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Syria misses United Nations deadline
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Afghanistan
War Victims Condemn Bagram Releases
[Tolo News] The families of people who have died in result of the ongoing Death Eater war in Afghanistan on Wednesday denounced the release of prisoners from Bagram prison and demanded the full prosecution and punishment of those involved in killing Afghan civilians.

The families emphasized that the government has no the right to free these criminals without a supporting court decision, calling the move an insult to the blood of their loved ones.

Earlier this week, it was announced that some 650 prisoners, including 88 deemed "dangerous", were being released from Bagram prison base don the order of a committee formed by President Hamid Maybe I'll join the Taliban Karzai
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  How's that "absolute moral authority" thing working out now?
Posted by: M. Murcek || 01/02/2014 11:25 Comments || Top||


Parliament Livid Over Bagram Releases
[Tolo News] A number of MPs spoke out agains the release of dangerous prisoners from Bagram prison, which they called a betrayal to the people of Afghanistan and their sacrifices.

It was announced earlier this week that some 650 prisoners would be released from Bagram, 88 of which have been dubbed "dangerous" by officials.

According to the representatives, the releases have been pushed by the Presidential Palace.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  Wonder how many were Brit expats?
Seems appropriate for the MPs to be concerned about their return.
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/02/2014 9:50 Comments || Top||


Prison Releases Trigger New U.S.-Afghan Dispute
[An Nahar] The United States on Wednesday criticized the planned release of 88 suspected hard boyz from an Afghan jail, branding the men as "dangerous individuals" who could threaten security as NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A cautionary tale of cost-benefit analysis....
forces withdraw from the country.

Disagreement over the fate of the prisoners is the latest point of friction between U.S. and Afghan authorities who are stuck in a bitter stalemate over a security accord that would allow some U.S. troops to stay after 2014.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda

#1  The United States on Wednesday criticized the planned release of 88 suspected hard boyz from an Afghan jail, branding the men as "dangerous individuals" who could threaten security as NATO
forces withdraw from the country.


I'm full of sympathy.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/02/2014 4:37 Comments || Top||


Complete US withdrawal from Afghanistan not desirable: Jilani
The withdrawal of all American troops from Afghanistan is not desirable, said Pakistan’s new ambassador to Washington as the United States prepares to begin the pullout.
Then the Taliban would have no western targets and would instead come after Pak politicians. That'll never do...
“Even the talk of US pullout has started having its impact. Pakistan has started to receive more Afghan refugees than before,” said Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani. “This shows that the people of Afghanistan too have fears.”

Jilani has served as foreign secretary and is the first career diplomat to be named to the prestigious post after political appointments for 13 years.

The US plans to withdraw most of its combat troops from Afghanistan by December 2014. Although it intends to leave behind a smaller force to help the Afghan government, Kabul’s continued refusal to sign a required security agreement can jeopardise this plan too.

Jilani said his first priority would be to strengthen trade and economic ties with the world’s economic superpower.

“Defence and security ties obviously are equally important but cooperation in the energy sector would be the main task that one has to carry forward,” he said.
"And stop the damned drones from whacking our allies," he added softly...
Asking India to take advantage of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s “genuine interest” in improving ties, Jilani said New Delhi will “lose a big opportunity if they do not.”

Pakistan claims India is using Afghan territory for fomenting unrest in Balochistan, a charge denied by New Delhi.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Pakistan

#1  Not desirable: for you.
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/02/2014 9:52 Comments || Top||

#2  Then the Taliban would have no western targets and would instead come after Pak politicians

There's evidence that Kabul has been backing the Pak Taliban as payback; one would suspect that that support would increase after 2014.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/02/2014 11:03 Comments || Top||

#3  Then the Taliban would have no western targets and would instead come after Pak politicians

Give the Pak politicians something to do besides rattle their nukes at India.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/02/2014 12:18 Comments || Top||

#4  Good news; there's another one. Bad news; the goose is departing very soon
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/02/2014 14:46 Comments || Top||


Afghan aid groups vow to stay on
As Nato forces pack up and shift out of Afghanistan, aid groups are determined to avoid following them, but they face rising militant attacks and uncertainty over funding.

Projects working on everything from clean water to skateboarding parks sprung up in Afghanistan after the Taleban were ousted in 2001.

Now, many Afghans fear that the end of the Nato military mission next year will see a pullout of all but the most resilient programmes, putting at risk the fragile gains of the last 12 years.
Talk to your hero, Champ. He's got a Nobel Peace Prize. I'm sure the Taliban will listen to him and restrain themselves...
“The international soldiers left here a year ago,” said Noor Mohammed, an elderly man in Kapisa province, north of Kabul.

“Fortunately for us, the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) have stayed so far. We still do not have drinking water and irrigation for our fields is a major problem, so we still need help.”

Among the aid groups to have stayed in Kapisa is MRCA (Medical Refresher Courses for Afghans), a French organisation established in 1985 that runs health programmes in several provinces. In Darwazagi village, nestled below rocky cliffs, MRCA’s Afghan staff distribute drugs to treat bronchitis as the bitter winter takes hold. Its chief of mission in Afghanistan, Valerie Docher, said it was determined to keep helping some of the country’s most vulnerable people despite 2013 being the deadliest year for aid workers since the Taliban fell.

This year more than 30 aid workers have been killed, including six Afghan employees of the aid group ACTED, who were shot dead last month while working on rural development projects in the northern province of Faryab.

“There is no single source of problems,” said Docher. “It is a multitude of challenges we face, and it is the variety that makes it so difficult to manage.

“If the militants really want to attack us, they can do so tomorrow morning. They know where we are.”

The Aid Workers Security Database recorded 164 attacks against NGOs worldwide, with 79 in Afghanistan, making it the world’s most dangerous country even in comparison to South Sudan, Syria and Somalia.

Assassination, kidnap, robbery and the ongoing war are some of the many threats — and experts believe the violence is increasing away from the eyes of the international community.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Good spot for them. Now if we could just get CAIR, USAID, etc. to participate.
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/02/2014 9:53 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Somalis continue to come home from South Sudan
MOGADISHU -- Federal Government of Somalia declared that it will continue the repatriation of Somali citizens from South Sudan following the arrival of the first group in Mogadishu on Monday, Garowe Online reports.
We all know what a garden spot Mogadishu is compared to South Sudan...
The caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister Fowsiyo Yusuf Haji Adan Tuesday said: “The Somali Federal Government will never slow down its role in saving and reinforcing the dignity of Somali citizens in response to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s demand”.

Adan told reporters that the government has been hiring special flights for the Somali people who are fleeing from the armed confrontations in the embattled country.

“The president has felt the deplorable conditions that our citizens are continuing to face in South Sudan,” she said.

The first group flown into Mogadishu was composed of 131 persons and they were transported by police buses from Adan Adde International airport.

Independent sources in South Sudan tell GO that many Somali citizens have been queuing for repatriation flights at UN camp as hundreds are still stranded in the city of Bor in Jonglei State, which the South Sudanese
Posted by: Steve White || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Arabia
Sheikh al-Ahmar denounces government apathy over Sa'ada
[Yemen Post] Amid news that the Houthis, under the leadership of tribal leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi
...a Zaidi Shia insurgent group operating in Yemen. They have also been referred to as the Believing Youth. Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi is said to be the spiritual leader of the group and most of the military leaders are his relatives. The Yemeni government has accused the Houthis of having ties to the Iranian government, which wouldn't suprise most of us. The group has managed to gain control over all of Saada Governorate and parts of Amran, Al Jawf and Hajjah Governorates. Its slogan is "God is Great, Death to America", Death to Israel, a curse on the Jews" ...
have furthered advanced their front toward the capital, a clear sign that the sectarian spat in between two politico-religious factions (the Houthis and the Salafis) is fast turning into a regional insurrection, Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar (the power tribal leader of the Hashid confederation of tribes) has denounced Sana'a's apathy.

Having called an emergency meeting at his residence to discuss Sa'ada, Sheikh al-Ahmar, who it is important to note weights heavenly in Yemen as both a political and tribal super-power, notwithstanding his massive fortune and strong ties to Yemen's Sunni religious factions, has been keen to highlight the dangers Sa'ada represents for Yemen's political transition.

Speaking of the prolonged siege of Dammaj, where civilians and Salafi forces of Evil have been trapped for months, unable to escape the Houthis' deadly clench, Sheikh al-Ahmar warned that by doing nothing the government has proven to be guilty by omission.

In a fiery
...a single two-syllable word carrying connotations of both incoherence and viciousness. A fiery delivery implies an audience of rubes and yokels, preferably forming up into a mob...
call for actions, the powerful Sheikh called on Yemen and the Yemenis as a united people to intervene and end all violence in the highlands. Sheikh al-Ahmar urged the authorities to immediately put a stop to the Houthis' advances, stressing that their men's heinous crimes against civilians should be met with utmost resolve, and not political apathy.

With fronts spread out in Sa'ada, Hajjah, al-Jawf, the Houthis would it seems have gained much more grounds than the Salafis and their political allies, in this case, al-Islah would care to admit, hence the calls for actions.

Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Arab Spring


Bangladesh
Jamaat 'protector of Islam' in Satkhira
[Dhaka Tribune] Opposition Jamaat-e-Islami
...The Islamic Society, founded in 1941 in Lahore by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, aka The Great Apostosizer. The Jamaat opposed the independence of Bangladesh but has operated an independent branch there since 1975. It maintains close ties with international Mohammedan groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood. the Taliban, and al-Qaeda. The Jamaat's objectives are the establishment of a pure Islamic state, governed by Sharia law. It is distinguished by its xenophobia, and its opposition to Westernization, capitalism, socialism, secularism, and liberalist social mores...
and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir
... the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh...
formed huge brigades of infantry comprising children, teenagers and their mothers in Satkhira district, cashing in their loyalty to Islam, to fight against law enforcers and pro-government activists.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Jamaat-e-Islami


Conspiracies on to thwart polls
[Bangla Daily Star] Prime Minister the loathesome Sheikh Hasina
...Bangla dynastic politician and current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She has been the President of the Bangla Awami League since the Lower Paleolithic. She is the eldest of five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangla. Her party defeated the BNP-led Four-Party Alliance in the 2008 parliamentary elections. She has once before held the office, from 1996 to 2001, when she was defeated in a landslide. She and the head of the BNP, Khaleda Zia show such blind animosity toward each other that they are known as the Battling Begums..
yesterday said different quarters are conspiring to thwart the January 5 elections that are important for continuing the constitutional process in the country.

"The conspirators of 1/11 of 2007 are back with multifaceted plots and schemes to foil the upcoming elections and bring undemocratic forces to power," she told an election rally at Mirpur Adarsha High School ground in the capital.

The address by Hasina comes three days before the national polls boycotted by the majority of political parties, including the main opposition BNP.

Saying the elections would be held in a free, fair and neutral manner, the AL president urged people to exercise their democratic right to vote, and resist those who try to foil the elections.

In the meantime, the BNP-led 18-party alliance threatened to foil the elections and continue its blockade programmes across the country.

Hasina also spoke at two other rallies in Mirpur and Uttara and sought votes for AL-nominated candidates Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Ilias Uddin Mollah and Shahara Khatun.

The premier said, "A group of civil society members, who brought to power the unconstitutional government through the 1/11 political changeover in 2007 and wanted to form the king's party, is still working to create a similar situation."

She added, "The civil society members, who think they are eminent persons, want to destroy democracy time and again because they feel ignored when a democratic government is in power."

They become more important if there is an undemocratic and unconstitutional government, said Hasina, alerting people about those who want no good for the country and its people.

She said the government has tried everything to hold dialogue with BNP Chairperson the loathesome Khaleda Zia
Three-term PM of Bangla, widow of deceased dictator Ziaur Rahman, head of the Bangla Nationalist Party, an apparent magnet for corruption ...
to solve the ongoing political impasse, but the opposition leader refused to take the opportunities.

The AL chief said the opposition leader boycotted the elections, as Jamaat-e-Islami
...The Islamic Society, founded in 1941 in Lahore by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, aka The Great Apostosizer. The Jamaat opposed the independence of Bangladesh but has operated an independent branch there since 1975. It maintains close ties with international Mohammedan groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood. the Taliban, and al-Qaeda. The Jamaat's objectives are the establishment of a pure Islamic state, governed by Sharia law. It is distinguished by its xenophobia, and its opposition to Westernization, capitalism, socialism, secularism, and liberalist social mores...
could not take part in the polls following a High Court order that declared illegal its registration as a political party.

"The Awami League always acts on whatever people want, but the BNP always goes against their wishes," she said. She added that the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Mollah, which was a popular demand, has effaced the stigma of the nation.

Referring to the BNP-led alliance's ongoing movement, the premier said it is not a movement, but terrorism, as people are not involved in it. She alleged the BNP chairperson has resorted to killings through bombings and arson attacks by hired criminals.

Hasina remarked that her government has curbed terrorism and militancy while the BNP chairperson has harboured them.

She highlighted various developments made by her government in the last five years, and pledged to undertake many more development projects if voted into power again.

Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Jamaat vexed at BNP role
[Bangla Daily Star] The Jamaat-e-Islami
...The Islamic Society, founded in 1941 in Lahore by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, aka The Great Apostosizer. The Jamaat opposed the independence of Bangladesh but has operated an independent branch there since 1975. It maintains close ties with international Mohammedan groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood. the Taliban, and al-Qaeda. The Jamaat's objectives are the establishment of a pure Islamic state, governed by Sharia law. It is distinguished by its xenophobia, and its opposition to Westernization, capitalism, socialism, secularism, and liberalist social mores...
is gradually distancing itself from its main ally BNP, as the Islamist party is disappointed with the BNP's handling of the ongoing movement and its stance on the execution of Abdul Quader Mollah.

The Jamaat believes it has already "paid dearly" by losing many of its leaders and activists in the violent movement against the government. In most cases, BNP leaders and activists kept themselves from the street agitations.

To the Jamaat, the BNP just wanted to have the pie prepared through Jamaat sacrifice. In addition, the more Jamaat takes to the streets, the more it is perceived as a terrorist organization. But it could have come out of this stigma had the BNP joined it on the ground.

At the same time, the Jamaat was expecting that BNP chief the loathesome Khaleda Zia
Three-term PM of Bangla, widow of deceased dictator Ziaur Rahman, head of the Bangla Nationalist Party, an apparent magnet for corruption ...
would condemn, at least tactically, the hanging on December 12 of Jamaat assistant secretary general Quader Mollah for war crimes. But she did not do so, which has frustrated Jamaat.

The Daily Star has learnt these from a number of leaders of the BNP, Jamaat and a component of the 18-party opposition alliance.

The rift between the two allies became clearer after the BNP failed to bring out on the streets any of its leaders to enforce the December 29 "March for Democracy" programme that was later extended by one day.

According to the sources, Khaleda herself phoned the 20 Dhaka city aspirants for the next parliamentary election, but none of them came out of their homes.

The Jamaat-Shibir had brought into the capital several lakhs of their men for the Dhaka march programme braving the difficulties on the way, but the BNP had failed to utilise them on the day, said an alliance leader.

While the Jamaat-Shibir activists unleashed reigns of terror by attacking innocent people, particularly commuters, in the past, the party this time decided to refrain from such action if the BNP men were not out on the streets.

"Our men, who sacrificed their lives during the anti-government movement, are labelled as faceless myrmidons no matter how many of our people die. But the BNP gets the benefit of it," a Dhaka city Jamaat leader told this correspondent, requesting anonymity.

Jamaat's latest stance has worried the BNP high-ups, especially about the fate of the ongoing movement.

Moreover, the BNP chief has expressed dissatisfaction over the apparent collapse of the party's chain of command that resulted in a "poor performance" on the first day of the indefinite blockade that began yesterday.

A number of mid-level BNP leaders quoting party high-ups said they were under pressure from different quarters for their "close relations" with the Jamaat.

The government and a number of foreign countries have been denouncing the BNP for its ties with the Jamaat, which they say is a fundamentalist party whose top leaders were involved in crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

Nevertheless, the BNP is hopeful that it can keep those ties intact. According to a BNP leader, the Jamaat has no other alternative than to continue relations with the BNP at this critical juncture in politics.

"That's why the party has to return to the BNP sooner or later. We hope the Jamaat will be active on the streets again in its own interest," he added.

Sources say Jamaat high-ups have conveyed to the BNP chief the message that their leaders and activists will not be active in the agitation programmes if BNP men do not actively participate in them.

In support of this position, a top leader in the opposition alliance said Jamaat-Shibir men were not active on the streets yesterday, which was in contrast to their role during past blockades and hartal
... a peculiarly Bangla combination of a general strike and a riot, used by both major political groups in lieu of actual governance ...
s.

"This reflects the cold relations between the BNP and Jamaat," he added.
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Jamaat-e-Islami


Iraq
al-Maliki to send reinforcements to Anbar
BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday reversed a decision to withdraw troops from tense cities in Anbar province, and will instead deploy reinforcements, state television reported.

"We will not withdraw the army" and "we will send additional forces," it quoted Maliki as saying in response to requests from residents and the government of the province west of Baghdad.

Maliki had announced on Tuesday that soldiers would withdraw from Anbar cities and hand over control to local police, in an apparent bid to calm tensions after security forces tore down a sprawling anti-government protest camp in the province.

Clashes between security forces and militants broke out as the camp near the provincial capital of Ramadi was closed on Monday. More than a dozen people have died in the fighting, which continued for a third day on Wednesday.

Protests broke out in Sunni Arab-majority areas of Iraq late last year after the arrest of guards of then-finance minister Rafa al-Essawi, an influential Sunni Arab, on terrorism charges. The arrests were seen by Sunnis as yet another example of the Shiite-led government targeting one of their leaders.
Posted by: Steve White || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Palestinian delegation to head for Czech Republic over ambassador's death
[Xinhua] Paleostinian Foreign Ministry is coordinating with Czech authorities to send a delegation to help investigate into the death of Paleostinian ambassador in Prague, a ministry official said on Wednesday.
Yes, I'm sure they'll be a...big help. Maybe find out the Jooos poisoned him with polonium before he blew up...
The ambassador, Jamal Al Jamal, was injured in an kaboom in his residence in Prague-Suchdol on Wednesday and died in hospital, announced Czech police spokeswoman Andrea Zoulova.

The Paleostinian official, speaking on condition of anonymity
... for fear of being murdered...
, said that the Paleostinian authorities do not rule out that Al Jamal was "killed in a plotted liquidation."
See what I mean?
Moshe and David, back in Tel Aviv, are snickering broadly...
According to report by Czech media, the kaboom occurred when a safe placed in the ambassador's residence was opened.

The blast could have been caused by an explosive system, a 52- year-old woman was treated on the spot and then taken to the Prague-Motol Hospital on suspicion she inhaled by-product gases and over a stress reaction, according to media reports.

Meanwhile,
...back at the Hubba Hubba Club, Nunzio had his hands full of angry bleached blonde...
the Paleostinian ministry said in a statement that Al Jamal was "a model of the persistent, successful diplomat serving his homeland and cause."

The 56-year-old ambassador officially assumed the post on Oct. 11, 2013, when he handed his credentials to Czech President Milos Zeman.
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Palestinian Authority

#1  Work place accident ? Hit? Discuss amongst yourselves.
Posted by: Bangkok Billy || 01/02/2014 6:32 Comments || Top||

#2  Saw in passing another article that said unregistered firearms were also found at the residence. Paleo's, guns, explosives. Who'd a thunk it?
Posted by: tipover || 01/02/2014 13:55 Comments || Top||


Kerry Deceived Israel Over Prisoner Releases, TV Report Claims
[IsraelTimes] US 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...
"deceived" Israel during the discussions over the release of longtime Paleostinian terrorist convicts, a senior Israeli official charged Monday, according to a TV report.

The dramatic Channel 2 report -- broadcast just a few hours before Israel's release of a third group of 26 Paleostinian prisoners, and shortly before Kerry is due back in the region with hopes to get Israel and the Paleostinians to sign a "framework" peace deal -- suggested a profound breakdown of trust between the secretary and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Prime Minister's Office late Monday issued a statement saying it was not accusing Kerry of deception.

The TV report said that Netanyahu had sent a message to Kerry in the last few days making crystal clear that Israel will not free any Israeli Arab prisoners in the fourth and final phase of the prisoner releases, set for the coming months, and it suggested that Kerry had duplicitously allowed Paleostinian Authority President the ineffectual Mahmoud Abbas
... a graduate of the prestigious unaccredited Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow with a doctorate in Holocaust Denial...
to believe that Israeli Arab prisoners would be freed.

According to the report, quoting an unnamed senior Israeli government source, Netanyahu had agreed with Kerry, when they were finalizing terms for a resumption of Israeli-Paleostinian peace talks in the summer, that Israel would free 82 Paleostinian prisoners in a series of phased releases, and that Israel would not include any Israeli Arab convicts among those to be freed. And yet when Abbas demanded, in his own separate meetings with Kerry, that 104 prisoners be released, and that Israeli Arab terrorist convicts be among those set free, "Kerry did not correct him," the report said, presumably because he did not want to scupper the talks.

Instead, having chosen not to resolve the discrepancy with Abbas, the secretary of state came back to Netanyahu, and apparently attempted to persuade the prime minister to change his position. According to the TV report, that was when the issue of a possible release of spy-for-Israel Jonathan Pollard entered the equation. Netanyahu reiterated to Kerry that he was not prepared to release Israeli Arab prisoners as any kind of a goodwill gesture to Abbas, but said he might consider doing so as a gesture to the United States, were Washington to free Pollard. The secretary then promised to look into the possibility.

In the last few days, the report continued, Netanyahu had made clear to Kerry that Israel's refusal to release Israeli Arab terror convicts is unchanged. The prime minister has also instructed the Shin Bet security service and the Israel Prison Service to draw up a list of 26 names for the fourth and final scheduled batch of prisoner releases, set to take place in the coming months, that does not include any Israeli Arabs.

The report sensationally quoted the senior Israeli official charging that Kerry had "deceived" Israel over the episode, but did not specify precisely what the official meant by the charge. Apparently the accusation related to Kerry failing to tell Abbas that Israel would not free Israeli Arabs, and failing to reconcile the discrepancy over the overall numbers of prisoners to be released, and then trying to persuade Israel to change its position on the issue, including by referencing Pollard.

Israel has historically been disinclined to give the Paleostinian leadership any say in the fate of Israeli Arab citizens, regarding such citizens as being solely an Israeli responsibility. Among the 26 prisoners going free on Monday night were several East Jerusalem residents, who would theoretically be eligible for Israeli citizenship and who hold Israeli residency papers, but none of them is a full Israeli citizen.

The complicated TV report, by Channel 2′s well-connected diplomatic correspondent Udi Segal, came in the wake of a series of contradictory reports at the weekend concerning purported American readiness to consider freeing Pollard -- reports that were denied by the White House and played down by the US Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro.

"I suggest we don't believe every media report," Shapiro said Sunday morning. "There's no direct link between Pollard and the [peace] negotiations or the prisoner release. These are different issues."

Israel's Channel 10 News reported Friday night, citing unnamed Israeli sources, that Kerry had offered to arrange the release of Pollard if Israel freed Israeli Arab prisoners in the fourth and final phase of the prisoner releases. That TV report added, however, that Kerry clarified in his contacts with Israel's leaders on the issue that Pollard's release had not been approved by President Barack Obama
My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it...
, and the report further said Israel doubted that Kerry could actually secure Obama's approval.

In contrast to the TV report, Israel Radio reported Friday night that Kerry had merely promised to check into the possibility of freeing Pollard, as requested by Netanyahu.

Pollard has served 28 years for spying for Israel. Israeli politicians of all stripes, led by Netanyahu, have recently called on the US to let the 59-year-old former US naval intelligence analyst go free. The issue has hit the headlines again particularly in light of recent revelations that the US spied on Israeli prime ministers and other bigwigs in 2008 and 2009.

After a lengthy debate at the Knesset last Wednesday, an overwhelming 106 of the 120 Knesset members signed off on an official request to Obama to free Pollard, who is a dual US-Israeli citizen.

Last Monday, Netanyahu met with Esther Pollard, wife of the Israeli-American spy, and "updated her on the non-stop efforts to release Jonathan," according to a statement by his office.

Pollard was convicted in 1987 on charges of passing classified information to Israel while he worked as an intelligence analyst for the US Navy. He was given a life sentence for the crime, sparking decades of activism for his release by Jewish groups, and, more recently, some high-profile US and Israeli officials.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Palestinian Authority

#1  Wouldn't want Israel to feel left out.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/02/2014 12:20 Comments || Top||


Intifada For Beginners
[Ynet] Series of violent attacks since start of peace talks is simply a Paleostinian operational routine

The defense establishment, the establishment's pensioners and commentators on terror attacks are beginning to collapse under the weight of wondering whether the recent wave of hostile activities is a new intifada or just a wave. Soon we will likely see a parliamentary demand for a commission of inquiry into the matter.

Many suspect that the security and political echelons are conspiring to hide the third intifada from us and repress it. Although it's unclear how the two echelons stand to benefit from repressing intifadas, the public wants order in its life: If there is an intifada, let it show up immediately.

Well, what can we do, there is no intifada at the moment. Just like one dove does not announce the spring of peace, one terror attack a day -- and even two or three -- don't necessarily announce an intifada. The series of violent attacks we have been experiencing since the start of 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...
's peace offensive is simply a Paleostinian operational routine. From time to time, the Paleostinian fighters go on a temporary ceasefire, in order to rest or equip themselves, but their regular condition is the Death Eater condition.

By the way, as a veteran settler I can testify that more stones are thrown at us during the winter than during the summer. The long nights provide our neighbors with an extended window of opportunities to smash the windows of Jewish vehicles. They are swallowed in the darkness and carry out their evil scheme regardless of the political situation or the construction graphs. They have this kind of sport, harassing Jews. It's more of an Olympics than an intifada.

The height of the flames stems from ability, not from desire. There is always a desire. That is why the IDF has been making sure since Oslo, even during the so-called calm periods, to prevent Jews from entering the Paleostinian Authority's territories. Army officials know that the Jewish life expectancy becomes significantly shorter in Ramallah, in Nablus and in any other place where snuffies are less afraid of being hit by our forces. If the Shin Bet declares a general strike tomorrow, brigades of suicide snuffies will once again raid little Israel's cities. They will not be stopped by Abbas. He is not as violent as Arafat, but like him, he is making an effort to avoid declaring the end of the conflict. His media outlets are blowing the atmosphere of hatred in the sails of terror attacks.

When does a wave of terror attacks reach the dimensions of an intifada? When the masses join the circle of violence. At the moment, the masses prefer to go to work. They like it that way. They are enjoying economic prosperity, unprecedented freedom of movement and an independent parliament. The famous Paleostinian despair exists only in Jewish imagination.

When a lone terrorist stabs a soldier at the Adam Junction or tries to blow up a bus in Bat Yam, it's not because of the occupation, it's because of ancient hatred of Israel which began way before 1967, and will not end if John Kerry receives a Noble Peace Prize, God forbid.

The fact is that there has been no occupation in the Gazoo Strip for a long time, and yet last week an Israeli citizen was shot to death by a sniper from there. For the bereaved family it will no longer make a difference if the defense establishment gives in to the public opinion and declares it an intifada.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Israeli Garmin:

"Turn right in one quarter mile to avoid ghetto."
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/02/2014 9:23 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria Opposition Says Jihadists 'Have Links with Assad's Regime, Serve Its Interests'
[An Nahar] Syria's opposition National Coalition on Wednesday accused an al-Qaeda-linked group in the country of ties to the Syrian regime, saying it was serving the government's interests.

The criticism is the strongest yet by the coalition of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and comes after the group reportedly tortured and killed an opposition doctor in northern Syria.

"The Coalition believes that ISIL is closely linked to the terrorist regime and serves the interests of the clique of Hereditary President-for-Life Bashir Pencilneck al-Assad
Horror of Homs...
, directly or indirectly," it said in a statement.

"The murder of Syrians by this group leaves no doubt about the intentions behind their creation, their objectives and the agendas they serve, which is confirmed by the nature of their terrorist actions hostile to the Syrian revolution," it added.

It called on rebels who had joined ISIL to abandon the group and for the "prosecution of the leaders of this terrorist organization along with the criminals of the regime".

The Coalition said an opposition doctor, Hussein al-Sleiman, known by the pseudonym Abu Rayyan, had been held by ISIL in Maskana in Aleppo province, though there were no details on when he was jugged
Drop the heater, Studs, or you're hist'try!
.

The statement said he had been rubbed out after being subjected to "the worst forms of torture".

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the doctor belonged to the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group and that "one of his ears was cut off before he was shot".

"His body was handed over on Tuesday as part of a prisoner exchange," the NGO said.

The Coalition has in the past accused the regime of having helped to set up myrmidon groups among the opposition in a bid to "steal" the revolution, without naming ISIL.

It has also accused the group of abandoning the fight against the regime and instead battling other opposition fighters and civilians.

The Observatory said ISIL is fighting in the area around Damascus and the north, though it has also been accused of fighting rebels and committing abuses against civilians.

Syria's conflict began with peaceful anti-government demonstrations in March 2011, and spiraled into a war after a brutal regime crackdown.

Initially, the rag-tag armed opposition welcomed the arrival of jihadist fighters, who were mostly better-equipped and trained, but relations soured with the increasing strength of the foreign groups.

The Syrian regime has always branded all those fighting against it as "terrorists".
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State of Iraq & the Levant

#1  There were unverified reports as far back as six months ago that ISIL forces were controlling Syrian oil fields via an 'understanding' with the the Syrian government.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/02/2014 11:11 Comments || Top||

#2  There's a connection between turds and "that smell." It's invisible, but a connection all the same...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 01/02/2014 13:31 Comments || Top||


Ghosn Denies Making Statements on Arrest of Abdullah Azzam Brigades Chief
[An Nahar] Caretaker Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn denied on Wednesday that he had made any statements to any media outlets, said his press office in a statement.

The statement was issued after Agence France Presse said that he had confirmed the arrest of Majed al-Mjaed, the "emir" of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, the Al-Qaida linked group that claimed a double suicide bombing at the Iranian embassy in November.

He told AFP: "He was arrested by the intelligence services of the Lebanese army in Beirut."

He did not specify when the arrest took place.

"He was wanted by the Lebanese authorities and is currently being interrogated in secret," the minister added.

Ghosn later denied to various media outlets that he had made any statements regarding the arrest.

On Wednesday, a Twitter account belonging to Sirajeddin Zreikat, a member of the Sunni Muslim extremist group, appeared to have been suspended.

Zreikat had claimed responsibility for the double bombing at the Iranian embassy in Beirut that killed 25 people.

He had warned of more attacks in Lebanon if the Iran-allied Hizbullah kept sending troops to support President Bashar Assad's regime in Syria's civil war.
Posted by: Fred || 01/02/2014 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:



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Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2014-01-02
  Syria misses United Nations deadline
Wed 2014-01-01
  Leb Army Arrests Abdullah Azzam Brigades Chief
Tue 2013-12-31
  Shamsher Mobin and 250 others arrested
Mon 2013-12-30
  Reports: Second Blast In Russian City Kills 10 On Trolleybus
Sun 2013-12-29
  Breaking: Terrorist bombing Russian train statiion kills 18.
Sat 2013-12-28
  10 Dead In Army Shelling Of Funeral Tent In South Yemen
Fri 2013-12-27
  Egypt Orders 18 Brotherhood Members Held on Terror Charges
Thu 2013-12-26
  French Tanks Deploy at Bangui Airport amid Heavy Gunfire
Wed 2013-12-25
  70 killed as troops, Boko Haram clashes in Nigeria
Tue 2013-12-24
  Turbans attack Iraq TV channel HQ
Mon 2013-12-23
  New Air Strikes on Aleppo Kill Dozens, Schoolchildren among 8 Dead in Homs
Sun 2013-12-22
  Alabama men convicted on terrorism charges get 15-year prison terms
Sat 2013-12-21
  N. Waziristan clashes: Troops pound militant hideouts, 40 killed
Fri 2013-12-20
  AQ in Syria executes top US backed FSA commander.
Thu 2013-12-19
  Suicide attack kills 5 soldiers in Miranshah

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