Saturday, January 31, 2015
How Russia Uses Deception "Maskirovka" To Outfox Its Enemies
Lucy Ash, BBC News: How Russia outfoxes its enemies
WNU Editor: Lucy Ash focuses on the Russian military's use of deception .... but it also plays a critical part in Russian foreign policy and in state media .... especially now when Moscow is facing the western world by itself. But the real masters at "maskirovka" .... without question .... are the people who work in this building.
A Look At How The Civilians In The Ukraine War Are Coping
PBS: How civilians caught in the Ukraine conflict are coping
WNU Editor: Fortunately .... my relatives in Ukraine are still far away from the fighting .... but the impact of the war is affecting everyone .... including my friends and family. Everyone knows someone who has been killed or wounded, and everyone definitely knows someone who is in the war fighting. But what worries me is that this conflict now has all the ingredients of becoming far worse ... that the current horrific humanitarian crisis can explode with millions of refugees instead of just one million. In short .... the worst case scenario. The above video where Judy Woodruff talks to Shaun Walker from The Guardian on the depressing situation in eastern Ukraine is a must see.
Ukraine War News Updates -- January 31, 2015
Bloomberg: Ukraine Peace Talks Start as Fighting Rages Over Strategic Town
WNU Editor: Peace/truce talks have begun in Minsk .... but I am not optimistic. The fighting in eastern Ukraine is now happening on multiple fronts .... the only thing that is not being used are helicopter gunships and fighter bombers/attack aircraft.
Ukraine War News Updates -- January 31, 2015
Ukraine, rebels hold fresh peace talks as fighting rages in east -- Reuters
Ukraine crisis: 'Dozens killed' in east as Minsk talks open -- BBC
Ukraine peace talks begin in Minsk as fighting continues -- CNN
Ukraine talks to begin amid fierce fighting in Debaltseve -- France 24
Ukraine peace talks participants arrive in Minsk amid worsening crisis -- RT
Officials From Ukraine, Russia, OSCE, And Rebels Arrive In Minsk -- Radio Free Europe
Talks on ending Ukraine fighting begin as death toll continues to rise -- The Guardian
Fresh peace talks in Minsk as fighting rages in eastern Ukraine -- Deutsche Welle
Fighting rages in eastern Ukraine as government forces struggle to hold back pro-Russian offensive -- Euronews
Rebels Suffer Heavy Losses in Battle for Ukraine's Debaltseve -- NBC
15 Ukrainian soldiers killed in past 24 hours -- AFP
Fighting rages in eastern Ukraine, 15 soldiers killed -- Reuters
Fifteen Ukrainian troops killed, 30 injured in Donbas over past 24 hours - Defense Minister -- Interfax Ukraine
Scramble to treat wounded at last Ukraine frontline hospital -- AFP
Ukraine General Says Russia Knew Rebel Offensive Was Coming -- WSJ
Lining Up to Receive Aid in Ukraine, Crowd Is Devastated by a Mortar Attack -- NYT
Civilians flee east Ukraine town as fighting intensifies -- AP
Potential conscripts evade draft, flee country amid escalation in E. Ukraine -- RT
U.S. Coalition Air Strike Kills Islamic State Chemical Weapons Expert
A U.S. fighter jet launches from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Gulf in this file photo. (REUTERS)
Daily Mail: Islamic State chemical weapons expert who trained under Saddam killed in airstrike near Mosul, says US central command
* U.S. claims chemical engineer Abu Malik was killed on January 24
* Malik had worked at Muthanna - an Iraqi factory which produced sarin gas
* The long-time jihadist joined Al-Qaeda in 2005 and ISIS more recently
* Fears the militants are trying to expand their chemical weapons capability
* Anonymous defence source says Malik was 'gathering lots of equipment'
WNU Editor: I am sure he was a very high priority target ... if not in the top 5. This is a worrisome post .... ISIS Chemical Weapon Specialist Was ‘Gathering Equipment’ Before He Was Killed (Daily Beast).
More News On The U.S. Coalition Air Strike That Killed The Islamic State's Chemical Weapons Expert
ISIS chemical weapons expert killed in Iraq airstrike -- CBC/AP
Coalition Strike Kills ISIS Chemical-Weapons Expert -- WSJ
Isis weapons engineer killed in airstrike in Iraq, claims US military -- The Guardian
US Air strike kills Isil 'chemical weapons expert' -- The Telegraph
Airstrike kills Islamic State chemical weapons expert -- UPI
ISIS chemical weapons expert killed in airstrike, US officials say -- FOX News
‘ISIS chemical weapons expert’ killed in airstrike – US -- RT
ISIS chemical weapons expert ‘killed’ in airstrike -- Al Arabiya
US military: ISIS chemical weapons expert killed in Iraq -- Rudaw
These Are The Countries Where Foreign Jihadists Are Coming From To Join The Islamic State
(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Washington Post: Map: How the flow of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria has surged since October
WNU Editor: That is a lot of Jihadists going to a conflict zone ... but my gut is telling me that the numbers are probably higher .... much higher. Al Qaeda was able to attract over 20,000 supporters when they were in Afghanistan before 9/11 .... but the Islamic State has the benefits of controlling a lot of territory, a slick and effective communications network over the internet, and the support of affiliated cells in other countries.They are also located in the center of the Middle East with multiple points of entry to enter their territory .... Al Qaeda was basically in southern Afghanistan near Kandahar where the only way to get to them was through Pakistan.
A Reporter Reflects On His Interview With Syrian President Assad
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad (R) shakes hands with a military personnel during his visit to a military site at Darya area, on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of army day, in this handout photograph distributed by Syria's national news agency SANA on August 1, 2013. REUTERS-SANA-Handout via Reuters
Jonathan Tepperman, Washington Post: I interviewed Bashar al-Assad about Syria’s civil war. He’s still too delusional to end it.
WNU Editor: A depressing read .... because Jonathan Tepperman just validates (what most of us already know) who Syrian President Assad is. Bottom line .... he is someone who is going to stay as long as possible in his "bunker" .... and he will not leave willingly even when his own supporters are telling him to leave or to step aside for someone else.
Islamic State Retreated From Kobane Because Of Constant Coalition Air Strikes
CNN: ISIS fighters say constant airstrikes drove them out of Kobani
WNU Editor: DUH!!!!!
More News On The Civil War In Syria
Syria battle between al Qaeda and Western-backed group spreads -- Reuters
Qaeda group launches assault on Western-backed Syria rebels -- AFP
Nusra Front attacks FSA rebels in Aleppo, kills four -- Daily Star
Jihadists' Rivalries in Syria Result in Violent Executions -- VOA
Western-backed rebels join Aleppo alliance: Syria monitor -- Reuters
Syria rebels overtake strategic base in south -- Al Arabiya/Reuters
Syrian troops kill 50 rebels in Idlib -- Global Post/Xinhua
Syria begins destroying chemical weapons production sites -- Deutsche Welle
Next round of Syria talks in Moscow in a month: delegate -- Daily Star/Reuters
Palestinians in Syria cut off from aid once more - U.N. -- Reuters
Syria raises fuel prices to snuff out black market, soothe unrest -- Reuters
Syria: The world’s most dangerous place for journalists -- Globe and Mail
U.S. Sec. Of Defense Hagel: I Was Pressured By The White House To Release Guantanamo Detainees'
CNN: Hagel: Gitmo transfers caused friction with some at White House
Update: Hagel Says White House Disagreed With His Slow Pace of Releases of Guantanamo Detainees -- ABC News
WNU Editor: He is the U.S. official that must sign-off on their release .... and it looks for some of these released detainees ... especially the Taliban 5 that were released for Bergdahl .... it gave him pause. But the bottom line is that he did sign-off on their release .... instead of resigning on a matter of principle ... and it looks like he now has some doubts.
U.S. Sec. Of Defense Hagel: 'U.S. Command Troops Could Be Needed In Iraq'
Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel walks during a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia, January 28, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Yuri Gripas
Reuters: U.S. ground troops could be needed in Iraq: Chuck Hagel
WNU Editor: No kidding .... White House Acknowledges 'Friction' with Hagel and Pentagon (Military.com)
More News On U.S. Sec. Of Defense Hagel Remarks That 'U.S. Command Troops Could Be Needed In Iraq'
Hagel Says US May Need to Put Ground Troops in Iraq -- Military.com
Hagel: U.S. may need ground troops in Iraq -- Al Arabiya
Hagel: Ground troops could be needed in Iraq -- The Hill
US Troops Could Find Themselves Back on Ground in Iraq Fighting IS -- Sputnik
US may send troops to Iraq as spotters, scouts - Hagel -- RT
Lasers On AC-130 Gunships?
"AC-130U training" by Senior Airman Andy M. Kin, USAF
Washington Times: Air Force wants AC-130 gunships armed with laser weapons
Update: A New Approach To Airborne Laser Weapons? -- William Pentland, Forbes
WNU Editor: These gunships are already very lethal .... now lasers?!?!?!
Since She Is Doing The Super Bowl Half-Time Show, Here Is Some Katy Perry
WNU Editor: I am just sucking up to my GF's daughters and my niece who are big Katy Perry fans. :)
Update: VIDEO: Katy Perry Super Bowl Press Conference -- American Power
Unprecedented Security For This Sunday's Super Bowl
Washington Times: Unprecedented security: Even Super Bowl officials took ‘active shooter preparedness’ training
WNU Editor: No nightmare scenarios this Sunday please.
The CIA And Mossad Were Responsible For The 2008 Killing Of Hezbollah's International Operations Chief Imad Mughniyah
Imad Mughniyah. Wikipedia
Washington Post: CIA and Mossad killed senior Hezbollah figure in car bombing
Update #1: CIA helped Israel kill top Hezbollah operative -- The Hill
Update #2: Who was Imad Mughniyah, a senior Hezbollah figure killed in joint CIA-Mossad operation? -- Washington Post
WNU Editor: Imad Mughniyah has been dead for 7 years .... why is this all becoming public now?
Friday, January 30, 2015
U.S. Rejects Cuban Demands To Return Back Guantanamo Bay
BBC: US rejects Cuba demand to hand back Guantanamo Bay base
More News On The U.S. Rejecting Cuban Demands To Return Guantanamo Bay
White House to Cuba: No Deal on Returning Guantanamo Bay Base -- Bloomberg
W.H.: No, Castro, you can't have Guantanamo back -- CNN
The U.S. Will Not Return Guantanamo Bay to Cuba, the White House Says -- Time
Obama says returning Guantanamo to Cuba is not on the table -- FOX News/EFE
White House: Giving Guantanamo Bay Back to Cuba Not on The Table -- WSJ
Cuba Wants Gitmo Back -- Joshua Keating, Slate
Russia Commits To Maintaining An Edge In Its Nuclear Forces Over NATO And The U.S.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C), Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) and head of the Russian army's main department of combat preparation Ivan Buvaltsev watch military exercises at the Kirillovsky firing ground in the Leningrad region, March 3, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Mikhail Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Kremlin
Reuters: Defense chief says Russia to maintain military superiority: Interfax
WNU Editor: So much for future nuclear reduction talks.
More News On Russia Committing To Maintaining An Edge In Its Nuclear Forces Over NATO And The U.S.
Military dominance over Russia impossible, nuclear deterrent top priority – Defense Minister -- RT
Russia says nuclear arms to keep military edge over NATO, United States -- Reuters
Russia boasts it will maintain military superiority over the West until 2020 at least as it continues to add to its nuclear arsenal despite recession -- Daily Mail
Russia to Keep Up With US, NATO Military Capability -- Sputnik
Russia says will strengthen troops in strategic areas: Tass -- Reuters
Russia's top general says fighting new forms of Western aggression: RIA -- Reuters
The Pentagon Has Now Classified 'Top Secret' Afghanistan's Reconstruction Data And Aid To The Afghan Military
The Pentagon is working on force structure plans for continuing to advice and assist Afghan forces well past the 2014 drawdown date previously set between NATO and the Kabul government. US Army. (US Army)
ABC News: US Military Classifies Information About Afghanistan's Troops
WNU Editor: You have to wonder why .... after all of these years .... they have decided to change their policy.
More News On The Pentagon Classifying 'Top Secret' Afghanistan's Reconstruction Data
U.S. Suddenly Goes Quiet on Effort to Bolster Afghan Forces -- NYT
U.S. military cited for increasing classification of information on Afghan forces -- Washington Post
Top military brass classifies amount of U.S. tax dollars spent on Afghan security -- Washington Times
Top commander moves to classify data used to track Afghan spending -- Washington Times
Key data on Afghan reconstruction funding classified -- CNN
US classifies details of financial aid to Afghanistan -- RT
Suddenly, all Afghan reconstruction data made secret -- Investors.com
Billions in Afghanistan spending is now classified, and that is causing tensions in the Pentagon -- Daniel Rivero, Fusion
Why is more data on Afghanistan war being classified, former US commanders ask -- Anna Mulrine, CSM
Transparency goes on holiday in Afghanistan -- Jonathan Capehart, Washington Post
What the Pentagon is Hiding from Its Auditors -- Brianna Ehley, The Fiscal Times
We No Longer Know What is Happening With the War in Afghanistan -- Franz-Stefan Gady, The Diplomat
The Movie Tonight Is 'The Red Beret' (1953)
From Wikipedia: The Red Beret (retitled Paratrooper for the US release) is a 1953 British war film directed by Terence Young and starring Alan Ladd, Leo Genn and Susan Stephen. It is the fictitious story about an American who enlists in the British Parachute Regiment in 1940, claiming to be a Canadian. It is notable as the first film made by Irving Allen's and Albert R. Broccoli's Warwick Films, with many of the crew later working on various films for Warwick Films and Broccoli's Eon Productions. It is partly based on the 1950 non-fiction book with the same title, about the Parachute Regiment and its first operation, Operation Biting, in February 1942, written by Hilary Saint George Saunders.
The lead character was originally intended to be British, but when Richard Todd, who had been a paratrooper during the war, turned down the role because he felt it was "too far fetched",[2] Albert R. Broccoli offered it to the American Alan Ladd and the story was rewritten by Ladd's personal screenwriter Richard Maibaum to fit him in.
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 30, 2015
Keith Bernstein/Warner Bros.
Keith Fallon, Daily Beast: ‘American Sniper’ Could Actually Win the Oscar for Best Picture
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 30, 2015
Obama vs. Bibi: The U.S. and Israeli leaders have traded insults, slights and snubs for six years. -- Michael Crowley, Politico
Will U.S. Protect Its Syrian Rebel Army? -- Josh Rogin, Bloomberg
Kurd allies fighting IS in north Iraq hampered by rivalries -- Vivian Salama & Bram Janssen, AP
Deadly Sinai attack undercuts Egyptian army claims of anti-IS success -- Louisa Loveluck, CSM
Why the End of Yemen Means a New Saudi Arabia -- Andrew L. Peek, Observer
Saudi Kreminology: what does King Salman's reshuffle mean for the future? -- Martin Chulov, The Guardian
How hostage pilot drama is feeding an antiwar movement in Jordan -- Taylor Luck, CSM
China’s Alternative Diplomacy: China has just made its biggest foreign policy adjustment in 25 years. -- Zheng Wang, The Diplomat
Russian power struggle: Could Putin lose his leverage over Moscow elite? -- Susan Ormiston, CBC News
Russia Will Weather This Financial Hurricane -- James Beadle, Moscow Times
Europe’s Greek lesson: Austerity has failed -- Globe and Mail editorial
Spain's Podemos Wants to Be the Next Syriza: Here's Why That Might Not Be So Easy -- Carol Matlack, Bloomberg
Our dangerous new McCarthyism: Russia, Noam Chomsky and what the media’s not telling you about the new Cold War -- Patrick Smith, Salon
American corruption is exceptional, too -- Terry Golway, Reuters
Ebola May Be Mutating -- Cari Romm, The Atlantic
Seven Reasons Cheap Oil Can't Stop Renewables Now -- Tom Randall, Bloomberg
World News Briefs -- January 30, 2015 (Evening Edition)
New York Times: ISIS Kills Kurdish Commander in Surprise Attack on Kirkuk.
MIDDLE EAST
Heavy fighting near Kirkuk, twin blasts hit Baghdad market.
Senior Kurdish military commander killed in Iraq fighting Islamic militants.
Islamic State attacks Kurdish outposts across Iraq.
Kurdish PM says U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State faces long war.
Syria battle between al Qaeda and Western-backed group spreads.
Next round of Syria talks in Moscow in a month: delegate.
Hezbollah warns of more attacks on Israel after deadly airstrike. Hezbollah: we don't want war with Israel but do not fear it. Nasrallah: Hezbollah to respond to Israeli attacks.
Islamic State hostages: Jordan seeks proof pilot is alive.
Saudi blogger Raif Badawi flogging postponed second time.
ASIA
Kim Jong-Un set for global debut.
Pakistanis fleeing military offensive find new dangers in restive eastern Afghanistan.
Pakistan Shia mosque blast in Shikarpur kills dozens. Bomb blast at Shiite Muslim mosque in Pakistan kills 56.
Philippines mourns 44 slain officers.
Three U.S. contractors killed in 'insider attack' in Afghanistan.
U.S. would welcome Japan air patrols in South China Sea.
China expels top police official from Communist Party.
Australia wants clear U.N. rules on extended searches after MH370.
AFRICA
Rebels in DR Congo vow to disarm after army threatens offensive.
Egypt raises death toll from coordinated Sinai attack to 32. Egypt's Sisi pulls out of AU summit after Sinai attacks.
Africans open new front in war on terror to fight Boko Haram.
Boko Haram crisis: African Union backs regional force of 7,500 troops.
Boko Haram: Nigeria regains border town after Chadian military assault. Chad air force bombs Boko Haram out of Nigerian border town.
Election violence feared in Nigerian President's stronghold.
South Sudan’s Machar nixes peace deal amid sanctions threat.
Libya peace talks gain in urgency after Isis attack on Tripoli hotel.
Zimbabwe's Mugabe, 90, becomes African Union chairman.
South Africa apartheid assassin de Kock given parole.
EUROPE
Channels of military communication between NATO, Russia to remain open.
NATO set to create new joint units in eastern Europe.
Ukraine battle rages for key town of Debaltseve. Multiple deaths after shelling of humanitarian aid center, bus stop in Donetsk. Five more Ukrainian soldiers killed in fighting with rebels: Kiev military.
Ukraine peace talks aborted as civilians die in east. Donetsk self-defense forces ready for truce talks with Kiev.
Russian central bank makes surprise interest rate cut.
Russia might bailout Greece – finance minister.
Eurogroup chief warns Greece against 'ignoring' bailout deals. Greece's Varoufakis: 'No debt talks with EU-IMF troika'.
New Greek nationalist defence minister resurrects old tensions with Turkey.
Former MI5 chief says new terror measures jeopardise free speech.
Eurozone deflation gathers pace in January.
AMERICAS
Venezuela authorizes use of deadly force at demos.
US rejects Cuba demand to hand back Guantanamo Bay base.
US judge: No asylum for Afghan soldier who fled training.
Romney opts out of a 2016 run for president.
US seeks to break up drug ring.
Mexico cuts spending by $8.4 billion due to oil price drop.
Mexico City gas truck explodes near maternity hospital.
Argentina's Fernandez dents credibility by playing victim.
Rio de Janeiro unnerved by wave of stray-bullet cases.
Plane crashes near Aruba after pursuit by military jets.
Canada to criminalize public terror threats. Canada security bill provides new powers to combat terror.
Canada lottery 'winner' missed jackpot by seven seconds.
Toronto named best city in world.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamic State chemical weapons expert killed in airstrike in Iraq: U.S..
Latest IS hostage drama highlights change in group's propaganda technique.
U.S. drone strategy in trouble as Yemeni al Qaeda gathers support.
US reportedly reaches out to Yemen's Houthi rebels to promote anti-Al Qaeda campaign.
CIA interrogated suspects on Diego Garcia, says Colin Powell aide.
Jihadists secretly join exodus to Europe amid Syrian humanitarian crisis.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Aviation leaders seek new safety mandate after deadly 2014.
Google agrees privacy policy changes with data watchdog. Google profits up but revenue misses expectations.
China passes US to become world's top foreign investment destination.
Russia continues to see gold as good bet amid currency turbulence.
How Chinese Money Is Backing Russia's Conflict Against The West
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. © RIA Novosti. Sergei Guneev
Gordon G. Chang, Daily Beast: Chinese Money Is Backing Putin’s War
The growing Chinese-Russian alliance is one of the most important geopolitical developments of the century.
WNU Editor: This is not a case of China helping Russia .... this is a case where both countries have mutual interests and one in which both parties have made the decision to support each other economically and politically. Russia has a new market for its resources in China .... China has a new and stable source for its energy needs and resources .... this is a win-win for both countries. The political consequences of this arrangement are also significant .... China does not have many friends in Asia .... in fact, it has border disputes with everyone .... everyone but Russia. Russia has also been politically isolated .... but not with China. The world has pushed these two countries together .... and they are going to be consequences from this development.
In regards to Ukraine .... to put everything in context .... the EU and the U.S. have promised a few billion dollars to aid the Kiev government .... money with strings attached and only doled out over a period of time. Russia and China have recently signed energy agreements that total in the hundreds of billions of dollars (with hundreds of billions more pending) .... and it is being dispersed right now to set up the necessary infrastructure to make it happen. With such dynamics at play ... it is easy to predict who will be the victor when this is all finished.
Two years ago I said in this blog that this is the new world order .... well .... that day has arrived.
Poland Ready To Sell Weapons To Ukraine If Kiev Has The Money
Poland's Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna (Reuters/Slawomir Kaminski)
RT: 'It’s business': Poland ready to sell weapons to Ukraine if Kiev has money
Update: Poland Open to Arms Sales to Ukraine -- Sputnik
WNU Editor: It's always about the money ... and Ukraine has no money .... they do not even have any credit. But here is an ominous warning/prediction from the Polish Defense Minister .... Polish defence minister: Conflict in Ukraine can last for years (Charter 97).
Ukraine War News Updates -- January 30, 2015
Reuters: Ukraine peace talks aborted as civilians die in east
WNU Editor: The war is now focused on the battle for Debaltseve. Apparently Ukrainian forces are now surrounded, and they have been told to surrender. Artillery strikes on civilian areas are also continuing .... heavily casualties are being reported. All peace/truce talks have now been suspended. The above AP video report shows how violent and destructive the conflict has become.
Ukraine War News Updates -- January 30, 2015
Ukraine Peace Talks Reportedly Postponed As Casualties Mount -- Radio Free Europe
Ukraine Peace Talks Dropped as Civilians Die -- VOA
Ukraine Rebel Leader Says Government Forces Surrounded -- Radio Free Europe
Belarus says Minsk talks on Ukraine crisis ‘cancelled’ -- Press TV
Ukraine: civilians die in artillery fire in Donetsk as rebels call off peace talks -- The Guardian
Ukraine rebels vow to push offensive if talks fail -- AFP
Ukraine battle rages for key town of Debaltseve -- BBC
Ukraine civilians stranded as shells pound Debaltseve -- BBC
Battle rages in key Ukraine town -- UPI
Death Toll Rises As Battles Rage For East Ukraine Town -- AP
Bodies in streets as shelling rocks Ukraine city of Donetsk -- CNN
Multiple deaths after shelling of humanitarian aid center, bus stop in Donetsk -- RT
At least 14 civilians killed in renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine -- Mashable
Five more Ukrainian soldiers killed in fighting with rebels: Kiev military -- Reuters
Donetsk Self-Defense Forces Ready for Truce Talks With Kiev -- Sputnik
Ukraine Rebels Urge Cease-Fire Talks After Territorial Gains -- Bloomberg
3-star: Ukraine army improving, but Army can still help -- Army Times
Ukraine: Daily Struggle On Conflict's Front Line -- SKY News
Ukraine's Security Service detains Russian journalists in Kiev, deny entry for 5 years -- RT
Ukraine to Ask UN States to Call Russia a Terrorism Sponsor -- AP
Ukraine needs America’s help -- Steven Pifer and Strobe Talbott, Washington Post
African Union Endorses A 7,500 Regional Force To Confront Boko Haram
L.A. Times: African Union backs regional force to confront Boko Haram
WNU Editor: I am not optimistic that this force will make a dent against Boko Haram. Peter Dorrie sums it up best .... The African Union Readies an Army to Fight Boko Haram: Don’t count on success (War Is Boring).
More News On The African Union Endorsing A 7,500 Regional Force To Confront Boko Haram
Nigeria Welcomes Regional Force to Fight Boko Haram -- Deutsche Welle
African Union calls for 7,500-strong force to fight Boko Haram -- Ahram Online/AFP
AU Endorses 7,500 Troops to Fight Boko Haram -- VOA
Africa seeks Boko Haram fighting force as Chad captures town -- Chicago Tribune/Bloomberg
African Union endorses regional force to fight Boko Haram -- UPI
UN Chief Welcomes African Union's Focus on Boko Haram Threat -- Sputnik
Hezbollah Warns Israel: Attacks Were A Warning
Voice of America: Hezbollah Chief Says Does Not Want War But Ready for One
WNU Editor: The Iranian response was even more interesting .... from saying that Israel is not even worth paying attention to .... Israel not worthy of war preparations by Iran: IRGC commander (Press TV) .... to the more ominous .... Hezbollah strike was 'minimum response,' warns Iran commander (Al-Monitor). Israel is also not optimistic .... The Northern Front is at a Boiling Point (Israel Defense).
More News ON Hezbollah Warning Israel That They Do Not Fear War
Hezbollah head says not seeking new war but warns Israel -- AFP
Hezbollah warns Israel it won't tolerate more attacks -- USA Today/AP
Hezbollah says it does not want war with Israel -- BBC
Hezbollah Says Attacks Were Warning to Israel -- WSJ
Hezbollah warns Israel: "We do not fear war" -- Al Bawaba
Hezbollah reserves rights to strike back against Israeli attack -- Xinhua
Nasrallah: Hezbollah doesn't want war with Israel - but isn't afraid of one -- Haaretz
Nasrallah: Hezbollah does not fear war with Israel -- YNet News
Iraq Kurd PM: The War Against The Islamic State Is Going To Last A Long Time
Iraq's Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani speaks at the Iraq-Kurdistan Oil and Gas Conference at Arbil in Iraq's Kurdistan region, December 2, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Azad Lashkari
Reuters: Kurdish PM says U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State faces long war
Update: Air strikes alone not enough to defeat Islamic State: NATO chief -- Reuters
WNU Editor: Everyone is now hinting that this war is going to go on for a long time. What also does not help the war effort is the reluctance of Iraq and of the U.S. in providing the means for the anti-Islamic State forces (such as the Kurds) to take the fight to the Islamic State .... Victorious Kurds ask White House for promised weapons (Bloomberg).
Islamic State Launches Surprise Attack On The Northern Iraqi City Of Kirkuk
Reuters: Islamic State attacks Kurdish outposts across Iraq
WNU Editor: The reason why ISIS wants Kirkuk is explained here.
More News On The Islamic State Launching A Surprise Attack On The Northern Iraqi City Of Kirkuk
ISIS Launches Surprise Attack on Kirkuk, Killing Top Kurdish Commander -- New York Times
Battle with IS kills senior Kurdish general, 8 of his troops -- Washington Post/AP
Islamic State launches surprise attack on oil-rich Kirkuk -- UPI
ISIS launches attack on oil-rich northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk -- CNN
Top Kurdish Commander Killed as Islamic State Launches Surprise Offensive on Kirkuk -- Vice News
ISIL militants attack Kurdish forces near Kirkuk -- Euronews
Top Kurdish Commander Killed in Major IS Attack on Iraqi Oil-Producing City -- Sputnik
Islamic State Militants Launch Offensive Outside Kurdish-Controlled Kirkuk -- WSJ
Iraqi cities rocked by deadly attacks -- Al Jazeera
Iraq's Kirkuk has curfew imposed amid fierce fighting -- BBC
Israel Newspaper: U.S. Is 80% In Agreement With Iran On Their Nuclear Talks
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L), Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif (R) and EU envoy Catherine Ashton pose for photographers before a meeting in Vienna November 22, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Leonhard Foeger
Jerusalem Post: Obama has agreed to 80 percent of Iran's demands in nuclear talks, Israeli officials tell Ch. 10
WNU Editor: I presume that the sticking point with Iran is the same sticking point that has been with Iran since day one .... inspections and verifications. There are some places that Iran has made very clear that they do not want inspectors to be poking around. In the meantime .... U.S. Senate panel advances Iran sanctions bill (Reuters).
Jordan Halts Air Strikes Against The Islamic State. Awaits News On Fate Of Hostages
The Independent: Jordan 'halts air strikes' targeting Isis militants as hostage fighter pilot's fate remains unknown.
WNU Editor: Everyone is waiting for a response from the Islamic State right now .... Jordan, Japan Await News on Fate of IS Hostages (VOA). I know that the Islamic State has never executed a hostage on Friday .... but after that ....anything is possible.
Greeck - Turkish Tensions Return Over Their Border Disputes
Imia, known in Turkish as Kardak, lies just seven km (four miles) off the Turkish coast. Trelokouneli
The Guardian: New Greek nationalist defence minister resurrects old tensions with Turkey
Turkish fighter jets entered Greek airspace after Panos Kammenos flew over uninhabited islets off Turkey coast which nearly triggered war in 1996
Update #1: New Greek nationalist defense minister prompts Turkey to scramble jets -- Reuters
Update #2: Greek minister leaves wreath at Aegean hotspot, sparking confrontation with Turkey -- Hurriyet Daily News
WNU Editor: The old disputes are coming back.So much for Turkish hopes that better relations were returning .... Turkey hoping for better relations with Greece after Syriza victory (CBC).
World News Briefs -- January 30, 2015
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gestures as he addresses a news conference at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels January 30, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Francois Lenoir
Reuters: Air strikes alone not enough to defeat Islamic State: NATO chief
MIDDLE EAST
Heavy fighting near Kirkuk, twin blasts hit Baghdad market.
Senior Kurdish military commander killed in Iraq fighting Islamic militants.
Islamic State attacks Kurdish outposts across Iraq.
Kurdish PM says U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State faces long war.
Syria battle between al Qaeda and Western-backed group spreads.
Next round of Syria talks in Moscow in a month: delegate.
Hezbollah: we don't want war with Israel but do not fear it. Nasrallah: Hezbollah to respond to Israeli attacks.
Islamic State hostages: Jordan seeks proof pilot is alive.
Saudi blogger Raif Badawi flogging postponed second time.
ASIA
Pakistanis fleeing military offensive find new dangers in restive eastern Afghanistan.
Pakistan Shia mosque blast in Shikarpur kills dozens. Bomb blast at Shiite Muslim mosque in Pakistan kills 56.
Philippines mourns 44 slain officers.
Three U.S. contractors killed in 'insider attack' in Afghanistan.
U.S. would welcome Japan air patrols in South China Sea.
China expels top police official from Communist Party.
Australia wants clear U.N. rules on extended searches after MH370.
AFRICA
Egypt raises death toll from coordinated Sinai attack to 32. Egypt's Sisi pulls out of AU summit after Sinai attacks.
Boko Haram crisis: African Union backs regional force of 7,500 troops.
Boko Haram: Nigeria regains border town after Chadian military assault. Chad air force bombs Boko Haram out of Nigerian border town.
Election violence feared in Nigerian President's stronghold.
South Sudan’s Machar nixes peace deal amid sanctions threat.
Libya peace talks gain in urgency after Isis attack on Tripoli hotel.
Zimbabwe's Mugabe, 90, becomes African Union chairman.
South Africa apartheid assassin de Kock given parole.
EUROPE
Ukraine battle rages for key town of Debaltseve. Multiple deaths after shelling of humanitarian aid center, bus stop in Donetsk. Five more Ukrainian soldiers killed in fighting with rebels: Kiev military.
Ukraine peace talks aborted as civilians die in east. Donetsk self-defense forces ready for truce talks with Kiev.
Russian central bank makes surprise interest rate cut.
Russia might bailout Greece – finance minister.
Eurogroup chief warns Greece against 'ignoring' bailout deals.
New Greek nationalist defence minister resurrects old tensions with Turkey.
Eurozone deflation gathers pace in January.
AMERICAS
Romney opts out of a 2016 run for president.
US seeks to break up drug ring.
Mexico City gas truck explodes near maternity hospital.
Argentina's Fernandez dents credibility by playing victim.
Rio de Janeiro unnerved by wave of stray-bullet cases.
Plane crashes near Aruba after pursuit by military jets.
Canada to criminalize public terror threats.
Canada lottery 'winner' missed jackpot by seven seconds.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. drone strategy in trouble as Yemeni al Qaeda gathers support.
US reportedly reaches out to Yemen's Houthi rebels to promote anti-Al Qaeda campaign.
CIA interrogated suspects on Diego Garcia, says Colin Powell aide.
Jihadists secretly join exodus to Europe amid Syrian humanitarian crisis.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Google agrees privacy policy changes with data watchdog. Google profits up but revenue misses expectations.
China passes US to become world's top foreign investment destination.
Russia continues to see gold as good bet amid currency turbulence.
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 30, 2015
A Predator B unmanned aircraft at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, Nov. 8, 2011.
Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. armed drone program in Yemen facing intelligence gaps
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 30, 2015
U.S. drone strategy in trouble as Yemeni al Qaeda gathers support -- Reuters
Boko Haram crisis: African Union backs regional force of 7,500 troops -- BBC
Russia boasts it will maintain military superiority over the West until 2020 at least as it continues to add to its nuclear arsenal despite recession -- Daily Mail
Russian Next-Gen 100-Ton Nuclear Missile Could Be Test-Fired By 2017, Says Russian News Wire -- IBTimes
Defense chief says Russia to maintain military superiority: Interfax -- Reuters
Russian Military to Get 50 Intercontinental Missiles -- AP
Drone footage reveals ghost Soviet military base hidden in German forest -- RT
Russia says patrols near UK airspace were 'routine' -- BBC
Poland to launch civilian military training in response to Ukrainian crisis -- RT
China stresses more anti-corruption efforts in military -- Xinhua
China to deploy range of naval ships in Indian Ocean -- Economic Times
North Korea expands mandatory military service to include women -- UPI
France Considers Leases for A400M, Frigates -- Defense News
Airbus Shakes Up Its Military Aircraft Unit -- NYT
US Military Classifies Information About Afghanistan's Troops -- ABC News
General: US Army Programs Hinge on Helo Swap -- Defense News
Pentagon Seeks 13% Weapons Increase as Obama Urges End to Cuts -- Bloomberg
$561bn Pentagon budget planned, advocates say real budget is $1trn -- RT
Military Chiefs Warn Anew About Sequester Cuts -- Defense News
Pentagon Tells Congress to Stop Buying Equipment it Doesn't Need -- Military.com
AFSOC Wants to Research Adding Laser Weapons to AC-130 -- Defense Tech
US Navy wants robots to train Marines -- RT
US Navy Launches Video Game for Training Sailors -- Sputnik
CIA Picks Undercover Veteran ‘Spider’ as Spy Chief -- WSJ
Congressional commission releases new plan to overhaul military pay and retirement -- Washington Post
Drone Threat to Nuclear Plants -- Melissa Hersh, Defense News
Special Forces face increased cyber risks, challenges -- Army Times
US Special Forces Are Operating in More Countries Than You Can Imagine -- Nick Turse, The Nation
What Downturn? Top Pentagon Contractors Turn In Strong Results Despite Soft Demand -- Loren Thompson, Forbes
Islamic State Takes Credit For The 'Largest Attack On The Egyptian Military In Years'
Euronews: Egypt’s Sisi cuts short Ethiopia visit after 30 killed in Sinai
WNU Editor: The Islamic State launched at least a dozen coordinated attacks in the Sinai on Thursday .... which should be a red-light that this group is far larger and far better organized
More News On Thursday's Islamic State Attack In The Sinai
Egypt's Sisi cuts short visit over Sinai attacks -- BBC
Egypt Raises Death Toll From Coordinated Sinai Attack to 32 -- NYT/AP
Simultaneous attacks in Egypt kill scores -- Al Jazeera
Islamic State claims responsibility for major attack on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula -- CSM
'Largest attack on Egyptian military in years' -- BBC
Three U.S. Defense Contractors Killed In Afghanistan By An Insider Attack
FOX News: Taliban says agent infiltrated Afghan's security forces for attack that killed 3 Americans
WNU Editor: Even though U.S. forces are leaving .... this is a reminder that Afghanistan is still a very dangerous place.
More News On Thursday's Insider Attack That Killed Three U.S. Contractors In Afghanistan
Gunman Who Killed 3 Americans Was Said to Wear Afghan Military Uniform -- NYT
Taliban Claims Afghanistan Attack -- VOA
Three U.S. contractors killed in 'insider attack' in Afghanistan -- Reuters
Taliban claim responsibility for Kabul attack that killed 3 Americans -- CNN
Taliban claim responsibility for insider attack that killed three American contractors at Kabul airport -- Daily Mail
The Pentagon Is Facing Another Round Of Budget Chaos
The Pentagon is funding social science research to model risks of "social contagions" that could damage US strategic interests. Photograph: Jason Reed/REUTERS
Jeremy Herb, Politico: The Pentagon's new fiscal cliff
“Everyone is still with the happy talk that somehow sequestration is going to go away.”
WNU Editor: The Pentagon's budget is going to be released this Monday, but already the politics is being played out on national security. The White House will approve a larger Pentagon budget if (and only if) the spending caps are removed by Congress on entitlement programs. The Pentagon in turn operates on the assumption that they will get what they want even though the law will (most likely) not be changed to remove their spending caps. From an outsider looking in .... everyone appears to be operating in an environment of denial. They expect to get what they want .... but the process to get what you will need will not be changed to accommodate your desires. The resulting gridlock then becomes predictable .... everything gets frozen with everyone looking at each other and wondering who will make the first move ... and no one will.
Why Is China Developing Weapons Systems That It Opposes?
DANGEROUS ELEMENT: The uranium for the original atomic bombs came from a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Shinkolobwe. ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/DAVID FREUNDJonathan Ray, National Interest: Unlocking the Puzzle of China’s Neutron Bomb
Why did China develop a neutron bomb that it never deployed?
WNU Editor: They built it for the simple reason being that the U.S. and Russia had one.