Germany's Merkel Wants A Weapons Export Policy That Promotes Stability

Merkel's Risky Weapons Exports -- Ulrike Demmer, Ralf Neukirch and Holger Stark, Spiegel Online

Drawing lessons from Afghanistan and Libya, German Chancellor Merkel has been making quiet changes to Berlin's arms exports policy. Instead of intervening in conflicts, she wants to help arm certain countries to provide stability in crisis regions. But if history is any guide, the plan could backfire.

When it comes to global issues, German Chancellor Angela Merkel often strikes a high-minded tone. In a keynote speech she delivered at the 2011 Munich Security Conference, she spoke of the "obligation to pursue value-based foreign policy." She also frequently says that no compromises can be made on human rights. And, in her view, the greatest thing to come out of the NATO summit held in Chicago this May was that Germany successfully pushed through passages related to nuclear disarmament in Europe.

Read more ....

My Comment: I wish her luck in trying to maneuver this 'fine line' of exporting weapons to only countries that will provide stability in crisis regions

Is Syrian Strongman Assad Playing For Time?

President Bashar al-Assad with leaders of the army at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus Photo: Reuters

President In Name Only, Assad Plays For Time -- The Telegraph

By ceding large parts of Syria, the tyrant has effectively admitted that he cannot win.

From street protests to insurgency to national insurrection. The remorseless escalation of Syria’s conflict since it first broke out 16 months ago is the most striking feature of the challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Repression has bred resistance, and vice versa, to the point where the country’s biggest cities are becoming battlefields. Aleppo is dominated by the magnificent gatehouse of its Citadel, providing visual proof that possession of this ancient city has decided the fate of kings for centuries. So it is with Mr Assad today: his actions betray a grim awareness that the struggle for Aleppo is central to his regime’s survival. He has been willing to strip neighbouring provinces of troops and tanks in order to mobilise forces for this battle, even though this effectively means turning over large areas of his country to de facto rebel control.

Read more ....

My Comment: With Syria's civil war escalating every month .... he must now know that this is a losing proposition for him. He may have the soldiers and weaponry behind him, but in a war of attrition where his armed opponents comprise approximately 80% of the population .... it will only be a matter of time before his military advantages will start to degrade and crumble.

Discontent In Iran

Iran Seethes With Discontent During Ramadan -- L.A. Times

Jobs and wages have been cut and prices have shot up. People are especially angry about the skyrocketing cost of chicken.

TEHRAN — NearIran's parliament building here, groups of men and women gathered Sunday to protest what they called injustice.

The men, mostly middle-aged telecommunications workers from the provinces, said they were owed back pay and had seen annual job guarantees slashed to daily work contracts.

The women, many donning traditional black cloaks covering their heads and bodies, said they had been coming here for five days to protest the loss of preschool teaching jobs as the number of classrooms is cut for budget reasons.

Read more ....

My Comment: If .... after years of sanctions .... this is the hardships that Iranians must face .... the price of chicken and a shortage of work .... I would have to then say that sanctions have failed.

U.S. Defense Secretary Panetta: Sanctions Against Iran Needs More Time

Tunisian Defense Minister Abdelkarim Zbidi escorts U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta through an honor cordon in Tunis, Tunisia, July 30, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region that includes stops in Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Jordan to meet with defense counterparts. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, In Tunisia, Says Iran Sanctions Need More Time To Work -- Washington Post

TUNIS — Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta on Monday called for more time to allow sanctions aimed at Iran to work and refuted statements by top Israeli officials that the sanctions were doing nothing to stop Iran’s nuclear program.

Panetta, who is visiting Tunisia as part of a five-day trip through the Middle East and North Africa, said that although the results of the sanctions “may not be obvious at the moment,” they were hurting Iran’s economy and forcing the country’s leadership to look for a diplomatic solution.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Panetta's Comments That Sanctions Against Iran Needs More Time

Panetta says sanctions haven’t yet worked in forcing Iran to give up nuclear ambitions -- Washington Post/AP
Panetta Urges More Time for Iran Sanctions to Work -- New York Times
Iran sanctions having impact, even if not obvious-US -- Reuters
Panetta Defends Iran Sanctions -- Wall Street Journal
Iran sanctions having 'serious impact': Panetta -- Ahram Online/AFP

My Comment: He is right .... but .... this is not making Israel and others comfortable, especially since Iran is significantly 'speeding up it's nuclear enrichment'.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- July 30, 2012

Inside Aleppo: Rebels Repulse Syrian Tanks, Civilians Dodge Shells -- Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor

Monitor reporter Scott Peterson reports from the Aleppo neighborhood of Salaheddin that the rebels are impeding the Syrian Army's ground progress, pushing them to use more deadly tactics.

When the Syrian government launched its assault on Aleppo's rebel-held enclave of Salaheddin at dawn July 28, rebel fighter Abu Omar had no idea that he would soon make his first kill – as he put it – in the name of freedom.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Is Assad Carving Out A Haven For Syria's Alawites? -- Peter Kenyon, NPR

A principled approach is needed in Syria -- David L. Phillips, Boston Globe

Beijing Crosses a Line -- Michael Auslin, Wall Street Journal

In Chinese Politics, a Fall—and a Rise -- Bob Davis, Wall Street Journal

What China’s Leaders Fear Most -- Minxin Pei, The Diplomat

North Korea: We’re Not Changing! -- Evan Ramstad, Wall Street Journal

North Korea’s extreme makeover -- Blaine Harden, Gulf News

Afghan war: Who's in charge, again? -- Tom A. Peter, Christian Science Monitor

Zimbabwe’s military men will not return to their barracks soon -- Dianna Games, Business Day

Opposition Pushes Putin's Panic Button -- Richard Lourie, The Moscow Times

A heavy hand in Russia -- Washington Post editorial

Corruption and Nepotism Haunt Southern Europe -- Hans-Jürgen Schlamp, Spiegel Online

Political Bankruptcy in Madrid Adds to Woes -- Erich Follath and Helene Zuber, Spiegel Online

Does it Matter When Obama Got Bin Laden? -- Alana Goodman, Commentary

How much cyber security is enough? Companies wary as Senate weighs bill. -- Mark Clayton, Christian Science Monitor

World News Briefs -- July 30, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Syrian Helicopter Gunships Hit Aleppo -- The Australian

GOVERNMENT forces have attacked rebel-held districts in Aleppo with helicopter gunships and pounded them with shelling on the third day of a pitched battle for Syria's commercial capital.

The fighting has sent some 200,000 civilians fleeing the northern city, according to the UN, which warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe, while France said it would call an urgent UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Turkish military convoy heads for Syrian border-reports.

Foreign 'jihadi' fighters reported in Syria.

Syrian rebels seize military base outside Aleppo.

UN says 200,000 have fled Aleppo battle.

Report: U.S. briefs Israel of Iran strike plan.

Get busy and have babies, Iran tells couples.

Mitt Romney backs Israeli military action against Iran.

Iran capable of attack in Persian Gulf.

UAE arrests 10 more Islamists in crackdown: Activists.

ASIA

India’s farmers wait for more monsoon rains as crops struggle, food prices rise.

U.N. to send team into North Korea after floods.

Big Hong Kong protest assails Communist Party ‘brainwashing’.

Tajik rebels surrender after threat of new assault.

Kim Jong-un's uncle emerges as power behind throne.

North Korea sends leaflet-filled balloons across DMZ.

North Korea dismisses South's talk of reform.

Australia and NZ restore full ties with Fiji.

As tensions in India turn deadly, some say officials ignored warning signs.

370M Indians swelter in heat after power fails.

AFRICA

Congo's Kabila: Rwanda's rebel backing no secret.

Gunmen attack Nigerian vice president's house - police.

Ethiopia erupts in deadly ethnic violence. Ethnic clashes kill 18 Ethiopians, displace thousands.

US is the driving force behind the fighting in Somalia.

Ivory Coast leader foresees Mali intervention soon.

In Egypt, archaeologists reopen tombs to woo tourists.

Uganda's Yoweri Museveni warns of Ebola threat.

EUROPE

Greek PM's allies seek more time for austerity cuts - sources.

Socialists in France make budget statement.

Germany, Italy vow to 'protect eurozone'. Eurogroup Chair sees decisions soon in debt crisis.

Spain's economy contracts third quarter in a row.

Romanian President survives impeachment referendum.

In Cyprus, a new generation inherits a conflict.

Russia's "Pussy Riot" on trial for cathedral protest.

AMERICAS

Cuba dissident movement suffers blow with leaders' deaths.

US Homeland Security gears up for civil unrest prior to presidential elections.

Colombian Farc rebels release two abducted pilots.

Cuba: Wife of Oswaldo Paya says crash was no 'accident'.

Floods force evacuations in Costa Rica.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistan to push for intel share at U.S. talks.

Phl troops clash with al-Qaeda linked terrorists leaves 19 dead.

Pakistan official slams drones ahead of CIA talks.

US admiral says raid was 'easiest' part of bin Laden op.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Worlds stocks rise on ECB, Fed hopes; euro falls.

GM ramps up risky subprime auto loans to drive sales.

Bitter Apple-Samsung patent battle looms.

U.S. Indian tribes fear that legalizing online poker would hurt casinos.

Singh’s $400 billion power plan gains urgency as grid collapses.

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates July 30, 2012

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Thousands Flee Fierce Fighting In Aleppo, UN Says -- Voice of America

CAIRO – Syrian government forces continued their assault in the besieged commercial city of Aleppo Monday, after claiming the upper hand in fighting with outgunned and outmanned rebels.

Amateur video showed street battles raging in several key neighborhoods. Both the government and rebel fighters claimed to control the strategic Salaheddin district.

Abou Firas, a spokesman for the rebel Free Syrian Army in Aleppo, told Alhurra TV that fighting is still going on in Salaheddin, and that the rebels control 60 percent.

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War

Syrian chargé d’affaires in London resigns - Monday 30 July -- The Guardian
Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
Battle of Aleppo (2012) -- Wikipedia

Syria foes 'advance' in battle-wracked Aleppo -- Al Jazeera
Syria Troops Overrun Rebel Areas in Aleppo, State TV Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Syrian Regime Resumes Shelling of Aleppo -- Wall Street Journal
Syrian government forces continue assault on Aleppo -- BBC
Aleppo rebels stand firm in "regime's grave" -- Reuters
Syrian Forces and Rebels Claim Gains in Aleppo Fight -- New York Times
UN: 200,000 civilians flee fierce fighting in Syria commercial hub -- MSNBC
Syrian troops clash again with rebels in Aleppo -- Euronews
Rural fighters pour into Syria's Aleppo for battle -- Reuters
Syrian rebels seize military base outside Aleppo -- CNN
Syria: foreign jihadists could join battle for Aleppo -- The Guardian
As Syrian War Drags On, Jihadists Take Bigger Role -- New York Times
Syrian soldiers 'fled like rats': Rebels -- Times of India/AFP
Inside the rebel base in a Syrian school -- BBC
Fighters Replace Tourists Crossing Over From Syria to an Idyllic Turkish Town -- New York Times

Refugees flee Aleppo fighting in droves, Syria’s top diplomat in London defects -- Washington Post/AP
Top Syrian envoy to London is latest high-profile defection amid Aleppo fight -- National Post
Syrian official resigns diplomatic post -- UPI
Syria diplomat quits UK post in 'protest' at Assad regime -- BBC

Syria explicitly accuses Saudi, Qatar, Turkey of supporting armed insurgents -- Xinhuanet
Syrian Says Foreign Plot Is to Blame for Violence -- New York Times

Ban urges end to Syria fighting as number of people affected reaches two million -- UN News Centre
U.N. chief tells Syria to stop violence -- USA Today/AP
Syria forces attacked observers: UN -- Press Association
UN chief: Syrian tanks attacked convoy carrying head of observer mission; no injuries -- Washington Post/AP

Jordan Opens Camp to Deal With More Syrian Refugees -- New York Times/Reuters
Syrian Refugees Are Stung by a Hostile Reception in Iraq -- New York Times

Saudi Says Syrians Should Be Enabled 'to Protect Themselves' -- New York Times/Reuters
War-Crime Fears Raised in Syrian City -- Wall Street Journal
Syria has expanded chemical weapons supply with Iran’s help, documents show -- Washington Post
Lebanese worry that Syrian army might escalate attacks -- Washington Post

As Sanctions Bite, Syria Regime Faces Endgame -- Bloomberg Businessweek
White House cautions Syria rebels not to repeat mistakes of Iraq -- Washington Post
Turkey Strengthens Forces on Syrian Border -- New York Times
Turkish military convoys deploy at Syrian border -- Reuters
In Damascus, losing faith in Assad -- Washington Post
The battle for Aleppo -- Sami Moubayed, Special to Gulf News
Aleppo: The last battle for Syria -- Larbi Sadiki, Al Jazeera
What happens to Syria if Bashar al-Assad falls? 4 scenarios -- The Week

Russia's Boasts Of Becoming A Sea Power Are 'Hollow'

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Russia Seeks Sea Power With Decrepit Fleet -- Washington Times

Base expansion likely an empty threat.

Russia’s boast that it plans to extend its naval forces to bases in Cuba, the Seychelles and Vietnam poses little strategic threat to U.S. interests in Latin America, the Indian Ocean or the Pacific, analysts say.

It is more a political move than a military one, as President Vladimir Putin continues to contest American supremacy, particularly during the Syrian crisis.

The Russian fleet may number 300 ships, about the same as the U.S. Navy, but its aging warships are less advanced than America’s high-powered guided-missile cruisers and destroyers. The Kremlin owns only one operational aircraft carrier, as opposed to Washington’s 11 nuclear-powered carriers and strike groups that comprise what is called a “blue-water” navy able to operate far from home.

Moscow deploys few ships outside its waters, while the Pentagon stations a quarter of the fleet at sea at any one time.

Read more ....

My Comment: I concur with this analysis. Recent comments by Russian officials that they will seek naval bases overseas are being made more to gain political points at home .... while ignoring the "sad state" of the present Russian navy and the difficult and costly decisions that will need to be made to modernize it.

Is This The Man Who Is Ruling North Korea?

Jang Song-taek (left) with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (right) Photo: Reuters

Kim Jong-un's Uncle Emerges As Power Behind Throne -- The Telegraph

The uncle of Kim Jong-un has emerged as the power behind the throne in the one-party state, according to reports.

Jang Song-taek, the uncle of Kim Jong-un has solidified his position and is systematically dismantling the power structure put in place by Kim Jong-il before his death in 2011, South Korea's Chosun.com reports.

Jang is married to a younger sister of the late Korean leader.

The news agency affiliated with Chosunilbo, a major South Korean newspaper, cites an informed source saying that Jang has removed U Dong-chuk, first deputy director of the State Security Department along with army chief, Ri Yong-ho. Both were appointed by Kim Jong-il in January 2009, when he also selected his third and youngest son of Kim Jong-il over an elder son living said to be living in Macau.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Short answer .... yes .... for the simple reason being that anyone who can be a threat to him is now gone. The only one who can remove Jang Song-taek is North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, but I suspect that because of his age and lack of experience, Kim Jong-un is more of a leader in training rather than someone who is ruling.

The BBC has a good breakdown of who is who in North Korea's political elite.

Is The US Navy Facing A 'Nightmare Scenario' Against Iran?

Iranian naval vessels during a military drill near the Strait of Hormuz. Press TV

Iran Is Readying A 'Nightmare Scenario' For The US Navy -- Business Insider

It's getting easy to overlook the tired rhetoric and hollow tension surrounding Iran, the U.S. and Israel.

It's been months, and months since the back-and-forth began. First, Iran's shutting the Strait of Hormuz, then it's saying it'd never shut the strait. Then Israel's planning a solo attack. No, they're not.

It's frustrating, and more than a little confusing, but that doesn't mean the situation couldn't turn ugly at the drop of a hat.

Read more ....

More News On Iran 'Beefing Up' It's Navy

Iran Beefs Up Its Persian Gulf Firepower -- The Atlantic
Iran capable of attack in Persian Gulf -- UPI
US fears major Iranian threat in Persian Gulf -- YNet News
Iran bolsters its Persian Gulf firepower -- Global Post
Iran Continues to Increase Naval Capabilities -- Maritime Executive
Iranian navy’s sea legs wobbly -- Boston Herald
Iran bolsters retaliation capability in Persian Gulf, experts say -- Washington Post
US fears nightmarish conflict with Iran in Persian Gulf: Experts -- Press TV (Iran)
A U.S.-Iran Naval Clash Is Not Inevitable -- Micah Zenko, Council On Foreign Relations