Hi there, !
Today Tue 01/27/2015 Mon 01/26/2015 Sun 01/25/2015 Sat 01/24/2015 Fri 01/23/2015 Thu 01/22/2015 Wed 01/21/2015 Archives
Rantburg
533615 articles and 1861741 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 75 articles and 218 comments as of 19:32.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area: WoT Operations    WoT Background    Opinion        Politix   
Iranian General Killed By Unlimited Minutes Cell Plan and Israeli Missiles
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 3: Non-WoT
16 19:59 John frum [10] 
0 [7] 
2 11:19 Besoeker [7] 
6 17:57 Besoeker [9] 
13 15:02 Shipman [7] 
0 [8] 
0 [9] 
2 20:00 John frum [7] 
5 13:57 swksvolFF [2] 
6 15:12 Shipman [5] 
2 06:59 Mike Kozlowski [3] 
3 15:10 Shipman [6] 
1 09:16 Procopius2k [7] 
2 13:37 Bright Pebbles [4] 
8 18:20 swksvolFF [7] 
0 [8] 
8 20:15 Hupineger Glomomp7492 [12] 
Page 1: WoT Operations
9 21:07 Bill Clinton [17]
0 [9]
0 [6]
3 17:11 Shipman [11]
1 11:45 Pappy [8]
0 [6]
0 [9]
0 [8]
0 [10]
0 [7]
1 01:03 JosephMendiola [6]
0 [8]
0 [8]
0 [10]
0 [16]
0 [19]
0 [10]
0 [10]
0 [11]
10 16:25 swksvolFF [6]
2 12:08 AlanC [7]
4 17:10 Shipman [8]
Page 2: WoT Background
6 16:45 borgboy [6]
4 17:19 Shipman [4]
2 16:50 borgboy [4]
1 16:54 borgboy [5]
2 16:56 borgboy [5]
0 [5]
9 17:24 Shipman [8]
0 [9]
0 [11]
2 09:41 Ulique Pelosi8805 [6]
2 21:45 Hupineger Glomomp7493 [11]
0 [9]
0 [7]
4 11:23 swksvolFF [16]
7 18:40 trailing wife [10]
5 13:31 Percival [6]
0 [6]
9 12:03 Frank G [4]
0 [4]
6 17:08 borgboy [7]
3 12:02 trailing wife [4]
3 11:09 Rob Crawford [6]
3 09:32 Procopius2k [10]
3 07:18 Besoeker [7]
0 [4]
0 [3]
12 21:00 Jan [8]
5 06:37 Besoeker [5]
Page 4: Opinion
6 13:25 Frank G [6]
2 18:53 lord garth [9]
0 [10]
0 [9]
2 12:48 Alaska Paul [7]
Page 6: Politix
3 16:31 Procopius2k [6]
8 16:35 Procopius2k [6]
5 16:30 Bill Clinton [6]
-Obits-
This Marine Was The '€˜American Sniper'€™ Of The Vietnam War
A little somethin' for you "Jar-Heads" out there.
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [12 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It's "jarhead." All one word.
Posted by: Pappy || 01/24/2015 12:05 Comments || Top||

#2  Today's feel good story for anybody.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 01/24/2015 14:02 Comments || Top||

#3  My Dad did not like the "J word".
I only use it in footnotes.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 14:38 Comments || Top||

#4  Sorry Pappy. We USAF's (Motto: "Somebody has to make sure the A/C is working.")split it in 2 to make it easier to spell. ; >
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 16:57 Comments || Top||

#5  Hyphenating it emphasizes that jarness of the thing. I've never been sure what that actually means, but clearly it does... especially to the Air Force and Shipman's father. ;-)
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/24/2015 18:23 Comments || Top||

#6  "jarhead" is a mild perjorative, used in reference to the Marine high-and-tight haircut.

The proper, familiar, in-tribe term is "devil dog." Being a "squid" myself, I generally prefer using the honorific "Marine."
Posted by: Pappy || 01/24/2015 19:54 Comments || Top||

#7  The USAF SAC motto "Peace is our Profession, War is just a Hobby".
Posted by: Harry Angomoth4592 || 01/24/2015 19:58 Comments || Top||

#8  @#7: Been awhile since I heard that one! I believe it was popularized, at least locally at Offutt, by "The Offul Times" (of which I still have original copies.)

But, sadly, SAC is no longer - usurped by STRATCOM.
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 20:15 Comments || Top||


-Land of the Free
This Week In Guns, January 24th, 2015


By Chris Covert
Rantburg.com

The Sandy Hook Commission last week recommended a ban on all firearms which can carry ten or more rounds. A good deal of misdirection is involved here because a ban could be extended, depending on the direction of the politcal winds. Right now, fascists are offering legal pot in exchange for a substantial part of your basic rights. So far it has worked in Colorado and in Washington. Don't believe me? Check out comments online from those who want to do this thing.

One of the big fights right now online or in real time involves the protest that Sipsey Street Irregular's Mike Vanderboegh tagged as Bundy Ranch II. The protest took place where a number of pro gun men and women crowded the legislative gallery in the Washington state capital. A state police agent later said one of the participants brandished a gun at him, and so a total gun ban on the gallery was imposed.

The reaction among the serfs was predictable, especially Bob Owns who lamented that those old long rifle carriers are "ruining it for everyone".

Say what?

I don't recall those who brought guns to protest the grossly unconstitutional I594 universal background check plebiscite insisting they be banned. Owens' objection is typical among those who believe that their rights are at the sufferance of politicians.

Let it be noted in past posts I have not specifically objected to hauling a rifle around openly. I said it is in some cases inappropriate. My own habits include transporting the rifle from house to range and back without stopping for anything.

Need to take a leak? Tough.

Didn't take breakfast before heading out? Too bad.

But this situation is different. Protesters were there to demonstrate their objections to I594 in a graphic display of solidarity, which had upset a number of officials. If that is true, then those officials should quit and find some other line of work, other than the government graft business.

As an aside, Mike Vanderboegh thinks the NRA is being infiltrated and influenced by the federal government.

And then there's this.

Loads.

Rantburg's summary for arms and ammunition:

Prices for rifle ammunition and pistol ammunition were steady.
Prices for used rifles and used pistols were mixed.

Pistol Ammo

.45 Caliber, 230 grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (9 Weeks)
Cheapest, 50 rounds: LAX Ammunition, Tulammo, steel cased, .28 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: LAX Ammunition, Tulammo, steel cased, .28 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (10 Weeks))

.40 Caliber Smith & Wesson, 180 grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (6 Weeks)
Cheapest, 50 rounds: IQ Metals, HSM, FMJ, reloads, .24 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: Freedom Munitions, store brand, reloads, .23 per round (From Last Week: +.01 Each))

9mm Parabellum, 115 grain From Last Week: Unchanged (5 Weeks)
Cheapest, 50 rounds: LAX Ammunition, Tulammo, Steel Cased, FMJ, .20 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: Blok Tactical, BKinetic Munitions, FMJ, .18 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (7 Weeks))

.357 Magnum, 158 grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3 Weeks)
Cheapest, 50 rounds: Bang It Ammo, Precision One, JSP, .42 per round
Cheapest Bulk: 250 Rounds: LAX Ammunition, store brand, Bulk, FMJ, .36 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged)

Rifle Ammunition

.223 Caliber/5.56mm 55 grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (7 Weeks)

Cheapest, 20 rounds: Goose Island Sales, Tulammo, steel cased, FMJ, .23 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 1,000 rounds: SG Ammo, Wolf WPA, steel cased, .22 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (6 Weeks))

.308 NATO 145 grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q, 2014)
Cheapest, 20 rounds: Cheaper Than Dirt, Silver Bear, steel cased, .41 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: SG Ammo, Silver Bear, steel cased, .45 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q, 2014)

7.62x39 AK 123 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q 2014)
Cheapest, 20 rounds: Ammunition Depot, Wolf WPA, steel case, .22 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: Lucky Gunner, Brown Bear, steel case, .22 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (8 Weeks))

.22 LR 40 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (6 Weeks)
Cheapest, 50 rounds (5 Box Limit): Ammomen, Federal American Eagle, RNL, .08 per round
Cheapest Bulk, 325 rounds: South Georgia Outdoors, Federal Automatch, .09 per round (From Last Week: -.01 Each)

Guns for Private Sale
Rifles

.223/5.56mm (AR Pattern Semiautomatic) Average Price: $560 Last Week Avg: $575 (+) ($600 (14 Weeks), $526 (10 Weeks))
California (221, 218): Smith & Wesson M&P Sport: $450 ($650 (2 Weeks), $425 (3 Weeks))
Texas (284, 290): Bushmaster XM-15: $675 ($675, $450 (12 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (156, 152): Mixed Build: $550 ($600 (15 Weeks), $490 (5 Weeks))
Virginia (233, 245): Timberwolf Tactical: $575 ($615 (12 Weeks), $550 (14 Weeks))
Florida (360, 350): DPMS A3 Lite 16: $550 ($599 (7 Weeks), $450 (13 Weeks))

.308 NATO (AR-10 Pattern Semiautomatic) Average Price: $1,080 Last Week Avg: $1,130 (+) ($1,158 (8 Weeks), $953 (13 Weeks))
California (37, 34): Bushmaster: $1,350 ($1,700 (6 Weeks)), $1,000 (7 Weeks))
Texas (54, 57): DPMS LR308: $1,150 ($1,400 (10 Weeks), $900 (13 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (46, 37): DPMS Sportical: $800 (!)($1,100 (13 Weeks), $800 (2 Weeks))
Virginia (42, 40): DPMS LR308: $950 ($1,100 (9 Weeks), $900 (10 Weeks))
Florida (57, 55): Bushmaster XM10: $1,000 ($1,500 (10 Weeks), $1,000 (15 Weeks))

7.62x39mm (AK Pattern Semiautomatic) Average Price: $532 Last Week Avg: $545 (-) ($569 (9 Weeks), $462 (11 Weeks))
California (35, 32): WASR: $660 ($695 (9 Weeks), $320 (4 Weeks))
Texas (63, 60): Norinco: $500 ($660 (13 Weeks), $350 (11 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (68, 52): WASR: $500 ($650 (11 Weeks), $450 (12 Weeks))
Virginia (77, 74): CAI Romak: $500 ($525 (13 Weeks), $450 (9 Weeks))
Florida (115, 117): WASR: $500 ($550 (6 Weeks), $300 (9 Weeks))

30-30 Winchester Lever Action Average Price: $400 Last Week Avg: $320 (+) ($489 (3 Weeks), $320 (2 Weeks))
California (11, 11): Mossberg 464: $400 ($400 (2 Weeks), $375 (4 Weeks))
Texas (19, 19): Marlin 336W: $450 ($450, $300 (3 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (15, 15): Glenfield (Marlin) Model 30A: $375 ($375, $250 (3 Weeks))
Virginia (10, 10): Winchester: $375 ($375, $350 (3 Weeks))
Florida (18, 21): Winchester Model 94: $400 ($400 (3 Weeks), $300 (2 Weeks))

Pistols

.45 caliber ACP (M1911 Pattern Semiautomatic Pistol) Average Price: $429 Last Week Avg: $380 (+) ($450 (5 Weeks), $370 (4 Weeks))
California (157, 152): Rock River Armory Tactical: $400 ($400 (11 Weeks), $350 (10 Weeks))
Texas (166, 174): Rock River Armory: $450 ($600 (9 Weeks), $375 (14 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (165, 165): Tisas Zig: $400 ($525 (4 Weeks), $325 (7 Weeks))
Virginia (160, 166): Girsan MC1911: $495 ($495, $250 (6 Weeks))
Florida (339, 329): Rock Island Armory: $400 ($425 (14 Weeks), $350 (15 Weeks))

9mm (Beretta 92FS or other Semiautomatic) Average Price: $295 Last Week Avg: $309 (-) ($335 (12 Weeks), $286 (2 Weeks))
California (166, 157): Kahr CW9: $300 ($350 (110 Weeks), $250 (3 Weeks))
Texas (243, 239): Smith & Wesson Signa: $275 ($350 (16 Weeks), $235 (5 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (221, 220): Smith and Wesson SW9C: $275 ($350 (15 Weeks), $275 (2 Weeks))
Virginia (201, 219): Ruger P95DC: $325 ($350 (15 Weeks), $275 (10 weeks))
Florida (402, 393): Smith & Wesson SW9VE : $300 ($375 (6 Weeks) , $270 (7 Weeks))

.40 caliber S&W (Glock or other semiautomatic) Average Price: $307 Last Week Avg: $315 (-) ($345 (11 Weeks), $300 (13 Weeks))

California (81, 84): Smith and Wesson SD40VE: $300 ($350 (16 Weeks), $250 (3 Weeks))
Texas (118, 131): Smith & Wesson SW40VE: $350 ($425 (8 Weeks), $300 (14 Weeks))
Pennsylvania (122, 110): Smith & Wesson SW40F: $260 ($340 (12 Weeks), $260))
Virginia (100, 100): Smith & Wesson Model 410: $325 ($450 (6 Weeks), $275 (2 Weeks))
Florida (190, 194): Sig Sauer SP2022: $300 ($375 (11 Weeks), $275 (15 Weeks))

Used Gun of the Week: (Pennsylvania)

Stoner Rifle SR-15 Chambered in 5.56x45

Chris Covert writes for Rantburg.com. He can be reached at grurkka@gmail.com
Posted by: badanov || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [9 views] Top|| File under:

#1  PJ Media: Smart Shoppers Hitting Gun Buyback Events for Bargains.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 7:29 Comments || Top||

#2  Cal .22 TCM
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 15:38 Comments || Top||

#3  Besoeker, you might find the following chart interesting. It is a good summary of various round characteristics. Various round characteristics. The .22 TCM round is listed as well as the FN 57. The .22 Magnum (.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) is a fairly hot round that compares well with the .22 TCM round.
Posted by: JohnQC || 01/24/2015 16:16 Comments || Top||

#4  Wife fired a .50 Black Powder yesterday - 30 grit wouldn't get that smile off.

We were sent some tcm, guess it had just come out, rep saw 22 and threw it on the truck. Showed an employee a video of the round and his Oh Shit! face was on.

At the time only Armscor had a pistol for tcm (invented the round IIUC) but a Glock conversion kit, since OldSpook and a couple locals have the wife interested in .40 G22....well, where is my Feb budget...
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/24/2015 16:45 Comments || Top||

#5  Can't find the video I saw - when I searched it there was like one result on page 2, now it looks like everyone has an opinion. The video I saw was real rough, I think it was in the Phillipines, and suddenly there were fireballs.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/24/2015 16:54 Comments || Top||

#6  Thanks John. I'd never heard of the damn thing before.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 17:57 Comments || Top||


Caribbean-Latin America
Venezuela president reveals plans to boost economy
[Iran Press TV] Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has unveiled a new round of social plans aimed at pulling the oil-rich South American country out of recession.
Just what a failing country needs -- another socialist plan...
In an annual address to the legislature on Wednesday, he said that the government is set to increase wages and pensions by 15 percent, deliver 400,000 new homes for the poor and increase grants for students.

The president also dismissed claims that the country's national currency, the bolivar, has devalued due to a dramatic plunge in oil prices.

Venezuelan currency will continue to be exchanged at three rates under a new system.

Maduro also accused the opposition groups of sabotaging the economy.

He also said that his administration will continue its economic programs despite a nearly 60 percent fall in oil prices.

Acknowledging the existence of worsening shortages in the country, Maduro said that the economy contracted 2.8 percent in 2014.

The comments came as the International Monetary Fund forecasted that Venezuela's economic growth would contract seven percent this year.

On Tuesday, Maduro said that Venezuela's crude was at USD 38 a barrel, compared with USD 99 in June. He added that the oil prices will not return to USD 100 per barrel.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under: Commies

#1  Strap on a rocket, point it upward, and accelerate down the drain.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/24/2015 0:40 Comments || Top||

#2  Venezuela looks for short-term relief in Citgo debt sale
NEW YORK, Jan 20 (IFR) - Dollar-starved Venezuela will use its US refining unit Citgo to sell US$2.5bn of new debt, as the OPEC country tries to fend off default worries amid a steep slide in crude oil prices.

With some US$10bn in debt payments due this year, the country hopes to be able to lock in cheap funding as it struggles to plug a widening financing gap.

A US$1.5bn high-yield bond and a US$1bn senior secured five-year term loan will be sold through Citgo, the US subsidiary of state-run oil company PDVSA.


The following makes no sense at all, but is included for completeness:

Because investors face much higher recovery prospects on Citgo's bonds compared those issued by PDVSA or the sovereign, the company's bonds have been trading at a fraction of the yield demanded by investors on Venezuelan securities.


To my simple-minded point of view, recovery prospects on Citgo debt are the same as on that of Venezuela itself: ZERO. Deals like this don't come along very often, BUY NOW or forever lose your chance to lose your money.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 01/24/2015 0:46 Comments || Top||

#3  Source for above.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 01/24/2015 0:47 Comments || Top||

#4  It is going to crater.

The next Argentina.
Posted by: newc || 01/24/2015 1:07 Comments || Top||

#5  ...Yeah, Maduro's pretty much pulling it out of his a$$ at this point.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 01/24/2015 6:52 Comments || Top||

#6 
To my simple-minded point of view, recovery prospects on Citgo debt are the same as on that of Venezuela itself: ZERO.


Citgo has tangible physical assets in the US that have intrinsic value. When Maduro buries Citgo under a mountain of debt that's too large to service the creditors will have access to US courts and little trouble moving against the physical assets located in the US.

Venezuela itself is another matter. What court outside Venezuela would hear your case? If you found one and obtained a favorable judgment how would you go about enforcing it? Think the US would allow you to seize Venezuelan assets held in US banks? Or that bankers in London or Zurich would comply? No and your problem will be the same no matter where you go.

Best case scenario would be some sort of mediated settlement whereby creditors would receive new Venezuelan bonds with principal amounts equivalent to a few cents on the dollar as compared to the defaulted ones being replaced. Venezuela would then make the de minimis coupon payments for a few years, thump its chest and proclaim the superiority of socialist utopias then default again. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Actually enforcing one's claim in cases of sovereign defaults requires rather large concentrations of troops, many billions of dollars worth of military hardware and the willingness to employ both within the borders of the defaulted sovereign for extended periods of time. Sadly, most bond investors are lacking that sort of firepower.
Posted by: Phomock Snore9558 || 01/24/2015 8:52 Comments || Top||

#7  What court outside Venezuela would hear your case? If you found one and obtained a favorable judgment how would you go about enforcing it? Think the US would allow you to seize Venezuelan assets held in US banks? Or that bankers in London or Zurich would comply? No and your problem will be the same no matter where you go.

Cuban connection. A lot of American property was nationalized via the Cuban political and judicial route. Same issue which is part of the existing legislation in place [not that this administration has any need for law] which deals with what can/can not be done with Cuba because of that property.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/24/2015 9:24 Comments || Top||

#8  "Venezuela president reveals plans to boost economy"
Take up all the wealth and tell everyone to start over?
Posted by: ed in texas || 01/24/2015 9:48 Comments || Top||

#9  "Everyone gets a 15% raise. Unfortunately, inflation is at 67%, so you still lost 52%. Because..Socialism"
Posted by: Frank G || 01/24/2015 13:13 Comments || Top||

#10  Sell Venezuela to China?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/24/2015 13:18 Comments || Top||

#11  Mature said nothing. There is. Vague promise of a free exchange rate along with the with a possible change Sicad 2 which is currently held had 52.10 to the dollar,, the implicit rate is 96.6, the parallel rate Is nearing 185 to the dollar. Copy?

There is enough money to pay off Vzla. Bonds this year with current belt tightening. But not next year, even if oil goes to 120.

Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 14:47 Comments || Top||

#12  You are wrong PS. CITGO will be seized as soon as U.S. U.S. Forts give the go code.

One reason why even the Chiba
Née won't touch it.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 14:53 Comments || Top||

#13  Damn China. Much less the the dread Chiba Nee.


iPad WatF?
Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 15:02 Comments || Top||


Jamaica considers marijuana legalisation and production
[BBC] The Jamaican cabinet has approved a bill that legalises the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

It means that for the first time the country's Rastafarian community, which uses the herb for religious purposes, could be able to smoke it legally.

The bill also envisages a licensing authority for the cultivation, sale and distribution of marijuana for medical and therapeutic purposes.

It goes to the senate this week for approval.

The bill also proposes that the smoking of marijuana will be banned in public spaces.

Decriminalisation spreading
South and Central America and the Caribbean countries have been battling the impact of drug trafficking and drug use for decades.

Cocaine and marijuana produced in the region is transported through many countries, their citizens turned into consumers by the trade.

But the BBC's Candace Piette says that as trafficking and drug consumption have continued to grow, many governments have begun to recognise that heavy-handed tactics and the crackdown on drugs has failed.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  My first dope was bad Jamaicsn weed. Or so I was lead to believe, the F.L.A. had a frog-grip at the time.
Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 15:06 Comments || Top||

#2  Bob Marley is smiling
Posted by: John frum || 01/24/2015 20:00 Comments || Top||


Drone carrying drugs crashes near US-Mexico border
[BBC] A drone carrying more than six pounds (2.7kg) of methamphetamine has crashed near Mexico's border with the US.

Mexican police in Tijuana say they were alerted to an unidentified object in a car park of a shopping centre.

"The drone had packages taped to it and was covered with plastic bags containing the drug known as crystal", the local police chief said.

Authorities are investigating where the flight originated, who controlled it and where it was bound for.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Narcos

#1  Good thing I post-dated the check, eh?
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 0:34 Comments || Top||

#2  This is only the beginning drones will get better.
Posted by: BernardZ || 01/24/2015 9:47 Comments || Top||

#3  OH NO!!!!! A rogue DHS drone. Now what are we going to do???
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 01/24/2015 12:28 Comments || Top||

#4  Amazon Prime delivery fail
Posted by: Frank G || 01/24/2015 13:15 Comments || Top||

#5  Amazon Primo.

Just the first one the public has heard about.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/24/2015 13:57 Comments || Top||


Kirchner: Argentine prosecutor's death not a suicide
[CNN] The death of an Argentine prosecutor who accused the country's most powerful of a criminal cover-up has put on display a labyrinth that could have hatched from a novelist's imagination.

It involves an investigation into the deadliest terror attack in Argentina
...a country located on the other side of the Deep South. It is covered with Pampers and inhabited by Grouchos, who dance the Tangle. They used to have some islands called the Malvinas located where the Falklands are now. They're not supposed to cry for Evita...
's history, modern geopolitics, alleged betrayals, a puzzling death and a dose of paranoia.

If you are unfamiliar with the story: Last week, a special prosecutor investigating the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires filed a report alleging that the President, foreign minister and other officials conspired to cover up Iran's involvement in the attack, which killed 85.

The prosecutor, Alberto Nisman, was invited to testify about his allegations before Congress on Monday. But on the eve of his testimony, Nisman was found dead inside his apartment. He died of a gunshot wound to the temple. A gun and a shell casing were found near his body. The apartment was locked from the inside.

At first glance, a suicide. But the untimely death raised suspicions immediately. A poll by the firm Ipsos of more than 400 Argentineans found that 70% of them believed that Nisman was murdered. Some 18% believed he took his own life, and 12% didn't have an opinion.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who initially called Nisman's death a suicide, reversed her thinking Thursday.

In a statement, she called it "the suicide (that I am convinced) was not a suicide."

It is an about-face from her position just days before.

Her first statement on Nisman's death was a rejection of the prosecutor's allegations and a reflection on, "What was it that led a person to make the terrible decision to take his own life?"

Two things happened after that: the prosecutor looking into Nisman's death said that no gunpowder residue was found on his hands, as would be likely if he pulled the trigger. Second, the locksmith who helped Nisman's mother gain access into the apartment cast doubt on reports that the door could have been opened only from inside. To the contrary, someone could have gained entry with something as simple as a wire, the locksmith said.

"Anybody could have opened it," he told a swarm of news hounds after giving a statement to Sherlocks.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [6 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I still remember the "suicide" portrayed in the movie "3 Days of the Condor", very slick.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 || 01/24/2015 0:35 Comments || Top||

#2  Before this is over, I'm betting there's British agent that came from the Falklands involved. Or Bermuda. Or something.
Posted by: ed in texas || 01/24/2015 9:53 Comments || Top||

#3  Using a gun developed by their German Scientists which was stolen by the Americans German scientists in the pay of the MOSSAD.

Or Barry from the the barrio whichever
Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 15:10 Comments || Top||


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Armenian soldiers killed in border battle with Azeri troops
At least two Armenian soldiers were killed in clashes with troops from Azerbaijan on Friday, but the two sides gave conflicting death tolls and disputed who was to blame.

The Armenian defense ministry accused the Azeris of killing two of its soldiers. It said, "All responsibility for escalation of the situation and its consequences lies with the political and military leadership of Azerbaijan."

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani defense ministry accused Armenian soldiers of trying to cross the border and said 12 of them had been killed and 20 injured. It said the Armenians opened fire first, and there were no Azeri casualties.

According to Armenian reports, two Armenian troops were killed and one was wounded in similar clashes earlier this week.
Posted by: ryuge || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:


Putin Once Casually Said That He Could Destroy America In A Half-Hour
Putin then added that the only reason the US had any interest in relations with Moscow was that Russia was the only country that could "destroy America in half an hour or less."

Writes Schoen and Kaylan: "It would be a difficult to find a statement more revealing about Putin's true position regarding the United States."
Well, I guess he's put some thought to the premise.
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Now, now, Vlad, don't fergit that as a young child visiting Guam decades ago, due to your poor swimming skills you could've drowned in less than one-half that time iff it wasn't for the efforts of both a future US POTUS + a Madonna Fan to save your then-Soviet Kiddie arse.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/24/2015 0:56 Comments || Top||

#2  Because NOT-PEPPERIDGE FARMS remembers!
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/24/2015 0:57 Comments || Top||

#3  And 15 minutes after that, Russia would cease to exist. If Obama actually had the balls to call the launch. Which I kinda doubt.
Posted by: Harry Angomoth4592 || 01/24/2015 1:49 Comments || Top||

#4  When you're dealing with People who could re-elect Obama...
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/24/2015 3:09 Comments || Top||

#5  Trying to ignite a "Name that Song' kind of contest with Champ?
Champ is well on his way to doing it, but has taken a bit more than 30 minutes.
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 01/24/2015 6:21 Comments || Top||

#6  Vlad is not the problem. Vlad is little more than a symptom of the problem.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 7:43 Comments || Top||

#7  Putin thought it was going to be a slam dunk inside job but he hadn't anticipated a couple of things: the administration's ineptitude and the 53% of the American people who work for a living.
Posted by: JohnQC || 01/24/2015 10:46 Comments || Top||

#8  Sorry Chuck, we already have The Daily Show.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/24/2015 18:20 Comments || Top||


Watch A Russian Jet Intercept A Portuguese Surveillance Plane
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under:


Europe
Ukraine rebel Zakharchenko 'rejects truce talks'
[BBC] The main pro-Russian rebel leader in eastern Ukraine says his troops are on the offensive and he does not want truce talks with Kiev.

Alexander Zakharchenko said his forces would push the front line back to the borders of Donetsk region. They are in control of the city of Donetsk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin
...Second and fourth President and sixth 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...
accused Ukrainian government forces of "criminal" shelling of civilian areas.

Kiev "ordered the start of major combat operations" along the front, he said.

Earlier, Mr Zakharchenko said the rebels "will not make any attempts at ceasefire talks any more".

Ukraine, Russia, La Belle France and Germany have issued a call to end fighting.

On Thursday, Ukrainian government troops withdrew from Donetsk airport's main terminal, a scene of bitter fighting in recent weeks.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  In the wake of this announcement, the Separatists are repor now vowing to conquer as much sovereign territory as possible from Kiev in East Ukraine.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 01/24/2015 0:50 Comments || Top||

#2  ...Well, of course they reject truce talks; they're winning. Let 'em get on the losing end again and they'll start screaming for another 'negotiated settlement'.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 01/24/2015 6:59 Comments || Top||


Spain Seizes 11 Tonnes of Hashish in Countrywide Raid
[AnNahar] Spanish police have seized 11 tonnes of hashish and detained 55 people as part of a vast operation targeting a Moroccan drug trafficking ring, sources said on Friday.
Filed under Non-WoT, though jihadi groups either skim or profit from such sales at several steps in the process.
The operation was launched throughout the country, including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in Morocco.

Seven firearms, including two assault rifles, were also seized during the operation.

Spain's proximity to north Africa, a major source of hashish, and its close ties with its former colonies in Latin America, a key cocaine-producing region, have made it the main gateway into Europe for narcotics.

Since June 2013, Spanish authorities have seized more than 100 tonnes of hashish in various operations.
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  In other news, Spanish National Police offices are planning to host a really BIG party next week, because, well, they're such nice guys.
Posted by: ed in texas || 01/24/2015 10:03 Comments || Top||

#2  If the leaders of the WoD said "Addiction isn't caused by Drugs", you'd go WTF.
By the MSM give a pass to "Terrorism isn't caused by Islam".
Go figure.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 01/24/2015 13:37 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Politix
Obama to cancel end of India trip and fly to Saudi Arabia
President Obama will cut short his trip to India on Tuesday to fly to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah. Obama was supposed to arrive in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day visit, and will attend the Republic Day parade at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The White House said earlier that Obama would speak with the new king in the next few days, but has not said that he would meet Salman.
In which case talking to the king will be quite a trick...
Obama's early departure from India would cause him to skip a planned jaunt to the Taj Mahal, but is not expected to affect the substance of his second trip to India. He is due to hold summit talks on Sunday, attend the military parade on Monday, and give a speech on Tuesday morning before his early departure.
Posted by: ryuge || 01/24/2015 05:49 || Comments || Link || [10 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Well there is the matter of Iranian reassurances. Some things are simply better handled first hand.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 8:38 Comments || Top||

#2  Time to do homage to the new king.
Posted by: ed in texas || 01/24/2015 9:44 Comments || Top||

#3  ABC News reported that King Abdullah despised Obama.
Posted by: Ulique Pelosi8805 || 01/24/2015 10:58 Comments || Top||

#4  Totally unaware I had a single thing in common with the old King.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 11:02 Comments || Top||

#5  Someone is going to have to foot the bill for and host his Presidential Library.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/24/2015 11:41 Comments || Top||

#6  So... What Iranian-backed deal will their catspaw Obama offer the Saudis?
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 01/24/2015 13:25 Comments || Top||

#7  Lady Thatcher could not be reached for comment.
Posted by: Anice Nim || 01/24/2015 13:51 Comments || Top||

#8  The article doesn't say anything about a state funeral. Why the urgent need to ditch Modi so he can fly to Soddy Arabia if the state funeral hasn't even been scheduled yet?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 01/24/2015 14:11 Comments || Top||

#9  Because being allowed to attend the funeral would have been awkward.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 01/24/2015 14:12 Comments || Top||

#10  Doesn't even trust Slow Joe to do the vice-presidential job anymore?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/24/2015 16:27 Comments || Top||

#11  Gee, I wonder if he took his knee pads with him on the trip.
Posted by: Bill Clinton || 01/24/2015 16:28 Comments || Top||

#12  Got the runs from curry?
Posted by: Skidmark || 01/24/2015 16:57 Comments || Top||

#13  ma has announced he will not go to the 70 year anniversary of the liberation of Auschwits.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 01/24/2015 17:49 Comments || Top||

#14  He owes the Saudis for all the money kicked into his campaigns via VISA gift cards. Plus he will need the Saudis to help fund his Pres. Library and his bid to be the Secretary-General of the UN.

I'M the King of the WORLD.
Posted by: Harry Angomoth4592 || 01/24/2015 19:29 Comments || Top||

#15  I'm sure the media will loan him a pair Bill.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 01/24/2015 19:37 Comments || Top||

#16  There is no state funeral. Abdullah was buried in an unmarked grave in a public cemetery.
Wonder if Obama will bow to the new King?
Posted by: John frum || 01/24/2015 19:59 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Four shot dead in Peshawar
[DAWN] PESHAWAR: Four people, including a transvestite, were rubbed out in different parts of the provincial metropolis on Thursday.

An official of Badhber cop shoppe said that the body of transvestite, seemingly 22 years of age, was found on a pathway near Inqilab Road in Badhber. He said that the body was carrying bullet injuries and signs of violence. He said that it seemed that the transvestite had been killed somewhere else and the body thrown here. He said that the unidentified body had been shifted to a local mortuary.

Another youth Raees Khan was found dead in agriculture fields in the limits of Urmar cop shoppe. A complainant Janas Khan told the police that his brother had disappeared from home on Wednesday evening and his body was found on Thursday morning. He alleged that his brother had been killed by his friend Irfan. An official of Urmar police said that Irfan had been locked away
Drop the heater, Studs, or you're hist'try!
. Cases have been registered in both the incidents.

In another incident, two friends Khaista Rehman of Badbher Mashogagar and Ahmed Ali of Science College area were killed by unidentified persons at Banra Mari. Complainant Khwaja Mohammad of Qamar Din Garhi told the police that the victims were his relatives and they were on way to bazaar when they came under attack by unknown people.

A police front man, meanwhile, said on Thursday that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
... formerly NWFP, still Terrorism Central...
police had rounded up 3,685 suspects and recovered arms and ammunition in the ongoing search operation throughout the province. He said that during the last five days the police had also recovered 1,472 arms in the province.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [8 views] Top|| File under:


Uber bids for Delhi return after 'rape' ban: company
[DAWN] Uber has applied for a licence to resume operations in New Delhi after one of its drivers allegedly raped a woman passenger in the Indian capital last month, the online taxi company said Friday.

The US-based e-hailing service was banned from Delhi's streets in the aftermath of the December 5 attack which sparked new fears about the safety of women in a city with a shocking record of sexual violence.

"Uber applied for a license under the Radio Taxi Scheme to reflect our commitment to providing riders with more options for safe and reliable transportation," the company said in a statement posted on its website.

Announcing the ban last month, municipal authorities had accused the web-based firm of failing to perform adequate background checks on its drivers.

Bu the company said that it was now "only allowing driver-partners who have undergone re-verification of their police clearance in the last six weeks" to drive for Uber.
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [9 views] Top|| File under:


Southeast Asia
Thai junta's legislature impeaches, bans Yingluck
[Chicago Tribune] Thailand's junta-appointed legislature on Friday impeached former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and banned her from politics for five years, while the Attorney General's office announced it will file criminal charges against her.

The impeachment and criminal charges, which are tied to alleged corruption in the Yingluck government's rice subsidy program, threaten to upset a fragile calm that has emerged since junta leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha toppled her government in May and enforced martial law. Prayuth has said he wants to "return happiness" to the country by ending political turmoil.

"Reconciliation cannot happen by chasing after any particular person," Yingluck said after her impeachment Friday in a statement on her Facebook page. "When there is fairness, justice will follow and then acceptance, peace and unity will happen in Thai society."

Yingluck has argued that the allegations against her are politically motivated and she has defended the rice purchasing program as a way too boost incomes in rural areas. She also questioned how she could be impeached when she is no longer in office. The junta's hand-picked National Legislative Assembly, which is dominated by active or former military officers, voted 190-18 in a secret ballot to impeach her.

"It doesn't really make sense, and Yingluck has herself made that point," said Patrick Jory, senior lecturer in Southeast Asian history at The University of Queensland in Australia. "It's more a kind of theater to give legitimacy and a sense of due process to what appears to be the military regime's main objective, to ban Yingluck from politics."
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun" Mao

In previous generations it may just as well been the sword or spear. And that's why 300 million guns in the hands of the American public give wannabe tyrants pause and those wannabe's want to seize those guns given any excuse.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/24/2015 9:16 Comments || Top||


Home Front: Culture Wars
Obama May Not Have Been Aware Comedian Who Interviewed Him Had Past History Of Making Fun Of Him
As Newsbusters notes, comedian GloZell Green may have managed to punk the President. As we reported, she actually asked him the rather trenchant question about “what was he thinking” as regards Cuba, since Castro “puts the dick in dictator”. She may also have been trolling him a bit with this routine alluding to cutting off hoodies to keep safe from the “po-po”. But good on Ms. Green for getting in an important question about Castro, better than a lot of ‘real media’!

As Newsbusters found, Green has made fun of the Obama voter in the past, as well pointing out the continual “racism” call anytime Obama is criticized. It would seem that the Obama team missed these videos or failed to understand the comedic criticism.
Posted by: Hupineger Glomomp7492 || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Obama was unaware" seems like good summary of his presidency.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 01/24/2015 3:11 Comments || Top||

#2  Here's a more specific summary of his focus and presidency. My apologies in advance for the mental image and permanent frontal lobe scar.

Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 11:19 Comments || Top||


McDonald's sued for racial discrimination in Virginia
[BBC] Ten former McDonald's workers have sued it in the Virginia federal court for racial and sexual discrimination.

The suit alleges that some employees were fired from one franchise because there were "too many black people".

It is being backed by a group campaigning for better wages for fast-food workers and the local Virginia National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

McDonald's has not yet commented specifically on the suit.

McDonalds issued a general statement, saying: "McDonald's has a long-standing history of embracing the diversity of employees, independent franchisees, customers and suppliers, and discrimination is completely inconsistent with our values.

"McDonald's and our independent owner-operators share a commitment to the well-being and fair treatment of all people who work in McDonald's restaurants."

Ongoing effort
The suit is part of a continuing effort on the part of labour organisers to hold McDonald's responsible for the behaviour of its franchisees.

McDonald's and other restaurant groups have argued that it should not be held responsible for the behaviour and labour practices of franchisees.

However,
we can't all be heroes. Somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by...
their position has been weakened by the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Posted by: Fred || 01/24/2015 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Diversity was never the goal. Control of the process and ownership are the goals.
Posted by: Besoeker || 01/24/2015 6:53 Comments || Top||

#2  Ten former McDonald's workers have sued it in the Virginia federal court for racial and sexual discrimination.

They misspelled 'extortion' there.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 01/24/2015 6:55 Comments || Top||

#3  The suit alleges that some employees were fired from one franchise because there were "too many black people"

He who lives by quotas, loses by quotas. This is why many in the Jewish community that were part of the original civil rights movement left when quotas were introduced. Quotas not only become a floor, they also become a ceiling.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 01/24/2015 9:20 Comments || Top||

#4  Hey, you can't get any whiter than Ronald McDonald, right?
As to this suit, in the words of Willie Sutton when he was asked why he robbed banks, said "Because that's where the money is."
Posted by: ed in texas || 01/24/2015 9:52 Comments || Top||

#5  Quotas not only become a floor, they also become a ceiling.

Indeed. Old Russian Jewish joke:

" My son goes to a school with a 50% Jewish quota."
"Fifty percent?! Never have I heard of such a thing!"
"Yes, each Jew must bring his own goy, and make sure he passes all his classes, too."
Posted by: trailing wife || 01/24/2015 12:27 Comments || Top||

#6  :)
That's chill
Posted by: Shipman || 01/24/2015 15:12 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
42[untagged]
5Islamic State
4Govt of Pakistan
3Hezbollah
3Govt of Iran
2Govt of Saudi Arabia
2Arab Spring
2Salafists
2TTP
1Govt of Syria
1Houthis
1Abu Sayyaf
1Narcos
1Govt of Sudan
1Boko Haram
1Commies
1Govt of Iraq
1al-Nusra
1al-Qaeda in Pakistan

Bookmark
E-Mail Me

The Classics
The O Club
Rantburg Store
The Bloids
The Never-ending Story
Thugburg
Gulf War I
The Way We Were
Bio

Merry-Go-Blog











On Sale now!


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.
Click here for more information

Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
Skidmark

Two weeks of WOT
Sat 2015-01-24
  Iranian General Killed By Unlimited Minutes Cell Plan and Israeli Missiles
Fri 2015-01-23
  Yemen prez, govt quit
Thu 2015-01-22
  King Abdullah Tango Uniform
Wed 2015-01-21
  Shiite rebels shell Yemen president’s home, take over palace
Tue 2015-01-20
  45 Churches Torched in Niger Capital in Cartoon Demos
Mon 2015-01-19
  Heavy clashes in Sanaa, president reportedly flees
Sun 2015-01-18
  Gunmen Seize Yemen President's Chief of Staff
Sat 2015-01-17
  SSP militant hanged for sectarian killing
Fri 2015-01-16
  US drone strike kills seven in South Waziristan
Thu 2015-01-15
  Burqa banned in China's Xinjiang
Wed 2015-01-14
  Convict in US consulate attack case hanged
Tue 2015-01-13
  Police gun down six would-be bombers in Xinjiang
Mon 2015-01-12
  Drone strike kills 8 insurgents in Nangarhar
Sun 2015-01-11
  Nigeria massacre deadliest in history of Boko Haram: Amnesty
Sat 2015-01-10
  Al-Qaida Member In Yemen Says Group Directed Paris Attack


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.
3.142.98.108
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
WoT Operations (22)    WoT Background (28)    Opinion (5)    (0)    Politix (3)