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60 Boko Haram members killed in Maiduguri
Today's Headlines
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Government
Mueller to Congress: We Didn't Know About al-Amoudi Link to Tsarnaev Mosque
[PJM]
"This is the guy
[Abdul Rahman al-Amoudi, the founder of the American Muslim Council]
that started the mosques where your Tsarnaevs were attending, and you didn't even bother to go check about the mosque? And then when you have the pictures, why did no one go to the mosque and say, 'Who are these guys? They attend -- may attend here?'" Gohmert
[R-Texas]
continued. "Why -- why was that not done since such a 'thorough' job was done?"
al-Aoundi was OFF LIMITS amd we wanted the 'little people' to make the already discovered... discovery, that's why !
"Your facts are not altogether --" Mueller began before Gohmert interjected, "Sir, if you're gonna call me a liar you need to point out specifically where any facts are wrong."

"We went to the mosque," Mueller said. "Prior to Boston happening we were in that mosque talking to imams several months beforehand as part of our outreach efforts."
As in the administration's.... Mooslim Outreach Program ?
"So were you aware that those mosques were started by al-Amoudi?"

"I've answered the question, sir," the FBI director tersely responded.

"You didn't answer the question, were you aware they were started by al-Amoudi?" Gohmert
[R-Texas]
pressed.

"No," Mueller replied.
Finally, the truth, or at least some of it !
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 16:56 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [7 views] Top|| File under:


Africa North
Slick tells Champ: Override public opposition to Syrian intervention
[Breitbart] Massive public diversion needed. Wag the dog coming soon.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 16:46 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under:


Great White North
Canadian currency redesign effectively thwarts Muslims
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 15:58 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under:


Fifth Column
IRS agents training with AR-15s
Posted by: Frozen Al || 06/13/2013 13:31 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [15 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ...With the exception of the FBI, the US Marshals' Service, and the Secret Service, there NOT ONE GOVERNMENT AGENCY OUTSIDE THE MILITARY that requires handling automatic weapons. If the IRS or any other alphabet soup needs firepower THAT heavy, get a warrant and hie their fannies over to the FBI or USM.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 06/13/2013 20:42 Comments || Top||

#2  Mike agreed, but AR15, semi auto. I know splitting hairs, Sorry, I'm on drugs today,
IRS has no need for any weapons training...
Posted by: 49 Pan || 06/13/2013 22:51 Comments || Top||


Science & Technology
Welcome to the Tailored Access Organiztion: NSA's China hackers
Posted by: Frozen Al || 06/13/2013 13:24 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [5 views] Top|| File under:


V-22 Osprey experiencing booming sales
Posted by: Frozen Al || 06/13/2013 12:12 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [15 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This thing represents the triumph of aspiration over moderation in engineering. It is an aviation analogy to the Chrysler building, Fallingwater, or the Ford Mustang.

Americans should be proud that their notoriously timid civil servants held steady on this program for DECADES in order to deliver something extra-ordinary.
Posted by: rammer || 06/13/2013 21:29 Comments || Top||

#2  Don't know if I agree about the part in the Article that the cost of the machine may fall as the maintainers learn how to fix it......that paints Marine Aviation as a bunch of dumb grunts (no pun intended) but perhaps the author meant that as the aircraft matures and more data becomes available, the service life of critical items can be extended; the USN started with a 500 hour high time for the J-52 and through alanysis and planned increments, took the life up to 1000 before the Intruder was retired Now modular component time tracking ( or event/cycles) means that a critical item could last forever, as long as the individual pieses were replaced. This gets way deep in the weeeds of stats and a robust PM system.
For the record, the USMC airdales I worked with were top notch, didn't matter if they were rotor heads or fixed wingers.
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 06/13/2013 23:05 Comments || Top||


Government
Roger Ailes: We don't need 16k more people who can't line dance.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 10:27 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Subsaharan
SANDF on Standby for Mandela - Nuus24
The Army or what remains of it is currently involved in an exercise with the US Army, but there is a provision to be moved to the Eastern Cape should the need arise.
US Mobile Training Team's (MTT) quietly coming and going for years. Bastions of democracy and inclusion and Zim backer President Jacob 'Six Wives' Zuma and the ANC. We never miss an opportunity to back the wrong team. Please keep it quiet will you ?
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 09:50 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [6 views] Top|| File under:


-Lurid Crime Tales-
St. Louis: Weekly WIA/KIA report - Police Chief targeted
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 09:33 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [13 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Jeez. Sounds like the Wild West. Or Mogadishu.
Posted by: SteveS || 06/13/2013 13:56 Comments || Top||

#2  East St. Louis = Mog
Posted by: Frank G || 06/13/2013 18:04 Comments || Top||

#3  Sounds like a Real-Estate opportunity.
Posted by: Charles || 06/13/2013 18:22 Comments || Top||

#4  Frank, that was not E. St. Louis. That was St. Louis. My wife and I regularly go there, and my children and I attend hockey, football, hockey, and other events there.

Over the years we have never had any problems there, and goodness knows that St Louis today is way better than the Detroit of my youth (40 years ago), but perhaps it is time to bring in a Mayor Giuliani figure to sort things out.
Posted by: rammer || 06/13/2013 21:41 Comments || Top||

#5  I know, I was pointing out the diff
Posted by: Frank G || 06/13/2013 22:27 Comments || Top||


Government
Finally Some Good News About Obumblecare
Dozens of lawmakers and aides are so afraid that their health insurance premiums will skyrocket next year thanks to Obamacare that they are thinking about retiring early or just quitting.

The fear: Government-subsidized premiums will disappear at the end of the year under a provision in the health care law that nudges aides and lawmakers onto the government health care exchanges, which could make their benefits exorbitantly expensive.

Democratic and Republican leaders are taking the issue seriously, but first they need more specifics from the Office of Personnel Management on how the new rule should take effect — a decision that Capitol Hill sources expect by fall, at the latest. The administration has clammed up in advance of a ruling, sources on both sides of the aisle said.

If the issue isn’t resolved, and massive numbers of lawmakers and aides bolt, many on Capitol Hill fear it could lead to a brain drain just as Congress tackles a slew of weighty issues — like fights over the Tax Code and immigration reform.

The problem is far more acute in the House, where lawmakers and aides are generally younger and less wealthy. Sources said several aides have already given lawmakers notice that theyÂ’ll be leaving over concerns about Obamacare. Republican and Democratic lawmakers said the chatter about retiring now, to remain on the current health care plan, is constant.

Rep. John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat in leadership when the law passed, said he thinks the problem will be resolved.
“If not, I think we should begin an immediate amicus brief to say, ‘Listen this is simply not fair to these employees,’” Larson told POLITICO. “They are federal employees.”

Republicans, never a fan of Democratic health care reform, are more vocal about the potential adverse effects of the provision.

“It’s a reality,” said Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas). “This is the law. … It’s going to hinder our ability with retention of members, it’s going to hinder our ability for members to take care of their families.” He said his fellow lawmakers are having “quiet conversations” about the threat
Posted by: Jay Carney || 06/13/2013 09:06 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [17 views] Top|| File under:

#1  They are actually seeing what is happening to the rest of the US, and they don't like it. Maybe they should have read it before passing it?

Also live with it you fuckers. You forced this abomination on us and you will have to deal with it like the rest of us! Or better yet abolish it!
Posted by: DarthVader || 06/13/2013 12:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Subsidies make things more expensive they never make things more affordable.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 13:15 Comments || Top||

#3  A brain drain on Capitol Hill? More like a draining of the swamp.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 06/13/2013 14:17 Comments || Top||

#4  Of course, Congress can just pass a law exempting themselves and their aides from the law. Problem solved (for them).
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 06/13/2013 15:15 Comments || Top||

#5  Why is it that Congress never considered that possibility, Rambler?

Maybe they should just pass a law that denies the Prez an exemption. WHo'd pay for O?
Posted by: Bobby || 06/13/2013 18:45 Comments || Top||

#6  Bobby, since none of the Congresscritters who voted for it, actually read it, it is no surprise that they are just discovering this now.

Maybe they can convince Sebelius to give them an exemption, like she's given to a lot of other favored groups.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 06/13/2013 18:55 Comments || Top||

#7  "If not, I think we should begin an immediate amicus brief to say, 'Listen this is simply not fair to these employees,'" Larson told POLITICO. "They are federal employees."

This is precious - apparently federal employees are more equal than regular employees.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 06/13/2013 18:57 Comments || Top||

#8  Far more lucrative to be a K Street lobbyist working to manipulate the system they already know is broke when they wrote and passed it. Employment for life program.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/13/2013 20:12 Comments || Top||

#9  "If not, I think we should begin an immediate amicus brief to say, 'Listen this is simply not fair to these employees,'" Larson told POLITICO. "They are federal employees."

(No, he's not related to me.)

Their being Federal workers means they can afford to pay for this crap-sandwich more readily than most Americans.
Posted by: eLarson || 06/13/2013 21:35 Comments || Top||

#10  It is so charming to see the youth of America thinking they can get a better deal in the private sector.
Posted by: rammer || 06/13/2013 21:50 Comments || Top||

#11  Listen this is simply not fair to these employees,'" Larson told POLITICO. "They are federal employees."

Too f@@king bad. It's even worse out here in the private sector, you federal ticks need to face the real world. Maybe you elitist a-holes should have read the bill and actually debated what was in it before you passed it. Time to eat the dogfood you are force feeding to the nation. Good riddance.
Posted by: OldSpook || 06/13/2013 23:40 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Ground Zero Mosque Fraudsters Settle With Each Other
The donor, Robert Leslie Deak, had accused the former leader, Feisal Abdul Rauf, of diverting millions of dollars in charitable donations – meant for the Cordoba Initiative, founded by the imam, as well as the American Society for Muslim Advancement, which is led by the imam’s wife, Daisy Khan – to buy real estate, luxury vacations and a fancy car. It also accused Mr. Abdul Rauf of failing to report approximately $3 million in donations from the Malaysian government.

This article starring:
Daisy Khan
Feisal Abdul Rauf
Posted by: tipper || 06/13/2013 07:18 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [15 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Mr. Deck is head of a company that facilitates US to mideast banking. He is also head of a political org. that funds schools and such in the mideast. Finally, he is a participant in the Peace Action Network-Arab American Action Forum.
Posted by: lord garth || 06/13/2013 10:46 Comments || Top||

#2  Daisy?
Posted by: Muggsey Mussolini || 06/13/2013 11:50 Comments || Top||


A Defeat for the Muslim Brotherhood, a Model for Winning
Posted by: tipper || 06/13/2013 06:46 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [12 views] Top|| File under:

#1  He has some good points, but the central thesis -- that we can't be polite and still win -- is dead on. The other side counts on our playing by all the rules, while they openly cheat. We can't win that way.
Posted by: Iblis || 06/13/2013 9:52 Comments || Top||


Texas Mega-Church Leader Partners with Muslim Brotherhood Front
Posted by: tipper || 06/13/2013 06:33 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [11 views] Top|| File under:


Terror Networks
Why Did Obama Stop Spying on Mosques?
Posted by: tipper || 06/13/2013 04:17 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [13 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Because this is not where his enemies are?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 06/13/2013 6:47 Comments || Top||

#2  He had them covered by NASA outreach.
Posted by: Bunyip || 06/13/2013 7:00 Comments || Top||

#3  Why did Champ stop spying on Mosques?

Professional courtesy ?

My new book on the Kaaba, PRISM, Irish good luck gardening rocks, and other religious and paranormal stones is nearing completion.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 7:23 Comments || Top||

#4  Why did Champ start spying on Mosques?
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 8:42 Comments || Top||

#5  Because Saudi Arabia have too much influence over US policy.
Posted by: Paul D || 06/13/2013 10:49 Comments || Top||

#6  Because the war against al Qaeda is over?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 06/13/2013 12:24 Comments || Top||

#7  is that a trick question?
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 06/13/2013 23:07 Comments || Top||


The Religion of ...Huh?
Posted by: tipper || 06/13/2013 01:04 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [6 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
One Person Injured in Arsal
[An Nahar] The army announced that it will immediately respond to any further cross-border attacks by the Syrian military after a helicopter gunship attacked on Wednesday.

"Army units deployed in the (Arsal) area took the necessary defensive measures to respond immediately to any similar violations," an army statement said, in a rare warning against the regime of Syrian Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Despoiler of Deraa...
.

President Michel Suleiman
...before assuming office as President, he held the position of commander of the Leb Armed Forces. That was after the previous commander, the loathesome Emile Lahoud, took office as president in November of 1998. Likely the next president of Leb will be whoever's commander of the armed forces, too...
stated that Leb "has the right to take the necessary measures to defend its illusory sovereignty," urging an end to the "Syrian violations" against Arsal.

"These raids put the security and safety of Lebanese people in danger and it contradicts with revolutions regulating the relations between both countries," he expressed in phone calls with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji and Head of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council Nasri Khoury.

The Army Command's communique came hours after a Syrian Arclight airstrike targeting Arsal injured at least one person earlier on Wednesday.

Several media outlets reported that the Syrian raids targeted the center of the town, whose residents back the rebellion against Assad, injuring Mohammed Ahmed al-Braidi.

LBCI said that the helicopter fired three rockets near Arsal municipality building.

The raid comes four days after such Syrian strike targeted Leb's border areas.

The latest raid comes soon after the Syrian town of Qusayr was captured by the regime army and Hizbullah fighters from the rebels after nearly three-weeks of fierce fighting.

Ever since the Syrian revolt erupted in March 2011, Arsal has become a key conduit for refugees and maimed people fleeing strife-torn Syria.

Security officials say the town has also served as a passageway for fighters and arms flowing into Syria.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [16 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah

#1  The army announced that it will immediately respond to any further cross-border attacks by the Syrian military after a helicopter gunship attacked on Wednesday.

Respond how?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 06/13/2013 6:45 Comments || Top||

#2  Is a group of residents of Arsal are called a bunch?
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 10:01 Comments || Top||

#3  Respond how?

The newly-formed Strongly-Worded-Letter Brigade.
Posted by: Pappy || 06/13/2013 11:16 Comments || Top||


Africa Subsaharan
60 Boko Haram members killed in Maiduguri
[Nigerian Tribune] NO fewer than 60 corpses of suspected Boko Haram
... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
bully boyz were said to have been deposited on Monday at the state specialist hospital in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Nigerian Tribune gathered on Tuesday.

It was also gathered that the bully boyz were incarcerated
Drop the gat, Rocky, or you're a dead 'un!
and handed over to the military by youths alleged to have been engaged by government and trained by foremost hunter, Ali Quara, who specialises in hunting robbers and notorious criminals.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that some groups of youths declared hunting extravaganza on Boko Haram bully boyz and other criminals to clean the state, after several months of blood-letting by the sect.

One of the directors charged with the responsibility of evacuating corpses, who did not want his name in print, told newsmen on Tuesday in Maiduguri that the youth, who are now referred as "Civilian JTF" in Maiduguri, had been making tremendous effort at hunting and catching members of the dreaded sect, who seemed to have defied all effort to be arrested by security officials.

He said, "if you observe now, the security personnel are not oppressing the people as they are doing in the past. Now it is the civilian JTF who knows these Boko Haram boys that go about identifying, arresting and hands them over for justice."

According to him, "with this new arrangement, Borno would soon be cleansed of these bad elements and the peace we are all praying for is at our doorsteps," adding that "what we need to do is to continue to pray for victory for these youths that have voluntarily contributed by putting their lives on the line for the sake of millions of Borno citizens who were being killed by Boko Haram terrorists."

He said "this is what the state should have done long ago to prevent the killings of many innocent citizens, but everything has its own time. We did not know that one day, some youths would come up, bundle a Boko Haram member and hand such over to the military. That was impossible in the past but now it is the Boko Haram who are seeking hiding places."

Also a former director in the Ministry of Information, who also pleaded anonymity, told Nigerian Tribune that he was reliably informed that those youths hunting for Boko Haram members in Maiduguri were 300 in number and were selected 20 from each of the 15 wards in Maiduguri and supported with the help of the hunter Quara and some of his boys.

"You know Ali Quara was engaged by government to train these boys who know those Boko Haram members from each ward of the state capital, they were not just trained but also using all forms of 'juju', that bullet or knife cannot penetrate them and they know all those involved in Boko Haram activities in their areas.

"Also the people in every ward in the state are now gingered by the show of courage by the youth and are now coming out with information on who is Boko Haram and who is not in their domain. That is why there have been great success since this new operation 'catch Boko Haram again in Maiduguri."

Meanwhile,
...back at the desert island, Bert was realizing to his horror that he'd had only one bottle for one message, and he'd forgotten to include a return address...
there was no confirmation from the Police or JTF with regard to the number of Boko Haram bully boyz killed, as there were still no telephone services in Maiduguri to make calls to security agencies for official confirmation.

In another development, following the destabilisation of the activities of Boko Haram bully boyz in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, a committee set up by the state governor, Kashim Shettima, was taking some relief materials to the victims of bully boyz in Marte, to cushion their sufferings.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [19 views] Top|| File under: Boko Haram


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Geagea Rejects Hizbullah Participation in Cabinet
[An Nahar] Lebanese Forces
A Christian political party founded by Bashir Gemayel, who was then bumped off when he was elected president of Leb...
leader Samir Geagea
... Geagea was imprisoned by the Syrians and their puppets for 11 years in a dungeon in the third basement level of the Lebanese Ministry of Defense. He was released after the Cedar Revolution in 2005 ...
stated on Wednesday that Hizbullah should not take part in any upcoming cabinet because it "rejected the state," slamming March 8's "practices that model those of the Takfiri
...an adherent of takfir wal hijra, an offshoot of Salafism that regards everybody who doesn't agree with them as apostates who most be killed...
s."

"Hizbullah's messages were clear and the party should not take part in any cabinet," Geagea said in a presser he held in Maarab.

Referring to Hizbullah, Geagea elaborated: "A political group had said that it is not interested in the authority of the state. It overstepped the border, the independence, the National Pact, the laws, the Baabda Declaration and the constitution."

"A cabinet should be formed with the participation of those interested in the Lebanese state's interests only, not in the interests of Syria, Iran, the United States, or the Kingdom of Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
."

Geagea urged Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam to form "a harmonious cabinet that works for the Lebanese people's interests."
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [18 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah

#1  Takfir wal Hegira hark back to Hassan Ibn al Sabbah,
the leader of the "Hassan-sins"(assassins), the old man of the Alamut mountain...His fanatized assassins murdered hundreds of Caliphs and other notables in the islamic Umma.
Murdering Hassan was the founder of the sect called "Ismaelism", a very well known terror network hiding under the veil of "charities".
The Takfiri faith is very simple, as enunciated by Hasan: "NOTHING IS TRUE" "EVERYTHING IS PERMITTED"...

The 9/11 crew was know Takfiris...who shift from sunni to shiites as opportunity strike.

They regard sharia law to be for ignorant suckers.

Their aim is to establish the reign of the Mahdi, or mud-slime messiah...
Posted by: Pliny the Cheap6130 || 06/13/2013 20:04 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Ethiopia will not accept any proposal to delay construction of Renaissance Dam
[Al Ahram] Æthiopia's foreign ministry said on Wednesday the country has no intention of suspending construction of what would be the biggest hydro electric plant on the continent, a project Egypt says could cost it vital water supplies.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr is expected to travel to Addis Ababa on Sunday for talks on a giant dam Æthiopia is building on the Nile, as the countries seek a diplomatic solution to an increasingly heated dispute.

Tensions have risen this week between two of Africa's most populous nations, after President Mohamed Mursi said Egypt did not want "war" but would keep "all options open" to avoid losing any water.

Some Egyptian politicians were also caught on camera last week talking of air strikes or backing Æthiopian rebels after the start of major new work on the $4.7 billion Grand Renaissance Dam took Cairo by surprise.

Æthiopia has dismissed talk of military action as "psychological warfare".

"The minister of foreign affairs (of Egypt) probably will be arriving on the 16th of this month," Dina Mufti, front man at Æthiopia's foreign affairs ministry, told news hounds.

"This is in the spirit of Æthiopian interest - Æthiopia has always been open and we've always been interested in discussions," he said, speaking in English.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [16 views] Top|| File under:

#1  the country has no intention of suspending construction of what would be the biggest hydro electric plant on the continent

Should be fun, if you describe Fun as explosions.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:44 Comments || Top||

#2  Yes but the sucky part will be Tyrant Obama helps his 'spiritiual' brothers by having the USAF bomb the construction site.
Posted by: Silentbrick - Schlumberger Squishy Mud Division || 06/13/2013 1:48 Comments || Top||

#3  Wait until the dam's full, then give them all the water available. (SWGOOSH)
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:58 Comments || Top||

#4  Should be fun, if you describe Fun as explosions.

Oh, hell yes!

Q: can Egypt even afford the gas to drive to Ethiopia? Be kinda boring if the 'war' only involved grimaces and mustache cursing.
Posted by: SteveS || 06/13/2013 10:27 Comments || Top||

#5  Um, correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there a rather large country between Egypt and Ethiopia?

What does the Sudan (north, south & middle) have to say about all this?
Posted by: AlanC || 06/13/2013 11:22 Comments || Top||

#6  It might be an alliance with South Sudan which is causing Ethiopia to go through with this. They aren't the only Christian country in the region anymore.
Posted by: Charles || 06/13/2013 18:25 Comments || Top||

#7  Thanks be to God.
Posted by: rammer || 06/13/2013 21:45 Comments || Top||


-Lurid Crime Tales-
No Word From Kerry on State Dep't Sexual Misconduct and Coverup Claims
[CNSNEWS] Amid continuing fallout over allegations that senior State Department officials tried to stop investigations into personnel misconduct, Secretary of State John F. I was in Vietnam, you know Kerry
Former Senator-for-Life from Massachussetts, self-defined war hero, speaker of French, owner of a lucky hat, conqueror of Cambodia, and current Secretary of State...
kept a low profile Tuesday, making no public comment on the controversy.

Kerry abruptly postponed a visit to the Middle East this week to take part in White House talks on the Syria crisis, and on Wednesday he is due to meet with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, with Syria topping the agenda.

He had no public engagements on Tuesday although -- in an event closed to the press -- he did swear in the new ambassador to Libya, Deborah Jones.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [10 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Another liar, like Obama.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:25 Comments || Top||

#2  "I wasn't Secretary when this happened. Ask Hilary. At this point, what does it matter?"
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 06/13/2013 9:04 Comments || Top||

#3  It was a mistake, it was regrettable, we learn from our mistakes, now f*** off and die, the man needs time with his family.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 06/13/2013 12:42 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Kuwaitis Boycott Iran Goods to Protest Hizbullah's Involvement in Syria
[An Nahar] Several Kuwaiti supermarket chains have begun boycotting products from Iran for its support of the Syrian regime and to protest Hizbullah's intervention in the war engulfing the neighboring country Syria.

At least nine cooperative consumer societies out of 50 in the oil-rich Gulf state published announcements in the local media on Wednesday saying they have taken Iranian products off their shelves in protest at Tehran's backing of Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Before going into the family business Pencilneck was an eye doctor. If he'd stuck with it he'd have had a good practice by now...
and Hizbullah.

Cooperative societies control a majority of the retail consumer market in Kuwait.

One of the announcements said that the next step in the campaign would be to dismiss Iranian laborers working at the societies and cancel their residency permits.

Around 50,000 Iranians work in Kuwait, mostly in low-paid jobs. Iranian exports to Kuwait are not huge and mainly comprise fish and food products.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [13 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Obama aides split on arming rebels: US officials
[Al Ahram] President Barack Obama
If you have a small business, you didn't build that...
's top advisers will meet to air reservations about arming Syria's rebels, with officials saying the U.S. is unlikely to take any immediate action to arrest the Assad regime's military advance.

The administration's caution persists despite its nearly two-year-old demand that Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
One of the last of the old-fashioned hereditary iron-fisted fascist dictators...
step down, vows to help the besieged Syrian rebels on the ground and threats to respond forcefully to any chemical weapons use.

US officials acknowledge that they must do something to change the course of the war, but they don't know what. Officials say those closest to the president are split on whether to offer lethal aide or use U.S. airpower to ground the regime's gunships and jets.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [14 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria

#1  Just invite both sides to an Ice Cream Social since you bananas are all split on arming one side or the other. Hand out spoons and let them fight to end.


Posted by: Au Auric || 06/13/2013 10:08 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
9 Somali pirates jailed in Kenya
[Shabelle] A Kenyan court sentenced nine Somali citizens each to five years in prison on Monday after finding them guilty of violently hijacking a vessel, MV Magellan Star, in the Gulf of Aden in September 2010.

The nine were captured by international anti-piracy forces before being handed over to Kenya to be prosecuted, because Somalia was not considered able to try them properly.

Although the number of attacks has fallen markedly since 2011 thanks to tougher security aboard ships and increased Western naval patrols, piracy emanating from the Horn of Africa nation may still cost the world economy about $18 billion a year, the World Bank said in April.

Prosecutors told the court the men attacked the ship armed with three AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, one SAR rifle and other crude weapons.

"They hijacked the vessel, using violence against its crew by firing at them, and took control of the ... vessel, thus endangering the lives of the crew," they said in the charge sheet.

All nine had denied the accusations, and were held in jug at one of Kenya's maximum security prisons during the trial.

While handing out the sentence, the court noted that the accused had already served a long term in jail while the trial was in progress, and therefore were given shorter prison terms.

"Such charges would ordinarily attract a jail term of up to 20 years," magistrate Richard Odenyo said in his ruling, which was translated for the suspects who did not understand English.

A lawyer representing the accused termed the ruling "fairly reasonable", saying his clients had not yet decided whether to lodge an appeal.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: Pirates


Home Front: WoT
Defenders of NSA Surveillance Omit Most of Mumbai Plotter's Story
[PROPUBLICA.ORG] "The failure here is the failure to connect systems," said a U.S. law enforcement official who worked on the case but is not cleared to discuss it publicly. "Everybody had information in their silos, and they didn't share across the silos. Headley in my mind is not a successful interdiction of a terrorist. It's not a great example of how the system should work."
If I'm not mistaken, and I'm not, the intel failures that led to 9-11 were attributed to the failure to connect systems. That was why they established the office of the Director of National Intelligence, adding another layer of bureaucracy above the Director of Central Intelligence, who had previously been responsible for coordinating intel efforts. Clapper, the current DNI's Office of the DNI now has General Counsel, civil liberties, public affairs, Inspector General, Equal Employment Opportunity, and legislative affairs functions. I don't know if it has any actual intel functions. My guess is that there's somebody showing up for work and going to an office with that kind of label, drinking coffee and hanging out with the janitorial staff, who occupy the same bureaucratic social rung.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Homeland Security was ostensibly created to integrate the silos in individual agencies. There was supposed to be a sharing of intel and thus more efficiency. It was thought that terrorists would be headed off before they did anything. However, things have happened anyway. We got more bureaucracy and inefficiency. In light of recent scandals and revelations. Inefficiency may be a prophylaxis for people in flyover land, that is, protection of us from the current crop of apparatchiks.
Posted by: Grock Snomoter1534 || 06/13/2013 9:48 Comments || Top||

#2  The last post was by me. I cleaned out my cookies to get rid of accumulated stuff.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/13/2013 9:49 Comments || Top||

#3  In the Constitution, one can see a distrust of government by the Founding Fathers. It should not be a surprise to Washington that a lingering distrust still exists--it is healthy.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/13/2013 10:01 Comments || Top||

#4  It is entirely appropriate to love one's country and at the same time, despise one's government.
- Cannot recall the author.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 10:19 Comments || Top||

#5  Yes. Governments and their agendas come and go.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/13/2013 11:01 Comments || Top||

#6  I don't know if it has any actual intel functions

It doesn't and deliberately wasn't set up to.
Posted by: Pappy || 06/13/2013 11:23 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Rockets Hit Bekaa Towns amid Hizbullah-FSA Clashes on Eastern Mountain Belt
An Nahar] Several rockets fired from the Lebanese-Syrian border area landed in several towns in the Bekaa Valley on Wednesday, amid reports of festivities between Hizbullah and Syrian rebels on the eastern mountain range on the Lebanese-Syrian border.

"Four rockets fired from the Syrian side of the border hit the outskirts of the town of Sirein, east of Baalbek," state-run National News Agency reported.

Meanwhile,
...back at the cheese factory, all the pieces finally fell together in Fluffy's mind...
OTV said rockets fired from Leb's eastern mountain range hit the Bekaa towns of al-Nabi Sheet and Sirein.

"The sounds of kabooms were heard in the vicinity of the towns of Hawrtaala, Brital and al-Khodr in the Bekaa," it added.

"A rocket fired from the eastern Lebanese-Syrian border hit the town of Riyaq," OTV reported, as al-Jadeed television said the rocket caused no casualties.

OTV said fierce festivities erupted between Hizbullah fighters and the jihadist al-Nusra Front in the barren mountains of Maaraboun and Ham in northern Bekaa as rockets were falling on the Lebanese region.

MTV also reported "fierce festivities" between the rebel Free Syrian Army and Hizbullah on the eastern mountain range "opposite the towns of al-Nabi Sheet and al-Khodr."

It later said Hizbullah managed to seize control of the outskirts of the town of Ham in Damascus province, "which is considered an FSA stronghold."

MTV also reported that three more rockets hit the town of al-Khodr "amid the sounds of kabooms in the area."
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [14 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


India-Pakistan
Probe into police torture of Faisalabad protesters launched
[BETA.DAWN] The Senate was told Wednesday that probe into the police torture of protesters against electricity outages in Faisalabad
...formerly known as Lyallpur, the third largest metropolis in Pakistain, the second largest in Punjab after Lahore. It is named after some Arab because the Paks didn't have anybody notable of their own to name it after...
has been launched and five coppers have already been suspended.

Pakistain Peoples' Party (PPP) leader Senator Raza Rabbani drew the house's attention to the incident in which coppers, holding axe and batons, were seen torturing citizens who were protesting against the prolonged electricity loadshedding.

A large number of people from villages around Khurrianwala town vented their anger against power outages on Tuesday and attacked a grid station and offices of the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco). They blocked traffic on the Sheikhupura-Faisalabad road for about 10 hours and pelted police and vehicles with stones, causing injuries to four constables.

Police chased the protesters, entered a number of houses by scaling the walls or breaking open the gates and thrashed anyone they found there.

Policemen are reported to have abused and dragged women when they objected to their conduct.

A number of women and kiddies who had not joined the protests were also mistreated.

More than 10 people were placed in durance vile
Book 'im, Mahmoud!
from the houses.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Geagea Says Hizbullah Exposed its True Nature, Part of Regional Scheme
[An Nahar] Lebanese Forces
A Christian political party founded by Bashir Gemayel, who was then bumped off when he was elected president of Leb...
leader Samir Geagea
... Geagea was imprisoned by the Syrians and their puppets for 11 years in a dungeon in the third basement level of the Lebanese Ministry of Defense. He was released after the Cedar Revolution in 2005 ...
slammed Hizbullah's involvement in the war raging in the neighboring country Syria, saying that the party exposed itself by proving that it doesn't care about the national interest.

"Hizbullah revealed that it's not a Lebanese party but a regional power that is taking party in a big scheme... The party doesn't take into consideration the nation's best interest," Geagea told news hounds in Meraab.

He pointed out that Hizbullah is a Lebanese party "in theory," but in reality "it's an armed party that has experience and is connected to sizable strategies in the region."

Geagea noted that Hizbullah's practices affect Leb, expecting that the party will pass through difficulties in the future due to its engagement in "adventures in Syria."

He described the party as "Iranian."
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


Home Front: WoT
Hayden sez Fast Eddie could have leaked thousands of NSA Net docs.
To include potential targeting lists such as Tea Party terrorists ?
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Suleiman to Launch Initiative after GCC Action against Hizbullah
[An Nahar] President Michel Suleiman
...before assuming office as President, he held the position of commander of the Leb Armed Forces. That was after the previous commander, the loathesome Emile Lahoud, took office as president in November of 1998. Likely the next president of Leb will be whoever's commander of the armed forces, too...
is expected to launch an initiative to find ways to confront a decision by Gulf Cooperation Council countries to take measures against Hizbullah's military intervention in Syria, Baabda palace sources said Wednesday.

The sources told An Nahar daily that the initiative comes in the presence of a caretaking cabinet and the absence of the new government that Premier-designate Tammam Salam is seeking to form.

A GCC statement issued late Monday said the measures against Hizbullah members will affect their "residency permits, and financial and commercial transactions."

The statement urged the Lebanese government to "assume its responsibilities towards the behavior of Hizbullah and its illegal and inhumane practices in Syria and the region."

The bloc strongly condemned "the flagrant intervention of Hizbullah in Syria" and its "participation in shedding the blood of the Syrian people."
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [14 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah


Home Front: Politix
26 years ago, yesterday
Video: Reagan - Tear Down This Wall
Posted by: Beavis || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [12 views] Top|| File under:

#1  We love ya Ron!

Personally, I'm also reminded about one of my Childhood Dreams-Visions as per TIANENMEN SQUARE ....D *** NG IT, HE'S STANDING IN FRONT OF MY TANK AGAIN!

The US-World Medias saw "him" from his back, standing in front of PLA MBTS - I saw "him" from his front, from the vantage point of the tank commander.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/13/2013 2:06 Comments || Top||

#2  He really did press the "reset" button.
Posted by: Matt || 06/13/2013 9:10 Comments || Top||

#3  Obama: "Tear down this wall!"
(on the Tijuana/US border)
Posted by: Frank G || 06/13/2013 9:55 Comments || Top||

#4  Ah yes, I was living in the Bay Area surrounded by hip yuppies who would roar with laughter at the SNL skits portraying RR as a doddering old fool. I laughed along with them.

Fortunately I developed a fondness for American history and finally grew up to realize what that cowboy pulled off.
Posted by: Capsu78 || 06/13/2013 15:47 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Re-election ordered on Hafizabad's NA-103
[BETA.DAWN] The Election Commission on Wednesday declared the result for NA-103 void and ordered re-polling in the Hafizabad constituency as it upheld the objections raised by a losing candidate that election on the seat was marred by rigging.

The Election Commission's order came on the complaint of Pakistain Mohammedan League -- Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Hussain Bhatti who had lost to independent candidate Liaquat Hussain Bhatti.

The Election Commission on May 18 had issued recount orders for the constituency. However,
there is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened...
today, it said that in the wake of large-scale rigging reports it has been decided to hold re-election in the constituency.

The May 11 general elections witnessed a huge turnout but allegations of rigging also clouded its transparency partly, particularly from opposition Pakistain Tehrik-e-Insaaf.

Earlier on Monday, PTI chief Imran Khan
... aka Taliban Khan, who who convinced himself that playing cricket qualified him to lead a nuclear-armed nation with severe personality problems...
had a statement saying he believed that Chief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim and Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had failed in dispensing with their duties to check rigging.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Africa North
FJP's Alexandria office destroyed by angry residents after clashes
[Al Ahram] Violent festivities between Moslem Brüderbund members and supporters of the anti-government 'Rebel' ('Tamarod') campaign took place in the coastal city of Alexandria late on Wednesday, leading to the local headquarters of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party being destroyed.

The Rebel campaign is a signature drive launched in May with the intention of "withdrawing confidence" from President Mohamed Morsi, who hails from the Brotherhood, by collecting 15 million citizens' endorsements before the end of this month.

As campaign members were seeking to collect signatures from pedestrians in the central Raml district, hundreds of Brotherhood members coming from Tawhid Mosque locked horns with the campaigners.

Al-Ahram's Arabic-language news website reported that, as well as fist fights, both camps exchanged stones. The same report also quoted a local, Mohamed Abdulla, as saying that Brotherhood members "fired live rounds in the air."

The use of firearms, according to Abdulla, angered the residents of the area and caused them to "completely destroy" the headquarters of the Freedom and Justice Party, which is located in the area.

Al-Ahram reported that thousands of angry residents later gathered around the Tawhid Mosque, where Brotherhood members were hiding.

By contrast, the Arabic-language website of the Freedom and Justice Party said that dozens of Rebel supporters attacked FJP and Moslem Brüderbund members as well as residents, using bladed weapons and birdshot.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Egypt Islamists Call 'Million-Man March' for June 21
[An Nahar] Egyptian Islamist parties, including the president's, on Wednesday called for a "million-man march" on June 21 to counter a planned protest at the end of the month outside the presidential palace.

"Islamist parties have decided to organize a 'million-man march' in front of Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque (in a Cairo suburb) on Friday, June 21, under the slogan: 'Protect the revolution. Yes to peace, no to violence'," said President Mohamed Morsi's Freedom and Justice Party, political arm of the Moslem Brüderbund, on its website.

An opposition-backed campaign dubbed Tamarrod, Arabic for rebellion, has called for an anti-Morsi demonstration outside the palace on June 30, the first anniversary of his election.

It says it has gathered millions of signatures to a petition demanding that Morsi step down to pave the way for an early presidential election.

In a newspaper interview published last week, Morsi himself dismissed the call for an early election as "absurd and illegitimate", and in violation of the constitution.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [3 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  Be interesting to count heads mainly to see how much "Over counting" there is.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:37 Comments || Top||

#2  Sounds like a target rich environment for anyone that's thinking along those lines.
Posted by: AlanC || 06/13/2013 7:20 Comments || Top||

#3  I thought Islamist parties love violence if they don't get their way?

Must be cause Morsi is in trouble/unpopular!
Posted by: Paul D || 06/13/2013 10:59 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Leahy introduces same-sex marriage amendment to immigration bill
[THEHILL] Sen. Patrick Leahy
...Democrat Senator-for-Life from Vermont, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, source of more leaks than a plumber could keep up with...
(D-Vt.) introduced a same-sex marriage amendment to the immigration reform bill currently under consideration in the Senate.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Newly legalized immigrants would be required to marry someone of the same sex? Hm. Might be better than a fence.
Posted by: RandomJD || 06/13/2013 0:41 Comments || Top||

#2  He enters the exact same into ANY bill, people are getting tired if him, and will vote him out soon.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:24 Comments || Top||

#3  Because if there is no way, absolutely no way to screw up the Republic or a bill any worse, they are down for it.

If you can not graft it or half ass it enough, just add fag shit to it and see if it sticks. After all, the world is all about whatever the heck they want this week.

Screw immigrants, Gays want to marry!.
Posted by: Newc || 06/13/2013 2:08 Comments || Top||

#4  1/ Build a border fence
2/ Get the state out of marriage.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 9:52 Comments || Top||

#5  Go ahead and load it up with nonsense like this and that'll guarantee that it never passes the House.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 06/13/2013 11:41 Comments || Top||

#6  Works for me, EU.
Posted by: Barbara || 06/13/2013 13:45 Comments || Top||

#7  pervert
Posted by: Winky Sproing5899 || 06/13/2013 15:08 Comments || Top||

#8  What is with the gov's fascination with bodily orifices? Its acting like the creep-o at the playground.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/13/2013 16:24 Comments || Top||

#9  The common thread is legalizing deviant behavior. Gays are already free to associate and Mexicans already have somewhere to live. Thus, the only purpose of eroding traditional morality and cultural standards is to replace them with rules imposed by the state.
Posted by: RandomJD || 06/13/2013 17:47 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Bugti murder case: Quetta police team in Islamabad to arrest Musharraf
[BETA.DAWN] A team from Crimes Branch Quetta reached Islamabad on Wednesday to arrest former president Pervez Perv Musharraf
... former dictator of Pakistain, who was less dictatorial and corrupt than any Pak civilian government to date ...
in the Akbar Bugti murder case.

Sources in Crimes Branch Quetta investigating the case told Dawn.com that a police team comprising bigwigs had reached the federal capital to arrest the former military ruler.

Earlier on Monday, an Anti-Terrorist Court in Quetta had issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Musharraf.

Moreover, on Tuesday, ATC Judge 1, Muhammad Ismail Baloch, had rejected a bail application submitted by Musharraf's lawyer in the same case.

The court had moreover ordered a police team to arrest Musharraf by June 24.

Jamil Bugti, a son of Akbar Bugti, had nominated Musharraf, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz and others in his father's murder.

Bugti was killed in a cave in Chalgri area of Bhamboor hills of Dera Bugti district on August 26, 2006 during a military crackdown ordered by Musharraf who was president and army chief at the time.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [10 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Home Front: WoT
Bomb threat outbreak - PRISM please save us ! - ABC
Posted by: Throlusing Unorong7005 || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [17 views] Top|| File under:

#1  PRISM, or "John Chisum" = aka John Wayne???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/13/2013 2:00 Comments || Top||

#2  F**king tools. The so-called 4th estate fails us yet again.

Even Pravda wasn't this brazen about giving public BJs the government.
Posted by: OldSpook || 06/13/2013 3:37 Comments || Top||

#3  Hannity had a couple of former NSA grey beards on last night. I believe the combined signals collection service for both came to something just under 75 years. While in the building, they developed an impressive SW program which enabled selective data mining of selective, high value targets [HVT]. They began to run afoul of the top floor when a colossus SW program was introduced as a replacement for their proven tools. Following their retirement, these two gents filed complaint after complaint concerning the implementation of the new colossus program, but to no avail.

Small, discrete, and effective appears to have always been the enemy of.... "too big to fail". When fully operational, the new data repository near Camp Williams, UT, [located in FEMA Region VIII], will employ thousands of people and have a start of the art physical security program.

In other news.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 7:12 Comments || Top||

#4  Small, discrete, and effective AND FOCUSSED.

Always better than a one size fits all (none in reality).
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 9:57 Comments || Top||

#5  In other news Robert Fenton Jr needs to lose weight.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 9:58 Comments || Top||

#6  BREAKING:

Dirty rotten, broke leg traitor Fast Eddie takes refuge in the stone church of St. Michael's, or Eglwys Fihangel, on the banks of the River Conwy, is the oldest building in Betws-y-Coed. Vicar of St. Mike's refuses to answer door or telly. Locals conduct pub rally to call for separate Snodonian Free State.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 10:15 Comments || Top||

#7  Even Pravda wasn't this brazen about giving public BJs the government.

Pravda had to maintain the appearance of not being the media wing of the government.
Posted by: SteveS || 06/13/2013 10:19 Comments || Top||

#8  The BBC wastes no energy in that regard.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 10:21 Comments || Top||

#9  I'm probably the only one on Rantburg who can say "Betws-y-Coed"
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 13:21 Comments || Top||

#10  BP that can't be Welsh, too many vowels
Posted by: Jay Carney || 06/13/2013 13:48 Comments || Top||

#11  The guys on Hannity were right. It's what I've Ben trying to say withou breaking any classified stuff. Even the very best intel doesn't do you any good if its buried in the noise.

Big government is infecting and ruining everything it seems.
Posted by: OldSpook || 06/13/2013 23:34 Comments || Top||


The Grand Turk
Uneasy Calm in Turkey's Riot Square after Violence
[An Nahar] An uneasy calm returned to Istanbul's protest square early Wednesday after running festivities between riot police and protesters, as Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed zero tolerance for the mass demos.

Hours earlier, Taksim Square had resembled a battle scene, swathed in acrid smoke as police dispersed tens of thousands of protesters chanting "Erdogan, resign!" and "Resistance!" on the worst night of violence in 12 days of nationwide unrest.

After riot police sent the large crowd scrambling with tear gas and jets of water, cat-and-mouse games with smaller groups of demonstrators continued into the night.

By 5:00 am (0200 GMT), refuse trucks were clearing up the empty gas canisters and the remains of broken barricades which had for more than a week blocked all access to the square and neighboring Gezi Park, the original flashpoint for the protests.

There was a heavy police presence in the square while thousands of weary demonstrators took refuge in the park.

Fresh unrest also erupted in the capital Ankara on Tuesday, with police using tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon against 5,000 protesters near the U.S. embassy. Some threw rocks in response.

The unexpected police intervention in Istanbul's Taksim Square, which began early Tuesday morning, marked the first time officers had returned to the area since pulling out more than a week ago. They fought hours-long battles with clusters of demonstrators, some of whom hurled fireworks and Molotov cocktails.

The police also brought in bulldozers to clear barricades erected by demonstrators.

The assault on Taksim Square surprised protesters, many of whom were dozing in the nearby park, because it came after Prime Minister Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders on Wednesday, his first major concession since the trouble began.

But the premier made no mention of the olive branch Tuesday and resumed his tough stance against the demonstrators, who have put up the biggest challenge yet to his decade-long rule.

"This episode is now over. We won't show any more tolerance," the premier told cheering politicians of his Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a speech broadcast live on television.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Africa Horn
Alshabab imposes heavy taxes to communities living in Barawe and Bula marer
[Shabelle] members of Alshabab have imposed heavy taxes on residents living in Barawe town and businessmen in Bula marer towns.

The two towns are located at the lower of Shabelle region which is still under the control of Alshabab.

The militia group has ordered clans to pay 300 million shillings each.

Sources confirm that the Habar Githir sub clan was ordered to pay 300 million, the Muransade sub clan was ordered to raise 250 million shillings while other small sub clans living in the region were ordered to raise an equivalent amount each.

A 10 day deadline to meet the costs has been issued and it is not yet known what the money will be used for.

At Bula marer, businessmen were ordered to pay unspecified amount and if they fail to pay, their assets will be seized and auctioned immediately.

It is reported that the residents are worried about the heavy amount of money imposed on them and are seeking clarifications from Alshabab leaders.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [12 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab

#1  "Don't expect to get oppressed and terrorized for free!"
Posted by: Frank G || 06/13/2013 9:35 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Sufi Mohammad taken to hospital
[BETA.DAWN] Sufi Mohammad, chief of Tehrik-e-Nifaaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM
...Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Law) is a Pak militant group whose objective is to enforce their definition of Sharia law in Pakistain whether anybody wants it or not. It was founded by Sufi Muhammad in 1992, and was banned by President Musharraf in January, 2002 after Sufi dispatched several thousand yokels to Afghanistan to fight the infidel and ended up with most of them killed or captured and held for ransom. In 2007 TNSM took over Swat, which shows how well the banning worked. TNSM is the Pony League of Islamic militancy..
), was taken to Beautiful Downtown Peshawar's
...capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province), administrative and economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Peshawar is situated near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, convenient to the Pak-Afghan border. Peshawar has evolved into one of Pakistan's most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, which means lots of gunfire.
Lady Reading Hospital after his health took a turn for the worse.

Mohammad is suffering from joint aches and urinary infection and was taken from Peshawar's Central Jail to the Lady Reading Hospital under strict security.

The TNSM chief was taken to the hospital in handcuffs and could not walk properly on account of the aches.

Police personnel escorted Mohammad to the doctor's office who after a check-up recommended taking certain medications for a period of one month.

The doctor moreover advised that Mohammad undergo physiotherapy which may help in alleviating the aches.

He was further advised to go for another check up after a month's time.

Mohammad resides in Peshawar's Central Jail with 19 cases active against the TNSM chief. Thirteen of these cases are being heard in a special anti-terrorist court.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under: TNSM

#1  Allah will save him, if he's worthy, if not, he's a deader.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 2:02 Comments || Top||

#2  Not really a Sufi, in case you were confused.
Posted by: Muggsey Mussolini || 06/13/2013 11:51 Comments || Top||


Government
Brennan deputy and place holder resigns from Klingons - PJM
The deputy director of the CIA is leaving the agency and being replaced by a White House lawyer who has never worked at the agency.
Klingon legal counsel not good enough. This place is a faeces sandwich. I was promised a Champ approved legal team.
“As much as I would selfishly like to keep Michael right where he is for as long as possible, he has decided to retire to spend more time with his family and to pursue other professional opportunities,” CIA Director John Brennan said in a statement announcing Michael Morell’s departure. “In many respects, Michael has come to personify the strengths and qualities of this great organization, and it is difficult for me to imagine CIA without Michael’s exceptionally sharp mind, tremendous energy, and absolute dedication to mission. But I am comforted by the fact that Michael will be able to spend more time with his wonderful family.”
Taking disingenuous blathering to new levels. A smallish send off in the Directors dining room please. Cake for no more than 8 to 12, and I'll have a double portion.
Morell has been at the CIA since 1980 and worked his way up the ranks. He was passed over twice by President Obama for the top job despite running the agency for two gap periods between ObamaÂ’s three CIA directors.
Here, be sure sign these non-disclosure statements before you leave. We'll be in touch regarding the former employee annuity and mentoring programs.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [18 views] Top|| File under:

#1  AdenoidsOut
I've posted elsewhere that while the inexperienced woman replacing Morrell is of course very, very politically correct and appears to have excellent academic credentials, that it's a very safe bet that she will become just another Porter Goss. That is not a compliment.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:29 Comments || Top||

#2  he has decided to retire to spend more time with his family

A convenient lie.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 15:52 Comments || Top||

#3  He's a better liar than Clapper.
Posted by: dk70 the scantily clad || 06/13/2013 21:13 Comments || Top||

#4  What, his family lives under the Obama bus where he just got tossed?
Posted by: OldSpook || 06/13/2013 23:42 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Briton kidnapped in Indonesia's Aceh
[Bangla Daily Star] Gunmen have kidnapped a British man working for an energy company in the restive Indonesian province of Aceh, officials said yesterday.

Malcolm Primrose was being driven to a work site on Tuesday when he was stopped by a group of gunnies at around 11:00 am (0400 GMT) in Lubuk Pempeng village, East Aceh district, officials said.

"The man was on his way to a drilling site when at least four men with firearms stopped his car," provincial police front man Gustav Leo told AFP.

The kidnappers tied up his driver before taking the Briton to their car and driving off, he said, adding that details of the incident came from the driver, an Indonesian.

"We are pursuing the kidnappers based on the witness's testimony. We don't know yet their motive."

A source familiar with the matter said that the oil and gas company Primrose was working for, Medco Energi Internasional, had not yet received any ransom demand.

The British embassy in Jakarta said in a statement: "We can confirm a Brit was involved in an incident in Aceh yesterday. We are in touch with the local authorities and his family. An embassy team has deployed to the area. "

The man, in his early 60s, had been working as a sub-contractor for a subsidiary of Medco Energi Internasional, which confirmed the kidnapping.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Apparently, he's been released, probably after paying a ransom. (Heard on Sky News radio)
Posted by: Willy || 06/13/2013 5:22 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
60 Shiites Killed in Syria as West Seeks Solution
[An Nahar] At least 60 Shiite villagers died in festivities with rebels in eastern Syria while twin suicide kabooms hit Damascus as the West moved to support the opposition following battlefield losses against pro-regime forces.

Despite Tuesday's attacks, Bashir al-Assad's regime, dominated by his Alawite sect of Shiite Islam, appears to have gained the upper hand against mainly Sunni Musselmen rebels, buoyed by military support from its allies, Hizubllah and Iran.

With regime forces gaining ground, La Belle France said the nearly 27-month conflict, which is estimated to have killed at least 94,000 people, is at a "turning point" and that it is time to review whether to arm the opposition.

The issue of military support is likely to top the agenda when U.S. Secretary of State John F. I was in Vietnam, you know Kerry
Former Senator-for-Life from Massachussetts, self-defined war hero, speaker of French, owner of a lucky hat, conqueror of Cambodia, and current Secretary of State...
meets in Washington with British counterpart William Hague on Wednesday.

"Armed Shiite villagers attacked a nearby rebel post yesterday and killed two. Today (Tuesday) rebels attacked the village and took control of it, killing 60 Shiite residents, most of them fighters," Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told Agence La Belle France Presse.

The festivities came in the majority Sunni village of Hatlah, in eastern Deir Ezzor province.

At least 10 rebels were also killed in the fighting on Tuesday, and Shiite residents of Hatlah were fleeing following the violence, Abdul Rahman said.

Earlier in Damascus, two suicide kabooms left at least 14 people dead and 31 maimed, and caused widespread damage in the Marjeh neighborhood, state media and the rights Observatory said.

The Observatory said one of the blasts "was caused by a jacket wallah who went kaboom! inside the cop shoppe".

Syria's cabinet denounced the attack, saying "armed terrorist groups and those behind them have failed completely because of the victories achieved by our brave army".

Forces loyal to President Assad, including thousands of Hizbullah fighters, have overrun rebel fighters in central Syria in the past week, including in the strategic town of Qusayr.

"There are lessons to be drawn from what happened in Qusayr and what is happening in Aleppo," said French foreign ministry front man Philippe Lalliot.

"We are at a turning point in the Syrian war. What should we do under these conditions to reinforce the opposition armed forces? We have had these discussions with our partners, with the Americans, the Saudis, the Turks, many others.

"We cannot leave the opposition in the current state."

Plans to bring together members of Assad's regime and the opposition at talks in Geneva have so far failed to come to fruition, and Hague at the weekend warned that regime gains on the ground raised new hurdles.

U.S. President Barack Obama
I've now been in 57 states -- I think one left to go...
has asked his national security team to "look at all options" to end the fighting, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki reiterated Tuesday, adding however there would be no American "boots on the ground".

Damascus has also benefited from political support on the international stage from Russia, which supplies it with weapons and has blocked U.N. Security Council resolutions condemning it.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin
...Second and fourth President of the Russian Federation and the first to remain sober. Putin is credited with bringing political stability and re-establishing something like the rule of law, which occasionally results in somebody dropping dead from polonium poisoning. Under Putin, a new group of business magnates controlling significant swathes of Russia's economy has emerged, all of whom have close personal ties to Putin. The old bunch, without close personal ties to Putin, are in jail or in exile or dead...
said on Tuesday that he always believed that Assad should have implemented political reforms that could have averted the bloodbath.

In Aleppo province, the army launched multiple attacks on rebel positions, including areas of the Minnigh airbase held by myrmidons, the Observatory said.

"Parts of Minnigh military airbase were shelled by regime forces.... Rebels are in control of large swathes of the airbase."

A military source told AFP heavy festivities were raging at the base for a third day, but denied any part of the airport was under rebel control.

Regime forces shelled the opposition-controlled villages of Deir Hafer and Al-Bab, and hit the myrmidon stronghold of Marea with rockets, the Observatory said.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [17 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Africa North
Egyptian author sentenced to five years for insulting religion
[Al Ahram] Egyptian author Karam Saber said that a misdemeanor court in Beni Suef sentenced him to five years on Wednesday on charges of insulting religion in a collection of short stories he wrote two years ago titled "Where is God?"

The politically active author told Aswat Masriya in a phone call on Wednesday that he plans to appeal the verdict through a legal challenge he will present to the court tomorrow.

Charges of "insulting religion" against authors, artists, television hosts and Coptic Christians have increased in recent months.

A group of plaintiffs filed a complaint against Saber in 2011, accusing him of insulting religion, but the case was only referred to the court this year.

Saber, on the other hand, insists that the collection of short stories is a work of literature that shall not be measured using "religious standards", he told AM, adding that he will continue to defend his right of expression inside and outside of the court.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [9 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  "Where is God?"

Good question, he's not Allah, or if he is , he's absent.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:47 Comments || Top||


Europe
Topless Activists in Madrid Protest Tunisian Arrests
[An Nahar] Three women staged a topless protest Wednesday outside the Tunisian embassy in Madrid calling on Tunis to free three fellow activists tossed in the clink
I ain't sayin' nuttin' widdout me mout'piece!
for a bare-breasted anti-Islamist demonstration in the north African nation.

The members of radical feminist group Femen removed their shirts to show their breasts and messages daubed on their bodies calling for the release of the trio who are behind bars in Tunis.

"Femen is here today protesting because in Tunisia they have tossed in the clink
Maw! They're comin' to get me, Maw!
three of our activists who are being judged today just for defending themselves and going to protest for the rights of women in Tunisia," said one of the Madrid protesters, Lara Alcazar.

The three protesters held aloft placards reading: "To Fight Is a Right", "Free Femen" and "Imprisoned for Being Feminists".

Police did not intervene in the protest, which lasted about 10 minutes and attracted a few onlookers including some peering from the windows of the Tunisian embassy.

Pauline Hillier and Marguerite Stern of La Belle France and German Josephine Markmann were jugged
Please don't kill me!
on May 29 after baring their breasts outside the main courthouse in Tunis in support of Amina Sboui, a Tunisian activist with the same "sextremist" group who had been arrested 10 days earlier.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [13 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  ...Well, clearly they know better than to protest in Tunisia again.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 06/13/2013 20:37 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Jordan MPs Approve Abu Qatada Extradition Deal with Britain
[An Nahar] Jordan's parliament has approved an agreement with Britannia on the extradition of suspects wanted by Amman, including radical holy man Abu Qatada, an MP said Wednesday.

"Parliament on Tuesday approved a treaty with Britannia to help Jordan extradite suspects from Britannia," Khalil Attieh, the deputy house speaker, told Agence La Belle France Presse. "The agreement does not specifically mention Abu Qatada but it includes him and others."
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [11 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda


Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [14 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Birthday Gam Shot

Kat Dennings [Filmography](age 27)



Overhanging Design (Duck!)


Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 06/13/2013 1:39 Comments || Top||

#2  Too much Top. (Surgery?)
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 2:08 Comments || Top||

#3  She broke my scroll down button.
Posted by: Herb Munster3453 || 06/13/2013 2:21 Comments || Top||

#4  not enough pixels
Posted by: Frank G || 06/13/2013 9:19 Comments || Top||

#5  Yeah Frank, sequestration and all that rubbish, not enough pixels to go around.
Posted by: Au Auric || 06/13/2013 9:33 Comments || Top||

#6  Does she need a hand getting rid of that sand?
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 9:54 Comments || Top||

#7  Talk about low hanging fruit....
Posted by: CrazyFool || 06/13/2013 10:22 Comments || Top||

#8  Solid foods.... who needs them.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 10:23 Comments || Top||

#9  Sand?
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/13/2013 13:18 Comments || Top||

#10  40-27-34 40DD for the Engineers looking for specifications. Requires special handling.
Posted by: Dale || 06/13/2013 19:53 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Flashback: Obama, Big Data, and the Campaign That Isn't a Campaign (In the Eyes of the IRS)
Posted by: Elmerert Hupens2660 || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [11 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Bottom line of intriguing article:

Was there any overlap at all between the data-mining tools and techniques used by the Obama campaign and the data-mining tools and techniques used by the National Security Agency?

"Not wittingly. There are cases where they could inadvertently perhaps collect, but not wittingly."
- Jim Clapper
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 7:42 Comments || Top||

#2  If there is an overlap, and there is no compelling reason to believe otherwise at this time, that is totally inappropriate and most likely illegal.

I see the news media was shocked by the revelation that the IRS has semi-auto AR15s for enforcement. I wouldn't be surprised if they had fully automatic weapons. I know that mothballed M161As full-auto weapons are going to some of the state agencies linked to the Feds agencies.
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/13/2013 11:11 Comments || Top||

#3  M161A M16A1
Posted by: JohnQC || 06/13/2013 12:32 Comments || Top||

#4  The term interested parties should take a deeper look at is predictive analytics- I think the media narrative on the NSA implies to many non techies that someone is actually physically looking at data points and creating BOLO lists at the IRS, NSA or OFA... What they are really mastering is the management of vastly different data bases.

http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/01/21/The-Real-Story-Behind-Obamas-Election-Victory.aspx#page1

I have read in multiple articles that the OFA probably has a profile not just on low information voters or donors that support the progressive slide toward utopia or worse. They also may have a profile on each and every voter, soon to vote, illegal immigrant who may be swayed by their point of view.
All without any regulatory oversite that HIPPA or FISA would have regarding handling client privileged information.
My rights were breeched at the moment they profiled me.
Posted by: Capsu78 || 06/13/2013 16:15 Comments || Top||

#5  You've nailed it Capsu78. We've been properly fok'd and I'm not sure we'll be able to recover from it.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 16:25 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
U.S. Condemns Syria Gunship Strike on Lebanon
[An Nahar] The United States on Wednesday condemned a cross-border Syrian helicopter gunship attack on the eastern Lebanese town of Arsal, calling it an "unacceptable provocation which risked dragging Leb into war.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's helizap by the Syrian regime on Arsal," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"We fully condemn all attacks originating from Syria against Lebanese territory, particularly the targeting of civilians, and call for all parties to respect the stability, illusory illusory sovereignty and independence of Leb."

rder-bottom-color:gray;' title='Lebanon'>Leb's army warned it would hit back against any new attacks from Syria after the gunship fired two rockets on the center of Arsal, wounding one person.

In a rare warning against the regime of Syrian Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Horror of Homs...
, the army on Wednesday said its troops "took the necessary defensive measures to respond immediately to any similar violations."

Psaki would not be drawn on the warning from the army, but said the U.S. was "reiterating our call for all parties in Leb to respect Leb's disassociation policy."
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [12 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria


Africa Subsaharan
Gbagbo Ally Says He Fears Torture if Returned to Ivory Coast
[An Nahar] A former Ivory Coast minister and key ally of ex-president Laurent Gbagbo
... Former President-for-Life of Ivory Coast from 2000 to 2011. Laurent lost to Alassane Ouattara in 2010 but his representtive tore up the results on the teevee and he refused to vacate the presidential palace. French troops assisted the Oattara forces in extricating him from his Fuhrerbunker...
said on Wednesday that he fears torture if he is extradited back to Ivory Coast from Ghana.

Justin Kone Katinan, Gbagbo's front man and an ex-budget minister, has been fighting extradition since authorities in neighboring Ghana tossed in the calaboose
Youse'll never take me alive coppers!... [BANG!]... Ow!... I quit!
him last August.

Ivorian authorities have accused him of 20 counts of robbery and conspiracy to rob, and Katinan was in the witness box for the second day to defend against those charges.

"They will torture me and I'll become disabled" if he returned to Ivory Coast, Katinan told news hounds outside the court in Ghana's capital Accra.

Katinan said he was almost sent to Ivory Coast immediately after his initial arrest in August, but was saved by his attorney showing up in court in time to challenge the extradition.

He said he fled to Ghana shortly before the downfall of Gbagbo because he heard that he and former interior minister Desire Tagro were to be killed by those loyal to President Alassane Ouattara
...the current president-for-life of Ivory Coast. He actually beat his predecessor in an election before having to eject him from the presidential palazzo....
.

Tagro died in mysterious circumstances at the time of Gbagbo's arrest.

"If I wanted to save myself, I had to run away," Katinan said.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [18 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Besides all these troubles, he has become strongly addicted to drink, while residing in exile in Ghana.
Posted by: Au Auric || 06/13/2013 9:26 Comments || Top||

#2  Ivory coast was invaded by muslim interlopers just like the USA's southwest is invaded by the beaners...France being in the Saudi's pay, they did everything necessary to overthrow the Christian Gbagbo to put in place Ouattara, the muslim Saudi puppet...the election was rigged just like those in Californication...
Posted by: Pliny the Cheap6130 || 06/13/2013 20:22 Comments || Top||

#3  Pliny the Cheap6130 dear, please be aware that Rantburgers are an ethnically and racially diverse lot, as well as nationally, religiously (not to mention non-religiously), gender and sexually, and of course professionally. The use of the term beaner is strongly contraindicated given the readership. I, for instance, have been known to both cook with and eat beans, and was even once invited to join a touring folk-dancing troupe, though I am still puzzled by that, given that my folk dancing experience is Middle Eastern rather than south of the Rio Grande.

Please use something more specific and neutral in future, such as illegals or Mexicans, depending on who you are actually talking about. Thanking you for the management,

trailing wife
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/13/2013 21:22 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Saudi Arabia smashes 'sinful' horse statues on cleric's orders
[Al Ahram] Ultra-conservative Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
has smashed sculptures of horses erected on a roundabout in the southwest after the kingdom's top holy man denounced them as sinful, local media reported on Wednesday.

The municipality in the town of Abu Arish in Jazan province bordering Yemen demolished the statues on Tuesday, local online news website jazantoday.org reported.

The decision came after Grand Mufti Abdulaziz al-Sheikh sent a letter to the governor of Jazan demanding that "the sculptures be removed because they are a great sin and are prohibited under sharia (Islamic law)," said another news webitse, sabq.org.

Statues of people and animals are prohibited under Islam as they represent a form of idolatry. However,
some men learn by reading. A few learn by observation. The rest have to pee on the electric fence for themselves...
the religion does allow artworks depicting plants and landscapes.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [12 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Like the Buddah statues a few years back.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:51 Comments || Top||

#2  Smash Grand Mufti Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, he's "Sinful".
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 1:55 Comments || Top||

#3  The Wahabis came to town in Libya during the revolution and blew up a couple of famous shrines and defaced some revered statues in some towns.

The locals chased them away but the debate lingers on...what is idolatry? When does a shrine become worshipped itself and stop being a memorial to a famous person?

The problem with Islam is that every cleric's pronouncements are treated with equal veracity. There does not seem to be any kind of vetting or ranking system to separate the ignorant fanatic from the learned holy man.

I went to dinner the other night and one of the other guests was an Imam. He and I had a dandy discussion of theology and faith. He was very dismissive of the jihadists and their theological leaders as being ill-informed and intellectually diminished.

Too bad this guy isn't on TV here preaching some common sense to the masses instead of the guys who seem to get all of the press in Egypt and elsewhere.
Posted by: Bill Clinton || 06/13/2013 5:54 Comments || Top||

#4  Were the Horse statues "Romanticly Involved"?
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 06/13/2013 8:36 Comments || Top||

#5  RJ, to a Muzzie, especially a "Grand Mufti" that's a given.

Now, if they had been goats then they'd still be there.
Posted by: AlanC || 06/13/2013 9:36 Comments || Top||

#6  the religion does allow artworks depicting plants and landscapes

Posted by: Au Auric || 06/13/2013 9:51 Comments || Top||

#7  Bill,

rather than your friend preaching 'nice Islam' to infidels, it would be better if he preached 'no Islam' given that a large % of imans do preach Islam with fangs and there is no way of eliminating that preaching
Posted by: lord garth || 06/13/2013 10:51 Comments || Top||

#8  They'll get my Dalecarlian horse when they pry him from my cold dead hands !
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 10:58 Comments || Top||

#9  The most destructive country in the world re ideology and we do nothing to change them!

Is there a more intolerant country in the world re freedom of religion?
Posted by: Paul D || 06/13/2013 11:03 Comments || Top||

#10  Thank you Besoeker!!

I've been dusting my wife's " Dalecarlian horse" for years and never knew it had a name.

My wife (ex-equestrianne) has many horse sculptures but never knew that this one had a name.
Posted by: AlanC || 06/13/2013 11:28 Comments || Top||

#11  Were the statues anatomically correct?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 06/13/2013 11:33 Comments || Top||

#12  Probably like this.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/13/2013 11:53 Comments || Top||

#13  We talk about Islam as though it's one entity. I'm trying to think about Salafism (and its allied schools of thought like the Deobandis) as opposed to Islamic strains, which are mostly ineffective bullshit. Brelvis and Sufis and such aren't a threat to civilization.

Moslem Brotherhoodlums are making Egyptians sick of them already and my guess is that they'll be unable to govern effectively, possibly at all. They're just another strain of authoritarianism.

Shiites are a religious phenomenon only to the extent the holy men control Iran. The problem is more political than religious.

The "moderate" Moslems provide the sea for the Salafist fish to swim in. They'll cheer for the home team and they don't seem to mind being killed when they're innocent bystanders--human life is cheap under Islam after all--but the money and the driving force is Salafist and it lives in Arabia.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 12:09 Comments || Top||

#14  >We talk about Islam as though it's one entity.

While it's not one entity it does have a common risk of turning malignant compared to superior cultures.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 06/13/2013 13:13 Comments || Top||

#15  human life is cheap under Islam

Human life is cheap throughout the East.
Posted by: Pappy || 06/13/2013 13:37 Comments || Top||

#16  I have been awarded 3 of those, swksvolFF. Called Kick-Ass awards here.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 06/13/2013 15:34 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Gunmen kill six in Kenya ambush
[Bangla Daily Star] Six people have been killed in an ambush in northeastern Kenya's border region with war-torn Somalia, police said Wednesday following the latest in a string of attacks. Unidentified gunmen attacked a pickup truck laden with passengers late Tuesday near Qooqae in the northeastern Mandera region, a troubled area hit by multiple attacks in recent months, local police chief Joseph Tenai said.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [7 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab


India-Pakistan
PML-N unveils 'ambitious' first budget
[BETA.DAWN] Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented Pakistain's federal budget for the year 2013-14 in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

According to the government's proposed budget unveiled in parliament, the Pakistain Mohammedan League- Nawaz (PML-N) government expects Pakistain's 2013-14 fiscal deficit to narrow to 6.3 per cent of gross domestic product.

The proposed budget of Rs 3.5 trillion is expected to be funded partially by tax revenues of around 2.75 trillion rupees, Dar said.

To read the complete text of the finance minister's budget speech, click here.

The finance minister said that the government will spend the bulk of the development budget on the energy sector and that a total of Rs 225 billion have been allocated for the purpose.

Dar said that Rs 59 billion have been allocated for the construction of new dams.

The budget, aims at restricting power sector losses, is expected to do so by bringing down subsidies and gradually increasing electricity tariff for all consumers.

The finance minister announced that the government was looking to take austerity measures to bring the economy back on track.

Dar said that the government was hoping to save Rs 40 billion from the government's kitty by pursuing its planned austerity drive.

He said that the government had decided to freeze and scrap all secret funds for all ministries, except fot national security agencies.

"Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance has issued necessary instructions for immediate ceasing of such of such expenditures and return of unspent balances. Simultaneously, the allocations for the next year have been cancelled," he said.

Dar added that the Prime Minister's discretionary fund had also been scrapped, and that the expenses of the Prime Minister's House will be brought down by over 40 per cent.

He also announced that 3G telecom licenses will be auctioned and foreign exchange reserves will be raised to $20 billion in three years.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan


Four US embassy officials detained at Karachi airport
[BETA.DAWN] Airport officials briefly enjugged
You have the right to remain silent...
four US embassy officials at Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
's Jinnah International Airport Wednesday morning who were then sent back to Islamabad.

There was no verbal spat or scuffle. Airport officials confirmed the incident but did not elaborate why the officials were sent back.

A US embassy front man confirmed the incident and told Dawn.com that four embassy officials had reached Karachi from Islamabad this morning to meet with officials from the US consulate in Karachi.

He said airport officials did not allow them to enter the city and they subsequently returned to Islamabad.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [12 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  Return favor to Pak Embassy employees in US
Posted by: 3dc || 06/13/2013 1:21 Comments || Top||

#2  cant work out who is the biggest enemy Pakistan or Iran to the west?
Posted by: Paul D || 06/13/2013 7:38 Comments || Top||

#3  The biggest enemy is the administration's blindness regarding Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt etc., etc...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 06/13/2013 8:10 Comments || Top||

#4  Meh. Diplomats.

Plenty more where they came from.
Posted by: Muggsey Mussolini || 06/13/2013 11:49 Comments || Top||

#5  prolly concerned an Obama Ambassador/staff would be hitting on their prostitutes and minor children
Posted by: Frank G || 06/13/2013 16:40 Comments || Top||

#6  Rule number one: Never travel on your diplomatic passport.
Posted by: 49 Pan || 06/13/2013 22:48 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
France Says Hizbullah, Iran Must be Stopped before Aleppo
[An Nahar] La Belle France on Wednesday urged the international community to stop the progression of Syrian troops, backed by Hizbullah fighters and Iran, towards the strategic northern town of Aleppo.

After winning a strategic victory by retaking Qusayr, an important town near the border with Leb, Syrian troops are now focusing their attention on Aleppo as they continue to gain ground against the rebels.

"We must stop this progression before Aleppo. It is the next target of Hizbullah and of the Iranians," Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on La Belle France 2 television.

"We need to re-balance things because over the past few weeks the troops of Bashir al-Assad (Syrian leader) and especially Hizbullah and the Iranians, along with Russian arms, have gained considerable ground."

But he did not expand on how Syrian troops, buoyed by military support from its allies Hizbullah and Iran, should be stopped.

On Tuesday, La Belle France's foreign ministry warned that the nearly 27-month Syrian conflict, which is estimated to have killed at least 94,000 people, was at a "turning point."

"What should we do under these conditions to reinforce the opposition armed forces? We have had these discussions with our partners, with the Americans, the Saudis, the Turks, many others," said ministry front man Philippe Lalliot.

"We cannot leave the opposition in the current state."

The European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
, under pressure from London and Gay Paree, last month failed to renew an arms embargo on Syria, leaving individual member states free from August 1 to supply weapons to the opposition, if they decide to do so.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [15 views] Top|| File under: Hezbollah

#1  Just read on the Net that Assad's Boyz have it, so its likely too late for France [Obama?].

Assad is seemingly getting ready to launch his "final offensive" agz the Rebs - iff France + the US still desire to stop it despite Russia + China + Iran, the time to send in the ground trops was yesterday + day(s) before.

D *** NG IT, CLEARLY NUTHIN GETS BY THESE BOYZ!
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 06/13/2013 1:58 Comments || Top||

#2  Fine, go stop 'em then.

Me, I don't care.
Posted by: Muggsey Mussolini || 06/13/2013 11:52 Comments || Top||

#3  You'll have to borrow the airlift, but go ahead, mount up. It'll be fun to watch !
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 16:30 Comments || Top||

#4  Syria what a nutcase.

One side has Assad, Hez and Iran, the other your garden variety of jihadists.

Can't they both lose?
Posted by: European Conservative || 06/13/2013 17:59 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Somalia Government warns Alshabab sympathizers
[Shabelle] Somalia's internal security Minister Abdi Karin Hussein Guled has warned individuals who sympathize or fund Alshabab militia groups inside and outside Somalia.

During his speech in parliament, the minister said that the federal government is going to treat sympathizers equal to Alshabab fighters.

Mr. Abdikarin branded the Islamist militia as catalysts to development hiding within civilians inside and outside the country.

The minister finally raised the importance of forming a special army that is trained to fight Alshabab in different regions of the country.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab


Bangladesh
BNP man hurt as cops open fire in Barisal
[Bangla Daily Star] A campaign worker of 18-party backed mayor aspirant Ahsan Habib Kamal had shotgun pellet injuries in Barisal city during a scuffle between police and workers of Kamal last night.

BNP youth wing Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal activist Md Harun-ur-Rashid, 40, was taken to Barisal Medical College Hospital. Doctors there took out seven pellets from his body and said he was out of danger.

Bilkis Jahan Shirin, secretary of district BNP, said some female campaign workers of Kamal were doing their jobs in Boiddyapara area around 8:00pm when police locked away
Youse'll never take me alive coppers!... [BANG!]... Ow!... I quit!
five of them for violating the electoral code of conduct.

Hearing the news, mayor aspirant Kamal rushed to the spot and requested police to free his activists. But police ignoring the request opened fire on Kamal, Shirin claimed.

Babu, a witness , claimed that Harun got shot when he tried to protect Kamal from getting shot. Witnesses claimed that Harun was a bodyguard of Kamal.

However,
man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them...
Shakhawat Hossain, officer-in-charge of Barisal Police Station, claimed that police fired one shot to disperse a mob that was trying to take away the people they incarcerated
Drop the rod and step away witcher hands up!
on the orders of a mobile court.

He said police detained the five in connection with distributing flyers that used religious sentiment to slur mayor aspirant Shawkat Hossain Hiron.

In a presser later in the night, Barisal police said it was going to file a case against the five women and Harun in connection with preventing law enforcers from doing their duty.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [10 views] Top|| File under:


Africa North
Libyan Colonel Wounded in Benghazi Attack
[An Nahar] An attempt to kill a senior Libyan army officer in the eastern city of Benghazi on Wednesday left him lightly maimed, the army's general staff said.

It said on its Facebook page that Colonel Abdullah al-Shaafi, front man for the Joint Operations Room in Benghazi, had been the target of an attempted liquidation.

The statement said that Shaafi and one of his attackers were taken to hospital.

One of Shaafi's aides told Agence La Belle France Presse that gunnies had shot the colonel in the foot, but that he had received treatment and had already left hospital.

"One attacker was killed and another maimed," the aide said, without providing any further details.

The defense and interior ministries set up the Joint Operations Room in Benghazi to help reestablish order in the city, cradle of the 2011 uprising that toppled former dictator Muammar Qadaffy
... who had more funny outfits than Louis XIV...
.

Militias with different tribal and ideological links now control parts of Benghazi, where there has been a wave of attacks on army and coppers and facilities.

Islamists have often been blamed, but some observers say militias in general have launched attacks in a bid to stop regular security forces from regaining control of the city, despite local opposition.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [8 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring

#1  One of Shaafi's aides told Agence La Belle France Presse that gunnies had shot the colonel in the foot,

Seen a lot of that, all self inflicted.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/13/2013 7:32 Comments || Top||

#2  Paleostinian gunmen?
Posted by: Pappy || 06/13/2013 11:02 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Iranian Companies Are Taking Over Mogadishu Port
[Shabelle] As the UN, US, EU sanctions continue to bite the Iranian government; its subsidiary companies are now playing the smart role to explore in new business opportunities in Africa. These companies are mainly operating in the Middle East. Recently, Simatech Shipping LLC, which operates feeder services between Dubai and Bandar Abas port, has entered a contract agreement with Mogadishu Port Authority. They operate under the name of Mogadishu Port Container Terminal (MPCT). Simatech has leased a container terminal inside Mogadishu port and now they are trying to convince port management to exclusively takeover the stevedoring activities in whole port. Even though, most of the shipping companies are opposed their proposal. In corporation with powerful former ministers, they are now expanding their activities in Kenya in order to obtain a United Nations
...an organization originally established to war on dictatorships which was promptly infiltrated by dictatorships and is now held in thrall to dictatorships...
contracts with different names.

Recently, they have formed Liberty Shipping Ltd, which is a sister company for Simatech Shipping LLC. Liberty will mainly focus feeder services from Mombasa to Mogadishu container shipment. This will jeopardize the new Somali government's efforts to engage the international communities and the UN Agencies. We must prevent the Iranian Revolutionary Guard fromoperating inside Somalia. They are a powerful organ which has been created to encounter American pressure and international sanctions, which are intended to persuade Tehran to abandon alleged plans to develop nuclear weapons.
Posted by: Fred || 06/13/2013 00:00 || Comments || Link || E-Mail|| [7 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran



Who's in the News
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Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2013-06-13
  60 Boko Haram members killed in Maiduguri
Wed 2013-06-12
  Thousands Throng Istanbul Protest Square
Tue 2013-06-11
  Bombs and battles hit northern Iraq, more than 70 dead
Mon 2013-06-10
  Syria Islamists Execute Youth in Front of Family
Sun 2013-06-09
  Pak police recovers 15,000 kilos of explosive material
Sat 2013-06-08
  Tunisia Turns Away 8 Gulf Muslim Preachers
Fri 2013-06-07
  Seven killed in suspected U.S. drone strike in Pakistan
Thu 2013-06-06
  Nawaz Sharif elected as Pakistan PM
Wed 2013-06-05
  Locks Cut To Boston Water Supply Aqueduct
Tue 2013-06-04
  Missile Kills 26, including 8 Youths, in Syria Village
Mon 2013-06-03
  Damascus car bombing kills 9 security forces members
Sun 2013-06-02
  Second Muslim Convert Charged with London Soldier Murder
Sat 2013-06-01
  Turkey Finds Sarin Gas In Homes Of Suspected Syrian Islamists
Fri 2013-05-31
  Michigan Woman Dies In Syria, Fighting For Rebels
Thu 2013-05-30
  Pakistan: Wali ur-Rehman killed by US drone strike

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