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Iran stops oil sales to British and French firms Iran has stopped selling crude to British and French companies, the oil ministry said on Sunday, in a retaliatory measure against fresh EU sanctions on the Islamic state's lifeblood, oil.
Guns & Glory in Syria: Al-Qaeda, US recipe for disaster The US spy chief has told the Congress President Bashar Al-Assad is fighting against Al-Qaeda of Iraq. James Clapper is the first top US official to acknowledge US might indirectly support insurgents.
Iran, Russia naval presence in Syrian waters message to US: MP A senior Iranian lawmaker says the presence of Iranian and Russian naval forces in Syria's coastal waters is a clear warning to the US to refrain from any possible military adventurism.
Torture, Assassination, and the American Way of Life As most everyone knows, the CIA has been assassinating people practically since the time it was formed in 1947. By and large, however, the CIA kept its assassinations secret. Americans, for their part, had a feeling that such things were being done but didn't ask any questions.
Abolishing the Palestinian Authority an urgent prerequisite to liberation Jeff Halper calls for the abolition of the Palestinian National Authority, which he argues is nothing but a smokescreen to enable Israel to ethnically cleanse itself while the world and Palestinian quislings are preoccupied with the pursuit of the mirage of a two-state solution, something in fact rendered utterly unachievable by Israel's colonization of the Palestinian territories.
Mexico's president to U.S.: 'No more weapons' Mexico's president called on U.S. officials to stop gun trafficking across the border Thursday, saying the move would be the best thing Americans could do to stop brutal drug violence.
BBC to issue global apology for documentaries that broke rules The BBC will today apologise to an estimated 74 million people around the world for a news fixing scandal, exposed by The Independent, in which it broadcast documentaries made by a London TV company that was earning millions of pounds from PR clients which it featured in its programming.
Officials: US drones monitoring clashes in Syria "A good number" of unmanned U.S. military and intelligence drones are operating in the skies over Syria, monitoring the Syrian military's attacks against opposition forces and innocent civilians alike, U.S. defense officials tell NBC News' Jim Miklaszewski.
Friendly advice: France, UK to command ousting of Assad? Coordinating help for Syrian opposition was high on the list in Paris talks between the French and British leaders on Friday. Anti-government troops lack unity and training, so sending military advisors could change the situation, the sides agreed.
Iran Nuclear Coverage Echoes Iraq War Media Frenzy Military strikes expected! Weapons inspectors called in! A murky al Qaeda connection! And Cheney says time's up for Ira... Wait. Haven't we seen this movie before?
US officials believe military action likely Officials in key parts of the Obama administration are increasingly convinced that sanctions will not deter Tehran from pursuing its nuclear programme, and believe that the US will be left with no option but to launch an attack on Iran or watch Israel do so.
International bank clearinghouse ready to evict Iranian finance institutions BRUSSELS — A financial clearinghouse used by virtually every country and major corporation in the world agreed Friday to shut out Iran from its respected network, an unprecedented escalation of global economic pressure to halt Iran’s suspected drive for nuclear weapons.
Britain fears new Cold War over Iran IRAN'S nuclear ambitions could trigger "a new Cold War" more perilous than that between the West and the Soviet Union, British Foreign Secretary warned.
Lawmaker presses UK to rule out force against Iran A British legislator who fears rising tensions over Iran's nuclear program could spill over into military action is seeking a parliamentary vote on his call for the British government to rule out the use of force against Iran.
It's Time We Recognised the Blair Government's Criminality The suppression of Blair's criminality and that of his administrations is described in Gareth Peirce's Dispatches from the Dark Side: on torture and the death of justice, published in paperback this month by Verso.
31 killed in bombing near Pakistan mosque, protests Islamabad - A bomb exploded outside a Shiite mosque on Friday killing at least 25 people, and six more died in the protests that followed in Pakistan's north-western tribal region along the Afghan border, officials and witnesses said.
Latest U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan kill 21 suspected militants MIRNSHAH, PAKISTAN : At least 21 suspected militants were killed on Thursday when U.S. drones carried out two airstrikes in northwest Pakistan's tribal region, Pakistani intelligence officials said. Several others were injured.
The Islamist Plot: The Untold Story of the Libyan Rebellion Although the rebellion was initially presented in the Western news media as a "protest movement," it is clear from both video evidence and firsthand accounts that the "protests" were extremely violent from the start.
Libya one year on: The battle against cluster bombs, landmines and UXO Friday 17 February marks the one-year anniversary of the 'Day of Revolt' in Libya, the symbolic beginning of the rebellion against Gaddafi. MAG and other development organisations now face a different battle: keeping communities safe.
Syria's Assad to 'End' One-Party Rule Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012
Honduras in Flames Tuesday night, February 14, at least 357 prisoners died in a fire at La Granja penitentiary in Comayagua, Honduras, in one of the worst prison fires in the past century. The fire, though, is only the latest deadly outcome of the larger politically-driven firestorm that is Honduras today. The Comayagua fire must be understood in the context of the near-total breakdown of the Honduran state since the June 28, 2009 military coup that overthrew democratically-elected President José Manuel Zelaya.
Hundreds killed in fire at prison in Honduras Trapped inmates screamed from their cells as a fire swept through a Honduran prison, killing at least 300 inmates, authorities said Wednesday.
US officials tie terror group to Syrian bombings Top U.S. intelligence officials pointed to al-Qaida in Iraq on Thursday as the likely culprit behind recent bombings in Syria, the deadliest attacks against the Syrian government in the 11-month uprising.
U.S. officials: Al Qaida behind Syria bombings WASHINGTON — The Iraqi branch of al Qaida, seeking to exploit the bloody turmoil in Syria to reassert its potency, carried out two recent bombings in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and likely was behind suicide bombings Friday that killed at least 28 people in the largest city, Aleppo, U.S. officials told McClatchy.
Amid violence, Syria's Assad sets date for vote on new constitution Syria's new constitution would enshrine freedom of speech and worship, along with other basic liberties, and end the current monopoly on power held by President Bashar Assad's Baath party, which has ruled for four decades.
France presses for Syria aid corridors at U.N. France said Wednesday it wanted the U.N. Security Council to set up humanitarian corridors in Syria to alleviate civilian suffering and that it was negotiating with Russia on a new U.N. resolution on the conflict.
Muslim group boss: No Syria military intervention The international community must rule out military intervention as a solution to the Syrian crisis, the leader of a global Islamic group said Wednesday.
US closely watching Syrian chemical weapons The U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring Syria's large stockpiles of chemical arms and portable anti-aircraft missiles, a State Department official said Wednesday, amid concerns that the country's unconventional weapons could fall into the hands of terrorist or militant groups while the 11-month-old uprising continues.
Iran activates 3,000 new centrifuges Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Tehran has added 3,000 new generation centrifuges to its Natanz facility, increasing the production of 3.5 percent enriched uranium by 50 percent.
U.S. Public Takes Strong Stance Against Iran's Nuclear Program The public supports tough measures – including the possible use of military force – to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Nearly six-in-ten (58%) say it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action.
Somali president asks for lifting of arms embargo Somalia's president asked the United Nations on Wednesday to lift the arms embargo against his country, saying the recent merger between al-Qaida and al-Shabab has made the dropping of the arms ban necessary.
Washington's Insouciance Has No Rival Is Obama a hypocrite or merely insouciant? Or is he an idiot? According to news reports Obama's White House meeting on Valentine's day with China's Vice President, Xi Jinping, provided an opportunity for Obama to raise "a sensitive human rights issue with the Chinese leader-in-waiting."
Taliban says U.S. to repeat Soviet defeat in Afghanistan The Taliban used the 23rd anniversary of the humiliating Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan on Wednesday to taunt the United States that it would suffer the same fate as preparations to hand over security to a shaky government are underway.
Pakistan climb down over NATO routes NATO is being allowed to use Pakistani airspace and land routes to move food supplies to troops in Afghanistan though border crossings were closed after a cross-border air strike last year, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said on Tuesday (February 14).
US increases Israeli military aid to $3.15 billion The budget proposal increases regular military aid to $3.15 billion from $3 billion this year, in line with the 2007 aid formula reached between the two countries.
Flashback:Galloway discusses Israel and Iran George talks to a caller about the rumours that Israel, as a proxy of the USA, are planning on attacking Iran's nuclear factories with low-yeild, nuclear, "bunker-buster" missiles, and the consequences of such an attack.
The Covert US War Against Syria Posted: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Protesters march towards Bahrain capital, block road Hundreds of Bahraini protesters marched from the outskirts of Manama towards the city centre on Monday, blocking a main highway on the eve of the Feb. 14 anniversary of a pro-democracy revolt later crushed by the government.
The Covert US War Against Syria People may have noticed that the official narrative concerning Syria changes on a daily basis – except for continuing to heap contempt and scorn on the Russians and Chinese for their Security Council veto. To be frank, this veto makes more and more sense as events on the ground unmask US culpability in the civil war in Syria.
Clinton: We need Assad's consent to put troops in Syria Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had a clear and unified message coming out of their meeting in Washington, D.C. Monday: They are looking for a political solution in Syria and won't consider putting international troops there unless the Syrian regime agrees.
The Real Opposition in Syria is Not the Syrian National Council or Free Syrian Army It's a grave mistake to put all opposition in one group. Some are worse than the regime, some as bad, others are smart, savvy with a plan. Of course you only hear in the news (and sometimes though selective attention as Alex calls it) about those pushed by the different powers (Qatar, France, Saudi, etc.) like the Syrian National Council (SNC) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA), because they best fit the agenda of the sensationalist media.
US proposes $2.4 billion aid to Pakistan WASHINGTON: Obama administration Monday proposed $2.4 billion in financial aid to Pakistan for the fiscal year 2012-13 while unveiling its annual budget of $3.8 trillion that calls for tax hikes on the rich.
Chabadniks in India deny espionage charge Chabadniks in the southern Indian city of Kochi on Tuesday vehemently denied a report that appeared in local media earlier in the day accusing them of being part of an Israeli covert operation.
Nato admits Afghan children killed Kabul - The US-led Nato force in Afghanistan on Monday conceded that several children died during a bombing raid last week in the northeast province where French troops are based.
Revolutionary militias in western Libya unify Representatives of about 100 militias from western Libya said Monday they had formed a new federation to prevent infighting and allow them to press the country's new government for further reform.
Greek lawmakers approve austerity bill as Athens burns Posted: Monday, February 13, 2012
Greek lawmakers approve austerity bill as Athens burns The Greek parliament approved a deeply unpopular austerity bill to secure a second EU/IMF bailout and avoid national bankruptcy, as buildings burned across central Athens and violence spread around the country.
Al-Qaeda chief urges outside help for Syria rebels The head of al-Qaeda is calling on Muslims across the Arab world and beyond to support rebels in Syria who are seeking to overthrow President Bashar Assad, and says they cannot depend on the West for help.
Bahrain puts security forces on high alert before uprising anniversary Bahrain deployed thousands of security forces Sunday to confront anti-government protesters ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Shiite-led uprising that seeks to loosen the ruling Sunni dynasty's monopoly on power.
Abbas: No Israel talks without settlement freeze PA leader tells Arab League he will resume UN statehood bid if Bibi rejects conditions for jumpstarting process. PMO: He's turning his back on peace.
Pakistani Taliban decry attacks against military Terrorists have called on fighters to honour an agreement not to attack the Pakistani military in the most important sanctuary for the Taliban and al Qaeda along the Afghan border.
Gaddafi's son 'on house arrest' in Niger Authorities in Niger have put Al-Saadi Gaddafi, the son of slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, under house arrest after he said in a television interview that an uprising was imminent in his homeland, a Libyan official says.
Whitney Houston obituary Posted: Sunday, February 12, 2012
Singer Whitney Houston dies at 48 Singer and actress Whitney Houston, one of the most celebrated female acts of all time, is found dead in Los Angeles at the age of 48.
Whitney Houston dies aged 48 Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behaviour and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Whitney Houston obituary She was also the first black woman to break through the colour bar at the all-important MTV, which hitherto had played white artists almost exclusively.
Whitney Houston dies Posted: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Whitney Houston, superstar of records, films, dies Los Angeles: Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Will.i.am: Obama isn't a 'magic man' Will.i.am said he hoped to raise $1 million for his charity that benefits needy students at a concert Thursday night. Instead, he raised $5 million.
Saadi Gaddafi warns of uprising in Libya: TV Muammar Gaddafi's son Saadi warned on Friday of an imminent uprising in Libya, saying he was in regular contact with people in the country who were unhappy with the authorities put in place after the ousting and killing of his father.
Chemical Weapons and Iranian Invasions: Syria Hysteria Turns to Wild Rumors In past examples (notably Iraq) the clearest indication of a forthcoming war have been when the reports on the ground turned from exaggerations to hysteria to downright absurdity. Having quickly reached the Syria hysteria moment, we are starting to see the absurdities beginning.
Syria as Tonkin Gulf for Attack on Iran? Michael Lofgren, an old friend who recently retired after a long career analyzing House and Senate national security budgets, has an excellent piece in the Huffington Post, in which he admits that after dismissing the decades of scare reports on Iran by the warmongers he is suddenly a bit more worried about a possible attack on Iran.
Russia Says Syrian Opposition Bears 'Responsibility' For Ending Crisis Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's assurance to Russian officials that he will hold a constitutional referendum means that the Syrian opposition now "bears full responsibility" for ending the violence there.
Jihadists, weapons 'moving from Iraq to Syria' Jihadists are moving from Iraq to Syria and arms are also sent across the border to opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Iraq's deputy interior minister said in an interview with AFP on Saturday.
Syria unrest: Aleppo bomb attacks 'kill 28' At least 28 people have been killed and 235 wounded in two bombs targeting security compounds in Syria's second city of Aleppo, state media report.
Report: Free Syria Army claims Halab blasts French television reported Friday that the Free Syria Army had claimed responsibility for the twin car-bomb explosions that killed 25 people and left 175 wounded. (Roi Kais)
Free Syrian Army blames Assad for Aleppo bombing After an apparent admission on FRANCE 24 by a senior member of the Free Syrian Army, the organisation's overall commander has denied his group had set off twin blasts that claimed some 25 lives in the city of Aleppo.
Gunmen kill senior Syrian official Gunmen shot dead a senior Syrian military doctor outside his home in northern Damascus, the state news agency SANA said.
Activists Report Death of Second Protester in Saudi Arabia The police in Saudi Arabia killed a protester Friday for the second time in two days during demonstrations in the oil-rich eastern province of Qatif, where a majority Shiite population has long complained of discrimination by the Sunni Muslim majority, according to activists and a state news report.
'Israel funds MKO; MKO funds US politicians' A senior political analyst says numerous prominent US political figures are receiving "substantial fees" from the terrorist Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) that is in turn funded by Israel.
Libya Begets Syria? Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2012
Human rights abuses: US committee hears grievances of Balochistan WASHINGTON: In the packed Room 2200 of the Rayburn Office Building, members of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations began hearing human rights activists and scholars detail human rights abuses in Balochistan.
U.S. drone strike kills four in NW Pakistan - officials A U.S. drone attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghanistan border killed four suspected militants on Thursday, intelligence officials said, the second such attack in two days.
Iraq: 65 Executions in First 40 Days of 2012 Iraqi authorities should halt all executions and abolish the death penalty, Human Rights Watch said today. Since the beginning of 2012, Iraq has executed at least 65 prisoners, 51 of them in January, and 14 more on February 8, for various offenses.
Let's veto the West's moral posturing on Syria There is more logic to Russia's and China's veto of the UN resolution condemning Assad than there is to William Hague's sixth-former antics.
China defends Syria veto in People's Daily article China's leading Communist party newspaper has defended Beijing's rejection of a United Nations resolution calling for Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, to resign. The People's Daily said western campaigns in Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq showed the error of forced regime change.
Libya Begets Syria? A little over a year ago, as members of the Obama administration were pondering military intervention in Libya, skeptics (including The Skeptics) pressed them to explain how that situation differed from other comparable cases elsewhere in the world. If Libya, why not Yemen? Why not Bahrain? Why not Syria? We may soon learn the answer to that last question. And their too-permissive—or merely haphazard—approach a year ago might pave the way for an intervention in Syria that would be ill-advised, if not disastrous.
Egypt says US threats to cut aid won't work Cairo says it won't back down in dispute with US over crackdown on nonprofit groups; Egypt won't change course 'because of some aid,' prime minister says
