A Look At North Korea's Bizarre Rulers

Kim Jong-un (in black), Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Kim Jong-il Photo: REX

The Incredible Kim Jong-il And His Amazing Achievements -- The Telegraph

Known to his people variously as The Supreme Leader, the Dear Leader, Our Father, the General, Lodestar of the 21st Century or Eternal President, Kim Jong-il has been credited with a mind-boggling series of achievements.

* Even before his birth, the future leader of North Korea was triggering miracles. Official biographers say his birth in a cabin on the slopes of Baekdu Mountain in February 1942 was foretold by a swallow and heralded by a double rainbow. When he was born, a new star appeared in the night sky.

* The first time he picked up a golf club, in 1994, Kim reportedly shot a 38-under par round on North Korea's only golf course, including 11 holes-in-one. He then decided to retire from the sport for ever.

Read more ....

More News On What is Happening In North Korea's Ruling Class

N.Korean Regime Intensifies 'Reign of Terror' -- Chosun ilbo
North Korea prepares for annual flowery tribute to its 'Dear Leader' -- The Telegraph
N.Korea Revamps Party Rules to Easy Hereditary Succession -- Chosun Ilbo
Power Shift Detailed in North Korean Party Charter -- Voice of America
Kim Jong-il's Oldest Son Slams Hawks in the N.Korean Regime -- Chosun Ilbo
Kim Jong-il 'opposed succession' -- The Independent
Furry Hat Offers Clues to Progress of N.Korean Succession -- Chosun Ilbo
North Korea: where a hat is not just a hat -- Christian Science Monitor
Analysis: North Korea's bizarre personality cult and why it has worked – so far -- The Telegraph

My Comment: Thank God I do not live there.

Israel Permits Egypt To Move Troops Into The Sina

Israel Allows First Egyptian Troops Into Sinai Since 1979 -- M&C

Jerusalem - Israel has allowed Egyptian troops into the Sinai Peninsula for the first time since 1979, Israeli radio reported Monday, while the Israeli president warned of the possibility of the radical Islamist opposition rising to power in Egypt.

A high-ranking member of the government had confirmed that at Egypt's request hundreds of troops had been allowed on to the peninsula because of ongoing protests in the country.

Since the 1979 peace agreement between the two countries, Egypt had only been allowed to station police forces there.

Read more ....

More News On Egypt Sending Troops Into The Sinai

Israel agrees to some Egyptian troops in Sinai -- AP
Israel lets Egpyt move its troops into Sinai -- Irish Times
Israel allows 800 Egyptian troops into the Sinai -- Global Post
Israel approves first Egyptian military deployment in Sinai since 1979 -- L.A. Times
Egyptian troops hunt Hamas gunmen fighting to control N. Sinai. Two captured -- Debka File
12 dead as Egyptian police, Beduins clash in Sinai -- Jerusalem Post
Palestinians shell western Negev with Grads, mortar attacks -- Jerusalem Post
2 rockets fired from Gaza explode in Israeli towns, causing damage, no injuries -- Canadian Press

My Comment: The Sinai is a very big place .... positioning 800 soldiers will have zero impact.

Egypt Prepares For massive Demonstrations on Tuesday. Egyptian Military Rules Out Force

Egypt Crisis: Country Braced For 'March Of A Million' -- The Telegraph

A "march of a million" against the Egyptian regime has been called for Tuesday in Alexandria after one was announced in Cairo and all train services were canceled, an aide to dissident Mohamed ElBaradei said.

Protest organizers announced earlier that they would stage a mass march from Cairo's Tahrir Square, the epicenter of nationwide protests against President Hosni Mubarak's regime that have been raging for a week, leaving at least 125 people dead.

"We wanted to take part in the march from Tahrir Square tomorrow but given that all the trains have been stopped and there's no other means of transport we have decided to stay and organise a march of a million tomorrow," Abeer Yussef told AFP on Monday by telephone from Alexandria.

Read more ....

More News On Egypt Getting Ready for Tuesday's 'March Of A Million'

Egypt set for mass protest as army rules out force -- The Guardian
'Million man march' planned to bring Mubarak down -- Hindustan Times/AFP
Protestors in Cairo remain on main square, prepare for million-strong rally -- RIA Novosti
Egypt protesters call for million-man march -- ABC News (Australia)
Cairo protest aims to draw one million (VIDEO) -- Global Post
Mubarak proposes talks as opposition calls for massive protest -- Washington Post
One million called to march Tuesday in Cairo - -International Business Times

Egypt military promises no force against protests -- Yahoo News/AP
Government Offers Talks With Protesters After Army Says It Will Not Fire -- New York Times
Egypt army backs people's demands, holds fire -- Yahoo News/AFP
Egypt crisis: Army rules out force as Mubarak clings to power -- The Telegraph
Egypt Military Promises No Force Against Protests -- ABC News

Haiti News Updates -- January 31, 2011

In Haiti, Hillary Clinton Meets With Candidates, Pushes Preval On Elections -- Washington Post

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton turned her attention Sunday from Egypt to a crisis closer to home - a disputed presidential election in Haiti that threatens to stall its recovery from a massive earthquake.

Clinton's visit to Haiti came as the U.S. government is pressing President Rene Preval to accept election monitors' conclusion that his handpicked candidate did not qualify for a runoff. "We've made it very clear we support the OAS recommendations and we would like to see those those acted on," Clinton told reporters, referring to the election monitors from the Organization of American States.

Read more ....

More News On Haiti

Hillary Clinton presses Haiti's René Préval to break election stalemate -- Christian Science Monitor
Clinton Urges Haiti to Persist in Bid for Fair Elections -- Voice of America
Clinton: Major concerns surround Haiti presidential elections -- CNN
Clinton urges adopting OAS report for Haitian elections -- Miami Herald
US won’t halt Haiti aid, Clinton says -- Boston.com/AP
Hillary Clinton: Haiti aid will not be suspended -- BBC
Clinton: No Plans to Suspend Aid to Haiti -- Voice of America

Aristide can have new passport, Haiti says -- AFP
Haiti opens door for return of ex-president Aristide -- Reuters
Lawyer: Aristide still in Africa, wants to return -- Washington Post

One Year After Haiti Earthquake, Reconstruction is Slow -- Voice of America
In Haiti, Return of Duvalier Reopens Old Wounds -- New York Times
In Haiti, Cell Phones Serve As Debit Cards -- NPR
Haiti polio scare may be rare complication of cholera -- New Scientist

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- January 31, 2011

US President Barack Obama and Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo in 2009. REUTERS

Obama Has Failed to Fulfill His Mideast Promise -- David J. Kramer, Spiegel Online

In recent months, the Obama administration has shifted its focus away from the Middle East. This approach might be justified if the situation were getting better there, but things are getting worse. Of the people living in the region, 88 percent live in countries that lack honest elections, a free press and rule of law.

A few months into his presidency, Barack Obama delivered what still ranks as the most ambitious foreign policy address of his administration. Presented at Cairo University, the speech set forth the outlines of a "new beginning" between the United States and the Muslim world.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Could Syria be the next domino to fall? -- Hugh Macleod, Global Post

Egypt Is the Next Tunisia. What Is the Next Egypt? -- Gordon Chang, Forbes

Could China be next? No. -- Christina Larson, Foreign Policy

The Psychology of Food Riots -- Evan Fraser and Andrew Rimas, Foreign Affairs

Letter from Kabul: The Great Afghan Bank Heist -- Dexter Filkins, New Yorker

China: At What Cost Stealth? -- David Axe, The Diplomat

The case for mercenaries in Somalia -- Jeff Jacoby, Boston.com

Is Canada a soft mark? -- Lysiane gagnon, Globe And Mail

Report: Stuxnet could cause Iranian 'Chernobyl' -- Joshua Keating, Foreign Policy

Commentaries, Opinions, Editorials, And Analysis On The Crisis In Egypt

What Obama Can Do to Save Egypt -- Max Fisher, The Atlantic
Obama is still behind the curve on Egypt -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post
Analysis: The US moral conundrum in Egypt -- AP
U.S. wary of what's next for Egypt -- Ben Smith & Laura Rozen, Politico
Protests in Egypt: the real reason for Obama's two-handed game -- Anne Mariel Peters, Christian Science Monitor
Our view on Egypt: Moment of truth for U.S. policies -- USA Today
Is U.S. on the side of Mideast democracy? -- Khaled Elgindy, CNN
What the U.S. Loses if Mubarak Goes -- Tony Karon, Time Magazine
As Egyptians Stand Up, the U.S. Must Follow -- Romesh Ratnesar, Time Magazine
Washington Plays for Time in Egypt and the Arab World -- Massimo Calabresi, Time Magazine
What's at stake for U.S. in Egypt unrest -- USA Today
Time for the U.S. to put its money where its mouth is -- Vickie Langohr, Foreign Policy
Obama Doctrine is Failing in the Middle East -- Heritage Foundation

Wild Card – The Egyptian Military -- Ron Beasley, The Moderate Voice
Army As Kingmaker, Ctd -- The Daily Dish, The Atlantic
Egyptian Army Faces Difficult Choice as Situation Deteriorates -- Heritage Foundation

Egypt: Please, Not ElBaradei -- Claurdia Rosett, Pajamas Media
'The Pharaoh in the Führerbunker' -- Spiegel Online
Why has Egypt's army not confronted the protests? -- McClatchy News
A proud moment in Egypt's history -- L.A. Times editorial
Egypt Updates: the “March of Millions,” the Role of the Army, and a Message from the American Embassy -- Vanity Fair
Muslim Brotherhood Poised for Power in Egypt -- Robert Spencer, Human Events
Analysis - Egypt's Al Jazeera bans channel's key role -- Reuters
Arab world transfixed by Egyptian protests -- Liz Sly, Washington Post
In Depth: Why Are Egyptians Protesting? -- SKY News
Egypt's uprising should be encouraged -- Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
Lawlessness Could Hijack Egypt's Popular Uprising -- Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, NPR
Mubarak’s ouster looks more and more likely; but what then? -- Jay Bookman, AJC
What's role of Islam in Egypt's future? -- USA Today
Who Lost Egypt? -- Dick Morris, FOX News
Date With a Revolution -- Mansoura Ez-Eldin, New York Times

World News Briefs -- January 31, 2011 (Evening Edition)

Egypt Set For Mass Protest As Army Rules Out Force -- The Guardian

• One million to march on critical day for rebellion
• Vice-president says he will talk to opposition
• White House hardens stance over transition

Egypt's army gave a powerful boost to the country's opposition tonight by announcing it would not use force to silence "legitimate" demands for democratic reforms in the Arab world's largest country.

On the eve of a million-strong protest planned for tomorrow and amid multiplying signs that the US is moving steadily closer towards ditching its long-standing ally, Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak now has few options left.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Report warns of Iran nuke disaster.

Iran could have nuclear weapon by 2012 - Britain.

Israel shocked by Obama's "betrayal" of Mubarak.

Turmoil in Egypt could bolster Hamas.

Israel braces for 'new Middle East'.

Egypt turmoil rattles Middle East stock markets.

Iran to showcase new rockets, satellites: report.

UAE denies Oman’s espionage charges.

ASIA

U.N. told North Korea has more secret atomic sites: envoys. North Korea has at least one secret nuclear site, UN report says.

South Korea rejects North's call for earlier military talks.

N. Korea dissent on rise: US study.

Pakistan doubles its nuclear arsenal. At 100, Pak ahead in N-arsenal.

Myanmar's parliament opens under tight security.

Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev calls for snap Presidential poll.

Uncertain spring awaits violent Afghan south.

Losses at Afghan Bank could be $900 million.

Cyclone roars toward Australia's flooded north.

As Myanmar new parliament opens, junta's shadow looms large.

AFRICA

Mubarak offers talks, pushed by army, U.S. and protests. Cairo airport a scene of chaos as foreigners flee. Evacuation of Americans from Egypt scheduled to start. Foreigners urged to leave protest-ridden Egypt.

At least 17 killed in Mogadishu violence. Somali soldier kills 17 after firing into crowd accidentally.

African leaders agree new I. Coast crisis strategy.

In Tunisia, '500 scenarios' for political future. AP Interview: Islamist leader returns to Tunisia.

Niger to vote after one year of military rule.

Mugabe to call early elections, deploy military, officials say.

Zimbabwe says China eyes $10bn investment.

Somali pirates could soon face US military action. Somali pirate fleet unchallenged.

EUROPE

Turkey cites prejudice in delay of bid to join EU.

Hundreds of Russians protest against Putin. Russian police arrest dozens at anti-govt rallies. Opposition leader Limonov detained at unsanctioned rally in Moscow.

EU slaps sanctions on Belarus. EU, U.S. clamp down on Belarus. Belarus releases political prisoners.

'Last' Bloody Sunday march in N. Ireland town.

European stocks drop on Egypt tensions.

Scandals shake Germany's faith in its military.

Albanian police arrest 3 for allegedly conspiring to murder opposition leader during protest.

AMERICAS

Napolitano to Mexican cartels: Don't even think about it.

U.S. Judge strikes down healthcare reform law.

U.S. Midwest, Plains brace for massive winter storm.

Clinton in Haiti to mediate political crisis.

'Anti-government' activist arrested after planning to blow up Michigan mosque.

Bolivia flash flood sweeps away bus, truck; 30 die.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistani Taliban step up attacks in northwest.

Al-Qaeda announces holy war against Houthis in Yemen.

Governments go online in fight against terrorism.

Lawyer: 'Jihad Jane' plans to plead guilty.

Losing to terrorism in Russia

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Intel discovers chip flaw in midst of major launch.

Brent oil surges above $101 on Egypt uncertainty.

Despite China's might, US factories maintain edge.

Echoes of Egypt swirl around World Economic Forum.

Exxon profit rises 53 percent, tops Street.

South Sudan Prepares For Succession -- News Updates January 31, 2011

As South Sudan Clears Another Milestone For Independence, Its Capital Booms -- Christian Science Monitor

South Sudan's capital, Juba, is exploding with new construction, incoming foreign residents and new embassies.

In less than six months, a new nation will be born in a particularly volatile corner of Africa. The capital of this Texas-sized territory is the upstart boomtown of Juba which, like many other institutions in Southern Sudan, is about six years old – as old as the 2005 peace deal that ended more than two decades of conflict between Sudan’s north and south, and that left the south’s already meager pre-war institutions and infrastructure in complete tatters.

Read more ....

More News On South Sudan

Southern Sudan referendum results: Vote for secession -- BBC
Ban urges calm in Southern Sudan as referendum process is finalized -- UN News Centre
99% of South Sudanese Vote for Independence -- The Atlantic
Khartoum accepts secession results -- Al Jazeera
Government welcomes south Sudan vote result -- AFP
S.Sudan: Contested Abyei region belongs in south -- Washington Post/AP
Sudan faces formidable challenges following secession result -- Deutsche Welle
Sudan's Split: As South Cheers, the North Protests -- Alan Boswell, Time Magazine
Secession could create a prosperous Southern Sudan -- Luka Biong Deng, The Guardian

How Will The Unrest In Egypt Impact Israel

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu Watching Unrest With 'Vigilance And Worry' -- L.A. Times

Breaking official silence over the escalating unrest in neighboring Egypt, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he was monitoring events with "vigilance and worry" and feared radical Islamists could take advantage of any leadership vacuum.

Netanyahu told a news conference in Jerusalem that he was concerned about the fate of Israel's peace treaty with Egypt should President Hosni Mubarak be forced out of power and replaced by someone more belligerent toward Israel.

Read more ....

More News On Israel's Concerns With The Revolution In Egypt

Israel worried about Islamic takeover in Egypt -- AP
Israel's Netanyahu fears Egypt could go way of Iran -- Reuters
Netanyahu: Egyptian extremists represent 'tremendous threat' -- CNN
Netanyahu Says Islamists May Exploit Egyptian ‘Chaos’ -- Bloomberg
Netanyahu fears radical Islam takeover in Egypt -- Ynet News
Netanyahu fears extremist regime in Egypt -- CBC
Netanyahu warns outcome of Egypt revolution could be like Iran's -- Haaretz
PM fears Egypt will fall into hands of Islamic radicals -- Jerusalem Post
Israel Watches Egypt Developments -- NPR
Israel Shaken as Turbulence Rocks an Ally -- New York Times
As Egypt's Crisis Grows, So Do the Anxieties in Israel -- Karl Vick, Time Magazine
What do uprisings in Egypt mean for Israel? -- CNN

Like Father, Like Son

War Wounded: Father, Son Suffer Brain Injuries -- Washington Post/AP

MOORPARK, Calif. -- The crisply ironed uniforms of the father and son hang side by side in what they have dubbed the "Marine Corps closet," a dark space filled with vestiges of their tours of duty.

Two Purple Hearts. A backpack full of medical records.

The father is David R. Franco; the son is David W. Aside from the name, they share so much: proud service in Iraq, and a haunting, painful aftermath.

Read more ....

My Comment: A disturbing look at how war injuries impact families when their love ones return home.

What Is The U.S. Role And Reaction To Egypt's Revolution?

The White House Hardens Its Tone -- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON—The Obama Administration began to harden its tone toward embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak amid rising clamor in the Middle East and the U.S. for a more forceful response to the turmoil sweeping the world's largest Arab country.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared on the major Sunday talk shows to call for an "orderly, peaceful transition" to a "real democracy" in Egypt, a position also taken by President Barack Obama in calls to the leaders of the U.K., Turkey, Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House officials said the president told world leaders he wants "an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Role & Reaction To Egypt's Revolution

The Note: White House Seeking Clarity On Egypt -- ABC News
Behind the curtain: Egypt erupts in the WH -- Politico
Obama agenda: Talking transition -- MSNBC
Obama's Words Put to Test in U.S. Response to Egypt Anti-Mubarak Uprising -- Bloomberg
President Obama Recalibrates Words on Egypt -- ABC News
US pressures Egypt's Mubarak, but won't yet call for his ouster -- Christian Science Monitor
Egypt Unrest Affects Relationship With U.S., Global Economy -- ABC News
US calls for 'orderly transition' in Egypt -- AFP
Secretary Clinton: Won't Label Egypt Foreign Policy Crisis Situation -- FOX News
Clinton Calls for ‘Orderly Transition’ in Egypt -- New York Times
Clinton calls for a peaceful transition to democracy in Egypt -- CNN
Clinton: In Egypt, "Words Alone" Are Not Enough -- CBS News
Secretary Clinton: 'We're not advocating any specific outcome' in Egypt (Sunday talk shows) -- Washington Post

Photo by Pete Souza/White House

Commentaries, Opinions, Editorials, And Analysis

What Obama Can Do to Save Egypt -- Max Fisher, The Atlantic
Obama is still behind the curve on Egypt -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post
Analysis: The US moral conundrum in Egypt -- AP
U.S. wary of what's next for Egypt -- Ben Smith & Laura Rozen, Politico
Protests in Egypt: the real reason for Obama's two-handed game -- Anne Mariel Peters, Christian Science Monitor
Our view on Egypt: Moment of truth for U.S. policies -- USA Today
Is U.S. on the side of Mideast democracy? -- Khaled Elgindy, CNN
What the U.S. Loses if Mubarak Goes -- Tony Karon, Time Magazine
As Egyptians Stand Up, the U.S. Must Follow -- Romesh Ratnesar, Time Magazine
Washington Plays for Time in Egypt and the Arab World -- Massimo Calabresi, Time Magazine
What's at stake for U.S. in Egypt unrest -- USA Today
Time for the U.S. to put its money where its mouth is -- Vickie Langohr, Foreign Policy
Obama Doctrine is Failing in the Middle East -- Heritage Foundation

What Role Is The Egyptian Military Playing In The Unrest In The Country

Hosni Mubarak Names New Cabinet, But His Future Is In Military Hands -- Christian Science Monitor

The Egyptian military is now center stage in the battle between President Hosni Mubarak and the demonstrators demanding that he end his 30-year rule.

By midday Monday, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had beefed up the military presence on the streets of the capital, named a new cabinet, and had Al Jazeera's broadcasts from his country shut and a number of its journalists arrested.

Read more ....

More News On Egypt's Military

Factbox - Egypt's powerful military -- Reuters
Egyptian Armed Forces -- Wikipedia

Egyptian military's uncertain role could decide Mubarak's fate -- Deutsche Welle
Experts: Egypt's fate rests in hands of popular, powerful military -- CNN
Egypt's Military Tightens Control Over Regime -- Bloomberg
Egyptian army steps up presence in chaotic Cairo -- Jerusalem Post
Egyptian Military Seizes Al Jazeera Equipment, Shuts Down Feed -- B&C
Military building barriers around Cairo's main protest square -- USA Today
Protesters prod army to ditch Mubarak -- UPI
'Uneasy truce between Egyptian protesters and military' -- BBC
Egyptian army, residents protect property from looters -- RIA Novosti
Egypt: From Police State to Military Rule -- FOX News
U.S. praises Egyptian military's 'professionalism' -- Haaretz
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks with counterparts in Egypt, Israel about unrest -- L.A. Times
U.S. military brass talk with Egyptians, vow to continue 'partnership' -- CNN
Egyptian military divided regarding Mubarak resignation, Israel watches warily -- Washington Examiner
Egyptian Military's Allegiances Tested As Protests Mount -- Peter Feuilherade, Suite 101
Wild Card – The Egyptian Military -- Ron Beasley, The Moderate Voice
Army As Kingmaker, Ctd -- The Daily Dish, The Atlantic
Egyptian Army Faces Difficult Choice as Situation Deteriorates -- Heritage Foundation

Governments Are Now Going Online To Fight Terrorism

Governments Go Online In Fight Against Terrorism -- New York Times

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — In the Netherlands, the jailhouse recantation of a convicted terrorist renouncing violence has circulated online. Counterterrorism officials say it could make disaffected youth think twice about joining violent extremist ranks.

In Pakistan, the authorities are posting on YouTube gruesome videos of mosques bombed by Islamic extremists, to show that such attacks kill fellow Muslims.

And here in Saudi Arabia, a government-supported program has enlisted hundreds of Islamic scholars turned bloggers to fight online radicalization by challenging the interpretations of the Koran posted on extremist social networking forums.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is so long overdue .... radical Islamists have been using the web to promote and radicalize their followers .... time to go straight to the source.

Syria's President Says His Nation Is Immune From The Unrest Spreading In The Arab World?

Syria's President Says His Nation Immune From Unrest Roiling Egypt, Tunisia -- Canadian Press

BEIRUT — Syria's president, who has resisted calls for political freedoms and jailed critics of his regime, said in an interview published Monday that his nation is immune from the kind of unrest roiling Tunisia and Egypt.

In a rare interview, Bashar Assad was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as acknowledging that the toppling of Tunisia's longtime ruler and the protesters that have left Hosni Mubarak's government teetering in Egypt signalled a "new era" in the Middle East.

Read more ....

More News On Syria

Middle East must 'upgrade': Syria's Assad -- AFP
Syria's Assad says not changing course after Egypt -- Reuters
Assad says better off than Mubarak -- Ynet News
Assad: Syria in better position than Egypt since it has no ties with Israel -- Haaretz

Assad: Arab world must reform -- UPI
Assad: Protests in Egypt, Tunisia mark 'new era' -- Jerusalem Post
Syria Strongman: Time for 'Reform' -- Wall Street Journal
Interview With Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- Wall Street Journal

Syria's Assad says no extra access to nuclear inspectors -- Reuters
Assad Prepares for ‘Day of Rage’ in Syria -- Arutz Sheva
Will Syria's Revolution Be Organized... on Facebook? -- Fast Company
Syria's Assad running scared -- Rick Moran, American Thinker

U.S. Gets Ready It's Internet 'Kill Switch' Legislation

As Egypt Goes Offline US Gets Internet 'Kill Switch' Bill Ready -- Sydney Morning Herald

As Egypt's government attempts to crackdown on street protests by shutting down internet and mobile phone services, the US is preparing to reintroduce a bill that could be used to shut down the internet.

The legislation, which would grant US President Barack Obama powers to seize control of and even shut down the internet, would soon be reintroduced to a senate committee, Wired.com reported.

It was initially introduced last year but expired with a new Congress.

Read more ....

My Comment: I guess the proponents for this legislation in the Senate and the White House believe that one day unrest and riots will sweep the U.S., and the government will need to have legislation in place to validate an internet shutdown.

A very uncomfortable thought .... especially when you realize that this is how our government thinks .... that the people are the threat to the nation, and not the government itself.

Yemen News Updates -- January 31, 2011

In Yemen, Calls For Revolution But Many Hurdles -- Washington Post

SANAA, Yemen - The pro-democracy protesters marched through the dusty streets of this Middle Eastern capital, voicing hope that the revolution unfolding in the Arab world would soon reach them.

"Yesterday, Tunisia. Today, Egypt. Tomorrow, Yemen," they shouted, trying to make their way to the Egyptian embassy.

But the small march on Saturday never reached its intended target. A line of police stopped the protesters; then a loud, unruly crowd of pro-government supporters emerged, and the two groups clashed. The protesters soon vanished, their voices muffled by pro-government chants.

Read more ....

More News On Yemen

Protests Spring Up in Rural Yemen -- Wall Street Journal
Yemen: Orderly Uprising Set for Feb3 -- Jawa Report

FACTBOX-Security developments in Yemen on Jan 31 -- Reuters
Qaeda warns of 'Christian-Shiite pact' on Yemen -- AFP
Yemen al-Qaida commander declares war against Shiites -- Xinhuanet
Al-Qaeda Announces Holy War against Houthis -- Yemen Post
Yemen al-Qaeda Terrorist commander declares war against Shiite Muslims -- ABNA.ir
A coup in Yemen could give al Qaeda a stronghold, experts say -- Washington Examiner

Yemen protests lack grassroots base -- Jeb Boone, OpEdNews
Yemen is not Tunisia or Egypt -- Daniel Martin Varisco, CNN
Behind the unrest in Yemen -- CNN

Unrest And Revolution In Egypt -- News Updates January 31, 2011

'Mega Protest' Planned In Egypt -- Al Jazeera

Opposition movement calls for "a million people demonstration" on Tuesday in a bid to topple president Hosni Mubarak.

Egyptian protesters have called for a massive demonstration on Tuesday in a bid to force out president Hosni Mubarak from power.

The so-called April 6 Movement said it plans to have more than a million people on the streets of the capital Cairo, as anti-government sentiment reaches a fever pitch.

Several hundred demonstrators remained camped out in Tahrir square in central Cairo early on Monday morning, defying a curfew that has been extended by the army.

Read more ....

More News On The Unrest In Egypt

Egypt protesters vow to step up pressure -- BBC
Egypt protests: Day seven -- Washington Post
Latest Updates on Day 7 of Protests in Egypt -- The Lede/New York Times

Egypt's opposition calls for 1 million on streets -- Yahoo News/AP
Egypt protesters call for 'million man march' -- Yahoo News/AFP
Cairo protest aims to draw one million (VIDEO) -- Global Post
Call for million-strong Egypt march -- Press Association
Egypt's Opposition Calls for 1 Million on Streets -- ABC News
Egypt protesters call for 'million man march' -- Sydney Morning Herald
Egypt latest – Barriers being set up for 'million man' march -- CNN

Protesters in Egypt continue to call for Mubarak's ouster -- McClatchy News
Egypt anti-government protests continue for a seventh day -- Gulf News
Egyptians up ante on seventh day of wrath -- ABC News (Australia)
Egypt's police return; foreigners try to evacuate -- L.A. Times
Egyptian police reappear alongside army as Mubarak protests enter 7th day -- Washington Post
Egypt's military moves to take control of parts of Cairo -- L.A. Times
Heavy Gunfire As Angry Scenes Grip Egypt -- SKY News
Egyptian antiquities chief reports damage but no theft at Cairo museum -- Washington Post

Mubarak orders talks with opposition -- UPI
Mubarak names new cabinet, but his future is in military hands -- Christian Science Monitor
Mubarak shuffles cabinet but protesters say "Go!" -- Yahoo News/Reuters
State TV: Egypt president announces new government -- AP
Mubarak Appoints New Ministers; Protesters Call for Strike, March -- Voice of America
Mubarak swears in new cabinet -- Al Jazeera
Egypt unveils new cabinet: state television -- AFP
Old faces dominate Mubarak's new government -- Gulf News
Egypt's New Government Sworn In -- Novinite

Opposition Unites in Egypt -- Wall Street Journal
ElBaradei - the emerging opposition -- Hindustan Times
Mohamed ElBaradei slams US position on Hosni Mubarak -- The Australian/AFP
ElBaradei offers 'a bridge to democracy' -- Sydney Morning Herald
Opposition Rallies to ElBaradei as Military Reinforces in Cairo -- New York Times
Egypt's ElBaradei urges U.S. to abandon Mubarak -- Reuters
Egyptian Muslims call out for ElBaradei -- Washington Times
Mohamed ElBaradei: 'What has begun, cannot go back' -- BBC
Muslim Brotherhood says it is only a minor player in Egyptian protests -- Washington post
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood mutes its religious message for protests -- L.A. Times

After days of looting, once-vibrant Cairo smolders -- McClatchy News
Egypt: military detain 50 at museum -- Yahoo News/AP
Cairo: Anger starting to focus on Israel, US -- Jerusalem Post
U.S. cautiously prepares for post-Mubarak era -- L.A. Times
Obama: Egypt Needs Orderly Transition -- Voice of America
Israel Says Peace Treaty With Egypt Must Be Preserved -- Voice of America
Israel Shaken as Turbulence Rocks an Ally -- New York Times

Crisis in Egypt: First Evacuation Flight Leaves -- ABC News
First Americans evacuated from Egypt -- CNN
U.S. starts evacuations as Egypt unrest spreads -- USA Today
U.S. Begins Evacuation Flights From Cairo -- New York Times
Chaos at Cairo airport as foreigners flee Egypt -- Washington Post
More Countries Help Citizens Flee Egypt -- Voice of America
Getting Americans out of Egypt -- CNN
US Set to Fly Thousands of Americans From Egypt -- ABC News
Plane sent to rescue Aussies stuck in -- The Australian

China censors coverage of Egypt protests on the web -- Christian Science Monitor
China mulls impact of Mideast uprisings -- Washington Post
Chinese authorities restrict news of Egypt protests -- The Guardian
China blocks 'Egypt' from Internet searches, concerned anti-Hosni Mubarak riots could inspire unrest -- New York Daily News
China's censorship of the Egypt protests isn't fooling everyone -- The Telegraph

Photos from Egypt, Jan. 31 -- Globe And Mail
Egypt protesters vow to step up pressure (Pictures) -- BBC

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Egypt: Please, Not ElBaradei -- Claurdia Rosett, Pajamas Media
'The Pharaoh in the Führerbunker' -- Spiegel Online
Why has Egypt's army not confronted the protests? -- McClatchy News
A proud moment in Egypt's history -- L.A. Times editorial
Egypt Updates: the “March of Millions,” the Role of the Army, and a Message from the American Embassy -- Vanity Fair
Analysis - Egypt's Al Jazeera bans channel's key role -- Reuters
Arab world transfixed by Egyptian protests -- Liz Sly, Washington Post
In Depth: Why Are Egyptians Protesting? -- SKY News
Egypt's uprising should be encouraged -- Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
Lawlessness Could Hijack Egypt's Popular Uprising -- Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, NPR
Mubarak’s ouster looks more and more likely; but what then? -- Jay Bookman, AJC
What's role of Islam in Egypt's future? -- USA Today
Who Lost Egypt? -- Dick Morris, FOX News
Date With a Revolution -- Mansoura Ez-Eldin, New York Times

Afghanistan War News Updates -- January 31, 2011

U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers conduct a census patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan.18, 2011. The Marines, assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dexter S. Saulisbury

Uncertain Spring Awaits Violent Afghan South -- Yahoo News/Reuters

ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan (Reuters) – Like the farmers, U.S. soldiers in this fertile river valley of southern Afghanistan are preparing for spring, and the surge in militant violence it usually brings, with the recent killing of a top public official signaling a hard fight ahead.

Between rocky outcrops, a network of combat outposts manned by U.S. and Afghan soldiers has emerged as winter draws to a close at the northern gateway to Kandahar City, to defend gains they say they made in late 2010.

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More News On Afghanistan

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Jan 31 -- Alert Net
NATO service member killed in Afghanistan -- Washington Post/AP
31 NATO service members killed in January in Afghanistan -- People's Daily
4 German soldiers killed in Afghanistan -- Press TV (Iran)
Another al Qaeda-linked Taliban commander targeted in Farah -- Long War Journal
UK commanders fear early pull-out as they make gains on Taliban -- London Evening Standard
New British troops aim to beat Taliban on trust -- AFP
French troops help ready Afghan army for handover -- AFP
Taliban 'killing their own' in bid to wrest back control in Sangin -- The Independent
Walking over IEDs in Sangin's 'bomb alley' -- BBC

Afghanistan Moves to Curb Use of Underage Soldiers -- Wall Street Journal
Recruiting of child Afghan fighters to end -- UPI
Agreement to end child recruitment in Afghan police -- AFP

Losses at Afghan Bank Could Be $900 Million -- New York Times
Kabul Bank employees flee amid investigation into lending -- Washington Post
Afghan Officials Shielded Bank From Scrutiny -- Wall Street Journal

Heroin use in UK halves in three months after failure of Afghanistan poppy crop -- The Daily Mail
Opium Wars -- National Geographic
The US is moving on from Afghanistan, but its troops are still dying there -- Gary Younge, The Guardian

World News Briefs

Egypt Protesters Vow To Step Up Pressure -- BBC

Tens of thousands have gathered in central Cairo for a seventh day of protest, calling for a general strike.

Police have been ordered back to the streets, to positions they abandoned on Friday, but it is not clear whether they are returning to central Cairo.

The demonstrators are also planning a huge march to take place on Tuesday.

Protesters want President Hosni Mubarak to step down after 30 years in power. He has promised political reform and has now announced a new cabinet.

The state TV announcement said Interior Minister Habib al-Adly, who correspondents say is widely despised by protesters, had been replaced.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel braces for 'new Middle East'.

Egypt turmoil rattles Middle East stock markets.

Iran to showcase new rockets, satellites: report.

UAE denies Oman’s espionage charges.

ASIA

Uncertain spring awaits violent Afghan south.

Losses at Afghan Bank could be $900 million.

Cyclone roars toward Australia's flooded north.

As Myanmar new parliament opens, junta's shadow looms large.

South Korea rejects North's call for earlier military talks.

AFRICA

Cairo airport a scene of chaos as foreigners flee. Evacuation of Americans from Egypt scheduled to start. Foreigners urged to leave protest-ridden Egypt.

In Tunisia, '500 scenarios' for political future.

Niger to vote after one year of military rule.

Mugabe to call early elections, deploy military, officials say.

Somali pirates could soon face US military action. Somali pirate fleet unchallenged.

EUROPE

EU expected to impose Belarus sanctions. Belarus releases political prisoners.

European stocks drop on Egypt tensions.

Scandals shake Germany's faith in its military.

Albanian police arrest 3 for allegedly conspiring to murder opposition leader during protest.

AMERICAS

U.S. Midwest, Plains brace for massive winter storm.

Clinton in Haiti to mediate political crisis.

'Anti-government' activist arrested after planning to blow up Michigan mosque.

Bolivia flash flood sweeps away bus, truck; 30 die.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda announces holy war against Houthis in Yemen.

Governments go online in fight against terrorism.

Lawyer: 'Jihad Jane' plans to plead guilty.

Losing to terrorism in Russia

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Despite China's might, US factories maintain edge.

Echoes of Egypt swirl around World Economic Forum.

Exxon profit rises 53 percent, tops Street.