Why Did Europe Kill The Terrorist Finance Tracking Program,

European Parliament

Swift Rebuke -- Washington Post Editorial

THE PROGRAM has been credited with helping to capture the mastermind of the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed more than 200 people, including some 50 Europeans. It was instrumental in 2006 in thwarting al-Qaeda plans to detonate liquid bombs on North American-bound flights from London's Heathrow Airport and critical in 2007 in helping to disrupt terrorism plots involving the Islamic Jihad Union, including one in Germany. Over the past eight years, it has generated some 1,500 reports that have been shared with European allies.

Yet almost 400 members of the European Parliament want nothing to do with it and have effectively and indefensibly shut it down.

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My Comment: Amazing .... I finally found an organization that is more concerned about terrorist privacy rights than the New York Times. Wow .... what has the world come to.

F-35 News Updates -- March 1, 2010

The initial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft built by Lockheed Martin is shown in flight over North Texas in October. Photo courtesy of Pratt & Whitney

F-35 Fighter Program Has Serious Problems, Report Indicates -- McClatchy News

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other Pentagon officials have made it clear in recent weeks that they are unhappy about the F-35 joint strike fighter program.

The reasons are likewise clearly evident in the contents of internal government documents reviewed by the Star-Telegram.

Monthly reports prepared by the Defense Contract Management Agency show that as recently as mid-November, development of the F-35 was in serious disarray. Lockheed Martin and other contractors were producing key components and completing airplanes more slowly, not faster, documents show.

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More News On The F-35

Documents detail serious problems with F-35 program -- Star Telegram
USAF Slips JSF Operational Debut -- Aviation Week
Pentagon F-35 engine analysis 'near-sighted'-House -- Reuters
Study: Cost same for F-35 alternate engine -- Air Force Times
The U.S. still needs answers for fighter roadmap problems -- ELP Defens(c)e Blog
Facing A Tighter Budget, The Air Force Gets Choosy -- Wall Street Journal
How the F-35 Is Stalling, Even Before Take-Off -- BNet
Clothes make the pilot: F-35 gets next-generation gear (PHOTO GALLERY) -- NWF Daily News

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- March 1, 2010

MARJA MEETING - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Stephan P. Karabin II, left, meets with British soldiers, Afghan leaders and Afghan National Policemen near Marja, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2010. Karabin is assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Albert F. Hunt

The American Awakening In Afghanistan -- Dexter Filkin, The New Republic

I.

With the war in Afghanistan hanging in the balance, it is useful, if a little sad, to recall just how complete the American-led victory was in the autumn of 2001. By December, the Taliban had vanished from Kabul, Kandahar, and much of the countryside. Afghans celebrated by flinging their turbans and dancing in the streets. They dug up TV sets, wrapped in plastic, from hiding places in their gardens. In Mullah Omar’s hometown of Sangesar, the locals broke into his madrassa and tore out the door frames for firewood. Among ordinary Afghans, there was a genuine sense of deliverance. The world, which had abandoned them more than a decade before, was coming back.

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COMMENTARIES, OPINIONS, AND EDITORIALS

Getting close to the Afghans -- Mark Moyar, Washington Times

In Pakistan we are fighting for our lives -- Asif Ali Zardari (President Of Pakistan, The Guardian

March elections are another step toward normality in Iraq -- Ad Melkert, Washington Post

Iran's New World Order -- Jamsheed K. Choksy, Wall Street Journal

Winners and Losers in Iraq's Upcoming Election -- Thomas P.M. Barnett, World Politics Review

EU and Terrorist Finance Tracking Program -- Washington Post editorial

Bashing Turkey's Army -- Asli Aydintasbas, New York Times

Military on Trial in Turkey -- Los Angeles Times editorial

Report details violence and lost freedoms in Venezuela -- Washington Post editorial

Greeks bash a gift horse in the mouth -- Matt Gurney, National Post

America, the Fragile Empire -- Niall Ferguson, Los Angeles Times

The U.S. is at a crucial point in defining its direction -- David Ignatius, Washington Post

The Return of Agrarian Society? -- Francis Cianfrocca, New Ledger

World News Briefs -- March 1, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Chile Battles Lawlessness, Desperation After Massive Earthquake -- Voice of America

Chilean authorities are struggling to maintain order, distribute supplies, and rescue survivors after Saturday's powerful earthquake that killed more than 700 people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings. President Michelle Bachelet is attempting to rally her nation in the face of tragedy and devastation, while appealing to the international community for assistance.

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MIDDLE EAST

Before Iraq election, Arab and Kurd tensions soar in the north.

Yemen raid kills southern activist, family.

Vote seen as pivotal test for both Iraq and Maliki.

Number of Dubai killing suspects now at 27.

Israel police storm holy site to quell protest.

Iran's supreme leader criticizes International Atomic Energy Agency.

ASIA

Afghanistan bans coverage of Taliban attacks.

U.S. Marines, Afghan troops to stay in Marja for months.

Tajikistan elections criticised by poll watchdog.

Village attack leaves 11 dead in Philippines.

AFRICA

Somali pirates diversify, taking trade to Terra Firma.

Prominent Nigerians ask President Yar’Adua to resign.

Zimbabwe's terrible new business law.

Somali rebel group bans UN world food program.

Nigerians search for effort from leaders to avoid locking horns.

Hundreds feared dead in Darfur clashes: U.N.

EUROPE

Russia-Georgia border crossing reopens.

Ukraine's Yanukovych: EU ties a 'key priority'.

At least 58 dead as storm sweeps across Western Europe. Napoleon-era sea walls blamed for French storm deaths.

Bitter legacy behind war of words between Greece and Germany.

European Union will support Greece, urges new Measures-Rehn.

UK Cameron rallies Tories but voter verdict still out.

AMERICAS

Clinton to meet with Uruguay's incoming president.

Looting and chaos reign in quake-stricken regions of Chile.

Venezuela 'helped Eta and Farc plot against Uribe'.

Top 12 inspiring moments we saw at the Vancouver Olympics.

It was a Canadian party, and Canada sure enjoyed itself. Closing ceremony Vancouver Olympics: Bill Demong leads the most successful US Winter Olympic team history.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Saudi Arabia and India address terrorism in a rare meeting.

Obama signs one-year extension of Patriot Act.

Spain says it arrested Basque militant leader.

Inextricably linked to controversial mosque: the secret world of IFE.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Don't go wobbly on us now, Ben Bernanke.

California is a greater risk than Greece, warns JP Morgan chief.

Pound, Euro slump on deficit concern; Copper soars after quake.

Toyota president apologizes to Chinese customers.

Former Serb Leader Radovan Karadzic War Crimes Trial Starts Today

Radovan Karadzic: War Against 'Islamist Goals' Of Muslims Was 'Just' -- The Telegraph

The Serb cause in the Bosnia war was a “just and holy” war against the “Islamist goals” of Muslims, Radovan Karadzic has claimed during his trial against United Nations genocide charges.

Wearing a dark suit and tie, the wartime political leader of Bosnia's Serbs today ended a previous boycott of his genocide and war crimes trial to open his own defence.

”I stand before you not to defend the mere mortal that I am but to defend the greatness of a small nation in Bosnia and Herzegovina which for 500 years has had to suffer and has demonstrated of modesty and perseverance to survive in freedom,” he told the court in his opening statement.

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More News On The War Crimes Trial Of Radovan Karadzic

Genocide Trial Begins for Bosnian Serb General -- Voice of America
Karadzic genocide trial resumes after 4 months -- CNN
Karadzic defends Bosnian Serb 'holy' cause at trial -- BBC
Radovan Karadzic delivers 'dissident' view of Bosnian war -- The Guardian
Torture in Bosnia dismissed as a media 'conspiracy' -- The Guardian
Karadzic shows no remorse at genocide trial -- Politico

A New U.S. Nuclear Policy Is Being Drawn Up

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert gates inspects a GBI in its Alaskan silo.
Photo from The Register

White House Is Rethinking Nuclear Policy -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — As President Obama begins making final decisions on a broad new nuclear strategy for the United States, senior aides say he will permanently reduce America’s arsenal by thousands of weapons. But the administration has rejected proposals that the United States declare it would never be the first to use nuclear weapons, aides said.

Mr. Obama’s new strategy — which would annul or reverse several initiatives by the Bush administration — will be contained in a nearly completed document called the Nuclear Posture Review, which all presidents undertake. Aides said Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will present Mr. Obama with several options on Monday to address unresolved issues in that document, which have been hotly debated within the administration.

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More News On White House Policy Towards Nuclear Weapons

Obama considers new US nuclear strategy: report -- AFP
US plans 'dramatic' cuts in nuclear arsenal -- AFP
US plans 'dramatic reductions' in nuclear weapons -- BBC
Obama Plans to Eliminate ‘Thousands’ of U.S. Nuclear Warheads -- Newsmax
Obama to cut US nuclear arsenal: Report -- One India
Obama might remove US nukes from Germany -- The Local

Is China Threatening The U.S.?

Recruits of People's Liberation Army (PLA) attend a regular training at a military base in Hefei, Anhui province, January 31, 2010. Credit: Reuters/Stringer

China PLA Officer Urges Challenging U.S. Dominance -- Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) - China should build the world's strongest military and move swiftly to topple the United States as the global "champion," a senior Chinese PLA officer says in a new book reflecting swelling nationalist ambitions.

The call for China to abandon modesty about its global goals and "sprint to become world number one" comes from a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Senior Colonel, Liu Mingfu, who warns that his nation's ascent will alarm Washington, risking war despite Beijing's hopes for a "peaceful rise."

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More News On China Wish To Challenge US Dominance

Think Again: China's Military -- Foreign Policy
FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in China -- Reuters
A New Red Scare, but What’s to Fear? -- Steven Mufson and John Pomfret, Jakarta Globe
The pitfalls of (U.S.)blind pride -- Litai Xue (China Daily)
There's a new Red Scare. But is China really so scary? -- Steven Mufson and John Pomfret, Washington Post

My Comment: It is typical of a general to believe that it is military strength that will insure a country's dominance on international affairs. Alas .... the 21rst century reveals that for a country to be dominant, other factors must come into play .... i.e. social and cultural factors, political and economic freedoms, a healthy and robust economy with sound financial structures, and alliances based on mutual respect and understanding. Hmmmm ... from this perspective China has problems in some of these areas.

Riots Near The Mosque Of Al Aksa And Golden Dome Of The Rock

Israeli Police Storm Disputed Jerusalem Holy Place -- Voice of America

Police had to respond to violence that erupted at a Jerusalem landmark sacred to both Jews and Muslims.

Israeli police stormed into a hotly disputed holy place in Jerusalem's Old City to disperse Palestinian stone throwers near the Mosque of Al Aksa and golden Dome of the Rock. The mosque compound is a flash point of religious tensions. It is the third holiest place in Islam, but for Jews it is the Temple Mount, the site of the biblical Temples and holiest place of all.

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said security forces quickly restored order.

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More News On The Riots In Jerusalem

Israel, Palestinians Clash Over Heritage Sites -- Wall Street Journal
Israeli Police Clash With Stone Throwers -- New York Times
Israeli police, Palestinians clash at holy site -- AP
Israeli police clash with Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City -- The Telegraph
Police enter Jerusalem holy site -- BBC
Jerusalem, unholy fault lines -- Al Jazeera
ME anger at Israeli 'escalations' -- BBC

Is President Obama Drinking Too Much?

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Doctors Tell Barack Obama To Quit Smoking -- The Guardian

The American president has been trying to kick the habit for sometime, apart from the smoking he is in excellent health

Barack Obama is still struggling to kick smoking, according to his first medical examination since becoming president.

Obama is sensitive about his cigarette habit and tetchy with reporters who raise it. But after his 90-minute medical at the Navy hospital outside Washington yesterday morning, his doctors confirmed he had not yet managed to conquer the habit and suggested he "continue smoking cessation efforts".

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My Comment: The line that caught my eye was the last sentence in The Guardian report ....

.... The doctors also recommended "moderation of alcohol intake" ....

Hmmmm .... what the hell does that mean?

Sighhh .... I guess if I had his job I would also find the bottle very tempting. Let's face it .... a dysfunctional Democrat Party in Congress even though they have huge majorities. Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. Economic and financial worries that continue to this day. The possibility of that 3:00 AM phone call. Sheesshhh .... I need a drink just thinking about it. Hell .... I also need a cigarette.

More News On President Obama's Medical Checkup

Obama in excellent health, doctor says, but he should quit smoking -- L.A. Times
Smoker in Chief: Can Obama Quit? -- CBS News
Obama gets clean bill of health, despite smoking, elevated cholesterol -- Boston.com
Obama 'Fit For Duty,' But Smoking Still A Problem -- NPR
Obama takes a brief walk in the park -- USA Today

Pakistan Will Not Extradite It's Taliban Prisoners To Afghanistan/US Authorities

Photo from The National Post

Pakistan Blocks Prisoner Transfers -- Wall Street Journal

Islamabad Court Prevents Extradition of Several Taliban Leaders to Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—A Pakistani court has restrained the government from extraditing Afghan Taliban leaders recently detained by its intelligence services to any other country, raising the prospects of a new row between Kabul and Islamabad.

A panel of the Lahore High Court headed by Chief Justice Khawaja Sharif ordered the government not to extradite the Taliban leaders until the court gives its decision on a petition filed by a human-rights activist, Khalid Khawaja. He had filed a petition that said the Taliban leaders were arrested in Pakistan and should be tried under Pakistani laws. The court will resume its hearing on March 15.

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More News On Pakistan Holding Onto Its Taliban Prisoners

Pakistan holds onto its Taliban -- Asia Times
Q+A - What can Pakistan gain from capture of Taliban leaders? -- Reuters
US not sure about Pak's sudden change in attitude towards 'refugee' Taliban leaders -- One India
Khawaja's petition blocks extradition of Mullah Baradar, Quetta Shura leaders -- Threat Matrix
The Taliban should be in jail, not sharing power -- National Post

My Comment: It is interesting to see these Taliban leaders use Pakistan's legal process to delay extradition to Afghanistan, when in the past they refused to recognize it in favor of sharia law.