[Ariana News] The US special representative for Afghanistan says Washington has cut aid to Afghanistan for 2023 by $2 billion.
Thomas West said that the decision was taken in light of the Islamic Emirate’s policies that the US disapproves of. He also warned that if the IEA fails to change certain policies, especially regarding women and girls’ rights, funding to Afghanistan will be cut further.
Speaking to BBC, West also said the cut comes in light of new crises around the world. He said: "These two billion dollars do not come from the United States alone, some of this aid is provided by our close friends. So I think there is a deep concern that this aid will not be given until there is a significant change in the Afghan rulers."
West’s announcement comes amid talks between the IEA and the US in Doha.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the IEA’s front man, meanwhile said that the West, especially the US, should not politicize the humanitarian crisis and the aid needed by millions of people in the country.
"Yes, we also feel that there are economic problems all over the world. Some of the problems that have arisen in the world, but the people of Afghanistan need cooperation. The aid given to the people of Afghanistan should be done based on human spirit. And it should not be related to political issues, secondly, we are also trying to revive our resources inside and will not need the help of the world forever," said Mujahid.
Meanwhile, ...back at the cheese factory, all the pieces finally fell together in Fluffy's mind... Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized before the start of the talks with the American delegation in Doha that applying pressure and sanctions on the Islamic Emirate will not work and that Washington should rather engage with the IEA in the form of dialogue.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. By Viktor Vasiliev
[REGNUM] The armed coup in Niger, which on July 27 became a successful informational support for the Russia-Africa summit and gave rise to a significant number of memes, is far from over. The situation is developing rapidly, and the coming to power of the military on the Black Continent, which is quite familiar for the last two years, in this particular case, can turn into a major interregional conflict.
On August 1, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (not to be confused with Niger), Christopher Musa, on the air of French Radio International (RFI) said that if the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) orders an invasion of Niger, the country's armed forces will carry it out.
And, perhaps, this is the most serious fact in favor of an armed invasion of Niger by ECOWAS. The armed forces of Nigeria have about 215 thousand people and impressive military equipment, this is the fourth most powerful military power on the continent.
The reorientation in solving the military-political problem in West Africa from Chad to Nigeria and the very fact of the firm intention of the Nigerian authorities to play a leading role in suppressing the rebellion speaks of one thing - the United States is behind the ongoing confrontation .
Paris does not and has never had any significant influence on Nigeria, and the latter has always preferred to bypass the conflicts of the Francophone part of Africa. Here we see a completely different situation.
An emergency conference - a meeting of ECOWAS leaders took place precisely in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, and a communiqué, distinguished by unprecedented firmness, was adopted there demanding the restoration of the status quo:
"In the event that the requirements of the conference are not met within one week, take all necessary measures to ensure constitutional order in the Republic of Niger."
The demands were made on July 30, and if the putschists do not release and return to power Mohamed Bazum , then this Sunday an armed intervention may begin, threatening to develop into a major inter-regional conflict.
The meeting in Abuja on July 30 was attended by the heads of seven African states - Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Togo and the host country itself, Nigeria. Obviously, it is these countries that will become participants in the military intervention in Niger in order to restore the overthrown government.
However, the legitimacy of such a move is questionable.
First, it is clear that both society and the political opposition within Niger fully supported the putschists. And this is the main asset of Abdurakhman Chiani, who came to power.
The overthrown President Bazum was not popular among the population and came to power through rather difficult elections (two rounds took place) with direct support from France and the United States.
Another factor is the origin of the deposed leader. Bazum is not an ethnic Niger and belongs to an Arab tribe living in southern Libya, born outside of Niger itself. This circumstance was the subject of Bazum's main criticism during the elections at the turn of 2020-2021 and during his reign.
In addition, the reforms and practices implemented by the new president did not suit both the former elites and the military.
Thus, the president of Niger, Bazum, did not enjoy either support or popularity, and this is confirmed by the very ideal format of the putsch - without a single shot or any bloodshed, in an atmosphere of absolute calm and routine.
Secondly, the new authorities have significant public support from their immediate neighbors.
Moreover, the rather tense political crisis between the authorities of Mali and President Bazum in the last couple of years allows us to speak, if not about a conspiracy version, then about the obvious fact of the presence of ties and preliminary agreements between the Niger putschists and the military junta of Mali.
Public support for the new authorities was also expressed by Burkina Faso. Moreover, the leaders of these two countries issued a statement in which they expressed their readiness to provide armed support to the new authorities of Niger, led by Chiani, in the event of armed aggression by third forces.
Moreover, the African media report that the leadership of Burkina Faso, represented by the head of the Transitional Council, Captain Ibrahim Traore , and the leadership of Mali, represented by the head of the Transitional Council, Colonel Assimi Goyot allegedly agreed during their meeting in St. in the event of any violation of its territorial integrity.
Support for the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland (an organization of putschists) and the people of Niger was expressed by Guinea, where almost two years ago there was also a military coup.
The Guinean authorities opposed the intervention of ECOWAS, in a press release issued on July 31, they " pay tribute to the courageous people of Niger for their high sense of patriotism and salute the republican spirit and maturity " of the coup soldiers.
Thus, the leader of Guinea, Mamady Dumbua, spoke out against all sanctions, which he considers " illegal and inhuman ", and against armed intervention by ECOWAS.
The new authorities were also supported by famous Sudanese hackers (hackers from the Anonymous Sudan group became famous for attacks on Israeli companies, as well as hacking and stealing data from Microsoft).
In general, public opinion on the African continent is completely on the side of the putschists, who in many ways express pan-African sentiments in their political rhetoric.
It is also curious that the Economic Community of West African Countries, which was actually conceived and created by France, is increasingly turning from an economic organization into a military-political one, and among its goals the fight against coups is now a priority. This, in particular, was announced during the appointment of a new chairman of the organization of the President of Guinea-Bissau Umar Sissoko.
According to some African media, on Wednesday, August 2, a meeting of the chiefs of military staffs of the ECOWAS countries is to be held in the Nigerian capital: an emergency meeting during which a military strategy will be developed in case troops enter Niger.
Interesting in the context of the above is an attempt to involve the President of Chad , Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno , in the negotiations and mediation, who himself actually came to power with the help of a military putsch.
His visit to the capital of Niger, Niamey, is considered unsuccessful, since the aggressiveness of the coup's rhetoric towards France and the previous authorities only increased.
At the same time, it can be assumed that Chad will refrain from direct participation in the intervention. At least due to the fact that Mahamat Debi, when he was a brigadier general in the army of Chad, probably had and maintains today personal friendly relations with many of the military of Niger, who came to power.
A possible line of confrontation could also involve Algeria, north of the Niger, which traditionally has a dislike for France.
The media are already reporting on the transition to increased combat readiness of the armed forces of Algeria in the regions bordering Niger. The unscheduled visit to Moscow of the Chief of Staff of the National People's Army of Algeria, Said Shangrih, is also indicative.
Of course, one cannot lose sight of the fact that Algeria remains Russia's traditional partner on the continent and our key ally. There are Russian military instructors in Mali and Burkina Faso. In the current emergency situation, the new authorities can objectively count only on Russia's support, both indirect and direct.
If the military who carried out the coup is kept in power in Niger with Russian assistance, it will be possible to plan the construction of a gas pipeline, the pipes for which will be supplied by Russian companies. In turn, Algeria will allow Gazprom to become a co-investor in large gas projects, and the Wagner Group will ensure the security of gas transit through the territory of Niger.
We are not talking about the fact that Russian companies will be able to apply for concessions for the extraction of uranium and gold in Niger. As you can see, the game is worth the candle. If successful, all so far rather local and episodic Russian successes in Africa will get a second wind and line up in a single successful strategy.
#2
"President Bazum was not popular among the population." Bazum is a Diffa Arab, which comprise less than two percent of the population of Niger. The Diffa are a subset of the Rizayqat, a disputatious Arab tribe found from Niger to the Sudan, and in the latter they are known as the most vicious of the Arab cattle nomads of Darfur. In Niger they count for little.
Commentary by Russian military journalist Bris Rozhin:
[ColonelCassad] France began to take out its citizens from Niger, along the way continuing to threaten the military seized power. Following France, the export of their citizens began other EU states.
The threat of foreign intervention is on the agenda. The removal of citizens may precede the preparation of an armed invasion of Niger by a coalition of several African states with the support of NATO countries.
To date, Niger has opened borders with Mali, Chad, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Libya. Three of these countries have Wagner PMCs, and Algeria is one of the main buyers of Russian weapons in the region.
However, the readiness of Algeria, Mali and Burkina Faso to stand up for Niger and fight the aggressors on its territory somewhat complicates the plans of potential interventionists, since instead of the usual local aggression, a war may turn out that will cover the entire region.
In addition, the aforementioned African countries have threatened to withdraw from ECOWAS in the event of an invasion of Niger, which will lead to further fragmentation of the bloc dependent on France.
In the meantime, there is no intervention, the military is strengthening its power and has already frozen the export of gold and uranium to Europe.
Even now it is not difficult to predict that if the West does not start a war of conquest in Niger, this will lead to further depletion of the West's influence in West Africa with the automatic growth of the influence of Russia and China.
#4
I begin to wonder about you, Besoeker. First you get me all nostalgic with the old time bull wheel run oil lease. Then, the Blue Ridge tunnel and that fine country, then a photo pf Kolwezi from '78. Now you present a frighteningly accurate graphic of an earnest young CPT I had personal knowledge of and his uncanny way of charming the local native population.
[IsraelTimes] Former deputy head of Atomic Energy Commission fears that Riyadh’s demand to enrich uranium as part of Israel normalization deal may open ’Pandora’s box,’ launch Mideast arms race
A former top official for the Israel Atomic Energy Commission has warned that agreeing to 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 demand to be allowed to build a nuclear power plant as part of a normalization deal with Israel may create a dangerous international precedent and effectively prompt a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: trailing wife ||
08/03/2023 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[11 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Saudi Arabia
#1
This is true of pretty much anybody who has a nuclear project.
Posted by: ed in texas ||
08/03/2023 8:46 Comments ||
Top||
#2
It's the unexpected, unscheduled, unplanned conversions you have to watch out for...
Posted by: M. Murcek ||
08/03/2023 9:24 Comments ||
Top||
Amichai Eliyahu says two-state concept ‘a mistake’; settler group calls on Netanyahu to refrain from using territorial concessions as bargaining chip for deal with Saudis.
Land For Peace is over.
Posted by: trailing wife ||
08/03/2023 02:05 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[8 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Saudi Arabia
#1
I hope they do, then we can help them stage a color revolution to throw out this insane government. Conquering and annexing land by force was why we got involved in WWII, Korea and Iraq. It's a war crime. I don't use the word imperialism lightly but that's exactly what this is.
[IsraelTimes] Amid discontent over PA President Abbas’s leadership and looming struggle for succession, terrorist tossed in the slammer Drop the rosco, Muggsy, or you're one with the ages! in Israel for deadly attacks is widely seen as candidate to replace him
Meeting the Jordanian foreign minister in Amman last week, Fadwa Barghouti, wife of tossed in the slammer
Continued on Page 49
[IsraelTimes] Islands are claimed by UAE; exercise comes as US military presence in region grows
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a surprise military drill Wednesday on disputed islands in the Persian Gulf, just as the US military increase its presence in the region over recent ship seizures by Tehran.
The drill focused primarily on Abu Musa Island, though the Guard also landed forces on the Greater Tunb Island as well, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported. Ships, drones and missile units took part in the drill, the report said.
Iran ...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate JewsZionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol... did not provide a reason for launching the drill, though such snap exercises have happened in the past.
"We always try for security and tranquility; it is our way," the Guard’s chief, Gen. Hossein Salami, said in a televised address during the drill. "Our nation is vigilant, and it gives harsh responses to all threats, complicated seditions and secret scenarios and hostilities."
However, it was a brave man who first ate an oyster... the drill comes as thousands of US Marines and sailors on both the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and the USS Carter Hall, a landing ship, are on their way to the Persian Gulf. Already, the US has sent A-10 Thunderbolt II warplanes, F-16 and F-35 fighters, as well as the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, to the region.
The Pentagon has said the deployment is "in response to recent attempts by Iran to threaten the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters." Some 20% of the world’s oil passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the wider world and the US views it as crucial to both its national security and keeping global energy prices stable.
Meanwhile, ...back at the the conspirators' cleverly concealed hideout the long-awaited message arrived. They quickly got to work with their decoder rings... Iran now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapon-grade levels after the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
The use of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb in the drill also provides another message to the region. Those two islands remain claimed by the United Arab Emirates, home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Iran’s late shah seized the islands in 1971 just before the UAE became an independent country and Tehran has held the islands since. Lesser Tunb Island was also seized.
Seizing those islands reminds Iran’s neighbors of its military might as Tehran’s diplomats have been trying to convince Gulf Arab countries allied with the US that "foreigners" aren’t needed to secure the region.
Meanwhile, ...back at the the conspirators' cleverly concealed hideout the long-awaited message arrived. They quickly got to work with their decoder rings... Iran has been trying to signal its displeasure over recent comments about the islands made by Russia, which Tehran has supplied with bomb-carrying drones for its war in Ukraine. Russia earlier this summer in a joint statement with the Gulf Cooperation Council called for "bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice" to decide who should control the islands. That prompted an outcry in Iran and Tehran summoned the Russian envoy over the remarks.
Posted by: trailing wife ||
08/03/2023 01:01 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[18 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.
[Regnum] Rear Admiral Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in the Arab Republic (CPVS) , said that Russia is concerned about the information received about the active preparation of suicide bombers for terrorist attacks against facilities and patrols of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria. He told reporters about this.
According to the officer, the Russian side is “extremely concerned about information indicating that the Jabhat An-Nusra terrorist group * (an organization whose activities are banned in the Russian Federation) are actively preparing suicide bombers.”
“The task of suicide bombers is to carry out terrorist attacks against objects and patrols of the Russian Armed Forces and the Syrian army,” Vadim Kulit said at a briefing on August 2.
The rear admiral assured that the Russian troops would take "the most decisive and tough measures against the militants" who are planning an attack on the Russian and Syrian military.
And so they should.
Kulit called on the commanders of illegal armed groups to refrain from provocations and take the path of a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
As reported by IA Regnum , the actions of IS (an organization whose activities are banned in the Russian Federation) in southern Syria and in the Damascus region are led by the Deputy Commander of the Central Command of the US Army James Melloy, the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said, citing director Sergei Naryshkin.
The United States continues to contact Russia on the issue of operations in Syrian airspace. This was stated on July 28 by the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin , following the results of negotiations in the “two plus two” (AUSMIN) format with the participation of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken , as well as the heads of the Australian Department of Defense and Foreign Ministry, Richard Marles and Penny Wong.
Deputy Director of the FSB of Russia Igor Sirotkin at the High-Level Conference of the Heads of Counter-Terrorist Structures of the UN Member States said that there was a real threat that terrorists would be able to acquire means of radioactive and chemical destruction.
According to him, the problem remains all the more acute when state sponsors are involved in this, interested in destabilizing the political situation in one or another part of the world.
Posted by: badanov ||
08/03/2023 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[14 views]
Top|| File under: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (al-Nusra)
#1
So, are you going to kill the dead guy?
Posted by: ed in texas ||
08/03/2023 17:07 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Putin's gonna sic the Wagner (pronounced vogner) guys on you if you don't behave yourselves.
[Garowe] A nearly 50% surge in fatalities linked to attacks by murderous Moslem groups in the Sahel and Somalia over the past year has surpassed the previous high in 2015 when 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... was at its most fatal phase, according to a report.
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, based in the US, released a year-on-year mid-year review of violence involving African murderous Moslem groups, assessing trends over the past decade that underline a spike in fatalities in the Sahel and Somalia.
Fatalities linked to murderous Moslem groups reached 22,288 over the past 12 months which represents a 48% increase from the previous year that saw 15,024 fatalities, said the report.
This level of fatalities is nearly two and a half times more than the pace observed 10 years ago and higher than the number of 20,562 recorded in 2015, mostly due to the deadly use of violence by Boko Haram, the report noted.
"The Sahel continues to be the region experiencing the most violent mostly peaceful events and fatalities," it added.
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.
[IsraelTimes] Amid discontent over PA President Abbas’s leadership and looming struggle for succession, terrorist 
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for 
... 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...
