Monday, December 31, 2012

Commentaries, Opijnions, And Editorials -- December 31, 2012



Syria’s Descent Into Hell -- John McCain, Joseph I. Lieberman and Lindsey O. Graham, Washington Post

As 2012 draws to a close, Syria is descending into hell. At least 40,000 people, and likely many more, have been killed, while millions have been forced to flee their homes. Over the past 12 months, Bashar al-Assad has steadily unleashed ever-greater military firepower in response to what began as peaceful protests by the Syrian people. Starting with tanks and heavy artillery in February, the Syrian regime escalated over the summer to using attack helicopters and fighter jets. In recent weeks, it has begun firing Scud missiles at its own population.

The world has failed to stop this slaughter. President Obama has declared that his “red line” is Assad’s use of chemical weapons. Many Syrians, however, have told us that they see the U.S. red line as a green light for Assad to use all other weapons of war to massacre them with impunity. Many of those weapons continue to be supplied directly by Iran.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Syria: There is no 'noble war' that will justify this bloodshed -- Charles Glass, The National

Will America Seize the Moment on Iran? -- Robert Dreyfus, The Diplomat

Happy new year, Cairo? -- Dan Murphy, Christian Science Monitor

Egypt faces the real test as pound falls -- The National editorial

No Easy Answers in Mali -- New York Times editorial

Opinionline: Will rape protests change India? -- USA Today

The word on Chinese princelings -- Isaac Stone Fish, Foreign Policy

China's New Hatchet Man -- David Ignatius, Real Clear Politics

Japan's New Stimulus: The Race With China To The Bottom -- Gordan G. Chang, Forbes

Analysis: Venezuela's Maduro channels Chavez, lacks his charisma -- Daniel Wallis and Brian Ellswort, Reuters

After Chávez, Who? -- Boris Muñoz, The New Yorker

What we can learn from Mexico
-- CNN

Killers target diplomats worldwide -- Ben Barber, McClatchy Newspapers

Peering into a Multipolar World in 2030
-- Couloumbis, Ahlstrom & Weaver, Real Clear World

World News Briefs -- December 31, 2012 (Evening Edition)



U.S. Lawmakers Scramble To Iron Out Fiscal Crisis Deal, Congress Poised To Miss Deadline -- FOX News

Senators edged closer to a potential deal Monday that could contain the damage from a looming wave of tax hikes, even as it became clear that Congress would likely miss a midnight deadline for action -- leaving taxpayers unsure about how much they'll be paying in 2013.

For the near-term, it appears a tax hike will technically go into effect on Jan. 1. The House is not expected to vote on the issue Monday night, and the Senate still has not produced a bill on which Congress could act.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian PM says Assad ready for peace talks.

Assad's forces battle to retake Damascus suburb.

Syria 'facing 100,000 deaths in next year'.

Turkey discussing disarmament with Kurdish leader: aide.

Iraqi PM questions role of Turkey in unrest.

Series of deadly attacks hits Iraq.

Peres: Israel would talk to Hamas if it met Quartet terms.

Al Qaida in Yemen offers bounty for US ambassador.

Report: Saudi Arabia mulls German tank deal.

Exclusive: Huawei partner offered embargoed HP gear to Iran.

ASIA

Asian nations giving enthusiastic welcome to 2013.

Pakistan's military plays Afghan peacemaker.

Pakistan: 9 militants shot dead, dumped on road.

Pakistan releases more Afghan Taliban members: official.

Indian gang-rape victim's family want killers executed.

India rape sets off debate over women's rights.

Japan releases Chinese caught illegally fishing.

UN peacekeepers exit East Timor.

U.N. expert condemns move to oust Sri Lanka's chief justice.

AFRICA

Egypt's opposition still hopeful, despite many defeats.
Rwanda vows to help on Congo at U.N., assails "blame game".

CAR rebels say split over peace talks offer. Central African Republic crisis: Bozize offer rejected.

No African leader deemed worthy of leadership award.

Libya Coptic church blast kills two Egyptians.

Sudanese army retake Golo from Darfur rebels.

North African nations take different reform routes.

Nigeria President likens nation's unrest to Syria.

EUROPE

EU federalists: UK could be 'associate member'.

Monti aims for Italy vote majority, pro-Europe alliance.

Merkel warns Germans of tough economic times ahead.

Catalan leader Mas urges separatism in New Year speech.

France's 75% 'supertax' could be revived in Hollande's new year message.

Portugal braced for 'fiscal earthquake'.

Greek official caught in financial scandal. Greece moves to probe list tampering.

Central Asian migrants change the face of Moscow.

AMERICAS

"Fiscal cliff" tumble looms despite Senate efforts.

Fiscal cliff deal close but Congress to miss deadline.

Obama signs warrant-less surveillance bill.

Clinton's clot located between brain and skull, doctors say. Clinton admitted to hospital with blood clot. NBC reporter raises Hillary Clinton questions.

Hugo Chavez suffers new complications in cancer fight, Vice President reveals.

In Mexico, a new plan to end drug violence.

Brazil debates treatment options in crack epidemic.

Colombia negotiator says Cuba offers better conditions for peace talks with guerrillas.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

The top terror takedowns of 2012.

Danish spy seeks CIA credit for terrorist's death.

Yemen: Al-Qaida offers bounty for US ambassador.

Al-Qaida, allies carving out their own country in Mali.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Q&A: The US fiscal cliff.

Box office record for Bond: 'Skyfall' passes $1 billion mark.

2012 was a gusher year for OPEC.

2013 set for global grind but these economies could see an upside surprise.

Another Wave Of Bomb Attacks In Iraq

Bombs Kill 23 Across Iraq As Sectarian Strife Grows -- Reuters

(Reuters) - At least 23 people were killed and 87 wounded in attacks across Iraq on Monday, police said, underlining sectarian and ethnic divisions that threaten to further destabilize the country a year after U.S. troops left.

Tensions between Shi'ite, Kurdish and Sunni factions in Iraq's power-sharing government have been on the rise this year. Militants strike almost daily and have staged at least one big attack a month.

The latest violence followed more than a week of protests against Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki by thousands of people from the minority Sunni community.

No group claimed responsibility for any of Monday's attacks, which targeted government officials, police patrols and members of both the Sunni and Shi'ite communities.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Attacks In Iraq

23 Killed as Iraq Bombings Target Pilgrims
-- Voice of America
Attacks kill 16 across Iraq as sectarian tensions grow -- CNN
Iraq cities hit by wave of deadly explosions -- BBC
Explosions across Iraq kill at least 22, wound 76 -- Global Post
Wave of Iraq attacks kills 23 -- AFP

Ahmed Rashid: The West Should 'Change Its Approach To Failing States'

Combat Medic - U.S. Army Pfc. Kristina Batty dons a headscarf to meet with female Afghan villagers in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province, May 5, 2012. Batty, a medic for a female engagement team, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod

Interview with Ahmed Rashid: The West Should 'Change Its Approach To Failing States' -- Spiegel Online

Ahmed Rashid, one of the world's foremost experts on Afghanistan, once welcomed US intervention in the failed state. But in a SPIEGEL interview, the Pakistani journalist says the West's model for development is fundamentally flawed and must be changed.

SPIEGEL: Mr. Rashid, in 2014 the West will withdraw from Afghanistan. To what extent have they failed?

Rashid: In my view, the Western model of influencing the development of third world countries is doomed to failure. The West does not understand how to deal with states that no longer have any authority and are threatened by dissolution. Their efforts failed in Iraq as well as Afghanistan. They are simply not capable of promoting the indigenous economy. Neither USAID nor Germany's international technical cooperation agency, the GIZ, are able to get a grip on it. They provide temporary assistance, no more than that. Many billions of dollars flooded into Afghanistan, but without any significant effect.

Read more
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My Comment: He is 100% correct.

U.S. Senate Report Critical Of The State Department, White House, And Pentagon For The Benghazi Disaster



Senate Report Widens Fault For Benghazi Failures -- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON—The State Department and Pentagon had no viable way to rescue Americans in Benghazi, Libya, falling short of their responsibility to develop plans to evacuate U.S. citizens, according to the first bipartisan congressional investigation of the Sept. 11 assault.

The Senate report, like a study by an independent review board in December, was harshly critical of the State Department for failing to recognize and respond to security risks before four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador, were killed. But the new Senate report also spreads the blame more widely, finding fault with the Pentagon and White House.

The report is due to be released on Monday by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The Wall Street Journal reviewed a copy on Sunday.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Senate Report On The Benghazi Consulate Attack

Senate report faults State Department, intelligence on Benghazi -- Reuters
Senate committee report on Benghazi terrorist attack faults State Department -- FOX News
‘Grevious’ U.S. Mistake to Have Kept Open Libya Outpost -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Report blames poor security, inadequate response in Benghazi attack -- CNN
Congressional report lambastes security at US Consulate in Benghazi -- NBC
Senate report on Benghazi hits State Department -- Washington Times
Senate report knocks State on Benghazi -- Politico

Afghanistan War News Updates -- December 31, 2012

Medical Evacuation - A UH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter lands as U.S. Army paratroopers secure the area in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, July 23, 2012. The soldiers are assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team and the helicopter crew is assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. The soldiers evacuated a wounded insurgent. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Thomas Cieslak

Afghan Forces To Take Control Of More Provinces -- Stars and Stripes

KABUL — Despite a major setback to the country’s air force and escalating casualties among its troops, the Afghan military will begin taking control of security in more than 50 additional districts across the country, officials announced Monday.

The next phase of the planned transition to full Afghan control of the country by the end of 2014, called “Tranche Four,” is to start within two months, and will include 52 districts in 12 provinces, though in nearly 20 percent of the districts mentioned, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force has already withdrawn all troops.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Dec 31 -- ISAF
Lewis-McChord GI killed in Panjwal IED attack -- Army Times
Georgian soldier missing two weeks found dead in southern Afghanistan -- UPI
Body of Georgia Soldier Found in Afghanistan -- Voice of America
Top Taliban leader arrested in Ghazni province -- Khaama Press

Afghanistan predicts issues in 4th phase of security transition -- Khaama Press
Next phase of Afghan security takeover starts in 2 months, to cover 87 percent of population -- Washington Post/AP
Afghans to take over greater security role -- L.A. Times
NATO Welcomes Fourth Tranche Of Afghan Transition -- RTT News

Violence in Afghanistan falls in 2012, but more Afghan troops dying and insider attacks rise -- Washington Post/AP
Pakistan 'frees Afghan Taliban ex-minister Mullah Turabi' -- BBC
Local government reform 'success' in Helmand -- BBC

US Family Pleas for Couple Missing in Afghanistan -- ABC News/AP
Caitlan Coleman, pregnant American woman, missing almost 3 months in Afghanistan with Canadian husband -- CBS
Pregnant US woman Caitlan Coleman missing in Afghanistan with husband -- BBC

After fighting in Afghanistan, soldier returns home, reintroduces himself to baby daughter -- Washington Post/AP
Out With The Troops, In With The Afghan Investment? -- Farangis Najibullah and Zarif Nazar, Radio Free Europe
Troops' role changing as 2012 ends in Afghanistan -- Jonathan Beale, BBC

Live: New Year's Eve



New Year's Eve Celebrations Around The World: Live -- The Telegraph

Fireworks, party poppers and champagne at the ready: join us as we celebrate New Year's Eve celebrations around the world.

• Australia welcomes in the New Year
• Revellers around the world prepare to celebrate 2013
• India's army cancels celebrations in memory of gang-rape victim
• Britain expects washout New Year as flooding countinues
• Record turnout expected for Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Read more
....

World News Briefs -- December 31, 2012



New Year Revellers Begin Welcoming 2013 -- BBC

Celebrations are being held around the world to mark the new year, with the city of Auckland in New Zealand holding the first major events of 2013.

Hundreds of thousands gathered around Sydney harbour to watch the city's famous firework display.

Big shows are also planned in many other cities globally.

Celebrations will also be held for the first time in Burma, where large public gatherings were banned by its previous military rulers.

Tens of thousands are expected to attend the celebrations in Rangoon, which will feature a fireworks display and performances by Burmese entertainers.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Assad's forces battle to retake Damascus suburb.

Syria 'facing 100,000 deaths in next year'.

Series of deadly attacks hits Iraq.

Peres: Israel would talk to Hamas if it met Quartet terms.

Al Qaida in Yemen offers bounty for US ambassador.

Report: Saudi Arabia mulls German tank deal.

ASIA

Pakistan's military plays Afghan peacemaker.

Pakistan: 9 militants shot dead, dumped on road.

Pakistan releases more Afghan Taliban members: official.

India rape sets off debate over women's rights.

Japan releases Chinese caught illegally fishing.

UN peacekeepers exit East Timor.

U.N. expert condemns move to oust Sri Lanka's chief justice.

AFRICA

Central African Republic crisis: Bozize offer rejected.

No African leader deemed worthy of leadership award.

Libya Coptic church blast kills two Egyptians.

Sudanese army retake Golo from Darfur rebels.

North African nations take different reform routes.

Nigeria President likens nation's unrest to Syria.

EUROPE

Merkel warns Germans of tough economic times ahead.

Catalan leader Mas urges separatism in New Year speech.

France's 75% 'supertax' could be revived in Hollande's new year message.

Portugal braced for 'fiscal earthquake'.

Greece moves to probe list tampering.

Central Asian migrants change the face of Moscow.

AMERICAS

Significant progress made in fiscal cliff discussions, sources say.

Clinton admitted to hospital with blood clot. NBC reporter raises Hillary Clinton questions.

Hugo Chavez suffers new complications in cancer fight, Vice President reveals.

In Mexico, a new plan to end drug violence.

Brazil debates treatment options in crack epidemic.

Colombia negotiator says Cuba offers better conditions for peace talks with guerrillas.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Danish spy seeks CIA credit for terrorist's death.

Yemen: Al-Qaida offers bounty for US ambassador.

Al-Qaida, allies carving out their own country in Mali.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Box office record for Bond: 'Skyfall' passes $1 billion mark.

2012 was a gusher year for OPEC.

2013 set for global grind but these economies could see an upside surprise.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 31, 2012

Photo: Russia has chosen to revive the RS-36 system with new and advanced technology.

Russia Designs New Types Of Intercontinental Missiles -- Space Daily/Voice of Russia

Russia and China are working to modernize their strategic defence capabilities. However, they have chosen different approaches to replacing their key heavy missiles, notes Vasily Kashin, an expert at the Centre for Strategy and Technology Analysis, who compares the latest steps taken by the two countries to increase their missile defence potential.

Sergey Karakaev, commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, announced that Russia is currently designing a minimum of two new types of intercontinental ballistic missile. According to mass media sources, one of the two projects is a giant liquid fuelled rocket called Sarmat, which is to replace the Soviet RS-36M "Voyevoda" system, better known by its Western name "Satan".

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

U.S. officials: Syria using more accurate, Iranian-made missiles -- CNN

The Dark Side of the Free Syrian Army -- Daniel Wagner, Huffington Post

Iran test-fires missiles near Strait of Hormuz -- Stars and Stripes/AP

Iran Practicing Cyber Warfare As Its Navy Drills In The Strait Of Hormuz -- Business Insider/AFP

Israel’s Supreme Court reduces military whistleblower’s sentence -- Washington Post/AP

China adds destroyers to marine surveillance: Report -- Economic Times

Taiwan Plans to Upgrade About 60 Fighter Jets in 2013 -- Defense News/AFP

India Receives Second Russia-Built Stealth Missile Frigate
-- RIA Novosti

Russia Delivers Four MiG-29K Fighters to India in Dec.
-- RIA Novosti

Kremlin: August 1 to be Russia’s WWI Remembrance Day -- RIA Novosti

Russia's Ex-Deputy Defense Minister Kobets Dies -- RIA Novosti

Ukraine To End Compulsory Military Service in 2013 -- Radio Free Europe

UN peacekeepers exit East Timor
-- Al Jazeera

Textron and Boeing Win $1.4 Billion in V-22 Work -- Daily Finance/Motley Fool

Training expansion on hold for B-1, B-52 bombers -- Stars and Stripes/AP

AF told to study rate of UAV pilots’ promotions -- Air Force Times

Navy issues hurry-up order to equip MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned helicopter with maritime surveillance radar -- Avionics

Pentagon Looks to Fix ‘Pervasive Vulnerability’ in Drones -- Danger Room

Launchers turned in to LAPD were from military
-- Air Force Times/AP

DOD personnel--the numbers
-- Eric Palmer Blog

How Badly Will Budget Cuts Hurt Troops? -- Military.com/Stars and Stripes

Army gets geographical command, at last
-- Washington Times

Declassified CIA documents shed light on secret Navy mission in Cold War -- Stars and Stripes/The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Military Must Prep Now for ‘Mutant’ Future, Researchers Warn
-- Danger Room

Soaring cost of military drugs could hurt budget -- Statesman.com

The Military’s Dirty Secret
-- New York Times editorial

Interview: Gen. Edward Rice -- Defense News

2012 in Review -- Information Dissemination

The Last Moments Of North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il

 
Leader: Kim Jong-il's embalmed body lies in state in the capital Pyongyang

Revealed: North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il 'Died In Fit Of Rage After Being Told A Major Dam Had Sprung A Leak' -- Daily Mail

* Tyrant ordered 'severe punishments' for those responsible before he died
* The secretive country had announced the leader died from a heart attack
* The leaking hydro-electric power plant was a flagship construction project

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il died after flying into a fit of rage when he was told that a major dam project had sprung a leak, it emerged today.

The tyrant collapsed during a briefing about a flagship hydro-electric power plant but managed to order 'severe punishments' for those responsible before he died.

The secretive country had reported his death on December 19 last year - two days late - saying the leader suffered a heart attack while traveling on his personal train to a field inspection.

Read more ....

My Comment: He was having a heart attack .... but still gave out the orders for punishment. Call me skeptical, but I have doubts that such a scenario played out.

Picture Of The Day

Night Contact - U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Drew Parks communicates with a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet crew during Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia, Sept. 11, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder

Death Of The Desert Fox

Erwin Rommel, also known as Desert Fox, was regarded as one of the most skilled commanders of desert warfare in World War Two

Death Of The Desert Fox: Rommel's Son's Account Of His Father's Last Moments After Hitler Ordered Him To Take A Cyanide Pill Or Be Arrested -- Daily Mail

* German general Erwin Rommel told his teenage son he had been ordered to kill himself by Adolf Hitler
* In a newly discovered letter, Manfred Rommel describes watching his father being led into a car moments later
* Rommel, known as Desert Fox, was accused of plotting to kill Hitler

A poignant account of the German general Erwin Rommel being led away to his death told by his teenage son has been discovered.

In a revealing letter written by Manfred Rommel, he tells of his father's last moments after he was ordered to commit suicide by Adolf Hitler.

His father explained to him he had to poison himself after being implicated in a plot to assassinate the Nazi dictator.

Read more ....

My Comment:
I am not shedding any tears for the death of Rommel. My background is Russian, and I know too well what the German Nazis and their Generals did in the former Soviet Union during the Second World War .... as far as I am concerned, Rommel got off easy.

Top Officials In The Kabul Government Vow To Kill Americans

Photo: Mohammed Ismail Khan, Afghan energy minister, has called for jihad against US forces. Getty images

Afghan Allies -- New York Post

Now even top officials in the Kabul government vow to kill Americans.

“The fate of the Americans in Afghanistan will be worse than that of the Russians,” Mohammed Ismail Khan warned in 2009. The same Afghan is now vowing to drive all “foreigners” out of Afghanistan.

More bluster from a Taliban leader? Hardly. Khan serves as Afghanistan’s energy minister, and is a key member of American ally Hamid Karzai’s cabinet.

In a videotaped meeting last month with jihadists in Herat Province, Khan slammed the US for bringing “American girls, white-skinned Western soldiers and black-skinned American soldiers” into Afghanistan. He called on the “mujahideen” to take up arms and attack them like they did the Soviet “invaders” in the 1980s.

Read more ....

My Comment: With allies like this, who needs enemies.

As U.S. Forces Leave Afghanistan, Locals Demand Rent Money


Afghans Angry At US soldiers Who Drove Away In The Night Leaving Rent Unpaid -- The Guardian

Only sign of huge US base is pile of rubbish and broken vehicles – and a festering land dispute in a volatile province

US forces left behind piles of equipment, an unpaid rent bill and a festering land dispute that threatens to undermine the Afghan government when they moved out of a volatile corner of eastern Kunar province this year, local officials and their former landlords say.

The only clue that a base that dominated Pashengar village for years had been abandoned for good was the midnight rumble of a convoy of trucks. In the morning, locals found guards gone, buildings blown up and, scattered around what had been a forbidding military encampment, piles of detritus from years of western living in a remote, mountainous valley.

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My Comment: More evidence that the U.S. and NATO are leaving, and everyone scrambling to grab as much money as possible.

Over 1,000 Afghan Soldiers Killed In 2012 (Plus 394 ISAF Soldiers)

Sharing Lunch - U.S. paratroopers join Afghan soldiers in a traditional Afghan lunch following a combined clearing operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 29, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod

Afghan Troop Deaths Rise As Army Expands Its Role -- New York Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan government has hit a grim record in its quest to take over the country’s security from coalition forces: more than 1,000 soldiers died in 2012, a roughly 20 percent increase from 2011.

Though the Afghan Army’s death rates have outstripped those for international forces in recent years, the new figures show the widest margin yet, as more and more Afghan units have taken the field. International forces were reported to have lost about 400 soldiers in 2012, the lowest number since 2008.

Read more ....

More News On Afghan - ISAF Fatalities For 2012

Violence in Afghanistan falls in 2012, but more Afghan troops dying and insider attacks rise -- Washington Post/AP
1056 Afghan soldiers killed in 2012: Defense officials -- Khaama Press
Afghan soldier deaths reach record level in 2012 -- Global Post
Record number of Afghan soldiers killed in 2012 -- International News
Record Number of Afghan Soldiers Killed in 2012 -- Defense News/AFP

My Comment: The Afghan military is stepping up .... but they are suffering heavy casualties.

Russia's New 'Noiseless' Nuclear Submarines Are Raising Concerns

Yury Dolgoruky nuclear submarine. © Photo cortesy of the Sevmash shipyard’s press service

Silent Sub: Russian Noiseless Borei Class Nuclear Submarine Immersed -- RT

Super-modern, powerful and almost noiseless Russian nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh has been put in water to become the third ship of the Borei project. The cruiser is about to begin sea trials and mooring to become fully operational in 2013.

­Vladimir Monomakh was laid down at Russia’s largest shipbuilding complex Sevmash, located on the shores of the White Sea in the town of Severodvinsk in northern Russia on March 19, 2006 – the 100th anniversary of the Russian submarine fleet.

Read more ....

Update #1:
First Borey Class Nuclear Sub to Join Russian Navy on Sunday -- RIA Novosti
Update #2: Cutting-edge sub as New Year’s present -- Voice of Russia

My Comment: While Russia continues with their nuclear submarine expansion .... U.S. anti-submarine capability is eroding.

It's Been A Good Year For OPEC

OPEC Cartel To Reap Record $1 Trillion -- CNN/Financial Times

(Financial Times) -- The Opec oil cartel, led by Saudi Arabia, will pocket a record of more than US$1tn in net oil revenues in 2012 as the annual average price for Brent, the benchmark, heads to an all-time high in spite of weak economic growth.

The windfall will provide fresh capital to some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the most influential members of the cartel, are home to three of the world's 10 largest SWFs by assets under management, according to estimates by the SWF Institute.

With one trading day left before the year-end, Brent oil prices are on the point of seeing an average for the year of about $111.5 a barrel, higher than the previous all-time high set in 2011 of $110.9.

The benchmark closed at or above $100 every trading day in 2012, bar 24 in June and early July.

Read more ....

Update: OPEC will earn a record $1.05 trillion in 2012 in oil revenues -- L.A. Times

My Comment: A good year .... yes. But the days of OPEC dictating price may be coming to an end because of this.

A New Chinese Threat Against U.S. Aircraft Carriers?

Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-22M3. Wikipedia

China Buys Tu-22 Production Line From Russia. A Major Threat To The U.S. Aircraft Carriers In The Region -- The Aviationist

For the third time in 7 years (first one being in 2005, second earlier in 2012) several websites in China (link in Chinese) are reporting that China and Russia have agreed for Beijing to buy the production line for the Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber at a cost of 1.5 billion USD.

Once in service with the Chinese Naval Air Forces the Tu-22M3 will be known as the “H-10″.

The deal struck with Russia comes with 36 aircraft (and engines): an initial batch of 12 followed by a second batch of 24 aircraft are thought to be on order.

The Tu-22 will be employed in the maritime attack role and will be used to attack targets from low level (to avoid radar detection).

Read more ....

My Comment: Wikipedia has more information on the Tupolev Tu-22M3. So .... for 1.5 billion USD the Chinese are buying the production line of an old bomber .... on the surface I am not impressed .... but the Chinese usually have a very good reason on doing such purchases .... and your guess is as good as mine on this one. On a side note .... if the Chinese start to mass manufacture these planes (and others) .... expect the arms race in Asia to heat up.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Suffers More Complications After Cancer Surgery



Hugo Chávez Suffers From 'New Complications' After Surgery -- The Guardian

Vice president Nicolas Maduro tells Venezuelan people the president's health is delicate following cancer operation.


Hugo Chávez has suffered "new complications" following his cancer surgery in Cuba, his vice president said, describing the Venezuelan leader's condition as delicate.

Vice president Nicolas Maduro delivered a solemn televised address from Havana, saying he had spoken with Chávez and that the president sent greetings to his homeland. Maduro did not give details about the complications, which he said came amid a respiratory infection.

"Several minutes ago we were with president Chávez. We greeted each other and he himself referred to these complications," Maduro said, reading from a prepared statement. Maduro was seated alongside Chávez's eldest daughter, Rosa, and son-in-law Jorge Arreaza, as well as attorney-general Cilia Flores.

Read more ....

More News On Hugo Chavez Suffering 'New Complications' After Surgery

Chavez suffers new post-surgery complications -- Reuters
Chávez Faces New Complications After Surgery -- New York Times
Battling cancer, Chavez suffers more complications -- CNN
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez said to suffer 'complications' -- L.A. Times
Hugo Chavez: Venezuela leader suffers 'new complications' -- BBC
Chavez suffers new post-op setback: VP -- AFP
Chavez Suffers New Complications After Cancer Operation -- Bloomberg

Hillary Clinton Hospitalized After Doctors Discover Blood Clot



Hillary Clinton Hospitalized After Doctors Discover Blood Clot -- NBC

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was admitted to a New York City hospital on Sunday after doctors discovered that a blood clot had formed, the State Department said in a statement.

Philippe Reines, a deputy assistant secretary, said in the statement that the clot stems from a concussion Clinton sustained several weeks ago.

Reines said that Clinton, 65, is being treated with anti-coagulants at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. She will be monitored there for the next 48 hours, he said.

“Her doctors will continue to assess her condition, including other issues associated with her concussion," he said. "They will determine if any further action is required.”

Read more
....

My Comment: Our prayers are with her and her family.

Are The Russians Preparing To Evacuate Syria?

The Russian Federation Navy Udaloy class destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov transiting the channel into Pearl Harbor in October 2003 (photo credit: US Navy)

Russian Warship Heads To Syria In Preparation For A Possible Evacuation -- Times of Israel

Moscow officials have acknowledged that citizens will be pulled out of the country should Assad’s regime fall.

The Kremlin is sending another warship to the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russia has a naval base, Russian news agencies reported.

The reports Sunday by the ITAR-Tass and Interfax news agency cited an unidentified official in the military general staff as saying the Novocherkassk, a large landing ship, has set sail from the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk. She was “accompanied by a combat ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet,” according to a Russian news source.

The Novocherkassk was the third vessel of its kind dispatched since Friday from Russia to Tartus, AFP reported, and was expected to arrive in the area in early January.

The reports gave no information on the ship’s intent. But Russian diplomats have said that Moscow is preparing a plan to evacuate thousands of Russians from Syria if necessary. The Defense Ministry announced two weeks ago that several ships were being dispatched to the Mediterranean.

Read more ....

Update #1: Reports: Russia sends another naval ship to Syrian port -- Washington Post/AP
Update #2: Report: Russia Sends Landing Ships to Syria -- Defense News/AFP

My Comment: The U.N. special envoy is now predicting that 100,000 Syrians are going to die if this civil war continues for the rest of the year. If true .... that the situation is this dire .... I am surprised that the Russians are not evacuating right now.

What Impact Will The Fiscal Cliff Have On The Pentagon

How Badly Will Budget Cuts Hurt Troops, DOD Civilians? -- Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — In the final presidential debate, President Barack Obama declared to the American people with unflinching certainty that sequestration “will not happen.”

Two months later, the Jan. 1 deadline is looming, with no debt reduction deal in sight.

Now what?

How quickly and deeply will these automatic defense budget cuts totaling about $500 billion over the next decade hit troops, Defense Department civilians and contractors? And how much will they hurt?

Many experts agree: “The sky is not going to suddenly fall on Jan. 2,” said Todd Harrison, a defense budget expert at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a Washington think tank. “In fact, we are likely to see hardly any impacts in that first week.”

Read more ....

My Comment: If I was working for the Pentagon or for a defense contractor .... times are going to be tough. This is the 'worst case scenario'.

President Obama Comments On Benghazi



Obama Cites 'Sloppiness' On Benghazi -- USA Today

President Obama says problems behind the Sept. 11 attack on a U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, resulted from mistakes, not wrongdoing.

"There was just some sloppiness — not intentional — in terms of how we secure embassies in areas where you essentially don't have governments that have a lot of capacity to protect those embassies," Obama said on NBC's Meet The Press.

Obama also said that investigators "have some very good leads" on who carried out the attack that killed U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Comments On the Benghazi Consulate Attack

Obama on Benghazi: 'This was a huge problem' -- NBC
Benghazi security a 'huge problem': Obama -- The Australian
Obama: U.S. has good leads on who carried out Benghazi attacks
-- Reuters
Obama: We've got 'very good leads' on Benghazi -- Politico
Obama says US has good leads on Benghazi attackers -- ITV
Obama Blames Benghazi Attack on 'Sloppiness,' Says Investigation Turned Up 'Some Very Good Leads' -- Weekly Standard
Obama admits 'security problem' at Benghazi mission -- AFP

My Comment: I do not know what he means when he stated that some US State Department employees have been held accountable for this "sloppiness" .... especially in view of this.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

There Is Always Someone Out There That Is Bigger, Stronger, And Meaner Than You

(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Chomp: The Kiwi fisherman took the spectacular photo, pictured, on December 28, and posted it on Reddit

Where'd My Catch Go? Spectacular Photo Captures Moment Great White Is Gobbled By An EVEN BIGGER Shark As It's Hauled Into Fisherman's Boat -- Daily Mail

Being hooked by a fisherman is probably up there with the worst things that could happen to a shark. But what about becoming bait for an even bigger beast as you're being hauled into the boat?

This was the fate of a poor great white in New Zealand this week.

And a spectacular photograph of the encounter, which shows Charles Darwin's survival of the fittest - or perhaps biggest - theory in action, has taken the web by storm after it was posted on Reddit.

Read more ....

My Comment: I know that this is not a war/defense/military related post .... but it is a cool pic. The moral of the story .... there is always someone out there that is bigger, stronger, and meaner. Hmmmm .... come to think of it .... I just described how some combat scenarios.

German Concerns On Training the Afghan Police Force

Afghan police instructor Tarek (far right), conducts a training exercise in Mazar-e-Sharif. As the withdrawal of Western troops approaches, such efforts appear to have been insufficient. Andreas Ulrich/ DER SPIEGEL

Ineffective And Unsustainable Failure Threatens Afghan Police Training Mission -- Spiegel Online

German officials have been training police in Afghanistan for a decade, but a visit to their training center in Mazar-e-Sharif creates major doubts about the effectiveness of the mission. Afghan police remain poorly prepared to tackle the mighty challenges they will face as Western forces withdraw.

The Afghan national sport is called buzkashi. It's a game in which horsemen battle over a goat carcass. There are no established teams.

During a match, the competitors forge brief, continuously shifting alliances. They only work together until they have gained a short-term advantage. The game can last for hours, even days. The winner is the rider who manages to carry the carcass to the goal. Buzkashi is a mirror of Afghan society.

Read more
....

My Comment: No one said that this was going to be easy, but you would think that after 11 years of war and training Afghan's security forces .... we would have something more to show for it.

Al Qaeda Puts A Bounty On U.S. Ambassador In Yemen

U.S. Ambassador in Sanaa Gerald Feierstein speaks during his meeting with Yemen's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammed Saeed al-Saidi in Sanaa May 2, 2012. (Reuters)

Al Qaeda's Yemen Branch Offers Bounty for Killing US Ambassador, Troops -- FOX News

Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen is offering a bounty of gold worth $160,000 to anyone who kills Gerald M. Feierstein, the U.S. ambassador to Yemen.

According to the Associated Press, the group announced that it will pay tens of thousands of dollars to anyone who kills the U.S. ambassador in Sanaa or an American soldier in the country.

The group offered 3 kilograms of gold, worth about $160,000, for killing Feierstein, and said it will pay 5 million Yemeni riyals ($23,000) for anyone who kills an American soldier.

The offer is valid for six months, the AP reported.

Read more ....

Update #1: Al Qaeda offers bounty for killing U.S. diplomat -- CBS/AP
Update #2: Al-Qaida offers bounty for US ambassador in Yemen -- RT

My Comment:
I guess the U.S. and its Ambassador are having an impact against Al Qaeda in Yemen.

President Obama Praises Hagel, But Says No Decision On Defense Secretary Job



Obama Touts Hagel, Says No Decision On Defense Secretary Job -- Reuters

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama offered strong support for former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as the potential next U.S. defense secretary but said in remarks aired on Sunday that he had not yet decided on a nominee for the Pentagon post.

Hagel is considered a leading candidate to replace outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, but the former Nebraska lawmaker has come under criticism for his record on Israel and for a comment that being gay was an inhibiting factor for being an ambassador.

"I've served with Chuck Hagel. I know him. He is a patriot. He is somebody who has done extraordinary work both in the United States Senate, somebody who served this country with valor in Vietnam," Obama told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview taped on Saturday and broadcast on Sunday.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Comments On Sen Chuck Hagel

Obama defends Chuck Hagel -- Washington Post
Obama defends Hagel; no decision on Pentagon job -- USA Today
Obama praises Hagel as a ‘patriot’
-- The Hill
Obama defends Hagel as ‘patriot’ -- Al-Monitor
Obama says no decision yet on Defense secretary, defends Hagel -- L.A. Times
Barack Obama: Chuck Hagel Shows 'Positive Change' On Gay Rights -- Huffington Post
Little enthusiasm among GOP for Hagel, but he has Obama's support -- Christian Science Monitor
Little Republican support for Hagel for Defense post-senator -- Reuters
Slim Republican support for Hagel as defense secretary -- Washington Times

My Comment: I had this experience once .... I received overflowing praise from my boss but the promotion went to someone else.

Afghanistan War News Updates -- December 30, 2012

Insurgent Firefight - An Afghan soldier directs fellow soldiers during a firefight near Combat Outpost Giro while a U.S. Army paratrooper fires on insurgent positions in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 17, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod

1056 Afghan Soldiers Killed In 2012: Defense Officials -- Khaama Press

The security transition from NATO troops to Afghan security forces which started last year is due to complete in five phases following a pre-planned organized program.

Despite Afghan security forces are in charge of over 75% of the Afghan soil security, Afghan officials are continuously expressing concerns regarding the lack of proper military equipments which creates challenges for the Afghan security forces.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Dec 30 -- ISAF
Violence in Afghanistan falls in 2012, but more Afghan troops dying and insider attacks rise -- Washington Post/AP
Afghanistan’s 2012 military losses at over 1,000 -- Voice of Russia
Record number of Afghan soldiers killed in 2012 -- DAWN/AFP
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan -- UPI
Five Taliban militants killed in eastern Afghanistan -- Press TV
Georgian Soldier Found Shot Dead In Afghanistan
-- Radio Free Europe
NATO: Body of captured Georgian soldier found in southern Afghanistan
-- Washington Post/AP
Body of ISAF soldier found in southern Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes
Missing Georgian soldier found dead in Afghanistan -- Khaama Press
The end of female engagement teams
-- Marine Times
Energy Drinks Take Afghanistan By Storm -- Radio Free Europe
A fight for Afghanistan’s most famous artifact -- Washington Post
What 2012 has meant for Afghanistan
-- Ahmed Rashid, BBC
Is the US winning in Afghanistan? It's hard to say -- Ian Livingston and Michael O'Hanlon, Foreign Policy
Afghanistan: winning, or just going home? -- Gretel C. Kovach, UT San Diego

World News Briefs -- December 30, 2012



Brahimi Says He Has Potential Syria Solution -- Voice of America

The joint U.N.-Arab League peace envoy says he has a proposal to end the 21-month conflict in Syria.

Lakhdar Brahimi said Sunday in Cairo after meeting with Arab League officials he believes his plan, based on an agreement signed in Geneva earlier this year, "could be adopted by the international community." He made no further comment on the proposal.

Brahimi said something needs to be done soon because the situation in Syria is "getting worse by the day."

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....

MIDDLE EAST

No end to Syria war if sides refuse to talk: envoy.

Syria government forces retake Homs district.

Official: Turkey talking to jailed Kurdish leader.

Protesters attack Iraqi Deputy PM, guards open fire.

Avigdor Lieberman faces fraud charges in Israeli court.

Israel's population on 8 million threshold.

ASIA

Bomb kills 19 Pakistan pilgrims, 21 troops shot dead.

Taliban's peace offer viewed as 'posturing'.

Suspects in India rape case charged with murder. Body of India rape victim cremated in New Delhi.

Japan's finance minister Aso to travel to Myanmar, meet president Thein Sein.

Sex, drugs and rock and roll: Australia's other boom.

Chinese fishing boat detained in Japan: Xinhua.

AFRICA

More French troops fly to Central African Republic to protect against rebel advance.

Diplomats make last ditch effort to talk with CAR rebels. Central African Republic crisis: AU chief to hold talks with Bozize. CAR president says ready to form coalition govt with rebels.

Mali: Mauritania braces for war next door.

Nigerian militants kill seven in raids on northern towns.

Longest Somali pirate ordeal ends for Iceberg-1 crew.

Egypt to resume IMF loan talks as reserves dwindle.

EUROPE

Euro zone economy set to contract further in 4Q.

Italy leftist PM candidate Bersani tops opinion poll, Monti second.

Church backs Vladimir Putin's ban on Americans adopting Russian children.

Fifth victim of Russia plane crash dies.

French 75% income tax struck down by constitutional council.

‘Non’ to France: Depardieu stays in Belgium despite tax waiver.

Berlusconi divorce bill: $3.8m a month.

Statue of Hitler praying is displayed in former Warsaw ghetto to controversy.

AMERICAS

US economy on cliff-edge in Senate's war of political nerves. Nation on the verge of a fiscal breakdown.

Immigration and gun violence top president's post-fiscal cliff agenda.

Bolivia takes over Spanish-owned energy suppliers.

Venezuela says it has deported alleged French agent accused of plotting to kill Chavez.

Venezuela: South America's most dangerous country.

George H.W. Bush moved out of intensive care.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda's Yemen branch offers bounty for killing US ambassador, troops.

Obama: U.S. has good leads on who carried out Benghazi attacks.

'US drone strike' kills al-Qaeda suspects in Yemen.

Sudanese jihadist media front releases video detailing prison escape of convicted militants.

Taliban spurn Islamic scholars' conference on suicide bombings.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The top 12 tech stories of 2012.

Ford on track to sell 2.2 million cars in U.S. this year.

What to expect from the global economy in 2013.