Posted by: Mullah Richard ||
05/07/2023 18:06 Comments ||
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#2
Why do we need a bomb proof building for our embassy in Lebanon? If Lebanon can't provide a safe enough space for our diplomats them we should keep away from them.
[KhaamaPress] Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, at the SCO ministerial meeting held in Goa from May 4-5, reiterated building a ’security belt’ around Afghanistan.
Tajik Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin spoke about the security and drug trafficking issues in the region and asked the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to establish an independent unit in Tajikistan to counter drug trafficking, which has already affected the regional countries.
These statements were made following Tajikistan’s recent conflict with narcos from Afghanistan. Previously also, Tajik authorities had expressed their concerns over the increasing volume of narcos from neighboring Afghanistan on its southern border.
Kamran Rajabzadeh, the head of Tajikistan’s border forces of Badakhshan region was killed last week in a clash with gunnies who had come from Afghanistan. Tajikistan National Security Committee confirmed the death of one of its military officials on the Afghan border.
Tajikistan President, Emomali Rhamon had earlier warned regional countries of the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and their potential threats to the security of the countries in the region and beyond.
President Emomali Rhamon for the first time proposed the idea of creating a security belt around Afghanistan at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting last year. Tajikistan is a permanent member of CSTO and SCO.
At the SCO ministerial meeting held in the Indian city of Gwaii from April 14-15, Minister Muhriddin said that all member states must effectively carry out their mission for mutual benefits.
India took over the rotating presidency of the SCO at the Samarkand SCO Summit in 2022 and attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region.
[8a.m.] Some female graduates have reported that the Taliban ...Arabic for students... are not allowing them to enter universities to complete their documents. On Saturday, May 6, the girls told Hasht-e Subh that the Taliban had instructed them to send male family members to the university to carry out administrative affairs related to their educational documents.
One of these girls, who studied at a state university in Kabul and did not want to be named, said: "Female graduates do not have permission to enter the university and proceed with their certificate and transcript matters."
She added: "It has been more than two weeks since the process of certificate and transcript matters began, but some students like me have not been able to send their brother or father to the university due to various problems, and as a result, their affairs have not been processed."
On the other hand, another girl said: "Female students at Afghanistan universities are not even allowed to go to university for a day to proceed with their certificate and transcript matters."
She added: "It has been three weeks since I was last able to deal with my affairs, and due to my father’s recent passing, my brothers are occupied with finding work to support the family and do not have the time to help with these matters."
The girls are urging the Taliban to allow female students to go to university to complete their educational documents.
It should be noted that the Taliban Ministry of Higher Education suspended the education of girls in public and private universities until further notice in late 2021.
These Taliban decisions have sparked widespread national and international reactions, with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and many countries around the world calling for the opening of educational opportunities for girls.
A taste. Sections on taxes rising as economy falls, coercion of farmers, extorting businesses, diverting foreign charity to Talib fighters, and increased income from opium cultivation, coal to Pakistan, and mining leases to China can be read at the link.
[KabulNow] On April 19, 2022, a plea for relief from oppressive religious taxation turned deadly in a small village in the Qala-e-Zal district of Kunduz province. Taliban ...Arabic for students... fighters opened fire villagers, who had gathered to demand a reduction in their tithes and taxes, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries. The confrontation arose from a dispute over the Taliban’s heavy-handedness, and for the villagers, unjust and unaffordable taxes.
Nearly a year later, in February 2023, the Taliban’s Agriculture Department in Kunduz province reported collecting 226 million Afghanis (approximately $3 million) in tithes and zakat, not including taxes and customs. Typically, tithes amount to 10% of crops such as wheat, rice, and other grains, while livestock collects zakat.
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The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported a decrease in Iraq's oil exports to the United States.
According to the administration's report, Iraq's average oil exports to the US reached 148,000 barrels per day during the past week, marking a decrease of 74,000 barrels per day compared to the previous week when exports averaged 222,000 barrels per day.
The report further states that most US oil imports during the past week came from Canada, with an average of 3.526 million barrels per day, followed by Mexico, with an average of 706,000 barrels per day.
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... 's oil revenues to the US amounted to an average of 242,000 barrels per day, and Nigeria followed with an average of 214,000 barrels per day.
Additionally, the report highlights that the US did not import any oil from Libya or Russia during this period, while imports from Colombia averaged 143,000 barrels per day, Brazil at 68,000 barrels per day, and Ecuador at 57,000 barrels per day.
[KhaamaPress] The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, said on Friday that the United States will not accept the asylum application of those migrants colonists who are illegally entering the country through the Mexico border effective from May 11, 2023.
In the recent past, many Afghan refugees have taken this route and entered the United States and Canada, and have applied for asylum certificates.
As per the new rule, refugees from any country they pass through on their way to the US should apply for asylum there. If they enter the United States, they will not qualify for asylum and will be dealt with accordingly.
This initiative was part of President Biden’s election campaign, which promised to assist prevent the influx of illegal migration to the United States.
Following the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban ...mindless ferocity in a turban... in August 2021, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, scores of Afghans moved to Brazil on humanitarian visas. From Brazil, they take a long risky route all the way to Mexico and eventually enter the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, ...back at the chili cook-off, Chuck slipped the habañero into the roasted jalapeño... the US and Mexican officials have agreed on new immigration policies meant to deter illegal border crossings while also opening up other pathways ahead of an expected increase in migrants colonists following the end of pandemic restrictions.
Mexico plays a critical role in helping the US to clamp down its southern border and prevent the entry of illegal migrants colonists to the United States.
It is reported that migrants colonists as far away as Haiti and Brazil are making the trek on foot up through Mexico, and are not easily returned back to their home countries.
#1
...will not accept the asylum application of those migrants colonists who are illegally entering the country through the Mexico border effective from May 11, 2023.
#2
It is reported that migrants colonists as far away as Haiti and Brazil are making the trek on foot up through Mexico, and are not easily returned back to their home countries.
[KhaamaPress] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly negated the Pakistain government’s claim of meeting all the conditions to reach an agreement with the global financial body to release funds under a pre-agreed load facility.
In 2019, the IMF signed a deal to provide $6 billion to Pakistain on fulfillment of certain conditions. The full reimbursement is still pending due to certain insistence by the financial body Pakistain should meet all loan conditions and complete all formalities.
Pakistain’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar have repeatedly claimed that Pakistain met all load conditions and there was no convincing reason for holding back the loan, which Pakistain urgently needs to help balance its finances.
On the contrary, the IMF has rejected the Pak government’s claims of meeting all prior conditions to complete the 9th review, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.
"The IMF continues to work with the Pak authorities to finalize the 9th review once formalities are complete and the agreement is finalized," the IMF Mission Chief to Pakistain, Nathan Porter said.
Currently, the Pak government is plagued with a serious economic situation and desperately needs a loan from the IMF to balance its finance and needs to pay nearly $4 billion to the world on account of principal and interest on debt till June this year.
Pakistain’s finance minister said that they needed $6 billion to bridge the financing gap by June this year. The country’s gross official foreign exchange reserves remain at $4.5 billion.
Meanwhile, ...back at the Alamo, Davy was counting their remaining cannon balls and not liking the results... Pakistain needs to arrange funds to repay the loans during the first half of the next fiscal year. The cash-strapped country needs over $4 billion to repay the international creditors in the next fiscal year.
These include payments to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, Saudi Fund for Development, Islamic Development Bank, and Chinese commercial banks.
Posted by: trailing wife ||
05/07/2023 03:52 ||
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[GEO.TV] The corpse count of ethnic festivities among tribal groups in India's remote northeastern state of Manipur has reached 54 after another night of violence as the country's armed forces struggle to enforce law and order.
Reportedly, thousands of troops were dispatched to Manipur state after violence broke out amid a protest staged by a tribal group on Wednesday.
Internet was jammed, while law enforcers were allowed to shoot at sight orders but only in "extreme cases" to force the fighting factions to walk away from violence.
AFP quoted local police as saying that a tense calm prevails after a recent scrap on Friday night, while according to The Press Trust of India, the total tally of the dead in the hospital morgues in the state capital Imphal and Churachandpur district further south has reached 54.
"Sixteen bodies were kept in the morgue of the Churachandpur district hospital while 15 bodies were in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district," PTI reported, citing an unnamed local official.
"The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences at Lamphel in Imphal West district reported 23 dead."
Manipur Director General of Police P Doungel told news hounds on Friday that security forces were bringing the situation under control.
Army patrols had "gone a long way to quell the thing off", he said.
Security forces and the Manipur government have yet to issue an official corpse count for this week's violence.
But India's law minister Kiren Rijiju told news hounds today that "many lives have been lost" after days of festivities alongside damage to property.
The suspension of internet services has slowed down the flow of information from Manipur and the current situation on the ground after the latest festivities on Friday is not clear.
An Indian army unit based in neighbouring Nagaland state said 13,000 people had sought shelter from the violence "within military premises".
On Thursday, security forces fired tear gas in Imphal to disperse protesters, some of whom had set alight vehicles and houses in parts of the city.
Charred vehicles were seen on streets otherwise empty due to the imposition of a round-the-clock curfew.
Defence officials said Friday that additional troops had been brought into the state by road and air.
As far as I can tell, this is a war of all against all as ethnic groups that are not getting special treatment have been attacking the government and those that are. Even the native Jewish community (I’m not sure which one they are, exactly) has had some killed. The view from One India:
The total curfew imposed in Manipur's Churachandpur district, which restricted the movement of people has been relaxed to allow the people to buy essential items such as medicines and food, according to a notification.
The curfew imposed under section 144 of the CrPC will be relaxed from 7 am to 10 am, it said. It was also relaxed on Saturday for two hours from 3 pm to 5 pm.
"With the law and order situation improving in Churachandpur district and after talks were held between the state government and various stakeholders, I'm pleased to share that the curfew will be partially relaxed as per the details shared below," Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted on Saturday night, sharing a copy of the notification.
The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent mostly peacefulfestivities broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community, which has so far displaced thousands of people and killed at least 54.
The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent mostly peacefulfestivities broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community, which has so far displaced thousands of people and killed at least 54.
The notification issued by Churachandpur district magistrate Sharath Chandra Arroju said, "Subsequent relaxations shall be reviewed and notified based on assessment of the prevailing law and order situation."
The festivities broke out after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 percent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.
MANIPUR VIOLENCE: DEATH TOLL CROSSES 50
The corpse count in the violence-hit Manipur increased to 54. Of the 54 dead, 16 bodies were kept in the morgue of the Churachandpur district hospital while 15 bodies were in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.
CHIEF MINISTER BIREN SINGH HOLDS ALL-PARTY MEET
Manipur CM N Biren Singh chaired an all-party meeting on Saturday to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state. The situation is tense but being kept under control by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, who are working together to restore peace in the violence-hit areas.
"Held an all-political party meeting to discuss the current situation in Manipur and to collectively work towards bringing peace and stability to the state. During the meeting, it was resolved to appeal for peace in the state, and encourage all citizens to avoid any actions that could lead to further violence or instability," Singh was quoted by PTI as saying.
Posted by: Fred ||
05/07/2023 00:21 ||
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#1
CNN: Skirmishes first broke out after thousands of tribal people took part in a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur, against the potential inclusion of majority Meitei ethnic group in India’s “Scheduled Tribe” grouping.
The Meitei community, who make up about 50% of the state’s population, have for years campaigned to be recognized as a scheduled tribe, which would give them access to wider benefits including health, education and government jobs.
Scheduled tribes are among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India and have historically been denied access to education and job opportunities. If the Meitei community are given scheduled tribe status, other tribal groups say they fear they will not have a fair chance for jobs and other benefits.
[GEO.TV] Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced Saturday that starting next week, his party would hold rallies every day till May 14 — when elections to the Punjab Assembly are scheduled to be held on the Supreme Court's order.
He made the announcement in an address to workers at a rally at Lahore's Lakshmi Chowk metro station held to "support the Constitution, Supreme Court, and the chief justice of Pakistan".
The PTI held rallies in four cities — Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
"It is the entire nation's decision to stand with the Constitution and [against] the way this mafia is putting pressure on and doing propaganda against the chief justice and [other] judges," Khan said while referring to the incumbent coalition government.
Announcing the plan for daily rallies, the PTI chairman said he would come out and prepare the public to protest if elections were not held.
"When a country's Constitution is violated, it means the justice system and the rule of law have ended. Most of all, it means that the nation has lost its freedom and become slaves.
"We will not rest till elections are held and Pakistan is free," he stressed.
Posted by: Fred ||
05/07/2023 00:19 ||
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[DW] Families from Gujarat ...where rioting seems to be a traditional passtime... state are risking their lives to make the perilous journey through the Mexican desert or Canada's dense forests in freezing temperatures in search of the so-called American dream.
From the initial interrogation of agents we have arrested, they charge $70,000-$75,000 (€64,000- €69,000) for each individual. The agents usually map the road to the US via Canada or through the Turkey-Mexico route.
Authorities announced last week that the four bodies recovered from the St. Lawrence River in Akwesasne, a Mohawk reserve wedged between the Canada-US border, were of people who came from a village in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, in western India. The family of four, Praveen Chaudhary, 50, his wife Diksha, 45, and their children, Vidhi, 23, and Mitkumar, 20, attempted to enter the US from Canada by boat across the St. Lawrence River, police said. They are believed to have reached Canada on a tourist visa in February.
Continued on Page 49
Group of French pro-life Catholics pray across the street from a church whose Pastor was murdered by an immigrant. One man in the group didn't care for the rap music purposely blasting to antagonize the small group. Can't say that I blame him. pic.twitter.com/lg4wWIQYid
#1
Zooming out a notch... there's no obnoxious rap soundtrack to the DM's version of this video. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if broader context showed Sluggo being provoked, but...
#6
When I was in the dorms, and the rap got turned up super loud, I would put in my Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipe and Drum Band CD. No matter how big your boombox, you CANNOT drown out bagpipes. I'd peg mine at 10, wait 2 minutes and then turn it down. Silence.....so nice.
[Rudaw] United State-led coalition and local forces killed 13 suspected Islamic State ...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not really Moslems.... (ISIS) operatives in Syria and Iraq in April, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday.
Another 28 ISIS suspects were detained during joint operations between the coalition and their Iraqi and Syrian partners, CENTCOM said in its review of anti-ISIS activities for the month.
"These operations showcase our enduring commitment to the lasting defeat of ISIS and the continued need for targeted military efforts to prevent ISIS members from conducting attacks and regaining a foothold. We remain focused on building local partner forces’ capabilities to prevent ISIS resurgence," read the statement.
In Iraq, nine suspected ISIS operatives were killed and seven others were detained during 25 partnered operations, while in Syria four were killed and 21 were arrested in ten raids, including a US-only operation.
The coalition said late last month that ISIS activities in Syria and Iraq had significantly decreased since the beginning of the year, describing the latest Islamic holy month of Ramadan as "one of the most peaceful."
"During Ramadan we observed a significant reduction in the number of ISIS attacks compared to previous years. We assess this is due to the increased operations by our partners," CENTCOM said on Friday.
The coalition advises and provides aerial assistance to Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army as well as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against ISIS. The SDF have carried out a string of raids on ISIS in northeast Syria (Rojava), in coordination with the global coalition.
Successive leaders of the group have been targeted in their hideouts in Syria. On Sunday, The Sick Man of Europe Turkey ...just another cheapjack Moslem dictatorship, brought to you by the Moslem Brüderbund... announced it had killed suspected ISIS chief Abu Hussein al-Qurayshi during an operation in Jindires, northwest Syria the day before.
Farhad Shami, head of the SDF’s media centre, took to Twitter after Ankara's announcement and claimed that Qurayshi had been under the protection of Ottoman Turkish forces who control northwestern Syria.
Washington has said it is unable to confirm Turkey’s claim.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
...Arabic for 
...Arabic for 
...mindless ferocity in a turban...
...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling 
