the only Lebanese faction that kept its weapons after the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. It is considered a terrorist organization by many Western governments.
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.
[ZERO] The Taliban government in Afghanistan — the nation that until recently produced 90% of the world’s heroin — has drastically reduced 
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
...Arabic for 
[AFRICANEWS] It was a funeral no one had envisaged: Sadig Abbas’ lifeless body was lowered hastily into a shallow unmarked grave in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, not long after dawn.
...... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for 
...the land mass occupying the space between the English Channel and the Urals, also known as Moslem Lebensraum...
...a Pak political shape-changer. He is undistinguished except for his habit of periodically needing to have his lips reattached...
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for 
like lava from a volcano
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for 
