My Comment: The above video is from Al Jazeera .... it is a fascinating documentary on what is the pulse of Iraq today .... and how different life is in one part of the country to the next.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
A Road Trip In Iraq
My Comment: The above video is from Al Jazeera .... it is a fascinating documentary on what is the pulse of Iraq today .... and how different life is in one part of the country to the next.
Iraq Was Not Suppose To End Up Like This
Iraq’s Descent Into Madness, With No Americans in Sight -- Joshua Foust, Defense One
How could al Qaeda in Iraq have become this powerful? Last week, the indefatigable terrorist group supposedly broken by the mighty U.S. military after an eight-year war instead broke into two prisons -- one of which is the infamous Abu Ghraib -- and freed nearly 500 prisoners. They killed 29 police and soldiers and wounded another thirty-five. It was the largest prison break in recent Iraqi history, and prompts a terrifying question for the U.S.: Now what?
Since the official withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in December of 2011, Iraq has struggled with its own security. Civilian deaths climbed steadily in 2012 and 2013, and according to the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq nearly 700 died from terrorist attacks in June alone -- nearly three times the monthly average in Afghanistan.
Read more ....
My Comment: What is happening in Iraq today is exactly what many were predicting in 2010-2011 would happen if all US forces were to leave the country. Another prediction that many were making during that time is also coming true today .... Iraq security forces would be outmatched if 'open war' should return.
On a bright note .... at least US forces are not finding themselves in the middle of such a mess.
July Was The Deadliest Month In Iraq Since 2008
Violence In Iraq Reaches New Heights -- Al Jazeera
Unrest killed almost 1,000 people in July, government figures show, making it the deadliest month since April 2008.
Violence in Iraq killed 989 people in July, government figures has shown, making it the deadliest month since April 2008.
The dead comprised 778 civilians, 88 police, 55 soldiers and 68 armed men, according to the figures released on Wednesday.
They were compiled by the Iraqi health, interior and defence ministries.
Violence also wounded 1,567 people in July - 1,356 civilians, 122 police and 89 soldiers.
The figures make July the deadliest month since 2008, when Iraq was emerging from a bloody sectarian conflict.
Read more ....
Update #1: 989 killed in Iraq in July, most in five years: govt -- FOX News/AFP
Update #2: July Deadliest Month In Iraq Since 2008, Government Says -- Press TV
My Comment: And the trend is for this killing to get worse.
Facebook Refuses To Assist The UN In Tracking Suspected Somali Pirates
Facebook Spurns U.N. Request For Information On Suspected Pirates In Somalia -- All Facebook
The United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea was highly critical of Facebook in a report, saying that the social network refused its requests for information on the accounts of users suspected of involvement in piracy, and Facebook responded that it was under no legal obligation to comply with those requests.
According to AP, a report by the monitoring group said that while other companies assisted it in investigations of piracy, al-Qaida, and government corruption, Facebook refused to cooperate, adding:
Despite repeated official correspondence addressed to Facebook Inc., it has never responded to monitoring group requests to discuss information on Facebook accounts belonging to individuals involved in hijackings and hostage-taking.
Read more ....
More News On Facebook Refusing To Assist The UN In Tracking Suspected Somali Pirates
UN asks Facebook for help tracking down Somali pirates. Facebook refuses -- National Post/AP
Facebook Stiff-Arms U.N. Investigators -- Turtle Bay/Foreign Policy
Facebook rebuffs request on Somali pirates -- iol
Somali Pirates Facebook: UN Blasts Social Network For Not Cooperating With Investigations Into Ship Hijackers -- International Digital Times
UN slams Facebook for helping pirates -- Tech Eye
Facebook Refuses to Hand Over Pirate Information -- The Root
Facebook Isn't the Key to Catching Terrorists -- Molly Redden, New Republic
My Comment: These Somali pirates are pure evil .... and (in my opinion) Facebook's refusal to assist UN investigators is simply wrong. Here are two stories on two hostages who know first hand on what it was like to be held as a hostage by these thugs.
Alexandria Woman Kidnapped by Somali Pirates Recalls Experience -- NBC Washington
Judith Tebbutt: My six months held hostage by Somali pirates -- BBC
Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- July 31, 2013
Is Political Crisis Brewing In Zimbabwe? -- John Campbell, Christian Science Monitor
A report from the International Crisis Group says today's election may be President Robert Mugabe's last stand – but he will go down fighting.
On July 29 the International Crisis Group (ICG) issued an important report, Zimbabwe’s Elections: Mugabe’s Last Stand, suggesting that the aftermath of today's elections in Zimbabwe is likely to be a protracted and violent political crisis – regardless of who comes out ahead in the polls.
Even before polling started, there have been reports of ruling-party aligned state security services resorting to violence and intimidation against opponents of President Robert Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF party.
Read more ....
Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials
Q&A: Why Zimbabwe elections matter -- Stephanie Ott, for CNN
Syria Lies In Pieces And It Will Not Be Fixed -- Shashank Joshi, Daily Telegraph
In raging Middle East, Israel wins time with Palestinian peace talks -- Maayan Lubell, Reuters
Killing Continues in Darfur's Forgotten War -- Rob Crilly, Daily Telegraph
Crackdown on Egypt protests: What's really at stake -- Christian Science Monitor editorial
Closed Tunnels Could Ruin Hamas -- Theresa Breuer, Spiegel Online
John Kerry Fights the Wrong War -- Fouad Ajami, Bloomberg
Pressing Forward with Tougher Iranian Oil Sanctions -- G. William Heiser & Amir Abbas Fakhravar, Real Clear World
Why China Is Still No Super Power -- Zhang Yuanan, Real Clear World/World Crunch
Eurozone on brink, again -- investors, analysts -- The Commentator
Is France Heading South? -- Council On Foreign Relations
U.S. needs to step up its Arctic game -- Global Public Square staff, CNN
Why NSA Surveillance Will Be More Damaging Than You Think -- James Fallows, The Atlantic
The danger of American apathy on NSA surveillance -- Elizabeth Goitein, Christian Science Monitor
World News Briefs -- July 31, 2013 (Evening Edition)
Supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi march from Al-Fath Mosque to the defense ministry in Cairo July 30. Reuters
Egypt's Cabinet Orders Police To End Pro-Morsi Sit-Ins -- BBC
Egypt's military-backed government has ordered police to end sit-ins by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in the capital Cairo.
"The cabinet has decided to take all measures necessary to confront these risks and put an end to them," an official said in a televised statement.
The statement termed the continued rallies "a national security threat".
Three top Muslim Brotherhood leaders have also been referred to court on charges of inciting violence.
The movement's supporters have been staging sit-ins for several weeks since President Morsi was removed on 3 July, after just one year in office.
They have defied previous threats of removal from their sit-in protests, despite deadly clashes with security forces.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
UN to visit Syria 'chemical attacks' sites.
Syrian troops launch assault on northern village.
Syrian war takes center stage on Ramadan TV series.
Over 645,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon: UNHCR.
Iran seen able to process bomb-grade uranium next year.
Russia's Putin to meet new Iranian president in September.
989 killed in Iraq in July, most in five years: govt.
Drive-by shootings, bombings kill 18 in Iraq.
Rights group condemns lashing, jailing of Saudi blogger on Islam.
Stolen Saddam Hussein sword returned to Iraq.
Iran President's inner circle has western accent.
ASIA
Taliban jailbreak prompts fears of more attacks on Pakistan prisons.
Secretary of State Kerry in Pakistan on unannounced visit.
Fear of violence as India tears state in two.
U.S., South Korea discuss delaying wartime command transfer.
Report: Civilian casualties rising in Afghanistan.
Pakistani Taliban move prisoners to tribal region. About 200 inmates escape in Pakistan Taliban attack on prison.
U.S. raises military assistance to the Philippines.
China media: Japan tensions.
China issues heat alert as 'hottest July' hits Shanghai.
AFRICA
Egypt’s government tells police to break up pro-Morsi protests. Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood intensifies in Egypt.
Gaddafi minister sentenced to death.
Rwanda says U.N. ultimatum threatened Congo peace talks.
Zimbabwe votes in third Mugabe-Tsvangirai showdown. Fraud claims mount as Zimbabweans vote.
134 people killed in clashes in Sudan's Darfur: Tribal leader.
Ex-Prime Minister Keita holds wide lead in Mali vote. Mali election 'marred by ballot-stuffing': URD.
Nigeria says to begin Mali troop pullout on Wednesday.
'New Somalia' risk as warlords rule in Central African Republic.
DR Congo unrest: UN orders Goma to be arms-free.
North African instability a concern for NATO: Military chief.
EUROPE
British fury as Spain ups tension on Gibraltar with new lorry blockade.
Gay athletes could be prosecuted at 2014 Winter Olympics, Russian lawmaker suggests.
Turkish militants held in Greece for weapons: minister.
Eurozone unemployment total in slight fall.
Spanish train driver on phone to Renfe official at moment of crash, court says.
Eurozone must fill £9.6bn gap in Greek finances, warns IMF.
Portugal PM wins confidence vote, vows to meet bailout goals.
Doubts grow over Spanish government reforms.
Cyprus U.N. envoy says peace talks could resume in October.
Spain hit by killer heatwave: Tourists warned to expect dangerously high temperatures of 43C as scorching winds sweep in from Africa.
AMERICAS
Misconduct allegations rise for U.S. airport security workers.
Mexico's homicide rate falls slightly from 24 to 22 per 100,000.
US economy grows at 1.7 pct. pace in 2nd quarter.
Homeland Security loses track of 1 million foreigners; report could hurt immigration deal.
Panama uncovers fighter jet engines from seized North Korea ship.
FARC renews offer to free former US marine.
US Air Force flying 24 tons of cocaine to Miami because Costa Rica can't destroy it on its own.
Honduras declares emergency over dengue fever.
Woman charged in vandalism at National Cathedral ordered held without bond.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Zawahri vows al Qaeda to free Guantanamo inmates.
Pentagon: Guantanamo tab $5.2 billion and counting.
US drones strike again in Yemen, kill 3 AQAP operatives.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Exclusive: Russian billionaire seeks U.S. government financing for luxury jets.
US oil and gas will surge for years, firm projects.
EADS to restructure and change name to Airbus.
Railway company ‘can’t pay’ for Quebec train disaster.
Bank of England helped in sale of looted Nazi gold.
NSA Director Heckled At Black Hat Cybersecurity Conference
General Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency (NSA), chief of the Central Security Service (CSS) and commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, responds to questions after giving the opening keynote address at the Black Hat USA 2013 hacker convention at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada July 31, 2013. REUTERS-Steve Marcus
NSA Director Heckled At Black Hat Cybersecurity Conference -- CBS News
LAS VEGAS National Security Agency director Gen. Keith Alexander was met with cheers and heckling Wednesday at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas, an annual meeting of hackers and cybersecurity professionals.
Alexander was asked to give the keynote address at the conference before former NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked documents to the media about PRISM -- a government surveillance program that collected metadata over telecommunication lines. Black Hat organizers say that he could have easily backed out, but chose to attend open a dialog with the hacking community.
The mood was one of respectful skepticism among a majority of audience members. But halfway through the address, which promised to answer tough questions in the wake of the PRISM leak, some in the audience decided they had heard enough.
Alexander was speaking about ways the controversial initiative FAA 702 has thwarted terrorism plots, when he said of the NSA: "We stand for freedom."
Read more ....
More News On The NSA Director Heckled At The Black Hat Cybersecurity Conference
NSA chief defends surveillance programs at hacking conference -- Reuters
NSA Director Defends Surveillance at Black Hat -- Wall Street Journal
NSA director heckled as he pleads with hackers to 'put the facts on the table' -- The Verge
NSA Director Heckled At Conference As He Asks For Security Community's Understanding -- Forbes
Controls keep NSA spy programs legal, director tells Black Hat audience -- Computer World
NSA Director Defends Surveillance Programs at Black Hat Security Conference -- Mashable
NSA Director accused of lying to Congress at Black Hat USA 2013 keynote -- ZDNet
NSA director addresses Black Hat, says there have been “zero abuses” of data -- Arstechnica
The Cost Of Operating Guantanamo Bay Prison
(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Pentagon: Guantanamo Tab $5.2 Billion And Counting -- McClatchy News
New number-crunching by Democrats campaigning for Guantanamo's closure says the Pentagon spends nearly a half-billion dollars a year - a whopping $2.7 million per prisoner - to operate its offshore prison complex in southeast Cuba.
The figure is by far the largest per-prisoner cost ever calculated and apparently, for the first time, includes troop costs. The ostensibly temporary Pentagon prison has, since it opened in 2002, been staffed largely by troops trained up on their way to Guantanamo for rotations of nine months to a year.
The cost for this year - $454.1 million to operate, staff and build at the prison complex - comes from a report by the Defense Department's Office of the Comptroller.
Read more ....
More News On The Cost Of Keeping Guantanamo Bay Prison Open
Pentagon: Cost of operating Guantanamo in 2013 is $454 million -- UPI
Guantanamo costs US taxpayers over $5 billion: Report -- Press TV
Lawmakers Blast Guantanamo's $2.7 Million Per Prisoner Cost -- Business Insider
Most expensive prison ever: Gitmo costs $2.7 million annually per inmate -- RT
Guantanamo Bay prison costs US taxpayers $2.7 million per inmate -- Voice of Russia
U.S. could save millions by paying each Gitmo prisoner $2 million annual salary to do nothing -- Max Fisher, Washington Post
Al-Qaida Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri Vows To Free Guantanamo Prisoners
Ayman al-Zawahri, leader of Al Qaeda, released a message online vowing to free prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. (Photo : Reuters)
Zawahri Vows al Qaeda To Free Guantanamo Inmates -- Reuters
DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri slammed U.S. treatment of hunger striking inmates at Guantanamo Bay and said the group would spare no effort to free them, according to an audio recording posted on the Internet on Wednesday.
Zawahri also said Shi'ite Hezbollah's intervention in the conflict in Syria was an attempt to promote Iranian hegemony over the country.
"The (hunger) strike by our brothers at Guantanamo unmasks the true ugly face of (the United States of) America," Zawahri said in an audio recording posted on an Islamist website and whose authenticity could not be verified.
Read more ....
More News On Al-Qaida Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri Vowing To Free Guantanamo Prisoners
Al-Qaeda: We will try to free Guantanamo inmates -- USA Today/AP
Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri slams treatment of Guantanamo Bay inmates on hunger strike -- New York Daily News/Reuters
Al-Qaeda Chief Says Will Try To Free Guantanamo Inmates -- Radio Free Europe
Ayman al-Zawahri vows al-Qaeda to free Guantanamo inmates -- Al Arabiya
Al Qaeda's Ayman al-Zawahri: 'We Pledge to Set Our Brothers Free' -- HNGN
Gitmo getaway: Al-Qaeda pledges to free Guantanamo inmates -- RT
Egypt's Government Prepares To Move Against The Muslim Brotherhood Sit-Ins
Supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi shout slogans and hold symbolic coffins during a march from the Al-Fath Mosque to the defence ministry, in Cairo July 30, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Egypt's Rulers Signal Move Against Brotherhood Vigils -- Reuters
(Reuters) - Egypt's new rulers said on Wednesday vigils by supporters of deposed President Mohamed Mursi threatened national security, and signaled that they would end them, setting up a potentially bloody showdown with the Muslim Brotherhood.
Thousands of Mursi's Brotherhood supporters have camped out for a month at two sites in Cairo to protest against the army's overthrow of Egypt's first freely elected president on July 3.
Almost 300 people have been killed in weeks of violence since the army deposed Mursi, including at least 80 when security forces fired on his supporters marching from the main vigil at a mosque in northern Cairo.
Read more ....
More News On Egypt's Government Ordering The Police To Move Against The Muslim Brotherhood Vigils
Egypt Decrees That Pro-Morsi Sit-Ins Be Dispersed -- New York Times
Egypt's cabinet orders police to end pro-Morsi sit-ins -- BBC
Egypt’s government tells police to break up pro-Morsi protests -- Washington Post
Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood intensifies in Egypt -- CBS/AP
Egypt cabinet orders police to end pro-Morsi sit-in -- AFP
Egypt Threatens Action Against Sit-Ins as Islamist Chief Charged -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Egypt leaders order 'all necessary measures' to clear Muslim Brotherhood protests -- The Telegraph
Police ordered to break up pro-Morsi protest, Islamists remain defiant -- RT
Zimbabwe Votes For A President
Zimbabwe Votes For New President -- Sydney Morning Herald
Crisis-weary Zimbabweans are voting in a fiercely contested election dominated by veteran President Robert Mugabe's bid to extend his 33-year rule and suspicions of vote rigging.
The 89-year-old firebrand, Africa's oldest leader, is running for office for the seventh and perhaps final time, after a series of violent crackdowns, economic crises and suspect elections.
But on the eve of the vote, Mr Mugabe vowed to step down if he lost and claimed the army – long the bulwark of his rule – would also respect a victory for Morgan Tsvangirai, his perennial rival and reluctant partner in an uneasy coalition for the past four years.
"If you lose you must surrender," the 89-year-old said, insisting: "We have done no cheating."
Read more ....
More News On Zimbabwe's Presidential Election
Zimbabwe election: High turnout prompts vote extension -- BBC
Zimbabwe election 2013: Voting around the country -- BBC
Mugabe Bids to Extend 33-Year Rule as Zimbabwean Vote Starts -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Hope and Tension Both Run High as Zimbabwe Heads to the Polls -- Time
Zimbabwe voters stand in long lines for vote after 3 decades with Robert Mugabe at helm -- Washington Post/AP
Riot police deployed ahead of Zimbabwe election dubbed Mugabe's 'last stand' -- NBC
Zimbabwe opposition alleges vote-rigging in presidential election -- CBC/AP
Vote Rigging, Fraud Allegations Overshadow Zimbabwe Vote -- Voice of America
Zimbabwe elections free and fair, says Robert Mugabe after casting vote -- The Guardian
As Zimbabwe heads to polls, worries about votes from the cemetery -- Christian Science Monitor
Zimbabwe election: twice as many registered voters as people in some areas -- The Telegraph
Zimbabwe Vote Tests Long Rule of Mugabe -- New York Times
A look at the candidates and issues in Zimbabwe’s elections -- Washington Post/AP
No One Has Been Fired Over The Snowden - NSA Surveillance Scandal
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, an analyst with a U.S. defence contractor, is seen in this still image taken from video during an interview by The Guardian in his hotel room in Hong Kong June 6, 2013. REUTERS/Glenn Greenwald/Laura Poitras/Courtesy of The Guardian/Handout via Reuters
U.S. Intelligence Official Says No One Fired Over Snowden -- Reuters
(Reuters) - The deputy director of the U.S. National Security Agency said on Wednesday that no one had been fired and no one had offered to resign over former security contractor Edward Snowden's ability to take large amounts of classified data from agency computers.
John Inglis said, "No," when asked at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing if anyone had been fired over the sweeping NSA surveillance programs exposed by Snowden.
"No one has offered to resign. Everyone is working hard to understand what happened," Inglis said.
Snowden, 30, was working at the National Security Agency as a contractor from Booz Allen Hamilton before he released details about the spying programs to U.S. and British media that were published in early June.
Read more ....
My Comment: The ones who should be fired are these people for not doing the job that they were hired by the American people to do.
U.S. Declassifies Some Documents On The NSA's Phone Surveillance Programs
An illustration picture shows the logo of the U.S. National Security Agency on the display of an iPhone in Berlin, June 7, 2013. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski/Files
U.S. Outlines N.S.A.’s Culling of Data for All Domestic Calls -- New York Times
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Wednesday released formerly classified documents outlining a once-secret program of the National Security Agency that is collecting records of all domestic phone calls in the United States, as top officials testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
As the hearing began, The Guardian newspaper published another document from the archives of Top Secret surveillance matters leaked to it by the former N.S.A. contractor Edward J. Snowden. It was a 32-page presentation describing the N.S.A.'s XKeyscore program, by which N.S.A. analysts can mine vast databases of phone and Internet information the agency has vacuumed up.
The documents released by the government, meanwhile, include an April ruling by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that supported a secondary order — also leaked by Mr. Snowden — requiring a Verizon subsidiary to turn over all of its customers’ phone logs for a three-month period.
Read more ....
More News On The U.S. Declassifying Some Documents On The NSA's Phone Surveillance Programs
US senators press officials on NSA surveillance programs – live -- The Guardian
U.S. releases documents on phone surveillance programs -- Reuters
Government unveils secret order to Verizon -- Washington Post
Phone Data Collection Court Order Released by Spy Agency -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Declassified documents show NSA snooping had ‘compliance’ problems -- Washington Times
WNU Editor: The Declassified government documents related to NSA collection of telephone metadata records can be read here.
XKeyscore: Another NSA Revelation
One presentation claims the XKeyscore program covers 'nearly everything a typical user does on the internet'
XKeyscore: NSA Tool Collects 'Nearly Everything A User Does On The Internet' -- The Guardian
• XKeyscore gives 'widest-reaching' collection of online data
• NSA analysts require no prior authorization for searches
• Sweeps up emails, social media activity and browsing history
• NSA's XKeyscore program – read one of the presentations
A top secret National Security Agency program allows analysts to search with no prior authorization through vast databases containing emails, online chats and the browsing histories of millions of individuals, according to documents provided by whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The NSA boasts in training materials that the program, called XKeyscore, is its "widest-reaching" system for developing intelligence from the internet.
The latest revelations will add to the intense public and congressional debate around the extent of NSA surveillance programs. They come as senior intelligence officials testify to the Senate judiciary committee on Wednesday, releasing classified documents in response to the Guardian's earlier stories on bulk collection of phone records and Fisa surveillance court oversight.
Read more ....
More News On XKeyscore
A Terrifying Sentence From the Latest Edward Snowden Leak Story -- The Atlantic
New Snowden leak: NSA program collects all online activity -- Salon
NSA XKeyscore database tracks email, Facebook chats, and more, new documents show -- The Verge
Report: Snowden says NSA can tap e-mail, Facebook chats -- USA Today
New leak reveals 'widest-reaching' NSA program that allegedly collects data — without warrant — on all online users' email, online chats and browsing histories in real time -- New York Post
NSA can read emails, online chats and track Web browsing habits without warrant, documents leaked by Edward Snowden show -- New York Daily News
New NSA Leaks Show How Easily The Government Can See Almost Everything You Do On The Internet -- SFGate/Business Insider
NSA Project X-Keyscore Collects Nearly Everything You Do On The Internet -- Tech Crunch
Newly leaked NSA program lets government see 'nearly everything' you do -- CNet
Another Snowden Leak: NSA Program Taps Everything You Do Online -- Mashable
XKeyscore program indexes everyday internet activities, Snowden documents show -- Gigaom
Meet XKeyscore: The NSA's Secret Real-Time Internet Snooping System That May Have Already Met You -- Fast Company
The Guardian: NSA's XKeyscore tool is its 'widest reaching' system for collecting online data -- Endgadget
FBI Attempt To Fly Edward Snowden's Father To Moscow Collapses
Lonnie Snowden spoke to Russian TV from a studio in the US. BBC
Edward Snowden's Father Says FBI Asked Him To Fly To Moscow -- The Guardian
Lon Snowden says agency wanted him to encourage whistleblower to return to US.
The father of the whistleblower Edward Snowden has said the FBI tried to persuade him to fly to Moscow so that he could encourage his son to return to the United States.
"I said: 'I want to be able to speak with my son … Can you set up communications?' and it was 'Well, we are not sure,' Lon Snowden told the Washington Post. "I said: 'Wait a minute, folks, I'm not going to sit on the tarmac to be an emotional tool for you.'"
Snowden's father, who is retired from the US Coast Guard, also said he preferred Edward to remain in Russia, where he is stuck in the transit zone of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport while Russia considers his request for temporary asylum.
Read more ....
More News On The FBI Attempting To Fly Edward Snowden's Father To Moscow
Snowden's father says FBI asked him to visit his son -- BBC
Father of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden tells how FBI tried to get him to visit his son in Moscow Airport and urge him to return to U.S. -- Daily Mail
Effort to get NSA leaker Edward Snowden’s father to Moscow collapses -- Washington Post
Effort to get NSA leaker Edward Snowden's father to Moscow collapses -- New York Daily News
Edward Snowden's Father Declines FBI Offer to Fly Him to Moscow -- ABC News
Effort to unite NSA leaker Edward Snowden, father in Moscow reportedly collapses -- FOX News
Snowden's Father Glad Son is 'Safe' -- Voice of America
Edward Snowden's father thankful to Putin -- AP
Snowden's Father Thanks Russia For Protecting His Son -- RIA Novosti
Snowden's father thanks Russia, says he hopes to visit his son soon -- Christian Science Monitor
What Is The Pentagon's Evaluation On Afghanistan's Ability To Defend And Govern Itself
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Christopher Carey, left, talks with the Afghan National Army sergeant major, center, about ongoing local operations on former Forward Operating Base Shinwar, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, July 6, 2013. Carey, is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Margaret Taylor
What The Pentagon's Own Report Card Says About Afghanistan -- Popular Mechanics
A new report from the Pentagon evaluates Afghanistan's ability to defend and govern itself once coalition forces withdraw next year. As is usually the case in Afghanistan, there is some good news—but also plenty of bad.
The Good and the Bad
A new Pentagon report details the progress and challenges in Afghanistan as the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) stands on the verge of its 2014 withdrawal. The Congressionally mandated report, 2013 Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan, covers October 2012 to March 2013, the first fighting season that saw Afghans take the lead on security against Taliban remnants, al-Qaida operatives, and the slew of criminal and insurgent groups that fight the government.
As always in Afghanistan, there is positive and negative news. The report's basic takeaway is that the Afghans did not crumble under the responsibility of planning and executing security operations. Yet the overall weakness of the country's central government may hinder the military's ability to hold the insurgents at bay—and to hold the nation together after the U.S.-led coalition leaves next year. Indeed, the report indicates the nation needs continuing money, training, and assistance. Here's the good and the bad presented by the report.
Read more ....
My Comment: Bottom line .... the central government is weak .... the Afghan army is not ready .... and the Taliban are reasserting themselves in territories that they once controlled.
Afghanistan War News Updates -- July 31, 2013
An Afghan boy cries during a funeral of members of his family in Logar province, March 27, 2013.(Reuters / Stringer)
Afghan Civilian Casualty Numbers Jump By Quarter In First Half Of 2013 -- The Guardian
UN records 1,319 killed and 2,533 injured, with landmines and battles between Afghan forces and insurgents mainly to blame
The number of civilians killed and injured in Afghanistan rose by a quarter in the first six months of this year, according to the United Nations.
Homemade Taliban landmines are still the deadliest threat to ordinary Afghans, and the insurgents caused around three-quarters of all recorded civilian losses and injuries, said the UN in a report that charts rising violence in the wake of Nato troops' accelerating departure from the country.
But there was a sharp increase in civilians harmed in ground battles between Afghan government troops and insurgents, the second leading cause of casualties and a worrying new trend as fighting intensifies and insecurity spreads.
Read more ....
More News On Afghanistan
Afghanistan civilian casualties up 23% in first half of 2013, U.N. says -- CBS/AP
Afghan civilian deaths increase; more women, child victims: U.N. -- Reuters
Report: Civilian casualties rising in Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes
UN details rise in Afghan civilian casualties -- Al Jazeera
Afghan civilian casualties jump by 23 per cent -- The Telegraph
UN: Civilian Casualties Up 23 Percent in Afghanistan -- Voice of America
Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan Rise as U.S. Prepares Pullout -- New York Times
Afghan Army Can’t Go It Alone After 2014, Pentagon Says -- Bloomberg
Pentagon Sees Support for Afghans After 2014 -- New York Times
Afghan forces will need help after NATO mission ends: Pentagon -- Reuters
Pentagon Says Afghanistan Needs U.S. Help -- Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan's military will need "substantial" help beyond 2014, Pentagon says -- CBS/AP
Pentagon Report Foresees Need for Afghan Support Beyond 2014 -- Voice of America
140 militants including Pakistanis, Arabs killed in Afghan operations -- Khaama Press
Suicide attack kill or injure several Afghan soldirs in Faryab -- Khaama Press
Report: Replacement force for private security contractors ineffective -- Stars and Stripes
Pentagon Report: Taliban Still Strong In Afghanistan -- NPR
Report: Afghan forces will need help beyond 2014 -- Stars and Stripes
The Faces of Afghanistan's Future -- Emily O'Dell, Huffington Post
Afghanistan: The Only Battle That Counts -- Strategy Page
Total U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan at 2,119 -- CBS
World News Briefs -- July 31, 2013
People wait to cast their votes in Mbare township outside Harare July 31, 2013.
Vote Rigging, Fraud Allegations Overshadow Zimbabwe Vote -- Voice of America
JOHANNESBURG — Millions of Zimbabweans are voting in a tense election pitting the octogenarian president against his arch-rival, the prime minister. Soon after polls opened, the opposition complained about voting irregularities.
It did not take long for Zimbabwe’s opposition to dispute the nation’s hotly contested presidential election.
Barely two hours after polls opened on Wednesday, the Movement for Democratic Change accused President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party of a litany of violations -- including tampering with the voter roll, intimidating opposition supporters and arresting activists. Rights groups and critics have made similar allegations in the run-up to the vote.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Syrian troops launch assault on northern village.
Syrian war takes center stage on Ramadan TV series.
Over 645,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon: UNHCR.
Drive-by shootings, bombings kill 18 in Iraq.
Rights group condemns lashing, jailing of Saudi blogger on Islam.
Stolen Saddam Hussein sword returned to Iraq.
Iran President's inner circle has western accent.
ASIA
U.S., South Korea discuss delaying wartime command transfer.
Report: Civilian casualties rising in Afghanistan.
Pakistani Taliban move prisoners to tribal region. About 200 inmates escape in Pakistan Taliban attack on prison.
U.S. raises military assistance to the Philippines.
China media: Japan tensions.
China issues heat alert as 'hottest July' hits Shanghai.
AFRICA
Zimbabwe votes in third Mugabe-Tsvangirai showdown. Fraud claims mount as Zimbabweans vote.
134 people killed in clashes in Sudan's Darfur: Tribal leader.
Ex-Prime Minister Keita holds wide lead in Mali vote.
Nigeria says to begin Mali troop pullout on Wednesday.
'New Somalia' risk as warlords rule in Central African Republic.
DR Congo unrest: UN orders Goma to be arms-free.
North African instability a concern for NATO: Military chief.
EUROPE
Eurozone unemployment total in slight fall.
Spanish train driver on phone to Renfe official at moment of crash, court says.
Eurozone must fill £9.6bn gap in Greek finances, warns IMF.
Portugal PM wins confidence vote, vows to meet bailout goals.
Doubts grow over Spanish government reforms.
Cyprus U.N. envoy says peace talks could resume in October.
AMERICAS
US economy grows at 1.7 pct. pace in 2nd quarter.
Homeland Security loses track of 1 million foreigners; report could hurt immigration deal.
Panama uncovers fighter jet engines from seized North Korea ship.
FARC renews offer to free former US marine.
US Air Force flying 24 tons of cocaine to Miami because Costa Rica can't destroy it on its own.
Honduras declares emergency over dengue fever.
Woman charged in vandalism at National Cathedral ordered held without bond.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Zawahri vows al Qaeda to free Guantanamo inmates.
Pentagon: Guantanamo tab $5.2 billion and counting.
US drones strike again in Yemen, kill 3 AQAP operatives.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
EADS to restructure and change name to Airbus.
Railway company ‘can’t pay’ for Quebec train disaster.
Bank of England helped in sale of looted Nazi gold.
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 31, 2013
Bradley Manning Could Still Die In Jail Despite Being Found NOT GUILTY Of Being A Traitor - As Military Judge Rules Army Private Is Guilty Of Spying By Passing 700,000 Secret Files To WikiLeaks -- Daily Mail
* Bradley Manning, 25, was found not guilty of Aiding the Enemy by sending troves of classified material to WikiLeaks
* However, he was found guilty of 20 out of 21 charges leveled against him and still faces the possibility of life behind bars
* Officially convicted of passing information to WikiLeaks - headed by Julian Assange
* On the eve of the verdict Assange called Manning a 'hero'
* Sentencing will begin tomorrow morning at 9.30 a.m.
* Prosecutor failed to prove Manning knew classified information would be seen by Al-Qaeda
* Bin Laden had digital files at his compound in Pakistan when he was killed
Private Bradley Manning, the former Army intelligence who sent over 700,000 secret government documents to WikiLeaks, was dramatically convicted of all espionage charges leveled against him this afternoon, but acquitted of being a traitor.
Manning stood at attention, flanked by his attorneys, as the judge read her verdicts. He appeared not to react, though his attorney, David Coombs, smiled faintly when he heard not guilty on Aiding the Enemy.
Read more ....
MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS
U.S. military judge to hear arguments in Manning sentencing -- Reuters
Senators strongly criticise intelligence chiefs over NSA data collection -- The Guardian
More on NSA surveillance programs to be declassified -- CNN
Major opinion shifts, in the US and Congress, on NSA surveillance and privacy -- Gleen Greenwald, The Guardian
Here’s why ‘trust us’ isn’t working for the NSA any more -- Timothy B. Lee, Washington Post
Japan plans to boost military capability in overhaul of pacifist defence strategy -- The Guardian
INSIGHT: China puts Japan on notice that warship drills are now routine -- Asahi Shimbun
China’s Military Preparing for ‘People’s War’ in Cyberspace, Space -- Washington Free Beacon
China opens doors of secretive military base to journalists -- Press TV
Philippines likely to stay in Golan Heights for another six months -- Reuters
France and Germany seek to revive EU defence policy -- EU Observer
Pentagon: Afghan forces will need help beyond 2014 -- Military Times/AP
Senate Panel Approves $594B DoD Spending Bill -- Defense News
F-35 Prices Drop 8 Percent In $7 Billion Deal -- Breaking Defense
F-35 LRIP 6 and 7 costs not being reported correctly in the news -- Eric Palmer Blog
F-35 lands in San Diego for first time -- UT San Diego
Electronic Weapons: The Supercomputer Behind The Camera -- Strategy Page
US Senate Panel Approves Dempsey and Winnefeld for JCS Posts -- Defense News
Pentagon rethinking cut to "danger pay" for troops in Mideast -- CNN
Sen. McCain calls for pause in funding of U.S. Navy's ships -- Reuters
These Weird Warplanes Didn’t Need Runways -- David Axe, War Is Boring
Veterans group survey shows alarming suicide numbers -- Stars and Stripes
USS Germantown chief petty officer sentenced for sexual assault -- Stars and Stripes
President Obama Sending Drones All Around the Globe -- Joe Wolverton, New American
Pentagon: Guantanamo tab $5.2 billion and counting -- Stars and Stripes/Miami Herald
DoD: Playboy, Penthouse are not indecent -- Military Times
Veterans of WWII raid holding 70th reunion in Ohio -- Stars and Stripes/AP
Total U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan at 2,119 -- CBS
China's Lenovo Computers Have Been Banned By Western Spy Agencies
Since acquiring IBM’s PC division, Lenovo has traded top spots with HP in terms of global market share, however their computers have been banned from the “secret” and ‘‘top secret” networks of the intelligence and defence services of Australia, the US, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand due to security concerns. Photo: Bloomberg
Spy Agencies Ban Lenovo PCs On Security Concerns -- Financial Review
Computers manufactured by the world’s biggest personal computer maker, Lenovo, have been banned from the “secret” and ‘‘top secret” networks of the intelligence and defence services of Australia, the US, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, because of concerns they are vulnerable to being hacked.
Multiple intelligence and defence sources in Britain and Australia confirmed there is a written ban on computers made by the Chinese company being used in “classified” networks.
The ban was introduced in the mid-2000s after intensive laboratory testing of its equipment allegedly documented “back-door” hardware and “firmware” vulnerabilities in Lenovo chips. A Department of Defence spokesman confirmed Lenovo products have never been accredited for Australia’s secret or top secret networks.
Read more ....
More News On China's Lenovo Computers Have Been Banned By Western Spy Agencies
Lenovo reportedly banned by MI6, CIA, and other spy agencies over fear of Chinese hacking (update) -- The Verge
MI6 and MI5 'refuse to use Lenovo computers' over claims Chinese company makes them vulnerable to hacking -- The Independent
Spy agencies 'ban Lenovo from secret networks' -- The Telegraph
Intelligence Agencies Banned Lenovo PCs After Chinese Acquisition -- Information Week Security
Spy Agencies Have Banned Lenovo Computers, Fearing Chinese Hardware Hacks -- Popular Science
Lenovo PCs banned by CIA and MI5 over alleged backdoors, report claims -- Tech World
Spy agencies shun Lenovo, finding backdoors built into the hardware -- Geek
Several Countries Ban Lenovo Products from "Secret and Top Secret Networks" on Concerns of Chinese Backdoor Access -- Hot Hardware
Why Is Britain Becoming A Sanctuary For War Criminals?
A UK Border Agency worker poses with a passport during a demonstration of the new facial recognition gates at the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport near London, November 23, 2009. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor
'Nearly 100 War Crimes Suspects' In UK Last Year -- BBC
he Home Office last year identified nearly 100 suspected war criminals who had made UK immigration applications, figures released to the BBC suggest.
The majority of cases involved people already likely to have been living in Britain for a number of years.
Suspects originated from countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Rwanda, Serbia and Sri Lanka.
The Home Office says it is determined the UK doesn't become a "refuge for war criminals".
Human rights groups are calling for more criminal prosecutions in Britain as the courts commonly block deportation on human rights grounds if suspects face torture or death in their home country.
The figures emerged from a Freedom of Information request made by the BBC.
Read more ....
More News On War Criminals Requesting Asylum In The U.K.
100 war criminals apply for UK asylum in a year: Border agency blocks claims made by suspects accused of genocide -- Daily Mail
Hundreds of suspected war criminals discovered in UK -- The Telegraph
War crime suspects try to settle in Britain -- The Times
Nearly 100 foreign war crimes suspects found in UK -- FOX News/AFP
100 Suspected War Criminals Applied For Asylum In Britain Last Year -- International Business Times
War Criminals Applying For Asylum In UK, Figures Show -- Huffington Post
My Comment: More evidence that the British immigration system has broken down.
Pentagon: Playboy And Penthouse Are Not Indecent And Are Allowed For Sale At Military Bases
Playboy, Penthouse Reportedly Not Indecent Under Federal Law, Allowed For Sale At Military Posts -- FOX News
Adult magazines like Playboy and Penthouse are reportedly permitted to be sold on military installations because they do not meet the federal definition of indecent material, according to a top Pentagon official.
Frederick Vollrath, assistant secretary of defense for readiness and force management, responded to a complaint from Morality in Media in a July 22 letter by saying that a review board had scrutinized those magazines and determined that “based on the totality of each magazine’s content, they were not sexually explicit under [the federal law],” Military Times reports.
Morality in Media, an anti-pornography group, complained in June about the sale of adult magazine on Department of Defense property.
Read more ....
More News On Playboy And Penthouse Being Allowed For Sale On Military Bases
DoD: Playboy, Penthouse are not indecent -- Military Times
Pentagon: Playboy and Penthouse Stay -- Government Executive
Defense Department Okays Sales of Magazines Like Playboy and Penthouse on Military Bases -- Bustle
Pentagon Defends Sale of Pornographic Magazines -- CBN
My Comment: I browse through these magazines only for the informative articles. :)
The Most Requested Book At Guantanamo Bay Is Fifty Shades Of Grey - Not The Koran
Fifty Shades Of Grey - Not The Koran - Is 'Most Requested Book At Guantanamo Bay'
* U.S. congressman Jim Moran made discovery after touring Camp 7
* The top-security facility holds more than a dozen 'high-value' prisoners
* 'They've read the entire series in English' said Mr Moran
The Fifty Shades of Grey series of erotic novels are the favorite reading material among former CIA captives being held at the notorious Guantanamo detention camp, it has emerged.
U.S. congressman Jim Moran made the revelation after touring Camp 7, the top-security facility that holds more than a dozen 'high-value' prisoners.
The Democratic Representative of Virginia said the bestselling book by British author E. L. James was the most requested book - even beating the Koran.
Read more ....
My Comment: These inmates must be extremely bored.
OPEC Is Still Making A Lot Of Money
OPEC headquarters in Vienna. Wikimedia
OPEC Exports Jump To $1.26 Trillion -- Arab News/Reuters
LONDON: OPEC’s petroleum exports jumped in value by almost 10 percent in 2012 year-on-year and the producers’ GDP climbed 12 percent, according to the group’s latest report, an income surge that looks harder to repeat this year.
The gains, announced in OPEC’s Annual Statistical Bulletin 2013, reflect record prices and steadily climbing output last year from many members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
An increase in cash flow is a big advantage for producer countries.
The value of the group’s petroleum exports rose to $1.26 trillion in 2012 from $1.15 trillion in 2011, the report said, while its collective GDP at current prices amounted to $3.35 trillion, up from $3.0 trillion in 2011.
Read more ....
More News On OPEC
OPEC's Oil Exports Revenue Breaks New Record But Split Deepens -- Wall Street Journal
OPEC earned $1.26 tril from oil in 2012, up from $1.15 tril in 2011 -- Platts
OPEC Oil Revenue to Decline From 2012’s Record High, EIA Says -- Bloomberg
OPEC's Oil Exports Revenue Breaks New Record -- NASDAQ
Saudi Arabian 2012 Oil Export Revenue Gained 5% as Iran Fell 12% -- Bloomberg Businessweek
US shale threatens Saudi funding crisis and demise of OPEC -- The Telegraph
Oil Giants' Reports May Fuel Saudi Prince's U.S. Fear -- Investors.com
Oil and Gasoline Fast Facts -- CNN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
