‘Empire of Chaos’ in the House
Is The House of Saud Starting To Have Second Thoughts

By Pepe Escobar

The real ‘Masters of the Universe’ who run the ‘Empire of Chaos’ want the House of Saud to do most of their dirty work against Russia; and in a later stage they will take care of the “towel heads” Continue

Secret Audio Recordings Exposes
How Hilary Clinton Distorted Facts To Push For Attack On Libya

By Jeffrey Scott Shapiro and Kelly Riddell

“[Gadhafi] said he was willing to step down and permit a transition government.” Continue

Netanyahu Speech Scandal Blows Up

By Philip Weiss

Even AIPAC is trying to steer clear of the wreckage. Continue

How Obama Can Stop Netanyahu’s Iran War

By Scott McConnell

Obama can win his showdown with Netanyahu, win it decisively, and in so doing forever transform the relationship between the United States and Israel. Continue

There Is No such Category In American Law As Enemy Combatant

By Andrew Napolitano

The courts have been loath to interfere with any president's execution of foreign policy, no matter its apparent lawlessness. Continue

I Do Not Trust The Policy Of The United States

By Fidel Castro Ruz

The grave dangers which today threaten humanity must yield to norms which are compatible with human dignity. No country can be denied such a right. Continue

Is Democracy Dead In The West?

By Paul Craig Roberts

The Greeks, despite their glorious history, could not stop their conquest by the EU and a handful of German and Dutch banks. Continue

Trojan Hearse:
Greek Elections and the Euro Leper Colony

By Greg Palast

For the last five years, Greeks have been told that, if you cure your disease—that is, if you dump the euro—the sky will fall.  I guess Greeks haven’t noticed, the sky has fallen already. Continue

War By Other Means

Video By John Pilger

An investigation into the crippling levels of debt paid by Third World countries. Continue

Code Pink Tries to Arrest Kissinger for ‘War Crimes

Video

“Get out of here you low life scum.” - Senator John McCain. Continue

Iraq: 40 ISIS members killed in al-Jazerra battle : The Official of the Mohammadi crowd in al-Baghdadi sub-district western Ramadi announced on Thursday, killing 40 element of ISIS terrorist organization in liberating Juba battle western Ramadi, in support of al-Baghdadi emergency forces and the international coalition

Violence in Baghdad suburbs kills 21: sources: At least 21 people, mostly civilians, were killed on Thursday in the outskirts of Baghdad by explosions at five separate locations and a shooting, security and medical sources said.

434 terrorists killed in three provinces: Baghdad Operations Command announced on Wednesday, that hundreds of terrorists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria “ISIS” were killed in the toll of operations launched by the security forces during last week in Baghdad, Anbar and Salahuddin provinces

Iraq probes alleged massacre by Shia militia in Diyala: Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered an investigation into allegations Shia militiamen massacred Sunni residents of an eastern village.

Syria government airstrikes kill at least 8 in ISIS-held city: Syrian activists say government airstrikes have killed at least eight people in a northern town held by the Islamic State. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrikes targeted the city of Al-Bab Thursday.

House Democrat Introduces ISIS War Authorization Bill: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation Wednesday to authorize military force against Islamic State militants -- a step aimed at forcing Congress to take responsibility for a war it's been funding for nearly six months with almost no debate on its duration, costs or potential toll.

Islamic State operative confesses to receiving funding through US - report: “During investigations, Yousaf al Salafi revealed that he was getting funding – routed through America – to run the organization in Pakistan and recruit young people to fight in Syria,”

ISIS Says, Will Kill Jordanian Pilot And Japanese Journalist Today Unless Swapped For Prisoner: An audio message purportedly from a Japanese journalist being held by Islamic State militants said a Jordanian air force pilot also held by the group would be killed unless an Iraqi female prisoner in Jordan was released by sunset on Thursday.

Jordan demands proof pilot alive as IS deadline passes: Jordan demanded proof Thursday that a pilot threatened with execution by the Islamic State group was alive, as a deadline set by the jihadists to free a female militant expired.

ISIS threatens to behead Obama and 'transform America into Muslim province': The masked ISIS fighter threatened attacks on the US, France, Belgium and the Kurds, claiming that the group's followers will kill the American and Kurdish presidents as well as detonating car bombs and explosives in European countries that are part of the international coalition fighting against it.

Isis stands strong as its numerous enemies fail to find a common plan to defeat it: Analysis: The jihadis are being squeezed militarily and economically, but there is no sign of an implosion.

Al-Qaeda Militants Kill 2 Yemeni Soldiers in Marib: Two Yemeni soldiers were killed and two wounded when they were ambushed by suspected al-Qaeda militants in the central province of Marib, a regional official said on Thursday.

Yemeni president under house arrest - govt: The Yemeni government on Thursday accused Houthi rebels of keeping President Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi and Prime Minister Khaled Bahah under house arrest.

Yemen PM Bahah confirms resignation: Yemeni Prime Minister Khaled Bahah on Thursday confirmed his resignation, broadcaster Al Arabiya reported. He stepped down after Shiite Ansar Allah militias, linked to the Houthi movement, seized the presidential palace.

Israel Kills A Spanish UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon: Spain on Wednesday said Israeli fire had killed a Spanish UN peacekeeper serving in South Lebanon and called on the United Nations to fully investigate the violence

Hezbollah conveys to Israel it does not want escalation: United Nations delivers message to Israeli leaders; officials on both sides of border announce return to routine

Professor Fired for Criticizing Israel Files Lawsuit Against University of Illinois: Steven Salaita, an academic whose contract for tenured professorship was abruptly terminated by the University of Illinois board of trustees last September for tweets critical of Israel, has filed a lawsuit against the university’s administrators and unnamed donors.

Senate panel advances Iran sanctions bill: Only four Democrats - Senators Sherrod Brown, Jack Reed, Jeff Merkley and Elizabeth Warren - voted against the bill sponsored by Republican Senator Mark Kirk and Democrat Robert Menendez.

Egypt state TV says 20 killed, 36 wounded in Sinai attacks: - Egyptian state TV says simultaneous attacks on police and military targets in the Sinai Peninsula on Thursday killed 20 people, including civilians, and wounded 36.

18 killed in Taliban attack: At least 11 Afghan policemen were killed and several others wounded in an attack on a checkpoint in the Andar District of Ghazni province, according to local officials. Seven Taliban fighters were also killed in the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, Deputy Provincial Governor Mohammed Ali Ahmadi said.

Suicide bomb at Afghan funeral for Taliban victims kills 16: A suicide bomber struck a funeral in Afghanistan for the victims of an earlier Taliban attack, killing 16 people and wounding 39, an Afghan official said.

5 Killed by Roadside Bomb in Eastern Afghanistan: Afghanistan car bombFive people, including a policeman and a child, were killed by roadside bombing in two Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, TASS news agency said.

Taliban not a terrorist group, White House deputy press secretary says: White House deputy press secretary Eric Schultz argued during Wednesday’s briefing that the United States can negotiate prisoner swaps with Taliban members, because the Taliban is not considered a terrorist group.

Did Obama Order Total Information Shutdown on Afghanistan?: In a stunning and blatantly obvious move to try to hide its failed efforts in Afghanistan, the military suddenly decided back in October that they would classify any and all information on the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces

US kills 4 people near Pak-Afghan border: At least four suspected militants were killed in a US drone strike on Thursday in the Nazyan district near the Pak-Afghan border. The identity of the militants is yet to be ascertained,

Boko Haram : Chad 'captures Nigerian town from militants': Chad's army has driven Boko Haram militants out of Malumfatori town in north-eastern Nigeria, a senior official from Niger has told the BBC. The reported capture of the town, which lies near the borders of Chad and Niger, follows two days of fighting.

Over 38,000 Somali children facing starvation: UN: Over 38,000 Somali children are at "high risk" from dying from starvation despite hunger levels improving by almost a third across the war-torn nation, UN experts said Thursday.

Ukraine Chief of Staff Admits No Russian Troops in Donetsk: Ukraine’s military Chief of Staff Viktor Muzhenko admitted Russian troops have not been taking part in combat operations in the country’s east during news briefing in Kiev, Ukraine Channel 5 television reports.

Ukrainian parliament declares Russia aggressor state: The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has passed a resolution declaring Russia to be an aggressor state and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics to be terrorist organizations.

Gorbachev: US dragging Russia into new Cold War, which might grow into armed conflict: “What’s next? Unfortunately, I cannot be sure that the Cold War will not bring about a ‘hot’ one. I’m afraid they might take the risk,” he said.

IMF to Ukraine: End War or Face Aid Cut-Off: IMF head gets tough. Cannot go on supporting a country that is blowing billions on a war without end

RAF Jets Scrambled to Intercept Russian Bombers Off Dorset Coast: There was very nearly an international diplomatic situation above the British southern coastline yesterday, as two Russian Bear long-range bombers were spotted flying near to British airspace over Dorset.

Greece threatens EU veto over Russian sanctions: The new Greek government is expected to veto further sanctions against Russia today, amid fears the radical left-wing party could be moving closer to the Kremlin.

Greece misinterpreted over Russia sanctions: minister: Greece's new finance minister Yanis Varoufakis rejected suggestions that complaints from Athens over a European Union statement on Ukraine meant it was preparing to veto sanctions against Russia.

Tsipras Names Cabinet Heading for Clash Over Bailout and Russia: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras unveiled a cabinet that threatens to maximize friction with other European Union governments on issues ranging from the country’s bailout agreement to sanctions on Russia.

MP George Galloway: UK is Well Organized Hypocrisy & Foreigners Run Our Elections : Video - Abby Martin interviews UK Respect Party Member of Parliament, George Galloway, about Tony Blair's comments on Islamism, BBC censorship, and why he disagrees with the Scottish Independence movement.

Inquest: Sydney café hostage killed by police bullet: A hostage who died during a siege in a downtown Sydney cafe was killed when she was struck by fragments of a bullet fired from a police officer's gun as authorities stormed in to end the 16-hour standoff, a lawyer told an inquest on Thursday.

U.S. Acknowledges Conviction of Guantanamo Detainee Should Not Stand: The United States has acknowledged that the conviction of an Australian man held for nearly six years in Guantanamo Bay was not legally valid.

Castro demands Guantanamo Bay in return for US-Cuba diplomatic deal: Cuba has demanded the US hand back the Guantanamo Bay military base before relations with Washington are normalised.
In a speech, President Raul Castro also called for the lifting of the US trade embargo and Cuba's removal from a terror list.

Raul Castro warns U.S. against meddling in Cuba's affairs: "Everything appears to indicate that the aim is to foment an artificial political opposition via economic, political and communicational means," Castro told a summit in Costa Rica.

Jesse Ventura: Chris Kyle Is No Hero, He's a Liar: Ventura, a former Navy SEAL, won $1.8 million in a defamation lawsuit last year against the estate of the late Chris Kyle, the SEAL protagonist of the movie, which has sparked debate over whether snipers should be considered heroes.

Obama to request big defense budget hike: President Barack Obama will ask Congress for a hefty, almost 8 percent boost for the Pentagon, including $5.3 billion to equip and train Iraqi soldiers and moderate Syrian rebels to fight Islamic State militants in the Middle East.

House of Cards: A DC Real Estate Column : House of Cards, an ongoing real estate column, examines the lifestyle and houses of DC’s most notorious elite. Today we profile, former Democratic Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle who recently sold a seven-bedroom house for $3.25 million.

Denver Police Shooting: Witness Claims Colorado Officers Walked Up to Teen's Car Window and Shot Her: Another teenager riding in the car that 17-year-old teenager Jessica Hernandez was driving when she was gunned down by Denver police this week is dramatically disputing officer's versions of the shooting, sparking protest across the city.

Mother of girl killed by Denver police wants independent autopsy: Monday shooting of Jessica Hernandez was the fourth time in seven months that a Denver officer fired at a vehicle after perceiving it as a threat

Texas Cop Kill Mentally Ill Teenage Girl In Police Station : Watch: The three officers involved in the death of Coignard are now on paid leave. A preliminary autopsy has classified the teenager's death as a homicide.

WATCH: Seattle cop pepper-sprays teacher directly in face for walking too close: A high school teacher and activist sued the city of Seattle after a police officer sprayed chemical irritant directly into his face as he left a peaceful rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Mayor Says Homeless People Are Criminals, Closes Public Park To Drive Them Away: The California mayor joins a long list of mayors who are attempting to crack down on homelessness by cracking down on the homeless themselves.

January 28, 2015

Foreign Troops in Ukraine? You Bet!

By Daniel McAdams

US military on the ground in Ukraine is a significant escalation, far beyond the previous deployment of additional US and NATO troops in neighboring Poland and the Baltics. Continue

War Is Going Badly for Kiev. Which Makes It All the More Dangerous

By The Saker

The worse the Junta's military defeats, the higher the risk of a major false flag. Continue

The Reality And Horror Of War
Ukrainian POW's Face NAF Commander Givi and the Fury of Donetsk Residents

Graphic Video

Ukraine's Armed Forces try to storm Donetsk Int. Airport and get annihilated by Novorossiya Armed Forces headed by Givi, Motorola, and others. Full, uncensored version [not for the faint of heart]. Continue

"MUST WATCH: Nov 2013 (pre-Maidan!):
Ukraine Deputy has proof of USA staging civil war in Ukraine".

Video and Transcript

The project is currently overseen and under the responsibility…of the US ambassador to Ukraine. Continue

Startling Revelations:
IS Operative Confesses To Getting Funds Via US

By Naveed Miraj

Yousaf al Salafi – allegedly the Pakistan commander of Islamic State (IS) or Daish – has confessed during investigations that he has been receiving funds through the United States. Continue

Obama Cuts Off Syrian Rebels’ Cash

By Jamie Dettmer

Even the favored secular militias groomed to fight ISIS have seen their funding cut in half. Continue

The Time Machine in Australia

By Gary Flomenhoft

Just tell us which of your illegal, immoral wars to join, and we’ll be there pronto! Continue

Lebanon, Syria: The Resistance Strikes Back

By Moon Of Alabama

Today's attack on the Israeli convoy is the (deserved) response for the various Israeli peace violations. Continue

American Sniper and US Doom

By Finian Cunningham

Every day, some 20 US military veterans commit suicide, most of them wracked by mental breakdown. Continue

The Troops Are Destroying Our Country

By Jacob G. Hornberger

The truth is that the troops, through what they’re doing over there, are indirectly destroying our country, our rights and freedoms, our safety and security, and our economic well-being. Continue

The Future of Freedom:
Interview with NSA Whistleblower William Binney

By Tragedy and Hope

"No other country in the world could have done to us, what we have done to ourselves" Continue

Democracy For Sale
Koch Brothers Plan to Spend $900M on Campaign

By Nicholas Confessore

The goal, announced Monday at the Kochs' annual winter donor retreat in Palm Springs, Calif., would effectively allow the Kochs' political organization to operate at the same financial scale as the Democratic and Republican parties. Continue

36 killed in clashes with IS in Iraq: A total of 36 people were killed in attacks and clashes with the Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq’s eastern province of Diyala Wednesday, security sources said.

Survivors say Iraqi forces watched as Shi'ite militias executed 72 Sunnis: Survivors tell the same story: they were taken from their homes by men in uniform; heads down and linked together, then led in small groups to a field, made to kneel, and selected to be shot one by one.

ISIS & Japan agree on hostage swap, Japanese journalist to be freed 'within hours': Japan and ISIS have agreed on an exchange of journalist Kenji Goto, held hostage by the Islamist militants, for Sajida al-Rishawi, the Iraqi woman who killed 60 people in a 2005 Jordan bombing, a senior Japanese diplomat said.

IS hostages: Jordan in pilot exchange offer after Goto video: Jordan says it is willing to hand over an Iraqi woman on death row in exchange for a Jordanian pilot being held by Islamic State (IS) militants.

Too soon to say 'mission accomplished' in Kobani, U.S. official says: "About 90 percent of the town has been retaken and ISIL, whether on order or the fact that they are just breaking ranks, are withdrawing from the town," the official told reporters, adding that the number of Islamic State fighters killed in the fighting in Kobani "is in the four figures."

Syria Kurds return to 'destroyed' Kobane: Kobane officials say at least half of the town is in ruins as many Kurds return after ISIL was pushed out on Monday.

Syria approves U.N. $2.9 billion humanitarian aid plan for 2015: Syria said on Wednesday it has approved a United Nations plan to deliver humanitarian aid to millions of people in the war-torn country this year, but warned the only way to the end the crisis was to help Damascus fight terrorism.

Covert CIA Mission to Arm Syrian Rebels Goes Awry: Plagued By Red Tape and Skimpy Supplies, U.S. Shifts Program’s Focus

Map: How the flow of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria has surged since October: The number of foreign fighters traveling to Iraq and Syria, mostly to fight alongside the Islamic State, has grown to 20,000 — up more than 5,000 from previous estimates made in October, according to the International Center for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence (ICSR).

2 IDF soldiers, UN peacekeeper killed: Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire: Israel responded to the attack on the IDF vehicle by firing 25 artillery shells into Lebanon, according to Lebanese security officials cited by Naharnet.

Two soldiers killed, 7 hurt in attack on Lebanon border: Hezbollah claims revenge strike on Israeli patrol; IDF bombards targets in Lebanon in response, reportedly killing a UN peacekeeper

Officials react to Hezbollah attack on Israeli convoy with mix of praise, denunciation: A Foreign Ministry statement said Lebanon remained commited to U.N. Resolution 1701, arguing that Hezbollah’s attack did not amount to a violation of the 2006 deal since it targeted an Israeli military convoy inside the Shebaa Farms, which is occupied Lebanese territory.

Gaza war ‘unlawful’: Israeli rights group blames IDF for deliberately targeting residential areas: An Israeli human rights group has accused the IDF of war crimes during last year’s Gaza invasion by launching airstrikes that intentionally targeted residential areas, killing women and children, while claiming that Hamas was hiding behind civilians.

B’Tselem accuses IDF of violating laws of war in Gaza: Israeli rights group says military illegally targeted homes of Hamas leaders who hid behind civilians, and distorted facts

Shimon Peres, apologize for Israel's enablement of the Rwandan and Serbian genocides: It is still not too late to admit theses crimes, that will be remembered forever, were committed in the name of the citizens of Israel.

When the going gets tough, the Jews start packing: I'm thinking of quitting Britain over 'very, very depressing' recent rise in anti-Semitic attacks, says Jewish actress Maureen Lipman

US kills 12 year old student in Yemen: A Yemeni rights group said on Tuesday a sixth grade student aged about 12 was killed in a U.S. drone strike east of the capital Sanaa, an assertion that could raise fresh concern over Washington's campaign against suspected militants.

U.S. Ally Yemen in Danger of Splitting into Two – Again: News Analysis - "This double game was well known to the Americans. They went along with it. It is what allowed AQAP to take Jar and other regions of Yemen and hold them with some ease." -- Vijay Prashad

Senate Dems oppose Iran sanctions vote before March 24: Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee made clear Tuesday they oppose passing a new Iran sanctions bill, at least until a March 24 deadline for a framework agreement in the ongoing negotiations.

Bahrain's most senior opposition leader goes on trial: Bahrain's top opposition leader went on trial on Wednesday on charges of promoting the violent overthrow of the political system, a case that has riled his followers and inflamed unrest in the Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab state.

Foreign intervention ‘100 times more likely’ in oil-rich states – study: Cutting-edge research from British universities has confirmed a belief long held by conspiracy theorists, realists and hawkish neoconservatives alike: oil drives foreign intervention and war.

23 killed in Ukraine fighting; Ukrainian troops and independence-seeking forces were locked in fierce fighting in eastern regions, killing at least 23 people, authorities said

3 Ukrainian soldiers killed in east: Military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said the situation remains tense and pro-Russian rebels are attacking the army on all fronts.

Ukraine rebels say government forces pushed back near Donetsk: Pro-federation forces said on Tuesday they had pushed Ukrainian government troops out of two districts on the outskirts of their main stronghold Donetsk, and their aim was to expand their control to the entire region.

English Speaking Mercenary in Mariupol ID’d as Brit Leon Swampy From London, England: Report: An English speaking mercenary seen in a video following the assault on Mariupol early Saturday has been identified through social media as British-born Leon Swampy.

U.S. to Give $2 Billion to Ukraine as Fears Grow of Full-On War: The United States has agreed to give the Ukrainian government $2 billion in loan guarantees as fighting increases between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels.

"No Money For War"--IMF to Ukraine: The International Monetary Fund will assist Ukraine only after the situation inside the country is stabilized. The IMF Executive Director Christine Lagarde made this announcement in a Monday interview with Le Monde.

US warns of more sanctions on Russia: US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has said sanctions against Russia could be extended because of the escalation of violence in east Ukraine.

New Greek govt furious over EU 'unequivocal' anti-Russia statement: The new Greek government has spoken out against the EU partners over the statement that lays the blame for Saturday’s fatal attack on the Ukrainian city of Mariupol on Russia. Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria voiced similar objections earlier.

Greece will not default - PM Tsipras: The Athens Stock Exchange fell by 8% in response to Mr Tsipras's remarks, and as it emerged that his government was putting on hold major privatisation projects, including the port of Piraeus and the main power company, the Public Power Corporation of Greece.

12 killed as Mali's MNLA Tuareg rebels hit by suicide bombers: Suicide bombers and armed attackers have killed about a dozen people in an assault on rebel positions in northern Mali, security sources have said. This is the first suicide bombing blamed on the pro-government Gatia militia fighting Tuareg rebels.

Libya: Former US marine died in gun battle with Tripoli hotel attackers: The gunmen sprayed the lobby with gunfire before moving upstairs, killing victims reported to include a French citizen and two Filipinos.Berry died in a gun battle on one of the upper floors.

Amnesty calls for U.N. sanctions, war crimes probe in Libya: The battle over Benghazi is part of a wider conflict involving two major factions and their competing governments struggling for control of the North African state and its oil resources four years after civil war ousted Muammar Gaddafi.

Tears, chants as rebel child soldiers are freed in South Sudan: More than 2,000 boys are expected to be released in the next few weeks - the largest handover in the short history of the world's youngest nation - and reunited with their families.

AU, China agree big infrastructure deal: African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma praised the proposal at "the most substantive project the AU has ever signed with a partner", although the ambitious project that includes highways and high speed railways is at present just a commitment to develop the infrastructure, and contains few details.

Five suspected Taliban militants killed in Pakistan: Five suspected Taliban militants were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern port city of Karachi on Wednesday, police said. The clash occurred in a suburban neighborhood of the eastern district after police raided a militant hideout.

European commission plans to request 42 items of personal information about air passengers: A new European commission counter-terror plan will require the blanket collection and storage for up to five years of personal data records of all passengers flying in and out of Europe, the Guardian can reveal.

Canada Casts Global Surveillance Dragnet Over File Downloads: Canada’s leading surveillance agency is monitoring millions of Internet users’ file downloads in a dragnet search to identify extremists, according to top-secret documents.

Experts Unmask 'Regin' Trojan as NSA Tool: The new analysis provides clear proof that Regin is in fact the cyber-attack platform belonging to the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Spies Among Us: How Community Outreach Programs to Muslims Blur Lines between Outreach and Intelligence

VIDEO: Faith Leaders Unite Against Bigotry In The Name Of Religion After Dallas Muslims Were Targeted By Hate Groups: Leaders and members of many beliefs talked about how what was shouted and scrawled on to posters was wrong and how much it hurt Muslims who are family, neighbors and friends.

Apple posts the biggest quarterly profit in history: Apple reported a net profit of $18bn (£11.8bn) in its fiscal first quarter, which tops the $15.9bn made by ExxonMobil in the second quarter of 2012, according to Standard and Poor's.

US May Be behind Drug Accusations against Venezuelan Politician: Cabello's former chief of security Leamsy Salazar left Venezuela in December, and this week surfaced in the United States to accuse Cabello of supposedly having “links” to illegal activities.

Mexican President Tells Nation to 'Move On' from 43 Students: Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto asked the nation not to get “caught up” in the enforced disappearances of the 43 Ayotzinapa students from the southern Mexican state of Guerrero – Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam, insisted the investigation into the matter is closed.

Georgia: Mentally handicapped Warren Hill executed : The 54-year-old, who has the mental age of a child, had three last-minute stays of executions before he was finally killed by the state of Georgia.

 January 27, 2015

 

Killing Ragheads for Jesus

By Chris Hedges

The movie “American Sniper” lionizes the most despicable aspects of U.S. society—including the belief that Christians are called upon to exterminate “lesser breeds.” Continue

WATCH: Chomsky Blasts 'American Sniper' and the Media that Glorifies It

By Janet Allon

The famed professor draws a disturbing parallel between "Sniper" and our "global assassination program." Continue

Why Do Critics Love American Sniper?

By Jonathan Cook

The only reason audiences could be raving about American Sniper, is that it closely aligns with the mood of self-pity that currently dominates in the US. Continue

The Persians Are Coming!

By Patrick J. Buchanan

The issue is whether Iran represents a threat to our security worth risking a war. For that is where many, including Bibi, want us to go. Continue

It Is Time For Iran To Tell The West ‘Goodbye’

By Paul Craig Roberts

It is pointless for Iran to negotiate with the West in hopes of gaining acceptance. Iran is on the same list as Saddam Hussein, Gaddafi, and Assad. Continue

Syria's President Speaks
A Conversation With Bashar al-Assad

By Jonathan Tepperman

Israel is supporting the rebels in Syria. It’s very clear. Because whenever we make advances in some place, they make an attack in order to undermine the army. It’s very clear. Continue

Russia In The Cross Hairs

By Paul Craig Roberts

In my opinion, Russia is in grave danger. Continue

French President’s Holocaust Day Speech Presages Crackdown On Palestine Supporters

By Ali Abunimah

French President François Hollande used an International Holocaust Memorial Day speech to confirm that his government plans to tighten its control over what people are allowed to say online. Continue

White House Threatened By Drones

By Chris Floyd

a small, private drone crashed on the lawn near the president’s home. This episode, though minor, has alerted the White House to a wider problem, the official said. Continue

Torture If You Must, But Do Not Under Any Circumstances Call the New York Times

By Dan Froomkin

Monday’s guilty verdict in the trial of former CIA officer Jeffrey Sterling on espionage charges — for talking to a newspaper reporter — is the latest milepost on the dark and dismal path Barack Obama has traveled since his inaugural promises to usher in a “new era of openness.” Continue

Barrett Brown’s Sentence Is Unjust, But It May Become The Norm For Journalists

By Trevor Timm

Jailed, in part, because he shared a link to a stolen document that he did not steal, and despite the fact that this is not a crime. Continue

Iraq's Shiite militias killed 70 civilians after IS rollback: Sunni leaders: Report: Sunni politicians and tribal chiefs from Iraq’s eastern Diyala province accused Shiite militias on Monday of killing more than 70 unarmed civilians who had fled clashes with Islamic State militants.

At least 14 killed in violence across Iraq: At least 14 people have been killed and several others injured in bomb attacks and acts of violence in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad and in Mosul, sources said Monday.

Canada’s troops keep getting into firefights in Iraq, and reaction is mixed: Canadian Special Operations troops have engaged Islamic State militants in Iraq in firefights at least three times in recent days while training Kurdish troops, a turn of events that has raised questions about how the military advising mission in Iraq may be evolving.

Iraq invasion 2003: The bloody warnings six wise men gave to Tony Blair as he prepared to launch poorly planned campaign: This was a meeting that could have changed the course of history and, with better planning for the aftermath, saved countless lives – if only the Prime Minister and his advisers had listened and acted on the bloody warnings on that day in November 2002.

Kurds push Islamic State out of Kobani after four-month battle: Kurdish forces took control of the Syrian town of Kobani on Monday after driving out Islamic State fighters, a monitoring group and Syrian state media said, although Washington said the four-month battle was not yet over.

ISIS threatens to kill 2nd Japanese hostage, Jordan pilot in 24 hours: The Islamic State has released a video with a threat to kill a second Japanese hostage and a Jordanian pilot in the next 24 hours if the Japanese authorities fail to persuade Jordan to release failed suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi from prison.

Assad seeks agreement over U.S. air strikes in Syria: President Bashar al-Assad has said U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria should be subject to an agreement with Damascus and Syrian troops should be involved on the ground.

Assad rejects Syria opposition 'puppets' as Moscow talks begin: Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has dismissed the country's Western-backed opposition as "puppets", as a new round of peace talks begins in Moscow.

US kills 3 people in Yemen: Yemeni tribal and security officials in the central province of Marib said a missile hit a vehicle carrying three men near the boundary with neighboring Shabwa province, an Al-Qaeda stronghold.

Attack kills 2 Al Qaeda militants, Yemeni soldier : Al Qaeda militants attacked a military checkpoint in southern Yemen on Monday, killing a soldier and wounding two others, a local official told Reuters. Two of the gunmen were also killed.

Houthis free top aide to Yemen president: Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak was relased on Tuesday, and handed over to local tribes in the southern province of Shabwa.

US closes embassy in Yemen amid political turmoil: The decision to close the US outpost in Yemen to the public was made "out of abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting the embassy," US officials said in a statement published on Monday.

Three more beheaded under new Saudi king: According to an AFP tally, their executions bring to 16 the number of Saudis and foreigners put to death this year under the kingdom's strict version of Islamic sharia law.

Iran sends warning to Israel via US officials: The Tuesday report quotes Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as saying, "We told the Americans that the leaders of the Zionist regime should await the consequences of their act."

Israel 'systematically mistreats' Palestinian children in custody: "Arrested children are commonly taken into custody by heavily armed soldiers, blindfolded with their wrists tied behind their backs before being transported to an interrogation centre," the CRIN report said.

UN halts Gaza house repairs saying donors failed to pay up: "$5.4 billion was pledged at the Cairo (aid) conference last October and virtually none of it has reached Gaza. This is distressing and unacceptable.

Pakistan says 53 alleged ‘terrorists’ killed in airstrikes near Afghanistan: “In precise aerial strikes, 53 terrorists including some foreigners were killed,” the Pakistani military said in a statement on Tuesday.

Afghanistan: At least 30 Taliban killed in Kundoz operation: Afghan forcesSecurity officials in northern Kundoz province say Taliban have suffered heavy casualties in the ongoing operation in Imam Sahib District.

Boko Haram Attacks Leave at Least 30 Dead in Nigeria’s Northeast: “They attacked our people in Madagali, Michika and surrounding villages” yesterday, Adamu Kamale, a member of the Adamawa state legislature representing the area, said by phone Tuesday from Yola, the state capital. “They destroyed houses and shops and killed a lot of people.”

13 killed in South Sudan convoy ambush: At least 13 people, including four journalists, were killed in South Sudan’s western region, when gunmen attacked their convoy in the country’s west, a military spokesman said.

Hostage Crisis Hits Libya, 8 Dead in Luxury Hotel: Heavily armed men stormed a luxury hotel overlooking the Meditarranean. They fired indiscriminately at staff and patrons, while detonating a car bomb.

UN Troops in Mali Kill at Least 3 Protesters: United Nations peacekeepers in the northern Malian town of Gao killed at least three people on Tuesday when they used live rounds to disperse protesters there, witnesses said, but a U.N. spokesman said only warning shots were fired.

Putin: Ukraine army is NATO legion aimed at restraining Russia: According to Putin, the Ukrainian army “is not an army, but a foreign legion, in this case a foreign NATO legion, which, of course, doesn’t pursue the national interests of Ukraine.”

EU leaders likely to decide on new Russia sanctions: European Union leaders asked their foreign ministers on Tuesday to consider possible new sanctions on Russia in response to a rebel offensive in eastern Ukraine, but a final decision to impose them is likely to be left to a summit next month.

FBI arrests alleged Russian spy in New York: - Federal agents on Monday arrested an alleged Russian spy in New York accused of trying to recruit sources and collect economic intelligence while working as a Manhattan banker, officials said.

Russian 'spy' was the son of top KGB officer : The father of one of the three alleged Russian spies in America was a high ranking FSB intelligence service officer, it emerged today.

Russia, Iran to Create Joint Bank for Transactions in National Currencies: Relations between Moscow and Tehran are actively developing, according to Iranian ambassador, so the two countries are planning to trade in national currencies.

Tear gas at Kosovo rally demanding minister resign over war victims comment: Police have deployed tear gas to disperse some 2,000 protesters, who rallied in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina. The demonstration called for the dismissal of a Serb minister accused of insulting Albanian war victims.

Greece debt repayment in full is 'unrealistic', says Syriza: "I haven't met an economist in their heart of hearts that will tell you that Greece will pay back all of that debt. It can't be done," Mr Tsakalotos said.

Jury Convicts Sterling on All Nine Counts: There’s much more that raises questions about the legitimacy (though not necessarily the outcome) of the trial, such as the things CIA managed to keep secret, including that the CIA had declared state secrets over some of the evidence submitted at trial to deprive Sterling of the ability to sue for discrimination.

WikiLeaks Slams Google Capitulation to US Government: WikiLeaks strongly criticized Google at a press conference in Geneva Monday for taking two and a half years to divulge that it had handed over staff emails from the open information journalistic group to the U.S. government.

Secret ‘BADASS’ Intelligence Program Spied on Smartphones: British and Canadian spy agencies accumulated sensitive data on smartphone users, including location, app preferences, and unique device identifiers, by piggybacking on ubiquitous software from advertising and analytics companies, according to a document obtained by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.

DEA Using License-Plate Readers To Build Database Of Millions Of Drivers: Under the authority of the Justice Department, the DEA has been building a national database to track in real time the movement of millions of vehicles around the country, current and newly released government documents show.

“I don't trust the policy of the United States.”: Fidel Castro Expresses Cautious Support of Cuba/US Talks: Fidel Castro conceded, “I don't trust the policy of the United States nor have I had an exchange with them.” “But, this does not mean ... a rejection of a peaceful solution to conflicts or the dangers of war,” he explained.

Bolivian President Denounces Neoliberal Attacks Against Venezuela: The economic war and political destabilization plan against Venezuela is rooted in the last 15 years of opposition attempts to unconstitutionally take over state power. Morales applauded the Venezuelan people for “defeating political conspiracies with maturity.”

Argentina to dissolve intelligence body after prosecutor death: The move comes after the mysterious death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman - hours before he had been due to testify against senior government officials.

Mexico missing: Thousands march to demand full investigation: Thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations in Mexico City to demand a full investigation into the disappearance of 43 students four months ago.

January 25, 2015

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“Panic in Kiev: Ukrainian Forces Surrender Donbass”

By Dmitry Orlov

Local authorities in Ukrainian-controlled districts near the front report that Ukrainian soldiers are deserting with their weapons and taking to looting the countryside in increasing numbers. Continue

"Out Of My Face Please" - Are US Soldiers In Mariupol?

By Tyler Durden

This video clip raises many questions about American involvement in the ongoing conflict. Continue

Russia Accuses Poles of 'Mockery of History' Over Auschwitz

By VANESSA GERA

Russia has accused Poland of engaging in a "mockery of history" after the Polish foreign minister credited Ukrainian soldiers, rather than the Soviet Red Army, with liberating Auschwitz 70 years ago.

Hillary Clinton Mocks Putin
Gladly Accepts $500K in Jewels from Head-Chopping Saudi Dictator

By Riley Waggaman

Does Putin need to behead someone to curry her favor? Maybe... Continue

US A Dangerous Ally: Former Australia PM

By Staff Reporter

The United States will eventually use Australia as a base to attack China. Continue

Tsipras Declares End to 'Vicious Cycle of Austerity' After Syriza Wins Greek Election

By Matthew Weaver

With more than three-quarters of the results in Syriza is projected to win 149 seats in the 300 seat parliament. Continue

Greece Shows What Can Happen When The Young Revolt Against Corrupt Elites

By Paul Mason

“These guys have avoided paying tax through the Metaxas dictatorship, the Nazi occupation, a civil war and a military junta.” Continue

Syrian troops kill 117 rebels in southern region: state media: The Syrian troops killed as many as 117 extremist rebels in separate operations in southern Syria, the state news agency SANA reported Saturday. The army forces killed 47 terrorists of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in the town of Mashara in the southern province of al-Qunaitera, according to SANA.

Feinstein: It Is Time For U.S. Special Forces On The Ground In Syria: I think we need to protect our allies: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan. And be more pronounced about it.

Bush Blair Legacy Continues As - 65 killed in clashes, bomb attacks in Iraq: A total of 56 people were killed in the clashes between security forces and the Islamic State (IS) militants across Iraq and 9 others killed in bomb attacks targeting restaurants in the capital Baghdad on Sunday, security sources said.

1,000 US paratroopers from Panther Brigade headed to Iraq this week: More than three years after the U.S. military presence in Iraq was thought over, about a quarter of the Panther Brigade will return with a new mission to help "train" Iraqi forces to fight the Islamic State.

Iran vows retaliatory response to fresh sanctions by U.S.: Iran's Majlis (parliament) has devised retaliatory plans in case that the United States imposes fresh sanctions on the country over its nuclear program, the Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said here on Saturday.

Report: Germany Halts Arms Exports To Saudi Arabia: Germany has decided to stop arms exports to Saudi Arabia because of "instability in the region," German daily Bild reported on Sunday.

Israeli president declines invitation to meet Obama: Talks between two presidents' offices had intensified in recent days, but Rivlin eventually had to decline, citing scheduling conflict.

Israeli journalist covering prosecutor's death flees Argentina: Reporter who broke death of federal prosecutor flies home to Israel saying he fears for his safety from security agents.

Anti-Israel cartoon breached standards, Australian press organization finds: An Australian press organization has judged that a cartoon published in The Sydney Morning Herald violated press Standards of Practice by the way it linked symbols of the Jewish faith to criticism of Israel.

White House says drone strikes in Yemen continue despite Houthi "coup": Continuing “partnered” strikes with the Yemenis provides a signal that the US still considers itself to have reliable allies on the ground to spot for drone strikes and aid in other attacks on an al-Qaida affiliate observers fear will capitalize on the unfolding unrest in the country.

Yemeni president decides to withdraw resignation: A presidential advisor, requesting anonymity, told Xinhua that Hadi made his decision to withdraw the resignation based on the international efforts led by United Nations envoy Jamal Bin Omar, as well as representatives of the political parties in the country.

Rain of Molotovs: Bahraini protesters batter police armored vehicles with petrol bombs: Molotov cocktail armed protesters clashed with police in Sitra, just east of Bahrain's main island on Friday, as demonstrators demanded the release of imprisoned Shia opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman.

We are very close to nuclear agreement: Rouhani: Iranian president Hassan Rouhani says the country is "very close" to clinching a deal with global powers on its nuclear program. 

At least 100 Boko Haram militants killed in attack on Nigerian city : At least 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were killed on Sunday as the militants attempted to penetrate the north eastern city of Maiduguri, a local vigilante and a military official said.

Kerry in Nigeria to warn against postelection violence: In a rare high-level visit to Africa's most populous country, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday urged Nigeria's leading presidential candidates to refrain from fomenting violence after next month's vote, and he condemned savage attacks by Boko Haram, an al-Qaida-linked insurgency.

15 killed in Egypt in clashes with police : 15 more people have been killed in clashes between protesters and police, making Sunday the deadliest day since former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was elected president in June.

6 killed as gunmen kidnap Libyan deputy foreign minister: As sporadic factional fighting continued in several parts of the country, six people were killed when rockets hit residential houses in the city of Benghazi on Sunday, medics said. 

Rockets kill 30 in Mariupol as rebels launch offensive: Ukraine blamed pro-Russia rebels, but the separatists said Ukrainian forces were behind the attacks.

Military-clad English-speakers caught on camera in Mariupol shelling aftermath: Armed people in uniform speaking fluent English with no accent have been spotted in Mariupol in the aftermath of the rocket hit, fuelling allegations that foreign private military contractors are serving among Ukrainian troops.

US Trainers To Deploy To Ukraine: American soldiers will deploy to Ukraine this spring to begin training four companies of the Ukrainian National Guard, the head of US Army Europe Lt. Gen Ben Hodges said during his first visit to Kiev on Wednesday.

Poroshenko to IMF: Did I Say $17 Billion? We Actually Need $50 Billion: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has told the IMF that his government cannot raise bilateral financing from the EU or the NATO allies, and now requires $50 billion, triple the $17 billion agreed with the IMF last April

US Army looking to store tanks, equipment in Eastern Europe: U.S. Army Europe will soon dispatch a survey team to eastern Europe to scout locations for tanks and other military hardware as part of a broader effort to bolster the U.S. military presence in a region, the Army’s top commander in Europe said Friday.

Russia develops heavy drone, promises S500 missile system by 2017: The Russian military is putting the finishing touches to its very own heavy military UAV. The drone is part of a wider modernization effort, with the cutting-edge flagship S500 missile system coming in 2017.

Greek PM concedes election defeat: Antonis Samaras hopes nation's EU membership will not be endangered as Syriza party heads towards big election victory.

Slaves No More: EU’s bailout program for Greece ‘dead’ – Syriza economist: The bailout program, which the outgoing Greek government signed with the EU, is dead and will be renegotiated, Yiannis Milios, chief economy policy maker at the leftist anti-austerity party Syriza said after it won the country’s parliamentary election.

35 alleged militants killed in army airstrikes in NW Pakistan: At least 35 militants were killed in Pakistan army's airstrikes in the northwestern restive tribal region of North Waziristan, the military said on Sunday.

Dozens of police commandos killed in Philippines: More than 30 Philippine police commandos have been killed in a clash with fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while hunting a top criminal suspect in the country's south, a local official has said.

Pakistan Restores Power After Blast Blacks Out 80% of Country: Power is completely restored in Pakistan after a terrorist attack triggered a power failure and caused a blackout across about 80 percent of the nation.

Obama, Modi Move Closer With Nuclear Liability Breakthrough: “We think we came to an understanding of the liability” issue, U.S. Ambassador Richard Verma said. The deal “now opens the door for U.S. and other companies to come forward and help India develop its nuclear, non-carbon-based energy production.”

Maduro Says Mexican Ex-President Has Ties with Drug Cartels: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Felipe Calderon of plotting with opposition to kill him and to topple his government.

Harvard professors warn 'privacy is dead' : Predict mosquito-sized robots that steal samples of your DNA

Matt Taibbi: 'American Sniper' Is Almost Too Dumb to Criticize: Op-Ed: We end up talking about Chris Kyle and his dilemmas, and not about the Rumsfelds and Cheneys and other officials up the chain who put Kyle and his high-powered rifle on rooftops in Iraq and asked him to shoot women and children.

Ex-spies infiltrate Hollywood as espionage TV shows and movies multiply: Many former CIA officials tiptoe into Hollywood by writing books, getting them optioned and consulting on whatever project results.

US General’s A-10 treason comment sparks concerns over protected speech: “If anyone accuses me of saying this, I will deny it … anyone who is passing information to Congress about A-10 capabilities is committing treason,” Post told an audience of officers at Nellis Air Force Base according to the military blog John Q. Public.

Watch - Clip shows Oklahoma cop chasing, gunning down suspect (GRAPHIC VIDEO) -

Grand Jury Clears Two Cops Who Beat African American Woman Over An Unpaid Traffic Ticket: Video - It was all caught on video by overhead cameras which recorded the officers grabbing Diggles by the hair, and slamming her face on the counter, then pinning her down on the floor.

More homeless camps are appearing beyond downtown L.A.'s skid row: Evicted four months ago from their Highland Park apartment, Louis Morales and his 18-year-old stepson, Arthur Valenzuela, live half-hidden by brush along the nearby Arroyo Seco riverbed.