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January 2012IAEA nuclear inspectors begin Iran visitPosted: Monday, January 30, 2012 IAEA nuclear inspectors begin Iran visit IAEA visit coincides with planned debate in Iran's parliament over cutting flow of crude to Europe in retaliation for sanctions Huge Israeli Heron TP drone that can reach Iran crashes during routine flight US Navy to Deploy Third Carrier Group to Persian Gulf India says it won't participate in Iran oil embargo India, the world's fourth-largest oil consumer, said it would not take steps to cut petroleum imports from Iran despite US and European sanctions against Tehran Sunday night. Turkey will not block Iran oil imports, official says Istanbul - Turkey will not bar Iran oil imports unless sanctions are imposed by the United Nations, an Energy Ministry spokesman told dpa Monday. China faces tough call in Iran showdown A showdown between the West and Iran will partly be turned into a West-China showdown, namely whether China should comply with the West's geopolitical decision. In previous major world political conflicts, China has sought to avoid direct confrontation with the US and Europe. The tradeoff is a relatively mild policy from the West toward China. Now the West has the same expectations of China. Patrick Cockburn: Sanctions can only deepen the Iran crisis Israeli and US hawks are more interested in regime change than the country's nuclear programme The Syrian rebels' war of attrition Assad troops fight back against Syria rebels Russia criticizes Arab League for ending Syria observer mission Comments by Russian FM Lavrov come one day after Arab League suspends its activities amid Assad's continued violent crackdown against popular protests across country. Russia asserting itself against West, this time over Syria regime change With the United States and its allies pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down, the Arab League last week issued a detailed plan for a political transition in Syria. The plan was welcomed by the Obama administration, and Arab leaders quickly said they would refer it to the United Nations. And a day later, Russia had its say: Not a chance. The US/Saudi Agenda and the Syrian Rebellion US Meets With Taliban as Karzai Govt. Looks to Start Own Talks Maulvi Qalamuddin, a former leader of the Afghan Taliban’s religious police, has confirmed that meetings are now taking place between US and Taliban negotiators in Qatar, where the Taliban has opened its new office. U.S. Drones Patrolling Its Skies Provoke Outrage in Iraq A month after the last American troops left Iraq, the State Department is operating a small fleet of surveillance drones here to help protect the United States Embassy and consulates, as well as American personnel. Some senior Iraqi officials expressed outrage at the program, saying the unarmed aircraft are an affront to Iraqi sovereignty. Gunmen attack police station in Nigeria Torture 'rampant' in Libyan prisons Halt in Iran oil could push crude up 30%: IMF Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012 Iran Set to Turn Off Oil Supply to Europe The European Union embargo on Iranian oil will only come into effect in six months, but the leadership in Tehran wants to act first: Exports to Europe are set to be halted immediately. It is a move which could mean added difficulties for struggling economies in southern Europe. The Iranian oil embargo: does this mean war? The EU has decided on sanctions that Tehran has long said would represent a declaration of war. What will follow? Nuclear row: Iran President Ahmadinejad offers talks Iran is ready to revive talks with the West but tougher sanctions will not force it to give in to demands over its nuclear programme, its president says. China says EU ban on Iran oil not "constructive" China on Thursday criticized the European Union for banning oil imports from Iran, Beijing's third biggest crude supplier and a major trading partner. Halt in Iran oil could push crude up 30%: IMF WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on Wednesday that global crude prices could rise as much as 30 per cent if Iran halts oil exports as a result of United States (US) and European Union (EU) sanctions. US has arrested Iranian scientist The United States has arrested and charged an Iranian semiconductor scientist with violating U.S. export laws by buying high-tech U.S. lab equipment, a development likely to further worsen Iranian-U.S. tensions. What are the experts saying about Iran? American and Israeli security experts warn that a military strike on Iran would fail to stop its nuclear program, provide the Iranian regime with additional impetus to pursue a nuclear weapon, and risk igniting a regional war that would expose Israeli citizens and even Americans to devastating retaliation. 'Massive' Blockade Needed to Stop Iran Threat, Steinitz Says A "massive" aerial and naval blockade of Iran, reminiscent of the 1962 U.S. quarantine of Cuba, is needed to stop the Islamic regime from pursuing nuclear weapons, Israeli Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said. US/Israel: Iran NOT Building Nukes Exclusive: Recent comments by U.S and Israeli military leaders indicate that the intelligence services of the two countries agree that Iran has not decided to build a nuclear bomb, a crack in the Western narrative that the U.S. press corps won't accept, as ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern explains. Robert Fisk: We've been here before – and it suits Israel that we never forget 'Nuclear Iran' Pups on Parade: EU Obediently Pushes Toward War with Iran Aid group halts work in Libya over 'torture' Medecins Sans Frontieres suspends work in Misrata prisons where doctors are asked to "patch up tortured detainees". Arms from Libya could reach Boko Haram, al Qaeda - U.N. The Libyan civil war may have given militant groups in Africa's Sahel region like Boko Haram and al Qaeda access to large weapons caches, according to a U.N. report released on Thursday. In Libya, rebels still dominate Tripoli streets Despite repeated pledges by Libya's transitional government to find jobs for the rebel fighters who forced Moammar Gaddafi from power, tens of thousands of them are still operating in armed militia groups, patrolling streets and guarding buildings in Tripoli and other cities. Medical group claims torture in Libyan prisons The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said Thursday it has suspended its work in prisons in the Libyan city of Misrata because it said detainees are being tortured and denied urgent medical care. The human rights "success" in Libya It quickly became ossified conventional wisdom that NATO's war in Libya to aid rebel factions in overthrowing Moammar Gaddafi was a clear human rights victory. But the reality in post-Gaddafi Libya has long been in tension with that claim, and that's true today more so than ever. Iraq says to take legal action for Haditha victims Iraq plans legal action on behalf of families of victims killed by U.S. troops in a 2005 massacre after the last soldier involved was spared jail time by a guilty plea with military authorities, a government spokesman said Thursday. Syrian troops fight rebels near Damascus A 10-month-old revolt against President Bashar al-Assad edged closer to the Syrian capital on Thursday as troops battled rebels in a town just north of Damascus and a provincial governor spoke of negotiating local ceasefires. 62 killed as Arab League heads to UN with Syria plan Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi said he would brief the United Nations Security Council on a plan to end 11 months of bloodshed in Syria, which claimed another 62 lives on Thursday. 50 killed in Syria as Arabs go to U.N. Head of Syrian Red Crescent killed as Gulf Arab states pull observers from country Saudi Arabia to recognize Syrian National Council: report Saudi Arabia will recognize the Syrian National Council as the "official representative" of the Syrian people, a senior member of the opposition group said in remarks published on Friday. Australia urges UN action on Syria Russia Won't Give up Support for Syria Russian Experts and Analysts: AL Stance towards Syria Serves the West and U.S., Russia Won't Give up Support for Syria Russia to promote its own Syria resolution at U.N. Putin accuses US of attempts to dominate world Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States of attempts to dominate the world and challenging internal political procedures in other countries as a tool for achieving that goal. NATO chief: No summit with Russia without a deal on missile defence Brussels - There will be no summit with Russia in May if there is no deal by then on missile defence cooperation, NATO's chief said Thursday. Ukraine: Activist protest arrival of US Navy ship Anti-Western activists in southern Ukraine have protested the arrival of a U.S. Navy ship that will take part in joint military drills. 20 militants killed in Pakistan Islamabad, Jan 26 : At least 20 militants were killed and 22 Pakistani soldiers injured in a gun-battle in the northwest tribal region early Thursday. Thousands of Nato trucks in Pakistan backlog Two months into Pakistan's blockade on Nato supplies crossing into Afghanistan, thousands of trucks are crowding the port in Karachi where drivers, fed up with waiting, are starting to desert. New drone has no pilot anywhere, so who's accountable? The Navy is testing an autonomous plane that will land on an aircraft carrier. The prospect of heavily armed aircraft screaming through the skies without direct human control is unnerving to many. How Swedes and Norwegians broke the power of the '1 percent' While many of us are working to ensure that the Occupy movement will have a lasting impact, it's worthwhile to consider other countries where masses of people succeeded in nonviolently bringing about a high degree of democracy and economic justice. Sweden and Norway, for example, both experienced a major power shift in the 1930s after prolonged nonviolent struggle. Palestinian leader Barghuti demands 1967 borders The Middle East conflict will end only when Israel withdraws to the pre-1967 lines and a Palestinian state is established, jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghuti said Wednesday in a rare court appearance. Papua New Guinea military coup fails Government troops regain control of army barracks and top military commander is released but peace remains fragile. EU agrees Iranian oil embargo Posted: Monday, January 23, 2012 European Union agrees on Iran oil embargo European Union nations have agreed on an oil embargo against Iran as part of sanctions over its nuclear programme. EU agrees Iranian oil embargo Foreign ministers' deal in Brussels could lead to soaring fuel prices and Iran closing the strait of Hormuz Iran 'definitely' closing Strait of Hormuz over EU oil embargo Tensions in the Gulf could reach a breaking point as a senior Iranian official said Iran would "definitely" close the Strait of Hormuz if an EU oil embargo disrupted the export of crude oil, the semi-official Fars news agency reports. Britain, US and France send warships through Strait of Hormuz Britain, America and France delivered a pointed signal to Iran, sending six warships led by a 100,000 ton aircraft carrier through the highly sensitive waters of the Strait of Hormuz. 'Iran can shut Hormuz if threatened' A senior member of Iran's Majlis says it is the right of the Iranian nation to close the Strait of Hormuz if US-led Western states proceed with threats to impose an oil embargo on Iran. Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Open, U.S. NATO Ambassador Says Russia lashes out at EU sanctions on Iran ...says they will impede resolution of nuclear issue Touch Iran in a War, You Will Hear Russia and China With the inclusion of the Chinese, the Russian Federation and Iran are widely considered to be allies and partners. Together the Russia Federation, the People's Republic of China, and the Islamic Republic of Iran form a barrier against the United States. 'Iran will make world unsafe for US' An Iranian lawmaker says in the event of US "military adventurism" in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will respond in the shortest possible time by making the entire world unsafe for Americans. 'Israel to Give Obama 12 Hours Notice on Attacking Iran' Israel told visiting US Gen. Dempsey that Obama would get no more than 12 hours notice before an attack on Iran, the London Times reports. Gaddafi supporters seize control of Libyan town Fighters loyal to Libya's overthrown leader Muammar Gaddafi took control of a town south-east of the capital on Monday, flying their green flags in defiance of the country's fragile new government. Libya suspends transitional government members The head of Libya's transitional government on Sunday suspended delegates from Benghazi, the city that kicked off the movement that toppled ruler Moammar Gadhafi last year. US-NATO war crimes in Libya A report released last week by Middle East human rights groups presents extensive evidence of war crimes carried out in Libya by the United States, NATO and their proxy "rebel" forces during last year's war, which brought down the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Saudi Arabia: the Middle East's most under-reported conflict Shia protesters, demanding long overdue and promised reforms, are bearing the brunt of a security crackdown. Egypt's Islamist-led parliament meets, rivalries on display Egypt's first free parliament in six decades got to work Monday with Islamists holding by far the most seats and opponents comparing their grip on the chamber to that enjoyed by the now defunct party of deposed President Hosni Mubarak. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says he's launching TV show ...promises controversy AL mission: Syria violence decreased Head of the Arab League's monitoring mission in Syria says violence decreased in the country after the arrival of Arab observers. Report: Russia to deliver combat jets to Syria Business daily Kommersant cites source close to Russia's Rosoboronexport state arms trader, that $550-million deal envisages delivery of 36 Yak-130 aircraft. Rivalry among Syrian defectors could mean another military coup Disagreements between the army officers and soldiers could lead to the creation of separate militias, which could make it difficult to build a consensus around a leadership that could serve as an alternative to the regime. Condolence payments to Afghans total millions One week after 15 civilians were killed during a U.S. night operation at an Afghan village in 2009, U.S. commanders went to the village and passed out $40,000 in cash "condolence" payments. U.S. flouts law at Guantanamo, despite Obama vow: U.N. The United States is still flouting international law at Guantanamo Bay, despite President Barack Obama's election pledge to shut the facility, the United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay said on Monday. UNICEF: 750,000 Yemeni children malnourished Nigeria: Police confirm 186 dead in Kano blast The Police authority in Kano on Monday confirmed that a total of 186 persons died from last Friday multiple bomb blast that rocked the ancient city of Kano. ICC charges four over Kenyan vote violence Four officials, including two presidential candidates, accused of inciting violence after 2007 disputed elections. Critics say Haditha sends message that U.S. won't punish military Several analysts said they feared that the deal Monday to end Marine Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich's court-martial in the killing of 24 Iraqis would harden the widespread conviction in the international community that the U.S. does not hold its troops accountable for misdeeds or meet the standards of conduct it attempts to impose on other countries. Venezuela's Armed Forces Under Fire by Washington Posted: Saturday, January 21, 2012 By Eva Golinger January 20, 2012 - Correo del Orinoco During an event that included the transfer of mandate of several members of the high military command on Tuesday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said changes to the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) are important for strengthening democracy. Chavez was referring specifically to General Henry Rangel Silva, who was sworn in this week as the new Minister of Defense. "May the decent and patriotic officials of our Bolivarian Armed Forces give their full support to our new Minister. Changes in the National Bolivarian Armed Forces are important for our democratic homeland", declared the President. Rangel Silva's designation as the South American nation's new Minister of Defense has been hyped up and distorted in media outlets throughout Venezuela, Colombia and the United States. In 2008, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the Treasury Department, included Rangel Silva on its list of foreigners allegedly involved in drug trafficking and/or terrorism under the "Kingpin Act". However, no evidence was presented to support this serious claim. OFAC also included the head of Venezuela's military intelligence, General Hugo Carvajal, and then Minister of Interior and Justice, Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, on the same list with Rangel Silva, who at the time oversaw Venezuela's civilian intelligence agency, SEBIN. The inclusion of the three heads of Venezuelan intelligence was largely viewed as an attack against the oil nation's security apparatus, at a time when the US government was considering placing Venezuela on its list of "state sponsors of terrorism". The allegations against Rangel Silva, Carvajal and Rodriguez Chacin, were based on unsubstantiated data from laptop computers acquired by the Colombian government during the March 2008 attack on a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) camp. Using the laptop content, Washington claimed the three Venezuelan officials had "materially assisted the narcotics trafficking activities of the FARC, a narcoterrorist organization". INTERPOL later determined the information on the computers could not be authenticated nor could the original source of the data be verified. Colombia's highest court also ruled that the laptop data could not be used as legal evidence against anyone. Nonetheless, the famous FARC laptops have been used by both the conservative Colombian government, Washington and some media to tarnish Venezuela's image and accuse it of compliance with drug trafficking and terrorism. The FARC is considered a terrorist group only by Colombia and the United States. No corroborating evidence has ever been presented to demonstrate Rangel Silva's or other members of the Venezuelan government's involvement with the FARC or any illicit activities. President Chavez did hold negotiations with the FARC on several occasions under the direct authorization of the Colombian government. His involvement secured the release of several hostages the FARC had held for years, including Ingrid Betancourt and three US military officers. On Wednesday, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland warned "our concerns about Rangel Silva are well known and of long standing". But those "concerns" have yet to be substantiated by any legally credible evidence. Rangel Silva has adamantly denied the charges against him. No formal complaints have been brought against him within Venezuela or by Colombia, nor has any other independent evidence been presented to link him to any illegal activities. Rangel Silva has been a close ally and collaborator of President Chavez for over 20 years. He trained with him as a younger soldier and participated in the Chavez-led military rebellion against the murderous and corrupt government of Carlos Andres Perez on February 4, 1992. The new Minister of Defense has held high-level positions during the Chavez administration, including head of the intelligence agency SEBIN and Commander of the Strategic Operational Command, which oversees all of Venezuela's Armed Forces operational activities. At the time of his designation as Minister of Defense, he was the highest ranking officer in the country. Source: Correo del Orinoco International The World War On Democracy Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 Megaupload shutdown: guns, cars and cash seized in police swoop Megaupload founder appears in New Zealand courtroom as US seeks extradition on racketeering and money laundering charges Man behind Megaupload remains defiant Kim Dotcom, the 37-year-old man behind Megaupload.com, was already a notorious figure in the online file-sharing world before he was forced out of the "panic room" of his $24m New Zealand mansion and arrested, in one of world's largest criminal copyright cases. Government takedown of Megaupload leads to new fears The government takedown of Megaupload, a popular file-sharing site, has stoked simmering fears that hard-line enforcement of copyright infringements could profoundly disrupt Internet commerce. China gets jump on U.S. for Brazil's oil Off the coast of Rio de Janeiro — below a mile of water and two miles of shifting rock, sand and salt — is an ultradeep sea of oil that could turn Brazil into the world's fourth-largest oil producer, behind Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The World War On Democracy Lisette Talate died the other day. I remember a wiry, fiercely intelligent woman who masked her grief with a determination that was a presence. She was the embodiment of people's resistance to the war on democracy. After a year of Arab upheaval, Islamists are biggest winners SAS on ground during Libya crisis The British involvement in the campaign to overthrow Col Muammar Gaddafi was a very public one, particularly the part of it involving the use of RAF aircraft. The fighting on the ground was said to have been done by Libyans but Newsnight has learned that British soldiers were on the ground in Libya, alongside the anti-Gaddafi forces. Inside story of the UK's secret mission to beat Gaddafi British efforts to help topple Colonel Gaddafi were not limited to air strikes. On the ground - and on the quiet - special forces soldiers were blending in with rebel fighters. This is the previously untold account of the crucial part they played. Nato accused of war crimes in Libya New report criticises Western forces for bombing civilian targets in Sirte during conflict US takes full control over NATO operation in Libya – Lavrov Mali military says 47 killed in northern clashes Mali's military said on Thursday its armed forces had killed 45 gunmen and lost two soldiers in attacks on two towns in the north of the country this week, a toll immediately rejected by a spokesman for the Tuareg-led rebels. Nigeria puts $310,000 bounty on escaped bomb suspect Nigeria's police are offering a 50 million naira ($309,600) reward for information leading to the recapture of the main suspect in a Christmas Day bomb attack, who escaped within 24 hours of his arrest this week. Officials: U.S. seeks new home for Yemen's Saleh The Obama administration is engaged in an intensive effort with Yemen's embattled strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh to find him a new home, preferably not in the United States, so that his violence-wracked Arabian homeland can proceed with a transition to democracy, U.S. officials say. Charles Taylor 'worked' for CIA in Liberia US authorities say former Liberian leader Charles Taylor worked for its intelligence agencies, including the CIA, the Boston Globe reports. The U.S.: Still the protector of Mideast strongmen Nato not even thinking of Syria operation: Top general Nato is not planning or even 'thinking' of intervening in Syria, the alliance's most senior officer said on Thursday, days after a top Russian official said such plans were in the making. Who wants war with Iran? Netanyahu is desperate to have the United States launch air and missile strikes to stop Tehran from becoming the world's ninth nuclear power. And he is echoed not only by U.S. neocons, but GOP candidates save Ron Paul. The Confrontation with Iran: A Covert War Netanyahu pressuring Europe to embargo Iran oil Talks with Iran a 'foolish waste of time': US lawmaker Russia warns that Iran strike could trigger 'chain reaction' Russian Says Western Support for Arab Revolts Could Cause a 'Big War' Ex-CIA Officer: Worst-case Iran scenario is WW3! Exclusive: New U.S. Commando Team Operating Near Iran Britain pulls the plug on Iran's Press TV Iranian news channel Press TV will disappear from British television screens on Friday after Britain's media regulator revoked its licence in a move that could fuel diplomatic tensions with the Islamic nation. Beating Up on Chavez Since inaugurated in February 1999, he's faced open US hostility, including by go-along major media scoundrels. Chavez: U.S Threats to Sanction Latin America Are "Absurd" Cost of supplying Afghan War increases 600% since Pakistan closed border SOPA – Don't Just Protest – Get Even The entire reason why SOPA's authors and supporters have the money, influence, and power to put draconian bills like it forward in the first place is because of our daily patronizing of their corporations and the goods and services they provide. This is the horror of war Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 The U.S. Government Funded the Iranian Terrorist Group Which "Found" The Documents Upon Which the Warmongers Are Relying The people pushing for war against Iran are the same neocons who pushed for war against Iraq. (They planned both wars at least 20 years ago.) Inside Mossad's war on Tehran Small groups of Israeli agents were watching key points in the Iranian capital. Their target was Roshan. They would be dead themselves if they were caught. 'Iran will respond to nuclear killings' A senior Iranian commander has warned of a crushing response to the Israeli regime as well as the US and Britain for their role in the assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists. When is a terrorist not a terrorist? & War with Iran or not? Iran says CIA behind nuclear scientist's killing Iran sends rare letter to U.S. over killed scientist Iran said on Saturday it had evidence Washington was behind the latest killing of one of its nuclear scientists, state television reported, at a time when tensions over the country's nuclear program have escalated to their highest level ever. Iran says nabbed suspects in scientist's murder Iran's parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani claims several suspects arrested for involvement in death of nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan. US warns Iran to leave Persian Gulf oil route alone ...clash shows risk of larger war 'Israel and U.S. postpone massive defense drill in fear of escalation with Iran' Israeli defense officials tell Channel 2 that Washington wants to avoid causing further tensions in region after various foreign reports of U.S. and Israeli preparations for strike on Iran. U.S. Warns Israel on Iran Strike Officials Lobby Against Attack on Iran as Military Leaders Bolster Defenses What's behind Europe's tough stance on Iran? European powers have agreed in principle to embargo Iranian oil, the lifeblood of Iran's economy, adding to tough sanctions already in place. Will Netanyahu's Provocations Backfire? Netanyahu's combined efforts to push the U.S. into a war on Iran as a smokescreen for his plan to absorb the West Bank and to manipulate the U.S. presidential election may open the door to an alliance of U.S. and Israeli national security officials who believe in security through peace and justice. Iranians proud over US award win for 'A Separation' Iranians reacted with pride on Monday after an Iranian film, "A Separation", won a major US prize -- a triumph on the international stage that, for a moment, eclipsed geopolitical tensions. The Guantánamo facility at 10: an assault on our constitutional government Spanish judge reopens Guantanamo torture probe For too many African-Americans, prison is a legacy passed from father to son Today is Martin Luther King Day. But with more African-American men facing jail than were enslaved in 1850, there is little to celebrate Rival Libyan militias clash in Tripoli; 3 killed Rival militants clashed in the Libyan capital Sunday, killing three people, officials said, in the latest example of the challenges facing the country's new rulers in uniting armed militias and overcoming long-standing tensions among them. Libya bank denies receiving Qaddafi's $20 billion "We have not received" the funds, central bank governor al-Seddiq Omar al-Kabir told reporters when asked to confirm whether Libya had received the money as announced by Foreign Minister Ashur bin Khayyal on Tuesday. Pakistani government faces critical day in court A political crisis gripping Pakistan could take a decisive turn Monday when its embattled government appears before the Supreme Court, which is ordering it to reopen a stalled graft probe against the president or face dismissal. Pakistani Prime Minister Faces Off with the Military In Pakistan, civilian governments never exit gracefully. They have all been given a mighty heave amid crisis. Sometimes Prime Ministers have been trampled by direct military coups. Contempt notice issued against Pakistan PM Supreme court begins proceedings against Yousuf Raza Gilani over inaction in reopening corruption cases. Pakistan Supreme Court Issues Premier Gilani Contempt Notice... Pakistan's Supreme Court began contempt of court proceedings against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for failing to obey its order to pursue corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari, a step that may lead to Gilani's dismissal. $million bounty on Musharraf's head Just days ahead of former Pakistan president General Pervez Musharraf's planned return to Pakistan from self-exile, a grandson of slain Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Bugti has put a bounty worth Rs 101 million (USD 1,118,370) on the former military ruler's head. Robert Fisk: This is not about 'bad apples'. This is the horror of war How many other abuses took place off camera? How many Hadithas? How many My Lais? So now it's snapshots of US Marines pissing on the Afghan dead. Better, I suppose, than the US soldiers pictured beside the innocent Afghan teenager they fragged back in March of last year. Report: Syrian rebels to create military council in exile Russia presents new Syria resolution at UN Russia on Monday distributed a new draft resolution on the Syria crisis at the UN Security Council after facing weeks of criticism over the slow pace of talks, diplomats said. Britain's Deputy Prime Minister: Israeli settlement construction is 'vandalism' Nick Clegg makes statement during press conference with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who begins a three country European tour to consult the stalled peace talks. Did you know that by law the US guarantees israel's oil supply - no matter what? 'Nuclear assassinations disgrace IAEA' Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 'Nuclear assassinations disgrace IAEA' The assassination of Iranian scientists has disgraced the UN nuclear agency as the body has provided Western intelligence agencies with confidential information on Iran's nuclear experts, a political analyst tells Press TV. Anti-US chants as slain Iran nuclear expert buried Thousands of mourners chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" on Friday during the funeral of a slain nuclear expert whom Iranian officials accuse the two nations of killing in a bomb blast this week as part of a secret operation to stop Iran's nuclear program. Iranian paper calls for retaliation against Israel Israel is pushing U.S. toward Iran war, Russian official says Iran: The Neocons Are At It Again The same neocons who persuaded George W. Bush and crew to, in Ron Paul's inimitable words, "lie their way into invading Iraq" in 2003, are beating the drums of war more loudly these days to attack Iran. It is remarkable how many of these war-mongers are former draft dodgers who wanted other Americans to fight the war in Vietnam. Iran and the Terrorism game In the few venues which yesterday denounced as "Terrorism" the ongoing assassinations of Iranian scientists, there was intense backlash against the invocation of that term. That always happens whenever "Terrorism" is applied to acts likely undertaken by Israel, the U.S. or its allies... Russia warns EU over Iran oil sanctions A senior Russian official warns the European Union not to join US oil sanctions against Iran because the measure will have adverse economic consequences for the bloc's member states. Unemployment and Rising Prices: The Face of Iran Sanctions Sanctions Harm Private Industry, Leave Populace Seeking Government Aid Top Iran leader is warned by U.S. on strait threat Use of force tops agenda on Iran How close is the west getting to all-out conflict with Iran? As 2012 gets under way, the question is right at the top of the international security agenda. EU's Iran Oil Embargo Said Likely to Be Delayed Six Months Japan joins US, EU in Iranian oil embargo No proof of nuclear bomb development by Iran - Patrushev Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev has said that Western countries have no evidence that Tehran is trying to create a nuclear weapon. Oprah: No Huge Endorsement Event For Obama This Time Oprah Winfrey tells CNN she still supports President Obama, however she will not do a large endorsement event like she did during the 2008 campaign cycle. Moore Warns Obama: "There Are Enough Pissed Off People That Will Go Somewhere Else" Michael Moore comes out swinging at President Obama at a Tavis Smiley forum on poverty in America. N Korea signals it's open to US disarmament deal Bahrain protests: Police use tear gas to break up march Security police have used tear gas and stun grenades to break up an anti-government march in Bahrain's capital, Manama. Video : US Marines Urinating On Corpses Taliban set terms as US pushes for talks Group says it will step up "political efforts" but not give up armed struggle as US prepares way for Afghan peace talks. Assessing the Afghan war: Guess what? We aren't winning Russia Says NATO, Persian Gulf Nations Plan to Seek No-Fly Zone for Syria Russia received information that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and some Persian Gulf countries are preparing military intervention in Syria, the head of the Russian Security Council said. Yemen's rival forces given two-day deadline to demilitarize A Yemeni committee of security and military agencies has given rival forces two days to remove military barricades and gunmen from the capital Sana'a as part of an effort to re-establish security in the country, reported state news agency SABA Thursday. U.S. drone strike kills six militants in North Waziristan region of Pakistan Syria: Camera crew captures attack that killed French journalist Syrian TV has released footage of the attack captured by a camera crew in which French journalist Gilles Jacquier was amongst at least eight people killed in the Syrian city of Homs. Russian weapons ship arrives in Syria - paper Supreme Court upholds ban on Palestinians living with Israeli spouses A legal challenge to a law that bans Palestinians from living in Israel with spouses who are Israeli citizens was rejected by a panel of Supreme Court justices yesterday. Iranian Scientist Killed in Third Assassination Posted: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Terrorists Kill Commerce Deputy of Iran's Nuclear Enrichment Site An Iranian university professor and deputy director at Natanz enrichment facility was killed in a terrorist bomb blast in a Northern Tehran neighborhood on Wednesday morning. More murder of Iranian scientists: still terrorism? Several days ago I referenced a controversy that arose in 2007 when the law professor and right-wing blogger Glenn "Instapundit" Reynolds criticized President Bush for not doing enough to stop Iran's nuclear program and then advocated that the U.S. respond by murdering that nation's religious leaders and nuclear scientists. Iranian Scientist Killed in Third Assassination Targeting Nuclear Program An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in a Tehran bomb blast, state media reported, in at least the third assassination targeting the nation's atomic program that the U.S. and Israel have vowed to halt. Bomb kills Iran nuclear scientist as crisis mounts US denies killing Iran nuclear scientist with magnetic bomb 'Western powers and their allies appear to be relying on covert war tactics to try to delay and degrade Iran's nuclear advancement,' security expert says 'IAEA leaked secret info to Iran enemy' A senior lawmaker says assassination of Iranian scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan proves that the confidential information provided to international bodies by Iran has been leaked to the country's enemies. Iran says Fordo uranium enrichment site runs under IAEA watch China unbowed by US pressure over Iranian oil US Treasury Secretary fails to persuade China to back sanctions against Iranian oil industry during talks in Beijing. Iranian president arrives in Cuba; U.S. warns of 'dangerous alliance' Ahmadinejad's Latin America tour seen as effort side-step international tensions and find new markets as the European Union considers an outright embargo on Iranian oil. After Iran, Venezuela? "The build-up against Venezuela that began during the George W. Bush administration has rapidly accelerated under Obama." War Plan Iran: The US Finally Admits Its Criminal Bankruptcy Officially, America is now bankrupt: financially, economically, politically – and morally. Its criminal aggression towards Iran is just one of many parts of a jigsaw that add up to a clear and grotesque picture of what the United States of America now represents in the 21st Century world. George Lucas: Hollywood Wouldn't Back My Film About Tuskegee Airmen Due to All Black Cast Star Wars creator George Lucas said Monday that Hollywood studios refused to back his new film Red Tails - about World War II's Tuskegee Airmen - because the cast was all black. Obama sending 5 US military officers to S. Sudan President Barack Obama is sending five American military officers to South Sudan amid recent outbreaks of violence in the newly independent African nation. Russia sends warship to Syria to prevent Libyan scenario Russia has sent yet another warship to Syria in support of its leader Bashar al-Assad and to show of solidarity with this embattled leader. UAE sends 12 more monitors to observe Syrian regime The UAE has sent 12 more monitors to join the controversial Arab League observer mission in Syria. Report: Eight killed in attack on pro-regime rally in Syria At least eight people, including a Belgian reporter, were killed Wednesday when shells hit a pro-regime rally in the central Syrian province of Homs, Syrian Al Dunia Television reported. Al-Assad blames 'external conspiracies' for Syrian violence Deaths in Nigeria as tensions sharpen Eight people killed in the north and an Islamic school burnt down in the south, as a fuel strike rattles the country. US gave grant to Pakistani Muslim group which demonstrated in favor of governor's killer Afghan government accuses US of torture and false imprisonment Venezuela's Chavez welcomes ally Ahmadinejad Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 Iran court sentences former U.S. Marine to death An Iranian court on Monday convicted an Iranian-American man of spying for the CIA and sentenced him to death, Iranian state news media reported Monday. Iran arrests 'several US spies' trying to disrupt elections Iran's secret services claim to have arrested several people on charges of spying for the US and seeking to disrupt the country's parliamentary elections. Iran Trumpets Nuclear Ability at a Second Location Iran's top nuclear official announced this weekend that the country was on the verge of starting production at its second major uranium enrichment site, in a defiant declaration that its nuclear program would continue despite new international sanctions restricting its oil revenue. The New York Times misleading public on Iran The paper has made faulty allegations about Iran's nuclear programme without running proper corrections. Venezuela's Chavez welcomes ally Ahmadinejad Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dismissed a U.S. warning to avoid close ties with Iran on Sunday, denouncing what he said was Washington's attempt to dominate the world as he welcomed the Iranian president to the Latin American nation. Beijing rejects sanctions on Iranian oil Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, visiting Beijing this week, is expected to press Chinese leaders to reduce the country's oil imports from Iran. But Geithner is likely to find Beijing resistant to putting financial pressure on the government in Tehran. Iran on edge over upcoming elections Parliamentary elections in March seen as the most sensitive in the history of the Islamic republic. U.S. expels Venezuelan diplomat in Miami Venezuela will not recognize World Bank ruling in Exxon case Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday that his country would not recognize any ruling by a World Bank tribunal in a multibillion-dollar arbitration case with Exxon Mobil Corp. Perry: "I would send troops back into Iraq" Rick Perry said he would send U.S. troops back to Iraq at a Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire on Saturday. Syria opposition split raises calls for foreign intervention Arab League keeps Syria monitors, despite criticism Cairo - The Arab League agreed Sunday to keep an observer mission in Syria, after the observers reportedly criticized Damascus for failing to comply with a peace plan to end 10 months of bloodshed in the country. Western oil firms remain as US exits Iraq The end of the US military occupation does not mean Iraqis have full control of their oil. Iraq: A country in shambles Despite promises made for improvements, Iraq's economy and infrastructure are still a disaster. Iraqi Torture Scandal Touches Highest Levels of NATO A scandal unfolding in Denmark over the transfer of Iraqi prisoners by Danish forces to Iraq authorities, even as they knew they would be tortured, threatens to implicate the current Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen, formerly prime minister of Denmark from 2001-2009. Obama's New Military Strategy Doesn't Add Up President Barack Obama ordered up yet another strategic review last year. This one explicitly aimed at bringing the nation's military posture into line with something we can afford. US Eyes Arms Sales to South Sudan Obama Claims Arming Unstable Regime 'Promotes World Peace' SPLA Hails Obama Decision Allowing South Sudan to Buy US Weapons The United States President Barack Obama issued a memorandum on Friday notifying the Secretary of State and Congress that he is adding South Sudan to the list of countries eligible to buy weapons from the US. Kenyan jets kill '60 or more' Somali Islamist insurgents Nigeria: Adamawa Killings Continue BARELY 24 hours after about 29 persons were killed in Mubi, Adamawa State, gunmen, yesterday, struck again in the state, leaving three other persons dead. Nigeria's oil disasters are met by silence The global media have had little to say on Nigeria's latest oil spill and the hundreds of others that have destroyed so many lives. China planning military base in Pakistan, Indian report says China slams US military adventurism China says the accusations leveled against the country in the new United States defense strategy are "groundless" and aim to counter the Asian country's growing power. Mullah Omar confirms peace talks with US Posted: Thursday, January 5, 2012 Argentine President Cristina Kirchner's cancer operation 'successful' Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has been successfully operated on for thyroid cancer. Brazil's Lula begins cancer radiation treatment Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva began a first session of radiation therapy Wednesday for a cancerous tumor in his throat. Mullah Omar confirms peace talks with US KABUL: Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar has confirmed opening peace talks with the US authorities, Geo News reported on Thursday. Mullah Omar tries to end Taliban-Pakistan fighting Prosecution: Mubarak clearly authorised shoot-to-kill policy Prosecutor seeks death for Egypt's Mubarak Egyptian prosecutors have demanded the death sentence for former president Hosni Mubarak and other defendants including his two sons and the former interior minister for their role in the killing of protesters in the uprising that swept him from power. Egyptian activists worry Islamist-led parliament will go easy on military Shiites targeted in Baghdad bombing blitz More than 70 people have been killed in a series of bombings in Iraq in the second major day of attacks in a fortnight, ramping up fears of an increase in sectarian strife. Iraq: 81 killed, 151 wounded in attacks U.S. envoy says Iraq following rule of law in al-Hashemi case The U.S. ambassador to Iraq said that an investigation into allegations against Iraq's vice president appears to be proceeding fairly despite claims that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is pursuing a political vendetta against a rival. In Post-Gaddafi Libya, Freedom is Messy—and Getting Messier Militias could drag Libya into civil war: NTC chief Libya: Collapse of justice leaves at least 7,000 behind bars Libya latest news: Chaos Karzai demands handover of US detention center to Afghan control security contractors arested Doubts over Syria rebel army after escalation threat Threats by Syrian armed insurgents to step up attacks on security forces, just days after their leader announced a truce that was largely ignored, have reinforced doubts over the control top officers exert over rebel fighters on the ground. EU agrees to embargo on Iranian crude European governments have agreed in principle to ban imports of Iranian oil, EU diplomats said on Wednesday, dealing a blow to Tehran that crowns new Western sanctions months before an Iranian election. Iran says has way to work around EU oil ban threat Why is Britain ramping up sanctions against Iran? Sabre-rattling at Washington's behest is an idiocy, and likely to do little other than escalate the steps to open conflict. A mistaken case for Syrian regime change Although not mentioned, the "strategic prize" of the first stage of this war on Iran is Syria; the first campaign in a much wider sectarian power-bid. "Other than the collapse of the Islamic Republic itself," Saudi King Abdullah was reported to have said last summer, "nothing would weaken Iran more than losing Syria." "Alarming malnutrition" in Sudan conflict zones: U.N. The Outlook For Liberty is Dismal Posted: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Iraq. Began with big lies. Ending with big lies. Never forget. "Most people don't understand what they have been part of here," said Command Sgt. Major Ron Kelley as he and other American troops prepared to leave Iraq in mid-December. "We have done a great thing as a nation. We freed a people and gave their country back to them." Lest We Forget, Iraq's Horrific Body Count Over 162,000 people, about 80% of them civilians, were killed in Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003, according to new data published by Iraq Body Count to mark the withdrawal of US combat forces. Many more grim details and numbers, including the fact that civilian deaths have not noticeably declined since 2009. How Two Wars in the Greater Middle East Revealed the Weakness of the Global Superpower It was to be the war that would establish empire as an American fact. It would result in a thousand-year Pax Americana. It was to be "mission accomplished" all the way. And then, of course, it wasn't. And then, almost nine dismal years later, it was over (sorta). Obama Makes Arms Sales A Key Tool Of U.S. Foreign Policy Why Libyans Have Fallen Out of Love with Qatar When Libya's cashed-strapped rebels needed financial support to bankroll their revolution last spring, they did not look to Western powers such as the U.S. and England for aid. Instead they turned to tiny Qatar. The Persian Gulf emirate provided the struggling rebels everything from weapons to heating oil. During the eight-month revolution, Libyans in rebel-held areas praised Qatar. But after the capital of Tripoli fell and the country's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed, Libyans turned on their benefactor, accusing Qatar of a hidden agenda: getting a small faction of Islamists to implement its agenda. U.S. Joins EU Pressing to Cut Iran Oil Sales Over Nuclear Effort Iran Says Nuclear Talks to Resume Soon, IAEA Inspectors to Visit Russia: Iran Not Capable of Developing Intercontinental Missiles South Sudanese 'massacred' after fleeing Pibor The Outlook For Liberty is Dismal Those writers who are critical of Washington's illegal wars and overthrow of the US Constitution could find themselves in indefinite detainment, because criticism of Washington's policies can be alleged to be aiding Washington's enemies, which might include charities that provide aid to bombed Palestinian children and flotillas that attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Syria will be bloodiest yet BRITAIN is gearing up for fighting in Syria that could be bigger and bloodier than the battle against Gaddafi. 18 Syrian Army Soldiers Killed By Deserters Free Syrian Army threatens to escalate campaign Arab League says Syria monitors are helping U.S. fears Syria not living up to Arab League deal Israel-Egypt peace appears to be nearing its end Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood plans to put treaty with Israel to a referendum The Muslim Brotherhood, the overwhelming victor in the first round of elections for the Egyptian Parliament, has announced it will not recognize Israel and intends to bring the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty to a referendum. Qatar invaded Libya, now invades Syria Posted: Sunday, January 1, 2012 Qatar invaded Libya, now invades Syria Clashes between Syrian army and defectors, says opposition Cairo - Syrian military forces clashed Sunday with army deserters in a restive area near the capital Damascus, opposition activists said. Arab League mission to Syria becomes focus of demands for military intervention The visit by Arab League observers to Homs, Hama, Idlib, Deraa , the Damascus suburb of Douma and other conflict zones has become the focus of concerted demands for the Western powers to intervene militarily into the ongoing civil war in Syria. A Funny Thing Happened on the Road to (Regime Change in) Damascus The Western press has dutifully — and uncritically — repeated harrowing tales of the Syrian government's "siege of Homs" — the 4,000 government forces randomly shelling the city, the snipers everywhere killing anyone on the streets, even the troops' digging trenches to prevent the people from escaping the mass slaughter of the innocents. America's Bloody Clipboard: Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Now Iran US Threatens War in the Persian Gulf The Obama administration's bellicose stance towards Iran is setting the stage for a dangerous slide towards war in the Persian Gulf. Having provoked Tehran with legislation for what amounts to an oil embargo, the US is threatening Iran with military action if it retaliates by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. Urging Obama to Stop Rush to Iran War Exclusive: A torrent of war propaganda against Iran is flooding the American political scene as U.S. neocons and Israeli hardliners see an opening for another war in the Middle East, a momentum that ex-CIA analysts Ray McGovern and Elizabeth Murray urge President Obama to stop. Iran's President To Visit Four Latin American Countries Next Month Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad will be visiting four Latin America countries in the second week of next month. EU open to nuclear talks with Iran, without preconditions The European Union is open to meaningful talks with Iran provided there are no preconditions on the Iranian side, an EU foreign policy spokesman said on Saturday. Iran 'test-fires medium-range missile' in Gulf Iran has successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile during military exercises in the Gulf, the official Irna news agency reports. US imposes sanctions on banks dealing with Iran Obama signs into law bill imposing Iran banking sanctions U.S. President signs a sweeping defense funding bill that includes new sanctions on financial institutions dealing with Iran's central bank. Ahmadinejad says Iran's central bank will face new U.S. sanctions with 'strength' Iran central bank to file motion in US court to unfreeze fund Muslim Haters Tie Iran to 9/11 Another element of the "go-to-war-with-Iran hysteria" is a "default judgment" by a U.S. court linking Iran to 9/11. However, Iran had no legal representation in the case, allowing dubious and bogus allegations to go unchallenged, as Gareth Porter noted in this article for Truthout. The decline of the American empire As the world is undergoing a profound transformation, what role will the US play in a post-American century? US says Afghan Taliban 'not an enemy' Reports say Washington will hold secret meetings with the group this year after statement by US officials. Karzai welcomes US remarks on Taliban Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday welcomed US Vice President Joe Biden's remarks that the Taliban "per se is not our enemy". Over 560 ISAF troops die in Afghan war in 2011 KABUL: Foreign troops fighting in Afghanistan continue to pay a high toll, with more than 560 killed in 2011, the second highest number in the 10-year war against the Taliban-led insurgency. N Korea vows to defend Kim 'unto death' NORTH Korea said today in its annual New Year's message that it will stage an all-out drive toward prosperity, with its army, ruling party and people ready to defend the late Kim Jong-Il's young son and successor "unto death." Seize the Chance to End the Craziness in North Korea Imperialism and the "Anti-Imperialism of the Fools" One of the great paradoxes of history are the claims of imperialist politicians to be engaged in a great humanitarian crusade, a historic "civilizing mission" designed to liberate nations and peoples, while practicing the most barbaric conquests, destructive wars and large scale bloodletting of conquered people in historical memory. A World in Denial of What It Knows COULD there be a single phrase that explains the woes of our time, this dismal age of political miscalculations and deceptions, of reckless and disastrous wars, of financial boom and bust and downright criminality? Pak forces claim seizing US, NATO military equipment Bahrain riot police clash with protesters One reportedly killed in anti-government demonstrations after last month's probe revealed abuses by security forces. |
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