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Making Sense of the Latest Kerry Lavrov Deal

By The Saker

So far, the Russian speakers, far from vacating any building, have seized one more. Continue

On Nazis, Jews & Ukraine ‘De-escalation’

By Pepe Escobar

Israeli media – and their American echo chambers - were all over the place with the non-story. Continue

Putin Stands Out as a Real World Leader

By Finian Cunningham

Just ask the people out there, in Russia, Europe, America and elsewhere, whom do they believe and respect.

Investigation Finds Former Ukraine President Not Responsible For Sniper Attack on Protestors

Video By Michael Hudson The Real News

If all of this is front-page news in Germany, front-page news in Russia-- why would President Obama directly lie to the American people? Continue

Vladimir Putin Must Be Called To Account On Surveillance Just Like Obama

By Edward Snowden

I questioned the Russian president live on TV to get his answer on the record, not to whitewash him. Continue

Survival is the Saudi Key Word

By Nicola Nasser

The US pillar of Saudi security now seems to be in doubt as the United States stands unable to meet Saudi expectations Continue

Boston and Baghdad

By Ralph Nader

Tyranny abroad is a Washington export that defies our constitution and the better instincts of the people who stand against foreign wars for oil. Continue

Washington’s Corruption and Mendacity Is What Makes America “Exceptional”

By Paul Craig Roberts

Americans misinformed by a prostitute media are in no position to protect the US Constitution and their liberty. Misinformed, they become tyranny’s allies and their own worst enemy. Continue

The Contradictions of the American Electorate

By Eric Zuess

Why Do Most US Voters Prefer Politicians Who Disagree with Their Values and Policies? Continue

Jesus Lived in a Police State

By John W. Whitehead

Unfortunately, the radical Jesus, the political dissident who took aim at injustice and oppression, has been largely forgotten today. Continue

The US Has Become a Police State

By Kourosh Ziabari

Militarism, expansionism and tyranny have become the hallmarks of the American civilization. Continue

In Case You Missed It
Let Your Life Be a Friction to Stop the Machine

This Is A Must Watch Video

A brief and crucial history of the United States. Continue

At least 58 killed in attack on U.N. base in South Sudan: The United Nations said Friday at least 58 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in an attack against one of its bases in South Sudan sheltering thousands of civilians.

South Sudan Dictates Media Coverage of Conflict: As rebel forces loyal to South Sudan's former vice president Riek Machar declared on Tuesday Apr. 15 that they had captured the key oil town of Bentiu, the government has been accused of clamping down on local media in an attempt to influence the reporting on the conflict.

Diplomat’s abductors want Tunisia to free jailed Libyans: Tunisia said Friday that the kidnappers of a Tunisian diplomat in Tripoli and an embassy colleague are demanding the release of Libyans jailed in Tunisia on terrorism charges.

Libyan kangaroo court trials begin against Gaddafi’s sons: What is underway has all the hallmarks of another lynching, sanctioned by a kangaroo court, like that of the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in 2006.

Here’s What Drone Attacks in America Would Look Like: If U.S. citizens knew how it felt to be targeted by deadly flying robots, it might shape domestic attitudes toward the Obama administration’s drone program. Artist Tomas Van Houtryve is using video and photography to foster that discussion by putting average Americans under drone-like surveillance.

50 killed as Syrian rebels attack army barracks in Aleppo: Nearly 50 people were killed on Thursday when Syrian rebels attacked one of the largest military barracks in the country, in northern Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Car bomb outside mosque in Homs kills 14: Syria TV: The blast occurred in front of Bilal Al-Habshi mosque in Akrama neighborhood as worshipers were leaving after Friday prayers, pro-government Al-Mayadeen television said.

Syria army advances in besieged Homs: security: The army, which began a broad offensive against rebel-held parts of the central city on Tuesday, "is progressing daily by capturing buildings and tightening the noose around the terrorist groups," the security source said.

Iraq bomb in shopping street kills 3: Officials in Iraq say a bomb planted on a street full of shoppers in the capital, Baghdad, has killed three people and wounded five.

Saudi spy chief ousted under US pressure: experts: "Running a vast and complex effort to help bring down a foreign regime supported by Iran and Russia was simply beyond Riyadh's ability," he said.

EU urges Israel to reverse West Bank moves: EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton called on Israel Friday to reverse recent actions, such as announcing new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank

Obama signs ‘terrorist activity’ law aimed at barring Iranian U.N. envoy: President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a bill barring U.S. visas for U.N. envoys seen as a threat to American security or having engaged in “terrorist activity” — a measure aimed at Iran’s ambassador.

US freeing Iran funds as Tehran cuts uranium stockpile: The United States is to release frozen Iranian funds, saying Tehran has kept commitments made under an interim deal over its nuclear programme.

Prison attack kills 3 people in N. Afghanistan: At least two police guards and an attacker were killed as militants attacked the central jail in the capital city of northern Faryab province of Afghanistan setting free three inmates, said officials.

3 dead, 13 injured as anti-govt protesters rally near Ukrainian military base - Interior Ministry: On Wednesday evening, a group of several dozen protesters arrived at the base, located in the turbulent Donetsk region. They called on the troops to abandon the base, but the soldiers didn't listen, Instead, the troops opened fire at the protesters

Ukraine insurgents reject call to quit buildings: Dashing hopes of progress raised by a diplomatic deal in Geneva, pro-Russian insurgents who have occupied government buildings in more than 10 Ukrainian cities said Friday they will not leave them until the country's interim government resigns.

‘Letter to Jews’, Kerry cited, appears to be fake: A letter urging the Jews of Donetsk to get registered, which the US Secretary of State cited in Geneva, is a fake says a man whose signature appears on the communication

The full text: Joint Geneva Statement on Ukraine from April 17: All sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions. The participants strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-semitism.

Ukraine government pledges Russian language rights Ukraine's acting president and prime minister offered some of their strongest pledges yet on Friday to strengthen constitutional rights to use the Russian language in a bid to defuse separatist protests.

Kiev agrees on Russia’s demand of nationwide discussion of draft constitution: "We are beginning to discuss a constitutional reform and invite all to take part in this discussion," parliament-appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Deshchytsia said

Soldier killed as Pakistan army convoy attacked in Peshawar: No claim of responsibility for attack on military convoy which left one soldier dead and two others injured.

Algeria's President Bouteflika wins fourth term: Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has won a fourth term in office taking more than 81% of the vote, the interior minister has said.

Tunisian president cuts own pay by two-thirds: Moncef Marzouki says the state has to be a model to deal with the country's deteriorating financial situation.

El Salvador general faces deportation from US over torture claims: He was honoured by Ronald Reagan as a cold war ally and even retired to Florida, but Eugenio Vides Casanova's US welcome has evaporated as he faces deportation to El Salvador over torture accusations.

9/11 military court adjourns trial until June amid FBI spying probe: The 9/11 military tribunal in Guantánamo Bay was adjourned until June on Thursday, derailed by an attempt by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to turn a classification specialist on the defendants’ legal teams into an informant.

Mohammad Hassan Khalid given five years in jail for his part in jihadist plot: Mohammad Hassan Khalid, the youngest person ever to be prosecuted for terrorism offences in the US, has been sentenced to five years in prison for engaging in an online jihadist plot to kill a Swedish artist when he was 15.

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid calls Bundy supporters ‘domestic terrorists’: “Those people who hold themselves out to be patriots are not. They’re nothing more than domestic terrorists,” Reid said during an appearance at a Las Vegas Review-Journal “Hashtags & Headlines” event at the Paris. “… I repeat: what went on up there was domestic terrorism.”

America : Cliven Bundy blasts Harry Reid for accusations of 'Domestic Terrorist' : Video

U.S. special forces struggle with record suicides: admiral: Suicides among U.S. special operations forces, including elite Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, are at record levels, a U.S. military official said on Thursday, citing the effects of more than a decade of "hard combat."

Michael C. Ruppert Suicide Note Released: The second note was written to Jack Martin, the friend with which Michael was staying at the time of his death and here for you to see…

Emails reveal IRS plot to jail conservatives: The IRS has admitted creating special hurdles for conservatives opposing President Obama’s policies as they tried to acquire tax-exempt status leading up to the 2012 election. Among the hurdles were a demand to know the content of a group’s prayers and a promise not to protest the abortion business Planned Parenthood.

Hotel Magnate, Democratic Fundraiser Pleads Guilty: A wealthy hotel executive and Democratic fundraiser who supported Hilary Clinton for president pleaded guilty Thursday to charges he secretly funneled more than $180,000 in illegal campaign contributions to three unnamed candidates and coached someone to lie about it.

CNN Hits Near Low In Q1 Ratings,: They may have had a March ratings surge with their constant coverage of the missing Malaysian Airliner but it wasn’t enough to save CNN from one of their worst quarterly primetime results ever

MSNBC Slips to Lowest Weekly Prime Time Demo Rating Since 2007: For the week of April 7th-13th, MSNBC averaged just 147K in the coveted 25-54 news demo in prime time, the network’s worst weekly figure since the week of May 21, 2007, when they averaged 142K.

Foreign Nations Run from the Dollar: Ron Paul: In this heightened era of government tax and spend – where printing more money is the Fed’s only solution – even our allies are sprinting from the dollar. Nations like Russia and Japan could be turning to the gold standard, and the U.S. is none too pleased.

April 17, 2014

Ukraine Crisis: Geneva Talks Produce Agreement On Defusing Conflict

By Julian Borger in Geneva

US, Russia, Ukraine and EU agree measures including end of violence, disarming of illegal groups and amnesty for protesters. Continue

Ukraine Agreement: ‘Propaganda’ and Low Expectations?

By IP Accuracy

The problem is that Kiev authorities do not control all neo-Nazi or radical nationalist groups who refused to disarm. Continue

Putin's Annual Q&A Session 2014

Full Video - English

It’s hard to negotiate with European leaders who choose to whisper even at home amid fears of the US spying on them - Putin. Continue

Nato's Action Plan in Ukraine is Right Out of Dr Strangelove

By John Pilger

From China to Ukraine, the US is pursuing its longstanding ambition to dominate the Eurasian landmass. Continue

Syria Conflict: A Shift For Fading Insurgency
Foreign Backers Look to Reverse Months of Military Defeats

By Patrick Cockburn

The removal of Saudi Arabia's intelligence chief may signal an effort to reorganise the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad. Continue

Why Israeli Officials are Chuckling

By Ramzy Baroud

Palestinians should be leading their own revolution until they achieve their full rights and freedom. Continue

PA To Fall By End Of Year, Says Palestinian Minister

By Jack Khoury and Barak Ravid

“The PA has no problem giving the keys to Israel, to let Israel oversee administration of Palestinians’ civil affairs, so that Israel can bear the responsibility for the failure of the peace process.” Continue

Privatization Is A Ramp For Corruption and Insouciance Is a Ramp for War

By Paul Craig Roberts

Putin’s hope for a diplomatic solution is unrealistic. The NATO governments are bought-and-paid-for by Washington. Continue

Up Close, Personal, and Bloody
How America’s Wars Came Home With the Troops

By Ann Jones

Since 2002, soldiers and veterans have been committing murder individually and in groups, killing wives, girlfriends, children, fellow soldiers, friends, acquaintances, complete strangers, and -- in appalling numbers -- themselves. Continue

Who Rules America Today?

By G. William Domhoff

"The Triumph of the Corporate Rich," reflects the success of the wealthy few in defeating all of their rivals (e.g., organized labor, liberals, environmentalists) over the course of the past 35 years. Continue

LA Sheriff's Dept. On New Surveillance Program
We Knew The Public Wouldn't Like It, So We Kept It A Secret

By Tim Cushing

The system, known as wide-area surveillance, is something of a time machine – the entire city is filmed and recorded in real time. Continue

Iraq: 54 killed, 6 vehicles destroyed in Fallujah: The Joint Operations Command announced killing 54 terrorists affiliated to the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant in Fallujah district.

36 killed in violent attacks across Iraq: 16 civilians were killed and 19 wounded during the past 24 hours by airstrikes and artillery shelling on several neighborhoods in the besieged city of Fallujah

Gunmen attack Iraq military base, kill 10 soldiers: Militants launched a brazen attack on a military base in a restive area in northern Iraq on Thursday, killing at least 10 soldiers and wounding 12, officials said.

47 killed as Syria rebels attack barracks in Aleppo: Anti-government Syrian fighters have attacked a military barracks in Aleppo, leaving at least 27 soldiers and 20 rebels dead.

Suspected rebel attack kills 21 in Syria's Aleppo: At least 21 people, including two children, were killed and 80 others wounded Thursday by suspected rebel shelling targeting a number of districts in the country's northwestern province of Aleppo, APA reports quoting the state news agency SANA.

Homs becomes ‘theater of death’ ... once again: International mediator Lakhdar Brahimi said on Thursday that a deal between trapped fighters and civilians in Homs city and the Syrian authorities had broken down, as government forces appeared close to retaking the besieged opposition area.

Most of the reported deaths in Syria have not been committed by forces under Bashar al-Assad’s command: More pro-regime forces than civilians have been killed during the Syrian civil war.

Some Syrian Revolutionaries Have Had Enough Of War: "For me, at any price, I want this thing stopped. I don't care if Assad stays in power, but I don't want blood anymore."

Syria: As the bombs fall, the people of Damascus rally round Bashar al-Assad: I would judge not just that support for the regime is holding up, but that President Assad could very well win a popular election, even if carried out on a free and fair basis.

Jordanian air strike destroyed Al Qaeda raider force heading for US military base: Debka file says: Our intelligence sources report that their target was a secret US-Jordanian training facility situated west of Ruwaished, where Iraqi army troops are being instructed in advanced counter terror combat tactics.

Robert Fisk: Has Recep Tayyip Erdogan gone from model Middle East 'strongman' to tin-pot dictator?: Once a cuddly ally of Barack Obama, the Turkish Prime Minister has shown himself to be increasingly authoritarian

Gulf foreign ministers meet to discuss rift: Foreign ministers from Gulf states gathered in Riyadh on Thursday for an extraordinary meeting aimed at putting an end to a disagreement between Qatar and three other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an unnamed Gulf official told AFP.

Saudi Arabia: preparations for regime change: Op-Ed: The visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to Saudi Arabia, so widely touted in the West, has led to very disastrous results.

Abbas willing to extend peace talks by nine months: State Department says US special envoy en route to Israel to continue work on extending talks as Abbas hints to Israeli MKs he is willing to extend talks on condition they focus on core issues.

Israeli spy minister warns Kerry over ‘surrender’ to Iran: Israel’s intelligence minister slammed as unacceptable comments by US Secretary of State John Kerry on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme which he said indicated a “surrender” to Tehran.

Iran has cut higher-enriched uranium stock 'by half': Iran has neutralised half of its higher-enriched uranium stockpile, as per a deal agreed earlier this year, the world's nuclear watchdog says.

12 killed in South Sudan when mob attacks UN base; An angry mob of South Sudanese youths attacked a U.N. base on Thursday in order to harm members of an ethnic minority sheltering inside. Peacekeepers were forced to open fire, amid rampaging violence that killed at least 12 people, officials said.

Seven killed in Nigeria violence as kidnapped schoolgirls still missing: Violence erupted in the town of Wukari, when Christian Jukun gunmen attacked their Muslim Hausa-Fulani neighbours in a reprisal attack following fighting in a nearby village, state police spokesman Joseph Kwaji told AFP.

Taliban execute 4 abducted policemen in Wardak province: The policemen were reportedly abducted from Asadbad district of Maidan Wardak province on Tuesday night.

Taliban negotiator under house arrest in UAE, says Afghanistan: Agha Jan Mutassim, a finance minister during Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, has been missing for over a week, according to the Afghan government, disappearing after arranging a meeting in Dubai between Afghan and Taliban officials in February.

Three killed in east Ukraine, Putin warns of 'abyss': "Separatists attacked" a Ukrainian national guard base overnight and Kiev said three of them were killed, the worst bloodshed yet in a 10-day pro-federalist uprising, accompanied by tough words from Vladimir Putin that overshadowed crisis talks.

Kiev: Military operation in Ukraine southeast to go on despite Geneva agreement: Despite calls for a peaceful dialogue in the document on Ukraine adopted in Geneva, the coup-imposed Ukrainian Foreign Minister said it will not affect the “anti-terrorist” operation in the East of the country and the troops will remain there.

Ukraine disbands army unit after fiasco push into east: Ukraine on Thursday disbanded an army unit that lost six armoured vehicles to pro-Russian militants, as Kiev's military reeled from a disastrous attempt to oust separatists in its eastern regions.

Putin: Russia may invade Ukraine to protect locals: Putin said. “I remind you that the Federation Council of Russia [the upper house of Parliament] empowered the president to use the armed forces in Ukraine.” Putin added that he hoped he would not have to resort to that.

Obama warns of "consequences" for Russian actions destabilizing Ukraine: President Obama put Russian President Vladimir Putin on notice Wednesday evening, warning that further actions to destabilize the interim Ukrainian government will result in consequences from both the United States and Europe.

Four-party meeting approves document on deescalation of tensions in Ukraine: The Geneva statement adopted at a four-party meeting on Ukraine on Thursday, April 17, calls for a national dialogue in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after the talks.

Putin admits Russian troops were in Crimea before vote: Putin was asked in regard to Crimea: “Who were those men in green uniforms?” They were Russian troops, he answered, deployed to make sure residents of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula were safe from assault by the government in Kiev

Putin: 'Nonsense - no Russian troops, special services in east Ukraine': “This is nonsense, there are no Russian troops in the east of Ukraine,” Vladimir Putin said at an annual Q&A session, adding that the Kiev government should talk to the local residents to tackle

Video: Snowden Challenges Putin on Mass Surveillance on Call-In Show: Putin said Russia regulates communications as part of criminal investigations, but "on a massive scale, on an uncontrolled scale we certainly do not allow this and I hope we will never allow it."

Putin reveals NATO chief secretly recorded their talk, leaked it to media: “During his time as Prime Minister he once requested an unscheduled meeting with me, and we met and talked. As it turned out, he had a voice recorder on him, and surreptitiously recorded our conversation, and leaked it to the press,” - “How can you trust someone after an incident like that?” the Russian president said.

Russia has a secret weapon against the West, and it’s not oil, gas or nukes: As the West threatens tougher sanctions against Russia for its perceived provocations in eastern Ukraine, Russia may try to do equal damage with trade restrictions of its own

Five revelations from the Senate’s landmark report on CIA torture: What's already public is a clear and systematic abuse of power and human rights.

9/11 families claim FBI spying on Guantánamo legal team 'sabotage': Some victims' relatives speculate that FBI trying to sabotage commissions in order to bring 9/11 case back to federal court.

CBS News & the CIA: CBS News has hired former acting director of the CIA, Mike Morell, as their senior security correspondent. Morell has been a frequent guest on CBS’ Face the Nation, where he has disseminated CIA propaganda and misleading information, raising questions about CBS’ journalistic integrity.

Brazil troops guard strike-hit Bahia: Brazil sends thousands of federal troops to maintain order in the north-eastern state of Bahia after police there went on strike over pay.

Venezuela to widen protest 'truth commission': Negotiators for the Venezuelan government and the opposition have agreed to broaden membership in a truth commission that is to investigate who is to blame for 41 deaths tied to weeks of political unrest.

Interview with Ex-CIA Collaborator: “The CIA’s Plans in Venezuela Are Far Advanced”

World's Highest Minimum Wage on Ballot in Switzerland: The Swiss will vote in a national referendum May 18 on whether to create a minimum wage of 22 francs ($25) per hour, or 4,000 francs a month. 90 percent of workers in Switzerland already earn more than that.

Why One Man Traveled Almost 3,000 Miles To Take On The Federal Government At A Ranch In Nevada: the showdown between the rancher and the federal government is still attracting armed conservative activists from around the country to a dusty stretch of land about 80 miles east of the Vegas Strip.

War on the West: Why More Bundy Standoffs Are Coming: Op-Ed: The federal government’s over-the-top police action against the Bundy family ranch is an ominous portent of more to come, as rogue agencies and their corporate/NGO partners attempt to “cleanse” the West of ranchers, farmers, miners, loggers, and other determined property owners.

Video Shows Cops Lied On the Stand in Marijuana Case: Authorities are clearly concerned about a case which fell apart, when the officers were confronted with a video which contradicted their sworn testimony.

Even The US Government Will Abandon the U.S. Dollar: Off in their own lala land, the average American will be focused on sports, celebrities, and so on and so forth, while their livelihoods are sacrificed in the name of the US government.

New study finds US is ruled by oligarchic elite:“Study finds that US is an oligarchy.” Or, as the Washington Post summed up: “Rich people rule!” The paper, according to the review in the Post, “should reshape how we think about American democracy.”

Hollywood-style surveillance technology inches closer to reality: The system, known as wide-area surveillance, is something of a time machine – the entire city is filmed and recorded in real time. Imagine Google Earth with a rewind button and the ability to play back the movement of cars and people as they scurry about the city.

Home price slowdown leaves millions underwater: As of the first quarter of this year, some 9.1 million homes (or 17 percent of homes with mortgages) were "seriously" underwater, owing at least 25 percent more than property's estimated market value.

Offshore Tax Havens Cost Average Taxpayer $1,259 a Year: A new U.S. PIRG report released today revealed that the average American taxpayer in 2013 would have to shoulder an extra $1,259 in state and federal taxes to make up for the revenue lost due to the use of offshore tax havens by corporations and wealthy individuals.

April 16, 2014

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I'm Confused, Can Anyone Help Me?

By Neil Clark

Why was the occupation of government buildings in Ukraine a very good thing in January, but it is a very bad thing in April? Continue

The Mass Marketing Campaign For World War III

By Paul Joseph Watson

The establishment has begun a new mass marketing campaign for World War III, equating Vladimir Putin with Adolf Hitler. Continue

Congress Investigates “Slush Fund”
USAID Used To Get Lawmakers To Pass Reforms

By Jonathan Turley

It appears that in the handshake shown on the USAID seal, there is often a sawbuck or two in the palm. Continue

Friedman Prepares American Jews for a Divorce from Zealot Israel

By Philip Weiss

Here are two pieces in the mainstream press that reflect the paradigm shift that is upon us with the smashup of the Kerry effort. Continue

BBC In The Service Of Israeli Propaganda

By Amena Saleem

“There is no mandate to report every killing.” Continue

Ron Paul Warns that Bundy Ranch Standoff isn’t Over Just Yet

By Russia Today

“They may come back with a lot more force like they did at Waco with the Davidians,” Continue

Bush- Blair Legacy Continues As - 36 killed, 53 wounded in Iraq attacks: Thirty-six people were killed and 53 others wounded in separate attacks across Iraq on Wednesday, police and medical sources said.

War criminal: Dick Cheney, Rand Paul, and the Possibility of Malign Leaders: Op-Ed: The Kentucky senator twice suggested that Halliburton's relationship with Dick Cheney influenced Iraq policy. Is that so crazy?

Three Hamas members killed in Gaza blasts: Ashraf al-Qedra, a spokesperson for Gaza's Health Ministry, said a blast at a training site for a Palestinian resistance group killed three people and wounded five. But witnesses said the explosions occurred in a house, not at a training site.

Israel's new land grab is clearly illegal: The Defense Minister’s green light to appropriate land in the West Bank places him in the extreme right and shatters Israelis’ hopes for resolving the conflict with the Palestinians.

On Tragedy & Resistance: Video - Israel's Apartheid System in al Khalil / Hebron

Amnesty International calls on Israel to let Vanunu go: Nuclear whistle-blower who was released from prison in 2004 should be allowed to leave Israel and speak to anyone he wants, rights group says.

Islamist rebel head killed in Syria, watchdog says: Nusra Front chief Abu Mohammed al-Ansari and his family slaughtered by al-Qaeda breakaway faction

As Syrian army steps up Homs offensive, rebels look for exit or prepare for final fight: As the Syrian army steps up its bombardment on the last rebel-held areas of Homs, those holed up inside say they fear the city, once dubbed the capital of the revolution, is close to slipping completely from their grip.

Leak reveals US plans for Syria no-fly-zone: On a secret tape, top Turkish officials are heard discussing revived US designs for a no-fly-zone over Syria. The United States has drawn up plans for enforcing a no-fly-zone over Syria and shared them with allied governments, in a move that parallels the stages of NATO intervention that ended with the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi

Supply of modern arms to Syrian militants destabilizes situation: The US administration has authorized the transfer of anti-tank systems to Syrian opposition groups, this runs counter to its statements of commitment to a political settlement in Syria, the Russian Foreign Ministry says

Foreign backers look to reverse months of military defeats : The removal of Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the architect of Riyadh’s efforts to overthrow the Syrian government over the last three years, shows frustration within Saudi Arabia – one of the biggest backers of the rebels – at the failure of his policies.

A show of support for Assad in Damascus : Video - April 16 - Hundreds rally in the Syrian capital ahead of the country's Independence Day to show solidarity with embattled President Bashar al-Assad. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

One Syrian killed by Turkish security forces at border: One Syrian killed late Tuesday in clashes between Turkish security forces and a group from Syria trying to illegally enter into Turkey, Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said Wednesday in a written statement.

New Zealand, Australian Men Killed in Yemen Drone Strike: The newspaper said Wednesday the men were killed Nov. 19 during a Predator drone strike on militants traveling in a convoy of cars in Yemen's eastern region of Hadramout.

How American Drone Strikes Are Devastating Yemen: On the ground in a country where unmanned missile attacks are a terrifyingly regular occurrence

In rare public meeting, Al-Qaida vows to attack America: The 15-minute video, dated March 2014 and posted on a website used by Islamists, shows masked men in Yemen waving Al-Qaida's black flag and celebrating the arrival of a freed prisoners.

22 reported killed in Central African Republic: At least 22 people, mainly civilians, were killed in clashes between mainly Muslim rebels and Christian militia in the Central African Republic earlier this week, the local Red Cross said on Wednesday.

Taliban Say They Killed 7 Afghan Policemen: A group of Afghan policemen were kidnapped on Wednesday while traveling in civilian clothes, and the Taliban later claimed they had killed seven of them.

6 militants killed in Nangarhar: At least six militants and four policemen were wounded during a forces’ counterstrike battle in eastern province of Nangarhar, an official said Wednesday.

NATO air strike in S. Afghanistan kills 2 children: At least two children and a woman were killed when a NATO helicopter mistakenly bombed a house in the Nader Shah Kot district of southeastern Khost province of Afghanistan, said officials on Tuesday.

Fighter jet shot down near Ukraine’s city of Kramatorsk, witnesses say: Four fighter planes, presumably Sukhoi-27 were hovering over Kramatorsk. At a certain point they opened fire at the local airdrome. Who commanded the planes and who downed the fighter remains unclear.

Building of Donetsk town hall seized by activists of Kharkiv-based organization: Reports said about twenty people armed with rifles, automatic rifles and bats occupied all the floors of the building. They were wearing armbands with the word Oplot written on them.

Six Ukrainian Army Vehicles Join Pro-Federalist Protesters: - The personnel of six armored transport vehicles sent to the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk have switched sides and have joined the pro-federalist activists, witnesses told RIA Novosti on Wednesday..

Ukraine says pro-Federalist seize six of its troop carriers: "A column was blocked by a crowd of local people in Kramatorsk with members of a Russian diversionary-terrorist group among them," the statement said. "As a result of the blocking, extremists seized the equipment."

'Anti-Maidan' in Odessa announces creation of its own People's Republic: The "Anti-Maidan" in Odessa has announced the region the People's Republic of Odessa and urged residents to block traffic in the city. "From today, the Odessa region becomes the People's Republic of Odessa, where the power belongs to the people living in its territory," a statement on the official website of the "Anti-Maidan" reads.

EU spy chief rules out Russian military presence in Ukraine: There is no large Russian military presence in East Ukraine, head of EU intelligence, Commodore Georgij Alafuzoff, has said. The spy chief has dismissed multiple accusations from the West alleging Russian involvement in the unrest in the region.

NATO increasing troop strength on eastern border: “We will have more planes in the air, mores ships on the water and more readiness on the land,” Fogh Rasmussen told reporters in Brussels, declining to give exact troop figures.

Deployment of Canadian Troops Into Eastern Europe Part of Harper Government Plans To "Counter Russia?": The possible deployment of Canadian military forces into Eastern Europe will be top of mind Wednesday when senior NATO officials present alliance members with options for dealing with the crisis in Ukraine.

NATO's Pet Nazis Savage Ukrainian Presidential Candidate: Video - Ukrainian presidential candidate Oleg Tsarev was savagely beaten outside a TV studio after an interview for the Ukrainian talk show, 'Svoboda Slova.

Russian Central Bank to Create National Payment System From Scratch: Since MasterCard and Visa abruptly stopped processing the payments of three Russian banks last month, the country has been wringing its hands over the dependence of its financial system on U.S. forbearance.

The Dangers of Soft Power: For the Pentagon, it’s part of psychological operations, or “psy-ops,” but for the State Department and USAID it’s part of their “information operations," all of which is intended to influence local populations.

The food poverty scandal that shames Britain: Nearly 1m people rely on handouts to eat – and benefit reforms may be to blame

Armed guards surround Bundy, supporters fear imminent threat: - Local rancher Cliven Bundy may have his cattle back, but his supporters say they are still preparing for an imminent threat.

Is a rebellion brewing in Nevada?: A group of gun-wielding protestors squares off against a government it feels holds no authority. Is it Ukraine? Or Syria? No, Nevada.

New York police disband unit that spied on Muslims: In a statement, Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, called the move "a critical step forward in easing tensions between the police and the communities they serve, so that our cops and our citizens can help one another go after the real bad guys."

Alleged Hillary Clinton shoe thrower detained: A federal magistrate on Tuesday ordered a Phoenix woman to remain jailed until she is returned to Las Vegas to face federal charges alleging she threw a shoe at Hillary Rodham Clinton during a speech.

Abby Martin's Personal Tribute to Investigative Journalist Michael C. Ruppert : Video - Abby Martin gives a heartfelt tribute to investigative journalist and former LAPD detective, Michael C. Ruppert, highlighting his career from exposing CIA drug trafficking to his groundbreaking research on 'Peak Energy' and remember his sincere devotion to truth and justice.

Student Loan Borrowers' Costs To Jump As Education Department Reaps Huge Profit: The U.S. Department of Education is forecast to generate $127 billion in profit over the next decade from lending to college students and their families, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Ron Paul’s nonprofit refuses to disclose list of donors to the IRS: Last week, Paul signed his name to an email sent to supporters acknowledging that the IRS has billed his nonprofit, Campaign for Liberty, for failing to hand over the names of donors when the group filed its taxes for the year 2012.

April 15, 2014

Washington Drives The World To War

By Paul Craig Roberts

Money is more important to European politicians than humanity’s survival. Continue

The Obama Game
Is Putin Being Lured Into a Trap?

By Mike Whitney

Washington couldn’t beat Putin in a fair fight, so now they’ve taken off the gloves. Continue

Former Kremlin Advisor Gives Russia's View of the Crisis in Ukraine

By ABC

Obviously if there is bloodshed in the east, I think that president Putin will be forced to take some sort of measures. I think that what people don't understand in the West is that there are strong feelings running in Russia. Continue

Obama Urges Ukraine's Military To Not Get Involved

By Moon Of Alabama

He said the above two month ago while U.S. financed brutes from Maidan occupied government buildings. Continue

Hurtling into Darkness
America's Great Leap Towards Global Tyranny.

By John Chuckman

When you have lied to and manipulated a people for a very long time, how can a growing contempt for them be avoided? Continue

The End of the Great American Fantasy

By Paul Rosenberg

What America does overseas is always good and right. We do not speak against it. Continue

Washington Fights Fire With Fire in Lawless Libya

By Nick Turse

Is the U.S. secretly training Libyan militiamen in the Canary Islands? Continue

UK Moves to Block US Senate Report to Protect Blair, Straw and Dearlove

By Craig Murry

The unabashed collusion of two torturing security states and blocking criminal prosecution of the guilty is a sign of how low public ethics have sunk. Continue

9/11 Truther Mike Ruppert Kills Himself

By Travis Gettys

The 63-year-old Ruppert had previously worked as a Los Angeles police officer, and he gained notoriety in 1995 for an encounter with then-CIA Director John Deutch during a town hall meeting. Continue

Why Corporate Criminals Don't Pay

By Matt Taibbi

This is a case that has everything. everything except an arrest. Continue

Happy Tax Day
The Facts About Taxes

Video - Stefan Molyneux

Stop believing these people - Everything coming out of your television set is Bull*hit. Continue

'Homeless Jesus' Sculpture Sparks Controversy

By TONY BURBECK

Cindy Castano Swannack called police the first time she drove by it. Continue

The Real You
Are You A Poor Little Me?

Video - Alan Watts

When you're ready to wake up, you're going to wake up, and if you're not ready you're going to stay pretending that you're just a 'poor little me.' Continue

Nigeria: Boko Haram: 16 killed, 136 Girls abducted: Gunmen attack Chibok, Burnt down Girls School, LG Secretariat, houses in Borno

War criminal: Tony Blair praises Egypt coup as military leader aims for presidency: Tony Blair has thrown his weight firmly behind Egypt's new military leadership and urged the international community to do the same, after meetings with the country's interim rulers.

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood faces election ban: Court orders authorities to reject group's candidates seeking to take part in presidential and legislative polls.

Jordanian envoy kidnapped in lawless Libya: The Jordanian ambassador to Libya has been kidnapped in the capital Tripoli, in an attack that left his driver wounded, officials say.

11 killed in separate violent attacks across Iraq: Eleven people were killed and 31 others wounded in separate violent attacks across Iraq on Tuesday, while the Iraqi Justice Ministry closed Abu Ghraib prison in the west of the capital Baghdad over security concerns.

Syria: Mortar fire on Damascus schools kills child: Mortar rounds fired on schools in the Syrian capital on Tuesday killed a child and wounded more than 40 people, among them more children, state media said.

Rebel videos show first U.S.-made rockets in Syria: Online videos show Syrian rebels using what appear to be U.S. anti-tank rockets, weapons experts say, the first significant American-built armaments in the country's civil war.

Canada plans to invade Syria: Revealed: The pro-Israeli government of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is making diplomatic and military preparations for military intervention in Syria, leaked documents show.

Qaeda gunmen kill Yemen vice-governor: Suspected Al Qaeda gunmen on Tuesday shot dead a vice-governor and an intelligence officer in the Yemeni province of Baida, a stronghold of the global jihadist network, officials said.

Saudi replaces veteran intel chief Prince Bandar: In a royal decree, the powerful official was replaced "at his own request" by his deputy, Yousef al-Idrissi, said Al-Ekhbariya, a government-run satellite channel.

Iran complains to UN over US ban on envoy Aboutalebi: Iran's deputy envoy at the UN in New York, Hossein Dehghani, wrote that the US had violated its legal obligations and set a dangerous precedent.

7 Taliban killed, 6 others held in operations: The Interior Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the operations were conducted by the Afghan National Police (ANP), in collaboration with the Afghan National Army (ANA) and National Directorate of Security (NDS) operatives.

US kills 3 people in Khost: President Hamid Karzai strongly denounced the US troops’ airstrike that killed three of a family in eastern Khost province, said a press statement issued by the president’s media office here on Tuesday.

Afghan minister kidnapped in Kabul: Gunmen run Ahmad Shah Wahid's car off the road before dragging him into vehicle and driving off

Military storm airfield, town in eastern Ukraine, wounded reported: Protesters say: Ukrainian troops are storming an airfield in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, said anti-Maidan activists as cited by RIA Novosti. At the same time, the eastern city of Slavyansk is being raided by Ukrainian troops, the head of the Donbass people’s militia, Sergey Tsyplakov, told RIA Novosti.

U.S. military on high alert as Ukraine troops trade gunfire with pro-Russian militants: A journalist with Associated Press reported intense gunfire at an airport in eastern Ukraine after the government sent in army troops to retake control from militiamen loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Those who don’t lay arms, will be destroyed - Ukrainian military op commander: “They must be warned that if they do not lay down their arms, they will be destroyed,” General Vasily Krutov, first deputy head of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) told reporters, as cited by AFP.

Russia says Ukraine close to civil war as Kiev begins offensive: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev gave a gloomy assessment. "Blood has once again been spilt in Ukraine. The country is on the brink of civil war," he said on his Facebook page.

Putin speaks out after Ukraine military operation: Russia President Vladimir Putin said the country expects a clear condemnation by the United Nations and international community of "Kiev's anti-constitutional actions in Eastern Ukraine," according to a statement from the Kremlin.

White House Confirms CIA Director's Trip to Kiev: Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (yah-noo-KOH'-vich) is accusing the CIA of being behind the new government's decision to turn to force. But the CIA denies that Brennan encouraged Ukrainian authorities to conduct tactical operations.

CIA caught red handed in Ukraine: Op-ed: The White House found itself having to backtrack on the CIA's denial that Director Brennan was not in Kiev over the weekend and his visit had no connection with the military crackdown ordered against East Ukraine during that time. It was a special moment.

Obama and Putin discuss Ukraine crisis: In the Kremlin version of the call, Putin urged Obama to bring as much American pressure to bear as possible to head off the use of force and bloodshed in Ukraine. The account underscored the starkly differing ways that U.S. and Russian officials characterize the crisis in Ukraine, a gulf that so far is undermining a search for a solution.

NATO chief accuses Russia of deep involvement in east Ukraine: Asked if he had seen evidence of Russian involvement in events in eastern Ukraine, Rasmussen told reporters: "We never ... comment on intelligence, but I think from what is visible, it is very clear that Russia's hand is deeply engaged in this."

US gives Ukraine $1B loan guarantee: Under the arrangement, the U.S. will pay $1 billion in Ukrainian debt if that nation defaults.

More Than 10,000 Protest In Moscow To Denounce Russian State Media Coverage Of Ukraine Crisis: More than 10,000 people have turned out in Moscow for an anti-Kremlin rally to denounce Russian state television's news coverage, particularly of the crisis in neighboring Ukraine.

Russia warns of zero growth as economic alarm rises: Russia's economy may not grow this year, the finance minister said Tuesday, warning that Ukraine standoff could see Moscow face its toughest times since the start of the global financial crisis.

Russia plans to get a foothold in the Moon - Dmitriy Rogozin: Russia plans to organize a permanent base on the moon rather than leave it after several successful missions, the Russian deputy defense minister in charge of defense and space industries said.

Refugee facing deportation from Sweden saved by fellow passengers refusing to let plane leave: A man facing deportation from Sweden has been granted a temporary reprieve after fellow passengers aboard his flight to Iran prevented it from taking off by refusing to fasten their seat belts.

Guantánamo hearings halted amid accusations of FBI spying on legal team: Allegations surfaced Monday that the FBI turned a member of a 9/11 defendant’s defence team into a secret informant.

FBI Abruptly Walks Out On Senate Briefing: Senator Grassley asked the FBI for copies of its training manual on the program, which it refused to give him. When questioned about this just 10 minutes into the hearing, the FBI abruptly got up and left:

FBI to have 52 million photos in its face recognition database by next year: New documents released by the FBI show that the Bureau is well on its way toward its goal of a fully operational face recognition database by this summer.

Who’s watching me? Police took photos of my license plates: The police know exactly where my car has been — and when — during the past few months. They could have the same information — or more — about you.

This ain’t your grandpa’s Police Department : . The video opens with a man’s voice, intoning, “The rules of engagement of SWAT are simple: Defeat the enemy … any way you can,” and is accompanied with heavy metal music and shots of Hobbs SWAT team members going through exercises with guns blazing.

Native Americans say US violated human rights: The Onondaga Indian Nation says it plans to file a petition at the Organization of American States on Tuesday, seeking human rights violations against the United States government.

Oligarchy, not democracy: Americans have ‘near-zero’ input on policy – report: The first-ever scientific study that analyzes whether the US is a democracy, rather than an oligarchy, found the majority of the American public has a “minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy” compared to the wealthy.

Google Buys Drone Company Titan Aerospace: Titan's drones could potentially be in the air for five years at a time, relying on solar power to stay aloft, according to a report from last year.

Here's What Denver Looks Like Since Legalizing Marijuana : Guess what's happened to Denver crime rates in 2014?

9/11 truther Mike Ruppert kills himself after finishing his radio show: The 63-year-old Ruppert had previously worked as a Los Angeles police officer, and he gained notoriety in 1995 for an encounter with then-CIA Director John Deutch during a town hall meeting.

Food prices rising due to California drought: Beef prices are at their highest level in two decades. The cost of ground beef has hit $3.55 a pound, according to February government readings.

Rising prices aid $15B food fraud problem: From meatballs made with horse to fake extra virgin olive oil and salmonella in peanuts, food fraud has been grabbing national headlines. And, according to experts, the problem is only increasing with rising food costs and more widespread importation of food.

Oklahoma Gov. Signs Ban On Minimum Wage Increase: Mary Fallin (R) signed a bill Monday prohibiting cities across the state from establishing mandatory minimum wage and employee benefits, including vacation or sick leave days.

Next to Coachella’s Party Goers Is Crushing Poverty: “I was like, really? This is California. This is the United States? This is the same state as Beverly Hills and Palm Springs,” said Eduardo Guevara, who works with Promotores Comunitarios Del Desierto, a group working on the environmental conditions in the Coachella Valley.

April 14, 2014

Washington Is Humanity’s Worst Enemy

By Paul Craig Roberts

Washington is putting the entire world at risk. Continue

The Next 24 Hours Are Crucial For Ukraine

By The Saker

There are a lot of reports of large columns of military units moving towards the East.  They even include artillery  and heavy multiple rocket launchers. Continue

Ukrainian Opposition Responsible for Lethal Shootings: Report

By Johannes Stern

Evidence is mounting that the Western-backed opposition was responsible for the lethal shootings in Independence Square on February 20. Continue

Russia, Venezuela and the Asian/Pacific Pivot

Audio

Cindy Sheehan Interviews John Pilger Continue

The Iranian Nuclear Weapons Program That Wasn’t

By Gareth Porter

The deceptive rhetoric about the Iranian nuclear programme began with the Bill Clinton administration. Continue

Torture is Mainstream Now

By David Swanson

Fifteen years ago, it was possible to pretend the U.S. government opposed torture.  Then it became widely known that the government tortured. Continue

Say NO! To All the Big Lies

By Jack D. Douglas

“NO! I wont’ believe anything these terrible criminals say and I absolutely will not help them in any way.” Continue

US Is an Oligarchy Not a Democracy, says Scientific Study

By Eric Zuesse

Who governs? Who really rules?" Continue

The Global Banking Game Is Rigged, and the FDIC Is Suing

By Ellen Brown

“Our system is completely rotten. All of the largest banks are involved—eagerly engaged in this fraud for years, covering it up.” Continue

Nigeria: 88 killed over 200 injured in Abuja bombing: A total of 88 people were killed on Monday when a car laden with improvised explosive devices (IEDS) went off at the Nyanya Motor Park at about 6.55am with about 200 others sustaining injuries.

Egypt: Sissi in final step to run for president: Egypt's former military chief on Monday took the final formal step to run in next month's presidential election, submitting to the election commission eight times the number of signatures required, his campaign said in a statement.

14 Taliban killed in Afghanistan: In Khost province, a blast occurred in a crowded marketplace killing one civilian and injuring nine others, said Khost's security chief, Fazlullah Azat on Monday, holding theTaliban responsible for the attack.

Afghan border forces kill two Pakistani shepherds: Afghan security forces deployed at the border opened unprovoked gunfire without any warning killing the two shepherds on the spot.

5 soldiers killed in Iraq: A Commander within the Iraqi Army and four soldiers were killed when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded in Jurf al-Sakhar area of northern Babel.

Two Al-Manar journalists killed in Syria: Two Al-Manar journalists were killed Monday after the television crew came under attack in the Syrian town of Maaloula, a security source told The Daily Star.

Syrian forces liberate 3 villages near Lebanese border: Syrian government troops seized at least three border communities, including an ancient Christian hamlet, north of Damascus on Monday, state media and activists said, in a dramatic one-day sweep that suggests rebel strongholds along the Lebanese frontier are near total collapse.

Torture 'routinely' used in Syria: U.N. rights chief: The UN report documented cases of people who died in detention "in circumstances which suggest that torture was the cause." Investigators also found that several armed groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the al-Nusra Front, had used torture against men, women and children.

Gunmen kill Saudi guard near Yemeni border, wound another: Unidentified gunmen in Yemen shot dead a Saudi Arabian border guard and wounded another in the early hours of Monday morning, Saudi news websites reported, in what would be the second such incident in five days.