Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 28, 2014

Will Russia Invade Crimea/Ukraine? -- Jonathan Marcus, BBC

Could Russia intervene militarily in Crimea to safeguard its strategic interests? Or, to put the question a different way, has Russia already intervened?

Nobody yet knows the identities of the armed men who seized control of Simferopol airport.

But their equipment, their vehicles and their behaviour all signal that this is a trained military unit, not a rag-tag group of pro-Russian loyalists.

"These men look like a formed and organised body of troops. They appear to be disciplined, confident and uniformly dressed and equipped," says Brigadier Ben Barry, a land warfare expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Russia Ups the Ante in Crimea by Sending in the ‘Night Wolves’ -- Simon Shuster, Time

Forget invasion: Putin is just four steps from victory in Ukraine -- John Hulsman, City A.M.

Would the Loss of Ukraine Harden Russia Policy on Syria? -- Barbara Slavin, Atlantic Council

Kerry won’t call what is happening in Syria ‘genocide’ -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post

Syria in stalemate -- Daily Star editorial

What’s behind Iran and Iraq’s ‘boosted’ military cooperation? -- Majid Rafizadeh, Al Arabiya

Is Hassan Rohani a Moderate or a Ruthless Murderer? -- Manda Zand Ervin, American Thinker

The debate over post-war Afghanistan -- Robert Burns, AP

The curious case of China's falling yuan -- Linda Yueh, BBC

Venezuela: The next Ukraine? -- SFGate editorial

Why Venezuela’s student protesters have already won -- Javier Corrales, Washington Post

Is El Salvador the next Venezuela? -- Roger F. Noriega, Miami Herald

America plays its role in a changing world right -- Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post

The History of the World in Three Flags -- Robert Klein Engler, American Thinker

Yahoo webcam spying: When Big Brother morphs into Peeping Tom -- Paul Whitefield, L.A. Times

World News Briefs -- February 28, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Large Numbers Of Russian Forces Reported Entering Crimea -- FOX News

Large numbers of Russian troops were reported landing at a military air base in Crimea Friday, prompting Ukraine to accuse Russia of a military invasion.

At the White House, President Obama said the U.S. government is "deeply concerned" by reports of Russian "military movements" and warned any violation of Ukraine's sovereignty would be "deeply destabilizing."

"There will be costs" for any military intervention, he said, without specifying what those costs might be.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

From Riyadh to Beirut, fear of Syria blowback.

Pentagon: Syrian request for chemical weapons extension ‘unacceptable’.

Al Qaeda splinter group withdraws from Syrian town near Turkey.

Rift in Syria opposition may set back Western efforts.

Israel launches air raid on Gaza rocket launch site: army.

Turkish court frees key corruption suspects.

Iraq shootings, bombings: more than 50 killed in fresh wave of attacks. Iraq: Suicide bomber kills prominent tribal sheik.

Israel warns Lebanon to curb Hezbollah threats.

Iran on nuclear negotiations: ‘We will not close any program’.

Israel urges IAEA to issue full report on Iran nuclear research.

Generations on, Christians fleeing Syria return to Turkish homeland.

ASIA

US: Lack of security pact could cost Afghanistan.

Doctors Without Borders expelled from Myanmar.

Seoul: NKorea fired Scuds for 1st time since '09.

Karzai blasts Dempsey over ‘zero option’ remarks.

UK leaves its Helmand project – like its roads, clinics and bridges – unfinished.

Claimed by both Seoul and Tokyo, tiny island outcroppings stir nationalist fervor.

U.S. concerned by reports Myanmar suspends MSF in Rakhine State.

Thai minister rejects proposal for talks from protest leader.

Indians dissatisfied with direction of country.

President Xi: Efforts needed to make China a cyber power.

China designates two national days on Japanese aggressions during WWII. Japan plays down new China WWII national days.

China swipes back at U.S. in annual rights report.

Chinese police seize 1,094 for baby trafficking.

China paves way to charge ally of former security tsar in graft crackdown.

AFRICA

Tunisian Prime Minister replaces Islamist governors ahead of election.

Millions potentially facing severe hunger in South Sudan.

Islamists blamed for attack on Nigerian college.

African migrants storm Spanish border at Melilla. African migrants storm into Spanish enclave of Melilla.

France vows to prevent C. African Rep. breakup. Hollande to visit French troops in CAR.

Central African militia leader denies Congo arrest report.

Burundi crisis may stir unrest but not by me, says ex-rebel.

Egypt's military leaders unveil devices they claim can detect and cure Aids.

World Bank postpones $90m Uganda loan over anti-gay law.

S. Africa prepares for Pistorius murder trial.

EUROPE

U.N. Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Ukraine crisis.

Ukraine accuses Russia of invading Crimea. Ukraine accuses Russia of deploying troops in Crimea.

Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears.

Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Russia denies involvement. Military airport in Ukraine's Crimea taken over by Russian soldiers-Interfax. Ukraine crisis: 'Russians' occupy Crimea airports. Unknown soldiers occupy Crimean airports.

Russian troop movements near Ukraine raise concerns, U.S. official says.

Russia's Putin orders government to work with partners on Ukraine.

Countries freeze Yanukovych assets, Swiss launch money-laundering probe. Swiss prosecutor opens money laundering probe into Yanukovich.

Ukraine leader's son ran major business empire.

Obama warns Russia not to use force in Ukraine.

Russia opposition leader Alexei Navalny under house arrest.

Optic Nerve: millions of Yahoo webcam images intercepted by GCHQ.

Cyprus bailout hit as privatisation bill fails.

Merkel's Bavarian ally expects her to run again for German chancellor.

Spain curbs power of judges in human rights cases.

AMERICAS

U.S. GDP revised down, but hints of economic thaw emerge.

Colombian rebels want U.S. to participate in peace talks.

Cuban agent released from U.S. prison gets hero's welcome.

Russian spy ship docks in Havana during surprise visit to Cuba. Russian warship 200 miles from Miami.

US urges Venezuela dialogue. Venezuela unrest chokes transport, worsens economic woes.

Jailed Venezuela protest leader mocks Maduro's talks.

Venezuela protests continue despite holiday. Venezuela student protest in Caracas ends in clashes.

Colombian defence ministry spills secrets in email.

Mexico's new drug war challenge.

Mexican Kingpin's fall clouds future of drug heartland.

Argentina's poor at risk as inflation weakens safety net.

Court: School was within its rights to ban U.S. flag T-shirts on Cinco de Mayo.

Whispers persist that Hillary won’t run: Health may be worse than disclosed.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

McRaven: Threat from al Qaeda is 'much more broad' today.

SOCOM Chief: Threats from Al Qaeda have diminished in last five years.

Al-Qaeda plots comeback in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Citigroup profit hit by Mexican fraud.

Stocks rise after Yellen talks taper; record finish for S&P 500.

MtGox seeks court protection after $633m Bitcoin loss. MtGox bitcoin exchange files for bankruptcy.

British man charged with hacking US Federal Reserve computers.

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates Febraury 28, 2014

ISIL Retreats From Parts Of north Syria -- Al Jazeera

ISIL fighters retreat to the east following ultimatum by rival al-Qaeda faction Nusra to drive them from northern Syria.

Fighters from the breakaway group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have begun withdrawing from parts of northern Syria ahead of a deadline set by a powerful rival al-Qaeda faction.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Friday said the ISIL was retreating east towards its stronghold in the city of Raqa.

The withdrawal comes four days after the al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Nusra Front issued the ISIL an ultimatum to go before an Islamic court for mediation or face being expelled from Syria and the region altogether.

The deadline was to expire on Saturday.

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria jihadist group ISIS 'retreating after warning' -- BBC
Jihadi Fighters Withdraw From Parts of North Syria -- AP
Syrian forces 'kill many rebels' in Eastern Ghouta -- BBC
Syrian Forces Kill 175 Rebels in a Major Ambush Near Damascus -- Time
Syrian troops ambush, kill at least 150 rebels -- Washington Post
Syrian group demands investigation into killings -- AP
Hezbollah takes lead in pounding Syrian rebels -- USA Today
As Syrian Regime Counter-Offensives Widen, Hezbollah “Tipping the Scales in Assad’s Favor” -- The Tower

Destroying Syria's chemical weapons -- BBC
Syria says two attempted attacks on chemical weapons convoys: U.N. -- Reuters

Syria leads US list of human rights abusers -- Al Jazeera
Syrian Civil War Atrocities Top U.S. Report on Human Rights -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Syria civil war 'horrors' lead US human rights report -- BBC
Syria doctors flee amid crackdown -- Al Jazeera
Queue for food in Syria's Yarmouk camp shows desperation of refugees -- The Guardian
A shocking image of Syria's brutal war – a war that will continue regardless -- Jonathan Jones, The Guardian
Kerry won’t call what is happening in Syria ‘genocide’ -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post
Syria Conflict in Photos -- ABC news

Iranian Foreign Minister: Iran's Nuclear Program Will Stay Intact

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Fars News Agency

Iran: Nuclear Program to Stay 'Intact' -- Voice of America/Reuters

NEW DELHI — Iran is willing to address international concerns about its atomic activities but will keep its nuclear program “intact”, not close it down, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday.

His remarks signaled that Tehran will not agree to dismantle any of its atomic facilities in talks with six world powers on a final settlement of the decade-old dispute over its nuclear activity.

Those negotiations got under way in Vienna last week, with both sides saying they made a “good start” but conceding that their plan to achieve a long-term deal in the coming months was very ambitious.

Read more ....

More News On Iran's Foreign Minister Remarks That Their Nuclear Program Will Stay Intact

FM: Iran’s Nuclear Program to Remain Intact -- Fars News Agency (Iran)
Iran's Foreign Minister says country will not close nuclear program under duress -- Business Standard
Iran on nuclear negotiations: ‘We will not close any program’ -- Washington Times
Foreign minister: Iran nuclear negotiations 'going well' -- Ma'an News Agency/AFP
Iran nuclear negotiations 'going well': foreign minister -- Global Post/AFP

UN Nuclear Watchdog Decided To Not Issue A Report On Additional Iranian Nuclear Advancements

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano reacts as he attends a news conference during a board of governors meeting at the UN headquarters in Vienna November 29, 2012. Credit: Reuters/Herwig Prammer

No Iran Report With New Bomb Research Information: IAEA -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Friday it had not prepared a report with new information about suspected atomic bomb research in Iran, after Israel urged it to go public with all information it has regarding such suspicions.

Israel's statement followed a Reuters report on Thursday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had planned a major report on Iran last year that might have revealed more of its alleged activities that could be used for designing a nuclear warhead, but had held off as Tehran's relations with the outside world thawed.

Sources familiar with the matter said the IAEA apparently had not gone ahead with writing the report and that there was no way of knowing what extra information might have been included in such a document, although one source said it could have added to worries about Iran.

Read more ....

More News On Reports That The UN Nuclear Watchdog Decided To Not Issue A Report On Additional Iranian Nuclear Advancements

Israel urges IAEA to issue full report on Iran nuclear research -- Reuters
UN nuclear agency drops sensitive Iran report, sources say -- Haaretz
UN nuclear agency opted against sensitive Iran report, news report says -- Christian Science Monitor
Reuters: U.N. Nuclear Watchdog Shelved Plans for Report Detailing Iran Nuclear Weapons Progress -- The Tower
Israel blasts IAEA’s reported shelving of Iran nuke report -- JTA
Nuclear watchdog denies shelving new Iran report -- Times of Israel

My Comment: What did the UN nuclear inspectors discover? No one is talking.

U.S. - Russian Relations Are Deteriorating Fast

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and President of the United States of America Barack Obama (RIA Novosti/Michael Klimentyev)

Russia-US Relations Deteriorating -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON — Five years ago, the Obama administration sought a “reset” in relations with Russia - but over the past several years, relations between Washington and Moscow have soured.

The so-called “reset” brought concrete results, such as a major strategic arms control treaty reducing the number of long-range weapons.

In another example of cooperation, analysts point to Moscow’s tougher stance on Iran. Russia voted at the United Nations to impose stricter sanctions on Tehran over its alleged nuclear weapons policy.

Moscow has also allowed American forces to transit through Russia in and out of Afghanistan - an important step as U.S. combat troops wind down their presence in that country.

And Russia joined the World Trade Organization with the strong backing of the United States.

Read more ....

My Comment: The reset is over .... and events in Ukraine (with strong U.S. backing) is the final nail in the coffin. And while I do not expect a return to the days of the Cold War (the chance of that is zero) .... both sides will pursue their own interests and will deal with each other on a case by case basis. 

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Ukraine Crisis -- February 28, 2014

Ukraine: Will Putin Strike? -- Joergen Oerstroem Moeller, National Interest

The world should brace itself for a Putin strike to prevent Ukraine from turning towards the West.

For those in doubt, suffice to recall President Putin’s statement in 2006 that the collapse of the Soviet Union was “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the twentieth century.

Ukraine firmly anchored in the Western system, on its way towards membership of the EU in due course, or even worse, a member of NATO—these are outcomes he will never tolerate. It would be the final straw in dismantling Russian attempts to extend its influence over the ‘near abroad’—those parts of Central and Eastern Europe that escaped domination by Russia in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Putin has several times invoked Russia’s right to influence, labelling the ‘near abroad’ strategically vital for Russia. Giving up, especially under such circumstances as these, would be tantamount to a humiliating defeat more than wiping out his diplomatic triumphs (Syria, for example) last year. And the domestic strongman image Putin has carefully cultivated cannot be reconciled with being outmaneuvered by the West and sidelined by a large part of the Ukrainian population.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Ukraine Crisis

Crimean Punishment: Why Russia Won't Invade Ukraine -- Kimberly Marten, Foreign Affairs
Russia, Ukraine and war games on the border-- here's what's really going on -- Peter Brookes, FOX News
Crimea: Where Ukraine could explode -- Frida Ghitis, CNN
Clock ticking on war in Ukraine: Column -- James S. Robbins, USA Today
Ukraine and Russia: fanning the flames -- The Guardian editorial
In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s biggest pro-Russian city, a question of who is in charge -- Isabel Gorst, Washington post
At Abandoned Ukrainian Palace, an Anxious Look Toward the Future -- Steven Erlanger, New York Times
Ukraine Must Learn from Errors of the Orange Revolution -- Damon Wilson, Real Clear World
Russia Fosters Ukraine Discord -- Paul Sonne, Wall Street Journal
Analysis: Military Drill is Putin Sending Message Without a Word -- Jim Maceda, NBC
After Yanukovych, Ukraine Faces Prolonged Crisis -- Eben Kaplan, Forbes
What’s Behind Ukraine’s Energy Mess -- The Market Oracle
Ukraine: In Crimea, A Simmering Cauldron – Analysis -- Eurasia Review
For Putin, Ukraine Is Too Important to 'Lose' -- Robert Coalson, VOA/RFE/RL
A tale of two Ukraines: Bitter division highlighted by Kiev's charred but deserted independence square... while ethnic Russians boil with anger in the east as Putin weighs up annexe invasion -- Daily Mail
Putin’s Ukraine gambit -- Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post
The Kremlin's Yanukovych options -- Bridget Kendall, BBC
Crimea’s Bloody Past Is a Key to Its Present -- David M. Herszenhorn, New York Times
Crimea a Tinderbox of Divided Loyalties -- Michael Burleigh, The Telegraph
Analysis - Ukraine draws Obama into Putin's long game -- David Rohde, Reuters
The pressure is on Ukraine -- Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
The New Great Game: Why Ukraine Matters to So Many Other Nations -- Peter Coy, Carol Matlack, and Henry Meyer, Bloomberg Businessweek
Next revolutionary step in Ukraine: Reform the police -- Nick Holdsworth, Christian Science Monitor
Ukraine Shackled by Revolution – and Oligarchs -- Andras Jenei, Moscow Times

Ukraine In Crisis -- News Updates February 28, 2014

'Military Invasion And Occupation': Putin's Marines On Ukraine Streets As Kiev Demands Kremlin Hand Over Deposed President From Sanctuary In Russia -- Daily Mail

* Blockading airport in Black Sea port of Sevastopol in Crimea
* Armed men also took over other main Crimean airport - no violence reported
* Ukraine ask U.N. Security Council to call a session to discuss the crisis
* Country's new interior minister branded the act an 'armed invasion'
* Russia granted shelter to Ukraine's fugitive president Viktor Yanukovych
* Yanukovych has a news conference scheduled today
* Ukraine will ask Russia to extradite Yanukovich if his location is confirmed
* Ukraine Central Bank is limiting foreign currency withdrawals
* Russian military helicopters have flown to Ukraine according to Interfax

Ukraine's ex-President Yanukovych has made his first public appearance since being ousted, telling a news conference that he was going to fight for his country's future.

His speech came as Russian military continue to block a Ukrainian military airport in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol in Crimea, an act Ukraine's new interior minister has branded an 'armed invasion.'

Dozens of armed men also took over the other main Crimean airport, Simferopol and Ukraine's State Border Guard Service says about 30 Russian marines have taken positions outside its Coast Guard base in the Sevastopol.

Read more ....

More News On The Crisis In Ukraine

Ukraine turmoil LIVE UPDATES -- RT
Ukraine accuses Russia of 'armed invasion' after airport seizure - live updates -- The Guardian
Crisis in Ukraine: Live -- BBC
Ukraine Live Blog Live -- Al Jazeera
Latest Updates on the Tensions in Ukraine -- The Lede/New York Times
[Live updates] Yanukovych defiant at first press conference since impeachment -- Euronews

'No takeover' at Crimean capital’s airport, ‘self-defense squads’ on nearby patrol -- RT
Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Russia denies involvement -- Reuters
Gunmen seize two Crimean airports in 'military invasion' -- The Guardian
Conflict fears rise after pro-Russian gunmen seize Crimean parliament -- The Guardian
Armed Men Take Position at Two Airports in Crimea -- New York Times
Armed Men Occupy Two Airports in Ukraine's Crimea -- Wall Street Journal
Ukraine crisis: 'Russians' occupy Crimea airports -- BBC
Military airport in Ukraine's Crimea taken over by Russian soldiers-Interfax -- Reuters
Pro-Russia separatists flex muscles in Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula -- Washington Post
Russian gunmen patrol airports in tense Crimean standoff -- L.A. Times

Ukraine Accuses Russia of 'Invasion' Over Airport Blockade -- NBC
Ukraine Accuses Russian Soldiers in Crimea of 'Invasion' -- RIA Novosti
Ukraine accuses Russia of 'armed invasion' after Crimea airports blockaded -- The Telegraph
Ukraine Says Russian Military Blocking Airports and Roads -- Time
Top Ukraine security official says Kremlin behind Crimea events -- Reuters
Ukraine: Russia behind airport takeovers -- Al Jazeera
Ukraine official says Russian troops take over military airport in Crimea -- CBS/AP
Ukraine’s Turchynov Sees Russia Involvement in Crimea -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Ukraine tells Russia to back off as Crimea tensions, secession fears deepen -- CNN
Ukraine: Russian Forces "Blocking" Crimea Airport -- Voice of America
Ukraine's State Border Guard says coast guard base surrounded by about 30 Russian marines -- AP
Ukraine Says It Controls Crimean Airports -- New York Times

Russian naval fleet says has not seized Crimea airport: Interfax -- Reuters
Russia's fleet denies involvement in blockading military airport in Ukraine's Crimea -- Reuters

Ukraine leader summons security chiefs to discuss Crimea -- Reuters
Ukrainian leader dismisses armed forces chief of staff -- Reuters
Ukraine asks U.N. Security Council to consider situation in country -- Reuters
Ukraine's parliament calls on Russia not to support separatism -- Reuters

Ukraine Asks Russia to Extradite Yanukovych -- RIA Novosti
Ukraine will seek Yanukovich extradition if he is in Russia -- Reuters
Ukraine Asks Russia To Extradite Ousted President Viktor Yanukovych -- NBC
Ukraine prosecutor orders detention of 10 top former officials -- Reuters

Ukraine Says Reserves Cover Debt Payments as Aid Talks Start -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Ukraine hopes for aid soon, will fulfill IMF conditions: PM -- Reuters
Ukraine cbank limits foreign currency withdrawals by 15,000 hryvnia per day -- Reuters

Ukraine's new leaders begin search for missing billions -- The Guardian
Hunt for the hidden loot: Ukraine's new government looks for missing $20billion in gold as it dries out the secret papers fleeing president threw in the water -- Daily Mail

Three European states freeze Ukraine ex-leaders' assets -- Reuters
Swiss, Austrians Move to Block Yanukovych Assets -- AP
Swiss prosecutor opens money laundering probe into Yanukovich -- Reuters
Countries freeze Yanukovych assets, Swiss launch money-laundering probe -- Globe and Mail
Austria to freeze assets of 18 Ukrainians: foreign ministry -- Reuters

Russia's Putin orders government to work with partners on Ukraine -- Reuters
Putin Pledges Aid to Ukraine but Leaves Steps Unclear -- New York Times
Putin Reassures Merkel Over Ukraine -- Wall Street Journal
Russian moves raise stakes in Ukraine conflict -- AP
Conciliatory words hide Putin's anger over Ukraine -- Reuters

Biden offers support to new Ukraine prime minister -- Washington Post/AP
Kerry Talks With Russian Foreign Minister About Ukraine Crisis -- Wall Street Journal
Russian troop movements near Ukraine raise concerns, U.S. official says -- CNN
US, NATO, EU lecture Russia with 'provocative statements' on Ukraine -- RT
NATO commander plays down tension with Russia over Ukraine -- Reuters
Hagel, NATO chief urge all sides to stay cool as Russia drills on Ukrainian border -- Stars and Stripes
Hagel Warns Russia Not to Intervene in Ukraine -- New York Times

Ukraine’s Ousted President Viktor Yanukovych Appears For A News Conference

Live video of a news conference scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. ET featuring the first public appearance in a week by Ukraine’s ousted president, Viktor Yanukovych, broadcast by the Russian government’s RT news network. A simultaneous translation into English is available on the network’s website.

Ousted Ukrainian Leader, Reappearing in Russia, Says, ‘Nobody Deposed Me’ -- New York Times

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia — Viktor F. Yanukovych, the ousted president of Ukraine, appeared Friday at a news conference in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, his first public appearance since he disappeared in Kiev a week ago. Before Friday he had been heard from only in a video from his political stronghold in eastern Ukraine and in a written statement in which he declared that he remained the lawfully elected leader of Ukraine.

“Nobody deposed me,” he said in an opening statement Friday, speaking in Russian. “I had to leave Ukraine because there was a direct and imminent threat to my life.” He said Ukraine had been taken over by nationalist thugs, with the assistance of the West, and called for a restoration of the government he once led.

Read more ....

More News On Ukraine’s Ousted President Viktor Yanukovych's A News Conference

[Live updates] Yanukovych defiant at first press conference since impeachment -- Euronews
Yanukovych Condemns Interim Ukraine Govt as Violent Usurpers -- RIA Novosti
Yanukovich denies ouster, says 'ashamed & guilty' for not preventing chaos -- RT
Viktor Yanukovych: I'm still Ukraine's President, will fight for its future -- CNN
Ukrainian Leader Vows to Fight for Country's Future -- ABC News/AP
Yanukovych Says He Wasn’t Ousted, Fled Ukraine Amid Threats -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Yanukovych: I won’t ask for military assistance -- Washington Post/AP
Yanukovych says he will not ask Russia to intervene militarily in Ukraine -- Washington Post
Ousted Ukraine Leader Vows to Keep Fighting -- Time

My Comment: Ukraine’s Ousted President Viktor Yanukovych may act defiant but from my perspective he looks defeated in this news conference .... I guess he knows that his options are limited. He probably also knows that his (and his allies) embezzlement of Ukrainian state funds has discredited him in Ukraine and in much of the world. But Russia is still supporting and protecting him, as evidence by this report ....Yanukovych Escorted to Russia By Fighter Jets – Report -- RIA Novosti

As to the question .... can he make a comeback? Hmmmm .... I would put his odds at zero, and after this conference we will probably not hear from him again.

World News Briefs -- February 28, 2014

Ukraine Accuses Russia Of 'Armed Invasion' After Crimea Airports Blockaded -- The Telegraph

Ukranian minister accuses Russia of an armed takeover of Crimea amid reports that airports have been seized

Ukraine accused Russia of staging an "armed invasion" of Crimea on Friday as the ex-Soviet state's ousted leader prepared to emerge defiant from five days of hiding after winning protection from Moscow.

Unidentified armed men were patrolling outside of Crimea's main airport early Friday while gunmen were also reported to have seized another airfield on the southwest of the peninsula where ethnic Russians are a majority and where pro-Moscow sentiment runs high.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Pentagon: Syrian request for chemical weapons extension ‘unacceptable’.

Al Qaeda splinter group withdraws from Syrian town near Turkey.

Rift in Syria opposition may set back Western efforts.

Iraq shootings, bombings: more than 50 killed in fresh wave of attacks. Iraq: Suicide bomber kills prominent tribal sheik.

Israel warns Lebanon to curb Hezbollah threats.

Iran on nuclear negotiations: ‘We will not close any program’.

Israel urges IAEA to issue full report on Iran nuclear research.

Generations on, Christians fleeing Syria return to Turkish homeland.

ASIA

Seoul: NKorea fired Scuds for 1st time since '09.

Karzai blasts Dempsey over ‘zero option’ remarks.

UK leaves its Helmand project – like its roads, clinics and bridges – unfinished.

Claimed by both Seoul and Tokyo, tiny island outcroppings stir nationalist fervor.

U.S. concerned by reports Myanmar suspends MSF in Rakhine State.

Thai minister rejects proposal for talks from protest leader.

Indians dissatisfied with direction of country.

President Xi: Efforts needed to make China a cyber power.

China designates two national days on Japanese aggressions during WWII. Japan plays down new China WWII national days.

China swipes back at U.S. in annual rights report.

Chinese police seize 1,094 for baby trafficking.

China paves way to charge ally of former security tsar in graft crackdown.

AFRICA

Millions potentially facing severe hunger in South Sudan.

Islamists blamed for attack on Nigerian college.

African migrants storm Spanish border at Melilla. African migrants storm into Spanish enclave of Melilla.

France vows to prevent C. African Rep. breakup. Hollande to visit French troops in CAR.

Central African militia leader denies Congo arrest report.

Burundi crisis may stir unrest but not by me, says ex-rebel.

Egypt's military leaders unveil devices they claim can detect and cure Aids.

World Bank postpones $90m Uganda loan over anti-gay law.

S. Africa prepares for Pistorius murder trial.

EUROPE

Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Russia denies involvement. Military airport in Ukraine's Crimea taken over by Russian soldiers-Interfax. Ukraine crisis: 'Russians' occupy Crimea airports. Unknown soldiers occupy Crimean airports.

Russian troop movements near Ukraine raise concerns, U.S. official says.

Russia's Putin orders government to work with partners on Ukraine.

Countries freeze Yanukovych assets, Swiss launch money-laundering probe. Swiss prosecutor opens money laundering probe into Yanukovich.

Russia opposition leader Alexei Navalny under house arrest.

Optic Nerve: millions of Yahoo webcam images intercepted by GCHQ.

Cyprus bailout hit as privatisation bill fails.

Merkel's Bavarian ally expects her to run again for German chancellor.

Spain curbs power of judges in human rights cases.

AMERICAS

Russian spy ship docks in Havana during surprise visit to Cuba. Russian warship 200 miles from Miami.

Venezuela protests continue despite holiday. Venezuela student protest in Caracas ends in clashes.

Colombian defence ministry spills secrets in email.

Mexico's new drug war challenge.

Mexican Kingpin's fall clouds future of drug heartland.

Argentina's poor at risk as inflation weakens safety net.

Court: School was within its rights to ban U.S. flag T-shirts on Cinco de Mayo.

Whispers persist that Hillary won’t run: Health may be worse than disclosed.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

McRaven: Threat from al Qaeda is 'much more broad' today.

SOCOM Chief: Threats from Al Qaeda have diminished in last five years.

Al-Qaeda plots comeback in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks rise after Yellen talks taper; record finish for S&P 500.

MtGox seeks court protection after $633m Bitcoin loss. MtGox bitcoin exchange files for bankruptcy.

British man charged with hacking US Federal Reserve computers.

Former Ukraine President Yanukovych News Conference: Live

LIVE: Ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych news conference

WNU Editor: The former president of Ukraine is holding a news conference right now. The BBC is broadcasting it live.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 28, 2014

Russia's Blask Sea Fleet. © RIA Novosti. Vasily Batanov

Russian Fleet Poses No Threat To Ukraine – Senior Official -- RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, February 27 (RIA Novosti) – A senior Russian defense official said Thursday that the country’s Black Sea Fleet poses no threat to Ukraine and its activities are in compliance with standing agreements between the two countries.

“Currently all units are engaged in their daily routines, including combat training. These actions do not represent a threat,” Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told reporters.

He added that the placement, strength and quantity of weapons and military personnel were in strict compliance with existing bilateral agreements.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

US, NATO Warn Russia To Avoid 'Miscalculation' Over Crimea -- Defense News/AFP

Sen. Bob Corker is worried Russia will invade Ukraine, Obama has no plan -- Washington Times

Russia with plans for military bases in Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela -- Merco Press

Russia's Air Force to Get New Flight Simulators -- RIA Novosti

Top Russian Army Officials Probed Over Corruption -- RIA Novosti

Iran Seen Resuming Work at Suspect Military Base -- Global Security Newswire

Pentagon defends deadly Afghan mission -- The Hill

Navy Plans New Future with 32-Ship LCS Fleet -- DoD Buzz

Carrier Fleet Still Vulnerable to Sequestration -- Military.com

Fox: Pentagon will plan for possible carrier cut in 2015 -- The Hill

Newly commissioned Navy ship honors Flight 93 passengers and crew killed on Sept. 11 -- Washington Times/AP

US Awards Boeing $2B Contract for Spy Planes -- Defense News/AFP

US Army Seeks To Purchase 100 Lakota Helicopters -- Defense News

Global Hawk Trails U-2 Despite Retirement Plans -- DoD Buzz

Army Develops Robotic Supply Convoys to Save Soldiers -- Defense Tech

Boeing makes 'self-destruct' top secret smartphone -- BBC

Spy chief urges Congress to take on cybersecurity: ‘Attacks are coming’ -- Washington Times

Split the NSA in Two, Says Security Firm Embroiled in NSA Scandal -- Threat Level

Lawmakers Call for New Cyber Security Laws -- DoD Buzz

NSA director calls for stronger strategy to deter cyberattacks -- Washington Post

NSA Too Focused On Perimeter Defense, Clarke Says -- Information Week

Let’s Face It—It’s the Cyber Era and We’re Cyber Dumb -- David Axe, War Is Boring

U.S. Navy Sets Its 'Phasers' to 'Stun' With New Drone-Killing Laser -- US News and World Report

SpaceX Moves Closer to Launching Spy Satellites -- Defense Tech

U.S. Navy eyes greater presence in Arctic from 2025 -- Reuters

US Navy Releases New Arctic Roadmap -- Maritime Executive

Proposed budget cuts irk overseas service members -- Stars and Stripes

Most Pentagon savings would come on weapons, admiral says -- Stars and Stripes/Bloomberg

Senior Defense Official: 'We Don't Want To Cut.' Blame Congress. -- Defense News

McKeon sees little hope of overturning sequestration -- The Hill

Southcom, Northcom Commanders Detail Threats to the Americas -- US Department of Defense

The Dangerous Degradation Of The U.S. Nuclear Arsenal -- Michael Auslin, Forbes

Facebook group to servicemembers: Don’t be an idiot on social media -- Stars and Stripes

The Pentagon Already Has A Budget Plan For 2016

The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, taken from an airplane in January 2008. Wikipedia

Here’s What the Pentagon Will Cut If Sequestration Happens Again in 2016 -- Stephanie Gaskell, Defense One

When Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined the president’s Pentagon budget request for next year, he also rolled the dice with a move that tries to turn the tables on Congress by using lawmakers’ threat of another sequestration as a bargaining chip. The Obama administration, Hagel said, could avoid cutting deep into several weapons systems and other defense line items in fiscal year 2015. But if sequestration happens again in fiscal year 2016, Hagel said he will be forced to cut even more from the Pentagon budget – cuts he says will leave the military at greater risk.

Hagel’s plan for fiscal year 2015 complies with congressional budget caps that limit the Defense Department budget to $496 billion, he said. President Barack Obama wants to add another $26 billion, from a special new $58 billion fund that would be paid for with “a balanced package of spending and tax reforms.”

Read more ....

Update: DoD Has a Detailed Sequester Back-Up Plan -- Defense News

My Comment: I would also wager that they also have a budget plan for 2017, 2018, and 2019 if sequestration is not changed.

Update #2: McKeon sees little hope of overturning sequestration -- The Hill

Boeing To Market A Self-Destructing Smartphone To U.S. Government Agencies

The Ultimate Spy Phone: Boeing Reveals Secret 'Blackphone' That Can SELF DESTRUCT If Tampered With -- Daily Mail

* Handset will run Google's Android Software
* Any attempt to open the case automatically deletes all data and renders phone useless
* Will be able to take two sim cards for secure calls

For those paranoid about protecting their selfies, Boeing has revealed the ultimate handset.

Designed for secure communication between governmental agencies and their contractors, the handset can self destruct if it is tampered with, destroying all the data on it.

However, the phone is so secure that Boeing will only sell it to 'approved' purchasers.

The secret handset was uncovered by website myce, who spotted an FCC filing for it.

According to the filing the Boeing Black is primarily designed for secure communication between governmental agencies and their contractors.

Read more ....

More News On Boeing Developing A Smartphone That Can Self Destruct

Boeing Black: This smartphone will self-destruct. -- Reuters
Boeing makes 'self-destruct' top secret smartphone -- BBC
Boeing creates Mission Impossible phone -- The Australian/AFP
Boeing to sell phone that can self-destruct -- CNN
Boeing's 'Black' Smartphone Can Self-Destruct -- Mashable
Meet the Boeing Black, a smart phone worthy of a spy -- Christian Science Monitor
5 Questions About The Boeing Black -- Wall Street Journal
Boeing builds self-destructing Android phone to shield top secret info -- ZDNet
Boeing reveals new spy phone -- Gizmag
Boeing Is Making a Spy Phone That Self Destructs -- Defense One
Boeing's 'Black' smartphone will deactivate if tampered with -- CNet

Stalingrad: The Film That Makes Private Ryan Look Like Kids' Stuff

The Film That Makes Private Ryan Look Like Kids' Stuff: The Russians Are Coming - With A Blood-Drenched Film About The Most Savage Battle In History. But, Says MAX HASTINGS, The Reality Was Even More Barbaric -- Daily Mail

A handful of soldiers, beleaguered by a Nazi host in a wrecked city apartment building, prepare to sell their lives dearly on celluloid.

Does the scenario sound familiar? It should. For 70 years, the British and Americans have been making heroic movies about World War II, some of which are etched in our culture.

But now for something different: Russian film-makers have got in on the act.

They have created a 3D epic set for the film Stalingrad, about the most famous battle in their history, and the movie has become one of the biggest domestic box office hits of all time. Now, British audiences can see for themselves this amazingly noisy, bloody, cliche-laden, rubble-making version of the war.

3D does startling things to on-screen bomber crashes, tank attacks, ash from burning buildings that appears to float onto the cinema audience.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Stalingrad

My Comment: I say a pirated version of the film a few weeks ago (not 3D) .... and it is captivating. If you have a chance to see it .... take the time.

Report: USS Reagan Crew Were Exposed To Higher Levels Of Radiation From The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Than What Has Been Reported

USS Ronald Reagan

Study Claims USS Reagan Crew Exposed To Extremely High Levels Of Radiation Near Fukushima -- RT

A new report on the nuclear crisis that started to unfold in Fukushima, Japan almost three years ago suggests that American troops who assisted with disaster relief efforts were exposed to unheard of radiation levels while on assignment.

Kyle Cleveland, a sociology professor at Temple University Japan, makes a case for that argument in an academic paper published in the Asia-Pacific Journal this week titled Mobilizing Nuclear Bias: The Fukushima Nuclear Crisis and the Politics of Uncertainty.

According to Cleveland, transcripts from a March 2011 conference call obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request shows that United States servicemen on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier experienced radiation levels 30-times above normal during relief operations that week.

Read more ....

More News On The USS Ronald Reagan Being Exposed To Higher Levels Of Radiation From The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Than What Has Been Reported

Documents Show the Navy Knew Fukushima Dangerously Contaminated the USS Reagan -- Huffington Post
U.S. Navy Sailors Sue Over Low-dose Radiation -- The New American
The US Navy knew: Fukushima's 'hard rain' on USS Ronald Reagan -- The Ecologist
Did the NSA know the cancer risk to Military responding to Fukushima? -- CDN
Navy Lieutenant: Power Plant Mission Ruined My Health -- CBS

My Comment: For the 5,000 personnel who were serving aboard the USS Ronald Reagan during the height of the Fukushima crisis .... this is becoming a nightmare scenario for everyone. For those who are sick, for those who think they are sick, and for those who are fearful that they will get sick.

Iran Is Engaged In It's Own Drug War

UNODC

Drugs: The Overlooked Issue In Nuclear Talks With Iran -- Shahed Ghoreishi, The Atlantic

Better relations between Tehran and the West could put a major dent in the global opium trade.

Efforts between world powers and Iran to reach a comprehensive deal on the country’s nuclear program may now be back in the news, but a related issue with global ramifications is receiving far less attention: Iran’s war on drugs.

Earlier this month, Iranian media reported that law-enforcement officers had captured more than a ton of illicit drugs on the eastern border, prompting Iran's anti-narcotics police chief to boast of his success in reproducing “breeds of drug-sniffing dogs” despite the “(anti-Iran) sanctions” arrayed against the country. In a more dramatic incident in November, Iranian security personnel killed eight smugglers with RPGs, grenades, and over a ton of narcotics in the country’s often-volatile southeastern region.

Read more ....

My Comment: With a million plus addicts .... this must be producing a massive social crisis in Iran.

U.S. Forces Have Been Battling Chechen Fighters For Years

A U.S. Special Forces soldier searches a tree line for insurgent activity in Afghanistan on Oct. 30, 2010. U.S. Department of Defense

The Secret Battles Between US Forces and Chechen Terrorists -- ABC News

For the last 12 years, U.S. Special Operations forces have repeatedly engaged in fierce combat in Afghanistan against ruthless Taliban allies from Chechnya, who have the same pedigree as their terrorist brethren threatening to disrupt the Winter Olympics in Russia, current and former commandos tell ABC News.

"I'd say Chechens were a fair percentage of the overall enemy population early in Operation Enduring Freedom," recalled an active-duty senior Special Operations officer, referring to the Pentagon's name for the Afghan war, in which he was among the first ground operatives.

Since the U.S. war in Afghanistan began after September 11, elite U.S. troops' border battles with Chechen jihadis based in Pakistan's tribal safe havens have mostly stayed hidden in the shadows of a clandestine conflict. Special Operations missions are classified secret by default and rarely publicized.

Read more ....

My Comment: Russian forces have been engaged in warfare with Chechen rebels for years .... and they have also experienced (on many occasions) situations where the Chechen militants always preferred to die rather than surrender. I am surprised that there are still some who are alive on the Afghan-Pak border.

Picture Of The Day

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft taxi into position for an inspection before a training mission during Red Flag 14-1 on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 29, 2014. The pilots are assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Lorenz Crespo

A Photo Gallery Of Special Forces Training In Belarus

A Belarus Interior Ministry special forces soldier demonstrates his ability to sustain a blow pic.twitter.com/LS838TSf67
— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) February 24, 2014

17 Unbelievable Photos Of Special Forces Training In Belarus -- Seattle PI/Business Insider

The Agence France-Presse recently tweeted a couple of photos of what can only be described as excruciating displays of strength and focus by Belarus Interior Ministry special forces.

Belarus, sometimes referred to as the last dictatorship of Europe, has firmly resisted attempts to modernize from the Soviet period. Instead, the country remains fiercely militaristic, hearkening back to the days of Stalin. It is in Moscow's sphere of influence and shares a border with Ukraine.

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My Comment: Ouch!!!! And I thought US SEAL training was tough.