Some Might Call It Treason

By Philip Giraldi

I am referring to a concerted "betrayal of trust" by a group of American government elected officials in openly advancing policies that serve the interests of a foreign country. Continue

Israel’s ‘Demographic Time Bomb’ Is a Dud:

BY Uri Sadot

Sorry, but the real number of Arab Israelis isn't an existential threat to the 'Jewish state". Continue

Washington Has Discredited America

By Paul Craig Roberts

“Look at me! I’m so important that the government spends enough money to wipe out US poverty spying on me and my Facebook, et. al., friends." Continue

Almost Orwellian

By Andrew P. Napolitano

In place of the political claptrap is the court’s finding that not only is the NSA spying unconstitutional, but it doesn’t work. Continue

If You Believe the Goverment, ‘You’re Stupid’

By Jon Schwarz

Americans are taught the myth that their democracy is safeguarded by an independent press. But the government and other powerful entities have long mastered the art of manipulating the major media. Continue

Pierre Omidyar Provides $50M To Establish First Look Media

By Jay Rosen

“This initial capital is the first step of many to bring the vision of this news organization to life,” said Omidyar. “I am deeply committed to the long-term effort to build a new and exciting platform for journalism" Continue

Why Soldiers Commit Suicide?
The Global War on Terrorism is Killing Mankind

Dr. Mahboob A. Khawaja

"We should be saddened but not shocked when we see the broken men and women return from battles overseas. We should be angry with those who send them to suffer and die in unnecessary wars. Continue

Invest in People, Not War

By Ralph Nader

As millions of Americans struggle with inadequate health care, low wages, deteriorating public services, billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars are pouring into the coffers of the Department of Defense every year. Continue

Bush- Blair Legacy Continues As - Suicide bombers, violence kill 41 in Iraq: Three suicide bombers detonated explosives belts among pilgrims in Iraq on Thursday, killing at least 36 people, while militants shot dead a family of five, officials said.

Britain's Involvement In Torture And Kidnap 'Truly Shocking': On Thursday Sir Peter Gibson published the findings of his aborted inquiry into the complicity of British intelligence agencies in torture. It found agents were reluctant to raise issues about the way detainees were being treated because they feared jeopardising relations with their international counterparts.

Amnesty Int'l: Al-Qaeda in Syria kidnaps, tortures, executes prisoners in secret jails: Abductions, torture, killing, sharia courts, secret prisons with “inhuman” conditions – that’s what an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group in Syria is accused of in the latest report by Amnesty International. Victims included children as young as eight.

Syrian rebel group rejects talks with U.S.: The most powerful coalition of Syrian rebels, the newly formed Islamic Front, has rejected talks with U.S. officials just days after seizing control of warehouses apparently filled with American military equipment destined for more secular rival rebel groups.

The Islamic Front 'will not fight the al Qaeda organization': While denying rumors of a purported meeting between the US and the newly formed Islamic Front, a Syrian jihadist group that cooperates with al Qaeda's branches in Syria, US Secretary of State John Kerry said today that such a meeting is possible

“All Syrian Patriots Must Unite to Fight Against Islamic Front, Jihadists, and Al Qaeda”: The Russian Foreign Minister says that “Syrian patriots” must unite with the Assad regime to help expel the Islamic Front, Jabhat al-Nusra, the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham and other “terror groups”, to return Syria to a multi-religious state.

Russia blocks UN action against Syria air attacks: Diplomats say Russia has objected to a proposed U.N. Security Council statement expressing outrage at Syrian government alledged airstrikes, especially this week’s indiscriminate use of heavy weapons in Aleppo that have killed more than 100 people.

Iran and Russia helping Syrian aid effort: European officials: Iran and Russia have used their influence on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government to get visas for U.N. aid workers and improve access for convoys in Syria, but much remains to be done, senior European officials told Reuters on Thursday.

Turkey's PM fights back after massive corruption crackdown : Video report - Seven of the 52 people arrested on Tuesday in a corruption crackdown in Turkey have been released. But the country's prime minister continues to denounce the operation as an attempt to smear his administration.

Iran, Six World Powers Resume Expert Talks on Nuclear Deal: Iran and six world powers began expert-level talks in Geneva on Thursday to work out how to put into practice a landmark deal obliging Tehran to curb its nuclear program in return for some relief from economic sanctions.
 

Top Senate Democrats Break with White House and Circulate New Iran Sanctions Bill: Three top senators, including two Democrats, have begun circulating a draft of a new Iran sanctions bill that critics say could violate the terms of an agreement struck between Iran and the United States in Geneva last month.

Additional sanctions against Iran counterproductive: Putin: The Russian president added that the sanctions will adversely affect the recent deal struck between Iran and the six world powers in the Swiss city of Geneva over Tehran’s civilian nuclear activities.

Israeli occupation force soldiers kill Palestinian in second overnight incident: - Israeli soldiers killed a member of the Palestinian security forces in the early hours of Thursday in Qalqilya in the West Bank, just several hours after a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Jenin.

West Bank killings threaten peace talks: Palestinians: "This dangerous Israeli escalation aims to thwart American and international efforts to move forward with the peace process, and leads the negotiations to a dead end," presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said in a statement published by the official WAFA news agency.

Hamas PM calls for unified Palestinian government with PA: Ismail Haniyeh, prime minister of the Hamas-run government in the Gaza Strip, invited Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to a meeting to discuss the formation of a unity government.

Nearly 1 million Gazans to need food aid in 2014 - U.N.: The main reason for the increase in the number of needy families was Egypt's closure in recent months of smuggling tunnels under its border into the enclave which has deprived thousands of people of jobs and halted construction projects, he said.

Pakistan: 33 "Islamist Insurgents" Killed in Clashes: Pakistani officials say security forces have killed at least 33 Islamist insurgents during clashes in the North Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan, while residents say many civilians were among the dead.,

Six Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack: At least six Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed while eight others sustained injuries when several well-equipped Afghan Taliban attacked a terminal near the US Sheraz Army base camp, some two kilometres from the Torkham border in Afghanistan

Afghan army hands over check posts to Taliban in Helmand: A member of the provincial council for Helmand province who has requested not to be named, has said that the Afghan soldiers have handed over three security check posts in Sangin district.

Most say Afghan war 'wrong': US poll: In the Associated Press-GfK poll, 57 per cent now say that going to war in Afghanistan after the 2001 attacks was probably the "wrong thing to do".

22 killed in Nigeria attack: An eyewitness said that about 20 gunmen attacked foreign exchange shops in the market, killing 10 people, while they stole an undisclosed amount of currencies.

Workers clash in South Sudan oil fields, 16 dead, says official: Fighting between workers in two oil fields in South Sudan has killed at least 16 people but the government is now in control and oil production has not been affected, a senior official in a major oil producing area in the country said on Thursday.

South Sudan rebels control Jonglei state capital, says military: Officials in Bor, capital of Jonglei state, are believed to have defected as violence spreads after alleged coup attempt

Senators: CIA 'Misleading' Public Over Secret Torture Report: U.S. senators openly castigated the Central Intelligence Agency on Tuesday for delaying the release of a long-awaited report on torture and secret prisons during the Bush era.

Obama advisory committee whitewashes US spying programs: A report released Wednesday by the Obama administration’s hand-picked presidential advisory panel on the National Security Agency’s (NSA) spying programs consists of minor reforms intended to preserve and legitimize the government’s illegal operations

Presidential Panel to NSA: Stop Undermining Encryption: The National Security Agency should not undermine encryption standards that are designed to protect the privacy of communications, the panel of experts appointed by President Obama to review NSA surveillance recommended in a report released today.

Glenn Greenwald "U.S. Government Uses Terrorism As It's Excuse To Do Almost EVERYTHING!" : Video

UN votes to protect privacy in digital age: The U.N. General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at protecting the right to privacy against unlawful surveillance in the digital age on Wednesday in the most vocal global criticism of U.S. eavesdropping.

Saab wins $4.5bn Brazil fighter jet contract: Many had expected Boeing or Dassault to emerge as the winner. The BBC's Gary Duffy in Sao Paulo says Boeing's cause was not helped by a recent row between the US and Brazil over spying allegations.

Beijing warns US against meddling in China Sea: Beijing has warned the United States to be cautious in its words and actions with regard to territorial disputes involving China and its neighbors. The Chinese Foreign Ministry warning comes amid a diplomatic wrangle over Beijing's newly announced air defense zone in the East China Sea.

Fidel Castro hails brother for Obama handshake: - Fidel Castro praised his brother, Cuban President Raul Castro, on Thursday for shaking hands with U.S. President Barack Obama at a memorial for Nelson Mandela, saying he demonstrated courtesy and dignity with the gesture.

Lawsuit: Woman Faced Illegal Body Cavity Search, Observed Bowel Movement: Agents quickly stripped searched her and did cavity searches but found no evidence of drugs, court documents said. But the woman was transported in handcuffs to the University Medical Center of El Paso, the lawsuit said, where doctors subjected her to an observed bowel movement, a CT scan and other exams without a warrant.

Record High in U.S. Say Big Government Greatest Threat: - Seventy-two percent of Americans say big government is a greater threat to the U.S. in the future than is big business or big labor, a record high in the nearly 50-year history of this question.

China US debt holdings reach US$1.305tn in October: China increased its holding of US bonds by US$10.7 billion to US$1.305 trillion in October. A financial expert said the surge of net capital inflow in October suggests that the demand for US debt is still healthy despite concerns about potential defaults, reports the financial news website of Chinese web portal Tencent.

Bloomberg: London Gold Vaults Are Virtually Empty, All the Gold Has Been Transferred to Hong Kong!: Video - All that gold (26 million ounces) has been transferred from London and has gone to Switzerland where it has been recast to higher grade formats and shipped off to Hong Kong and then to China never to return.”

Facebook won’t pay taxes again, will get refund instead: It’s shaping up to be another multi-billion dollar year for Facebook, but don’t expect the social networking site to pay it forward: according to a new analysis, the website will pay no taxes this year and will instead likely receive a federal refund.

US Senate approves bipartisan austerity budget: The US Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a two-year budget agreement that will maintain the bulk of the spending cuts imposed through the “sequester” process and allow extended unemployment benefits for 1.3 million people to lapse on December 28.

Jobless claims spike to 9-month high: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level in nearly nine months, casting a shadow on the labor market.

US existing home sales fall to lowest level in nearly a year: U.S. home resales fell sharply in November to their lowest level in nearly a year, hurt by a rise in interest rates since the spring and ongoing price increases that have shut some home buyers out of the market.

December 18, 2013

China vs US 'Sea-to-shining-sea'

By Pepe Escobar

The paper spelt it loudly; "If the American navy and air force always encroach near China's doorstep, confrontation is bound to take place." Continue

Al-Jaafari: Terrorists Supported by Saudi, Qatari Intelligence Committed Massacres in Adra

Video

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, shared details on the crimes committed in Adra, saying that these mercenaries came to Syria under the support and funding of Saudi, Qatari and Turkish intelligence agencies and committed massacres against civilians in Adra. Continue

Patrick Cockburn: U.S. Turns Blind Eye as Saudis Fund Jihadists in Syrian Conflict

Video

You know, it is one of the most extraordinary aspects of the turmoil in the Middle East that the Saudi backing for extreme Sunni organizations, for jihadi organizations, isn’t opposed by the U.S. more vigorously. Continue

Let Saudi Arabia Go It Alone

By Dr. Ludwig Watzal

The Saudis know that threatening to “go it alone” will be rightly seen as a bluff. The Saudi military has no experience in warfare and is entirely dependent on weaponry and spare parts, mostly from the West. Continue

Mandela is Gone, but Apartheid is Alive and Well in Australia

By John Pilger

Australians are rarely confronted with their nation’s dirtiest secret. Continue

The Legend of the Phoenix

By Todd E. Pierce

The Phoenix Program is usually referred to as an assassination program and was the subject of investigation by the Senate’s “Church Committee.” Continue

“Almost Orwellian”: US Judge Indicts NSA Spying

By Bill Van Auken

The US government is guilty of methods appropriate to a police state. Continue

Under Amazon’s CIA Cloud: The Washington Post

By Norman Solomon

The owner of the Washington Post is now doing big business with the Central Intelligence Agency, while readers of the newspaper’s CIA coverage are left in the dark. Continue

60 Sickening Minutes
NSA Saved Us From Chinese Dr. Evil BIOS Plot to Brick all PCs

By Darlene Storm

"The NSA foiled a major plot, trust us." But of course, there is no reason we should trust them. Continue

Did Someone Say “Crash”?

By Mike Whitney

Stocks have had an impressive  4-year run, but there are signs that the day of reckoning is fast approaching. Continue

500 reported killed in South Sudan; U.S. orders citizens to leave: At least 500 people, most of them soldiers, have been killed in South Sudan since Sunday, a senior government official said as an ethnic rivalry threatened to tear apart the world’s newest country.

Congo: At least 22 killed in Brazzaville clashes: At least 22 people were killed when security forces raided the house of Republic of Congo's former deputy intelligence chief and clashed with his security guards, a morgue official said.

'Syrian and Somali doctors' shot dead near Mogadishu: Three Syrian doctors and their Somali colleague have been shot dead in an ambush near Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, witnesses have told the BBC.

President Morsi faces Egypt terrorism charges: President Mohammed Morsi is to stand trial on charges including conspiring with foreign organisations to commit terrorist acts. Prosecutors said Mr Morsi had formed an alliance with the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

Aleppo bomb raids leave 135 dead: Activists say: Regime warplanes pounded Syria’s second city Aleppo for a fourth straight day today in air raids that have killed at least 135 people, many of them children, a monitor said.

Russia condemns Adra massacre, calls on world community to react: Russia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned massacre in the town of Adra, 20 kilometers north of Damascus. Survivors say jihadist rebel groups executed dozens of civilians, including children, beheading them or burning them alive.

West signals to Syrian opposition Assad may stay: Western nations have indicated to the Syrian opposition that peace talks next month may not lead to the removal of President Bashar al-Assad and that his Alawite minority will remain key in any transitional administration, opposition sources said.

US and Russia consider Syria peace plan that leaves Assad in power: Western nations have confirmed the Syrian opposition's worst fears by indicating that peace talks next month may not lead to the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, and that his Alawite minority will remain key in any transitional administration, opposition sources told Reuters.

Saudi Arabia warns it will act against West's policy in Middle East: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to London has claimed the country is determined to independently arm Syria rebels after rejecting the diplomatic tactics of its Western allies

At Least 13 Killed In Attacks In Iraq: Outside the city of Samarra, 95 kilometers north of Baghdad, gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Pakistani Shi'ite pilgrims, killing three Pakistanis and two Iraqis, and wounding 12.

3 Iran Guards 'killed in Sistan Baluchistan blast': Three members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards have been killed by a bomb blast in the south-eastern province of Sistan Baluchistan, local media report. The men were part of an engineering division and had been working on construction projects near the city of Saravan, the Tasnim news agency said.

Hollande: US Senate will ‘squash’ Iran if it evades talks: French president reiterates his commitment to preventing Islamic Republic from obtaining nukes; pledges support for Israeli-Palestinian progress

Iran Sanctions Bill Is 'Coming,' Kirk Says: Kirk said that the timing of a bill rollout and any consideration in the Senate will be up to his top Democratic partner on sanctions, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez of New Jersey, and of course Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Palestinians: Kerry taking Israel's side, no longer neutral mediator: Senior Palestinian sources are blaming the Obama administration for favoring the Israeli positions in the peace talks, claiming that this is compensation to Israel for the U.S. position in the Iran negotiations and blaming Washington’s stance for causing a crisis in the process here.

4 militants killed, 23 arrested in Afghan raids: gov't: Four militants were killed and 23 others detained in military operations across Afghanistan since early Tuesday, the country's Interior Ministry said on Wednesday morning.

3 killed in Taliban attack on US base: At least three people were killed early Wednesday morning as Afghan Taliban insurgent group launched a complex attack on a U.S. forces' supply base in eastern province of Nangarhar, the second attack on the same base in two months, sources said.

5 Soldiers Killed, 34 Injured in Pakistan Suicide Blast: At least five soldiers were killed and 34 others injured today when a suicide bomber rammed a explosive-laden car into a military checkpoint in Pakistan's restive northwest, official sources said.

Taliban suicide bombers attack NATO fuel trucks, kills one: - Taliban suicide bombers have attacked NATO fuel trucks near the Pakistani border. A gunbattle that followed killed one Afghan policeman and wounded three, according to the Associated Press.

Pakistan rules out army action against Taliban: Mullah Fazlullah, the Pakistani Taliban’s new hardline leader, says peace talks are meaningless and has pledged to step up attacks as part of his campaign to topple the central government and establish Islamist rule in Pakistan.

Glenn Greenwald : The lie of MP Julian Smith : Fortunately journalists don't have to answer to government officials about what their sources gave them, or how it is that they got their material. They're allowed to protect their sources and protect their journalistic materials from invasions by questions from the government like some of the ones you just asked.

Ex-CIA Director Calls For Snowden To Be “Hanged By His Neck Until He Is Dead”: Former CIA Director James Woolsey has one wish for the holidays: for Edward Snowden to be tried for treason and “hanged.” That was Woolsey’s response to the suggestion of amnesty for Snowden.

John Bolton: Edward Snowden 'Ought To Swing From A Tall Oak Tree': Bolton, who served under former President George W. Bush, characterized Snowden's actions as treason, and urged against any public talk of amnesty.

Bernie Sanders "NSA Is Keeping Phone Records On EVERY Call Made In America!" : Video -

Former MI5 officer: Easy to persuade fearful people to give up hard-won liberties: Video - MI5 whistleblower Annie Machon.

Tech executives to Obama: NSA spying revelations are hurting business: Leaders of the nation’s biggest technology firms warned President Obama during a lengthy meeting at the White House on Tuesday that National Security Agency spying programs are damaging their reputations and could harm the broader economy.

Russia deal saved Ukraine from bankruptcy - PM Azarov: Ukraine's decision to suspend a deal on closer EU ties and sign a Russian aid agreement instead has helped avoid bankruptcy, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has told ministers in Kiev.

Arctic 30 protesters and Pussy Riot members set to walk free: Russia passes amnesty law with amendment extending scope to include those arrested on Greenpeace ship

Has the tide turned for corporate Australia?: Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors and an iconic brand for locals, said last week that it would stop making cars in Australia by the end of 2017 in a move that would lead to almost 2,900 job cuts.

Spanish Defaults Surge as Banks Forced to Come Clean: Mortgages: With Spain’s persistently high unemployment rate now at 26 percent, the couple is among the 350,000 homeowners who may be foreclosed upon by lenders in the next two years as the housing crisis worsens. Since 2008, about 150,000 families have been hit with a foreclosure.

Ecuadoreans can seek Chevron damages in Canada: An Ecuadorean indigenous group can seek enforcement of a $9.5bn (£5.8bn) judgement against US petrol giant Chevron in the Canadian courts, an Ontario appeals court has ruled. Ecuadorean courts awarded the damages in 2011 and 2013 after the villagers sued over 18 years of pollution of the Amazon jungle in the Lago Agrio region.

US Navy officer pleads guilty in bribery case: A US Navy official has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery charges, admitting he received envelopes of cash and the services of prostitutes from a Singapore-based company at the center of a multimillion-dollar fraud investigation.

Accidental Tax Break Saves Wealthiest Americans $100 Billion: By shuffling his company stock in and out of more than 30 trusts, he’s given at least $7.9 billion to his heirs while legally avoiding about $2.8 billion in U.S. gift taxes since 2010, according to calculations based on data in Adelson’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Mortgage Applications Collapse To New 13-Year Low: Mortgage applications index collapses (down 60% from 2013 highs) to a new 13-year low. -

D.C. raises its minimum wage: The Washington, D.C. city council voted unanimously Tuesday to raise its minimum wage from $8.25 to $11.50 per hour by 2016. Although Democratic Mayor Vincent Gray had previously opposed the measure

December 17, 2013

Does Opposing Western Intervention in Syria Make the Anti-war Movement "Assad Apologists"?

By Lindsey German

The accusation is that by opposing western intervention the anti-war movement is giving tacit support to dictators or despots: but is it? Continue

The Sycophantic Palestinian Solidarity Movement

By Gilad Atzmon

In our little progressive ghetto, we love celebrities - but not when speak their minds or tell the truth. Continue

An Open Letter to the People of Brazil
The Greatest Human Rights Challenge Of Our Time

By Edward Snowden

These programs were never about terrorism: they're about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They're about power. Continue

60 Minutes Gift Wrapped a Puff Piece for the NSA

By Joe Coscarelli

Last night’s episode of 60 Minutes on CBS included what basically amounted to an uncritical commercial for the embattled National Security Agency, led by a journalist who used to be a government colleague. Continue

Awards They Couldn’t Accept:
The Tragic Irony of Greenwald, Poitras and Snowden

By Jesselyn Radack

When I was honored as a top global thinker last week, 3 of my co-recipients didn't come. The reason why is chilling. Continue

How are Americans Endangered?

By Feed Fred

should we expect the Pentagon to win wars? It has nothing to gain by winning, and everything to lose. Continue

Did The Saudi Government Fund The 9/11 Attacks?

Video

The CIA in one memo reportedly found "incontrovertible evidence" that Saudi government officials — not just wealthy Saudi hardliners, but high-level diplomats and intelligence officers employed by the kingdom — helped the hijackers both financially and logistically. Continue

The End of Childhood in the Era of the Emerging American Police State

By John W. Whitehead

Call it the end of innocence, call it the end of imagination. What it will eventually amount to is the termination of freedom in the United States. Continue

7 Rip-Offs Corporations and the Wealthy Don't Want You to Know About

By Paul Buchheit

There's no limit to corporations' ability to draw profit while screwing over Americans. Continue

At least 66 troops dead in South Sudan fighting: “So far we have lost seven soldiers who died while they were waiting for medical attention and a further 59 who were killed outside,” doctor Ajak Bullen said on Miraya FM radio, adding the men would be given a mass burial.

What You Need To Know About South Sudan’s Murky, Uncertain ‘Coup Attempt’: the clashes were between soldiers housed in two sets of barracks in Juba, one of which is home to the Presidential Guard. Portions of the Guard remain loyal to Machar, whose Nuer tribe have fought previously against the Dinka tribe to which President Kiir belongs.

Background On Sudan: Fight for the soul of the North: Documentary - The real tragedy of South Sudan is that it is, potentially, one of the richest countries in Africa and even beyond, but for a whole myriad of reasons it is unlikely to ever reach that goal.

Libya rejects UN guard force plan: UN official: Libya rejected the UN Security Council plan to send a 235-strong guard force for protecting UN mission in the Libyan capital city of Tripoli, UN Special Representative in Libya and head of UN Support Mission in Libya ( UNSMIL) Tarek Mitri announced on Tuesday.

Activists: Syrian aircraft hit Aleppo, killing 18: Activists say: Two children were among at least 18 people killed in new airstrikes on a rebel-held district of Syria's main northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday, activists said.

‘Slaughtered like sheep’: Eyewitnesses recount massacre in Adra, Syria: New details of atrocities carried out by Islamist rebel fighters in the town of Adra, 20 kilometers north of Damascus, continue to pour in from survivors of the massacre there, in which reportedly at least 80 people lost their lives.

West signals to Syrian opposition Assad may stay: Western nations have indicated to the Syrian opposition that peace next month talks may not lead to the removal of President Bashar al-Assad and that his Alawite minority will remain key in any transitional administration, opposition sources said.

Bush- Blair Legacy Continues As - Militant attacks kill 10 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq: In the deadlier of the two attacks, a suicide bomber set off his explosive belt among a group of pilgrims south of Baghdad, near the town of Mahmoudiya.

Sources: Hamas agrees to join unity government ahead of elections: - Hamas has officially notified Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas of the movement's decision to join a national unity government which will prepare for upcoming presidential and parliamentarian elections, sources told Ma’an on Tuesday.

Report: Jordan closes its doors to Hamas leaders in solidarity with Egypt: According to the report, "a lot of doors of Arab capitals are closed to Hamas to show solidarity and support for the new Egyptian regime."

US Hails EU Package Offer For Israeli-Palestinian Final Status Peace Deal: EU Foreign Affairs Council announced on Monday that in the event of a final peace agreement, the European Union will offer Israel and the future state of Palestine a Special Privileged Partnership including increased access to the European markets, closer cultural and scientific link

Bedouin relocation plan moves ahead despite freeze order: Prawer Plan, canceled by PM last week due to stiff opposition from both left and right, makes mysterious reappearance in Knesset committee

Iran official: Final nuclear deal is possible: Velayati is the foreign adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all matters in Iran, including the country's nuclear policies.

Iran nabbed CIA asset Levinson, says witness (+video): Dawud Salahuddin, an American fugitive who lives in Iran, saw Iranian police detain Robert Levinson in 2007, despite official Iranian denials. Levinson was trying to recruit Salahuddin as a source.

Six US occupation force soldiers killed in Afghan air crash: According to NATO the crash is not suspected to be a military strike.

6 Americans killed in Afghanistan: Blackhawk helicopter makes hard landing, then is attacked

Insider attack by Afghan soldier kills 2 : According local authorities in western Herat province, an Afghan soldier has killed his 2 comrades in latest insider attack.

Afghan army hands over check posts to Taliban in Helmand: A member of the provincial council for Helmand province who has requested not to be named, has said that the Afghan soldiers have handed over three security check posts in Sangin district. The source further added that the security check posts were handed over following an agreement between the two sides.

3 killed, 13 injured as suicide blast hits Rawalpindi, Pakistan: - At least three people were killed and 13 others injured when a blast went off near a Shiite mosque in Rawalpindi, a sister city of Pakistan's capital Islamabad, on Tuesday night, according to local media.

Pakistan stung by Iran pipeline blow: Iran has not only canceled a US$500 million loan promised to Pakistan last year to help fund its construction of pipeline to bring natural gas from Iran; it has also said it will demand compensation if Islamabad fails to build its side of the pipeline by the end of next year.

India-US row escalates over diplomat's arrest: Indian leaders boycott US congressional delegation and initiate retaliatory steps over arrest of diplomat in New York.

Ukrainian president seeks cash from Kremlin: The country needs to cover an external funding gap of $17bn next year. It is also seeking a lower gas price to better cope with its financial burdens.

Putin: Russia to buy $15 billion in Ukraine bonds: Putin also announced a sharp cut in the price that Ukraine must pay for Russian natural gas supplies. The Russian moves are intended to keep the struggling Ukrainian economy afloat.

Revealed: Norway widely spies on Russia for NSA - new Snowden leak : Video report: The latest leak from Edward Snowden has exposed Norway's role in America's global spying operations. The Nordic country has been sharing intelligence with the U.S. on Russia's political elite, as well as oil and gas companies and ordinary civilians

Merkel compared NSA to Stasi in heated encounter with Obama: German chancellor furious after revelations US intelligence agency listend in on her personal mobile phone

Snowden Says N.S.A.’s Spying Culture Is ‘Collapsing’: Several members of Brazil's congress have called for Snowden to receive asylum, so that he could assist lawmakers' investigation into NSA activity in Brazil.

Sunday's NSA report confirms it: 60 Minutes is now in the spin business: The special NSA report was a promotional. It follows a string of spectacularly biased 'news' shows and shoddy reporting

How DC police use citizens as spies: “The notion that we should report to the police people taking photographs and notes or ‘acting suspicious’ runs contrary to every democratic value this nation claims to defend.

I Will Die Here, Unless President Obama Helps: I joined a drug ring when I was 17 years old and, for just over a year, sold crack and powder cocaine in Rockford, Ill. I was arrested when I was 19 years old.

China bans American shellfish over high levels of arsenic: Chinese officials ordered the ban on December 3 against exports from the states of Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the northern chunk of California, effectively putting a hold on a multi-million dollar West Coast industry that is now scrambling to make sure their shellfish is safe.

December  16, 2013

Federal Judge Says NSA Program Appears to Violate Constitution

By Pete Williams

A federal judge rules that the National Security Agency's program of gathering data on all telephone calls made in the US is unconstitutional. Continue

Saudi Royal Blasts U.S.'s Mideast Policy

By Jay Solomon

"The U.S. gave us the impression that they were going to do things in Syria that they finally didn't," Prince Turki said. Continue

What If a Drone Strike Hit an American Wedding?

By Conor Friedersdorf

Can you imagine the wall-to-wall press coverage, the outrage, and the empathy for the victims that would follow if an American wedding were attacked in this fashion? Continue

Sen. McCain, Interventionism's ‘Energizer Bunny’

By Daniel McAdams

Fresh off his trip to Libya, where he was granted an award by the military on the same day the Libyan parliament declared Sharia law, McCain was this weekend on the streets of Kiev. Continue

Tony Benn: Blair Committed War Crimes

Video

Veteran Labour minister and socialist, Tony Benn gives his take on the current leadership, austerity and what the future holds. Continue

Inside the Saudi 9/11 "Coverup"

By Paul Sperry

A pair of lawmakers who recently read the redacted portion say they are “absolutely shocked” at the level of foreign state involvement in the attacks. Continue

America’s Child Soldiers
JROTC and the Militarizing of America

By Ann Jones

Why should Washington help the children of Sudan or Yemen escape war when it spares no expense right here at home to press our own impressionable, idealistic, ambitious American kids into military “service”? Continue

The Play’s the Thing

By Chris Hedges

Faith, when you live in the totalitarian world of the prison, is important. Continue

What the World Could Be
Short Video Offers Economic Solutions

By Carl Herman

We have created a simple list of actions everyone can easily implement to make a significant difference in the world. Continue

The Selling of Attention Deficit Disorder

By ALAN SCHWARZ

“This is a concoction to justify the giving out of medication at unprecedented and unjustifiable levels.” Continue

Syrian rebels execute 80 civilians outside Damascus: ‘Whole families murdered’: Syrian military sources: Over 80 civilians in a town northwest of the Syrian capital of Damascus have been executed by Islamist rebels.

Barrel bombs kill at least 76 people in Syria: Pro-rebel activists say: Regime air raids using barrel bombs on rebel-controlled areas of Syria's second city of Aleppo at the weekend killed at least 76 people, including 28 children, activists said on Monday.

Qatar Red Crescent Funds Syrian Rebel Arms: “Through the cleric, Mahmoud was able to acquire 30 RPG launchers for $900,000 and 300 shells for $300,000, which were then transferred to Syria by a smuggler known as Anwar or his nom de guerre Abu Salah.” The smuggler then handed over the weapons to the Syrian national known as Abu Abdullah in the Damascus countryside.

Report: Turkey Shipped Arms to Syria Rebels: Turkey has shipped 47 tonnes of weapons to Syrian rebels since June despite repeated government denials, a local newspaper reported on Monday.

UN launches $6.5bn Syria appeal: United Nations warns that nearly three-quarters of country's population will need humanitarian support in 2014

VIDEO: Syria humanitarian crisis explained in 60 seconds.: BBC News analyses the impact of Syria’s 33-month conflict on its people – in 60 seconds.

Bush- Blair Legacy Continues As - Car bombs hit Shiite pilgrims as Iraq unrest kills 68: Car bombs ripped through Shiite pilgrims near Baghdad while militants attacked a city council headquarters and a police station, as Iraq-wide violence killed at least 68 people Monday, officials said.

Israeli Soldier Killed On Lebanon Border: Israel shoots two Lebanese soldiers after one of its troops is shot dead by a sniper on the Lebanon border.

Israeli, Lebanese, UN officers to meet after cross-border killing: Israeli, Lebanese and U.N. officials said they would meet on Monday to defuse tensions after a Lebanese soldier shot dead an Israeli counterpart along the border between the two countries, Israel's defense minister said.

The Palestinian calm before the storm: A culture of resistance is simmering below the surface, but it's slowly coming to a boil.

Qatari-funded fuel enters Gaza to ease power crisis: Gaza's 1.8 million people have been enduring daily blackouts of around 12 hours since the power plant was switched off 43 days ago due to a fuel shortage caused by neighbouring Egypt's closure of smuggling tunnels.

U.S. academic group votes to boycott Israeli universities: The American Studies Association, which has 5,000 members, cites 'Israel's violation of international law and UN resolutions' among reasons for boycott of Israeli academic institutions.

EU to ease sanctions as soon as Iran curbs nuclear work: European Union governments pledged on Monday to suspend some sanctions against Iran as soon as the U.N. nuclear watchdog verifies that Tehran has curbed its atomic work under last month's landmark agreement.

White House tightens enforcement of Iran sanctions amid meetings with Israelis: What is the role of Israel in shaping US foreign policy? The White House has now tightened its enforcement of sanctions on Iran, potentially threatening the breakthrough deal with Iran, in the midst of high-level meetings between White House security officials and Israeli officials, at the White House.

Professor Alan Dershowitz: Ignore International Law : Video - Alan Dershowitz says that Israel should ignore international law when deciding how to deal with Iran.

Money and 100 guns are given as compensation to victims’ families of the drone in Qaifah: Yemeni authorities offered 32 million YR and 100 guns as compensation to victims’ families as a result of Air raid that took place in Qaifah in the al-Baida governorate, leaving 25 killed and wounded last Thursday.

Yemeni parliament votes to ban drone attacks: "Members of parliament voted to stop what drones are doing in Yemeni airspace, stressing the importance of preserving innocent civilian lives against any attack and maintaining Yemeni sovereignty," SABA news agency reported.

Yemen vote on ban unlikely to end US drone strikes: Yemen's parliament, which is dominated by the party of ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Islamist Islah party, voted on Sunday in favour of halting drone attacks.

Nelson Mandela, Drone Victim: Nelson Mandela was on the U.S. terrorist watch list until 2008. Under President Obama, terrorists are subject to summary termination by drone strike. What would have happened to Mandela had Obama been president before 2008? Boom!

At least 21, including women and children, killed in Congo's east: At least 21 people, including women and a baby, were killed over the weekend in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the U.N. peacekeeping mission there said on Monday.

10 Afghan "militants" killed in army operation: "Based on a tip off, the Afghan army launched an operation in Godar area of Andar district Sunday night. As a result 10 armed insurgents, including a key militant leader named Mawlawi Raouf, were killed in the raid," the army spokesman in the province Nazifullah Sultani said.

4 Afghan soldiers killed in bomb attacks: Four Afghan army soldiers were killed and six others wounded in separate bomb attacks since late Sunday, said the country's defense ministry on Monday.

Australian troops leave Afghanistan: "We know that they've paid a high price - 40 dead and 261 seriously wounded - but that sacrifice has not been in vain. PM Tony Abbott says

3 policemen killed, 2 injured in NW Pakistan's blast: At least three policemen were killed and two others injured when a bomb went off near a bomb disposal unit's vehicle in Pakistan's northwest Peshawar city on Monday morning, local media reported.

Chinese state media says clash in Xinjiang leaves 16 dead: Sixteen people have been killed in a clash in China's restive far western region of Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority, state media has reported.

Two Guantánamo prisoners transferred to Saudi Arabia: US officials said the two Saudis have been transferred to the custody of their own government after a security review. Neither man had been charged with a crime.

The logic of 9/11: US-Saudi-Pakistani connections: PNAC (Project for a New American Century) published a “grand strategy” in 2000 calling for the US to maintain its unrivaled superpower status, though this might require a “new Pearl Harbor” to justify launching preemptive wars against suspect nations.

Venezuela finds no explosives on Air France flight: More than 60 experts comb plane after French intelligence warned terrorists might try to blow it up

The Rich Get Their Oily Way again in Mexico: Are we living in a time when ordinary people have forgotten their history, when all those who fail to remember the past will be condemned to relive its harsh reality?

Chile election victor Michelle Bachelet pledges major reforms: Michelle Bachelet has promised major tax and education reforms to help ease Chile's social divisions after sweeping back to power with a huge majority in presidential elections on Sunday. The centre-left candidate won with about 62% support, the highest share of votes for any presidential candidate

McCain meets with Ukrainian opposition, backs pro-EU protests: ” McCain told reporters. “I look forward to visiting the square tomorrow and I am proud of what the people of Ukraine are doing, so they can restore democracy to their country.”

McCain: CIA Misled Congress on Missing American: McCain, R-Ariz., told CNN's "State of the Union" that "the CIA did not tell the truth to the Congress" about Levinson.

FBI Sabotaged Levinson Investigation, Family Lawyer Says: “Bob worked undercover on Iranian issues with a Russian gentleman of some dubious background” who “had been dealing undercover with Iranian nationals on very high-priority issues for the CIA.”

Justin Raimondo: Who Was Robert Levinson Working For?: A spy story with all the bells and whistles: money-laundering, organized crime, and "rogue" CIA agents

Federal judge says NSA's phone surveillance program is likely unconstitutional: A federal court judge in Washington, DC ruled Monday that the United States National Security Agency’s controversial practice of routinely collecting the telephone records of millions of Americans may run afoul of the US Constitution.,:

Edward Snowden statement on today's NSA ruling:

NSA Coworker Remembers The Real Edward Snowden: 'A Genius Among Geniuses': “That kid was a genius among geniuses,” says the NSA staffer. “NSA is full of smart people, but anybody who sat in a meeting with Ed will tell you he was in a class of his own…I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The Sad Decline of ‘60 Minutes’ Continues With This Week’s NSA Whitewash: Just in recent months: the horrid hit on Americans with disabilities, the Lara Logan affair, and now tonight’s whitewash of NSA (and bonus slam vs. Edward Snowden), hosted by longtime FBI/police/NSA propagandist John Miller. Good night and good luck!

Almost all the U.S. Army’s secret military bases across the globe revealed on Google and Bing: The Pentagon says there are around 5,000 bases in total with around 600 overseas.

Guantanamo-style grandmother tries to perform citizen's arrest on judge: A JUDGE was yesterday forced to retreat from his bench after a 79-year-old disabled grandmother tried to perform a citizen's arrest on him in court. Ms D'Arcy declared: "I am making a citizen's arrest on you Patrick Durcan for making Irish people active allies and participation on illegal wars."

Anti-nuclear activist nun says answering her Christian calling landed her in prison: The 83-year-old Rice has chosen to spend the final chapter of her life behind bars. She faces a possible 30-year prison sentence on charges of interfering with national security and damaging federal property, resulting from an act of civil disobedience she committed in July last year.

The Selling of Attention Deficit Disorder: “The numbers make it look like an epidemic. Well, it’s not. It’s preposterous,” Dr. Conners, a psychologist and professor emeritus at Duke University, said in a subsequent interview. “This is a concoction to justify the giving out of medication at unprecedented and unjustifiable levels.”

Boston PD's new assault rifles raise concern over militarization of police: Saying it has to keep up in arms race with street criminals, department will put AR-15 rifles in patrol cars

Boston police halt license tracking system as media probe points to privacy violations: Officials in the Massachusetts capital have put the brakes on using license plate readers, after inadvertently releasing sensitive surveillance data to the media which probed it and indicated the technology could have been misused.

New Orleans cops can bust you for prostitution if they think you have too many condoms: If police suspect a person of being a prostitute, they can arrest them if they discover that they’re carrying condoms

"Makes Absolutely No Sense": David Cay Johnston on Budget Deal That Helps Billionaires, Not the Poor

America’s Food Stamp Cut Stories You Probably Haven’t Heard About: In November, Congress cut food stamps for nearly 50 million people, and even more cuts are on the table.

Thousands of Homeless People Live in Shantytowns at the Epicenter of High-Tech, Super-Rich Silicon Valley: Four homeless men in Silicon Valley did not make it through the season’s first bout of sub-freezing temperatures. Over the last two weeks, three of them froze to death on the streets of San Jose, not far from the Jungle.

December 15, 2013

US/British Policy on Syria has Been Sunk, and Nobody Noticed
Free Syrian Army a Complete Pawn to Foreign Intelligence Agencies

By Patrick Cockburn

The final bankruptcy of American and British policy in Syria came 10 days ago as Islamic Front, a Saudi-backed Sunni jihadi group, overran the headquarters of the Supreme Military Council of the Free Syrian Army. Continue

Saudis' Big Deal for US Anti-tank Missiles May be Meant to Help Syrian Rebels

By South China Morning Post

One Saudi ally could desperately use anti-tank weapons – the Syrian rebels. Continue

France Fuels Sectarian Killing in CAR

By Finian Cunningham

French troops are not preventing mayhem; they are inflaming it. Continue

War Crimes Tribunal Finds Israel Guilty Of Genocide Against The Palestinian People

Video By RT

Judgment will be submitted to the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, UN and the UN Security Council for further action. Continue

Right To Resist Oppression

By Paul Balles

"Genocide is realistic; justice is not. The progressive 'realist' is finally no different than the right wing Zionist." Continue

Nelson Mandela Has Been Laid To Rest – But His Legacy Must Not Be

By Gary Younge

The desire to remember Mandela as a brilliant individual who single-handedly guided the nation to democracy is understandable but not honest. Continue

America Is the Most Inhumane Developed Country on the Planet
Are We Going to Let It Stay That Way?

By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers

What would it be like if people in the U.S. knew they had these rights? Continue

Poverty Nation: How America Created a Low-wage Work Swamp

By Joan Walsh

A quarter of people who have jobs today make so little money that they also receive some form of public assistance, or welfare. Continue

If You Want the American Dream, Go to Finland

By Blake Fleetwood

This is a sad, depressing state of affairs for the U.S. and is becoming more true every day. But the reality is still not accepted by most Americans. Continue

Syria air raids kill 36 in Aleppo: Pro rebel activists: "An (aerial) attack using explosive-laden barrels over the Sakhur, Ard al-Hamra and Haydariyeh districts (of eastern Aleppo) killed 22 people, among them 14 children and an 18-year-old boy," said the Britain-based Observatory.

Army Retakes 2 Towns in Eastern Syria: pro-Syrian TV: The army killed tens of militants in Ayyash while a heavy battle is still underway in Al-Mattar Al-Qadim and Al-Haviqeh districts in the second day clashes.

Syrian FSA fighter defects to Qaeda-linked group: Once-powerful Free Syrian Army commander Saddam al-Jamal has pledged allegiance to ISIL fighters.

US Considers Aiding "Islamist" Rebels: The gradual collapse of Syria’s moderate rebel forces is forcing the United States to consider extending its support to the Islamist groups it has long rejected but which are steadily rising to become the Assad regime’s principal opponents.

Al Sadr mentor calls to fight alongside Al Assad: A leading Shiite cleric widely followed by Iraqi militants has issued the first public religious edict permitting Shiites to fight in Syria’s civil war alongside President Bashar Al Assad’s forces.

Day of violence in Iraq leaves 20 dead, including Health Ministry employee and family: The attackers used guns fitted with silencers killed the employee, his wife, two sons and a 10-year old daughter as they slept in their home in Sadiyah early Sunday morning, police said, adding that they are investigating the incident but have no motive for the attack or any suspects.

Gunmen kill female TV presenter in Iraq: station: Gunmen shot dead Al-Mosuliyah TV presenter Nawras al-Nuaimi in northern Iraq on Sunday, the station and police said, the latest in a series of journalists killed in the country.

2 dead, 2200 in shelters across storm-ravaged Gaza Strip: The death toll in the Gaza Strip from winter storm Alexa rose to two on Sunday as more than 2,000 Gazans remained in shelters and much of the region was still paralyzed after four days of severe weather.

Officials warn Gaza Strip on the verge of health crisis: The results of winter storm Alexa in Gaza will lead to a health disaster unless the world intervenes, a Palestinian medical official said Sunday.

The high price of letting Israel's extremists flourish: Israel should drop its reluctance to enforce the law against 'price tag' attackers.

U.S. to keep 1,500 troops in Jordan: "These forces will remain in Jordan, in full coordination with the government of Jordan, until the security situation becomes such that they are no longer needed," a White House report said.

Yemeni parliament in non-binding vote against drone attacks: - Yemen's parliament on Sunday called for a stop to drone attacks in a symbolic vote that reflected growing public anxiety about Washington's use of the unmanned aircraft to combat al Qaeda in the impoverished country.

Yemen tribe intensifies protest against drone attacks: “If the government fails to stop American planes from bombing the people of Yemen, then it has no rule over us,” tribal chief Ahmad Al Salmani said from Rada.

Minister says Iran will continue nuclear talks: "We will continue Geneva talks. We will show proper, calculated, purposeful and smart reaction toward any improper and unconstructive action," Zarif wrote. "Over the past days, improper actions were carried out by Americans that we responded in a proper way."

McCain says Iran sanctions bill ‘very likely’: Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Sunday that the Senate is "very likely" to pass a new sanctions bill against Iran despite a deal the United States and other world powers reached to address the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions.

ABC, NYT Repeatedly Lied About CIA Operative Robert Levinson: ABC News and The New York Times have known since 2007 that Robert Levinson, the ex-FBI agent who was kidnapped in Iran, was not, as the U.S. government and his family claimed, an independent businessman

Last man to see Robert Levinson before he vanished denies involvement in disappearance: An American fugitive who met with Robert Levinson shortly before the former FBI agent vanished, has resurfaced, calling the U.S. intelligence agency "the world's leading terror apparatus" and denying any role in Levinson’s disappearance in an email sent to NBC News.

Iran asks U.S. to provide more information on missing ex-FBI agent: Iranian press counselor at the United Nations, Alireza Miryusefi, insisted that the government in Iran has been cooperating with attempts to learn Levinson's fate. The Iranian government has been trying "to find any clue about Levinson's situation for humanitarian and security reasons, but no success," he said.

28 Taliban militants killed or injured in Afghan operations: Taliban militantsAt least 28 Taliban militants were killed or injured during military operations by Afghan security forces across the country, interior ministry announced Sunday.

8 killed in roadside bombings in eastern Afghanistan; suicide bomber attacks office: A spokesman for eastern Nangarhar province, said four policemen were killed and seven wounded when their pickup truck ran over a bomb in in the Agam district. He said the dead included the district’s police chief.

Kerry extends deadline for signing Afghan troops deal: While he said it must be signed as soon as possible, he raised the option for the first time that the deal governing the presence of US troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 could even by inked by Karzai's successor, who will be chosen in April elections.

At least 25 killed as unrest continues in Bangladesh: At least 25 people have been killed in clashes involving opposition, pro-government activists and police since Thursday, when Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Abdul Quader Molla, was put to death for crimes committed during the nation's independence war in 1971.

Two UN peacekeepers killed in Mali suicide bomb: A suicide bomber killed two Senegalese UN peacekeepers and destroyed the only operating bank in the northern Malian town of Kidal yesterday, one day before a second round of parliamentary elections.

Libya army colonel shot dead in Benghazi: A security official said artillery officer Col. Said Massoud al-Jamli was shot near a school on Sunday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters, said the gunmen fled.

Seized Libyan oil ports 'will not reopen': Group seeking autonomy for eastern Libya refuses to surrender three oil-exporting ports, costing government billions.

François Hollande's plane 'surrounded by rebels' in Central African Republic: President's delegation in stand-off with armed Seleka fighters at Bangui airport during talks on France's military operation, French newspaper reports

France says to seek European help in Central African Republic: "That is a real, big problem," Fabius told Europe 1 radio. "Tomorrow, I'll go to the Council of Foreign Ministers and I will ask (European partners) for stepped-up, more robust aid, including on the ground."

Ukraine protests: McCain warns US could act over Russia deal: - The United States could take “concrete action” against Ukraine if its government cracks down on dissent, Senator John McCain warned Sunday as he addressed thousands of protesters camped on Kiev's bitterly cold main square.

Clashes break out at Italy anti-austerity protests: - Protesters clashed with police at anti-austerity demonstrations in Rome, Turin and Venice on Saturday, as part of a wave of social action led by Italy's Forconi (Pitchforks) movement of farmers and truck drivers.

Pope says he is not a Marxist, but defends criticism of capitalism: "The ideology of Marxism is wrong. But I have met many Marxists in my life who are good people, so I don't feel offended," Francis was quoted as saying.

Intel Contractors Give Millions to Lawmakers Overseeing Government Surveillance: Analysis of campaign contributions from political action committees (PACs) and individuals from the top 20 intelligence services contractors working with the Department of Defense, ranked by total value of contracts received, to members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Obama Suppressing 6,000-Page Report on CIA Torture Adopted by Senate Intelligence Committee: Over a year ago, the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to adopt a historic, 6,000-page report which contains “startling details” about CIA misdeeds related to its torture program

‘Lie of the Year’ prize goes to Obama: The infamous prize, handed out annually by the fact-checking website PolitiFact, was given to Obama because of his statements claiming that Americans would be able to keep their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act if they liked their plan.

Facebook develops algorithm that will learn EVERYTHING about you from photos and gives details to advertisers: From the bottles of beer you drink, to the places you visit on vacation, the social networking site will compile everything there is to know about you

Affluenza: the latest excuse for the wealthy to do whatever they want: Op-Ed: Ethan Couch, a teenager in Texas, killed four people but got off because he comes from a rich family and 'didn't know better'

Another Stand Your Ground showdown?: A Florida man is accused of shooting and killing an unarmed African-American teenager in a case some say echoes the George Zimmerman trial.

How a Texas Cop Who Killed a Double Amputee Holding a Ballpoint Pen Got Away With It: Police misconduct in shootings is "very, very difficult" to prove, an FBI agent says.

What You Should Know About The U.S. And Human Rights The U.S. is the only country in the world that continues to commit children to die in prison through the imposition of life sentences that lack the possibility of parole

I work 4 jobs and I'm still struggling: Bingham is 37 years old and has a college degree, but like many Americans, is stuck working many hours in low wage, part-time jobs.

Poverty in America Is Mainstream: Contrary to popular belief, the percentage of the population that directly encounters poverty is exceedingly high. My research indicates that nearly 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 25 and 60 will experience at least one year below the official poverty line.